Sep 14 2021

Time to Take Out the Big Stick

I have now watched for I don’t know how many years, a Democratic Party which falls on the side of decorum and maturity when it comes to dealing with issues Americans as well as with the Republican Party. For those of us with better upbringing, more education and likely more success in life, this is typically how we try to approach others in our day to day dealings – whether in our workplace, our families and those with whom we must interact out in the real world. Not to say that all Republicans are lowlifes (most are), are uncouth (most are) and are uneducated (they are). Doesn’t mean they are automatically bad people but if I was gambling, that’s where I’d put my money. The list is long but one can only look at the current crop of Republican politicians – MTG, Boebert, Gaetz, Jordan, Rand Paul and others – for so long without seeing them for what they are – Republicans with no substance and little to offer – hence their style of interaction. Their approach – make enough noise and stir up enough emotion that their base doesn’t question content.

I watched the beginning of the Congressional hearing on the ending of the war in Afghanistan and the subsequent evacuation of over 130,000 Americans, Afghans with SIV papers and citizens of our allies. Of course it immediately dropped down to the juvenile level upon which the Republicans now focus their criticism – which is pretty low. I will likely at some point take up some of the good, the bad and the ugly of the end of the war in Afghanistan but for now I’m pissed enough to just focus on the Republican party and their ongoing work to bring this country to its’ knees. Kind of like what we say when some fool starts to argue with you and their only defense is to bring you down to their level of incompetence or idiocy. Again, anyone reading my blog for any period of time can see how I view most all of this current batch of Republicans in office – whether at the Federal, State or local levels. As we often have heard (but maybe in different terms) shit rolls downhill.

What we all know is that this is the Republicans crap we will continue to have to listen to for the foreseeable future. Nothing will change them – our only hope is that many of them – actually the majority of the unvaccinated – continue to die from Covid. And hopefully in the most painful and horrific ways so their loved one can continue to reach out and ask for your thoughts and prayers. No issue giving them my thoughts – Get Fucked. I’m always up for efforts to cleanse the gene pool.

But enough on the Republicans. My issue at this moment are the Democrats and how they continue to play nice and take the high road. While it might sound good and it might look good on paper, at this point it is a losing proposition. In my many years in Corporate America – not always the friendliest place, especially when providing services to clients that they pay a lot for. You can try to be cooperative and patient as you help them see the error of their ways and expectations but there is a point where they need to know there is a line – and a point where once they cross, they can never come back to the same place and get the benefit of the doubt like all is forgotten. I always felt there was a time where you needed to not only provide the proverbial 2×4 to the head but you needed to make sure there was a welt that lasted long enough they never forgot the initial swat. In fact, kind of like with your kids, there should be some fear always left in them for future encounters. They need to know you are not just fucking around. It is time the Democrats in our country step up the swats to the heads of the Republicans that continue their assault on not only the Democrats in power but in ALL the non-Trumpers in America. Can’t say I agree with everything that Bernie, AOC and Nancy Pelosi say and do but I will tell you I like their style. I like Schumer but he is a bit more of a “get along” guy. All the Democratic leadership needs to take the hardline stance and pretty much rip some heads off. They need to set the tone of fixing the immediate problem rather than worrying more about pissing people off and impacting their re-election. With a continued stance of not rocking the boat, I think they put their re-election more at risk.

Enough noise and bullshit from the Trumpers – we know they are assholes and barely can walk upright (my apology to the primates) but we need to make it very clear we don’t want to hear from them. Vermectin for all of them. I’ll fund enough for the first 1000.

