tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35634565830125552832024-02-02T01:42:05.884-08:00Taking NotesA collection of my most recent writings on various topics. Daily life issues. Political Commentary. Liberal Democrat points of view.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10748499370910869188noreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563456583012555283.post-40431405673028229962015-03-30T20:08:00.001-07:002015-03-30T20:19:23.206-07:00Religious Perversion And Gay Rights<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58zYqP9g63_2Hm06HPWB0BzTC4_omrwZ52VkpSbtVsyb9yFt0bsqnMdLOcXc8cgQgHBuXoMiXeKh5DhHoxSufx4yF-Y6fxVVpL3I6fPQBVhjQ1-nTlZTnAJOLJI4eOkLLnh3imlrMfecH/s1600/a-bubbling_cauldron-144206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58zYqP9g63_2Hm06HPWB0BzTC4_omrwZ52VkpSbtVsyb9yFt0bsqnMdLOcXc8cgQgHBuXoMiXeKh5DhHoxSufx4yF-Y6fxVVpL3I6fPQBVhjQ1-nTlZTnAJOLJI4eOkLLnh3imlrMfecH/s1600/a-bubbling_cauldron-144206.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bastardization of religion is an art form. Best perfected over a low-simmering pot of hatred and vile.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This concoction needs to be tasted, sampled and enjoyed by others, otherwise all that work stirring the cauldron becomes a futile endeavor. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The irrational fears seasoned with an outrageous amount of hatred and a fistful of self-importance must find a plate in which to serve this overly-seasoned stew.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nothing reaches more people faster than politics and the political landscape has been, like the zombie apocalypse, overrun by religious zealots no longer content with their ideology and scriptures restricted to an assigned house of worship.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rise of the Koch brothers, with their extensions known as Alec, the Cato Institute, The Heritage Foundation, the right wing sponsored and funded blogs, their allies in the media known as Fox News, and their ultimate creation known as the Tea Party seemed, at first, disjointed entities that converged into the political scene randomly and with a force that knocked the air out of our collective sails.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While there is a Tea Party franchise that claims to be an organic movement that has nothing to do with the "other" Tea Party, it would be hard to discern differences between the two if we are pressed to do so.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The aforementioned entities, their subsidiaries and other spawns have one major theme in common: Religious Righteousness as their shield.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This religious bastardization of the Bible is no different that the religious bastardization of the Koran by religious zealots hell-bent on the destruction of people who don't share their common core values.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If we were to remove the religious identity from the conversation and focus on the language and actions, we would not be able to tell the difference between the two. Bombing abortion clinics and murdering doctors is not very Christian. Decapitating journalists and airline pilots is not very Koran-like either.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What does religion have to do with politics? - Absolutely nothing until it is used as weapon to legalize policies that are filled with hatred and discrimination.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These organization could not use common sense and true Christian values to guide their agenda, so instead, they focused their time, energy and considerable resources into stocking the fires of citizens who were considered to be irrational, uninformed, and perhaps riddled by emotional disorders.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sociopath personalities with "good hair" have been groomed to take over state legislatures<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwGfaW7n2usL5DaQEHrBNlJ9JUK4kd9cdCoxUxtp8SCZXMfLuGdP-NGkwMvVPAl0HtzeBfbiuodPcIrrlCeHqpHUjVEunITSMWb8OAAekBAsj8kKd83dCHyyC7tp6QAHTWfWFnp990Hfd/s1600/sociopath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwGfaW7n2usL5DaQEHrBNlJ9JUK4kd9cdCoxUxtp8SCZXMfLuGdP-NGkwMvVPAl0HtzeBfbiuodPcIrrlCeHqpHUjVEunITSMWb8OAAekBAsj8kKd83dCHyyC7tp6QAHTWfWFnp990Hfd/s1600/sociopath.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The Governor" ~ The Walking Dead</td></tr>
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and governors seats across the country. The fringe has found an outlet for their hatred of "others" in the media and are empowered to continue spewing their venom across the country. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A look at our current members of Congress is more than enough to make any rational person look into citizenship in another country because this one has gone insane.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take a look at Louie Gohmert (Republican House Representative from Texas) --- (no really, take a look) and ask yourself if this man is not the poster child to advocate free mental health services across the nation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is hard to keep track of all Louie Gohmert has said because it is enough to make a normal person's brain explode but let's give it a try.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On an interview on Fox News on March 29, 2014 with Arthel Nevelle, he stated he had a plan to bomb Iran and its nuclear facilities. He stated that even Russia may be okay with it because "they are not crazy over there." - The Right Wing has made no bones about being in love with Putin and his tyrannical control on Russia's people and policies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Putin's regime is connected to poison, murder and disappearance of journalists and political enemies. Nothing crazy about this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On religion, Louie Ghomert has a different way of expressing his hatred of "others" and his imagination allows him to equate President Obama with the Ayatollah. Which one? - In the Right Wing frame of mind, there is only one, but in the real world, this is a title accorded to a person - namely a high-ranking cleric - not the name of a person. But why bother with details? After all, there is only one Pope. It is not like it is just a title... No?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ghomert's love-fest with Israel is just another way of saying "Anti-Muslim" and chiding the current administration for perceived transgressions against Israel is more fuel to stock the fire. The voracious beast of hatred and fear that forms his constituency demands additional helpings of the fetid stew.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The basis of all radical politics is a distorted view of religion to suit an ill-conceived ideology. This is not what religion was meant to be, but it quickly was utilized to feed the passions of sociopaths to further their need for power, control and profits. Ghomert is just one of the many across the United States in a position of power to use religion to suit a tasteless agenda.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Religion is meant to bring peace of mind and calm a troubled soul. It is meant to be used as a guide to improve ourselves spiritually and emotionally as we develop and grow into something that society, and ourselves, considers acceptable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not since the Spanish Inquisition has the bastardization of religion been used so well as a weapon. It has been honed to perfection in the United States and exported to other countries with the zeal of a gluttonous child that can never get enough candy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not unlike the infamous Crusades.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The consequences of exporting this fetid dish have been dire in places like Uganda, where thanks to the relentless efforts to demonize gays, Scott Lively has succeeded in creating laws that carry dire consequences for our gay brothers and sisters. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is dehumanizing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Religious doctrine, specifically the much touted teachings of Christ was meant to empower those without power and to humanize those who had it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In Uganda, torturing, imprisoning and killing homosexuals is now part and parcel of what they have to live with. Thanks to Scott Lively who believes "the gays" caused the Holocaust.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not content with having achieved this major triumph in Uganda, he peddled this poisoned dish in Russia. It was all the rage! Another success across the globe in banning and punishing Gays for being... Gay. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hate masquerading as religious righteousness and so-called family values is a powerful and explosive combination both at home and abroad. The Crusades are back with a modern twist. We enact laws to make it illegal to be who you are, to love who you love and to live your life as you please.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That pesky "pursuit of happiness" or the much touted "Freedoms" and "Liberties" or "Individual Rights" is meant for the selected few. Not you. Especially if you are gay.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Governor Mike Pence of Indiana signed into law the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) just to prove the point that individual civil rights are no match for organized religious insanity. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqh2bKOPiCW2CPkDZbMmPwM_PC7BaeX-9Rrp54aQUi26R8zLa-zLE4bONnyU1ueMDtPiR-GAR4snR1qREThYPaFzKjjASIAhnmbugO90qITDrz0ofQBeY8tO2TusKoXxFMuQ7KwGdR13Rw/s1600/SB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqh2bKOPiCW2CPkDZbMmPwM_PC7BaeX-9Rrp54aQUi26R8zLa-zLE4bONnyU1ueMDtPiR-GAR4snR1qREThYPaFzKjjASIAhnmbugO90qITDrz0ofQBeY8tO2TusKoXxFMuQ7KwGdR13Rw/s1600/SB.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Via Scott Wooledge </span><a class="pretty-link js-nav" data-send-impression-cookie="true" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/Clarknt67" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #3b88c3; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span class="screen-name" style="color: #66757f;">@Clarknt67</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The signing ceremony was obviously a religious event as the governors' desk was surrounded by women in Burqas and religious clerics.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wait, no. Those were nuns and priests. My bad. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This law empowers employers to discriminate against prospective employees and refuse service to customers they perceive to be gay. It also empowers the bigots among us to feel justified in deeds and thought. After all, it is the law!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are 19 other states with laws on the books mimicking the same discrimination against Gay people. While it is a safe bet to state that anything below the Mason-Dixon line is ripe for the picking, let's not fool ourselves, the tentacles of the Religious Zealots spread wide and far and there are enclaves in every state that has their fair share of nuts ready to be polished and groomed as our next governor or congressman and to act on behalf of warped ideological values instead of our best interest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The media is practically owned and steered by the fringe and the mentioned powerful institutions that represent them. Blogs, TV networks, newspapers and radio stations are filled with the same hatred against Muslims, Gays, President Obama... and whenever possible, all combinations are tried to see if they stick. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTk1AXDWfzGUikm41ry3COXmq-nFA1GHtwDrTZ2YG70f16k4xbVtGQrnktjD06A4jUaz-75f5j0jYNtDGaXeDqzSPjrg0jMQPrTUlN1gb8xzPO3I-pXLCV2JVtx_up63Zbr3OSsuG7dbnJ/s1600/agenda1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTk1AXDWfzGUikm41ry3COXmq-nFA1GHtwDrTZ2YG70f16k4xbVtGQrnktjD06A4jUaz-75f5j0jYNtDGaXeDqzSPjrg0jMQPrTUlN1gb8xzPO3I-pXLCV2JVtx_up63Zbr3OSsuG7dbnJ/s1600/agenda1.jpg" height="320" width="257" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Hey! I heard President Obama is a Gay Muslim dictator, who is going to make Christianity illegal in the USA by promoting "The Gay Agenda!" ---- </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sure, why not? Someone reading this might actually believe it is true, not because they saw it here, but because it re-affirms what they have already read in print and disseminated through their preferred social media channels.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For your amusement, or despair, a documentary spewing the contents of the cauldron will soon be arriving for your viewing pleasure.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The documentary, as reported by <a href="http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/republican-leaders-join-anti-gay-extremists-insane-documentary">Right Wing Watch</a>, in which Louie Ghomert, Rand Paul, Mike Huckabee and all the usual suspects make their appearance to terrorize the feeble-minded into believing that the United State is going to outlaw Christianity to favor Gay Rights.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Frankly, considering who is carrying the banner for this bastardization of religion, it may not be such a bad idea. P</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">erhaps later on in life, after the dust settles and the lunatics are back under their rocks, we can embrace true Christianity, the one that promotes taking care of one another, helping those in need and being a good human being while we are on this Earth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The most Christ-like behaviors can be sampled in the quiet and gentle caring of people serving the homeless population, aiding our veterans to find jobs and services, those who take time off to visit a nursing home and bring small toiletries, conversation and the gift of time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many of these Christ-like people are more often than not atheists, agnostics, or call themselves spiritual or not affiliated with any organized religion. They are also straight and will continue to fight for the true Gay Agenda: Equality.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These people are the true embodiment of what makes the religious right so very wrong.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By the way, the religious wrong will continue to make old dishes with new twists. The war on women is not over, it is just simmering in the back burner along side with discrimination against blacks and Hispanics. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For now, it is "The Gays" that get their attention, but don't worry, if you are a woman, black or Hispanic, they will get back to you soon. If you are a black Hispanic Lesbian....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.... You need a ((Hug)) and a vacation to another country.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peace - O</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Resources: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.glbtnationalhelpcenter.org/">GLBT National Help Center</a> 1.888.843.4564</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.thetrevorproject.org/">The Trevor Project</a>: 24/7 Suicide Prevention and Help for GLBT Youth; 1.866.488.7386</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10748499370910869188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563456583012555283.post-83631248562884614192014-04-27T15:44:00.000-07:002014-08-02T14:15:19.158-07:00Devalue Labor; Destroy Your Country<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8y2rcB1Adh0nKprVvoCKP72gjvIUFWFZ4_Baj1-hN3N7vvqfjaIU9Yi-C7XpAuur2w9to7mAKB1RUM60hV03kce9DTF224MXIjZ3OiT6qhUMR8N-8NYHQoXFKR-bjQYmYhBDFrR0x1cT/s1600/living+wages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8y2rcB1Adh0nKprVvoCKP72gjvIUFWFZ4_Baj1-hN3N7vvqfjaIU9Yi-C7XpAuur2w9to7mAKB1RUM60hV03kce9DTF224MXIjZ3OiT6qhUMR8N-8NYHQoXFKR-bjQYmYhBDFrR0x1cT/s1600/living+wages.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A little while ago my friend Pat Tibbs posted the picture you see on your left. It had struck something in her and it had the effect of sending me into a tail-spin. Without realizing it, I began typing a response that has devolved into what you see here. Fortunately, I saw the error of my ways. I deleted posts to put all this stuff rambling through my brain here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Regarding Minimum Wage</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The problem is that we are constantly falling in the trap of playing someone else's game without regulation of the rules (which are nebulous on purpose) - The basic tenant of business is to increase profits every single quarter in perpetuity, reduce expenses to bare bone, and charge as much as the market will bear. Labor is not valued. Your 8-10 hours a day of your most productive years gets devalued because what you do is not "hard" you are not a "job creator" and a whole bunch of other nonsense. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was a time when Unions made sure that people understood that their hours of labor had worth to the company/corporation, so the companies worked very hard to get rid of the unions and the representation (legal) that most workers did not understand or could afford. They changed the laws. If your employer kills you or maim you, you can't sue them. You are not entitled to compensation in many states. They have propagandized how little labor is worth and we catch ourselves repeating their slogans and degrading people that work at what we consider menial jobs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Minimum Wage</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34SWGH7XHj53vbKnkSE3N_6vYtKa0SejvJr5E4iolZXE_K6rbV1yBADVIfRNf-xxuHnXwzN6cp5TxyMYcvrucZbgXLy05VRrIWv8SV_tn10kCOPon0Wzboq4Gyy21xYJ-c7VeXOmqLYSc/s1600/Minimum+Wage.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34SWGH7XHj53vbKnkSE3N_6vYtKa0SejvJr5E4iolZXE_K6rbV1yBADVIfRNf-xxuHnXwzN6cp5TxyMYcvrucZbgXLy05VRrIWv8SV_tn10kCOPon0Wzboq4Gyy21xYJ-c7VeXOmqLYSc/s1600/Minimum+Wage.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Minimum wage is not even the minimum these people want to pay. They want free labor and in this economy they have succeeded by hiring unpaid interns for years. Full grown men who can't find a job, with a degree and years of experience are working as "interns" doing the full time job of what used to be a well paid employee.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have bought into the meme that "he is <i>JUST</i> a janitor" "She is <i>JUST</i> a maid" "He is <i>JUST</i> an old man working at McDonald's, that's his Bingo money" or "She is <i>JUST</i> a teenager"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Imagine a country in which the people we all take for granted stopped working. Imagine public bathrooms, classrooms, hospitals not being cleaned or trash picked up. Or going through the drive-thru and realizing the clown is not talking to you anymore. Walking into the fast food restaurant only to find that it is no longer fast and the beleaguered manager has no clue how to make the fries.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Imagine the people who come to take care of elderly and disabled a few hours a week not showing up at all. The biggest complaints I get on this regard from other spousal caregivers is that they are only allowed this respite/help about 6 hours a week (in some cases a bit more and in others less, or not at all) - These people cook, clean for the ill individual. They help the disabled individual with needed self-care they can't do on their own (taking a bath, changing clothes, using the bathroom, changing their catheters, etc.) They take him/her to doctor's appointment and ensure they take their medications when needed.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEac7oJGZ4zUmzP7jtSAuvZ3wsj4Ik9zbzi1cy93NPFGRSrgQQaYExV7p4jtZEC0-3Gt7di9i62_P5710zaXm9tx8my4PgIniGJ0E2btNn2gJSAKkao9nLpKH9_nyroA_pIFBz1UXFdeQM/s1600/Health+aide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEac7oJGZ4zUmzP7jtSAuvZ3wsj4Ik9zbzi1cy93NPFGRSrgQQaYExV7p4jtZEC0-3Gt7di9i62_P5710zaXm9tx8my4PgIniGJ0E2btNn2gJSAKkao9nLpKH9_nyroA_pIFBz1UXFdeQM/s1600/Health+aide.jpg" height="198" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are just some of their responsibilities, there are many other based on the level of care required, but one thing is for certain, the window to the outside world, companionship, and level of care, is priceless.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We treat these people as if they were worthless. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We treat nurses and teachers the same way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All of these jobs comprise important work. In the first case it is life saving, not just for the disabled, but for the overwhelmed spouse that may also be - silently - dealing with his/her own aches and pains but fears voicing the facts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In-home health care aids are paid around $9.00 hr and less depending on the cities and states. It is a vital service that we undervalue because cheap labor means higher profits for the employer. It is that simple.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The talk of raising the minimum wage to $10.10 hour is promising and one can only hope this is just the first of many new steps to come. One can only hope those new steps come at a gallop and not a stroll. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other industrialized countries paid more than $15.00 hour as their starting pay. I see plumbers from Germany and clerical workers from England spending a month of leisure visiting our National Parks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are not their first trip, nor will it be their last. They have traveled to Egypt, visited China, Surfed in Australia, and bought souvenirs in New Zealand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My American Citizens can't even afford to spend a week at a National Park. They don't own a passport because they know they'll never had the time or funds to travel.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Socialism is Evil</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You know who says this? Corporations and their mouth pieces. They know we don't have passports and will never have the time and funds to enjoy other countries. They know we will believe the bumper sticker slogan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These other industrialized countries are doing better than we are because their citizens are doing better than we are. They are living well and better than we are, we are the ones that demonize everything when the narrative does not flatter our over-blown image of ourselves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>They Pay HUGE, I mean HUGE, Taxes</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqJEQRKB9FZLM2xYH3rr4INkCWvBA0ttiixUJmY4h1x-iAAT4QGZlEzhMLDfd_ng93F0rWzWVQfngv12S-s5pVEGfg9nVzRfvRYCxNm8c55qJJmNAtTiyv9smZRdLekkQu2xDC_DpnxFZ/s1600/IRS.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqJEQRKB9FZLM2xYH3rr4INkCWvBA0ttiixUJmY4h1x-iAAT4QGZlEzhMLDfd_ng93F0rWzWVQfngv12S-s5pVEGfg9nVzRfvRYCxNm8c55qJJmNAtTiyv9smZRdLekkQu2xDC_DpnxFZ/s1600/IRS.png" height="180" width="200" /></a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sorry, that's not entirely true<b>. It lacks context.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know that it makes us feel better to know that we are paying less and it empower us to have a sense of superiority that is exclusively in our minds. It does not bear fruit to further scrutiny.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is nothing more than a different cool-aid flavor named propaganda. It is a placebo to keep us working at minimum wage jobs that break our backs and our spirits. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Let's examine the tax "burden" of these countries shall we?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even though there is a higher tax responsibility on the public in most industrialized nations, there is also a greater responsibility on the government (of the people, and for the people, not the corporations) to allocate those revenues for the betterment of society and to benefit the public in general.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's say that you are now forced to pay 40% of your income in taxes and you are outraged. You probably should be if you live in the United States because you know darn well you are not going to see any of this money benefiting you or your community.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your tax dollars will go to benefit some fat cat that owns a chain of fast food restaurant, an oil company, or even Wal-Mart. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You are already subsidizing Wal-Mart's profits by the way, you may just not know to what extent. (check the links at the bottom for detailed information)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMH8Qoe97b56Bpwbz81m2Uh_VImdRXFA6wj78WOx-0nLxruyRLLmxJsUTwKNXnUIil0EO9XjD0mY4eWkfY8xZRqA64iFYE6Ay40cRx_CWK_x8hQwpkQp6hVzVpY8t8YrW6U6dSUkN26nRI/s1600/france.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMH8Qoe97b56Bpwbz81m2Uh_VImdRXFA6wj78WOx-0nLxruyRLLmxJsUTwKNXnUIil0EO9XjD0mY4eWkfY8xZRqA64iFYE6Ay40cRx_CWK_x8hQwpkQp6hVzVpY8t8YrW6U6dSUkN26nRI/s1600/france.jpg" height="260" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What Do Higher Taxes in Industrialized Countries Buy You?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To begin with, you can't put the correct amount on something as wonderful as quality of life. Freedom (financial) to pursue your dreams and goals, or something as precious as having the right amount of balance between work and personal life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The vast majority of Americans (U.S.A.) don't have any of that. Let's us try to quantify what we can and keep in mind that because of what is listed below, our counterparts get to enjoy the things mentioned above.</span><br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In most industrialized nations quality health care is free.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Educations is free or practically free.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Doctors graduate from universities without debt. Which means they are actually becoming doctors because they care about people, not because they view the field as a profit-generating-machine.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Child care is performed by qualified individuals with training and degrees, not a reliable housewife trying to earn a few dollars by babysitting the neighbor's kids. These people are trained in child development, they are paid living wages and have the same benefits as everyone else in the country, for instance:</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Four weeks or more of paid vacation a year.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Parental leave, which depending on the country can be six-months (paid) up to four years. It includes both men and women, so men can be a part of raising their children, not just visitors into their children's lives.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taxes on gasoline are higher than ours. However, their vehicles average 50 miles per gallon. Therefore, with their "higher taxes" it actually cost a lot less to drive there than it does here. Most people's vehicles in the United States are lucky to average 20 miles per gallon. Which in essence, if we do rough Math, it means that we would have to fill up 2 and 1/2 times to reach the same destination as the European car does with just one tank of gas.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sure, they pay $5.00 a gallon and we pay $3.00 a gallon. We win!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No. We don't.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had to fill up 2 and 1/2 times to cover the same distance. We pay more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To add insult to injury their high taxes go to pay for infrastructure that is maintained.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ours isn't. We have had bridges and roads in disrepair for decades. The taxes we paid are vacationing in the Cayman Islands and paying for the executives $20 million dollar annual bonuses. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Let's Do The Math</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add up all your health care cost for you and your family over the past 10 years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add up all the gasoline.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add up all your educational costs and those of family members you are responsible for.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You paid 5% less in taxes than your European or Canadian counterparts, but you have less money in your pocket because your expenses are horrific. Would it be not better to pay 5% more in taxes if the mentioned above was free to you? Because everyone contributes to the betterment of society?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can't add up the four weeks of paid vacation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can't add up unlimited paid sick leave.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can't add up the free and near-free child care because we don't have professional (with a degree and education) who care for our children in their pre-school years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can't add up your parental paid leave either. We don't have that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But if you could put a financial value to it, it would be far more than you take home in your entire life. You don't earn that kind of bucks. Very few of us do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Devaluation of Labor is Dehumanizing</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUPctxMPjrclldyInxHTvGxTrylxUmq0tFQU8U1Nl5jplb6hPdWFAPVepI74L987TtvJ9Fp6k_AuxOXS736fVLalArCEd3INiYSqRP_-xDWKaEXO4NfePhDAxAL8eT5rLxS3vmgbqz_4d/s1600/education.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUPctxMPjrclldyInxHTvGxTrylxUmq0tFQU8U1Nl5jplb6hPdWFAPVepI74L987TtvJ9Fp6k_AuxOXS736fVLalArCEd3INiYSqRP_-xDWKaEXO4NfePhDAxAL8eT5rLxS3vmgbqz_4d/s1600/education.jpg" height="312" width="320" /></a></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>
