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 Human Rights. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Human Rights. 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!
Monday, August 27, 2012
Am I A Racist?
I don't think I am. I have never been accused of being one before. I feel that all are created as equal as can be and that race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation should not be a factor of how far a person can go. I also know that many do not believe that way.
On Friday, I posted the above picture on Facebook. It is appalling commentary. I'd never heard of this guy, but the fact that he was important enough for anyone to create a picture of him with his quote sickened me. That and the fact that he calls himself "Reverand" and I wonder how many women he is poisoning with this brand of hate.
After I posted I had to be away from the computer for about three hours. When I returned there were over 70 comments and many of them were hostile - seriously so. All of those commenting thought that this man's words were unacceptable (I would have immediately unfriended with any moron who dared to agree with him), but the ugliness came because the a commenter stated, "For a black man to say that is... well.. interesting."
Another friend declared that she was a racist to point out the color of the man's skin and that others in the GOP had said this and no one bothered to point out that their color. The commentary spiraled from there. Whitewoman tried to explain her comment. Blackman telling her exactly why she was wrong. Asianwoman jumping in with excellent information, but not understanding that Whitewoman and Blackman were conversing, thinking Blackman's comments were toward her. She kept trying to make herself heard and ended up sharing way to much, then she was embarrassed about her comments and left. Meanwhile I am receiving private messages from Blackman telling me that Whitewoman is a racist and why.
I do not understand how pointing out that women and African-Americans have something in common regarding voting rights is considered racist. Am I wrong? I was told that the fact that I do not understand why it is wrong makes me a racist.
In my mind those who have experienced discrimination should be more compassionate toward other groups that have experienced discrimination. So women, all races other than caucassion, religions other than mainstream, and those who are not heterosexual should work together to ensure equal rights for all of us. Had this man been homosexual (say - Neil Patrick Harris) I would have pointed out his homosexuality. I would have said, "I am appalled that a homosexual would say that about women's rights."
Am I appalled when a straight white guy makes those comments? Of course. Do I advertise that fact? Of course. And maybe my friend is correct that white men (who have really not experienced discrimination in any way to what other groups have - although some have been discriminated against) are held to a lower standard of understanding. I don't expect them to feel for those who have faced discrimination because they have no idea what it's like.
Does the fact that I probably would have made the same comment about being appalled that the quote was from a black man make me a racist? Does the fact that I am still fairly certain that my friend is being sensitive make me a racist?
I am heartsick over this. He and I have become very close and I feel like that closeness has disappeared. But I also feel that I have to be honest with him that I think he is over-reacting. Not everyone is a racist.
But maybe I am.
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.
Friday, July 20, 2012
A Most Depressing Friday
BabyBoy was, of course, at the midnight premiere last night of "The Dark Knight Rises." He is a huge Batman/Dark Knight/Nightwing fan. Probably my fault for allowing his obsession to grow at age 4 and ensuring he had all of the latest toys. And the sheets, comforter, and curtains. He is now 23 and has different ones, but still sleeps on Batman sheets and has a Batman blanky. And my heart hurts for those others, half a continent away, who were probably just like him - counting down the days until the release of this movie, dressed up in costume to attend, talking about it for the last 6 month - who are now gone. Whose obsession has been cut down just like their lives.
What the fuck?
Is there anything to be said that has not? Anything that was not said after the rash of school shootings in the 90s? Anything that was not said after Ms. Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head and others surrounding her killed?
How does some kid in his early 20s have possession of an AK47?
AN AK47!
I am certain that representatives of the NRA are Aurora bound already. I am certain that someone will speak eloquently about the 2nd Amendment and the nation's right to bear arms. When does someone speak eloquently of the nation's right to attend a freaking movie in the middle of the night and come home safe? When does someone speak about a parent's right to take or allow their child to attend a movie and know that the child will leave the theater alive?
I fear drunk drives, or BabyBoy falling asleep at the wheel at 3 am (he was less than 5 miles from the house), or, CHRIST, an earthquake - really. Who imagines your child, spouse, sibling, parent being shot while watching a movie?
A friend from my hometown lives in Aurora, CO. Her 17 year old daughter did not attend last night's premiere, although I am not certain why not, because she had tickets.
Her friends attended though. And all survived. So far.
Must we fight gunfire with gunfire? Are we destined to return to the violent time when everyone was armed? Because I am considering buying a nice little pink handled gun and applying for a concealed weapons permit. ME! And I am anti-gun! I am PRO GUN CONTROL.
But I am also sick of the senseless violence.
What the fuck?
Is there anything to be said that has not? Anything that was not said after the rash of school shootings in the 90s? Anything that was not said after Ms. Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head and others surrounding her killed?
How does some kid in his early 20s have possession of an AK47?
AN AK47!
