OK, just a few quick thoughts, here (I’m on my lunch break).
If I say “I’m a maverick”, that only means I want you to think I’m a maverick. Odds are I’ve been part of the problem for twenty plus years.
If I say “I am for change”, and I am new and different, odds are I’m telling the truth.
The difference: We have to make a choice soon, between the same old same old or something new. Will Barrack Obama make all of the ludicrous changes he says he means to? I sincerely doubt it.
Just like John McCain won’t reverse Roe v. Wade (which I don’t think the president can do anyway).
I must clarify-I’m not really a liberal, just like I’m not really a conservative. I’m a blue-collar middle-class American. I’m a Soldier, a father, a taxpayer. I believe that Sarah Palin is a gimmick. I believe that Barrack Obama is sincere, even if I don’t agree with everything he says. I believe that we could use some sincerity in the White House, because there hasn’t been much since I’ve been alive.
The race for the White House isn’t as important this year as the race for the Senate and the House. I would love to see every incumbent thrown out, but a good ten percent or so is more realistic.
Just for kicks (and a change), I’m voting for the next non-homo Independent Presidential Candidate. I’m doubtful whether I’m impressed enough by Obama to re-elect him. I doubt McCain will win.
So I’m going to go on with my life and enjoy this, the most entertaining of elections. In the end, I’ll still be a taxpayer, I’ll still be pissed about the price of gas, and I’ll still have kids to feed and send to college.
Because no matter who says they are going to change the world, some things will continue as they have always been.
Picture of the Week
Really, America?...
12 September 2008
01 August 2008
Burn the World
So I watch this election from my secluded viewpoint in Iraq, and I gotta say, what the hell were we thinking?
Why is it that the citizens of the United States are so divided? Were we just too different from the rest of the world? Do we really want to be like Mexico, or Iraq, or Norway?
Barack Obama is indeed a strange candidate for me to endorse, but there is a method to my madness….just follow me, and I’ll take you there…
So first, ask yourself what John McCain is willing to do to make a positive change. Are you fanatically following White Bread America because the idea of a black man in the White House scares you? Do you really believe the easily refuted rumors about Obama’s ties to Islam? Are you worried that he’s a liberal?
OK, he’s a liberal pinko commie fag, I cannot dispute that. He’s also committed to changing America…tell me we couldn’t use a change….
He’s not a Muslim, and I’m tired of saying it, so look him up on Snopes, or better yet, actually read his damn books. Either way, stop forwarding me asinine e-mails that have been created by political opposition and not genuinely concerned citizens. Its stupid, its juvenile, and it’s a waste of freaking time.
I think most of you are afraid that a black man might be dangerous just because he’s black. Well, I can’t exactly explain this on intellectual terms, but I doubt that Barack Obama is any more black than say, Tiger Woods. Enough small minded BS, down to bidness…
John McCain represents how it has always been, and how we really expected it to always be. White people run shit, right? He represents the corporate America that has stripped us of our idealism, our sense of pride and accomplishment, our Industrial strength, our sense of Nationalism.
Will Barack Obama fix all of that? Certainly not. Will he be a great president? I doubt it. Does he represent that America of old that we reminisce about? Nope.
What then does Barack Obama represent to Bulldog23A? Why I’ll tell you….
If we elect Barack Obama, in itself, the action means nothing…but, if we vote out every incumbent on the Congressional level at the same time (that’s right, there are Congressional seats up for grabs this year, too) we send a message that will reverberate for generations….we send the message to Corporate Fat Cat America that we run this machine. We let all of the politicians know that we are tired of the devil we know, and that we are perfectly willing to spend four years rolling our eyes at some hippie asshole, as long as power changes hands. Obama represents absolutely nothing to me other than the fact that power in America must change hands. We, the people still have the ability to take back our voice, our say-so, our power in America….
All we have to do is continue to use our vote.
Think about this-Whoever came before, Republicans, Democrats, White Folks, Black Folks, whoever…they got us where we are…
American Citizens are protesting other Americans who guard our borders…they carry signs picturing Che Guevara, one of the most bloodthirsty Communist Revolutionaries to have ever packed an AK47.
American Citizens are protesting our Soldiers, calling them murderers and thieves, even spitting on them in airports and grocery stores
More Americans have lost their jobs due to piss poor government in the past 15 years than in the entire history of our nation before that.
We are fighting two wars, have tension on another front, and Russia is trying to put nuke capable bombers in Cuba.
We are broke, losing homes to rip-off mortgage companies at a rate of 1300 a week.
Violent crime is at an all-time high.
Crimes against children are at an all-time high.
I could go on (and I often do…), but you get the point.
Barack Obama is not the answer to a single one of the problems. John McCain represents the causes of the aforementioned problems however, and so now we remove him and his kind from power. We get rid of the problematic and unproductive Congress, we choose the idiot over the asshole, as it were, and we GET INVOLVED IN THE OPERATION OF OUR NATION…
If you truly believe that Barack Obama will lead our country straight to hell, you haven’t been paying attention…we are already there.
Why is it that the citizens of the United States are so divided? Were we just too different from the rest of the world? Do we really want to be like Mexico, or Iraq, or Norway?
Barack Obama is indeed a strange candidate for me to endorse, but there is a method to my madness….just follow me, and I’ll take you there…
So first, ask yourself what John McCain is willing to do to make a positive change. Are you fanatically following White Bread America because the idea of a black man in the White House scares you? Do you really believe the easily refuted rumors about Obama’s ties to Islam? Are you worried that he’s a liberal?
OK, he’s a liberal pinko commie fag, I cannot dispute that. He’s also committed to changing America…tell me we couldn’t use a change….
He’s not a Muslim, and I’m tired of saying it, so look him up on Snopes, or better yet, actually read his damn books. Either way, stop forwarding me asinine e-mails that have been created by political opposition and not genuinely concerned citizens. Its stupid, its juvenile, and it’s a waste of freaking time.
I think most of you are afraid that a black man might be dangerous just because he’s black. Well, I can’t exactly explain this on intellectual terms, but I doubt that Barack Obama is any more black than say, Tiger Woods. Enough small minded BS, down to bidness…
John McCain represents how it has always been, and how we really expected it to always be. White people run shit, right? He represents the corporate America that has stripped us of our idealism, our sense of pride and accomplishment, our Industrial strength, our sense of Nationalism.
Will Barack Obama fix all of that? Certainly not. Will he be a great president? I doubt it. Does he represent that America of old that we reminisce about? Nope.
What then does Barack Obama represent to Bulldog23A? Why I’ll tell you….
If we elect Barack Obama, in itself, the action means nothing…but, if we vote out every incumbent on the Congressional level at the same time (that’s right, there are Congressional seats up for grabs this year, too) we send a message that will reverberate for generations….we send the message to Corporate Fat Cat America that we run this machine. We let all of the politicians know that we are tired of the devil we know, and that we are perfectly willing to spend four years rolling our eyes at some hippie asshole, as long as power changes hands. Obama represents absolutely nothing to me other than the fact that power in America must change hands. We, the people still have the ability to take back our voice, our say-so, our power in America….
All we have to do is continue to use our vote.
Think about this-Whoever came before, Republicans, Democrats, White Folks, Black Folks, whoever…they got us where we are…
American Citizens are protesting other Americans who guard our borders…they carry signs picturing Che Guevara, one of the most bloodthirsty Communist Revolutionaries to have ever packed an AK47.
American Citizens are protesting our Soldiers, calling them murderers and thieves, even spitting on them in airports and grocery stores
More Americans have lost their jobs due to piss poor government in the past 15 years than in the entire history of our nation before that.
We are fighting two wars, have tension on another front, and Russia is trying to put nuke capable bombers in Cuba.
We are broke, losing homes to rip-off mortgage companies at a rate of 1300 a week.
Violent crime is at an all-time high.
Crimes against children are at an all-time high.
I could go on (and I often do…), but you get the point.
Barack Obama is not the answer to a single one of the problems. John McCain represents the causes of the aforementioned problems however, and so now we remove him and his kind from power. We get rid of the problematic and unproductive Congress, we choose the idiot over the asshole, as it were, and we GET INVOLVED IN THE OPERATION OF OUR NATION…
If you truly believe that Barack Obama will lead our country straight to hell, you haven’t been paying attention…we are already there.
23 May 2008
Why Johnny Can't Come Home Just Yet
You know, America is a funny kind of animal.
I spent my childhood listening to people talk about how we ought to kick the Soviet's asses, or how we should blow the Middle East off the map. After our involvment in the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, we bailed on the Afghan people.
Do you know why we did that?
Because building a nation is not glorious, it is expensive, and it is hard work...
Which leads me to today's post.
America, for the most part, wants to be done with Iraq, and probably Afghanistan as well. I hear arguments about how we never had any buisiness going into Iraq...OK, so what? Maybe we had no buisiness invading Iraq, there were no WMDs, roger, I get it. We are in Iraq. Hell, I'm posting from Iraq right now.
This is my second tour over here. Things have changed. This country is getting better. I spent quality time dealing with IEDs and RPGs last time. Lots of small arms fire, too.
These days, not so much. I spoke to Iraqis last time who believed that Arab culture could never assimilate Democracy. Yesterday I had a long discussion with a young Iraqi man about how to select a candidate.
Don't get me wrong, there is still an armed insurgency out there, trying to kill off the Democratic process as much as they are trying to kill Americans. But this place is better than it was.
After WWII, we occupied Germany and Japan and reeducated folks. We rebuilt hospitals and schools and roads. The post-war mission was as successful as the war itself.
With Iraq and Afghanistan, we are not only rebuilding roads and schools and hospitals, but in some regions, we are introducing the very concept of infrastructure to the citizens...
We have an obligation to finish what we have started. We don't just owe the Iraqis and Afghanis this, but we owe our posterity.
Pay attention, here's the important part:
Our actions (or lack thereof) after the Soviet War in Afghanistan directly contributed to the events of September 11th, 2001. We had an opportunity to expend a few resources and a little time back then to help a nation get on its feet and join the modern world. We did not take advantage of that, and now we are paying the price. Almost every terrorist organization in the world at this time has had training in Afghanistan. The deadliest terrorist attacks all started in Afghanistan. We could have prevented it.
I'm not just bitching about the past, I am explaining how we need to look at the future. We have got to start learning these lessons from history, folks, or we will repeat them until we are all dead and our way of life a forgotten dream.
