Of course, by now, we've all heard or read the words spoken in May by Mitt(ens) at a fund raiser in Boca Raton, FL. He obviously has no understanding of what I would term "real" life or "real" people and he certainly has no respect for those of us who were not born with a silver spoon in our mouths. That's who he is and it certainly has not come as a shock to me... did I really think he liked or respected ME? (Yes, female - so no, he doesn't). The part that I find shocking is that MANY of the same people he denigrated will still vote for him.
I, of course, am the protagonist, the Super Hero, the Cool Kid in my own story of my own life. That story that we all have churning around in our heads just waiting for a moment to share our adventures with new friends (or old ones who may be kind enough to listen again). I am certain that there have been bits and pieces of my personal history that I have accidentally re-written - I think many of us do. But, for the most part, I think that my version is closer to true than most of the people I know, personally. I've made mistakes. I've been mean or petty. I am human and I am OK with new friends (or old ones) knowing that. But maybe I have just convinced myself that the story in my head is true through a wonderfully convincing way with words? And pictures?
Maybe.
However, I know, right this minute, where I am in life. I can look back and be appreciative of the times when I needed a helping hand and received one. I can be thankful that I do not need a helping hand right this minute, but appreciate the fact that it should be available if I DO need it in the future.
I can appreciate the fact that I am covered by health insurance that is paid for by the tax dollars of others and wish that it was better and wish that everyone had this option!
I can say that if Social Security is not available when I turn 65 (or is 67? I am so confused), I will probably be working until it is available, even if it's only part time, because I started my retirement plan very late.
I can say that I have made mistakes, but that I am OK with them. Some of them were pretty stupid and some of them were very stupid, but they have all combined to bring me to this exact time and place and it's a pretty great place!
What I do not understand, however, is how it is possible to have NEVER worked - not a single day - and complain about government handouts. What I do not understand is a disabled person who has not worked in YEARS, drawing social security disability, and still complaining about those nasty people who 'suck off the government.' What I do not understand is a person who lives off those so-called "entitlements" who thinks it is wrong for others to live off those so-called "entitlements."
The hypocrisy of the American people is astounding.
I had someone on Facebook tell me recently that yes, she is on Medicaid, but that is better than Obamacare! What?!?!!?
I have a cousin who has a degenerative eye disease who has not worked in YEARS complaining about the "those lazies who suck off the government teat."
What the F*CK?!?!
Work and life and life and work have taken it's toll on me this week, even to the point of putting me behind in my schoolwork. So I shall do school work this weekend and will hopefully have another 'blog post up soon!
Showing posts with label President Obama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label President Obama. Show all posts
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Will It Ever Stop? ***EDITED***
Let me answer my own question - NO!
Yesterday a group of anti-American terrorists breached the walls of the American consulate in Benghazi in Libya. The American ambassador and three others were killed.
There was also violence in Egypt at the U.S. Embassy where the U.S. flag was removed and the flag of Islam was put in its place, although I cannot find any mention of murder being committed there.
Why? Why now? Didn't we just help the Libyans to freedom? Didn't we stand beside them (or, fly our planes over their heads) so that they may be free? Why the sudden onslaught of violence?
"The mobs were set off by Egyptian media reports about a 14-minute trailer for the video, called “Innocence of Muslims,” that was released on the Web. The trailer opens with scenes of Egyptian security forces standing idle as Muslims pillage and burn the homes of Egyptian Christians. Then it cuts to cartoonish scenes depicting the Prophet Muhammad as a child of uncertain parentage, a buffoon, a womanizer, a homosexual, a child molester and a greedy, bloodthirsty thug.
The Wall Street Journal identified this man as an Israeli-American, but according to NPR, Bacile identifies himself as "an Israeli Jew." And he is in hiding in case someone wants to come after him!! The worst kind of coward who can hide behind a camera and his alleged God and get people killed. Now he runs away with his tail between his legs.
I am sick over this. Wanton death and destruction. And of course there are those who blame the President.
Before the violence (according to MSNBC, although I cannot find corroboration) the U.S. State Department issued a press release stating:
"The Embassy of the United States in Cairo condemns the continuing efforts by misguided individuals to hurt the religious feelings of Muslims – as we condemn efforts to offend believers of all religions. Today, the 11th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, Americans are honoring our patriots and those who serve our nation as the fitting response to the enemies of democracy. Respect for religious beliefs is a cornerstone of American democracy. We firmly reject the actions by those who abuse the universal right of free speech to hurt the religious beliefs of others."
So now the President is on another "apology tour" (Romney's words, not mine)
Let me tell you what I think of all of this.
#1. If Bacile (no, Mr. sorry that is a term of respect) wants to identify himself as an Israeli Jew, then he needs to move to Israel. Do not live in my country, cause the death of others using the Bill of Rights that many have died for and not identify yourself as an American.
#2. I cannot find proof that Terrie Jones (alleged preacher) of Gainesville, FL had a hand in promoting this film, but if he did, he needs to be jailed. His complete disregard for the lives of others (and this goes for Bacile also) should not be covered by the First Amendment's Freedom of Speech. That was never the point.
#3. I believe in our Constitution and I appreciate the Bill of Rights that allows me to have this 'blog and to make my thoughts and feelings known to the few of you who actually read it. It also allows me to look back over the last 6 years of my life, kind of like a journal, but I do not believe in absolute free speech.
In Schenck v United States, the Supreme Court held that:
"Words which, ordinarily and in many places, would be within the freedom of speech protected by the First Amendment may become subject to prohibition when of such a nature and used in such circumstances a to create a clear and present danger that they will bring about the substantive evils which Congress has a right to prevent. The character of every act depends upon the circumstances in which it is done."
Which means you can't yell "Fire" in a crowded theater and you cannot (without penalty) create movies depicting the Prophet Muhammed as a whore.
