Rant
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I can't keep my mouth shut any longer. What The Fuck does Israel think they're doing?!
They say they have no wish to invade Lebanon. (even though Israel has sent troops across the border to "attack Hezbollah". No... they're not invading; they're just crossing the border for a while) They say they have no problems with the Lebanese government. They say they're leaving the Lebanese infrastructure in place. And they say they're being mindful of civilians.
Yet the first thing Israel did was bomb the airports. Then the hit the roads, bridges, and bunkers that may or may not hold Hezbollah leaders. They still don't know if they hit their targets, but they know they've killed civilians -civilians from multiple countries, to boot.
Now I'm not saying Hezbollah is in any way innocent. They've been firing missiles and killing Israeli civilians too. But Israel is saying that "Hezbollah and their patrons" should pay for the reconstruction of Lebanon. Um. Really? How do they figure that? Hezbollah and their patrons aren't bombing Lebanese airports etc.
Mind you, Lebanon has been reasonably free of Syrian control for LESS THAN A YEAR. They've been TRYING to deal with the Hezbollah problem. Lebanon is a soveriegn nation and Israel has no business bombing their bridges, roads, homes, ports, airports and people.
This conflict started practically without warning, and there are tourist and visitors from countries around the world who can't fly out of Lebanon. They can't leave by Lebanese ships either, because Israel is blockading the waterways. Which leads to my next bit of ranting...
Canada. France. England. Ireland. And many other countries are evacuating their citizens as fast as they possibly can. America has (8 days into the bombing) begun to "relocate" OUR citizens. The government has told the media not to use the word "evacuation" in reference to U.S. citizens being removed from Lebanon. I guess that means they're not "refugees" when they're taking refuge in Cypress -the country they're being relocated to until they can get back to the U.S.
This is the biggest piece of bullshit since the hurricane Katrina fiasco. And like after Katrina, Bush is doing absolutely nothing about it.
Well, ok... he did one thing. He voted against the UN resolution to stop Israel and order a cease-fire. He was the only holdout.
God, he's such a shitbiscuit.
Showing posts with label Shrubbery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shrubbery. Show all posts
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Can We Impeach Him Now?
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From Capitol Hill Blue:
Bush on the Constitution: 'It's just a goddamned piece of paper'
(I copied the entire article to keep everything in context. Lots more great stuff on their site http://www.capitolhillblue.com/)
By DOUG THOMPSON
Dec 9, 2005, 07:53
Last month, Republican Congressional leaders filed into the Oval Office to meet with President George W. Bush and talk about renewing the controversial USA Patriot Act.
Several provisions of the act, passed in the shell shocked period immediately following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, caused enough anger that liberal groups like the American Civil Liberties Union had joined forces with prominent conservatives like Phyllis Schlafly and Bob Barr to oppose renewal.
GOP leaders told Bush that his hardcore push to renew the more onerous provisions of the act could further alienate conservatives still mad at the President from his botched attempt to nominate White House Counsel Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court.
“I don’t give a goddamn,” Bush retorted. “I’m the President and the Commander-in-Chief. Do it my way.”
“Mr. President,” one aide in the meeting said. “There is a valid case that the provisions in this law undermine the Constitution.”
“Stop throwing the Constitution in my face,” Bush screamed back. “It’s just a goddamned piece of paper!”
I’ve talked to three people present for the meeting that day and they all confirm that the President of the United States called the Constitution “a goddamned piece of paper.”
And, to the Bush Administration, the Constitution of the United States is little more than toilet paper stained from all the shit that this group of power-mad despots have dumped on the freedoms that “goddamned piece of paper” used to guarantee.
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, while still White House counsel, wrote that the “Constitution is an outdated document.”
Put aside, for a moment, political affiliation or personal beliefs. It doesn’t matter if you are a Democrat, Republican or Independent. It doesn’t matter if you support the invasion or Iraq or not. Despite our differences, the Constitution has stood for two centuries as the defining document of our government, the final source to determine – in the end – if something is legal or right.
Every federal official – including the President – who takes an oath of office swears to “uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States."
Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia says he cringes when someone calls the Constitution a “living document.”
“"Oh, how I hate the phrase we have—a 'living document,’” Scalia says. “We now have a Constitution that means whatever we want it to mean. The Constitution is not a living organism, for Pete's sake.”
As a judge, Scalia says, “I don't have to prove that the Constitution is perfect; I just have to prove that it's better than anything else.”
President Bush has proposed seven amendments to the Constitution over the last five years, including a controversial amendment to define marriage as a “union between a man and woman.” Members of Congress have proposed some 11,000 amendments over the last decade, ranging from repeal of the right to bear arms to a Constitutional ban on abortion.
Scalia says the danger of tinkering with the Constitution comes from a loss of rights.
“We can take away rights just as we can grant new ones,” Scalia warns. “Don't think that it's a one-way street.”
And don’t buy the White House hype that the USA Patriot Act is a necessary tool to fight terrorism. It is a dangerous law that infringes on the rights of every American citizen and, as one brave aide told President Bush, something that undermines the Constitution of the United States.
But why should Bush care? After all, the Constitution is just “a goddamned piece of paper.”
© Copyright 2005 by Capitol Hill Blue
.
From Capitol Hill Blue:
Bush on the Constitution: 'It's just a goddamned piece of paper'
(I copied the entire article to keep everything in context. Lots more great stuff on their site http://www.capitolhillblue.com/)
By DOUG THOMPSON
Dec 9, 2005, 07:53
Last month, Republican Congressional leaders filed into the Oval Office to meet with President George W. Bush and talk about renewing the controversial USA Patriot Act.
Several provisions of the act, passed in the shell shocked period immediately following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, caused enough anger that liberal groups like the American Civil Liberties Union had joined forces with prominent conservatives like Phyllis Schlafly and Bob Barr to oppose renewal.
GOP leaders told Bush that his hardcore push to renew the more onerous provisions of the act could further alienate conservatives still mad at the President from his botched attempt to nominate White House Counsel Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court.
“I don’t give a goddamn,” Bush retorted. “I’m the President and the Commander-in-Chief. Do it my way.”
“Mr. President,” one aide in the meeting said. “There is a valid case that the provisions in this law undermine the Constitution.”
“Stop throwing the Constitution in my face,” Bush screamed back. “It’s just a goddamned piece of paper!”
I’ve talked to three people present for the meeting that day and they all confirm that the President of the United States called the Constitution “a goddamned piece of paper.”
And, to the Bush Administration, the Constitution of the United States is little more than toilet paper stained from all the shit that this group of power-mad despots have dumped on the freedoms that “goddamned piece of paper” used to guarantee.
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, while still White House counsel, wrote that the “Constitution is an outdated document.”
Put aside, for a moment, political affiliation or personal beliefs. It doesn’t matter if you are a Democrat, Republican or Independent. It doesn’t matter if you support the invasion or Iraq or not. Despite our differences, the Constitution has stood for two centuries as the defining document of our government, the final source to determine – in the end – if something is legal or right.
Every federal official – including the President – who takes an oath of office swears to “uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States."
Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia says he cringes when someone calls the Constitution a “living document.”
“"Oh, how I hate the phrase we have—a 'living document,’” Scalia says. “We now have a Constitution that means whatever we want it to mean. The Constitution is not a living organism, for Pete's sake.”
As a judge, Scalia says, “I don't have to prove that the Constitution is perfect; I just have to prove that it's better than anything else.”
President Bush has proposed seven amendments to the Constitution over the last five years, including a controversial amendment to define marriage as a “union between a man and woman.” Members of Congress have proposed some 11,000 amendments over the last decade, ranging from repeal of the right to bear arms to a Constitutional ban on abortion.
