Dodging the Real Issues

Why all of the dodging of the real issues? seems to me that focusing on alleged racist teabagers is irrelevant. Yes some are racist. So what? How is that relevant to the public option? Focusing on how fat or how few the tea baggers were is also just a dodge to avoid the real issues. Same thing with how wealthy Dick Armey is....who cares? and how is that relevant to the HC debate?

Take away all of this smoke and mirrors and what do you have that supports a public option? Tons of emotion. And emotion that seems to lack any focus.

If they would focus on a) Should the Fed's be doing this? i.e. what in the Constitution supports the Public Option? b) Will it work? and c) Can we afford it? ... if they would focus on these issues, then maybe they'd have a chance. But instead they chose to dodge the core issues.

I wonder why?

Healthcare Is NOT a Right

http://finance.yahoo.com/tech-ticker/article/281590/Healthcare-Is-%22Not-a-Right%22-and-Obama's-Plan-Will-Cost-Way-Beyond-1T-Ron-Paul-Says?tickers=%5Edji,%5EGSPC,pph,jnj,mrk,pfe,unh

If it's not a right, then what the heck is Congress doing? Absolutely baffling.......

Independents edge away from Obama

http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20090709/pl_politico/24717;_ylt=Ah3mcpveNM8UWHDIBL_LqT4DW7oF

"...a source of the shift appears to be independent voters, who seem to be responding to...complaints of excessive spending and government control."

No Duh.

But...what happened to "I am my brother's keeper & Yes we can......and, Hope & Change"??? Yup, nuttin but fluff, hot air, balloon juice, soup coolin spray, and echo parts........

Now they see reality is the excessive spending and expanse of government! Ooops too late. Now all we can do is HOPE it works.

Promises Already Broken

"The health care bill is a long way from Obama's desk, but tax experts say the debate illustrates a stark reality: It is simply implausible for the vast majority of Americans to get a free ride while the nation tackles such an incredibly difficult — and expensive — issue."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_obama_tax_promise;_ylt=AjBxR76rXQLKWXQZu_Yets8DW7oF

Is the US Government going into the health care business Constitutional? I doubt it.

Will it work? I doubt it. Without a profit incentive, it will be as efficient and effective as the rest of Government.

And who will pay for it? We all will. Um, Mr. President, please don't make me pay for something that the Federal Government shouldn't be doing and that won't work.

Openess? and Transparency?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fh5vzOAEQ-A&feature=player_embedded

Is this really an open and transparent Presidency? or are they really just using their mandate for every ounce of political power that they can drain from it?

Hat Tip: Blonde Sagacity

Citi boosting salaries to offset lower bonuses

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_citigroup_compensation

You asked for it. All of you folks that don't understand that bonuses are just another form of compensation and were apparently so upset about bonuses. Well now, "By shifting the mix in compensation packages, it will allow Citi to pay most employees as much as they received in 2008 while adhering to bonus caps.".....except now the company loses leverage because the bonus portion of the compensation is no longer tied to goals!

How is removing goals going to make Citi a better company?

What they needed, was to do the opposite. They should have decreased their salaries and paid them primarily with bonuses based on goals. It's called pay for performance. You don't perform; you don't get paid. But noooooo, the silly public demanded LOWER bonuses....well, you got it.

PROFIT makes sense to me

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090623/ap_on_go_co/us_health_care_overhaul

So the President says this, "If private insurers say that the marketplace provides the best quality health care ... then why is it that the government, which they say can't run anything, suddenly is going to drive them out of business?" Obama said in response to a question at a White House news conference. That's not logical, he scoffed..." Nice sound bite Mr. President, but the answer is PROFIT.

He then later answers his own rhetorical question with, "Obama said he understood the legitimate concerns of insurers that private plans wouldn't be able to compete with "the government just printing money." yeah, duh... So he later admits that his plan is flawed.

Why the soundbites and flip-flopping? Because it's not a solid idea? Maybe.

Kid gets HS and College Degrees two weeks apart

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Two-Caps-Two-Gowns-But-Not-Too-Busy.html?yhp=1

"If the radio-TV-film thing doesn't work out, Abrams said he plans to return to school for pre-med studies."

Pre-med currently 2nd choice,,,hmmmm. I wonder what impact taking the Profit out of health care will have on tenacious driven motivated people like this? Hmmmm....

Short Term vs Long Term

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090622/ap_on_re_us/us_rubber_rooms;_ylt=As026L.6DYaG2VBZ7C8dlCIDW7oF

This article highlights what I see as a problem with Unions. Namely that they can occasionally put the short term protection of a few of their members as a higher priority than the long term benefits of the whole organization.

In the short term I can see how the Union is protecting it's members. It has set up what is likely a very thorough system of due process. I get that.

