Am I Selfish?

For the past few years, about this time of year, I am riddled with a mix of feelings.  Yup, I said it, feelings.  I try to be on an even keel most of time.  My friends and family know that there are a few subjects that will pull me offside, like politics, religion, and philosophy.  But these are just exercises, that in the long run, keep my brain working, keep me thinking, and reinforce most of my doctrine, creeds, and views of the world.

This time of year, however, my thoughts turn inward.  I seem to be angry inside.  I think I'm mad at myself, because I'm mad at mom.  She left us almost seven years ago.  I should be glad that I had her in my life so long.  I know that if she was here today, that she probably would be very ill, maybe incoherent, and certainly, miserable.

Then why am I angry?  Is it because she died without giving us a chance to say good-bye?  Am I selfish because she went the way she wanted to, without causing any trouble, but not the way I wanted, with angels singing and her smiling at me, saying, "I love you very much, and I am proud of you?" Thanksgiving and Christmas help because the rest of the family is mostly intact and together.  But at the same time, it is sad, because she's not here.

This year it is even worse because Faye lost her sister in January.  She is keeping up appearances, but I know she has a heavy heart.  Her sister was a wonderful person with a great family, and lots of grandbabies.  She also left without saying good-bye. Faye and I miss her very much.  She was the glue that kept Faye's family together and the effects are apparent.

My initial question was, "Am I selfish?"  The answer is probably yes.  It looks like I am not going to be able to pick and choose when people come and go in my life.  So, I will try to be right with everyone so that if something happens, I won't be mad at them, and likewise, they won't be mad at me.

Oscar Mayer

After watching the speech last night, I think that all of our fears are unfounded. The reasons are listed below.

Obama's ideas about healthcare are "great" because they are

Budget neutral
Organizing the industry by getting rid of waste
Letting the individual decide
Omitting no one
Giving a choice to all
Neutralizing rising costs
Allowing the rest of us to kee the insurance we have at a reasonable cost.

NEXT WEEK: My bologna has a second name

OUT

I Get It --- But I Don't

Why does Teddy Kennedy get a free pass?

1.  He cheated at Harvard, got kicked out, was reinstated when his daddy (a crook) endowed a library.

2.  He never had a job other than politics.

3. Chappaquidick.  When you go back and read the lameness of the explanation, he's lucky it didn't happen in today's climate.

4.  A history of drunken ribaldry that would rival Caligula.

5.  Excommunicated from the Catholic Church, yet somehow is embraced by it  --- even though he was pro-Choice.

Teddy was a walking, talking, breathing dichotomy.  I believe that he was a true liberal.  He  also didn't have to burdened by the hardships that a liberal society puts on its common man.

IT IS VERY EASY TO BE ALTRUISTIC WHEN YOU HAVE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN A TRUST FUND THAT YOU DID NOT EARN.

I believe that Ted Kennedy was an effective Senator.  His politics, though different than mine, were fairly mainstream.  Would he have achieved what he did if John and Robert were not assassinated?  Who knows?

OUT

Clowns and Jokers

After watching the news for the past few days, I have been reminded of the lyrics to an old song that I think represents the political climate of the day. Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, Here I am, stuck in the middle with you --- Stealers Wheel, 1972


He’s a Nazi, She’s a Nazi, and everybody’s a Nazi. Rush accuses Pelosi of calling the health care protestors Nazis. Pelosi accuses Rush of saying that Obama’s health care plan is like the one in Nazi Germany. ---- Clowns to the left, jokers to the right


Rhetoric is described as the effective use of persuasive speech. The problem we have with the clowns and jokers is that the supposed rhetoric they are espousing is aimed at the people that are already on their side. Kinda like preaching to the choir.


I am a member of the great unwashed, stuck in the middle with some of you. I am disgusted with the so-called rhetoric being thrown out there by the clowns and jokers. If the jokers on the right don’t like what is happening, then they need to come up with some sort of plan acceptable to not only the clowns, but also the great unwashed.


More importantly, if the clowns on the left believe so strongly that their plan is the answer, then man up, and vote. The clowns can pass any bill in either chamber just by voting as a block. Why are they dragging their feet? Because they have misgivings, and they know the people stuck in the middle will vote in 2010.


On the left, quit clowning around. On the right quit joking and come up with a serious alternative.


Oh, by the way, if you go to http://wcbstv.com/politics/hillary.clinton.congo.2.1122514.html you can watch a video of Hillary Clinton proving my point in the last blog about how she is beaten down about taking a back seat to Bill, even though he holds no political office. Pretty funny stuff

OUT

I’m Just Sayin’…

It’s ironic to me that a young woman looked up at Bill Clinton and said, “My nightmare is over.” 

