(This post is a response I wrote to a cartoon editorial by the two-time Pulitzer Prize winning editorialist, David Horsey. This particular commentary focused on how Thanksgiving has become overshadowed by the hysteria surrounding Black Friday, and the obvious lust for deals on all the cool stuff that is to be had. The cartoon is on seattlepi.com.)
Another editorial that is Bang On the truth!
I have yet to read anything online about Thanksgiving. The Holiday is instead replaced by rumors and speculations about where the best Black Friday deals will be, and whose ad was "leaked" prematurely.
Thanksgiving is about celebrating the abundance in our lives, and in sharing that with those we love and care about the most. In this time of economic recession, we should all stop and remember what we are thankful for; because even when we have less, abundance is all around us. We just have take the time to recognize it in whatever form it exists.
I for one am out of work and have very advanced stage 4 kidney disease. But I am surrounded by friends and family who abundantly love and care about me. For these things, I am truly thankful. Thanksgiving could never be sweeter.
Thank You, David, for this editorial; and for trying to help us remember what is most important.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Children's Obesity--A Response
(I read an article today on the growing childhood obesity problem in America. The following was my written response to that article)
Everyone out there is incessantly pointing fingers to lay blame for the obesity problem in the United States. The fast food industry is causing it!; the genetic modification of seeds is the cause!; The processed foods so abundant in grocery stores is the problem!, etc, etc, etc.
Well, here's a novel approach...Instead of placing blame on this industry or that, how about taking personal responsibility for the health and well-being of your children? Are they active for two or three hours a day? Do they go outside to play? or do they sit around playing video games, or watching hours of TV? What are you, as a parent, doing on a daily basis to ensure that your children aren't growing fat due to inactivity?
The children of this country were healthy for generations, no matter what they ate. Obesity was extremely uncommon. Somewhere during the past twenty years, it became OK in American society to lead a sedentary lifestyle. Kids are playing less, running less and are generally less active.
What happened? Why the shift? What suddenly made it OK to allow our children to sit for hours doing very little, all while feeding them bigger portions, and consuming sugars in such mind-boggling quantities?
I suggest we all look at what we have done within our own families that has precipitated the obesity and subsequent health issues before pointing fingers. After all, no one is making you buy those fatty, sugary, empty foods for your family. No one is telling you that your kids must sit on their butts for mindless hours. How have you justified the decreasing health you have placed your kids in?
Think about it.
Everyone out there is incessantly pointing fingers to lay blame for the obesity problem in the United States. The fast food industry is causing it!; the genetic modification of seeds is the cause!; The processed foods so abundant in grocery stores is the problem!, etc, etc, etc.
Well, here's a novel approach...Instead of placing blame on this industry or that, how about taking personal responsibility for the health and well-being of your children? Are they active for two or three hours a day? Do they go outside to play? or do they sit around playing video games, or watching hours of TV? What are you, as a parent, doing on a daily basis to ensure that your children aren't growing fat due to inactivity?
The children of this country were healthy for generations, no matter what they ate. Obesity was extremely uncommon. Somewhere during the past twenty years, it became OK in American society to lead a sedentary lifestyle. Kids are playing less, running less and are generally less active.
What happened? Why the shift? What suddenly made it OK to allow our children to sit for hours doing very little, all while feeding them bigger portions, and consuming sugars in such mind-boggling quantities?
I suggest we all look at what we have done within our own families that has precipitated the obesity and subsequent health issues before pointing fingers. After all, no one is making you buy those fatty, sugary, empty foods for your family. No one is telling you that your kids must sit on their butts for mindless hours. How have you justified the decreasing health you have placed your kids in?
Think about it.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Hollywood: Hoping We're Sheep
(I wrote this as an article response to a story about Hollywood and its agendas)
The executives and filmmakers in Hollywood use the medium to push their messages all the time; whether done so overtly or not. The article has told me nothing new. Hollywood pushed the fear of the cold war on its viewers all the time with films which told us to fear an imminent Soviet invasion. They constantly tell Americans that religion is not real and a waste of everyones time; that being Christian is a bad thing. We are told that casual sex is ok and that marriage is a thing that can be thrown aside like used piece of gum. We are led to believe that everyone who disagrees with homosexuality is a bigot who should be scorned and attacked.
