Arlen Specter, Senator from Pennsylvania announced that he would be switching from the Republican Party over to the Democratic Party, effective immediately. Forgetting all the political mumbo-jumbo surrounding this, I'd like to discuss the timing of it.
Senator Specter has decided, while serving his current term, to go ahead and switch teams. Continuing the sports analogy further, imagine if your favorite player on your favorite team decided during the course of his game to suddenly switch over to the other squad. We've had baseball players traded between games of a doubleheader, but they did not make that choice, that was done to them by the general managers of the teams. Think of seeing someone you're cheering removing his jersey (the "laundry", as Jerry Seinfeld refers to it) in front of you, then donning the colors of the other squad as the action of the game occurs around him.
Unfathomable, and unfair.
Perhaps this is someone enacting the political version of the transformation of Saul to Paul on the road to Damascus. Perhaps this is someone staring straight down the barrel of a losing election in November. Perhaps this is someone jumping a sinking ship like the rats do (rats never go down with the ship - LOL). Perhaps this is someone who really, really believes in what he is doing.
It may be one, all, or none of the above. I can tell you what it damn well sure is; it's wrong. You cannot place yourself for election as a member of one party, be elected by those constituents surely, in part, by association with that particular party, and then leave that party when it suits you. Tired of being a Republican? Fair enough; then change your party affiliation when your term ends, then put yourself forward as a candidate for your new party. And if the timing doesn't work out, oh well! Do not sell out those who sent you for your own political expediency.
Oh wait, I forgot.....how dumb of me to think of a politician putting the people first, not themselves. When will we ever learn?
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
On Politics 4/26/09: Random Thoughts, Vol. X
Time for another journey deep into the recesses, creases, and crevices of the brain for thoughts on a wide variety of topics. Tonight, we're ably aided by a chocolate cannoli from La Deliziosa (the best pastries north of Arthur Ave, forget what people say about Cafe Aurora). And away we go...
- Call this one the "Delicious Irony Moment" or perhaps "Schadenfreude for Braveheart": Apparently, Mel Gibson is getting divorced from his wife of approximately 30 years, and, pre-official paperwork completion, has already been seen frolicking with a younger lady (they're always younger, aren't they?). This from the same self-appointed Catholic scold who shoved "The Passion of the Christ" down our throats, and thought Mass here in America was too "modern" that he built, at personal expense, his own ultra-conservative Church outside of Malibu, California. I'm not sure what they call it in Mel's Church, but according those pesky Ten Commandments, it's still a sin, even if you paid for the pews.
- Speaking of those fundamental religious kind of people, I wonder what those who live their life via a literal interpretation of the Bible will do when life is eventually discovered somewhere else in the universe. As my insanely smart mother once said to me, it's rather stupid to think that Earth is the only inhabited rock in all the solar systems. It's bad enough listening to those folks flounder to explain that the Earth is only some 5,000 - 8,000 years old, never mind that inconvenient scientific evidence about the dinosaurs and early inhabitants wandering around the neighborhood some tens of thousand of years ago. What the heck are they going to do or say when we encounter those beings who may very well have their own version of a Supreme Being? Oh, that's right, I forgot - in any movie I've seen about alien visitation, we always shoot the visitors first, and go from there.
- In a minor political miracle, James Tedisco has finally conceded the Gillibrand Replacement Derby to Scott Murphy. Math is a science of absolutes - adding and ending up with a number less than your opponent is never going to change, no matter how many times you redo the equation. It's like balancing my checkbook; I always wish the number wasn't a negative after writing the check, but it invariably is. Now, is there some way to port this logic out to Minnesota? The Franken vs Coleman odyssey shows no sign of abating.
- The Rangers better not blow this. King Henrik has looked positively peasant-like in the last two games. Losing a series after being up 3-1 will not surely ruin my dessert late Tuesday evening.
- On the subject of sports, any Met starter not named Johan needs to improve. Immediately.
- Glad to have the new season of "Rescue Me" on FX. It's as good as ever. Watch it.
- Call this one the "Delicious Irony Moment" or perhaps "Schadenfreude for Braveheart": Apparently, Mel Gibson is getting divorced from his wife of approximately 30 years, and, pre-official paperwork completion, has already been seen frolicking with a younger lady (they're always younger, aren't they?). This from the same self-appointed Catholic scold who shoved "The Passion of the Christ" down our throats, and thought Mass here in America was too "modern" that he built, at personal expense, his own ultra-conservative Church outside of Malibu, California. I'm not sure what they call it in Mel's Church, but according those pesky Ten Commandments, it's still a sin, even if you paid for the pews.