Hillary Clinton and Al Gore once again are relegated to the back seat while Bill basks in the glory.  Don’t get me wrong, I think of all the big shots in the Democratic Party, the retired Bill Clinton is still the closest to being a statesman, and that includes President Obama.  He can communicate for hours off the cuff more effectively than Obama can with a teleprompter.  I’m just sayin…

Clinton also understands economics.  He knew when to back off.  The number one reason the economy did great when he was president was THE STRONG DOLLAR.  The strong dollar is a thing of the past.  As we print more money to spend our way out of debt, the dollar weakens.  I’m just sayin’…

Of all the money spent on stimulus, the one that has worked the best is Cash for Clunkers.  When the money was used up in four days, why did it take Congress a week to fund 2 more billion dollars?  In my opinion, they were surprised that they came up with a program that actually helped American citizens, and corporations, too.  I’m sure they’ll find a way to screw it up.  I’m just sayin’.

Now let’s get to the state level.  The Texas legislature is a study in schizophrenic behavior.  They, along with Governor Perry and his appointees to the Texas Education Agency, complete the “triumvirate of ineptitude.”  Try to stay with me here.

1.     There has, as you know, been a lot of concern raised about obesity in society.

a.     Our legislature has ruled that we shall now only have I year of PE in high school instead of one and a half.  I’m just sayin’…

2.     The legislature has said that the schools have to address teenage drinking, drugs, and pregnancy in class.

a.     The legislature then passes a bill to end the requirement for health class to graduate from high school.

3.     Our society is in the age of technology. 

a.     The Texas legislature has now ended the requirement for BCIS to graduate from high school.

The commissioner of the TEA, Robert Scott, has deemed these changes so noteworthy that he has ruled that they go into effect immediately.  Three blind mice, three blind mice. I’m just sayin'….

 

 

 

 

My Brain Hurts

I should never have more than two weeks off at a time, especially if I don’t have anything special planned.  I tend to watch shows that make me crazy.  I then read to see if what I saw was true.  After I ruminate over the situation, I always come to the same conclusion.  Everybody is an IDIOT!!!! 

They also think that we are stupid enough to believe what they are saying.  This is not a biased post.  There is plenty of idiocy to go around.  The sad thing is that there are enough stupid people that believe what their politicians say, thereby getting the politicians elected again and again.

In some cases the voters don’t necessarily believe what the politician says, but the pork rolls in to the district, so they look the other way.  “We know he’s a crook, but he’s OUR crook.”  Remember Jim Wright of Ft. Worth?  Carswell AFB, Bell Helicopter, and an amendment to a bill that damn near gave DFW a monopoly.  If you can’t compete, pay Jim Wright and he will make it all better.

Republicans in the area have the legacy of Jim Collins.  He had the idea of using an old railroad right of way to build a toll road to North Dallas.  Unlike the DFW Turnpike, the Dallas North Tollway never became a free road after it was paid off.  The Tollway gave access to downtown Dallas from the North for a nominal fee.  The voters and contributors in Jim Collins district could now get to work and back without having to associate with the great unwashed riff-raff.

NEXT TOPICS

1.     If you want to see what happens when politicians spend and regulate without ramifications, look at California.  The State is paying its bills with IOUs. The education system is bankrupt; they are running out of water, and electricity.  There is no way a power company can build a power plant in the state because regulatory issues make it economic suicide.  But, by God, they are not going to change their idealistic ways just so the citizens can survive.  Pragmatism is not an option for radical ideologues.

2.     Speaking of California, could Nancy Pelosi be anymore disingenuous?  This woman will lie, and stand by that lie, even after it has been refuted.  On another note, how can she be the devout Catholic that she purports to be, and still be pro-choice?  I guess we are expected to believe in everything she says, but the Pope? He might be wrong.

3.     Stimulus?  Where is it?

4.     Nationalized Health Care?  They better hurry because as the elections get closer, the incumbents will face a no-win situation.  If they pass Health Care, the big PAC money dries up.  If they don’t pass it, the uneducated voters get mad.  Either way, there will be much crabwalking.

5.     One last thing to ponder:

IF YOU TAX THE RICH UNTIL EVERYONE HAS THE SAME AMOUNT OF MONEY.   IS EVERYONE RICH, OR IS EVERYONE POOR?  AND THEN WHOM DO YOU TAX WHEN THE DEFICIT GROWS AGAIN.  THE PEOPLE WHO USED TO BE RICH HAVE LOST THEIR INCENTIVE, AND THE PEOPLE WHO WERE POOR EITHER HAD NO INCENTIVE IN THE FIRST PLACE, OR DID NOT HAVE THE ABILITY OR GOOD FORTUNE TO SUCCEED.

 

OUT

SCATTERSHOOTING

Who is the bigger buffoon?

1.  Palin or Biden

2.  Limbaugh or Olberman

3.  Rick Perry or Kay Bailey Hutchinson

4.  Sanford of SC or Spitzer of NY

The answer to all of the choices is -----------------------------  All of the Above.

It seems to me that Obama does a lot of traveling when domestic issues get hot.  Maybe he interpreted Harry Truman's line literally, "If you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen."

As we become more like Socialist Europe, we cannot complain about unemployment.  Most large European Socialist countries consider 10% unemployment to be acceptable.  Citizens who are not very motivated will sit around and do nothing if given a chance. 

Most conservatives are anti-abortion and pro-death penalty.  Does that mean that the government has the right to sanction taking a human life, but only if we can look him in the eye and enjoy it?

