Oh, Super Bowl XLIX is this weekend? I kind of forget. No, not really but the way "Deflategate" has stole the show, I wouldn't be surprised if most people did forget about the big game. The big game on Sunday down in Glendale, Arizona at the University of Phoenix Stadium. The big game that will kickoff at approximately 6:30pm on NBC. The big game between the defending Super Bowl Champions, Seattle Seahawks and the three-time Super Bowl Champions, New England Patriots-the team at the center of the "Deflategate" scandal.
So, what is "Deflategate" anyway? Well, if you've been living under a rock for the last two weeks or just don't care about football at all, let me catch you up. "Deflategate" is a term being used to describe a "scandal" in the 2014 AFC Championship game between the Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts. A game in which the Pats routed the Colts 45-7.
The controversy came with 11 of the 12 game balls that were being used by the Pats. Let me rephrase that. The controversy actually came a week earlier in the divisional playoffs when the Baltimore Ravens, who lost to the Pats, 35-31 had suspicions of them playing with under inflated balls during the game. Afterwards, the Ravens brought it to the attention of the Colts and told them to watch for it.
Now, to get back to the actual "scandal". At halftime of the AFC Championship game, after the Colts defense had picked off Tom Brady and as the balls were being weighed by an official as done with all game balls before each NFL game and during halftime of each game, the referee found that 11 of the Patriots game balls were under inflated. League rules note that game balls must be within the specifications of 12.5-13.5 PSI. The balls in question were only inflated to 10.5 PSI. This would give an advantage to Tom Brady and his receivers in terms of gripping the ball. Especially in the cold, rainy conditions that were present during the entire championship game.
That's what this whole "Deflategate" is all about. How it happened, when it happened and why it happened are still yet to be determined. And may never be determined. I have heard rumors though about the NFL having a person of interest in the Patriots locker room attendant. But that's all I've heard thus far.
So, who really cares about the Super Bowl this year when something like "Deflategate" is going on? Who cares about the biggest, most popular sporting event in America when there's controversy to talk about? Why get excited for a game when there's "scandals", accusations, possible cover ups and endless amounts of drama and rumors swirling around? Americans care way more about that kind of stuff anyway. Its sad, but these past two weeks have proven it to be true.
Why though? Why have we let "Deflategate" take over everything good about this time of year? Maybe it's because of who it involves. I mean, it's the New England Patriots for Gods sake. It's Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, two of the greatest. Everybody knows their history and their success together and their Super Bowls. They've appeared in six Super Bowls together with three wins under their belts.
Yes, maybe "Deflategate" is a much bigger deal because the Patriots are considered the best. It's always so much more dramatically intriguing when the most successful people get caught doing things wrong. It's almost like it's welcomed in today's society. Everybody loves to hate the best. Like, we're just waiting for them to go down so we can feel better about our-not so famous or lucrative lives.
Those have to be the reasons why people care more about "Deflategate" this year than they do the actual Super Bowl, right? I mean, what else could there be? Well, as impressive as Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are together, they're also equally controversial together.
We all remember "Spygate" back in 2007 when the Pats were caught video taping the New York Jets sideline hand signals. An act that cost Bill Belichick $500,000, the Patriots $250,000 and a first round draft pick in 2008.
To stay objective here, I should probably point out that New England also went on to the Super Bowl that season where they lost to the New York Giants, 17-14. That game was played in Glendale as well. And this is where the conspiracy theorist could chime in and intensify the drama that has plagued the entire league this year.
All that aside though, there are still numerous other allegations of "cheating" via illegal videotaping on the part of Bill Belichick and the Patriots organization. This goes all the way back to 2000 when Belichick was hired as the head coach in New England.
There is also, along with the ball deflation controversy when the Pats took on the Ravens in the divisional playoff game three weeks ago, the Ravens making an issue out of certain offensive formations executed by the Patriots.
The play in question by the Ravens had Patriots running back, Shane Vereen flanked out on the line of scrimmage to the right. He reported as an ineligible receiver so that tight end, Michael Hoomanawanui who was lined up as a tackle, would be an eligible receiver. When the the ball was snapped, Vereen ran backwards and threw his arms in the air confusing the Ravens defense. This play worked for completions on three different occasions. It was a totally legal play but out of confusion and frustration, upset the Ravens only adding to all of the "Deflategate" controversy.
If you want to look at all these controversial stories of the past and relate them to "Deflategate", I guess you could legitimately do so. There is after all the saying "Once a cheater, always a cheater." However, these issues are all in the past now and we cant forget that there is no evidence of any wrong doing yet on the part of New England. Isn't it innocent until proven guilty?
Lets just look at one of the many possibilities here. A scientific possibility. I'll admit that I'm no scientist or investigator but I do have the common sense to know that if it's 70 degrees out on the day I fill my vehicle tires up to 35 PSI and it drops down to 20 degrees the very next day, my tires will not have the same 35 PSI inside them anymore.
Things filled with air expand and contract when subjected to temperature change. Have you ever purchased helium balloons when it's extremely hot outside? Some of the balloons may burst as you walk out into the heat. If you purchase helium balloons when its extremely cold out, your balloons with deflate and not float at full strength.
Isn't it possible that the same reaction happened with those 11 game balls used by the Patriots? I'd say yes, but will also somewhat debunk that theory by questioning why none of the other balls used by any of the other teams this season after the weather got cold did the same exact thing.
That's a question nobody can answer either way. But it still doesn't rule out the fact that weather may have played a part in this. Look, I'm not saying someone couldn't have deflated 11 out of the 12 game balls used in the AFC Championship game. And I'm not saying Tom Brady and or Bill Belichick didn't know anything about it either. All I'm saying is until there is actual proof laid out by the NFL that someone from the Patriots sideline physically deflated their game balls we cant jump to conclusions or rule out other possibilities such as a natural phenomenon.
Besides, in sports, if you're not always trying to gain some sort of advantage, if you're not trying to bend whatever rules you can get away with bending...you probably aren't winning. Is that morally wrong? Yes. Is it competitively wrong? Well, only if you get caught.
I mean, how many pitchers get away with sticky, pine tar fingers each season? How many batters get away with cork in there bats? How many athletes are on performance enhancing drugs, but just haven't tested positive yet? How many race car drivers get away with illegal modifications to their cars each season to make them faster? Hell, even Olympic athletes push the limits of legality. The most admired, respected and prestigious athletes in the world bending the rules for competitive gain and advantage.
It's no different with quarterbacks. Tom Brady prefers a lower inflation to his balls. Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers prefers his balls bigger and harder to fit in his hands better. And how many other quarterbacks get away with deflating or over inflating their balls each game? How many quarterbacks tamper with and buff their balls before game time? Most, if not all of them.
Which leads me to the whole point of this post. This is professional sports. This is the NFL. The is the Super Bowl. Where you do whatever it takes to win and to be the best. Will that tarnish the legacy of Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, the Patriots and the entire NFL? Only time will tell.
Until then, lets not let "cheating" in sports, another "scandal" within the Patriots organization or any other problems that occurred in the NFL during this past season ruin the single greatest sports day in our country. The NFL will get to the bottom of this issue and the Patriots will be punished accordingly-if wrong doing is proven. So for now, lets stop all this "Deflategate" nonsense and get ready to watch what will hopefully be one of the greatest Super Bowls in the history of the NFL.
Ok, since we got to the bottom of all that and since I'm a guy who loves football and the Super Bowl, lets get down to my predictions:
"Deflategate" will either distract the Patriots into playing as terribly as the Denver Broncos played in last years Super Bowl or it will motivate them into playing like they did when all the experts counted them out after beginning the season 2-2. It seemed like all hell was going to break loose in Foxborough before the Pats went on to win seven in a row.
Either way, I'm a Michigan man and a Tom Brady fan so, GO PATS!!! Although, I honestly don't think they'll be able to get over the distractions of "Deflategate". And even if they do, I just can't forget about what the Seahawks did to the Broncos last year. I mean, they almost embarrassed Peyton Manning-one of, if not the greatest QB in NFL history into retirement. I cant go against that again. So, I'm taking Seattle, 28-17.
Happy Super Bowl everybody and enjoy the game...and the ads :)
Sources:
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Brady
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_England_Patriots
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_National_Football_League_videotaping_controversy
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Belichick
Be sure to also checkout all of my T-Shirt designs in my online Zazzle store.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Monday, January 26, 2015
Republicans, Fiscally Responsible?
Everyday out of Washington D.C., we hear phrases like big government spending, small government, loop holes, government shutdowns, and fiscally responsible. We hear words like budget, deficit, debt, regulations, reform, loans, investments and economy. And everyday, just as we hear those words and phrases, we hear plenty of arguing, disagreeing and blame over which political party is more fiscally responsible and which parties policies are better for our economy.
Liberals are for big government and Conservatives are for small government. The left just spends, spends, spends no matter what the cost. The right just cuts, cuts, cuts even when it hurts a majority of their constituents. Democrats give handouts which make people dependent on the government. Republicans give corporate handouts while killing the middle class.
These debates go on all the time. Not a day goes by that we don't hear about them on the news or read about them online. So, what's considered big and small government? What does it really mean to be fiscally responsible? And which party is actually more fiscally responsible? Well, let me answer these questions for you right now...
Small, fiscally responsible government IS NOT giving corporations billions of dollars each year just to stash away in offshore bank accounts avoiding taxation. And in the process not create American jobs that would drive our economy like they promised us they would.
It IS NOT raising taxes on the middle class, our veterans and the elderly while also cutting their pensions, benefits, social security and earned income/child tax credits at the same time just to make up for all of those corporate tax breaks. Keeping hard working Americans in poverty, forcing them onto government assistance is not fiscally responsible. Its greedy and it's un-American and shouldn't be stood for by any of us.
And it IS NOT blocking/voting down bills that regulate Wall Street and big banks-the establishments which led to our economic woes in the first place. The establishments that nearly drove us into a depression. For more on Wall Street and big banks checkout this good read from Positive Money titled "What Caused the Financial Crisis & Recession?"
This is also a good piece from the Huffington Post by Miles Mogulescu about Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) and her uprising started by taking on Wall Street and the big banks. Although the call for Ms. Warren to step into the 2016 presidential race is strong and loud-as mentioned in the Huffington Post piece, I believe she is still much more valuable in the Senate-and will be for some time-fighting Wall Street and the big banks head on. She'll also be a good voice to keep Hillary in check when she becomes our 45th and 1st Madam President of the United States of America. In either case though, we need more politicians like Elizabeth Warren who truly understands what it means to be fiscally responsible.
Fiscally responsible, unlike the politicians who led us into the Iraqi War. Let me tell you all something, small, fiscally responsible government IS NOT spending six trillion and sacraficing 4500 American lives on a war that was based on blatant lies.
Small, fiscally responsible government IS NOT funding things like torture programs which cost us at least 380 million or prisons like Guantanamo Bay which cost us 454 million to operate in 2013. That is the equivalent of 2.7 million per prisoner as discussed in William Holt's article on Yahoo News. That is nearly a billion dollars for programs and a single detention center that our country condones yet still waste money on each year.