</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is what happens when we devalue labor and treat people as inferior because of how much they earn. We devalue our own environment and buy the propaganda that it is the citizen's fault, or the current/past administration's fault.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fact is that corporations hate unions with the passion of a thousand burning suns and have done their best to destroy them and create a "right to work" environment. All this means is that you have a right to work for a lot less. As little as possible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is a free-for-all in the labor market that will never benefit the worker. The worker did not create this environment. Corporations did.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We lose.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unions expect labor to be compensated properly and that funds are set up to take care of the employees upon retirement. Unions know that hard labor has dire consequences in later life. Young and strong employees have a tendency to not look that far.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Libertarian streak that has been making the news is nothing more than propaganda against regulations and oversight. Every man for himself. If you get ripped-off too bad for you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you get killed on the job. Too bad for you and your family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is a certain perverted satisfaction in thinking that everyone else is worse-off than you are. Ethnic groups earning minimum wage has always been the expectation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Imagine the horror and panic that has set in among the most racist among us when they realized that their white privilege meant nothing and they would be lucky to find a minimum wage job at Wal-Mart along side the poor bastards of all ethnic backgrounds that have been struggling there for years.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bHZ_KyiHAQ3xPMDrWNHH83cklHPUCteA00PqJI-tffVHOoEujJvNxClJA5cym5h1r0vK73Z9N4rkPmIuGwjtB2IGqQR61_rrQ-ai8WF_vj1RkwjmLeQ-NfPDZSV1MW1Fgy-ccf8L6ZP9/s1600/Stop.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bHZ_KyiHAQ3xPMDrWNHH83cklHPUCteA00PqJI-tffVHOoEujJvNxClJA5cym5h1r0vK73Z9N4rkPmIuGwjtB2IGqQR61_rrQ-ai8WF_vj1RkwjmLeQ-NfPDZSV1MW1Fgy-ccf8L6ZP9/s1600/Stop.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Minimum wage needs to be about living wages for us all. There should be a huge "STOP" sign when someone mumbles about "teenagers" because even teenagers deserve to get paid living wages.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While some of us may be very happy having our 19 year-old and 30 somethings living in our basement, it should be because we choose to live like this, not because we are forced to do so.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In New Zealand, the entry and training minimum wage is $11.40 an hour. If you are an adult, age 19, your starting wage is $14.25.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who would not like their kid be on their financial reliant way at $14.25 an hour? They can afford to BUY their own home and car. They also can pursue a career in economics, astronomy, medicine, or whatever their passions in life are because education is FREE. Thanks to higher taxes paid by the citizens.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just about every American that has been forced to work abroad has come back from other industrialized countries with a much better perspective of why taxes are necessary and how they are used toward the betterment of those societies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is understandable how much we hate taxes in this country. They are nothing more than profits to augment the ever-expanding black hole of corporate greed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We would feel a lot different if our tax dollars were re-invested in our social and physical infrastructure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heck! we might even feel the way Canadians feel about their country's education and health care system.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No one in Europe envy us. They don't lack for anything.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unemployment in the USA means begging for unemployment insurance benefits extensions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In European countries, as long as there is involuntary unemployment, they still get subsidies to pay their bills and continue to live with dignity. It could be four years worth of unemployment, it could be 9 months. It does not matter, people are not treated as disposable items and forgotten.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That is a government people can be proud of.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, by the way, did I mention that industrialized countries are heavily unionized? and everyone loves them?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am not done on these topics by a long shot, but I need coffee and I am sure you need a break from me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peace to you and yours.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.dol.govt.nz/er/pay/minimumwage/previousminimum.asp">New Zealand Minimum Wage</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.unep.org/transport/gfei/autotool/case_studies/europe/cs_eu_0.asp">Europe: Cleaner, more efficient vehicles</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/12/business/judge-rules-for-interns-who-sued-fox-searchlight.html?_r=0">The New York Times: Judge Rules that Movie Studio Should Have Been Paying Interns</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">AFL-CIO: <a href="http://www.aflcio.org/Blog/Corporate-Greed/Taxpayers-Subsidize-Walmart-and-America-s-Richest-Family-to-the-Tune-of-7.8-Billion-Annually">Tax Payers Subsidize Wal-Mart...7.8 Billion Annually</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bureau of Labor Statistics: <a href="http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home-health-aides.htm">Home Health Aides</a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10748499370910869188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563456583012555283.post-38552836677921441412014-03-24T17:05:00.002-07:002014-03-24T17:05:29.475-07:00Saving Money on What You Need<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDsYB6qjlYC7Ic9_BnXuJztlNtpPVC1dVm379o-FT4DOy_h5tAQ6-0UiVTDfoZzmTcoT-flZ_mjK2IHOSdQKzaLMQSicmCAMIjf8ZOK5wCUkIBoWuIgfINVMbGmiEaXtb-Qi3Kvu18zb2/s1600/USCurrency_Federal_Reserve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDsYB6qjlYC7Ic9_BnXuJztlNtpPVC1dVm379o-FT4DOy_h5tAQ6-0UiVTDfoZzmTcoT-flZ_mjK2IHOSdQKzaLMQSicmCAMIjf8ZOK5wCUkIBoWuIgfINVMbGmiEaXtb-Qi3Kvu18zb2/s1600/USCurrency_Federal_Reserve.jpg" height="320" width="196" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some of us take pride in getting a good deal and we feel smart about saving money getting the same thing someone else got for a lot less.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For a lot of us, pride is the last thing involved. Saving money on what we need is an absolute necessity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christmas holidays, Birthday celebrations, Going away presents, First day of school, New shoes for the kids, or replacing worn out clothes take a huge chunk out of a checkbook that is on life support and barely hanging in there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My primary place to look for things that are needed or we are obligated to purchase is online.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I will compare prices between trusted sites, but when it comes to purchasing the items in question, I always go through Fatwallet.com - It is easy to set up an account and during the holidays I typically score an additional 5% to 10% in cash back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When it accumulates, I have them transfer my cash back to my Pay Pal account or checking account.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you join Fatwallet.com through this blog it cost you nothing and they give me something back. </span></div>
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<style type="text/css"> .fwWidgetHeader { background-color: #808080; color: #ffffff; font-size: 16px; padding: 9px 11px; font-weight: bold; } .fwWidgetHeader a { color: #ffffff; text-decoration: none; } .fwChooseStore { cursor:pointer; position: relative; white-space: nowrap; display: block; background-image: url(https://www.fatwallet.com/static/i/choose-a-store.png); width: 121px; height: 22px; } #fwStoreList { position: absolute; bottom: -1px; background: white none; padding: 4px 6px; text-indent: none; border: 1px solid #808080; display: none; } #fwStoreList a { font-size: 11px; font-family: arial, sans-serif; color: #2a64a9; text-decoration: none; } #fwStoreList a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } </style> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border: 1px solid #b3b3b3; height: 320px; width: 300px;">
<tr> <td class="fwWidgetHeader">Hot Deals</td> </tr>
<tr> <td class="fwWidgetBody"> <iframe frameborder="0" src="http://www.fatwallet.com/widgetbody.php?images=1&header=%23808080&text=%23ffffff&count=6&type=hotdeals&width=300&referral=freelance&viewby=date&viewid=0" style="border: 0; height: 256px; width: 100%;"></iframe> </td> </tr>
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<a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/GoDaddy-coupons/?referral=freelance" target="_blank">GoDaddy Coupons</a><br /> <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/eBay-coupons/?referral=freelance" target="_blank">eBay Coupons</a><br /> <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/Newegg-coupons/?referral=freelance" target="_blank">Newegg Coupons</a><br /> <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/Sears-coupons/?referral=freelance" target="_blank">Sears Coupons</a><br /> <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/Best-Buy-coupons/?referral=freelance" target="_blank">Best Buy Coupons</a><br /> </div>
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</td> <td align="right"> <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/?referral=freelance" target="_blank"><img alt="Coupons" border="0" src="https://www.fatwallet.com/static/i/powered-by.png" /></a> </td> </tr>
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I don't get squat for referencing SlickDeals.net but I use them often as a quick resource for comparison purposes. Most of the items found in Fatwallet.com can be found at Slickdeals.net, but occasionally, there is a little undiscovered gem that just makes my day.</div>
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Amazon.com rocks my world. However, they rock it a little less now that I have to pay taxes in my state, and in order to get free shipping, I have to spend $35 instead of $25. Even with their rules change and opting out of purchasing their Prime subscription, I often snag items for a lot less than anywhere else.</div>
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I am an affiliate with them and if you go through the link below, I get a small commission that costs you nothing.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/ref=assoc_tag_ph_1390604847723?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=pf4&tag=httpspousalca-20" target="_blank">Amazon - Shop. Connect. Enjoy. All from Earth's Biggest Selection.</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=httpspousalca-20&l=pf4&o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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If you have a college student living at home, they get Prime with Amazon for $39 a year after they have it for a 6 month free trial period.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQCU8sOs-ofW0WAIaAJYbFmQxuGcxwH4GVFOqGluXGCb_vmROO5sfaNc3b7ov9MmdK3BwClC-Ud0Nn6WW_2o7dMiE_MxlNeXcQoK77lBDdVKI9zYLQqrb0-nqaaw462jN9O1F9iJwgQ01/s1600/mail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQCU8sOs-ofW0WAIaAJYbFmQxuGcxwH4GVFOqGluXGCb_vmROO5sfaNc3b7ov9MmdK3BwClC-Ud0Nn6WW_2o7dMiE_MxlNeXcQoK77lBDdVKI9zYLQqrb0-nqaaw462jN9O1F9iJwgQ01/s1600/mail.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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What about those pesky shipping fees that make a good deal lose its luster?</div>
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I have been successful using ShopRunner.com - Keep an eye out for their promotions because from time to time, they offer a 1-year free membership that includes free 2 day shipping from popular sites. This is specially handy during the holiday season frenzy.</div>
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Don't feel like running over to CVS to pick up shampoo and other toiletries? have them deliver for free in two days via Shop Runner. Is the notion of stepping into Toys R Us in December making you queasy? Go to Fatwallet.com and find the item you are looking for, add coupons and discounts and have them ship through ShopRunner for free.</div>
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If you are an Amazon Prime member, <a href="https://www.shoprunner.com/amazon-prime">ShopRunner has a 1 year promotion for free</a>.</div>
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I don't get anything for telling you this. It is just a public announcement I provide gladly in the hope it will help you keep some money in your wallet.</div>
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If you have any shopping tips that will help others do the same, please leave a comment below and we will include the information on this blog.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10748499370910869188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563456583012555283.post-52271043805079708702014-03-07T12:48:00.000-08:002014-03-24T16:15:18.535-07:00Silent Outrage<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This book is dedicated to all the victims and survivors of rape and to the people who love us and want to help.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IUMZBCW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00IUMZBCW&linkCode=as2&tag=httpspousalca-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00IUMZBCW&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=httpspousalca-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=httpspousalca-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00IUMZBCW" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/?referral=freelance" target="_blank"><img alt="FatWallet Coupons and Deals" border="0" height="31" src="https://www.fatwallet.com/static/i/referral/referral-ad-border.gif" width="171" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10748499370910869188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563456583012555283.post-5564792695139579702014-01-17T20:27:00.000-08:002014-01-18T13:20:42.229-08:00Do we really have a right to privacy?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AVOijiZKTHTb7WvyxhVQoHaqSH3yDxFrWN_a7u4H3CosdjY2RmX4HmeJLvaHpb9MppFSJFxXdNmdtYsS9ll0_qj0dhdTcVDPsIr2RAkWlDdkk7hmXZE4mJdkoxWXh5LDdcFEwuu3nI7i/s1600/ID-10067190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AVOijiZKTHTb7WvyxhVQoHaqSH3yDxFrWN_a7u4H3CosdjY2RmX4HmeJLvaHpb9MppFSJFxXdNmdtYsS9ll0_qj0dhdTcVDPsIr2RAkWlDdkk7hmXZE4mJdkoxWXh5LDdcFEwuu3nI7i/s1600/ID-10067190.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The answer to that question is both Yes, and No. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In many ways, we have given up our rights willingly, in others, they have been taken away from us a little at a time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our right to privacy has been eroding over the decades. We tend to blame the government regardless of what political party is in charge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After the terrorist attacks on 9/11 we became deaf and mute as a Nation. The creation of The Patriot Act opened a Pandora's box that enabled the National Security Agency (NSA) to do invasive probes into private lives in a large scale.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The NSA has been the target of much hatred lately by the general population who is, finally, seeing the writing on the wall. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When the Patriot Act was implemented, there were many who screamed foul and were promptly chastised for being unpatriotic, communists, socialist, Hippies, and overall, not worthy of attention.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Those people warned us that, once opened, this can of worms would lead to further violation of our quickly eroding privacy laws.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We did not listen. We were scared. We wanted safety at any cost.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Reactionaries were quick to accept that giving up some of their privacy rights was well worth saving lives. Specially their own.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thoughtful people persisted that this was a slippery slope and eventually, we would have no right to privacy in anything we did.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Neither one was wrong</b>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The chasm between safety and security has always been the lack of oversight, restrain, regulations, and legal enforcement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Let's travel back in time, shall we?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There was a time, not that long ago, when it was illegal for </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj131aMWzvf-hI26Dx2ihRbucsR_fc9qU5oaE3Z16qkW__kaZ1WWhQols_fKMH1UETcrKMFbzHG1Rv213_Ik3IlLDXN50xIfkZZcp-UIO2I6sG47Mb7VDg6VH2gUsSbX12OolqIw-4MaqSF/s1600/Job_interview_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj131aMWzvf-hI26Dx2ihRbucsR_fc9qU5oaE3Z16qkW__kaZ1WWhQols_fKMH1UETcrKMFbzHG1Rv213_Ik3IlLDXN50xIfkZZcp-UIO2I6sG47Mb7VDg6VH2gUsSbX12OolqIw-4MaqSF/s1600/Job_interview_0001.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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an employer to pry into our personal lives. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They had no right to know marital/relationship status, health issues, our credit score, or to ask personal questions during a job interview. They were restricted (as they should be) to check up on our stated educational qualifications and prior employment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Nothing else.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today, a potential employer will have access to our credit reports and credit score. In those credit reports, credit card companies state our payment history, prior addresses, people we are associated with based on joint accounts, marital statuses over the years, and a host of other personal identifying information that, frankly, it is no one's business but our own.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We don't blink an eye in accepting these intrusions from a company but there was a time when both employers and employees knew this type of intrusions were</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> grounds for a law suit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Employers changed the law. We let them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>"Back then" we had a right to privacy.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The so-called government did not breach our trust by enacting these laws out of thin air. This brain child was drafted by groups created by Corporate America, the likes of the <a href="http://www.thenation.com/article/161973/koch-connection">American Legislative Exchange Council</a> (A.L.E.C.) and passed into legal rights for the corporations by their money-laundering-minions in Congress.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Their increased rights means less privacy for us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Those bought-for elected officials are the public faces of the ghosts in the machine. The wheels turn and stop when companies decide they will.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Businesses want to collect data, but want does not equal rights. (Until they create a law making it so)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have opened wide the gates into our private lives in order to get a job, but we are also complicit in baring naked our private lives when we give up our private information willingly.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Our Own Fault?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It used to be that questions pertaining to medical issues, sex life, annual income, family composition, ethnic and racial background, etc., were not a topic of conversation that one would have with total strangers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now, via phone and internet surveys, we answer these questions without giving it a second thought. We don't inquire as to who is conducting the survey, where are they located, and how they use the information.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We no longer think of the consequences. <b>In this case, we have waived any right to privacy. </b>What they do with this information is out of our hands.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Most of us are not even aware that some of these data collection centers are located in prisons. Others are managed by political factions that some of us would find unacceptable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The vicious cycle of credit card applications, acceptances and rejections, are closely intertwined with all other non-issuing banks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Turning a Blind Eye</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZolTNYVrfLDcVBwYEc9FoHddkVnS4QxL1c-GmxcB0-6KbutxhR_1vHmyflygmiu8sR1dxjzJn029Zc46szKWLG_-s_CpeGNU34lXZXO5mBLlluRdo1BB5tkYaHIXfIcrUuVhS_EMnHo6/s1600/Women's_Rights_Timeline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZolTNYVrfLDcVBwYEc9FoHddkVnS4QxL1c-GmxcB0-6KbutxhR_1vHmyflygmiu8sR1dxjzJn029Zc46szKWLG_-s_CpeGNU34lXZXO5mBLlluRdo1BB5tkYaHIXfIcrUuVhS_EMnHo6/s1600/Women's_Rights_Timeline.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Being pro-life or pro-choice should not be a reason to strip "others" of their rights to privacy. But when women are singled-out and legislation is enacted to curtail their reproductive rights, that, is violation of their privacy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When governors enact legislation that forces women to have an <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/virginia-gov-bob-mcdonnell-signs-virginia-ultrasound-bill/">invasive and unnecessary procedure</a> in order to enact choices made in private, that, is another erosion of our privacy rights.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When someone decides that "<a href="http://www.phillymag.com/news/2014/01/17/5-questions-mary-catherine-roper-stop-and-frisk-philly/">stop and frisk</a>" is to be used exclusively on young African-American males, that is another erosion of our right to privacy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When we become a state that targets people who look Hispanic and demands "<a href="http://www.alternet.org/civil-liberties/three-years-after-passing-its-papers-please-law-arizona-divided-distrust-and-fear">papers please</a>", we erode our collective - and equal - right to privacy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When we don't speak up because it is happening to "other people" - We have no right to expect any sympathy from anyone when we are inconvenienced.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Social Media</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPHsMITwMNI-GRB_kvDUF26MLbpeOVahAku8yiFkZh-Nb3t9Tely1zkpEgIy9mDMGQqxnA6ZvR8tLxtjzqtU1bhs7zSABUpsvXmeyCwr9rYLAHcawD3tgqG-zuXDR6li5pCs8VZMFult1/s1600/Facebook-logo-thumbs-up.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPHsMITwMNI-GRB_kvDUF26MLbpeOVahAku8yiFkZh-Nb3t9Tely1zkpEgIy9mDMGQqxnA6ZvR8tLxtjzqtU1bhs7zSABUpsvXmeyCwr9rYLAHcawD3tgqG-zuXDR6li5pCs8VZMFult1/s1600/Facebook-logo-thumbs-up.png" height="165" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What about all the information we release into the ether of social media? The posts that get retweeted? the Facebook status that are shared time and again?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These things do not disperse upon deletion. If these bits and pieces of our lives are interesting enough, they are alive and well in total stranger's hard drives. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Personally, I am incapable of making a time-line of how many times Facebook has changed (to our detriment), their privacy policies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We grumble on Facebook about it, but continue posting.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">All I know is that the smartest man about social media is the one that barely uses it, its creator; Mark Zuckerberg </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Is the government allowed to access my personal data?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The short answer is yes. They are the ones that will always know where we live, the composition of our families, how much we earn, and how old we are.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They send property tax bills to our house.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They provide rescue and relief to disaster areas.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We answer the census data questions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We file tax forms with the IRS every year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They issued our birth certificate and social security number.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They will send us social security checks and qualify us for Medicare.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They keep accurate records to pay unemployed workers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do we care that they know the phone numbers we have called? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do we care that Sprint, Verizon, or AT&T use that data daily?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Perhaps what</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> we should be irritated about, is how easily corporations are allowed to intrude into our private lives without our consent. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Drones vs. Google</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Are drones taking pictures of us sunbathing naked in our </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFMryFiiyj1eK7at9xOiMsjjXtWIXxGWKnea2XLwrr9YV7u6q66W_Z2Hc6Wt2mPrQdnQOOR8bffjkzOrIK7RRJJayjkKR751gMJGvGV34azb9Bj1P11WdHwNmldjx0tDCApjIQZjDPC4-/s1600/Google_Street_View_Car_in_Oviedo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFMryFiiyj1eK7at9xOiMsjjXtWIXxGWKnea2XLwrr9YV7u6q66W_Z2Hc6Wt2mPrQdnQOOR8bffjkzOrIK7RRJJayjkKR751gMJGvGV34azb9Bj1P11WdHwNmldjx0tDCApjIQZjDPC4-/s1600/Google_Street_View_Car_in_Oviedo.jpg" height="315" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