Most liberals are pro-choice and anti-death penalty.  Does that mean that they think that the government has the right to sanction taking a human life, but only if we don't have to look it in the eye?

I dunno, just wondering.

Mela, Betty, and Faye Salerno are the three women who influenced my life more than any others. Is it odd that none of them have, or had, any Salerno genes.  Probably a good thing.

Global warming? Is it hotter than 1980?  I don't think so.

I am lucky to have friends and family who put up with my baloney.

I like fried baloney.

OUT ----------

AAAAAGGHHH!!!!!

As most of you know, I am what I consider, a true conservative.  I am not a mean conservative. I am not a conservative that believes there is only one solution to a problem.  For the most part, The Republican Party has been the party of the true conservative.  It has turned into the party of the buffoons (see previous posts.)

I do not care how many women Gov. Sanford has an affair with.  However, if he lies, and still sees her without telling anyone where he is going; he not only is a buffoon, but not very bright.  He is the governor of one of our states.  Does he think that he can leave the country without anyone knowing?  What a BUFFOON!

Next ------- In my humble opinion, the number one reason that McCain lost the presidential race was because of the ridiculous appointment of Sarah Palin as his running mate.  She is a dumb ass in conservative clothing.  She lasted three years as the governor of a state that has like eleven people in it.  Hell, there are probably people in Alaska who are still waiting for the news of her election to come in when the next supply plane lands on the glacier.

How hard could it be to be governor of a state that has so much money that it gives money to its citizens --- a reverse income tax!!!  Hell, anybody could be governor, even a white trash wife of a redneck with 4 or 5 kids, one of them being an unwed mother.  It could happen, you never know ---------------BUFFOON

Now, for my point.  Why does the Republican Party embrace this woman.  I'll bet that she is gearing up to run for president in 2012.  I don't understand how these Republican Party leaders, who have to have some kind of intelligence, can even think about endorsing her.  The only thing I can think of is that they think that endorsing a woman brings them more to the center, thereby showing the Liberals, especially women, that Republicans are "with it."

When young people wear the baggy pants and the hat all sideways, they are cool.  If I do it, I am not "with it," I look like a ---------  BUFFOON!!!!  The Democrats are doing a pretty good job of screwing up the economy even worse than it was, but the Republicans do not have anyone that I can see that can win the presidency.

George Washington warned against the formation of political parties.  However, since the modern Democratic and Republican  parties, fathered by Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lincoln, respectively; the United States has been fairly well-balanced.  I don't see the Republican Party surviving in its current form unless we quit being -------BUFFOONS

OUT_______

UPDATE!!

Today I received an email from the Sisters of St.Mary of Namur.  This is what it said:

June 25, 2009

 

Dear Nick:

 

Sister Dorothy Ann asked me to e-mail you in reply to your very nice e-mail message of June 8.

 

Sister Dorothy Ann is in Fort Worth at our motherhouse. She is retired from active, all-day teaching, but does tutor students at Our Lady of Victory School during the school year. 

 

Plus she is active in the daily life of the sisters,   reading, discussing, praying for all our families and friends and students as we navigate these challenging days. 

 

She has wonderful memories of many students in many schools. 

 

Keep the sisters in your prayers!

 

Sister Joan Markey

Sisters of Saint Mary 

I need to try to see her, but I don't know the protocol.  I'm not family and I don't want to feel like I'm intruding on someone's personal life.  Even though her life is anything but personal.  It has been spent serving others.  I feel so selfish. As usual, it's all about me.

OUT

Sister Dorothy Ann

My school district was given a waiver of instruction last week so that we could have some extra professional development.  It has been a good move, and even the veteran teachers have embraced it.  Over  two of the days we received SIOP training.  I had the training at my last district and considered it to be helpful.  The facilitator we had this week was awesome.  She reminded me that a teacher can be the most important person in a child's life.

The teacher I always remember is Sister Dorothy Ann.  I went to a small parochial school in which which she was the principal, and the teacher of the 7th and 8th grade.  The 7th and 8th grade were in the same room at the same time.  She managed to teach one class while keeping the other class busy at the same time.  This was quite a task, especially with me trying to shoot the wheels off when I felt like it.

She was the only nun that I remember who understood the impact that she had on a child's life. Whenever I attend seminars and workshops, the facilitator inevitably mentions the fact that a teacher can change a child's life.  Whenever this occurs, I think of Sister Dorothy Ann.  She is one of the reasons that I became a teacher, and I hope that the empathy that she showed to me has guided me to show empathy to the students I encounter every day.

I have always gotten along with the students that some teachers label jerks.  I guess it is the old "Birds of a feather" thing.  I try to treat all students with respect, regardless of their attitude.  That's the way Sister Dorothy Ann did.  I don't remember her ever yelling at me, and I deserved it, I'm sure.

I always thought I was her favorite when she would send me to perform a task that was probably damn near impossible for me to do.  Like the time she gave me a hand written letter, sat me in front of a manual typewriter, and asked me to type the letter without any mistakes.  It kept me busy all afternoon.  Little did I know that she was on "vacation" that afternoon, because she was teaching without the obstacle of my knuckleheadedness.