Sep 4 2021

And the Craziness Continues…

Without question, our challenge with Covid and the stupid of America continues unabated. With the likes of “leaders” like “Grab them by the pussy” Trump, “Canary In The Coal Mine” DeSantis and “Wheels” Abbott spouting their pandemic bullshit while actively working to kill people, the stupid among us continue to add bodies to the number of infected and dead across the country. I am tired of hearing the continued advice and warnings that real healthcare officials continue to offer to the unvaccinated as it is obvious that if someone hasn’t heard the message as to how to protect ourselves and to get the pandemic under control at this point, they will not ever get it and this is breath best applied elsewhere. I am also pretty tired of hearing advice that those of us smart enough to get the vaccine should not be shaming or casting negative tone at the unvaccinated as it just makes those choosing to remain unvaccinated more resolute in their stance. Well, I call bullshit on that perspective as the obvious intelligence and psychological deficiencies of those remaining unvaccinated will not be moved with facts. Speaks volumes as to my mindset but I’m one of those getting great satisfaction out of reading about the anti-vaxxers and anti-maskers that have gone on to their maker (or wherever). I have always had a thing about accountability and the apparent lack of it by most people who find themselves in situations of their own doing and then either blaming others or looking for special treatment at a point where they realize they have fucked up. So, that being said I rejoice each news item I read where an anti-vaxxer or anti-masker finds themselves with Covid and in serious shape in a hospital and possibly on a ventilator. Even better when the news item is about the people dying – especially in the cases of the four conservative radio hosts who railed against the vaccine and mask mandates who find themselves now dead. Thirty-year-old anti-mask movement leader in Texas – Dead. Parents of 4 children (now orphans) – Dead. Of course, many of these people came to realize on their death bed that they made a mistake and implore others to get the vaccine. Sorry, you get no sympathy for last minute reprieves. Kind of like the atheist that finds God when it is obvious that death is close. Doesn’t really count for much.

This is ACCOUNTIBILITY at its’ best. Now as harsh as this all sounds, keep in mind I am past the point of trying to change the minds of idiots and it is likely, especially in the case of the radio hosts, the crap and conspiracy theories being spewed by these assholes no doubt has resulted in additional deaths – hopefully only the unvaccinated but someone is driving the dramatic increase in Covid cases deaths in children under 12 who really have no alternative. For the children whose have gotten ill who have parents that deny the need for vaccination, they are unfortunate to have been dealt a bad hand when it comes to parents. If I want to be really nasty, the fact they have their parent’s DNA presents a future problem for the rest of us. And for the rest of us who are responsible in terms of our heath and are aligned with our social responsibilities to others, it is a benefit that we have as many of these unvaccinated people leave us as soon as is possible.

Marc Bernier, a late Daytona, Florida, talk radio host who dubbed himself “Mr. Anti-Vax” in December while assuring his listeners “I’m not taking it.” He died died after a three-week fight against the virus.

Dick Farrel, 65, used his local talk show and social media to rail against Dr. Anthony Fauci, who he called a “power tripping lying freak,” and say that no one should get the coronavirus vaccine. When COVID-19 sent him to the hospital for three weeks, though, he changed his tune, urging friends to get vaccinated.

Phil Valentine, a radio host who scoffed at Covid, then urged his followers to get vaccinated, dies. In December of 2020 he tweeted “I have a very low risk of A) Getting COVID and B) dying of it if I do. Why would I risk getting a heart attack or paralysis by getting the vaccine?”

A religious radio broadcaster who spread disinformation about the coronavirus vaccines was killed by the virus. DeYoung published an interview promoting the conspiracy theories that the Pfizer vaccine would make women sterile and that world governments were using the virus and vaccine to centralize power.

Caleb Wallace, a leader of the anti-mask movement in Texas who became infected with the coronavirus and died after spending three weeks in an intensive care unit. He leaves a wife and young child.

And let’s not forget one of early idiots in the mess – Herman Cain

I am also tired of the “excuse” that they cannot be mandated to take a vaccine given they have the “right” to do what they will with their health and body and that they are constitutionally protected from a vaccine being forced. First off, I’d like to see most of them spell constitution. Next, they could not be further from the truth of how this works. Yes, you have the freedom to live your life as you wish up until the point where your actions spill over into actions that put the life of others at risk. Actually, a pretty easy concept. Examples abound where the society and the courts have consistently mandated this concept. Let’s see – it is illegal to drink and drive. Smoking is prohibited in most public places. VACCINES are mandated for children to attend kindergarten and all the way up thru college. But I will say that if these people want to continue their protests about anybody telling them what they can do or not do with their body, I would ask that they maybe think a bit about their stance on women and their ability to control what they do with their body. Women getting abortions aren’t really ending a viable life in their actions. These anti-vaccine people are taking quite a few living and breathing people out with them. If there is any bright spot here, most of these people seem to spend the majority of their time with people with similar beliefs and mentality so we can only hope they are taking out more of their own than not.