I am certain that representatives of the NRA are Aurora bound already. I am certain that someone will speak eloquently about the 2nd Amendment and the nation's right to bear arms. When does someone speak eloquently of the nation's right to attend a freaking movie in the middle of the night and come home safe? When does someone speak about a parent's right to take or allow their child to attend a movie and know that the child will leave the theater alive?
I fear drunk drives, or BabyBoy falling asleep at the wheel at 3 am (he was less than 5 miles from the house), or, CHRIST, an earthquake - really. Who imagines your child, spouse, sibling, parent being shot while watching a movie?
A friend from my hometown lives in Aurora, CO. Her 17 year old daughter did not attend last night's premiere, although I am not certain why not, because she had tickets.
Her friends attended though. And all survived. So far.
Must we fight gunfire with gunfire? Are we destined to return to the violent time when everyone was armed? Because I am considering buying a nice little pink handled gun and applying for a concealed weapons permit. ME! And I am anti-gun! I am PRO GUN CONTROL.
But I am also sick of the senseless violence.
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, June 8, 2011
Drug Tests For Those Who Need Temporary Assistance From the States.
"Florida is the first state that will require drug testing when applying for welfare (effective July 1st)! Some people are crying this is unconstitutional. How is this unconstitutional yet it's okay that every working person had to pass a drug test in order to support those on welfare? Re-post if you agree!! Let's get Welfare back to the one's who NEED it, not those that just WANT it!"
I copied and pasted this from someone's Facebook status, NOT BECAUSE I AGREE WITH IT, but because I can't keep typing the same thing over and over and over on the status of others. You can disagree with my thoughts on this, feel free to comment and tell me why I am wrong, and I will return the favor.
First, let's look at the original post. "Some people are crying this is unconstitutional" Well, not just SOME people, actually, but those in the long black robes. You've heard of them. SCOTUS. Yes, the Supreme Court of the United States, those 9 people created by that Constitution whose soul job it so interpret that Constitution. And they have stated that blanket drug testing is not acceptable unless there is a basis for it. A basis such as the appearance that a person is using drugs, drug paraphernalia, etc, in lawyer speak that's called "probable cause," and it can't be based on a person's race, sex, sexual orientation, or religion. According to the SCOTUS blanket drug testing is a violation of a person's right to privacy and their protection against unreasonable search and seizure (pesky ol' Constitution!!!!). The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed blanket suspicion-less drug testing only if "the risk to public safety is substantial and real." Walker vs Georgia (I think). I am guessing that maybe this is the reason that the military must be able to pass random drug tests, but it is possible that no one has thought to challenge that yet.
"How is this unconstitutional yet it's okay that every working person had to pass a drug test in order to support those on welfare?" This is false because
A) I didn't have to pass a drug test to get or keep my job. I am guessing that if I fell down the stairs and needed to go to the hospital that I would be tested there to receive worker's compensation, but I don't know that. The only drug tests I have ever had to take were when I was active duty and I wasn't bright enough to tell them NO!
B) I didn't take my job nor do I keep it to support people on welfare. I took and keep it to support myself and my family and I pay my taxes so that the government can give a helping hand to those less fortunate than I.
C) Why would those on drugs not NEED welfare? All of their money is going to buy drugs. (That was supposed to be funny)
My thoughts and feelings on the subject:
A person who has spent his or her life being a contributing member of society and now is so far down on his or her luck that they need public assistance should not be kicked for being down. And why would we as a society do that to them? This law (as far as I can ascertain) is ONLY for those who need TEMPORARY assistance. TANF = Temporary Assistance to Needy Families. So a single person does not qualify for this. Only a family. With children. So those parents are now required to pay for drug testing instead of buying diapers or wipes or food. Sure if they pass the drug test they get that money back, but how long will that take? This is supposed to be for the children. And forcing their parents to drug test is not in their best interest. IF the parents ARE on drugs, what? No food for the kids? Or are we then going to remove the children from the household and put them into an already overburded foster care system that has just been sliced to the bone? That's going to save the state money, isn't it?
Random drug testing doesn't work. Ok, it does catch the occasional pot smoker, but how long can a person be tested for THC after they have smoked? I think for a full time smoker it's 30 days. So on day 29, this person who has cleaned up their act still can't have help? What if I snort cocaine? If I snort RIGHT NOW, I can pass a drug test before next week. And what if I abuse prescription pain pills? Elvis Presley would have only failed a drug test once or twice in his life (Priscilla admits in her book "Elvis and Me" that they tried LSD at least once in the 60s), but how many drugs were in his system on that fateful day in 1977? And testing for everything in the world is almost impossible and EXPENSIVE. Are they going to test me to if I huff paint? Where will it stop? I accidentally took my son's muscle relaxer thinking it was my Midol and you are going to penalize me for that?
What happens to the false positives? I was told when I was active duty to not eat poppy seeds, because they can cause a false positive in a drug test. I don't know for how long. Is it another 30 day thing? Now people who do not take drugs have to PROVE THEIR INNOCENCE. Is that another constitutional thing?