There are history lessons that are relevant to any number of our modern day issues.
Wanna know about the economy? Study the economic practices and policies that led to the Great Depression.
Wanna know about immigration reform? Read a history of India, Pakistan, Ukraine, Zimbabwe, Congo, or even Israel.
The information is available for us to know and understand what not to do. In most cases, it isn't too difficult to figure out what should have been done.
But screw it...we got commitees full of congressmen to do that stuff...
Recommended Viewing: Charlie Wilson's War
I spent my childhood listening to people talk about how we ought to kick the Soviet's asses, or how we should blow the Middle East off the map. After our involvment in the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, we bailed on the Afghan people.
Do you know why we did that?
Because building a nation is not glorious, it is expensive, and it is hard work...
Which leads me to today's post.
America, for the most part, wants to be done with Iraq, and probably Afghanistan as well. I hear arguments about how we never had any buisiness going into Iraq...OK, so what? Maybe we had no buisiness invading Iraq, there were no WMDs, roger, I get it. We are in Iraq. Hell, I'm posting from Iraq right now.
This is my second tour over here. Things have changed. This country is getting better. I spent quality time dealing with IEDs and RPGs last time. Lots of small arms fire, too.
These days, not so much. I spoke to Iraqis last time who believed that Arab culture could never assimilate Democracy. Yesterday I had a long discussion with a young Iraqi man about how to select a candidate.
Don't get me wrong, there is still an armed insurgency out there, trying to kill off the Democratic process as much as they are trying to kill Americans. But this place is better than it was.
After WWII, we occupied Germany and Japan and reeducated folks. We rebuilt hospitals and schools and roads. The post-war mission was as successful as the war itself.
With Iraq and Afghanistan, we are not only rebuilding roads and schools and hospitals, but in some regions, we are introducing the very concept of infrastructure to the citizens...
We have an obligation to finish what we have started. We don't just owe the Iraqis and Afghanis this, but we owe our posterity.
Pay attention, here's the important part:
Our actions (or lack thereof) after the Soviet War in Afghanistan directly contributed to the events of September 11th, 2001. We had an opportunity to expend a few resources and a little time back then to help a nation get on its feet and join the modern world. We did not take advantage of that, and now we are paying the price. Almost every terrorist organization in the world at this time has had training in Afghanistan. The deadliest terrorist attacks all started in Afghanistan. We could have prevented it.
I'm not just bitching about the past, I am explaining how we need to look at the future. We have got to start learning these lessons from history, folks, or we will repeat them until we are all dead and our way of life a forgotten dream.
There are history lessons that are relevant to any number of our modern day issues.
Wanna know about the economy? Study the economic practices and policies that led to the Great Depression.
Wanna know about immigration reform? Read a history of India, Pakistan, Ukraine, Zimbabwe, Congo, or even Israel.
The information is available for us to know and understand what not to do. In most cases, it isn't too difficult to figure out what should have been done.
But screw it...we got commitees full of congressmen to do that stuff...
Recommended Viewing: Charlie Wilson's War
01 May 2008
Integrity, and other stuff
I set aside trifling poitical contests and media enhanced strife to teach a lesson in ethics and humanity.
First of all, let us define integrity-recently I have heard integrity defined as "Doing what is right, even when no one is looking."
This is a pathetic attempt at a sound bite. It is also easy to regurgitate, in the fashion of the American Education System.
It is not, however, the right way to view integrity.
Integrity is not, as suggested, an external force, nor is it easily influenced by external forces. Integrity is the choosing, of one's own free will, to be consistent in choices and actions, so as to maintain self-respect. It means there are lines that you will not cross, no matter what the choice may cost you. I know men with real integrity, and they often miss out on opportunities, simply because they cannot be dishonest, or disloyal, or immoral. These men understand that one does not consider whether anyone is watching, they consider only that they will always know and understand what they have done.
Because at the end of the day, they are the men who have to live with their actions.
I wish so deeply that this country was full of men like this, but it is not. We have all become comfortable with the lie, or with the occasional disloyalty. You have to screw your buddy to get ahead, right? Its just business, right? Everybody else does it, I may as well get mine, right?
All men fail. Every man falls short some time. People disappoint.
Heroes get up again and continue to struggle with their nature, continue to fight to change the world.
Being the best is a work ethic, not an image. Being brave means not that you are unafraid, but that you walk into the fire with your fear under control. Bluster in peace doesn't prepare you for war.
We have churned out generation after generation of boys who think that they are men. A hypercompetitive state exists in these boys, which encourages only more bluster, which leads to emotionally charged decision making. I guess that's OK if you are a ditch-digger, I don't know.
It doesn't work in the Army, and it doesn't work in the media, and it certainly doesn't work in politics.
I hate to think that a man's ingrained insecurities would cause a shift in National Foreign Policy. It seems to me that a man or woman with integrity would avoid such a thing.
First of all, let us define integrity-recently I have heard integrity defined as "Doing what is right, even when no one is looking."
This is a pathetic attempt at a sound bite. It is also easy to regurgitate, in the fashion of the American Education System.
It is not, however, the right way to view integrity.
Integrity is not, as suggested, an external force, nor is it easily influenced by external forces. Integrity is the choosing, of one's own free will, to be consistent in choices and actions, so as to maintain self-respect. It means there are lines that you will not cross, no matter what the choice may cost you. I know men with real integrity, and they often miss out on opportunities, simply because they cannot be dishonest, or disloyal, or immoral. These men understand that one does not consider whether anyone is watching, they consider only that they will always know and understand what they have done.
Because at the end of the day, they are the men who have to live with their actions.
I wish so deeply that this country was full of men like this, but it is not. We have all become comfortable with the lie, or with the occasional disloyalty. You have to screw your buddy to get ahead, right? Its just business, right? Everybody else does it, I may as well get mine, right?
All men fail. Every man falls short some time. People disappoint.
Heroes get up again and continue to struggle with their nature, continue to fight to change the world.
Being the best is a work ethic, not an image. Being brave means not that you are unafraid, but that you walk into the fire with your fear under control. Bluster in peace doesn't prepare you for war.
We have churned out generation after generation of boys who think that they are men. A hypercompetitive state exists in these boys, which encourages only more bluster, which leads to emotionally charged decision making. I guess that's OK if you are a ditch-digger, I don't know.
It doesn't work in the Army, and it doesn't work in the media, and it certainly doesn't work in politics.
I hate to think that a man's ingrained insecurities would cause a shift in National Foreign Policy. It seems to me that a man or woman with integrity would avoid such a thing.
28 April 2008
Empire's End??
The following was e-mailed to me today by a friend of mine. I'm not sure if I buy it, but I would love to hear what all of you think about it:
The signs are everywhere. It will be interesting how this plays itself out.
HOW LONG DOES THE USA HAVE?
This is the most interesting thing I've read in a long time. The sad
thing about it, you can see it coming.
pathy
I have always heard about this democracy countdown. It is interesting
to see it in print. God help us, not that we deserve it.
How Long Do We Have?
About the time our original thirteen states adopted their new
constitution in 1787, Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at
the University of Edinburgh, had this to say about the fall of the
Athenian Republic some 2,000 years earlier:
'A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as
a permanent form of government.'
'A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters
discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public
treasury.'
'From that moment on, the majority always vote for the candidates who
promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result
that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy,
which is always followed by a dictatorship.'
'The average age of the world's greatest civilizations from the
beginning of history, has been about 200 years'
'During those 200 years, those nations always progressed through the
following sequence:
1. From bondage to spiritual faith;
2. From spiritual faith to great courage;
3. From courage to liberty;
4 From liberty to abundance;
5. From abundance to complacency;
6. From complacency to apathy;
7. From apathy to dependence;
8. From dependence back into bondage'
Professor Joseph Olson of Hemline University School of Law, St. Paul,
Minnesota, points out some interesting facts concerning the 2000
Presidential election:
Number of States won by:
Gore: 19
Bush: 29
Square miles of land won by:
Gore: 580,000
Bush: 2,427,000
Population of counties won by:
Gore: 127 million
Bush: 143 million
Murder rate per 100,000 residents in counties won by:
Gore: 13.2
Bush: 2.1
Professor Olson adds: 'In aggregate, the map of the territory Bush won
was mostly the land owned by the taxpaying citizens of this great
country.
Gore's territory mostly encompassed those citizens living in
government-owned tenements and living off various forms of government
welfare...' Olson believes the United States is now somewhere between
the 'complacency and apathy' phase of Professor Tyler's definition of
democracy, with some forty percent of the nation's population already
having reached the 'governmental dependency' phase.
If Congress grants amnesty and citizenship to twenty million criminal
invaders called illegal and they vote, then we can say goodbye to the
USA in fewer than five years.-Joyce Ahlquist
This is interesting. What do you think?-Bulldog23A
The signs are everywhere. It will be interesting how this plays itself out.
HOW LONG DOES THE USA HAVE?
This is the most interesting thing I've read in a long time. The sad
thing about it, you can see it coming.
pathy
I have always heard about this democracy countdown. It is interesting
to see it in print. God help us, not that we deserve it.
How Long Do We Have?
About the time our original thirteen states adopted their new
constitution in 1787, Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at
the University of Edinburgh, had this to say about the fall of the
Athenian Republic some 2,000 years earlier:
'A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as
a permanent form of government.'
'A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters
discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public
treasury.'
'From that moment on, the majority always vote for the candidates who
promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result
that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy,
which is always followed by a dictatorship.'
'The average age of the world's greatest civilizations from the
beginning of history, has been about 200 years'
'During those 200 years, those nations always progressed through the
following sequence:
1. From bondage to spiritual faith;
2. From spiritual faith to great courage;
3. From courage to liberty;
4 From liberty to abundance;
5. From abundance to complacency;
6. From complacency to apathy;
7. From apathy to dependence;
8. From dependence back into bondage'
Professor Joseph Olson of Hemline University School of Law, St. Paul,
Minnesota, points out some interesting facts concerning the 2000
Presidential election:
Number of States won by:
Gore: 19
Bush: 29
Square miles of land won by:
Gore: 580,000
Bush: 2,427,000
Population of counties won by:
Gore: 127 million
Bush: 143 million
Murder rate per 100,000 residents in counties won by:
Gore: 13.2
Bush: 2.1
Professor Olson adds: 'In aggregate, the map of the territory Bush won
was mostly the land owned by the taxpaying citizens of this great
country.
