So once again California is trying to stabilize its government, balance its budget, and present several key social issues and institutional reforms/augmentations. Basically, Props 1A-1F deal with budgetary issues, along with education, lottery, and childhood development/health issues that will be impacted by the subsequent decisions. Opponents of the entire special election aruge that it unnecessarily costs the state many millions of dollars, while the rest of us know that neither democracy, nor California Politics, is cheap. I'd rather pay the $$$ to know what's going on in Sacramento, because apparently our elected representatives would be otherwise less inclined to tell us. I mean face it, we're so far (as in BILLIONS) in the red that the only way to remotely try and bring the budget gap closer together is to argue, debate, and otherwise pass legislation that tries to address the issues at hand. With that said, I've decided to publicly post how I will be voting on 5/19:
Prop 1A: Changes California Budgetary Process
-->I'm voting yes. Why? Because I believe that the current tax increases are necessary to continue providing the social services that have made California the primo destination to live. Not to mention that a wealthy democracy is morally obligated to provide assistance to others who could not otherwise provide it. I'm talking about healthcare, education, etc. If you collect taxes on someone, they should be able to get benefits from that. Additionally, tax revenues would increase by ~$16 billion from 2010-11 through 2012-13. The Governor would also be given increased power/authority to cut spending, along with extending recent tax increases by up to 2 years. The downside is that both short-term and long-term effects of Prop 1A are not only difficult to ascertain, but also dependent on key variables of the overall California budgetary process. I'm voting yes because we need to change the current system, and the measures proposed in 1A seem to be in the right direction. No one can ever be enough certain of budgetary outcomes to provide a perfect solution, so no action is an unacceptable alternative. Besides, the fact that the Legislature would become more aggressive toward the Governor (due to his increased ability to cut spending), would hopefully provide more intelligent and thought out bills for the Governor to sign. Also debate on the issue would be more public, in my mind, due to the magnitude of such cuts.
Prop 1B: Education Funding/Payment Plan
-->I'm voting yes. It's a fact that the recent budget crisis and shortfall hurt schools badly. Thousands of teachers have been laid off, and added stress has been placed on the already overburdened education system. Yes on 1B would mean that the state of California would make supplemental payments to K-14, beginning in 2011-12, to initially help offset the trauma from the budget crisis. It will save us billions now, cost billions later, but replace other payments the state would otherwise have made under law. 1B would create an obligation to supplement education with $9.3 billion. These monies would be considered part of the base budget when Prop 98 is considered. Ultimately 1B would affect us depending on how one views current constitutional law, what the economic and revenue outlook happens to be, along with whether or not Prop 1A passes; if it doesn't, 1B would have no fiscal impact.
Prop 1C: Lottery Modernization Act
-->I'm voting no. The lottery was initially created to help fund schools but, as we all know, that never truly became a reality. Instead the lottery cash has been used to fund pork projects, balance the budget, and fund other programs that were not educational. Additionally, Prop 1C would release lottery funds from its obligation to schools entirely, and instead be taken from the General Fund. This is horrible not only because funding for schools will greatly suffer when the economy turns sour (like it is now), but also put major pressure on the already heavily burdened General Fund. The Lottery should be reformed in how it is managed and where the money goes.
Prop 1D: Children's Services Funding
-->I'm voting no. Taking money from early childhood development to help balance the budget is a gross sin. Early childhood development is the most crucial time in our lives, and Californian Kids deserve the best we can offer. I not only want currently voter approved funds to stay going to early childhood development programs but also increase the funding through any means practical and attainable. You must vote "no" if you want to keep the social services for children that they desperately need. The only way to really help our State and Nation is by making sure our kids grow up the right way, and with as much community support as we can provide. As the saying goes, "it takes a village to raise a child".
Prop 1E: Mental Health Funding, Temporary Reallocation
-->I'm voting no, and just as emphatically as I did above. Why? Because, as with Props C and D, taking funding from vital social services (even if temporary) is wrong. It delays benefits but also sets a dangerous precedent for the State to start moving funds to balance a budget that shouldn't require that type of activity to begin with. The services that Prop 1E would take from community mental health programs (including mental health screenings, diagnosis and treatment from children and young adults). 1E would amend the Mental Health Services Act (Prop 63 from 2004) to allow for this monstrous act. NO MORE PILLAGING SOCIAL SERVICES (EVEN IF TEMP.) TO WORK OUT AN UNECESSARY PROBLEM CREATED BY PARTISAN GREED!
