I again think it is time to retire this blog. It has been fun if not well read. Oh well, the act of blogging is therapeutic. I need to find another way to vent frustration with the simple mindedness of the public discourse. The two party system works because it allows us to compartmentalize the enormous amounts of information we have to process. It doesn't work because it makes people take positions that have no basis in fact or common sense.
So, my final vent.......
The epitome of stupidity was the rambling and venomous disagreement with Obama speaking to school kids about staying in school and working hard. Totally crazy that the opposition even existed.
Liberals are torqued because Obama isn't liberal enough. Conservatives are torqued because Obama is a Socialist in their minds. Of course, the truth lies in the middle.
I was raised as a child to not be prejudiced. I attended a public university with students from more than 70 countries, and I contend that you cannot be in that situation, see people of all persuasions, color, creed, etc. going through the same trials, tribulations, failures and successes as one's self, and be overly prejudiced.
A good deal of the dislike for Obama is he is left of center (not far in my opinion) and most Americans are probably are slightly right of center. But there is also a dislike by some for Obama because he is 1/2 Black. The "Birthers" sound like nut jobs to me. In AZ, we are working on more legislation to make the state a laughing stock - a presidential candidate will have to prove to AZ that they are eligible or they can't be on the ballot.
The Republicans are going to work together today to stop the vote to regulate the banking industry. Apparently they like Goldman Sachs. I am sure they read the emails that talk about screwing clients and making millions betting against the very financial derivatives that they were creating. Are they serious?
Banks, car manufacturers etc. are or have repaid the loans given to them by the tax payers. Some years in advance. Why would they do this? Because they don't want the oversight that comes with the continued use of the money. They should be commended for repaying the money, but the motivation should scare us all to death. We will not be able to sustain another hit like the financial mess we encountered in 2007-2009.
As in almost all mid-term elections, the opposition (to the President) party will pick up seats. How many? Who knows. It may be enough to regain control of the house and senate. That may actually be good for Obama and the rest of us. It certainly helped Clinton, and therefore our economy when he had to work with a Republican majority.
The single best historical combination for our economy is a Democratic President with a Republican congress. That is undeniable.
There are more subjects, but I need to be done. To the few of you who have read this blog, I encourage you to try to look at thinks from more than one side and get your news from more than one source. It is imperative that we have an informed public.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Immigration Law in AZ
The legislature in AZ has sent a bill to Governor Brewer for her signature. This basically makes an illegal immigrant guilty of trespassing in AZ. The national media has portrayed it as a license to racial profile.
I find it amusing to listen to both sides on this issue. It is exactly why this blog exists. The extremes are so out there.
Here is the reality - we have a porous border and have had one for a long, long time; true also in Texas, New Mexico, and California as well. The feds have basically done nothing to create a comprehensive program. We build fences, we send the Guard, we give amnesty, etc., yadda yadda, yadda, blah, blah, blah.
In the end, millions of people come to this country illegally. Many do not speak English and they don't even really try to assimilate, or worse try to create "Little Mexico" right here in AZ. However, most do not commit crimes (other than trespassing I guess) and are only here to try to make a better life for their families. They pay taxes, buy goods (thus pay more taxes), and in some cases pay into Social Security with no chance of ever getting it back.
We have already made strides in AZ by punishing employers who knowingly employ illegals. Many have left because of this and probably more so because of the stinky economy. Those that stay use medical services and send their kids to crowded schools.
I think the sponsor of the legislation is a mean-spirited man who simply dislikes minorities and women; loves old White guys. McCain, the now political chameleon, has suddenly come out for the Gov to sign it. This from the guy who last sponsored a much more illegal immigrant friendly bill a few years ago. Of course now he is in an election against J.D. Hayworth for the Republican spot in the Senate race. J.D. Hayworth is a blowhard of the Limbaugh ilk. If the Tea Party people get their way, they might actually elect the dimwitted Hayworth.
Immigration needs to be handled on the federal level but until then, I guess the state should do what it can to stem the tide. If this bill does that, so be it. As to racial profiling? An AZ driver's license suffices because you have to prove citizenship to get one. I wish I could get fired up about racial profiling but I cannot. Like airport security, I think it makes sense to look at the people who resemble those that have blown up airplanes, themselves, etc. I am an equal opportunity profiler however. For example, I understand why people fear the White guy of 20 some years old, wearing fatigues, and carrying weapons around, or driving a truck/van that might be filled with explosives - someone like Timothy McVeigh for example.
Here is my only real concern: If my mother, sister or brother were to visit (not likely with my brother) and be stopped by police, they may have trouble meeting the requirement since they have out of state driver's licenses and would not likely be carrying a passport. They do have light colored skin however so will probably be okay.
I find it amusing to listen to both sides on this issue. It is exactly why this blog exists. The extremes are so out there.
