A school, natch. It's so refreshing to have a president that relaxes by hanging out a school...the place where the future begins.And anything can be fixed:)
Friday, February 06, 2009
Siimply Wonderful
So, where does my guy go when needs to "get out of the White House" for awhile?
A school, natch. It's so refreshing to have a president that relaxes by hanging out a school...the place where the future begins.
And anything can be fixed:)
A school, natch. It's so refreshing to have a president that relaxes by hanging out a school...the place where the future begins.And anything can be fixed:)
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Liberal Media Watch
There has been an awful lot of talk on all the major news networks regarding President Obama's cabinet picks and their failure to pay taxes. Actually, it's been wall to wall coverage and every day, it seems, a new appointee has come out with yet another sob story about "honest mistakes."
Hmm...what I am missing here?
I thought that the media was all liberally and soft and shit on Obama. Could it be that (gasp!) the media is actually more interested in ratings and profit than political leanings?
Nah, can't be.
Hmm...what I am missing here?
I thought that the media was all liberally and soft and shit on Obama. Could it be that (gasp!) the media is actually more interested in ratings and profit than political leanings?
Nah, can't be.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
The Most Liberal Agenda?
Conservatives have been trying since inauguration day to paint President Obama as pursuing the most liberal agenda in modern history. At first it just seemed silly what with our new president keeping on Robert Gates, appointing life long Republican James Jones to be National Security Advisor, and appointing Ray LaHood to be Secretary of Transportation.
Today, it will sound absolutely ludicrous.
In about an hour, President Obama will appoint Judd Gregg, yet another Republican, to be Commerce Secretary and serve in his cabinet. Gregg is a fiscal conservative and staunchly pro life. The American Conservative Union, which is THE congressional ratings association for Republicans, gives him a lifetime rating of 78 percent.
Now, how can our president be pursuing the most liberal agenda in our country's history and still have people like this on his team? Is it because, unlike my esteemed colleagues on the right, that my guy actually likes to listen to (gasp!) alternative viewpoints?
Today, it will sound absolutely ludicrous.
In about an hour, President Obama will appoint Judd Gregg, yet another Republican, to be Commerce Secretary and serve in his cabinet. Gregg is a fiscal conservative and staunchly pro life. The American Conservative Union, which is THE congressional ratings association for Republicans, gives him a lifetime rating of 78 percent.
Now, how can our president be pursuing the most liberal agenda in our country's history and still have people like this on his team? Is it because, unlike my esteemed colleagues on the right, that my guy actually likes to listen to (gasp!) alternative viewpoints?
Monday, February 02, 2009
A Quick Goodbye Please
Alright, I know I am biased but Tom Daschle should withdraw his nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services. Geithner I can forgive because he has talents and skills we sorely need right now but Daschle does not have any such skills. In fact, I always cringed whenever he was on TV stumping for Obama. Why my guy made him the co-chair for his election is still a head scratcher for me.
Tom Daschle represents so many things that I loathe about the Democratic Party that I am hoping and praying that he goes away soon to a life of quiet rumination.
Tom Daschle represents so many things that I loathe about the Democratic Party that I am hoping and praying that he goes away soon to a life of quiet rumination.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Show Me A Child
In his first ever interview on Arab TV (in an interview with Dubai based Al-Arabiya), President Obama told the Muslim world that the United States is not their enemy. He proposed immediate engagement with various Muslim leaders as well as a pledge to speak from a Muslim capital within his first 100 days. The balls on him...:)
The best bit though was when the interviewer asked about Al Qaeda and how they seemed nervous about the Obama era. Our new president responded by saying
They are nervous. They are nervous because they are going to see a changed America on my watch. No longer will they have a devil to point at and the world will see their ideas for what they are..completely bankrupt. Show me a child that Al Qaeda has helped during the last eight years. The only way they understand is violence.
My guy hits one out of the park...all the way past Waveland.
The best bit though was when the interviewer asked about Al Qaeda and how they seemed nervous about the Obama era. Our new president responded by saying
They are nervous. They are nervous because they are going to see a changed America on my watch. No longer will they have a devil to point at and the world will see their ideas for what they are..completely bankrupt. Show me a child that Al Qaeda has helped during the last eight years. The only way they understand is violence.
My guy hits one out of the park...all the way past Waveland.
Monday, January 26, 2009
His First Mistake
President Obama, in a meeting with Congressional lawmakers on Friday, said to the Republican representatives "you can't just listen to Rush Limbaugh and get things done." While he was stating the obvious, he made a critical error.
By mentioning Limbaugh in a meeting regarding the stimulus package, our new president has now empowered him and elevated him to the status of having a seat at the table. Rush Limbaugh should have no such fucking seat at the table when it comes to anything related to the direction of our country. He is an entertainer and lacks, in just about every way, the intellectual and moral strength that it takes to run this country. Or any country for that matter.
Now, someone like myself (a fourth rate blogger who only has about 200 readers as opposed to Rush's 13.7 million listeners) can mention Rush and get away with it as it usually makes my page loads go up. The fact that President Obama lowered himself by mentioning Rush's name nauseates me. Rush's ideas regarding where this country should go are akin to a 5th grader who is on an eternal temper tantrum...never admitting fault...never shutting up....never, EVER being wrong.
I knew he'd make mistakes, and I think the economic stimulus is going to hold a big one for him, but I didn't think he would ever make a dumb one like this so early. Ah well, he is only human:)
By mentioning Limbaugh in a meeting regarding the stimulus package, our new president has now empowered him and elevated him to the status of having a seat at the table. Rush Limbaugh should have no such fucking seat at the table when it comes to anything related to the direction of our country. He is an entertainer and lacks, in just about every way, the intellectual and moral strength that it takes to run this country. Or any country for that matter.
Now, someone like myself (a fourth rate blogger who only has about 200 readers as opposed to Rush's 13.7 million listeners) can mention Rush and get away with it as it usually makes my page loads go up. The fact that President Obama lowered himself by mentioning Rush's name nauseates me. Rush's ideas regarding where this country should go are akin to a 5th grader who is on an eternal temper tantrum...never admitting fault...never shutting up....never, EVER being wrong.
I knew he'd make mistakes, and I think the economic stimulus is going to hold a big one for him, but I didn't think he would ever make a dumb one like this so early. Ah well, he is only human:)
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Oh....no.
From rld in comments earlier this week
you are going to be in the same boat as Jon Stewart and Olberman, as in what are they going to talk about now?
Well....
Oh...no. That's going to leave a mark:)
you are going to be in the same boat as Jon Stewart and Olberman, as in what are they going to talk about now?
Well....
Oh...no. That's going to leave a mark:)
Thursday, January 22, 2009
"I Hope He Fails"
These were the four words uttered by Rush Limbaugh on his radio program yesterday in regards to Obama's economic plans.
Setting aside the fact for just a moment that if President Obama does fail that will mean a worse economic situation than we have now, I think Rush is beginning to sound desperate. Odd, because he still gets around a 5 share which, in radio lingo, is pretty amazing in ratings . Obama HAS to fail because if he doesn't or even if he is marginally successful it proves that Rush and other conservatives are wrong (see: End Times).
It is absolutely unconscionable that Rush Limbaugh, in this truly challenging and uncertain time, wants the president of the United States to fail. Doesn't he have even the slightest sensitivity for the people in this country that are hurting right now? If he is the patriot he claims to be, he will set aside his own hubris and attempt to be helpful.
Think he'll do it?
Setting aside the fact for just a moment that if President Obama does fail that will mean a worse economic situation than we have now, I think Rush is beginning to sound desperate. Odd, because he still gets around a 5 share which, in radio lingo, is pretty amazing in ratings . Obama HAS to fail because if he doesn't or even if he is marginally successful it proves that Rush and other conservatives are wrong (see: End Times).
It is absolutely unconscionable that Rush Limbaugh, in this truly challenging and uncertain time, wants the president of the United States to fail. Doesn't he have even the slightest sensitivity for the people in this country that are hurting right now? If he is the patriot he claims to be, he will set aside his own hubris and attempt to be helpful.
Think he'll do it?
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Um...wow...
Well, I guess he didn't waste any time did he?
This is only a small clip of the whole speech which I heard on NPR today. If I find the full speech, I'll put it up. White House wages are being frozen, a stern reminder was handed out that government serves the people not the other way around, and then there was this secrecy thing...
Someone needs to check to see if mother (Dick Cheney) needs help going to the toilet today:)
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
The End and The Beginning
On Tuesday, Barack Hussein Obama will take the oath of office and become our nation's 44th President. I have to admit I am still in a state of disbelief.
If you would have asked me one year ago that the man I wanted to be president more than just about anyone else on the political scene was actually going to win, I would've told you that you were nuts. In fact, I probably would've chalked the whole idea up to a pipe dream. There is no way that a country that elected George W. Bush twice would vote for a man like Barack Obama. The last eight years have produced an America that is a three headed monster...a monster that would never elect a man like our next president. It's just not possible, is it?
Before we take a look at how it happened let's take a look at what we have become in the last eight years. What are the three heads...exactly?
1. Hate. For all of our talk of loving thy neighbor, we sure have done an awful lot of hating in this country. Turn on any right wing radio dick and you will hear what I am talking about. They will tell you of the traitors in this country that continually plot to ruin our way of life. These traitors are...well...our next president and anyone else that supports him. They are the media. They are the teachers. They are you and they are I.
Of course, the irony is that they will also tell you that it is the LEFT that is full of hate but I think we can all see, after their convention in my home state of Minnesota, that they should take a look in the fucking mirror. There is no doubt that there is hate on the left. It's just not as prevalent and well organized as it is in the current incarnation of the Republican Party. Even President Bush is appalled by it which is ironic because he helped to create it.
2. Fear. The right does a great job with this one. My eight year old daughter has been told by fellow classmates, whose parents are conservative, that Barack Obama, after he becomes president, is going to give guns to babies so they can kill each other thus leading to infant genocide. I suppose it's possible that something was lost in the translation but I think you get my point.
Bush, Rove, Cheney and minions have been extremely successful in making many people in this country so hysterical with fear that they truly believe that Barack Obama is going to destroy them. Their propaganda has been so effective that I have had people tell me that I "best purchase" a gun to fight off the liberals that are going to take my family away from me and put them in camps. Three people told me this. I am not fucking kidding. And I thought the "liberals are fascists" argument was loony. The cheese is just flying off the cracker now.
3. Ignorance. This one is key. Destroy the credibility of the media and education (e.g. all commie liberal traitors), and you can get #1 and #2 with ease. An ignorant population is easier to control. If twenty percent of this country believe that the media and public education are doling out biased information, where are they going to turn? Either to the Republican Party's various information outlets or nowhere. More than likely it's the latter.
It's not just enough to get people to tune out or follow the party line. They have to be happy about it. Somewhere along the line it became cool to be a fucking moron. We like smart doctors, elite athletes, and business savvy CEOs but when it comes to our government-specifically our president-we want someone with whom we can have beer. Being smart is the absolute last thing many of us seem to want in president. I offer as evidence of this Governor Sarah Palin who has broad support amongst many conservatives.