Prop 1F: Elected Officials' Salaries/Prevents Pay Increases During Budget Defecit Years
-->I'm voting yes. Why? Because politicians don't deserve any pay raises when the economy is in the tank. Unlike the Democrats in Washington who have given themselves pay raises during, what Obama has called, "the worst financial crisis in 70-80 years". Congrats on raping us all Dems.
Measure A (only if you're from Sacramento)
-->I'm voting yes because I want to extend binding arbitration to resolve labor disputes
***These are my recommendations...very good ones.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Addendum to Picnic
I forgot: there will also be music so bring CD's
if you want, and a slip-n-
slide
slide (homemade so it has an element of danger and/or bodily harm) so bring
swimsuits. Seriously guys, you better come or I'll hunt you all down...
A'hoy!!
Avast and set sail...ah forget it. I'm planning a fourth of July picnic here in Sacramento, Ca. (at a park by the way), and I would love if everyone could come join me in making a complete jackass of ourselves!
It's B.Y.O.B. but there will be a bunch of bbq and a potluck (so bring a damn desert or something but preferably alcohol :)
There will be an inflatable track where you can run with a bungee cord attached to you, and whoever sticks the marker farthest wins...okay so it'll be a little more fun when you've had a few drinks lol.
Call or email me for more info, but I need to know that enough people will R.S.V.P. so that the expense and trouble will be worth it! If you're a friend you BETTER BE THERE...if you're a friend of a friend you're more than welcomed...as long as you bring something.
Behr...
Leavin' for Boston on Monday (5/11)!! Can't wait to celebrate my 25th birthday with my sister Daria...time to show these Bostonian chumps how we do shit in Cali!! lol I can't wait to laugh at their accents (and I'm sure they'll laugh at mine). Hopefully I'll have enough $$$ to buy friends some cool stuff and t-shirts, but I might just spend it all on booze instead :)
Goin' to the good ol' UL tomorrow afternoon, though, to hang out until I leave for a week.
The only thing I'm worried about on my trip is the flying...I hate airplanes, airports, people, the hassle of flying, etc. Hopefully I'll be able to borrow some ducats to put me up in a hotel for a couple days of my trip, but we'll see.
Goin' to the good ol' UL tomorrow afternoon, though, to hang out until I leave for a week.
The only thing I'm worried about on my trip is the flying...I hate airplanes, airports, people, the hassle of flying, etc. Hopefully I'll be able to borrow some ducats to put me up in a hotel for a couple days of my trip, but we'll see.
A Specter of Shame
So the long serving senator from the great state of Pennsylvania switched sides from Republican to Democrat earlier this week, heralding ever darker news for the beleaguered GOP. Arlen Specter has served thus far 29 years in the senate...big fucking deal he's a whiny traitor.
Senator Specter sits on many committees, one of which is the all important Appropriations Committee (which in Congressional terms = BIG $$$ for your state) and serves as its chair...until his recent switch of course. In my opinion, the bastard deserves it; not because he switched from Republican to Democrat (b/c I don't care), but because he's a whiny pussy that is mad because he got a raw deal.
Well guess what Arlen, you deserved it. How can you expect to switch parties like that, an expect no repercussions from either party?! Are you that fucking naive? The full Senate voted Tuesday to strip the Pennsylvanian Senator of his seniority on all committees. Republicans punished their traitor and the Democrats were more than happy to further secure their stranglehold on the "House of Gentlemen". A similar fate befell Joe Libermann who famously spoke at the Republican National Convention (while still a Democrat)! So, such treachery is neither new nor compelling.
The funniest thing about the story is the timing of it. I mean, seriously Specter did you really think that you could abandon the party that gave you your power, along with the voters of the state that believed in who you are. It isn't that big of a deal that he changed sides really, it's just that he did so in the middle of a national crisis, coupled with he subsequent whining that he "didn't get what was promised to him". jesus, Specter, they're Democrats, did you really think they would play fair? Not to mention that Republicans would treat you with respect b/c you had a "change of conscience"? Arlen Specter will go in my book as a stupid moron, not a traitor. Ya the Republicans will lose an immensely important position to Democrats...again...but it isn't the end for the GOP, not by a long shot. The "party of Lincoln" will reinvent itself, like it did with its "Contract With America" that gave it massive public support. Additionally, look for better, stronger and more dedicated leaders to emerge from the rubble (a battle tested Sarah Palin??).
The beauty of American Politics come from its ability to change in a moment. One day you could be Cock of the Walk and the next a loser low life who lost all his seniority b/c he's a fucking retard. Sorry Specter but your dumbassery will earn you a place in history.
Comment damn you!!
Senator Specter sits on many committees, one of which is the all important Appropriations Committee (which in Congressional terms = BIG $$$ for your state) and serves as its chair...until his recent switch of course. In my opinion, the bastard deserves it; not because he switched from Republican to Democrat (b/c I don't care), but because he's a whiny pussy that is mad because he got a raw deal.