This country loses its mind when Americans desecrete our own flag (if you remind me, I will try to share what I learned earlier this year in my art class re: the US flag). Who remembers the outrage over "The Last Temptation of Christ"? And the comdemnation over "The DaVinci Code"? Because both portrayed Jesus as non-celibate. How many people would lose their minds if Jesus were portrayed a whoring drunk of uncertain parentage?
No, we would not fire bomb someone's embassy.. well, most of us wouldn't. But a lot of that has to do with the fact that we are lazy. And D.C. is far away.
I do believe that those who created this nightmare should be charged with whatever we can throw at them. And Bacile does not want to endure an American prison, he can go to Israel and spend his old age there.
****EDITED*****
OK, I've calmed down and understand that we all have access to the First Amendment and this should probably be covered under it, even when it makes me mad. But I don't think that YouTube has to actually carry the movie and there is no reason for any company to distribute it!
Yesterday a group of anti-American terrorists breached the walls of the American consulate in Benghazi in Libya. The American ambassador and three others were killed.
There was also violence in Egypt at the U.S. Embassy where the U.S. flag was removed and the flag of Islam was put in its place, although I cannot find any mention of murder being committed there.
Why? Why now? Didn't we just help the Libyans to freedom? Didn't we stand beside them (or, fly our planes over their heads) so that they may be free? Why the sudden onslaught of violence?
"The mobs were set off by Egyptian media reports about a 14-minute trailer for the video, called “Innocence of Muslims,” that was released on the Web. The trailer opens with scenes of Egyptian security forces standing idle as Muslims pillage and burn the homes of Egyptian Christians. Then it cuts to cartoonish scenes depicting the Prophet Muhammad as a child of uncertain parentage, a buffoon, a womanizer, a homosexual, a child molester and a greedy, bloodthirsty thug.
The Wall Street Journal identified this man as an Israeli-American, but according to NPR, Bacile identifies himself as "an Israeli Jew." And he is in hiding in case someone wants to come after him!! The worst kind of coward who can hide behind a camera and his alleged God and get people killed. Now he runs away with his tail between his legs.
I am sick over this. Wanton death and destruction. And of course there are those who blame the President.
Before the violence (according to MSNBC, although I cannot find corroboration) the U.S. State Department issued a press release stating:
"The Embassy of the United States in Cairo condemns the continuing efforts by misguided individuals to hurt the religious feelings of Muslims – as we condemn efforts to offend believers of all religions. Today, the 11th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, Americans are honoring our patriots and those who serve our nation as the fitting response to the enemies of democracy. Respect for religious beliefs is a cornerstone of American democracy. We firmly reject the actions by those who abuse the universal right of free speech to hurt the religious beliefs of others."
So now the President is on another "apology tour" (Romney's words, not mine)
Let me tell you what I think of all of this.
#1. If Bacile (no, Mr. sorry that is a term of respect) wants to identify himself as an Israeli Jew, then he needs to move to Israel. Do not live in my country, cause the death of others using the Bill of Rights that many have died for and not identify yourself as an American.
#2. I cannot find proof that Terrie Jones (alleged preacher) of Gainesville, FL had a hand in promoting this film, but if he did, he needs to be jailed. His complete disregard for the lives of others (and this goes for Bacile also) should not be covered by the First Amendment's Freedom of Speech. That was never the point.
#3. I believe in our Constitution and I appreciate the Bill of Rights that allows me to have this 'blog and to make my thoughts and feelings known to the few of you who actually read it. It also allows me to look back over the last 6 years of my life, kind of like a journal, but I do not believe in absolute free speech.
In Schenck v United States, the Supreme Court held that:
"Words which, ordinarily and in many places, would be within the freedom of speech protected by the First Amendment may become subject to prohibition when of such a nature and used in such circumstances a to create a clear and present danger that they will bring about the substantive evils which Congress has a right to prevent. The character of every act depends upon the circumstances in which it is done."
Which means you can't yell "Fire" in a crowded theater and you cannot (without penalty) create movies depicting the Prophet Muhammed as a whore.
This country loses its mind when Americans desecrete our own flag (if you remind me, I will try to share what I learned earlier this year in my art class re: the US flag). Who remembers the outrage over "The Last Temptation of Christ"? And the comdemnation over "The DaVinci Code"? Because both portrayed Jesus as non-celibate. How many people would lose their minds if Jesus were portrayed a whoring drunk of uncertain parentage?
No, we would not fire bomb someone's embassy.. well, most of us wouldn't. But a lot of that has to do with the fact that we are lazy. And D.C. is far away.
I do believe that those who created this nightmare should be charged with whatever we can throw at them. And Bacile does not want to endure an American prison, he can go to Israel and spend his old age there.
****EDITED*****
OK, I've calmed down and understand that we all have access to the First Amendment and this should probably be covered under it, even when it makes me mad. But I don't think that YouTube has to actually carry the movie and there is no reason for any company to distribute it!
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Number 500!!!!
After over 6 years, 2 degrees, and many unexplained absences, this is 'blog post #500. Wow.
I have a lot to say about the state of this country, but I am just so sad at this momeny. People are so incredibly dumb. Women who vote against the rights of their sisters. Men who are nasty about a President because he is in a different political party as they are... or has a different skin color.
According to sources Romney's last three commercials are total lies, but only Ms. Maddow's blog has the ability to point that out? Several friends of mine got into a long discussion (yes, I mean fight) over this "news" on Facebook last night that the Obama campaign took in less than it spent in June. That is technically correct, but it made it sound like the campaign is in debt which is nowhere even close to the truth. And only read the comments if you have a strong stomach.
Akin (Missouri - legitimate rape)... I am not going there. I truly hope he stays in the race and gets clobbered.
There is no reason in this country at the moment. There is no intellectual curiousity. There is only hate and vitriol. Has it always been this way and I was so naive I missed it?
Is there any possibility that we can move toward the middle and become one country again? Do we want that? Can we forgive and move on? Should we even try to forget?
