As Memorial Day in the US is now over, let me take a quick break from my normal format to thank all of the past, present, and future members of the United States military for their service to our nation and then personal sacrifice. (For my readers outside the US, Memorial Day is a holiday set aside to remember and revere all of the millions of men and women who have been killed in the line of military duty throughout the history of our country. It also bears noting the United States military is a strictly volunteer force.)
As I attended my umpteenth Indianapolis 500 this past Sunday and watched pickup truck after pickup truck full of active service members make laps around the hallowed grounds of the Brickyard, where they were saluted by hundreds of thousands of race fans, it really occurred to me that, despite their cheesy grins and over animated waves to the crowd, there was no more deserving group of people to be given the honor of a lap around Indianapolis Motor Speedway. We can only hope that they are honored as the heroes they are at all times.
As I once shared with my buddy, and fellow student nurse, Matt, I can count the number of times that I feared for my life since I joined the fire service five or six years ago on one hand with fingers to spare. These men and women who are fighting in the wars in the Middle East fear for lives all day every day for essentially their entire tour of duty. Stop and think about that the next time you whine about spending sixty bucks to put gasoline in your vehicle. They are in harm's way each and every day of their service in the Middle East. These men and women are modern day heroes and deserve to be treated as such.
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Twatwaffles Of The Week
And away we go..............................
First, a dicknozzle of douchebaggery (aka an honorable mention): The occupants of an apartment on the edge of the Purdue University campus in West Lafayette, IN, who were displaying an American flag in their front window. While I appreciate their display of patriotism, they had the flag hanging in such a way that the field of stars was in the upper right land corner instead of the upper left hand corner per proper US flag display rules. Yeah, guys, if you're gonna display our flag, please do it properly. Just sayin'.................
Number Five: Radio and MSNBC commentator Ed Schultz, who in his radio show earlier in the week, referred to commentator Laura Ingraham as a "right wing slut". Nice talk, Ed. You are making Limbaugh sound civil. This is yet another reason why I have no use whatsoever for the windbags that try to pass themselves off as political pundits in this day and age.
She Is A Right Wing What??
Number Four: CNNMoney.com for running headline that reads, "Florida and Texas in Jobs Pissing Match". Seriously? Pissing match? This is considered an acceptable headline for mainstream, credible, media website? Next time, let's leave the locker room talk in the locker room, shall we?
They Are In What Kind Of Match?????
Number Three: Donald Cushing, a 59 year old high school teacher from Chicopee, MA, who allegedly sent lewd and pornographic photos to a 15 year old female student's cell phone. Okay, if adults want to send sexually charged material to each others' phones, I guess that is on them; but when a high school teacher does so with a student, it just makes my skin crawl. How do these people justify abusing their positions of authority and influence like this? I don't get it, but it does gain them instant twatwaffle status.
Teacher Or Sicko? You Decide
Number Two: Tiki Barber, the erstwhile running back from the New York Football Giants, who recently compared himself to Anne Frank after moving into his Jewish agent's attic in order to escape the glare of the media after leaving his pregnant wife and moving in with his girlfriend, an action that earned him twatwaffle status as well. Tiki, seriously, dude, Anne Frank? An innocent girl who hid in a cramped attic from the Nazis for two years before dying in a concentration camp at age 15 after being captured? Seriously? You are comparing your sleazy, overpaid, philandering, millionaire self to her? Shameful. Shameful, and most assuredly a twatwaffle times two. Here is hoping you are never seen, nor heard from again, on the football field or in the commentator's booth.
Tiki Frank? I Think Not.
Number One: Harold Camping. Yep, the same Harold Camping that was last week's Number One Twatwaffle has achieved a first in the history of this blog. Not only has he made the weekly twatwaffle list on two consecutive weeks, but he is Number One two weeks running, a feat unequaled in the history of You Know What I Don't Understand?
Why is he back? Well, as if it weren't bad enough that his concrete prediction of the Rapture happening on 21 May 11 didn't occur (either that or so few people were called to heaven that we haven't missed them yet), he has now decided that he merely miscalculated. It would seem that 21 Oct 11 has now been determined to be the big day. I know I for one will be waiting with baited breath just as I did last Saturday. I'll just bet we will all be disappointed again. What is even worse is that I am sure thousands of people will continue to believe in Mr. Camping, send him money, cut all their worldly ties in late October, and then make excuses for him when he is wrong........................again. Please, sir, take yourself and your crackpot predictions back to the swamps of Florida where they belong. You should be ashamed of yourself. I am sure are not, but you bloody well should be.
Wait!!! Wait!!!!!! I Was Off By Six Months
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
First, a dicknozzle of douchebaggery (aka an honorable mention): The occupants of an apartment on the edge of the Purdue University campus in West Lafayette, IN, who were displaying an American flag in their front window. While I appreciate their display of patriotism, they had the flag hanging in such a way that the field of stars was in the upper right land corner instead of the upper left hand corner per proper US flag display rules. Yeah, guys, if you're gonna display our flag, please do it properly. Just sayin'.................
Number Five: Radio and MSNBC commentator Ed Schultz, who in his radio show earlier in the week, referred to commentator Laura Ingraham as a "right wing slut". Nice talk, Ed. You are making Limbaugh sound civil. This is yet another reason why I have no use whatsoever for the windbags that try to pass themselves off as political pundits in this day and age.
She Is A Right Wing What??
