Jun 30 2013

Let’s call stupid and bigotry what it really is….

credit: classwarfareexists.com

Point of today – actually two points – we are who we follow and let’s do a better job of calling bullshit when we see it.

“The feminist agenda is not about equal rights for women. It is about a socialist, anti-family political movement that encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism and become lesbians.” – Pat Robertson

It is obvious I have issues with religion and those who unabashedly profess to be leaders of the masses – many of whom are actually more bigoted, unforgiving, selfish and most everything anti what I was always taught the teachings of the bible are about – one person you won’t see with a WWJD bracelet on is Pat Robertson. I won’t go into much detail about his first son being born out of wedlock (do what I say, not what I do) or his repeated misogynistic stances regarding women and their place with men (essentially men cheat because their wife doesn’t take care of them as they should) as that would take too much time and space for today. I happened to be channel surfing and stopped on the 700 Club – not a usual stop but given the SCOTUS decision on DOMA this week, I thought there might be some reaction from Pat. I was not disappointed as my timing was right on. He was discussing the issue with Jay Sekulow of the ACLJ, a right-wing, pro-life group that focuses on constitutional and human rights law worldwide (as they define them). Just for context, Sekulow is also a regular on Fox News. As expected, the discussion was obviously on the horrible decision made by the court but where did Robertson immediately go? His first question was whether Sekulow had any insight into whether Justice Kennedy had any homosexual law clerks. He followed it up with a derisive comment on the judge in California who had declared Prop 8 to be unconstitutional, immediately leading the discussion to his understanding that the judge was in fact himself a homosexual. So no discussion on human rights, equality under the law or anything else other than a view that all these decisions were no doubt just self-serving actions – something I expect that Robertson knows quite a bit about. What a piece of shit – and well representative of all those who support him and his extravagant lifestyle. But he is consistent on one level – he pretty much holds both gays and women to the same level of contempt.

“The reason that we fought the [American] Revolution in the 16th century — was to get away from that kind of onerous crown, if you will.” —Rick Perry

I also caught a brief news clip on that illustrious governor of Texas – Rick Perry – another shining example that if you’re from Texas, you don’t have to be very smart to get elected to a high office. While much of the country was giving high kudos to Sen. Wendy Davis who held up the vote on more limitations on abortion and women’s rights in Texas, Perry was quick to play the “man” hand and pretty much dismissing her accomplishments (not sure Rick could even spell “HARVARD”) and bring it down to some stupid comment on learning from her mothers’ decision not to abort her and therefore reversing her stance on abortion rights. Key word – “rights”. Heaven forbid anyone traipse on their religious “rights”. It was also rather revealing that during Sen. Davis’ filibuster, it was only the men in the room who work to thwart her effort. Another situation where men work their hardest to control what women do.

So, a quick take away from these two seemingly separate items. It is really about women and how they decide to deal with all these idiot men. These people in power only maintain their position if women support them. Probably a little less influence over Robertson but maybe not quite as much an issue. At 83 years old, we can only hope he gets to meet his maker before long – and assuming I’m wrong in my lack of belief in God, he gets to explain himself to the big guy.

As far as Rick Perry, one can only hope that the women in Texas begin to understand his concern is not for women and he is willing and able to work against the rights due all women. In the meantime, I’ll stay thankful none of us live in Texas and the women in my life can still think for themselves.

credit: moveon.org

Another take on the DOMA decision was made this morning on Face the Nation this morning with Bob Sheiffer. Tony Perkins, of the Family Research Council, an American conservative Christian group and lobbying organization shared one of the horrific impacts of the decision. Let’s put the Family Research Council in some appropriate perspective here – In 2010, the FRC paid $25,000 to congressional lobbyists for what they described as “Res.1064 Ugandan Resolution Pro-homosexual promotion” in a lobbying disclosure report. The US House of Representatives, in a moment of rationale thought, passed the resolution condemned the Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill, a bill which, among other things, would have imposed either the death penalty or life imprisonment for sexual relations between persons of the same sex. Let’s make sure we recognize what kind of christian organization we are talking about here.

credit: back2stonewall.com

In any case, back to Tony. He was very concerned of the impact on bakers, photographer and florists who would inevitably lose their religious freedom by being forced to do work with gay couples looking to get married. He in fact indicated that there were already a great number of court cases in play and there were instances where these business people were being forced to sell services to gay couples. It did take Schieffer a moment to clear the incredulous look off his face as he forced what was essentially a “Really?” out of his mouth. Tony was firm in his view that when people realize this sort of impact is inevitable, the tide will turn, people will regain their senses and all will be right with the world again. Can’t say that was an impact that I was really worried about.