I feel that the future is bleak. Less so if President Obama is re-elected, but eventually another Republican will move into the White House and then what? A depression? An uprising? (That of course is IF there is not an attempt by the Virginia Republicans to start an armed rebellion if the President IS re-elected.)
Race. Equality. Rights. Has it all be for nothing? Are we doomed? Is this country doomed? It isn't 1776 anymore. If we go down, will anyone survive? Or am I being overdramatic?
So I am sad. And a little scared.
But I truly hope that I am around for another 500 posts... at least.
I have a lot to say about the state of this country, but I am just so sad at this momeny. People are so incredibly dumb. Women who vote against the rights of their sisters. Men who are nasty about a President because he is in a different political party as they are... or has a different skin color.
According to sources Romney's last three commercials are total lies, but only Ms. Maddow's blog has the ability to point that out? Several friends of mine got into a long discussion (yes, I mean fight) over this "news" on Facebook last night that the Obama campaign took in less than it spent in June. That is technically correct, but it made it sound like the campaign is in debt which is nowhere even close to the truth. And only read the comments if you have a strong stomach.
Akin (Missouri - legitimate rape)... I am not going there. I truly hope he stays in the race and gets clobbered.
There is no reason in this country at the moment. There is no intellectual curiousity. There is only hate and vitriol. Has it always been this way and I was so naive I missed it?
Is there any possibility that we can move toward the middle and become one country again? Do we want that? Can we forgive and move on? Should we even try to forget?
I feel that the future is bleak. Less so if President Obama is re-elected, but eventually another Republican will move into the White House and then what? A depression? An uprising? (That of course is IF there is not an attempt by the Virginia Republicans to start an armed rebellion if the President IS re-elected.)
Race. Equality. Rights. Has it all be for nothing? Are we doomed? Is this country doomed? It isn't 1776 anymore. If we go down, will anyone survive? Or am I being overdramatic?
So I am sad. And a little scared.
But I truly hope that I am around for another 500 posts... at least.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
It's Constitutional!
What a relief! 5 - 4 the Supreme Court of the United States has upheld the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) to be Constitutional. My Facebook is exploding with anti-Obama comments, some pulling out the so-called 'death panels' and other crap that was proven to be false before the law ever passed. I am starting to rethink some of these people on my friends list.
The individual mandate, which was the crux of the constitutionality question, was declared legal but NOT using the Commerce clause. According to Justice Kennedy (paraphrasing here) Congress has the right to levy taxes and it is under that right that the mandate can be upheld. If a person chooses to purchase health insurance they are given a tax break, but a person choosing to not purchase health insurance will be taxed to pay for their care.
I have been a nervous wreck about this one, especially after the Citizen's United ruling was upheld earlier this week. I am thrilled and overwhelmed that the Supreme Court has upheld this law. It does not affect me personally at this time, thanks to DSD's Navy retirement we are covered under Tricare, but I have been that person. I have had to decide between decent food and prescriptions for my child because we could not afford healthcare with a 3 year old with asthma - IF we could have found someone to cover us.
Today is a wonderful day for our country and for so many people who are able to find coverage with a pre-existing condition or to cover a child with a pre-existing condition.
Tonight I shall raise a glass to those 5 who were smart enough to know that this is the best thing for our country and the people in it.
The individual mandate, which was the crux of the constitutionality question, was declared legal but NOT using the Commerce clause. According to Justice Kennedy (paraphrasing here) Congress has the right to levy taxes and it is under that right that the mandate can be upheld. If a person chooses to purchase health insurance they are given a tax break, but a person choosing to not purchase health insurance will be taxed to pay for their care.
I have been a nervous wreck about this one, especially after the Citizen's United ruling was upheld earlier this week. I am thrilled and overwhelmed that the Supreme Court has upheld this law. It does not affect me personally at this time, thanks to DSD's Navy retirement we are covered under Tricare, but I have been that person. I have had to decide between decent food and prescriptions for my child because we could not afford healthcare with a 3 year old with asthma - IF we could have found someone to cover us.
Today is a wonderful day for our country and for so many people who are able to find coverage with a pre-existing condition or to cover a child with a pre-existing condition.
Tonight I shall raise a glass to those 5 who were smart enough to know that this is the best thing for our country and the people in it.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Am I the Voice of Doom?
As I sit here in my lovely ranch style home, Lola eating dinner behind me, tomatoes roasting in the oven in preparation for homemade marina, I feel an overwhelming sense of panic. Of dread. Of fear. Serious sick to my stomach terror.
What the hell is happening in this country? What the hell has happened to those whom we have elected to lead us? In less than two weeks this country is going to run out of money, default on our credit and cause who knows what kind of mayhem, but no one seems to be taking this seriously. Certainly not crazy Michelle Bachman. Certainly not most of the Congressional Republicans. Is our President? Will he swoop in at the last minute, invoking the 14th amendment and saving the day? Will that save the day? Everything I have read says that without spending cuts and increased revenue the S&P (I think) may still take our credit down from AAA to AA. And the plan by the "Gang of 6" has only promised increased revenue in the future. Why not now?
My tax burden is not large. A lot of that has to do with tuition, of course, because that is all tax deductible, but I would be willing to pay more, why aren't others?
Let's look at how a default will affect ME, personally, as the Average Jane on the street.
#1. DSD is retired Navy with a military retirement that kept us afloat while he was unemployed. What happens without that?
#2. I am a contract employee with the Federal government. Now my contract has just been extended (again) for another 4 months, which means the contract is paid until Thanksgiving, but if there are no active duty or civilians, will I still be able to go in and get paid?
#3. My parents are retired and living off social security. They paid cash for their house and have savings, 401Ks, etc, but they depend on those monthly checks. What will happen to them?
What will happen to us all?
I firmly believe that if the elderly, military, military retirees, etc do not get paid, we may be in for a revolution. I have a really bad feeling about this... luckily my bad feelings are normally just indigestion, but I've never had indigestion that lasts this long.
Why are those in Washington screwing around with our future?