Filmmakers glorify and endorse violence then feign innocence when real world crimes match those seen on film. They seem to be insulated from the very messages they spew.
In relating "made up companies" to real-life ones, the parallels are obvious and to claim innocence is just plain silly. The average American viewer is not as stupid as these people think.
But, that won't stop producers or directors from making movies awash in social commentary whether the average American viewer believes the message or not. These guys are just hoping that more and more people with a sheep-like mentality start buying into their false messages.
If you don't think these messages are in the films you watch, then you really haven't been paying attention. From the time since Birth of a Nation spewed out the goodness of the Ku Klux Klan (DW Griffith was a Klansman), to the films of today, the endorsement of social commentary has marched on unabated and will forever continue to do so.
The executives and filmmakers in Hollywood use the medium to push their messages all the time; whether done so overtly or not. The article has told me nothing new. Hollywood pushed the fear of the cold war on its viewers all the time with films which told us to fear an imminent Soviet invasion. They constantly tell Americans that religion is not real and a waste of everyones time; that being Christian is a bad thing. We are told that casual sex is ok and that marriage is a thing that can be thrown aside like used piece of gum. We are led to believe that everyone who disagrees with homosexuality is a bigot who should be scorned and attacked.
Filmmakers glorify and endorse violence then feign innocence when real world crimes match those seen on film. They seem to be insulated from the very messages they spew.
In relating "made up companies" to real-life ones, the parallels are obvious and to claim innocence is just plain silly. The average American viewer is not as stupid as these people think.
But, that won't stop producers or directors from making movies awash in social commentary whether the average American viewer believes the message or not. These guys are just hoping that more and more people with a sheep-like mentality start buying into their false messages.
If you don't think these messages are in the films you watch, then you really haven't been paying attention. From the time since Birth of a Nation spewed out the goodness of the Ku Klux Klan (DW Griffith was a Klansman), to the films of today, the endorsement of social commentary has marched on unabated and will forever continue to do so.
Monday, October 12, 2009
"Tumbling" Gas Prices
(I posted the following response to an article on the recent "Tumbling" gas prices across the country. In actauality, the average prices have dropped a whopping 4 cents over the past two weeks.)
Four cents? Since when is a lousy four cent drop even considered a "tumble?" The gas prices have stayed at the same level in my area since May. There has been no "tumble" in the price [locally].
And to compare last years' greed driven prices to this year is nauseating. "(Compared to last year) that's down 83 cents." The media is simply trying to placate the american public by regurgitating useless facts that were caused by self-serving energy speculators.
Gone are the days when actual fundamentals dictated the price of oil and gasoline. They have been replaced by hype, over-sensitive market conditions, excuse driven spikes in prices, and the always timely "[insert facility name] refinery is down for maintenance."
Greed drives these commodities now more than ever, and the Federal Govt. sits on the sidelines doing nothing but raising taxes on every gallon of gas we pump. It's no longer a free market when a few companies control everything. The last time this happened, Standard Oil was declared a monopoly, was broken up, and independent dealers thrived.
But that will not happen again. Too many and too powerful are the lobbyists that are constantly pushing their agendas on Congress. Greed wins out over the wishes of constituents.
Four cents? Since when is a lousy four cent drop even considered a "tumble?" The gas prices have stayed at the same level in my area since May. There has been no "tumble" in the price [locally].
And to compare last years' greed driven prices to this year is nauseating. "(Compared to last year) that's down 83 cents." The media is simply trying to placate the american public by regurgitating useless facts that were caused by self-serving energy speculators.
Gone are the days when actual fundamentals dictated the price of oil and gasoline. They have been replaced by hype, over-sensitive market conditions, excuse driven spikes in prices, and the always timely "[insert facility name] refinery is down for maintenance."
Greed drives these commodities now more than ever, and the Federal Govt. sits on the sidelines doing nothing but raising taxes on every gallon of gas we pump. It's no longer a free market when a few companies control everything. The last time this happened, Standard Oil was declared a monopoly, was broken up, and independent dealers thrived.