Gore's territory mostly encompassed those citizens living in
government-owned tenements and living off various forms of government
welfare...' Olson believes the United States is now somewhere between
the 'complacency and apathy' phase of Professor Tyler's definition of
democracy, with some forty percent of the nation's population already
having reached the 'governmental dependency' phase.
If Congress grants amnesty and citizenship to twenty million criminal
invaders called illegal and they vote, then we can say goodbye to the
USA in fewer than five years.-Joyce Ahlquist
This is interesting. What do you think?-Bulldog23A
24 April 2008
This is My Soapbox
So greetings from Sunny Al Asad, Iraq!
I watched Lou Dobbs today so, of course, I am angry.
Not at Lou Dobbs. Rich media guru he may once have been, but Lou Dobbs is just about the only political entity in the nation right now that is still on your side. 'nuff about Lou.
So the grand virtual fence (which translates in English to not a fence) on our Southern border is a complete failure. Actually the media was calling it a "real failure". At first I thought that this was piss poor use of the language, but now I see more clearly (accidental Marley reference-neato).
The use of the word Real in media these days signifies that they are not at that very moment in time blowing smoke straight up your wazoo. For instance-The Virtual Border Fence that cost taxpayers $20,000,000 has been discovered to be a real failure. As opposed to-The older gentleman in the blue suit and red tie is a true conservative.
Did everybody catch the difference, there? Good. Moving on.
So what else did I see today? Why, I'll tell you!
Today, on the Capitol Hill Pundit's Blog, a guy claimed that if you want the war in Iraq to be over, you are a traitor to our fine and glorious country. The guy is a die hard Republican, and he is a real conservative, so I try not to mess with the guy too much, but this has gone far enough.
So now I'm gonna 'splain it to ya:
When political opposition has created such a gap in culture between rights, lefts, conservatives, or liberals, it is time to stop and take a good look around. Go to a shopping center near your home and take a look at the multitudes gathered there. I'm sure that a freak or two will stand out, but honestly, can you tell the difference between liberals and conservatives, Republicans and Democrats?
Nope.
All that you will see are Americans (well, mostly). Now, I ask you-How did we get convinced that we are all so different? Was it Congress? Was it the media? Was it the angry naked guy next door swinging a chain saw and smoking a hookah?
Nope. Its our fault.
We have let these people take control of our perception of America. We allowed them to come into our homes and bombard us with hate and discontent.
Everyone in the country is waiting for Hillary to bring out the big guns on Obama. We wait with baited breath to find out about that one big scandalous thing he did.
The guy probably smoked a few too many hooters in college. Who gives a rat's ass? We have been convinced that there is a pending doom on the Obama campaign, when in reality, we are all curious to see what happens with this guy. You know some dumbass redneck is gonna try to kill him or something. You know that he will be one of the most scrutinized presidents in history, if elected. Why not give the guy a shot? At least he will be more interesting than John freaking McCain going on with the status quo like nothing is wrong. Its gotta be better than Yoko or Hillary or whatever with her multitude of personalities.
And in the meantime, just maybe, he attacks the NAFTA issue. You can't name one thing that Hillary or McCain even want to do that is as important or worthy of a president to undertake.
As for the guy who wants us to stay in Iraq, guess what, jackass? We don't really even have a choice. We'll be here for another fifty years, no matter who becomes President. If we left now it would be like throwing an infant to sharks. And even I wouldn't throw a baby Haji to a shark.
I watched Lou Dobbs today so, of course, I am angry.
Not at Lou Dobbs. Rich media guru he may once have been, but Lou Dobbs is just about the only political entity in the nation right now that is still on your side. 'nuff about Lou.
So the grand virtual fence (which translates in English to not a fence) on our Southern border is a complete failure. Actually the media was calling it a "real failure". At first I thought that this was piss poor use of the language, but now I see more clearly (accidental Marley reference-neato).
The use of the word Real in media these days signifies that they are not at that very moment in time blowing smoke straight up your wazoo. For instance-The Virtual Border Fence that cost taxpayers $20,000,000 has been discovered to be a real failure. As opposed to-The older gentleman in the blue suit and red tie is a true conservative.
Did everybody catch the difference, there? Good. Moving on.
So what else did I see today? Why, I'll tell you!
Today, on the Capitol Hill Pundit's Blog, a guy claimed that if you want the war in Iraq to be over, you are a traitor to our fine and glorious country. The guy is a die hard Republican, and he is a real conservative, so I try not to mess with the guy too much, but this has gone far enough.
So now I'm gonna 'splain it to ya:
When political opposition has created such a gap in culture between rights, lefts, conservatives, or liberals, it is time to stop and take a good look around. Go to a shopping center near your home and take a look at the multitudes gathered there. I'm sure that a freak or two will stand out, but honestly, can you tell the difference between liberals and conservatives, Republicans and Democrats?
Nope.
All that you will see are Americans (well, mostly). Now, I ask you-How did we get convinced that we are all so different? Was it Congress? Was it the media? Was it the angry naked guy next door swinging a chain saw and smoking a hookah?
Nope. Its our fault.
We have let these people take control of our perception of America. We allowed them to come into our homes and bombard us with hate and discontent.
Everyone in the country is waiting for Hillary to bring out the big guns on Obama. We wait with baited breath to find out about that one big scandalous thing he did.
The guy probably smoked a few too many hooters in college. Who gives a rat's ass? We have been convinced that there is a pending doom on the Obama campaign, when in reality, we are all curious to see what happens with this guy. You know some dumbass redneck is gonna try to kill him or something. You know that he will be one of the most scrutinized presidents in history, if elected. Why not give the guy a shot? At least he will be more interesting than John freaking McCain going on with the status quo like nothing is wrong. Its gotta be better than Yoko or Hillary or whatever with her multitude of personalities.
And in the meantime, just maybe, he attacks the NAFTA issue. You can't name one thing that Hillary or McCain even want to do that is as important or worthy of a president to undertake.
As for the guy who wants us to stay in Iraq, guess what, jackass? We don't really even have a choice. We'll be here for another fifty years, no matter who becomes President. If we left now it would be like throwing an infant to sharks. And even I wouldn't throw a baby Haji to a shark.
This is My Soapbox
So greetings from Sunny Al Asad, Iraq!
I watched Lou Dobbs today so, of course, I am angry.
Not at Lou Dobbs. Rich media guru he may once have been, but Lou Dobbs is just about the only political entity in the nation right now that is still on your side. 'nuff about Lou.
So the grand virtual fence (which translates in English to not a fence) on our Southern border is a complete failure. Actually the media was calling it a "real failure". At first I thought that this was piss poor use of the language, but now I see more clearly (accidental Marley reference-neato).
The use of the word Real in media these days signifies that they are not at that very moment in time blowing smoke straight up your wazoo. For instance-The Virtual Border Fence that cost taxpayers $20,000,000 has been discovered to be a real failure. As opposed to-The older gentleman in the blue suit and red tie is a true conservative.
Did everybody catch the difference, there? Good. Moving on.
So what else did I see today? Why, I'll tell you!
Today, on the Capitol Hill Pundit's Blog, a guy claimed that if you want the war in Iraq to be over, you are a traitor to our fine and glorious country. The guy is a die hard Republican, and he is a real conservative, so I try not to mess with the guy too much, but this has gone far enough.
So now I'm gonna 'splain it to ya:
When political opposition has created such a gap in culture between rights, lefts, conservatives, or liberals, it is time to stop and take a good look around. Go to a shopping center near your home and take a look at the multitudes gathered there. I'm sure that a freak or two will stand out, but honestly, can you tell the difference between liberals and conservatives, Republicans and Democrats?
Nope.
All that you will see are Americans (well, mostly). Now, I ask you-How did we get convinced that we are all so different? Was it Congress? Was it the media? Was it the angry naked guy next door swinging a chain saw and smoking a hookah?
Nope. Its our fault.
We have let these people take control of our perception of America. We allowed them to come into our homes and bombard us with hate and discontent.
Everyone in the country is waiting for Hillary to bring out the big guns on Obama. We wait with baited breath to find out about that one big scandalous thing he did.
The guy probably smoked a few too many hooters in college. Who gives a rat's ass? We have been convinced that there is a pending doom on the Obama campaign, when in reality, we are all curious to see what happens with this guy. You know some dumbass redneck is gonna try to kill him or something. You know that he will be one of the most scrutinized presidents in history, if elected. Why not give the guy a shot? At least he will be more interesting than John freaking McCain going on with the status quo like nothing is wrong. Its gotta be better than Yoko or Hillary or whatever with her multitude of personalities.
And in the meantime, just maybe, he attacks the NAFTA issue. You can't name one thing that Hillary or McCain even want to do that is as important or worthy of a president to undertake.
As for the guy who wants us to stay in Iraq, guess what, jackass? We don't really even have a choice. We'll be here for another fifty years, no matter who becomes President. If we left now it would be like throwing an infant to sharks. And even I wouldn't throw a baby Haji to a shark.
I watched Lou Dobbs today so, of course, I am angry.
Not at Lou Dobbs. Rich media guru he may once have been, but Lou Dobbs is just about the only political entity in the nation right now that is still on your side. 'nuff about Lou.
So the grand virtual fence (which translates in English to not a fence) on our Southern border is a complete failure. Actually the media was calling it a "real failure". At first I thought that this was piss poor use of the language, but now I see more clearly (accidental Marley reference-neato).
The use of the word Real in media these days signifies that they are not at that very moment in time blowing smoke straight up your wazoo. For instance-The Virtual Border Fence that cost taxpayers $20,000,000 has been discovered to be a real failure. As opposed to-The older gentleman in the blue suit and red tie is a true conservative.
Did everybody catch the difference, there? Good. Moving on.
So what else did I see today? Why, I'll tell you!
Today, on the Capitol Hill Pundit's Blog, a guy claimed that if you want the war in Iraq to be over, you are a traitor to our fine and glorious country. The guy is a die hard Republican, and he is a real conservative, so I try not to mess with the guy too much, but this has gone far enough.
So now I'm gonna 'splain it to ya:
When political opposition has created such a gap in culture between rights, lefts, conservatives, or liberals, it is time to stop and take a good look around. Go to a shopping center near your home and take a look at the multitudes gathered there. I'm sure that a freak or two will stand out, but honestly, can you tell the difference between liberals and conservatives, Republicans and Democrats?