What the hell is happening in this country? What the hell has happened to those whom we have elected to lead us? In less than two weeks this country is going to run out of money, default on our credit and cause who knows what kind of mayhem, but no one seems to be taking this seriously. Certainly not crazy Michelle Bachman. Certainly not most of the Congressional Republicans. Is our President? Will he swoop in at the last minute, invoking the 14th amendment and saving the day? Will that save the day? Everything I have read says that without spending cuts and increased revenue the S&P (I think) may still take our credit down from AAA to AA. And the plan by the "Gang of 6" has only promised increased revenue in the future. Why not now?
My tax burden is not large. A lot of that has to do with tuition, of course, because that is all tax deductible, but I would be willing to pay more, why aren't others?
Let's look at how a default will affect ME, personally, as the Average Jane on the street.
#1. DSD is retired Navy with a military retirement that kept us afloat while he was unemployed. What happens without that?
#2. I am a contract employee with the Federal government. Now my contract has just been extended (again) for another 4 months, which means the contract is paid until Thanksgiving, but if there are no active duty or civilians, will I still be able to go in and get paid?
#3. My parents are retired and living off social security. They paid cash for their house and have savings, 401Ks, etc, but they depend on those monthly checks. What will happen to them?
What will happen to us all?
I firmly believe that if the elderly, military, military retirees, etc do not get paid, we may be in for a revolution. I have a really bad feeling about this... luckily my bad feelings are normally just indigestion, but I've never had indigestion that lasts this long.
Why are those in Washington screwing around with our future?
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Dear Mr. President,
"Don't Ask/Don't Tell" - Unconstitutional!
Well, duh.
But it has been ruled so again. And there has been an ordered entered to immediately stop kicking people out of the military if they are homosexual. YAY!!
So now the Dept of Justice (DOJ) has 60 days to appeal the order, but, of course, they won't because the President opposes.... Wait. What?
The DoJ can do what it wants? Even if President Obama supports the repeal, the DoJ can still appeal this decision?
Dear Mr. President,
Man up. Your health care bill is barely adequate (ask my 21 year old son who does not have coverage) and Gitmo is still open. We will be in Iraq until long after I am dead. There is no more transparency than there was 4 years ago. Business as usual in the Capital. AT LEAST let's repeal this law that even a baby can see is unconstitutional. PLEASE do something before the mid-term elections and if that means firing the DoJ, don't you have that right? Aren't they part of your cabinet? Don't they work for you??
Thank you very much,
The Lefts
PS
Could you PLEASE lean a little more my way? That reaching across the aisle bulls&%( ain't working!
Well, duh.
But it has been ruled so again. And there has been an ordered entered to immediately stop kicking people out of the military if they are homosexual. YAY!!
So now the Dept of Justice (DOJ) has 60 days to appeal the order, but, of course, they won't because the President opposes.... Wait. What?
The DoJ can do what it wants? Even if President Obama supports the repeal, the DoJ can still appeal this decision?
Dear Mr. President,
Man up. Your health care bill is barely adequate (ask my 21 year old son who does not have coverage) and Gitmo is still open. We will be in Iraq until long after I am dead. There is no more transparency than there was 4 years ago. Business as usual in the Capital. AT LEAST let's repeal this law that even a baby can see is unconstitutional. PLEASE do something before the mid-term elections and if that means firing the DoJ, don't you have that right? Aren't they part of your cabinet? Don't they work for you??
Thank you very much,
The Lefts
PS
Could you PLEASE lean a little more my way? That reaching across the aisle bulls&%( ain't working!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Repeal Don't Ask/Don't Tell and Move on to the REAL Issues
There's going to be a showdown on the Senate floor this week -- and we'll have a chance to do away with "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" once and for all.
Right now, though, it's not clear we'll have the votes to win.
That's because moments after Sen. Harry Reid announced the vote, Sen. John McCain again threatened to stop the bill at any cost. He said he plans to filibuster not just a vote, but even the procedure to bring it up for debate.
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" isn't about politics -- it's about discrimination. And when Republicans defend discrimination of any kind, they need to know that their constituents are watching and ready to respond.
It is up to each of us to let the Republicans who are blocking this vote know that Americans want repeal.
Call Sen. McCain at (202) 224-2235 now, tell him America supports the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and ask him to stop standing in the way.
As the President has said, we must end this law "because it is the right thing to do." A majority of Americans agree that those who are brave enough to stand up and serve our country deserve to do so openly.
Call Sen. McCain today at (202) 224-2235 to tell him to end his filibuster threat and get out of the way of change.
Thanks for your help on this critical vote,
Mitch
Mitch StewartDirectorOrganizing for America
Right now, though, it's not clear we'll have the votes to win.
That's because moments after Sen. Harry Reid announced the vote, Sen. John McCain again threatened to stop the bill at any cost. He said he plans to filibuster not just a vote, but even the procedure to bring it up for debate.
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" isn't about politics -- it's about discrimination. And when Republicans defend discrimination of any kind, they need to know that their constituents are watching and ready to respond.
It is up to each of us to let the Republicans who are blocking this vote know that Americans want repeal.
Call Sen. McCain at (202) 224-2235 now, tell him America supports the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and ask him to stop standing in the way.
As the President has said, we must end this law "because it is the right thing to do." A majority of Americans agree that those who are brave enough to stand up and serve our country deserve to do so openly.
Call Sen. McCain today at (202) 224-2235 to tell him to end his filibuster threat and get out of the way of change.
Thanks for your help on this critical vote,
Mitch
Mitch StewartDirectorOrganizing for America
Monday, August 23, 2010
Government Of, By and For the .. Corporations?
Of course President Obama would like to the keep the country Of, By and For the People, but what are the chances he will win this one? And what are the chances he will be held responsible for the fallout?
H/T to True Blue Texan
H/T to True Blue Texan
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Operation New Dawn
Is there a new dawn happening this moment as I type?