So, folks on the right have done a great job of crafting this three headed monster in order to essentially gut this country as the mob would bust a joint out that it has taken over. Take a look around you. Know anyone that has lost a job recently? I bet you do. Where did all the money go? It's pretty obvious...the people who are on their way out the door. And funny thing...they don't really care. They got what they wanted from a bunch of hateful, fearful, and ignorant people who STILL believe in them. I have a friend who works in the mortgage industry who is just about destitute and will not, under any circumstances, admit any fault on the part of any conservative. It's all Barney Frank's fault!
So, how is it possible that through all of this we elected a man like Barack Obama? There's the crappy economy, the failed policies in the Middle East, and the shit stained image of the United States in the world...all things that I'm sure helped contribute to the victory. I say it's something else.
When Barack Obama takes the oath of office on Tuesday morning, it will be because the good guys are finally starting to win. I want to be very VERY clear about this. The good guys are not just Democrats. They are Republicans and even far right conservatives. They are independents, socialists, communists, constitutionalists and everyone in between. The good guys are people exactly like our next president...people who have an infinite supply of intellectual and moral strength. People who are going to show those who have succumbed to the three headed monster the true meaning of patriotism.
And there were just enough of them to win an election.
If you would have asked me one year ago that the man I wanted to be president more than just about anyone else on the political scene was actually going to win, I would've told you that you were nuts. In fact, I probably would've chalked the whole idea up to a pipe dream. There is no way that a country that elected George W. Bush twice would vote for a man like Barack Obama. The last eight years have produced an America that is a three headed monster...a monster that would never elect a man like our next president. It's just not possible, is it?
Before we take a look at how it happened let's take a look at what we have become in the last eight years. What are the three heads...exactly?
1. Hate. For all of our talk of loving thy neighbor, we sure have done an awful lot of hating in this country. Turn on any right wing radio dick and you will hear what I am talking about. They will tell you of the traitors in this country that continually plot to ruin our way of life. These traitors are...well...our next president and anyone else that supports him. They are the media. They are the teachers. They are you and they are I.
Of course, the irony is that they will also tell you that it is the LEFT that is full of hate but I think we can all see, after their convention in my home state of Minnesota, that they should take a look in the fucking mirror. There is no doubt that there is hate on the left. It's just not as prevalent and well organized as it is in the current incarnation of the Republican Party. Even President Bush is appalled by it which is ironic because he helped to create it.
2. Fear. The right does a great job with this one. My eight year old daughter has been told by fellow classmates, whose parents are conservative, that Barack Obama, after he becomes president, is going to give guns to babies so they can kill each other thus leading to infant genocide. I suppose it's possible that something was lost in the translation but I think you get my point.
Bush, Rove, Cheney and minions have been extremely successful in making many people in this country so hysterical with fear that they truly believe that Barack Obama is going to destroy them. Their propaganda has been so effective that I have had people tell me that I "best purchase" a gun to fight off the liberals that are going to take my family away from me and put them in camps. Three people told me this. I am not fucking kidding. And I thought the "liberals are fascists" argument was loony. The cheese is just flying off the cracker now.
3. Ignorance. This one is key. Destroy the credibility of the media and education (e.g. all commie liberal traitors), and you can get #1 and #2 with ease. An ignorant population is easier to control. If twenty percent of this country believe that the media and public education are doling out biased information, where are they going to turn? Either to the Republican Party's various information outlets or nowhere. More than likely it's the latter.
It's not just enough to get people to tune out or follow the party line. They have to be happy about it. Somewhere along the line it became cool to be a fucking moron. We like smart doctors, elite athletes, and business savvy CEOs but when it comes to our government-specifically our president-we want someone with whom we can have beer. Being smart is the absolute last thing many of us seem to want in president. I offer as evidence of this Governor Sarah Palin who has broad support amongst many conservatives.
So, folks on the right have done a great job of crafting this three headed monster in order to essentially gut this country as the mob would bust a joint out that it has taken over. Take a look around you. Know anyone that has lost a job recently? I bet you do. Where did all the money go? It's pretty obvious...the people who are on their way out the door. And funny thing...they don't really care. They got what they wanted from a bunch of hateful, fearful, and ignorant people who STILL believe in them. I have a friend who works in the mortgage industry who is just about destitute and will not, under any circumstances, admit any fault on the part of any conservative. It's all Barney Frank's fault!
So, how is it possible that through all of this we elected a man like Barack Obama? There's the crappy economy, the failed policies in the Middle East, and the shit stained image of the United States in the world...all things that I'm sure helped contribute to the victory. I say it's something else.
When Barack Obama takes the oath of office on Tuesday morning, it will be because the good guys are finally starting to win. I want to be very VERY clear about this. The good guys are not just Democrats. They are Republicans and even far right conservatives. They are independents, socialists, communists, constitutionalists and everyone in between. The good guys are people exactly like our next president...people who have an infinite supply of intellectual and moral strength. People who are going to show those who have succumbed to the three headed monster the true meaning of patriotism.
And there were just enough of them to win an election.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Under The Weather
Hey folks, sorry it has been so long since the last post. School has been busy and my whole family got socked with the stomach flu.
Inauguration next week...the day after Dr. King's birthday...
Inauguration next week...the day after Dr. King's birthday...
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Now That's What I Call A Bail Out!
Sometimes I wake up in the morning, read the news, and wonder what country I am living in. It seems that one of the many industries...pardon me while I stop for a moment to laugh my fucking ass off...that wants a bail out from the US government is.....THE PORN INDUSTRY.
Larry Flynt, of Hustler fame, and CEO of Girls Gone Wild Joe Francis are going to ask Congress for $5 billion to help them through these tough times. Spokesman for Flynt, Owen Moogan, says, "The porn industry has been hurt by the downturn like everyone else and they are going to ask for the $5 billion. Is it the most serious thing in the world? Is it going to make the lives of Americans better if it happens? It is not for them to determine.”
Most of you know that I do take my porn seriously but folks, c'mon, this is completely ludicrous. I know it's sad that people aren't spending as much money at lovemyass.com as they should be but aren't there more important things to be dealing with now?
Larry Flynt, of Hustler fame, and CEO of Girls Gone Wild Joe Francis are going to ask Congress for $5 billion to help them through these tough times. Spokesman for Flynt, Owen Moogan, says, "The porn industry has been hurt by the downturn like everyone else and they are going to ask for the $5 billion. Is it the most serious thing in the world? Is it going to make the lives of Americans better if it happens? It is not for them to determine.”
Most of you know that I do take my porn seriously but folks, c'mon, this is completely ludicrous. I know it's sad that people aren't spending as much money at lovemyass.com as they should be but aren't there more important things to be dealing with now?
Monday, January 05, 2009
Hmm...
A report is out that Vice President Dick Cheney has admitted to FBI investigators that he altered certain talking points to the press so Valarie Plame's name would come to light. Murray Waas is the reporter that somehow got access to the document, still highly classified, and wrote about what he saw.
Waas, you may recall, is an investigative journalist who helped break the Iran-Contra scandal. He has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and has won the Goldsmith Prize for Investigative Reporting, awarded by the Joan Shorenstein Barone Center on The Press. So the guy is no hack.
I'm going to wait until the report comes out before I completely believe Mr. Waas. I suspect it won't be out until later this year. If it is true, will we have enough balls to put Cheney in jail?
Waas, you may recall, is an investigative journalist who helped break the Iran-Contra scandal. He has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and has won the Goldsmith Prize for Investigative Reporting, awarded by the Joan Shorenstein Barone Center on The Press. So the guy is no hack.
I'm going to wait until the report comes out before I completely believe Mr. Waas. I suspect it won't be out until later this year. If it is true, will we have enough balls to put Cheney in jail?
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Happy New Year!
Thank the Lord that 2009 is here. There were some pretty rotten things that happened in 2008 in this country. The inauguration is less than three weeks away. Yea!
I wonder what is going to happen this year....
I wonder what is going to happen this year....
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Best New Year's Present
Well, I got a nice end of the year gift with some great news. One of my all time favorite bands is getting back together...BLUR!!
That's right....Damon and Graham have buried the hatchet. They are going to rehearse in early 2009 and "see what happens." They scheduled a gig for Hyde Park in July that sold out in 2 minutes! So they added another one the day before. They have promise more tour dates (in America!) and possibly a new album.
Happy New Year!
I am a very happy man:)
That's right....Damon and Graham have buried the hatchet. They are going to rehearse in early 2009 and "see what happens." They scheduled a gig for Hyde Park in July that sold out in 2 minutes! So they added another one the day before. They have promise more tour dates (in America!) and possibly a new album.
Happy New Year!
I am a very happy man:)
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
BEST OF 2008
What a year. I have to say that when it comes to entertainment, 2008 was really mega. I saw many great bands, some really fantastic films, and a few really groovy TV shows. So, the following is a list of those artistic endeavors that really stood out in my mind in each of aforementioned categories. If you have any you would like to share please do so in comments at the end of this column. I would welcome them.
Without further adieu, here is my list...
BEST CD
A Tortured and Wonderful Howl From the Heart
In April of 2006, Billy Lunn, guitarist, singer, and songwriter for the Welwyn Garden City, Hertforshire, England trio The Subways, was diagnosed with nodules on his vocal chords. They canceled several appearances in support of their wonderful first album Young For Eternity, including one that I had tickets for here in Minneapolis. Doctors said that years of intense screaming during his songs may have damaged his voice permanently and it was entirely possible that he would never be able to sing again. His scream, in many ways, is one of the best in the history of rock and roll. It epitomizes that Janovian wail that only true disciples of the medium can capture and convey. An excellent example of its supremacy can be heard in the song "Rock & Roll Queen", from Young For Eternity, a high-octane, balls-to-labia shag tune that is a must for any playlist. Shortly after the diagnosis, Lunn and his girlfriend (and bass player in the band), Charlotte Cooper, broke up. The question of whether the band would even continue weighed pretty heavily on the trio. With the future of the group in doubt, Billy started writing.
Without further adieu, here is my list...
BEST CD
A Tortured and Wonderful Howl From the Heart
In April of 2006, Billy Lunn, guitarist, singer, and songwriter for the Welwyn Garden City, Hertforshire, England trio The Subways, was diagnosed with nodules on his vocal chords. They canceled several appearances in support of their wonderful first album Young For Eternity, including one that I had tickets for here in Minneapolis. Doctors said that years of intense screaming during his songs may have damaged his voice permanently and it was entirely possible that he would never be able to sing again. His scream, in many ways, is one of the best in the history of rock and roll. It epitomizes that Janovian wail that only true disciples of the medium can capture and convey. An excellent example of its supremacy can be heard in the song "Rock & Roll Queen", from Young For Eternity, a high-octane, balls-to-labia shag tune that is a must for any playlist. Shortly after the diagnosis, Lunn and his girlfriend (and bass player in the band), Charlotte Cooper, broke up. The question of whether the band would even continue weighed pretty heavily on the trio. With the future of the group in doubt, Billy started writing.
And what we wrote has become the album of 2008: All Or Nothing.