- Speaking of those fundamental religious kind of people, I wonder what those who live their life via a literal interpretation of the Bible will do when life is eventually discovered somewhere else in the universe. As my insanely smart mother once said to me, it's rather stupid to think that Earth is the only inhabited rock in all the solar systems. It's bad enough listening to those folks flounder to explain that the Earth is only some 5,000 - 8,000 years old, never mind that inconvenient scientific evidence about the dinosaurs and early inhabitants wandering around the neighborhood some tens of thousand of years ago. What the heck are they going to do or say when we encounter those beings who may very well have their own version of a Supreme Being? Oh, that's right, I forgot - in any movie I've seen about alien visitation, we always shoot the visitors first, and go from there.
- In a minor political miracle, James Tedisco has finally conceded the Gillibrand Replacement Derby to Scott Murphy. Math is a science of absolutes - adding and ending up with a number less than your opponent is never going to change, no matter how many times you redo the equation. It's like balancing my checkbook; I always wish the number wasn't a negative after writing the check, but it invariably is. Now, is there some way to port this logic out to Minnesota? The Franken vs Coleman odyssey shows no sign of abating.
- The Rangers better not blow this. King Henrik has looked positively peasant-like in the last two games. Losing a series after being up 3-1 will not surely ruin my dessert late Tuesday evening.
- On the subject of sports, any Met starter not named Johan needs to improve. Immediately.
- Glad to have the new season of "Rescue Me" on FX. It's as good as ever. Watch it.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
On Politics 4/23/09: A Bigger Picture
I'm thinking of a somewhat bigger picture today. Over the past week, I've been reading of the inroads that the Taliban have been making in Pakistan, and how close they are now coming to the capital of Islamabad. On the heels of their current offensive, the portion of Pakistan now being controlled by the Taliban is within 60 miles of the capital city. The Pakistani government expressed their dismay and aggravation over this latest advance, as they had previously negotiated with the Taliban to allow them to govern the land they controlled under a version of "sharia", a strict interpretation of Islamic rules and regulations.
Anyone remember the term appeasement? It did not work for the North in the admission of some border states as having the right to own slaves, nor, more famously, did it result in a positive for England / France, et al, when ol' Neville Chamberlain & the boys declared "peace in our time" for trying to satiate the evil of Nazi Germany with the proverbial bone of the Sudetenland.
As always, the lesson for those of you playing along at home, history will repeat itself onto anyone not paying attention. In the current example, the Pakistani government is "surprised" and "disappointed" at the actions of the Taliban, who, instead of stopping where previous boundaries were drawn, now want to push further. How far further? One of the leading religious clerics now wants to bring their hateful version of sharia all the way to the United States. Now that they've got the taste of victory and appeasement on their tongues, they're not letting up voluntarily.
There's only one way to make a bully go away - punch him in the nose. Those now leading Pakistan would do well to remember the lesson of Patton at the end of World War II when he wanted to turn the tanks towards Moscow and have at it with the Russians, based on the rationale that we would have to fight them sooner or later. Patton knew that the bear would not stop until someone popped their proboscis.
For our semi-ally, with the all too real nuclear weapons, they better take a swing at the boys who want to live like it's 1099. Fight them now, because you will most assuredly have to fight them later.
Anyone remember the term appeasement? It did not work for the North in the admission of some border states as having the right to own slaves, nor, more famously, did it result in a positive for England / France, et al, when ol' Neville Chamberlain & the boys declared "peace in our time" for trying to satiate the evil of Nazi Germany with the proverbial bone of the Sudetenland.
As always, the lesson for those of you playing along at home, history will repeat itself onto anyone not paying attention. In the current example, the Pakistani government is "surprised" and "disappointed" at the actions of the Taliban, who, instead of stopping where previous boundaries were drawn, now want to push further. How far further? One of the leading religious clerics now wants to bring their hateful version of sharia all the way to the United States. Now that they've got the taste of victory and appeasement on their tongues, they're not letting up voluntarily.
There's only one way to make a bully go away - punch him in the nose. Those now leading Pakistan would do well to remember the lesson of Patton at the end of World War II when he wanted to turn the tanks towards Moscow and have at it with the Russians, based on the rationale that we would have to fight them sooner or later. Patton knew that the bear would not stop until someone popped their proboscis.