So while the rest of us hold up our level of responsibility for ensuring some level of health to keep the pandemic at bay and I’ve now delved into constitutional protection, let me take a short detour into our current SCOTUS, most specifically their latest action (or inaction) regarding the new laws in Texas (a state that would be the asshole if it was a living entity – although in contention with Florida) that basically ends the right of women to terminate their pregnancy. Even more amazing is that given the magnitude of this decision by the Court is that they did it, not thru normal detailed and extensive review and argument by both sides, but thru what is referred to as their shadow docket – no detailed explanation or rationale (which could be examined in detail), no count of which Justice voted which direction and what ends up as no real accountability for the decision. This is what happens when “C” level players are selected by a “D” level asshole.

Apr 8 2020

You Can’t Cure Stupid…

No, this time I’m not writing about the idiot-in-chief sitting in the Oval Office — although he is a mix of stupid, malice and money – not a great combination evidenced in what we have seen and become in the past three years. But I digress.

It has been a great many years since anyone has found my level of patience to be something to recognize as a core strength, even in normal times. It is a trait that I think has served me well over my long career but has taken it’s toll on most of those who have been forced to spend time around me. It is something one would think with retirement should have ebbed a bit. Well, that’s apparently not happening – especially now.

Where I will most typically go quickly off the rails is in the face of stupidity and ignorance. Unfortunately the opportunities to experience those ever-present qualities among our fine citizens of this great nation abound. In normal times, I am reminded that I should recognize that it is a reality of life and that stupidity is a way of life for many and that is not going to change. I get it but don’t really accept it – I guess then I don’t really get it. But at this time when we have been now almost two months into this pandemic, I again struggle. maybe even more so given that the stupidity and ignorance of many wandering aimlessly out in public can, and likely will, add to the death toll…and unfortunately it won’t just be the stupid and ignorant whose herd we are ultimately thinning.

Why this today? Well, I just returned from what I thought was going to be a quick trip to the grocery store. Could I have done without it? Probably yes, but stubbornness sits up there with impatience in my makeup…again something those around me would not debate. I can rationalize my trek a bit given I don’t step foot in the store without my N95 mask and disposable gloves, as well as a Clorox disinfectant wipe or two in my pocket. I should have known as I wandered up to the entrance and two people wandered out sans mask (of any kind). While the store was not overly crowded, I was astonished by the number of people wandering the aisles without masks. Like to say it was mostly younger people who a often immune from those things that knock us seniors off balance but no, many were my peers. I, at least, can still move reasonably fast. Most of these people couldn’t get out of the way of a launched germ if they tried. I was also amazed at the number of children wandering around with a parent wearing a mask but they weren’t. I know there are times you would like to get rid of your kid but not sure this way works…especially since if they get Covid-19, then it is likely shortly coming your way. For many of these same people the concept of social distance appeared to also be something said in a foreign language. So, here we are weeks into this crisis and it now dawns on me why the media and most every health professional on TV still repeats the same instruction time after time after time after time. It isn’t just to annoy me, it is for the stupid and the ignorant.

Beyond these fine people, I also was blessed to experience a number of the people working in our fine supermarket, Giant Foods in Bartonsville, PA. Now I do realize that we are in a crisis and “normal” (whatever that is) is off to the wayside. However, not sure why given you would expect that most of us want to spend as little time in a store as possible and at the same time the store would most likely also want us out as soon as possible so we can’t spend too much time noticing how many shelves are not stocked, they only had two checkout lines open. The self checkout, where I’ll usually try to go so I don’t have to depend on someone else, was not an option this time around and there was a line, no exaggeration, probably 10 or 11 people long – of course all practicing the recommended social distancing. So, using my best judgement I looked at all the carts in front of me and did a quick evaluation of which line would go fastest. Well, pretty much missed it. At one point, with two people still ahead of me and nothing moving ahead of me for probably 10 minutes, I did wander around to see if the cashier I picked only had one arm. Well, she had two but, aside from not moving very fast, she was dealing with a woman in line with no mask or gloves (see previous paragraph) and, no exaggeration, probably 25 bags or so…the cashier was doing all the bagging – ringing up 2 or 3 items, stopping to bag them, repeat and rinse…and she wasn’t wearing a mask either. She was making sure she stayed behind the two foot wide, bulletproof barrier the store had put up so there wasn’t too much room to move. In fairness to my lack of patience (rationalizing more likely), the two people in front of me and the two behind me also weren’t too happy as I could hear muffled comments thru their masks. Then it was my turn. Of course I’m not patient enough to wait for someone else to bag my stuff so first I asked her if she was required to bag (which she wasn’t, just laziness on those ahead of me) so I bagged and did my part to moved things along. By this time, I was convinced my frozen items were already thawed and our dinner tonight was going to be a bit different and much larger than planned.