Nope.
All that you will see are Americans (well, mostly). Now, I ask you-How did we get convinced that we are all so different? Was it Congress? Was it the media? Was it the angry naked guy next door swinging a chain saw and smoking a hookah?
Nope. Its our fault.
We have let these people take control of our perception of America. We allowed them to come into our homes and bombard us with hate and discontent.
Everyone in the country is waiting for Hillary to bring out the big guns on Obama. We wait with baited breath to find out about that one big scandalous thing he did.
The guy probably smoked a few too many hooters in college. Who gives a rat's ass? We have been convinced that there is a pending doom on the Obama campaign, when in reality, we are all curious to see what happens with this guy. You know some dumbass redneck is gonna try to kill him or something. You know that he will be one of the most scrutinized presidents in history, if elected. Why not give the guy a shot? At least he will be more interesting than John freaking McCain going on with the status quo like nothing is wrong. Its gotta be better than Yoko or Hillary or whatever with her multitude of personalities.
And in the meantime, just maybe, he attacks the NAFTA issue. You can't name one thing that Hillary or McCain even want to do that is as important or worthy of a president to undertake.
As for the guy who wants us to stay in Iraq, guess what, jackass? We don't really even have a choice. We'll be here for another fifty years, no matter who becomes President. If we left now it would be like throwing an infant to sharks. And even I wouldn't throw a baby Haji to a shark.
31 March 2008
The Fed got new Powers...
OK, Jeff, I just read in the Stars and Stripes (best paper in the world) that the Fed is getting sweeping new powers.
I know that you have something to say about that...
I know that you have something to say about that...
23 March 2008
Greetings from Sunny (or is that Sunni?) Kuwait
OK, I am gona be quick and painless here. I'm good, we're going North from here sooner or later.
For right now, we are busy convincing ourselves that this is just the World's largest beach.
Later....Bulldog23A
For right now, we are busy convincing ourselves that this is just the World's largest beach.
Later....Bulldog23A
07 March 2008
Immigration Reform
This was sent to me via e-mail, and I thought it warranted a little more exposure:
Just a couple of days ago, eight U.S. Senators rolled out eleven bills designed to solve our immigration problems, once and for all. Unlike the huge omnibus bill crafted by Senators McCain and Kennedy that hid amnesty provisions and other rewards for illegal aliens deep within its hundreds of pages, each of the bills introduced by these Senators tackles a specific objective and leaves little room for bad amendments to be tacked on.
This is the kind of legislation our organization has wanted for years. And now it is here for all of us to support. (see details below)
Unfortunately, a number of immigration reform groups have decided to back legislation by Congressman Heath Shuler, a Democrat from North Carolina. I can understand their enthusiasm. When I first learned of HR 4088, the SAVE Act, I was excited. It was about time Democrats found the courage to step up and address these immigration problems that affect American workers who are the core of their political base.
But a closer look quickly revealed that the Shuler bill, while it does contain some real immigration reforms, cannot compare to the House bill offered by former Judiciary Chair Jim Sensenbrenner (HR 4065) which really does it all.
Perhaps, the thinking of those supporting the Shuler bill is that half a loaf is better than none. I disagree. This is no time for compromise. Here's why: First, the Democrats control the House and the Senate. That means whatever bill is selected for debate will be torn to shreds when it goes to conference. The good language will be stripped out and replaced with amnesty language, 5-year "temporary" visas for illegal aliens and "pathways" to citizenship. And all those Republicans who are now being pressured into supporting the Shuler bill, will likely vote for it, even though it has been transformed beyond recognition.
Another reason for not accepting "half a loaf" is that we will get one shot at immigration reform. Once an immigration bill is passed, neither party will ever revisit this issue again for 20 years! So what is passed had better be able to solve ALL of our immigration problems or we will have to live with serious problems for decades.
I hope the Shuler bill is a sincere effort by Democrats to get on the right side of this issue. But it is also possible that this bill is merely a political stunt designed to give cover to Democrats in tight races this November.
Democrats aren't fools and they can read polling data as good as Republicans can. By signing on to this bill, they can now tell their constituents they have cosponsored a tough, no amnesty, immigration reform bill.
So ... instead of spending our time, money and energy on a bill that is, at best, a half a loaf and, at worst, a stunt to elect Democrats that may vote for amnesty, I believe that each of us needs to get out and support those Senators who have stuck their necks way out to give America the kind of immigration reforms necessary to protect the people and preserve our language, culture and heritage for the next generations.
Here are excerpts of what these new Senate bills will do, if we can get them passed:
* Manadatory minimum sentences for illegal entry
* Mandatory electronic employment verification system
* The entire fence must be completed by 2010
* Major funding cuts for sanctuary cities
* Stop banks from accepting Matricula Consular cards
* Establish English as our national language
* Stop the phaseout of the National Guard on our borders.
* Utilize state and local police forces to assist with immigration enforcement
* States that give licenses to illegal aliens will lose highay funds
* Makes drunk driving among illegal aliens a deportable offense
* Nations must repatriate their illegal aliens or lose aid and visas.
* Repeals presidential order that requires federal agencies to be multilingual
What would you rather support? A weak bill that is silent on some critical enforcement issues or a host of excellent bills, in both the House and Senate, that cut right to the heart of our immmigration crisis.
Here are the Senators who deserve our appreciation for their efforts. If you are one of their constituents, let them hear from you: Jeff Sessions - AL, Jim DeMint - SC, David Vitter-LA, James inhofe-OK, Pete Domenici-NM, Saxby Chambilss-GA, John Barrasso-WY, Elizabeth Dole-NC.
Please make a note to visit our website in 2-3 days when these bills have been numbered so you can have to opportunity to ask your Senators to become cosponsors to these powerful and effective Senate bills
Sincerely,
Edward I. Nelson, Chairman
U.S. Border Control (http://www.usbc.org/)
U.S. Border Control Foundation (http://www.usbcf.org/)
USBC Blog (must reading!) http://bordercontrol.blogspot.com/
Ramos-Compean Blog http://ramos-compean.blogspot.com/
Just a couple of days ago, eight U.S. Senators rolled out eleven bills designed to solve our immigration problems, once and for all. Unlike the huge omnibus bill crafted by Senators McCain and Kennedy that hid amnesty provisions and other rewards for illegal aliens deep within its hundreds of pages, each of the bills introduced by these Senators tackles a specific objective and leaves little room for bad amendments to be tacked on.
This is the kind of legislation our organization has wanted for years. And now it is here for all of us to support. (see details below)
Unfortunately, a number of immigration reform groups have decided to back legislation by Congressman Heath Shuler, a Democrat from North Carolina. I can understand their enthusiasm. When I first learned of HR 4088, the SAVE Act, I was excited. It was about time Democrats found the courage to step up and address these immigration problems that affect American workers who are the core of their political base.
But a closer look quickly revealed that the Shuler bill, while it does contain some real immigration reforms, cannot compare to the House bill offered by former Judiciary Chair Jim Sensenbrenner (HR 4065) which really does it all.
Perhaps, the thinking of those supporting the Shuler bill is that half a loaf is better than none. I disagree. This is no time for compromise. Here's why: First, the Democrats control the House and the Senate. That means whatever bill is selected for debate will be torn to shreds when it goes to conference. The good language will be stripped out and replaced with amnesty language, 5-year "temporary" visas for illegal aliens and "pathways" to citizenship. And all those Republicans who are now being pressured into supporting the Shuler bill, will likely vote for it, even though it has been transformed beyond recognition.
Another reason for not accepting "half a loaf" is that we will get one shot at immigration reform. Once an immigration bill is passed, neither party will ever revisit this issue again for 20 years! So what is passed had better be able to solve ALL of our immigration problems or we will have to live with serious problems for decades.
I hope the Shuler bill is a sincere effort by Democrats to get on the right side of this issue. But it is also possible that this bill is merely a political stunt designed to give cover to Democrats in tight races this November.
Democrats aren't fools and they can read polling data as good as Republicans can. By signing on to this bill, they can now tell their constituents they have cosponsored a tough, no amnesty, immigration reform bill.
So ... instead of spending our time, money and energy on a bill that is, at best, a half a loaf and, at worst, a stunt to elect Democrats that may vote for amnesty, I believe that each of us needs to get out and support those Senators who have stuck their necks way out to give America the kind of immigration reforms necessary to protect the people and preserve our language, culture and heritage for the next generations.
Here are excerpts of what these new Senate bills will do, if we can get them passed:
* Manadatory minimum sentences for illegal entry
* Mandatory electronic employment verification system
* The entire fence must be completed by 2010
* Major funding cuts for sanctuary cities
* Stop banks from accepting Matricula Consular cards
* Establish English as our national language
* Stop the phaseout of the National Guard on our borders.
* Utilize state and local police forces to assist with immigration enforcement
* States that give licenses to illegal aliens will lose highay funds
* Makes drunk driving among illegal aliens a deportable offense
* Nations must repatriate their illegal aliens or lose aid and visas.
* Repeals presidential order that requires federal agencies to be multilingual
What would you rather support? A weak bill that is silent on some critical enforcement issues or a host of excellent bills, in both the House and Senate, that cut right to the heart of our immmigration crisis.
Here are the Senators who deserve our appreciation for their efforts. If you are one of their constituents, let them hear from you: Jeff Sessions - AL, Jim DeMint - SC, David Vitter-LA, James inhofe-OK, Pete Domenici-NM, Saxby Chambilss-GA, John Barrasso-WY, Elizabeth Dole-NC.
Please make a note to visit our website in 2-3 days when these bills have been numbered so you can have to opportunity to ask your Senators to become cosponsors to these powerful and effective Senate bills
Sincerely,
Edward I. Nelson, Chairman
U.S. Border Control (http://www.usbc.org/)
U.S. Border Control Foundation (http://www.usbcf.org/)
USBC Blog (must reading!) http://bordercontrol.blogspot.com/
Ramos-Compean Blog http://ramos-compean.blogspot.com/
02 March 2008
Some of my favorite things...
Here are some of my favorite things:
I love the Arkansas countryside in the fall. There are colors there that cannot be reproduced by man. I have the most beautiful drive home from work that a man could ask for.
I love the desert down Highway 10 in Arizona, right before you get into Texas Canyon (Stop and see The Thing!). There is so much life out there in the late spring and early summer.
