Aug
22nd
Islamophobia Is So In!
By Master of Her Domain
What is wrong with this country? Has everyone lost their damn
minds?
Building an Islamic Cultural Center is the the #1 issue on the minds of many Conservative voters, and as such the issue is being manipulated beyond belief by the politicians trying to gain their votes. Is this a coincidence? I think not!
From this guy trying to suggest that the religion of Islam is a cult, to the disheartening words of Shawn Gilfeather and others just like him that suggest that Muslims are all terrorists and a 'mosque' would be a breeding ground for terrorist activity.
I can't put into words why I find this whole situation so offensive, but I will try.
First, let's agree that this is the United States of America. We are supposed to be more welcoming than any other country in existence. It's what sets us apart. However, we do have quite a few blemishes on our record (reality check please). The banning of Chinese immigrants after we used their backs to build our railroads comes to mind, as does the Internment Camps for Japanese-Americans during WWII. Apparently, we have both a short memory and absolutely NO appreciation for what our history has taught us. On every call-in radio show I have listened to where they have spoken about this issue, inevitably some ignoramus calls in and says 'Yeah, when they let us build a synagogue in Mecca, THEN they can build their mosque.' In other words, these so-called patriotic Americans want to turn their backs on the very principles and concepts that have the ability to make this the most free, peaceful and pleasant nation on Earth. By equating Mecca and 'Ground Zero', they also give the terrorists much more power in my opinion. The audacity is astounding!
Building an Islamic Cultural Center is the the #1 issue on the minds of many Conservative voters, and as such the issue is being manipulated beyond belief by the politicians trying to gain their votes. Is this a coincidence? I think not!
From this guy trying to suggest that the religion of Islam is a cult, to the disheartening words of Shawn Gilfeather and others just like him that suggest that Muslims are all terrorists and a 'mosque' would be a breeding ground for terrorist activity.
I can't put into words why I find this whole situation so offensive, but I will try.
First, let's agree that this is the United States of America. We are supposed to be more welcoming than any other country in existence. It's what sets us apart. However, we do have quite a few blemishes on our record (reality check please). The banning of Chinese immigrants after we used their backs to build our railroads comes to mind, as does the Internment Camps for Japanese-Americans during WWII. Apparently, we have both a short memory and absolutely NO appreciation for what our history has taught us. On every call-in radio show I have listened to where they have spoken about this issue, inevitably some ignoramus calls in and says 'Yeah, when they let us build a synagogue in Mecca, THEN they can build their mosque.' In other words, these so-called patriotic Americans want to turn their backs on the very principles and concepts that have the ability to make this the most free, peaceful and pleasant nation on Earth. By equating Mecca and 'Ground Zero', they also give the terrorists much more power in my opinion. The audacity is astounding!
But let us move on to what I'd like to be my main point to be,
which is a very simple question. Why are we talking about this?
The simple answer to that is: Because it benefits politicians and blowhards who have nothing better to do than stoke the 'Us v Them' fire. There is a certain segment of folks who want nothing more than to make this THE campaign issue of the day. They want to prey on the simple fact that Islamophobia is 'in' and accepted by the mainstream. Sad, disgusting, revolting. They should be ASHAMED of themselves. Instead, they are counting the days until they 'take the country back from librulz'.
The bottom line is simple- the Islamic Center will be built. It will operate in harmony just like every other place of worship and community in New York City, and the only 'terrorist' that will ever walk through the doors will be the Glenn Geobbels Beck fanatic who hates Muslims and decides to blow the place up. The anti-Islamic sentiment will only worsen, and those perpetuating it will someday be on the wrong side of history. Again. How many times do we have to go through this exact scenario before we learn our lesson, take our own advice, and for once ACT like the Land of the Free? When will our citizens refuse to be manipulated by a non-issue, or scared into believing that the oppression and persecution of a race or faith is NOT ACCEPTABLE?
Speak out in favor of religious freedom, tolerance, and peace. Let everyone know that you are not offended or frightened by the idea that Muslims will be dancing, singing and praying a short distance from where people of all faiths, colors and classes were murdered by a few insane men who many in this country are hell bent on becoming JUST LIKE. Glenn Beck, I am talking about you. Sarah Palin, I am talking about you. Shawn Gilfeather, I am talking about you. The true terrorists. The true anti-American, chicken-shit, simple-minded MORONS out there.
Now let's get back to discussing important issues, like whether or not 'cougars' exist in real life!