It IS NOT spending millions of dollars on these investigations into factitious scandals such as Benghazi. A factitious scandal created out of pure hatred and jealousy towards our president. And even after the administration was cleared of any wrong doing, Republicans began yet another Benghazi investigation. I believe this was the eighth or ninth investigation into the same exact incident. If you want to talk about wasteful spending you better be talking about the Republican Party. I wonder what the final cost will be once the GOP finally stops wasting our tax money on these pointless probes? And this is not even considering the millions spent on the IRS investigation in which the administration and Democratic Party were also cleared of any wrong doing as pointed out by Tom Sherman in his State Column piece.
And small, fiscally responsible government IS NOT spending millions each time they vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act. A law that regulates inhumane practices by insurance companies. A law that allows millions of people the opportunity to purchase health care. And not be denied because of pre-existing conditions. A law that has proven to not only be cheaper than originally thought but it also has not destroyed the economy as many Republicans tried scaring people into believing it would.
Funding wars of greed and oil, using millions of tax payer dollars on numerous Benghazi and IRS investigations along with throwing away money to try and repeal a law 50 times-over in a four year stretch as stated in Ed O'Keefe's article on the Washington Post website is not fiscally responsible. Especially when it is law that most Americans now support keeping in place. This is all wasteful spending to the fullest extent and is no way an example of small, fiscally responsible government.
And small, fiscally responsible government IS NOT cutting funding for public education just to put that money into private schools where yes, you guessed it, they, and their corporate buddies profit. Less funding for public schools, trying to force kids into paying for private school only results in overcrowded public school classrooms. Which means less quality education and less personal attention per student. Which means higher illiteracy rates and higher drop out rates. Which means poor opportunities for our youth and more government assistance paid for by higher taxes on the people who already cant afford their tax rates as it is.
And it IS NOT making college so expensive that its impossible for most kids to attend. And the ones who do attend are trapped with student loan debt until they're 50 years old. This is one of our nations biggest problems and would not be ignored by a fiscally responsible government.
Small, fiscally responsible governments would also not ignore things that would solve most, if not all of our country's monetary woes...such as legalizing marijuana. An act that would accumulate enough money to fund every school in the country. An act that would allow lottery profits to actually go towards schools. An act that could help provide two years of free community college to anybody that wants it. An act that would possibly create millions of new jobs. An act that would allow taxes set aside for infrastructure to actually go towards infrastructure. An act that would allow funding for any and all government programs. An act that would allow our country to not only balance our budget each year but to also operate in the black. An act that would undoubtedly pump billions of dollars into our economy and government on an annual basis. Opposing the legalization of marijuana is definitely not fiscally responsible.
And small, fiscally responsible government IS NOT building a pipeline through the center of our great country. A pipeline in which we do not receive any of the oil or the oil's profits. And lets be honest, any revenue we do actually see from the Keystone XL Pipeline will go directly towards the Koch Brothers puppet show known as the Republican led U.S. Congress. So, are we clear on this? A pipeline running through our country-carrying oil we don't get to use or sell for ourselves will surely end up costing us money in the long run. Costing tax payers in the long run. That is not fiscally responsible.
And never forget that pipeline accidents and oil spills can and will happen. They probably already happen more frequently than you think. Remember the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico? If not here are some reminders of the destruction caused by that disaster. And then, more recently is the Bridger Pipeline oil spill in Montana that dumped 50,000 gallons of oil into the Yellowstone river.
To take the risks associated with the Keystone Pipeline without seeing any of the benefits from the oil is so far from being fiscally responsible that it's unbelievable people are actually considering this pipeline good for our economy. Just take a look at TransCanada's safety record-the big oil company which would own the Keystone Pipeline and then tell me if you think building the pipeline is environmentally or fiscally responsible.
And keeping right in line with environmental issues, small, fiscally responsible government IS NOT denying science and global warming by blocking bills that would assure a nobble effort to reduce the likelihood of catastrophic events such as natural disasters and rising sea levels. Bills that reduce air, water and ground pollution. If Republicans keep ignoring these real problems and threats, then, in the long run, small government will be more costly than any big government research, programs, prevention or policies to stop the destruction of our planet.
Think about it. Rising sea levels alone will displace millions of people. Not just here at home but globally as well. And guess who's going to pay for it? Yes, the government. Which will eventually lead to us paying for it as taxpayers. This is an excellent read of what might happen when sea levels rise and how much it'll cost us on an annual basis over the next 90 some years.
If we start acting now, we can overt certain cost and destruction. Its all about awareness and prevention though. So, if Republicans keep blocking these very important and very necessary steps, we, as an entire country will be sorry. That is another fact.
To conclude here today, regulating things like taxes and carbon emissions and health care and cutting out loop holes might be examples of big government. But its big government in a fiscally responsible way.
Denying people living wages while raising their taxes so you and your corporate financiers can profit, regulating women's health, marriage equality, cutting food assistance, social security and health and safety regulations though are also examples of big government. But this is big government in a very fiscally irresponsible way.
I wont deny that the fact that Democrats are more big government than anything but Republicans cant deny that they're big government either-which they do. Less spending does not necessarily mean more responsible. All of these issues above are proof of that. Sometimes you have to spend money to make money and even to save money. All political parties spend money. Republicans just don't want you to think they do. So they lie straight to your faces about it. I'll tell you this much, I'll take an honest party spending money on us, the people over a dishonest party spending money on only the rich, the richer and the richest any day of the week. If you consider yourself fiscally responsible, then you would too.
Sources:
http://m.thefiscaltimes.com/all/articles-2014-06-05-without-offshore-tax-havens-these-companies-would-owe-us-much
http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/04/opinion/rieckhoff-congress-military-vets/
http://www.positivemoney.org/issues/recessions-crisis/
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/6338608
http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSBRE92D0PG20130314?irpc=932
http://qz.com/309339/what-us-taxpayers-paid-to-build-and-run-the-cias-torture-program/
http://news.yahoo.com/new-report--gitmo-costs-u-s---2-7-million-per-prisoner-134148004.html
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2014/07/07/benghazi-committee-33-million-republicans/12301935/
http://nypost.com/2014/11/23/gop-looking-to-discredit-benghazi-report-that-cleared-obama/
http://www.politicususa.com/2014/02/26/republican-irs-witch-hunt-cost-14-million-counting.html
http://www.statecolumn.com/2014/12/after-initial-investigation-white-house-cleared-of-irs-scandal-involvement/
http://m.dailykos.com/story/2014/05/01/1296215/-How-Much-Did-Republicans-Cost-You-With-Every-Single-Attempt-To-Repeal-Obamacare
http://time.com/61969/obamacare-cost/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2014/03/21/the-house-has-voted-54-times-in-four-years-on-obamacare-heres-the-full-list/
http://www.collegedata.com/cs/content/content_payarticle_tmpl.jhtml?articleId=10064
http://www.denverpost.com/marijuana/ci_26247743/pot-revenues-starting-help-select-schools-pricey-projects
https://www.dosomething.org/facts/11-facts-about-bp-oil-spill
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/montana-oil-spill-renews-worry-safety-pipelines-28395233
http://m.thestar.com/
http://ecowatch.com/2014/02/11/coastal-flooding-sea-level-rise-cost-annually/
Liberals are for big government and Conservatives are for small government. The left just spends, spends, spends no matter what the cost. The right just cuts, cuts, cuts even when it hurts a majority of their constituents. Democrats give handouts which make people dependent on the government. Republicans give corporate handouts while killing the middle class.
These debates go on all the time. Not a day goes by that we don't hear about them on the news or read about them online. So, what's considered big and small government? What does it really mean to be fiscally responsible? And which party is actually more fiscally responsible? Well, let me answer these questions for you right now...
Small, fiscally responsible government IS NOT giving corporations billions of dollars each year just to stash away in offshore bank accounts avoiding taxation. And in the process not create American jobs that would drive our economy like they promised us they would.
It IS NOT raising taxes on the middle class, our veterans and the elderly while also cutting their pensions, benefits, social security and earned income/child tax credits at the same time just to make up for all of those corporate tax breaks. Keeping hard working Americans in poverty, forcing them onto government assistance is not fiscally responsible. Its greedy and it's un-American and shouldn't be stood for by any of us.
And it IS NOT blocking/voting down bills that regulate Wall Street and big banks-the establishments which led to our economic woes in the first place. The establishments that nearly drove us into a depression. For more on Wall Street and big banks checkout this good read from Positive Money titled "What Caused the Financial Crisis & Recession?"
This is also a good piece from the Huffington Post by Miles Mogulescu about Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) and her uprising started by taking on Wall Street and the big banks. Although the call for Ms. Warren to step into the 2016 presidential race is strong and loud-as mentioned in the Huffington Post piece, I believe she is still much more valuable in the Senate-and will be for some time-fighting Wall Street and the big banks head on. She'll also be a good voice to keep Hillary in check when she becomes our 45th and 1st Madam President of the United States of America. In either case though, we need more politicians like Elizabeth Warren who truly understands what it means to be fiscally responsible.
Fiscally responsible, unlike the politicians who led us into the Iraqi War. Let me tell you all something, small, fiscally responsible government IS NOT spending six trillion and sacraficing 4500 American lives on a war that was based on blatant lies.
Small, fiscally responsible government IS NOT funding things like torture programs which cost us at least 380 million or prisons like Guantanamo Bay which cost us 454 million to operate in 2013. That is the equivalent of 2.7 million per prisoner as discussed in William Holt's article on Yahoo News. That is nearly a billion dollars for programs and a single detention center that our country condones yet still waste money on each year.
It IS NOT spending millions of dollars on these investigations into factitious scandals such as Benghazi. A factitious scandal created out of pure hatred and jealousy towards our president. And even after the administration was cleared of any wrong doing, Republicans began yet another Benghazi investigation. I believe this was the eighth or ninth investigation into the same exact incident. If you want to talk about wasteful spending you better be talking about the Republican Party. I wonder what the final cost will be once the GOP finally stops wasting our tax money on these pointless probes? And this is not even considering the millions spent on the IRS investigation in which the administration and Democratic Party were also cleared of any wrong doing as pointed out by Tom Sherman in his State Column piece.
And small, fiscally responsible government IS NOT spending millions each time they vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act. A law that regulates inhumane practices by insurance companies. A law that allows millions of people the opportunity to purchase health care. And not be denied because of pre-existing conditions. A law that has proven to not only be cheaper than originally thought but it also has not destroyed the economy as many Republicans tried scaring people into believing it would.
Funding wars of greed and oil, using millions of tax payer dollars on numerous Benghazi and IRS investigations along with throwing away money to try and repeal a law 50 times-over in a four year stretch as stated in Ed O'Keefe's article on the Washington Post website is not fiscally responsible. Especially when it is law that most Americans now support keeping in place. This is all wasteful spending to the fullest extent and is no way an example of small, fiscally responsible government.
And small, fiscally responsible government IS NOT cutting funding for public education just to put that money into private schools where yes, you guessed it, they, and their corporate buddies profit. Less funding for public schools, trying to force kids into paying for private school only results in overcrowded public school classrooms. Which means less quality education and less personal attention per student. Which means higher illiteracy rates and higher drop out rates. Which means poor opportunities for our youth and more government assistance paid for by higher taxes on the people who already cant afford their tax rates as it is.