Every year about this time I think about her.  Four years ago, I found the website of the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur, and I emailed to see if they could get a message to Sister Dorothy Ann's family and let them know how much I appreciated her influence upon me.  Lo and behold, I received an e-mail, with a picture, letting me know that, "I'm not dead yet."  She had just retired from full time teaching, but was still tutoring 2-3 times a week.  I was flabbergasted!!  It seemed like she was about 90 ------ 45 years ago when I was in 8th grade. I guess as I get older, everyone else stays the same.

I believe that this week, I will try to contact her again.  I could use a kind word about now.

OUT---

Buffoonery

I have been accused of recycling rhetoric from Rush Limbaugh and Fox News.  I have probably not listened to 15 minutes of Rush Limbaugh in the past ten years.  He is a buffoon for a misguided radical wing of the Republican Party.  I have heard many sound bytes from his show, most of them amuse me.

I am rather eclectic in my news channel watching.  I do watch Fox News, but none of the prime time pablum.  Fox is pure genius because they put a good looking chick in a short skirt sitting on a couch.  Who knows what the heck she's saying?  Early in the morning, I catch RedEye on Fox, which also amuses me.  As you can see, I am easily amused.  Nancy Grace doesn't amuse me.  She may be the most annoying woman I have ever heard.

There are no statesmen left, but there are buffoons abounding.  Rush is one for the right, along with O'Reilly and Glenn Beck.  The left wing has its share also.  The problem is that when you out them, you are labeled a hate monger, who is subversive to all things just.  Well, what the hell, here goes.

Number one on my list is Keith Olberman.  He is the main cheerleader for the liberals and President Obama.  When I mention the word "lickfest" I can see Olberman's tongue.  The "woman" that follows him, Rachel Maddow, is cut from the same cloth as Olberman; except she is not as intelligent, but much more manly.  They both amuse me.  Lastly, and I hesitate because it is so easy and may be a cheap shot ------- Joe Biden.  I like Mr. Biden, but Joe, count to three before responding to anything anyone says.

There are many other buffoons, which I will go into at a later date.  I will however let you know who my biggest buffoon is.  It may surprise you, but I hope not.  Many of you have a preconceived notion that I am somewhere to the right of Attilla the Hun, that is not the case.  I am a fiscal conservative, but I am all over the place on other issues.  I am anti-abortion and anti death penalty.  I am for legalization (decriminalization) of drugs.  I am against vouchers in schools.  I am against nationalized health care and against bailouts.  I am a laissez-faire economist that believes the government should stay out of our business.

Now for my biggest buffoon -------------------the governor of the State of Texas  Rick Perry.  This is the kind of aggie that the other aggies say, "Damn, is he dumb, or what!?"  Rick is the kind of guy that makes Kinky Friedman look like a viable alternative.  When Kay Bailey Hutchinson debates him, they should both be forced to wear their college cheerleading uniforms.  Sorry, aggies, a yell leader IS a cheerleader.

Let me know if any of my views offend you or need to be explained.  

OUT ______

My Bologna Has a First Name

So, GM will be 72% owned by the government, 18% by the UAW, and 10% by the former bondholders.  HMMM --- Those three entities are all composed of the same kind of people ----- American citizens.  The only problem is that the only people who invested real money into the company were the bondholders, who are probably going to get 10-15% of their investment back, and the common stock holders, who get NOTHING.

The UAW, which is responsible for the costs that have led to the bankruptcy --- even though GM agreed to the ridiculous entitlements ----- gets 18%.  All this, and GM goes into Chapter 11.  GM could have done all this earlier, and saved 50 billion of our dollars, and the stakeholders could have fought for themselves without government bullying.

Where is the fiddle ---- Rome is burning.  Metaphorically, maybe the fiddle is the broadway play attended Sat. night.  How much taxpayer money was spent on that.

Say what you want -----  Obama is beholding to more people than any president in history. 

My bologna has a first name it's:  O-B-A -M - A      

Redistribution of wealth is the main component of bologna's last name:   C-O-M-M-U-N-I-S-M

Am I Angry??

The question I have for you is, "Am I angry?"

Clues:

The elected leader of my country has apologized to, and consorted with, leaders of countries that do not have interests that are common with the fabric of this country --- capitalism, free enterprise, and security.

The elected leader of my country is not only pushing a socialist domestic policy, but is leaning toward Communism.  This a great system if you are a lazy sob that wants to live off the fruits of the labor provided by the people in the country that still want to work for what they have.

The elected leader of my country is pushing for socialized and federally managed health care based on what is in effect in countries that do not innovate, discover, invent, and develop new medicines, devices, and techniques.  Who is going to create if there is no incentive?  Under managed health care, my wife probably wouldn't have qualified for the expensive treatments that saved her life.  Luckily, we work, and we choose to pay for excellence.

All the underground commotion in the Northeast is our Founding Fathers rolling over in their graves after hearing about the government running private industry.  All, except for Alexander Hamilton.  He wanted BIG government.  He might have been successful if he hadn't besmirched Aaron Burr, and made the mistake of accepting a duel challenge.  Hmm, maybe that's why Barack is trying to be friendly with our enemies.