Well guess what Arlen, you deserved it. How can you expect to switch parties like that, an expect no repercussions from either party?! Are you that fucking naive? The full Senate voted Tuesday to strip the Pennsylvanian Senator of his seniority on all committees. Republicans punished their traitor and the Democrats were more than happy to further secure their stranglehold on the "House of Gentlemen". A similar fate befell Joe Libermann who famously spoke at the Republican National Convention (while still a Democrat)! So, such treachery is neither new nor compelling.
The funniest thing about the story is the timing of it. I mean, seriously Specter did you really think that you could abandon the party that gave you your power, along with the voters of the state that believed in who you are. It isn't that big of a deal that he changed sides really, it's just that he did so in the middle of a national crisis, coupled with he subsequent whining that he "didn't get what was promised to him". jesus, Specter, they're Democrats, did you really think they would play fair? Not to mention that Republicans would treat you with respect b/c you had a "change of conscience"? Arlen Specter will go in my book as a stupid moron, not a traitor. Ya the Republicans will lose an immensely important position to Democrats...again...but it isn't the end for the GOP, not by a long shot. The "party of Lincoln" will reinvent itself, like it did with its "Contract With America" that gave it massive public support. Additionally, look for better, stronger and more dedicated leaders to emerge from the rubble (a battle tested Sarah Palin??).
The beauty of American Politics come from its ability to change in a moment. One day you could be Cock of the Walk and the next a loser low life who lost all his seniority b/c he's a fucking retard. Sorry Specter but your dumbassery will earn you a place in history.
Comment damn you!!
3's a crowd...well not really
I picked this color to write in b/c it seems appropriate.
Earlier today New Hampshire and Maine lawmakers voted to make same-sex marriages legal. The two New England states joined Vermont as the only 3 states in our Union to allow same-sex marriages, which happens to be a major social issue in America.
"California's state Supreme Court issued a similar ruling in May 2008, after which some 18,000 gay and lesbian couples got married there. But California voters in November approved Proposition 8, which amended the state constitution to ban gay marriage" (www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/05/06/maine.same.sex.marriage/index.html)
Furthermore, the report from CNN.com states that "Nearly 6 in 10 people ages 18 to 34 said same-sex marriages should be legal. Just over 4 in 10 people ages 35 to 49 agreed. Numbers were similar for 50- to 64-year olds, while only 24 percent of people 65 and older agreed."
Personally I support gay marriage, because I firmly believe that it's a constitutional issue, not a religious one. I happen to be from a Christian background and still retain most of such beliefs, but I refuse to accept that American society can legitimately deny homosexual couples the right to get married. As an interesting note, President Obama does NOT support gay marriage, yet still seems to want their votes. If you're gay out there you shouldn't support a president that, on one hand promises the world, yet with the other denies your right to get married.
I'm not homosexual, nor do I believe it is the right lifestyle, but guess what? It's not up to me! I know that God loves all people for the living, breathing creations they are. What was written in the Bible thousands of years ago does not hold precedent over my own feelings and beliefs (hence me not going to church). I happen to have gay friends and it upsets me that they are still treated as second class citizens. What is so fucking hard about letting gay people get fucking married?! When Prop 8 was being debated in Cali, I was caught between the crossfire of friends, family and the rest of society. Ironically I believe this, considering my political beliefs, but I am 100% firm in the ideal that freedom is unbiased. Our current denial of same-sex marriages constitutes hypocrisy on the highest level...about half of heterosexual marriages end in divorce, and God knows the statistics on violence against children in heterosexual marriages versus homosexual "unions".
Speaking of the term "civil union", hypocrisy rears its ugly head again. Opponents of same-sex marriage claim that the term "marriage" is traditional and has always been reserved for heterosexuals. This is very true, but hypocritical. They coined the term "civil union" to try and satiate the gay community, when all it was doing was creating a dichotomy of law...you can call it what you want as long as it isn't "marriage"...absolutely absurd. It's also amusing how this issue can bring even Republicans and Democrats, Liberals and Conservatives together...even if it is to discriminate against an entire community.
For the love of God people, make the fucking choice: is it constitutional for the Government (state or otherwise) to deny a community of people (legally recognized) the right to get married? My answer is firmly no. If opponents of same-sex marriage want to finish this fight then they need to change the US Constitution to reflect that...until then the victory belongs to the gay community and their right to get married...it is a constitutional right!!