Number Four: CNNMoney.com for running headline that reads, "Florida and Texas in Jobs Pissing Match". Seriously? Pissing match? This is considered an acceptable headline for mainstream, credible, media website? Next time, let's leave the locker room talk in the locker room, shall we?
They Are In What Kind Of Match?????
Number Three: Donald Cushing, a 59 year old high school teacher from Chicopee, MA, who allegedly sent lewd and pornographic photos to a 15 year old female student's cell phone. Okay, if adults want to send sexually charged material to each others' phones, I guess that is on them; but when a high school teacher does so with a student, it just makes my skin crawl. How do these people justify abusing their positions of authority and influence like this? I don't get it, but it does gain them instant twatwaffle status.
Teacher Or Sicko? You Decide
Number Two: Tiki Barber, the erstwhile running back from the New York Football Giants, who recently compared himself to Anne Frank after moving into his Jewish agent's attic in order to escape the glare of the media after leaving his pregnant wife and moving in with his girlfriend, an action that earned him twatwaffle status as well. Tiki, seriously, dude, Anne Frank? An innocent girl who hid in a cramped attic from the Nazis for two years before dying in a concentration camp at age 15 after being captured? Seriously? You are comparing your sleazy, overpaid, philandering, millionaire self to her? Shameful. Shameful, and most assuredly a twatwaffle times two. Here is hoping you are never seen, nor heard from again, on the football field or in the commentator's booth.
Tiki Frank? I Think Not.
Number One: Harold Camping. Yep, the same Harold Camping that was last week's Number One Twatwaffle has achieved a first in the history of this blog. Not only has he made the weekly twatwaffle list on two consecutive weeks, but he is Number One two weeks running, a feat unequaled in the history of You Know What I Don't Understand?
Why is he back? Well, as if it weren't bad enough that his concrete prediction of the Rapture happening on 21 May 11 didn't occur (either that or so few people were called to heaven that we haven't missed them yet), he has now decided that he merely miscalculated. It would seem that 21 Oct 11 has now been determined to be the big day. I know I for one will be waiting with baited breath just as I did last Saturday. I'll just bet we will all be disappointed again. What is even worse is that I am sure thousands of people will continue to believe in Mr. Camping, send him money, cut all their worldly ties in late October, and then make excuses for him when he is wrong........................again. Please, sir, take yourself and your crackpot predictions back to the swamps of Florida where they belong. You should be ashamed of yourself. I am sure are not, but you bloody well should be.
Wait!!! Wait!!!!!! I Was Off By Six Months
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Why Are People So Shallow?
You know what I don't understand? I don't understand why people, specifically Americans, seem to be so very shallow. One person has a meltdown because her shampoo pump doesn't function to her liking. Another because the cost a meal in a fast food establishment was higher than she thought was acceptable. Another just can't seem to pull himself out of the doldrums after his favorite college sports team lost a game, not a championship.......................a game. Another seems incapable of posting anything on social media or talking about anything beyond nonstop bragging about their children. Yet another lives and dies by the latest happenings on "American Idol".
Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Japanese remain displaced and/or homeless. (Remember the tsunami?) Meanwhile, thousands of Americans in the Southern US struggle to recover and rebuild. (Remember the tornados earlier this spring?) Meanwhile, thousands of Americans in Joplin, MO, and elsewhere also struggle to recover and rebuild. (Remember the tornados earlier this week?) Meanwhile, wars slog on in the Middle East. (Remember Iraq and Afghanistan?) Meanwhile, children and adults go to bed hungry in our own communities. Meanwhile, the economic recovery continues at a snail's pace. Meanwhile, minorities and women continue to be repressed. Meanwhile, citizens are forced into bankruptcy due to a lack of access to quality healthcare. Meanwhile, millions of children grow up without fathers. Meanwhile, the rich get richer while the poor struggle to survive day to day and week to week.
But I guess all that pales in comparison to washing your hair, your burger and fries, your favorite basketball team losing, your kids’ latest embellished activities, and sodding American Idol, huh? Do you see yourself in any of these examples? Are you angry with me for calling you out? Well, after you get done being angry with me, get angry with yourself for being so bloody shortsighted and self-centered.
While there is nothing wrong with enjoying a particular show on the telly, being proud of your children, following sports teams, and even occasionally harping about the high price of junk food, I am continuously flabbergasted at how clueless and/or uncaring the average America seems to be about the world around them. Ladies and gentlemen, a world, sometimes a very ugly and unpleasant world, exists beyond the end of your nose. If you don't see it, you can't do anything to make it better. If it doesn't get better, we, as a people, will continue to face difficult and trying times.
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Japanese remain displaced and/or homeless. (Remember the tsunami?) Meanwhile, thousands of Americans in the Southern US struggle to recover and rebuild. (Remember the tornados earlier this spring?) Meanwhile, thousands of Americans in Joplin, MO, and elsewhere also struggle to recover and rebuild. (Remember the tornados earlier this week?) Meanwhile, wars slog on in the Middle East. (Remember Iraq and Afghanistan?) Meanwhile, children and adults go to bed hungry in our own communities. Meanwhile, the economic recovery continues at a snail's pace. Meanwhile, minorities and women continue to be repressed. Meanwhile, citizens are forced into bankruptcy due to a lack of access to quality healthcare. Meanwhile, millions of children grow up without fathers. Meanwhile, the rich get richer while the poor struggle to survive day to day and week to week.