Now on a more positive note (at least to like-minded folks), after seeing those many who feel no need to protect either themselves or the rest of us, I will make what to many would be a vast generalization. What I’m seeing among those idiots unfettered with masks are the Trump Nation. A horde of people (“deplorables” fits here) who aspire to be something or someone they can never be. They have been too stupid and too ignorant most all their lives to achieve much and now they have been taken in by that lump of shit in the Whitehouse (I guess that could apply to many there) who has convinced them that many of us have been looking down on them for far too long and he is their savior…how fitting with Easter just around the corner. Just thinning the herd….

Feb 26 2014

Is that Jim Crow I Hear Cawing?

Credit: Steve Benson/The Republic

I’ve often pondered if people in our country are actually more stupid than they were years ago. You would think that with all the advances in technology, education, you name it, we would get a bit smarter over time or if nothing else at least a little less ignorant. When it comes down to it I expect the percentages of smart vs not-smart haven’t necessarily changed a great deal – despite the opportunities for people to learn and experience more given great strides in education and the advances we all experience in technology. I think part of it is just that there are a lot more people overall and there just seem to be a lot more stupid people walking around. I think the other thing that has happened is there are many more opportunities for people to demonstrate the breadth and depth of their stupidity and/or ignorance so many who in the past might have gone unnoticed are now out in the open.

Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt. – Abraham Lincoln

And for those of you of more a religious persuasion –

“Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.” – Proverbs 17:28

Arizona Legislators in Session

In the broader sense, the issue of gay rights is one of the opportunities for people to show their stupid and ignorant side. The latest example is the current legislation that has passed in Arizona that allows business owners asserting their religious beliefs to refuse service to gays. In fairness to Arizona, they are not alone in their efforts to return their state to “better times” when the various Jim Crow laws legitimized discrimination and prejudice and worked very effectively to limit the rights of people in our country whom were not of the same mindset or belief system. Similar religious protection legislation has been introduced in Ohio, Mississippi, Idaho, South Dakota, Tennessee and Oklahoma – not really a surprise given not one of these states is ever recognized for progressive thinking. Here again, under the guise of religion, we have a situation where one works to justify a horrid and what will eventually be recognized as illegal legislation. The fact that the element of discrimination is entirely ignored by the legislators in Arizona is something I just don’t get although I do believe that religion can be mind-numbing when put in the hands of people who probably don’t think for themselves anyhow. So it all comes down to Gov. Jan Brewer and her next move.

Someone should have mentioned SPF30…

Do we trust Brewer will do the right thing and veto this law? Remember this is the same woman who felt it appropriate to derisively wag her bony finger at President Obama on the tarmac during a visit to Arizona and who was too busy to attend a Governor’s dinner at the White House. This is also the same woman who eliminated the Arizona KidsCare progam which provided healthcare to uninsured children and stopped Medicaid payments for transplants. She loves guns and hates immigrants. This is the woman who in 2012 signed a law that barred state funding from going to any organization that provides abortion services. This meant that Planned Parenthood, which doesn’t use state money for abortions, was be deprived of funds they would have used to provide all manner of sexual health services, including services used by victims of sexual assault. Bad enough on its own but when one considers that her son, Ronald, has been a patient at the state mental hospital for the last 20+ years after he was found not guilty of kidnap and sexual assault by reason of insanity. In 1989, Ronald Brewer allegedly broke into a woman’s apartment, slapped her several times, and committed sex acts on her. After his 1990 indictment, his mother claimed that Ronald had “decompensated,” a psychiatric defense which means that although he’d been functioning normally before the attack, his state deteriorated. His lawyers argued that Ronald didn’t know, at the time, that what he was doing was wrong, and a judge agreed, committing Ronald indefinitely to the state’s hospital, where he still lives although he is free to leave with staff or with his parents. Even more interesting is that in the days before Jan Brewer was sworn in as the state’s governor in 2009, Ronald’s criminal records were sealed – his case being only four out of 40,000 total criminal cases that were sealed in Maricopa County in Arizona in 2009. She is the Tin Man – the epitome of a 2014 Tea Party Republican – a self-serving, do as I say not as I do, hate-mongering homophobe.