Scalia says the danger of tinkering with the Constitution comes from a loss of rights.
“We can take away rights just as we can grant new ones,” Scalia warns. “Don't think that it's a one-way street.”
And don’t buy the White House hype that the USA Patriot Act is a necessary tool to fight terrorism. It is a dangerous law that infringes on the rights of every American citizen and, as one brave aide told President Bush, something that undermines the Constitution of the United States.
But why should Bush care? After all, the Constitution is just “a goddamned piece of paper.”
© Copyright 2005 by Capitol Hill Blue
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
What If...
What if... the inactive grenade that was on the ground 100 ft. or so from Bush, was a response test?
What if... the lightweight Cesna 150 was also a response test?
Even if... it was simply coincidence, somebody now knows more than they did about how long it takes to scramble fighters, how long it takes to evacuate, how many people would be out in the streets to be exposed to... oh, I don't know... a biohazard or radiation or whatever.
If someone knew to be watching the news, they would have gotten to see it live on TV.
And what's our threat level color now? Are we Bert or Ernie?
What if... the inactive grenade that was on the ground 100 ft. or so from Bush, was a response test?
What if... the lightweight Cesna 150 was also a response test?
Even if... it was simply coincidence, somebody now knows more than they did about how long it takes to scramble fighters, how long it takes to evacuate, how many people would be out in the streets to be exposed to... oh, I don't know... a biohazard or radiation or whatever.
If someone knew to be watching the news, they would have gotten to see it live on TV.
And what's our threat level color now? Are we Bert or Ernie?
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Disturbing
.
WASHINGTON (AFP) "Six members of the peace activists Codepink stood up on their chairs in the VIP section as Bush gave his inaugural speech and shouted "bring the troops home!"
They were escorted out of the inaugural ceremony by the police, and two of the women were taken into police custody, the group said."
On the flip side, I'm heartily encouraged that so many protesters (and their signs) made it through the security. I honestly didn't expect that anyone would get to protest within sight of a news camera.
.
WASHINGTON (AFP) "Six members of the peace activists Codepink stood up on their chairs in the VIP section as Bush gave his inaugural speech and shouted "bring the troops home!"
They were escorted out of the inaugural ceremony by the police, and two of the women were taken into police custody, the group said."
On the flip side, I'm heartily encouraged that so many protesters (and their signs) made it through the security. I honestly didn't expect that anyone would get to protest within sight of a news camera.
Inauguration Anyone?
.
The hubby-man brought me lunch, and we're watching CNN right now. They keep showing the protesters between discussions. Meanwhile, little tidbits are scrolling across the bottom of the screen. Apparently 61% of people polled think that protesting during the inauguration is inappropriate. In another poll, 49% think Bush is a uniter, 49% think he's a divider, and 2% have no opinion. (snicker)
CNN is showing the (pricey) inaugural luncheon right now. Bush is giving a speech at a gilded podium that's shaped like an eagle perched on a globe. It looks like it's about to take flight, with the world snagged firmly in it's claws. The podium is on loan from the Daughters Of The American Revolution, and it's 100 years old. Every time the crowd stands up, there's a sound like a third-grade brass band warming up. It's not really a bunch of students torturing musical instruments. It's their chairs scraping the floor.
.
The hubby-man brought me lunch, and we're watching CNN right now. They keep showing the protesters between discussions. Meanwhile, little tidbits are scrolling across the bottom of the screen. Apparently 61% of people polled think that protesting during the inauguration is inappropriate. In another poll, 49% think Bush is a uniter, 49% think he's a divider, and 2% have no opinion. (snicker)
CNN is showing the (pricey) inaugural luncheon right now. Bush is giving a speech at a gilded podium that's shaped like an eagle perched on a globe. It looks like it's about to take flight, with the world snagged firmly in it's claws. The podium is on loan from the Daughters Of The American Revolution, and it's 100 years old. Every time the crowd stands up, there's a sound like a third-grade brass band warming up. It's not really a bunch of students torturing musical instruments. It's their chairs scraping the floor.
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Can I Get Some Sugarplums Over here?
I've been having nasty dreams recently. My psyche is trying to tell me stuff, and I'm not getting it.
A few nights ago, I dreamt that I was at a resort with my family and President Bush. I spent 3 days just hanging out with the Shrub and his former secretary of state. And, in my dream, Bush was a very likeable fellow. He was the kind of guy that I'd invite to a party, you know?
The lucid part of my brain kept trying to step in and tell the man off, but it just wasn't happening. The dream was filled with a sense of fun, like hanging out with George W. Bush was just the best thing ever. After 3 days, our vacation was coming to an end, and I knew I needed to say what was on my mind before I lost the chance. So I told him, "You're a very likeable fellow. I genuinely like you as a person... But I will never vote for you as president. You have ruined this country and I despise that. You're a great person, but you're a bad politician; the people are suffering. You need to know they are suffering."
As I was speaking my mind, the feel of the dream shifted. The beautiful resort became shadowed, like when clouds block the sun. The air grew cooler and secret service men started talking into their headsets and moving around more.
L suddenly appeared at my side, and it was time to go. The Hubby-Man had already left. He was on his way to somewhere that we could flee to. My son and I ran to the rental car, and there were s.s. agents surrounding it, so we ran across the lawn instead. My dream ended as L and I were dashing across the golf course, knowing that the s.s. agents weren't looking for us specifically; so we would get away without having to harm anyone.
And if you think that's strange...
Last night I dreamt that I was with my mom and dad. Dad was saying how he was sorry he missed out on my growing up, and mom was furious -but trying to be nice. I couldn't care less about what my dad has done for 23 years, or where he's been. I just wanted to know his medical history. I asked him, "How long do women in your family live?" and "Does arthritis run in the family?" (this one I understand, my arthritis has been very, very bad this winter)
Dad rambled on about all kinds of things, but never really answered my questions. Then we were driving somewhere, and for some reason I had to get out of the humvee/jeep thing he was driving. So mom and I got out, then L got out too. We had gotten out near Hodak's
and started walking toward De Sales Church
. As we reached the corner of Ohio and Gravois, mom suddenly yelled, "Run!"
I could hear mom's (mysteriously appearing) transistor radio saying that a race war was happening. Mom gave me the radio and took off toward our old apartment. L and I started running southwest down Gravois. We had gotten no farther than Mary's Fine Foods, and I was considering ducking down the gangway -cutting across the parking lot -and losing ourselves in one of the abandoned buildings; when a young black girl broke from the crowd and stopped us. She said something about hurting us, and she had a reason that made sense to her; but I don't remember it because what happened next was so horrible. She was maybe 11 years old, with a rounded belly and just the beginnings of breast buds. She was a child, and I didn't want to hurt her. I was trying to think of a way to disarm the situation when she stuck her pinky fingers in L's ears. She said something about necessity and justice and then my ears were ringing with pain and L started screaming. I mean really screaming. And he was crying, tears covering his face. And for some reason, all his hair was gone -there was nothing but stubble on his head. (at this point, I woke up gasping; but the dream went on. My mind insisted on continuing the nightmare and finding some sort of resolution)
I was genuinely torn between killing the bitch painfully and trying to comfort my son. So I did both. I grabbed her nearest arm and broke it, then grabbed her throat and squeezed enough to keep her busy trying to breathe. Then I said to my son, "Can you hear me?" He wasn't looking at me, he was crying with his eyes closed. He didn't respond. A hatred welled up in me, the likes of which I've never experienced in waking life. I wanted so much to hold my son, comfort him and try to heal him. Instead I knocked the girl to the ground, put my knee in her throat and carefully broke both of her pinky fingers. My mind said, "That is enough. Tend to your son." But I didn't stop torturing the girl. I rammed my knee repeatedly into her crotch, breaking her pubic bone, then grinding the bones into her flesh.
