This Makes Me Want to Puke! EDITED*

I found this via Blast Off! It is called the Huggy Bear Picture Challenge and will hopefully be picked up around the blogosphere. I have accepted the challenge and now have to figure out how to put this picture on my blog permanently to inform and annoy all comers. Maybe this will remind everyone that John McCain adores Dubya and wants to be just like him when he grows up! Stop the Madness

*I left the picture up on the side and will until the election, but I couldn't handle 2 of them, so I removed the one from this post.

Who Decides the Way America Votes?

I got home from class late last night. The class just ran late in preparation for next week's test. So DSD was asleep and my son was in the living room. I made a little conversation with him while pretty much staring (brain dead) at the TV for 10 minutes or so. I was on the verge of getting up to go to bed when he mentioned that he did not understand how his English professor thought there was going to be enough time for him (my son*) to do his paper. His research paper. Rough draft? Due today! Final? Due Thursday! Done? Not even close.

Now, in my son's defense, he did have a good start on the actual paper. Several paragraphs were completed and they made sense and they were supported by actual research. Unfortunately, there were still several paragraphs to go and he did not have the research to support them. Did I mention the rough draft was due today?

So, I showed him how he could find sources on the 'net. Sources that aren't random websites created by hooligans. How can he not know that? I have no idea.

But one of the things he needed (because this paper is on the opinion of the masses on the GWOT) was information on where our politicians stand on the issue. No problemo! I have every issue of TIME printed for the last year. Issues that I have not had or taken the time to read. Issues that cover 12 months of campaigning, speeches, and general BS by those running for President. So, I felt certain we could find this information. And we did: for Barack and Hillary. Issue after issue after issue. John Edwards stance on the war? Nothing. Rudy Guiliani's vision of the future? Not so much. Fred Thompson joins the race? Nah.

Now, truthfully, I really don't possess every single issue for the past year. I did receive them in the mail, but some I did read, some I passed on, some I disposed of. Still, there was a LARGE stack of magazines. And I could tell you about Hillary's health care plan. I could tell you about Barack's beliefs. I could explan about Hillary's unusual (or unexpected, I was tired) spiritual advisor. But I couldn't tell you a damn thing about John McCain.

The media wanted a historic campaign. The media wanted to see the first viable black candidate run against the first viable woman candidate. It didn't matter who was the best person for the job. It really didn't matter what America wanted, because (let's be honest) Americans are sheep who do as they are told. So the media covered the 2 candidates they wanted to run. And the media has its historic campaign. And the American public? Possibly screwed again, but that doesn't make good headlines.

And when Hillary and Barack rip each other to shreds and things cool down and if John McCain wins the election, will the election still be historic? How is it historic when America gets screwed?

*Yes, I read him the riot act, but he is 19 (next week) and spoiled. I'm working on him, I swear!

I Got A Reply!

Well, it wasn't directly from Governor Crist, but it did address the issues I emailed him about here. And, frankly, I guess he told me. I really have been blaming this entire debacle on the Republican controlled Congress and the Republican Governor and, I was obviously wrong. The Florida Democrats obviously thought this was a fine idea also.

Thank you for contacting Governor Charlie Crist. The Governor appreciates your
opinions and asked that I respond on his behalf.
During the 2007 legislative
session, a bill was proposed in both the Florida House and Senate with
Democratic and Republican co-sponsors that would move Florida's Presidential
Primary to January 29. The new legislation, which also included funding to
provide a paper ballot trail for all 67 counties, ultimately passed the House
118-0 and the Senate 37-2. Governor Crist signed the bill into law on May 22,
2007. The Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee
determined that moving Florida's primary to January 29 violated party rules.
The Democratic National Committee ultimately ruled that Florida would not be
allowed to send delegates to the party's national nominating convention in
August while the Republican National Committee will allow Florida to seat only
half of its normal allotment of delegates to their party's nominating convention
in September. Democratic candidates for President signed and honored a pledge
not to campaign in Florida, but Republican candidates continued to aggressively
seek votes in our state.