backyard?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If they did, It is unlikely we were the targets of this intrusion. Anymore than Google's street car taking unintended photos on their scheduled drives</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Somehow, I think a naked picture of us from a drone fly-by will likely remain more private than a map service that can be accessed freely by everyone in the world. Googles "oops!" will live</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> on the internet for ever.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How about <a href="http://business.time.com/2013/03/13/did-google-get-off-easy-with-7-million-wi-spy-settlement/">Google collecting wi-fi data</a> as their vehicle drives by? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>NSA and Personal Responsibility</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdux4vJFL5EOl6kq3cYoqPgiizqliPS1X8XmlDw8jJDNojH9ntmQzaqf-4KNA7uriQ-pSxRuQBLW0Cn5qdxb5k6t35rbP4dcD_rrtanBvVIjFkcGmXxhyPeCHPfhaJprbXxOfguJ_xiTjP/s1600/NSA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdux4vJFL5EOl6kq3cYoqPgiizqliPS1X8XmlDw8jJDNojH9ntmQzaqf-4KNA7uriQ-pSxRuQBLW0Cn5qdxb5k6t35rbP4dcD_rrtanBvVIjFkcGmXxhyPeCHPfhaJprbXxOfguJ_xiTjP/s1600/NSA.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Personal responsibility requires that we know that everything we post online, no matter how private we think the sites are, is common grounds and will be shared by all.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Personal responsibility requires that we ensure that people charged with governance, are decent human beings working for us, not against us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Personal responsibility demands that we stop focusing on the fish bowl that is The White House, and take a hard look at our state legislators, our mayors, and our governors. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is our duty to send to congress people we can can trust to work for us.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When we achieve this, we can then enforce the kind of privacy laws we all have a right to have.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Most Americans don't want the NSA to have more personal information that is absolutely necessary. In order to achieve this goal, it is imperative that we, the people, take control of the government and wrestle the control away from the corporations.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the end, Corporations are not people and their secrets are always safe. Their privacy is always protected.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ours? not so much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.dailydot.com/politics/top-ten-nsa-leaks-2013/">The Daily Dot</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">CNET: <a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-10017303-2.html">Google Street View Throws Japan for a Loop</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.ebaumsworld.com/pictures/view/80565234/">Embarrassing Google Street View Photos</a></span></div>
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Photos: Private or public signpost by Stuart Miles/<a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/agree-terms.php?id=10067190">Free Digital Photos</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10748499370910869188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563456583012555283.post-32629950423276641412013-08-28T15:29:00.001-07:002013-08-28T15:32:43.654-07:00ObamaCare Information<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
To some, the new Affordable Health Care Act will always be known as ObamaCare in a very loving and grateful tribute to a president that strives to ensure health care is affordable, available, and implemented in all states for all Americans.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObG4wdD7fmGhmXmb7sXZrh-_6GyhjO5vvAJU-abqI5ZXswNYCbqHUxKGKUYxcwAfGfH6SWYWchP3zS4sdVPzoe3iK8YYh3p0Lwqn0nfHC52ZzXl2umL9uJMyr5epSzZuSVCVUUOPqE7uy/s1600/Obama_signs_health_care-crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObG4wdD7fmGhmXmb7sXZrh-_6GyhjO5vvAJU-abqI5ZXswNYCbqHUxKGKUYxcwAfGfH6SWYWchP3zS4sdVPzoe3iK8YYh3p0Lwqn0nfHC52ZzXl2umL9uJMyr5epSzZuSVCVUUOPqE7uy/s1600/Obama_signs_health_care-crop.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">President Obama signs AHCA<br />
March 24, 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Today's blog is a Public Service Announcement for those of us who are still confused on how this is going to work for us and benefit our families.<br />
<br />
What to do:<br />
<br />
Go to the following website: http://www.healthcare.gov<br />
Read through the information.<br />
Sign up with your email address.<br />
Fill out a short questionnaire.<br />
<br />
Check out what will be available in your state and don't worry if you don't see much now since you can only sign up on October 1, 2013 and more insurances and state exchanges will be coming online within the next month.<br />
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Phone number with live people to answer additional questions is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-800-318-2596<br />
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There is a calculator on the site to give you a rough estimate of what to expect in terms of premiums and how much will be subsidized if you qualify based on income and family size.<br />
<br />
Link to the <a href="http://kff.org/interactive/subsidy-calculator/">Kaiser Family Foundation Calculator</a><br />
<br />
Sign up begins October 1, 2013.<br />
<br />
Sign up early to get your medical cards and information packets early.<br />
<br />
Coverage begins January 2014.<br />
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For states in which the republican governors decided not to implement a health care exchange, the federal government will set it up to be available and launched in the same time-frame nationwide.<br />
<br />
<b>MEDICAID</b>:<br />
<br />
Medicaid expansion coverage will be available in some states and many families not covered now, maybe be eligible for coverage at that time.<br />
<br />
Medicaid expansion coverage can be implemented at any time if the current governor changes his/her mind, or the next governor agrees to implement the expansion.<br />
<br />
There is no cost to the state to implement Medicaid expansion for the first three years. On the fourth year, the Federal government will pick up 90 percent of the cost.<br />
<br />
For those who have friends and family members who need help in another language, the links at the bottom of the page will provide them with assistance in their preferred language.<br />
<br />
Peace to all.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10748499370910869188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563456583012555283.post-53573420773706316802013-07-24T12:46:00.000-07:002013-07-24T18:45:36.453-07:00Google Chromecast; Web and Netflix Streaming<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVgUMp1sYlv_ErRgWa_E1DVvxicCVx-ZWeJU2HOoMXQMOrqHfgIPBOKkQCZyVJqJN778Mz1RRpY_AVbO6i17SNBmhUMnjp8IX0J1S9q4R3wNLwjhN9_DOd7DBKrWXrnxNzjvD53ot8QbV/s1600/Chromecast.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVgUMp1sYlv_ErRgWa_E1DVvxicCVx-ZWeJU2HOoMXQMOrqHfgIPBOKkQCZyVJqJN778Mz1RRpY_AVbO6i17SNBmhUMnjp8IX0J1S9q4R3wNLwjhN9_DOd7DBKrWXrnxNzjvD53ot8QbV/s200/Chromecast.webp" width="168" /></a></div>
An exciting new way to stream the web through your existing smart phone, tablet, or, laptop has arrived.<br />
<br />
<b>What is it?</b><br />
<br />
Google Chromecast is a small flash drive looking device that you plug into one of the HDMI ports on your television and configure to your internet network.<br />
<br />
Once the device is connected to your network, your smartphone, tablet, or laptop can send a website address to the device and you can stream to your television anything your heart desires.<br />
<br />
<b>What Operating Systems (OS) does Google Chromecast support?</b><br />
<br />
Windows 7 and higher<br />
Mac OS 10.7 and higher<br />
Android 2.3 and higher<br />
Chrome OS<br />
iOS 6 and higher<br />
<br />
<b>What applications are supported?</b><br />
<br />
Anything you find on the internet.<br />
You Tube.<br />
Play your favorite games online on the big screen.<br />
Netflix<br />
<br />
<b>How is this different from plugging my laptop into my TV via an HDMI cable?</b><br />
<br />
Chances are that your laptop is working over time and overheating.<br />
You can send a link to Google Chromecast without having to duplicate the same content on your laptop because it does not mirror your desktop, it simply gets the link and you are free to use your laptop for other things.<br />
You don't need an HDMI cable.<br />
<br />
<b>Roku vs. Google Chromecast</b><br />
<br />
Roku can't stream the internet.<br />
Roku has many channels not found on the internet.<br />
Chromecast streams the internet directly to your TV.<br />
Roku has a remote.<br />
Chromecast remote is your smartphone, laptop trackpack, or wi-fi tablet.<br />
<br />
<b>What other features can I expect?</b><br />
<br />
The unit is USB powered or outlet powered.<br />
1080p and 5.1 surround sound.<br />
Small footprint.<br />
Portable.<br />
Can receive information from all synced devices.<br />
<br />
<b>Offers</b><br />
<br />
Until 12/31/2013 you will receive a code to get 3 months free of Netflix that are valid to new and existing customers.<br />
<br />
<b>Price</b><br />
<br />
The unit costs $35.00 plus tax and Shipping through the Google store.<br />
Best Buy has the option of shipping or pick up in store<br />
<br />
Taking into account the three free months of Netflix, the unit costs around $11.00<br />
<br />
<b>Valuable links</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Xnf_nR-XskU" width="560"></iframe></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Amazon has it now! <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=httpspousalca-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B00DR0PDNE&nou=1&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></b><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<a href="https://play.google.com/store/devices/details?id=chromecast">Google Store</a><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/cKG5HDyTW8o" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10748499370910869188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563456583012555283.post-51526755966114166142013-07-17T23:33:00.000-07:002013-07-18T06:52:54.138-07:00The Plantation Mentality<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFLIdQotyLpw03i7R6Sb5qThq0xbGIv4Hybv7Urg94PwslcYi_yCW0nmWNhtNVDnlGIDV7slJmaV2iRYgvkJDViPMZIYAo2bjG0t_GugE0YEwxnAzxA89NPztfpWkSbj1Iyeq7Ei1Pu45/s1600/Klan-in-gainesville.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFLIdQotyLpw03i7R6Sb5qThq0xbGIv4Hybv7Urg94PwslcYi_yCW0nmWNhtNVDnlGIDV7slJmaV2iRYgvkJDViPMZIYAo2bjG0t_GugE0YEwxnAzxA89NPztfpWkSbj1Iyeq7Ei1Pu45/s320/Klan-in-gainesville.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Klan in Gainsville</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Most people are under the impression that other people are racists. Not them. Racist images are forever implanted in our brains as barbaric lynchings, crosses burning in front lawns and white sheets and hoods.<br />
<br />
Real racists have shaved heads and Swastika tattoos, most people do not see themselves in that light because they look "normal" and everyone around them is just like them. Therefore they are not like "those other people" and quickly distance themselves from the ugliness.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Juror B37</span></b><br />
<br />
On her interview with Anderson Cooper on CNN she was a shinning example of a clueless racist. As the words kept falling out of her mouth, most viewers were horrified. They heard out loud what only is heard in whispers in 'polite society' and out of earshot of 'mixed company.'<br />
<br />
Sharleen Martin of Martin's Literary Agency backed out of the book deal with juror B37 after watching the interview and the ongoing backlash received from Twitter users who were exploding with outrage.<br />
<br />
Ms. Martin rescinded the book contract stating she had used "poor judgment."<br />
<br />
Four of the five remaining jurors wrote a letter stating that Juror B37 did not represent them, nor their views.<br />
<br />
It is fascinating to watch how quickly people distance themselves from someone they perceive as being a racist and yet, looks just like them. No hoods, no robes. Just the spoken words of the plantation owners.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Food For Thought</span></b><br />
<br />
We need to consider the pervasiveness and insidiousness of accepted 'norms' and stereotypes.<br />
<br />
The jurors in the Zimmerman trial were exposed to a narrative that was not questioned by the prosecutor or the media. Zimmerman was less on trial than Trayvon Martin.<br />
<br />
No one questioned that "black people" had burglarized<i> his</i> neighborhood, or acknowledged that this was Trayvon's family neighborhood as well.<br />
<br />
Juror B37 stated without hesitation that "Trayvon had contributed to his own death?," "had plenty of time to get home." and "he threw the first punch."<br />
<br />
These are all assumption she made based on Trayvon's race. She was not there to witness the fight but she reached conclusions based on notions that have been passed on from generation to generation.<br />
<br />
- Why is Trayvon Martin NOT allowed to dilly-dally?<br />
- Is there a curfew exclusively reserved for black kids?<br />
- Are public streets only safe for white folks only when blacks are kept indoors?<br />
<br />
We all need to know where we come from because it is relevant to today's mind set. We need to know what people have endured and how the crimes against their civil liberties were perpetrated if we are to eradicate them in modern times.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Plantation Mentality <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhveXJjm2QGQRI8lCVoqfW5k7ceDMKyVUcLz3EI9o-r-j7P0bjUPlrYb6XsedgnIz98uAMhkj0ncJr_B1a4wZDmQgtCvju65JfU7lc9n3cQi5HpMRM5s6_bbV39ezsySkCsgmC1Nhw_OAbR/s1600/Plantation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhveXJjm2QGQRI8lCVoqfW5k7ceDMKyVUcLz3EI9o-r-j7P0bjUPlrYb6XsedgnIz98uAMhkj0ncJr_B1a4wZDmQgtCvju65JfU7lc9n3cQi5HpMRM5s6_bbV39ezsySkCsgmC1Nhw_OAbR/s320/Plantation.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="text-align: left;">i</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 26px; text-align: left;">mage by Gualberto107 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></b><br />
<br />
The plantation mentality notion is typically used against black people to degrade them. It is used to show that their lack of gainful employment is their fault and that they expect to be taken care of by the government as if they were still in the plantation days, where the white man took care of them.<br />
<br />
What is wrong with the ideology stated above?<br />
<br />
For one thing, the black people on the plantation were not <i>taken care of</i> by anyone. They were sold and traded, raped, mutilated, and murdered. The fact that employers discriminate against minorities is not taken into account. The fact that predominantly African-American communities have been neglected by the State Governments when it comes to funding and priorities, is also ignored.<br />
<br />
Let's accept then, that the plantation mentality means something else. An ideology that plantation owners have passed on to subsequent generations with a sense of entitlement that persists to this day.<br />
<br />
Examples:<br />
<br />
A white man is free to go as he pleases. A black man must justify his whereabouts.<br />
A white child is worth more than a black child. (we see this in adoptions as well)<br />
Voting is the right of white men. It is a privilege for minorities that can be taken away at the plantation owner's discretion. *See resources<br />
<br />
This is the mentality left over from the days of The Slave Patrol, where white militias would scour the countryside looking for black people who where 'out of place', 'not where they belong.' - Needless to say that when they found someone that did not belong, the treatment of the individual was typically abusive and intimidating.<br />
<br />
The violence and ideology of the past has followed African Americans into modern times and passed on to anyone else perceived as being 'less-than' and non-white.<br />
<br />
The plantation mentality holds blacks and minorities to a different set of standards.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Double Standard</span></b><br />
<br />
- Black parents don't parent right. (Watch video below)<br />
- White parents do the best they can. Society is to blame when their kids go awry.<br />
- White kids make mistakes. Black kids are born criminals.<br />
- White kids experiment innocently with pot.<br />
- Black kids are drug addicts.<br />
<br />
Again, this is part and parcel of the plantation mentality. Blacks are inherently lazy. They lie. They steal. They will kill you in your sleep and rape your white women.<br />
<br />
This plantation mentality is grounded in fear of knowing that retribution for bad deeds could become a possibility. Fear is irrational and there is tremendous profit to be made in this area. From becoming a celebrity, to writing a book validating preconceived notions and irrational hatred of 'others'. ie., Ann Coulter, Glenn Beck, et al.<br />
<br />
People in the media have to go back to the very few riots we had in this country. They date back to the Watt's or Oakland riots. The grainy footage of riots give validity to the notion that black people are violent and whites must be in fear of them. The fact that Rodney King was beaten into a pulp and was representative of how the African-American community is treated by the police, does not enter the equation.<br />
<br />
We all have a boiling point. Rodney King was it that day.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWtS3YzoxbLaqkgzCBBJGVDD23FPNDJnpURPvOrSskw_HfwXApwaoATGuTx4XN8Nykp8Rarqs1HXaZFP2f51MxJv7zxzGhUu5Ztq-uaBAjd25M-I7ZLgMsh-m9B8HaYMYzP6CgFpnTTIS/s1600/Stand+Your+ground.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWtS3YzoxbLaqkgzCBBJGVDD23FPNDJnpURPvOrSskw_HfwXApwaoATGuTx4XN8Nykp8Rarqs1HXaZFP2f51MxJv7zxzGhUu5Ztq-uaBAjd25M-I7ZLgMsh-m9B8HaYMYzP6CgFpnTTIS/s320/Stand+Your+ground.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stand Your Ground laws favor whites</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All actions against minorities are justified. Including shooting one on sight because a white man's life is far more valuable. If we look closely, we can see that the "stand your ground" law is disproportionately weighted in favor of whites.<br />
<br />
The plantation mentality excuses and rationalizes behavior in whites that is unacceptable for minorities. For example:<br />
<br />
When a white man kills, he must have a reason. An excuse. A way out. (Stand Your Ground Law)<br />
<br />
When a black man kills, he is a criminal. He has no excuse. He has no way out. (Check out the disparity in our prison population)<br />
<br />
We need to understand the fear of those with the plantation mentality. They know that human beings are bound to reach the boiling point when they are systematically excluded, vilified, and dehumanized by the powerful in society.<br />
<br />
They want this to happen.<br />
<br />
They are expecting the explosion because they too, are a kettle about to boil over. Riots would provide validation to their ideology and justification for violent actions. However, the peaceful demonstrations and reasonable discourse by black folks after the Zimmerman trial is not providing the needed relief.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Racists Should Get a Clue</span></b><br />
<br />
It is not okay to be a racist. It shows our stupidity. However, we have, under The Constitution, the right to be as stupid as we please.<br />
<br />
If we chose to be racists, we should have a clue from where our notions come from, and then decide if it is time to leave the plantation mentality behind.<br />
<br />
The fear of the black against the white is a profit generating machine. The more people fear, the easier it is to separate them from their hard-earned cash while in exchange, they have their fears validated by folks who look just like them.<br />
<br />
The profit-making machine that is the weapons industry has been using fear and racism for decades to sell arsenals and ammunition to the fearful. The NRA and A.L.E.C. have made it possible to pass laws that justify the murder of minorities based on irrational fear. The survivalists stockpile on dried food supplies and the fear is perpetuated while the profits go through the roof.<br />
<br />
There is money to be made in the religious setting as well and it has not gone unnoticed by the church leaders who are raking in the money. Perpetuating stereotypes, hatred, and fear keeps the congregation glued to their seats and their pocketbooks open.<br />
<br />
This is not a very Christian thing to do, but then again, snake oil salesmen have no scruples.<br />
<br />
Instead of acknowledging racism, some, like pastor Bill Keller of Live Prayer thrives on it. He has the nerve to blame Trayvon Martin's parents for their child's death.<br />
<br />
He floats the idea with passion to over 2 million subscribers by perpetuating racism and playing the blame-game. At the same time, just like Juror B37, he adamantly rejects that he is a racist.<br />
<br />
For those of you who don't know this paragon of Christianity, we have included the interview conducted by Thom Hartmann.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/W1xdj_43KBw" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Juror B37 Interview</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/LcdSZw2-C18" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
Resources<br />
<br />
New Georgia Encyclopedia: History and Archaeology; <a href="http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-900">Slave Patrols</a><br />
Moyers & Company: Theresa Riley; <a href="http://billmoyers.com/2013/07/13/the-fight-to-protect-voting-rights-in-texas/">The Fight to Protect Voting Rights in Texas</a><br />
TruthOut.org: Mike Ludwig; <a href="http://truth-out.org/news/item/17050-supreme-court-strikes-down-arizona-voter-id-law-as-voting-rights-battles-continue">Supreme Court Strikes Down Arizona Voter ID Law</a><br />
Decatur Daily: <a href="http://www.decaturdaily.com/opinion/editorials/article_b296ded2-eb5d-11e2-9038-10604b9f6eda.html">Voter ID Law Hurts Alabama</a><br />
PBS.org; Frontline; Criminal Justice by <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/author/sarahc/">Sarah Childress</a>: <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/criminal-justice/is-there-racial-bias-in-stand-your-ground-laws/">Is There Racial Bias in "Stand Your Ground" Laws?</a><br />
<br />
Image(s); Klan; Public Domain. Stand your ground Graph by PBS.org<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10748499370910869188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563456583012555283.post-66955041913361610172013-05-09T22:07:00.000-07:002013-05-09T22:20:55.395-07:00Speak up Against Racism<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3563456583012555283" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://aventours.webs.com/MexicoCity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://aventours.webs.com/MexicoCity.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mexico City</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I realize that being Latina/Hispanic/Spanish/White/Black/Lebanese/Haitian/French/British/Italian and (gulp!) White ... Makes me a completely ignorant ass who will never amount to anything. However, I still have to ask a few questions in the hope I may become smarter.<br />
<br />
According to the white nationalists, my children and grandchildren will fall into the retarded category. All future generations will be cursed with the same affliction.<br />
<br />
It is, after all, a curse in our DNA.<br />
<br />
(does not explain all the Hispanic/Latino(a) kids I.Q's. that landed them in the talented and gifted program, or the fact that they are graduating H.S. with college credits and Honors)<br />
<br />
