I was speaking on the phone with a dear friend last night, and he was asking me about the Blog. I explained that I hadn’t blogged in some time simply because I didn’t have enough time. He lives in Boise, Idaho with his lovely wife and baby daughter. But speaking with him made me realize how completely hosed up our system of government actually is. (I suppose that I would have thought of this without talking to him but the conversation definitely helped my thought process.)
The two-party system has drastically outlived its usefulness in America. Why we, as a nation continue to vote for the same old, regurgitated candidates, who have been in office more than 2/3 of their lives is beyond me. My friend made a statement last night during our conversation that I have repeated numerous times during an election cycle; “You sometimes have to vote for the lesser of two evils.” This statement, though true, made me sad for the country that I love. Should our voting process really come down to selecting a candidate based on who sucks less? I mean, have we, as a nation devolved to this level of stupidity? Do we not care about our country, our families, and our freedom any more than this? If so, and judging by the past few Presidential elections this is the case, then we are sad, sad people.
Why is it that one must be a lawyer to run for office? Why is the act of governing so very complicated? Does it need to be this way? I honestly think that the people than could do the best job for this country are so jaded by the overall political process, as well as the mud-slinging that always ensues a political run, they have deemed the process unworthy of their time and sweat. I can understand why no one of any character would want to subject themselves and their family to that mess. I am desperate for a solution, but I don’t have one myself. Democrats and republicans used to stand for something. When a person identified themselves as one or the other, you knew the type of person you were dealing with. And then, somewhere along the line, something changed. Politicians
began defining their very existence by the party they were affiliated with. My friend, this is a very sad state of affairs. Right now, other than the abortion issue, there’s not a plug nickel’s worth of difference between either parties. Because while government is important, it is NOT the end-all, be-all that many would have you believe. Government is NOT the cure for all of your personal, financial, and (God forbid) medical problems. In fact, the greater issue may be that people in this country are freakin’ lazy and want Uncle Sam to do everything for them. Businesses that don’t operate ethically or financially sound should be allowed to fail; bar none. Individuals who refuse to get off their fat ass and put in an honest day’s labor for a paycheck, or who run up credit card debt that they have no way, or intention of repaying should likewise be allowed to fail.
The people of this country need to pull their head out of the sand, look beyond their owns needs in this life and, for once, do what is in the best interest of the nation-at-large. We no longer have representation, for the most part and that is a huge damn problem in my book. Let’s break out of this “Democrat or Republican” only mentality and think outside of the box a little bit. We put a man on the moon for crying out loud; surely we can figure this thing out. Educate yourselves BEFORE you vote, or better yet, don’t vote at all!
Monday, 22 February 2010
Friday, 19 February 2010
"Big Brother Tax Man"
Today, I read the manifesto of Joe Stack, the seemingly sane individual who flew his personal aircraft into an IRS building yesterday.
While I’m certain that people will call this guy a “nutcase”and a “whack job”, I think there needs to be some close perspective shed on this poor man. If you read the manifesto he wrote, you can hear the words of a man who was, obviously, at his wits’ end. His words to not strike me as crazy, or insane; quite the contrary, his ideas are well thought out even though, by his own admission, had a lot of random thoughts running through his mind.
I have always found it interesting what makes a person think that there are no other options and decides to take their own life. (And in this case the lives of others) I have been in low points in my life where it seemed like death would be a better location than the one I was currently occupying, but never got to the point of following through with the thoughts. Having gotten a glimpse of Joe Stack’s mindset, I now understand. This guy, by initial indications, was a hard-working, middle-class guy who, like most of us, has his problems. Not a criminal; not a thug. His actions, though deplorable, are at the very least understandable.
So the question to be posed is, “Is Joe Stack the issue, or is the issue the United States tax model?”