Here is the reality - we have a porous border and have had one for a long, long time; true also in Texas, New Mexico, and California as well. The feds have basically done nothing to create a comprehensive program. We build fences, we send the Guard, we give amnesty, etc., yadda yadda, yadda, blah, blah, blah.
In the end, millions of people come to this country illegally. Many do not speak English and they don't even really try to assimilate, or worse try to create "Little Mexico" right here in AZ. However, most do not commit crimes (other than trespassing I guess) and are only here to try to make a better life for their families. They pay taxes, buy goods (thus pay more taxes), and in some cases pay into Social Security with no chance of ever getting it back.
We have already made strides in AZ by punishing employers who knowingly employ illegals. Many have left because of this and probably more so because of the stinky economy. Those that stay use medical services and send their kids to crowded schools.
I think the sponsor of the legislation is a mean-spirited man who simply dislikes minorities and women; loves old White guys. McCain, the now political chameleon, has suddenly come out for the Gov to sign it. This from the guy who last sponsored a much more illegal immigrant friendly bill a few years ago. Of course now he is in an election against J.D. Hayworth for the Republican spot in the Senate race. J.D. Hayworth is a blowhard of the Limbaugh ilk. If the Tea Party people get their way, they might actually elect the dimwitted Hayworth.
Immigration needs to be handled on the federal level but until then, I guess the state should do what it can to stem the tide. If this bill does that, so be it. As to racial profiling? An AZ driver's license suffices because you have to prove citizenship to get one. I wish I could get fired up about racial profiling but I cannot. Like airport security, I think it makes sense to look at the people who resemble those that have blown up airplanes, themselves, etc. I am an equal opportunity profiler however. For example, I understand why people fear the White guy of 20 some years old, wearing fatigues, and carrying weapons around, or driving a truck/van that might be filled with explosives - someone like Timothy McVeigh for example.
Here is my only real concern: If my mother, sister or brother were to visit (not likely with my brother) and be stopped by police, they may have trouble meeting the requirement since they have out of state driver's licenses and would not likely be carrying a passport. They do have light colored skin however so will probably be okay.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Re-Distribution of Wealth
The current mantra from conservatives makes it seem as if all wealth is being moved to the masses in some socialist movement. Clearly President Obama wants to make the rich, himself included, pay for some of his more important agenda items. No surprise - this was a major plank in his campaign.
What I find more fascinating is the redistribution of wealth that occurred with Goldman Sachs. It has been alleged, and this first part is pretty clear, that $1 Billion dollars from supposedly savvy investors was re-distributed to a hedge fund, ostensibly with the info coming from Goldman Sachs. Ouch.
I don't see the Tea Party dudes bitching about that even though it is just one example of how the financial empires screwed the world economy. Think how many jobs were lost when individuals and companies were bilked out of $1B so that one guy could bet against the investments and reap that exact $1B. Wow.
What I find more fascinating is the redistribution of wealth that occurred with Goldman Sachs. It has been alleged, and this first part is pretty clear, that $1 Billion dollars from supposedly savvy investors was re-distributed to a hedge fund, ostensibly with the info coming from Goldman Sachs. Ouch.
I don't see the Tea Party dudes bitching about that even though it is just one example of how the financial empires screwed the world economy. Think how many jobs were lost when individuals and companies were bilked out of $1B so that one guy could bet against the investments and reap that exact $1B. Wow.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Enough Laughing
Nuclear weapons are not a laughing matter!
Actually, it appears that there is some consensus to that statement. I don't really worry too much about nuclear weapons on a daily basis. To date, the U.S. is the only country to deploy them in a war situation. That was more than 60 years ago.
I do worry about rogue nations (Iran, N. Korea, etc.) getting them and more importantly the loss of some nuclear weapons. Where are they? Are they secure? What happens if the Taliban get one or the ever elusive Bin Laden?
Obama is being presidential as he pursues this cause and I appreciate his administration's efforts along these lines.
Actually, it appears that there is some consensus to that statement. I don't really worry too much about nuclear weapons on a daily basis. To date, the U.S. is the only country to deploy them in a war situation. That was more than 60 years ago.
I do worry about rogue nations (Iran, N. Korea, etc.) getting them and more importantly the loss of some nuclear weapons. Where are they? Are they secure? What happens if the Taliban get one or the ever elusive Bin Laden?
Obama is being presidential as he pursues this cause and I appreciate his administration's efforts along these lines.
Gotta Laugh!
As we enter yet another voting season, let us ponder upon this wise story!
While walking down the street one day a "Member of Parliament" is tragically hit by a truck and died. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.
'Welcome to heaven,' says St. Peter. 'Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you.'
'No problem, just let me in,' says the man.
'Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity.'
'Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven,' says the MP.
'I'm sorry, but we have our rules.'
And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had
worked with him.
Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people.
They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne. Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly & nice guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go.
Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises....
The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St. Peter is
waiting for him. 'Now it's time to visit heaven.'
So, 24 hours pass with the MP joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.
'Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity.'