But I guess all that pales in comparison to washing your hair, your burger and fries, your favorite basketball team losing, your kids’ latest embellished activities, and sodding American Idol, huh? Do you see yourself in any of these examples? Are you angry with me for calling you out? Well, after you get done being angry with me, get angry with yourself for being so bloody shortsighted and self-centered.
While there is nothing wrong with enjoying a particular show on the telly, being proud of your children, following sports teams, and even occasionally harping about the high price of junk food, I am continuously flabbergasted at how clueless and/or uncaring the average America seems to be about the world around them. Ladies and gentlemen, a world, sometimes a very ugly and unpleasant world, exists beyond the end of your nose. If you don't see it, you can't do anything to make it better. If it doesn't get better, we, as a people, will continue to face difficult and trying times.
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Don't Say Gay!!!!! (At Least Not In Grade And Middle Schools In TN)
You know what I don't understand? I don't understand why the Tennessee Senate has passed a bill that would forbid public school teachers and students in grades kindergarten through eight from discussing the fact that some people are gay. Under the proposal approved 20-10 on Friday, any instruction or materials at a public elementary or middle school will be "limited exclusively to age-appropriate natural human reproduction science." Republican (of course) Senate sponsor Stacey Campfield of Knoxville says "homosexuals don't naturally reproduce." Oddly, neither do those of us like me who have been voluntarily sterilized, but, alas, I digress.
Don’t' Say "Gay" In TN Grade and Middle Schools
Opponents have derided the measure at the "don't say gay bill". They say it is unfair to children of gay parents and could lead to more bullying. Supporters say it is intended to give teachers clear guidance for dealing with younger children on a potentially explosive topic.
The House version of the bill has, thankfully, been withdrawn, but its sponsor promises to revive it next session if the Senate version passes again.
Okay, ladies and gentlemen, where do I start?
First things first, there are gay people all over the world. They have been here for hundreds of thousands of years. That is a simple fact. Why would we not want to teach our children, even younger children, facts? There are also people of different races, religions, national origins, and creeds. Perhaps Sen. Campfield would prefer the children of Tennessee not be taught this either.
Second, why are lawmakers at the state level obsessed with gay folks? This kind of thing goes on nonstop in my home state of Indiana as well. Why don't they expend their time and money with improving American students’ math and science scores and abilities? Am I the only one who sees a connection between a lack of achievement in these critical areas and a misguided focus on gay people, sagging pants, and wanting religion (their religion, of course) taught in public schools?
Lastly, at least for now, would these esteemed lawmakers efforts not be better directed at creating jobs in their home states and/or districts versus forbidding teachers and students (AND STUDENTS) from talking about gay people? Which is more important? Economic development or more state sponsored discrimination?
Think about this for a moment. If an inquisitive student asks his or her favorite teacher about why Little Johnny has two mommies, how is the teacher supposed to react under this proposed law?
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
Don’t' Say "Gay" In TN Grade and Middle Schools
Opponents have derided the measure at the "don't say gay bill". They say it is unfair to children of gay parents and could lead to more bullying. Supporters say it is intended to give teachers clear guidance for dealing with younger children on a potentially explosive topic.
The House version of the bill has, thankfully, been withdrawn, but its sponsor promises to revive it next session if the Senate version passes again.
Okay, ladies and gentlemen, where do I start?
First things first, there are gay people all over the world. They have been here for hundreds of thousands of years. That is a simple fact. Why would we not want to teach our children, even younger children, facts? There are also people of different races, religions, national origins, and creeds. Perhaps Sen. Campfield would prefer the children of Tennessee not be taught this either.
Second, why are lawmakers at the state level obsessed with gay folks? This kind of thing goes on nonstop in my home state of Indiana as well. Why don't they expend their time and money with improving American students’ math and science scores and abilities? Am I the only one who sees a connection between a lack of achievement in these critical areas and a misguided focus on gay people, sagging pants, and wanting religion (their religion, of course) taught in public schools?
Lastly, at least for now, would these esteemed lawmakers efforts not be better directed at creating jobs in their home states and/or districts versus forbidding teachers and students (AND STUDENTS) from talking about gay people? Which is more important? Economic development or more state sponsored discrimination?
Think about this for a moment. If an inquisitive student asks his or her favorite teacher about why Little Johnny has two mommies, how is the teacher supposed to react under this proposed law?
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Twatwaffles Of The Week
And away we go..............................
First, an honorable mention (aka a Dicknozzle of Douchebaggery): Major League Baseball for continuing the travesty that is interleague play. I hate it. I've always hated it, and I shall continue to hate it. Beyond Spring Training, the American League and National League should meet twice and twice only, in the All Star Game and in the World Series!!!!!!
Number Five: Anyone who "defriends" someone on Facebook, stops "following" someone on Twitter, or on any other social network site because they have political or philosophical differences. Hell, in the part of the US where I live, if I did that, I would only have about three friends; but I respect others and others opinions too much to act in such a manner.
Number Four: Kansas State Representative Pete DeGraaf, a Mulvane Republican, who, as only a true twatwaffle can, suggested during debate regarding an abortion bill that women should buy insurance to "plan ahead" in case they are raped. (See yesterday's post for more details.)