But in the long term are they really helping their members? Isn't a $65 Million price tag every year detrimental to the city's budgets? Isn't a $65 million annual loss detrimental to the kids' educations? If the Union is contributing to the demise of education, shouldn't the contract and the system of due process be changed, and sooner rather than later?

Yes, there should be an established agreed upon system for due process, and any system will have some cost. But there is a point where if the costs get too high, then a new system should be explored, or else the whole enterprise can be in danger of ceasing to exist. Sure the Union can rest on the strength of the contract and take a "Not my problem" short term approach. But is that what's really best....in the long term?

I was once told that perfection is the enemy of good enough. It seems to me that their current due process system has the high cost of expecting perfection. I bet that a change to "good enough" would be better for all parties....in the long term that is.

But I could be wrong. I often am.

More Proof 2.0

http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_12620262?source=rss

Here's more proof that just because people vote for "it" or legislate "it" does not mean that it's legal.

"A federal judge has struck down two Northern California city ordinances banning military recruitment of minors."

You know, kinda like the Confederate States making up their own rules....um no.

More Proof

http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/47930647.html

"In a 38-page decision, Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Thomas Cooper wrote, "This is a case where the proposed ordinance's reach exceeds its grasp.""

Reach exceeding drasp. i.e. just because the people vote for it does not mean it's right.

Bill Maher - 1; Pres Obama - 0.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid6555681001?bctid=26316540001

I used to not be able to watch Bill Maher for more than 10 seconds, but this clip is spot-on!

Here is a liberal media type openly criticizing the President.

Good stuff! If not, why not?

H/T http://mobyrebuttal.blogspot.com/

The Constitutional Roots of Liberalism & Progressivism

I've recently been told that the root of Progressive thought is the fact that the Constitution can be changed. Hmmm. I have never thought of it that way. Based on precedents, I thought amendments were only to right wrongs such as freeing slaves, granting women the right to vote and repealing prohibition. I never saw the amendment process as carte blanche for the citizen voters of the US to get what ever they want from the Government as long as they lobbied & protested hard enough.

What do you (my 4ish readers) think? Is Article V the Constitutional root of progressive thought? If so, why? If not, why not?

And more importantly for me....if this means that we are all Constitutionally bound to be steering this ship, not only with Voting, our free speech and the Press, and Jury duty etc....BUT ALSO with developing new edits to the Constitution itself, then what does that do to my POLITICAL PARADIGM? I mean before, I could just cast off the commies, lol, because I could not understand where they were coming from. If Article V is indeed legitimately where they are coming from, then what impact does that now have on my politics? Maybe I've been wrong all along?

Heavy stuff.

H/T http://blueracine.blogspot.com/

Article V
The Congress, whenever two thirds of both houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, or, on the application of the legislatures of two thirds of the several states, shall call a convention for proposing amendments, which, in either case, shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of this Constitution, when ratified by the legislatures of three fourths of the several states, or by conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratification may be proposed by the Congress; provided that no amendment which may be made prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any manner affect the first and fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first article; and that no state, without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate.

The Obama administration grants Miranda rights to detainees in Afghanistan.

http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/016/605iidws.asp

I have just one comment. I thought Miranda Rights were only for U.S. citizens, but I must be wrong. hmmmm....

Hat tip to Bobby G's FB page.

The Opposition

"Talking to each other is a lot better than talking about each other.” Ronald Reagan

I have a great deal of respect for people with opposing views that can stay civil and have a legitimate conversation. It is such a breath of Fresh Air in this blogosphere that seems to be full of vitriol (that's a big word for poopy criticism).

But, big ups go to Zach and Kay for the freshness of the air that they pump into their blogs.

Obama: It's OK to borrow to pay for health care

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090610/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_obama_budget;_ylt=AsYACqgkHP5xr5UGKTK1BpoDW7oF

So much for the moral high ground......hmmm, seems like: Do as I say, not as I do.

"The 'pay-as-you-go' rule is very simple," Obama said. "Congress can only spend a dollar if it saves a dollar elsewhere."

Except for stuff that he thinks will get him re-elected....then he'll give exceptions.

tsk tsk, shame shame, and a finger wave.

Obama invokes Jesus more than Bush

http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20090609/pl_politico/23510

So President Obama invokes Jesus more than President Bush did, so what? Does that mean that there's some irony between the Coexist folks and the President that they voted for. Maybe.

I think all it really means is that the President is a master showman. That he will use any tool available, including Jesus, in order to sell his agenda. And it seems to be working quite well for him. So, I don't blame him one bit for that. Jesus might, but I don't.

However, aint it time to stop selling and actually get some stuff done? Hop to it. Chop chop.

Obama calls for new beginning between US, Muslims

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090604/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama

This seems like walking softly but carrying a big stick.

That makes sense to me.

Will it work? maybe.

But it's often extremely difficult to communicate with what seem to be fanatics. Perhaps we can reach out to everyone else but the fanatics, and perhaps that will resemble progress towards peace.