In fact, it may be the album of the decade and is, without a doubt, in my top 25 records of all time. To borrow from the late Heath Ledger from Brokeback Mountain, I can’t quit this album. It is absolutely infectious on just about every level. As I listened to it the first few times, I could smell the beer, the smoke (if not illegal in your city), the vodka-Red Bulls, the sweat, the women, and the absolute human glory that is the CLUB. Every time I listen to it I get the urge to be body passed in a slimy, hoard of humanity…my Chucks flailing uncontrollably…as I revel in the majestic splendor of the pit. Clearly, Billy's voice got all better:)
Much of this feeling is due to the stellar production work of Butch Vig (of Garbage and Nirvana fame), and one really gets the sense that this is the next logical progression from Nevermind… Brit-Style. The first four songs are like Ali’s fucking fist (”Girls and Boys”, “Kalifornia”, “Alright”, and “Shake Shake”), pummeling you with such might that you are immediately brought to your knees in gratitude for hearing such great music. The next track, “Move to Newlyn”, is a wonderful travelogue that brings you on a journey of self discovery around the United Kingdom. We get back into the power with the title track, “I Won’t Let You Down” (his scream at the end…OMG!), “Turnaround”, and “Obsession”, the latter of which has a terribly haunting harmony vocal by Charlotte.
Then we get to the track of the album: “Strawberry Blonde”. To say that this song is gorgeous is the understatement of… history. It is three levels above gorgeous and there hasn’t been a word yet invented to define the truth and beauty of this instant top ten love song. I will say, like any great song, it reaches into my heart, pulls out a jumble of words, and puts them together to describe exactly how I feel. The album finishes with “Always Tomorrow” and “Lost Boy”, another shovel-to-the-head stunner of a track.
I have listened to this CD pretty much every day since I bought it last summer and still have not grown tired of it. You won’t either. No one will.
Because Billy approaches life like I do…fucking mega or fuck you…All or Nothing….and it is magnificent. Thank God.
BEST TRACK
From the moment I heard the opening seconds of it, I knew it was the song of the year. I also knew that there was a reason why I liked it but I couldn't figure out why. Then when I visited the Essex band Magistrates' web site and saw that their favorite two bands were Prince and The Talking Heads, I realized why I instantly fell in love with "Make This Work." Talk about a combination! I adore the Talking Heads and my hometown boy? Let's just say that Prince's super funk charged and deliciously dripping with sexuality music has made me a happy lover throughout the years...
Looking at it from this perspective, "Make This Work" is a fucking gorgeous gem that makes you believe that all romance and all love are possible in spite of the simple fact that most people are dicks. In all honesty, the hope of this song is something I really need right now and so should you!
BEST FILM
It is a rare thing when a film changes your life. My pick for 2008 Best Film changed certainly changed two lives as well as my own. Woody Allen's Vicky Christina Barcelona is an emotional gut wrencher in the most positive way you can imagine. The film reached into my heart, tore it open, and laid it bare for the whole world to see. Life, as the film states repeatedly, is lonely, dark, and often boring. This is why everyone needs to seize whatever moments of passion they can...regardless of how crazy it makes you...and cast aside conventional wisdom, and sometimes even emotional balance, to get to THAT place. For those of you who have been there, you know what I am talking about...:)
The story revolves around two women who visit Barcelona for the summer and how they each come to view romance, love, and passion through the events that unfold over the course of the narrative. What makes Allen's film so interesting is that it is not just about these two women. Every character in the film...even minor ones with only a few lines...convey very specific and wonderful ideas about the human condition as it relates to the female-male relationship. I found bits and pieces of myself in EVERY character in the film which lead to an enormous amount of self reflection after each viewing. I have seen the film three times and each time its impact on me grew, driving me to ask an amazingly intense question of my friends and of myself:
When faced with the choice of the comfort of boredom or the insanity of lust...which would you choose?
BEST TV SHOW
For the second year in a row, Mad Men is the best show on television. Honestly, I didn't think it was possible given how amazing the first season was. The second season was an absolute stunner. It picks up a little under two years after the end of the first season...the height of Kennedy era cool, which basically means I just jizzed in my pants.
So, Jack is president and women are either looked at as a Marilyn or a Jackie. Mega! Every episode was fucking incredible (mainly due to my girl, Christina Hendricks (left) and her amazing hips!) but the most interesting one was "The Jet Set" in which our hero, Don Draper, goes off the map on a David Lynchian experience in the wilds of California.
If you aren't watching this show, there is something seriously wrong with you and you need to get the first season on DVD immediately. The second season will be out in the first quarter of next year. If you do watch the show, can someone please tell me what the fuck Pete Campbell was doing with the shotgun at the end of the show?
Those are my picks for the year. What are yours? Leave comments below...
Monday, December 29, 2008
The Situation In Gaza
Before I put up my Best of 2008, I thought it more appropriate to address the situation in Gaza.
When Israel pulled out of Gaza, I lauded the move and was roundly chastised by several conservatives for being "weak" on terror. I predicted that some time would pass, Israel would lose patience, and then attack them as one sovereign country would attack another.
For those of you who don't know, the Israeli military has decided to end the mortar attacks from Hamas once and for all. They have been pounding Gaza for the last three days and well over 300 people in the Hamas stronghold have been killed.
While I find this loss of life to be terribly sad, I think the amount of restraint Israel has shown has been remarkable. Most of you who know me know that I am a staunch supporter of Israel so this opinion will not come as any surprise. Hamas has two central goals in mind in their operations: abuse their own people by ripping them off financially and killing Jews. It's just that simple. When they broke with Abbas and the real Palestinian governing body, they basically made their bed. It's sad that innocents in the Gaza Strip have to suffer as a result but I don't see that they have any other recourse.
As a holocast survivor once said, "When someone says they want to kill you, believe them."
When Israel pulled out of Gaza, I lauded the move and was roundly chastised by several conservatives for being "weak" on terror. I predicted that some time would pass, Israel would lose patience, and then attack them as one sovereign country would attack another.
For those of you who don't know, the Israeli military has decided to end the mortar attacks from Hamas once and for all. They have been pounding Gaza for the last three days and well over 300 people in the Hamas stronghold have been killed.
While I find this loss of life to be terribly sad, I think the amount of restraint Israel has shown has been remarkable. Most of you who know me know that I am a staunch supporter of Israel so this opinion will not come as any surprise. Hamas has two central goals in mind in their operations: abuse their own people by ripping them off financially and killing Jews. It's just that simple. When they broke with Abbas and the real Palestinian governing body, they basically made their bed. It's sad that innocents in the Gaza Strip have to suffer as a result but I don't see that they have any other recourse.
As a holocast survivor once said, "When someone says they want to kill you, believe them."
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merrry Christmas
To all of you who read Notes From The Front, I wish you and your family a very Happy Christmas. Thank you for being such loyal and devoted readers.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Hee Hee....what? Really?
I was flipping around the news channels the other day and I caught a little of Bill O'Reilly. He was talking about the War on Christmas. At first, I thought it might be an old tape or a nostalgia bit but no...oh no...it was live and this year. It was the usual rant about liberals hating Jesus, wanting to outlaw Santa, and force people into celebrating Kwansa at gunpoint. In other words, it was the classic "They's a comin'" bit.
Apparently, O'Reilly and other conservatives have not gotten the message that our country has much bigger problems to deal with than how people greet each other at the holidays. General Powell was correct. It's time for the right to decide if they want to continue to yell and be divisive (i.e. lose election after election) or if they want to showcase their message, several items of which would have an appeal to a great number of Americans, in a more positive way.
I wonder what they will decide?
Apparently, O'Reilly and other conservatives have not gotten the message that our country has much bigger problems to deal with than how people greet each other at the holidays. General Powell was correct. It's time for the right to decide if they want to continue to yell and be divisive (i.e. lose election after election) or if they want to showcase their message, several items of which would have an appeal to a great number of Americans, in a more positive way.
I wonder what they will decide?
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Holiday Grab Bag
It's been way too long since I did a Grab Bag. To be honest, since my guy won the election I haven't really felt the urge to be mean. Sure, I have noticed things that have driven me up a mother fucking tree but any such annoyances are quickly washed away by uttering the magic three words:
President Elect Obama.
But, as luck would have it, the last couple of weeks have been extra special bowls of Campbell Soup so I think I now have just the right combination of venom, irritation, and semen to revisit some of the things that have really pissed me recently. Happy Christmas!
THE J WORD
A friend of mine and I were walking through the Eden Prairie Mall recently and having a conversation. We passed by a mother and two kids, roughly around 9 and 7.
Friend: I can't stand that guy.
Mark: Yeah, he's a real jerk.
9 Year Old: Gasp! Mommy, he said the J word!
Mommy: Just move away quickly from that serial rapist/murderer, son. Get away! GET AWAY! RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!
As they scurried away in apparent fear, I wondered to my friend if the J word really meant the word jerk. "Beats me," he replied. I passed the whole thing off as me misreading things...as I often do:)
About a week later, I was at the Big 10-a restaurant here in Minneapolis. There was a family of five eating dinner and I was by myself-grabbing one of their great subs while studying. One of the kids said that he heard another kid at school use the J word. The dad told his son that the kid who uttered that word would be thrown into a boiling pit of sewage for eternal damnation. The smallest of the three kids asked quite loudly, "What's the J word?" To which the mother whispered, loud enough so I could hear, "Jerk. And don't you ever use that word or call anyone that. Keep your voice down."
Being the person that you all know and love, I turned to them and asked, "Since when is the word 'jerk' such a bad word?"
The parents looked at me as if I had just asked their children to videotape their mom swallowing one of their Dad's bowel movements (coming directly out of his butt and into her mouth) while I fucked her in the ass.
After they recovered from their astonishment, they replied, "The J Word is the meanest word in the world. It is a terrible, awful word that no one should ever EVER use. Please leave us alone."
I turned back to my homework, not dignifying them with a response and shaking my head at the sad fucking state our society has become. Now, I know for sure that there are plenty of you who laughed your asses off at what I wrote two paragraphs above this one. To be certain, there is one woman in Aurora, Illinois who just peed her pants. But there are probably many of you out there who were massively offended at what I wrote. By our society's standards, it was, in fact, offensive. I have no problem with that.
But....the J word? Really?
Have we become so vanilla, so PC, so terribly lame that we can't even call someone a jerk anymore? The word is universally accepted everywhere...even in G rated movies or films from the 1940s for cripes sakes....as being alright to call someone who cuts in front of you in line. Or steals a kid's ice cream cone. Or who won't use the butt crack to wipe it off before it goes back up into her mouth. Or who laughs at you when you are trying to push your car out of the snow.
Well, maybe the third one on the above list is more a common courtesy issue than jerk behavior but you get my point. I am so sick of this culture and its completely ridiculous and massively uptight rules about language. I feel like I am being shackled and thrown into an ever shrinking prison cell of what is acceptable discourse and I fucking hate it. Words can be made into anything they want. Say the word 'fuck' enough and it loses its appeal. I use it all the time and I don't have a single thought about it. It's just a word and it can mean anything you want it to mean.
