Monday, September 9, 2013

Syria

Well, were at it again.  Syria is experiencing inner turmoil.  People are dying.  As Big Brother to the world we feel compelled to stick our nose in.  We, in this case, means our political leaders.

Weather or not we the public are treated to facts or fabrication is unclear.  One thing I believe is that we are being pushed hard by administration personnel to react with military action.  I, like a vast majority (according to polls),  are against taking action which may well lead to more long term involvement in a useless conflict.

Syria has nothing to offer us.  They have no necessary exports.  They hold no value for us what-so-ever.  Our interest appears to be our idea of morality.  Apparently an idea not shared by Syria and most other Middle Eastern countries.  Countries that perpetually are involved in conflict.

While I am mystified by the cruelty exhibited in these countries,  I feel no responsibility to force a change.  To me, it is unclear which side is a lesser evil.  It is clear that neither side in the Syrian conflict has any interest in the general public of that country.  Why should we?

I am tired of wasting our resources on people that do not like us.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Stuff I learned

A woman fell out of a roller coaster in Texas.  Now we have determined that some oversite is needed by the Government.  What happened to COMMON SENSE?  Can't find that in the Government.

The Pope is visiting Brazil.  He's from South America.  People are so happy. The crowds waiting along the road to see the Pope have become unruly to the point it isn't safe for him to visit.  Certainly makes sense to me.  (sarcasm).

George Zimmerman was found innocent in his murder trial.  Some people found that a reason to riot.  Obviously,  trashing private and public property is an approiate response.  Our system, however flawed,  worked as intended.  A jury (chosed by defense and prosecution) found doubt of guilt.  End of story?  No.  It continues to be a Black and White issue.  There cannot ever be an end. 

With all that is happening in the world,  is the best headline one about the birth of another baby in the Royal Family in England?

The best story today?  A plane landing at New York wrecked and a couple people were injured slightly.  Thank goodness all the rest of the worlds problems were solved earlier! (sarcasm)

Saw an advertisement for the Wounded Warrior Project.  Seems wounded military people do not have all the necessary care needed.  I, as a taxpayer,  have no problem with giving these people all the care they need in response to what they have given serving us.  Why are their needs un-met by our  government?

Arizona has a Stupid Motorist Law.  If you drive into a flood and require assistance to save your dumb-ass,  you will get a bill.  I like that.

FINALLY,  the President is going to give speeches about the economy.  Sounds like a good solution to me.  Make sure to give those in Detroit!

stupid has rights

Rolling Stone magazine published an issue with the surviving Boston Marathon bomber on the cover.  The fallout has been immense.

While I am tired of the glorification of turds like the "Bomber",  I strongly support our right to free speech.  The end result of Rolling Stone publishing this issue is yet to be known.  Their purposed serious story is, again, well within their right, even if not the smartest thing.  That is one of the beauties of living where we do.  We have a right to be stupid.

 I have not seen or read the article.  I have no desire.  I have always been of the opinion that Rolling Stone is an entertainment magazine.  Therefore I have formulated the opinion their latest cover story is purely an attempt to raise circulation.  It has certainly put their name on the lips of many non-readers, even if it has not raised readership.

Remember,  stupid people/organizations,  have rights.

Let them eat cake.

It's been awhile since I have been here.  Many reasons,  none of which are valid!

Alot has been happening.  Biggest news today is the impending birth of another Royal in England.  Apparently, I am the only person in the world that is not holding their breath in anticipation of the historic event.  I understand that I live in a country that has no tradition that rivals the chain of Monarchs that have ruled England.  I am astounded at the costs associated with maintaining a Royal family that has become "for show only". 

I do, however, relate Englands Royal family costs to the exhorbitant costs of maintaining a government here in America.  We are always learning more about those costs.  Wheather it is a vacation in Hawaii for our "Royal Family", the Obamas, or the staggering amout of money we spend on housing and transportation for Washington's political members,  or the Millions we spend on Military bases that we never occupy.  The similarities are there.  Even to the point that our Government is mostly show,  just like Britian's Royal Family.