Jun 26 2013

More Lipstick on a Pig – Part 2

“We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid.” ― Benjamin Franklin

Whether we look at the decisions around marriage and equality we have seen today or we listen to the wailings of Paula Deen, it becomes obvious our biggest enemy remains ignorance and hate. I still struggle with why anything I feel is important or “right” is the same for others or why the wills and beliefs of others need to be applied to the rest of us. This is not a new problem nor is it one that is going to go away in the near term but it is one that we cannot let take any greater hold than it has already. To be honest, I harbor no illusion that people who are so ignorant and bereft of empathy will ever change or see life and liberty thru any glasses other than their own thick and obviously warped lenses but we need to call bullshit when we see it.

Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity. – Martin Luther King, Jr.

So back to Paula Deen –

Let me preface this with the fact that I am not a Christian nor a believer of any religion for that matter so forgiveness is something I work thru given my own faculties and beliefs based on what I see in people. I do believe that people make mistakes and there are times they are truly sorry and apologetic and they really mean it – can’t say I saw that in Deen’s Today show appearance this morning. I expect people will see what they want to see and her supporters saw one things and the rest of us something else but I’ve looked at the interview several times to see what I missed and I really didn’t see much apology or her taking responsibility for her actions. Yes, she was sorry it caused the problems it did. But she seemed to have every excuse in the book for why she really wasn’t accountable or wrong. I did love her line at the end that there was someone evil who was essentially jealous of what she had and wanted to take her down. Her confusion over what was hurtful or derogatory to others was also laughable – and blaming the young people around her for it was even more unbelievable. To reach her age and to live in the times she has and to not know the “N’ word was bad – amazing. I’m not quite 66 years old but I have a pretty good idea of what is acceptable to minorities and what isn’t. While I can’t guarantee it, I would submit that use of the “N” word wouldn’t be in my response even with a gun to my head – that word is either in your vernacular or it isn’t.

I was also pretty amazed at the lack of tears. A lot of sobbing but no real waterworks. Hate to admit it but I’ve cried in situations of lesser issue or stress. Note to her handlers – tell her to get some tears going next time around. For my part she remains pretty much the shitbag and low-life I thought she was.

So for you supporters, you should be all set. She was really speaking to you all. You can continue to eat the bacon and sticks of butter that she offered to get you down the path of diabetes and you can continue to frequent her restaurants. Me, I’m heading out to the store to get some Smithfield ham.

“Imagine the people who believe such things and who are not ashamed to
ignore, totally, all the patient findings of thinking minds through all
the centuries since the Bible was written. And it is these ignorant
people, the most uneducated, the most unimaginative, the most unthinking
among us, who would make themselves the guides and leaders of us all;
who would force their feeble and childish beliefs on us; who would
invade our schools and libraries and homes. I personally resent it
bitterly.”
―
Isaac Asimov

Jun 24 2013

Paula Deen – another “Lipstick on a Pig”

Credit: veggieboard.com

In light of all the issues we have staring us in the face in this country at the moment, one would think that the current Paula Deen scandal would not be all that important. On one hand, are any of us surprised that a 66-year-old woman from the South holds a level of bigotry as she has admitted? I know it isn’t all the people in the South and that there are many educated and open-minded people that reside in the region as well we in the Northeast have our share of bigots and racists who believe it’s still the 1950’s when it comes to white superiority. One the other hand, the views and opinions held by this silver-haired asshole quite clearly represent much of the divide we see in the country today – one based on intolerance and narrow-mindedness. Whether it is Blacks, Latinos, gays, atheists, whoever, when we as a society don’t immediately denounce and show consequences of actions such as this, we are all essentially enablers of it. I think her fate with the Food Network and what would appear to be quickly disappearing sponsors and endorsements is well deserved as any tolerance of that opinion and attitude of others is unacceptable and, more over, reprehensible in today’s world of hate and intolerance. While attitudes are slowly changing and our younger generation are obviously more tolerant, in the meantime, it’s hammer time for those who are that stupid and shallow. I have already sent my support to Food Network to ensure they don’t just hear from the haters out there – it is critical we all make our voices heard.

I would also suggest that if you don’t really care that Deen dumped on Blacks, you might want to read a bit more about some of her other comments – she is apparently a non-discriminatory bigot. While she admitted she occasionally used the N-word — but not in a “mean” way, she apparently also felt that racist and bigoted jokes weren’t harmful – apparently during the court deposition when asked if she told racist jokes, she reportedly answered, “It’s just what they are — they’re jokes … most jokes are about Jewish people, rednecks, black folks … I can’t determine what offends another person.” We undoubtedly have a brain trust here who, if she can’t figure out what is offensive to others in this day and age, needs to be placed well out of the public eye. Being stupid doesn’t get you a free pass nor does it work as an excuse.