For our semi-ally, with the all too real nuclear weapons, they better take a swing at the boys who want to live like it's 1099. Fight them now, because you will most assuredly have to fight them later.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
On Politics 4/19/09: Political Theatrics
Over this past week, I watched with parental interest as my beloved daughter rehearsed and performed in her school theatrical production. Since these events never resemble anything akin to military precision and timing at the grammar school level, I was left with considerable time in uncomfortable metal folding chairs awaiting the endless practices and performances to contemplate theatrical productions. Which, of course, led me to think about politics.
On a day in, day out basis, is there anything more theatrical than the political arena? When attending a show, at the most local of levels such as my child's, or at the height of the profession, on the bright lights of Broadway, the best of performances will enthrall you, taking you from wherever your reality is to magical, far away places, where your logical mind understands that what you are witnessing cannot be real.
Sounds exactly like politics, doesn't it - LOL.
What grandiose performances we get to see on a daily basis. Previously only available to Americans either on the rare personal visit to our Congress, or on annual national events like State of the Union speeches, now, through the miracle of C-SPAN television, we can see our duly elected representatives conducting our government's business. Well, not really. Since there are no cameras allowed in the various restaurants of D.C. or inside the offices our elected representatives, we don't get to see the real business of our government occurring; you know, the meetings that have the lobbyists involved. However, everyone should turn on C-SPAN for the entertaining televised moments late in the day, when your local politician has the floor to himself or herself, an empty chamber in front of them (the production values of the broadcasts have improved, you don't see all the empty seats as much as you used to), while he/she literally performs in righteous anger or indignation or sometimes even praise for a particular piece of legislation, consummately performing their own soliloquy during their allotted time on stage.
Taking this idea one step futher, whether it be right of left, Federal or state, I think the machinations of politicians should have their very own set of awards to equal theater's Tonys. My initial, top-of-my-head thought would be to call them the Georges, in honor of our first President, but that would seem to besmirch the Father Of Our Country. After all, legend has it that George did tell a lie about that pesky cherry tree, but then confessed. Admitting a lie and confessing an evil act doesn't seem to be a strong suit in my generation of politics, from Mr. Nixon's "I'm not a crook" to Mr. Clinton's "I did not have sexual relations with that woman". Something referring to Nixon is probably most appropriate, since his resignation of the Presidency was perhaps the ultimate in political theatrical productions, complete to the farewell bow entering Marine One to leave the White House for the last time. So, in honor of our 37th President, these awards shall heretofore be known as the "Tricky Dicks".
More on them in future editions of the blog.
On a day in, day out basis, is there anything more theatrical than the political arena? When attending a show, at the most local of levels such as my child's, or at the height of the profession, on the bright lights of Broadway, the best of performances will enthrall you, taking you from wherever your reality is to magical, far away places, where your logical mind understands that what you are witnessing cannot be real.
Sounds exactly like politics, doesn't it - LOL.
What grandiose performances we get to see on a daily basis. Previously only available to Americans either on the rare personal visit to our Congress, or on annual national events like State of the Union speeches, now, through the miracle of C-SPAN television, we can see our duly elected representatives conducting our government's business. Well, not really. Since there are no cameras allowed in the various restaurants of D.C. or inside the offices our elected representatives, we don't get to see the real business of our government occurring; you know, the meetings that have the lobbyists involved. However, everyone should turn on C-SPAN for the entertaining televised moments late in the day, when your local politician has the floor to himself or herself, an empty chamber in front of them (the production values of the broadcasts have improved, you don't see all the empty seats as much as you used to), while he/she literally performs in righteous anger or indignation or sometimes even praise for a particular piece of legislation, consummately performing their own soliloquy during their allotted time on stage.
Taking this idea one step futher, whether it be right of left, Federal or state, I think the machinations of politicians should have their very own set of awards to equal theater's Tonys. My initial, top-of-my-head thought would be to call them the Georges, in honor of our first President, but that would seem to besmirch the Father Of Our Country. After all, legend has it that George did tell a lie about that pesky cherry tree, but then confessed. Admitting a lie and confessing an evil act doesn't seem to be a strong suit in my generation of politics, from Mr. Nixon's "I'm not a crook" to Mr. Clinton's "I did not have sexual relations with that woman". Something referring to Nixon is probably most appropriate, since his resignation of the Presidency was perhaps the ultimate in political theatrical productions, complete to the farewell bow entering Marine One to leave the White House for the last time. So, in honor of our 37th President, these awards shall heretofore be known as the "Tricky Dicks".