In a time when many Countries are rebelling against their Governments,  some very violently,  it would seem that across the globe things are changing.  General populations are becoming very tired of Government mis-management.  Current economic crisis conditions are having a hugh effect on the quality of life in many regions and people are tiring and patience is becoming short.  It would seem that at some point, our infatuation of the famous and wealthy might become a sore point.  Remember the French Monarchy......Marie Antoniette?  She never really said "let them eat cake",  but her actions seemed to insinuate that behavior.  In-action can have the same affect.  Gonverments that continue to overspend or have become in-active may want to take a look at the growing un-rest.

We should all be able to afford to eat cake.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Just make believe

I was having a discussion the other day with some friends.  We were discussing the publics fascination, almost worship of celebrities.  All types of celebrities,  movie stars,  sports stars, TV personalities and so on and so forth.  It mystifies me what there is about these people that makes us feel that they are all knowing.  Are you kidding me?  Just because these people ae good at something we hang on every word out of their mouth.  We cannot wait to hear words of wisdom from the likes of Mel Gibson, or Ashley Judd, or the latest basketball wonderkid,  or Lindsey Lohan.  These people, clearly,  have the answers to lifes most meaningful issues!

I am a sports fan.  I enjoy the game. I simply do not care to be treated to a rehash of the game by anyone.  Especially some 20 something that believes his feats rival a cure for cancer.  The endless speculation about an up-coming sporting event is an assault on our intelligence, yet we cannot turn away from the sooth-sayers.

I have really enjoyed Mel Gibsons body of work over the years.  His opinions are of no interest to me.  Wheather or not Ashley Judd runs for political position,  I could care less.  Movies probably qualify her as much as most of the other BoZo's in office,  but, again, I don't care.  Lindsey Lohan, now there's a wast of flesh and bone.  She, like others we worship, are aparently exempt from rules of approiate behavior expected of most of us. Oh yea,  lets not forget the ND football player with the make-beleive girl friend.  If he can't make it in the pros,  I am sure NASA could use him!!!  After all,  Space is where most Gods reside.

In a time when planet earth is filled with real issues, it would seem to me we could all find better people to emulate and look up to.  I still want to be entertained by sports and movies and Television.  But I want serious answers to serious problems.  I want people with real world credentials to work on the problems at hand.  Leave entertainers do what they do best......make believe.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

More idiots

Been really busy lately.  Also, been arguing with computer some.  Lots of news recently.

A couple assholes made some bombs and blew up some people during the Boston Marathon.  I understand they were on some religious bend or something.  One was shot dead when found and the other was wounded.  Its a shame the second one survived.  We will undoubtedly spend a small fortune screwing around with a trial.  Never mind he has confessed.  We wouldn't want to deprive him of any rights.  Bullhockey!!! He wasn't concerned with the rights of others,  why should we care about his.

I, again, am at a loss as to why these things happen.  I don't see any way to prevent such crap.  But I do tire of the endless hash and re-hash on the boob tube.  There are other important events happening every day.  Certainly some politician has made a blunder or two.  We certainly have no shortage of other idiots to check in on.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Non-electronic

A billion people waited anxiously, watching a small chimney on the roof of the chapel at the Vatican.  They were watching to see the color of smoke that came out.  Black smoke prompted a moan.......3 times.  Finally, what they all were watching for....white smoke!!!!  Yippee!!  A new Pope.  Someone charged with control of an empire rife with problems.

In this age of electronic media and games,  I found it interesting that such an event would capture the attention of so many.  No campaigning, mud-slinging or outright lying could be found in the media.  It must frustrate the hell out of media pundits not to be able to do more than sit a watch with the rest of the billion.  From what I saw,  speculation of front runners was way off target.  Newscasters seemed lost for words.  No juicy sub plots. (Other than the need for reform within the Catholic Priesthood)

Entertainment does not have to be electronic.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

gloom and doom

Well,  we shot past yet another fiscal crisis.  Yet again,  our elected officials couldn't see fit to get together and really solve a problem.  The reality is that neither party will do anything for fear they might upset some voters.  It seems to me from recent polls that I have read that the majority of voters are upset with politicians.  Reality also seems to be that they are only upset at the opposing party.  What will it take to finally have Americans fed up to the point of real action?

Our latest fiscal fiasco involves a mere $85 billion.  That is just a few days spending for our government,  yet the gloom and  doom that has been forcast is surprising.  It seems if politicians can scare the crap out of the other parties voters that they feel they will be excused for their own poor behavior.