Furthermore, the State Supreme Court of Iowa (the only other state besides N.H. and Maine to allow same-sex marriage) ruled unanimously on April 3rd that it is 'illegal to discriminate against same-sex couples by not letting them marry.' That said, however, a national poll still shows a slim majority of Americans do not support gay marriage, and I believe it is mostly because of the mis-information that is out there. Ladies and Gentlemen I again ask that you make your decision based on the available facts of the situation. It is, by definition, UNCONSTITUTIONAL to deny a group the right to marry based on their sexual orientation...period. You cannot fire anyone from a job because they're gay; same principle here.
The District of Columbia (D.C.) recognized gay marriage but doesn't offer marriage licenses to same-sex couples. What the hell is this, national hypocrisy month? Anyway, please comment on anything I have posted, as it will provide an interesting forum for discussion.
Thanks for reading!
Earlier today New Hampshire and Maine lawmakers voted to make same-sex marriages legal. The two New England states joined Vermont as the only 3 states in our Union to allow same-sex marriages, which happens to be a major social issue in America.
"California's state Supreme Court issued a similar ruling in May 2008, after which some 18,000 gay and lesbian couples got married there. But California voters in November approved Proposition 8, which amended the state constitution to ban gay marriage" (www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/05/06/maine.same.sex.marriage/index.html)
Furthermore, the report from CNN.com states that "Nearly 6 in 10 people ages 18 to 34 said same-sex marriages should be legal. Just over 4 in 10 people ages 35 to 49 agreed. Numbers were similar for 50- to 64-year olds, while only 24 percent of people 65 and older agreed."
Personally I support gay marriage, because I firmly believe that it's a constitutional issue, not a religious one. I happen to be from a Christian background and still retain most of such beliefs, but I refuse to accept that American society can legitimately deny homosexual couples the right to get married. As an interesting note, President Obama does NOT support gay marriage, yet still seems to want their votes. If you're gay out there you shouldn't support a president that, on one hand promises the world, yet with the other denies your right to get married.
I'm not homosexual, nor do I believe it is the right lifestyle, but guess what? It's not up to me! I know that God loves all people for the living, breathing creations they are. What was written in the Bible thousands of years ago does not hold precedent over my own feelings and beliefs (hence me not going to church). I happen to have gay friends and it upsets me that they are still treated as second class citizens. What is so fucking hard about letting gay people get fucking married?! When Prop 8 was being debated in Cali, I was caught between the crossfire of friends, family and the rest of society. Ironically I believe this, considering my political beliefs, but I am 100% firm in the ideal that freedom is unbiased. Our current denial of same-sex marriages constitutes hypocrisy on the highest level...about half of heterosexual marriages end in divorce, and God knows the statistics on violence against children in heterosexual marriages versus homosexual "unions".
Speaking of the term "civil union", hypocrisy rears its ugly head again. Opponents of same-sex marriage claim that the term "marriage" is traditional and has always been reserved for heterosexuals. This is very true, but hypocritical. They coined the term "civil union" to try and satiate the gay community, when all it was doing was creating a dichotomy of law...you can call it what you want as long as it isn't "marriage"...absolutely absurd. It's also amusing how this issue can bring even Republicans and Democrats, Liberals and Conservatives together...even if it is to discriminate against an entire community.
For the love of God people, make the fucking choice: is it constitutional for the Government (state or otherwise) to deny a community of people (legally recognized) the right to get married? My answer is firmly no. If opponents of same-sex marriage want to finish this fight then they need to change the US Constitution to reflect that...until then the victory belongs to the gay community and their right to get married...it is a constitutional right!!
Furthermore, the State Supreme Court of Iowa (the only other state besides N.H. and Maine to allow same-sex marriage) ruled unanimously on April 3rd that it is 'illegal to discriminate against same-sex couples by not letting them marry.' That said, however, a national poll still shows a slim majority of Americans do not support gay marriage, and I believe it is mostly because of the mis-information that is out there. Ladies and Gentlemen I again ask that you make your decision based on the available facts of the situation. It is, by definition, UNCONSTITUTIONAL to deny a group the right to marry based on their sexual orientation...period. You cannot fire anyone from a job because they're gay; same principle here.
The District of Columbia (D.C.) recognized gay marriage but doesn't offer marriage licenses to same-sex couples. What the hell is this, national hypocrisy month? Anyway, please comment on anything I have posted, as it will provide an interesting forum for discussion.
Thanks for reading!
They Threw Yoo Under the Bus...
Okay, so I came across this article posted on Yahoo News, and was once again irritated both at the reporting, but also the actions and comments of those who criticize former President Bush's lawyers that tackled the constituional powers of the Executive.