Despite this, voters turned out in record
numbers to exercise their right to vote on January 29. Governor Crist believes
the right to vote is the foundation of our nation's democracy and that it is
reprehensible that the national political party bosses in Washington have denied
the citizens of Florida the right to have their votes count.
Although some
have suggested holding another primary, the Governor does not support this
option if Florida taxpayers would be asked to pay for it. The Governor believes
the national political parties should bear the cost if that remedy is chosen.
There has already been an election and the Governor has called upon the
respective state and national party chairs to resolve this matter and to ensure
that the voters of Florida are full participants in the formal selection of
their parties'
nominees.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact
Governor Crist. If you have questions regarding Florida's role at the nominating
conventions, I encourage you to share your views directly with the political
parties.
Sincerely,
Warren Davis
Office of Citizen
Services
Executive Office of the Governor

So everyone is to blame, but no one can fix it and make my vote count. No word from Howard Dean, but there wasn't last time either.

4,000

I managed to avoid most news this weekend. DSD and I spend Saturday with my parents and we visited instead of watching TV. On Sunday there was house cleaning, laundry, homework and video games to be played. The only news I recieved concerned the NCAA tournament, and I got most of that by accident.

So, imagine how great it was to start my car this morning and get slapped in the face first thing by the news that the number of Americans killed in Iraq has reached 4,000.

This news is being blogged about all over the web. And it is being done much more eloquently by others than I could ever hope to provide. So, forgive me, but I liked my life better when I was living under a rock this weekend. I think I will go back there now.

I should be working

And I am. But when I have a few free minutes, I am typing away like crazy over here.

First letter to be sent this morning to 'Charlie.Crist@MyFlorida.com' :

Dear Governor Crist,
While I think that you are doing a fine job as governor
of our great state, I am appalled at the way this year's Primary was held. I am
appalled at the fact that this state could not wait 2 weeks to vote, therefore
making MY vote (as a registered Democrat) null and void. I blame the State
Legislature and you for this and would like to know how you are going to fix it.
I do understand that this is not 100% your fault and that the DNC is being
ridiculous, but, from where I am sitting, it looks like the Republicans in
Florida were playing politics and not taking care of the citizens of this state.
Is it more important to you to ensure a Republican stays in the White House than
it is to take care of us? Is it your plan for the rest of your term to be so
busy keeping your job that you do not do your job?
I have already written
Mr. Howard Dean and I will do so again. I have written Senator Nelson and
Representative Alan Bense and I will be writing to my State Legislator.
I
would be happy to donate from my limited funds to fund another primary if
necessary. I would be happy to do whatever I can to help. But, please, Mr.
Governor, don't take away my vote.

The second sent to http://www.democrats.org/page/petition/chairman:

Dear Mr. Dean,
This is the second time that I have contacted you on an issue
that is very near and dear to my heart. I believe the first time was just prior
to the January Primary here in the State of Florida. I am still unhappy with the
way the DNC has dealt with my state. I do not see that anyone is doing anything
to make this right. Mr. Dean who do you think is being punished? Who do you
think will pay for this outrage that the DNC is refusing to seat the Florida
delegates? While you are punishing those who chose Jan 29 as the date for the
Florida primary (mostly Republicans, by the way) it is the voters of Florida who
are paying for it. We are members of YOUR party, why are we being punished? All
we did wrong was vote on a date mandated by our state government. And you, by
your words and actions, are saying we don't matter, our votes don't count. Do
you not see how that is a slap in the face to us? Not to mention, look, Florida
is a laughing stock again.

Mr Dean, please, please, please, reconsider.
Please stand by the people of our great nation as you did as Governor. If you do
not, it is possible that there will be no Democratic nominee on the ballot in
Florida (I have seen this on the local news) and can we win the White House
without Florida? If you do not relent, you are punishing the entire country for
what a few Republicans have done.

Thank you and please ignore any typos,
my typing is not wonderful when I am upset.

There will be more, but if you are a registered Democrat, please contact Howard Dean. I know there are rules and I am, personally, a rule follower. But some are made to be broken and punishing the entire country is not right, it is not fair and it is not funny.

Please help. I don't know what else to do, but at least I feel that I am doing something.

Five Years Later

I posted on this date last year. I will probably post on this date next year. I will most likely be posting on this date for as long as I continue this blog.

I want to say something eloquent. I want to bad mouth GWBush. I want to rage about the insanity of it all. Sadly, I can only sit here and shake my head in confusion.

Why did we go to Iraq?
Why are we still there?
What has this country turned into?

I have taken several moments of silence this morning and will continue to take several more throughout the day. I am doing my best to remember those we've lost. American, Iraqi, man, woman or child. I don't know what else to do.

I wish I could understand.

Having a Great Monday!