More clues, locally:

Dallas wants to risk 500 million on a convention center hotel for a city that has fallen dramatically in convention business.  On the other hand they sent Jerry Jones packing to Arlington with a new stadium that is probably a sure fire money maker.

Denton County upped the appraised value of my house in an economy where most people lost 40% of the value of their investments.

 BUT YOU KNOW ME-------- I DON'T LIKE TO COMPLAIN

OUT

Transparency??????

Transparency is the new buzz word. However, what is happening at this moment in Congress is far from transparent.  The leaders in the House are bastardizing a rule that was set up for budget items only to circumvent the filibuster and debate rule in the Senate.

A health care plan is being proposed and, more than likely will be voted on and passed.  I wish I could tell what it would do, but apparently transparency is a one way portal.  Most pundits speculate that it would give government much more control over providers and insurers.  We all know how well the government has managed medicare and medicaid.  Of course it is much easier to pay for something if you have control of the printing presses.  (currency and media)

I believe that the Health Care Bill will presented to Obama to sign as a gift, and homage, for his first hundred days.  Then, maybe he will explain it to us on Wednesday night at his post coronation press conference/lickfest.  I keep hoping that a trusted advisor will inform him that you cannot decrease the deficit by spending more money.  From an empirical standpoint, his knowledge of economics is straight out of the Communist manifesto..  Hell, even China knows it won't work.

When we all share in the outcome of everyone's work; we piss off the hard workers, and they work less the next time period.  Thereby diminishing the amount to share next time.  Which pisses off the remaining hard workers, until you have Cuba  ---  where the newest car on the street is a 58 chevy.  Cuba made the mistake of pinning its dreams to the lapels of the Soviet Union -----oops.

Let me work hard, and let the chips fall where they may.  This country's first successful English settlement, Jamestown, survived because John Smith said, "No work, no food."  This work ethic stuck with the colonists, along with land ownership and the free enterprise system. The United States was founded on these principles by really rich guys that wanted to keep the money that they had earned.  Nowhere in the Constitution does it say I have to share with slackers.  If Obama is a constitutional lawyer, you would think that he would know this.

President Obama has less than two years to accomplish his goals.  Just like Clinton, there will be a backlash in 2010 to turn the Congress into a more equally represented body.  I don't believe a veto proof, one-party Congress, with a like-minded president is a good idea at any time, for any party.  In that respect, I feel that the less that gets done by the government, the better we are.

I remember a story of my youth about a leader who believed in transparency.  Finally, a young child yelled, "The emperor is naked!"

OUT---

Easter House

My wife and I bounce around this big house most of the year alone.  It sometimes seems stupid.  There's two of us, 4000 sq. ft. of house, 2 acres of land (most of which is more than we can tame), and taxes that will, and do, make a grown man cry.

Then we have a get together.  There is enough room to congregate, find a quiet place, keep the kids occupied, and as we found out earlier this year, make out.  Family comes over, they bring friends, everyone is welcome, and we are thankful.

We remember why we built the house.  It is a place for family and friends; but more than that it is a place for memories.  The Thanksgiving and Christmas "touch" football games,  the marathon video games in the TV room, "Oh Hell! (a card game) at one table , while Risk is being played at another.  If it's cool enough we have a fire in the fireplace on the patio  ------- a risky proposition if you know about this family's proclivity to pyromania.

We also have had get-togethers for friends and co-workers.  There are many memories that have been made at these also, but what happens here, stays here.

I guess we will stay here for a while.  We were hoping that the mother-in-law section downstairs would eventually be for my wife's mother-in-law.  That didn't happen.  It may end up for my mother-in-law.  That is scary, but that could be my mom making me a better person, as she always tried to do.

My mom never got to see this house after the foundation was poured.  However, she is the foundation that this family is built upon.  She was here yesterday, my dad and I talked about her without hesitation.  She saw everyone who was here, and at the same time was watching over those that couldn't make it.  I'll bet she feels lucky ---- I know I do.

OUT---------------

Soapbox

WOW!!!!  What a funeral!!  

How's that for a statement you don't hear every day.

The funeral was held at an African-American Church of God in Christ in Pleasant Grove.  I was one of five white people at the service and I could not have felt more welcome.  As the service began, the family entered.  The pastor came to the pulpit and started the ceremony according to the wishes of the family.

The mother in law of the deceased came up and sang a hymn that she said her daughter in law used to love to hear.  It was beautiful, and as we always see, the congregation, would sometimes stand, clap, and yell out affirmations.  A colleague and her son were sitting next to me.  She is very spiritual and religious, as is her family.  I could tell that she was enjoying it, although in a different way than I.

The second singer was the an aunt of the deceased, who, along with her husband, the pastor of a church in Ohio, and some members of that church; had driven in for the occasion.  This was a "wow moment."  This woman belted out a gospel song that was as inspiring as any music I have ever heard.  Everyone was up and clapping, saying Amen!, and being joyous in the spirit.  When the song was over, my colleague made a remark that I think I heard correctly.  It sounded like she said, "I'm a pretty good singer, but when I get to heaven, Ill be able to sing like that."  High praise, I think.