I find it completely amazing that the "party of small government and fiscal conservatism" only wants small government when it comes to them and their families. Or other people of means. But they want to blame this entire recession and economic crisis on POOR PEOPLE and the ELDERLY and punish them by taking away the very benefits that keep them alive, food and health care. (Not going to start on how much the Republicans hate women, that is an entirely new note). This is government expansion on the most basic level (people's right to EAT) and yet the internet is celebrating like we've discovered a cure for cancer.
Originally this law proposed only allowing those who were to be tested to have it done at a specific clinic if within a certain distance. And if that clinic happens to be in the name of Mrs. Rick Scott (no idea what her first name is, don't care enough to look it up) and it was formerly in the name of Mr. Rick Scott... what difference does it make, right?
Here's a thought! Why don't we start new poorhouses and shove these poor people in them? They DON'T WANT TO WORK, they just want to sit on their butts and keep popping out babies, right? We can put their children in orphanages run by the state, because.. you know.. that's healthy.
Or an ever better thought "Welfare Reality" Those who think they have the right to eat on money provided by Hard Working Americans can BEG for it on national TV. We can vote. "Decide to eats this week and who goes home hungry!"
Look, I hate welfare. But more than I hate it, I hate the NEED for it. I hate the fact that we, as a society, are failing to provide jobs for each and every person who wants one, or needs one (because I don't WANT to work!) at a rate of pay that allows them the basic necessities of life - a roof, food, clothes, transportation, health insurance, a little pocket change, and an emergency savings.
You can call me names. Liberal. Democrat. Tree Hugger. Socialist. I am all of those things and none of them. But you can't say that I am a person who has any interest in stepping on people who are already down or who has a problem lending a helping hand.
I posted this in a note on Facebook because I was tired of typing the same things over and over and over. But I hadn't taken time to do any blog posts lately, so I thought I would share it with you too!
I copied and pasted this from someone's Facebook status, NOT BECAUSE I AGREE WITH IT, but because I can't keep typing the same thing over and over and over on the status of others. You can disagree with my thoughts on this, feel free to comment and tell me why I am wrong, and I will return the favor.
First, let's look at the original post. "Some people are crying this is unconstitutional" Well, not just SOME people, actually, but those in the long black robes. You've heard of them. SCOTUS. Yes, the Supreme Court of the United States, those 9 people created by that Constitution whose soul job it so interpret that Constitution. And they have stated that blanket drug testing is not acceptable unless there is a basis for it. A basis such as the appearance that a person is using drugs, drug paraphernalia, etc, in lawyer speak that's called "probable cause," and it can't be based on a person's race, sex, sexual orientation, or religion. According to the SCOTUS blanket drug testing is a violation of a person's right to privacy and their protection against unreasonable search and seizure (pesky ol' Constitution!!!!). The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed blanket suspicion-less drug testing only if "the risk to public safety is substantial and real." Walker vs Georgia (I think). I am guessing that maybe this is the reason that the military must be able to pass random drug tests, but it is possible that no one has thought to challenge that yet.
"How is this unconstitutional yet it's okay that every working person had to pass a drug test in order to support those on welfare?" This is false because
A) I didn't have to pass a drug test to get or keep my job. I am guessing that if I fell down the stairs and needed to go to the hospital that I would be tested there to receive worker's compensation, but I don't know that. The only drug tests I have ever had to take were when I was active duty and I wasn't bright enough to tell them NO!
B) I didn't take my job nor do I keep it to support people on welfare. I took and keep it to support myself and my family and I pay my taxes so that the government can give a helping hand to those less fortunate than I.
C) Why would those on drugs not NEED welfare? All of their money is going to buy drugs. (That was supposed to be funny)
My thoughts and feelings on the subject:
A person who has spent his or her life being a contributing member of society and now is so far down on his or her luck that they need public assistance should not be kicked for being down. And why would we as a society do that to them? This law (as far as I can ascertain) is ONLY for those who need TEMPORARY assistance. TANF = Temporary Assistance to Needy Families. So a single person does not qualify for this. Only a family. With children. So those parents are now required to pay for drug testing instead of buying diapers or wipes or food. Sure if they pass the drug test they get that money back, but how long will that take? This is supposed to be for the children. And forcing their parents to drug test is not in their best interest. IF the parents ARE on drugs, what? No food for the kids? Or are we then going to remove the children from the household and put them into an already overburded foster care system that has just been sliced to the bone? That's going to save the state money, isn't it?