More on them in future editions of the blog.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
On Politics 4/15/09: Tax Rebellion Redux
Growing up, the first loud, shrill populist anger I can remember seeing was the Morton Downey Jr. television show (the audience was upset at more than his awful red socks). I have vague recollections of the protests against the Vietnam War in 90 second reports on the nightly news, but they had little impact when you're as young as I was in the late 60's / early 70's. As I grew older, there were other confined instances, like CNN's Crossfire, but I was astonished by the reaction of the studio crowd on the Downey program. The palpable, almost tangible mob mentality of people agreeing in loathing for a particular person or idea was startling to someone who came from a somewhat more genteel environment.
Fast forward to now, and we appear to have the modern version of that in yesterday's faux tea party gatherings. Spurred on by the electronic capabilities of the Internet, Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Fox News, talk radio, etc., friends, neighbors, and strangers gathered at various locales to complain about the current course of government. People demonstrated against bailouts of businesses, perceived unfairness of tax codes, and stimulus spending programs. Somewhere inside the Alamo (his location for the day) Glenn Beck, the Downey of his time, must have been weeping with joy.
In contemplating the activity of my fellow Americans on Tax Day, I'm curious about a couple of things:
Fast forward to now, and we appear to have the modern version of that in yesterday's faux tea party gatherings. Spurred on by the electronic capabilities of the Internet, Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Fox News, talk radio, etc., friends, neighbors, and strangers gathered at various locales to complain about the current course of government. People demonstrated against bailouts of businesses, perceived unfairness of tax codes, and stimulus spending programs. Somewhere inside the Alamo (his location for the day) Glenn Beck, the Downey of his time, must have been weeping with joy.
In contemplating the activity of my fellow Americans on Tax Day, I'm curious about a couple of things:
- Where were all these people when the rules and regulations governing financial institutions were systemically eliminated, enabling the current crisis to metastasize? I can't seem to recall them demonstrating anywhere during that time.
- Where were all these people when the current economic crisis was exacerbated and deepened by fighting an unnecessary war costing us billions of dollars a month? I recall only few people protesting during that time.
- Do we attribute the numbers gathered to the influence of talk radio alone, or is this a portend to a perfect storm of unemployment and financial hardships for so many that it adds to the typical sycophantic actions of of followers of the standard neo-conservative agenda (less taxes, less government, all Democrats are evil)?
Sunday, April 12, 2009
On Politics 4/12/09: Questions Inside My Easter Eggs
I'm pondering a few questions found inside my Easter eggs today. They're not quite as profound as the interesting witticisms contained in your free Chinese fortune cookies thrown in with your weekly takeout order (with your complimentary Mandarin / Cantonese grammar lesson and lucky numbers as a bonus), but hey, I'm not charging you for these either.
- It's an interesting contradiction of images on this holiest of days in the Catholic calendar. I've always been curious to see a side-by-side picture of the risen Jesus with Mr. Peter Cottontail, although the conjured image is doubtful to be produced, since it would defeat the marketing purposes for the respective entities. Slightly hard to link the fluffy rabbit bouncing down the bunny trail with the majesty of the Son of God exiting the tomb of Joseph of Arimethea. Some would argue that both are fables for the innocent or weak of mind, or a drug for the masses (pun intended) according to one Karl Marx.
- Why didn't we use deadly force on the pirates sooner? As Jefferson and Madison learned two centuries ago, pirates don't go away when asked. They have to be shoved, or, in this case, dutifully shot. Kudos to the Navy Seals.
- When does a political recount ever end? Whether it's the ongoing Minnesota Senate farce of Coleman vs Franken, or our local Gillibrand replacement beauty contest of Murphy vs Tedisco, these things are seemingly neverending. We have the regular vote, followed by the recount of that vote via machine examination or computer analysis, then we have the absentee vote, then we have recalculated totals, then we have the inevitable challenges and threatened lawsuits. Does anyone lose gracefully anymore? No, of course they don't. It almost makes you pine for the days of pistols at ten paces to decide arguments. At least duels always have a definitive, final outcome.
Enough thinking for now; bring on the dark chocolate raspberry jelly rings. There's no question about how good they are.
- It's an interesting contradiction of images on this holiest of days in the Catholic calendar. I've always been curious to see a side-by-side picture of the risen Jesus with Mr. Peter Cottontail, although the conjured image is doubtful to be produced, since it would defeat the marketing purposes for the respective entities. Slightly hard to link the fluffy rabbit bouncing down the bunny trail with the majesty of the Son of God exiting the tomb of Joseph of Arimethea. Some would argue that both are fables for the innocent or weak of mind, or a drug for the masses (pun intended) according to one Karl Marx.