At least they were able to sit and get service….

To allow this Arizona legislation to go forward brings us back to a time of which we should all be ashamed – but unfortunately only some of us are. Religious Freedom my ass.

Jan 27 2014

2014 – In with a Bang

We are undoubtedly a nation with ADHD as evidenced by what has been almost a complete disappearance of any real focus on gun control this past year. A small flurry to give some lip service so that the gun nuts (and those politicians bought by the gun nuts) don’t look like they don’t care at all but really more marching in place. Most of these politicians had more important tasks at hand – like figuring out how to make the poor even poorer or how to bring our country to the edge of economic collapse. But I digress. It is not like we haven’t had the opportunity to have our attention clearly focused if we wanted to. Since the tragedy of Sandy Hook Elementary a little over a year ago, there has been no dearth of events to remind us of the travesty of an ineffective Congress aligned with an all-powerful gun lobby. Even if we ignore the 35,000 Americans killed by guns in the last year, it is hard to pass by the 30+ incidents of mass murder with a gun. In this year alone, not even a month into the new year, there have been at least 8 incidents in schools with guns – elementary schools, middle schools, high schools and colleges – seems it is pretty much that no level is left out. Of course pro-gun advocates immediately took to the mattresses to push for the elimination of so-called “gun-free zones” intended to keep areas with children and young adults free from guns. More rhetoric from the gun-toting right that more guns is better. This past weekend, the Mall shootings in Maryland again remind us all that none of us are really safe when we leave our houses. And apparently even in our own house many of us manage to have our potential of death by gun rise – as has been recently publicized (but not new news), in houses where there is a gun a person is twice as likely to be murdered and 3 times more likely to commit suicide. At least they keep it at home. And if you are a woman, the likelihood off being murdered is even higher. For you gun nuts who want to call bullshit, even the holy grail of news for people whom don’t want to think for themselves, Fox News, reported on the story – http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/01/21/gun-ownership-tied-to-three-fold-increase-in-suicide-risk/

The answer is not simple in the details given the complexity of the problem. To be perfectly honest, I am not in a place at all where I believe that guns should be outlawed. I understand the important role they have played in our history but that lone isn’t reason to continue to maintain this national stupidity. So if you want to shoot your food, go for it. If you want a gun for protection, OK that is understandable – especially with the number of nuts out there. Yes, there are alot of areas to be addressed beyond just increased gun control laws. However, the solution of more guns doesn’t really seem to make a whole lot of sense. The NRA mantra of more good guys with guns to take on the bad guys with guns just results in more people dead. Pretty simple calculation and logic – more guns means more houses with guns which means more dead people (even just looking at the above stats). We also have little chance of reducing the power and influence of the gun lobby but we can influence while picking out our legislators. Let’s also get off the emotion train that somehow fuels thru rhetoric our inalienable right to have guns. Ok but even if we go with the position that the 2nd amendment guarantees people the right to have guns, there is nothing in the amendment that precludes things like universal background checks or limiting gun magazine size to maybe a reasonable 6 or 7 (at least less than 10) bullets.

So what is so at risk when gun control is discussed. First let me separate out normal gun owners from gun nuts. Interestingly, most gun owners have no problem with Universal Background checks or even many of the changes that have been proposed over the past year. Most of these people might actually be reasonable and rational people – they do have some concern for their loved ones and they don’t see any imminent government takeover looming. So we really need to focus on two areas. The real gun nuts and the industries/individuals that are economically tied to guns. So the NRA, gun makers, gun dealers, Congress – it’s really all about money. Companies aren’t giving up large profits and politicians aren’t giving up deep pockets. Wayne LaPierre, the NRA mouthpiece isn’t going to give up his $1 million salary for the sake of anyone’s safety. To be honest, Wayne is pretty much in the realm of the TV Evangelist – just hawking a different religion but still living the high life on the backs of those without. Our answer here is thru the power of the vote. Our only road is to make sure your legislator – at whatever level – knows you won’t vote for him or her if they continue to ignore this issue.