Random drug testing doesn't work. Ok, it does catch the occasional pot smoker, but how long can a person be tested for THC after they have smoked? I think for a full time smoker it's 30 days. So on day 29, this person who has cleaned up their act still can't have help? What if I snort cocaine? If I snort RIGHT NOW, I can pass a drug test before next week. And what if I abuse prescription pain pills? Elvis Presley would have only failed a drug test once or twice in his life (Priscilla admits in her book "Elvis and Me" that they tried LSD at least once in the 60s), but how many drugs were in his system on that fateful day in 1977? And testing for everything in the world is almost impossible and EXPENSIVE. Are they going to test me to if I huff paint? Where will it stop? I accidentally took my son's muscle relaxer thinking it was my Midol and you are going to penalize me for that?
What happens to the false positives? I was told when I was active duty to not eat poppy seeds, because they can cause a false positive in a drug test. I don't know for how long. Is it another 30 day thing? Now people who do not take drugs have to PROVE THEIR INNOCENCE. Is that another constitutional thing?
I find it completely amazing that the "party of small government and fiscal conservatism" only wants small government when it comes to them and their families. Or other people of means. But they want to blame this entire recession and economic crisis on POOR PEOPLE and the ELDERLY and punish them by taking away the very benefits that keep them alive, food and health care. (Not going to start on how much the Republicans hate women, that is an entirely new note). This is government expansion on the most basic level (people's right to EAT) and yet the internet is celebrating like we've discovered a cure for cancer.
Originally this law proposed only allowing those who were to be tested to have it done at a specific clinic if within a certain distance. And if that clinic happens to be in the name of Mrs. Rick Scott (no idea what her first name is, don't care enough to look it up) and it was formerly in the name of Mr. Rick Scott... what difference does it make, right?
Here's a thought! Why don't we start new poorhouses and shove these poor people in them? They DON'T WANT TO WORK, they just want to sit on their butts and keep popping out babies, right? We can put their children in orphanages run by the state, because.. you know.. that's healthy.
Or an ever better thought "Welfare Reality" Those who think they have the right to eat on money provided by Hard Working Americans can BEG for it on national TV. We can vote. "Decide to eats this week and who goes home hungry!"
Look, I hate welfare. But more than I hate it, I hate the NEED for it. I hate the fact that we, as a society, are failing to provide jobs for each and every person who wants one, or needs one (because I don't WANT to work!) at a rate of pay that allows them the basic necessities of life - a roof, food, clothes, transportation, health insurance, a little pocket change, and an emergency savings.
You can call me names. Liberal. Democrat. Tree Hugger. Socialist. I am all of those things and none of them. But you can't say that I am a person who has any interest in stepping on people who are already down or who has a problem lending a helping hand.
I posted this in a note on Facebook because I was tired of typing the same things over and over and over. But I hadn't taken time to do any blog posts lately, so I thought I would share it with you too!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Not Just Orange County!
Tricky Ricky has not yet signed the budget, according to this story published yesterday in the Orlando Sentinel, but the cuts this article speaks about is not anywhere close to all of the cuts projected in this budget. These just happen to show how much our wonderful governor loves the people in this state.. especially those who are the most in need.
Where are we cutting dollars in my formerly great state (excepting the 2000 election and the humiliation over Terri Schiavo, of course)?
Women with high risk pregnancies.
People with disabilities.
Nursing home patients.
The children. (And the senior citizens who help them.)
I constantly post sarcastic comments on FB thanking those who voted for this yahoo. So far no one has said, "You're welcome," but I keep hoping someone will take the blame.
And yet this DipSh1t masquerading as governor has promised to reduce my property taxes. From less than $800 a year to WHAT exactly? It isn't like I am paying through the nose.
Where are we cutting dollars in my formerly great state (excepting the 2000 election and the humiliation over Terri Schiavo, of course)?
Women with high risk pregnancies.
People with disabilities.
Nursing home patients.
The children. (And the senior citizens who help them.)
I constantly post sarcastic comments on FB thanking those who voted for this yahoo. So far no one has said, "You're welcome," but I keep hoping someone will take the blame.
And yet this DipSh1t masquerading as governor has promised to reduce my property taxes. From less than $800 a year to WHAT exactly? It isn't like I am paying through the nose.
Monday, May 9, 2011
The Finish Line?
I am really close for this particular race anyway. While this term does not officially end until Sunday the 15th, I am going to take my second exam tonight and be finished! Yay! No more school until the 23rd. My brain feels relief already.
My plans are to garden (who ate fresh green beans on Saturday), read something totally brainless about people and love and lust and murder, spend some time with the Lovely Lola, who turned 3 last week with no post from me, and sleep. Oh, and maybe post once or twice.
With everything going on in Florida (shhhh, uterus is a dirty word), Washington, and the world, just trying to keep up is exhausting, but maybe I will be able to form real sentences in a day or so. Maybe!
I hope everyone's Mother's Day was fantastic.
Did you know that all children (even if you did not birth them yourself) developed (originally) in a uterus?
Shhhh, don't tell!
My plans are to garden (who ate fresh green beans on Saturday), read something totally brainless about people and love and lust and murder, spend some time with the Lovely Lola, who turned 3 last week with no post from me, and sleep. Oh, and maybe post once or twice.