It just might work.

Cheney on gay marriage: 'Freedom for everyone'

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_cheney;_ylt=At1NWkjN5rUcOXAbLsAB1V8DW7oF

This really is about liberty and justice for all.

Abortion Doctor Killed

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090601/ap_on_re_us/us_tiller_shooting

OK I'll admit that I am making some huge assumptions: a) that this murderer was a conservative and b) that liberals will twist this murder against the GOP.

But given that, anyone else see this as another nail in the coffin of the GOP? I aint saying it's right to blame the GOP for this, but that will not stop liberals from extracting some momentum for their issues from this tragic murder. The issues that I speak of are duh, #1 Abortion rights. #2 Gun control. And #3 Oppression and intolerance from self righteous social conservative Christians.

I'd like to think that this is an isolated case. I'd like to think that the suspect is just a deranged wacko. I suppose that we'll find out eventually.

But perhaps many of his conservative friends, relatives, and associates could have noticed something brewing and said, "Whoa, dude, that aint right." If so, then this truly is very very sad, because then .... the liberals that are twisting this, just might have a point. Because if this guy was given an environment for his toxic thoughts to take hold, and grow, and thrive....then who is responsible for that environment? Answer: I am....that is IF I do not call out the haters that I relate with, then I am tacitly approving of their hate.

We all need to be the change that we wish to see in the world....and the change that I'd like to see is Conservatives that don't put up with wackos like this. I'd like to see Conservatives that have the juevos to stand up to haters, intolerance, and harassment. I'd like to see Conservatives that are not afraid to appear liberal aka, a bit soft here and there when the fact is that it's just liberty and justice for all.

But I could be wrong. I often am.

Gotta gotta gotta read the comments

http://www.amazon.com/Three-T-Shirt-Available-Various-Sizes/dp/B000NZW3IY

Please please please click the link and scroll all of the way down to the comments section.

It's soooo worth it.

H/T: Gary's facebook page :)

That's what I'm talking about :)

http://www.rr.com/home/home/article/9000/7788287/Steele_insists_GOP_comeback_has_started

"We have turned the corner. No more looking in the rearview mirror. From this point forward, we will focus all of our energies on winning the future."

"He also was opposing a resolution _ whose final wording hadn't yet been set but was expected for a vote Wednesday _ in which Republicans would rename the Democratic Party as a "Nationalist Socialist Democrat" party. Steele and others said the party should focus its efforts elsewhere."

"I think it's stupid," Florida GOP Chairman James Greer said of the name resolution. "These are trying times. We need to be serious."

"Steele said the GOP will take on Obama with class and dignity, unlike the "shabby and classless way" Democrats took on Bush."

"The test of the sincerity of the chairman's words will be if he and the other GOP leaders stand up to the fringe elements of their party," Sevugan said. "Unfortunately, they have shown no willingness to do so."

Maybe they read my blog :)

I'm a Quitter!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/eonline/123916;_ylt=Av6BphkfZ26AEmjy5DJ4O14DW7oF

Reading this article reminded me of when I learned that quitting is not always the weak thing to do.

Here's the story: One summer my Dad was trying to teach my cousins (they were about 12 and 13 yo) how to water ski. But they'd quickly wobble and fall and they'd seem to give up way too easy. After my dad got very frustrated by this, it had now become my turn. I was only ten years old. If the older boys couldn't do it, then how the heck could I? But I did not want to let my Dad down.

As he handed me the tow rope, he said, "Whatever you do, don't let go." Those words were etched in my mind. So I gave that tow rope my best death-grip; I nodded to the boat and away we went. I was up :)

But about 30 feet latter I began to wobble to and fro and eventually I fell. But for some strange reason I still had my death grip, and I had some misguided hope that I'd pop out of the water on my skis if I would just hold on tight and not let go.

But then it soon became hard to breath, and then I felt seaweed on my face, and then a rock or two on my hands and forarms, and then I realized, "This is stupid." So I let go. I quit.

Ok, I'm wasn't that bright (I was ten). But I'm often still just as determined and I hold on way tooooo long.

The moral of the story for me, is that sometimes it's ok to let go (aka quit).

So I don't blame Shanna Moakler one bit for stepping down from the Miss CA pageant.

........but i could be wrong. i often am.

I’m a Hypocrite!

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0509/22445.html

I can admit it. I’m occasionally hypocritical. And here’s one more time: This attempt at petty name calling by the GOP is just wrong (i.e. labeling the Dems as "Democratic-Socialists"). It’s not productive. It will backfire. It’s just petty na-na-na-boo-boo stuff.


Instead we need to look internally, and not point fingers at the opposition. (Not only hypocritical, but also ironic in that I’m pointing fingers at people that are pointing fingers. Wow, that’s heavy.)


We should take a personal responsibility approach and not blame the voters for being sheep. We should be looking at building bridges not only within the party, but also with Independents and Moderates.