Number Three: Former IMF Chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn who allegedly sexually assaulted a maid in his $3000 per night Manhattan hotel suite. What is it about rich, old guys thinking that women in service professions are their personal sexual playthings? And of course, since this "man" is wealthy enough to literally imprison himself in his own penthouse apartment, he was allowed to do just that instead of remaining jailed at Riker's Island. This whole story is just wrong on so many levels.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/05/20/new.york.imf.kahn.release/index.html
Number Two: Juliann McCrery, 42, of Texas who is accused of killing her six year old son while in New Hampshire and now "wants to join him in heaven" and is apparently on suicide watch. I am thinking heaven won't be her final destination.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/05/19/maine.dead.boy/index.html
Number One: Harold Camping of Family Radio who has convinced a good number of his followers as well as tens of thousands of others that the "Rapture" where the faithful will ascend into heaven leaving the nonbelievers here to face the so-called Tribulation before the actual End of Time will by tomorrow, 21 May 2011. If that weren't enough, he has also stated that this will occur at 1800 EDT. That's right, folks, We only have 21 hours left until it all crashes down around us. Had I known, I wouldn't have even bothered to fill my car nor mow my lawn today. What does wear to the Apocalypse anyway?
Now, I am no Bible Scholar, but I am pretty sure that somewhere the Scripture states that no one will know the exact date and time of Christ's return, assuming any of it ever actually happened or will happen.
http://money.cnn.com/2011/05/19/news/economy/may-21-end-of-the-world-finances-harold-camping/index.htm?hpt=C2
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2011/05/19/exp.nr.avlon.doomsday.real.cnn?hpt=C2
On the other hand, if Mr. Camping is right, it looks like I will be next week's Number One Twatwaffle!!!!! Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
First, an honorable mention (aka a Dicknozzle of Douchebaggery): Major League Baseball for continuing the travesty that is interleague play. I hate it. I've always hated it, and I shall continue to hate it. Beyond Spring Training, the American League and National League should meet twice and twice only, in the All Star Game and in the World Series!!!!!!
Number Five: Anyone who "defriends" someone on Facebook, stops "following" someone on Twitter, or on any other social network site because they have political or philosophical differences. Hell, in the part of the US where I live, if I did that, I would only have about three friends; but I respect others and others opinions too much to act in such a manner.
Number Four: Kansas State Representative Pete DeGraaf, a Mulvane Republican, who, as only a true twatwaffle can, suggested during debate regarding an abortion bill that women should buy insurance to "plan ahead" in case they are raped. (See yesterday's post for more details.)
Number Three: Former IMF Chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn who allegedly sexually assaulted a maid in his $3000 per night Manhattan hotel suite. What is it about rich, old guys thinking that women in service professions are their personal sexual playthings? And of course, since this "man" is wealthy enough to literally imprison himself in his own penthouse apartment, he was allowed to do just that instead of remaining jailed at Riker's Island. This whole story is just wrong on so many levels.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/05/20/new.york.imf.kahn.release/index.html
Number Two: Juliann McCrery, 42, of Texas who is accused of killing her six year old son while in New Hampshire and now "wants to join him in heaven" and is apparently on suicide watch. I am thinking heaven won't be her final destination.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/05/19/maine.dead.boy/index.html
Number One: Harold Camping of Family Radio who has convinced a good number of his followers as well as tens of thousands of others that the "Rapture" where the faithful will ascend into heaven leaving the nonbelievers here to face the so-called Tribulation before the actual End of Time will by tomorrow, 21 May 2011. If that weren't enough, he has also stated that this will occur at 1800 EDT. That's right, folks, We only have 21 hours left until it all crashes down around us. Had I known, I wouldn't have even bothered to fill my car nor mow my lawn today. What does wear to the Apocalypse anyway?
Now, I am no Bible Scholar, but I am pretty sure that somewhere the Scripture states that no one will know the exact date and time of Christ's return, assuming any of it ever actually happened or will happen.
http://money.cnn.com/2011/05/19/news/economy/may-21-end-of-the-world-finances-harold-camping/index.htm?hpt=C2
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2011/05/19/exp.nr.avlon.doomsday.real.cnn?hpt=C2
On the other hand, if Mr. Camping is right, it looks like I will be next week's Number One Twatwaffle!!!!! Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
The Pro-Birth Faction Hits A New Low
You know what I don't understand? I don't understand why a Kansas lawmaker has suggested that women should "plan ahead" to buy insurance in case they are raped since he carries a spare tire in his car. (Thanks to my old friend, Mira, for the tip.) What is that, dear reader? You don't understand it either. Read on for the whole despicable story.
http://www.mcphersonsentinel.com/newsnow/x1058165813/Kansas-backs-bill-restricting-abortion-coverage
First, a Doug Disclaimer.................. I am a pro-choice American. I avoid the subject of reproductive rights on this blog and in my day to day activities due to having been harassed, insulted, and threatened on a regular basis by the pro-birth faction. The pro-birth faction are those who immediately lose interest in the child the moment it exits the birth canal as opposed to folks who really are pro-life and want to ensure that all children receive quality care, a decent education, and an opportunity to succeed in life.
That being established, the remarks by Rep Pete. DeGraaf, a Mulvanve Republican, cannot be ignored. The lowlights, per the attached article, are as follows:
Rep. Barbara Bollier, a Mission Hills Republican who supports abortion rights, questioned whether women would buy abortion-only policies long before they have crisis or unwanted pregnancies or are rape victims.
During the House's debate, Rep. Pete DeGraaf, a Mulvane Republican who supports the bill, told her: "We do need to plan ahead, don't we, in life?"