The choir sang beautifully, the preachers preached well. The family was stoic, until the end.  At the end of the service, one of the universal emotions of mankind took over, grief induced sadness.  A family had lost a 33 yr. old daughter, wife, and mother.

After the service, I was approached by the pastor from Ohio, who asked about my relationship to the deceased.  I told him, and without even knowing me from Adam, he asked if I would like to come back to the Church later for a meal for friends and family.  I couldn't, but I was touched by his kindness and openness.

My take on the service is a cultural one.  Every culture has rituals.  I am trying to figure out if the rituals of a race that has been Christian for 2000 years have become stale, or if the rituals of African Americans who have been Christian for about 350 years at most, are immature and naive.  I like the African American service because it incorporates rituals from a time thousands of years ago into a "new" religion.

I don't know what all this means in my quest for rhyme and reason in this messed up world.  I wish that we could all have proof of the existence of an after-life and a supreme being.  However, if we did then there would be no need for faith.  If there was no need for faith, then organized religion wouldn't be needed.  

If organized religions didn't exist, then there would be no reason to kill millions of people in the name of a merciful God.  The Shamans (priests, rabbis, Ayatollahs, pastors, etc.) would have to get a job that makes mankind better.

Faith is an odd thing.  It is kind of like a the motivation that the horse has to get the carrot. Why can't humans do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do?  I know, I know, it's the whole Eve and the apple, original sin, devil in our midst, thing.

I would say bologna, but that wouldn't be the right thing to do.

OUT

Bad Things/Good People

This morning I am preparing to go to the funeral of the mother of a sixth grader, a fifth grader, and a first grader.  I came to know them when they entered my community earlier this year. They had lived in an upscale community north of Dallas when, about two years ago, their house burned down.  They lived in a homeless shelter for about 18 months until procuring affordable housing here.

The 6th grader is a brilliant student.  His mom would call often to check on his progress.  I always had nothing but good things to say.  She would say, "Make sure he stays busy!  He might get in trouble if he has nothing to do."

I spoke with her last Friday about her son and told her that he was still doing a great job.  She seemed happy, and we said good-bye.  When I came to work on Monday, I was informed that this nice, hard-working woman in her early thirties, dropped dead in her home on Saturday.  No warning, no rhyme or reason.

The funeral is this morning.  More importantly, the boys return on Monday.  I know the rest of the kids will handle it great.  Me?  I don't know.  I am sometimes looked to for sage advice.  I hope that I will be able to come up with something that will help him, without sounding like I don't know what I am talking about.

Who is this God guy??

Is this Gaye?

What's Goin' On?

AIG, GM,--------WTF? The real culprit is Goldman Sachs (GS). GS punked AIG by getting a very low rate of insurance on the toxic assets that they were pushing. When the assets failed, AIG had to pay 50 Billion in losses. When the taxpayers bailed out AIG, we were actually paying for Goldman Sachs bad investment. Here's the kicker ----GS stock $110, AIG $1 --- WTF? If a dumbass like me can understand, what's wrong with DC?

I Heard It Through The Grapevine

The threats by our executive branch that it will allow GM to fail and go into receivership are idle threats. It is called brinksmanship, bringing a situation to the brink of disaster so that an agenda can be accomplished. If you think that Obama and the Democratic Party would allow GM to fail, thereby abrogatiing the labor contracts of the UAW, you are nuts. By the way, why was the CEO of GM forced to resign, but the head of the UAW is still there? No answer needed, it was rhetorical.

Let's Get It On

In the Dallas ISD there is evidence that a principal allowed certain students to fight, bare fisted in a cage at the school to settle their difeferences. How 'bout Barney Frank and Rush Limbaugh in a no-holds-barred fight for the right to take this country to the extreme left or right.

Sectional (sp) Healing

The rift in the country today is not a lot different than it was in the 1800's. Back then each section of the country had its own agenda. The Northeast was manufacturing. The South was the plantation system. The West was transportation and infrastructure. Each section, or faction, represented a lot of people.

Now, the factions, are big business, the middle class, the working poor, and the people who feel entitled. I hope that each will help the others succeed . We do not owe anyone anything that is able to work and chooses not to. There will always be poor people. There has never been a time in history when there wasn't. The great thing about this country is that no matter how poor you may be, you can still succeed with ambition and hard work.

If you noticed the headings, they reflected an April Fool's Day event 25 years ago. ----------------------------------- The murder of Marvin Gaye. How Sweet It Is.

Professionals???

I went to the doctor yesterday for an annual physical.  He is a great guy, but I get the feeling that he doesn't understand why I am still around.  Frankly, neither do I.  He asked for the first time about my family history.  He was shocked that there was very little disease or sickness in the family.  I attribute it to vast amounts of garlic, and screaming.

When he "performed" a digital prostate exam, he sounded surprised that it was exactly what it should be.  I was surprised that it was located just under my eye, because it seems that's where his finger was.  I asked him who "performed' this wonderful exam on him, and he said, "I can't tell you."" To which I replied, "I always heard the phrase, 'Physician heal thyself."  He seemed amused, but I was glad that there was no more probing.

