Our politicians are at it again. The same folks who helped us get into the current financial mess are going to get us out. At least that is what they say. We have no money. That is what a deficit is. Spending more than you have. Which means we are borrowing more and more, and the deficit increases. We used up all the Social Security we could borrow from when Clinton was in office, that is how we had a "balanced budget." Then Bush II spent and spent and spent, including money we did not have. Now we have Obama. Surely he will learn from the mistakes of his predecessors and put a stop to frivolous spending projects.
So we have this stimulus package presented by the House. In my opinion, one of the main reasons we have this problem is from ridiculous additions to bills. This current package has funds included for neighborhood stabilization activities, dollars targeted for the National Endowment of the Arts, money to fight Sexually Transmitted Disease, a line item for preventing cigarette smoking, and other non-essential programs will be given aid as well. What happened to fiscal responsibility? That was one of the hallmarks of the Obama campaign. Where has that gone?
The Republicans currently are against this plan. Let's not let them fool us. The only reason they are against this is because the Democrats are in power. They make the same horrible mistakes when they are in control. Why do we let these people continue to make these mistakes? Why do the American people sit by and let these "leaders" and "representatives" continue to spend us into oblivion? Why do we think they can make better decisions this year than last?
In case you do not pay attention, when a politician says he/she brought a certain amount of money into their district, they mean they placed a line item to a bill and it was decided that tax money was better spent going to his/her district. If the good people of Alaska want a statue, they should pay for it, not me. In North Carolina, we received some federal funds for a tea pot museum. So, thanks to all corners of the country. See how ridiculous that is?
We must hold the politicians accountable for their decisions. While I do not think it is the government's responsibility to create jobs, if they say they are going to do that they cannot spend the funds allotted to stop STDs or purchase art.
Just one opinion.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Hope and change......?
So the big change happened. We have a new president. The news has been all over this. I cannot ever remember an inauguration that has received such coverage. Seems like the media is forcing this all down our throats, like we did not realize this was coming.
My personal opinion is we should just give the new administration a chance. Those that supported him need to recognize he is not a supreme being. Those that did not support him need to realize he is not the personification of evil. He is a man, pure and simple. I am appalled by those that seem to take part in hero worship with this man, or any other. I have heard comments such as, "Now all my problems are over" and "I have waited a long time for this man. My life is now complete." Now if you are a minority, I can understand. If you grew up black in the 50s and 60s, I imagine this is a huge issue for you. You might have voted for him simply because he is (at least partly) black, which I do not have a real problem with. Of course that is completely different than those that voted against him because he is (at least partly) black. That my friends is sarcasm.
There will be a temptation, for those that supported his election, to support all he does. Please use logic. There will also be the temptation, by those that did not support him, to vehemently disagree with any decision he makes. I simply ask for logic and moderation. We must understand that our government is not our savior. You are responsible for your own decisions. It is my belief, that many would like the government to swoop in and rescue us in from any conundrum in which we find ourselves. (And with W as president, that seems to be what has happened) If the government can save us from ourselves, we do not have to think. Nor do we have to be held to a standard or any form of accountability. Just give everything over to the government.
We must stand up for ourselves. We are in a mess, not all caused by W, yet certainly not helped in many ways by W. Conservatives, Liberals, Centrists and everyone else need to withhold judgment, wait and see. This new president has a huge job, even in the best of times. It did not take 8 years to get in this situation, and it will take a while to get out. We cannot simply rely on others to bail us out. Be ready to work hard, and do not look to others to save you.
What will be the response from some when they see that not everything promised during campaign stops actually happens? What will happen when some see chinks in the amour and confidence?
We should all pray for wisdom for this man. He has a difficult job, he will be tested and no matter what he decides, 50% of the country will disagree with him. (If the people of the nation are paying attention)
My only hope is somehow this slope we are traveling towards socialism stops. I do not have much hope of that, yet maybe I am wrong. If it did not stop with a Republican in office, why on Earth would it stop with a Democrat in office? But what do I know?
The one thing we know for sure, President Obama is a smart man, and a shrewd politician. He will say many things that sound good to many. Let's see what happens.
Just one opinion.
My personal opinion is we should just give the new administration a chance. Those that supported him need to recognize he is not a supreme being. Those that did not support him need to realize he is not the personification of evil. He is a man, pure and simple. I am appalled by those that seem to take part in hero worship with this man, or any other. I have heard comments such as, "Now all my problems are over" and "I have waited a long time for this man. My life is now complete." Now if you are a minority, I can understand. If you grew up black in the 50s and 60s, I imagine this is a huge issue for you. You might have voted for him simply because he is (at least partly) black, which I do not have a real problem with. Of course that is completely different than those that voted against him because he is (at least partly) black. That my friends is sarcasm.