For the “average” American gun nut, it has to go much deeper on a psychological level. There has to be something missing in these people – most likely a level of self-confidence. I would suggest that most of them are pretty much scared of everything around them. They always see danger lurking in the shadows. They see their weapon as the “great equalizer”. All of a sudden they can go from powerless to powerful. From small and inconsequential to large and impactful. But only really in their minds. In our world today it doesn’t really come down to “who has the biggest gun”. But it makes them feel better even though to most of the rest of us they really look like idiots. If it wasn’t that they were actually dangerous at some point it would almost be laughable. To be honest, I’m not sure what you do with these people. There is no reason or rational place to discuss or reach agreement. When all you see is “the government” coming to take your guns, not much else rings true or really important. I think we need to give them less attention and over time maybe they will start to thin out a bit given the stats we see on guns and murder and suicide. Unfortunately until then, we’ll continue to see incidents like this weekend in Maryland where we don’t really know the beef the shooter had but in feeling powerful and somehow rationalizing a response of murder there are now two families mourning the loss of young ones. We need to fix our politicians and take away the power of the gun lobby as the juice they spew only emboldens the gun nuts and somehow gives merit to their fears. Back to the power of the note and the vote – let them know and then follow it up at the ballot.

Now speaking of gun nuts, here in Pennsylvania we can’t go too far without a small look at one of our illustrious police chiefs who has taken it upon himself to make it clear to the world that his right to free speech and to bear arms is at risk and to prove it he takes an automatic weapon (not his – he likely couldn’t afford it) and goes on a video rant about his issues with the local government, including shooting at targets he names after two local Gilberton board members (who would be part of the decision to fire him). This is one angry Police Chief – only to be outdone by many of the individuals commenting on the various articles about what a great role model he was and there should be more law enforcement leaders like him out there. Interesting amount of bigotry and prejudice-laced talk – but not a surprise given my original direction of how afraid these people are of most everything that doesn’t look, think or talk like they do. In any case, a few pictures are worth a thousand words –

Mark Kessler – Boy Police Chief

Kessler showing off his political persuasion

Kessler “militia types” – Have to wonder who is covering french fry duty at the local McDs

And for those who believe Kessler actually has the ability to do the job, a little fact to remember – he managed to shoot himself in the hand during an off-duty bar visit where he attempted to keep order. One last bit of distressing news – he is also a member of the local school board – bet you those budget meetings are interesting…..definitely the caliber of individual I would want making education decisions for my children.

Dec 31 2013

Wrapping up the Year – Phil Robertson and A&E

I thought I would take a moment and walk back thru the various topics and events I took time to blog about over the last year. To be honest, in re-reading some of my posts I was, if nothing else, rather wordy but if I keep in mind that my original intent of this blog was to look for some means of catharsis, I’m not surprised at the brain dumps I’ve shared. In looking back I managed to hit a broad set of subjects from gun control (coming into 2013 on the heels of Newtown, CT) to the Presidential primaries and the election to a good amount of time on the current state of the country as it relates to where we are in the LGBT discussion. Overall, I’d say the year was more good than bad as we managed to keep the Republicans out of the White House and the country actually moved ahead in a positive manner when it came to rights of members of the LGBT community. Not only are the majority of Americans supportive of gay rights, we now have I believe 18 states where gays can legally marry – quite an increase from where we started the year. Top this with the defeat of DOMA and overall not bad although the journey ahead is still long and will be painful.

Sadly though, we have actually taken steps backwards when it comes to gun control and the violence and death that inevitably links itself to owning a gun. One does have to wonder why is is so easy to quickly forget the people innocently massacred this past year by people who are obviously able to legally obtain weapons when in most cases they probably shouldn’t be walking the streets among the rest of us. No doubt this will be a topic of future posts as I expect there will be numerous incidents in the coming year where the idiocy of our fascination with guns and the right to kill will result in more death and mayhem.

credit to: StickerGiant.com Inc.