Name calling is not the answer. Heck I make fun of that with the name of this blog. Name calling rarely results in anything productive. We need to rise above it.


Darn poopy-heads :(

On Government Run Health Care

I'm routinely convinced that logic and facts rarely prevail when confronted by pure emotions.
This health care debate seems to be another prime example.


It seems to me that logic such as government inefficiency, '02 and '03 satisfaction surveys, and further degradation toward a complete welfare state; are as beneficial as telling your wife, "No dear the jeans don't make you look fat, it's your fat that makes you look fat." I'm certain that facts won't benefit anyone in a situation like that.


So, it seems to me that all we are doing is angering the opposition when we highlight facts and logic. Sad, but true.


Perhaps we need an emotional response that resembles, "Dear you'd look beautiful to me in a potato sack". Maybe something like, "Yes government run health care can help allotta people and that's good, But let's not throw out the incentive for medical advances that the world reaps from OUR current system."

The impact on the emotions of OUR medical advances that save LIVES, just may be what the public needs to hear. How much incentive will there be with a single payer, Universal system?
Do you want to bet your pancreas on it?


But I could be wrong. I often am.

Pres Obama seeks to block release of abuse photos

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_pentagon_abuse_photos;_ylt=AhXoVudErXuAK5VXaoelrcUDW7oF

So now he gets it....

...well I suppose it's better late than never.

Village News

http://www.kenoshanews.com/news/texas_jays_owner_wins_permit_fight_4937510.html

I like seeing business thrive and grow.

For those that don't like this particular type of business and call it names: There are rules and procedures for ordinance violations and license infractions. So if this or ANY business falls below set standards, then and only then would you have a point.

Until that happens, let's support business in our community.

But I could be wrong. I often am.

Obama wants to see 5,000 failing schools close

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090511/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_obama_failing_schools;_ylt=ArugsIfVw7JyA.I1oUFLtueyFz4D

"The administration's goal is for the lowest-performing 1,000 schools — about 1 percent of schools nationwide — to close and reopen each year for the next five years."

I've said it before, I'll say it again: If we keep doing what we've been doing, we'll keep getting what we've been getting. i.e. something has gotta change.

Change...drastic change like closing schools and reopening them just might work.

Maybe....

http://www.redhousefurniture.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnOyMSEWNTs

Watch this commercial, then leave a comment.

The Change Bank

http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/first-citywide-change-bank/229045/

Who remembers the SNL skit/parody, "The Change Bank"?

It was a parody of banking service commercials. But it was a bank that ONLY makes change. At the end, the bank rep asks, "Everyone asks How are we able to be successful?" ..... "Volume."

It's ridiculous. Funny, but ridiculous. Click the link above to watch it.

The reason I bring it up is becuase it is just as ridiculous as wealth redistribution magically being able to multiply wealth by merely dividing it. Just ridiculous.

WI Legislature Takes Up Statewide Smoking Ban

http://www.wqow.com/Global/story.asp?S=10312032

I'm perplexed.

If we can have public indoor gun ranges; that with heavy controls operate quite safely regardless of all of the liability and inherent dangers of immediate death by GSW and the associated lead and sound abatement issues,,,,then how come we can't have legal places for smokers to do their thing indoors? Just regulate it. Tax it to pay for enforcement. But don't BAN it. C'mon, this is a free country.

I say if we can pop off a cap indoors in a regulated controlled designated place, then why not a cigarette? in it's own restricted space?

If you aren’t outraged, you aren’t paying attention.

"If you aren’t outraged, you aren’t paying attention." I guess it’s been a few years since I first saw that bumper sticker. At the time I was offended by it because I was NOT outraged (then), but I knew that I read the news and listened to NPR regularly, so I knew I was paying attention. Yet someone was implying that I was ignorant of the facts or something.

Regardless, I was offended.

Now that I’m in the minority and spending and deficits are at record levels with no restraint in sight, bashing of the rich is a common theme; taxes are set to stifle businesses, harsh interrogation techniques are being called illegal, and socialized health care looms large on the horizon, it’s now that I FEEL that “If you aren’t outraged, you aren’t paying attention.” (I kinda feel all whack-a-doodle, like up is down and down is up.)

However, I can admit that my FEELINGs are likely offensive. I can admit that many folks that advocate record spending, wealth redistribution, higher taxes on businesses, playing politics with security policy, and socialized health care… indeed ARE paying attention and we merely have differences of opinion. I’m certain that we all want a vibrant economy, justice, and security, but we just disagree on how to achieve them.

Yes I now FEEL outraged. And, Yes I’m perplexed by those that aren’t also outraged. But they have every right to their unique opinions.

So you won’t see me with a new bumper sticker anytime soon, because I’d hate to offend anyone. That just wouldn’t be productive.

But I could be wrong. I often am.