After the time change, I am feeling a little slow and I really didn't want to get up this morning. But I did. And I came to work. And I received really great news all around.

#1. It is starting to look like my vote in the Democratic Primary may actually count. I am not pleased that it may cost a bundle, but I am willing to donate to the Florida Democratic Party to help defray the costs. (Is that tax deductible?)

#2. Last week there were some questions about whether or not the brand new All-American Football League would have a season this year. Apparently there are some money issues. But, according to this article, things are looking up and I may be spending my birthday in Gainesville as planned! Go Team Florida!

#3. My Letter to the Editor of the local paper was published today. It was such a ridiculously long letter that it made it into the Viewpoints section and looks like real life article. It even looks like a real byline. Aren't I just the coolest thing? Wait until they publish the one I sent in today. I was a little more hateful.

#4. My parents are passing through town on their way to Central Florida and they bought me a nice lunch and we had a lovely visit. I wish everybody's parents were as great as mine!

I hope your Monday is going as well (or better than!) mine.

Tag! I'm it!

Shel at Yah Sure, You Betcha! got tagged earlier this week and has passed on the love to yours truly. This is a lot of fun and let's me move pass the whining that has consumed me lately and, yet, still lets it be all about me!

10 years ago I was an unhappily married, active duty Air Force member living in base housing trying to figure out how to get my X to get out. I had already asked him for a divorce twice and he would just cry and tell me he loved me and our son and we could make it work. I was also bored with my job (it was never an adventure) and looking for something new.


5 Things on my to do list today were:
1. Get the oil changed in my car
2. Clean my office.
3. Go to bed EARLY (for a change)
4. Balance my check book.
5. Finish specific work items that have been dragged out due to numerous interuptions.



Things I would do if I were suddenly a Billionaire:
*Pay off my house
*Remodel my house
* Buy my parents a house
*OR after I remodel, GIVE my parents MY house and buy a bigger one for us.
*Ensure that my parents never have to work again
*Setup a trust fund for my brother and my son (neither of whom could be trusted with a large amount of money)
*Get DSD a Golf membership to one of the nicer clubs (not the nicest, that is too much money, even for a billionaire)
*Take a 2 week vacation to Bora Bora
* Donate money to: Doctors without Borders, Catholic Charities, St Jude's, any and all Missions/Feed the Poor charities, help specific people with need
*Save/Invest the rest*


3 of my bad habits:
1. I act like a 2 year old when I am hungry and/or tired.
2. I'm lazy.
3. I am a procrastinator in the worst way. I could win President Procrastinator if I ever managed to run for it.

Jobs I've had:
1. Administrative Assistant.
2. Computer Technician.
3. System Administrator.
4. Military member.
5. Salesperson.
6. Waitress.
7. Bartender.
8. Telemarketer.
9. Day care provider.
10. Fast food worker



5 Things people don't know about me:
1. The Super Bowl and I were born the same year (1967), but the Super Bowl turned 42 this year and I will be 41 next month.
2. I dropped out of college after 1 year to get married.
3. Aside from my son, the thing I am most proud of is the fact that I bought my house on my own. My loan. My name on the deed. My house. (Obviously now that we are married it is DSD's house also, but this was 7 years ago!).
4. I wish I could sing. Not get rich/famous sing, just karoake (without making people cover their ears) sing. I could make some of those really bad singers on American Idol look GOOD!
5. While I may forgive a slight (no mattter the size) I NEVER forget.
6. (Just because) President Bill Clinton waved to me and my son and my son's friend RJ as he passed by the park where we were playing enroute to a speech he was making locally. This was probably '96 or '97. (We were there because it was only a block from our house and we knew it was on his route!)

I am supposed to tag 4 people now, but I only have 2. (If either actually the time or the inclination. They are both a little busy right now with real life concerns. )
1. Andante
2. Carl

I'm Feeling Picked On!

Don't you just love it when it feels like the whole cosmos is out to get you?

After my bout with whatever it was that kicked my butt last week, I woke up on Saturday feeling pretty good. About halfway through the day, however, I noticed a vague achy feeling in my mid to lower back. "This can't be good," I thought, fixed myself a LARGE glass of water (the first of several) and took a couple of Advil. By the time DSD and his little man returned from their manly day in the woods (scratching, spitting and farting, according to them), I was feeling fine. So, after dinner I had a couple of cocktails (yea, yea, that was dumb). I woke up Sunday morning sometime before 3:30AM (I know this because I actually got up at 3:30AM) with some pretty bad pain in the same area that had been achy on Saturday.