- Why didn't we use deadly force on the pirates sooner? As Jefferson and Madison learned two centuries ago, pirates don't go away when asked. They have to be shoved, or, in this case, dutifully shot. Kudos to the Navy Seals.
- When does a political recount ever end? Whether it's the ongoing Minnesota Senate farce of Coleman vs Franken, or our local Gillibrand replacement beauty contest of Murphy vs Tedisco, these things are seemingly neverending. We have the regular vote, followed by the recount of that vote via machine examination or computer analysis, then we have the absentee vote, then we have recalculated totals, then we have the inevitable challenges and threatened lawsuits. Does anyone lose gracefully anymore? No, of course they don't. It almost makes you pine for the days of pistols at ten paces to decide arguments. At least duels always have a definitive, final outcome.
Enough thinking for now; bring on the dark chocolate raspberry jelly rings. There's no question about how good they are.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
On Politics 4/8/09: Predictable Prattle
If it weren't so predictable and so annoying, it would be easy to laugh at. We've heard the Republicans claim this week that the current administration is "anti-religious", due to an appointment of a gay rights supporter to the White House advisory council on faith-based initiatives. Apparently, this translates to, in former Speaker Gingrich's words "a goal of to have a very secular America in which government dominates everything".
You must be kidding.
Perhaps I missed the menu from God, or the pastors in all of my churches all these years have got it wrong. What I recall being taught, read, and heard was that God loved everyone, regardless of faith, orientation, or sins committed.
Of all people, The Newt should hope this is so. How odd for a man with his personal background to be coming forth as the religious "scold", given all of his personal predilections (thrice-married, divorcing a wife during the middle of a cancer struggle, another divorce due to an affair...really, who marries guys like these?). Yet, like Freddy Krueger or Jason Vorhees, he keeps returning from the dead, to tell others that they are God-less or lost in the errors of their ways.
Let's say this - on that subject, he should certainly be an expert by now.
You must be kidding.
Perhaps I missed the menu from God, or the pastors in all of my churches all these years have got it wrong. What I recall being taught, read, and heard was that God loved everyone, regardless of faith, orientation, or sins committed.
Of all people, The Newt should hope this is so. How odd for a man with his personal background to be coming forth as the religious "scold", given all of his personal predilections (thrice-married, divorcing a wife during the middle of a cancer struggle, another divorce due to an affair...really, who marries guys like these?). Yet, like Freddy Krueger or Jason Vorhees, he keeps returning from the dead, to tell others that they are God-less or lost in the errors of their ways.
Let's say this - on that subject, he should certainly be an expert by now.
Monday, April 6, 2009
On Politics 4/6/09: Hardly A Surprise
Once upon a movie, Claude Raines remarked that he was "shocked to find that gambling is going on in here" in the casino in Casablanca, but his was a very tongue-in-cheek remark. Today, the latest Quinnipiac results on voters' feedback for Governor Paterson's performance leaves us somewhat less surprised than Raines' Captain Renault, and surely much more serious.
You want numbers? Hey, we've got numbers!
Here's my only question: Who are the people that think the Governor is doing a good job?
You want numbers? Hey, we've got numbers!
- Approval Rating: 28% / Disapproval Rating: 60%
- Deserves Re-election: Yes 22% / No 63%
Here's my only question: Who are the people that think the Governor is doing a good job?
Friday, April 3, 2009
On Politics 4/3/09: The American Nightmare
They escaped from countries where they weren't safe. They fled all that they knew, all that was familiar, to come here. They almost assuredly left everything they had in order to emigrate and live in a land where they could not even speak the language. They came in search of what we once proudly called the American dream. Now, in a civic center in Binghamton, they're dead.
Welcome to the American nightmare.
The majority were murdered while taking their citizenship test, while the remaining worked in this place dedicated to helping immigrants assimilate and adapt, offering English language courses amongst other items to aid the new arrivals. Could the irony be more dramatic?
Here's some startling facts to consider in light of this today, courtesy of ABC News this evening:
It's such an American curse, such a uniquely American event. Only recently has the rest of the world experienced one or two of these indiscriminate, unexplained, incomprehensible events. I, like many others, recall watching the old Westerns on TV, with men facing off in the street, six shooters strapped to the legs, invariably the good guy gunning down his enemy. The people who support gun ownership want us to believe that if we were all armed, as men were back then, these large-scale murders would never happen, that fewer would die if we could all exchange fire.