And it IS NOT making college so expensive that its impossible for most kids to attend. And the ones who do attend are trapped with student loan debt until they're 50 years old. This is one of our nations biggest problems and would not be ignored by a fiscally responsible government.
Small, fiscally responsible governments would also not ignore things that would solve most, if not all of our country's monetary woes...such as legalizing marijuana. An act that would accumulate enough money to fund every school in the country. An act that would allow lottery profits to actually go towards schools. An act that could help provide two years of free community college to anybody that wants it. An act that would possibly create millions of new jobs. An act that would allow taxes set aside for infrastructure to actually go towards infrastructure. An act that would allow funding for any and all government programs. An act that would allow our country to not only balance our budget each year but to also operate in the black. An act that would undoubtedly pump billions of dollars into our economy and government on an annual basis. Opposing the legalization of marijuana is definitely not fiscally responsible.
And small, fiscally responsible government IS NOT building a pipeline through the center of our great country. A pipeline in which we do not receive any of the oil or the oil's profits. And lets be honest, any revenue we do actually see from the Keystone XL Pipeline will go directly towards the Koch Brothers puppet show known as the Republican led U.S. Congress. So, are we clear on this? A pipeline running through our country-carrying oil we don't get to use or sell for ourselves will surely end up costing us money in the long run. Costing tax payers in the long run. That is not fiscally responsible.
And never forget that pipeline accidents and oil spills can and will happen. They probably already happen more frequently than you think. Remember the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico? If not here are some reminders of the destruction caused by that disaster. And then, more recently is the Bridger Pipeline oil spill in Montana that dumped 50,000 gallons of oil into the Yellowstone river.
To take the risks associated with the Keystone Pipeline without seeing any of the benefits from the oil is so far from being fiscally responsible that it's unbelievable people are actually considering this pipeline good for our economy. Just take a look at TransCanada's safety record-the big oil company which would own the Keystone Pipeline and then tell me if you think building the pipeline is environmentally or fiscally responsible.
And keeping right in line with environmental issues, small, fiscally responsible government IS NOT denying science and global warming by blocking bills that would assure a nobble effort to reduce the likelihood of catastrophic events such as natural disasters and rising sea levels. Bills that reduce air, water and ground pollution. If Republicans keep ignoring these real problems and threats, then, in the long run, small government will be more costly than any big government research, programs, prevention or policies to stop the destruction of our planet.
Think about it. Rising sea levels alone will displace millions of people. Not just here at home but globally as well. And guess who's going to pay for it? Yes, the government. Which will eventually lead to us paying for it as taxpayers. This is an excellent read of what might happen when sea levels rise and how much it'll cost us on an annual basis over the next 90 some years.
If we start acting now, we can overt certain cost and destruction. Its all about awareness and prevention though. So, if Republicans keep blocking these very important and very necessary steps, we, as an entire country will be sorry. That is another fact.
To conclude here today, regulating things like taxes and carbon emissions and health care and cutting out loop holes might be examples of big government. But its big government in a fiscally responsible way.
Denying people living wages while raising their taxes so you and your corporate financiers can profit, regulating women's health, marriage equality, cutting food assistance, social security and health and safety regulations though are also examples of big government. But this is big government in a very fiscally irresponsible way.
I wont deny that the fact that Democrats are more big government than anything but Republicans cant deny that they're big government either-which they do. Less spending does not necessarily mean more responsible. All of these issues above are proof of that. Sometimes you have to spend money to make money and even to save money. All political parties spend money. Republicans just don't want you to think they do. So they lie straight to your faces about it. I'll tell you this much, I'll take an honest party spending money on us, the people over a dishonest party spending money on only the rich, the richer and the richest any day of the week. If you consider yourself fiscally responsible, then you would too.
Sources:
http://m.thefiscaltimes.com/all/articles-2014-06-05-without-offshore-tax-havens-these-companies-would-owe-us-much
http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/04/opinion/rieckhoff-congress-military-vets/
http://www.positivemoney.org/issues/recessions-crisis/
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/6338608
http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSBRE92D0PG20130314?irpc=932
http://qz.com/309339/what-us-taxpayers-paid-to-build-and-run-the-cias-torture-program/
http://news.yahoo.com/new-report--gitmo-costs-u-s---2-7-million-per-prisoner-134148004.html
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2014/07/07/benghazi-committee-33-million-republicans/12301935/
http://nypost.com/2014/11/23/gop-looking-to-discredit-benghazi-report-that-cleared-obama/
http://www.politicususa.com/2014/02/26/republican-irs-witch-hunt-cost-14-million-counting.html
http://www.statecolumn.com/2014/12/after-initial-investigation-white-house-cleared-of-irs-scandal-involvement/
http://m.dailykos.com/story/2014/05/01/1296215/-How-Much-Did-Republicans-Cost-You-With-Every-Single-Attempt-To-Repeal-Obamacare
http://time.com/61969/obamacare-cost/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2014/03/21/the-house-has-voted-54-times-in-four-years-on-obamacare-heres-the-full-list/
http://www.collegedata.com/cs/content/content_payarticle_tmpl.jhtml?articleId=10064
http://www.denverpost.com/marijuana/ci_26247743/pot-revenues-starting-help-select-schools-pricey-projects
https://www.dosomething.org/facts/11-facts-about-bp-oil-spill
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/montana-oil-spill-renews-worry-safety-pipelines-28395233
http://m.thestar.com/
http://ecowatch.com/2014/02/11/coastal-flooding-sea-level-rise-cost-annually/
Be sure to checkout my newest anti-Republican t-shirt design in my Zazzle store here!!!
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
State of the Union #SOTU
I gotta tell you guys something. All day yesterday, I had it in my head that today, I was going to blog about Presdent Obama's sixth State of the Union address. As I waited in anticipation, my excitement grew for what I might hear from our president. I had caught a few previews and clips of the speech and all the experts expected it to be a real doozy. I was totally ready. And I was totally ready to blog about it.
But then, I stumbled across a Facebook post on the page of Democratic Congressman, Dan Kildee-representing Michigan's 5th U.S. congressional district. The post asked his followers what they wanted to hear from the president in his second to last SOTU. Being a loyal follower and fan of Congressman Kildee, I, of course, commented what I wanted to hear. My post consisted of expressing hopes that President Obama would renew the push for sensible gun control and also to be reassured that he would veto the Keystone XL Pipeline bill after it passes through the Republican led Senate as expected. It passed the Republican led House earlier this month.
I wasn't thinking much about it afterwards until I received an alert from somebody responding to my comment. I wont mention this "Americans" name but I am going to share with you exactly what he had to say-with no editing on my part. Keep in mind that my comment was short and sweet and only made minor mention of the Keystone Pipeline. This was his response...
"Yor a idiot democrat or if you believe the OBAMA lies your a socialist !!
The only reason gas prices are low today are because of the shale deposits being fraked in Dakota !
Obama hasn't approved. 1 ounze of Oil on federal land it's all being done in private or state land !! If Keystone passes it will release AMERICA from OPEC oil control and OBAMA is not gonna let that happen since he financed ISIS that's right your president sent hundreds of millions of dollars to the Muslim Brotherhood
Who in turn gave all the money and military arms to ISIS that is your president !! He is a traitor and all the terrorism that is happening today has OBAMA's Name on it !!
Wake up you Fools"
Yup, that is precisely what went through my head as well. I could barely gather my own thoughts to respond back to him. I cant even remember what I typed in the cloud of stupidity that hung over me. I'm not even sure I want to remember. But after that cloud finally went away and after I was done responding to him I did what I always tell myself not to do. And just like it always does when I go on to read other peoples comments, the situation got worse. The same guy who responded to my own personal comment left a personal comment of his own-on the original post. This is what else he had to say-again, with no editing on my part...
"Are you people serious!! Who gives a shot about roads and bridges ! Or paying higher taxes ! That's Obamas agenda tax hikes ! What about the Americans who died in Bhengazi! Or the border patrols died in Fast and furious? Or the billions of dollars that went into the stimulus plan waisted on shovel ready Jobs it's all a LIE OBAMA is a big Lie to us the American people!! Kildee stand up for us the the American Voter who got you where you are !! I'm worried about Radical Islamic Muslim Terrorrism !! That is the biggest threat against Ameriac today !! Yet you or your OBAMA can't even say it !! iSLAMIC TERRORISM !! It's infaltrationg AMERICA as we speak ! Yet all of you liberal radical Democrats
Want to make sur you don't cross the politically correct Line !! Wake up you idiots ! Any Muslim Radical that wants to believe in the Karan is a enemy of America ! When the moderate Islamic MUSLiMS speak up against the radical Muslim terrorists is when this will stop!! So wake up Kildee wake up OBAMA !! Your all corrupt until you believe in the Contstitution of the United States of America your all Blinded by the OBAMA LiES !! When you go against American Military and of kids in uniform as OBAMA has done you know there is something wrong in Politics !!"
I mean, seriously? What is this guys deal? I'm honestly debating whether or not he has some sort of mental issue...like most of the other people who call themselves Tea Party Republicans. I really feel bad him. Those who are that oblivious to reality really need help. If you're part of the Tea Party please get the help you are so desperately in need of. Here's a hot line to help you.1-800-662-HELP. This is an actual hot line to SAMHSA-for substance abuse and mental health. I'm serious about getting you help.
Now, even after all that Facebook nonsense I was still stoked to blog about the SOTU. And after hearing what our leader had to say, I was for the most part, impressed. I'm glad it was mostly about the middle class-the people struggling the most today. I'm glad he called on congress to do what's right for the country and ALL the citizens of this country. I liked that he was confident and cocky, yet classy-the Obama that us Democrats and a whole lot of Republicans voted into office not just once, but twice. And there's more I liked about the speech too but I will admit that all the good stuff was overshadowed a bit by the fact that he didn't say anything about gun control or Amir Hekmati, former U.S. Marine from Flint, Michigan who has been imprisoned in Iran since 2011 on false accusations of being a spy for the CIA. And worst of all, for me anyway, is the fact that President Obama not one time mentioned vetoing the Keystone Pipeline XL bill. He made one short remark about the pipeline but to me, it wasn't reassuring enough that he would use executive action to kill this pointless proposal.
And then, all the Keystone drama from before the address had even begun and from Keystone being left out of the presidents speech was all topped off by Iowa's freshman Republican Senator, Joni Ernst going on national television and calling it the "Keystone Jobs Bill" and "Infrastructure Bill" during the official Republican response to the presidents SOTU.
All of the other lies in Joni Ernst rebuttal were mute to me after the blatant lie of calling the pipeline a "jobs bill". The Keystone XL Pipeline is a lot of things but in no way shape or form is it a "jobs bill" or an "infrastructure bill"-other than a Republican bank account infrastructure bill.
This pipeline may create thousands of temporary jobs. But that's it. Temporary. Not permanent. The permanent jobs may add up to a total of 50. That's all. Just 50 permanent jobs...at most...when it's all said and done.
Yes, those temporary jobs may spark the local economies while in the construction phase-hotels, stores, restaurants, etc. and that's only if the cost of living and inflation don't sky rocket during this phase. But then afterwards, what happens? Possibly a local recession and loss of numerous jobs? Yes, that is exactly what might happen.