At this point I woke up again, apparantly I'd fallen asleep. The locical me in my head was horrified. I felt an incredible pressure to STOP, just stop and heal my son! But I couldn't stop. I was afraid she would get up and hurt him again, and I could not allow that to happen again.
Finally I woke for the third time, and was able to take control of my dream.
Like all my bad dreams, I re-dream them until they work out like I want. So I spent the next 40 minutes working through scenario after scenario until my son could hear again.
So... What the hell is up with that??? Why would my subconscious need to create that? What in the world do I need to know so badly that I must dream this kind of awfulness?
I haven't had dreams like this since I was pregnant (understandable), and before that I was a teenager, trying to get a handle on accidentally reading people's minds or any of the other weird things that happened around me as a teen.
I've been having nasty dreams recently. My psyche is trying to tell me stuff, and I'm not getting it.
A few nights ago, I dreamt that I was at a resort with my family and President Bush. I spent 3 days just hanging out with the Shrub and his former secretary of state. And, in my dream, Bush was a very likeable fellow. He was the kind of guy that I'd invite to a party, you know?
The lucid part of my brain kept trying to step in and tell the man off, but it just wasn't happening. The dream was filled with a sense of fun, like hanging out with George W. Bush was just the best thing ever. After 3 days, our vacation was coming to an end, and I knew I needed to say what was on my mind before I lost the chance. So I told him, "You're a very likeable fellow. I genuinely like you as a person... But I will never vote for you as president. You have ruined this country and I despise that. You're a great person, but you're a bad politician; the people are suffering. You need to know they are suffering."
As I was speaking my mind, the feel of the dream shifted. The beautiful resort became shadowed, like when clouds block the sun. The air grew cooler and secret service men started talking into their headsets and moving around more.
L suddenly appeared at my side, and it was time to go. The Hubby-Man had already left. He was on his way to somewhere that we could flee to. My son and I ran to the rental car, and there were s.s. agents surrounding it, so we ran across the lawn instead. My dream ended as L and I were dashing across the golf course, knowing that the s.s. agents weren't looking for us specifically; so we would get away without having to harm anyone.
And if you think that's strange...
Last night I dreamt that I was with my mom and dad. Dad was saying how he was sorry he missed out on my growing up, and mom was furious -but trying to be nice. I couldn't care less about what my dad has done for 23 years, or where he's been. I just wanted to know his medical history. I asked him, "How long do women in your family live?" and "Does arthritis run in the family?" (this one I understand, my arthritis has been very, very bad this winter)
Dad rambled on about all kinds of things, but never really answered my questions. Then we were driving somewhere, and for some reason I had to get out of the humvee/jeep thing he was driving. So mom and I got out, then L got out too. We had gotten out near Hodak's
and started walking toward De Sales Church
. As we reached the corner of Ohio and Gravois, mom suddenly yelled, "Run!"
I could hear mom's (mysteriously appearing) transistor radio saying that a race war was happening. Mom gave me the radio and took off toward our old apartment. L and I started running southwest down Gravois. We had gotten no farther than Mary's Fine Foods, and I was considering ducking down the gangway -cutting across the parking lot -and losing ourselves in one of the abandoned buildings; when a young black girl broke from the crowd and stopped us. She said something about hurting us, and she had a reason that made sense to her; but I don't remember it because what happened next was so horrible. She was maybe 11 years old, with a rounded belly and just the beginnings of breast buds. She was a child, and I didn't want to hurt her. I was trying to think of a way to disarm the situation when she stuck her pinky fingers in L's ears. She said something about necessity and justice and then my ears were ringing with pain and L started screaming. I mean really screaming. And he was crying, tears covering his face. And for some reason, all his hair was gone -there was nothing but stubble on his head. (at this point, I woke up gasping; but the dream went on. My mind insisted on continuing the nightmare and finding some sort of resolution)
I was genuinely torn between killing the bitch painfully and trying to comfort my son. So I did both. I grabbed her nearest arm and broke it, then grabbed her throat and squeezed enough to keep her busy trying to breathe. Then I said to my son, "Can you hear me?" He wasn't looking at me, he was crying with his eyes closed. He didn't respond. A hatred welled up in me, the likes of which I've never experienced in waking life. I wanted so much to hold my son, comfort him and try to heal him. Instead I knocked the girl to the ground, put my knee in her throat and carefully broke both of her pinky fingers. My mind said, "That is enough. Tend to your son." But I didn't stop torturing the girl. I rammed my knee repeatedly into her crotch, breaking her pubic bone, then grinding the bones into her flesh.
At this point I woke up again, apparantly I'd fallen asleep. The locical me in my head was horrified. I felt an incredible pressure to STOP, just stop and heal my son! But I couldn't stop. I was afraid she would get up and hurt him again, and I could not allow that to happen again.
Finally I woke for the third time, and was able to take control of my dream.
Like all my bad dreams, I re-dream them until they work out like I want. So I spent the next 40 minutes working through scenario after scenario until my son could hear again.
So... What the hell is up with that??? Why would my subconscious need to create that? What in the world do I need to know so badly that I must dream this kind of awfulness?
I haven't had dreams like this since I was pregnant (understandable), and before that I was a teenager, trying to get a handle on accidentally reading people's minds or any of the other weird things that happened around me as a teen.
Thursday, October 07, 2004
An Interesting Conversation
Mom has been calling a lot recently. I'm not sure why, because I've been pushing her buttons since August. I'm terribly conflicted about something she did in August. Something I find so unethical... but that's a different story. Suffice it to say, since she did that thing, the gloves are off. I've been using everything she herself taught me to remind her that she once was a decent, reasonable, humane person. I've been making very little headway. But last night, I got her to think for a minute.(obviously, I'm pissed about something, but I don't want to talk about it here.)
It started with this question from me:
"I want to ask you a question, mom. I've heard it floating around for a while, and I know there's no real answer, but I want to ask anyway, ok?"
"Ok," She says.
"Ok." Says I. "So you know Bush is pro-life, right? To the point of banning new stem cell lines, etc... And you know Bush is pro-war. He attacked Afghanistan to wipe out Al-Qaida, then he attacked Iraq, and he's got other countries lined up... you can check it all over the internet. I mean real sources, not just bloggers stating their opinions"
I did a bad thing, there. She'll never check the internet, or even her local paper. Finding "proof" of that sort is not easy. There are very, very few reputable sources. So I scammed her. My bad. But then I went on...
"So knowing that... How can someone be pro-life, and pro-war at the same time?"
I had her where I wanted her, -tackling a puzzle. Mom can't resist a puzzle, muahaha. See, mom won't vote for Kerry because he's Catholic, yet he votes pro-choice. I have pointed out time and again that as a Representative, it's his job to vote the way the majority of his constituents want him to vote. Mom's one reason for voting Bush is that he's pro-life.
She worked her way through my philosophical question and concluded that he is not pro-life, he is simply anti-abortion. Score!
The subject was changed, and she started telling me about a booklet she'd found at Grandma's place. It was an explanation of the beliefs of Jehova's Witnesses. She was all outraged over their beliefs. Which led, in a roundabout way, to discussing her son-in-law. The Jewish one, not my Discordian Hubby.
Her son-in-law does not want his children to receive religious gifts. No angels or crosses, thank you. No praying teddy bears or books about Jesus. That's his right, and it drives mom crazy. She offered him a deal. She said, "I'll read your book, if you read mine."
O!M!F!G!