JM
The simple answer to that is: Because it benefits politicians and blowhards who have nothing better to do than stoke the 'Us v Them' fire. There is a certain segment of folks who want nothing more than to make this THE campaign issue of the day. They want to prey on the simple fact that Islamophobia is 'in' and accepted by the mainstream. Sad, disgusting, revolting. They should be ASHAMED of themselves. Instead, they are counting the days until they 'take the country back from librulz'.
The bottom line is simple- the Islamic Center will be built. It will operate in harmony just like every other place of worship and community in New York City, and the only 'terrorist' that will ever walk through the doors will be the Glenn Geobbels Beck fanatic who hates Muslims and decides to blow the place up. The anti-Islamic sentiment will only worsen, and those perpetuating it will someday be on the wrong side of history. Again. How many times do we have to go through this exact scenario before we learn our lesson, take our own advice, and for once ACT like the Land of the Free? When will our citizens refuse to be manipulated by a non-issue, or scared into believing that the oppression and persecution of a race or faith is NOT ACCEPTABLE?
Speak out in favor of religious freedom, tolerance, and peace. Let everyone know that you are not offended or frightened by the idea that Muslims will be dancing, singing and praying a short distance from where people of all faiths, colors and classes were murdered by a few insane men who many in this country are hell bent on becoming JUST LIKE. Glenn Beck, I am talking about you. Sarah Palin, I am talking about you. Shawn Gilfeather, I am talking about you. The true terrorists. The true anti-American, chicken-shit, simple-minded MORONS out there.
Now let's get back to discussing important issues, like whether or not 'cougars' exist in real life!
JM
Aug
12th
Death of the Rich Man's Economy
By Master of Her Domain
There's a funny term that has been floating around since
Obama ran into Joe the Plumber. 'Redistribution of Wealth'
as a term has been absolutely demonized, but it also what keeps our
country running. We have a 'Trickle Up' economy in which the masses
(all of us poor slobs) support and sustain an increasingly tiny
population. Our massive wealth is handed over to large companies
and corporations. This is the true 'Redistribution of
Wealth', not what the right-wing fringe would have you
believe.
Nothing better than Money Laundering is how our economy REALLY works. When you use a credit card, you are not using real money. Yet. You are actually using fake money created by the Federal Reserve. It is NOT any bank's money, it is not any consumer's money. That is why they do not verify whether you have a job, or how much money you make. They don't care. All the credit card issuers care about is how long they can stretch out your interest payments, and how many fees they can charge your account. Look at the big ones, Wells Fargo, HSBC, Bank of America etc... Now recognize that when you make a purchase, that fake money becomes REAL money, and most likely goes right into a corporate bank account at one of those institutions. It's brilliant really. Create fake wealth so that consumers can buy whatever they want, charge interest, late fees, and jack up interest rates AND get the money back in Home Depot's or Best Buy's corporate accounts. WOW. It's almost as if banks don't lose out at all, isn't it? They don't! Maybe they should stop playing the victims.
George W Bush initiated a massive government bailout of the banking system. Obama has escalated it due to fears that any failures would crash the economy. Whose economy are they worried about? I would argue that is the Rich Man's Economy that the government is trying to save, not the real economy that keeps this country moving.
What is the worst case scenario if big banks stopped lending? Credit cards would dry up and people couldn't consume as much? Businesses wouldn't be able to get funding for start-ups and expansions? The housing market would continue to crash?
Innovation is a wonderful thing. If we lost the big banks, would we not find a replacement? Of course we would! Whether that would be simply utilizing credit unions more, or coming up with different lending practices all together. There are very cool alternatives to traditional lending already in place.
As for a continued housing market crash, maybe that is not such a bad thing? Instead of handing over hundreds of billions of dollars to these banks that got us into the mess in the first place, perhaps there should have been some caveats? Here's a thought- any bank that is unwilling to rework loans to lower interest rates and principal balances gets NOTHING. If a lender is unwilling to take some of the loss, and instead puts their hand out for money to keep the investor class happy, NO DOUGH. In my mind, what the lenders and investors did is absolute treason. Their only obligation has been to their investors. Interesting that we should be bending over backwards to keep these rat bastards afloat. Let them perish! Let our paper tiger economy fail!
Our local economies should be the only things that matter to us now. I posted a list of three things to do to make sure our real economy gets back on track, and it is simple enough that anyone can do it.