Now this isn't what you think. It isn't about the legitimacy of the war in Iraq (because Congress' continued funding along with Obama's refusal to leave the nation has already legitimized it), but instead the subject of the CIA memos that the Obama Administration released (in an obvious political stunt to continously demonize Bush). I am sick and tired of liberal Democrats, and even some Republicans, who demonized Bush all throughout his term. He became a political "boogeyman" to scapegoat all government problems on. Some claim he's responsible for 9/11, while others blame him for the catastrophe of Hurrican Katrina...yes, a hurricane that was naturally formed. The resulting crisis was not Bush's fault but rather the mayor of New Orleans, the Governor of Louisiana, and the police department of New Orleans that went AWOL when needed most, and some officers even looting. I know what some will say "how can you blame police officers?" Well it's easy, you blame those who are responsible for wrong doing, regardless of who they are.
That tangent aside, back to the issue: critics of John Yoo (former Bush lawyer who drafted the famed "torture memos") either refuse to address the issue as is: a constitutional issue of the power and reach of the Executive Branch during a unique political climate (such as that post 9/11), or the simple act of ignoring such an issue. Critics, namely Liberal Democrats, are jumping on the bandwagon with other politicians (Republicans too) in condemning the waterboarding techniques used by the CIA to obtain information from detainees. Even though waterboarding does little to no bodily harm, bleeding hearts insist on it being torture. I don't argue semantics, just the meat and potatoes of an issue. John Yoo (who teaches constitutional law at UC Berkeley), tackled the immense constitutional issue of Executive Power at a time that America stood besmirched by what we can and can't do with terrorists.
To make a long story short I absolutely abhor the behavior of people on issues like this. Once again Democrats (namely Obama for releasing sensitive CIA information during our current involvement in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan) insist on defiling Bush at any cost. Get the fuck over it, he's not president anymore. Additionally, it seems that Obama and the Democratic Congress that suckles from his teat, spend so much time trying to reverse any Bush decisions that they don't stop to think which ones were actually solid. This brings up a point that is contradictory because Obama, despite refusing to admit the troop surge in Iraq helped greatly, has stayed in Iraq "until the job is done" (which Bush and friends have said many a time). Also the Liberal Messianic Leader is sending over 20,000 more troops to Afghanistan. Really, Mr. Not-my-President, how many of your campaign promises are you going to flake out on? The only one you haven't is climate change, and that bill is opposed by most of your own party! Really, Obama, you want to spend another trillion (in addition to the 300 trillion you already handed out to your rich buddies) on forcing companies to produce "clean coal" (which is misleading crap), solar and wind power? Again most of your own party disagree, with Oregon refusing to place a massive solar plant in their state that would bind Americans even more to utilities, this time being Big Government. Last time I checked the countries that had mostly nationalized industries were communist. Obama is, for lack of better words, a fascist. He wants his government to tell you how to live your everyday life and it starts with all the legislation he's forcing through Congress (with no constitutional opposition). These are facts, ladies and gentlemen, you can research them for yourselves. It's nice that people voted and all, and I didn't really like McCain either, but jesus christ people you elect Obama? The man knows little to nothing of the real world, and is continuously fucking things up internationally. Not to mention the US airstrikes that killed dozens of innocent civilians in Afghanistan (something Obama and friends called Bush a "murderer" for). Hypocracy will be the Obama Administrations defining characteristic and history will show President Bush in a more accurate light.
Obama has made many missteps (including his mislabeling of Georgia as the aggressor in the Russia/Georgian conflict months before the November US Pres. elections. He also said that there were more than 50 states, that he celebrated "cinco de cuatro", and my personal favorite of giving the Prime Minister of Great Britain (our closest ally) a boxed DVD set of classic American movies (which the PM Gordon Brown could not watch because they were not compatible with British DVD players). His aides chalked it up to a "rookie mistake" and that Obama was "very tired" from all the stress going on. Well guess what Obama, you stood up many times and promised the American People you were ready for the challenges and that "experience" doesn't matter...well guess what you fucking liar you were wrong! You're the one who straight up lied to the People about being ready and capable for the role of President, when you can't even control your own party, botch international politics every chance you can get, then have your Secretary of State Hilary Rodham Clinton say, while in Mexico, that Americans are to blame for the drug violence at the border because of "our desire for illegal drugs". Excuse me fucker, but I don't snort coke or shoot heroin or anything like that, so how am I, along with 90% of Americans, responsible for the horrific violence in Mexico??!! Why isn't the fucking Mexican Government and lack of border patrol/control responsible??!! I swear it's a joke with these people. I try to stay neutral (with regards to political affiliations), but Democrats have derailed this country in their ultimately successful attempt to return to the White House. Let me ask you all this: Democrats took back control of Congress years ago...anything better? Fuck no. Obama has been president for only 100 days, and has so far managed to further dig the US in a political rut with Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and North Korea (not to mention his embrace of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez who hates America. Chavez also gave Obama a book that explicitly denounces capitalism and spouts nonsense about socialism. Obama didn't have to shake his hand three times, request to speak with him multiple times, or even accept the book). Oh well, I guess, the American People will still insist being blind to all this. He promised "hope" and "change" (flowery rhetoric used for generations in politics)--Obama is a sap and a danger to American Politics...there I said it.