Take, for example, the word 'chair.' In a recent discussion with an abnormally uptight individual who gets his jollies heaping and piling more restrictions on language, I told him that every time I said the word chair, I thought of a giant cock going into a big fat chick's ass. I then proceeded to say the word chair seventeen times over the course of the next two minutes. He became flabbergasted and cried, "I'll never use the word chair again" to which I replied,
"See? Now you know how I feel."
MEN THAT WON'T DO WHAT?
A couple of summers ago, I fixed up a female friend of mine (very hot) with a male friend of mine. About a month and a half into the relationship, she called me up and said, "What the fuck is up with your boy?" I asked her what she meant. "He won't fuck me." She then continued to tell me that he just liked to cuddle and kiss.
Now, normally I have no problem with this...some people like to wait. He just didn't seem the type, though, and when I asked him if he liked my friend and thought she was hot, he said, "Oh, yeah." Okkkkkaaaayyy....
Bit by bit over the course of the last two years, I have had woman after woman complain to me that their boyfriends/husbands/dates don't fuck them. Some go weeks...months...even YEARS without having their man make love to them. Excuse me?
In fact, it has gotten to be so many women (at least a couple dozen), that I'd like to know if I have slipped into an alternate universe...a universe where men are fucking lame. It goes without saying that women have traditionally been the ones to withhold sex. The fact that it continues is a bummer but a sadly universally accepted truth. But men? As I heard story after story, the rage inside of me began to build.
What the fuck is the matter with these d bags!!!???
Perhaps it is for religious reasons although none of the men I have met who have this problem strike me as church goers.
Perhaps they are gay and don't know it. Fine. Go suck some cock and stop wasting your time fucking with hot chick's minds.
Or perhaps (and very likely) it has to do with video games, the easy chair, the flat screen, fantasy football, Mountain Dew, Coors Light and mother fucking Cheetos. Men are just flat out lazy and have gotten use to a lifestyle that requires minimal or no effort. There seems to be no set age range in this group of twats. I have had woman complain about these men in their 20s, 30s, and even 40s. I have talked to some of these men and they offer many excuses.
"I'm just tired. It's too much effort."
"I really need a nap when I get home from work and then after that I am just shot."
"I just got a new video game."
"My fantasy football league had a late meeting and I ate too many cheese sticks."
"I'm hungry."
"Waaaah."
Believe it or not, this barely scratches the surface of the problem. There is also a group of men, mainly ages 19-29, who refuse to eat pussy. I know...I know...please calm down. You might have to be calm for me because right after I wrote the second sentence of this paragraph I wanted to go out to the garage and get my shovel for an Albert Pujols swing right to the forehead of these suckditches.
Apparently, they just think it's gross or have a general principle (largely generated by social pressure) not to do it. To say that this offends me as man, as a lover, as a devotee of chowing box is the understatement of the fucking millennium. If you don't eat pussy, you are a suckwad. If you don't take care of your woman, you are a complete loser.
Dude, it's a chick's ass and vag...is there anything hotter?
If anyone has any other ideas as to why this disturbing new trend of men being mega lame is occurring, please post them in comments because, even with the ideas listed above, I still don't fucking get it.
WHEELS ON BACKPACKS
I was at the gym the other day and I saw a woman wheeling her tennis bag behind her. In her small bag was....one tennis racket...and as far as I could see that was it. Now I suppose it is slightly possible that she had a 20 pound weight in there but really the bag was so small (it looked like a child's bag) that I'm sure she just had some tennis balls maybe and some personal items.
At my children's school, I see kids with backpacks that have wheels on them. Sure, some might have heavy books but (cue grumpy old man voice) when I was a kid, we carried our heavy backpacks on our back. Have we become so lazy in this culture that we now have to wheel minimally weighted bags around like it's a 50 pound suitcase packed for a week long trip to Hawaii?
The answer is yes....yes we have.
And people wonder why America is falling behind in the world.
VISORS
Look at this geek. Is there a way to gather all of the visors in the world and burn them? Visors are fucking stupid. About the only group of people that can pull of visors are women, especially the ones with long hair.
Men of any shape or size should not be wearing a visor. The fat bald ones who wear them look like morons. Bottom line (re: George Carlin): it's half a hat. Take it back to the store, say you were ripped off, and buy a real fucking baseball cap.
Dorkwad.
LANYARDS
I guess the new millennial look for 17-21 year old women is in and it is this: T Shirt (preferably athletic themed), men's athletic shorts (preferably knee length), sandals (even in winter), hair tied up, and a fucking stupid ass lanyard around their necks with their keys, ID, iPod, birth control, lipstick, and whatever else they can fit on their because they don't have any pockets in their shorts and don't want to carry a purse so they can look all tricked out with that 'just come from the gym or pool' look.
There was a period of time a few months back when, quite literally, every young woman I met looked exactly like this. It was as if they had been churned out in a factory....manufactured by the thousands. Whatever happened to originality? It was murdered...killed by the lanyard!
And finally, for those of you who have commented to me in the past (via email, comments, phone calls, or personal contact) that I need to be more positive...have no fear! I may be extra curmudgeonly of late but I still plan on putting up my annual Best of 2008 before the end of the year.
Stay Tuned!
President Elect Obama.
But, as luck would have it, the last couple of weeks have been extra special bowls of Campbell Soup so I think I now have just the right combination of venom, irritation, and semen to revisit some of the things that have really pissed me recently. Happy Christmas!
THE J WORDA friend of mine and I were walking through the Eden Prairie Mall recently and having a conversation. We passed by a mother and two kids, roughly around 9 and 7.
Friend: I can't stand that guy.
Mark: Yeah, he's a real jerk.
9 Year Old: Gasp! Mommy, he said the J word!
Mommy: Just move away quickly from that serial rapist/murderer, son. Get away! GET AWAY! RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!
As they scurried away in apparent fear, I wondered to my friend if the J word really meant the word jerk. "Beats me," he replied. I passed the whole thing off as me misreading things...as I often do:)
About a week later, I was at the Big 10-a restaurant here in Minneapolis. There was a family of five eating dinner and I was by myself-grabbing one of their great subs while studying. One of the kids said that he heard another kid at school use the J word. The dad told his son that the kid who uttered that word would be thrown into a boiling pit of sewage for eternal damnation. The smallest of the three kids asked quite loudly, "What's the J word?" To which the mother whispered, loud enough so I could hear, "Jerk. And don't you ever use that word or call anyone that. Keep your voice down."
Being the person that you all know and love, I turned to them and asked, "Since when is the word 'jerk' such a bad word?"
The parents looked at me as if I had just asked their children to videotape their mom swallowing one of their Dad's bowel movements (coming directly out of his butt and into her mouth) while I fucked her in the ass.
After they recovered from their astonishment, they replied, "The J Word is the meanest word in the world. It is a terrible, awful word that no one should ever EVER use. Please leave us alone."
I turned back to my homework, not dignifying them with a response and shaking my head at the sad fucking state our society has become. Now, I know for sure that there are plenty of you who laughed your asses off at what I wrote two paragraphs above this one. To be certain, there is one woman in Aurora, Illinois who just peed her pants. But there are probably many of you out there who were massively offended at what I wrote. By our society's standards, it was, in fact, offensive. I have no problem with that.
But....the J word? Really?
Have we become so vanilla, so PC, so terribly lame that we can't even call someone a jerk anymore? The word is universally accepted everywhere...even in G rated movies or films from the 1940s for cripes sakes....as being alright to call someone who cuts in front of you in line. Or steals a kid's ice cream cone. Or who won't use the butt crack to wipe it off before it goes back up into her mouth. Or who laughs at you when you are trying to push your car out of the snow.
Well, maybe the third one on the above list is more a common courtesy issue than jerk behavior but you get my point. I am so sick of this culture and its completely ridiculous and massively uptight rules about language. I feel like I am being shackled and thrown into an ever shrinking prison cell of what is acceptable discourse and I fucking hate it. Words can be made into anything they want. Say the word 'fuck' enough and it loses its appeal. I use it all the time and I don't have a single thought about it. It's just a word and it can mean anything you want it to mean.
Take, for example, the word 'chair.' In a recent discussion with an abnormally uptight individual who gets his jollies heaping and piling more restrictions on language, I told him that every time I said the word chair, I thought of a giant cock going into a big fat chick's ass. I then proceeded to say the word chair seventeen times over the course of the next two minutes. He became flabbergasted and cried, "I'll never use the word chair again" to which I replied,
"See? Now you know how I feel."
MEN THAT WON'T DO WHAT?A couple of summers ago, I fixed up a female friend of mine (very hot) with a male friend of mine. About a month and a half into the relationship, she called me up and said, "What the fuck is up with your boy?" I asked her what she meant. "He won't fuck me." She then continued to tell me that he just liked to cuddle and kiss.
Now, normally I have no problem with this...some people like to wait. He just didn't seem the type, though, and when I asked him if he liked my friend and thought she was hot, he said, "Oh, yeah." Okkkkkaaaayyy....
Bit by bit over the course of the last two years, I have had woman after woman complain to me that their boyfriends/husbands/dates don't fuck them. Some go weeks...months...even YEARS without having their man make love to them. Excuse me?
In fact, it has gotten to be so many women (at least a couple dozen), that I'd like to know if I have slipped into an alternate universe...a universe where men are fucking lame. It goes without saying that women have traditionally been the ones to withhold sex. The fact that it continues is a bummer but a sadly universally accepted truth. But men? As I heard story after story, the rage inside of me began to build.
What the fuck is the matter with these d bags!!!???
Perhaps it is for religious reasons although none of the men I have met who have this problem strike me as church goers.
Perhaps they are gay and don't know it. Fine. Go suck some cock and stop wasting your time fucking with hot chick's minds.
Or perhaps (and very likely) it has to do with video games, the easy chair, the flat screen, fantasy football, Mountain Dew, Coors Light and mother fucking Cheetos. Men are just flat out lazy and have gotten use to a lifestyle that requires minimal or no effort. There seems to be no set age range in this group of twats. I have had woman complain about these men in their 20s, 30s, and even 40s. I have talked to some of these men and they offer many excuses.
"I'm just tired. It's too much effort."
"I really need a nap when I get home from work and then after that I am just shot."
"I just got a new video game."
"My fantasy football league had a late meeting and I ate too many cheese sticks."
"I'm hungry."
"Waaaah."
Believe it or not, this barely scratches the surface of the problem. There is also a group of men, mainly ages 19-29, who refuse to eat pussy. I know...I know...please calm down. You might have to be calm for me because right after I wrote the second sentence of this paragraph I wanted to go out to the garage and get my shovel for an Albert Pujols swing right to the forehead of these suckditches.
Apparently, they just think it's gross or have a general principle (largely generated by social pressure) not to do it. To say that this offends me as man, as a lover, as a devotee of chowing box is the understatement of the fucking millennium. If you don't eat pussy, you are a suckwad. If you don't take care of your woman, you are a complete loser.
Dude, it's a chick's ass and vag...is there anything hotter?
If anyone has any other ideas as to why this disturbing new trend of men being mega lame is occurring, please post them in comments because, even with the ideas listed above, I still don't fucking get it.