1) Move Your Money. Get your money out of the big banks and into a local bank or credit union. This will ensure there is money to lend right where we need it.
2) Cut up your credit cards, or at least stop using them so much.
3) Think before you buy: Where will this money go? Will it support our local economy? If the answer is no, consider an alternative.
Will you join me in doing what is necessary to change the way this country operates?
JM
Nothing better than Money Laundering is how our economy REALLY works. When you use a credit card, you are not using real money. Yet. You are actually using fake money created by the Federal Reserve. It is NOT any bank's money, it is not any consumer's money. That is why they do not verify whether you have a job, or how much money you make. They don't care. All the credit card issuers care about is how long they can stretch out your interest payments, and how many fees they can charge your account. Look at the big ones, Wells Fargo, HSBC, Bank of America etc... Now recognize that when you make a purchase, that fake money becomes REAL money, and most likely goes right into a corporate bank account at one of those institutions. It's brilliant really. Create fake wealth so that consumers can buy whatever they want, charge interest, late fees, and jack up interest rates AND get the money back in Home Depot's or Best Buy's corporate accounts. WOW. It's almost as if banks don't lose out at all, isn't it? They don't! Maybe they should stop playing the victims.
George W Bush initiated a massive government bailout of the banking system. Obama has escalated it due to fears that any failures would crash the economy. Whose economy are they worried about? I would argue that is the Rich Man's Economy that the government is trying to save, not the real economy that keeps this country moving.
What is the worst case scenario if big banks stopped lending? Credit cards would dry up and people couldn't consume as much? Businesses wouldn't be able to get funding for start-ups and expansions? The housing market would continue to crash?
Innovation is a wonderful thing. If we lost the big banks, would we not find a replacement? Of course we would! Whether that would be simply utilizing credit unions more, or coming up with different lending practices all together. There are very cool alternatives to traditional lending already in place.
As for a continued housing market crash, maybe that is not such a bad thing? Instead of handing over hundreds of billions of dollars to these banks that got us into the mess in the first place, perhaps there should have been some caveats? Here's a thought- any bank that is unwilling to rework loans to lower interest rates and principal balances gets NOTHING. If a lender is unwilling to take some of the loss, and instead puts their hand out for money to keep the investor class happy, NO DOUGH. In my mind, what the lenders and investors did is absolute treason. Their only obligation has been to their investors. Interesting that we should be bending over backwards to keep these rat bastards afloat. Let them perish! Let our paper tiger economy fail!
Our local economies should be the only things that matter to us now. I posted a list of three things to do to make sure our real economy gets back on track, and it is simple enough that anyone can do it.
1) Move Your Money. Get your money out of the big banks and into a local bank or credit union. This will ensure there is money to lend right where we need it.
2) Cut up your credit cards, or at least stop using them so much.
3) Think before you buy: Where will this money go? Will it support our local economy? If the answer is no, consider an alternative.
Will you join me in doing what is necessary to change the way this country operates?
JM
Jul
26th
The Case Against Welfare and Extending Unemployment
By Master of Her Domain
You hear a lot of clatter from the right-wing these days about
(what else?) WELFARE and Unemployment. Some people still don't get
it, so I am going to try to paint a picture of what these socialist
programs actually do.
Welfare and unemployment are nothing more than the federal government SUBSIDIZING CONSUMERISM when the private sector isn't creating enough jobs to do it on it's own! Simple, right? Think of welfare and unemployment as a simple way to get 'spending money' into the hands of the people who need it most- Corporate America!
Even when times are good in this country, many people will be out of work. Some people will never work, either due to laziness, lack of brain power, lack of motivation etc... Annoying? Sure. But I'm not going to get all bent out of shape over it. Every penny they get in their federal checks goes right back into the system.
But I am willing to make a case against both Welfare in it's current form, as well as the extension of unemployment.
In the case against welfare, you have a large number of people who deserve better and they don't even realize it. I would propose adding state-run work programs. The able-bodied people that collect checks might as well get out of their homes and do something productive every day, right? Clean the sidewalks, paint public buildings, take care of publis spaces, beautify the neighborhoods. Not only will people be earning the spending money they get, but I do believe they would feel empowered and more confident. Having a purpose is important, and our government should no longer be content with allowing some people's sole purpose to be CONSUMING. There has to be more to life than that, for everyone.