With everything going on in Florida (shhhh, uterus is a dirty word), Washington, and the world, just trying to keep up is exhausting, but maybe I will be able to form real sentences in a day or so. Maybe!
I hope everyone's Mother's Day was fantastic.
Did you know that all children (even if you did not birth them yourself) developed (originally) in a uterus?
Shhhh, don't tell!
Monday, May 2, 2011
There is Rejoicing Across the Land!
And yet it makes me uncomfortable.
Last night I was just settling down to a good night's sleep when I received a text from the delightful D telling me that bin Laden was dead. I got my glasses (I had already taken out my contacts), informed BabyBoy of the news (DSD was sound asleep), and turned the TV back on. I didn't even make it until the President's speech due to the OTC sleeping pill I had taken. I was sound asleep about 30 minutes later when I heard some banging around, and Lola started barking, and I was rudely awakened.
BabyBoy was on the back porch, smoking. He does try to quit every single day and as long as he keeps trying he will succeed one day, but he had gone all day without a cigarette and was now smoking... it was after 11 CDT.
I forced myself up, and I joined him on the porch, and he was watching the partying in front of the White House and at Ground Zero and in many other places. And he was very upset. He had apparently posted something on Facebook about the fact that rejoicing in the death of ANYONE was not something that he felt Christians did, and his father (did I mention he is an ASS?) immediately texted BabyBoy (in all caps) telling him that he was a complete disapointment to the world or something like that. I didn't get to read the Facebook post, he had already removed it by the time I joined him, but he was quite confused by the fact that many of his friends (and family) are constantly asking for prayers, talking about how we should live for God, talking about their Christianity and their Christian beliefs, and yet they were partying like it was 1999. Over a death.
And he has a valid point.
I can completely understand rejoicing by those who were personally affected by 9/11. Those in NYC, in D.C, those who lost loved ones.
We, in NW Florida, were devastated, but life went on. We cried a little. We watched the news a little more. We hugged more frequently. But there was no scar on the landscape of our world. All of our loved ones were sitting around our dinner table every night. So I can understand some of the joy. But why for everyone? Why did I change my profile picture to one of the Washington Monument with a little bit of the American flag flying?
The death of bin Laden changes nothing. We are still at war. Our soldiers, sailors, airman, and marines will not be returning home this week. Some will still return in flag draped coffins.
And should we ever celebrate death?
Can anyone answer these questions?
Last night I was just settling down to a good night's sleep when I received a text from the delightful D telling me that bin Laden was dead. I got my glasses (I had already taken out my contacts), informed BabyBoy of the news (DSD was sound asleep), and turned the TV back on. I didn't even make it until the President's speech due to the OTC sleeping pill I had taken. I was sound asleep about 30 minutes later when I heard some banging around, and Lola started barking, and I was rudely awakened.
BabyBoy was on the back porch, smoking. He does try to quit every single day and as long as he keeps trying he will succeed one day, but he had gone all day without a cigarette and was now smoking... it was after 11 CDT.
I forced myself up, and I joined him on the porch, and he was watching the partying in front of the White House and at Ground Zero and in many other places. And he was very upset. He had apparently posted something on Facebook about the fact that rejoicing in the death of ANYONE was not something that he felt Christians did, and his father (did I mention he is an ASS?) immediately texted BabyBoy (in all caps) telling him that he was a complete disapointment to the world or something like that. I didn't get to read the Facebook post, he had already removed it by the time I joined him, but he was quite confused by the fact that many of his friends (and family) are constantly asking for prayers, talking about how we should live for God, talking about their Christianity and their Christian beliefs, and yet they were partying like it was 1999. Over a death.
And he has a valid point.
I can completely understand rejoicing by those who were personally affected by 9/11. Those in NYC, in D.C, those who lost loved ones.
We, in NW Florida, were devastated, but life went on. We cried a little. We watched the news a little more. We hugged more frequently. But there was no scar on the landscape of our world. All of our loved ones were sitting around our dinner table every night. So I can understand some of the joy. But why for everyone? Why did I change my profile picture to one of the Washington Monument with a little bit of the American flag flying?
The death of bin Laden changes nothing. We are still at war. Our soldiers, sailors, airman, and marines will not be returning home this week. Some will still return in flag draped coffins.
And should we ever celebrate death?
Can anyone answer these questions?
Monday, April 18, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Little Bits of This and That
I am stuck at work for another half hour, because I went to the going away luncheon of someone I didn't really like and it took TWO hours. It doesn't make a lot of sense for me to be here when the docs are not, but there is so much that does not make sense already, that I do not have time to concern myself with this one.