But as my last post of 2013, I thought I’d stay with a topic I’ve commented on numerous times this past year. And in this case I get to wrap up a number of my rants into one situation – that of Phil Robertson from Duck Dynasty and the recent attention he has received given his ongoing display of bigotry and ignorance. I won’t spend too much time on his comments about how happy black citizens were in 50’s and 60’s in his home state of Louisiana but just that professed opinion (which I have no doubt he actually believes) pretty much defines Robertson for what he is. When we look at his homophobic view of gays and his justification thru religion and the bible, I again froth at the mouth at the obvious schizophrenic nature of many who profess to be followers of Jesus and his ways but yet preach hate and intolerance. In the case of Robertson, like many “born again” Christians, we have people who were pretty much shits and lowlifes who all of a sudden become good people and all is forgotten because they found God. Pretty convenient and quite the means for Phil to become a patriarch who can stand up and profess more knowledge and wisdom on how others should lead their lives. Lest we not forget that Phil had quite the struggle with alcohol, ran into issues with the law based on his inability to control himself and managed to actually abandon his wife and 3 kids early in their marriage. Even his shallow-thinking wife, Kay, admitted that he was running around on her during that time – but, nice excuse, it wasn’t really Phil, it was the devil. Where is Flip Wilson when you need him. For those who feel that Robertson has it figured out I do point them to reasonably recent comments he made on marriage and the benefits of marrying when the girl is still around 16 or 17 because once they hit their twenties, all they want is to pick your pockets. Wow, pretty enlightened. But again, I forget we are talking about Louisiana whose primary contribution to society has been muskrat stew and levees.

Pre-Jesus Phil

I’ll admit, I’ve watched Duck Dynasty quite regularly and despite the religious overtones, the right-wing attitudes and the crap coming out of Phil’s mouth, I did stay tuned given the entertainment value – nothing I haven’t had to tolerate in just normal day-to-day living. To be honest, most of us know this was mostly schtick made up for the camera. It wasn’t that long ago that none of the Robertsons had beards. When the comments Robertson made in GQ came out and A&E initially suspended Robertson, I did take the time to let A&E know I supported their decision. I guess I was in the minority as A&E has since managed to retreat from their position and reinstate Phil just in time for the filming of the next season. In hindsight how stupid was I to think that A&E wouldn’t whore themselves out as soon as the dollars became the focus – in actuality that is what almost every decision in today’s world is really about.

So to follow a theme I’ve set in previous blogs, those of us who are somewhat educated and actually believe in human rights can speak equally loud on the reversal of A&E’s stance on Robertson by making it clear where we are spending our time and money. If we don’t watch Duck Dynasty, that potentially drops advertising revenue. I will not watch it again. This is again an opportunity where we need to speak up and make it clear that there are some beliefs we can’t support. And it’s not about Free Speech and First Amendment rights – nice try – you can all say anything you want – it’s just that the rest of the world has equal right to say what they won’t accept or support. To stay on a theme – Most importantly we can speak thru our wallets.

Oct 16 2013

Losers by the Handful

Just what we want in a Leader

The last couple of months I’ve struggled a bit to keep my focus on this blog – something obviously not a problem prior to the last election cycle. It is not that there is nothing to share feelings about – I think it has been more I’m not sure where to start. My head spins as I look at what is going on around me – not the world but here in the United States. For any one reading this blog it is obvious I’ve got a bit of anger – most of the time – and anger has fueled much of what I have written. While it isn’t also the most pleasant for those around me, I’ll have to say that anger sits reasonably well with me. I’m not saying it is good but it is an emotion I can deal with. And I don’t see it going away any time soon – not with the direction we seem to be going as a nation. But recently, there is a “buddy” to sit alongside my anger and this emotion is one I have always tried to avoid at all costs. That “buddy” happens to be embarrassment. While there is a lot to be angry about but we have reached a point in this country where we should all be embarrassed. Not only because of the state of our politicians and the mess they have made but also about many of our people. In particular the know-nothings and the loudmouths that continue to say they represent the American public or they are looking out for our country. I’m embarrassed that Ted Cruz (and some others of his ilk) are US senators – but even more embarrassed there are people supporting them – and it’s not because they don’t believe what I believe – I’m used to that and I don’t expect that my views and beliefs work for anyone else. It is because these people are generally not nice people in any sense of the word. They are basically self-centered, don’t care about anyone but themselves, narcissists. They feel better about their state in life by bringing down others. And they are stupid enough to actually believe that Ted Cruz believes in the same things they do and not that he is taking advantage of their ignorance to prop his own interests to the forefront. I’m embarrassed we have congressional leaders that let freshman congressman wield the power to bring our economy to its knees. I’m embarrassed we have become a people who generally don’t care about those that are not so well off and because there are some who take advantage and cheat the system, then everyone in need is bad. I could go on and on.