As far as unemployment goes, we all know people who have needed it. We know people who maybe turned down a job or two because they'd make less than their weekly check too... right? We all pay into the system, so we should all be able to use it. There is no question. But again, when you have 10%+ unemployment in this country, and a private sector that has shipped off millions of jobs over the last couple of decades, you need to put a foot or two down! The private sector got their massive tax cuts from George W. Bush. What did they accomplish? Well, the rich got more of our money- that's for sure. But in terms of these tax cuts helping businesses small and large create jobs, I think we can largely agree that is pretty much a dead theory. It didn't work, it will not work. What we need is ethical business practices. We need corporate infrastructures that value American jobs and success. How many companies got bail out money and kept all the dough to themselves? How many of those companies continued closing down shop and shipping jobs to other countries?
PROFIT AT ANY COST MUST DIE.
If the private sector (namely the large, sociopathic corporations), is unwilling to create and maintain decent jobs, they cannot receive government support! Seems easy enough. As for unemployment itself, is there an alternative? Perhaps government run housing/food and clothing programs for the unemployed to use until they find work again?
Why do we keep subsidizing the failures of these reckless big businesses?
Why is Welfare so demonized?
Why is there such a lack of innovation and willingness to change?
Lastly, why does our government want us to be a bunch of babied CONSUMERS instead of strong-willed, thinking, useful CITIZENS?
What do you think? Can anything be done?
JM
Welfare and unemployment are nothing more than the federal government SUBSIDIZING CONSUMERISM when the private sector isn't creating enough jobs to do it on it's own! Simple, right? Think of welfare and unemployment as a simple way to get 'spending money' into the hands of the people who need it most- Corporate America!
Even when times are good in this country, many people will be out of work. Some people will never work, either due to laziness, lack of brain power, lack of motivation etc... Annoying? Sure. But I'm not going to get all bent out of shape over it. Every penny they get in their federal checks goes right back into the system.
But I am willing to make a case against both Welfare in it's current form, as well as the extension of unemployment.
In the case against welfare, you have a large number of people who deserve better and they don't even realize it. I would propose adding state-run work programs. The able-bodied people that collect checks might as well get out of their homes and do something productive every day, right? Clean the sidewalks, paint public buildings, take care of publis spaces, beautify the neighborhoods. Not only will people be earning the spending money they get, but I do believe they would feel empowered and more confident. Having a purpose is important, and our government should no longer be content with allowing some people's sole purpose to be CONSUMING. There has to be more to life than that, for everyone.
As far as unemployment goes, we all know people who have needed it. We know people who maybe turned down a job or two because they'd make less than their weekly check too... right? We all pay into the system, so we should all be able to use it. There is no question. But again, when you have 10%+ unemployment in this country, and a private sector that has shipped off millions of jobs over the last couple of decades, you need to put a foot or two down! The private sector got their massive tax cuts from George W. Bush. What did they accomplish? Well, the rich got more of our money- that's for sure. But in terms of these tax cuts helping businesses small and large create jobs, I think we can largely agree that is pretty much a dead theory. It didn't work, it will not work. What we need is ethical business practices. We need corporate infrastructures that value American jobs and success. How many companies got bail out money and kept all the dough to themselves? How many of those companies continued closing down shop and shipping jobs to other countries?
PROFIT AT ANY COST MUST DIE.
If the private sector (namely the large, sociopathic corporations), is unwilling to create and maintain decent jobs, they cannot receive government support! Seems easy enough. As for unemployment itself, is there an alternative? Perhaps government run housing/food and clothing programs for the unemployed to use until they find work again?
Why do we keep subsidizing the failures of these reckless big businesses?
Why is Welfare so demonized?
Why is there such a lack of innovation and willingness to change?
Lastly, why does our government want us to be a bunch of babied CONSUMERS instead of strong-willed, thinking, useful CITIZENS?
What do you think? Can anything be done?
JM
Mar
1st
Tax Time Cometh! "Fair Tax" instead?
By Master of Her DomainWouldn't it be great if April 15th wasn't synonymous with pain?
Wouldn't it be nice if the IRS didn't exist?
Wouldn't it be nice if a salary of $60,000 actually meant TAKE HOME PAY?
When it comes to the fair tax, there are some drawbacks. But to my mind, having a fully transparent and no-loop hole system would actually mean a more efficient and user-friendly tax system.
Like everything, people like to pretend it's a left/right, conservative/liberal issue. Let's get that out of the way, and say it's more of a common sense issue if anything. I consider myself a liberal, but when it comes to taxation and how money gets spent, I like to think I'm fairly open-minded about people's complaints, and also very interested in alternative tax systems.