WHEELS ON BACKPACKSI was at the gym the other day and I saw a woman wheeling her tennis bag behind her. In her small bag was....one tennis racket...and as far as I could see that was it. Now I suppose it is slightly possible that she had a 20 pound weight in there but really the bag was so small (it looked like a child's bag) that I'm sure she just had some tennis balls maybe and some personal items.
At my children's school, I see kids with backpacks that have wheels on them. Sure, some might have heavy books but (cue grumpy old man voice) when I was a kid, we carried our heavy backpacks on our back. Have we become so lazy in this culture that we now have to wheel minimally weighted bags around like it's a 50 pound suitcase packed for a week long trip to Hawaii?
The answer is yes....yes we have.
And people wonder why America is falling behind in the world.
VISORSLook at this geek. Is there a way to gather all of the visors in the world and burn them? Visors are fucking stupid. About the only group of people that can pull of visors are women, especially the ones with long hair.
Men of any shape or size should not be wearing a visor. The fat bald ones who wear them look like morons. Bottom line (re: George Carlin): it's half a hat. Take it back to the store, say you were ripped off, and buy a real fucking baseball cap.
Dorkwad.
LANYARDSI guess the new millennial look for 17-21 year old women is in and it is this: T Shirt (preferably athletic themed), men's athletic shorts (preferably knee length), sandals (even in winter), hair tied up, and a fucking stupid ass lanyard around their necks with their keys, ID, iPod, birth control, lipstick, and whatever else they can fit on their because they don't have any pockets in their shorts and don't want to carry a purse so they can look all tricked out with that 'just come from the gym or pool' look.
There was a period of time a few months back when, quite literally, every young woman I met looked exactly like this. It was as if they had been churned out in a factory....manufactured by the thousands. Whatever happened to originality? It was murdered...killed by the lanyard!
And finally, for those of you who have commented to me in the past (via email, comments, phone calls, or personal contact) that I need to be more positive...have no fear! I may be extra curmudgeonly of late but I still plan on putting up my annual Best of 2008 before the end of the year.
Stay Tuned!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Will Everyone Please Calm Down?
Taking a break from politics and turning to sports, people in my home state are once again making the mistake of thinking the Vikings are going to go somewhere in the playoffs. Yes, I know they need one win or one Bears loss and they win the division but let's not break out the big ass drum of boiling oil and have ourselves a clam bake yet.Only true Vikings fans know (as nearly as long suffering as Cubs fans), they are going to take a dump in these last few weeks. If it's not in the regular season, it will be in the first round of playoffs. So, please, stop with the over hyper predictions of Brad "Denny's Menu" Childress taking this team to the Super Bowl and winning.
It is not going to happen.
Friday, December 19, 2008
My Guy
He's done it again.
President Elect Barack Obama has once again shown what this country is going to start looking like during his presidency. By selecting evangelical Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at his inauguration, our soon to be president has shown that we are not all divided and that many of us, regardless of our political stripes, share common beliefs.
While the left squawks (and man oh man are they squawking-hilarious:)) about Warren's anti gay and pro life beliefs, a more reasoned mind can look at Pastor Warren's beliefs and action regarding world poverty and social injustice. He believes, as I do, that it is every Christian's duty to fight against these two things and make whatever sacrifices are possible to end them.
I also think that Pastor Warren really challenged PE Obama's way of thinking on several issues when he was at the Saddleback debate last summer. If you look at PE Obama's life, these are the kind of people that he has surrounded himself with...people with diverse points of view who will take him to the mat and help him learn and grow. I'm sure Mr. Obama, being the reflective man that he is, realized how unimpressive he was in that discussion last summer and felt that Pastor Warren is someone from whom he could learn.
And it is a great move politically. Evangelicals, some of which believed the paranoid and delusional propaganda that has come out about PE Obama over the last 2 years, can now look at him in a different light. Maybe he's not a terrorist-Muslim-communist-pinko-socialist-baby killer-ultra left wing maniac as we have been lead to believe.
As I have said previously and ad naseaum, Barack Obama is going to piss off the left more than he is the right. So far he is right on track to do that.
That's my guy!
President Elect Barack Obama has once again shown what this country is going to start looking like during his presidency. By selecting evangelical Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at his inauguration, our soon to be president has shown that we are not all divided and that many of us, regardless of our political stripes, share common beliefs.
While the left squawks (and man oh man are they squawking-hilarious:)) about Warren's anti gay and pro life beliefs, a more reasoned mind can look at Pastor Warren's beliefs and action regarding world poverty and social injustice. He believes, as I do, that it is every Christian's duty to fight against these two things and make whatever sacrifices are possible to end them.
I also think that Pastor Warren really challenged PE Obama's way of thinking on several issues when he was at the Saddleback debate last summer. If you look at PE Obama's life, these are the kind of people that he has surrounded himself with...people with diverse points of view who will take him to the mat and help him learn and grow. I'm sure Mr. Obama, being the reflective man that he is, realized how unimpressive he was in that discussion last summer and felt that Pastor Warren is someone from whom he could learn.
And it is a great move politically. Evangelicals, some of which believed the paranoid and delusional propaganda that has come out about PE Obama over the last 2 years, can now look at him in a different light. Maybe he's not a terrorist-Muslim-communist-pinko-socialist-baby killer-ultra left wing maniac as we have been lead to believe.
As I have said previously and ad naseaum, Barack Obama is going to piss off the left more than he is the right. So far he is right on track to do that.
That's my guy!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Liberal Media Watch
For being "puppets" of Barack Obama, MSNBC and the New York Times sure have a funny way of showing it. Both have been beating the Governor Blagojovich story into the ground even going as far as teaming up by interviewing each other on what could actually be in the "secret" documents that are going to be released next week regarding the ongoing investigation.
In fact, several anchors on MSNBC as well as reporters for the Times have said that President Elect Obama is answering questions in a manner similar to President Bush. Whether or not you agree that is true, it is kind of a head scratcher considering what the "all media are agin' us" crowd on the right are saying about both of these news organizations.
Ah, well...best not think about it too much. It's been a hard few weeks for some folks on the right and we all know how they need to have their enemies...even if they are, in no way, real.
In fact, several anchors on MSNBC as well as reporters for the Times have said that President Elect Obama is answering questions in a manner similar to President Bush. Whether or not you agree that is true, it is kind of a head scratcher considering what the "all media are agin' us" crowd on the right are saying about both of these news organizations.
Ah, well...best not think about it too much. It's been a hard few weeks for some folks on the right and we all know how they need to have their enemies...even if they are, in no way, real.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
White Folk Are All A-Feared (cuz he's a comin')
Earlier this week, the Star Tribune ran an article regarding how gun sales have picked up since Barack Obama was elected president. I have tried, very hard, all week to write a column about this but every time I start typing, I start laughing. In fact, I laugh so uncontrollably that my hands and fingers fly around my office, gripping my stomach in the pain of losing oxygen, and I nearly pass out!
After I calm down, one word pops immediately into my head which accurately describes the people that are rushing out to buy weaponry.
SUCKERS.
The NRA and other gun lobbyists are clearly exaggerating Obama's anti gun stance to make more money. And they have a whole line of chuckleheads that are willing to believe anything they say. As Sue Fust puts it in the article:
The anti-Obama vitriol has been a fear-mongering tactic that encourages some very fringe folks who are paranoid and convinced that the United States government will really need to be overthrown one day by citizens with guns. This helps to sell firearms. It is therefore important for those selling guns who want to make money to either try to create new markets or increase sales to existing gun owners.
No shit. I guess Obama's line about clinging to guns and religion may have been more astute than originally thought. Thankfully, not all gun owners are are losing their marbles.
Considering all the problems the country faces, "you have to wonder how high a priority [guns] will be," Joel Rosenberg (local gun enthusiast) said. "It's going to cost millions of dollars" to institute new gun laws, "and how much political capital is he willing to spend right away? I'm telling people who ask, 'Don't do anything you wouldn't do anyway,'" he said. "If you were already thinking of getting a carry permit or ... a semiautomatic, well, maybe go ahead and do it."
No shit. And thank you, Joel for being sane.
After I calm down, one word pops immediately into my head which accurately describes the people that are rushing out to buy weaponry.
SUCKERS.
The NRA and other gun lobbyists are clearly exaggerating Obama's anti gun stance to make more money. And they have a whole line of chuckleheads that are willing to believe anything they say. As Sue Fust puts it in the article:
The anti-Obama vitriol has been a fear-mongering tactic that encourages some very fringe folks who are paranoid and convinced that the United States government will really need to be overthrown one day by citizens with guns. This helps to sell firearms. It is therefore important for those selling guns who want to make money to either try to create new markets or increase sales to existing gun owners.
No shit. I guess Obama's line about clinging to guns and religion may have been more astute than originally thought. Thankfully, not all gun owners are are losing their marbles.
Considering all the problems the country faces, "you have to wonder how high a priority [guns] will be," Joel Rosenberg (local gun enthusiast) said. "It's going to cost millions of dollars" to institute new gun laws, "and how much political capital is he willing to spend right away? I'm telling people who ask, 'Don't do anything you wouldn't do anyway,'" he said. "If you were already thinking of getting a carry permit or ... a semiautomatic, well, maybe go ahead and do it."
No shit. And thank you, Joel for being sane.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Intelligent Minds Think Alike
Check out this video from CNN's web site.
Note to Rush: Buh Bye....
And isn't all of it exactly what I have been saying for the last....um...forever?
Note to Rush: Buh Bye....
And isn't all of it exactly what I have been saying for the last....um...forever?
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Check Out This Blog
Monday, December 08, 2008
Freddie Did What?
Remember all that talk in psycho conservative land about how Freddie Mac was all fucked up because the government was running the show? Well, it turns out (as it often does) that was all a big, steamy pile of shit.
In records obtained by the Associated Press, Freddie Mac fended off regulation by (gasp!) paying off a bunch of people in Washington to keep the government off their backs. Internal Freddie Mac budget records show $11.7 million was paid to 52 outside lobbyists and consultants in 2006. Power brokers such as former House Speaker Newt Gingrich were recruited with six-figure contracts. Freddie Mac paid the following amounts to the firms of former Republican lawmakers or ex-GOP staffers in 2006:
In records obtained by the Associated Press, Freddie Mac fended off regulation by (gasp!) paying off a bunch of people in Washington to keep the government off their backs. Internal Freddie Mac budget records show $11.7 million was paid to 52 outside lobbyists and consultants in 2006. Power brokers such as former House Speaker Newt Gingrich were recruited with six-figure contracts. Freddie Mac paid the following amounts to the firms of former Republican lawmakers or ex-GOP staffers in 2006:
-Sen. Alfonse D'Amato of New York, at Park Strategies, $240,000.
-Rep. Vin Weber of Minnesota, at Clark & Weinstock, $360,297.
-Rep. Susan Molinari of New York, at Washington Group, $300,062.
-Susan Hirschmann at Williams & Jensen, former chief of staff to House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, $240,790.
The tactics worked - for a time. Freddie Mac was able to operate with a relatively free hand until the housing bubble ultimately burst in 2007. The internal Freddie Mac documents also show that 17 of the lobbying firms and consultants paid in 2006 were specifically directed to focus on Republicans and four on Democrats, with varying targets for the rest.