And what does it really mean for the national economy? Republicans claim it will spark it and help it. People say it will lesson our dependency on foreign oil like we, as a country aren't already 75% energy independent. And the biggest crock of all being told by Republicans about the pipeline is that it will lower gas prices here in the states.
Let me put it to you guys like this...the Keystone XL Pipeline will be built through our country from the Canadian border to the Gulf of Mexico in Texas. Canadian oil (not American oil) will flow through the pipeline where it will be shipped out to China. We see NONE of the oil and NONE of the profits. Hell, Republicans don't even want to use American made steel to build the thing.
So, how it's going to help gas prices here in the states when all the oil is being shipped out of the states is beyond me. How it's going to help our national economy or our crumbling infrastructure is also beyond me. Considering the fact that any revenue actually produced from XL will be pocketed by The Koch Brothers and other politicians with personal investments in the pipeline like Speaker of the House, John Boehner and newly appointed Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell. Or used in the massive cleanup projects when the pipeline leaks-and it will leak. Kind of like the leak that just happened in Montana with the Bridger Pipeline which dumped 50,000 gallons of oil into the Yellowstone River where its residents water supply is now unsafe to drink and use.
So you see, essentially, XL will have no impact on our economy. But what it will most certainly impact is not just our own environment here on the homeland but also environments around the world. Especially in Canada where their dirty tar sands are already dumping carbon emissions into our ozone and water pollution into our ground.
Now, there are many reports out there on the environmental impacts of this pipeline in our own country. Some say the impacts will be minor. Others say the impacts are already being felt. Since there are strong arguments from both sides of the environmental issue here, I am going to post two links. One from each side. After you read them you can decide which stance you want to believe.
This is a site claiming major environmental impact of XL:
http://www.foe.org/projects/climate-and-energy/tar-sands/keystone-xl-pipeline
And this is a site claiming minor-no environmental impact of XL:
http://keystone-xl.com/keystone-xl-will-not-significantly-exacerbate-climate-change/
In my strong opinion, even if this pipeline doesn't add to global warming and global carbon emissions-like some claim, it will still have huge impacts on our environment. Land will be destroyed. Wildlife will be replaced and as stated before, it will only be a matter of time before this thing starts to leak and spray dirty oil onto our beautiful, majestic land, rivers, streams and lakes. And that is where the major environmental impacts and destruction will come from.
It's just not worth the risks. None of it is. Unless of course, you're a Republican or a Koch. But we cant just stop at denying this pipeline though. Canada is and has been shipping their dirty tar sands through our country via train rail for awhile now. Which is a completely different story and I will get to that story right after people get this pipeline out of their heads. I will not be 100% satisfied though until there is not one single drop of dirty Canadian oil running through this great country. Unless, it is actually going to safely and positively impact and benefit us.
So, as just stated, we must first stop this pipeline from being constructed. It's a waste of money. It's a waste of land. It's a waste of resources. It's a waste of our governments time when there are real problems and real solutions to those problems-both of which are being completely ignored by Congressional Republicans.
Ya know, after the midterms I wondered how some of these candidates on the right like Joni Ernst could have possibly pulled out victories in the House and Senate. But after watching her address last night and seeing all the strings attached to her arms, legs and mouth, the reasons are clear. Her puppet masters, the Koch Brothers spending tons of money through "Citizens United" to put all of those lies into campaign ads that falsely attack opposing candidates and discourage voters from exercising their voting rights.
Its very disheartening to openly see high up politicians ignoring everything that a majority of their constituents want because of what a very few rich people want. The really, really, really, really sad thing is that all of those Republican lies...those lies that were put out there by Joni Ernst last night, they resonate into the minds of the unfortunate, the uneducated and the ignorant-like the guy who responded to my comment yesterday. And they actually believe the propaganda spewed by Republican/Koch Brothers puppets including Fox "News".
It has got to stop. It has to be stopped. By politicians who are actually willing tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. By politicians who will proudly stand up and fight and do whats right for the entire country. By politicians who will compromise and just simply work together. Who will just simply do their jobs.
But it all starts with us, the people. It starts with us by not believing the propaganda. It starts with us by doing our own research. It starts with us by actually VOTING. And it starts with us by actually acting like...ya know....Americans. Let's all finally start doing our jobs again, America! Let's fix this great country that we all call home!
I'll leave you all with this one question to think about. How can we possibly expect politicians to do their jobs when we cant even do our own jobs?
Sources:
http://www.foe.org/projects/climate-and-energy/tar-sands/keystone-xl-pipeline
http://keystone-xl.com/keystone-xl-will-not-significantly-exacerbate-climate-change/
https://www.facebook.com/RepDanKildee/posts/859633850745940:0
http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-yellowstone-river-oil-spill-20150120-story.html
http://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Be sure to also checkout my:
-Poetry and Pictures Blog
-Facebook
-Tweet Me @skbedtelyon
-Photo Portfolio on Shutterstock
But then, I stumbled across a Facebook post on the page of Democratic Congressman, Dan Kildee-representing Michigan's 5th U.S. congressional district. The post asked his followers what they wanted to hear from the president in his second to last SOTU. Being a loyal follower and fan of Congressman Kildee, I, of course, commented what I wanted to hear. My post consisted of expressing hopes that President Obama would renew the push for sensible gun control and also to be reassured that he would veto the Keystone XL Pipeline bill after it passes through the Republican led Senate as expected. It passed the Republican led House earlier this month.
I wasn't thinking much about it afterwards until I received an alert from somebody responding to my comment. I wont mention this "Americans" name but I am going to share with you exactly what he had to say-with no editing on my part. Keep in mind that my comment was short and sweet and only made minor mention of the Keystone Pipeline. This was his response...
"Yor a idiot democrat or if you believe the OBAMA lies your a socialist !!
The only reason gas prices are low today are because of the shale deposits being fraked in Dakota !
Obama hasn't approved. 1 ounze of Oil on federal land it's all being done in private or state land !! If Keystone passes it will release AMERICA from OPEC oil control and OBAMA is not gonna let that happen since he financed ISIS that's right your president sent hundreds of millions of dollars to the Muslim Brotherhood
Who in turn gave all the money and military arms to ISIS that is your president !! He is a traitor and all the terrorism that is happening today has OBAMA's Name on it !!
Wake up you Fools"
Yup, that is precisely what went through my head as well. I could barely gather my own thoughts to respond back to him. I cant even remember what I typed in the cloud of stupidity that hung over me. I'm not even sure I want to remember. But after that cloud finally went away and after I was done responding to him I did what I always tell myself not to do. And just like it always does when I go on to read other peoples comments, the situation got worse. The same guy who responded to my own personal comment left a personal comment of his own-on the original post. This is what else he had to say-again, with no editing on my part...
"Are you people serious!! Who gives a shot about roads and bridges ! Or paying higher taxes ! That's Obamas agenda tax hikes ! What about the Americans who died in Bhengazi! Or the border patrols died in Fast and furious? Or the billions of dollars that went into the stimulus plan waisted on shovel ready Jobs it's all a LIE OBAMA is a big Lie to us the American people!! Kildee stand up for us the the American Voter who got you where you are !! I'm worried about Radical Islamic Muslim Terrorrism !! That is the biggest threat against Ameriac today !! Yet you or your OBAMA can't even say it !! iSLAMIC TERRORISM !! It's infaltrationg AMERICA as we speak ! Yet all of you liberal radical Democrats
Want to make sur you don't cross the politically correct Line !! Wake up you idiots ! Any Muslim Radical that wants to believe in the Karan is a enemy of America ! When the moderate Islamic MUSLiMS speak up against the radical Muslim terrorists is when this will stop!! So wake up Kildee wake up OBAMA !! Your all corrupt until you believe in the Contstitution of the United States of America your all Blinded by the OBAMA LiES !! When you go against American Military and of kids in uniform as OBAMA has done you know there is something wrong in Politics !!"
I mean, seriously? What is this guys deal? I'm honestly debating whether or not he has some sort of mental issue...like most of the other people who call themselves Tea Party Republicans. I really feel bad him. Those who are that oblivious to reality really need help. If you're part of the Tea Party please get the help you are so desperately in need of. Here's a hot line to help you.1-800-662-HELP. This is an actual hot line to SAMHSA-for substance abuse and mental health. I'm serious about getting you help.
Now, even after all that Facebook nonsense I was still stoked to blog about the SOTU. And after hearing what our leader had to say, I was for the most part, impressed. I'm glad it was mostly about the middle class-the people struggling the most today. I'm glad he called on congress to do what's right for the country and ALL the citizens of this country. I liked that he was confident and cocky, yet classy-the Obama that us Democrats and a whole lot of Republicans voted into office not just once, but twice. And there's more I liked about the speech too but I will admit that all the good stuff was overshadowed a bit by the fact that he didn't say anything about gun control or Amir Hekmati, former U.S. Marine from Flint, Michigan who has been imprisoned in Iran since 2011 on false accusations of being a spy for the CIA. And worst of all, for me anyway, is the fact that President Obama not one time mentioned vetoing the Keystone Pipeline XL bill. He made one short remark about the pipeline but to me, it wasn't reassuring enough that he would use executive action to kill this pointless proposal.
And then, all the Keystone drama from before the address had even begun and from Keystone being left out of the presidents speech was all topped off by Iowa's freshman Republican Senator, Joni Ernst going on national television and calling it the "Keystone Jobs Bill" and "Infrastructure Bill" during the official Republican response to the presidents SOTU.
All of the other lies in Joni Ernst rebuttal were mute to me after the blatant lie of calling the pipeline a "jobs bill". The Keystone XL Pipeline is a lot of things but in no way shape or form is it a "jobs bill" or an "infrastructure bill"-other than a Republican bank account infrastructure bill.
This pipeline may create thousands of temporary jobs. But that's it. Temporary. Not permanent. The permanent jobs may add up to a total of 50. That's all. Just 50 permanent jobs...at most...when it's all said and done.
Yes, those temporary jobs may spark the local economies while in the construction phase-hotels, stores, restaurants, etc. and that's only if the cost of living and inflation don't sky rocket during this phase. But then afterwards, what happens? Possibly a local recession and loss of numerous jobs? Yes, that is exactly what might happen.
And what does it really mean for the national economy? Republicans claim it will spark it and help it. People say it will lesson our dependency on foreign oil like we, as a country aren't already 75% energy independent. And the biggest crock of all being told by Republicans about the pipeline is that it will lower gas prices here in the states.
Let me put it to you guys like this...the Keystone XL Pipeline will be built through our country from the Canadian border to the Gulf of Mexico in Texas. Canadian oil (not American oil) will flow through the pipeline where it will be shipped out to China. We see NONE of the oil and NONE of the profits. Hell, Republicans don't even want to use American made steel to build the thing.
So, how it's going to help gas prices here in the states when all the oil is being shipped out of the states is beyond me. How it's going to help our national economy or our crumbling infrastructure is also beyond me. Considering the fact that any revenue actually produced from XL will be pocketed by The Koch Brothers and other politicians with personal investments in the pipeline like Speaker of the House, John Boehner and newly appointed Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell. Or used in the massive cleanup projects when the pipeline leaks-and it will leak. Kind of like the leak that just happened in Montana with the Bridger Pipeline which dumped 50,000 gallons of oil into the Yellowstone River where its residents water supply is now unsafe to drink and use.