If conservative absolutists had it their way, we wouldn't pay any taxes and we would have an 'every man for himself' situation. Not to mention- who would pay for the wars???
My problem with the 'no tax' people is simple- we NEED certain things. Roads, schools, heck even prisons... Someone DOES have to pay for that. But why not have a very small tax at the federal level, and larger taxation in local communities? Wouldn't it make more sense for New York to KEEP more money instead of sending it to the federal government? Wouldn't it make more sense if STATES had more say in where their money was spent?
Just think about this- when people go to H+R Block to get their taxes done, the tax preparer is making sure that their client is getting every possible penny back. That person at H+R Block costs money. SO, a guy right down the street may be eligible for all those same deductions- yet not know it because he doesn't feel like spending 150 bucks to find out. In other words, one person gets their rightful amount back (argue about THAT one hehehe), and the other guy doesn't. How is that fair? How is that transparent? It's not. The current system is confusing and ridiculous.
How much does it cost to run the IRS anyway? Anyone know?
Jan
23rd
The National Debt and what it means
By Master of Her Domain
I have a link to the National Debt Clock on our homepage for a
reason. I want to bring attention to the massive amounts of debt
and lies that this country seems to be ignoring.
Right now, our National Debt is over 12 TRILLION dollars. That is the sum of money that our Federal Government OWES to others.
Currently, President Obama is getting a TON of heat for driving up the 'deficit' and therefore adding to the debt. Two things- one, the 'deficit' is the difference between what our budget is, and the amount of money our government takes in. Spending is an issue, but so is lack of revenue. Government revenue, via taxes, is down BIG. In case no one noticed, Bush handed Obama a pile of trash to clean up, so let's cut the guy a little slack.
We have 'tea-baggers' out there OUTRAGED at the new debts, and appalled that our government is careless with our money. Where were they 5 years ago? 10 years ago? Where was the outrage when George W. Bush handed out tax cuts like candy while we were fighting two wars? Where was the outrage when Reagan was spending money on Star Wars? Instead of 'tax and spend', it seems they were very much ok with 'borrow and spend' tactics, and that is what is largely responsible for our debt issues today. Not what Obama has done in a year.
As much as we need to be patient with the new administration and their policies, I'll tell you I am not very happy with what they've done so far. Cash for Clunkers, for one, was one of the most idiotic wastes of money EVER. It seems they are more interested with getting the American people into more debt than creating jobs, improving access to healthcare, or even giving kids a decent education. A lot of the government's policies and calls to action over the last decade or have resulted in a lot of personal debt. Look at these figures:
Personal Debt: (credit cards, student loans etc.) 2.5 TRILLION dollars.
Mortgage Debt: 15 TRILLION dollars.
Where did that money come from? Most of it came from the Federal Reserve.
And where did that 17.5 TRILLION dollars go? Into the pockets of the bankers and the big shots. Now, if you are a 'trickle-down' guy, you'll love this. I hate it. I'd rather have education and healthcare for all than have a rich guy pay me for picking up his dog poop. Trickle-down economics does not work, and anyone who says different has no common sense. And is most likely very wealthy by having daddy's money trickle down to them.
What do you think of all of this debt? And what does it mean for us, and our future? Do we even have one?
Right now, our National Debt is over 12 TRILLION dollars. That is the sum of money that our Federal Government OWES to others.
Currently, President Obama is getting a TON of heat for driving up the 'deficit' and therefore adding to the debt. Two things- one, the 'deficit' is the difference between what our budget is, and the amount of money our government takes in. Spending is an issue, but so is lack of revenue. Government revenue, via taxes, is down BIG. In case no one noticed, Bush handed Obama a pile of trash to clean up, so let's cut the guy a little slack.
We have 'tea-baggers' out there OUTRAGED at the new debts, and appalled that our government is careless with our money. Where were they 5 years ago? 10 years ago? Where was the outrage when George W. Bush handed out tax cuts like candy while we were fighting two wars? Where was the outrage when Reagan was spending money on Star Wars? Instead of 'tax and spend', it seems they were very much ok with 'borrow and spend' tactics, and that is what is largely responsible for our debt issues today. Not what Obama has done in a year.