Tax increases approved to pay for rail projects

http://www.gazettextra.com/weblogs/latest-news/2009/may/01/tax-increases-approved-pay-rail-projects/

"You want to keep the city of Milwaukee in the dark ages," said Rep. Pedro Colon, D-Milwaukee, to Republicans who criticized the rail proposals.

LOL, he may as well have said, "You guys are poopy heads...."

But seriously, I live in Pleasant Prairie and work in Downtown Milwaukee. I would love to use a train that could save me gas and money, where I could relax and read or blog. So why not modify the Amtrak for that? All we need to do that is to have the current Amtrak stop in PP or Kenosha. I bet me, my dad, and a couple buddies could build a train station for a cool $10M to $20million or about 10% of what the KRM would cost.

I just don't get why we don't just make the Amtrak stop out by the PP Rec Plex or thereabouts. Seems like a low cost solution that solves the problem.

But I must obviously be missing something.

Maine Senate passes same-sex marriage bill

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090501/us_nm/us_gaymarriage_maine;_ylt=Ao1kqAo4CkfYdS.HhRAWuIADW7oF

Looks to me as if Justice is creeping in slowly here and there which seems like a good thing to me :)

Obama backs Chrysler bankruptcy as wise move

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090430/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_obama_automakers;_ylt=AoA86pcO5Ie9zUC616WTgn0DW7oF

"The president said that Chrysler has been responsible for helping to build the American middle class, but over the years also had been weakened by "papering over tough problems and avoiding hard choices.""

I agree with President Obama.

I can only wonder if one of the tough choices that the President was referring to was high union wages.

Sa weet!

sweet! I have a "follower". I feel like I'm somebody :) I was also recently cited in another Blog too. I feel all warm inside :)

But not to sound like I blog for the attention....I primarily blog to vent, rant, have a voice, and get the truth out there.

But I have to admit that it is nice to know that someone is reading this.

Thanks to all that check in. You are all ladies, gentlemen and scholars of such magnitude that surely compliments your good looks and friendly manners.

Not 183. Instead merely five

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/04/28/despite-reports-khalid-sheikh-mohammed-waterboarded-times/

It turns out that the 183 alleged waterboarding sessions of KSM was at best just a misrepresentation, hyperbole and shameful spin; at worst: a flat out lie.

"A U.S. official with knowledge of the interrogation program told FOX News that the much-cited figure represents the number of times water was poured onto Mohammed's face -- not the number of times the CIA applied the simulated-drowning technique on the terror suspect. According to a 2007 Red Cross report, he was subjected a total of "five sessions of ill-treatment."

H/T http://sistertoldjah.com/

More TRUTH on Waterboarding

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/24/AR2009042403339_pf.html

Like I’ve said before, the recent dragging of waterboarding through the mud is pure stinky stinky politics. But I failed to mention the negative impact on our Nation’s security.

This article by the ex-CIA Director, Porter J. Goss, covers that quite well. His bottom line: “Trading security for partisan political popularity will ensure that our secrets are not secret and that our intelligence is destined to fail us.”

Please read the whole article. It tells the truth about the Democratic blessing of enhanced interrogation techniques and their current flip-flop for stinky political gain.

Hope and Change

It seems to me that when you are selling Hope and Change, you must also have some oppostition to point down at. It's a take on the politics of fear. Because with no doom and gloom, there's less need for hope and change.

But I could be wrong. There may be other even better explanations for why the left incessantly slings mud at straw men.

Pandering for Popularity

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_obama100_days_ap_poll;_ylt=At1Z3jnhOyzmAVrCwITYniEDW7oF

I do not doubt the validity of the poll. "For the first time in years, more Americans than not say the country is headed in the right direction, a sign that Barack Obama has used the first 100 days of his presidency to lift the public's mood and inspire hopes for a brighter future."

I could be wrong, but it seems to me that he bought and paid for each and every popularity point with $trillions of dollars in debt.

Earmarks

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/227/story/66146.html

If you KNOW that earmarks, and pet projects, and pork that only benefit a small segment of society do not belong riding on the coattails of legitimate legislation, then please read this article.

Then check your congressman's web site, then email them and let them know what you think.

I dare ya. I did it, so it can't be that difficult.

I was Waterboarded

I was waterboarded in SERE school in 1995. The reason that's relevant is because it sets a precedent. Not only was I was waterboarded in SERE school, but also hundreds if not thousands of other Sailors and Marines have been waterboarded and have set this long established precedent that it is a safe legal technique when administered properly.

From the excerpts from "memo's" that I've read, SERE instructors passed on the same techniques to the CIA.

If it's legal to be administered on me, then how can it be ILLEGAL when administered to an enemy combatant as an interrogation technique?

Yes it may be immoral. Yes it can be of questionable strategic intelligence value. Yes it has invigorated our enemies. Maybe it should never have been used. But Illegal??? Um no.