Bollier asked him, "And so women need to plan ahead for issues that they have no control over with a pregnancy?"
DeGraaf drew groans of protest from some House members when he responded, "I have spare tire on my car."
"I also have life insurance," he added. "I have a lot of things that I plan ahead for."
Let's make sure we all understand this. This gentleman (and I use the term very loosely) is comparing life insurance, which we are all guaranteed to use, with an abortion rider that he feels women should purchase to "plan ahead" in case they become impregnated via rape. Let me say that again. A Republican said that a woman should "plan ahead" and purchase insurance in case she is raped. One more time. She should have a plan in place in case she is raped. As if their constant chiseling away at a woman's right to choose what she does with her own body isn't objectionable enough, as if their wanting to make a woman's uterus state property weren't unconscionable enough, now they want woman to "plan ahead" in case they are raped. It is just like life insurance or a spare tire in their eyes.
Seriously????
It's a great year for women so far. First we have the person in Canada who suggests that women can avoid being raped by not "dressing like sluts". Now they have insurance in case they get raped. Well, why not? One in five women will be sexually assaulted, after all. I guess it is their fault for just being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I would like to think that this is only happening in the backwoods of Kansas, but right here in my home state of Indiana, our state government just approved slashing federal funding for Planned Parenthood; all the while ignoring the rock solid fact that Planned Parenthood does not use federal funds to provide abortions. The result? Poor women are denied birth control and reproductive health care. Fantastic.
Who says there is no war on reproductive rights? Who says women aren’t being treated as second class citizens? It is happening right in our own backyards, folks; and where this continual encroachment onto individual’s rights will end is anyone's guess. Personally, I find it utterly chilling.
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
http://www.mcphersonsentinel.com/newsnow/x1058165813/Kansas-backs-bill-restricting-abortion-coverage
First, a Doug Disclaimer.................. I am a pro-choice American. I avoid the subject of reproductive rights on this blog and in my day to day activities due to having been harassed, insulted, and threatened on a regular basis by the pro-birth faction. The pro-birth faction are those who immediately lose interest in the child the moment it exits the birth canal as opposed to folks who really are pro-life and want to ensure that all children receive quality care, a decent education, and an opportunity to succeed in life.
That being established, the remarks by Rep Pete. DeGraaf, a Mulvanve Republican, cannot be ignored. The lowlights, per the attached article, are as follows:
Rep. Barbara Bollier, a Mission Hills Republican who supports abortion rights, questioned whether women would buy abortion-only policies long before they have crisis or unwanted pregnancies or are rape victims.
During the House's debate, Rep. Pete DeGraaf, a Mulvane Republican who supports the bill, told her: "We do need to plan ahead, don't we, in life?"
Bollier asked him, "And so women need to plan ahead for issues that they have no control over with a pregnancy?"
DeGraaf drew groans of protest from some House members when he responded, "I have spare tire on my car."
"I also have life insurance," he added. "I have a lot of things that I plan ahead for."
Let's make sure we all understand this. This gentleman (and I use the term very loosely) is comparing life insurance, which we are all guaranteed to use, with an abortion rider that he feels women should purchase to "plan ahead" in case they become impregnated via rape. Let me say that again. A Republican said that a woman should "plan ahead" and purchase insurance in case she is raped. One more time. She should have a plan in place in case she is raped. As if their constant chiseling away at a woman's right to choose what she does with her own body isn't objectionable enough, as if their wanting to make a woman's uterus state property weren't unconscionable enough, now they want woman to "plan ahead" in case they are raped. It is just like life insurance or a spare tire in their eyes.
Seriously????
It's a great year for women so far. First we have the person in Canada who suggests that women can avoid being raped by not "dressing like sluts". Now they have insurance in case they get raped. Well, why not? One in five women will be sexually assaulted, after all. I guess it is their fault for just being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I would like to think that this is only happening in the backwoods of Kansas, but right here in my home state of Indiana, our state government just approved slashing federal funding for Planned Parenthood; all the while ignoring the rock solid fact that Planned Parenthood does not use federal funds to provide abortions. The result? Poor women are denied birth control and reproductive health care. Fantastic.
Who says there is no war on reproductive rights? Who says women aren’t being treated as second class citizens? It is happening right in our own backyards, folks; and where this continual encroachment onto individual’s rights will end is anyone's guess. Personally, I find it utterly chilling.
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
This Is A Media Priority?
You know what I don't understand? I don't understand why the media is wasting so much time and space covering Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver's split. Oh, and were you aware that Gov. Schwarzenegger has a child with a household staffer? Yes, I am sure you are because this seems to be the mainstream media's obsession at the moment.
This is news?? It is preposterous!!!! Japan continues to struggle after the tsunami. The southern US is still devastated by the recent tornados. The Mississippi River is at historic flood level. And the MSM is talking about............................Arnold and Maria....................... Unbelievable. If this is their priority, their industry is doomed.
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
This is news?? It is preposterous!!!! Japan continues to struggle after the tsunami. The southern US is still devastated by the recent tornados. The Mississippi River is at historic flood level. And the MSM is talking about............................Arnold and Maria....................... Unbelievable. If this is their priority, their industry is doomed.
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
What Happened To Common Courtesy And Respect?