Again, maybe my atrophied brain, small as a pea, is incapable of comprehending the subtle nuances of the inferiority premise offered below.<br />
<br />
(I used big words above, sorry... my bad.)<br />
<br />
For all practical purposes, we are so incredibly unintelligent that we should be on permanent disability, food stamps, and all sorts of social welfare.<br />
<br />
I am so glad that these nice white folks finally figured out what is wrong with my entire family tree and all those billions of people of Hispanic Heritage.<br />
<br />
After all, they should have known - or some white folks should have told them - that they would never discover America or any other lands. That they would never expand their language throughout the world and be the national language of most Nations.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cc/M-30_(Madrid,_Spain)_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cc/M-30_(Madrid,_Spain)_04.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madrid - Spain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So what if they invented Lollypops? (known as chupa-chups and copied world-wide), the mop and bucket? (yes, from Spain), The submarine ?(yes, Spain again), The Beret? (no, it is not French, they are just a lot more stylish in the way they wear it.)<br />
<br />
- Lord! is there anything a French woman looks bad in? - But I digress. It is a sign of stupidity on my part, of course.<br />
<br />
A Mexican inventor (<a href="http://www.museum.tv/eotvsection.php?entrycode=mexico">Guillermo Gonzalez Camarena</a>) got the first patent for color T.V. - Maybe some of them white Gringos can say gracias?<br />
<br />
Pancho Villa, Ceasar Chaves... The list of people goes on and they are Mexicans,<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.colombia.travel/en/images/stories/turistainternacional/Adondeir/bogota/bogota.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.colombia.travel/en/images/stories/turistainternacional/Adondeir/bogota/bogota.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bogota - Colombia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Puerto Ricans, Chilean, Peruvians, Argentinians, Colombians and more. The list of countries goes on as well, but my limited intelligence continues to show its signs of incompetence and I continue to digress.<br />
<br />
Obviously, these superior white nationalists (of what nation?) must mean the slave labor that picks tomatoes that white nationalists are too incompetent ... Oops! - too intelligent to pick themselves.<br />
<br />
Or the women they trust to raise their children because they are too lazy and uncaring... Oops!, too busy being "job creators" to do it themselves.<br />
<br />
Which leads me to question the intelligence of white nationalists decisions to entrust their food supply, their children, and their homes, to such incompetent Latino pariahs.<br />
<br />
White nationalists obviously don't know about people like Picasso, Diego Rivera, Miguel Angel Espino.... and the hundreds of thousands that gave life to paint, words, and many a sigh to the aspiring soul.<br />
<br />
The racists, er... I mean, the white nationalist, must mean the brute and ignorant Mexicans that... beat the tar out of the French, Spaniards and the British.<br />
<br />
Obviously a fluke in strategy and creative thinking. It can't possibly be that intelligent people found a way to push back against such formidable enemies. Right? - especially since they are brown?<br />
<br />
It is such a relief that the quackery has explained our inferiority due to our ethnicity. It is good to know that our collective incompetence is through no fault of our own.<br />
<br />
Nothing is.<br />
<br />
Obviously God made us stupid for a reason.<br />
<br />
It would be interesting - ramblings of an addled mind again - to ask the Koch Brothers if they are as racist as we perceive them to be. Or do they just put racist people in The Heritage Foundation prominent positions by accident? - If so, is that a sign of intelligence?, If not, can they just come out in their KKK sheets and be themselves?<br />
<br />
I am just asking because I am too stupid to figure it out for myself.<br />
<br />
Again, I humbly apologize for asking questions. Please be patient, and remember that I am, after all, an idiot.<br />
<br />
<b>A note to white supremacists:</b><br />
<br />
White Europeans are not going to give up their higher quality of life and higher standards of education to increase your numbers. You see, they are white.<br />
<br />
Just not stupid.<br />
<br />
White Nationalists is a special breed we grow in the United States. It may have something to do with the fact that centuries ago, European garbage was dumped here. You know, the ones they were not fit for polite society.<br />
<br />
Has anyone done a bit of research into your DNA?<br />
<br />
Someone should.<br />
<br />
It is just too embarrassing for Americans in general to allow you out in public without an explanation.<br />
<br />
<br />
Respectfully, with sombrero in hand, I request you all burn in the eternal fires of hell for making my country (Yes the USA, you morons!) the laughing stock of every industrialized nation.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
P.S. Hey GOP!, how is that "Hispanic Outreach" thingy working out fer ya? - From this angle, it is not looking muy bien.<br />
<br />
Keep telling yourselves that the Republican party is not the party of racism and bigotry, because as you hope, Hispanics/Latinos may just be addled-brained enough to believe you.<br />
<br />
Yes, we are laughing at you.<br />
Adios Pendejos!<br />
<br />
Watch this:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/k6Kc8kdfbVM" width="420"></iframe><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You may want to know:</div>
<div>
Texas State University: <a href="http://www.education.txstate.edu/c-p/Tomas-Rivera-Book-Award-Project-Link.html">Tomas Rivera Book Award</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://inventors.about.com/od/hispanicinventors/Famous_Hispanic_Inventors.htm">Famous Hispanic Inventors</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10748499370910869188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563456583012555283.post-33493319442739156362013-04-15T17:59:00.000-07:002013-04-15T18:04:42.301-07:00Boston Marathon Tragedy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_oyRQwUagJqSh_xFLtcmltgUymgLmVVQlyyR4tPGT60ONdaNc5ZZbUEj-842lXtOUr8j0m1pVid1xrflcQ94tnYYvhAEdhNqjntugEoPWGbFGNkap9Ybmi79idl0vsMVa5yT8VCdSu4OU/s1600/BOSTON.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_oyRQwUagJqSh_xFLtcmltgUymgLmVVQlyyR4tPGT60ONdaNc5ZZbUEj-842lXtOUr8j0m1pVid1xrflcQ94tnYYvhAEdhNqjntugEoPWGbFGNkap9Ybmi79idl0vsMVa5yT8VCdSu4OU/s320/BOSTON.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #7d7d7d; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 26.587499618530273px; text-align: start;">By </span><span class="author vcard" style="background-color: white; color: #7d7d7d; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 26.587499618530273px; text-align: start;"><span class="fn">JIMMY GOLEN</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #7d7d7d; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 26.587499618530273px; text-align: start;"> | </span><span class="provider org" style="background-color: white; color: #7d7d7d; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 26.587499618530273px; text-align: start;"><span class="source-org vcard"><span class="org fn">Associated Press</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is too soon. It is too early. Let's not cast blame. Let's not politicize this horrific event.<br />
<br />
Those are the words of people who don't want us to remember that when it is okay to be as political and polarizing as possible, they do it. They don't want us to remember their deeds and their actions.<br />
<br />
A lot of us are sick and tired of the hypocrisy and think this is the perfect time to remember that those who devalue our work, our skills, our existence, and our purpose in life have no problem deciding that police, paramedics, firefighters, teachers, and all sorts of social infrastructure needs to be de-funded and privatized.<br />
<br />
Today we learned that amputations were done on site due to the severity of the injuries.<br />
<br />
Privatize that!<br />
<br />
Hospital personnel heard about this event in their day off and did not think twice about running out their doors and providing their services to victims.<br />
<br />
Privatize that!<br />
<br />
Police officers, also off-duty, marched to the site and their precincts No one had to call them. They showed up.<br />
<br />
Privatize that!<br />
<br />
It would serve us well to remember these things now and not wait until memories fade, the shock is over, and the spin-masters begin to cast blame to garner political points and distribute their bumper-sticker slogans that pass for actual news and information.<br />
<br />
Every Ron and Rand Paul comments about "Liberty" focuses exclusively on no government interference in any aspect of our lives. What they are really saying is "you are on your own. We will let the free-market (read corporations and Wall Street) decide what they wish to be involved in. If you are not part of their plan, too bad for you."<br />
<br />
Funding of police officers, paramedics, emergency personnel, and fire-fighters is a necessity in all of our communities.<br />
<br />
Tragedies happen. Accidents happen. Terrorism - Foreign and domestic - Happens.<br />
<br />
No, it is not too early to remember all those people in Congress who work against the best interest in society. Vote them out.<br />
<br />
No one has to politicize anything. Just remember what happened here today and realize who pays for the first responders, and how quickly, those who had their day off, bolted into action because that is what normal people do.<br />
<br />
Who did this?<br />
<br />
Who knows. Not yet. But we will know.<br />
<br />
Theories?<br />
<br />
They are abundant. People on social media are connecting dots, but the picture is not clear.<br />
<br />
Some are blaming the government. Others are blaming each other. Racist groups, the NRA fanatics, the weapons industry, the "others"... The list goes on and no one has any of the facts yet.<br />
<br />
What we need to keep in mind is that we need the services to be public. Not private.<br />
<br />
The elected officials who don't have the guts now to say "We don't need these services unless they are privatized" know full well they can't justify it in the light of these events, but make no mistake, the ideological rhetoric will return as soon as our minds forget.<br />
<br />
Do not forget.<br />
<br />
These people are destroying the fabric of our society as systematically as any terrorist organization can do in a single event.<br />
<br />
One thing is for certain, the systematic destruction of our social structure cannot recover if we don't stop this in its tracks.<br />
<br />
It is not political. It is common sense. Do not forget.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10748499370910869188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563456583012555283.post-32358065067812384952013-03-20T12:26:00.001-07:002013-03-20T19:18:17.950-07:00Progressive Radio is Dead<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_AXtA5N9t5kcrUddUnwyhqhbdsyhktZWfuPFPgUriH22VWCWgwBottsvzYN2Kp7E7ihYXMsk4aM4fJ2nMooJ4Uv9HlYgIhFTcifbAE0oAHERucbqJODUFBccYhyphenhyphenIDzTziXNgJ-5uOfZM/s1600/RADIO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_AXtA5N9t5kcrUddUnwyhqhbdsyhktZWfuPFPgUriH22VWCWgwBottsvzYN2Kp7E7ihYXMsk4aM4fJ2nMooJ4Uv9HlYgIhFTcifbAE0oAHERucbqJODUFBccYhyphenhyphenIDzTziXNgJ-5uOfZM/s320/RADIO.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">No choices for you! </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
KJFK was the only progressive radio station in Northern Nevada. Las Vegas has none.<br />
<br />
KJFK had quality programming that included nationally syndicated shows like Randi Rhodes, Ed Schultz, Thom Hartman, Mike Papantonio, and the indomitable Stephanie Miller.<br />
<br />
We listened live connecting with other progressives across the Nation and knew we were not alone. It felt good to have like-minded companions across state lines.<br />
<br />
At the local level, we missed Cory Farley. A reasonable voice who had the pulse of our city and could talk about almost any subject under sun. Thanks to Cory, we had a clearer picture of what our local elected officials were up to and how it would affect us personally. He regaled us with personal stories and experiences that were both entertaining and interesting in terms of travel, home repairs, and national news. In short, Cory kept us informed on topics ranging from soup to nuts and we were better for it.<br />
<br />
Once KJFK went exclusively to national syndicated programs we lost the local flavor and connection provided by our hometown news.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMCiPP9Yr8LXsKDh80mBIdRK5FVCobkLWXE_U7gvpsDwBP3QEQ3rDZAxAO1YXBFD5RgSvMu43kyzD8LCefF_7XW0TMVCRPXIf0vv_itNY5sjhZDJOGkJj4t2dEFmUYD84CJtc2kd5zmct/s1600/Bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMCiPP9Yr8LXsKDh80mBIdRK5FVCobkLWXE_U7gvpsDwBP3QEQ3rDZAxAO1YXBFD5RgSvMu43kyzD8LCefF_7XW0TMVCRPXIf0vv_itNY5sjhZDJOGkJj4t2dEFmUYD84CJtc2kd5zmct/s320/Bowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reno's Spaghetti Bowl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For example, we knew right away when Evelyn Mount <a href="http://www.rgj.com/article/20121112/NEWS/311120043/Turkeys-stolen-Reno-Evelyn-Mount-prepares-holiday-meals">needed more turkeys</a> and where the farmer's market was located that week. Book sales and activities at our local libraries were helpful. Commuters chimed in on road closure constructions and the mess in the Spaghetti Bowl.<br />
<br />
During the holidays, information on new drop off locations for Toys for Tots or where to donate to help a local family whose house burnt down mattered to us. We learned the latest news on our beloved Wolf Pack and how to help our local high schools fund their music program, or basketball uniforms.<br />
<br />
These types of connections are not specific to Reno, NV. We are just the latest casualty in the privatization of our public airwaves. The absence of local radio leaves behind a void that national broadcasts can't fill.<br />
<br />
<b>On March 18, 2013 KJFK radio died.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Part of the obituary:</b><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #ebd6ab; font-family: arial, helvetica, verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Given the volume of rhetoric dispensed on-air from “the other side”, we felt it vital to remain on-the-air through the 2012 General Election, despite the fact that KJFK has operated at a loss of thousands of dollars a month. Since we launched the station with an appearance by Al Franken in 2005, when nearly 500 people joined us at the Atlantis for now Senator Franken's appearance just days after we hit the air, we’ve known a passionate audience has been with us all along. Unfortunately, this station was never able to generate the revenue necessary to sustain, and we simply cannot absorb the financial loss any longer.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #ebd6ab; font-family: arial, helvetica, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>
For the entire letter contents<a href="http://www.1230kjfk.com/news.asp"> click here</a>.<br />
<br />
Compliance and homogeneous radio programming is the name of the game. Raging Limbaugh or Glenn Beck provide "news" and "information" as liberal voices are silenced across the nation.<br />
<br />
So far progressive radio has met its demise in typically democratic strongholds: Seattle's KPTK, Detroit's WDTW, and Portland's KPOJ. KJFK served Northern Nevada and could be heard on a clear day in parts of San Francisco.<br />
<br />
<b>How It all started</b><br />
<br />
In many parts of the country, progressive radio ceased to exist when the monopoly that is Clear Channel took over local radio stations. Bain Capital gutted the industry and conservative talk radio became syndicated and saturated every market.<br />
<br />
They killed community broadcasting first and went back to administer the final blow to the few stations that still served a grateful population.<br />
<br />
<b>Where and How can You Listen to Progressive Voices</b><br />
<br />
<br />
While the overlords of our public airwaves have determined that conservative talk and sports will be the only thing on the menu and you must submit to their will, there are ways of ignoring them. However this comes to a cost to you in terms of financial cost and inconvenience.<br />
<br />
<b>PURCHASE</b> the right to free speech through satellite radio. Sirius is popular and even though XM radio and Sirius merged a few years back, the subscriptions to their line ups are separate. You need to purchase the right satellite radio. <br />
<br />
<b>Con: </b>The required satellite radio and monthly/yearly subscription can become an obstacle for those on a fixed budget.<br />
<br />
<b>Pros:</b> You will never have to listen to commercials or be offended by the lies and misinformation of talking heads without credibility. Many people don't have to change the channel going across state lines or lose satellite signal even in the worst weather.<br />
<br />
<b>Other Options Available</b><br />
<br />
1. Invest in a smart phone and download podcasts (also at a premium)<br />
2. Glue yourself to your computer and hope to find a website that is broadcasting progressive radio live.<br />
<br />
The problem with the second option is that you may not find the website when they broadcast live or even find a website that still does. More and more of those websites are no longer carrying a live broadcast because the stations are not there or because they only offer a pay-to-listen service.<br />
<br />
We will miss the Progressive voices of Thom Hartman and the passionate voices of Randi Rhodes and Ed Schultz. We will miss the morning laughter brought on by Stephanie Miller that eased us into our daily commute. These voices have always been an Oasis in the midst of conservative screeching.<br />
<br />
While Progressive voices are alive and well, the medium that brought them to us is now dead. Our public airwaves are privately controlling the message the populace hears while being held hostage on their daily commute.<br />
<br />
Clear Channel wins. Progressives lose.<br />
<br />
<b>Leave us a comment:</b><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Do you have a station in your city that still provides you with progressive voices? or do you miss what you used to have? Have you ever had anything more than conservative radio in your town?</span><br />
<br />
Listen live on their websites if you can:<br />
<br />
Ed Schultz: the <a href="http://www.bigeddieradio.com/listen/#top">Ed Schultz Show</a><br />
Stephanie Miller: <a href="http://www.stephaniemiller.com/listen-live/">The Stephanie Miller Show</a> (Listing of radio stations is not accurate)<br />
Thom Hartman: <a href="http://www.thomhartmann.com/radio/stations">Thom Hartman Show</a> (Radio listings not updated)<br />
Ring of Fire Radio: <a href="http://www.ringoffireradio.com/listen-live/">Listen Live</a> Mike Papantonio Robert Kennedy Jr. (limited options)<br />
<a href="https://www.freespeech.org/">Free Speech TV</a> on line, or you can purchase a Roku player to watch at home. <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=httpspousalca-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B00BGGDVOO&nou=1&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Read:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.wweek.com/portland/blog-29441-kpoj_cancelling_poli.html">Willamette Week</a>: KPOJ Cancelling Political Talk Radio by Aaron Mesh<br />
<a href="http://truth-out.org/opinion/item/14355-an-insiders-view-of-the-progressive-talk-radio-devolution">An Insider's View of the Progressive Talk Radio Devolution</a>, by Peter B. Collins<br />
Cory Farley: <a href="http://www.rgj.com/article/20121230/COL0101/312300051/Cory-Farley-2012-should-end-these-13-annoyances">2012 Should be the End of these 13 Annoyances</a><br />
<a href="http://www.evelynmount.org/">Evelyn Mount </a>Community Outreach<br />
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/01/01/1175537/-RIP-Seattle-Progressive-Talk">Daily Kos</a>: RIP: Seattle Progressive Talk</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">On Air Image Photo Credit: Salvatore Vuono /<a href="http://freedigitalphotos.net/">Freedigitalphotos.net</a> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10748499370910869188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563456583012555283.post-1306697154463561802012-09-02T15:30:00.002-07:002012-09-07T12:05:01.330-07:00Clint Eastwood: His Best Performance Yet?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPqPGkwRvo4ppxu9t5Xap1vECPvodmPPeFu6LLjbWZaiUiNjISoqfzP11zV_aGAv91RSZshWhg7f2j7gSXd6JhoN-mC2RAkMllUkrNjmDtvSJclxLHd0hN9k3m9tta62v-yFlk0Qg5ERP/s1600/Clint-Eastwood-RNC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPqPGkwRvo4ppxu9t5Xap1vECPvodmPPeFu6LLjbWZaiUiNjISoqfzP11zV_aGAv91RSZshWhg7f2j7gSXd6JhoN-mC2RAkMllUkrNjmDtvSJclxLHd0hN9k3m9tta62v-yFlk0Qg5ERP/s320/Clint-Eastwood-RNC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We have had our fun with the improvisation on stage that was strangely out of place. In general, we felt badly for Mr. Eastwood, an icon of strength and movie machismo that was appealing to young boys and made young girls swoon. <br />
<br />
His early roles represented the ideal straight man; He rarely smiled, never said more than needed to be said, and was always on the right side of things. He was tough as nails and we liked him that way.<br />
<br />
In "Million Dollar Baby" he showcased the strengths of his previous characters with the added dimensions of having been tempered by age and experience. There was an underlying kindness and concern in that character not seen in the characters of his youth. In this film we see the man struggle with hard-set beliefs adapting to the reality of the situation.<br />
<br />
He struggles with the knowledge of the damage that boxers endure, and yes, this is a tough girl but, a girl, nonetheless. He is forced to face reality as he understands there is nothing else for this girl. This is it.<br />
<br />
A parent's worst nightmare: He can't save her, he can only teach her how to keep safe and let go.<br />
<br />
Films like Million Dollar Baby and Grand Torino are meant to be savored more than once. These films are not made for entertainment purposes in which a mindless two-hours can be killed. These performances, the dialogues, and depth of the characters stay with us long after the film is over.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7nzytbXazBxcVVF9_swlMC0bZUMixPhxVJu2NJ2m0fC4yDOtog4Wk4qOmMFRJETT2T_KpKwbsM6jRfNMNYYXHvhO555UH8nrPf4u0A1Us8t4DjZxgRRrWJ9z2edZ3apfuYYN_7R3wWEW/s1600/grantorino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7nzytbXazBxcVVF9_swlMC0bZUMixPhxVJu2NJ2m0fC4yDOtog4Wk4qOmMFRJETT2T_KpKwbsM6jRfNMNYYXHvhO555UH8nrPf4u0A1Us8t4DjZxgRRrWJ9z2edZ3apfuYYN_7R3wWEW/s320/grantorino.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Torino</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The last scene was an impressive directorial achievement. We saw the endless possibilities of an uncharted future as a young man drove away from the confines of his environment --- In a vehicle that represents the hard work and tribulations of previous generations.<br />
<br />
<br />
The imagery is powerful in this film.<br />
<br />
<br />
So what was that performance at the RNC? Why did we feel so uncomfortable watching it? and why was everyone so confused?<br />
<br />
Everyone who had anything to do with Clint Eastwood being on stage has adamantly denied any involvement with the performance or having any knowledge beforehand of what was about to develop. So what happened?<br />
<br />
The short answer may be that just like in the Super-Bowl ad, Clint Eastwood went rogue.<br />
<br />
In the Super-Bowl ad Clint Eastwood praised the recovery of the auto industry in Detroit - The republicans called it a political ad in favor of President Obama. He was maligned for being a RINO, and there was much disappointment in those quarters for the perceived political intent. It was akin to Charlton Heston coming out in favor of sensible gun control.<br />
<br />
It is just not done.<br />
<br />
The fact is that Clint Eastwood did not ask permission or counsel on doing the ad. It was a personal thing for him. It depicted the willingness of all sides to make the country healthy and whole. Yes, it was half-time in America and we had to make a choice between doing the right things for the country, or continuing to deteriorate beyond recovery <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="300" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tFAiqxm1FDA" width="500"></iframe><br />
<br />
On his show, this past Friday, Bill Maher had high praise for what it takes to get on stage and do improv with an empty chair. Mr. Maher is having a good time this week on Twitter making fun of the event even if he is impressed by the 80 year-old's performance. Calling him a string of insults prior to praising him may be, in retrospect, unwarranted.<br />
<br />
What did you see on that stage when Clint Eastwood was talking to an empty chair? Did you see an old white man who had lost his mind and forgot to comb his hair?<br />
<br />
Or,<br />
<br />
Did you see an accurate representation of what makes up the base of the current incarnation of the Republican party?<br />
<br />
What did you hear?<br />
<br />
Did you hear the ramblings of an actor who forgot his lines?<br />
<br />
Or,<br />
<br />
Did you hear a dye-in-the-wool Republican reproaching the leadership of a party who has destroyed all he, and those like him, helped to build? - Did they wreck his carefully maintained Grand Torino?<br />
<br />
Oh! and the hair? This lady on the video below comes to mind.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="200" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MRq6Y4NmB6U" width="200"></iframe><br />
<br />
Perhaps it is worth to watch the performance again through a fresh pair of eyes and pay close attention to what he is saying, how he is saying it, and most importantly, what is missing. Do you hear praise for either party? or a condemnation of what our political parties have become?<br />
<br />
<br />
Million Dollar Baby and Grand Torino were unpleasant and uncomfortable films to watch because they did not allow us to escape into a magical out-of-space adventure, but kept us firmly grounded into the messy reality of our lives. Not unlike Clint Eastwood's performance on stage at the Republican National Convention.<br />
<br />
All those performances are worth watching more than once.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/933hKyKNPFQ" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
*Update:<br />
<br />
I gave Clint Eastwood such a wide berth didn't I? - From the liberal side it sure looked like a representation of the GOP "Base" - Now, he gives an interview and says, "<a href="http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/07/eastwood-breaks-silence-obama-a-hoax-on-american-people/">President Obama is the biggest hoax perpetrated on the American people...</a>"<br />