So you see, essentially, XL will have no impact on our economy. But what it will most certainly impact is not just our own environment here on the homeland but also environments around the world. Especially in Canada where their dirty tar sands are already dumping carbon emissions into our ozone and water pollution into our ground.
Now, there are many reports out there on the environmental impacts of this pipeline in our own country. Some say the impacts will be minor. Others say the impacts are already being felt. Since there are strong arguments from both sides of the environmental issue here, I am going to post two links. One from each side. After you read them you can decide which stance you want to believe.
This is a site claiming major environmental impact of XL:
http://www.foe.org/projects/climate-and-energy/tar-sands/keystone-xl-pipeline
And this is a site claiming minor-no environmental impact of XL:
http://keystone-xl.com/keystone-xl-will-not-significantly-exacerbate-climate-change/
In my strong opinion, even if this pipeline doesn't add to global warming and global carbon emissions-like some claim, it will still have huge impacts on our environment. Land will be destroyed. Wildlife will be replaced and as stated before, it will only be a matter of time before this thing starts to leak and spray dirty oil onto our beautiful, majestic land, rivers, streams and lakes. And that is where the major environmental impacts and destruction will come from.
It's just not worth the risks. None of it is. Unless of course, you're a Republican or a Koch. But we cant just stop at denying this pipeline though. Canada is and has been shipping their dirty tar sands through our country via train rail for awhile now. Which is a completely different story and I will get to that story right after people get this pipeline out of their heads. I will not be 100% satisfied though until there is not one single drop of dirty Canadian oil running through this great country. Unless, it is actually going to safely and positively impact and benefit us.
So, as just stated, we must first stop this pipeline from being constructed. It's a waste of money. It's a waste of land. It's a waste of resources. It's a waste of our governments time when there are real problems and real solutions to those problems-both of which are being completely ignored by Congressional Republicans.
Ya know, after the midterms I wondered how some of these candidates on the right like Joni Ernst could have possibly pulled out victories in the House and Senate. But after watching her address last night and seeing all the strings attached to her arms, legs and mouth, the reasons are clear. Her puppet masters, the Koch Brothers spending tons of money through "Citizens United" to put all of those lies into campaign ads that falsely attack opposing candidates and discourage voters from exercising their voting rights.
Its very disheartening to openly see high up politicians ignoring everything that a majority of their constituents want because of what a very few rich people want. The really, really, really, really sad thing is that all of those Republican lies...those lies that were put out there by Joni Ernst last night, they resonate into the minds of the unfortunate, the uneducated and the ignorant-like the guy who responded to my comment yesterday. And they actually believe the propaganda spewed by Republican/Koch Brothers puppets including Fox "News".
It has got to stop. It has to be stopped. By politicians who are actually willing tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. By politicians who will proudly stand up and fight and do whats right for the entire country. By politicians who will compromise and just simply work together. Who will just simply do their jobs.
But it all starts with us, the people. It starts with us by not believing the propaganda. It starts with us by doing our own research. It starts with us by actually VOTING. And it starts with us by actually acting like...ya know....Americans. Let's all finally start doing our jobs again, America! Let's fix this great country that we all call home!
I'll leave you all with this one question to think about. How can we possibly expect politicians to do their jobs when we cant even do our own jobs?
Sources:
http://www.foe.org/projects/climate-and-energy/tar-sands/keystone-xl-pipeline
http://keystone-xl.com/keystone-xl-will-not-significantly-exacerbate-climate-change/
https://www.facebook.com/RepDanKildee/posts/859633850745940:0
http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-yellowstone-river-oil-spill-20150120-story.html
http://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Be sure to also checkout my:
-Poetry and Pictures Blog
-Tweet Me @skbedtelyon
-Photo Portfolio on Shutterstock
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Shunned For Gun Questions
Alright guys, before I get started on this post I would just like to make a few things very clear. First, I am all for the Second Amendment giving one the right to bear arms. Second, I am all for buying and selling firearms. Third, I am all for open carry and carrying concealed weapons. Fourth, I am all for owning and shooting guns and protecting people and property with guns. And finally, I am pro-gun through and through.
However, with all that being said, I am also a strong believer and supporter of smart, COMMON SENSE gun control including universal backround checks on all firearm sales, banning internet sales of all firearms, banning the sale of firearms ya know, typically used in warfare without special, yearly, safety classes, health screenings, and license/registration renewal, limiting the number of rounds a magazine is capable of firing, closing loopholes which allow bad and or sick people to easily get their hands on guns and also coming down harder on violators of these laws and people who have guns registered in their names that were used to break the law.
Ok, now lets get on with the story shall we? I've been a member of the Clio Montrose Birch Run yardsale site on Facebook for quite some time. I've been selling items weekly through the site. A few days ago I came acrossed a post with somebody trying to sell a few guns. It kind of suprised me so I finally decided to read through the rules of the site to see if there were any policies against such sales. I was even more suprised to see that the sale of firearms is 100% permitted through the site.
My mind began racing with all of the possible scenerios that could come from the sale of firearms through the site. What if a 16 year old changed their birthday on Facebook, became a member of the site and was able to get their hands on a gun because the person selling it was too worried about the cash to check their ID? I know I need not remind everyone that you have to be at least 18 years of age to purchase a firearm in Michigan no matter the type of gun it is or the means in which you purchase it. But I just reminded you all anyway didn't I? Now, just think...what if that 16 year old takes that gun to school and does the unthinkable? What if?
What if a criminal gets their hands on a firearm through the site? What if somebody with a mental illness gets their hands on a gun? Is it possible that every seller of a firearm through the site is making sure the buyer isn't a criminal or mentally ill? Sure, it's possible but it's certainally not probable. I know I need not remind you all that you cant have a criminal record or a history of mental illness in Michigan and legally buy or own a gun. I wonder how many illegal transactions have been made through sites like this? And who is overseeing these sales, making sure they are legal and legit?
I can tell you who isn't overseeing the sales of firearms on the site. The owner and administrators. And I know this because after thinking about my concerns for a short while, I decided to message the sites owner to kind of feel her out on the issue. I asked her about the sites full policy on firearm sales and if the site would be liable if anything bad were to happen due to the sale of a firearm through the site. I also asked how she would personally feel if something bad were to happen through her site.
She explained to me that hand gun sales were to be done at police stations with paperwork but long gun sales could be done wherever/however. She also assured me that legally, she wouldn't be responsible if anything bad happened. All responsibility lies with the seller/buyer. Which, I totally agree with. What I do not agree with is the huge loophole she is leaving open by allowing the sale of firearms through her site. The loophole which allows almost anybody to buy a firearm at any time.
Now, in my opinion here is where the story gets good. The whole reason for my post. First, let me describe my tone and the mood during the converstation I had with the sites owner. I, in no way even remotely implied to her that she should ban the sale of firearms on her site. I, in no way was mean, cocky or rude in anything that I said to this lady and told her multiple times that I wasn't starting or trying to start any problems for anybody. Again, I was just simply asking her a few questions. And I asked those questions in a calm, mature, civilized and respectful way.
When I was done asking, and she was done answering I said thank you for your time and told her to have a Merry Christmas. She said it back and told me she was talking to the other administrators about it at that very moment. I thought to myself cool...they're at least having a discussion about it and I actually thanked her again for that reason.
I was feeling pretty good about myself. Starting a discussion about something that affects the safety of at least three communities, if not more. And I know how sensitive the subjects of guns and gun control are in this country so I had no expectations and no intentions of really trying to change anything. But after she told me that her and the other administrators were talking about it I was thinking that maybe...just maybe they would all see the point I was trying to make and realize that selling firearms through the site was a bad idea.
So, you can imagine how suprised I was-even more so than seeing a gun posted on the site in the first place and even more so than learning that the sale of firearms was permitted on the site...and how disappointed I was...and how frustrated I was when I woke up the next morning only to find that I had not only been kicked off the site but was also blocked completely from even seeing that the site exist at all.
It honestly kind of felt like someone had purchased a gun illegally through that Clio Montrose Birch Run yardsale site on Facebook and shot me dead killing my dreams of a safer, more responsible America. And the false hope is still bleeding out of my body today because after realizing I was blocked, I sent the owner another message asking why I had been blocked. I didn't get any answer from her and am still waiting for at least some sort of reply back.
You know, there is a right way to buy and sell guns and there is a wrong way to do it. Yardsale sites, etc. is the wrong way to do it. Regardless of anything having to do with guns and gun control here, in no way...for no reason should I have been kicked off and blocked from the site. That is not how America works. That is not how humanity works. Will these people ever realize this? Will people ever realize that by sitting back...and by not caring...and by not doing anything to fix these problems, they just make everything worse? Will these people ever be for America?
Well, thank you for hearing me out and feel free to share this story if you believe the sale of firearms through yardsale sites like the Clio Montrose Birch Run site is a bad idea and or if you agree that blocking me was the absolute wrong move on their part. Again, I thank you all for your time! Now, lets save this great country in which we all call home!
However, with all that being said, I am also a strong believer and supporter of smart, COMMON SENSE gun control including universal backround checks on all firearm sales, banning internet sales of all firearms, banning the sale of firearms ya know, typically used in warfare without special, yearly, safety classes, health screenings, and license/registration renewal, limiting the number of rounds a magazine is capable of firing, closing loopholes which allow bad and or sick people to easily get their hands on guns and also coming down harder on violators of these laws and people who have guns registered in their names that were used to break the law.
Ok, now lets get on with the story shall we? I've been a member of the Clio Montrose Birch Run yardsale site on Facebook for quite some time. I've been selling items weekly through the site. A few days ago I came acrossed a post with somebody trying to sell a few guns. It kind of suprised me so I finally decided to read through the rules of the site to see if there were any policies against such sales. I was even more suprised to see that the sale of firearms is 100% permitted through the site.
My mind began racing with all of the possible scenerios that could come from the sale of firearms through the site. What if a 16 year old changed their birthday on Facebook, became a member of the site and was able to get their hands on a gun because the person selling it was too worried about the cash to check their ID? I know I need not remind everyone that you have to be at least 18 years of age to purchase a firearm in Michigan no matter the type of gun it is or the means in which you purchase it. But I just reminded you all anyway didn't I? Now, just think...what if that 16 year old takes that gun to school and does the unthinkable? What if?
What if a criminal gets their hands on a firearm through the site? What if somebody with a mental illness gets their hands on a gun? Is it possible that every seller of a firearm through the site is making sure the buyer isn't a criminal or mentally ill? Sure, it's possible but it's certainally not probable. I know I need not remind you all that you cant have a criminal record or a history of mental illness in Michigan and legally buy or own a gun. I wonder how many illegal transactions have been made through sites like this? And who is overseeing these sales, making sure they are legal and legit?