Coming to the end of Week 2 of Term IV. I am taking my introductary Political Science class, because, I still have one more to go... class that is. And I have to have a certain number of classes actually taken at Troy, so I decided a History minor would go well for me. And I am considering getting the Master's in History instead of Poli Sci, but who knows? I only know that the politics of the world make no sense, and I feel like I need to DO something. But what? With history, people should have DONE something, but I can't change it now.
Why are we bombing the snot out of Libya? It has nothing to do with the people of Libya, because there is mass slaughter all over the globe every day and we do nothing. Couldn't that money be spent on helping Japan? Or Haiti? Or New Jersey? (That was a joke!)
Did you know that the lungs of healthy, tall, skinny people can just COLLAPSE? Wow. BabyBoy was leaving after work this afternoon to go spend a couple of days visiting Hogwarts (where I was supposed to take him in January, but we went to DC in October instead) and he isn't going because his buddy's lung just collapsed this morning. The friend is at the hospital and will be for a bit. The MDs and PhDs explained it to me but what I retained is that the lining of the lungs of tall, skinny people are very very thin & they always have extra liquid in and around their organs. I've never been tall and skinny, and now I am neither, but that is a little disconcerting.
Why can't Congress pass a budget? Why are they so concerned about women's uteruses? What the hell happened to my precious state? Attempting to get rid of all the teachers, not paying the ones that are left, drug testing welfare recipients? WTF?
My half hour is up. I have to read about 75 pages tonight on how technology has made the world flat.
OH! And DSD is now EMPLOYED! Thank you for all of your happy thoughts! I think he may be working for the same company, in the same department where Fallenmonk works!
Coming to the end of Week 2 of Term IV. I am taking my introductary Political Science class, because, I still have one more to go... class that is. And I have to have a certain number of classes actually taken at Troy, so I decided a History minor would go well for me. And I am considering getting the Master's in History instead of Poli Sci, but who knows? I only know that the politics of the world make no sense, and I feel like I need to DO something. But what? With history, people should have DONE something, but I can't change it now.
Why are we bombing the snot out of Libya? It has nothing to do with the people of Libya, because there is mass slaughter all over the globe every day and we do nothing. Couldn't that money be spent on helping Japan? Or Haiti? Or New Jersey? (That was a joke!)
Did you know that the lungs of healthy, tall, skinny people can just COLLAPSE? Wow. BabyBoy was leaving after work this afternoon to go spend a couple of days visiting Hogwarts (where I was supposed to take him in January, but we went to DC in October instead) and he isn't going because his buddy's lung just collapsed this morning. The friend is at the hospital and will be for a bit. The MDs and PhDs explained it to me but what I retained is that the lining of the lungs of tall, skinny people are very very thin & they always have extra liquid in and around their organs. I've never been tall and skinny, and now I am neither, but that is a little disconcerting.
Why can't Congress pass a budget? Why are they so concerned about women's uteruses? What the hell happened to my precious state? Attempting to get rid of all the teachers, not paying the ones that are left, drug testing welfare recipients? WTF?
My half hour is up. I have to read about 75 pages tonight on how technology has made the world flat.
OH! And DSD is now EMPLOYED! Thank you for all of your happy thoughts! I think he may be working for the same company, in the same department where Fallenmonk works!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Awake the State!
Tuesday March 8, 2011 is the first day of the new Florida legislature. What have they been doing in the two months since they were sworn in? Who the heck knows? But so far all they seem to have managed is to annoy the crap out of a lot of people.
Rick Scott says no to high speed rail and the jobs and billions of dollars it will provide.. even after Senator Bill Nelson managed to get the towns on the I4 corridor to guarantee the additional money needed so the state will not be on the hook.
Senator Don Gaetz has introduced a bill declaring that medicaid recipients should be forced to lose weight, and stop smoking and drinking or stop receiving coverage.
Florida's proposed budget is set to drop all corporate taxes and property taxes (mine runs less than $800.00 a year) AND to cut funding to education, prisons, police forces, firefighters, and many OTHER public workers, while requiring them to pay more for health care and their retirement.
Does anyone else thing I have possibly moved to Wisconsin?
Well, I'm mad and I'm not going to take it anymore.
I will be at the Destin Commons next Tuesday night. I will be holding a sign. I may be holding a microphone. I have to get off Blogger and call the news media. It's time for Floridians to stand up and shout that we LIKE our middle class. We LIKE our teachers.
AWAKE THE STATE!
I signed on the organize this thing.. and now I am having heart palpitations!
Rick Scott says no to high speed rail and the jobs and billions of dollars it will provide.. even after Senator Bill Nelson managed to get the towns on the I4 corridor to guarantee the additional money needed so the state will not be on the hook.
Senator Don Gaetz has introduced a bill declaring that medicaid recipients should be forced to lose weight, and stop smoking and drinking or stop receiving coverage.
Florida's proposed budget is set to drop all corporate taxes and property taxes (mine runs less than $800.00 a year) AND to cut funding to education, prisons, police forces, firefighters, and many OTHER public workers, while requiring them to pay more for health care and their retirement.