She's all upset because her Jewish son-in-law will talk respectfully with her about Jesus, but won't call him "Christ". (sigh) So I explained it to her. In very simple terms. If I'm inaccurate, please leave a comment correcting me. I would hate to spread disinformation about a religion; and I admit I know little about Judaism. I told her that the Jews believe Jesus was a prophet. They do not believe he was the Messiah. Because he died. He didn't do what their teachings said their Messiah would do.
She didn't get it.
I told her they don't believe in heaven or hell -as a place to go when you die. They believe they are here to glorify God. Their lives are a gift from God. And when they die, that's it. It's why they bury without embalming. Why all parts, including their blood, goes into the earth. (I don't know their views on cremation) "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust" and all that. Their body is God's body.
She kind of got it.
I remembered a thing from my childhood, and said, "You say it every week in Church, mom. 'Dying you destroyed our death'..."
"Ahhhh." She said. "I get it! I understand!"
It was a good moment. And it opened the way for me to ask the question I'd wanted to ask in the beginning. "Why are you here?"
She said, "To glorify God."
"Ok," says I, "A soul can glorify God. Why do you have a physical body?"
silence.
Finally, she replied, "I never really thought about it."
I offered, "God gave you a body for a reason. What was it?"
"Well... God made us in His own image..." She began. "And he gave us a soul, and power over the earth."
Which led me to, "Right... But why a physical body. What is it's purpose? Why not just keep us all in heaven?"
I continued, "I have thought about it. I think a physical body, and all the hardships that come with it is a gift. I think a soul, a pure soul can't experience the things a body can. Like a scraped knee, hurt feelings, mom hugs, or childbirth. I think it's a gift."
I'm not out to change my mom's religion. I want to give her a deeper faith, if anything. I want her to snap out of the fearful obedience she's had since September, 2001. I want her to believe again. And I want her, for my own selfish reasons, to see people with the compassion she once had. I want her to let go of her hate and fear and blame. These things put her farther from God, not nearer.
She could worship a pile of toenail clippings, for all I care; as long as it fulfills her. Fulfilled people are happy people. Happy people don't spread hate.
Mom has been calling a lot recently. I'm not sure why, because I've been pushing her buttons since August. I'm terribly conflicted about something she did in August. Something I find so unethical... but that's a different story. Suffice it to say, since she did that thing, the gloves are off. I've been using everything she herself taught me to remind her that she once was a decent, reasonable, humane person. I've been making very little headway. But last night, I got her to think for a minute.(obviously, I'm pissed about something, but I don't want to talk about it here.)
It started with this question from me:
"I want to ask you a question, mom. I've heard it floating around for a while, and I know there's no real answer, but I want to ask anyway, ok?"
"Ok," She says.
"Ok." Says I. "So you know Bush is pro-life, right? To the point of banning new stem cell lines, etc... And you know Bush is pro-war. He attacked Afghanistan to wipe out Al-Qaida, then he attacked Iraq, and he's got other countries lined up... you can check it all over the internet. I mean real sources, not just bloggers stating their opinions"
I did a bad thing, there. She'll never check the internet, or even her local paper. Finding "proof" of that sort is not easy. There are very, very few reputable sources. So I scammed her. My bad. But then I went on...
"So knowing that... How can someone be pro-life, and pro-war at the same time?"
I had her where I wanted her, -tackling a puzzle. Mom can't resist a puzzle, muahaha. See, mom won't vote for Kerry because he's Catholic, yet he votes pro-choice. I have pointed out time and again that as a Representative, it's his job to vote the way the majority of his constituents want him to vote. Mom's one reason for voting Bush is that he's pro-life.
She worked her way through my philosophical question and concluded that he is not pro-life, he is simply anti-abortion. Score!
The subject was changed, and she started telling me about a booklet she'd found at Grandma's place. It was an explanation of the beliefs of Jehova's Witnesses. She was all outraged over their beliefs. Which led, in a roundabout way, to discussing her son-in-law. The Jewish one, not my Discordian Hubby.
Her son-in-law does not want his children to receive religious gifts. No angels or crosses, thank you. No praying teddy bears or books about Jesus. That's his right, and it drives mom crazy. She offered him a deal. She said, "I'll read your book, if you read mine."
O!M!F!G!
She's all upset because her Jewish son-in-law will talk respectfully with her about Jesus, but won't call him "Christ". (sigh) So I explained it to her. In very simple terms. If I'm inaccurate, please leave a comment correcting me. I would hate to spread disinformation about a religion; and I admit I know little about Judaism. I told her that the Jews believe Jesus was a prophet. They do not believe he was the Messiah. Because he died. He didn't do what their teachings said their Messiah would do.
She didn't get it.
I told her they don't believe in heaven or hell -as a place to go when you die. They believe they are here to glorify God. Their lives are a gift from God. And when they die, that's it. It's why they bury without embalming. Why all parts, including their blood, goes into the earth. (I don't know their views on cremation) "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust" and all that. Their body is God's body.
She kind of got it.
I remembered a thing from my childhood, and said, "You say it every week in Church, mom. 'Dying you destroyed our death'..."
"Ahhhh." She said. "I get it! I understand!"
It was a good moment. And it opened the way for me to ask the question I'd wanted to ask in the beginning. "Why are you here?"
She said, "To glorify God."
"Ok," says I, "A soul can glorify God. Why do you have a physical body?"
silence.
Finally, she replied, "I never really thought about it."
I offered, "God gave you a body for a reason. What was it?"
"Well... God made us in His own image..." She began. "And he gave us a soul, and power over the earth."
Which led me to, "Right... But why a physical body. What is it's purpose? Why not just keep us all in heaven?"
I continued, "I have thought about it. I think a physical body, and all the hardships that come with it is a gift. I think a soul, a pure soul can't experience the things a body can. Like a scraped knee, hurt feelings, mom hugs, or childbirth. I think it's a gift."
I'm not out to change my mom's religion. I want to give her a deeper faith, if anything. I want her to snap out of the fearful obedience she's had since September, 2001. I want her to believe again. And I want her, for my own selfish reasons, to see people with the compassion she once had. I want her to let go of her hate and fear and blame. These things put her farther from God, not nearer.
She could worship a pile of toenail clippings, for all I care; as long as it fulfills her. Fulfilled people are happy people. Happy people don't spread hate.
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
A Short Trip In The WayBack Machine
I've been reading a lot of political blogs today; meaning I've been reading a lot of opinions about speeches and war. Kerry is saying that Bush lives in a fantasy world, and that he would have conducted The War On Terror differently.
So let's take a trip in the WayBack Machine, shall we?
November-December 2000: Bush gets elected, or doesn't -depending on who you read. People gripe, and life moves on.
Late 2001-Early 2002: Congress, intelligence agencies, and the Bush administration figure out whodunnit and create a plan to end a threat. Much discussion ensues, troops are moved, promises are made (We will leave the government of Afghanistan in place, et al.) and America bombs Afghanistan "back to the stone ages".
Most of the people accept this as reasonable. The U.S. supports the Philipinnes, and helps them wipe out a terrorist organization. With Afghanistan's support gone, and the rest of the world horrified over September 11th; Al-Quaida has nowhere left to run. Americans had hope again.
Late 2002-Early 2003: The Bush administration pushes for war with Iraq, insisting Saddam Hussein is a threat to the United States. Troops are moved from Afghanistan and Kosovo, among other places; and prepare to strike Iraq.
April 2003: The "Shock and Awe" campaign begins. Bush flies a fighter jet to an aircraft carrier. Victory is declared.
Summer 2003: Americans are alerted to the news that we are going to be in Iraq for a very long time. The death toll mounts as terrorists cross the borders into Iraq.
Summer 2004: Americans are told that Al-Queida might be operating out of Iraq.