I have been a supporter of a national flat sales tax and the resulting abolition of the I.R.S. This is not hard people….you buy a Mercedes-Benz; you pay tax on a Benz….once. If you but a Chevrolet Monte Carlo, the tax wouldn’t be the same as the Mercedes. How hard is that to comprehend? But here’s the dig; it’s far easier for the Federal Government to TAKE your money up front in the form of taxes, than it is for them to operate under the constraints of a budget-type system. And make no doubt, we do not PAY taxes. The tax is taken from us before we ever even get to touch our payroll checks or direct deposits. And when the fortunate few get a “refund”….sure you did. Uncle Sam TOOK your money up front, and then used it for whatever, and then gave it back to you. It was never his to being with!!!
The entire system is a sham and is outdated. But as long as there’s money to be made by those in power, whomever that may be, the system will remain in place. And I fully believe that we will see more acts such as this one in the coming days and months. This will be because we have no true representation in this “republic” government. When people catch on the that fact, all hell is going to break loose. I can only hope I’m around to see it happen.
Shit Personified
There will likely be many more posts in the near future about the topic of which a write today. So let's just call this a "teaser", shall we?
Do you know anyone who meets the following characteristics?
Do you know anyone who meets the following characteristics?
- Lives off the family name
- Drives a vehicle they did not buy themselves
- Lives in a house they do not own
- Has people they are not related to to pay their medical bills
- Is a hypochondriac
Most of you that read my blog know a person exactly like this and later we will look into the mind and psyche of Shit Personified.....should be a blast
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
Illegal Immigration......Simplified
America is the greatest country on our little blue marble; I have stated this fact before. And we do have more than our share of issues going on here. I mean, we're still babies as far as nations go; we're still trying to figure this thing out. But there is one single issue that can be cured without alot of hulabaloo. This issue is illegal immigration. This single issue is costing our taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars every year, and it's got to stop. Or at least brought to a very slow trickle.
Now I understand that this wonderful nation is made up of immigrants; save my Native American brothers. America is the place where a person can literally be anything they choose to be. We have more freedoms in this country than most of its citizens even realize. That's what makes it so attractive. But America is also a nation of laws and if you, Mr. Immigrant are here without the proper documentation, you are breaking our laws. I'm not really certain why this is. For instance, the next time you have a free moment, try to sneak into China and send us a postcard to let us know what happened. Or how about crossing the border illegally into Iran? The climate is always warm, I hear. You know why immigrants aren't lined up at the border to get into these veritable wonderlands? Because they will shoot your collective asses on sight if they catch you attempting to sneak into the country. So why does America continue to allow this? Just like a small child who keeps getting into the cookie jar, after the parent has repeatedly told him or her not to, THERE ARE NO CONSEQUENCES.
So, after spending all of 15 minutes at my desk yesterday I have developed not just one plan....oh no! I have come up with two plans for controlling the illegal immigrant population. Ready? Now these are very detailed and highly thought-out, so please read slowly and try to stay with me.
Plan A: Commit as many Armed Americans as possible to the borders of this country; both North and South. I don't care what it costs, because whatever the cost to do this, it's less expensive than the illegals are costing us every day! These Armed Americans will be ordered to shoot on-sight, any adult trying to cross our borders illegally. Children with parents will be immediately deported. Just shoot 'em and carry their carcasses back across the border and make a daily phone call to the leader of whatever country they came from and tell him that he can pick up "x" number of bodies at midnight.
Plan B: I developed this one for my more humanitarian relatives that follow this blog. Plan B would allow our eager illegals (try saying that 3 times really fast!) to cross over into our country. However, upon arrival, they would be immediately enlisted into the Infantry Division of the U.S. Army and sent to one of three exotic locations: Iraq, Pakistan, or Afghanistan. Here they will be required to serve a 5-year enlistment defending the country that they obviously adore. If they refuse or are unable to complete this 5-year opportunity, they would then be required to take up residence in the country i which they are currently serving, because that's where they will be left!
However, after completion of the "probationary period", and after completing an E.S.L. course, they will be welcomed home as both a hero and a U.S. citizen!
Everybody wins!!!
As previously stated, there are many issues in this country, but illegal immigration ain't one of them.