This discourse got me to thinking about the way we feel about professionals.  It is ok for a physician to heal himself, but a lawyer who represents himself is considered to have a fool for a client.  This seems rather harsh, especially if the doctor is performing brain surgery.

Teaching is another profession that has a weird adage. " Those can't do, teach."  Of all the teachers I know, I would say that ineptness is no more rampant than in any other profession.  There is a longer version of the adage, which I am sure was coined by a teacher, it goes like this;  "Those who can't do, teach.  Those who can't teach, are administrators, and those that can't do either, are on the school board."

I am sure that there are other professions that have been disparaged as much as the three I have mentioned, but I can't think of any right now.  How about, "Analysts are anal, or Xray techs are easy to see through?" My two favorites, and most inappropriate, are:

Proctologists are a pain in the ass.

and,

Gynecologists are spreaders of old wives' tales.

OUT------

Where Have I Been?

Some of you have asked me where I have been. Honestly, I can't remember everything I have been doing.  Occasionally I have a flashback.  It usually involves an eleven to fourteen year-old kid doing something either incredibly brilliant, or funny, or stupid.  These "rebels without a clue" keep me young, and are the reason I enjoy going to work each and every day. 

I think the reason that I have trouble remembering is the fact that each day is brand new.  In my business you have to have  a short memory.  You can't hold a grudge.  Each day when I come in to work, every child there is an angel in training.  They each have the right to make decisions every day without the baggage of guilt for what they had done the day before weighing them down like a concrete hat. 

Now that Spring Break is here, I am sure that I will be able to wax philosophic about the political, social, and economic problems of the day.  Thereby proving to each of you that I am a curmudgeon of the highest degree.  Maybe if I wasn't in the line of work that I am, I could solve all the problems in the world.  Probably not, because I eventually get worn out by my concrete hat.

OUT ----

Life and Death

My mom passed away 6 years ago, last Saturday. Since then, I have wondered what is out there for us after death. I waiver between the Heaven, Hell, Purgatory concept beaten into me by the nuns and the Baltimore Catechism when I was young, and the "nothingness" theory that I hope is not the case. I guess that I am an agnostic. However, I do not know if I really know what that word means.



I think that there is something after life, but I don't think it is the pearly gates or the fires of Hell. I have seen a "medium," but I look at that session with the same skepticism that I look upon mainstream religion. I think that if I was just dumb and faithful, I would be much happier, and content with my lot. As a wise man once said, "Religion is the opiate of the masses."



In India, the Hindu caste system is used to keep the poor schmucks who are born into a life of cleaning up the filth of others from changing their position in society. Islam uses the Koran to keep women second class citizens. Christianity is the bastard child that is twisted and muddled into a strange mix. All the way from Mother Theresa, who took care of people without any reservations, to the fire and brimstone preachers who try to scare the "hell" out of people.



The sect of Christianity that amuses me the most is the "prosperity" gospel. God wants everybody to be prosperous and happy. The way you can achieve this prosperity is to make the pastor prosperous and happy. If the pastor is prosperopus, and you are not, then you either are not a true believer, or you haven't given enough. Where is the snake oil?



Now I have to figure out whether my mom is in heaven, or if I talked to her at the session with the medium. ----------- or both. Life is tough, but death --- who knows?

EEK!!!!!onomics

Okay, let's say that I am broke, there is no credit available, and I rely on the kindness and generosity of others for my sustenance and available cash. Is it possible for me to spend my way our of debt? No! Unless I have the ability to print money. Aha!!

The US cannot spend its way out of recession. Japan tried it, and the next ten years was called the "lost decade." George Bush screwed up an economy that could have been fixed, if it was left alone. The "sub-prime" mess was possible because of a policy proposed by the "great legislator," Jimmy Carter; and instituted under Bill Clinton. Someone thought that owning a home was a right, and not a privilege. Legislation was passed that urged credit to be given to people who could not afford it and wouldn't pay anyway.

This led to a fake boom. After a boom comes a bust. It is a natural cycle. The cycle was aborted by Bush when he would not allow certain businesses to fail. If the natural cycle would have been allowed, there would be no recession, just a lean and mean economy. Survival of the fittest.

When you allow a floor to be placed under bad businesses, then you erect a ceiling above fundamentally sound businesses. If you allow the economy to work, then great businesses will end up paying much more in taxes than it would cost to keep bad businesses afloat -----even with a tax cut, which is what is needed.

When give-away programs are instituted, the multiplier effect on the economy is about 1:1. Tax cuts effect about 3:1.

One more thing. Limiting salaries of executives in companies who have received TARP money -----------------DUMB!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Goldman Sachs, and others who received no tax money, or gave it back, can now take the cream of the crop from Bank of America, Citi, and others. Leaving them to be run by lessers and politicians.

I KNOW A GUY WHO ALSO GOT INTO TROUBLE FOR MAKING BIG MONEY -------- IT WAS ABOUT A QUARTER-INCH TOO BIG ON ONE SIDE.


WHERE'S THE PRINTING PRESS?

As I get older, I realize what a dumbass I used to be. I know that some of you are raising an eyebrow and saying, "Used to be?" The fact that I know of your doubts proves my point.