Does anyone else thing I have possibly moved to Wisconsin?
Well, I'm mad and I'm not going to take it anymore.
I will be at the Destin Commons next Tuesday night. I will be holding a sign. I may be holding a microphone. I have to get off Blogger and call the news media. It's time for Floridians to stand up and shout that we LIKE our middle class. We LIKE our teachers.
AWAKE THE STATE!
I signed on the organize this thing.. and now I am having heart palpitations!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Obama Administration Drops Defense of DOMA!
Just when I am feeling really down about the fact that Wisconsin and Indiana are attempting to take away workers' right, about the fact that people are still listening to Beck, and Limbaugh is calling my First Lady FAT, just when I realize that may Canada won't be too cold.. something good happens.
It's another baby step, but according to this quick story from the Human Rights Campaign, it is a step in the right direction.. another step toward equality.
We have to appreciate the little steps, since the big ones aren't happening!
It's another baby step, but according to this quick story from the Human Rights Campaign, it is a step in the right direction.. another step toward equality.
We have to appreciate the little steps, since the big ones aren't happening!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Thanking Those Who Are Standing for Wisconsin Workers.
Wisconsin State Senator Chris Larson, who is one of the senators in hiding, laid out the stakes in an open letter and asked for our support:
The ability to organize and get fair treatment are qualities that built our country... If this bill moves forward in Wisconsin, rights in all America we have grown to take for granted will no longer be so reliable... If this passes here, it will pass in your state... It is an unprecedented attack on workers, their communities and our tradition of working with labor to move our state forward... I am seeking your support for the fight ahead of us.
http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/we_support_wisconsin/?r_by=16964-3389980-3wZ_8ux&rc=paste1
I signed the petition thanking those who did the only thing they could to prevent a complete government takeover of workers' rights. Please sign also.
The ability to organize and get fair treatment are qualities that built our country... If this bill moves forward in Wisconsin, rights in all America we have grown to take for granted will no longer be so reliable... If this passes here, it will pass in your state... It is an unprecedented attack on workers, their communities and our tradition of working with labor to move our state forward... I am seeking your support for the fight ahead of us.
http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/we_support_wisconsin/?r_by=16964-3389980-3wZ_8ux&rc=paste1
I signed the petition thanking those who did the only thing they could to prevent a complete government takeover of workers' rights. Please sign also.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
You Can Take Your Reform And...
This story was on the local news last night. Apparently Florida is going to tell D. C. to shove their Medicaid dollars if they (D.C.) doesn't want to play by Florida's rules. I hope those who elected Scott are happy. I also hope those who didn't vote are happy. I knew it was going to get bad, but....
On the radio this morning (NPR) which the righties also want to de-fund, had a nice story on the Medicaid Reform proposed by Florida Senator Don Gaetz. It is supposed to be unveiled this morning, but the little I got off the radio made my head explode.
Apparently Senator Gaetz (Republican) believes it is ok from the government to stick its nose even further into the business of the people of this state. According to the news story linked to above, "and provide incentives to stop drinking and smoking." Hey, great, providing incentives is great, right? But the story goes on to quote the Senator saying, "We say in the bill that we expect them to be engaged in a smoking sensation program that’s medically directed.”
We EXPECT. We DIRECT.
Do you know what this means? The Florida poor will be required to stop smoking, stop drinking, and lose weight or they will forfeit their medicaid.
I was very pleasant to the young man on the phone in the Senator's office, it's not his fault his boss is a jerk. I explained that this was unconstitutional because government does not have a right to make these demands, and he explained that the Senator felt this would save money for the state. I asked him how the Senator felt about abortion, because requiring women to bring unwanted, unloved children who couldn't be afforded into this world cost a lot also. He shut up.
This is such a slippery slope and this cannot be allowed to happen. People should want to be healthy. People should want to stop smoking, and lose weight. But allowing government to MAKE them will eventually mean allowing government to make other decisions for them.. for us, which includes who to marry, how/when/what to reproduce. Where to work. Where to live.
I also called my Florida Rep, just to tell her that I was against this bill, if it ever gets to the House. I have to go write Gaetz and explain myself further.
Wow, I am MAD. And really a little scared.
On the radio this morning (NPR) which the righties also want to de-fund, had a nice story on the Medicaid Reform proposed by Florida Senator Don Gaetz. It is supposed to be unveiled this morning, but the little I got off the radio made my head explode.
Apparently Senator Gaetz (Republican) believes it is ok from the government to stick its nose even further into the business of the people of this state. According to the news story linked to above, "and provide incentives to stop drinking and smoking." Hey, great, providing incentives is great, right? But the story goes on to quote the Senator saying, "We say in the bill that we expect them to be engaged in a smoking sensation program that’s medically directed.”
We EXPECT. We DIRECT.