There will be a temptation, for those that supported his election, to support all he does. Please use logic. There will also be the temptation, by those that did not support him, to vehemently disagree with any decision he makes. I simply ask for logic and moderation. We must understand that our government is not our savior. You are responsible for your own decisions. It is my belief, that many would like the government to swoop in and rescue us in from any conundrum in which we find ourselves. (And with W as president, that seems to be what has happened) If the government can save us from ourselves, we do not have to think. Nor do we have to be held to a standard or any form of accountability. Just give everything over to the government.
We must stand up for ourselves. We are in a mess, not all caused by W, yet certainly not helped in many ways by W. Conservatives, Liberals, Centrists and everyone else need to withhold judgment, wait and see. This new president has a huge job, even in the best of times. It did not take 8 years to get in this situation, and it will take a while to get out. We cannot simply rely on others to bail us out. Be ready to work hard, and do not look to others to save you.
What will be the response from some when they see that not everything promised during campaign stops actually happens? What will happen when some see chinks in the amour and confidence?
We should all pray for wisdom for this man. He has a difficult job, he will be tested and no matter what he decides, 50% of the country will disagree with him. (If the people of the nation are paying attention)
My only hope is somehow this slope we are traveling towards socialism stops. I do not have much hope of that, yet maybe I am wrong. If it did not stop with a Republican in office, why on Earth would it stop with a Democrat in office? But what do I know?
The one thing we know for sure, President Obama is a smart man, and a shrewd politician. He will say many things that sound good to many. Let's see what happens.
Just one opinion.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Change is the catalyst....
It has been said that "if" is the biggest word in the English language. The word is filled with remorse at chances missed, opportunities not taken and painful lessons learned.
Another small word with great meaning is "change." This short word is, for many, the scariest word ever uttered. Many people seem to convulse when faced with life changes. Of course, change can be good. End a harmful relationship. Alter our diet, exercise more or decide to do something else for our health. Change jobs. When we make a decision on our own we are in control. That is why we don't mind this type of alteration to our life.
Many people seem to experience major trauma when faced with unplanned change. Even when the change will ultimately help us and provide opportunities for growth, we seem to balk. My thought is simply because fear of the unknown creeps into our mind.
So why do we fight against change we know we need? Why do we not seize the opportunity? Probably because we are comfortable where we are. Does comfortable equal contentment or apathy? That is probably a fine line, and probably depends on the person and situation.
Should we change for the sake of changing? Again, maybe it all depends. What we need is wisdom.
A brilliant lyric from a song I like states, "Change is the catalyst that puts my life in motion." So maybe it is time for a change. Stay tuned!
Another small word with great meaning is "change." This short word is, for many, the scariest word ever uttered. Many people seem to convulse when faced with life changes. Of course, change can be good. End a harmful relationship. Alter our diet, exercise more or decide to do something else for our health. Change jobs. When we make a decision on our own we are in control. That is why we don't mind this type of alteration to our life.
Many people seem to experience major trauma when faced with unplanned change. Even when the change will ultimately help us and provide opportunities for growth, we seem to balk. My thought is simply because fear of the unknown creeps into our mind.
So why do we fight against change we know we need? Why do we not seize the opportunity? Probably because we are comfortable where we are. Does comfortable equal contentment or apathy? That is probably a fine line, and probably depends on the person and situation.
Should we change for the sake of changing? Again, maybe it all depends. What we need is wisdom.
A brilliant lyric from a song I like states, "Change is the catalyst that puts my life in motion." So maybe it is time for a change. Stay tuned!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Christmas at Disney
We just got home from a few days at Disney. Our visit was over the Christmas holiday. There is no better way to celebrate the birth of Christ than by participating in gross commercialism and consumerism at the "happiest place on Earth."
We did have a great time. Nothing can replace the looks of wonder and happiness on the faces of your kids while going about the various parks. It was crowded, and I really believe some of the dumbest people on the face of the planet were there at the same time we were. Either they are not intelligent or they just do not think. When you are walking along a path, you probably do not want to suddenly stop. There might be someone behind you! When the crowds are large, the chances of this are increased.
That is everywhere except at Disney. While there, it is apparently required that people move about in large groups, pushing strollers or riding in scooters (you know like the Round a Bout). They travel 5 abreast, blocking every route around them. They move slowly. Then they suddenly stop. You cannot move around them, and you are likely to bump into them. Then they look at you like you just committed some grievous offense. Plus many of those visiting are from foreign countries. I appreciate their desire to visit Disney. Kids are kids and the joy on a face is not limited simply to kids simply from the United States. Apparently in the countries these folks are from, line jumping and breaking are acceptable. That presents some fun moments for those of us that believe in decorum and order.