There was a time in the not so distant past when the world was turned against terrorism and military forces from a huge variety of nations had the biggest threats on the run.
Mr. pResident, I too, would have done things differently. Your timing was bad. Your tactics were worse. Your god will not be descending from heaven to take you away. You are not the Messiah; nor are you his messenger. You are a liar and a thief, and I hate you for what you have done to my country.
Do you think of the maimed American soldiers who will take their shattered bodies to the polls and vote your ass out of office? Do you think of the dead, who can't vote at all? Do you think of the families -jobless, homeless, hopeless- who suffer for your pride?
Do you sleep well, Mr. pResident? You certainly looked well rested when you addressed the U.N. yesterday. Perhaps their stony silence kept you awake last night.
I've been reading a lot of political blogs today; meaning I've been reading a lot of opinions about speeches and war. Kerry is saying that Bush lives in a fantasy world, and that he would have conducted The War On Terror differently.
So let's take a trip in the WayBack Machine, shall we?
November-December 2000: Bush gets elected, or doesn't -depending on who you read. People gripe, and life moves on.
Late 2001-Early 2002: Congress, intelligence agencies, and the Bush administration figure out whodunnit and create a plan to end a threat. Much discussion ensues, troops are moved, promises are made (We will leave the government of Afghanistan in place, et al.) and America bombs Afghanistan "back to the stone ages".
Most of the people accept this as reasonable. The U.S. supports the Philipinnes, and helps them wipe out a terrorist organization. With Afghanistan's support gone, and the rest of the world horrified over September 11th; Al-Quaida has nowhere left to run. Americans had hope again.
Late 2002-Early 2003: The Bush administration pushes for war with Iraq, insisting Saddam Hussein is a threat to the United States. Troops are moved from Afghanistan and Kosovo, among other places; and prepare to strike Iraq.
April 2003: The "Shock and Awe" campaign begins. Bush flies a fighter jet to an aircraft carrier. Victory is declared.
Summer 2003: Americans are alerted to the news that we are going to be in Iraq for a very long time. The death toll mounts as terrorists cross the borders into Iraq.
Summer 2004: Americans are told that Al-Queida might be operating out of Iraq.
There was a time in the not so distant past when the world was turned against terrorism and military forces from a huge variety of nations had the biggest threats on the run.
Mr. pResident, I too, would have done things differently. Your timing was bad. Your tactics were worse. Your god will not be descending from heaven to take you away. You are not the Messiah; nor are you his messenger. You are a liar and a thief, and I hate you for what you have done to my country.
Do you think of the maimed American soldiers who will take their shattered bodies to the polls and vote your ass out of office? Do you think of the dead, who can't vote at all? Do you think of the families -jobless, homeless, hopeless- who suffer for your pride?
Do you sleep well, Mr. pResident? You certainly looked well rested when you addressed the U.N. yesterday. Perhaps their stony silence kept you awake last night.
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
Open Mouthed In Wonder
President Bush visited my state again, dammit. Amid the rhetoric, he had this to say:
Wow. Did I read that correctly? Did the Vice President of the United States threaten us with a terrorist attack? Did he actually imply that our country would be hit by terrorists, and that the US would do nothing in return if John Kerry were president?
President Bush visited my state again, dammit. Amid the rhetoric, he had this to say:
"We've got an issue in America. Too many good docs are getting out of business. Too many OB-GYNs aren't able to practice their love with women all across this country."I am not kidding you. But wait, there's more. V.P. Dick Cheney was in Iowa yesterday, and boy did he say the wrong thing:
"It's absolutely essential that eight weeks from today, on November 2nd, we make the right choice, because if we make the wrong choice then the danger is that we'll get hit again," the vice president said, "that we'll be hit in a way that will be devastating from the standpoint of the United States, and that we'll fall back into the pre-9/11 mind-set, if you will, that in fact these terrorist attacks are just criminal acts and that we are not really at war."
Wow. Did I read that correctly? Did the Vice President of the United States threaten us with a terrorist attack? Did he actually imply that our country would be hit by terrorists, and that the US would do nothing in return if John Kerry were president?
Thursday, May 13, 2004
Tuesday, May 11, 2004
Haiku Fun!
Apocalypse Now!
It is George's battle cry
Some people aren't fools
To bring back a god
Make war in the Middle East
Bush's secret vow
Lets make sex a sin
Then use it to torture for
What information?
Four seasons, four years
Reduce, reuse, recycle?
November brings change
Anti-Bush Haikus
Bitter Shack Of Resentment
Each hit spreads the word
Apocalypse Now!
It is George's battle cry
Some people aren't fools
To bring back a god
Make war in the Middle East
Bush's secret vow
Lets make sex a sin
Then use it to torture for
What information?
Four seasons, four years
Reduce, reuse, recycle?
November brings change
Anti-Bush Haikus
Bitter Shack Of Resentment
Each hit spreads the word
Friday, May 07, 2004
I love a good Haiku
Yeah, I'm weird. But I do. I love a good Haiku. For me that means a poem that follows the 5-7-5 syllable format, and that touches my inner being. Thanks to Coyote's Bark for linking to The Bitter Shack Of Resentment. Thanks to The Bitter Shack Of Resentment for requesting anti-Bush Haikus. My favorites are:
Democracy can't afford
The truth anymore
Let's build an Empire
written by: Victor Solano
disenfranchised youth
this democracy is yours
rock the fucking vote
written by: linnea
Cling to the promise
Regime change begins at home
November awaits
written by: Tamara Thompson
"Have you made mistakes?"
"I can't recall any now."
"Let me remind you."
written by: BVCC
Yeah, I'm weird. But I do. I love a good Haiku. For me that means a poem that follows the 5-7-5 syllable format, and that touches my inner being. Thanks to Coyote's Bark for linking to The Bitter Shack Of Resentment. Thanks to The Bitter Shack Of Resentment for requesting anti-Bush Haikus. My favorites are:
Democracy can't afford
The truth anymore
Let's build an Empire
written by: Victor Solano
disenfranchised youth
this democracy is yours
rock the fucking vote
written by: linnea
Cling to the promise
Regime change begins at home
November awaits
written by: Tamara Thompson
"Have you made mistakes?"
"I can't recall any now."
"Let me remind you."
written by: BVCC
Monday, March 29, 2004
The Gay Marriage Debate Comes To St. Louis. Sort Of.
This morning, Fox2 News kept talking about a wedding that happened this weekend. The minister will attempt to file an affidavit of marriage today at the St. Louis County Courthouse.
Here's the interesting thing: The couple announced their intent to marry, applying for their marriage license when they returned from their honeymoon. They let the media know. Newspapers were spreading the story as far back as Wednesday. As a result, a handful of people showed in silent protest. There was no shouting. No one pointed fingers or threw rotten vegetables. St. Louis just isn't that kind of town. Our activists are lackadasical, at best. Something has to be a really big deal to bring out more than a handful of fruitcakes.
We've had more people protesting Bush, who shows up practically unannounced once a month; than people protesting a marriage they had time to prepare for. I think that says something.
I also think it says something when you can protest a wedding right in fromt of a church, but you can't protest the President anywhere around him. You must be in a designated protest area, sometimes as far as a quarter of a mile away. If you didn't follow the links to examples of this restriction of speech, at least read this one.
And speaking of protesting. I must protest my Cardinals Baseball team inviting Bush to the season opener.
This morning, Fox2 News kept talking about a wedding that happened this weekend. The minister will attempt to file an affidavit of marriage today at the St. Louis County Courthouse.