We can throw away $85 billion on futile military exercises in a matter of hours.  We throw that away daily on USELESS politicians.  Heck, we spend that much to fly the sitting president and posse around for meaningless meetings.  One thing our politicians are very good at is spending money we do not have.  I read in Time Magazine that a small group of mixed (Repubs and Dems) senators have  proposed that congress not be paid until they pass a balanced budget!  Hell yea!

If Washington and the States don't get serious about our annual budgets soon,  we will experience some real gloom and doom.

No better way

I had heart work (angioplasty and 4 stints added) in December.  Hadn't been feeling well and knew it was heart related.  Put it off as long as I was comfortable that I could still function.  Surgery went well but, I never felt as good as I did after the first time I had stints installed.  So I had another heart cath last week to see whats up.

I am beginning to think that 60 years of poor eating habits wasn't such a good idea.  After all that time my body and mind tend to reject healthy foods.  They just don't have the same flavor that salt and grease laden foods do.  I now have traded in my "donut" diet on a more health conscience diet that I will name the "Spit it out if it tastes good" diet. 

I have written about the benefits of growing older before.  Now we can add bland foods to the growing list of crap we have to put up with as we stroll through our GOLDEN years!  Whats Golden is the amount of money spent to continue into those wonderful years.  Wouldn't have it any other way!

Monday, February 4, 2013

Aren't Computers great

We are having a panic attack over Cyber Terrorism.  It seems that since EVERYTHING is connected via the World Wide Web,  unscrupled people/countries are using that as a tool to steal information.  NO KIDDING?   We certainly did not have to deal with information theft prior to the WWW.  No one/country ever committed theft or espionage prior!

If you put information available, it would seem to me that somewhere there will be someone with no conscience that will be more than willing to find and use that information.  I know, I know,  what a shocker.  Why is it that some people just cannot play by the rules?

If you don't want your neighbor to know, then close the curtains.  If information isn't for everyone,  keep it off the World wide web.  If you think you are so smart that you can protect yourself from these illegal activities,  you are obviously incorrect.  Bad guys make a living proofing that statement.

One thing is for sure.  Given my abilities on the computer,  no one will be looking at me when their information is tapped.  I often have trouble accessing my own information.  Aren't Computers great!?

still illegal

The debate over arms control continues.  Not those arms,  but the ones you and I have in our closets and dens and garages.  Those that we find useful for recreation and hunting and for a few us, the comfort of believing we could use those for self/family protection.  Politicians would assert that the guns that should be banned are useless for any legal activity.  Opponents would have us believe that it is our right to own those/any weapon we choose.  The root of this fight is mans predisposition toward domination and violence.  Not all of mankind,  but just enough to create controversy.



Advocates believe that we can legislate morality.  Opponents know this to be untrue.  Advocates believe that if we do a better check of peoples credentials,  we will be able to control gun ownership.  Opponents know that deranged people do not play by the rules.  Advocates think that someone should be keeping an eye on mentally challenged persons and build a data base that would reduce the ability of those to legally purchase firearms.  Opponents know that deranged people do not play by the rules.



 Our President has stated that his desire would be to make it illegal to purchase clips that would hold more than 10 bullets.  That makes perfectly good sense.  10 casualties per incident is just the right amount!  Never mind that you could own dozens of those 10 round magazines and changing a magazine requires as little as 2-3 seconds. 



It would seem to me that those who would seek to harm others and themselves will always find a way.  Some of these occurrences stir our emotions and drive us to unrealistic measures.  Some leave us in a state of wonder.  All of these occasions,  sadly are probably destined to repeat themselves.
Mankind has always been a violent society.  The sole reason to create weapons for hunting was lost millions of years ago.  We are an aggressive society.  We often want what others have and will devise a means to take it.  Wheather it be property, money, happiness, fame or some other reason.  There probably isn't a way to stop such injustices.  Legislation has not proven to be the answer.  It has been illegal to take another persons life for many, many years.  It still is illegal.

worlds keeper?

North Korea is developing nuclear capabilities and we (US) are nervous.  We don't think they should have Nuclear capabilities, especially, long range capabilities. Seems that we are afraid that they might use that as a threat to other countries in an attempt to influence those countries toward North Korea's interests.  Places like those in the Middle East.  Places like we have already done similar things!?