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If he had just kept his mouth shut, we would have continued to think that the incoherent ramblings on stage were a stroke of creative genius not many understood. Now? he looks like an old fool that would have done best sitting on the audience and clapping and booing on cue with the rest of the haters.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&npa=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=httpspousalca-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B003ASLJO0" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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<b>Author's note:</b> I would like to thank Thurman Williams for a stimulating conversation that made this article a reality.<br />
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NY Magazine: Eastwood's Manager: <a href="http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/02/eastwoods-manager-chrysler-ad-wasnt-political.html">Chrysler Ad 'Not a Political Thing</a>'<br />
Image(s) credit: Clint Eastwood: The New Yorker by <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2012/08/in-defense-of-clint-eastwood.html">Lauren Lancaster</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10748499370910869188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563456583012555283.post-47715148533040970272012-08-31T20:25:00.000-07:002012-08-31T20:25:42.521-07:00Clint Eastwood's Chair has an Older Sibling<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I had to take my kid to her former school to do volunteer work and on the way over, right on my neighborhood, something that was not there yesterday. I had to take the camera and share with you all.<br />
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I have no idea if this was on the plans prior to last night's bizarre experience at the RNC with Clint Eastwood, but the timing evoked a chuckle. Enjoy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVc9B96plFNRXuIzPt7ikedi_YY1sNOC_1wAeHVyPwNtHF2uAZEWCe3ant7yqW6Kop9k1B3TyxvIVgxUhRhlEsIekEm5uRUQ6VQdeBsTIcnzOnZ1Ri0RW1pni9XksEKIyqPVXpcl61A2-/s1600/GEDC1608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVc9B96plFNRXuIzPt7ikedi_YY1sNOC_1wAeHVyPwNtHF2uAZEWCe3ant7yqW6Kop9k1B3TyxvIVgxUhRhlEsIekEm5uRUQ6VQdeBsTIcnzOnZ1Ri0RW1pni9XksEKIyqPVXpcl61A2-/s320/GEDC1608.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>In front of the evangelical church >>>>><br />
Designed for a giant and hard to miss.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_r95qazIV3zGBfeoWiJiiW-pqca6XVMdA_Pi3Lf2TF0BigWgodW-mxbI2eNwrezYAEdyZCDx3JCzsw1JnjtzwjRmu19HC9BJtrMfglBMwaLMI5mjNAoQndlKvTtYnP4_Dnw6WCSAdSUl/s1600/GEDC1606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_r95qazIV3zGBfeoWiJiiW-pqca6XVMdA_Pi3Lf2TF0BigWgodW-mxbI2eNwrezYAEdyZCDx3JCzsw1JnjtzwjRmu19HC9BJtrMfglBMwaLMI5mjNAoQndlKvTtYnP4_Dnw6WCSAdSUl/s320/GEDC1606.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10748499370910869188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563456583012555283.post-89076118783435547112012-08-31T16:42:00.003-07:002012-08-31T19:04:15.549-07:00The Republican Convention: Another Nail on the GOP Coffin? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPk5Owvo-ZhMOBDM_iTKEtByBGHElllQIfA1dCMsclSHRp7bxJsjfhfq0H2o1kZyGrqlpy4cl7bepTLn2oId7s5wo7ZrrloIPL8kcBi7OuZEcN_BTaOf5jRH79J-MuRjFdd-d-icDVr76S/s1600/We+Built+it.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPk5Owvo-ZhMOBDM_iTKEtByBGHElllQIfA1dCMsclSHRp7bxJsjfhfq0H2o1kZyGrqlpy4cl7bepTLn2oId7s5wo7ZrrloIPL8kcBi7OuZEcN_BTaOf5jRH79J-MuRjFdd-d-icDVr76S/s320/We+Built+it.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, they built it! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>The Republican National Convention (RNC) is finally over. After watching as much of it as it was humanly possible without bursting a blood vessel, we have reached the conclusion that the Republican party no longer exists.<br />
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Some of us expressed our embarrassment for our country and its people and hoped the rest of the world was not watching. (Me included)<br />
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Nice fantasy. This was a train wreck worth watching regardless of the need to grit our teeth and remembering to breathe.<br />
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<br />
The GOP has, blatantly, become the party of cheaters. They changed the rules on the spot to disfranchise a segment of their own party that very vocally demanded to be heard on the floor. No such luck.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKYn4M_i_aHWWBSd7SfutrATtRiiMo18lBD_NQzEtkmRsreq9Vsja_nvB8APvFI_6tr-kFkmojhg2pN0rzM-AxsBELw1xc2dZo2c2tVQ4BoDwabH5S89hO_d3vm4kOMtEmOvRXUdRQpeI/s1600/rnc-minnesota-paul-supporters-cropped-proto-custom_28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKYn4M_i_aHWWBSd7SfutrATtRiiMo18lBD_NQzEtkmRsreq9Vsja_nvB8APvFI_6tr-kFkmojhg2pN0rzM-AxsBELw1xc2dZo2c2tVQ4BoDwabH5S89hO_d3vm4kOMtEmOvRXUdRQpeI/s320/rnc-minnesota-paul-supporters-cropped-proto-custom_28.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron Paul supporters thrown under the bus</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Perhaps a lesson learned is that if this party can manipulate the voting laws in all states, they can easily devour their own without giving it a second thought.<br />
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The RNC convention was a parade of hopeful republican governors touting their own horn and mentioning Mitt Romney in passing.<br />
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Each political official that took the podium made it abundantly clear that they were there to promote themselves into a better position in 2016. The RNC was a mixture of bizarre rhetoric and self-importance.<br />
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Blaming President Obama for the ineptitude of a destructive Congress and the failure of the previous administration was the theme of the night. The speakers threw as much red meat and as many lies as possible to a base that seemed jaded and bored most of the time.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPlpCC4Ow6J_qPqBYpy4v004XqJ4d0b-Bux-KgxPfBYX5IQ_TKoshMD3IO8yiYufVvmDD7j1QAcfnXAmERnt7KiaNcXLMWyESXiCjWpWffTkHtFu9MuD8wOIBlI9DhyYDXiLSLJClqPH1/s1600/gty_marco_rubio_rnc_jef_120830_mn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPlpCC4Ow6J_qPqBYpy4v004XqJ4d0b-Bux-KgxPfBYX5IQ_TKoshMD3IO8yiYufVvmDD7j1QAcfnXAmERnt7KiaNcXLMWyESXiCjWpWffTkHtFu9MuD8wOIBlI9DhyYDXiLSLJClqPH1/s1600/gty_marco_rubio_rnc_jef_120830_mn.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Florida Senator Marco Rubio </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Appealing to the Hispanic community was not a subtle event. Latino-descent governors paraded on the stage touting the grandiosity of a republican party that no longer exists.<br />
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Everyone of these governors recounted their humble beginnings - which are yet to be fact-checked for some and totally debunked for others - and their experiences in leadership positions within the party and their own states. Unfortunately, they were the only Hispanics on attendance.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The audience cheered and applauded on cue when the Hispanics on parade praised the Republican party, or humbly stated their gratitude to a country that gave them great opportunities to succeed. Overall, with very few exceptions, the enthusiasm was sorely lacking.<br />
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Mitt Romney did his best to connect with a Hispanic audience by hoping that those watching at home would identify with his Mexican-born father.<br />
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Unfortunately for Mitt Romney, no one is voting for his Mexican-born father.<br />
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The former governor also threw a morsel to the birthers. Perhaps it was a small offering to keep them from staying home on election day, but he would have fared better had he kept that doggy treat in his pocket instead.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjKFSEF5l809EAjyMAMbn0Mu6T9ZHVA7EH9217lUNBE8EIS9s866cPT69sVHoI-XuEhH2_LyMUVZDnerBb55T1awmk2DlFn5nTiLTMCZWwluplCM6XNgLSbJq5ie6-5-PJ9cVN4A9NiP5/s1600/Romney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjKFSEF5l809EAjyMAMbn0Mu6T9ZHVA7EH9217lUNBE8EIS9s866cPT69sVHoI-XuEhH2_LyMUVZDnerBb55T1awmk2DlFn5nTiLTMCZWwluplCM6XNgLSbJq5ie6-5-PJ9cVN4A9NiP5/s320/Romney.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>As soon as it left his lips, the comment was plastered all over social media.<span style="color: #cc0000;"> "When the world needs someone to do the really big stuff, you need an American." </span>- all that was missing here was the wink - This comment landed hard on those jaded on the stupidity of birtherism. Their disgust was expressed quite openly on Twitter and Facebook.<br />
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The GOP has no cause to wonder the reason they have 0 percent (0%) of the African-American vote, or, why the 'white base' is increasingly more democratic and embarrassed by a GOP association. Those who used to be proud Republicans no longer recognize this party as their own.<br />
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Mr. Romney also tried to connect with another segment of the population that is unlikely to vote for him: Women. Women of all ethnic backgrounds have been raked through the coals by the Republican Party over the past few years and, women, have very long memories.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8ZI-6ncW9Jy91kZywufgkGAXnSNIaoMuKfybp7iniYbzsRzekHrShEgm5dNjJYVQbCCn3nN04OpWFNClvko9dzsMyfoX1wMozo6smPlzQ3BA94Kek49hdjVGd51dmv8HnO0CNp-MFaNw/s1600/Voter+ID+Laws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8ZI-6ncW9Jy91kZywufgkGAXnSNIaoMuKfybp7iniYbzsRzekHrShEgm5dNjJYVQbCCn3nN04OpWFNClvko9dzsMyfoX1wMozo6smPlzQ3BA94Kek49hdjVGd51dmv8HnO0CNp-MFaNw/s1600/Voter+ID+Laws.jpg" /></a></div>Endorsing laws that disfranchise voters by virtue of their surname, ethnicity, and perceived political inclinations, has blown up in the faces of the GOP. These people are not likely voters for a party that represents oppression and control of personal freedoms, choices, and liberties.<br />
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There is no coming back from this. This party needs a major overhaul if it is ever to have any credibility as a viable option in a two-party system. Let alone in a system that would have more than two parties vying for attention and importance.<br />
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For a while we cringed as the minorities were both pandered and maligned with words of "opportunity" and "Welfare" - Social media exploded when the rapid-fire series of lies about President Obama and his policies begun.<br />
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The current GOP has not only offended the 'inconsequential' minorities but mortified the white population by attempting to appeal to racism, bigotry, and a hatred they do not possess. Some felt the need to state on social media: "They don't represent me." and "I am not like that." or, "I have nothing in common with these people."<br />
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They don't need to apologize or differentiate themselves from the fear-war-mongers. Actions have always spoken louder than words and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientation, skin color, or religious beliefs are irrelevant to most people.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZDZD287S5VXSs63QjPfMdCzA6j5CJUpIqqmE5gRaVKCJODmn4Tenx2fE-9RTG4_We98UkSmzVbqb4wq3ovWE6UGG8VVqbzos4BwyTERMzjwi_P39zpQOoeoF_US4W_WGUwAVZFF6fQ0T/s1600/Muslim+symbol+of+Peace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZDZD287S5VXSs63QjPfMdCzA6j5CJUpIqqmE5gRaVKCJODmn4Tenx2fE-9RTG4_We98UkSmzVbqb4wq3ovWE6UGG8VVqbzos4BwyTERMzjwi_P39zpQOoeoF_US4W_WGUwAVZFF6fQ0T/s320/Muslim+symbol+of+Peace.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muslim Symbol of Peace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Which brings us to the next segment, Mitt Romney persisted on instituting "Freedom of Religion" if he becomes president. The audience was not sure how to respond to that at times. They seemed torn trying to assimilate what that meant. Do they not have that now? Was Mitt Romney saying Mormonism has been maligned by the Evangelical audience? Was he addressing members of his church?<br />
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What about Muslims? will Mitt Romney protect them too? - From the way he was talking about going to war with the rest of the (Muslim) world, it did not seem that way.<br />
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There was a time - Sarah Palin's time - when throwing red meat to the audience was energizing to a base that horrified the vast majority of the country. The audience last night did not seem to be responding well to what has become a smelly, odious, and rotten piece of meat. At times, it seemed the responses were forced and the audience had to be coached into having a reaction or paying attention.<br />
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Every good fisherman knows that they need to change the bait in order to attract the catch and appeal to a different variety.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZ8kcK6vNpkUQHrufXAw75kDdGN4S7v_pIVvrQ_KFB0tzGbYdUqp4hSRyE40YeqJk-Yp9x0WDGUA_pHk7SjSMcsiCkAgxwzt9oy7Yc5l_aaE2ViKs6h3Jb4vt6AqjmcuNs7hRFnUnK77-/s1600/eastwood-chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZ8kcK6vNpkUQHrufXAw75kDdGN4S7v_pIVvrQ_KFB0tzGbYdUqp4hSRyE40YeqJk-Yp9x0WDGUA_pHk7SjSMcsiCkAgxwzt9oy7Yc5l_aaE2ViKs6h3Jb4vt6AqjmcuNs7hRFnUnK77-/s320/eastwood-chair.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clint Eastwood talking to a chair</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Clint Eastwood overshadowed Mitt Romney's speech. It was not a helpful stint for the hopeful presidential candidate's biggest introduction to the rest of the country.<br />
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On the bright side, the conversation about invisible President Obama is likely preferable to Mitt Romney's invisible tax returns<br />
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While there were some hopeful rising stars in the form of Susana Martinez of New Mexico and Ted Cruz, solicitor general of Texas, the overall feeling about the convention can be summarized as a failure of epic proportions. This convention was a public disintegration of a party that has lost its center and is hovering near the cliff of doom.<br />
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The contrast between the RNC convention and the DNC's next week will be sharp. The presidential debates will likely push the Republican candidate to the jagged edges of the cliff. If voters prevail, a new Congress of "Can Do" individuals will finalized the GOP demise as a political giant.<br />
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This coming November I will proudly cast my vote for President Obama again. I hope you'll join me.<br />
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Until next week - PEACE to all.<br />
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Fox News Latino: <a href="http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/politics/2012/08/31/opinion-marco-rubio-speech-proves-does-not-speak-for-latinos/">Opinion: Marco Rubio Speech Proves He Does Not Speak For Latinos</a><br />
Politico: <a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0812/80015.html">0 percent of blacks for Mitt Romney</a><br />
MSNBC Media: <a href="http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/MSNBC/Sections/A_Politics/_Today_Stories_Teases/August_NBC-WSJ_Int_Sched.pdf">Poll results and questions asked.</a><br />
TPM:<a href="http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/08/ron-paul-revolt-blows-up-gops-unified-convention.php"> Ron Paul Revolt Blows Up GOP's Unified Convention</a><br />
The Huffington Post: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/30/cnn-camerawoman-peanuts-rnc_n_1843576.html">CNN Camerawoman: Peanut Throwing Incident at Republican Convention 'A Wake Up Call</a><br />
MSNBC - The Ed Show: <a href="http://ed.msnbc.com/_news/2012/07/06/12602696-voter-id-laws-could-disenfranchise-758000-in-pennsylvania?lite">Voter ID laws could disenfranchise 758,000 in Pennsylvania</a><br />
YouTube: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdVM9O2Sx9k">Two Former Republicans Tell Why They No Longer Support The Party</a><br />
<a href="http://www.republicansforobama.org/about">Republicans For Obama</a><br />
The Palm Beach Post: <a href="http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/gop-heaped-praise-on-women-but-will-it-win-womens-/nRQfJ/">GOP heaped praise on women, but will it win women's vote?</a><br />
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Photo Credits: MSNBC, ABC News,<br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10748499370910869188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563456583012555283.post-14373879328592856782012-08-23T22:21:00.003-07:002012-08-24T14:52:00.498-07:00President Obama Strengthened Medicare<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPWLQ0Auw9IgEt4MyBHfbPXoISt1fZQzvyq7qAGfTmov8qIrUAOFTiziZvSVpVKK0fCMzid4VL8h1mjpc0q9QFVJTxk3IawN3LvdSK6GVUf_neCIIiAWT8MQ0DHGliBJ9aVPFlFRZTRmi/s1600/2048px-Obama-st-charles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPWLQ0Auw9IgEt4MyBHfbPXoISt1fZQzvyq7qAGfTmov8qIrUAOFTiziZvSVpVKK0fCMzid4VL8h1mjpc0q9QFVJTxk3IawN3LvdSK6GVUf_neCIIiAWT8MQ0DHGliBJ9aVPFlFRZTRmi/s320/2048px-Obama-st-charles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>About 6 yrs ago, my husband was diagnosed with sleep Apnea and needed a CPAP machine to help him breathe through the night. The people in charge of providing him with the equipment charged Medicare over $1,600 and us almost $200 a month. This is a rental for 13 months, after this period of time, the patient owns it.<br />
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Do the math: 200X13 = $2,600 + $1,600 = $4,200<br />
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The mask did not fit right and the machine was as loud as a revving engine. Needless to say that no matter how hard he tried to sleep with a mask that resembled those worn by a fighter jet pilot, he just could not manage to do so.<br />
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The mask was not designed to move with the patient, and unless he slept on his back the entire night without moving, the stupid thing would slide and the hose would get tangled around his neck and shoulders.<br />
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After a few days of not sleeping (neither him, nor me), he complained about it and requested a mask that would allow him to sleep.<br />
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We were in for a fight.<br />
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The medical supplier's attitude was: "Get used to it and sleep on your back. It costs us money to give you a different mask." <br />
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After explaining to deaf ears that it is impossible for him to sleep on his back due to a failed Laminectomy (or stay in a position for very long), and that the metal rods and screws permanently embedded in his spine make this impossible, he ended returning the machine in less than a month.<br />
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Medicare was charged for at least two months of use and we were charged for one. Money down the drain for everyone involved except the supplier.<br />
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<b>FAST FORWARD</b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgBZ_QpHci6ZM1AslZI7LrAqoetHghqGu2ITH3VvUlr-fzD7A5euFvl0PLrEy1BC5A1yUaZ3si0XTtbOFHDwyAknoXHzBbGftVQDbcfKKG_4m4p01OX1M24rL8LFJtLneFSU1UOjZ0PXf/s1600/Nasal_cpap_for_sas-patient.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgBZ_QpHci6ZM1AslZI7LrAqoetHghqGu2ITH3VvUlr-fzD7A5euFvl0PLrEy1BC5A1yUaZ3si0XTtbOFHDwyAknoXHzBbGftVQDbcfKKG_4m4p01OX1M24rL8LFJtLneFSU1UOjZ0PXf/s1600/Nasal_cpap_for_sas-patient.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CPAP Machine - Sleep Apnea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The day before yesterday, his primary care physician (PCP) went over his chart and asked about his use of the CPAP because of the other issues he is having, namely he thought, related to sleep and fatigue.<br />
<br />
Dr. S., noted that recent studies show a correlation between people with sleep Apnea and the development of different forms of cancer. It was enough to make us pay attention, but there was more to it than that.<br />
<br />
"The brain," as Dr. S. explained, "spends the night fighting for oxygen and unable to relax, even if you think you are sleeping, you really aren't." - "This," he continued, "Also creates other health issues that are harmful to your heart and other internal organs."<br />
<br />
Dr. S. requested that we contact the sleep study facility and have them send the results and numbers to his office and he would get back to us in a few weeks.<br />
<br />
We did as requested and the Sleep Study clinic faxed the documentation immediately. Late that afternoon we got an urgent call from a supplier of medical equipment to come in right away. Dr. S., had set up the appointment for the next afternoon. There was no quibbling over it, it was expected that we show up. Period. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWY1Ad-HDBZFbDDpd4D7UkKi2M3x2UwjqNja5lUUNmgKufxU_e0xoFoQlIL8vUCPV8ME4gn0DnNyyx-RR8ixLq5q_ftPklt_UmjqNBQ5aM2LoD9LgekI8tSJuF4r6a7GHZ2VLFnF0p-Y6/s1600/Sleep+Apnea.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWY1Ad-HDBZFbDDpd4D7UkKi2M3x2UwjqNja5lUUNmgKufxU_e0xoFoQlIL8vUCPV8ME4gn0DnNyyx-RR8ixLq5q_ftPklt_UmjqNBQ5aM2LoD9LgekI8tSJuF4r6a7GHZ2VLFnF0p-Y6/s1600/Sleep+Apnea.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleep Apnea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I know Dr. S., and if he got on the ball this quickly, it means that the numbers and results were alarming enough for him to move everything at the speed of light.<br />
<br />
My husband got a CPAP machine today. It is A) quiet - as in you don't hear anything. Perfect for the spouse that does not need one.<br />
<br />
B) they fitted him with the right mask and told him he had six months to try all the others if that one was not suitable. *WOW*<br />
<br />
C) We signed the bill.<br />
<br />
<b>Here is the kicker:</b> There was no COPAY to the patient and they charged Medicare half the price of what the previous company had charged years ago for an inferior machine and a Darth Vader mask that only fits right in the movies.<br />
<br />
This is first hand knowledge on how President Obama has cut wasteful spending from Medicare by reversing the evils of the past presidency.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9TvrVjp7J13v1J69kaHAdekvaIx54Ky2IisYgfUxGvQqvKQWzUns_TZJmAMgCOqqhOoKYPuoBjuUZCB1eB_TMrjGWNR4VENcWUegJCh6o8fnH2Up5RXcJ988W4-GknZQdrMSveyfYS5y/s1600/romney-pinocchio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9TvrVjp7J13v1J69kaHAdekvaIx54Ky2IisYgfUxGvQqvKQWzUns_TZJmAMgCOqqhOoKYPuoBjuUZCB1eB_TMrjGWNR4VENcWUegJCh6o8fnH2Up5RXcJ988W4-GknZQdrMSveyfYS5y/s320/romney-pinocchio.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mitt Romney Lies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Mitt Romney is lying about the funds cut off from Medicare. Romney is not stating the context of the so-called "Medicare cuts" because facts and context are detrimental to his goals. What has been slashed from Medicare is wasteful spending.<br />
<br />
Medicare is providing better coverage to the elderly and disabled than it has in the past. The donut hole is smaller now and <a href="http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/11493.pdf">will be permanently closed in 2020</a>. The damned donut hole costs thousands of dollars every year per patient and seniors and disabled patients have seen significant savings thus far.<br />
<br />
Medications cost less too and we can feel that in our checking account, which just like my husband, will be breathing a little better moving forward.<br />
<br />
<b>THE EVIL MEDICARE ADVANTAGE</b><br />
<br />
For those who don't know... MEDICARE ADVANTAGE is a PRIVATE insurance company and it cuts into the benefits that Medicare pays and double and triple charges for medical services Medicare can pay by itself at a fraction of the cost. YOU DON'T NEED TO SIGN UP FOR IT. It is a rip off. Furthermore, essential services a patient might need are NOT covered. You can thank President George W. Bush for this<a href="http://www.mariposademocraticclub.org/MedicareAdvantage.html"> wasteful privatization attempt of Medicare </a>known as Medicare Advantage.<br />
<br />
I know we are not the only people out there who have seen a reduction in medical costs in the form of copayments and medications and that means a lot to people struggling to survive/live on a tight fixed income.<br />
<br />
<b>MEDICARE FOR ALL</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20title=%22By%20Pass3456%20(Own%20work)%20[Public%20domain],%20via%20Wikimedia%20Commons%22%20href=%22http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AHealth_care_cost_rise.PNG%22%3E%3Cimg%20width=%22512%22%20alt=%22Health%20care%20cost%20rise%22%20src=%22//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/55/Health_care_cost_rise.PNG%22/%3E%3C/a%3E"></a><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AHealth_care_cost_rise.PNG" title="By Pass3456 (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons"><img alt="Health care cost rise" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/55/Health_care_cost_rise.PNG" width="512" /></a><br />
Many of us are in our 40's and 50's and are too young to have Medicare, but after having experienced both systems, I can't wait until I do.<br />
<br />
We spent years paying for all health related expenses out of our savings due to the "pre-existing" condition. Thanks to President Obama, the insurance companies can no longer deny anyone from a pre-existing condition and this is something that everyone needs to know.<br />
<br />
When someone lives with chronic pain, their ability to fight for their rights is severely diminished. Since my husband got coverage through Medicare, I have not had to fight for his medical care with a $10 hr. employee hell-bent in saving the private insurance money and them getting a bonus through denying care (I had a neighbor who did this for a living. One of the most miserably unhappy people I have ever met.)<br />
<br />
We all pay into the system through years of contributions. The coverage is far superior to private insurance and worth a mention, but can't stress loudly enough how much better than the coverage is not having to fight for the right medication or treatment options. Having no stress in this area is priceless when you are juggling a thousand other things and keeping your life as normal as possible when dealing with disabling conditions.<br />
<br />
<b>Case in point:</b> When the surgeon who wanted to operate on my husband turned out to be a quack, we sought a second opinion out of state and had the surgery done safely with real professionals at Stanford Medical. Try doing that with a private insurance company.<br />
<br />
We did not have to jump through hoops. We only had to figure out the price of a hotel, time frame, and cost of gas.<br />
<br />
Everyone in this country should have that peace of mind. It is a human right that no one should be denied.<br />
<br />