In addition, fashion at Disney is interesting. I was especially amazed at some footwear choices. Let's see, you are a "big boned" woman, and you choose to wear flimsy flip flops. And then you wonder why your feet hurt. I saw some that wore high heels. Why on Earth would you wear high heels to a theme park? Fashion is only so important.
After Disney I had the opportunity to visit with some guys I don't see very often. During college I worked at a boys camp and every year there is a gathering of former staffers. It is great to see these guys, tell war stories, catch up on their lives and accumulate enough guy hugs to last for a while. Friends are important, and these guys are really and truly friends.
Here we are on New Year's eve. it just feels like a typical day. There is more football on than usual, and that is a good thing for me, although the family does not feel that way. So, we sit here watching the seconds tick away on 2008. Apparently some did not like this past year and are hoping for a better 2009. I can only hope 2009 is as good as 2008. Happy New Year!
We did have a great time. Nothing can replace the looks of wonder and happiness on the faces of your kids while going about the various parks. It was crowded, and I really believe some of the dumbest people on the face of the planet were there at the same time we were. Either they are not intelligent or they just do not think. When you are walking along a path, you probably do not want to suddenly stop. There might be someone behind you! When the crowds are large, the chances of this are increased.
That is everywhere except at Disney. While there, it is apparently required that people move about in large groups, pushing strollers or riding in scooters (you know like the Round a Bout). They travel 5 abreast, blocking every route around them. They move slowly. Then they suddenly stop. You cannot move around them, and you are likely to bump into them. Then they look at you like you just committed some grievous offense. Plus many of those visiting are from foreign countries. I appreciate their desire to visit Disney. Kids are kids and the joy on a face is not limited simply to kids simply from the United States. Apparently in the countries these folks are from, line jumping and breaking are acceptable. That presents some fun moments for those of us that believe in decorum and order.
In addition, fashion at Disney is interesting. I was especially amazed at some footwear choices. Let's see, you are a "big boned" woman, and you choose to wear flimsy flip flops. And then you wonder why your feet hurt. I saw some that wore high heels. Why on Earth would you wear high heels to a theme park? Fashion is only so important.
After Disney I had the opportunity to visit with some guys I don't see very often. During college I worked at a boys camp and every year there is a gathering of former staffers. It is great to see these guys, tell war stories, catch up on their lives and accumulate enough guy hugs to last for a while. Friends are important, and these guys are really and truly friends.
Here we are on New Year's eve. it just feels like a typical day. There is more football on than usual, and that is a good thing for me, although the family does not feel that way. So, we sit here watching the seconds tick away on 2008. Apparently some did not like this past year and are hoping for a better 2009. I can only hope 2009 is as good as 2008. Happy New Year!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Christmas sweaters
So what is it about Christmas that encourages women to wear the most horrible looking sweaters ever created? Since many are feeling jolly, these women suddenly feel like they can get away with complete tackiness? These sweaters are hideous. Often they come with bells. Sequins. Glitter. Gaudy designs. Reindeer or Santa. Apparently these women do not own a mirror. What they need is a friend to come along beside them and just share how ridiculous they look. And then start a fire and burn them. The sweaters, not the women.
Just one opinion.
Just one opinion.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Blogging?
So here I am. Blogging. Me, a blogger. I figure I would never do this. Why would anyone want to read anything I have to say? Regardless, I will post periodically and share some thoughts anyway. Now that is arrogant!
My day has been simple: stay home with a sick little boy while the wife and princess went Christmas shopping. We watched Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and I thought back to when I saw that in the theater. I think it was the summer of '91 (maybe '90) and my friend Doc did not like the final scene where they rode off into the sunset. I thought that was great: last of the Indy movies, ride off, end of an era. Well they ruined that this past summer!
The good news about being home is I did not have to go shopping. The bad news was I could not say "no" to some choices. Fortunately, she is smart and makes good decisions. Besides me of course.
So that is it, first post down. This might be fun. Or it might not. We will see.
My day has been simple: stay home with a sick little boy while the wife and princess went Christmas shopping. We watched Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and I thought back to when I saw that in the theater. I think it was the summer of '91 (maybe '90) and my friend Doc did not like the final scene where they rode off into the sunset. I thought that was great: last of the Indy movies, ride off, end of an era. Well they ruined that this past summer!
The good news about being home is I did not have to go shopping. The bad news was I could not say "no" to some choices. Fortunately, she is smart and makes good decisions. Besides me of course.
So that is it, first post down. This might be fun. Or it might not. We will see.
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