Now I understand that this wonderful nation is made up of immigrants; save my Native American brothers. America is the place where a person can literally be anything they choose to be. We have more freedoms in this country than most of its citizens even realize. That's what makes it so attractive. But America is also a nation of laws and if you, Mr. Immigrant are here without the proper documentation, you are breaking our laws. I'm not really certain why this is. For instance, the next time you have a free moment, try to sneak into China and send us a postcard to let us know what happened. Or how about crossing the border illegally into Iran? The climate is always warm, I hear. You know why immigrants aren't lined up at the border to get into these veritable wonderlands? Because they will shoot your collective asses on sight if they catch you attempting to sneak into the country. So why does America continue to allow this? Just like a small child who keeps getting into the cookie jar, after the parent has repeatedly told him or her not to, THERE ARE NO CONSEQUENCES.
So, after spending all of 15 minutes at my desk yesterday I have developed not just one plan....oh no! I have come up with two plans for controlling the illegal immigrant population. Ready? Now these are very detailed and highly thought-out, so please read slowly and try to stay with me.
Plan A: Commit as many Armed Americans as possible to the borders of this country; both North and South. I don't care what it costs, because whatever the cost to do this, it's less expensive than the illegals are costing us every day! These Armed Americans will be ordered to shoot on-sight, any adult trying to cross our borders illegally. Children with parents will be immediately deported. Just shoot 'em and carry their carcasses back across the border and make a daily phone call to the leader of whatever country they came from and tell him that he can pick up "x" number of bodies at midnight.
Plan B: I developed this one for my more humanitarian relatives that follow this blog. Plan B would allow our eager illegals (try saying that 3 times really fast!) to cross over into our country. However, upon arrival, they would be immediately enlisted into the Infantry Division of the U.S. Army and sent to one of three exotic locations: Iraq, Pakistan, or Afghanistan. Here they will be required to serve a 5-year enlistment defending the country that they obviously adore. If they refuse or are unable to complete this 5-year opportunity, they would then be required to take up residence in the country i which they are currently serving, because that's where they will be left!
However, after completion of the "probationary period", and after completing an E.S.L. course, they will be welcomed home as both a hero and a U.S. citizen!
Everybody wins!!!
As previously stated, there are many issues in this country, but illegal immigration ain't one of them.
Thursday, 28 January 2010
Stop The Politic and Fix the Country!!!
As I’m watching President Obama’s S.O.T.U. address last night, I’m wondering what direction he and his Democrat-controlled Congress are leading our country.
President Obama is a very eloquent speaker, to be certain, but is there is substance, whatsoever, to his wordy, beautiful speeches? There doesn’t seem to be, and now the President is starting lose the faith of his own party in Congress, who are running for reelection this year. Can they really afford to continue down this path of political aggressiveness? Do these that suckle on the teat of the American taxpayer really want to continue to poke the proverbial sleeping dog with a stick? The recent Massachusetts elections have shown the Democrats (and Republicans) that no one is safe. I truly believe that the people of this country are sick and tired of having their country run by special interest groups who cut backroom deals, hidden from the daylight of openness and fairness.
Personally, I like the way that the tide seems to be turning. I have long believed that we need, and deserve, more than the two-party system in government that we currently have. There are times when it has worked, but in times such as these, it is a boil that needs to be lanced with a hot needle. The President has made promises, as has ever other candidate running for an elected office has, that have yet to materialize. The difference is that this country is in a shitstorm right now and empty promises only make the problem worse. He did make a good point last night when eh said that there were issues before he took office. This is true, but every President in history has had messes to clean up from the previous administration. Obama’s mess to clean up is simply larger than most. The country didn’t get in this shape overnight and it’s certainly not going to be repaired overnight; but there really doesn’t seem to be a direction from this administration other than “we need healthcare reform.”