Nationalized Health Care works in every industrialized country and has shown to work here just as well in the form of Medicare for the elderly and disabled of any age. The military and government officials have socialized medical coverage. Only the Middle Class is excluded from having the same rights while they are the ones paying for it all.<br />
<br />
The Mitt Romney's of this world want to privatize Medicare and Social Security because there are billions of dollars screaming to go to offshore accounts. They don't want us to know what it feels like to have Medicare, because in the words of Mitch McConnell: "We can't give this to the people, they would like it."<br />
<br />
Damn right we would!<br />
<br />
PEACE<br />
<br />
U.S. Dept. Of Health and Human Services: <a href="http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sleepapnea/">What is Sleep Apnea?</a><br />
<div>The New York Times: <a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/20/sleep-apnea-tied-to-increased-cancer-risk/">Sleep Apnea Tied to Increased Cancer</a></div><div>American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine; <a href="http://ajrccm.atsjournals.org/cgi/reprint/185/1_MeetingAbstracts/A1047?sid=b23fce7b-bc75-4a09-9492-4f762e61d6f6">Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Cancer Mortality: Results from the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study.</a></div><div>Mayo Clinic: <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/laminectomy/MY00674/DSECTION=what-you-can-expect">Laminectomy; What you can expect</a></div><div>WebMD: <a href="http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/decompressive-laminectomy-for-spinal-stenosis">Decompressive Laminectomy for Spinal Stenosis</a></div><div>The New York Times: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/22/us/politics/costs-seen-in-romneys-medicare-savings-plan.html?_r=1">Patients Would Pay More if Romney Restores Medicare Savings</a></div><div>The Washington Post: <a href="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/ezra-klein/2009/10/the_medicare_advantage_scam.html">The Medicare Advantage Scam</a> by Ezra Kline</div><div>ABC News: <a href="http://www.mariposademocraticclub.org/MedicareAdvantage.html">President Obama: I have Strengthened Medicare</a></div><div>Orlando Sentinel: <a href="http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/health/2012/02/02/medicare-patients-get-closer-to-closing-%E2%80%98donut-hole%E2%80%99-in-prescription-costs-says-health-secretary-sebelius/">Medicare patients get closer to closing 'donut hole' in prescription costs</a></div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Image Credit:</b> By Habib M'henni + User:DMY [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons</div><div>Mitt/Pinocchio credit to <a href="http://planetpov.com/2012/04/04/he-doesnt-wish-he-could-be-a-real-boy-romnocchio/">PlanetPoV</a></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10748499370910869188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563456583012555283.post-72922939015330762232012-08-13T16:31:00.005-07:002012-08-13T18:24:17.924-07:00Cosmopolitan: Helen Gurley Brown's Legacy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgM8QbTQAzSBAYDd-yPy_ovx3iyMgjO5HqyctbOMXYbSazeTBzvg1TTYw7a1DvGQe3wzYrqWbnUKpn5KXHqWW7K2c0R-h0qImfF8h0RINwTS7VyrABtmAmXJIF3bjLTmWbz8b21ozYkeY/s1600/Helen_Gurley_Brown_1964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgM8QbTQAzSBAYDd-yPy_ovx3iyMgjO5HqyctbOMXYbSazeTBzvg1TTYw7a1DvGQe3wzYrqWbnUKpn5KXHqWW7K2c0R-h0qImfF8h0RINwTS7VyrABtmAmXJIF3bjLTmWbz8b21ozYkeY/s320/Helen_Gurley_Brown_1964.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helen Gurley Brown - 1964<br />
1922 - 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Helen Gurley Brown, world-renowned editor for Cosmpolitan Magazine, passed away at the age of 90.<br />
<br />
Ms. Brown was a pioneer in a field dominated by men and became a success by not following the standard tried-and-true formulas of magazines geared towards women. While it is hard to dispute that the magazine is a lot of fluff and advertisement now, and has been for years, it is indisputable that Helen Gurley Brown tackled "taboo" subjects in magazine articles with refined elegance.<br />
<br />
For many young women, the topics and divergent views from the previous generation was empowering. The raised eyebrows and curiosity kept people reading and helped shaped the discourse of what it meant to be a woman. Cosmopolitan stood out on the shelves.<br />
<br />
The vast majority of magazines geared to women tackled the difficult issues of housekeeping, recipes, and how to become a Donna Reed clone. In essence, they boxed women into an inescapable, but acceptable container of societal comfort. Cosmopolitan magazine made the other publications geared toward women seem antiquated. Great care was taken to print articles that were relevant to the realities of single women.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Y3P9OO0bA4ijMifHL5UFZphjekrZwCPGCQHWVKsmUcXbMPCDo8k1dLbLwp5eNCSoeyt1-E5GWy4mYC8SfrBWeuCww6GNsFtWMfPKecTGatvVbGu035sQZw8NAYP7hspwo-uegfBjjqSR/s1600/512px-Johanna_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Y3P9OO0bA4ijMifHL5UFZphjekrZwCPGCQHWVKsmUcXbMPCDo8k1dLbLwp5eNCSoeyt1-E5GWy4mYC8SfrBWeuCww6GNsFtWMfPKecTGatvVbGu035sQZw8NAYP7hspwo-uegfBjjqSR/s320/512px-Johanna_1.JPG" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Johanna Lasic - Miss Argentina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Cosmopolitan gave women a window to "something else" - Something besides the marriage track, kids, and dutiful homemaker. The glossy ads of flawless (air brushed) models in Park Avenue hair, make-up, and evening wear created a vision of "more and better" that translated well into designer sales.<br />
<br />
Beauty salons were not only inspired to do things differently, but services that involved pampering, rejuvenation, hair removal, and many others, emerged and thrived. In short, and entire industry profited from women giving themselves permission to embark in professional careers and be as sexy as they wanted to be at the same time.<br />
<br />
She tackled sexuality outside of the confine of marriage and created an uproar when she published <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1569802521/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1569802521&linkCode=as2&tag=httpspousalca-20">Sex and The Single Girl: Before There Was Sex in the City, There Was (Cult Classics)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=httpspousalca-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1569802521" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> Ms. Brown.<br />
<br />
Helen Hurley Brown is largely responsible for women believing that "having it all" meant having it all at the same time. As we have found out with passing generations, having it all at the same time is not a one-size-fits-all, nor do we get to enjoy all of it. However, she made it possible for women to think and act outside of societal constrains. This made a huge difference to a generation of women that did not think twice about persuing their passions in science, music, research, and yes, CEO's of companies. - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0671458132/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0671458132&linkCode=as2&tag=httpspousalca-20">Having It All: Love, Success, Sex, Money Even If You're Starting With Nothing</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=httpspousalca-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0671458132" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<div><br />
</div><div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0671458132/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0671458132&linkCode=as2&tag=httpspousalca-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0671458132&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=httpspousalca-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=httpspousalca-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0671458132" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=httpspousalca-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=1569802521" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><b>Helen Gurley Brown quotes on women's sexuality:</b><br />
<br />
"Good Girls go to Heaven, bad girls go everywhere."<br />
<br />
"Cosmo is feminist in that we believe women are just as smart and capable as men and can achieve anything they want. But it also acknowledges that while work is important, men are, too. The Cosmo girl absolutely loves men!"<br />
<br />
"One of the paramount reasons for staying attractive is so you can have somebody to go to bed with."<br />
<br />
"... If you did not have a husband you might as well go to the Grand Canyon and throw yourself in..."<br />
<br />
"...If you were having sex with a man and you were not married? Well, your reputation was just shot."<br />
<br />
<b>On her thoughts about work: </b><br />
<br />
"I care, I care a lot. I think of Cosmopolitan all day and I run scared. So it is a combination of frights, caring and anxiety."<br />
<br />
"My success was not based so much on any great intelligence but on great common sense."<br />
<br />
"Beauty can't amuse you, but brain work - reading, writing, thinking - can."<br />
"I was mousy on the outside but inside I am this tiger and I have to get on with it."<br />
<br />
Rest in PEACE and thank you for empowering a generation of women.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Legendary-editor-Helen-Gurley-Brown-dies-3784845.php">Legendary Editor Helen G. Hurley Brown Dies</a><br />
<br />
Image Credit: <a href="http://creative%20commons%20cc0%201.0/">Silhouette</a> Johanna Lasic: By Creator:Johanna Lasic (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10748499370910869188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563456583012555283.post-5534557468432739952012-08-11T20:40:00.002-07:002012-08-11T21:00:05.930-07:00How to get State I.D. in time for Voting.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrH6nvs9WOh4Y1RfWMW8wCSo0YY0mQkZrty7c7k6Vki23abvyTbB2q87CVKSQaQDZGq3hrUEYnnc4syLx8Cifo2B3WDfmyyail2FopKIDZ9Vl8GRu3g2jo_Rsf_qzIXMZVYXSNU5ViL0i/s1600/Social+Security.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrH6nvs9WOh4Y1RfWMW8wCSo0YY0mQkZrty7c7k6Vki23abvyTbB2q87CVKSQaQDZGq3hrUEYnnc4syLx8Cifo2B3WDfmyyail2FopKIDZ9Vl8GRu3g2jo_Rsf_qzIXMZVYXSNU5ViL0i/s320/Social+Security.png" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clinton Lester Booker (Deceased)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>A Friend (@Olithechef) had her purse stolen and has been busy going about the business of reclaiming her identity. She found something interesting in the process of reclaiming her Social Security card and State I.D. - This may be valuable for those who need a State I.D. to vote in the most restricted voting states like Ohio.<br />
<br />
This is specially helpful for those who are young and have a social security number, but no physical card. Many parents have held on to their kid's original social security cards and waited for the right time for the kids to have them only to find out that they were misplaced or forgotten.<br />
<br />
<b>Below is her recount:</b><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">The only think that the SS Department will accept if you don't have ID; they'll accept insurance information or a paper from the doctors saying you were there. You information must be on the paper, including your Social Security number. (They don't care about birth certificate, bills, tax infor. NOTHING except insurance or doctor.)<br />
I asked him "What if you don't have insurance or have not been to a doctor for a while (ME - I am healthy as a horse) and he said; "Go to the free clinic, get an appointment for a general check up (which is free) and tell them you don't have ID."</span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">So I did it. I walked in, gave them my information, got a check up and asked them to copy my information on the page. I went back to the Social Security office with ALL my papers, and the only thing he took was my paper from the clinic, punched it in, handed me a piced of paper back and said; "Your SS card will be there in 5 days."</span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">At that time I'll take my Social Security card, two proof of address (Bills, letters) to the DMV and get my license or State ID. The license is the only thing that costs me. It is that simple."</span></blockquote><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=10,0,0,0" height="245" id="msnbc310577" width="420"><param name="movie" value="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32545640" /><param name="FlashVars" value="launch=48603515&width=420&height=245" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><embed name="msnbc310577" src="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32545640" width="420" height="245" FlashVars="launch=48603515&width=420&height=245" allowscriptaccess="always" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object>
<div style="background: transparent; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center; width: 420px;">Visit NBCNews.com for <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #999 !important; color: #5799DB !important; font-weight: normal !important; height: 13px; text-decoration: none !important;">breaking news</a>, <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032507" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #999 !important; color: #5799DB !important; font-weight: normal !important; height: 13px; text-decoration: none !important;">world news</a>, and <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032072" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #999 !important; color: #5799DB !important; font-weight: normal !important; height: 13px; text-decoration: none !important;">news about the economy</a></div><blockquote class="tr_bq">Image Credit: By United States Social Security Administration (United States Social Security Administration) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons</blockquote></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10748499370910869188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563456583012555283.post-75816116600527381842012-08-02T17:56:00.002-07:002013-08-02T11:58:50.271-07:00The Fear Factor: Louis Farrakhan is on the CIA payroll and Blacks will riot<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLZeyfQyZ-CYBiUfaZszfp9TyGIgZGlkiiNhfpWOTc6FiajbP-3ZSSGkqnkzZcGkEfUfeKNow1yY3iXQfuNeOfHmBxbczfrado1jhBloisJROrmM_Npo_eeRDpSiD4JxsCkwup86YyjYv/s1600/KKK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLZeyfQyZ-CYBiUfaZszfp9TyGIgZGlkiiNhfpWOTc6FiajbP-3ZSSGkqnkzZcGkEfUfeKNow1yY3iXQfuNeOfHmBxbczfrado1jhBloisJROrmM_Npo_eeRDpSiD4JxsCkwup86YyjYv/s320/KKK.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Racism in America</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today's article is longer than what the experts claim Americans can handle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope they are wrong.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has been a while since we wrote about the ugliness of racism and how it is perpetuated by those who need it to further their political agenda. We all know that divided people create easy pickings and the victor get the spoils.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In an article published back in August 20, 2011, we touched on different types of racists and how their primal fears are used against them to provoke chaos in society.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Below is an excerpt to set the tone on what the right wing nuts are predicting will happen in this upcoming presidential election:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: 15.454545021057129px; font-style: italic; line-height: 19.09090805053711px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: 15.454545021057129px; font-style: italic; line-height: 19.09090805053711px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Arrogant buy AK-47s, military fatigues and survival rations. They know, they just know, that someone is coming for their women, their land and their food. They must be prepared for these upcoming events. The billion dollar industry that feeds on their paranoia continues to laugh all the way to the bank.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i style="font-size: 15.454545021057129px; line-height: 19.09090805053711px;"><span style="color: blue;">The Arrogant crowd are tired of being on edge </span><b>and can't wait to instigate a horrific confrontation in which they will feel vindicated.</b><span style="color: blue;"> They taunt by bringing their weapons to public places and use intimidation techniques to </span><b>provoke "others"</b><span style="color: blue;"> - specially if they are white, but liberal, or elitist democrats who betrayed their race by </span><b>supporting an "Other" into the White House</b><span style="color: blue;">.... (</span></i><a href="http://oliviaemisar.blogspot.com/2011/08/racism.html" style="font-size: 15.454545021057129px; line-height: 19.09090805053711px;">you can read the rest here</a>.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The new conspiracy theory is viewed by the media as laughable and ridiculous. It has been dismissed as the ranting of lunatics that have invested heavily in tin foil hats while spending all their disposable income in stockpiling ammunition and military-style food rations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let's take a look at this conspiracy theory from a different perspective: <b>Code for doing exactly what they hope one of these lunatics will do.</b></span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyl2OEnYYLwyvnK8-SwzZgyERx6wPxXZ56laQHM0AymyieOg-JMTd8tVYNHgMIimYX4FPli34HdyyUYBIRsebTQRvTlsYYxoMuwE2hV9gxwMNSQL_sjeBlGpC3yaSiHRHjHcDbi7PWImlw/s1600/Wattsriots-policearrest-loc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyl2OEnYYLwyvnK8-SwzZgyERx6wPxXZ56laQHM0AymyieOg-JMTd8tVYNHgMIimYX4FPli34HdyyUYBIRsebTQRvTlsYYxoMuwE2hV9gxwMNSQL_sjeBlGpC3yaSiHRHjHcDbi7PWImlw/s320/Wattsriots-policearrest-loc.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watt's Riots - August 12, 1965</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The Plan:</b> instill fear and trigger a reaction that will result in riots. Racially motivated riots will give the lunatics the presumed justification for going on a murdering rampage of "Others"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the article describing the hoped for events, the seeds of suspicion are clearly planted; The Trayvon Martin murder is cited as a key point in the conspiracy theory. The shooting that took place at the White House is another. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So far we have fear of black people, recognizable names, and actual (unrelated) events. Let the conspiracy continue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Other important elements</b>: A deep-throat-like source at the Department of Homeland Security - whose <span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">“super-secret code name.” is Rosebud. </span><span style="background-color: white;">(<i>I kid you not, this is what the author said</i>)</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"> The author claims that the super-secret name's origin is only known to three people and one of them is no longer part of the scene.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> The suspense is killing us.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfb_bM4k0rUBz2R4dlTLRDUhbZ_M3XvX9TGF78RYJWWEhbE3LY4AWtPIcId-RLzU8OoPylvOmii8E0rUzDrzM46Bh9YwH5teFnVYFKcqVemUeZS3K2mDmsrCzeXzLpOioetfWL-hkdSI7/s1600/Citizen_Kane-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfb_bM4k0rUBz2R4dlTLRDUhbZ_M3XvX9TGF78RYJWWEhbE3LY4AWtPIcId-RLzU8OoPylvOmii8E0rUzDrzM46Bh9YwH5teFnVYFKcqVemUeZS3K2mDmsrCzeXzLpOioetfWL-hkdSI7/s320/Citizen_Kane-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Or maybe not.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">We could just infer that the author of this fantasy lacks imagination and ripped off the name from the movie "Citizen Kane" - A biography about Randolph Hearst. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Spoiler Alert:</b> Rosebud was the name of Randolph Hearst sled. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can we assume that this character was invented by the author to create a bit of separation from his lunacy? or that there is someone claiming to be an employee of the Dept. of Homeland Security that has A) an ax to grind, or B) Homeland Security is not in the habit of vetting their employees? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Either way, the conspiracy theory gains a sense of mystery and danger that is essential to keep the hopeful reading. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVDFyasr4NiXh5tVktODeJY8DOMP6ulFGOX8VPI-KiXTxqIf-IdvsbYiKqSJPQU2TKA9u7LcX2QqpRI3e_J5p2Eto9AtiQAHOStLK9IPF-TCAfrx3vmlai3bhiawCgaF1Mr8RVenoJeSS/s1600/crosshairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVDFyasr4NiXh5tVktODeJY8DOMP6ulFGOX8VPI-KiXTxqIf-IdvsbYiKqSJPQU2TKA9u7LcX2QqpRI3e_J5p2Eto9AtiQAHOStLK9IPF-TCAfrx3vmlai3bhiawCgaF1Mr8RVenoJeSS/s320/crosshairs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah Palin's Crosshairs map</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now we get to the really "good part," where this man, or men, draw a map for everyone whose tin foil hat has a tiny hole through which they can 'hear' the voices of impending doom and action.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is akin to putting cross hairs on a map and not expecting an emotionally disturbed individual to take it upon himself to find a direction for his hatred.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The right wing consistently denies provoking the atmosphere in which these types of event can, and do, happen. In this case, they will deny any events arising from using the following rhetoric and making it <b>go viral</b> (which is a point of pride made on the article):</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: blue;">Watch for a false flag </span><b>event against Obama or his family</b><span style="color: blue;">, something that will </span><b>outrage ‘black America.’</b><span style="color: blue;"> It will be carefully choreographed, but executed in a manner that will evoke the ugliest of reactions and </span><b>create racial chaos in this country</b><span style="color: blue;"> that </span><b>will make the Watts riots, 1968 and the Rodney King riots pale in comparison.</b><span style="color: blue;"> That’s the third leg in this.” .... "....</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">stating <b>that “a civil war” </b>is the more appropriate term." ..."...</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">They are revolutionaries, and revolutionaries thrive on <b>chaos,</b>” "...</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Economic<b> chaos, chaos </b>through <b>racial division</b>, and<b> chaos</b> through class <b>division</b>,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"> ..." "... </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><b>Farrakhan </b>(Working for the CIA) is to coordinate<b> the Blacks and the Muslims </b>to prepare for <b>riots this summer, using any means necessary.”</b></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Additional red meat found in the conspiracy theory article; <b>"... <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">It is common knowledge that Obama is not an American,..."</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See what they did there? instructions and justification for anyone that answers the short electrical brain waves penetrating the tin foil. It should be obvious that they expect one of their unstable followers to reach into their stash of stale bullets, and go Rambo against our President and anyone on the street that looks like him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Needless to say that "this summer" is almost over and the riots have not happened, but hey! we can't have reality intrude in conspiracy theories can we? - The worst part is that the hatred before the election is reaching critical mass in social media and we have reason to fear these lunatics.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">People targeted in this bizarre article include:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Valerie Jarrett, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Louis Farrakhan, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bernanke, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gheitner, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bill Clinton, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hillary Clinton, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">George Soros, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Henry Kissinger, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jon Corzine.</span></span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5iAp8fScm1iADWW47M2ehSppI9zJVumKNRs69qN56LuZJlbRvCAd0cOQamXiCNeffHZD-V24qhQh7CVwP9amkBA-bXKP7NOvs3WoWSn_kQSAX5FPgsxz7j2NKBagY7B2skCLLPYSw3AU/s1600/20070826_Bush_Gonzales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5iAp8fScm1iADWW47M2ehSppI9zJVumKNRs69qN56LuZJlbRvCAd0cOQamXiCNeffHZD-V24qhQh7CVwP9amkBA-bXKP7NOvs3WoWSn_kQSAX5FPgsxz7j2NKBagY7B2skCLLPYSw3AU/s320/20070826_Bush_Gonzales.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">President Bush and Alberto Gonzales at the Ranch<br />
August 26, 2007</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In order to give the theory additional red meat, the following false statements are made against our president:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Look at his lavish vacations, his limited work schedule, and those with whom he is working. This is a very dangerous man who has, as his closest advisors, people who have orchestrated the revolutions of the 1960s</span>. </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not enough red meat? A black man with limited work schedule (code for lazy. No reference to W. Bush spending the majority of his presidency MIA. The same thing he did when 'serving' in the National Guard) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take a look how they represent Timothy Geithner: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>"</i></span></span><i><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Do you actually think that the fact that Timothy Geithner’s father worked with Obama’s mother in Indonesia was coincidental,” .... "...</span></i></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>including George Soros, Henry Kissinger</i>,</span>"</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The plot and conspiracy thickens through invocations of European economic crisis and the hopeful implosion of the American economy. <b>Chaos, chaos</b> is invoked a lot. They love their<b> chaos</b>. The more confusion the better.</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqWvCOREqcSaXPm9op5swGaUHHyQDBnirBqZnOj3M5j4H1m70yw_i3Nkn9eT0c8fxmXnCDerwIKaNVtJ-3xbooc9vjsgzlL7KRofV9pdvbOMbTbWotTIM7-2YKHXQ5TetygROf2Rs0kdl/s1600/360px-US_Department_of_Homeland_Security_Seal.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqWvCOREqcSaXPm9op5swGaUHHyQDBnirBqZnOj3M5j4H1m70yw_i3Nkn9eT0c8fxmXnCDerwIKaNVtJ-3xbooc9vjsgzlL7KRofV9pdvbOMbTbWotTIM7-2YKHXQ5TetygROf2Rs0kdl/s200/360px-US_Department_of_Homeland_Security_Seal.svg.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The real Homeland Security</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Doug Hagmann is the author of this bizarre conspiracy theory. His reports are almost identical to anything created by the feverish imagination of Breitbart, and O'Keefe. Unfortunately, he has a following in Canada and the USA through the Northeast Intelligence Network and he is the director at **<i><b>homeland security us dot com. </b>Sound legitimate right?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I loathe putting a link to the full article here, so I'll ask that you Google "The planned re-election of Obama revolutionary style" , or Doug's name, or Canada Free Press. You will find this is just one of the many incendiary articles that are fodder for the nut jobs on the fringe of society.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What we need to be concerned about is that the whackadoodles are fondling their AK-47's awaiting for their moment of glory and orchestrated chaos.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As decent human beings, we may want to keep handy the following information and report any "free speech" about assassinating our president, and, or his family. Social media anonymity is easy to unravel by the real professionals.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.secretservice.gov/field_offices.shtml"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">United States Secret Service</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.dhs.gov/files/reportincidents/index.shtm#0"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Homeland Security</span></a><br />