I have NOT had a good day. Crazy blankity blank who is in charge at work makes me nuts. First class scheduled tonight that is not online. Flat tire after I grabbed a quick bite to eat. I love my brother and I appreciate him coming when I called, but it took him FOREVER. (He was less than a mile away!) Then I got home, checked Facebook and my cousin was posting stupid stuff about the President WANTING a mosque ON Ground Zero. Which is not what he said. When I disagreed respectfully, she wasn't nice.
Then DSD said, "Troops pulled out of Iraq today."
What?! What?!?!? What???
Really? But, they said, on the radio.... "It was on the news," he said, completely nonchalantly.
Why? What? No one mentioned this TO ME. Did the President discuss this on Saturday while he was HERE? With the SecNav? 90,000 troops have left Iraq in the last 18 months, since he took office.
Another campaign promise kept.
PLEASE let this be the right thing to do!
I have NOT had a good day. Crazy blankity blank who is in charge at work makes me nuts. First class scheduled tonight that is not online. Flat tire after I grabbed a quick bite to eat. I love my brother and I appreciate him coming when I called, but it took him FOREVER. (He was less than a mile away!) Then I got home, checked Facebook and my cousin was posting stupid stuff about the President WANTING a mosque ON Ground Zero. Which is not what he said. When I disagreed respectfully, she wasn't nice.
Then DSD said, "Troops pulled out of Iraq today."
What?! What?!?!? What???
Really? But, they said, on the radio.... "It was on the news," he said, completely nonchalantly.
Why? What? No one mentioned this TO ME. Did the President discuss this on Saturday while he was HERE? With the SecNav? 90,000 troops have left Iraq in the last 18 months, since he took office.
Another campaign promise kept.
PLEASE let this be the right thing to do!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
But I AM an American
I have not spoken a lot about my job. Maybe because I get those constant emails about security and NOT talking about it? Maybe because I don't want anyone I know in 'real' life to connect me to this 'blog? Maybe because I just don't? I don't know. All of the above?
I am employed by a company in.. the west? California? Or Arizona? Hell, maybe in Virginia. I work. My checks come. Life is good.
But my actual work location is at a Government installation in NW Florida. The Panhandle. The Redneck Riviera. I work there. I am a 'contract employee.' I am employed by a contract company, but I provide services for the government. I have done this for 10 years and I have never had a huge problem BEING a contractor. I have had difficulty with those I work with. I have had difficulty with those I work for. But I love my job.
The President will be here this weekend. The President of the United States. And his family. On Vacation. No public appearances.
And the email was sent out this morning, asking for volunteers to drive "members of the White House staff" around for the weekend. All day Saturday and most of Sunday. The reward? Meeting the President and (possibly) having a picture made with him. I had more than one person bad mouth this President and the fact that I volunteered. I had one person (who already had weekend plans, but who would have volunteered otherwise) tell me I would probably end up making coffee. I had one person tell me I would probably drive the hair dresser.
My response? OK. Make coffee. Drive hairdresser. Drive the DOG and/or the DOG trainer. Fine. Great. I don't even LIKE To drive, but I would. To meet the President. THIS President. His family.
Only active duty military and GS civilians will be considered. No contractors. So I came home and took a nap.
Because most of those GS civilians hate him. And 75% have no military bearing and no respect for those who served. And no respect for the Commander in Chief.
I am upset. I am mad. This was my chance to meet him. This was my chance to be a part of history.
There will be no next time.
I am employed by a company in.. the west? California? Or Arizona? Hell, maybe in Virginia. I work. My checks come. Life is good.
But my actual work location is at a Government installation in NW Florida. The Panhandle. The Redneck Riviera. I work there. I am a 'contract employee.' I am employed by a contract company, but I provide services for the government. I have done this for 10 years and I have never had a huge problem BEING a contractor. I have had difficulty with those I work with. I have had difficulty with those I work for. But I love my job.
The President will be here this weekend. The President of the United States. And his family. On Vacation. No public appearances.
And the email was sent out this morning, asking for volunteers to drive "members of the White House staff" around for the weekend. All day Saturday and most of Sunday. The reward? Meeting the President and (possibly) having a picture made with him. I had more than one person bad mouth this President and the fact that I volunteered. I had one person (who already had weekend plans, but who would have volunteered otherwise) tell me I would probably end up making coffee. I had one person tell me I would probably drive the hair dresser.
My response? OK. Make coffee. Drive hairdresser. Drive the DOG and/or the DOG trainer. Fine. Great. I don't even LIKE To drive, but I would. To meet the President. THIS President. His family.
Only active duty military and GS civilians will be considered. No contractors. So I came home and took a nap.
Because most of those GS civilians hate him. And 75% have no military bearing and no respect for those who served. And no respect for the Commander in Chief.
I am upset. I am mad. This was my chance to meet him. This was my chance to be a part of history.
There will be no next time.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Football and Facebook and Schoolwork and Crazy
I have started at least 2 possibly more posts on the health care bull hockey floating around. I am not even certain NPR is giving it a fair wrap. I am, personally, sick of the fighting, but then I realize most of the people doing the fighting are those with jobs who provide decently priced benefits. Or those who are older and on Medicare who shudder at the thought of "socialized" medicine. Damn hypocrites.
Today was the first day of UF Gator football. Ok, it was actually a scrimmage game against Charleston Southern University, who drove to Gainesville for the $450,000 they were being paid to get their behinds kicked. 62-3 is a pretty nice behind kicking for that kind of money. DSD and I were in the Swamp last year when the Gators did a beatdown of the University of Kentucky Wildcats. Final score 63-5 and they didn't make any money from the game.
I will be in the Swamp next weekend for the Gator beat down of the Troy University Trojans. Yes, I am, technically, attending Troy University. Yes, I am cheering for the Gators. I have been a fan for at least 25 years that isn't going to change. Ever.