I love the King's Highway, down the coast from Maine to the Carolinas. The people are so full of life, and you can actually smell the history...
I love Gorman Falls down in Texas, just down the road from San Saba. There may not be a more beautiful place on Earth.
I love Los Angeles. Its so dirty that it has to be interesting...
I love Memphis. No city on Earth has had more influence on modern music than Memphis, TN.
I love that place behind the front door where my youngest daughter hides and tries to scare me.
I love that spot on the couch that makes my wife instantly put her head on my shoulder while we watch a movie.
I love standing in the door of my oldest daughter's bedroom while she plays her trumpet.
I love picking my middle daughter up from school. She always seems excited about what she has learned today.
I love that sand bar down on the White River where we hang out in the summer.
I love to stand in front of my aquarium and watch the turtles eat minnows.
I love to wake up in the night and rush to a Humvee, knowing that I am surrounded by the toughest bastards a guy could ever have on his side.
I love to stand in a public place when the National Anthem plays. It amazes me that we can forget all about race and religion and political party right before a ball game.
I love these United States, truly and deeply. I will go where I must to defend her interests, and learn and grow from the experience. I only hope that we can hang on to what we love about this country long enough to fix all that has been broken.
I love the Arkansas countryside in the fall. There are colors there that cannot be reproduced by man. I have the most beautiful drive home from work that a man could ask for.
I love the desert down Highway 10 in Arizona, right before you get into Texas Canyon (Stop and see The Thing!). There is so much life out there in the late spring and early summer.
I love the King's Highway, down the coast from Maine to the Carolinas. The people are so full of life, and you can actually smell the history...
I love Gorman Falls down in Texas, just down the road from San Saba. There may not be a more beautiful place on Earth.
I love Los Angeles. Its so dirty that it has to be interesting...
I love Memphis. No city on Earth has had more influence on modern music than Memphis, TN.
I love that place behind the front door where my youngest daughter hides and tries to scare me.
I love that spot on the couch that makes my wife instantly put her head on my shoulder while we watch a movie.
I love standing in the door of my oldest daughter's bedroom while she plays her trumpet.
I love picking my middle daughter up from school. She always seems excited about what she has learned today.
I love that sand bar down on the White River where we hang out in the summer.
I love to stand in front of my aquarium and watch the turtles eat minnows.
I love to wake up in the night and rush to a Humvee, knowing that I am surrounded by the toughest bastards a guy could ever have on his side.
I love to stand in a public place when the National Anthem plays. It amazes me that we can forget all about race and religion and political party right before a ball game.
I love these United States, truly and deeply. I will go where I must to defend her interests, and learn and grow from the experience. I only hope that we can hang on to what we love about this country long enough to fix all that has been broken.
01 March 2008
Here it Gets Ugly
Got My Chemical Romance cranked up, name of the song is The Sharpest Lives, and its got a nice angry beat.
I'm eating Pringles and looking for my Mountain Dew...Found it!
Here we go...
I am going to take the blame. That's right America, good ol' Bulldog two-three alpha is gonna take the blame for everything that has gone wrong in the past thirty-five years. Now that we have that out of the way, let's fix something. Hell, let's fix anything. I'm tired of listening to people spend all of their time and energy trying to figure out who is to blame. From now on you can tell 'em all that it's my fault. Moving on...
I am about to officially endorse a freaking candidate, and I'm afraid that there will be no end to the madness once I do so, so I'm going to do some 'splaining first. Maybe I'll throw out a few disclaimers and such, too. Anyway, if you will follow my logic, and actually listen to the damn plan, just maybe I can convince you that this is the right choice.
First of all, I want you all to remember that one person is never going to have enough power in this country to take away your guns (unless you give them that power).
Second, I want you to remember that, as far as conservatism goes, we have really screwed the pooch lately on so many levels that we may never be a conservative nation again.
Next I want you to consider what the two largest threats are to you and me and folks like us...
OK, I'll tell you- NAFTA and border security. Why yes, I will explain.
NAFTA (and other free trade agreements) has been the cause of the majority of lost jobs in the United States in the past few years. NAFTA has also been the cause of a lot of illegal immigration. NAFTA has prevented any real economic growth in Mexico, thus causing people who were already sick of poverty to move North. I could explain it more fully, but I already have, and there's a link to the damn thing around here somewhere...
Nobody has a viable plan to secure the border (except me). Nobody has anything to say about NAFTA at all...
Well there is that one candidate.
One candidate has publicly pledged to withdraw from NAFTA if Mexico and Canada will not renegotiate the treaty. Now, this candidate is not exactly who you would expect me to endorse, and, well, I expect to catch a rash for doing so.
The problem is this- I'm a tired little man with stuff to do. I can theorize and pontificate all I want about changing things, but until I do something to initiate said change, I'm just another asshole on the internet. There is one candidate that has actually even mentioned one freaking thing that we, the People, see as the actual issue. One stinking thing...
One politician in the entire time that I have been writing this little blog has admitted that NAFTA may need to be repealed. They posture and gesture about gay marriage, they talk about exit plans for Iraq, knowing that there is no viable plan. They talk and talk and talk about stabilizing the economy, all the while you pay more for milk and gas and smokes and sodas (seriously, $1.49 for a freaking Mt. Dew?). One guy has said one thing that I agree with. I gotta hang on to hope, don't I?
So here we go folks. Figure out who that candidate is, and tell your friends that its all Bulldog23A's fault.
I'm never gonna hear the end of it...
I'm eating Pringles and looking for my Mountain Dew...Found it!
Here we go...
I am going to take the blame. That's right America, good ol' Bulldog two-three alpha is gonna take the blame for everything that has gone wrong in the past thirty-five years. Now that we have that out of the way, let's fix something. Hell, let's fix anything. I'm tired of listening to people spend all of their time and energy trying to figure out who is to blame. From now on you can tell 'em all that it's my fault. Moving on...
I am about to officially endorse a freaking candidate, and I'm afraid that there will be no end to the madness once I do so, so I'm going to do some 'splaining first. Maybe I'll throw out a few disclaimers and such, too. Anyway, if you will follow my logic, and actually listen to the damn plan, just maybe I can convince you that this is the right choice.
First of all, I want you all to remember that one person is never going to have enough power in this country to take away your guns (unless you give them that power).
Second, I want you to remember that, as far as conservatism goes, we have really screwed the pooch lately on so many levels that we may never be a conservative nation again.
Next I want you to consider what the two largest threats are to you and me and folks like us...
OK, I'll tell you- NAFTA and border security. Why yes, I will explain.
NAFTA (and other free trade agreements) has been the cause of the majority of lost jobs in the United States in the past few years. NAFTA has also been the cause of a lot of illegal immigration. NAFTA has prevented any real economic growth in Mexico, thus causing people who were already sick of poverty to move North. I could explain it more fully, but I already have, and there's a link to the damn thing around here somewhere...
Nobody has a viable plan to secure the border (except me). Nobody has anything to say about NAFTA at all...
Well there is that one candidate.
One candidate has publicly pledged to withdraw from NAFTA if Mexico and Canada will not renegotiate the treaty. Now, this candidate is not exactly who you would expect me to endorse, and, well, I expect to catch a rash for doing so.
The problem is this- I'm a tired little man with stuff to do. I can theorize and pontificate all I want about changing things, but until I do something to initiate said change, I'm just another asshole on the internet. There is one candidate that has actually even mentioned one freaking thing that we, the People, see as the actual issue. One stinking thing...
One politician in the entire time that I have been writing this little blog has admitted that NAFTA may need to be repealed. They posture and gesture about gay marriage, they talk about exit plans for Iraq, knowing that there is no viable plan. They talk and talk and talk about stabilizing the economy, all the while you pay more for milk and gas and smokes and sodas (seriously, $1.49 for a freaking Mt. Dew?). One guy has said one thing that I agree with. I gotta hang on to hope, don't I?
So here we go folks. Figure out who that candidate is, and tell your friends that its all Bulldog23A's fault.
I'm never gonna hear the end of it...
Life, the Universe, and All That Jazz...
In the grand scheme of things, this blog is just a drop in the bucket. There are men and women far more knowledgable than myself out there trying to get a message across, and most of them disagree with me, or seem to. I read the Capitol Hill Pundits Blog daily, and the things I see as issues are hardly ever touched on. The Congressional Blog is much the same. This leads me to believe that either I am delusional (and that IS an option), or that noone in DC is in touch with my world. So I'm going to give you guys a picture of my little bubble.
I grew up in a small town and went to a tiny public school. I graduated salutatorian in a class of six people. My father was a truck driver, and was often a guest speaker at churches across Texas. I was raised in a VERY strict environment-what we would call an ultra-conservative household these days. We were as far to the right politically as we could be.
My father died when I was 16 years old, and I went buck wild. I eventually joined a band, and even made a little money playing music. I did odd jobs, drank a lot, and expirimented with all the drugs I could get my hands on. All I knew about dope was that it was bad. I blew through relationships and friends and jobs like most people change socks. I lived in a moral vacuum for several years.
When I started having children, I had to grow up. There was no other option. I worked construction, and eventually joined the Army National Guard. I did my weekend drills, busted my back at work, and made a fair living. I was terrible with my money and my credit, so I worked all the overtime that I could to make ends meet. There was no health insurance, no vacation (just the yearly lay-off), and no retirement. I traveled to where the work was and came home when I could.
Then one day I got a factory job. It was like I had joined a whole new society. I still worked overtime (as much as the union would allow). We had health insurance. I earned vacation days. I felt like a successful man.
The deployments started for us in 1999. I did not go on the first one, so I kept working at the factory. Immediately after 911, we were sent overseas for several months. After that little adventure, I was not about to go back to factory work or construction, so I went to school. We got sent to Iraq a year later. After Iraq there was some college and then Operation Katrina Relief. After katrina, there was some college and then Recruiting. Last year I hired on full timefor the National Guard. I make about twice the median income for the county I live in, my health insurance is fairly affordable and really good, and my education benfits are still available.
My career is not exactly on the fastest track, but I have opportunities from time to time to advance myself, and I plan to. I will retire a little early and be comfortable in my old age.
None of my friends outside of the military have a plan right now. All of my former co-workers at the factory are out of a job. All of my former co-workers with the construction company are out of a job. NAFTA and CAFTA have cost the Batesville, Arkansas area somewhere around 1800 jobs in 10 years. The only people who seem to give a damn are people like me who could never run for office, never mind the affordability of it, we couldn't bear the scrutiny. I bet you could find a hundred people that would claim to have done drugs with me.