With my newly found wisdom comes an ability to see what a dumbass everyone else is. I am forever amazed at the drivel that comes out of people's pie holes. Last year, I was talking to a friend of mine about a Mormon family that I knew. I was telling him that it seems that the Mormons lead a righteous life. They have great values, great families, and they are kind and generous. A lady that I didn't even know (turns out she was one of my bosses) butted in and said, "Too bad they're all going to hell!" How did she know?

I believe that I stopped being a dumbass about 15 years ago. That was when I stopped smoking. People always think that they are smart if they have a fag hanging out of their mouth. I quit putting fags in my mouth, and VOILA!! I was a friggin' genius. And fags have really gotten expensive, especially the longs.

OUT

This Sucks

There has been a tragedy on my wife's side of the family. Her sister was taken from this world sooner than anyone could have expected. It is a great loss. Do not read any further if your faith cannot be tested.

I. Why would a great and merciful God allow something so wrong as this, and other tragedies? Some say it is the duality of man. You cannot experience happiness without sorrow, good without evil, etc.. Others say it is God's will. I say baloney. Thomas Jefferson was a deist who believed that God created the world like a watch. Then he wound it up and walked away. So what happens, happens. Who knows? ---- not me.

II. The Hindus. and later the Buddhists, believe in Karma, a great concept!! Do over until you get it right. I like the Buddhist better because you can take a shortcut to Nirvana --- no, not the grunge group.

III. Someone at the hospice commented that they were glad she was baptized a Lutheran, no matter what she is today. I guess that they didn't understand that Martin Luther was baptized a Roman Catholic, ordained a priest, and would not have left the Catholic Church if he wouldn't have been kicked out because he questioned authority.

IV. What about the Humanists. They believe that we should do the right thing just because it is the right thing to do.

V. The Jews have a great idea. If you live according to the Torah (first five books of the Old Testament), then you will see the face of God. If you don,t then you will not see the face of God. There is no Hell.

VI. The Muslims believe in the Old Testament, but they have the Koran instead of the New Testament. How can you hate a religion that says if you die a martyr, then virgins will meet you in Heaven. I hope it is female virgins. What if it is really Virginians. Jefferson and Washington are probably waiting for Osama with knives.

VII. Finally this rant is almost over. I am working on an all encompassing religion. I plan on calling it UNILIGION. It will take all the best parts of all the religions of the world, and interface them into a unified theory of belief. The best part ------------ There will be like 80 holidays per year.

Scattershooting

A girls' basketball team from a Christian High School beat another team 100-0. Does that statement need a comment, or does it stand alone.
One time I asked a fella I used to know what he thought about a shellacking that his team took. He said, "We have to get better." Pearls of wisdom sometimes just jump out at you.

Quotes from the past?

"We have to get better." ----- Poland, 1939

"We have to get better." ----- Custer, 1876

Sometimes it just ain't that easy.

I haven't been able to watch much TV this week. I don't miss it. Then why will I sit all weekend and start plowing through the DVR'd episodes that I have recorded? Stupid, I guess, but I need to see David Caruso cock his head, say something cryptic, and put on his sunglasses. ----Classic!

What does this saying mean? "I wake up every morning like a baby duck. In a new world."
I use it a lot --- I hope it doesn't have terrible connotations.

People tell me that I'm ADD, but I don't th .... LOOK! a puppy!!!

OUT

Thanks, lickfest, etc...

I would like to thank Jurlpower for her suggestions to spiff up my blogsite. I am a tourist in cyberspace. People younger than I are permanent residents. Some of them give good directions.

The inaugauration was quite a lickfest. The press (except for FOX) was all giddy about the new president. There has not been an inaugauration party like this since 1829. Farmers from all over the south and west came to DC to see one of their own, Andrew Jackson, sworn in. The party lasted for days at the White House. The only way they could get the people to leave was to move the whiskey to the front lawn. Quite a celebration!!

I hope this presidency doesn't culminate in the Trail of Tears and the Panic of 1837. But maybe Obama will get his picture on money. I already see coins being sold on TV emblazoned with his image.

OUT --------

WEIRDNESS

I think it was weird that Garth Brooks was singing "American Pie" in front of the Lincoln Memorial. I don't know why I think it was weird.

When Stevie Wonder was singing, it looked like Barack wanted to break out the moves. He should have. He looked uncomfortable when he was restraining his groove.

I was hoping that "Abe" would pull out a giant mallet when Jack Black was pontificating about the environment. I wonder what kind of car Jack Black drives. It would have been great if he was conked on the head by the great emancipator.

Tomorrow will be an historic day. The 1400 days after tomorrow will be much more important, however.

Number One

Welcome.  You must have a lot of time on your hands to read this.  Posts to this blog will be reflective of my opinion on what is going on in the world, and even more importantly, in my own personal bubble.

Your comments are welcome, and will be answered, in this space.  I hope that we can develop a healthy debate on world, and life, issues.  My opinion, of course, will be the one showcased here, only because it is the one that is correct.

My views are influenced by Lenin and Marx.  John Lennon and Groucho Marx.  I will try to make my point without stepping on toes, however, you should wear shoes.

Out ---