I should be working on my book report. Ok, it isn't technically a book report, but that is what I call it. I have to do assignment, 1 other and 2 mid terms before I leave town next Saturday morning. I should do that now. Any of it. But it is late and I am tired. I will work on it tomorrow, I swear. Maybe.
I have been spending too much time on Facebook. I have mentioned the fact that some of my family is slightly insane. It isn't just me, I have confirmation from others that they are crazy. On Thursday I posted the following on my 'status'
"Daddy Bush spoke to school children across American and no one thought anything about it. Maybe, those of you who have a problem with the duly elected President of the US speaking to your child(ren), you should search your hearts and ask yourself "Why?" I am pretty sure I KNOW why. And none of those reasons are very Christian. Yes, I went there."
In case you have not heard, the President is supposed to speak to the nation's school children on Tuesday. He is supposed to speak on the greatness of education. I am not certain how that is going to hypnotize our children into murdering Jewish people (there was a Hitler reference in the comments to the above status), but I guess it can be done in less than half an hour.*
On top of everything else my life at work has been... uncomfortable. Two of us have blown the whistle on a third and the investigation is moving slooooooooowly. So person #3 is still there until it is over. I am constantly looking over my shoulder, waiting for the other shoe to drop. I am also job hunting, because I will not be comfortable continuing in my current position if that person stays.
So, all in all, a fairly busy week in front of me. Probably a busy month. I am trying to make sure I stop by all of your blogs as often as possible, although it isn't often enough. I will try to do better.
I am working on getting a guest blogger, so that someone else can talk about the political stuff that I am missing, because I know I am missing a lot.
Thank you all for your patience.
*I hope I have done a better job of raising my child than that. If his mind can be swayed in less than 30 minutes, maybe I should let the crazies have him?
Today was the first day of UF Gator football. Ok, it was actually a scrimmage game against Charleston Southern University, who drove to Gainesville for the $450,000 they were being paid to get their behinds kicked. 62-3 is a pretty nice behind kicking for that kind of money. DSD and I were in the Swamp last year when the Gators did a beatdown of the University of Kentucky Wildcats. Final score 63-5 and they didn't make any money from the game.
I will be in the Swamp next weekend for the Gator beat down of the Troy University Trojans. Yes, I am, technically, attending Troy University. Yes, I am cheering for the Gators. I have been a fan for at least 25 years that isn't going to change. Ever.
I should be working on my book report. Ok, it isn't technically a book report, but that is what I call it. I have to do assignment, 1 other and 2 mid terms before I leave town next Saturday morning. I should do that now. Any of it. But it is late and I am tired. I will work on it tomorrow, I swear. Maybe.
I have been spending too much time on Facebook. I have mentioned the fact that some of my family is slightly insane. It isn't just me, I have confirmation from others that they are crazy. On Thursday I posted the following on my 'status'
"Daddy Bush spoke to school children across American and no one thought anything about it. Maybe, those of you who have a problem with the duly elected President of the US speaking to your child(ren), you should search your hearts and ask yourself "Why?" I am pretty sure I KNOW why. And none of those reasons are very Christian. Yes, I went there."
In case you have not heard, the President is supposed to speak to the nation's school children on Tuesday. He is supposed to speak on the greatness of education. I am not certain how that is going to hypnotize our children into murdering Jewish people (there was a Hitler reference in the comments to the above status), but I guess it can be done in less than half an hour.*
On top of everything else my life at work has been... uncomfortable. Two of us have blown the whistle on a third and the investigation is moving slooooooooowly. So person #3 is still there until it is over. I am constantly looking over my shoulder, waiting for the other shoe to drop. I am also job hunting, because I will not be comfortable continuing in my current position if that person stays.
So, all in all, a fairly busy week in front of me. Probably a busy month. I am trying to make sure I stop by all of your blogs as often as possible, although it isn't often enough. I will try to do better.
I am working on getting a guest blogger, so that someone else can talk about the political stuff that I am missing, because I know I am missing a lot.
Thank you all for your patience.
*I hope I have done a better job of raising my child than that. If his mind can be swayed in less than 30 minutes, maybe I should let the crazies have him?
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Are You A Citizen?
Is anyone?
I have stayed away from the entire Obama birth certificate crisis, because, well, the entire thing is just re-damn-diculous and others were handling it so very well. Then a co-worker came in earlier while I was watching an MSNBC clip with ol' crazy herself, Orly Taitz, and proceded to tell me that a "Certification of Live Birth" is not the same as a "Birth Certificate." Of course I realize that he is a little nutsy, because what if he is correct? What if a "Certificate of Live Birth" is not proof that you are an American citizen? What if you MUST have a "Birth Certificate?" Because, if so, people, I am screwed.
As is my son. As is my mother. As is my bff's son. As is every other person born in the state of Florida. Because Florida issues only a "Certificate of Live Birth."
Also I realized that with all of the BS about the current President, I had never considered where the first 43 Presidents were born.
John McCain's birth certificate is available on the web. Or a fax of it, because if that is your scanner with that problem, you need a new scanner. A couple of sites are making a big deal of the fact that he, apparently, was born downtown in Panama, not on the Naval installation. It doesn't matter people. Did he have the option of a Panamanian citizienship? Probably. But, even if he had had dual citizenship at birth, he had to give up any other to attend the Navy Academy and be in the Navy. 'nuff said.
But I can't find anything when searching for a birth certificate (or a certificate of live birth) for George Bush (which should cover 41 & 43), Bill Clinton or Ronald Reagan.
Maybe they weren't natural born citizens?
Or maybe they weren't black.
I have stayed away from the entire Obama birth certificate crisis, because, well, the entire thing is just re-damn-diculous and others were handling it so very well. Then a co-worker came in earlier while I was watching an MSNBC clip with ol' crazy herself, Orly Taitz, and proceded to tell me that a "Certification of Live Birth" is not the same as a "Birth Certificate." Of course I realize that he is a little nutsy, because what if he is correct? What if a "Certificate of Live Birth" is not proof that you are an American citizen? What if you MUST have a "Birth Certificate?" Because, if so, people, I am screwed.