So, can someone...some conservative someone who has been bemoaning too much government interference as the cause of all our financial woes...explain to me how less regulation is the answer when it seems like less regulation was the intent and goal that got us into trouble in the first place?
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Retribution
On February 25, 2003, General Eric Ken Shinsecki testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee regarding the invasion of Iraq. When asked about the size of force required, he respondedI would say that what's been mobilized to this point -- something on the order of several hundred thousand soldiers are probably, you know, a figure that would be required. We're talking about post hostilities control over a piece of geography that's fairly significant, with the kinds of ethnic tensions that could lead to other problems. And so it takes a significant ground-force presence.
Shortly afterward, then SecDef Donald Rumsfeld and Deputy Sec Paul Wolfowitz called Shinsecki's estimate "far off the mark" and "wildly off the mark" repsectively. Wolfowitz went on to say that it was "hard to believe" that more troops, than the 150,000 that he and Rumsfeld recommended, would be required to stabilize Iraq.
Five years later....Rumsfeld was asked to resign after the 2006 elections, Wolfowitz resigned in disgrace as President of the World Bank, and General Eric Ken Shinsecki is President Elect Barack Obama's pick to be Secretary of Veteran's Affairs.
It just keeps getting better and better, doesn't it?
Friday, December 05, 2008
This Just In: Hell Frozen Over
Earlier this week, my staunch conservative and evangelical friend at the gym walked over to me and said the following:
"I'm happy to be wrong."
For a moment I thought I was in a parallel universe in which men flew, cars ran on garbage, and commenters on Kevin Baker's blog were rational. I asked him what he meant and what exactly he was wrong about. He went on to tell me how happy he was that President Elect Barack Obama picked James Jones to be National Security Adviser. He repeated how wrong he was about Obama being "soft" on military issues and even went as far to say that it was a better pick than Condeleeza Rice. Wow!
It does my heart proud to see this type of reflection coming from someone who I thought incapable of looking inward. It gives me...hope:)
"I'm happy to be wrong."
For a moment I thought I was in a parallel universe in which men flew, cars ran on garbage, and commenters on Kevin Baker's blog were rational. I asked him what he meant and what exactly he was wrong about. He went on to tell me how happy he was that President Elect Barack Obama picked James Jones to be National Security Adviser. He repeated how wrong he was about Obama being "soft" on military issues and even went as far to say that it was a better pick than Condeleeza Rice. Wow!
It does my heart proud to see this type of reflection coming from someone who I thought incapable of looking inward. It gives me...hope:)
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Send in the Marines...Finally!
As I have told many of my conservative friends over the last few months, President Elect Obama is no softie when it comes to the security of this nation. In fact, I think there are going to be many ways in which he will be tougher (and clearly smarter) than President Bush when it comes to taking out Al Qaeda.
I realize this goes against all of the right wing propaganda out there about Barack Obama, surely eliciting the usual EEP! BLURP! QUARK! from some brainwashed minds, but with the nomination of former Marine Commandant James Jones (to the right of President Elect Obama and Senator Clinton in the photo) to be National Security Advisor, it is now a fact that our next president is determined to take out those who would use terror as a weapon.
In addition to being a 40 year Marine veteran, Jones has served as Supreme Allied Commander of NATO and as Special Envoy to the Middle East. He also acted as key advisor to President Bush early in his first administration. Jones is a Republican and has been described by many as a "warrior-diplomat." That is exactly what we need right now...someone who has the intellect to defeat the enemy in addition to being a blunt instrument, which is what ALL marines are.
This pick sends a message to Al Qaeda in Pakistan: Your days are numbered. With the head of the marines (and PE Obama) calling for months for a troop redeployment to Afghanistan, I think we can safely predict a major strategy shift in that part of the world. Factor in the recent attacks in India and there is no doubt in my mind that our future president is going to be pretty darned hawkish in the region.
With his plate full of economic woes, the pick of Jones, the continuance of Gates tenure as SecDef, and the choice of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State, President Elect Obama has a team in place rife with experience and knowledge. He can spend more of his time trying to get our financial difficulties straightened out and rest easy knowing that the marines are on the job.
It's about fucking time.
I realize this goes against all of the right wing propaganda out there about Barack Obama, surely eliciting the usual EEP! BLURP! QUARK! from some brainwashed minds, but with the nomination of former Marine Commandant James Jones (to the right of President Elect Obama and Senator Clinton in the photo) to be National Security Advisor, it is now a fact that our next president is determined to take out those who would use terror as a weapon.In addition to being a 40 year Marine veteran, Jones has served as Supreme Allied Commander of NATO and as Special Envoy to the Middle East. He also acted as key advisor to President Bush early in his first administration. Jones is a Republican and has been described by many as a "warrior-diplomat." That is exactly what we need right now...someone who has the intellect to defeat the enemy in addition to being a blunt instrument, which is what ALL marines are.
This pick sends a message to Al Qaeda in Pakistan: Your days are numbered. With the head of the marines (and PE Obama) calling for months for a troop redeployment to Afghanistan, I think we can safely predict a major strategy shift in that part of the world. Factor in the recent attacks in India and there is no doubt in my mind that our future president is going to be pretty darned hawkish in the region.
With his plate full of economic woes, the pick of Jones, the continuance of Gates tenure as SecDef, and the choice of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State, President Elect Obama has a team in place rife with experience and knowledge. He can spend more of his time trying to get our financial difficulties straightened out and rest easy knowing that the marines are on the job.
It's about fucking time.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
A Quitter?
Of all of the things I have written about President George W. Bush, I never thought I would write the following line: He is a quitter.
I could always rely on W to be the "decider guy" out there making all the bonehead moves he has made over the years. But to give up? Nah, say it ain't so.
Well, it is. With two months left in his presidency and in the middle of the worst economic crisis this nation has seen since The Great Depression, George Bush has basically handed the keys to Barack Obama. Never mind the fact that, by law, he has to serve us until January 20th.
As we have seen for the last eight years, Bush has no clue what the fuck is going on. His incompetence in handling this crisis is monumental and so, rather than trot out his usual propaganda of "everything is fine, don't believe your eyes," he has elected to head on down the road to pasture.
Because he knows that everything is not fine and it is probably going to get worse. And, by and large, it is his fault for mainly doing nothing (due to the fact that he knows nothing) and partially thinking, erroneously, that the free market would take care of itself.
So, I guess his complete and utter failure is now complete....well, except for the 24 percent of the country (see the real "victim culture" on the right) who think it is all someone else's fault. I guess it's time for someone who is actually competent to clean up the mess. The cynic in me wonders if he can.
I could always rely on W to be the "decider guy" out there making all the bonehead moves he has made over the years. But to give up? Nah, say it ain't so.
Well, it is. With two months left in his presidency and in the middle of the worst economic crisis this nation has seen since The Great Depression, George Bush has basically handed the keys to Barack Obama. Never mind the fact that, by law, he has to serve us until January 20th.
As we have seen for the last eight years, Bush has no clue what the fuck is going on. His incompetence in handling this crisis is monumental and so, rather than trot out his usual propaganda of "everything is fine, don't believe your eyes," he has elected to head on down the road to pasture.
Because he knows that everything is not fine and it is probably going to get worse. And, by and large, it is his fault for mainly doing nothing (due to the fact that he knows nothing) and partially thinking, erroneously, that the free market would take care of itself.
So, I guess his complete and utter failure is now complete....well, except for the 24 percent of the country (see the real "victim culture" on the right) who think it is all someone else's fault. I guess it's time for someone who is actually competent to clean up the mess. The cynic in me wonders if he can.
Monday, November 24, 2008
That Darned Commie!
Well, President Elect Obama has really done it this time. He went and nominated Timothy Gethiner to be the new Treasury Secretary. Gethiner is currently the President of the New York Federal Reserve. He is also the Vice Chariman of the Federal Open Market Committee. He started his career working for Henry Kissinger’s consulting firm, then moved on to work under George Bush Sr. in the treasury department. Geithner then moved on to work for the Council on Foreign Relations, a conservative foreign policy think tank.
Add all this up and what do you get? Our future president is looking for someone more pragmatic to run the Treasury. Someone who, perhaps, doesn't believe the government should fund business. Someone who will probably do a good job.
Sadly, though...
Add all this up in looney land and what do you get? Communist! Pinko! Stealer of my money! I want my money! Wah!!!
Well, at least those are just a few of the comments I have heard thus far since the announcement of Gethiner's appointment. Ah well, as long as they continue to make sense:)
Add all this up and what do you get? Our future president is looking for someone more pragmatic to run the Treasury. Someone who, perhaps, doesn't believe the government should fund business. Someone who will probably do a good job.
Sadly, though...
Add all this up in looney land and what do you get? Communist! Pinko! Stealer of my money! I want my money! Wah!!!
Well, at least those are just a few of the comments I have heard thus far since the announcement of Gethiner's appointment. Ah well, as long as they continue to make sense:)
Thursday, November 20, 2008
A Great Reason To Own An Arsenal
Recently, in comments, a debate sprang up on why anyone would "need" an assault rifle. After reading this article in the Monitor, I think the reason why I would want one makes itself quite clear.
Heck the photo of the D bag alone is reason enough.
Heck the photo of the D bag alone is reason enough.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Oh, So Sad...
This is bloody priceless.
I have a friend who was an election judge on November 4th. When they opened up the absentee ballots from military bases around the world, including Iraq, the Republican representatives went berserk. Apparently, President Elect Obama (something I try to say at least 10 times a day these days) received many more votes than Senator McCain. And the Republicans couldn't take it.
EEP! BLURP! QUARK! Military loves all Republicans. EEP! SPLAT! All soldiers love only conservatives. EEP! BLURP! SMACK! Poison gas...can't breathe...EEP! ZAP!
Something tells me there's going to be a lot more cognitive dissonance in the next few months. Imagine what will happen if (Gasp!) President Elect Obama actually succeeds at something.
EEP! BLURP! He actually failed. EEP! BLURP! He is evil. Don't believe your eyes. EEP! BLURP! Muslim terrorist EEP! BLURP!
I have a friend who was an election judge on November 4th. When they opened up the absentee ballots from military bases around the world, including Iraq, the Republican representatives went berserk. Apparently, President Elect Obama (something I try to say at least 10 times a day these days) received many more votes than Senator McCain. And the Republicans couldn't take it.
EEP! BLURP! QUARK! Military loves all Republicans. EEP! SPLAT! All soldiers love only conservatives. EEP! BLURP! SMACK! Poison gas...can't breathe...EEP! ZAP!
Something tells me there's going to be a lot more cognitive dissonance in the next few months. Imagine what will happen if (Gasp!) President Elect Obama actually succeeds at something.
EEP! BLURP! He actually failed. EEP! BLURP! He is evil. Don't believe your eyes. EEP! BLURP! Muslim terrorist EEP! BLURP!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Why Is She Still Around?
Sarah Palin seems to be everywhere. I realize she is the flavor of the month but the election is over and her side lost. Yet, she acts as if it is Dec 2011 and the Iowa caucuses are one month off. She has been giving interview after interview on all the major news networks. President Elect Obama hasn't even taken office yet!!!