I believe that the administration is trying to do entirely too much in too short a period of time. Why can’t they see that the majority of Americans want less government; not more? Regardless of what it’s promising to do for you. In my humble opinion, until the people of this country make the concerted effort to do for self, and stop letting Uncle Sam pay your bills and feed you and clothe you……nothing will change. This isn’t a Democrat/Republican thing; it’s an American self-esteem thing. Because here’s the pinch; if the government is feeding and clothing you, THEY get to determine how you act and what you pay. (Well the IRS already takes our pay before we even see it, but that’s a blog for another day)
I hope that Obama does a good job for the country, regardless of what party he is. I really couldn’t care less if I tried to. I’m far more interested in his results than his political affiliations or his sound bites.
President Obama is a very eloquent speaker, to be certain, but is there is substance, whatsoever, to his wordy, beautiful speeches? There doesn’t seem to be, and now the President is starting lose the faith of his own party in Congress, who are running for reelection this year. Can they really afford to continue down this path of political aggressiveness? Do these that suckle on the teat of the American taxpayer really want to continue to poke the proverbial sleeping dog with a stick? The recent Massachusetts elections have shown the Democrats (and Republicans) that no one is safe. I truly believe that the people of this country are sick and tired of having their country run by special interest groups who cut backroom deals, hidden from the daylight of openness and fairness.
Personally, I like the way that the tide seems to be turning. I have long believed that we need, and deserve, more than the two-party system in government that we currently have. There are times when it has worked, but in times such as these, it is a boil that needs to be lanced with a hot needle. The President has made promises, as has ever other candidate running for an elected office has, that have yet to materialize. The difference is that this country is in a shitstorm right now and empty promises only make the problem worse. He did make a good point last night when eh said that there were issues before he took office. This is true, but every President in history has had messes to clean up from the previous administration. Obama’s mess to clean up is simply larger than most. The country didn’t get in this shape overnight and it’s certainly not going to be repaired overnight; but there really doesn’t seem to be a direction from this administration other than “we need healthcare reform.”
I believe that the administration is trying to do entirely too much in too short a period of time. Why can’t they see that the majority of Americans want less government; not more? Regardless of what it’s promising to do for you. In my humble opinion, until the people of this country make the concerted effort to do for self, and stop letting Uncle Sam pay your bills and feed you and clothe you……nothing will change. This isn’t a Democrat/Republican thing; it’s an American self-esteem thing. Because here’s the pinch; if the government is feeding and clothing you, THEY get to determine how you act and what you pay. (Well the IRS already takes our pay before we even see it, but that’s a blog for another day)
I hope that Obama does a good job for the country, regardless of what party he is. I really couldn’t care less if I tried to. I’m far more interested in his results than his political affiliations or his sound bites.
Sunday, 24 January 2010
The Big 4-0
I sit here on the day before my 40th birthday and ponder what my life will amount to when I'm gone. I mean, let's be honest here, we all want to be remembered for something other than just "being' here.
It's funny; I don't "feel" 40; whatever that means. But I'm certain as the body begins to break down, the pains, and the near-sightedness, and other issues associated with getting old will come. I don't fear getting old, because it seems to me nothing more than a state of mind. I'm in fair shape for being inactive for the past year or so. I guess when a person, especially a man, reaches this magical number, he begins to question his own mortality. "How much longer do I have?", you ask yourself. None of us really knows. I could die tomorrow and wouldn't be a bit surprised.
I have long thought that I would never live to see my 60th birthday. I'm not really certain why, and I don't have empirical evidence to back that feeling up. Just a gut feeling, I guess. I believe that a fair part of our mortality can be attributed to our significant other; spouse; lover; whatever. In my previous marriage I could have guaranteed you that I would not make it to my 60th. And quite frankly, there were many times that I didn't want to. (Pretty bad, right?) But I have since found my soul mate and the absolute woman of my dreams in my wife and I think that I'd like to hang around for a little bit longer. She and I have alot to do....alot of 'catching up" to do.