You know what I don't understand? I don't understand what happened to common courtesy and respect. Is it just me, or are the vast majority of our friends and neighbors terribly self centered anymore? Take these examples under consideration:
- As a student nurse, I have witnessed fellow students talk among themselves, play on their phones, and literally sleep during class lectures. Shouldn't the instructors be respected enough to have their students pay attention during class? I myself teach an occasional EMS class and have been subjected to the same treatment, and I find it personally and professionally offensive. I would expect my nursing instructors share the same opinion.
- During runs with my fire department, I have been verbally accosted by patients and bystanders as have fellow EMTs and police officers. What happened to respecting a badge and respecting public servants?
- Have you noticed how many of our neighbors don't seem to be able to see past the ends of their own noses? It is as if the entire universe is them, their family, and their little world while nothing else matters. Why do we no longer reach out to help our fellow men? Why do we no longer extend a hand to those in need and less fortunate than we? Do we not realize we are all in this together?
- While driving on the highways and byways of North Central Indiana, I have recently seen a person who was driving east move into westbound traffic in order to bypass a work zone, a person intentionally drive in a closed lane, so they could pass those of us with the common sense to move into the lane that was actually open, just so the person could cut into the open lane with about ten feet to spare causing a near collision, and a driver nearly hitting an elderly pedestrian who had the right of way because the driver was too involved in her cell phone conversation to notice the gentleman trying to lawfully cross the street.
- Political and social commentary, especially online, is hateful, vicious, mean spirited, and personally insulting. (Before I am accused of hypocrisy, I myself am guilty of this from time to time, but I am trying to avoid behaving in this way.) What became of thoughtful, civil discourse and debate? As a society, we find Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Keith Olbermann, and Lawrence O'Donnell acceptable? What happened to George Will, David Brooks, Mark Shields, and EJ Dionne?
- We are rude to each other. We treat those with whom we disagree with utter disdain and disrespect. We curse at each other. We degrade each other. We are more concerned with what we have and how we can keep it than we are with uplifting the downtrodden and contributing to the common good.
I don't know, friends and frenemies. I am concerned about the state of our society and of mankind as a whole. I fear if we do not start treating each other with more courtesy, with more respect, with more civility and with more dignity, we will soon destroy each other and ourselves. I am curious as to your thoughts on this matter, dear readers. Please feel free to comment.
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
The GOP Morality Police Strike Again!!!!
You know what I don't understand? I don't understand why the Republican Party insists on injecting their idea of morality and their idea of acceptable behavior into budget bills. This time, the GOP in the Michigan House of Representatives has inserted an amendment into the state's budget bill that will penalize state universities and colleges five percent of their budget for providing health benefits to same sex or unmarried couples.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/05/09/Michigan_GOP_Votes_to_Fine_Colleges_for_Same_sex_Benefits/
http://www.freep.com/article/20110506/NEWS15/105060464/State-House-votes-cut-school-aid-3-5-
So........................once again, the party that supposedly wants no regulation in the marketplace and no governmental interference in business wants to tell colleges and universities how to conduct their business. I guess they only want regulation when it involves what two consenting adults do in the privacy of their own home. This seems to be a pattern with today's Republican Party. Why can't these institutions make their own decisions regarding their health benefits?
It is no secret that I myself used to be a member of the GOP. When people ask me why I left the Republican Party, this is exactly why. I do not understand why the right wing of the GOP feels like it needs to force its idea of morality on everyone else? And.............make no mistake about it, the right wing controls the GOP and has for many years. There used to be a place in the Republican Party for those of us that were fiscally conservative but relatively liberal socially. We were called Rockefeller Republicans. There were millions of us. I know. I used to be one. Sadly, they were forced into extinction, and I became a proud Democrat in the process.
Quite honestly, I hope the Michigan Senate has the fortitude to remove this provision when the bill goes to conference committee. However, if it doesn't, I wouldn't be surprised to see this end up in court, which may be one more step toward the long awaited legalization of same sex marriage nationwide. This will be the last thing the GOP wants, so let's hope they get it.
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/05/09/Michigan_GOP_Votes_to_Fine_Colleges_for_Same_sex_Benefits/
http://www.freep.com/article/20110506/NEWS15/105060464/State-House-votes-cut-school-aid-3-5-
So........................once again, the party that supposedly wants no regulation in the marketplace and no governmental interference in business wants to tell colleges and universities how to conduct their business. I guess they only want regulation when it involves what two consenting adults do in the privacy of their own home. This seems to be a pattern with today's Republican Party. Why can't these institutions make their own decisions regarding their health benefits?
It is no secret that I myself used to be a member of the GOP. When people ask me why I left the Republican Party, this is exactly why. I do not understand why the right wing of the GOP feels like it needs to force its idea of morality on everyone else? And.............make no mistake about it, the right wing controls the GOP and has for many years. There used to be a place in the Republican Party for those of us that were fiscally conservative but relatively liberal socially. We were called Rockefeller Republicans. There were millions of us. I know. I used to be one. Sadly, they were forced into extinction, and I became a proud Democrat in the process.
Quite honestly, I hope the Michigan Senate has the fortitude to remove this provision when the bill goes to conference committee. However, if it doesn't, I wouldn't be surprised to see this end up in court, which may be one more step toward the long awaited legalization of same sex marriage nationwide. This will be the last thing the GOP wants, so let's hope they get it.
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Twatwaffles Of The week
And away we go.........................