Andy, over at Electoral-Vote.com, has a good take on this.
In an interview with Fox's Greta Van Susteren, Sarah Palin has said she is open to running for President in 2012 if God shows her the way. This remark demonstrates her inexperience. The protocol for running for President dictates that you do not express any interest in the job before the midterms. The correct answer (which she didn't give) was: "Greta, now that the election is over I am going back to Alaska and will be entirely focused on being the best possible governor that I can be for the great and wonderful people of Alaska. My term expires in 2010, and with God's help, I will make a decision about my future in 2010." The problem with announcing now is that her opponents (and she has plenty of them) will have ample time to carefully plot their strategy for making her look bad before the primaries even start.
Palin's exact quote, regarding God, was this.
I'm like, OK, God, if there is an open door for me somewhere, this is what I always pray, I'm like, don't let me miss the open door. And if there is an open door in '12 or four years later, and if it is something that is going to be good for my family, for my state, for my nation, an opportunity for me, then I'll plow through that door.
I'm like, OK...wondering why seemingly, like, intelligent people on the right, like, still think she is, like qualified and junk.
Andy, over at Electoral-Vote.com, has a good take on this.
In an interview with Fox's Greta Van Susteren, Sarah Palin has said she is open to running for President in 2012 if God shows her the way. This remark demonstrates her inexperience. The protocol for running for President dictates that you do not express any interest in the job before the midterms. The correct answer (which she didn't give) was: "Greta, now that the election is over I am going back to Alaska and will be entirely focused on being the best possible governor that I can be for the great and wonderful people of Alaska. My term expires in 2010, and with God's help, I will make a decision about my future in 2010." The problem with announcing now is that her opponents (and she has plenty of them) will have ample time to carefully plot their strategy for making her look bad before the primaries even start.
Palin's exact quote, regarding God, was this.
I'm like, OK, God, if there is an open door for me somewhere, this is what I always pray, I'm like, don't let me miss the open door. And if there is an open door in '12 or four years later, and if it is something that is going to be good for my family, for my state, for my nation, an opportunity for me, then I'll plow through that door.
I'm like, OK...wondering why seemingly, like, intelligent people on the right, like, still think she is, like qualified and junk.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Whither The Republicans...
Tim Pawlenty, governor of my home state of Minnesota, delivered a speech yesterday at the Governor's Convention in Florida, in which he raised several key points regarding the future of the Republican Party. The essential jist of what he said was that Republicans must change or face irrelevancy. I couldn't agree with him more.
Unfortunately, when it comes to change, Republicans have an incredibly hard time. Their party's ideology has essentially become so set in deep granite that any kind of movement seems impossible. In fact, the center piece of their platform is to be as immovable as possible.
So, I would like to know, as does Governor Pawlenty, how exactly are the Republicans going to be far sighted on issues like energy, health care, and education? How, specifically, are they going to broaden their appeal to working class families and small business owners as Mr. Pawlenty suggested is vital?
When one looks at all of these issues, as I have said many times over the last few years, the Republicans completely and utterly lack any kind of forward thinking. In energy, it's "Drill Baby Drill" which is akin to a person, in 1988, saying "We must expand the use of the typewriter." With health care, it's "Fuck you, get your own damn health care" and "Let's make all of my pals in the industry more wealthy by ripping people off." With education, it's "let's censor all that commie pinko bullshit and tell the story of the 'real America.'"
The worst, by far, is their "appeal" to working class families. Essentially the only thing working class families have gotten from the GOP is a giant sucking sound of all their money going to pad the linings of the oil industry, the defense industry, pharmaceuticals, the insurance industry, and HMOs. The cost of living has gone up and wages haven't risen to meet the demand of these new prices. The largest transfer of wealth in the history of the world has occurred under the direction of the Republican Party. Why on earth would the middle class want to support them? More to the point, the Republican's raison d'etre is fuck the little guy over and make damn sure that they have all the toys.
I applaud Governor Pawlenty for at least taking a step towards admitting things must change for the elephants but I think he is incredibly naive to think that it is even possible.
When the only tool in your tool kit is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
Unfortunately, when it comes to change, Republicans have an incredibly hard time. Their party's ideology has essentially become so set in deep granite that any kind of movement seems impossible. In fact, the center piece of their platform is to be as immovable as possible.
So, I would like to know, as does Governor Pawlenty, how exactly are the Republicans going to be far sighted on issues like energy, health care, and education? How, specifically, are they going to broaden their appeal to working class families and small business owners as Mr. Pawlenty suggested is vital?
When one looks at all of these issues, as I have said many times over the last few years, the Republicans completely and utterly lack any kind of forward thinking. In energy, it's "Drill Baby Drill" which is akin to a person, in 1988, saying "We must expand the use of the typewriter." With health care, it's "Fuck you, get your own damn health care" and "Let's make all of my pals in the industry more wealthy by ripping people off." With education, it's "let's censor all that commie pinko bullshit and tell the story of the 'real America.'"
The worst, by far, is their "appeal" to working class families. Essentially the only thing working class families have gotten from the GOP is a giant sucking sound of all their money going to pad the linings of the oil industry, the defense industry, pharmaceuticals, the insurance industry, and HMOs. The cost of living has gone up and wages haven't risen to meet the demand of these new prices. The largest transfer of wealth in the history of the world has occurred under the direction of the Republican Party. Why on earth would the middle class want to support them? More to the point, the Republican's raison d'etre is fuck the little guy over and make damn sure that they have all the toys.
I applaud Governor Pawlenty for at least taking a step towards admitting things must change for the elephants but I think he is incredibly naive to think that it is even possible.
When the only tool in your tool kit is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Really? Fox News?
Is Fox News jumping on the Obama bandwagon? Or are they center right like all of my conservative friends say they are?
I do know that Rush Limbaugh has called Karl Cameron a traitor now that this story has come out. So...a traitor is someone who calls out Sarah Palin for being ignorant?
Given this new information, I want to go on record here at Notes From the Front and say that I think that Sarah Palin should be the Republican nominee in 2012.
In fact, I am praying for it.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Cheese Slowly Slipping Off Cracker
My ol' buddy Matt used to have a phrase for people that were loony. He would say that "their cheese has slipped off their cracker." Well, folks, I think conservatives' cheese has slowly been slipping off their cracker after Barack Obama's victory last week. I have selected a few choice quotes from various emails and conversations over the course of the last week for your reading pleasure.
"Our country is now going to descend into communism."
This one was from my uncle. He is completely and utterly serious. He thinks that this is actually going to happen. He has also convinced his wife, my mom's younger sister, that this is true and she has been physically ill for the last week...unable to eat or sleep. She has also had a non stop headache. Both of them believe that Obama is going to destroy our country by installing a communist regime with himself as supreme leader.
"There go all of my guns. "
"I am going to buy as many guns as I can before HE is sworn in."
"I just bought ten guns and I am going to hide them so Barack Obama can't find them."
These were three emails I received on Wednesday morning after the election. While President Elect Obama has called to ban certain types of assault rifles, I have yet to see him express an interest in any bans on shotguns, rifles, hand guns, and many other weapons let alone going house to house and confiscating guns.
"He is going to hand the keys of the country to terrorists."
Beginning to sense a theme here? I had at least five emails with similar themes. Hmm...let's see....worst terrorist attack occurs on Bush's watch....bin Laden and Zawahari at large....Al Qaeda stronger than ever....Bush beholden to Saudi oil men which churns out terrorists like play doh...and they think Obama is going to be worse? Their paranoia knows no bounds.
"More babies are going to die."
Yes, that's right. Barack Obama kills babies. Really? Seriously think about fucking stupid that sounds. Talk about hyper overreaction and, in no way, anything close to reality as Obama has done more to bring down the abortion rate through his support of sex education programs.
"There goes all of my money."
As opposed to all of the money you have now as a result of the stellar management of the economy by the Bush Administration. Let me see if I can be clear on this one...THEY TOOK ALL OF YOUR MONEY YOU FUCKING MORON! WHY DO YOU CONTINUE TO VOTE FOR THEM?!?
Perhaps the me of a few years ago would've gloated and enjoyed watching these people descend into madness. Instead, I find it to be extremely frustrating, and somewhat sickening, that they are so bloody brainwashed that they can't think clearly. Even sadder is that there is no reasoning with them. They don't want to calm down. They want to remain in a constant state of fear and pants soiling. They are beyond reasoning.
So, what do we do?
"Our country is now going to descend into communism."
This one was from my uncle. He is completely and utterly serious. He thinks that this is actually going to happen. He has also convinced his wife, my mom's younger sister, that this is true and she has been physically ill for the last week...unable to eat or sleep. She has also had a non stop headache. Both of them believe that Obama is going to destroy our country by installing a communist regime with himself as supreme leader.
"There go all of my guns. "
"I am going to buy as many guns as I can before HE is sworn in."
"I just bought ten guns and I am going to hide them so Barack Obama can't find them."
These were three emails I received on Wednesday morning after the election. While President Elect Obama has called to ban certain types of assault rifles, I have yet to see him express an interest in any bans on shotguns, rifles, hand guns, and many other weapons let alone going house to house and confiscating guns.
"He is going to hand the keys of the country to terrorists."
Beginning to sense a theme here? I had at least five emails with similar themes. Hmm...let's see....worst terrorist attack occurs on Bush's watch....bin Laden and Zawahari at large....Al Qaeda stronger than ever....Bush beholden to Saudi oil men which churns out terrorists like play doh...and they think Obama is going to be worse? Their paranoia knows no bounds.
"More babies are going to die."
Yes, that's right. Barack Obama kills babies. Really? Seriously think about fucking stupid that sounds. Talk about hyper overreaction and, in no way, anything close to reality as Obama has done more to bring down the abortion rate through his support of sex education programs.
"There goes all of my money."
As opposed to all of the money you have now as a result of the stellar management of the economy by the Bush Administration. Let me see if I can be clear on this one...THEY TOOK ALL OF YOUR MONEY YOU FUCKING MORON! WHY DO YOU CONTINUE TO VOTE FOR THEM?!?
Perhaps the me of a few years ago would've gloated and enjoyed watching these people descend into madness. Instead, I find it to be extremely frustrating, and somewhat sickening, that they are so bloody brainwashed that they can't think clearly. Even sadder is that there is no reasoning with them. They don't want to calm down. They want to remain in a constant state of fear and pants soiling. They are beyond reasoning.
So, what do we do?
Thursday, November 06, 2008
From the Notes From The Front Middle East Bureau....
Our Girl Friday posted this in comments. I wanted to bring it out front.
May God Bless America, and you Mr new President . . who are the peoples' choice and with your new team, their hope for a reality, truth & humanity based, better future.
Amen, soul sister.
May God Bless America, and you Mr new President . . who are the peoples' choice and with your new team, their hope for a reality, truth & humanity based, better future.
Amen, soul sister.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
The Dream Realized
I don't think there are many words to say today.It's still sinking in. I can't believe it.
It took 45 years and much pain and heartache but Dr. King's dream has been fulfilled.