As is my son. As is my mother. As is my bff's son. As is every other person born in the state of Florida. Because Florida issues only a "Certificate of Live Birth."
Also I realized that with all of the BS about the current President, I had never considered where the first 43 Presidents were born.
John McCain's birth certificate is available on the web. Or a fax of it, because if that is your scanner with that problem, you need a new scanner. A couple of sites are making a big deal of the fact that he, apparently, was born downtown in Panama, not on the Naval installation. It doesn't matter people. Did he have the option of a Panamanian citizienship? Probably. But, even if he had had dual citizenship at birth, he had to give up any other to attend the Navy Academy and be in the Navy. 'nuff said.
But I can't find anything when searching for a birth certificate (or a certificate of live birth) for George Bush (which should cover 41 & 43), Bill Clinton or Ronald Reagan.
Maybe they weren't natural born citizens?
Or maybe they weren't black.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
It Was a Fly
We've all seen video or read an article about President Obama's impressive fly killing ability. I, for one, don't consider this an actual news story, so I haven't paid a lot of attention.
Until now.
Because PETA apparently thought he should not have killed it.
The group has sent Obama a device that traps a fly so it can then be released outside.
It was a fly.
And he did give it a warning.
Maybe PETA should be a little more concerned about things that really matter. Cruelty to animals is unacceptable, but I wish I had been faster last night in fly killing while walking Lola. I was bitten four separate times by what I assume were yellow flies. I wasn't bothering them, why did they have to bother me? I would have gladly killed them if I had seen them.
Until now.
Because PETA apparently thought he should not have killed it.
The group has sent Obama a device that traps a fly so it can then be released outside.
It was a fly.
And he did give it a warning.
Maybe PETA should be a little more concerned about things that really matter. Cruelty to animals is unacceptable, but I wish I had been faster last night in fly killing while walking Lola. I was bitten four separate times by what I assume were yellow flies. I wasn't bothering them, why did they have to bother me? I would have gladly killed them if I had seen them.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Too Little?
I understand that President Obama has a lot on his plate right now. I understand that this country seems to be sliding down a mountain with no brakes and he only has so much time in a day to accomplish the many, many, many things that need to be done.
I also understand (from my blog reading) that there are some in the GLBT community who are not happy with the fact that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" has not been repealed. I do believe it needs to be repealed, but I do not know that it should be #1 on the President's agenda. Of course, I am not homosexual and, if the issue were women's rights, I may well feel differently. So I don't judge.
Today, however, the President will be signing a memo giving "health care and other benefits to the same-sex partners of federal employees." This is a wonderful step, but it feels like a slap in the face to me after he just defended the Defense of Marriage Act. Believe whatever you want on same-sex marriage, but the DOMA is clearly unconstitutional. Article IV Section 1 clearly states, "Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof."
Which means the very second ONE STATE granted same sex couples the right of marry, every other state had to, by LAW, accept those marriages and treat them as such. The other states do not have to allow the marriages to occur in their state, but they have to accept them.
President Obama is not a moron. I am certain he understands far more about the U.S. Constitution than I do.
So why is he willfully going against it?
I also understand (from my blog reading) that there are some in the GLBT community who are not happy with the fact that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" has not been repealed. I do believe it needs to be repealed, but I do not know that it should be #1 on the President's agenda. Of course, I am not homosexual and, if the issue were women's rights, I may well feel differently. So I don't judge.
Today, however, the President will be signing a memo giving "health care and other benefits to the same-sex partners of federal employees." This is a wonderful step, but it feels like a slap in the face to me after he just defended the Defense of Marriage Act. Believe whatever you want on same-sex marriage, but the DOMA is clearly unconstitutional. Article IV Section 1 clearly states, "Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof."
Which means the very second ONE STATE granted same sex couples the right of marry, every other state had to, by LAW, accept those marriages and treat them as such. The other states do not have to allow the marriages to occur in their state, but they have to accept them.
President Obama is not a moron. I am certain he understands far more about the U.S. Constitution than I do.
So why is he willfully going against it?
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
I Wish I Could Find That 'Blog Again!**UPDATED**
On the night after President Obama gave the address to the Naval Academy graduates, I was clicking around the Web, probably bored, possibly actually looking for something, who knows? I seem to have wandered into a 'blog that I don't normally read. Or maybe it was a 'blog I do normally read and they were having an "I am a liar and I hate President Obama" moment, I am not sure.
Either way the post I read was complaining that the graduates were not allowed to wear their ceremonial swords because of security reasons, simply because the President was going to be there.
Hmmmm, I said. I googled it. I snopesed it. I searched everywhere I could find and found one vague reference (on a blog!) to the swords and the fact that they had not been worn since 9/11.
Where do I find this information? Where do I look? I am really curious now.
So I emailed the Naval Academy. And waited. And waited. And waited.
Frankly, I had forgotten about it and now, today, I receive an email back from them (THANK YOU!) with an answer.
My email:
Good evening,
I was happy to see President Obama's speech to the 2009 Naval Academy Graduates, but I have heard a lot of grumbling about the fact that the graduates were not allowed to wear their swords to the ceremony. I saw somewhere that this has been the policy since 9/11, but it was not on any official site. Has this been the policy since 9/11 or was this a new policy specifically for President Obama's address?
Thank you for your time and attention in this matter,
LeftLeaningLady*
Navy Spouse (retired)
AF Veteran
Their answer:
Ma’am,
Swords have never been worn to graduation by Midshipmen or others anytime in recent memory. They are only worn for ceremonial purposes such as parades, and then only by Brigade Officers.
Respectfully
Unfortunately I do not remember which blasted website had the original post! How annoying.
But I know the truth and will be able to pass it on to anyone else I find who does not know what they are talking about. On this subject. Because it comes up so often.
*Yes, I signed my real name in the email.