Double Dog Dare

I double dog dare any liberal or progressive to quote a section of the Constitution that supports the lib/progressive thought that "I am my brother's keeper" as Candidate Obama proclaimed in his DNC acceptance speech.

The 800 Pound Gorilla

I’ve heard this term used before. I assume it refers to an issue so large and potentially devastating that no one wants to address it. Instead they prefer to tip toe around it. Pacify it. Feed and cater to it. Heck often even make it bigger and stronger by avoiding dealing with it.
I think that the federal budget deficit is an 800 pound gorilla that is not receiving the focus that it deserves.

Why is that?

Conservatives seem to mention it on occasion, but they seem powerless even rudderless to make any progress in this regard. So, they effectively contribute to gorilla delinquency even though they talk a good game behind his back.

But the Democrats that have controlled Congress (aka legislation and budgets and spending) for years and years now; is it an issue for them? What’s their plan? Spend more? If so, WOW!

If there ever was a bi-partisan issue, paying off this debt is one of them. For this, we are truly all in the same boat.

So who has the b@ll$ to poke the gorilla in the belly? and say, “Dude, you are going on a slim fast diet and jogging regimen.”

What's Wrong with the GOP?

My poll in the right hand column was about what I thought is wrong with the GOP. If you can't tell I think it's their reputation as a bunch of wacko haters, gun nuts, abortion Dr haters, war mongers, gay bashers etc... i.e. that they are generally a bunch of intolerant rich fat white guys. (OBTW, that's exactly how the left is painting the tea baggers.)

Not one person has yet voted similarly. Perhaps it's that the options available were too limited. If so, touche.

But let's just cut to the chase. If the intolerance reputation is NOT what's wrong with the GOP, then what is?

Racism (Continued...)

It's my belief that many of those that are "against" Affirmative Action at best do not understand that (1) racism exists and (2) that it's government's role to establish justice as well as they could. Or at worst, they do not care about 1 and 2.

IMHO if they understood, then their feelings may be different. And more understanding can be achieved through awareness and education.

Yes, there has to be fair, just, and legal ways to implement AA policies. Let me say that one more time: Yes there has to be fair, just and legal ways to implement AA policies, but in my humble opinion we will never make great progress towards justice if we lack understanding or fail to care about the fact that Racism exists and that it is the role of government to establish justice.

If I were an elected official, I would attempt to focus AA efforts on the education of #1 and #2. And I'd focus AA policies toward prosecution and fines for all injustice towards protected classes, including racism.

Bottom line: I think way too much emphasis is made about bad AA policies. Instead we'd all be better off focusing on calling out the haters among us (i.e. doing something about it) and admitting that racism exists, and not sitting idly by.

But that's just me. And my kooky views on justice.

http://www.stopkillingjobs.com/

http://dailykenoshan.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7526&Itemid=104

FYI only.

It seems like more of the same high taxes kill jobs message.

Respect

OK, I've had enough of hearing "Mr. Obama". He's the President. So, he's to be referred to as "President Obama" not Mr Obama. Unless people are referring to his father or brother, then Mr. Obama would be appropriate.

Maybe it's the way my parents raised me, or that I was a Boy Scout, or the over 20 years that I was in the Navy, but....Senators are called Senator Schmuckatelli, or at least the Honorable Mister Schmuckatelli. So, the President deserves the same courtesy and respect.

Perhaps some people are not aware of this etiquette. Perhaps some are purposefully trying to be disrespectful. But whatever the reason, it's still disrespectful and a breach of etiquette.

My Views pt 1, Affirmative Action

I thought I should take a few lines and explain one of my views that I feel sets me apart from many other conservatives:

I believe that (1) racism exists, and (2) I believe that it is government's role to establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, and secure the blessings of liberty by doing something about countering racism. IHMO, the words "affirmative" and "action" when put together merely mean doing something about it; i.e. they literally mean to take positive steps against racism. To not do so, would be tacit approval of racism and the injustice that goes with it.

Now,,,,,what actions and steps are the right ones? That's a whole nuther topic. For now, let's just stick to #1 and #2.

Woman's tofu license plate curdles in Colo.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090409/ap_on_fe_st/odd_tofu_snafu;_ylt=AiCasViSuQ1w9N77b6kRHfkDW7oF

Another head line that I just couldn't pass up.

I suppose that ILVTOFU too... I mean TOFU is proof that God loves us, right?

Electing conservatives is like hiring a carpenter who thinks hammers are evil.

I read that blurb on dkos a while back. What bothers me about it is that some people may think that it’s a profound (yet snarky) description of Conservatives. Um, no.

#1. I get it. I don’t agree, but I do see and understand the implications that elected officials are assumed to be elected to build and do. They are expected to perform and make things better. And the implication is that Conservatives don’t like the government, so they would not want to use government for those purposes. Got it.