In the 41 years I have lived on this planet, I have never been more proud of our country.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Predictions and Prognostications
What is going to happen tomorrow? I'm sure all of you are waiting with bated breath as to who I think is going to win.
Baring any Republican election tomfoolery, I think Barack Obama is going to win the US Presidential Election tomorrow. I predict he will win 311 electoral votes to McCain's 191. He will win all the states Kerry won in 2004 and take Virginia, Ohio, Iowa, Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada-all states that Bush won in 2004. McCain will eke out Florida, North Carolina, Missouri, Indiana, Montana, North Dakota but not by much. Many of those states will have Democratic victories in the Senate and the House as a result of the turnout for him.
In the Senate, I predict the Dems will have 59 and the Repubs will have 41. The 59 includes Liebermann. So, which state put the Dems to 59? Minnesota or Georgia. I have to admit I am torn. I would love to see Saxby Chambliss, last seen accusing Max Clelland (wheel chair bound Vietnam vet) of being best buds with Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein, kicked out on his fat fucking ass. But I do live in Minnesota and have had just about enough of Norm "swing with the wind" Coleman. Both races are too tight for me to call but I do predict that one of them will go Dem.
The House will get to 250 for the Dems. I predict that El Tinklenberg is going to beat Michelle Bachmann (thank God!) in the Sixth. The race in the Third is just too damn close for me to call for my guy, Aswhin Madia. If you want him to win, get out and vote. The turnout for Obama may help him over the top.
Remember, people died for your right to vote. Regardless of who you vote for, to not vote at all because you are a lazy douche bag is completely unacceptable.
Go Vote!
Baring any Republican election tomfoolery, I think Barack Obama is going to win the US Presidential Election tomorrow. I predict he will win 311 electoral votes to McCain's 191. He will win all the states Kerry won in 2004 and take Virginia, Ohio, Iowa, Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada-all states that Bush won in 2004. McCain will eke out Florida, North Carolina, Missouri, Indiana, Montana, North Dakota but not by much. Many of those states will have Democratic victories in the Senate and the House as a result of the turnout for him.
In the Senate, I predict the Dems will have 59 and the Repubs will have 41. The 59 includes Liebermann. So, which state put the Dems to 59? Minnesota or Georgia. I have to admit I am torn. I would love to see Saxby Chambliss, last seen accusing Max Clelland (wheel chair bound Vietnam vet) of being best buds with Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein, kicked out on his fat fucking ass. But I do live in Minnesota and have had just about enough of Norm "swing with the wind" Coleman. Both races are too tight for me to call but I do predict that one of them will go Dem.
The House will get to 250 for the Dems. I predict that El Tinklenberg is going to beat Michelle Bachmann (thank God!) in the Sixth. The race in the Third is just too damn close for me to call for my guy, Aswhin Madia. If you want him to win, get out and vote. The turnout for Obama may help him over the top.
Remember, people died for your right to vote. Regardless of who you vote for, to not vote at all because you are a lazy douche bag is completely unacceptable.
Go Vote!
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Sunday Reflection
At church today, I scanned the news and notes section of the program and found something interesting. Every week, our pastor writes a column called "Pastor's Pen." This week, he brought up the election and some things to consider as we all went out and voted on Tuesday. Here was his first item.
Helping the poor and disenfranchised. With over 2000 specific passages in the Bible that address our responsibility to care for and empower those on the margins of society, we must put this at the top of the list. It's pretty clear Jesus did.
I find this statement to be quite interesting considering the latest attack on Obama, from the right, regarding how he wants to spread the wealth. I thought the conservative base followed the teachings of Christ? Based on their comments regarding Senator Obama, I guess they don't.
I realize that their stock answer is that they don't want the government to be the entity to re-distribute wealth. Alright, who then? Who has the power to help people as much as the US government? President Bush, for all of this many faults and bullshit, has made a difference in Africa with his AIDS and malaria program. On some small level, he understands what Christ really meant by caring for and empowering those in need.
To be honest, I don't even hear conservatives wanting to help anyone at all...even through private organizations. They lament helping anyone at all as if doing so somehow continues to degrade our culture. I find many of the things that have been said to me and to Senator Obama over the last few weeks to be insulting and morally reprehensible.
How could they miss over 2000 references to what all of us need to do to improve our country and the world? More to the point, what the fuck is the matter with them?
Helping the poor and disenfranchised. With over 2000 specific passages in the Bible that address our responsibility to care for and empower those on the margins of society, we must put this at the top of the list. It's pretty clear Jesus did.
I find this statement to be quite interesting considering the latest attack on Obama, from the right, regarding how he wants to spread the wealth. I thought the conservative base followed the teachings of Christ? Based on their comments regarding Senator Obama, I guess they don't.
I realize that their stock answer is that they don't want the government to be the entity to re-distribute wealth. Alright, who then? Who has the power to help people as much as the US government? President Bush, for all of this many faults and bullshit, has made a difference in Africa with his AIDS and malaria program. On some small level, he understands what Christ really meant by caring for and empowering those in need.
To be honest, I don't even hear conservatives wanting to help anyone at all...even through private organizations. They lament helping anyone at all as if doing so somehow continues to degrade our culture. I find many of the things that have been said to me and to Senator Obama over the last few weeks to be insulting and morally reprehensible.
How could they miss over 2000 references to what all of us need to do to improve our country and the world? More to the point, what the fuck is the matter with them?
Friday, October 31, 2008
Really?
A couple of weeks back, some conservative commenters directed me to a story about Ashwin Madia campaign workers taking down Erik Pauslen yard signs. It seems there was a dispute over whether the property was public or private so it may or may not have been out of line.
There's also been a lot of talk recently in comments about how Democrats are just as bad as Republicans when it comes to playing dirty. That may have been true at one time in our country's history...in fact, I would say that Democrats were dirtier on a multitude of levels for a much longer period of time...but it is not true today. The Republicans, in their current form, are complete scumbags.
Take a look at this story from KARE 11. A recent attack ad (see: Willie Horton) against Aswhin Madia show that his skin was purposefully darkened to make him look....what?....more evil? Because people with darker skin are more evil?
Aswhin Madia does have darker skin, being the son of immigrants from India, but what does it say about a party that wants to exaggerate that?
Of course, I could call it racist but the right has been very successful at being able to deflect accusations of racism combining "Who? Me?" faux innocence with their usual fervent vitriol.
Whatever you want to call it, that's a pretty far cry from lawn sign tom foolery.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Time For The Smelling Salts
Each day as the election draws nearer, the wing nuts on the right become more and more rabid. Like the madmen being quietly lead into the asylum, frothing at the mouth and screaming about socialism, their time to be put out to pasture is near. I think someone needs to stick some smelling salts underneath their collective noses in the hopes that they will come back to some level of sanity.
A recent column by Michael Malone perfectly illustrates this. It was brought to my attention in comments so I checked it out. The "golden" tidbit that has arisen from his column is a story about a video that the LA Times refuses to release showing Barack Obama having "dinner" with and praising PLO supporter and "radical" Rashid Khalidi, who happens to be one of them Marxist professors at Columbia University (aka Communist University). The blog sphere of loonies is screaming about the liberal media, communism, and every single mom's apple pie being shit on by a bunch of dirty Arabs.
The LA Times won't release it due to confidentiality of a source. Well, I say the LA Times should release the video. People need to see exactly what happened at these dinners...with all these smart people and stuff...talking about smart things...and trying to make the world...smarter. Yeah, let's see some of that shit.
And while they're at it, why don't they talk about the International Republican Institute of which John McCain still chairs? You know the one I am talking about. The organization that gave Center for Palistinian Studies, WHICH RASHID KHALIDI FOUNDED, about a half a million dollars in 1998. Yeah, let's talk about that as well.
But, hey, let's not stop there. Why don't we take a little trip in the way back machine and revisit this oldie but goodie.
I wonder...what would happen if a picture of Barack Obama holding hands with the Saudi Crown Prince came out? Hmm....just think about that one for a little bit.
All done? I know...I know...some right wingers reading this are probably having the EEP-ZAP--QUARK--BLURP going on right now in their brains. It can't be...Obama terrorist....McCain gave money....no...Bush holding hands...ZIP--QUARK-BLURP-ZAP--EEP
You get the picture. Pretty pathetic at this point, isn't it?
So, if you folks on the right want to talk about associations with people and organizations that you find objectionable, please let's talk about them.
C'mon, I fucking dare you!
A recent column by Michael Malone perfectly illustrates this. It was brought to my attention in comments so I checked it out. The "golden" tidbit that has arisen from his column is a story about a video that the LA Times refuses to release showing Barack Obama having "dinner" with and praising PLO supporter and "radical" Rashid Khalidi, who happens to be one of them Marxist professors at Columbia University (aka Communist University). The blog sphere of loonies is screaming about the liberal media, communism, and every single mom's apple pie being shit on by a bunch of dirty Arabs.
The LA Times won't release it due to confidentiality of a source. Well, I say the LA Times should release the video. People need to see exactly what happened at these dinners...with all these smart people and stuff...talking about smart things...and trying to make the world...smarter. Yeah, let's see some of that shit.
And while they're at it, why don't they talk about the International Republican Institute of which John McCain still chairs? You know the one I am talking about. The organization that gave Center for Palistinian Studies, WHICH RASHID KHALIDI FOUNDED, about a half a million dollars in 1998. Yeah, let's talk about that as well.
But, hey, let's not stop there. Why don't we take a little trip in the way back machine and revisit this oldie but goodie.
I wonder...what would happen if a picture of Barack Obama holding hands with the Saudi Crown Prince came out? Hmm....just think about that one for a little bit.All done? I know...I know...some right wingers reading this are probably having the EEP-ZAP--QUARK--BLURP going on right now in their brains. It can't be...Obama terrorist....McCain gave money....no...Bush holding hands...ZIP--QUARK-BLURP-ZAP--EEP
You get the picture. Pretty pathetic at this point, isn't it?
So, if you folks on the right want to talk about associations with people and organizations that you find objectionable, please let's talk about them.
C'mon, I fucking dare you!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
There Goes The Fear
I wasn't quite sure what to write about this week...been feeling under the weather the last couple of days. But then I got this email, from a conservative fan, which perfectly illustrates the meltdown of the conservative hard drive.
Subject: Fw: This Will Scare You
How can you vote for this???? This goes against everything you have ever told me about your want for the strength of this country???
Just curious. I have probably opened up a can of worms but I am at a loss.
Subject: Fw: This Will Scare You
PLEASE READ COMPLETELY!!!
This doesn't scare me - It horrifies, terrifies and pisses me Off!!!!!!!! As I have told many of my friends, how can we elect a president who doesn't LIKE the USA!!!!
No wonder he's got the endorsement of Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran & the Nation of Islam!
Subject: This Will Scare You
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Saturday, October 25, 2008
Jimmy...:)
Normally I'm not a big fan of James Carville but this line is freakin' Hi-larious!
The reason the Republicans found Joe the Plumber was to find someone hanging around a toilet other than Larry Craig.
Mega.
The reason the Republicans found Joe the Plumber was to find someone hanging around a toilet other than Larry Craig.
Mega.
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