Hello Kidneys! Great to see you. Thanks for being there.

Plenty of water, pain meds, cranberry juice throughout Sunday, a trip to the doctor on Monday (I really do NOT like the Nurse Practitioner they have hired up there, and I will not be seeing her in the future. But that is a subject for another post), antibiotics, more water, very little caffiene and I was feeling pretty good Monday night.

Until the invasion. Or what sounded like an invasion.

Here is the letter I wrote yesterday to the local newspaper. I honestly don't know how I was coherant enough to string words together. Lucky for me there is an editor (Doctor of English, you know) on staff here. He made it make sense.

As I was lying in bed about to doze off at approximately 10:30 PM on
Monday, March 3, 2008, imagine my shock at hearing very loud, very disruptive
noises. The first second or two I thought it was thunder, and then I
realized it sounded like firecrackers. At this point I was completely
awake, and the noise was so close that I was concerned my neighbors were going
to set my house on fire.

I got out of bed, went into the back yard,
and realized these were not firecrackers: these were BIG fireworks, being set
off several miles down the beach. Thinking that this was not legal, I
called the Panama City Beach Police Department. The nice dispatcher
explained that they already had an officer at the SandPiper and that the
fireworks were completely legal, since the SandPiper had a permit. The fireworks
lasted only 10–15 minutes, but that was long enough to disrupt my sleep cycle
and ensure that I did not get to sleep until after midnight.

I am appalled.

I understand that Spring Break 2008 has officially
kicked off. I am not one of those who believe that the Beach would be
better off without Spring Breakers. These college students come to town
and spend a lot of money — which this economy needs. I am prepared for
them to block aisles in grocery stores, to embarrass themselves publicly, and to
cause traffic jams on Front Beach Road. I am prepared to wait until April
to eat out at any of the Beach restaurants again. I am not prepared,
however, for the businesses on Panama City Beach to completely disregard the
basic needs of residents of our fine town to cater to the Spring Breakers — not
when such disregard spills over into and disrupts our lives.

I am not against fireworks. I love fireworks. I do not, however,
understand why they must be ignited at 10:30 PM. It is completely dark by
7:00 PM. Why can’t the display begin at 8:00? That would allow the
Spring Breakers to watch the fireworks after they watch the sunset, and before
they head to dinner or the bars or to drive up and down Front Beach Road.
That would allow the residents to sleep.

I live here 365 days a year. I pay taxes 365 days a year. I support the local restaurants, shops, etc., long after the Spring Breakers head back to school. And while I do not, personally, stay in local hotels, I do have family and friends who
visit and need some place to stay. They rely heavily on my
recommendations. Guess where I won’t be sending them?

This is going to be a long 6 weeks! (But I am probably more hydrated than I have ever been in my entire life!)

Local Politics

As I was reclining in bed yesterday, zoning out to "Ten Things I Hate About You", the doorbell rang. I was appalled, guessing it was a door to door salesman, and I didn't even get my robe, just answered the door in my boxer's & T-shirt. Imagine my shock, surprise & delight when I discovered a local politician (running for City Council), ringing doorbells and asking for support. I didn't know this happened anymore!

Imagine my chagrin when I realized I didn't know there was a local election scheduled for April 22nd.

Sure, I have seen the signs in people's yards, supporting this candidate or that one. I just assumed (and we all know about assuming) that the election would be held in November along with the national one. Now I am facing an election in less than 2 months, with absolutely no clue. I don't even know who this guy is running against. And while his flyer is very nice, giving a brief synopsis of his life, it barely touches on the issues. He did, however, put his phone number on it, so I guess I could call him and find out more about him.

It is easy to follow national politics. They are all over the news, the blogs, etc. It seems like it would be easy to follow local politics, to get involved, to attend meetings of the School Board, County Commissioners and City Council. But these are held during the day when I am at work and they barely rate a ripple on the local news. I haven't even seen any commercials for this election.

I have not been impressed with the direction my small city has been headed in for the last 4 years. I don't live in Destin or Sandestin. They are great places, but I don't want to live there and we seem to be headed in that direction. That can't be stopped now, but that doesn't mean that we have to become a clone of them.

I am just not really sure what to do to become involved locally. Any ideas?