Number Five: Luke Scott, an OF for the Baltimore Orioles, who remains unconvinced that President Obama is an American citizen despite the recent release of Obama's birth certificate. Mr. Scott's logic? "If they can counterfeit $100 bills, I think it is a million times easier to counterfeit a birth certificate." (Mr. Scott's previous comments had prompted the Orioles ballclub to issue statements that he is not speaking for their entire organization, and they felt the need to do the same this time.)
At the start of play today, Baltimore was well under .500 and in last place in the AL East. Perhaps Mr. Scott should work on improving his, and his team's, play more than he worries about "proving" that the president's birth certificate is :authentic". Just sayin'................
Number Four: William Melchert-Dinkel of Faribault, MN, who was recently sentenced to 360 days in jail for encouraging and English man and a Canadian woman with whom he corresponded on the internet to kill themselves. Both did. Mr. Melchert-Dinkel was convicted of two counts of assisting suicide.
Okay, seriously ladies and gentlemen, what kind of sick bastard encourages people he has never actually met to commit suicide. We can only hope this person spends his entire sentence thinking about these two folks and how he encouraged them to prematurely end their lives.
Number Three: An unnamed Waueson, OH school bus driver who had a blood alcohol content three times the legal limit AFTER running his route recently. The driver resigned, and the investigation continues.
Wow. So much for carrying "precious cargo", huh?
http://abclocal.go.com/wtvg/story?section=news/local&id=8114624
Number Two: Marilyn Davenport, a member of the Orange County, California, Republican Central Committee who was recently censured for distributing an e-mail that depicted President Obama as a chimpanzee.
And you wonder why I have to write columns explaining that not all folks on the right in this country aren't racists.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/05/05/california.obama.chimp.email/index.html
Number One: Conspiracy theorists of all sizes and shapes. First, they don't believe President Obama was born in the US. Then, they don't believe bin Laden is actually dead. "Birthers and Deathers", if you will. Am I the only one who remembers when this type of nonsense was relegated to simple-minded kooks? Now, people of above average intelligence with whom I have personal, professional, academic, or some combination thereof relationships sincerely believe this baseless drivel. I just don't get it.
CNN's Fareed Zakaria has some interesting insight on this matter in the attached column.
http://globalpublicsquare.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/06/why-do-we-embrace-conspiracy-theories/?hpt=T1
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
Number Five: Luke Scott, an OF for the Baltimore Orioles, who remains unconvinced that President Obama is an American citizen despite the recent release of Obama's birth certificate. Mr. Scott's logic? "If they can counterfeit $100 bills, I think it is a million times easier to counterfeit a birth certificate." (Mr. Scott's previous comments had prompted the Orioles ballclub to issue statements that he is not speaking for their entire organization, and they felt the need to do the same this time.)
At the start of play today, Baltimore was well under .500 and in last place in the AL East. Perhaps Mr. Scott should work on improving his, and his team's, play more than he worries about "proving" that the president's birth certificate is :authentic". Just sayin'................
Number Four: William Melchert-Dinkel of Faribault, MN, who was recently sentenced to 360 days in jail for encouraging and English man and a Canadian woman with whom he corresponded on the internet to kill themselves. Both did. Mr. Melchert-Dinkel was convicted of two counts of assisting suicide.
Okay, seriously ladies and gentlemen, what kind of sick bastard encourages people he has never actually met to commit suicide. We can only hope this person spends his entire sentence thinking about these two folks and how he encouraged them to prematurely end their lives.
Number Three: An unnamed Waueson, OH school bus driver who had a blood alcohol content three times the legal limit AFTER running his route recently. The driver resigned, and the investigation continues.
Wow. So much for carrying "precious cargo", huh?
http://abclocal.go.com/wtvg/story?section=news/local&id=8114624
Number Two: Marilyn Davenport, a member of the Orange County, California, Republican Central Committee who was recently censured for distributing an e-mail that depicted President Obama as a chimpanzee.
And you wonder why I have to write columns explaining that not all folks on the right in this country aren't racists.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/05/05/california.obama.chimp.email/index.html
Number One: Conspiracy theorists of all sizes and shapes. First, they don't believe President Obama was born in the US. Then, they don't believe bin Laden is actually dead. "Birthers and Deathers", if you will. Am I the only one who remembers when this type of nonsense was relegated to simple-minded kooks? Now, people of above average intelligence with whom I have personal, professional, academic, or some combination thereof relationships sincerely believe this baseless drivel. I just don't get it.
CNN's Fareed Zakaria has some interesting insight on this matter in the attached column.
http://globalpublicsquare.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/06/why-do-we-embrace-conspiracy-theories/?hpt=T1
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Is Your Phone Call THAT Important?
You know what I don't understand? I don't understand the utter lack of etiquette regarding the use of cell phones in public. Within the last month, I have personally observed the following behavior of people using cell phones:
- A student at the college where I attend nursing school yapping on his phone while (ahem) taking care of his business at a urinal.
- A man at a sporting event conducting an extremely loud conversation while sitting in a restroom stall. (Think about the "yuck factor" involved there.)
- A woman engaging in a screaming match in the middle of a major retail outlet.
- Several individuals walking into other people because they were so engrossed in their phones that they couldn't be bother to actually watch where they were walking.
- And don't even get me started on the number of people who weave in and out of traffic while going 10 mph under the speed limit because they are blabbering on their phones rather than paying attention to their driving.
Seriously, people. Is the call you are on so important that you have to subject the rest of us to these types of boorish behaviors? I can honestly say that, at age 43, I have never taken nor received a phone call that was so important that I would have being using a phone in a public restroom!!!!