<a href="https://tips.fbi.gov/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Federal Bureau of Investigation</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.cia.gov/contact-cia/index.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Central Intelligence Agency</span></a><br />
<br />
Articles on Racism:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://oliviaemisar.blogspot.com/2012/03/racism-as-entertainment.html">Racism as Entertainment</a><br />
<a href="http://oliviaemisar.blogspot.com/2011/05/professor-cornell-west-has-made-some.html">Professor Cornell West and President Obama</a><br />
<a href="http://oliviaemisar.blogspot.com/2011/09/dinosaurs-terrified-angry-white-men.html">Terrified Angry White Men</a><br />
<br />
<b>**</b> <i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The right wing organizations ALWAYS use names that will automatically link their corporations, organizations, and projects to the Federal government. It is a marketing technique that does not invite scrutiny of the organizations, newspapers, or the qualifications of the individuals involved.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Images credit: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">KKK</span>: </span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Ku Klux Klansmen and women at a cross lighting in on November 12th, 2005.</span><i style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:GNU_Free_Documentation_License_1.2" style="background-image: none; color: #0b0080;" title="Commons:GNU Free Documentation License 1.2">GNU Free Documentation License</a></i><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/Wattsriots-policearrest-loc.jpg">Watt's Riots</a>: </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">By New York World-Telegram (LOC) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Citizen Kane: </span><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">By RKO (Citizen Kane, trailer) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Bush at the Ranch: Public Domain</span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10748499370910869188noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563456583012555283.post-6617746091079054772012-07-28T13:09:00.002-07:002012-07-28T21:34:51.414-07:00England Olympics: A Time of Reflection and Acceptance<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX0ktwPd6JtBAoJ-LL0NnEFWugWCrc3CASBkfZYMRwkPh9BrFjqMwJEOx7Vrut6ztDdCa9tXEmWUxElgt5gSZXg537bxVR6ktBpALbfWKwDxKfawWpIeL8NDMMkM1SerkkMPhCoMXcWUBn/s1600/Olympic+Torch+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX0ktwPd6JtBAoJ-LL0NnEFWugWCrc3CASBkfZYMRwkPh9BrFjqMwJEOx7Vrut6ztDdCa9tXEmWUxElgt5gSZXg537bxVR6ktBpALbfWKwDxKfawWpIeL8NDMMkM1SerkkMPhCoMXcWUBn/s320/Olympic+Torch+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Olympic torch was lit last night and the cheers from the crowd are the same at every Olympic venue; Hopeful, joyful, and exciting.<br />
<br />
It means something to know that that flame burns brightly for us, regardless of country of origin or ethnic background. Regardless of ideology, political views or gender.<br />
<br />
For some, their own aspirations to an Olympic medal or simply participating in a future event, fuels their determination to continue training and making the necessary healthy choices that one day, will get them there.<br />
<br />
For others, the notion of a united and peaceful world becomes more tangible when they see that all nations are competing in the same games and do so with grace and civility.<br />
<br />
There are those who are competitive and can't help but to compare previous venues and criticize the current planning, opening ceremonies, or complain about international judges.<br />
<br />
It is worthy to note that these people have never had anything positive to say about present or past venues unless the games were held in US soil. The commentary on forums from previous Olympic games are horribly charged with ethnocentric, and often, racist vitriol.<br />
<br />
One of the worst I had ever seen where the running commentary on a few forums during the Winter Olympics in Canada.<br />
<br />
The Americans participants bashed everything about the opening ceremonies while the Canadian participants responded politely or not at all. Several Americans with an obviously more expanded world-view, responded in the same manner as the Canadians, while others felt it was more productive to retaliate against the embarrassment of their own countrymen by going straight for the jugular.<br />
<br />
It got ugly.<br />
<br />
It quickly became political. The shame of having these people show their ignorance and hatred in public was a National embarrassment. More than most could bear.<br />
<br />
There were apologies on forums to the Canadians with disclaimers that all Americans do not fit that profile. Fortunately for us, Canadians are well aware of that.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately for us, a great number of Americans are not.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNyFAykouueuBmcMCwsgXqJV2JYoym1S0TEyrL3q1_T9lWLf690L0hQvIqJqNcufr3XhXTRs7fqNdjj7II9jf-3oHkrO1G26rMjVeHVMGy8XIig9kW0wCWmzSfir0SyKsrlpQNihFXS4U/s1600/enhanced-buzz-13812-1343330975-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNyFAykouueuBmcMCwsgXqJV2JYoym1S0TEyrL3q1_T9lWLf690L0hQvIqJqNcufr3XhXTRs7fqNdjj7II9jf-3oHkrO1G26rMjVeHVMGy8XIig9kW0wCWmzSfir0SyKsrlpQNihFXS4U/s320/enhanced-buzz-13812-1343330975-9.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via worldwidecrazynews.Blogspot.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Now the Olympics are in Britain and many wonder if the British, due to their distance from our shores, are aware that all Americans are not as clueless, arrogant and offensive as Mitt Romney. Specially in light of British newspapers and commentary comparing Romney unfavorably to another American production and disaster: Sarah Palin.<br />
<br />
The short answer is yes. They are fully aware that we are not all the same or are as uncouth and insecure as Mitt Romney.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, they know we have a much better and positive side because their educational system teaches them about the world, not just their own history.<br />
<br />
Ours? not so much. Our kids' lessons are all about American Revolution, American history, American supremacy... How can we expect the adults in the aforementioned forums to be civilized and understanding of other cultures when what little they have learned, has been slanted in such a manner that superiority is no longer a complex to be ashamed of, but to brag about viciously?<br />
<br />
This has obviously been going on for a very long time, here is an excerpt from Mitt Romney's book and he is no Spring chicken:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="color: #111609; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic;">England [sic] is just a small island. Its roads and houses are small. With few exceptions, it doesn't make things that people in the rest of the world want to buy. And if it hadn't been separated from the continent by water, it almost certainly would have been lost to Hitler's ambitions. Yet only two lifetimes ago, Britain ruled the largest and wealthiest empire in the history of humankind. Britain controlled a quarter of the earth's land and a quarter of the earth's population</span><span style="color: #111609; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic;">.</span></span></blockquote><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1a-e1DM-q91yCu84iWXFuIhI61OO82mCnAovzjzBhzcJjaiYqq0t-wGPZdIsfwmIuzARw6syAVf7IUPbm-Vl98f3sL8LQoJQ28Qj8Yzj53iWrTMyKwoZbzbZph0XKIGNSpioDgvGp8ja/s1600/bob-costas.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1a-e1DM-q91yCu84iWXFuIhI61OO82mCnAovzjzBhzcJjaiYqq0t-wGPZdIsfwmIuzARw6syAVf7IUPbm-Vl98f3sL8LQoJQ28Qj8Yzj53iWrTMyKwoZbzbZph0XKIGNSpioDgvGp8ja/s1600/bob-costas.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bob Costas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Our media reinforces these insecurities by providing us with coverage from the same people we have come to associate with Olympic coverage. Every two years, there is an Olympic event, and every two years, the American public is bombarded with stories about our own well-heeled, pampered athletes.<br />
<br />
We rarely hear about the likes of a Jamaican bobsled team unless it is to make a joke or dismiss them outright as not medal worthy.<br />
<br />
Not everyone is blood thirsty. Many know a medal is not within their grasp but they want to participate in a peaceful world event because they too, want to represent their country in its best light.<br />
<br />
What is it about this notion that is not sexy enough for the media? Why is this not more than enough for us to cheer each participant's struggles and achievements regardless of country or ethnic background?<br />
<br />
Time to reflect and think.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IwztvCEd8_3cdXaQF6IWyqXw7QeWt-uHzW4JgmfLD2nwDiDh0zRGZ34zImzDagfFJEjpumxJed5WdMoz4E-SVBR0AGL7R4er2qTNpYqDownm4ITSiDiTsTmfRIamRWkDjNIvtyxGCtMR/s1600/Jamaican+Bobsled+team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IwztvCEd8_3cdXaQF6IWyqXw7QeWt-uHzW4JgmfLD2nwDiDh0zRGZ34zImzDagfFJEjpumxJed5WdMoz4E-SVBR0AGL7R4er2qTNpYqDownm4ITSiDiTsTmfRIamRWkDjNIvtyxGCtMR/s320/Jamaican+Bobsled+team.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamaican Bobsled Team - 1988</td></tr>
</tbody></table>What did it take to be a group of people from a tropical island to be competitors in a winter event? How hard was this for them without the financial support of mega-corporations willing to brand every piece of equipment, and dish out lucrative contracts on the athletes afterward?<br />
<br />
It took a lot. It took passion and determination for the Jamaican Bobsled team to get to the Olympics. Their goal was simple: They wanted to participate and join the rest of the world.<br />
<br />
Nothing to laugh about. Certainly something to admire.<br />
<br />
A movie called "Cool Runnings" brought these people into our collective frame of reference, but how many of these teams and individuals have we missed? How many great human stories have we been denied learning because they were not Americans? - Our loss.<br />
<br />
Our national hero seems to be Michael Phelps this time around again. He is a phenomenal athlete and surely he will win some medals. He will be hailed as a god if he gets them all in gold, but degrading commentary from our own media will soon follow if they are silver, bronze... or heaven's forbid, none at all.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBSu9kS7dPbyGQLhBIE7w60eovnSGLoCOFGjPBD8eR49371vE4yu4eWeFjr9pUQ4ejozsQGyGcB5Al97VWW2GSX8r6_0Q-OIe3-0CqVHRG18qDvIjKyL0X0MD4iMVQc0-3T6RN4XlmKo-d/s1600/michael-phelps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBSu9kS7dPbyGQLhBIE7w60eovnSGLoCOFGjPBD8eR49371vE4yu4eWeFjr9pUQ4ejozsQGyGcB5Al97VWW2GSX8r6_0Q-OIe3-0CqVHRG18qDvIjKyL0X0MD4iMVQc0-3T6RN4XlmKo-d/s320/michael-phelps.jpg" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Phelps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The media will make comments about enhancement drugs and will vilify the athlete's country of origin of whoever, rightfully, earned the medal. They will also say Michael Phelps was too old or jaded. Someone will bring up again the photos of him and a marijuana bong.<br />
<br />
The beat goes on.<br />
<br />
These events are multi-billion dollar events and not everyone is competing on a leveled field. I hope we take the time, and have the opportunity to get to know the athletes from American Samoa, Andorra, Senegal and those other places most of America can't find on a map.<br />
<br />
It is truly worth it for our own edification and personal growth.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I predict, we will have to be embarrassed by our own media coverage and feel compelled to apologize to the world for comments on blogs degrading Britain and its people. So without wasting anymore time, here is a preemptive apology:<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;">To all our international readers and citizens: I apologize for those Americans that offend you. We want you to know, we are not all like them. They are the reason we just can't have nice things or travel outside our own country.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;">Best wishes to all participants in the Olympics. This is your moment, your time, and our pleasure.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;">Thank you for keeping HOPE alive.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;">PEACE to all</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10748499370910869188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563456583012555283.post-84833553490286874192012-07-16T14:29:00.004-07:002012-07-16T15:17:03.014-07:00Mitt Romney Needs a V.P.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKxHe4gAlxGrT17FXIBLNaumRI9V-fTzuCaYfcGJpFBpa7KShHxTPJiQsrTmIG0SBUazsDgmThVsgVO4mGbe5Dj47-u8RL7bDxDbAxK-YpBjH1bHlpV4Eebglou3YXmjUMO_300kbdjpw/s1600/la-pn-former-president-george-hw-bush-endorses-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKxHe4gAlxGrT17FXIBLNaumRI9V-fTzuCaYfcGJpFBpa7KShHxTPJiQsrTmIG0SBUazsDgmThVsgVO4mGbe5Dj47-u8RL7bDxDbAxK-YpBjH1bHlpV4Eebglou3YXmjUMO_300kbdjpw/s320/la-pn-former-president-george-hw-bush-endorses-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bush Sr. Endorses Mitt Romney</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The flurry of commentary regarding the Vice-Presidential options for the Mitt Romney camp are a lovely distraction from the fact that we have only seen hundreds of pages of tax returns instead of the massive quantities released to the McCain camp. The then hopeful V.P. candidate did not hesitate to release many years of tax returns.<br />
<br />
No one can blame the Romney camp from attempting to run away from negative issues. Unfortunately, Mitt Romney, throughout his bid to become the nominee of the republican party touted his business experience and solidified the name Bain Capital into our collective psyche. It is hard to run away from what he claimed to be his crowning glory and meritorious track record.<br />
<br />
The only other major advantage to Willard "Mitt" Romney's illustrious career is his record as the governor of Massachusetts, which he campaigned fiercely on until his work there was scrutinized. He was also proud of his achievement as governor of Massachusetts on the health care issue. A model for the nation and the basis for the unfairly maligned "Obama Care."<br />
<br />
It stands to reason that the only two things left to distract the public from further scrutiny on Mr. Romney's record as governor, health care, and Bain Capital is the Utah Olympics and the selection of a running mate for the upcoming presidential election.<br />
<br />
No one cares about the Utah Olympics. Sorry to say, but past Olympics retain little of their luster as the years, and new Olympic events take place. Also, The Olympic narrative continues to tie Mitt Romney to his tenure at Bain Capital because he was still receiving a salary from Bain Capital.<br />
<br />
The salary portion brings up the inevitable tax avoidance, Cayman islands, offspring's trust funds, Switzerland bank accounts, and the Bermuda triangle of financial records involving a blind trust and whatever else has not been discovered yet.<br />
<br />
In essence, this is not a good topic of conversation that will advance Mitt Romney's presidential bid.<br />
<br />
That leaves us with the vice-presidential nominee.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-dKlEhQOw9GN-3N5bfYqGuhhl1JQ80lMt2DUPm52vAcozsls4-rXcPbBlHUZxdNaK12qPNg2tKqnYWffLkFIxdrTtBgESMdVW2FY5-u_wQBDNzQmR7O8aRzFvR0dVtSEt35ueHbPpofH/s1600/rice+bush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-dKlEhQOw9GN-3N5bfYqGuhhl1JQ80lMt2DUPm52vAcozsls4-rXcPbBlHUZxdNaK12qPNg2tKqnYWffLkFIxdrTtBgESMdVW2FY5-u_wQBDNzQmR7O8aRzFvR0dVtSEt35ueHbPpofH/s320/rice+bush.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Condoleezza Rice and George W. Bush</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Condoleezza Rice is still being floated around as a potential candidate despite Sarah Palin decrying her "moderate conservative" leanings. Despite the evangelicals screaming foul, and in spite of Ms. Rice stating she was not interested.<br />
<br />
Ms. Rice has been touted as one of the most likable and intelligent people in the GOP by democratic-leaning media pundits. We can picture them salivating as they dream of this unlikely nomination.<br />
<br />
We will reserve our commentary on Ms. Rice's statements and track record during her tenure in George W. Bush's administration and focus squarely on the fact that the GOP has tried, for the past three and a half years, to disassociate itself from the George W. Bush administration.<br />
<br />
Having Ms. Rice up front and center will only bring further scrutiny to an administration most people wish had not happened; the events of 9/11 and how it could have been avoided instead of botched, Osama Bin Ladin, Rudy Giuliani, <a href="http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/multimedia/2008/02/gallery_abu_ghraib/">disturbing photos of Abu Ghraib</a> and a host of other issues that no one in their right mind in the GOP wants to resurrect.<br />
<br />
Of course there is always the resurfacing of conspiracy theories that run the gamut; from our own government orchestrating the attacks so Halliburton could profit from the oil fields in Iraq to the weapons manufacturers milking tax payers for actual weapons of mass destruction.<br />
<br />
There is also the theory of knowing, and letting, 9/11 happen so a war could be justified. There are tons of links to these accusations but won't find them here. Readers are smart enough to find them throughout the web, or even watch video on You Tube.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1POHSRWrFxnnMu-G8ZcT8yD9Kn2dui83XI-LyWSMNm8VqqJkvxteYtos1hjSfr3Ggf1N3ohAMnldAyladTxRzFxRuQ07bHhbZbrwmlYlIZ5srJRxIVhuy4_njme_0wBezRPiQWjFoe7r/s1600/US+NEWS+CAMPAIGN+1+OS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1POHSRWrFxnnMu-G8ZcT8yD9Kn2dui83XI-LyWSMNm8VqqJkvxteYtos1hjSfr3Ggf1N3ohAMnldAyladTxRzFxRuQ07bHhbZbrwmlYlIZ5srJRxIVhuy4_njme_0wBezRPiQWjFoe7r/s320/US+NEWS+CAMPAIGN+1+OS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mitt Romney with Jeb Bush - 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jeb Bush is also being floated around as the other half of the ticket that would save Mitt Romney's bid for the White House.<br />
<br />
It is claimed that the former Florida governor brings respectability, a proven track record, and strength of character.<br />
<br />
There are quite a few holes that need to be plugged in the above paragraph, but before we do that, we need to understand the following:<br />
<br />
A) The GOP tapped Jeb Bush to run in 2000, not his brother. He declined. He was happy in Florida.<br />
<br />
It is rumored that Jeb Bush's presidential aspirations are for 2016, not 2012. B) The fact that Jeb Bush endorsed Mitt Romney in March, as did his brother, George W., and their father should be more than enough of the "Bush connection" for the public.<br />
<br />
Our ability to tolerate the Bush dynasty has diminished greatly over the past few years.<br />
<br />
The anti-Bush sentiment grew exponentially after Mitt Romney went to Wyoming to benefit from a fund raiser courtesy of former vice-president, Dick Cheney. Reporters stated that before they were kicked out of the rooms, Mitt Romney was overheard invoking the Bush name.<br />
<br />
This may be the main reason why Jeb Bush's name keeps popping up in the media as a likely candidate for the position. However, we must go back to the sentence that needs to be scrutinized:<br />
<br />
If Jeb Bush brings, according to the punditry, "respectability, a proven track record as governor of the State of Florida, and strength of character" - good questions to ponder must be: "Shouldn't the presidential candidate bring those qualities to the table himself?" secondly, "Can the State of Florida and the Supreme Court stand more scrutiny regarding George W. Bush's election fiasco?" and finally, "has anyone looked closely to Jeb Bush and his associations with shady Florida developers and their connections to organized crime?" - We have, and if Jeb Bush ends on the ticket, our readers should too.<br />
<br />
So who? who would be the best Vice-Presidential candidate for Mitt Romney?<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBegyqsaJyrnnvZcVzkbwQPdHQrvbHWreMV7aSpIgAuMfwA8dKCjQrwyVZytQ4snUtQHwn4hOMSviXXQj-oWUd9wBiFtjBgDIiQheykByopvLzNFSpOcBdTCDsifAcEOLi_scurYzY9lEy/s1600/palin+and+paul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBegyqsaJyrnnvZcVzkbwQPdHQrvbHWreMV7aSpIgAuMfwA8dKCjQrwyVZytQ4snUtQHwn4hOMSviXXQj-oWUd9wBiFtjBgDIiQheykByopvLzNFSpOcBdTCDsifAcEOLi_scurYzY9lEy/s320/palin+and+paul.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palin and Paul</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Mitt Romney should align himself with those who dislike him the most. He must force them to vote for him because they will follow the VP and its derangement to the ends of the Earth.<br />
<br />
No, not Sarah Palin, like burnt toast, she's done.<br />
<br />
We are talking about Ron Paul.<br />
<br />
Whoever Romney chooses must bring enthusiasm and votes because Mitt Romney can't manage either one on his own.<br />
<br />
What are your thoughts?<br />
<br />
ABC News: <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/03/jeb-bush-endorses-mitt-romney-in-gop-primary/">Jeb Bush Endorses Romney</a><br />
CBS News: <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57471689-503544/cheney-has-high-praise-for-romney-at-fundraiser/">Cheney has high praise for Romney at fundraiser</a><br />
Los Angeles Times: <a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2012/mar/28/news/la-pn-former-president-george-hw-bush-endorses-mitt-romney-20120328">Former President George H.W. Bush Endorses Mitt Romney</a> Photo credit as well<br />
Jacksonville.com: <a href="http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/403455/mike-marino/2012-03-21/jeb-bush-endorses-mitt-romney-president-email">Jeb Bush Endorses Mitt Romney (via email)</a> Photo credit<br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10748499370910869188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563456583012555283.post-51536281491678467632012-07-09T14:57:00.012-07:002012-09-01T14:30:17.021-07:00A 99% Response<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZgv7VjQTdP5vFlZ-kLN07oW4OucXweQZkkB-B0u1EYipR007K8UVRvSqVqX7LkBbHM1h7YKyKQ_9f7Mr5qamY6mWkHtJjfXdb8c-YXr4nKDXbia2pf4TwSnlT0UQuAVx8rjsdgpD3OlC/s1600/The+working+poor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZgv7VjQTdP5vFlZ-kLN07oW4OucXweQZkkB-B0u1EYipR007K8UVRvSqVqX7LkBbHM1h7YKyKQ_9f7Mr5qamY6mWkHtJjfXdb8c-YXr4nKDXbia2pf4TwSnlT0UQuAVx8rjsdgpD3OlC/s320/The+working+poor.jpg" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Working Poor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>To the 1% Lady from a 99% Lady,<br />
<br />
Think Progress and other media outlets reported your insightful perceptions about us "low income" people who just "don't get it." You offer as examples the "nail ladies," college students, and babysitters.<br />
<br />
It is with a heavy heart as I shake my head that I am forced to reply to the charges you made against us based on our income and lack of education.<br />
<br />
Your comments clearly underline that it is you, and those you represent, that are clueless about anything outside of the 1 percent gated bubble. Your commentary clearly displays your lack of education and knowledge about your own country of residence and its people.<br />
<br />
The fact that you state that the nail ladies, college students and babysitters don't agree with your perceptions is proof positive that they are well versed in the ins-and-outs of politics and how decisions made at the top affect the vast majority of the population.<br />
<br />
They can't agree with your views because they pay the consequences. Capish?<br />
<br />
You and your kind seem to be under the impression that you have earned a permanent position as the ruling class by virtue of your inherited trust funds. Thus, you must know what is best.<br />
<br />
You don't.<br />
<br />
The fact that you have babysitters is not unusual but I beg to make a distinction between what "we," the common folks, call babysitting and what your kind labels so carelessly.<br />
<br />
First of all, like in most our communities, my neighbor's teenage daughter was the babysitter for a few other neighbors. She had taken babysitting classes and was current on her CPR license. Her babysitting took place on a weekend she did not have homework and only for a few hours, so the parents could go out to dinner to a place that did not involve speaking into a clown's mouth. (I know this reference is lost on you, Google is your friend)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfb4FRPcai7VmNX4xBZJei56IptH55H8ZbWAovqdq_aP7fEivLye5w1Ivst146Izn-NA37cuHWxaKIRzLlaPDY3yDSdudg15S5M2v5PbhmaiwzhyBTViMduo3FqXKrqvqzaVP7gnLVMRi/s1600/Little+Shit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfb4FRPcai7VmNX4xBZJei56IptH55H8ZbWAovqdq_aP7fEivLye5w1Ivst146Izn-NA37cuHWxaKIRzLlaPDY3yDSdudg15S5M2v5PbhmaiwzhyBTViMduo3FqXKrqvqzaVP7gnLVMRi/s1600/Little+Shit.jpg" /></a></div>Your babysitting is done by an Au Pair, a young student from another country who works 24/7 at raising the kids you spawned and had no intention on raising yourself. Your kids are trophies to be groomed into their rightful scheming positions of corporate nepotism. See picture at right. ---------->>>><br />
<br />
Your kids grow up to be Mitt Romney and George W. Bush. It is too bad you don't hang out with other people in your income bracket who do have a clue about the working poor. <br />
<br />
- Have someone introduce you to the Kennedy's. Your world of knowledge will expand beyond your wildest dreams. -<br />
<br />
Our kids are groomed to be good citizens that have a clue what it takes to earn a dollar and to be generous of their time and income to those less fortunate.<br />
<br />