It's strange how we view age in relation to our own age. I've always thought that my Dad was younger than his physical age. I've got some pretty good genes working in my favor. If I recall correctly, I think Dad got carded for cigarettes when he was 40+. (Although I ordered a beer at Wasabi's last night. The dude next to me was asked for I.D. and I was not = reality check)
Anyway turning 40 isn't what I thought it would be, and I'm certainly not ready for the annual Dr. Jellyfinger visits!!!
It's funny; I don't "feel" 40; whatever that means. But I'm certain as the body begins to break down, the pains, and the near-sightedness, and other issues associated with getting old will come. I don't fear getting old, because it seems to me nothing more than a state of mind. I'm in fair shape for being inactive for the past year or so. I guess when a person, especially a man, reaches this magical number, he begins to question his own mortality. "How much longer do I have?", you ask yourself. None of us really knows. I could die tomorrow and wouldn't be a bit surprised.
I have long thought that I would never live to see my 60th birthday. I'm not really certain why, and I don't have empirical evidence to back that feeling up. Just a gut feeling, I guess. I believe that a fair part of our mortality can be attributed to our significant other; spouse; lover; whatever. In my previous marriage I could have guaranteed you that I would not make it to my 60th. And quite frankly, there were many times that I didn't want to. (Pretty bad, right?) But I have since found my soul mate and the absolute woman of my dreams in my wife and I think that I'd like to hang around for a little bit longer. She and I have alot to do....alot of 'catching up" to do.
It's strange how we view age in relation to our own age. I've always thought that my Dad was younger than his physical age. I've got some pretty good genes working in my favor. If I recall correctly, I think Dad got carded for cigarettes when he was 40+. (Although I ordered a beer at Wasabi's last night. The dude next to me was asked for I.D. and I was not = reality check)
Anyway turning 40 isn't what I thought it would be, and I'm certainly not ready for the annual Dr. Jellyfinger visits!!!
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Drinkin' The "Lane Train" Kool-Aid
Somewhere, Phil Fulmer is laughing his ass off.
Somewhere in the greater Los Angeles metroplex, Al Davis is sitting in his white, polyester leisure suit, drinking a martini laughing his ass off.
Lane Kiffin pulled the greatest illusion and subsequent escape since Harry Houdini and the underwater death chamber. He resigned his position at the University of Tennessee, packed up and left and will hold a press conference (likely longer than the 120-second spectacle he held last night) and talk about USC being his dream job, blah, blah, blah.
Listen, I’m a capitalist of the highest order; if you’re going to pay me more money to do, basically, the same job, I’m your man. I Get it, but there’s a way in which you should leave your job. One way you don’t leave your employer is in the middle of the night, via email or text message. Kiffin has forever burned bridges at U.T. that will never be repaired. This makes the issues between Phat Phil and the University look like a love spat between Popeye and Olive Oyl; and we all know how those two parties feel about one another.
I was listening to the Petros and Money show last night on the Fox Sports radio and they were talking about this very thing. They had college football analyst Chris Landry on and he hit the nail right on the head when he said that Kiffin was not ready for the position as head at U.T.(or ANY S.E.C. school for that matter). In Hollywood, he can say all the stupid things he wants, make false accusations, and recruit criminals and nobody will care because Kobe will score 50 points in any given game and Kiffin will no longer be the main story. There are movie stars and 9 professional sports franchises to hide behind. In the South football is a religion. The head football coach at any member institution is more noticeable than the governor of the state, and likely any of the state’s representatives. Kiffin was clearly not ready for that type of spotlight.
If you think about his camera time, whether in a press conference or on the sidelines before a big game, he always looked as if he needed to take a nice big dump to clean out the system. He just never looked comfortable. I also think that his trophy wife had something to do with the move. She was never really accepted here, she didn’t like the cold weather and snow and I believe that she ultimately pulled the trigger to get the family to move.
Although I’m not a Buddhist, I am a firm believer in Karma and I know it’s a real bitch, and it will, at some point come back to bite Lane Kiffin right in the ass. I can only hope that I can be there to enjoy it. Kiffin has burned bridges at Tennessee and will likely never be back here again. I do hold out hope that we can play them in a bowl game in the next couple of years and kick his ass just out of pure spite!