Think about that the next time you feel you need to use your phone in the presence of others.
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Are Conservatives Racist?
Friends and frenemies, there has been a great deal of discussion and vitriol regarding racism playing a major role for those who do not support President Obama and subsequently whether conservatives in general are racist. Here is my take on the matter.
First, racism is alive and well in this country......sadly. It would seem that there, indeed, is more racism on the right side of the aisle than the left. Rush Limbaugh referring to Candidate Obama as a "Halfrican", and innumerable signs at Tea Party rallies depicting President Obama as either a monkey or a stereotypical witch doctor as merely two of myriad examples.
However................. I think that it is completely out of line to suggest that all those who do not support the president are motivated by racial issues. There are true policy and ideological differences that cause some to not support the president. While there are, of course, racists in all walks of life and from all parts of the political spectrum, it is unfair and shortsighted to say that it is all because of the president's race.
I also find it patently offensive that all conservatives are branded as racist. Are there racist conservatives? By all means, but there are plenty of racist liberals out there as well. Let us not label each other in such broad swaths. It is not conducive to a peaceful, prosperous nation.
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
First, racism is alive and well in this country......sadly. It would seem that there, indeed, is more racism on the right side of the aisle than the left. Rush Limbaugh referring to Candidate Obama as a "Halfrican", and innumerable signs at Tea Party rallies depicting President Obama as either a monkey or a stereotypical witch doctor as merely two of myriad examples.
However................. I think that it is completely out of line to suggest that all those who do not support the president are motivated by racial issues. There are true policy and ideological differences that cause some to not support the president. While there are, of course, racists in all walks of life and from all parts of the political spectrum, it is unfair and shortsighted to say that it is all because of the president's race.
I also find it patently offensive that all conservatives are branded as racist. Are there racist conservatives? By all means, but there are plenty of racist liberals out there as well. Let us not label each other in such broad swaths. It is not conducive to a peaceful, prosperous nation.
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Some Thoughts On Osama bin Laden's Demise
I really wasn't sure how I wanted to approach the death of Osama bin Laden when the news broke yesterday. However, after reading a lot of posts on Facebook and Twitter as well as reviewing a lot of writings in the blogosphere, I think I want to discuss the notion of "credit" for Mr. bin Laden's termination. I fail to understand this notion that President Obama deserves no credit for the successful removal of Mr. bin Laden. "It was the Navy SEALS." "It was an American victory, not an Obama victory."
Well, no one I know, including this writer, disagree with those statements; but as Commander In Chief of the US military, does not Mr. Obama deserve some credit for finally sending Mr. bin Laden to his watery grave? Did Presidents Roosevelt and Truman deserve credit for winning World War II? Did Ronald Reagan deserve credit for winning the Cold War? Did Mr. Reagan deserve credit for the release of the US Embassy workers who were held hostage for 444 days by Iran? (Historically and factually, a great deal of the credit for this should have gone to President Carter; but since Reagan had taken office at the time of the time of the release, the kudos were his.) I mention this because one of the items floating around on Facebook today basically said Mr. Obama just "happened to the one in office".
Yes, he is in office because the American people elected him in a virtual landslide in 2008. One of his primary duties under our Constitution is Commander In Chief of our armed forces. Unquestionably, a mission of this magnitude was reviewed, and approved, by President Obama. He reacted properly to the intelligence provided to him. He worked with National Security Staff, and he authorized the mission to have this murderous piece of human debris killed. Let's give credit where it is due.
All of this being said, it is imperative that we, as a nation, keep our guard up. I fear Mr. bin Laden's death will be used as a rallying cry by the militants, and they will attempt to retaliate quickly to prove their relevance. I am sure they will attempt to make Mr. bin Laden a martyr. We must not think that al Qaida will roll over and die (no pun intended) because of Mr. bin Laden's death.
Godspeed to our men and women in uniform, and Godspeed to President Obama.
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
Well, no one I know, including this writer, disagree with those statements; but as Commander In Chief of the US military, does not Mr. Obama deserve some credit for finally sending Mr. bin Laden to his watery grave? Did Presidents Roosevelt and Truman deserve credit for winning World War II? Did Ronald Reagan deserve credit for winning the Cold War? Did Mr. Reagan deserve credit for the release of the US Embassy workers who were held hostage for 444 days by Iran? (Historically and factually, a great deal of the credit for this should have gone to President Carter; but since Reagan had taken office at the time of the time of the release, the kudos were his.) I mention this because one of the items floating around on Facebook today basically said Mr. Obama just "happened to the one in office".
Yes, he is in office because the American people elected him in a virtual landslide in 2008. One of his primary duties under our Constitution is Commander In Chief of our armed forces. Unquestionably, a mission of this magnitude was reviewed, and approved, by President Obama. He reacted properly to the intelligence provided to him. He worked with National Security Staff, and he authorized the mission to have this murderous piece of human debris killed. Let's give credit where it is due.
All of this being said, it is imperative that we, as a nation, keep our guard up. I fear Mr. bin Laden's death will be used as a rallying cry by the militants, and they will attempt to retaliate quickly to prove their relevance. I am sure they will attempt to make Mr. bin Laden a martyr. We must not think that al Qaida will roll over and die (no pun intended) because of Mr. bin Laden's death.
Godspeed to our men and women in uniform, and Godspeed to President Obama.
Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.
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