As much as we need to be patient with the new administration and their policies, I'll tell you I am not very happy with what they've done so far. Cash for Clunkers, for one, was one of the most idiotic wastes of money EVER. It seems they are more interested with getting the American people into more debt than creating jobs, improving access to healthcare, or even giving kids a decent education. A lot of the government's policies and calls to action over the last decade or have resulted in a lot of personal debt. Look at these figures:
Personal Debt: (credit cards, student loans etc.) 2.5 TRILLION dollars.
Mortgage Debt: 15 TRILLION dollars.
Where did that money come from? Most of it came from the Federal Reserve.
And where did that 17.5 TRILLION dollars go? Into the pockets of the bankers and the big shots. Now, if you are a 'trickle-down' guy, you'll love this. I hate it. I'd rather have education and healthcare for all than have a rich guy pay me for picking up his dog poop. Trickle-down economics does not work, and anyone who says different has no common sense. And is most likely very wealthy by having daddy's money trickle down to them.
What do you think of all of this debt? And what does it mean for us, and our future? Do we even have one?
Jan
6th
Chris Dodd is Old Man Winter
By Master of Her Domain
Being that I am from Connecticut, I pay a lot of attention to local
politics. I used to be a rabid and passionate watcher of the
system, but over the last few years, I've given that up. I have
decided that with the lobbyists still controlling every facet of
government and law, and the politicians able to serve indefinitely
even when they are ineffectual scum, there is really no point in
getting worked up and arguing.
Christopher Dodd is a perfect example of all that is wrong with our political system. Joseph Lieberman is another example. On the other side of the aisle, Strom Thurmond (RIP you racist bastard), and characters like Tom Delay are fairly representative of 'career politicians' and how apathetic our voting public is.
Thankfully, Dodd is retiring. He had given an interview just a few days ago in which he said something so repulsive and asinine it actually pains me to read and post it. But here it goes anyway: "On September 10 of 2001 you couldn't have given a nickel for Rudy Guiliani's chances in the state of New York for any job; 48 hours later he was 'America's Mayor," said Sen. Dodd.
What a classless, idiotic thing to say. Here's a guy who's been in office since 1974, longer than I have been alive, and he is CLINGING to the idea that some great tragedy is going to befall us, or a meteor is going to fall on Connecticut with a message from aliens that we should vote him in again... Great idea Dodd! Throw your political career on the back of an 'act of God' or a catastrophic event. Perhaps a tidal wave.
Am I wrong in suggesting that we should have term limits? Maybe two terms in the Senate, 4 terms in the House? NO ONE should be able to serve forever, NO ONE is irreplaceable.
Am I wrong in suggesting that we need to bar lobbyists and their money from politics? Good job on that Obama, you are really showing those nasty lobbyists where they can shove it! (add a touch of sarcasm, and you've got it)
Am I wrong in thinking that we should vote out just about every Republican and Democrat and start all over?
The only thing politicians are good at is making sure nothing ever gets fixed. It prolongs OUR disagreements. It keeps us fighting against each other. Can you imagine if politics, Republican/Democrat and Conservative/Liberal didn't exist and people used common sense instead?
I am very much a Democrat, but that does not mean I will blindly follow our 'leaders'. And any time I am not in agreement with someone and the word 'liberal' leaves their lips as if it was an STD, I'm done. Anyone who lives in the black and white, or cannot understand that party politics are meaningless, is not worth wasting breath on.
I for one am glad that Dodd is out of the running. If the Democrats can come up with a decent candidate for his Senate seat, I may vote for that person. I'm more excited about Ned Lamont's run for Governor. THAT will be a great campaign, and it would be great if he won.
Our government is supposed to represent US, the people. It is supposed to be comprised of local 'Average Joe's' who we elect to represent us for a few years. It is not supposed to be the corrupt, slow, aggravating, do-nothing, money-grubbing, lazy, ignorant, stuffy, bitch-fest we have created.
Cheers to Dodd's retirement. I wish many more career politicians would do the same, but in the event that doesn't happen- can we please vote them out?
JM
Christopher Dodd is a perfect example of all that is wrong with our political system. Joseph Lieberman is another example. On the other side of the aisle, Strom Thurmond (RIP you racist bastard), and characters like Tom Delay are fairly representative of 'career politicians' and how apathetic our voting public is.
Thankfully, Dodd is retiring. He had given an interview just a few days ago in which he said something so repulsive and asinine it actually pains me to read and post it. But here it goes anyway: "On September 10 of 2001 you couldn't have given a nickel for Rudy Guiliani's chances in the state of New York for any job; 48 hours later he was 'America's Mayor," said Sen. Dodd.