But here are some things to consider: HAMMERS can be dangerous! Would you give one to a 3 year old? Heck I wouldn’t give one to some adults that I know; at least not to work on MY house. They’d do more damage than if they had done nothing at all. Therefore, hammers should be used wisely. They are precision tools that need to be used cautiously, aka conservatively. You don't just go around swinging more and more hammers thinking the more you swing the more you'll fix!

Also, there are many different types of hammers. It takes some expertise to be able to know which one is best for the task at hand. It also takes some insight into the 2nd and third order effects of swinging the hammer; i.e. you don’t swing as hard when in a 100 year old house with fragile plaster walls. Yes hammers are useful, but they can also do damage, But they are not evil.

Likewise, the government and legislation can also be dangerous. So they should be used wisely. Legislation should normally be a precision tool that needs to be used cautiously. Care needs to be taken about the 2nd and 3rd order effects of proposed legislation.

But Government, if done properly, wisely, cautiously, dare I say it: conservatively, is not (necessarily in and of itself) evil.

But I could be wrong, I often am.

Congrats to the Victors

Congrats to Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson, Tony Evers (DPI Sup), Chad Kerkman (Judge, Kenosha County Circuit Court) and Clyde Allen (Village of PP Trustee).

It seems to me that mostly incumbents won.

What does it take to defeat an incumbent? Perhaps it's tarnish. As in the CDO mess at KUSD.
I see that Carl Bryan, Pam Stevens, and Mary Snyder defeated Mark Hujik and Eric Olson for School Board.

Again, congrats to the victors.

Now let's get some things done!

Kenosha deputy in undies tracks down drunk driver

http://www.waow.com/Global/story.asp?S=9976258

Not only do I know this guy, but we share the same last name.

I don't know how I missed this article. It's a month old.

But I just can't pass up a headline like that.

Election Day

I voted! I usually put it off until on the way home, but I wanted to get on my blog and type the words, "I voted!" as soon as possible.

Perhaps it'll motivate people to get out and vote. With my luck it'll actually motivate more progressive liberal democrats to get out and counter my vote :(

But it's all good.

Disappointed

I see no real debate at realdebatewisconsin.blogspot.com. It's more like real mud slinging.

I see little (I admitt there is some) "COEXIST"ing at Most liberal/progressive blogs.

I see wayyy too much name calling on conservative blogs.

If it's all a bunch of partisan name-calling, finger-pointing and playing "gotcha", there seems to be no point to it.

Has anyone else felt similarly?

Leading a Horse to Water

You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink. ESPECIALLY if you are forcing his head under the water!!! I bet he'll fight back. Ya think?

I thought of this analogy (that I had heard previously from a boss of mine back in like 2004) the other day, because I goofed on my peanut butter analogy (can you tell that I like analogies?) when trying to explain ACORN's responsibility for registration fraud. I thought to myself, "Why didn't JCG get it?" I mean, I lead him right up to the water!

Perhaps, it was because I was too forceful when forcing my views on the situation. If so,,,,my bad.

And I see wayyyy too much of that forcefulness on the blogosphere. I say "wayyy too much", because, is it working? Is anyone actually being convinced of anything? If so, then heave at it. If not, then perhaps more people would be willing to be led and even be willing to accept a "drink" if there wasn't so much mashing of heads under water.

But I could be wrong, I often am.

My lame poll

I see that I now have multiple votes that I need more categories for the poll.

I'm taking suggestions.

Please leave a comment.

Strange, isn't it?

"...ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." - President John F. Kennedy

Isn't it strange that a liberal said that? Doesn't that sound like the opposite of a modern liberal?

U.S. voters don't blame Obama for economy

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090331/pl_nm/us_obama_poll_economy

So he runs on being the answer for everything, and then (relatively speaking) gets a free pass on.......nearly everything.

This is NOT a rhetorical question: When will he be held accountable in the polls for the economy?

http://rosciolifortrustee.blogspot.com/

http://rosciolifortrustee.blogspot.com/

John has been involved in Pleasant Prairie "politics" for the past 2+ years. He is running for Village Board Trustee #3. The election is April 7th, now 8 days away.

John is so dedicated and talented that I want to be just like him some day.

This upcoming election, as a matter of fact ALL ELECTIONS are very important.

So please get out and vote on April 7th.

Defending ACORN

The best two arguments that I've heard in defense of ACORN are 1) "...it is ACORN itself that is being defrauded by the[eir] workers.” and 2) The evidence shows that there is very little voter fraud.

Both of these are VERY TRUE. However, they are also VERY IRRELEVANT.

1) With this logic, it’s not the fault of the Peanut Butter factories’ policies or their processes or their procedures for the recent salmonella poisonings….instead (using the above logic) it’s the fault of their workers. Let’s peek at the relevant facts: To varying degrees, all companies/non-profits are responsible for their actions. So, ACORN is responsible not only for their workers, but also for their policies, processes, and procedures that lead to registration fraud.