I can tell you who isn't overseeing the sales of firearms on the site. The owner and administrators. And I know this because after thinking about my concerns for a short while, I decided to message the sites owner to kind of feel her out on the issue. I asked her about the sites full policy on firearm sales and if the site would be liable if anything bad were to happen due to the sale of a firearm through the site. I also asked how she would personally feel if something bad were to happen through her site.
She explained to me that hand gun sales were to be done at police stations with paperwork but long gun sales could be done wherever/however. She also assured me that legally, she wouldn't be responsible if anything bad happened. All responsibility lies with the seller/buyer. Which, I totally agree with. What I do not agree with is the huge loophole she is leaving open by allowing the sale of firearms through her site. The loophole which allows almost anybody to buy a firearm at any time.
Now, in my opinion here is where the story gets good. The whole reason for my post. First, let me describe my tone and the mood during the converstation I had with the sites owner. I, in no way even remotely implied to her that she should ban the sale of firearms on her site. I, in no way was mean, cocky or rude in anything that I said to this lady and told her multiple times that I wasn't starting or trying to start any problems for anybody. Again, I was just simply asking her a few questions. And I asked those questions in a calm, mature, civilized and respectful way.
When I was done asking, and she was done answering I said thank you for your time and told her to have a Merry Christmas. She said it back and told me she was talking to the other administrators about it at that very moment. I thought to myself cool...they're at least having a discussion about it and I actually thanked her again for that reason.
I was feeling pretty good about myself. Starting a discussion about something that affects the safety of at least three communities, if not more. And I know how sensitive the subjects of guns and gun control are in this country so I had no expectations and no intentions of really trying to change anything. But after she told me that her and the other administrators were talking about it I was thinking that maybe...just maybe they would all see the point I was trying to make and realize that selling firearms through the site was a bad idea.
So, you can imagine how suprised I was-even more so than seeing a gun posted on the site in the first place and even more so than learning that the sale of firearms was permitted on the site...and how disappointed I was...and how frustrated I was when I woke up the next morning only to find that I had not only been kicked off the site but was also blocked completely from even seeing that the site exist at all.
It honestly kind of felt like someone had purchased a gun illegally through that Clio Montrose Birch Run yardsale site on Facebook and shot me dead killing my dreams of a safer, more responsible America. And the false hope is still bleeding out of my body today because after realizing I was blocked, I sent the owner another message asking why I had been blocked. I didn't get any answer from her and am still waiting for at least some sort of reply back.
You know, there is a right way to buy and sell guns and there is a wrong way to do it. Yardsale sites, etc. is the wrong way to do it. Regardless of anything having to do with guns and gun control here, in no way...for no reason should I have been kicked off and blocked from the site. That is not how America works. That is not how humanity works. Will these people ever realize this? Will people ever realize that by sitting back...and by not caring...and by not doing anything to fix these problems, they just make everything worse? Will these people ever be for America?
Well, thank you for hearing me out and feel free to share this story if you believe the sale of firearms through yardsale sites like the Clio Montrose Birch Run site is a bad idea and or if you agree that blocking me was the absolute wrong move on their part. Again, I thank you all for your time! Now, lets save this great country in which we all call home!
Monday, December 22, 2014
Peace On Earth, Good Will Toward Men?
With our country even more divided today then it was yesterday and last year and 20 years ago and with so much turmoil going on at home and abroad I'm posting these three Christmas songs to remind us all that without LOVE and PEACE and HOPE and COMPASSION this entire world would be lost.
We all need to do a better job at showing love, peace, hope and compassion not only around this time of year but throughout the entire year.
Please help me share these songs and practice the messages behind each one. Thank you. I love you all. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!
Amy Grant-Grown Up Christmas List
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RmF2rsDHOZc
John Lennon-Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sbKQ7nXx0o8&autoplay=1
Far f/ Chino Moreno-Feed The World (Do They Know Its Christmas)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dpZ3Hsif1jI
We all need to do a better job at showing love, peace, hope and compassion not only around this time of year but throughout the entire year.
Please help me share these songs and practice the messages behind each one. Thank you. I love you all. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!
Amy Grant-Grown Up Christmas List
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RmF2rsDHOZc
John Lennon-Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sbKQ7nXx0o8&autoplay=1
Far f/ Chino Moreno-Feed The World (Do They Know Its Christmas)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dpZ3Hsif1jI
Friday, December 5, 2014
"Put Christ Back in Christmas"
I say "Happy Halloween" on Halloween, "Happy Thanksgiving" on Thanksgiving, "Merry Christmas" on Christmas and "Happy New Year" on New Years day. I say "Happy Holidays" when wishing cheer throughout the entire holiday season.
When somebody says "Happy Holidays" it's because they're talking about all of the holidays. They're not trying to do away with the name "Christmas". They are not knocking or trying to offend Christ. Or Christians. They are not trying to change what the true meaning of the holiday is...or excuse me what the true meaning of Christmas really is. They are not waging any kind of war on religion or Christianity. They are simply wishing you a happy Holiday Season.
Why people are offended by this is beyond me? If somebody does say "Happy Holidays" to you because they are uncomfortable saying "Merry Christmas", you should just be happy that they are even acknowledging the holiday at all.
Plus, I dont get why people are just now getting offened by people saying "Happy Holidays". I've heard people say "Happy Holidays" during each of my 30 years on this earth. I didn't see or hear anybody make a big deal about the "Happy Holidays" saying until recent years.
Not to mention the fact that there is how many different countries and religions and nationalities around the world that celebrate their holidays at the same time as us. Ramadan, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Omisoka, Fiesta of our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Lucia Day, Boxing Day and the list goes on and on.
And here is the thing. Unlike Christians, there are actually people who are considerate of other peoples beliefs. And seeing how America is the great and diverse country that it is, it's perfectly acceptable for one to use the phrase "Happy Holidays". Saying "Happy Holidays" is a universal and respectful way to send happiness to people of all religions and all nationalities during this most joyous time of the year.
I also dont know why people get offended by others calling their own tree a "Holiday Tree". I mean really? It's a tree. Who cares? If Christians are going to get offended by a "Holiday Tree", then as an enviromentalist, I am going to have to start getting offended that you're calling Pine Trees, "Christmas Trees".
Na, I wouldn't do that because I could care less what you call your own tree. And nobody else should care either. And you know what? I put up my tree before Thanksgiving and leave it up until New Years Day. So, technically...you know, it is a "Holiday Tree". I've even thought about leaving my tree up all year long to decorate it for every holiday. Would you be offended on the 4th of July by my "Independence Tree"? I would certainally hope not.
So for now on, just worry about what you call your tree and let others call theirs what they want. You say "Merry Christmas" all you want but let people just say "Happy Holidays" if that's what they want. Stop being offended by things that dont matter. As long as YOU remember and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, it doesn't matter what anybody else thinks or says.
Because if Christ isn't a part of Christmas anymore it's because Christians are making it that way. It's because Christians would rather complain about what others call the holidays rather then just celebrate what Christmas is truly all about, Christ.
No matter what you Christians think, who are offended by one saying "Happy Holidays", nobody is trying to take Christ out of Christmas. It's Christmas. It's the holidays. Either saying is fine. Stop getting offended by nothing.
Last thing, when schools, businesses or whoever else calls it "Winter Break" or "Holiday Break", they aren't trying to offend you. They just aren't trying to offend anybody else either. So just get over it and enjoy your holidays already.
Merry Christmas to all you Christians out there and Happy Holidays to everybody else.
When somebody says "Happy Holidays" it's because they're talking about all of the holidays. They're not trying to do away with the name "Christmas". They are not knocking or trying to offend Christ. Or Christians. They are not trying to change what the true meaning of the holiday is...or excuse me what the true meaning of Christmas really is. They are not waging any kind of war on religion or Christianity. They are simply wishing you a happy Holiday Season.
Why people are offended by this is beyond me? If somebody does say "Happy Holidays" to you because they are uncomfortable saying "Merry Christmas", you should just be happy that they are even acknowledging the holiday at all.
Plus, I dont get why people are just now getting offened by people saying "Happy Holidays". I've heard people say "Happy Holidays" during each of my 30 years on this earth. I didn't see or hear anybody make a big deal about the "Happy Holidays" saying until recent years.
Not to mention the fact that there is how many different countries and religions and nationalities around the world that celebrate their holidays at the same time as us. Ramadan, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Omisoka, Fiesta of our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Lucia Day, Boxing Day and the list goes on and on.
And here is the thing. Unlike Christians, there are actually people who are considerate of other peoples beliefs. And seeing how America is the great and diverse country that it is, it's perfectly acceptable for one to use the phrase "Happy Holidays". Saying "Happy Holidays" is a universal and respectful way to send happiness to people of all religions and all nationalities during this most joyous time of the year.
I also dont know why people get offended by others calling their own tree a "Holiday Tree". I mean really? It's a tree. Who cares? If Christians are going to get offended by a "Holiday Tree", then as an enviromentalist, I am going to have to start getting offended that you're calling Pine Trees, "Christmas Trees".
Na, I wouldn't do that because I could care less what you call your own tree. And nobody else should care either. And you know what? I put up my tree before Thanksgiving and leave it up until New Years Day. So, technically...you know, it is a "Holiday Tree". I've even thought about leaving my tree up all year long to decorate it for every holiday. Would you be offended on the 4th of July by my "Independence Tree"? I would certainally hope not.
So for now on, just worry about what you call your tree and let others call theirs what they want. You say "Merry Christmas" all you want but let people just say "Happy Holidays" if that's what they want. Stop being offended by things that dont matter. As long as YOU remember and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, it doesn't matter what anybody else thinks or says.
Because if Christ isn't a part of Christmas anymore it's because Christians are making it that way. It's because Christians would rather complain about what others call the holidays rather then just celebrate what Christmas is truly all about, Christ.
No matter what you Christians think, who are offended by one saying "Happy Holidays", nobody is trying to take Christ out of Christmas. It's Christmas. It's the holidays. Either saying is fine. Stop getting offended by nothing.
Last thing, when schools, businesses or whoever else calls it "Winter Break" or "Holiday Break", they aren't trying to offend you. They just aren't trying to offend anybody else either. So just get over it and enjoy your holidays already.
Merry Christmas to all you Christians out there and Happy Holidays to everybody else.
Friday, November 7, 2014
Democratic Disappointment
Michigan's Republican Governor, Rick Snyder won re-election by 128,130 votes in this years midterm elections. 625,000 registered Michigan Democrats didn't vote this past Tuesday. That's DID NOT vote. That is unacceptable and may be more pathetic than anything Snyder has ever done. Then again, Snyder has done some pretty messed up, sleezy, low life stuff. Nonetheless, 625,000 Democrats not voting is still horribly, horribly disappointing.
So, I'm on a new mission. A mission to not only get Democrats here in Michigan but to also get Democrats all over the country to drop the "I dont care" attitude and realize the importance of voting in all elections. A mission to get Democrats excited about the fact that when Democrats vote, Democrats win. And when Democrats win, America wins.
But my mission will be more than just getting Democrats out to the polls for every election. My mission will include getting Republicans to vote blue as well. Because what's even more messed up than millions of Democrats not voting in this country is the fact that most of the policies and proposals passed on Tuesday favor Democratic agendas. The ones that failed favored Republican agendas.