**UPDATE**
Apparently I did NOT read a 'blog whining about this. On Friday afternoons, DSD and I have drinks with friends. There are a large group of people we know who go to this same bar. I like it on the Fridays I get off work early enough to drive home first, so that DSD can drive us both to the bar. (Many Fridays I don't get off work early, then I am stuck drinking mostly soda). Apparently on the night in question, I had gotten off work early, DSD had driven us both and I had, to put it politely, over-imbibed. On the way home DSD told me about one of the guys complaining about this. "It was a great speech, but it is ridiculous that the graduates were not allowed to wear their swords." So, the result was the same. I found the answer. I will print the email and carry it around with me until I run into this man again, since he may or may not be there this Friday. I just figured I should confess my drunken state. Still the email I sent to the Academy was pretty well written for a drunk a$$.
Either way the post I read was complaining that the graduates were not allowed to wear their ceremonial swords because of security reasons, simply because the President was going to be there.
Hmmmm, I said. I googled it. I snopesed it. I searched everywhere I could find and found one vague reference (on a blog!) to the swords and the fact that they had not been worn since 9/11.
Where do I find this information? Where do I look? I am really curious now.
So I emailed the Naval Academy. And waited. And waited. And waited.
Frankly, I had forgotten about it and now, today, I receive an email back from them (THANK YOU!) with an answer.
My email:
Good evening,
I was happy to see President Obama's speech to the 2009 Naval Academy Graduates, but I have heard a lot of grumbling about the fact that the graduates were not allowed to wear their swords to the ceremony. I saw somewhere that this has been the policy since 9/11, but it was not on any official site. Has this been the policy since 9/11 or was this a new policy specifically for President Obama's address?
Thank you for your time and attention in this matter,
LeftLeaningLady*
Navy Spouse (retired)
AF Veteran
Their answer:
Ma’am,
Swords have never been worn to graduation by Midshipmen or others anytime in recent memory. They are only worn for ceremonial purposes such as parades, and then only by Brigade Officers.
Respectfully
Unfortunately I do not remember which blasted website had the original post! How annoying.
But I know the truth and will be able to pass it on to anyone else I find who does not know what they are talking about. On this subject. Because it comes up so often.
*Yes, I signed my real name in the email.
**UPDATE**
Apparently I did NOT read a 'blog whining about this. On Friday afternoons, DSD and I have drinks with friends. There are a large group of people we know who go to this same bar. I like it on the Fridays I get off work early enough to drive home first, so that DSD can drive us both to the bar. (Many Fridays I don't get off work early, then I am stuck drinking mostly soda). Apparently on the night in question, I had gotten off work early, DSD had driven us both and I had, to put it politely, over-imbibed. On the way home DSD told me about one of the guys complaining about this. "It was a great speech, but it is ridiculous that the graduates were not allowed to wear their swords." So, the result was the same. I found the answer. I will print the email and carry it around with me until I run into this man again, since he may or may not be there this Friday. I just figured I should confess my drunken state. Still the email I sent to the Academy was pretty well written for a drunk a$$.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
No One Is Perfect
After seeing that President Obama had made his announcement for his Supreme Court nominee, I checked several different news pages to try to form an opinion of Judge Sonia Sotomayor. There are things to like about her, of course, but I am not sure I am happy with her for this position. There seems to be several issues that I am not comfortable with, but the main one is whether or not she is going to vote based on the Constitution or based on some other criteria. Some things she has said made it sound like she would be going with the latter.
I hope not. I hope I misunderstood and she is going to do a great job.
Time will tell.
I hope not. I hope I misunderstood and she is going to do a great job.
Time will tell.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Oh The Horror!
Some people in this world need to get a life.
Just for the record, I don't eat a lot of mustard.
But my husband eats his hamburgers with mustard and mayo (NO KETCHUP!) and, if we have it in the house, he prefers spicy mustard. According to him, that is the way an average guy eats his burgers. This isn't news.
H/T to Badtux
Just for the record, I don't eat a lot of mustard.
But my husband eats his hamburgers with mustard and mayo (NO KETCHUP!) and, if we have it in the house, he prefers spicy mustard. According to him, that is the way an average guy eats his burgers. This isn't news.
H/T to Badtux
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Place Blame Where it Belongs
I am as outraged about the AIG bonuses as the rest of the world. I'm sick about it. A company that was on the verge of economic collapse just 6 months ago can afford to pay out almost every dime of taxpayers money that it received? To many who were responsible for the dire straights to begin with? The entire country should be outraged, and we are.
But let's put the blame where it belongs. President Obama has taken responsibility for this debacle and I have every respect for that. But not only did his team not draft the contracts, he hadn't even been elected at the time AIG received the money! Is he responsible? Well, of course, he was, at that time, a United States Senator and did vote to approve the money. I know there were provisions for oversight in the original, but I don't remember when they were removed. Frankly, this, just like the entire economic meltdown, can be placed at the feet of the last administration (with a little help from their friends.)
Wouldn't it be a lovely idea to allow President Obama to actually get settled in the White House, in the Oval Office, before declaring
President Obama may not realize it yet, but his Katrina moment has arrived.
President Obama's KATRINA moment? Or just one more in the long line of those perpetuated by Dubya?
H/T to Mustang Bobby.
But let's put the blame where it belongs. President Obama has taken responsibility for this debacle and I have every respect for that. But not only did his team not draft the contracts, he hadn't even been elected at the time AIG received the money! Is he responsible? Well, of course, he was, at that time, a United States Senator and did vote to approve the money. I know there were provisions for oversight in the original, but I don't remember when they were removed. Frankly, this, just like the entire economic meltdown, can be placed at the feet of the last administration (with a little help from their friends.)
Wouldn't it be a lovely idea to allow President Obama to actually get settled in the White House, in the Oval Office, before declaring
President Obama may not realize it yet, but his Katrina moment has arrived.
President Obama's KATRINA moment? Or just one more in the long line of those perpetuated by Dubya?
H/T to Mustang Bobby.
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