People, please be aware of what's going on around you. Please address all the facts and not what biased people tell you. Obama, his fool Biden (who, remember, made a racist comment about Obama before he ran for president), and the rest of the moronic liberal Democrats are what you call "demagogues"; they will do whatever it takes to fulfill their political aspirations...even if it means hurting others. Obama imposes his will on everyone he can, using the Executive as cover--he is by definition a fascist. Don't believe me? Just wait...
Anyway the story I referred to, a long time ago, about John Yoo, can be found at Yahoo News, and on my facebook page. Don't jump on the bandwagon, or continue to blame Bush for very goddamn thing!! Think for yourselves, dammit, and if you can't or won't then I'm sorry for you. To anyone who managed to read this entire blog congratulations it was long winded lol.
Now this isn't what you think. It isn't about the legitimacy of the war in Iraq (because Congress' continued funding along with Obama's refusal to leave the nation has already legitimized it), but instead the subject of the CIA memos that the Obama Administration released (in an obvious political stunt to continously demonize Bush). I am sick and tired of liberal Democrats, and even some Republicans, who demonized Bush all throughout his term. He became a political "boogeyman" to scapegoat all government problems on. Some claim he's responsible for 9/11, while others blame him for the catastrophe of Hurrican Katrina...yes, a hurricane that was naturally formed. The resulting crisis was not Bush's fault but rather the mayor of New Orleans, the Governor of Louisiana, and the police department of New Orleans that went AWOL when needed most, and some officers even looting. I know what some will say "how can you blame police officers?" Well it's easy, you blame those who are responsible for wrong doing, regardless of who they are.
That tangent aside, back to the issue: critics of John Yoo (former Bush lawyer who drafted the famed "torture memos") either refuse to address the issue as is: a constitutional issue of the power and reach of the Executive Branch during a unique political climate (such as that post 9/11), or the simple act of ignoring such an issue. Critics, namely Liberal Democrats, are jumping on the bandwagon with other politicians (Republicans too) in condemning the waterboarding techniques used by the CIA to obtain information from detainees. Even though waterboarding does little to no bodily harm, bleeding hearts insist on it being torture. I don't argue semantics, just the meat and potatoes of an issue. John Yoo (who teaches constitutional law at UC Berkeley), tackled the immense constitutional issue of Executive Power at a time that America stood besmirched by what we can and can't do with terrorists.
To make a long story short I absolutely abhor the behavior of people on issues like this. Once again Democrats (namely Obama for releasing sensitive CIA information during our current involvement in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan) insist on defiling Bush at any cost. Get the fuck over it, he's not president anymore. Additionally, it seems that Obama and the Democratic Congress that suckles from his teat, spend so much time trying to reverse any Bush decisions that they don't stop to think which ones were actually solid. This brings up a point that is contradictory because Obama, despite refusing to admit the troop surge in Iraq helped greatly, has stayed in Iraq "until the job is done" (which Bush and friends have said many a time). Also the Liberal Messianic Leader is sending over 20,000 more troops to Afghanistan. Really, Mr. Not-my-President, how many of your campaign promises are you going to flake out on? The only one you haven't is climate change, and that bill is opposed by most of your own party! Really, Obama, you want to spend another trillion (in addition to the 300 trillion you already handed out to your rich buddies) on forcing companies to produce "clean coal" (which is misleading crap), solar and wind power? Again most of your own party disagree, with Oregon refusing to place a massive solar plant in their state that would bind Americans even more to utilities, this time being Big Government. Last time I checked the countries that had mostly nationalized industries were communist. Obama is, for lack of better words, a fascist. He wants his government to tell you how to live your everyday life and it starts with all the legislation he's forcing through Congress (with no constitutional opposition). These are facts, ladies and gentlemen, you can research them for yourselves. It's nice that people voted and all, and I didn't really like McCain either, but jesus christ people you elect Obama? The man knows little to nothing of the real world, and is continuously fucking things up internationally. Not to mention the US airstrikes that killed dozens of innocent civilians in Afghanistan (something Obama and friends called Bush a "murderer" for). Hypocracy will be the Obama Administrations defining characteristic and history will show President Bush in a more accurate light.