But that will not happen again. Too many and too powerful are the lobbyists that are constantly pushing their agendas on Congress. Greed wins out over the wishes of constituents.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
More Beltway Disconnect
The latest move in this pathetic display of the same-as-usual politics in the ongoing healthcare reform debacle comes to us courtesy of Senator Max Bacaus (D), Mont.
The good senator has proposed that once healthcare reform is enacted, any family not paying for coverage could be fined $3800. Sure there are financial ceilings and various criteria that would have to be met, but the basic line being proposed is 'if you don't have coverage, you'll be fined.'
What the #@&%!!?
If a family cannot afford insurance under healthcare reform, how could they possibly afford a nearly $4000 fine?! This makes absolutely NO SENSE!!! Senator Bacaus is clearly displaying more of the Beltway Disconnect that our national politicians are constantly accused of.
I don't know what mystical land his brain dwells in, but it clearly is not in a land of reality shared by millions of Americans who cannot afford insurance. A $4000 fine would be an insurmountable burden for families already struggling to keep a roof over their heads or eat enough food to stave off hunger.
This proposal REEKS of a far off land where people enact laws without any real thought of the impact they have on the populace they govern....wait...That's Washington DC...inside the beltway! No wonder they just don't get it!
The good senator has proposed that once healthcare reform is enacted, any family not paying for coverage could be fined $3800. Sure there are financial ceilings and various criteria that would have to be met, but the basic line being proposed is 'if you don't have coverage, you'll be fined.'
What the #@&%!!?
If a family cannot afford insurance under healthcare reform, how could they possibly afford a nearly $4000 fine?! This makes absolutely NO SENSE!!! Senator Bacaus is clearly displaying more of the Beltway Disconnect that our national politicians are constantly accused of.
I don't know what mystical land his brain dwells in, but it clearly is not in a land of reality shared by millions of Americans who cannot afford insurance. A $4000 fine would be an insurmountable burden for families already struggling to keep a roof over their heads or eat enough food to stave off hunger.
This proposal REEKS of a far off land where people enact laws without any real thought of the impact they have on the populace they govern....wait...That's Washington DC...inside the beltway! No wonder they just don't get it!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
A Brief Tribute for Ted
We've lost a great part of America.
An Extraordinary statesman;
A Polarizing figure in Congress;
The Heir to a family political legacy;
A man devastated by the deaths of three older brothers;
Who had a clear, constant vision of the direction this country must take;
A Loving Father and grandfather...
Senator Edward M. Kennedy
22 February 1932 - 25 August 2009
Thank You for your decades of service;
and for all you were forced to sacrifice.
An Extraordinary statesman;
A Polarizing figure in Congress;
The Heir to a family political legacy;
A man devastated by the deaths of three older brothers;
Who had a clear, constant vision of the direction this country must take;
A Loving Father and grandfather...
Senator Edward M. Kennedy
22 February 1932 - 25 August 2009
Thank You for your decades of service;
and for all you were forced to sacrifice.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Cheney's Angst & Other Bushie Issues
About a week ago (as a way of generating pre-book publication mouth wagging), former VP DICK Cheney stated that Gee Dubya Bushie got soft on him in the former President's second term. He apparently was giving in to public pressure on issues such as the two wars, the Guantanamo prisoners, etc. DICK felt as if he were alone in making tough decisions.
Awwww. Poor little DICK. He didn't get his way, and now he decides to cry about it. You gotta feel sorry for him....Really...He was so well liked. I mean, his 13% approval rating [at the end of his term] just goes to show that everybody loves DICK.
...And now he actually thinks that someone will listen to his rants about the worst President in our history. Sounds to me more like DICK is crying wolf, and nobody's listening anymore.
-enough about DICK-
As more time passes we are hearing tidit after tidbit about various GEE Dubya Bushie items and the running of his Administration. We already knew about the reports of Bushie's complete disinterest at Cabinet meetings; his NINE vacations a year; his flat out lies about bringing to justice anyone involved in the Valerie Plame CIA name leak case (ummm...if you'll recall the Libby pardon, as well as allowing Karl Rove to flaunt the law and refuse to appear before a Federal Grand Jury, etc); and his pell mell destruction of Natural Resources for the sole benefit of corporate big wigs; among many, many, many other issues.