-Marijuana was legalized in 2 more states (Oregon and Alaska) and in Washington DC.
-Proposals that raised taxes (for good things-parks,millages,etc.) were passed.
-Policies that discriminated against women were shot down.
-Hell, in Denton Texas they banned fracking. The city in which fracking was created voted to ban the practice. Imagine that?
Now, since the majority of voters in this past election were overwhelmingly Republican voters that only means one thing. It obviously means Republicans actually support Democratic policies. Yet, they elect Republican canidates who push Republican policies which hurt our country. It just doesn't make sense to me and desperately needs to be changed.
That's what my new mission is. To change the way people feel about politics and voting. To not only make those people understand the importance of voting in every election but to also make people understand the importance of voting blue in every election. Because as I stated above when Democrats win, America wins.
Are you with me here? Do you understand the importance of voting in every election? If so, will you help me with my mission? Will you help spread awareness and get people out to the polls for every election? Will you make people see that a vote for the blue is a vote for you. Will make people understand that a vote for the red means your vote is dead? Will you help me save America?
So, I'm on a new mission. A mission to not only get Democrats here in Michigan but to also get Democrats all over the country to drop the "I dont care" attitude and realize the importance of voting in all elections. A mission to get Democrats excited about the fact that when Democrats vote, Democrats win. And when Democrats win, America wins.
But my mission will be more than just getting Democrats out to the polls for every election. My mission will include getting Republicans to vote blue as well. Because what's even more messed up than millions of Democrats not voting in this country is the fact that most of the policies and proposals passed on Tuesday favor Democratic agendas. The ones that failed favored Republican agendas.
-Marijuana was legalized in 2 more states (Oregon and Alaska) and in Washington DC.
-Proposals that raised taxes (for good things-parks,millages,etc.) were passed.
-Policies that discriminated against women were shot down.
-Hell, in Denton Texas they banned fracking. The city in which fracking was created voted to ban the practice. Imagine that?
Now, since the majority of voters in this past election were overwhelmingly Republican voters that only means one thing. It obviously means Republicans actually support Democratic policies. Yet, they elect Republican canidates who push Republican policies which hurt our country. It just doesn't make sense to me and desperately needs to be changed.
That's what my new mission is. To change the way people feel about politics and voting. To not only make those people understand the importance of voting in every election but to also make people understand the importance of voting blue in every election. Because as I stated above when Democrats win, America wins.
Are you with me here? Do you understand the importance of voting in every election? If so, will you help me with my mission? Will you help spread awareness and get people out to the polls for every election? Will you make people see that a vote for the blue is a vote for you. Will make people understand that a vote for the red means your vote is dead? Will you help me save America?
Monday, October 27, 2014
Republicans Are Big Government
Republicans are against "big government" but if Republicans actually looked out for the best interest of ALL Americans and fought for what was actually right for this country then "big government" wouldn't be required at all.
But when you want to give all the tax breaks to the people who dont need them (the rich) and people who dont make good on those tax breaks with job creation (the corporations)...."big government" is indeed needed.
When you refuse to give people (all people)-adults, teenagers, elderly, intelligent people, not so intelligent people, people between jobs, kids just out of college, etc-a fair and decent wage that they are able to pay their bills with and pay their rent with and buy groceries with and get their car fixed when needed, etc. then "big government" is needed.
When your answer to every conflict abroad is to invade countries, steel what you want, destroy everything else and kill whoever gets in your way even if it cost the lives of 4500+ American troops then somebody has to step up and say enough is enough. Somebody has to say there are better ways to solve these issues without massive bloodshed that will only lead to more bloodshed ten years down the road. And if you want to call whoever steps up to say this, "big government" then so be it.
When you discriminate against women by denying them things like equal pay or when you place the blame of rape upon the rape victim instead of the suspect then "big government" is needed. Besides, Republicans are all for "big government" when it comes to things like abortion and birth control.
When you discriminate against the LGBT community by denying them their right to marry the person they love, thus denying them the same benefits that people who make that commitment are entitled to, thus denying them the right to start a family by adopting kids (ya know, the same kids that were protected by Republican abortion regulations and are now-not suprisingly-just bouncing around from foster home to foster home suffering through the system....) then "big government" is needed.
When you refuse to believe in the facts of science (global warming, evelution, etc.) or just dont care enough about the facts to do anything good with your power then "big government" is needed. When you allow for the unsafe practices of oil drilling-like fracking-to destroy the earth beneath our communities then "big government" is needed. When you take bribes and "donations" in return for letting these non-environmental friendly companies and corporations pollute our land and dump waste into our streams, rivers, lakes and oceans then "big government" is needed.
When you consistantly lie about sensable gun control laws and scare people into believing our "big government" wants to take their guns away (one of the biggest and most dangerous Republican lies out there today) just to please the NRA who handsout billions of dollars to these Republicans for their lies-all while innocent people pointlessly fall victim to gun violence week after week after week then "big government" is needed.
So you see? "Big government" is needed. When it comes down to it, there is only one real reason why Republicans in this country hate "big government". That reason is greed. Plain and simple. Pure and arrogant greed. And its funny because those same Republicans are actually for "big government" and "big government" regulations when it comes to things like immigration, welfare and as mentioned before, abortion and birth control. But of course, the reason for their support of "big government" on these issues is yup, you guessed it...greed.
If we dont change our ways, greed will probably kill us all before any flood...or astroid strike...or solar explosion...or zombie apocolypes...or ISIS...or Ebola or WWIII or even Judgement Day for all you Christians out there. We must change this society in which greed has become the norm and rules our lives or that same greed will inevitably destroy us all.
If you're one of those people who think they hate "big government" for the reasons above, you should think twice about it and ask yourself...do I really hate "big government" or do I just hate the reason we need "big government"? Republicans.
But when you want to give all the tax breaks to the people who dont need them (the rich) and people who dont make good on those tax breaks with job creation (the corporations)...."big government" is indeed needed.
When you refuse to give people (all people)-adults, teenagers, elderly, intelligent people, not so intelligent people, people between jobs, kids just out of college, etc-a fair and decent wage that they are able to pay their bills with and pay their rent with and buy groceries with and get their car fixed when needed, etc. then "big government" is needed.
When your answer to every conflict abroad is to invade countries, steel what you want, destroy everything else and kill whoever gets in your way even if it cost the lives of 4500+ American troops then somebody has to step up and say enough is enough. Somebody has to say there are better ways to solve these issues without massive bloodshed that will only lead to more bloodshed ten years down the road. And if you want to call whoever steps up to say this, "big government" then so be it.
When you discriminate against women by denying them things like equal pay or when you place the blame of rape upon the rape victim instead of the suspect then "big government" is needed. Besides, Republicans are all for "big government" when it comes to things like abortion and birth control.
When you discriminate against the LGBT community by denying them their right to marry the person they love, thus denying them the same benefits that people who make that commitment are entitled to, thus denying them the right to start a family by adopting kids (ya know, the same kids that were protected by Republican abortion regulations and are now-not suprisingly-just bouncing around from foster home to foster home suffering through the system....) then "big government" is needed.
When you refuse to believe in the facts of science (global warming, evelution, etc.) or just dont care enough about the facts to do anything good with your power then "big government" is needed. When you allow for the unsafe practices of oil drilling-like fracking-to destroy the earth beneath our communities then "big government" is needed. When you take bribes and "donations" in return for letting these non-environmental friendly companies and corporations pollute our land and dump waste into our streams, rivers, lakes and oceans then "big government" is needed.
When you consistantly lie about sensable gun control laws and scare people into believing our "big government" wants to take their guns away (one of the biggest and most dangerous Republican lies out there today) just to please the NRA who handsout billions of dollars to these Republicans for their lies-all while innocent people pointlessly fall victim to gun violence week after week after week then "big government" is needed.
So you see? "Big government" is needed. When it comes down to it, there is only one real reason why Republicans in this country hate "big government". That reason is greed. Plain and simple. Pure and arrogant greed. And its funny because those same Republicans are actually for "big government" and "big government" regulations when it comes to things like immigration, welfare and as mentioned before, abortion and birth control. But of course, the reason for their support of "big government" on these issues is yup, you guessed it...greed.
If we dont change our ways, greed will probably kill us all before any flood...or astroid strike...or solar explosion...or zombie apocolypes...or ISIS...or Ebola or WWIII or even Judgement Day for all you Christians out there. We must change this society in which greed has become the norm and rules our lives or that same greed will inevitably destroy us all.
If you're one of those people who think they hate "big government" for the reasons above, you should think twice about it and ask yourself...do I really hate "big government" or do I just hate the reason we need "big government"? Republicans.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Backup For My Boy Barack
I'm showing more love and support here for President Obama because he deserves a whole lot more credit than he recieves. These days, he can't even muster up support from his own party because of all the misplaced blame, hate and lies directed his way from the Republicans.
Now, I understand there are some Democrats out there trying to win elections in Red states, where most of these lies have generated from in the first place so most of this is directed at those Republicans. But I say this to the Democrats distancing themselves from our leader...don't forget that we are all on the same team here, fighting for the same things. And don't forget who is leading us there. If this country was going backwards then yes, by all means distance yourself from our leader. As a nation however, we are on the right track. Whether the opposing team wants to admit it or not. Whether the opposing team wants to lie through their teeth about it or not.
And that's what irritates me the most. The blatent lies. Ya know, if you don't like President Obama simply because you're a Republican then that's fine. That's your right. But you can't dislike our president because of all the lies being told about him by your Republican leaders. When you do indeed base your opinions on lies, your opinions are wrong. Your opinions are meaningless. Your opinions are nothing.
Examples:
1. If you don't like Obamacare that's fine. But you can't dislike Obamacare because it adds massive amounts of debt to our budget. And you can't dislike Obamacare because it doesn't help out millions of Americans because the REAL FACTS show it DOES NOT add debt to this country and it REALLY DOES help millions of Americans who were previously uninsured and possibly dying.
2. It's ok to dislike the fact that immigration reform is long overdue in this country. And you can not like the fact that Obama hasn't taken executive action on the matter (although, if he did do that the Republicans would complain that he acted alone even though there is a bipartisan immigration bill sitting in the Republican led House of Representatives waiting to be passed). But you can't dislike Obama because he just lets people into this country and then lets them stay illegally. Republicans forget or fail to mention the REAL FACT that Obama has deported more people than any other president before him. You also can't dislike Obama for following immigration laws passed by those same Republicans. Especially when the bill waiting in the House would fix all of these problems.
3. You can hate the fact that millions of Americans live in poverty and the fact that our economy isn't as strong as it should be. But you can't hate Obama for not creating jobs or bringing the economy back from the recession because REAL FACTS show that he has done both. You can't hate Obama for our poverty woes when Obama supports the strongest and quickest thing that would lift millions of people out of poverty...raising the minimum wage. REAL FACTS also show that to be true.