Obama has made many missteps (including his mislabeling of Georgia as the aggressor in the Russia/Georgian conflict months before the November US Pres. elections. He also said that there were more than 50 states, that he celebrated "cinco de cuatro", and my personal favorite of giving the Prime Minister of Great Britain (our closest ally) a boxed DVD set of classic American movies (which the PM Gordon Brown could not watch because they were not compatible with British DVD players). His aides chalked it up to a "rookie mistake" and that Obama was "very tired" from all the stress going on. Well guess what Obama, you stood up many times and promised the American People you were ready for the challenges and that "experience" doesn't matter...well guess what you fucking liar you were wrong! You're the one who straight up lied to the People about being ready and capable for the role of President, when you can't even control your own party, botch international politics every chance you can get, then have your Secretary of State Hilary Rodham Clinton say, while in Mexico, that Americans are to blame for the drug violence at the border because of "our desire for illegal drugs". Excuse me fucker, but I don't snort coke or shoot heroin or anything like that, so how am I, along with 90% of Americans, responsible for the horrific violence in Mexico??!! Why isn't the fucking Mexican Government and lack of border patrol/control responsible??!! I swear it's a joke with these people. I try to stay neutral (with regards to political affiliations), but Democrats have derailed this country in their ultimately successful attempt to return to the White House. Let me ask you all this: Democrats took back control of Congress years ago...anything better? Fuck no. Obama has been president for only 100 days, and has so far managed to further dig the US in a political rut with Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and North Korea (not to mention his embrace of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez who hates America. Chavez also gave Obama a book that explicitly denounces capitalism and spouts nonsense about socialism. Obama didn't have to shake his hand three times, request to speak with him multiple times, or even accept the book). Oh well, I guess, the American People will still insist being blind to all this. He promised "hope" and "change" (flowery rhetoric used for generations in politics)--Obama is a sap and a danger to American Politics...there I said it.
People, please be aware of what's going on around you. Please address all the facts and not what biased people tell you. Obama, his fool Biden (who, remember, made a racist comment about Obama before he ran for president), and the rest of the moronic liberal Democrats are what you call "demagogues"; they will do whatever it takes to fulfill their political aspirations...even if it means hurting others. Obama imposes his will on everyone he can, using the Executive as cover--he is by definition a fascist. Don't believe me? Just wait...
Anyway the story I referred to, a long time ago, about John Yoo, can be found at Yahoo News, and on my facebook page. Don't jump on the bandwagon, or continue to blame Bush for very goddamn thing!! Think for yourselves, dammit, and if you can't or won't then I'm sorry for you. To anyone who managed to read this entire blog congratulations it was long winded lol.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Listen to the music...
Ok, so I snuck poetry in, but those are the only two poems I ever considered really valuable. The other part of me is in love with music; any kind of music, no matter how horrible, because it always speaks of the person(s) who created it.
My parents always exposed my sister and I to a wide variety of music, growing up, but for a long time in my youth, I was obssessed with, and only listen to, classical music. I just enjoyed the way it could calm me down and relax my mind enough to release my stress, frustration, etc. Classical music helped me cope with and ultimately overcome some pretty harsh things in my young life. But these things make us stronger people, and can never forget but cherish our worst and darkest of times and be grateful that we grew.
Listen to some Neil Young, Beatles, Pink Floyd then capped by "Stairway to Heaven" at ten at night, after not eating for a while...god I take forever to make an overly complicated, convoluted point that doesn't even make sense. You can always stop reading now while you can. Uh oh..."Wish You Were Here" just started on Pandora...goodnight everybody!
My parents always exposed my sister and I to a wide variety of music, growing up, but for a long time in my youth, I was obssessed with, and only listen to, classical music. I just enjoyed the way it could calm me down and relax my mind enough to release my stress, frustration, etc. Classical music helped me cope with and ultimately overcome some pretty harsh things in my young life. But these things make us stronger people, and can never forget but cherish our worst and darkest of times and be grateful that we grew.
Listen to some Neil Young, Beatles, Pink Floyd then capped by "Stairway to Heaven" at ten at night, after not eating for a while...god I take forever to make an overly complicated, convoluted point that doesn't even make sense. You can always stop reading now while you can. Uh oh..."Wish You Were Here" just started on Pandora...goodnight everybody!
"If" by Rudyard Kipling
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!
"Strength" written by G. Scott Compton
To the strong soul who learns to defy his or her own fears.