You see, I'm no worse than say, Teddy Kennedy, but I want to buck the system, so I would be crucified in that environment. So would many of my readers. So who can represent us? Who can make the changes that we need here in real America?
I do not regret too many of my choices. I am the man I am today because of my history. I cannot imagine that I would have given a rat's ass about any of you if I had gone to law school and then into politics when I was younger.
But I bet I would have been electable...
I grew up in a small town and went to a tiny public school. I graduated salutatorian in a class of six people. My father was a truck driver, and was often a guest speaker at churches across Texas. I was raised in a VERY strict environment-what we would call an ultra-conservative household these days. We were as far to the right politically as we could be.
My father died when I was 16 years old, and I went buck wild. I eventually joined a band, and even made a little money playing music. I did odd jobs, drank a lot, and expirimented with all the drugs I could get my hands on. All I knew about dope was that it was bad. I blew through relationships and friends and jobs like most people change socks. I lived in a moral vacuum for several years.
When I started having children, I had to grow up. There was no other option. I worked construction, and eventually joined the Army National Guard. I did my weekend drills, busted my back at work, and made a fair living. I was terrible with my money and my credit, so I worked all the overtime that I could to make ends meet. There was no health insurance, no vacation (just the yearly lay-off), and no retirement. I traveled to where the work was and came home when I could.
Then one day I got a factory job. It was like I had joined a whole new society. I still worked overtime (as much as the union would allow). We had health insurance. I earned vacation days. I felt like a successful man.
The deployments started for us in 1999. I did not go on the first one, so I kept working at the factory. Immediately after 911, we were sent overseas for several months. After that little adventure, I was not about to go back to factory work or construction, so I went to school. We got sent to Iraq a year later. After Iraq there was some college and then Operation Katrina Relief. After katrina, there was some college and then Recruiting. Last year I hired on full timefor the National Guard. I make about twice the median income for the county I live in, my health insurance is fairly affordable and really good, and my education benfits are still available.
My career is not exactly on the fastest track, but I have opportunities from time to time to advance myself, and I plan to. I will retire a little early and be comfortable in my old age.
None of my friends outside of the military have a plan right now. All of my former co-workers at the factory are out of a job. All of my former co-workers with the construction company are out of a job. NAFTA and CAFTA have cost the Batesville, Arkansas area somewhere around 1800 jobs in 10 years. The only people who seem to give a damn are people like me who could never run for office, never mind the affordability of it, we couldn't bear the scrutiny. I bet you could find a hundred people that would claim to have done drugs with me.
You see, I'm no worse than say, Teddy Kennedy, but I want to buck the system, so I would be crucified in that environment. So would many of my readers. So who can represent us? Who can make the changes that we need here in real America?
I do not regret too many of my choices. I am the man I am today because of my history. I cannot imagine that I would have given a rat's ass about any of you if I had gone to law school and then into politics when I was younger.
But I bet I would have been electable...
29 February 2008
May You Live in Interesting Times...
OK, I look at the candidates, and I got nothing. Then I get this e-mail, telling me how evil liberals are and how righteous conservatives are. The e-mail gives me a list of issues and how each of the "big three" voted on said issues.
Here is what it says about Obama on NAFTA:
Wants to amend NAFTA and other trade agreements to impose "strong labor and environmental standards"
Publically pledged to withdraw from NAFTA unless Canada and Mexico agree to renegotiate
On Free trade Agreements:
Opposes such agreements
Has consistently voted against FTAs, agreements that give American companies the ability to compete for market access abroad
Voted against CAFTA (Central American Free Trade Agreement), opposes recently signed FTAs yet to be voted on by Congress (e.g., Korean FTA, Columbian FTA, etc)
John McCain on NAFTA:
Supports NAFTA and other FTAs
On Free Trade Agreements;
Supports free trade – believes the U.S. should "engage in multilateral, regional and bilateral efforts to reduce barriers to trade"
Has consistently supported FTAs
Now, I ask you, who is being liberal now?
Now I don't agree with much that any politician says or does these days, but if I were going to vote based on any one issue, this would be the issue. Barack Obama is the first candidate to even put the idea that we should repeal NAFTA on the table (besides me, of course). Why is that a "Liberal" stance?
How is it "Conservative" to ship our freaking livelyhood to Jakarta, or Seoul?
How about we stop looking at Liberal or Conservative, and start looking at what we can do to save our freaking economy. If we continue to send our manufacturing jobs outside of our borders, we will become a nation with no backbone of industry. Being the most technologically advanced society won't mean squat when we can't build a fucking automobile. We aren't improving the "Global Economy" one bit with our free trade agreements, either. We are keeping third world nations under Corporate America's thumb, just like they like to keep us.
This is the most rediculous thing I have ever had to argue about. Why does anyone think that a blanket "Free" trade agreement is a good idea? Why can't we negotiate specific trade agreements with nations, one at a time? Is Congress too busy? Is there some other influence on the situation? You bet there is, from the World Bank to the WTO, there are foreign investors who are influencing our government. There are Arab Muslims who are influencing your Congresman to give your job to some shmuck in Thailand.
There will always be too much money floating around DC, and there will always be special interest influence. Why can't we be an interest group? I know! We'll call ourselves the rightful citizens and voters of this country!
Maybe Barack Obama is no answer, OK, I'll grant you that. Just remember that the Bush and Clinton cycle got us where we are, John McCain thinks things are peachy all over, and Ralph Nader is worried that we aren't safe enough as consumers.
The most expediant concern in this country right now is border security and Free Trade (specifically the getting rid of). Not a candidate one has a border security plan. Only one has a plan to renegotiate NAFTA.
Here is what it says about Obama on NAFTA:
Wants to amend NAFTA and other trade agreements to impose "strong labor and environmental standards"
Publically pledged to withdraw from NAFTA unless Canada and Mexico agree to renegotiate
On Free trade Agreements:
Opposes such agreements
Has consistently voted against FTAs, agreements that give American companies the ability to compete for market access abroad
Voted against CAFTA (Central American Free Trade Agreement), opposes recently signed FTAs yet to be voted on by Congress (e.g., Korean FTA, Columbian FTA, etc)
John McCain on NAFTA:
Supports NAFTA and other FTAs
On Free Trade Agreements;
Supports free trade – believes the U.S. should "engage in multilateral, regional and bilateral efforts to reduce barriers to trade"
Has consistently supported FTAs
Now, I ask you, who is being liberal now?
Now I don't agree with much that any politician says or does these days, but if I were going to vote based on any one issue, this would be the issue. Barack Obama is the first candidate to even put the idea that we should repeal NAFTA on the table (besides me, of course). Why is that a "Liberal" stance?
How is it "Conservative" to ship our freaking livelyhood to Jakarta, or Seoul?
How about we stop looking at Liberal or Conservative, and start looking at what we can do to save our freaking economy. If we continue to send our manufacturing jobs outside of our borders, we will become a nation with no backbone of industry. Being the most technologically advanced society won't mean squat when we can't build a fucking automobile. We aren't improving the "Global Economy" one bit with our free trade agreements, either. We are keeping third world nations under Corporate America's thumb, just like they like to keep us.
This is the most rediculous thing I have ever had to argue about. Why does anyone think that a blanket "Free" trade agreement is a good idea? Why can't we negotiate specific trade agreements with nations, one at a time? Is Congress too busy? Is there some other influence on the situation? You bet there is, from the World Bank to the WTO, there are foreign investors who are influencing our government. There are Arab Muslims who are influencing your Congresman to give your job to some shmuck in Thailand.
There will always be too much money floating around DC, and there will always be special interest influence. Why can't we be an interest group? I know! We'll call ourselves the rightful citizens and voters of this country!
Maybe Barack Obama is no answer, OK, I'll grant you that. Just remember that the Bush and Clinton cycle got us where we are, John McCain thinks things are peachy all over, and Ralph Nader is worried that we aren't safe enough as consumers.
The most expediant concern in this country right now is border security and Free Trade (specifically the getting rid of). Not a candidate one has a border security plan. Only one has a plan to renegotiate NAFTA.
26 February 2008
Insanity
I have heard that repetitive behavior with the expectation of new results is the definition of insanity.
Every election, we discuss abortion-knowing fully that it will remain legal.
Every election, we discuss illegal immigration-knowing fully that know real measures are being taken to secure our borders.
Every election, we discuss the job market-knowing fully that our jobs are being sent overseas and that this will continue.
I could go on and on about this, and probably will.
My point is simple, as always: If we continue to reward the bad behavior of our elected officials with continued employment, nothing will ever change.
Every election, we discuss abortion-knowing fully that it will remain legal.
Every election, we discuss illegal immigration-knowing fully that know real measures are being taken to secure our borders.
Every election, we discuss the job market-knowing fully that our jobs are being sent overseas and that this will continue.
I could go on and on about this, and probably will.
My point is simple, as always: If we continue to reward the bad behavior of our elected officials with continued employment, nothing will ever change.
24 February 2008
Chicken A La King or Poached Fish?
Did you ever think about what would happen if Barack Obama became President?
I'll tell you-Not much. He's no different from any other candidate.
Let's illustrate-What legislation has he pushed through that was of any import?
What is his voting record on the issues that count?
Now let's talk about John McCain...
He has been in Congress for so long that I would be willing to bet that he has voted either way on almost any issue...
Hillary is the only candidate that I can name that has actually done anything tangible of late, and she only did that in anticipation of running for President.
But wait, what's that on the horizon? Is that a new hope? Is there a hero in shining armor riding forth?...
Nope, its Ralph Nader. This is a guy that, while he IS capable of getting stuff done, is also responsible for a large number of the consumer safety requirements that have become a pain in our asses for the last two generations. This is the jackass that got Congress to require that automobile manufacturers put seatbelts in all of their products.
Hmmm...
OK, why not. This is a guy that almost single-handedly reduced traffic fatalities in this country by 35% over 30 years. I can't compare any other candidates accomplishments to that...
I'll tell you-Not much. He's no different from any other candidate.
Let's illustrate-What legislation has he pushed through that was of any import?
What is his voting record on the issues that count?
Now let's talk about John McCain...
He has been in Congress for so long that I would be willing to bet that he has voted either way on almost any issue...