Now we are hearing that Karl Rove actually endorsed the firing Federal Judges in a blatant trampling of the Separation of Powers. Of course, Rove still denies any knowledge of the issue, and he continues to throw lawyers and legaleze in front of him as a means of insulating himself from the continued investigation of the Federal Grand Jury.
If you ask me, the fact that he refuses the Grand Jury summons tells me he knows far more than he's willing to admit. Maybe he just wants to stay retired on the lecture circuit and make his $115,000 per appearance fee. Or, maybe he just wants to stay out of prison. In either case, Rove continues on with the delusional idea that he is actually above the law.
Next, Bushies beloved creation, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) continues to abuse the very broad definitions of its scope of powers at our nation's ports of entry. Technically, the TSA is supposed to look for weapons, drugs, and and threats coming into the country. Well, they are doing that, and more. Now the TSA is assessing purported odd behaviors of law-abiding citizens leaving the country on business or pleasure trips. Reports of racial profiling are coming to light, as well as unnecessary body searches, detainment without notification, etc.
Congress is really to blame. They allowed GEE Dubya to ramrod a non-specific creation bill through both houses of Congress because of fear. They allowed Bushie to indefinitely extend the provisions of the Patriot Act in 2005 because he made Congress fearful about the security of the United States. Now the TSA is continuing to abuse the letter and spirit of its charter in keeping the United States safe. Where (or when) does it end?
Finally, Today Tom Ridge, former TSA Director stated that the Bushie Administration pressured him to elevate the "Terror Alert Level" prior to the 2004 Presidential Election. True, there was increased chatter and threats against the US, but (from what I've read) nothing out of the ordinary as far as rhetoric and real, assessable threat value. Makes me wonder if the President wanted the Alert Level raised as a way to remind the American public of everything he had done, and that they were safer with him than with another man in the White House. Hmmmm.....
I'm sure we will see even more tidbits come out as time passes. I look forward to reading them.
Awwww. Poor little DICK. He didn't get his way, and now he decides to cry about it. You gotta feel sorry for him....Really...He was so well liked. I mean, his 13% approval rating [at the end of his term] just goes to show that everybody loves DICK.
...And now he actually thinks that someone will listen to his rants about the worst President in our history. Sounds to me more like DICK is crying wolf, and nobody's listening anymore.
-enough about DICK-
As more time passes we are hearing tidit after tidbit about various GEE Dubya Bushie items and the running of his Administration. We already knew about the reports of Bushie's complete disinterest at Cabinet meetings; his NINE vacations a year; his flat out lies about bringing to justice anyone involved in the Valerie Plame CIA name leak case (ummm...if you'll recall the Libby pardon, as well as allowing Karl Rove to flaunt the law and refuse to appear before a Federal Grand Jury, etc); and his pell mell destruction of Natural Resources for the sole benefit of corporate big wigs; among many, many, many other issues.
Now we are hearing that Karl Rove actually endorsed the firing Federal Judges in a blatant trampling of the Separation of Powers. Of course, Rove still denies any knowledge of the issue, and he continues to throw lawyers and legaleze in front of him as a means of insulating himself from the continued investigation of the Federal Grand Jury.
If you ask me, the fact that he refuses the Grand Jury summons tells me he knows far more than he's willing to admit. Maybe he just wants to stay retired on the lecture circuit and make his $115,000 per appearance fee. Or, maybe he just wants to stay out of prison. In either case, Rove continues on with the delusional idea that he is actually above the law.
Next, Bushies beloved creation, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) continues to abuse the very broad definitions of its scope of powers at our nation's ports of entry. Technically, the TSA is supposed to look for weapons, drugs, and and threats coming into the country. Well, they are doing that, and more. Now the TSA is assessing purported odd behaviors of law-abiding citizens leaving the country on business or pleasure trips. Reports of racial profiling are coming to light, as well as unnecessary body searches, detainment without notification, etc.
Congress is really to blame. They allowed GEE Dubya to ramrod a non-specific creation bill through both houses of Congress because of fear. They allowed Bushie to indefinitely extend the provisions of the Patriot Act in 2005 because he made Congress fearful about the security of the United States. Now the TSA is continuing to abuse the letter and spirit of its charter in keeping the United States safe. Where (or when) does it end?