I say this in return: If there were no guns, it couldn't happen - period.
Welcome to the American nightmare.
The majority were murdered while taking their citizenship test, while the remaining worked in this place dedicated to helping immigrants assimilate and adapt, offering English language courses amongst other items to aid the new arrivals. Could the irony be more dramatic?
Here's some startling facts to consider in light of this today, courtesy of ABC News this evening:
- There are estimated to be over 250 million guns in America today; literally, almost a gun for every single person who resides here.
- In the 2 years since the horrific slaughter at Virgina Tech, there have been 50 separate mass shooting incidents, with over 200 people killed. That's just in the last 2 years!
It's such an American curse, such a uniquely American event. Only recently has the rest of the world experienced one or two of these indiscriminate, unexplained, incomprehensible events. I, like many others, recall watching the old Westerns on TV, with men facing off in the street, six shooters strapped to the legs, invariably the good guy gunning down his enemy. The people who support gun ownership want us to believe that if we were all armed, as men were back then, these large-scale murders would never happen, that fewer would die if we could all exchange fire.
I say this in return: If there were no guns, it couldn't happen - period.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
On Politics 4/1/09: Don't Believe Everything You Read
I think we need to take today's entry to set the record straight on a few items. Onward...
- I think we need less gun control in the U.S. I believe that automatic weapons should be available without background screening checks or any other restrictions. If we're going to have guns, let's really have guns.
- I think that President Bush was sadly misunderstood. His efforts to overcome his inferiority conflict with his father's achievements and his parents always favoring his brother Jeb worked to our advantage, like spurring him on to invade Iraq, just to show Daddy another Bush could do it like he did. Those of us not born to a ruling class cannot understand how crushing the burden of expectations can be; not even Jack Daniel's can loosen the monkey's grip on your back.
- I believe Governor Paterson is steering a straight and true course to a better life for all New Yorkers. His excellent new budget plan, taxing anything we eat, smoke, drink, hear or see we'll surely end all of our economic woes. Better yet, his policy for creating his budget in secret, along with the coterie of legislators alongside, is the correct approach. After all, they really are smarter than the rest of us.
- Reality TV is good, wholesome family entertainment. We need more of people who cannot sing, dance, cook, survive, or live together in various formats / settings. These productions impart terrific lessons for our children, including how to mock those who fail, how to connive and cheat, and even how to lie to win. Who needs parochial schools when this moral education is available?
- I believe it is irrational for those of us not in the financial sector to hold those who are in such contempt. They've never been told that they might be punished one day for lying and cheating the rest of us, gambling our respective monies away while paying themselves multi-million dollar salaries. For years, these professionals have had our best interest at heart, as long as it coincided with their income goals. We need to be more patient and understanding about how things went wrong for them, and for all of us.
April Fool's.
- I think we need less gun control in the U.S. I believe that automatic weapons should be available without background screening checks or any other restrictions. If we're going to have guns, let's really have guns.
- I think that President Bush was sadly misunderstood. His efforts to overcome his inferiority conflict with his father's achievements and his parents always favoring his brother Jeb worked to our advantage, like spurring him on to invade Iraq, just to show Daddy another Bush could do it like he did. Those of us not born to a ruling class cannot understand how crushing the burden of expectations can be; not even Jack Daniel's can loosen the monkey's grip on your back.
- I believe Governor Paterson is steering a straight and true course to a better life for all New Yorkers. His excellent new budget plan, taxing anything we eat, smoke, drink, hear or see we'll surely end all of our economic woes. Better yet, his policy for creating his budget in secret, along with the coterie of legislators alongside, is the correct approach. After all, they really are smarter than the rest of us.
- Reality TV is good, wholesome family entertainment. We need more of people who cannot sing, dance, cook, survive, or live together in various formats / settings. These productions impart terrific lessons for our children, including how to mock those who fail, how to connive and cheat, and even how to lie to win. Who needs parochial schools when this moral education is available?
- I believe it is irrational for those of us not in the financial sector to hold those who are in such contempt. They've never been told that they might be punished one day for lying and cheating the rest of us, gambling our respective monies away while paying themselves multi-million dollar salaries. For years, these professionals have had our best interest at heart, as long as it coincided with their income goals. We need to be more patient and understanding about how things went wrong for them, and for all of us.
April Fool's.
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