Life is a test insistent upon strength
Each person is challenged at analogous lengths
Yet the vie to subsist will exhaust the timorous some
For the Lord's race is imputed to all...to runThis is to avow: you must believe
As you are special...allow no one to deceive
For what you have learned will make you stronger
If only to love and be loved one day longer
Others may look upon the Sun going down
A vanishing hope, the benighted frowns
But you must learn to see the resilience of the night
As a testament to each given day...to your unforgiving might
Thus revere your kin and formative youth
Whilst both bleed one's vigor to nourish this truth:
Strength is innate and must be held deep inside
A rule in life's book by which everyone should abide
So tonight when the Sun has given up and retired
Look upon the day and all that which you have inspired
For everything you wish for will someday come true
Your strength is there....your strength is YOU!
Life is a test insistent upon strength
Each person is challenged at analogous lengths
Yet the vie to subsist will exhaust the timorous some
For the Lord's race is imputed to all...to runThis is to avow: you must believe
As you are special...allow no one to deceive
For what you have learned will make you stronger
If only to love and be loved one day longer
Others may look upon the Sun going down
A vanishing hope, the benighted frowns
But you must learn to see the resilience of the night
As a testament to each given day...to your unforgiving might
Thus revere your kin and formative youth
Whilst both bleed one's vigor to nourish this truth:
Strength is innate and must be held deep inside
A rule in life's book by which everyone should abide
So tonight when the Sun has given up and retired
Look upon the day and all that which you have inspired
For everything you wish for will someday come true
Your strength is there....your strength is YOU!
*Beware, course language ahead
So this is the first ever posting on my blog...yippie. I've had quite an interesting day today, preparing for school to be over, and for my trip to Boston! I'm really excited about going back east to visit my sister Daria, and celebrate my 25th birthday...
I have to take a stupid fucking english class over my summer, because the public school system believes that I need to relearn crap I did in 8th grade. It's humiliating and infantile...but I don't wanna get started on how fucked up our educational system is in California (screw the rest of the country; if CALIFORNIA can't keep up then we're screwed). It's true individual states have proven, through smaller and more homogoneous students, that succeeding in our education of our kids can be measured not necessarily by test scores, but by the amount they have learned. Funding is key, as with my example of a school district in Idaho that has plenty of funding for their schools, and it shows by the quality of equipment and technology available to students. That said, why is it that in California, where the population and amount of federal tax dollars exceeds that of states like Idaho by an astronomical measure, suffer from poorly funded schools that are becoming too dangerous for students. Many people also blame parents, but this rant is aside from the personal failure of "these kids" by their worthless parents that have no interest in their children.
So sorry, that's what I'm talking about. Anyway, if anyone has any thoughts or opinions on any crap I've spewed, or even some arguments of their own, please post them I'm interested in sharing thoughts. Don't copy and paste statistics, quotes, or anything "mechanical" in your posts, however, because this forum is designed to facilitate "natural" and purely individual argumentation; in the respects that the opinions, arguments, facts, etc. that are presented are done so from the individual's own mind. I do make a concession, though, by allowing a small use of certain stats that are essential to an argument, and not just excessive bullshit that doesn't relate only confuses.
Again, this is my firs blog posting so please let me know what's up!! I'll try to post as often as possible, when something's on my mind.
I have to take a stupid fucking english class over my summer, because the public school system believes that I need to relearn crap I did in 8th grade. It's humiliating and infantile...but I don't wanna get started on how fucked up our educational system is in California (screw the rest of the country; if CALIFORNIA can't keep up then we're screwed). It's true individual states have proven, through smaller and more homogoneous students, that succeeding in our education of our kids can be measured not necessarily by test scores, but by the amount they have learned. Funding is key, as with my example of a school district in Idaho that has plenty of funding for their schools, and it shows by the quality of equipment and technology available to students. That said, why is it that in California, where the population and amount of federal tax dollars exceeds that of states like Idaho by an astronomical measure, suffer from poorly funded schools that are becoming too dangerous for students. Many people also blame parents, but this rant is aside from the personal failure of "these kids" by their worthless parents that have no interest in their children.
So sorry, that's what I'm talking about. Anyway, if anyone has any thoughts or opinions on any crap I've spewed, or even some arguments of their own, please post them I'm interested in sharing thoughts. Don't copy and paste statistics, quotes, or anything "mechanical" in your posts, however, because this forum is designed to facilitate "natural" and purely individual argumentation; in the respects that the opinions, arguments, facts, etc. that are presented are done so from the individual's own mind. I do make a concession, though, by allowing a small use of certain stats that are essential to an argument, and not just excessive bullshit that doesn't relate only confuses.
Again, this is my firs blog posting so please let me know what's up!! I'll try to post as often as possible, when something's on my mind.
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