Hillary is the only candidate that I can name that has actually done anything tangible of late, and she only did that in anticipation of running for President.
But wait, what's that on the horizon? Is that a new hope? Is there a hero in shining armor riding forth?...
Nope, its Ralph Nader. This is a guy that, while he IS capable of getting stuff done, is also responsible for a large number of the consumer safety requirements that have become a pain in our asses for the last two generations. This is the jackass that got Congress to require that automobile manufacturers put seatbelts in all of their products.
Hmmm...
OK, why not. This is a guy that almost single-handedly reduced traffic fatalities in this country by 35% over 30 years. I can't compare any other candidates accomplishments to that...
22 February 2008
The Angry Bulldog
I was having a conversation about the lack of response on my blog, and someone pointed out that people are upset because they don't have anyone to vote for. Apparently none of the candidates are quite what people want.
I have to say America, that's just BS.
If you want to sit and watch the continuing downward spiral, so be it. If you think that having crappy choices for candidates in this election is an excuse not to get involved, you are just being lazy. There hasn't been a decent choice for president or any other office in generations. These people are not now-nor have they ever been-your champions.
If there were decent people running for office in the past few elections, don't you think that we would have chosen one? Don't you feel like that would have become the trend? I know that Rush Limbaugh has all of you convinced that liberals are evil, and I know that CNN has you all convinced that conservatives are primitive, but let's face reality-THE IMAGES THAT WE HOLD IN OUR MINDS OF WHAT WE CONSIDER OUR OPPOSITION IN POLITICS HAVE BEEN CREATED ENTIRELY BY THE POLITICAL MACHINE WE HAVE COME TO HATE.
People are just people. even those Americans with which I disagree have the same basic goals and desires for this country that I do. The idea of "ultra-conservative" or the "extreme left" has been presented to us all as a truth, and it is the ultimate lie. John McCain is a self-serving prick who does not care one wit about the Constitution or your freedom. Barack Obama is an apologist twit with no clear understanding of the "change" he preaches. They are all the worst kinds of people, because they assume to know what's best for all of us with no regard for what we really want or need.
I'm voting for the Democratic candidate, because I want to see things change, not because I believe they have a clue. In four years I will vote Republican, because I hope to have convinced some of you, any of you, to do so with me. Not in support of a political party, but in the hopes that we may somehow get their attention and take back our country.
No incumbent will get my vote for the next six years, and neither will their political party. If I can't vote for a good candidate, then I will spend all my time taking power from those who have used theirs unwisely.
I have to say America, that's just BS.
If you want to sit and watch the continuing downward spiral, so be it. If you think that having crappy choices for candidates in this election is an excuse not to get involved, you are just being lazy. There hasn't been a decent choice for president or any other office in generations. These people are not now-nor have they ever been-your champions.
If there were decent people running for office in the past few elections, don't you think that we would have chosen one? Don't you feel like that would have become the trend? I know that Rush Limbaugh has all of you convinced that liberals are evil, and I know that CNN has you all convinced that conservatives are primitive, but let's face reality-THE IMAGES THAT WE HOLD IN OUR MINDS OF WHAT WE CONSIDER OUR OPPOSITION IN POLITICS HAVE BEEN CREATED ENTIRELY BY THE POLITICAL MACHINE WE HAVE COME TO HATE.
People are just people. even those Americans with which I disagree have the same basic goals and desires for this country that I do. The idea of "ultra-conservative" or the "extreme left" has been presented to us all as a truth, and it is the ultimate lie. John McCain is a self-serving prick who does not care one wit about the Constitution or your freedom. Barack Obama is an apologist twit with no clear understanding of the "change" he preaches. They are all the worst kinds of people, because they assume to know what's best for all of us with no regard for what we really want or need.
I'm voting for the Democratic candidate, because I want to see things change, not because I believe they have a clue. In four years I will vote Republican, because I hope to have convinced some of you, any of you, to do so with me. Not in support of a political party, but in the hopes that we may somehow get their attention and take back our country.
No incumbent will get my vote for the next six years, and neither will their political party. If I can't vote for a good candidate, then I will spend all my time taking power from those who have used theirs unwisely.
20 February 2008
Jundi
I sit here at my desk at 11:18pm, somewhere in Mississippi. I am still in uniform, as my duty day just ended. I have not showered in three days. My hands are covered in grit and grime from the past week's training and the oil and carbon from cleaning my weapon. I am by far the least exhausted of all the Soldiers in my unit. I am the Admin NCO, or pay clerk to use the old term.
Sixty percent of the Soldiers in my unit are on their second tour to Iraq. Nine of us are on our 3rd or 4th deployment since September 11th, 2001. Eighty-six wives and over 150 children wait for our safe return. We are carpenters, school teachers, corrections officers, cops, firemen, truck drivers, students, and factory workers. We are America.
In Iraq, they call us "Jundi"(joon-dee), which is arabic for Soldier. We may get painted as villains at times by CNN and the like, but the Iraqis knew that we were trying to help for the most part. We look forward to feeling like that again.
You see, when we were over there last time, we felt very powerful. Sure, we had a license to kill (when needed), but more importantly, we had the ability to make a change. We kept people safe in a very tangible way. We were defenders of the weak, and the poor, and the downtrodden. We fed children and secured schools. We got the damn water turned back on. We empowered the Iraqi people to vote, for the first time in generations.
We come home, and the ability to make a tangible positive change goes away. Everything gets bogged down by the machine. All things difficult are argued into the impossible, and America feels stale and sickly. Television is mindless distraction, work is monotonous and boring.
Some of us discovered that being a good husband and father is satisfying. Others just waited for the next opportunity to feel that power. You see, the ideology that made America great is still new to Iraqis. The war in Iraq is being won, slowly and surely. More and more the people of Iraq are seeing that they have the power. They need the Jundi less and less as time passes. Soon they will fight political battles in the halls of the capitol instead of on the streets of Baghdad.
Many of us are saddened as we watch this process. Where will we find the power to make a change now? Some will find a voice in politics. Some will become community organizers of some sort or another. A die-hard few of us will still be in boots for the next opportunity to make a change that can be seen and felt for the unfortunate and oppressed.
Do us a favor-Vote to make a change. Let us know that you understand and feel what it is that we represent. I promise you that once you make a difference it is nearly impossible to stop doing so.
Sixty percent of the Soldiers in my unit are on their second tour to Iraq. Nine of us are on our 3rd or 4th deployment since September 11th, 2001. Eighty-six wives and over 150 children wait for our safe return. We are carpenters, school teachers, corrections officers, cops, firemen, truck drivers, students, and factory workers. We are America.
In Iraq, they call us "Jundi"(joon-dee), which is arabic for Soldier. We may get painted as villains at times by CNN and the like, but the Iraqis knew that we were trying to help for the most part. We look forward to feeling like that again.
You see, when we were over there last time, we felt very powerful. Sure, we had a license to kill (when needed), but more importantly, we had the ability to make a change. We kept people safe in a very tangible way. We were defenders of the weak, and the poor, and the downtrodden. We fed children and secured schools. We got the damn water turned back on. We empowered the Iraqi people to vote, for the first time in generations.
We come home, and the ability to make a tangible positive change goes away. Everything gets bogged down by the machine. All things difficult are argued into the impossible, and America feels stale and sickly. Television is mindless distraction, work is monotonous and boring.
Some of us discovered that being a good husband and father is satisfying. Others just waited for the next opportunity to feel that power. You see, the ideology that made America great is still new to Iraqis. The war in Iraq is being won, slowly and surely. More and more the people of Iraq are seeing that they have the power. They need the Jundi less and less as time passes. Soon they will fight political battles in the halls of the capitol instead of on the streets of Baghdad.
Many of us are saddened as we watch this process. Where will we find the power to make a change now? Some will find a voice in politics. Some will become community organizers of some sort or another. A die-hard few of us will still be in boots for the next opportunity to make a change that can be seen and felt for the unfortunate and oppressed.
Do us a favor-Vote to make a change. Let us know that you understand and feel what it is that we represent. I promise you that once you make a difference it is nearly impossible to stop doing so.
An Article by Charley Reese
I usually think that Charley Reese is an insufferable gasbag, but I just got this article e-mailed to me, and I like it, so here you go.-Bulldog23A
Charley Reese, a writer with the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper has offered a rather fresh look at the national leaders who are responsible for most of the mess we find our nation in.
THE 545 PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE FOR AMERICA'S WOES!!
BY CHARLEY REESE
Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them. Have you ever wondered why, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, we have deficits? Have you ever wondered why, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, we have inflation and high taxes?
You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does. You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does. You and I don't write the tax code. Congress does. You and I don't set fiscal policy. Congress does. You and I don't control monetary policy. The Federal Reserve Bank does.
One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president and nine Supreme Court Justices - 545 human beings out of the 300 million - are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country. I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered but private central bank.
I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman or a president to do one cotton- picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.
A CONFIDENCE CONSPIRACY
Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party. What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a SPEAKER, who stood up and criticized G.W. BUSH for creating deficits. The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it. The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes.
Who is the speaker of the House? She is the leader of the majority party. She and fellow Democrats, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto.
REPLACE THE SCOUNDRELS
It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million cannot replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts - of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem, from an unfair tax code to defense overruns, that is not traceable directly to those 545 people.
When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist. If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair. If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red. If the Marines are in IRAQ, it's because they want them in IRAQ.
There are no insoluble government problems. Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power.
Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exist disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation" or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do. Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible. They, and they alone, have the power. They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses - provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees. We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess.
I would like to point out that while I like the general idea behind this article, I do not place the blame solely on the heads of politicians. This is my fault and your fault, too. We have failed to actively participate in our own governance for far too long.-Bulldog23A
Charley Reese, a writer with the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper has offered a rather fresh look at the national leaders who are responsible for most of the mess we find our nation in.
THE 545 PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE FOR AMERICA'S WOES!!
BY CHARLEY REESE
Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them. Have you ever wondered why, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, we have deficits? Have you ever wondered why, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, we have inflation and high taxes?
You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does. You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does. You and I don't write the tax code. Congress does. You and I don't set fiscal policy. Congress does. You and I don't control monetary policy. The Federal Reserve Bank does.
One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president and nine Supreme Court Justices - 545 human beings out of the 300 million - are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country. I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered but private central bank.
I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman or a president to do one cotton- picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.