Fool me once….
credit: theguardian.com

But today I read something that really encapsulates what we should all be embarrassed about as it speaks volumes of what we have become as a nation. Take a swing over to The Huffington Post – take a read of this article – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/niels-gerson-lohman/us-border-crossing_b_4098130.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular.

For some out there, they will see nothing wrong – it is just the US looking out for our safety and security. I’m embarrassed for you people too.

For once, Pennsylvania had some sense and got rid of at least one loser….
credit: pumabydesign001.com

Sep 22 2013

It is Scary as Hell

Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future. – John F. Kennedy

It has been quite a period of time since my last post. Probably a combination of a number of factors but as I began to think about it, the reason became a bit clearer. Am I any less angry or awash in angst over the state of our country at the moment? Not at all. In fact, my level of concern is at a level that I don’t believe has ever been higher. The difference is I am also at a point of being frozen given I am beginning to doubt that we are fixable. I’m not apathetic as I would expect that might cure my anger. At times I’ve wondered if part of getting older is that the situation doesn’t really change but our perception is what morphs. Kind of “It has always been this screwed up – I just didn’t notice or it made less of a difference.” Well, I don’t think that any more – it hasn’t been this bad before. Yes, times have been bad before and we have struggled as a nation and a society. The difference is I think there was more of a set rules that bound us together as a nation and there were individuals who were actually able to work together for the betterment of the country – not a mass of individual wants or pockets of agendas that needed to get their 15 minutes no matter the cost. I am no Pollyanna thinking that things haven’t always been unfair, the deck wasn’t stacked for many and that there haven’t always been agendas and benefits to the “haves” vs the “have nots” but we have arrived at this time as a country run by morons and half-wits who only see their self-interest as the end game. Not sure where it was lost that we live in a democracy and that the majority basically rule. Our constitution ensures that majority can only go so far but to have reached a point where every small political group feels their wishes need to be part of the solution has taken our country to the point where nothing works. To believe that every solution has to work at 100% of everyone means that nothing will work for anyone.

I started this blog as somewhat of a catharsis to deal with the level of anger and frustration I feel as I walk, watch and interact with the world around me. It started local and got broader as I found some nice targets as we approached the last Presidential election. I tried to point out the folly of thought and the disconnect of action of many of those out there that profess to have the qualities to be leaders. To be honest, it was like shooting fish in a barrel. I’ll be the first to admit I have few answers. I know what works for me and I know where my focus has been in particular on making sure those closest to me are okay. In comparison to many, I’m in pretty good shape. I want to little in terms of physical needs. Despite my level of anger (i have my good days and bad) which is obvious to those around me, I’m at terms with most everything I can have influence over. So back to my original point in why I haven’t been blogging – I’m not sure where to start for one thing. I’m also frustrated that people don’t seem to want to help themselves. I remain incredulous of the laziness and ignorance people have no issue sitting in. As I’ve said many times, the fact that people are willing to support and vote against their own interest remains one of those things I don’t think I’ll ever understand. I do reach a point where I wonder if we just need to hit rock bottom before most people start to pay attention and we realize, as a country, that it isn’t really politics first and people second. To be where the Tea Party has any influence in any situation is close – it tells me that people’s moral and ethical compass is broken and true north has been lost. When Miley Cyrus gets the number of news cycles she does, you have to wonder. It is scary as hell.

Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress; but I repeat myself. – Mark Twain

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

notthebestoftimes…

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

Tag Archives: Stupid People

Time to Take Out the Big Stick