Finally, Today Tom Ridge, former TSA Director stated that the Bushie Administration pressured him to elevate the "Terror Alert Level" prior to the 2004 Presidential Election. True, there was increased chatter and threats against the US, but (from what I've read) nothing out of the ordinary as far as rhetoric and real, assessable threat value. Makes me wonder if the President wanted the Alert Level raised as a way to remind the American public of everything he had done, and that they were safer with him than with another man in the White House. Hmmmm.....
I'm sure we will see even more tidbits come out as time passes. I look forward to reading them.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
NRA Fights a Losing Battle
The National Rifle Association, probably the singularly most powerful Lobby in DC, is finding itself on the losing side of its latest lobby attempts. For the first time in its history, the NRA is seeking to actually influence the outcome of a Senate vote for a Supreme Court Nominee.
The NRA is so powerful it openly dares our lawmakers in Congress to go against their wishes; as if they (the NRA) make policy, not Congress. They can bounce a sitting Rep. or Senator from office [in the next election cycle] if that person votes on a bill contrary to the wishes of the NRA. This is done through their considerable political influence over millions of registered voters. What the NRA says it wants from its members is generally what it gets come election day. The same can be said regarding its influence in Congress in matters of policy it (the NRA) deems vital to the interest of the entire country.
"The NRA derives much of its considerable clout from what has become a kind of mantra on Capitol Hill: Defy the gun lobby on something it cares about and face recriminations at the polls; back it and enjoy a substantial political boost.
It's something of a self-fulfilling prophecy. Lawmakers generally are terrified to test it, and the NRA is politically savvy about which issues it takes on. Its won-loss record adds to its reputation as untouchable." (msnbc 08/01/09)
With Court nominee Sotomayor, the NRA "came out in opposition to her, calling her "hostile" to the Second Amendment right to bear arms." (msnbc 08/01/09) But it appears this maneauver is going to backfire. Many Senators are seemingly disregarding the objections to Nominee Sotomayor's appointment. They are literally shrugging their collective shoulders and saying, "Well, I've got a good rating [with the NRA] no matter what; so I'll vote however I want to vote."
It will be one of the first times in recent memory that the NRA does not get its way. Then again, wading into the Confirmation of a Supreme Court Nominee is probably not the best move the NRA has ever made. Personally, I think it was a mistake on their part. It's ok (sort of) to influence policy making; it's quite another to get into a fight over the national legal landscape--someplace the NRA really has no place being...and our Congress men/women know it.
The NRA is so powerful it openly dares our lawmakers in Congress to go against their wishes; as if they (the NRA) make policy, not Congress. They can bounce a sitting Rep. or Senator from office [in the next election cycle] if that person votes on a bill contrary to the wishes of the NRA. This is done through their considerable political influence over millions of registered voters. What the NRA says it wants from its members is generally what it gets come election day. The same can be said regarding its influence in Congress in matters of policy it (the NRA) deems vital to the interest of the entire country.
"The NRA derives much of its considerable clout from what has become a kind of mantra on Capitol Hill: Defy the gun lobby on something it cares about and face recriminations at the polls; back it and enjoy a substantial political boost.
It's something of a self-fulfilling prophecy. Lawmakers generally are terrified to test it, and the NRA is politically savvy about which issues it takes on. Its won-loss record adds to its reputation as untouchable." (msnbc 08/01/09)
With Court nominee Sotomayor, the NRA "came out in opposition to her, calling her "hostile" to the Second Amendment right to bear arms." (msnbc 08/01/09) But it appears this maneauver is going to backfire. Many Senators are seemingly disregarding the objections to Nominee Sotomayor's appointment. They are literally shrugging their collective shoulders and saying, "Well, I've got a good rating [with the NRA] no matter what; so I'll vote however I want to vote."
It will be one of the first times in recent memory that the NRA does not get its way. Then again, wading into the Confirmation of a Supreme Court Nominee is probably not the best move the NRA has ever made. Personally, I think it was a mistake on their part. It's ok (sort of) to influence policy making; it's quite another to get into a fight over the national legal landscape--someplace the NRA really has no place being...and our Congress men/women know it.
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