A CONFIDENCE CONSPIRACY
Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party. What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a SPEAKER, who stood up and criticized G.W. BUSH for creating deficits. The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it. The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes.
Who is the speaker of the House? She is the leader of the majority party. She and fellow Democrats, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto.
REPLACE THE SCOUNDRELS
It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million cannot replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts - of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem, from an unfair tax code to defense overruns, that is not traceable directly to those 545 people.
When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist. If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair. If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red. If the Marines are in IRAQ, it's because they want them in IRAQ.
There are no insoluble government problems. Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power.
Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exist disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation" or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do. Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible. They, and they alone, have the power. They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses - provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees. We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess.
I would like to point out that while I like the general idea behind this article, I do not place the blame solely on the heads of politicians. This is my fault and your fault, too. We have failed to actively participate in our own governance for far too long.-Bulldog23A
14 February 2008
Straight to Hell in a Handbasket
First, I just want to say that I have no clear idea what a handbasket is.
Next, I want to wish everyone a happy holiday...hey, wait a minute, this ain't no freaking holiday. Never mind.
Now, down to bidness.
What the hell are people thinking. We have got a serious problem here in America when the most incompetent people in the country are running the show. We are so lazy and unambitious anymore that we would rather sit around and whine about things that are wrong than actually risk a little change and see how it works out. I got an e-mail explaining to me that Barak Obama is black and that Hillary Clinton is a woman, like that would convince me to vote for John McCain or Mike Huckabee.
Let me clear it up for you-IT DOESN'T MATTER ONE TINY LITTLE SLIVER WHO WE ELECT THIS TIME, AS LONG AS WE FIRE THEM NEXT CHANCE WE GET!
I'm sick to death of everyone acting like Barak is a Muslim, or Hillary is a Liberal. The truth is that you and I will never know what they are really all about because they are politicians, which makes them exactly like John McCain or Mike Huckabee. What they are hiding is probably a lot like what Pres Bush was hiding from us back in the day-a political agenda that had little to do with the truth, or what's right, or justice, or the overall betterment of the United States of America.
The sad truth is quite simple-We are running out of time to make a difference. We absolutely have to start the changes soon, or it will all go right down the toilet. Some would argue that it has, and my answer is take a vacation in Beruit if you want to see what it could be like.
Vote against every incumbent Senator and Representative. In two years, do it again. Next presidential election, Vote out the incumbent. In two more years, vote out the Congressional incumbents one more time.
If we do this, they will start to make positive changes for our benefit. They will start to earn their living. They will start to listen.
Next, I want to wish everyone a happy holiday...hey, wait a minute, this ain't no freaking holiday. Never mind.
Now, down to bidness.
What the hell are people thinking. We have got a serious problem here in America when the most incompetent people in the country are running the show. We are so lazy and unambitious anymore that we would rather sit around and whine about things that are wrong than actually risk a little change and see how it works out. I got an e-mail explaining to me that Barak Obama is black and that Hillary Clinton is a woman, like that would convince me to vote for John McCain or Mike Huckabee.
Let me clear it up for you-IT DOESN'T MATTER ONE TINY LITTLE SLIVER WHO WE ELECT THIS TIME, AS LONG AS WE FIRE THEM NEXT CHANCE WE GET!
I'm sick to death of everyone acting like Barak is a Muslim, or Hillary is a Liberal. The truth is that you and I will never know what they are really all about because they are politicians, which makes them exactly like John McCain or Mike Huckabee. What they are hiding is probably a lot like what Pres Bush was hiding from us back in the day-a political agenda that had little to do with the truth, or what's right, or justice, or the overall betterment of the United States of America.
The sad truth is quite simple-We are running out of time to make a difference. We absolutely have to start the changes soon, or it will all go right down the toilet. Some would argue that it has, and my answer is take a vacation in Beruit if you want to see what it could be like.
Vote against every incumbent Senator and Representative. In two years, do it again. Next presidential election, Vote out the incumbent. In two more years, vote out the Congressional incumbents one more time.
If we do this, they will start to make positive changes for our benefit. They will start to earn their living. They will start to listen.
08 February 2008
01 February 2008
I Know What You Want
I feel your frustration. I see the wariness in the eyes of working-class people across the country. We are not fooled by the pompous promises and hints of a better world. Republicans are self-righteous pigs, and Democrats are whores.
Our nation is being sold to the highest bidder, and the buyers hate us for our low-level morality and our spoiled sense of comfort. We are the rich bully to most of the world, and half the politicians are happy with that. The other half want us to apologize for having anything.
Even in America, we are simple. We, the People just want a few things.
I want to be able to earn a living.
I want my children to get the best available education.
I want to raise my family in a safe environment.
I want to someday live in reasonable comfort based on what I have earned.
Am I different from you? I doubt it. You may not have children yet, but I bet you want those things, too. You may want more than I do, but I seriously doubt that you want less.
Do any of your Congressmen act like they are interested in this list? Do any of the current presidential candidates? Is this the life that the media presents as attractive?
We will have to make choices in the next few years that will have serious consequences for America in the future. Quite simply, we need to take our nation back. Not with any violence, but with the simple act of voting out the petty criminals and low-lifes that currently populate our government. We must vote against whoever is in office, simply to make a change. They act as if our voice is inneffective, let us force them to hear us again. Let us ensure that no single political party and no single individual in Congress or any other branch has any effect whatsoever. Vote in a new Congressman, and as soon as opportunity rises, vote him or her out again. It will only take a few years for them to understand that we still run this show.
Maybe I'm raging against the machine too quietly or too late. Maybe nobody cares.
If you do, convince someone else.
Our nation is being sold to the highest bidder, and the buyers hate us for our low-level morality and our spoiled sense of comfort. We are the rich bully to most of the world, and half the politicians are happy with that. The other half want us to apologize for having anything.
Even in America, we are simple. We, the People just want a few things.
I want to be able to earn a living.
I want my children to get the best available education.
I want to raise my family in a safe environment.
I want to someday live in reasonable comfort based on what I have earned.
Am I different from you? I doubt it. You may not have children yet, but I bet you want those things, too. You may want more than I do, but I seriously doubt that you want less.
Do any of your Congressmen act like they are interested in this list? Do any of the current presidential candidates? Is this the life that the media presents as attractive?
We will have to make choices in the next few years that will have serious consequences for America in the future. Quite simply, we need to take our nation back. Not with any violence, but with the simple act of voting out the petty criminals and low-lifes that currently populate our government. We must vote against whoever is in office, simply to make a change. They act as if our voice is inneffective, let us force them to hear us again. Let us ensure that no single political party and no single individual in Congress or any other branch has any effect whatsoever. Vote in a new Congressman, and as soon as opportunity rises, vote him or her out again. It will only take a few years for them to understand that we still run this show.
Maybe I'm raging against the machine too quietly or too late. Maybe nobody cares.
If you do, convince someone else.
24 January 2008
Up Late For No Good Reason
Well here we go.
I'm sitting here listening to Bette Midler do pretty rockin' version of the Stone's "Beast of Burden", got a bottle of water on one side and a pack of smokes on the other. So far so good.
I've had very little time lately to follow the goings on of the world outside. We are in training here at beautiful Camp Shelby, Mississippi, soon to be heading back to the giant litter box. I have had a little bit of time to observe human nature of late, and so we may not solve any problems tonight, but we shall certainly make fun of some folks.
I listen to people talk about the upcoming election, and I understand why we are in the shape that we are in. I keep getting e-mails about Obama's Muslim background, about how McCain didn't really serve in the military, or how Hillary is really a liberal extremist. Depending on the source, these people are all our saviours or the Devil's right hand.
They are all just people. Most of them have an agenda that has more to do with ego and personal profit than the ruination of your way of life. Some truly believe the stupid crap that comes out of their mouths. Don't vote for a True Believer if you can help it, they start wars and dictate morality and such. I'll dictate my own morality, thank you very much.
Let's talk about the True Believer. He or she is usually intelligent (not always), confident, and annoyingly righteous. A few True Believers in History: Genghis Khan, The Grand Inquisitor, any Conquistador, Osama Bin Hiding, John Wilkes Booth, Al Zakhari, etc.
True Believers think that they are realists. They take an extreme viewpoint of the world, be they influnced by religion, power, justice, whatever. They are dangerous to America, because they do not compromise. See my post on divorce for a lesson in Conflict Resolution.
The great thing about this election is that there are no obvious True Believers. Of course, there are no obvious choices either. And even if you do pick one guy, what about the Vice Presidential Candidate?
At this point, I'm gravitating toward the biggest change. I figure we have little left to lose as far as political esteem, so why not just make a random change?
Just a thought...
I'm sitting here listening to Bette Midler do pretty rockin' version of the Stone's "Beast of Burden", got a bottle of water on one side and a pack of smokes on the other. So far so good.
I've had very little time lately to follow the goings on of the world outside. We are in training here at beautiful Camp Shelby, Mississippi, soon to be heading back to the giant litter box. I have had a little bit of time to observe human nature of late, and so we may not solve any problems tonight, but we shall certainly make fun of some folks.
I listen to people talk about the upcoming election, and I understand why we are in the shape that we are in. I keep getting e-mails about Obama's Muslim background, about how McCain didn't really serve in the military, or how Hillary is really a liberal extremist. Depending on the source, these people are all our saviours or the Devil's right hand.
They are all just people. Most of them have an agenda that has more to do with ego and personal profit than the ruination of your way of life. Some truly believe the stupid crap that comes out of their mouths. Don't vote for a True Believer if you can help it, they start wars and dictate morality and such. I'll dictate my own morality, thank you very much.
Let's talk about the True Believer. He or she is usually intelligent (not always), confident, and annoyingly righteous. A few True Believers in History: Genghis Khan, The Grand Inquisitor, any Conquistador, Osama Bin Hiding, John Wilkes Booth, Al Zakhari, etc.
True Believers think that they are realists. They take an extreme viewpoint of the world, be they influnced by religion, power, justice, whatever. They are dangerous to America, because they do not compromise. See my post on divorce for a lesson in Conflict Resolution.
The great thing about this election is that there are no obvious True Believers. Of course, there are no obvious choices either. And even if you do pick one guy, what about the Vice Presidential Candidate?
At this point, I'm gravitating toward the biggest change. I figure we have little left to lose as far as political esteem, so why not just make a random change?
Just a thought...
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