Here's the interesting thing: The couple announced their intent to marry, applying for their marriage license when they returned from their honeymoon. They let the media know. Newspapers were spreading the story as far back as Wednesday. As a result, a handful of people showed in silent protest. There was no shouting. No one pointed fingers or threw rotten vegetables. St. Louis just isn't that kind of town. Our activists are lackadasical, at best. Something has to be a really big deal to bring out more than a handful of fruitcakes.
We've had more people protesting Bush, who shows up practically unannounced once a month; than people protesting a marriage they had time to prepare for. I think that says something.
I also think it says something when you can protest a wedding right in fromt of a church, but you can't protest the President anywhere around him. You must be in a designated protest area, sometimes as far as a quarter of a mile away. If you didn't follow the links to examples of this restriction of speech, at least read this one.
And speaking of protesting. I must protest my Cardinals Baseball team inviting Bush to the season opener.
Thursday, March 04, 2004
Bush's new slogan
So the Prez has found a slogan that he thinks will carry him through the next election.
It started with this: Don't Switch Horsemen Mid-Apocalypse
Which led me to this: "America! It's not just for heterosexuals any more...Okay. Actually it is..."
"If you're reading this, 9/11 wasn't so bad now, was it?"
"America: Where everyman is a Burger Structural Engineer ...now"
"Bush 2004:Less jobs! More free time to surf porn..."
"I lead. You follow. Why think?"
"It's morning in America...and only Jenna Bush is hungover"
"America: It's SuperHalliburtonExxonDOMAdocious!"
"Bush and Dick. The way God intended."
"A Jobless Recovery is like Waterless Rain"
Which turned into this, the best slogans Bush will never use.
So the Prez has found a slogan that he thinks will carry him through the next election.
It started with this: Don't Switch Horsemen Mid-Apocalypse
Which led me to this: "America! It's not just for heterosexuals any more...Okay. Actually it is..."
"If you're reading this, 9/11 wasn't so bad now, was it?"
"America: Where everyman is a Burger Structural Engineer ...now"
"Bush 2004:Less jobs! More free time to surf porn..."
"I lead. You follow. Why think?"
"It's morning in America...and only Jenna Bush is hungover"
"America: It's SuperHalliburtonExxonDOMAdocious!"
"Bush and Dick. The way God intended."
"A Jobless Recovery is like Waterless Rain"
Which turned into this, the best slogans Bush will never use.
Friday, February 27, 2004
Rant rant rant
"The union of a man and a woman is the most enduring human institution, honored and encouraged in all cultures and by every religious faith," Bush said.
"Marriage cannot be severed from its cultural, religious and natural roots without weakening the good influence of society."
BULLSHIT! I can understand the common, barely educated American buying this stuff. I understand that resistance is a gut reaction. Hate and fear beget more hate and fear. It's normal. And we have self awareness. We have intelligence. We have logical minds that can overide our gut responses. Society teaches us control of our gut reactions. We choose to control our emotional responses because of the greater benefits of friendship, community and yes, strength in numbers. Yet, being human, we continue to respond on an emotional level. Look how I just ranted an entire paragraph from my gut.
Now then, the union of a man and a woman is not the most enduring human institution. It is not honored and encouraged in all cultures, or by every religious faith. Let's take a little walk through history as we know it.
Wikipedia online encyclopedia claims that marriage is generally considered to be the union of one man and one woman, i.e., husband and wife. But if you scroll down past the table of contents, you'll read this: "In most societies, marriage was polygynic, where a man could have multiple wives..."
There's a bit more to it than that. Throughout history, a person in a position of power -for example a king or queen- would take multiple husbands or wives. True, it was always someone of the opposite sex. This made sense, of course. Each new spouse was a link to another country, and a chance for the perpetuation of power. However; in nearly all ancient societies, people would reproduce with the opposite sex, but have lovers of the same sex. You would have been considered strange if you didn't have at least one same sex lover. This was especially common with conquest based cultures. again, it just made sense. Having a lover within your ranks brought a share of power, gave you a focus for your energies, created camraderie and provided a tangible hope for the future. The pain of loss could be eased by another lover, who had also experienced loss.
I can see why having same sex lovers was pushed aside during long stretches of peace. I can see where it became a less acceptable lifestyle. Women wanted babies, and they wanted all of the power (and the monetary security that came with it) to pass on to the next generation. Yet these same women had plenty of woman lovers while the men were at war. That bit of history always repeats itself. I surmise that most people are inherently bi-sexual. We long for partnership, aside from the longing to create new generations; and we will find partnership with people of either sex.
My personal preference is for men. If all the men in the world dissappeared, I would find a woman to love me. A vibrator does not -cannot- love. I even think that if all the attractive men vanished, I'd find a woman. I'm not likely to ever know. There are lots of hairy, smelly men around.
Excuse my rambling, please. Back to the subject. Several present day religious groups support multiple person marriages. Most of them say the wives should treat each other like partners. Religious writings codify how these spouses (spice) should treat each other, and even cover the reproduction issue. They discuss how to deal with one's wives preferring each other over their joint husband. I don't see those writings vilifying homosexuality. I see them acknowledging it, and still providing for the continuation of the species.
To reiterate: The union of a man and a woman is not the most enduring human institution. Bi-sexuality is. It is not honored and encouraged in all cultures or faiths. Union is honored and encouraged. Reproduction of healthy human beings is honored and encouraged. Monogamy between one man and one woman is only honored and encouraged in certain religions.
Get your facts straight, Mr. President, before you open your mouth.
"The union of a man and a woman is the most enduring human institution, honored and encouraged in all cultures and by every religious faith," Bush said.
"Marriage cannot be severed from its cultural, religious and natural roots without weakening the good influence of society."
BULLSHIT! I can understand the common, barely educated American buying this stuff. I understand that resistance is a gut reaction. Hate and fear beget more hate and fear. It's normal. And we have self awareness. We have intelligence. We have logical minds that can overide our gut responses. Society teaches us control of our gut reactions. We choose to control our emotional responses because of the greater benefits of friendship, community and yes, strength in numbers. Yet, being human, we continue to respond on an emotional level. Look how I just ranted an entire paragraph from my gut.
Now then, the union of a man and a woman is not the most enduring human institution. It is not honored and encouraged in all cultures, or by every religious faith. Let's take a little walk through history as we know it.
Wikipedia online encyclopedia claims that marriage is generally considered to be the union of one man and one woman, i.e., husband and wife. But if you scroll down past the table of contents, you'll read this: "In most societies, marriage was polygynic, where a man could have multiple wives..."
There's a bit more to it than that. Throughout history, a person in a position of power -for example a king or queen- would take multiple husbands or wives. True, it was always someone of the opposite sex. This made sense, of course. Each new spouse was a link to another country, and a chance for the perpetuation of power. However; in nearly all ancient societies, people would reproduce with the opposite sex, but have lovers of the same sex. You would have been considered strange if you didn't have at least one same sex lover. This was especially common with conquest based cultures. again, it just made sense. Having a lover within your ranks brought a share of power, gave you a focus for your energies, created camraderie and provided a tangible hope for the future. The pain of loss could be eased by another lover, who had also experienced loss.
I can see why having same sex lovers was pushed aside during long stretches of peace. I can see where it became a less acceptable lifestyle. Women wanted babies, and they wanted all of the power (and the monetary security that came with it) to pass on to the next generation. Yet these same women had plenty of woman lovers while the men were at war. That bit of history always repeats itself. I surmise that most people are inherently bi-sexual. We long for partnership, aside from the longing to create new generations; and we will find partnership with people of either sex.
My personal preference is for men. If all the men in the world dissappeared, I would find a woman to love me. A vibrator does not -cannot- love. I even think that if all the attractive men vanished, I'd find a woman. I'm not likely to ever know. There are lots of hairy, smelly men around.