On a related note, my wife pointed out one of the pictures attached to a Paula Deen story on MSN – not sure I need to provide much explanation but I ask you – is there anything obvious about the people in the photo whom have taken to the street (so to speak) to protest the treatment of this southern diva? It would look like flocking to a restaurant is a protest that pretty much falls in their sweet spot. They were likely also not bothered by Deen’s little diabetes scandal, although I would suggest that a good many of them are well acquainted with diabetes.

Patrons waiting in line outside The Lady and Sons, Paula Deen’s restaurant in Savannah, Ga. this weekend (credit: MSN.com)

Jun 4 2013

Gun Control – Gone but hopefully not Forgotten

Over the recent weeks I’ve been somewhat distracted from this blog – quite a change from the time where it seemed I put something new out there almost every day. Part of me has been distracted with the loss of our pet, Gunther, 5-6 weeks ago. It is still hard to pretty much do anything without realizing how integral he was to our house, our family and the rhythm we came to expect and enjoy. Boy, the pain and the tears stay pretty close to the surface – more a testament to how great a little guy he was. I’ve also had another shoulder surgery a couple of weeks back – due to a great extent of me maybe not taking the first one as seriously as I should – I’ve been a lot less active this time around including doing a bit less typing. So I have some excuses but when I look around there seems to be somewhat of a diminished intensity on areas or issues which were pretty important not that long ago. We are definitely a society with ADHD – how quickly we let things pass and become non-issues when something new shows up. Pretty sad overall. But not enough reason to give up. I stay stubbornly positive in hoping that knowledge and commonsense will ultimately prevail – maybe not because I necessarily believe it deep down but I’m not sure I can make my head get around the fact that ignorance and emotion will rule the day.

So with that, let’s talk gun control again. I read an interesting and relevant article in the May 2013 Scientific American – not a magazine I usually read as most of it typically flies over my head but my son frequents it and this recent one ended up on our kitchen table as one of the key articles was on 3-D printing – a new world (well relatively new to consumers) our household recently entered into. In any case, I came across a great article by Michael Shermer, who is the publisher of Skeptic magazine where he attempts to add some facts to the current discussion and takes on the NRA’s Wayne LaPierre and the view that essentially more guns are the only way to make things better. He sites a couple of studies on guns that paint an interesting picture – one that many of us I think already know (that more guns mean more problems) but the stats are interesting so I thought I’d share some of them as well as the link to the article (which I would strongly you read and take way what you may) – http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=gun-science-proves-arming-untrained-citizens-bad-idea

credit: factsnotfantasy.blogspot.com

Some highlights for those of you who don’t want to read it all (credit again to Mr. Shermer in Scientific American – May 2013 issue as I’ve shared this verbatim) –

A 1998 study in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery that found that “every time a gun in the home was used in a self-defense or legally justifiable shooting, there were four unintentional shootings, seven criminal assaults or homicides, and 11 attempted or completed suicides.” Pistol owners’ fantasy of blowing away home-invading bad guys or street toughs holding up liquor stores is a myth debunked by the data showing that a gun is 22 times more likely to be used in a criminal assault, an accidental death or injury, a suicide attempt or a homicide than it is for self-defense.

From a 2013 book from Johns Hopkins University Press entitled Reducing Gun Violence in America: Informing Policy with Evidence and Analysis, edited by Daniel W. Webster and Jon S. Vernick, both professors in health policy and management at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. In addition to the 31,672 people killed by guns in 2010, another 73,505 were treated in hospital emergency rooms for nonfatal bullet wounds, and 337,960 nonfatal violent crimes were committed with guns. Of those 31,672 dead, 61 percent were suicides, and the vast majority of the rest were homicides by people who knew one another. For example, of the 1,082 women and 267 men killed in 2010 by their intimate partners, 54 percent were shot by guns. Over the past quarter of a century, guns were involved in greater number of intimate partner homicides than all other causes combined. When a woman is murdered, it is most likely by her intimate partner with a gun.

For gun nuts who really don’t care, numbers and statistics are, well, just numbers and statistics. But for the rest of us who could easily be one of the statistics above, I’d actually want to make sure we don’t lose sight of how important an issue this is. Newtown shouldn’t just be a distant memory. Pretty disappointing how quickly we all forget. Equally scary that the likes of Wayne LaPierre gets his way and sees validation of his views in the inaction and antipathy of the American public.

notthebestoftimes…

And it is getting worse – time to get our collective head out of our ass

Monthly Archives: June 2013

Supreme Court strikes down Defense of Marriage Act