4. You can dislike Obama's foreign policy. But you can't hate Obama for not keeping the homeland safe (and regardless of the Republican fear mongering over ISIS, our borders and now Ebola, the homeland is safe). And you can't hate Obama because Middle Eastern countries let ISIS grow into what they currently are. You can't blame Obama for the problems of Iraq because he really did want to keep troops over there. What would you do when now former Iraqi Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki would not ensure your troops safety? And you can't hate Obama because of what Vladimir Putan is doing to Ukraine. If you want to blame anybody for the illegal actions of Russia you blame Russia and maybe the UN, NATO and the EU. You cannot justifiably blame Obama's foreign policy for any of these things. A foreign policy that keeps American troops and civilians abroad safe. A foreign policy that ensures another 9-11 doesn't happen on the homeland. On our homeland.
5. You can't dislike Obama because he supports gun control and wants to take your guns away. For the last time, that is NOT what gun control is. If you read up about REAL gun control and have just a little bit of common sense, gun control laws should be welcomed by us all. If you have the right to own a gun now, you would still have that right with gun control laws. That's the only thing that matters. So, dont hate Obama because you wouldn't be able to own, carry, shoot and buy more guns with gun control because you would still be able to own, carry, shoot and buy all the guns you want with gun control.
6. You can hate Obama because he's a Democrat. Or because he grew up in Hawaii. Or because he likes to golf and play basketball. But you can't dislike Obama because he's a Kenyan, a Muslim, a dictator, a tyrant, an imperelist, a communist, a socialist or a weak, un-American, out of touch leader. Because REAL FACTS prove all of those Republican made tittles for our Commander-in-Chief to be 100% false.
I only ask that you see beyond all of the lies. And these are just a few examples of the propaganda that people let Republicans force into their minds. Please don't let all the lies form your opinions of President Obama and all the important issues because that is the kind of ignorance ruining this great country. That is the kind of arrogance halting the REAL PROGRESS that could bring our nation back to #1 again in every category. And I mean no offense to anybody here. However, if you're offended by any of this, I would advise you to brush up on the REAL FACTS.
To finish, I will leave you all with this shockingly accurate newsflash: If you dont like President Obama due to any of these above mentioned lies or the hundreds of other false statements made about him by Republicans, then guess what? The truth is...that in reality...you probably...actually...like President Obama. <----Another REAL FACT. So, open your eyes to all of the ridiculously blatent lies and start fighting for our president the way he has been fighting for you.
Now, I understand there are some Democrats out there trying to win elections in Red states, where most of these lies have generated from in the first place so most of this is directed at those Republicans. But I say this to the Democrats distancing themselves from our leader...don't forget that we are all on the same team here, fighting for the same things. And don't forget who is leading us there. If this country was going backwards then yes, by all means distance yourself from our leader. As a nation however, we are on the right track. Whether the opposing team wants to admit it or not. Whether the opposing team wants to lie through their teeth about it or not.
And that's what irritates me the most. The blatent lies. Ya know, if you don't like President Obama simply because you're a Republican then that's fine. That's your right. But you can't dislike our president because of all the lies being told about him by your Republican leaders. When you do indeed base your opinions on lies, your opinions are wrong. Your opinions are meaningless. Your opinions are nothing.
Examples:
1. If you don't like Obamacare that's fine. But you can't dislike Obamacare because it adds massive amounts of debt to our budget. And you can't dislike Obamacare because it doesn't help out millions of Americans because the REAL FACTS show it DOES NOT add debt to this country and it REALLY DOES help millions of Americans who were previously uninsured and possibly dying.
2. It's ok to dislike the fact that immigration reform is long overdue in this country. And you can not like the fact that Obama hasn't taken executive action on the matter (although, if he did do that the Republicans would complain that he acted alone even though there is a bipartisan immigration bill sitting in the Republican led House of Representatives waiting to be passed). But you can't dislike Obama because he just lets people into this country and then lets them stay illegally. Republicans forget or fail to mention the REAL FACT that Obama has deported more people than any other president before him. You also can't dislike Obama for following immigration laws passed by those same Republicans. Especially when the bill waiting in the House would fix all of these problems.
3. You can hate the fact that millions of Americans live in poverty and the fact that our economy isn't as strong as it should be. But you can't hate Obama for not creating jobs or bringing the economy back from the recession because REAL FACTS show that he has done both. You can't hate Obama for our poverty woes when Obama supports the strongest and quickest thing that would lift millions of people out of poverty...raising the minimum wage. REAL FACTS also show that to be true.
4. You can dislike Obama's foreign policy. But you can't hate Obama for not keeping the homeland safe (and regardless of the Republican fear mongering over ISIS, our borders and now Ebola, the homeland is safe). And you can't hate Obama because Middle Eastern countries let ISIS grow into what they currently are. You can't blame Obama for the problems of Iraq because he really did want to keep troops over there. What would you do when now former Iraqi Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki would not ensure your troops safety? And you can't hate Obama because of what Vladimir Putan is doing to Ukraine. If you want to blame anybody for the illegal actions of Russia you blame Russia and maybe the UN, NATO and the EU. You cannot justifiably blame Obama's foreign policy for any of these things. A foreign policy that keeps American troops and civilians abroad safe. A foreign policy that ensures another 9-11 doesn't happen on the homeland. On our homeland.
5. You can't dislike Obama because he supports gun control and wants to take your guns away. For the last time, that is NOT what gun control is. If you read up about REAL gun control and have just a little bit of common sense, gun control laws should be welcomed by us all. If you have the right to own a gun now, you would still have that right with gun control laws. That's the only thing that matters. So, dont hate Obama because you wouldn't be able to own, carry, shoot and buy more guns with gun control because you would still be able to own, carry, shoot and buy all the guns you want with gun control.
6. You can hate Obama because he's a Democrat. Or because he grew up in Hawaii. Or because he likes to golf and play basketball. But you can't dislike Obama because he's a Kenyan, a Muslim, a dictator, a tyrant, an imperelist, a communist, a socialist or a weak, un-American, out of touch leader. Because REAL FACTS prove all of those Republican made tittles for our Commander-in-Chief to be 100% false.
I only ask that you see beyond all of the lies. And these are just a few examples of the propaganda that people let Republicans force into their minds. Please don't let all the lies form your opinions of President Obama and all the important issues because that is the kind of ignorance ruining this great country. That is the kind of arrogance halting the REAL PROGRESS that could bring our nation back to #1 again in every category. And I mean no offense to anybody here. However, if you're offended by any of this, I would advise you to brush up on the REAL FACTS.
To finish, I will leave you all with this shockingly accurate newsflash: If you dont like President Obama due to any of these above mentioned lies or the hundreds of other false statements made about him by Republicans, then guess what? The truth is...that in reality...you probably...actually...like President Obama. <----Another REAL FACT. So, open your eyes to all of the ridiculously blatent lies and start fighting for our president the way he has been fighting for you.
Monday, October 13, 2014
#ThanksObama
I am so sick and tired of the #BlameObama mentality of this country. When things go bad, when things happen overseas with no connection to the U.S., when things happen here that have no connection to President Obama, big things, little things, important things, petty things and yes, even when good things happen both because of and not because of President Obama, people #BlameObama.
I understand theres alot of people out there who #BlameObama sarcastically or just for fun (I do it and I laugh when other people do it). But in all honesty that really just encourages Republicans to keep all of this #BlameObama nonsense going.
So, for the last two years of his presidancy, I will be using the #ThanksObama hashtag to show my appreciation and graditude for all of the good (and trust me, there is alot more good than bad) things that President Obama has done for me, for you and for this country.
And yes, just like the Republicans lie and #BlameObama for the most outragous things imaginable, I will also say #ThanksObama for things that he has absolutely no connection too. If and when Republicans stop blamming President Obama for everything just because of their selfishness and hate, I will stop saying #ThanksObama for everything.
Now, if you get sick of this which I imagine alot of you will, I suggest you open your eyes to all of the lies being told by elected Republicans. I suggest you start giving credit to President Obama for what he's been able to do with what he inherrited and what he's been able to accomplish even with all of the opposition to progress he's been meant with by the House of Republicans.
Its really easy. All you have to do is read, research and base your opinions on the REAL FACTS. Thats whats great about this country. We have the freedom to access the REAL FACTS. Now, you do need to know where to look. I'd stay away from Liberal leaning sources like MSNBC, Blue Nation Review, etc. and Conservative leaning sources like FoxNews, Independent Journal Review, etc. And please, please, please dont take the satire sites seriously. The right sources are out there you just have to research. Then, once you understand the REAL FACTS all you have to do is say #ThanksObama. And here is a good place to use my first #ThanksObama hashtag...
#ThanksObama for not being a tyrant, or a Nazi, or a dictating king who wants to limit your access to the real facts through the internet and media outlets.
I think its funny how the same kind of propaganda (negativity and lies) used by lets say ISIS and Russia-that everybody in America hates (including the Republicans)-is the same kind of propaganda that they themselves (the Republicans) use to drive wedges into this country and promote things like hate, fear and misplaced blame. And here is a good place to use my second #ThanksObama hashtag...
#ThanksObama for understanding that propaganda has no place in this country or this world.
If you go by the REAL FACTS and agree that President Obama deserves much more credit and respect than he presently recieves, please share this post and start using the #ThanksObama hashtag as much as you possibly can.
Thank You and #ThanksObama
I understand theres alot of people out there who #BlameObama sarcastically or just for fun (I do it and I laugh when other people do it). But in all honesty that really just encourages Republicans to keep all of this #BlameObama nonsense going.
So, for the last two years of his presidancy, I will be using the #ThanksObama hashtag to show my appreciation and graditude for all of the good (and trust me, there is alot more good than bad) things that President Obama has done for me, for you and for this country.
And yes, just like the Republicans lie and #BlameObama for the most outragous things imaginable, I will also say #ThanksObama for things that he has absolutely no connection too. If and when Republicans stop blamming President Obama for everything just because of their selfishness and hate, I will stop saying #ThanksObama for everything.
Now, if you get sick of this which I imagine alot of you will, I suggest you open your eyes to all of the lies being told by elected Republicans. I suggest you start giving credit to President Obama for what he's been able to do with what he inherrited and what he's been able to accomplish even with all of the opposition to progress he's been meant with by the House of Republicans.
Its really easy. All you have to do is read, research and base your opinions on the REAL FACTS. Thats whats great about this country. We have the freedom to access the REAL FACTS. Now, you do need to know where to look. I'd stay away from Liberal leaning sources like MSNBC, Blue Nation Review, etc. and Conservative leaning sources like FoxNews, Independent Journal Review, etc. And please, please, please dont take the satire sites seriously. The right sources are out there you just have to research. Then, once you understand the REAL FACTS all you have to do is say #ThanksObama. And here is a good place to use my first #ThanksObama hashtag...
#ThanksObama for not being a tyrant, or a Nazi, or a dictating king who wants to limit your access to the real facts through the internet and media outlets.
I think its funny how the same kind of propaganda (negativity and lies) used by lets say ISIS and Russia-that everybody in America hates (including the Republicans)-is the same kind of propaganda that they themselves (the Republicans) use to drive wedges into this country and promote things like hate, fear and misplaced blame. And here is a good place to use my second #ThanksObama hashtag...
#ThanksObama for understanding that propaganda has no place in this country or this world.
If you go by the REAL FACTS and agree that President Obama deserves much more credit and respect than he presently recieves, please share this post and start using the #ThanksObama hashtag as much as you possibly can.
Thank You and #ThanksObama
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