2) Registration fraud is not the same as voter fraud. So, using the lack of voter fraud as proof that registration fraud shouldn't be cleaned up is irrelevant.

Take those two things away and,,,,,What's the defense of ACORN again?

The Most Difficult Thing We Do

(previously published at dailykenoshan.com)

I’m not Dr. Phil. I don’t pretend to have all the answers, nor do I know what’s best for everyone. But I do know that communicating with others seems to be one of the most difficult things I do. I know this because I flub it up on a regular routine basis.

I admit it’s my fault more than 50% of the time. I get caught up in what I want to say, so I miss what is being said to me. I’m human. I’m guilty of just listening to just the words, but missing the body language and emotions/feelings. Or I hear what I want to hear and I miss the history and context. All of these things negatively impact communication.

So I work hard to see things that I used to miss. But I’m no mind reader. Sometimes it takes a billboard to get my attention. Oops. However, even as inept as I am at communicating, I’ve found that some things seem to work often, so I spice my day with them liberally. And others are usually communication killers, so I avoid them like I avoid Proctology exams.

Rule #1, as said by Patrick Swayze in “Road House” when teaching his bouncers on how to be effective: “Be nice.” Actually it was his rule #3: “One, never underestimate your opponent. Expect the unexpected. Two, take it outside. Never start anything inside the bar unless it's absolutely necessary. And three, BE NICE.” You can learn allot from guy-films.

My ma once told me that if I don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all. Eh,,,she was sorta right. I’ve learned to not be afraid to say the not-so-nice thing, but I’ll agonize about HOW to say it “nice”ly; about how to say it in a way that it’ll be received well. Then, IF I can’t find a way to say it “nicely”, then I probably won’t say it. I mean, if it’s just gonna be cast aside; what’s the point?

Sincere compliments and sincere appreciation can often capture many folks’ attention. And that attention can enhance communication. It’s often very easy to appreciate the opposition. They are often passionate, tenacious, and creative. Why not take a second and sincerely appreciate those qualities? It just might help get your point across. And, isn’t that the point?

Before I get accused of plagiarism, I’ve learned allot about communication from a book called How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie. I’ve read the thing so many times, that I’ve lost count (probably about 8 or 9 times though, because I’m sure I’d remember a round number like 10). It’s a great book, especially for recovering Neanderthals like me. I highly recommend it.

Wrapping up things that work well: Smile. Literally, figuratively, and actually smile. Find a way to express that smile in words and you will do well. Have your smile received as sincere, and you’ll do even better.

Here are some key communication killers to always avoid: Straight up confrontation. Nothing puts people on the defensive more than being outright offensive. If you aim to win, or abuse, or hurt others, then please strap on your PF Flyers and jog a mile or two (or ten) until you get it out of your system. I often come back and rethink page-long rants that I knew were pure genius. But, upon my return I detect too many offensive tidbits, so I end up deleting the whole diatribe because it will not result in convincing anyone of anything. When true communication is the goal, then offensiveness really has no place.

Another communication killer is always being right and not being open to other possibilities. No one is always right. I know I’m very guilty of this one. I have a couple college degrees and a big vocabulary and I pummel (big word for smack) people with my righteous superiority way too often. Superior piety will often turn off communication quicker than an F-bomb. But being open to other viewpoints is not permission to be a know-it-all. Like I said, I struggle with this one. I find myself often being a nice open minded jerk. Oops.

I’m in no way an expert, in fact quite the opposite; instead I chose to write this, because I care. Yes, the hard@$$, retired Navy, Conservative leaning Moderate cares about people. Heck, I’ll say it, I even LOVE allotta people. Maybe it’s my own fumbles lately, maybe it’s that it hurts to see so many people talking right past each other most everyday; but whatever it is, I care enough that I just had to say something about it.

That’s another tip. Don’t keep it bottled up. Let it out in constructive ways. I’m certain that if we can all try to apply even one of these tips once a day or once a week (heck for some of you even once in a lifetime), then perhaps we’ll be understood many times more. And with more understanding, maybe,,,just maybe anything is possible.

But,,,I could be wrong. I often am.- Rich Preston

Where is the Constitutional foundation for .....?

What Constitutional foundation is there for "I am my brother's keeper...."? as Candidate Obama proclaimed in his DNC speech.

I just don't see it in the Constitution.

I'm not saying that it's un-constitutional. I'm just saying that I don't see the Federal government's role spelled out in the Constitution to be: "Sure I'll take care of all of you." as was implied by that statement by the now President.

Here we go........................hold on for the ride :)

First Post

Having beed called a "repug" and other names on liberal sites and knowing that I have RINO views on abortion, gay rights, Affirmative Action and civil liberties, I thought that must make me a Moderate.

If so, perhaps there are others out there and we can band together and find a home.

Home sounds nice :)