The MP reflects for a minute, then he answers: 'Well, I would never have said it
before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell.'
So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage.
He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above. The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder.
'I don't understand,' stammers the MP. 'Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable.
What happened?'
The devil looks at him, smiles and says, 'Yesterday we were campaigning.....
Today you voted.'
While walking down the street one day a "Member of Parliament" is tragically hit by a truck and died. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.
'Welcome to heaven,' says St. Peter. 'Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you.'
'No problem, just let me in,' says the man.
'Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity.'
'Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven,' says the MP.
'I'm sorry, but we have our rules.'
And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had
worked with him.
Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people.
They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne. Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly & nice guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go.
Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises....
The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St. Peter is
waiting for him. 'Now it's time to visit heaven.'
So, 24 hours pass with the MP joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.
'Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity.'
The MP reflects for a minute, then he answers: 'Well, I would never have said it
before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell.'
So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage.
He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above. The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder.
'I don't understand,' stammers the MP. 'Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable.
What happened?'
The devil looks at him, smiles and says, 'Yesterday we were campaigning.....
Today you voted.'
Lawyers.....
I was at a conference yesterday in CA and there was a lawyer speaking. About midway through he decided to tell a funny story about a fellow lawyer. His caveat was that he didn't really know if the story was true but on pretty good authority he was told that it was true.
An attorney purchased two dozen very expensive cigars and thus he insured them. Unbelievably there was an insurance company that was willing to write such a policy and take the lawyer's money. The lawyer then over a period of time smoked the cigars and when they were all gone he filed a claim with the insurance company claiming that the cigars were destroyed in a series of small fires!
Of course the insurance company denied the claim and of course the lawyer sued. When the case was heard by the judge, the judge found in favor of the lawyer, basically saying if you were stupid enough to write this policy and take the premium, then you should pay. Which they did.
(now, that is an odd enough story, but here is the kicker........)
The lawyer was in turn arrested on 24 cases of arson. Beautiful!
An attorney purchased two dozen very expensive cigars and thus he insured them. Unbelievably there was an insurance company that was willing to write such a policy and take the lawyer's money. The lawyer then over a period of time smoked the cigars and when they were all gone he filed a claim with the insurance company claiming that the cigars were destroyed in a series of small fires!
Of course the insurance company denied the claim and of course the lawyer sued. When the case was heard by the judge, the judge found in favor of the lawyer, basically saying if you were stupid enough to write this policy and take the premium, then you should pay. Which they did.
(now, that is an odd enough story, but here is the kicker........)
The lawyer was in turn arrested on 24 cases of arson. Beautiful!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Science and Religion
In the past I have made mention of a person that spoke to my Catechism class when I was a teenager. He made a compelling argument that science and the bible/organized religion need not be incompatible. That argument stuck with me, even if his name did not.
This just in - Bruce Waltke is a professor of some renown in the area of Christianity. He recently opined the following:
"If the data is overwhelmingly in favor of evolution, to deny that reality will make us a cult ... some odd group that is not really interacting with the world. And rightly so, because we are not using our gifts and trusting God's Providence that brought us to this point of our awareness." Those words set off a furor at the Reformed Theological Seminary, where Waltke was -- until this week -- a professor. (The seminary is evangelical, with ties to several denominations.)
What a shame that an educational facility, which should promote open discussion of issues, has seen fit to remove a renowned scholar for speaking about what is so clear to many of us.
The article is much more in depth that what I have shared, so here is the link to the story.
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2010/04/09/video
This just in - Bruce Waltke is a professor of some renown in the area of Christianity. He recently opined the following:
"If the data is overwhelmingly in favor of evolution, to deny that reality will make us a cult ... some odd group that is not really interacting with the world. And rightly so, because we are not using our gifts and trusting God's Providence that brought us to this point of our awareness." Those words set off a furor at the Reformed Theological Seminary, where Waltke was -- until this week -- a professor. (The seminary is evangelical, with ties to several denominations.)
What a shame that an educational facility, which should promote open discussion of issues, has seen fit to remove a renowned scholar for speaking about what is so clear to many of us.
The article is much more in depth that what I have shared, so here is the link to the story.
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2010/04/09/video
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Islam vs American Values
Perhaps the title here should have been "Islam's compatibility with American Culture and Law" but who cares. Fascinating article by someone who has risked her life and given up her family to reside and thrive in America. Follow the link:
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/542432.html?nav=5006
FYI - the Mining Journal is the newspaper for Marquette, Michigan, the "Queen City of the North." Also happens to be the place that I was born - a beautiful but cold, snowy place in the Upper Pennisula of Michigan. If you are from the U.P., you are a U'per.
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/542432.html?nav=5006
FYI - the Mining Journal is the newspaper for Marquette, Michigan, the "Queen City of the North." Also happens to be the place that I was born - a beautiful but cold, snowy place in the Upper Pennisula of Michigan. If you are from the U.P., you are a U'per.
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