What a classless, idiotic thing to say. Here's a guy who's been in office since 1974, longer than I have been alive, and he is CLINGING to the idea that some great tragedy is going to befall us, or a meteor is going to fall on Connecticut with a message from aliens that we should vote him in again... Great idea Dodd! Throw your political career on the back of an 'act of God' or a catastrophic event. Perhaps a tidal wave.
Am I wrong in suggesting that we should have term limits? Maybe two terms in the Senate, 4 terms in the House? NO ONE should be able to serve forever, NO ONE is irreplaceable.
Am I wrong in suggesting that we need to bar lobbyists and their money from politics? Good job on that Obama, you are really showing those nasty lobbyists where they can shove it! (add a touch of sarcasm, and you've got it)
Am I wrong in thinking that we should vote out just about every Republican and Democrat and start all over?
The only thing politicians are good at is making sure nothing ever gets fixed. It prolongs OUR disagreements. It keeps us fighting against each other. Can you imagine if politics, Republican/Democrat and Conservative/Liberal didn't exist and people used common sense instead?
I am very much a Democrat, but that does not mean I will blindly follow our 'leaders'. And any time I am not in agreement with someone and the word 'liberal' leaves their lips as if it was an STD, I'm done. Anyone who lives in the black and white, or cannot understand that party politics are meaningless, is not worth wasting breath on.
I for one am glad that Dodd is out of the running. If the Democrats can come up with a decent candidate for his Senate seat, I may vote for that person. I'm more excited about Ned Lamont's run for Governor. THAT will be a great campaign, and it would be great if he won.
Our government is supposed to represent US, the people. It is supposed to be comprised of local 'Average Joe's' who we elect to represent us for a few years. It is not supposed to be the corrupt, slow, aggravating, do-nothing, money-grubbing, lazy, ignorant, stuffy, bitch-fest we have created.
Cheers to Dodd's retirement. I wish many more career politicians would do the same, but in the event that doesn't happen- can we please vote them out?
JM
Jan
4th
You may not want to read this....
By Master of Her Domain
"It's time to get cynical. Borderline political. Take the country
back from the fat cats that want us to consume and meet our doom.
Forget about plane explosions and all of the emotions, they're
playing our fears so we can't see clear. It's right in front of us,
we're going down."
So maybe I missed my calling and I should have been Eminem's sidekick. Music and poetry tend to transcend all sorts of political barriers, and I think that while the country is nauseatingly divided right now we can agree on certain things if they are illustrated in the right way.
The cynic in me does believe that this country, as we know it, will not exist in 50 years. There's just no way to sustain our economy, let alone the infrastructure, with such idiotic political and economic policies.
I recently watched about 30 minutes of The Fall of the Republic by Alex Jones. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VebOTc-7shU
While I had never heard of the guy, I was not exactly shocked to find he was a radio talk show host. It is the typical agenda-driven documentary. A lot of quotes taken out of context, a ton of inflammatory statements. However, I do think that what is being said is at least partially true. This country is falling apart, and it didn't start a year ago, or even five years ago. Try 50 years, or more. Is it being orchestrated by outside forces in the hopes that we crumble and have to switch to a world government and currency? Who knows. But the bottom line is, it's happening.
In 1913, the Federal Reserve was born, and the country has gotten progressively worse since then. Don't believe me? Take a peek at our national debt.
Now you might say "Well what does the national debt have to do with the country getting worse? Life is ok where I am!". The answer to that is complicated. To illustrate the correlation between rampant government spending, consumerism, and the damage The Federal Reserve has done, take a peek at this:
Before I make a complicated matter MORE complicated, let me sum up what I see in the above charts. Fake money, fake money, fake money. Consumerism taking over the typical American household. Government waste. Idiotic public policy. Asinine priorities. Oh, and the division of the American public.
Here are a few points I'd like everyone to consider.
1) The Federal Reserve created a monetary system with absolutely no 'checks and balances'. They just keep printing money which not only damages the value of the dollar, but also props up a dying economy. Fake money does no one any good. Well, except for the corporate fat cats.
2) Consumerism has taken over. People would rather spend than save. I am guilty of it, and I am sure the majority of you reading this are too. From the time we are born, we are taught to consume. With the holidays that just passed, there is no doubt. When even the most innocent and special Christian holiday turns into nothing more than a bunch of screaming children (young and old) screaming 'gimme gimme gimme', well... What does that say???