Al Davis was right when he said that Kiffin would “rip this university apart”. I can’t stand Al Davis, but when you’re right; you’re right. Kiffin did EXACTLY what Davis said he would do.
Somewhere, in a cabin in the Smokies, Phil Fulmer is laughing his ass off and I don’t blame him……
Here's what some of the national sportswriters are saying about Kiffin's speedy departure:
"If there were a stock car race between all the frauds, egomaniacs, and two-faced weasels I've ever covered, Lane Kiffin would have the pole position all to himself." (Gene Wojehowski, ESPN)
"Paris Hilton has paid more dues than Lane Kiffin" (Pat Forde, Senior Writer, ESPN)
I'm putting my money on Kippy Brown, someone who knows Tennessee football, who IS loyal, and who IS honest. It stings for now, but we're better off without that jackwad.
It's great.....to be.....a Tennesee Vol!!!!
Somewhere in the greater Los Angeles metroplex, Al Davis is sitting in his white, polyester leisure suit, drinking a martini laughing his ass off.
Lane Kiffin pulled the greatest illusion and subsequent escape since Harry Houdini and the underwater death chamber. He resigned his position at the University of Tennessee, packed up and left and will hold a press conference (likely longer than the 120-second spectacle he held last night) and talk about USC being his dream job, blah, blah, blah.
Listen, I’m a capitalist of the highest order; if you’re going to pay me more money to do, basically, the same job, I’m your man. I Get it, but there’s a way in which you should leave your job. One way you don’t leave your employer is in the middle of the night, via email or text message. Kiffin has forever burned bridges at U.T. that will never be repaired. This makes the issues between Phat Phil and the University look like a love spat between Popeye and Olive Oyl; and we all know how those two parties feel about one another.
I was listening to the Petros and Money show last night on the Fox Sports radio and they were talking about this very thing. They had college football analyst Chris Landry on and he hit the nail right on the head when he said that Kiffin was not ready for the position as head at U.T.(or ANY S.E.C. school for that matter). In Hollywood, he can say all the stupid things he wants, make false accusations, and recruit criminals and nobody will care because Kobe will score 50 points in any given game and Kiffin will no longer be the main story. There are movie stars and 9 professional sports franchises to hide behind. In the South football is a religion. The head football coach at any member institution is more noticeable than the governor of the state, and likely any of the state’s representatives. Kiffin was clearly not ready for that type of spotlight.
If you think about his camera time, whether in a press conference or on the sidelines before a big game, he always looked as if he needed to take a nice big dump to clean out the system. He just never looked comfortable. I also think that his trophy wife had something to do with the move. She was never really accepted here, she didn’t like the cold weather and snow and I believe that she ultimately pulled the trigger to get the family to move.
Although I’m not a Buddhist, I am a firm believer in Karma and I know it’s a real bitch, and it will, at some point come back to bite Lane Kiffin right in the ass. I can only hope that I can be there to enjoy it. Kiffin has burned bridges at Tennessee and will likely never be back here again. I do hold out hope that we can play them in a bowl game in the next couple of years and kick his ass just out of pure spite!
Al Davis was right when he said that Kiffin would “rip this university apart”. I can’t stand Al Davis, but when you’re right; you’re right. Kiffin did EXACTLY what Davis said he would do.
Somewhere, in a cabin in the Smokies, Phil Fulmer is laughing his ass off and I don’t blame him……
Here's what some of the national sportswriters are saying about Kiffin's speedy departure:
"If there were a stock car race between all the frauds, egomaniacs, and two-faced weasels I've ever covered, Lane Kiffin would have the pole position all to himself." (Gene Wojehowski, ESPN)
"Paris Hilton has paid more dues than Lane Kiffin" (Pat Forde, Senior Writer, ESPN)
I'm putting my money on Kippy Brown, someone who knows Tennessee football, who IS loyal, and who IS honest. It stings for now, but we're better off without that jackwad.
It's great.....to be.....a Tennesee Vol!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)