The Soviets and us wrote the book on muscle flexing.  Together we have enough nuclear warheads to virtually make mankind extinct.  I guess the difference is that we are smart enough to only use our might as a threat?  All the might that we possess has not been much of a deterrant to other countries of late.  We constantly engage in skirmishes in remote parts of the world only to expend considerable money, material, and lives with no clear victory.  It would seem that after WWII we have become soft.  We have had a string of embarrassing "wars" with no clear victory.  Korea, Viet Nam, and a dozen other military debacles.  While we exhibit the ability, we do not exhibit the desire for quick, decisive results.

Could it be that with North Korea and others, we fear that they might have the courage to back up any bravado?  What makes us so certain that we are the only country capable of proper use of end of the world power?  I am not advocating Korea's nuclear power is a good thing,  rather I question our ability to really be the worlds keeper.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

COLD

ITS 9 DEGREES OUTSIDE!!!!   GLOBAL WARMING MY ASS!

WHAT THE?

I missed the Ignauration ceremonies on TV the other day.  Words cannot begin to express how distraught I am.  Yeah.....Right.

Fortunately we have so much money that little multimillion dollar frivolities are no big deal.  The fact that elderly people resort to eating DOG FOOD because they can't afford anything else should not stop those chosen few from partaking caviar and champaign while patting themselves on the back for a job well done.

It's bad enough that we are subjected to such incompetence in our Government,  but, don't expect me to watch those same numbskulls party it up.  To sum it up.......WHAT THE #@*"$!!!

Tub of Gas

The Republicans had Hilary Clinton on the grill yesterday.  From the excerpts I saw on the news,  the grilling had more to do with politics than any real substance about security.  I especially liked the guy that came right out and said if he were President he would have fired her.  The arrogance exhibited by these guys was unbelievable.  Their total lack of respect was shocking.  The clear attack on Mrs. Clinton was politically motivated.  Possibly an attempt to lay groundwork for character debate in the event she runs for President in the next election.

The sad truth about the attack on the Embassy is that a house in the middle of a City in a Country that dislikes the US and has well armed Idiots roaming the streets is like standing in a tub of gasoline with a lit match.  Not much good is expected.  What would it take to protect a facility from mortar and rocket attacks.  Seems to me distance is the best answer,  Stay out of the gas filled tub.

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

pound of prevention

So we had another unbeleiveable shooting.  This time  in Connecticut at an Elementary School.  I cannot begin to comprehend what comes loose in someones mind that makes them do something like this.  I cannot help but wonder if the unlimited access to violence on Television, internet and video games hasn't in some way numbed some people to what violence really is.  After all,  everyone that is killed in those media are back the next time we boot up and we can do it all over again.  Or is it simply that little value is put on life these days,  others as well as our own.

Are we teaching that violence of this nature is just part of NORMAL behavior?  Is it really difficult to get some idea that these people are struggling with a fit into society?  Are there not some warning signs and if so are we unwilling to get involved?  I understand that if someone wants to create mayhem and is capable of planning for it, most would be hard to catch.  Such is the nature of deranged people.  History is full of such idiots.

Because of recent events and the young age of a large number of the victims,  there is a new movement to ban certain guns.  Everyone is getting excited and vocal with their opinions.  There are those that feel we should ban all weapons.  Those that believe that assult guns are the culprit.  Those that are certain any ban is the beginning of a new wave of tyranny possibly ending with another holocost.  I find it strange that an event like the recent shootings in Connecticut sparks such debate and such a fever pitch.  I also find it strange how fast the uproar dies.  It was not very long ago that we were experiencing the same outrage over a shooting in a movie theater,  but who remembers that?  Such a short time dulls the pain and outrage. 

Heres what I believe..... Wheather or not we have a RIGHT to own guns isn't the issue.  Guns definately don't kill any more people than automobiles and I sure want to continue to drive.  In no way will any legislation stop any waka-doodle from doing harm to innocent victims.  It is a sad fact that crap will continue to happen.  If some person doesn't use it, neither a car, gun, knife etc., will kill another person.

Remember that Pole in the town square and the pile of rocks?????  May have the same effect as a pound of prevention....