3) The government wants us to stay divided. They want us to argue over which political party spends more money, who 'wastes' more, who does not have the interests of the American people in mind. We need to wake up to the fact that neither party has our interests at heart. They have taken our money, spent it, and driven us into so much debt we will never get out. They have watched as our jobs have been shipped overseas. They have seen our quality of life decrease, our children drop out of school, and our prisons fill up. All the while, they want us living in fear. Fear of getting blown up by a terrorist. Fear of 'Socialism'. Fear of the Swine Flu. Fear of illegal immigrants. Notice anything yet??
4) We will never get out of debt. China and other countries that hold our fake money to pay back fake money will eventually call us on it. When that happens, get ready to use the Yen.
Let's take the country back. Put your money in a local bank or Credit Union. Cut up your credit cards. If you can't pay for something, don't buy it. Frequent local businesses as much as you can, and try to avoid the Walmarts of the world. We can't look to the government or the corporate interests they are in cahoots with to save us, we have to do it ourselves. If we don't, we are in big trouble.
Watch the movie, use your brains and do a little digging.
Enjoy.
Jen Monastero
So maybe I missed my calling and I should have been Eminem's sidekick. Music and poetry tend to transcend all sorts of political barriers, and I think that while the country is nauseatingly divided right now we can agree on certain things if they are illustrated in the right way.
The cynic in me does believe that this country, as we know it, will not exist in 50 years. There's just no way to sustain our economy, let alone the infrastructure, with such idiotic political and economic policies.
I recently watched about 30 minutes of The Fall of the Republic by Alex Jones. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VebOTc-7shU
While I had never heard of the guy, I was not exactly shocked to find he was a radio talk show host. It is the typical agenda-driven documentary. A lot of quotes taken out of context, a ton of inflammatory statements. However, I do think that what is being said is at least partially true. This country is falling apart, and it didn't start a year ago, or even five years ago. Try 50 years, or more. Is it being orchestrated by outside forces in the hopes that we crumble and have to switch to a world government and currency? Who knows. But the bottom line is, it's happening.
In 1913, the Federal Reserve was born, and the country has gotten progressively worse since then. Don't believe me? Take a peek at our national debt.
Now you might say "Well what does the national debt have to do with the country getting worse? Life is ok where I am!". The answer to that is complicated. To illustrate the correlation between rampant government spending, consumerism, and the damage The Federal Reserve has done, take a peek at this:
Before I make a complicated matter MORE complicated, let me sum up what I see in the above charts. Fake money, fake money, fake money. Consumerism taking over the typical American household. Government waste. Idiotic public policy. Asinine priorities. Oh, and the division of the American public.
Here are a few points I'd like everyone to consider.
1) The Federal Reserve created a monetary system with absolutely no 'checks and balances'. They just keep printing money which not only damages the value of the dollar, but also props up a dying economy. Fake money does no one any good. Well, except for the corporate fat cats.
2) Consumerism has taken over. People would rather spend than save. I am guilty of it, and I am sure the majority of you reading this are too. From the time we are born, we are taught to consume. With the holidays that just passed, there is no doubt. When even the most innocent and special Christian holiday turns into nothing more than a bunch of screaming children (young and old) screaming 'gimme gimme gimme', well... What does that say???
3) The government wants us to stay divided. They want us to argue over which political party spends more money, who 'wastes' more, who does not have the interests of the American people in mind. We need to wake up to the fact that neither party has our interests at heart. They have taken our money, spent it, and driven us into so much debt we will never get out. They have watched as our jobs have been shipped overseas. They have seen our quality of life decrease, our children drop out of school, and our prisons fill up. All the while, they want us living in fear. Fear of getting blown up by a terrorist. Fear of 'Socialism'. Fear of the Swine Flu. Fear of illegal immigrants. Notice anything yet??
4) We will never get out of debt. China and other countries that hold our fake money to pay back fake money will eventually call us on it. When that happens, get ready to use the Yen.
Let's take the country back. Put your money in a local bank or Credit Union. Cut up your credit cards. If you can't pay for something, don't buy it. Frequent local businesses as much as you can, and try to avoid the Walmarts of the world. We can't look to the government or the corporate interests they are in cahoots with to save us, we have to do it ourselves. If we don't, we are in big trouble.
Watch the movie, use your brains and do a little digging.
Enjoy.
Jen Monastero
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