Excuse my rambling, please. Back to the subject. Several present day religious groups support multiple person marriages. Most of them say the wives should treat each other like partners. Religious writings codify how these spouses (spice) should treat each other, and even cover the reproduction issue. They discuss how to deal with one's wives preferring each other over their joint husband. I don't see those writings vilifying homosexuality. I see them acknowledging it, and still providing for the continuation of the species.
To reiterate: The union of a man and a woman is not the most enduring human institution. Bi-sexuality is. It is not honored and encouraged in all cultures or faiths. Union is honored and encouraged. Reproduction of healthy human beings is honored and encouraged. Monogamy between one man and one woman is only honored and encouraged in certain religions.
Get your facts straight, Mr. President, before you open your mouth.
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
Snarking the State Of the Union
The road trip story is funny, this one's just bitter :p
Before I get into the body count, I'm going to express my support for the Democrats who disrupted Bush's speech with a standing ovation when he said, "Key provisions of the Patriot Act are set to expire next year." It was lovely seeing him open his mouth to go on, only to be stopped by a smattering of applause that grew and grew. The camera panned out so we could see the minority section of Congress on their feet and making a statement.
The Body Count
references to terror or terrorists= 20
references to killers, killing or killed= 11
references to war= 10
references to 9/11= 3
references to Osama Bin Laden= 0
Congratulatory back-patting, and reminders of his greatness:
"Because of American leadership and resolve, the world is changing for the better. Last month, the leader of Libya voluntarily pledged to disclose and dismantle all of his regime's weapons of mass destruction programmes, including a uranium enrichment project for nuclear weapons. Colonel Gaddaffi correctly judged that his country would be better off, and far more secure, without weapons of mass murder."
"When I came to this rostrum on September 20th, 2001, I brought the police shield of a fallen officer, my reminder of lives that ended, and a task that does not end. I gave to you and to all Americans my complete commitment to securing our country and defeating our enemies."
"I have had the honour of meeting our servicemen and women at many posts, from the deck of a carrier in the Pacific, to a mess hall in Baghdad."
"Last month a girl in Lincoln, Rhode Island, sent me a letter. It began: "Dear George W Bush. If there is anything you know I, Ashley Pearson age 10, can do to help anyone, please send me a letter and tell me what I can do to save our country." She added this PS: "If you can send a letter to the troops, please put 'Ashley Pearson believes in you.' "
Outright Lies
"The American economy is growing stronger. The tax relief you passed is working."
"You are raising the standards of our public schools"
"Our closest allies have been unwavering."
"Had we failed to act, Security Council resolutions on Iraq would have been revealed as empty threats, weakening the United Nations and encouraging defiance by dictators around the world."
"And because you acted to stimulate our economy with tax relief, this economy is strong, and growing stronger."
"The pace of economic growth in the third quarter of 2003 was the fastest in nearly 20 years. New home construction, the highest in almost 20 years. Home ownership rates the highest ever. Manufacturing activity is increasing. Inflation is low. Interest rates are low. Exports are growing. Productivity is high. And jobs are on the rise."
"We are providing more funding for our schools, a 36% increase since 2001. We are requiring higher standards. We are regularly testing every child on the fundamentals. We are reporting results to parents, and making sure they have better options when schools are not performing. We are making progress toward excellence for every child."
Scary Stuff
I'm not even going there right now.
The road trip story is funny, this one's just bitter :p
Before I get into the body count, I'm going to express my support for the Democrats who disrupted Bush's speech with a standing ovation when he said, "Key provisions of the Patriot Act are set to expire next year." It was lovely seeing him open his mouth to go on, only to be stopped by a smattering of applause that grew and grew. The camera panned out so we could see the minority section of Congress on their feet and making a statement.
The Body Count
references to terror or terrorists= 20
references to killers, killing or killed= 11
references to war= 10
references to 9/11= 3
references to Osama Bin Laden= 0
Congratulatory back-patting, and reminders of his greatness:
"Because of American leadership and resolve, the world is changing for the better. Last month, the leader of Libya voluntarily pledged to disclose and dismantle all of his regime's weapons of mass destruction programmes, including a uranium enrichment project for nuclear weapons. Colonel Gaddaffi correctly judged that his country would be better off, and far more secure, without weapons of mass murder."
"When I came to this rostrum on September 20th, 2001, I brought the police shield of a fallen officer, my reminder of lives that ended, and a task that does not end. I gave to you and to all Americans my complete commitment to securing our country and defeating our enemies."
"I have had the honour of meeting our servicemen and women at many posts, from the deck of a carrier in the Pacific, to a mess hall in Baghdad."
"Last month a girl in Lincoln, Rhode Island, sent me a letter. It began: "Dear George W Bush. If there is anything you know I, Ashley Pearson age 10, can do to help anyone, please send me a letter and tell me what I can do to save our country." She added this PS: "If you can send a letter to the troops, please put 'Ashley Pearson believes in you.' "
Outright Lies
"The American economy is growing stronger. The tax relief you passed is working."
"You are raising the standards of our public schools"
"Our closest allies have been unwavering."
"Had we failed to act, Security Council resolutions on Iraq would have been revealed as empty threats, weakening the United Nations and encouraging defiance by dictators around the world."
"And because you acted to stimulate our economy with tax relief, this economy is strong, and growing stronger."
"The pace of economic growth in the third quarter of 2003 was the fastest in nearly 20 years. New home construction, the highest in almost 20 years. Home ownership rates the highest ever. Manufacturing activity is increasing. Inflation is low. Interest rates are low. Exports are growing. Productivity is high. And jobs are on the rise."
"We are providing more funding for our schools, a 36% increase since 2001. We are requiring higher standards. We are regularly testing every child on the fundamentals. We are reporting results to parents, and making sure they have better options when schools are not performing. We are making progress toward excellence for every child."
Scary Stuff
I'm not even going there right now.
Friday, January 09, 2004
Another Bush Rant but you should read it anyway
A few days ago, Bush came to St. Louis. Protesters were there, showing their objections to the change in overtime thing. Bush (supposedly) never knew they were there. Last year, Bush came to St. Louis. Protesters were there, showing their objections. Bush never saw them. I know he never saw them because they were kept on a side street a quarter of a mile away. This is happening all over the country!
It bothers me. It bothers me in a way I'm finding hard to express. Every other President I can think of has driven through crowds of protesters. Why can't this one? Is he afraid that someone will attempt to harm him? I doubt it. Is he unwilling to see the protesters? More likely. Will he one day declare, "Let them eat cake", being totally unaware of the plights and upsets of the citizens?
My in-laws go to Washington, and have dinner with every President. They were upset when Clinton was in office, because the "dinner" consisted of eating separately from the President, and watching He and Hillary walk past. They felt horribly snubbed because they were penned behind a velvet rope, and didn't even get to shake his hand.
(I agree, btw. It was horribly rude.)
Bush on the other hand, shook hands with everyone, let them take photos and even signed his autograph. My in-laws love him. They sent my son a framed photo montage, including a White House napkin signed by GW Bush himself.
I don't know what to do with the darned thing. L has taken it to school twice, which has only served to alienate him farther from his classmates. I think they resent him knowing someone who is special enough to go to the White House. (sigh)
I wish they'd sent the autograph of a President I like. We keep it in the closet "so the sunlight doesn't fade it". Isn't that awful?
My point is: GW will meet with other politically connected people, but he doesn't want to see anyone who doesn't care for him. I think he can't handle being disliked. I also think that if you can't handle being disliked, you shouldn't try to be President of the United States. When you're President, some people will actively hate you. Some will love you, and most will change their opinions on a daily basis. It comes with the job.