Which brings me to the point of being "less fortunate." What the hell do you think that means? - Do you think anyone below your economic status is "less fortunate" because your frame of reference is in dollars and cents?<br />
<br />
To us, the less fortunate live on the streets and suffer mental and health problems. Their houses burn down and the insurance company your husband manages refuses to make good on the policy. They suffer a major illness and they are unable to pay for the horrific cost of medical care. These are the people we think of when we say "less fortunate" and none of it is through fault of their own.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlmiTiLOLqEkXDsW8dZ9wPT2T3o3Ap75DpmTQHKABgELRlCMK-lu_hvShl7o-TTFiaTKR9eU_FFUR6wBtDm5dvVTwYgjzWa6dyutWsMRKXPJnUrrLtvZyX3DdWrO6Mrss-zZFN4W2fPbp/s1600/asshole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlmiTiLOLqEkXDsW8dZ9wPT2T3o3Ap75DpmTQHKABgELRlCMK-lu_hvShl7o-TTFiaTKR9eU_FFUR6wBtDm5dvVTwYgjzWa6dyutWsMRKXPJnUrrLtvZyX3DdWrO6Mrss-zZFN4W2fPbp/s1600/asshole.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Author:<a href="http://the%20working%20poor/"> </a>Martin Kihn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Yes, it is yours. Your being clueless about how society works and malfunctions is a huge part of the problem. You actually have the power to effectuate changes that benefit society at large and do not take away anything from your personal life.<br />
<br />
The "nail ladies" and all others who make your life easy to live, have names and lives outside of their working hours. They live where the rest of us live and are fully aware of the disparity between your lifestyle and ours. They are more aware and educated that you have given them credit for.<br />
<br />
We need to point out the falsehood of your statements. You don't want people to be educated beyond what they are now. It is hard to get "good help" when people know and demand their rights.<br />
<br />
<br />
We will no longer enable you in your bad behavior. We will make sure we put enough regulations into place to prevent you stealing our natural resources and polluting our country. We even intend to achieve living wages and we know that pisses you off.<br />
<br />
Your kind is notoriously cheap when it comes to labor and tips. We, the middle class pay and tip better than you do because we understand what it takes for that waiter to earn his paycheck.<br />
<br />
You don't.<br />
<br />
Unlike you, we are true Americans. We love our country and see all its faults. We try to fix those and make it better for generations to come.<br />
<br />
What have you done for your country lately? (or ever?)<br />
<br />
<br />
I can't continue to write this letter because I have children to raise, a home to clean, errands to run, and meals to prepare. I know you are puzzled by this but I have no time to explain.<br />
<br />
I will leave you with a final thought, we don't envy your wealth - we resent your greed and sense of entitlement.<br />
<br />
It is time for you to grow up and live in the real world.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thinkprogress.org/election/2012/07/08/512645/romney-donor-says-lower-income-people-dont-understand-whats-going-on/">Think Progress</a><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10748499370910869188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563456583012555283.post-11422035286829097962012-07-08T14:51:00.004-07:002012-07-08T15:13:50.202-07:00Ten Reasons A Democratic Government Should Never Be Run as a Business<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKg5Wa7bzqSuCYhYiaeccL3Lzccn_HZ1cOK1alMmv6XOKcrIxkg9T0uonxUpCk8DPTscatP5FB31NpW1ZcA2VGF-zml1u7zCtroTfbAqr04m9hwCUG3IzJddWQIktGLn8HFFELmcGvmfPU/s1600/government+chart.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKg5Wa7bzqSuCYhYiaeccL3Lzccn_HZ1cOK1alMmv6XOKcrIxkg9T0uonxUpCk8DPTscatP5FB31NpW1ZcA2VGF-zml1u7zCtroTfbAqr04m9hwCUG3IzJddWQIktGLn8HFFELmcGvmfPU/s400/government+chart.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">US Government Spending FY 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">We have been told countless of times that if the government was run like a business, there would be no wasteful spending. We have also been told that every aspect of our lives would run smoothly because companies and corporations know how to do their job better than any government. This is one of the premises in which Mitt Romney is basing his candidacy and it is worth exploring the touted benefits of running a government with the same dedication one would a business enterprise.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There are a number of reasons why democratic governance should never, ever, be given the same latitude as a business. Here are ten.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">1. A business is a profit-hungry machine. It requires that cuts to expenses be made without regard for how it affects anyone who depends on the work provided by the business to survive. For instance, cost-cutting involves taking necessary positions away from one group of people and handing them over to another group of people who will do the same job for less pay and benefits.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We have called this outsourcing and off-shoring. Either way, it means that the corporation continues to increase profits while necessary positions are still maintained. A bottom line could care less who the employees are, or what country they are in. All that matters is the maximization of profits.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDHvp0oqucAT4rtloRYlPuGTC8PIgjQIy9bTBgWfue31Khyphenhyphen9s4hWuIOdULmqJz-Q5GDv5VFt7CHIjXh_5vzb1CKZSFDZjuGOO370bzr57qt74h1CW_bzd3lpeNN9d06TL9O6KHXezhdPw/s1600/Profits.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDHvp0oqucAT4rtloRYlPuGTC8PIgjQIy9bTBgWfue31Khyphenhyphen9s4hWuIOdULmqJz-Q5GDv5VFt7CHIjXh_5vzb1CKZSFDZjuGOO370bzr57qt74h1CW_bzd3lpeNN9d06TL9O6KHXezhdPw/s320/Profits.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit to Automation.com </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">2. Governments build. Companies destroy. A company like Bain Capital shreds jobs, equipment, and manufacturing plants. A government invests the people's capital into infrastructure, national security, education, and more. A government ensures that food, water, and air are safe for human consumption.<br />
<br />
Corporations need to maximize profits and operating under safety and regulatory standards is a burden that costs money and time. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We have had every major polluting industry introduce bills to Congress that will dismantle the safety net of regulations in order to maximize said profits. What corporations view as a waste of funds, government and people tend to view as a necessary element to prevent illness and early deaths.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">3. Companies and corporations can be dissolved overnight and most people won't even notice. A government gone over night would create chaos affecting millions of people in an instant. The repercussion would last decades.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We can live without a corporation. We can't live without governance.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">4. A democratic government ensures that its citizen's voices are heard through all levels of government. Decisions made must include the majority and include the minorities. Companies don't want to hear from their employees. An all-important ruler makes the final decisions based on profits, not human needs.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">5. Corporations get rid of extra baggage. This includes employees that are too ill or old to perform at previous levels. They also get rid of knowledgeable and skilled people in order to hire "green", or younger workers, who will work for half the salary and less benefits. This is a cost-effective method to use up their youth and energies. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj054hKARTPnZSgmxXM7kBa_e_MVbTk_V_vtEBgRDhlqKXfdgzQwUGpmINeXSviNsOwIQLXxkghI88WXWYMWnAiD5vUWmWMD4PuGKcFb3ZWHGp3ciiTQVpvVd6Rt2wQDo8jqFgeBmddxSWP/s1600/11034833-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj054hKARTPnZSgmxXM7kBa_e_MVbTk_V_vtEBgRDhlqKXfdgzQwUGpmINeXSviNsOwIQLXxkghI88WXWYMWnAiD5vUWmWMD4PuGKcFb3ZWHGp3ciiTQVpvVd6Rt2wQDo8jqFgeBmddxSWP/s320/11034833-large.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unemployed Professionals NJ - Star-Ledger</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">A democratic government does not get rid of its people. It provides safety nets to account for the unfairness of life. Illnesses, accidents, mental impairments, birth defects, and natural ageing are some of the least profitable conditions that affect most human beings. Companies have no use for "broken" or "damaged" goods.<br />
<br />
To a government, we are human beings. To a corporation, we are tools that are valuable for as long as they are useful. Once broken, we go to the landfill.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">6. Speaking of landfills, it is the role of government to ensure that waste is properly disposed of with minimum impact to the environment. Corporations could care less, the faster, the better. Things got messy? too bad. (Think Exxon Valdiz and recent spill by British Petroleum in the Gulf Coast)<br />
<br />
Recycling started out as a profit-free endeavor in order to minimize the waste and create less toxic by-products that will continue to affect subsequent generations. It was never the intention of corporations to adopt vegetable-based containers until they realized that A) there was demand from consumers that would translate into B) Profits.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">7. Companies operate on a year-to-year basis broken into quarterly profits. Democratic governments operate on the basis of future generations and their general welfare.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">8. A democratic government pays its bills. A corporation will avoid paying theirs at all costs. Bankruptcy, dissolution, reconfiguration of the company, and off-shoring the profits are tools used by Bain Capital and Willard Mitt Romney. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">9. Corporations are in the business of gambling. They take risks because there are seldom any repercussions. They lend funds to average people at exponentially higher rates than they get their funds from the Federal Reserve. If the government operated at a profit and was in control of the Federal Reserve, these corporations would get borrowed funds at 22 percent. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLZd7PDDiO45uuiR_0lV6Ljb4-AYEua2CSKyHV5xHVTPM3Pm4ZO7aus7m5qgpFfdfyY5bHlD3Lhk3q-BzOXy0R3M0C2nlZ5d03vMHtqEATOgPUOTSLgm-__GogeCb9INdhBbtTCKB_3HI/s1600/student+debt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLZd7PDDiO45uuiR_0lV6Ljb4-AYEua2CSKyHV5xHVTPM3Pm4ZO7aus7m5qgpFfdfyY5bHlD3Lhk3q-BzOXy0R3M0C2nlZ5d03vMHtqEATOgPUOTSLgm-__GogeCb9INdhBbtTCKB_3HI/s320/student+debt.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image credit to student loans central</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Instead, that is what they are able to charge for the privileged of using their preferred credit cards. By comparison, Student college grants are made available for free to ensure an educated population that would otherwise be unable to afford tuition and textbooks. Corporations are in the business of student loans and massive debt accrual to the individual.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This point cannot be overstated, a democratic government invests in the health of its population through education, upward mobility, and quality of life. Corporations do not. There is no immediate quarterly profit in this endeavor.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">10. A business is a dictatorship that operates in a vacuum. A democratic government operates at all levels of society, making it possible for businesses to operate using and abusing public spaces.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There is ample room for free-enterprise and production. What we can’t afford is a free-for-all in which capital gains trump benefits to the population. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.usgovernmentspending.com/US_fed_spending_pie_chart">Federal Spending and Spending per State</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Washington Post: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1645877844">Romney's Bain Capital Invested in Companies that Moved Jobs Overseas</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">JP Morgan Lost over 2 Billion Dollars - Huffington Post: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/16/jpmorgan-trading-loss-shareholder-suits_n_1520904.html">JPMorgan Trading Loss: 3 Share Holders File Law Suits</a></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10748499370910869188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563456583012555283.post-53101551684721266222012-07-01T14:51:00.000-07:002012-07-01T14:51:41.884-07:00Industrialized Countries are Innovative<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">We could write about how we need to be creative and innovative, unfortunately, most people think it is nothing more than dreaming aloud. We once went to the moon as a useless pursuit to beat another country to the race and from that silly endeavor we got technology that has become common place in our every day lives. <br />
<br />
We sleep in foam mattresses developed by NASA. We have communication technology developed from space exploration. We have medical equipment and medicine that can trace their origins to someone dreaming aloud and creating something useful. From the intermittent windshield wipers to LED lights.<br />
<br />
Perhaps the video below will inspire Americans to dream out-loud again and create something wonderful that will spur others to innovate technology and create jobs.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ACkmg3Y64_s" width="560"></iframe></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10748499370910869188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563456583012555283.post-40642984204726199442012-06-21T09:49:00.001-07:002012-06-21T09:49:38.316-07:00Social Security and Ron Paul<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgfV48IUD-QLHHLeS23SrL_lNrS9MVUfe3y-t_3pRJQlJ8Ef7tCgDhmNs7w_1gdpFwuy0FxOOSVhAZTSUM79ZEep3LcmDq-Zb4-g02mEbmTtklOi2KllSuaUYgJkqtUBAEgCWFpTkI4ri/s1600/ron+paul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgfV48IUD-QLHHLeS23SrL_lNrS9MVUfe3y-t_3pRJQlJ8Ef7tCgDhmNs7w_1gdpFwuy0FxOOSVhAZTSUM79ZEep3LcmDq-Zb4-g02mEbmTtklOi2KllSuaUYgJkqtUBAEgCWFpTkI4ri/s1600/ron+paul.jpg" /></a></div>A recent story on the Huffington Post read that "Ron Paul Admits He's On Social Security, Even Though He believes It Is Unconstitutional." I passed this article on to social media because it matters. It matters that people understand that Ron Paul has a different perspective about what is important and personal to him and what it means for others.<br />
<br />
Upon setting this article lose among my followers, a few interesting interactions begun to occur. Some had the knee jerk reaction that Ron Paul is a hypocrite and made no bones about it. Others defended Ron Paul's actions by justifying his reasoning.<br />
<br />
Neither one is wrong. Those who view Ron Paul as a racist, a misogynist and a liar are also going to view him as a hypocrite.<br />
<br />
Those who are inspired by Ron Paul's rhetoric feel that a hero of the people has been insulted. His ardent followers can't wait for ideology to become real. A Ron Paul presidency would ensure - at least in the ideological portion that has nothing to do with reality - legalized drugs, <a href="http://oliviaemisar.blogspot.com/2011/05/politicians-gone-wild-ron-paul.html"><span style="color: blue;"><b>eliminating the department of education, and the Federal Reserve.</b></span></a><br />
<br />
What the article from the Huffington Post highlights is that what is good for the goose is not necessarily good for the gander. While Ron Paul has stated that older adults would continue to receive benefits into a system they paid into, younger adults could opt out of the system.<br />
<br />
It makes sense, right? if we contributed, we should, like Ron Paul, reap the benefits. Unfortunately, the ideology stops there, at the threshold of reality. Reality has a tendency to be unpleasant because consequences make a brutal impact in people's lives.<br />
<br />
Reality - Young people feel invincible. <b>Feelings are not facts </b>and Ron Paul does not go into the pesky details of reality.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJG7yV-xR2IR6foDpBZ5aOP5-AGmXJyuAvJprIYv0SuzEDF7-zleHxzwWGqZmxH-le73NDPx0avRPVlvh4i8DAPfafGSI15xKlPfpO43zVzX7wIFTwlVS_pU6-pvqrTOYbsVxF7kEfgR8j/s1600/Coma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJG7yV-xR2IR6foDpBZ5aOP5-AGmXJyuAvJprIYv0SuzEDF7-zleHxzwWGqZmxH-le73NDPx0avRPVlvh4i8DAPfafGSI15xKlPfpO43zVzX7wIFTwlVS_pU6-pvqrTOYbsVxF7kEfgR8j/s200/Coma.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">17 yr old with traumatic brain injury<br />
in a coma after car accident<br />
via <a href="http://origin.news10.net/news/article/176153/2/Friends-help-Lathrop-family-with-comatose-teen">ABC news</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>What Ron Paul does not tell his followers is: "This is a fact: You are twenty-five years old, you have not contributed a dime towards Social Security and when you leave here tonight, you will be in a horrific auto accident that will leave you permanently disabled and in need of 24/7 care for the next few years. Maybe for the rest of your life. You will be in agonizing pain. You will need others to take care of you and above all, this is going to cost you money that you will never have."<br />
<br />
Now what?<br />
<br />
It could easily be a work-related accident. Workmen's Compensation Insurance will only carry the injured twenty-something for a few months, maybe two years. After that, he can go sit in a corner and beg for sustenance alongside the other homeless, decrepit, mentally ill and destitute individuals. If there is any consolation in this scenario is that they will all be in the same age bracket because people of Ron Paul's age and status in society, will be doing just fine. With or without, Social Security.<br />
<br />
Just like Mitt Romney and everyone in his circle. Just like the Koch brothers or Donal Trump or Rush Limbaugh. It is very easy to take the high road when you don't have to choose between eating twice a week and keeping warm.<br />
<br />
Ron Paul's idea of "liberty" means you are on your own. Nothing can be more appealing to a healthy twenty-something than to be free of "government interference" and feel as free as the wind. Unfortunately, a nation of laws without social structure that provides for all the things young people "feel" will never need is rather oppressing. Especially when they realize no adult has given them a second thought if things don't go as planned.<br />
<br />
Who does not understand the ideology of living on your own and answering to no one? - How about keeping the extra $100 a month and blowing it on something cool? What young person would not want to keep 100% of his paycheck to spend and live for the day? - Hey! that's another bag of weed and if Ron Paul becomes president he has stated that all drugs will become legal. Waa Hoo!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FgQLpSc9XMBSDUNdX89APQnhO0w0fv-s3RjcWkKKBomknILSujkku5aCLHWXDLYlThNMmjyBW5nJ47owIi-OJ05NLZGYgOObr9UoxY2F2p72Sw7gxifmo4hiuj6y28vBpHp8VQhj2FnQ/s1600/homeless.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FgQLpSc9XMBSDUNdX89APQnhO0w0fv-s3RjcWkKKBomknILSujkku5aCLHWXDLYlThNMmjyBW5nJ47owIi-OJ05NLZGYgOObr9UoxY2F2p72Sw7gxifmo4hiuj6y28vBpHp8VQhj2FnQ/s200/homeless.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Homeless Veteran<br />
via <a href="http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/10850307-senate-passes-veterans-jobs-bill-is-it-too-little-too-late">AllVoices.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ron Paul wants people to do as they please. If they choose to pump raw heroin into their veins, so be it. But if their brain is fried and in need of medical assistance, rehabilitation services, food to eat and shelter... well, that's just too bad. Ideology shies away from crossing reality's threshold. The light is too harsh.<br />
<br />
Young people won't have to worry about high tuition and a college education because once the public school system is gone, they will be lucky to know how to read and write. Those in college now may very well be the last bastions of education. No safety nets, no Pell Grants, no tuition-waivers and most of all, no restrictions on usury terms for college loans. This is "freedom?" this is "Liberty?" - No, this is the ugly reality of this meme of "freedom from government intervention."<br />
<br />
Judging from the inability of some college graduates to differentiate from "Their" "There" "Their's" or "Your" and "You're" with our current system, it would be interesting to see what new turn our language takes with an absent DOE.<br />
<br />
I can identify with the <i>feelings</i> of those who listen to the ideology because I have felt the same way not that long ago (at least that is what I tell myself). When I was in my twenty's I resented having to pay taxes or into Social Security and Medicare.<br />
<br />
I was invincible and that was my money. I earned it all and I knew best how to spend it. Old age was a long ways off and after all, I had gone to college, was educated and a dedicated hard worker. I was the recipe for success. Just like everyone of my friends.<br />
<br />
See? I knew better. I was on top of the world and the stupid government was harshing my mellow.<br />
<br />
The stupid government in my state mandated that all employers provide health care for their employees. Two difficult pregnancies and deliveries later, I was still oblivious to the fact that someone in my position without health insurance would have died.<br />
<br />
My life, and that of my unborn children, was saved twice and it cost me a total of two dollars when I left the hospital with bouncy happy babies. Hawaii was the state with the best health care delivery system in the Nation. I was lucky to have moved there to work and live so early in my young life.<br />
<br />
When my husband broke his back saving his co-worker in a horrific power plant accident, workmen's compensation did not cover the endless years of recovery. Stupid Government intervention required the private insurance to continue making payments (less than 2/3 of his usual basic pay) until he was recovered, rehabilitated through physical therapy or declared unrecoverable.<br />
<br />
This gave us the "freedom" to continue eating and feeding the two bundles of joy. Granted we were not financially secure, but we were not living on the street.<br />
<br />
We were in our 30's. Invincible? No. Not by a long shot. Reality and ideology clashes are often ugly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnFflMKOz3-ZWIZWpMtz_wRvRAkAns2rP57cReiHiY3jgmRi_n9o_49UFj5RNYsiV2OFDPCFy2MdlCGTaBh_zWeJ5XenE3jMpaYkvUgC25ZBkoTVvdH4S1lVkND08B52FsT3BZUjUsBDG/s1600/hands+off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnFflMKOz3-ZWIZWpMtz_wRvRAkAns2rP57cReiHiY3jgmRi_n9o_49UFj5RNYsiV2OFDPCFy2MdlCGTaBh_zWeJ5XenE3jMpaYkvUgC25ZBkoTVvdH4S1lVkND08B52FsT3BZUjUsBDG/s200/hands+off.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Our story is not unique. We see people at the supermarket shuffling painfully along the isles. Some are disabled from accidents, others from birth. The fact is that they are young. Very young.<br />
<br />
Some are in their early 20's others look to be about 40 years old, but living with conditions that will never go away. That is the reality of life for these young people and the people who love and help them along. Those of us who are still contributing to Social Security are doing it gladly.<br />
<br />
We now know that we are not investing money in our own personal accounts, but to maintain a social structure that works for all of us. The money that was taken out of our paychecks has gone to this general fund that was put in place decades ago to avoid having a multitude of destitute citizens begging for their daily bread in a soup line. Or freezing to death in the middle of winter.<br />
<br />
Ron Paul is entitled to his social security benefits and so should everyone else. Not by "opting out" of contributing, but by continuing to contribute to our social structure. Because truth be told, no one knows when they will have to be Social Security recipients, not by choice, but by force.<br />
<br />
One final thought is that if Social Security benefits are so offensive to a multi-millionaire, the right thing to do is to give it away to their favorite cause (often themselves) or return it to the treasury. These are people who don't need the money and can ideologically boast that since they were forced to contribute, now they are "sticking it to the man" by accepting the funds.<br />
<br />
This reasoning is not logical, nor believable. Especially when someone is worth millions.<br />
<br />
Huffington Post: <span style="color: blue;">Ron Paul Admits He is On Social Security</span><br />
USA Today: <a href="http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2012/05/ron-paul-net-worth-gold-/1#.T-K-l7VYuas"><span style="color: blue;">Ron Paul is Worth up to $5.2 Million</span></a><br />
Other Articles That Might Interest You:<br />
<br />
For additional clarity, I highly recommend this one: <a href="http://oliviaemisar.blogspot.com/2011/07/social-security-and-other-distractions.html"><span style="color: blue;">Social Security and Other Distractions</span></a><br />
For an official clear version of where we stand financially, this one: Social Security Press Release: <a href="http://www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/trustees98_press.htm"><span style="color: blue;">Social Security is Solvent</span></a><br />
<a href="http://oliviaemisar.blogspot.com/2011/05/social-security-and-government-rant.html"><span style="color: blue;">Social Security and Government Rant</span></a><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://healingandempowerment.blogspot.com/2010_09_01_archive.html">Healing, Empowering and Thriving</a></span><br />
<br />
Ron Paul Photo via <a href="http://blisstree.com/">BlissTree.com</a><br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10748499370910869188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3563456583012555283.post-18740740993595911422012-06-17T09:03:00.001-07:002012-06-17T09:04:58.751-07:00A Picture Tells a Thousand Words<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I shamelessly stole this photo posted on FaceBook by my friend Sandy. It is true that a picture speaks louder than words. We can say the same thing for words and actions, but that is the subject of a much longer post. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy Father's Day to all.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-fAkdOc-3woMmzK8vrjFyhevc-nSKQgGwGXCEZ6mNxZmkwysuXHuh-QTuayKk9EQTgzOAEp8mR9IcV7XdVx7MMCDj7x3_hvSvM5nGaT3FdN4NRQnjMNqUAYR0Y8TQEl8SaJgSBJB6o3V/s1600/Two+pictures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-fAkdOc-3woMmzK8vrjFyhevc-nSKQgGwGXCEZ6mNxZmkwysuXHuh-QTuayKk9EQTgzOAEp8mR9IcV7XdVx7MMCDj7x3_hvSvM5nGaT3FdN4NRQnjMNqUAYR0Y8TQEl8SaJgSBJB6o3V/s400/Two+pictures.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10748499370910869188noreply@blogger.com0