A few days ago, Bush came to St. Louis. Protesters were there, showing their objections to the change in overtime thing. Bush (supposedly) never knew they were there. Last year, Bush came to St. Louis. Protesters were there, showing their objections. Bush never saw them. I know he never saw them because they were kept on a side street a quarter of a mile away. This is happening all over the country!
It bothers me. It bothers me in a way I'm finding hard to express. Every other President I can think of has driven through crowds of protesters. Why can't this one? Is he afraid that someone will attempt to harm him? I doubt it. Is he unwilling to see the protesters? More likely. Will he one day declare, "Let them eat cake", being totally unaware of the plights and upsets of the citizens?
My in-laws go to Washington, and have dinner with every President. They were upset when Clinton was in office, because the "dinner" consisted of eating separately from the President, and watching He and Hillary walk past. They felt horribly snubbed because they were penned behind a velvet rope, and didn't even get to shake his hand.
(I agree, btw. It was horribly rude.)
Bush on the other hand, shook hands with everyone, let them take photos and even signed his autograph. My in-laws love him. They sent my son a framed photo montage, including a White House napkin signed by GW Bush himself.
I don't know what to do with the darned thing. L has taken it to school twice, which has only served to alienate him farther from his classmates. I think they resent him knowing someone who is special enough to go to the White House. (sigh)
I wish they'd sent the autograph of a President I like. We keep it in the closet "so the sunlight doesn't fade it". Isn't that awful?
My point is: GW will meet with other politically connected people, but he doesn't want to see anyone who doesn't care for him. I think he can't handle being disliked. I also think that if you can't handle being disliked, you shouldn't try to be President of the United States. When you're President, some people will actively hate you. Some will love you, and most will change their opinions on a daily basis. It comes with the job.
Tuesday, December 30, 2003
The Ephedra Ban
The Bush administration announced Tuesday it is banning the sale of ephedra early next year, and urged consumers to immediately stop using the herbal weight control supplement that has been linked to numerous deaths and other harmful health effects.
(According to an AP report.)
I didn't realize the White House had the authority to ban things. Don't get me wrong, I think some people are stupid or desperate enough to take massive doses of ephedra to help them lose weight. I think that as long as companies offer it, fools will buy it, convincing themselves that it is safe. I think it sucks for a few holistic health practitioners who use ephedra containing herbs. I think it sucks that a law has to be passed to protect people from endangering themselves. And I want to rant about the use of the phrase, "The Bush Administration...banning the sale of ephedra."
The President does not write the laws. The President approves or vetoes the laws Congress writes and approves. The Supreme Court decides whether the laws are valid or not. Therefore the President cannot ban the sale of ephedra... Or is Congress part of the Bush Administration?
In another foolish case of overzealousness, a Nebraska woman was ticketed for being nude. The overzealousness reared it's ugly head when the owner of the bar called the police to complain about the nude pictures. The police department plans to send a letter to the state Liquor Control Commission to see if the bar violated any state laws.
sigh
The Bush administration announced Tuesday it is banning the sale of ephedra early next year, and urged consumers to immediately stop using the herbal weight control supplement that has been linked to numerous deaths and other harmful health effects.
(According to an AP report.)
I didn't realize the White House had the authority to ban things. Don't get me wrong, I think some people are stupid or desperate enough to take massive doses of ephedra to help them lose weight. I think that as long as companies offer it, fools will buy it, convincing themselves that it is safe. I think it sucks for a few holistic health practitioners who use ephedra containing herbs. I think it sucks that a law has to be passed to protect people from endangering themselves. And I want to rant about the use of the phrase, "The Bush Administration...banning the sale of ephedra."
The President does not write the laws. The President approves or vetoes the laws Congress writes and approves. The Supreme Court decides whether the laws are valid or not. Therefore the President cannot ban the sale of ephedra... Or is Congress part of the Bush Administration?
In another foolish case of overzealousness, a Nebraska woman was ticketed for being nude. The overzealousness reared it's ugly head when the owner of the bar called the police to complain about the nude pictures. The police department plans to send a letter to the state Liquor Control Commission to see if the bar violated any state laws.
sigh
Wednesday, December 17, 2003
How Disappointing
This morning I watched CNN broadcasting live from Kitty Hawk. I enjoyed their discussions about the measly 12 hp engine the Wright Flier had. I was amused that the plane needed a 20 - 30 mph headwind just to get off the ground. I waited for Bush's speech, hoping to hear in it some commitment to spaceflight.
That smug little bastard acknowledged the presence of a number of astronauts and NASA officials, rambled on about history, and never said what I wanted to hear. The closest he came was his assertion that America would remain the leaders of flight.
I wanted to hear something, anything about high tech flight. I would have been happy with a comment on ballistic shuttles. I would have preferred a strong commitment to NASA. Best of all (and most appropriate to his speech) would have been the expression of his support towards commercial spaceflight.
He could have talked about enterprising men and women facing down the so-called "impossible"; succeeding despite the voices of the experts. He could have acknowledged the Wright brothers creation of something that went on to be a valuable addition to our nation, and our world. He could have go on to say that there are people right now taking the next big step, the step from the sky to the stars. He could have pledged his support of the American teams competing for the X-Prize.
He could have. He didn't.
This morning I watched CNN broadcasting live from Kitty Hawk. I enjoyed their discussions about the measly 12 hp engine the Wright Flier had. I was amused that the plane needed a 20 - 30 mph headwind just to get off the ground. I waited for Bush's speech, hoping to hear in it some commitment to spaceflight.
That smug little bastard acknowledged the presence of a number of astronauts and NASA officials, rambled on about history, and never said what I wanted to hear. The closest he came was his assertion that America would remain the leaders of flight.
I wanted to hear something, anything about high tech flight. I would have been happy with a comment on ballistic shuttles. I would have preferred a strong commitment to NASA. Best of all (and most appropriate to his speech) would have been the expression of his support towards commercial spaceflight.
He could have talked about enterprising men and women facing down the so-called "impossible"; succeeding despite the voices of the experts. He could have acknowledged the Wright brothers creation of something that went on to be a valuable addition to our nation, and our world. He could have go on to say that there are people right now taking the next big step, the step from the sky to the stars. He could have pledged his support of the American teams competing for the X-Prize.
He could have. He didn't.
Tuesday, December 16, 2003
Aimless Chatter
A question about capturing Saddam Hussein. Why is it that only one newspaper had the headline, "Ace In The Hole"? I think that's funny, er punny.
I don't think it's funny that they caught him. I really thought that the day they caught Saddam Hussein would be a happy day. Not so, sigh. Bush does not need that kind of good PR.
I'm glad the people of Iraq who were fearful of President Hussein's return have less to fear now. I'm glad the man will stand trial for the crimes he is (and will be) accused of. I'm glad Amnesty International has evidence to submit.
But I'm not happy that he was caught.
How much ya wanna bet Bush wants to have the trial in America? Saddam Hussein, President of Iraq, needs to be tried by the United Nations for crimes against his people or he should be tried in Iraq, and punished by Iraqi laws.
A question about capturing Saddam Hussein. Why is it that only one newspaper had the headline, "Ace In The Hole"? I think that's funny, er punny.
I don't think it's funny that they caught him. I really thought that the day they caught Saddam Hussein would be a happy day. Not so, sigh. Bush does not need that kind of good PR.
I'm glad the people of Iraq who were fearful of President Hussein's return have less to fear now. I'm glad the man will stand trial for the crimes he is (and will be) accused of. I'm glad Amnesty International has evidence to submit.
But I'm not happy that he was caught.
How much ya wanna bet Bush wants to have the trial in America? Saddam Hussein, President of Iraq, needs to be tried by the United Nations for crimes against his people or he should be tried in Iraq, and punished by Iraqi laws.
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