Do you know what this means? The Florida poor will be required to stop smoking, stop drinking, and lose weight or they will forfeit their medicaid.
I was very pleasant to the young man on the phone in the Senator's office, it's not his fault his boss is a jerk. I explained that this was unconstitutional because government does not have a right to make these demands, and he explained that the Senator felt this would save money for the state. I asked him how the Senator felt about abortion, because requiring women to bring unwanted, unloved children who couldn't be afforded into this world cost a lot also. He shut up.
This is such a slippery slope and this cannot be allowed to happen. People should want to be healthy. People should want to stop smoking, and lose weight. But allowing government to MAKE them will eventually mean allowing government to make other decisions for them.. for us, which includes who to marry, how/when/what to reproduce. Where to work. Where to live.
I also called my Florida Rep, just to tell her that I was against this bill, if it ever gets to the House. I have to go write Gaetz and explain myself further.
Wow, I am MAD. And really a little scared.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Let's Face The Facts
I believe that I have posted on my belief that the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional before, but I only have a few minutes, so I am not going to hunt it up right now. There is a long list of reasons that people should be allowed to marry whomever they choose (yea, sorry, even bigamy doesn't freak me out as long as it CONSENSUAL among ADULTS), but I was just reading an article on The Huffington Post and I realized that my reasoning for declaring it unconstitutional is different than that of the author's.
Professor Stone says that DOMA is unconstitutional due to the 14th amendment's Equal Protection Clause which was put into place after the Civil War to try to ensure equality for those who had been slaves. But I have always felt that Article IV Section 1, aka, the Full Faith and Credit Clause should be called into action first. That article states that each state must give credit to any acts, records, or judicial proceedings of any other state. It is the reason that DSD and I are married everywhere we go. It is also the reason that, if I moved out of Florida, I would still be responsible for paying the mortgage on my house here. Or the mortgage company could come after me. No matter where I live.
So when ONE state made marriage between same sex couples legal, then every other state is LEGALLY bound to recognize that marriage. A same sex couple should be allowed to marry in Hawaii (great place to get married!!) and return home to Montana and set up housekeeping, be covered on each other's health insurance, file taxes, and fight like every other married couple. They should also be allowed to divorce. In Montana. According to Article IV Section 1.
So between me & Professor Stone, we should have this sorted out in a few hours and we can get back to the issues with the economy.* Sweet.
*Allowing same sex couples to marry would be a HUGE boost to the economy, wouldn't it? One of my friends is getting married in a couple of weeks. Over $22,000. On one day. And I thought the $5,000 we spent was a little over the top!
Professor Stone says that DOMA is unconstitutional due to the 14th amendment's Equal Protection Clause which was put into place after the Civil War to try to ensure equality for those who had been slaves. But I have always felt that Article IV Section 1, aka, the Full Faith and Credit Clause should be called into action first. That article states that each state must give credit to any acts, records, or judicial proceedings of any other state. It is the reason that DSD and I are married everywhere we go. It is also the reason that, if I moved out of Florida, I would still be responsible for paying the mortgage on my house here. Or the mortgage company could come after me. No matter where I live.
So when ONE state made marriage between same sex couples legal, then every other state is LEGALLY bound to recognize that marriage. A same sex couple should be allowed to marry in Hawaii (great place to get married!!) and return home to Montana and set up housekeeping, be covered on each other's health insurance, file taxes, and fight like every other married couple. They should also be allowed to divorce. In Montana. According to Article IV Section 1.
So between me & Professor Stone, we should have this sorted out in a few hours and we can get back to the issues with the economy.* Sweet.
*Allowing same sex couples to marry would be a HUGE boost to the economy, wouldn't it? One of my friends is getting married in a couple of weeks. Over $22,000. On one day. And I thought the $5,000 we spent was a little over the top!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Are You Spreading Love or Hate?
I have been very annoyed by the fact that Blogger lost my really awesome post about hate, and I have not had much time to do anything except get through last week's mid-terms (I know this is college and all, but don't you think 2 quizzes, a mid-term, a discussion board post, and a project rough draft due all on the same day.. which was Super Bowl Sunday.. was a bit much for ONE stinking class?).
But several weeks ago, my ex-husband's new wife (who is a Facebook friend, and someone I normally enjoy IRL) posted a link to a free book written by Dr. James Dobson. It was titled, "Daddys and Daughters" and she is ordering this for her little girls, or maybe for their father, and, trust me, he could use the help with his parenting skills. I mentioned that I was pretty certain that Dr. Dobson spreads hatred about homosexuals and that he was the one who want after that poor Teletubby (I was wrong, it was Spongebob he didn't like), and that I was not certain that she wanted that sort of information around her girls. (BabyBoy's 2nd little sister was born Thanksgiving weekend, so there is now a 3 year old and a 2 month old).
The conversation did not go well from there. She asked for proof, I provided links. A friend of hers told me that I didn't know what I was talking about, and she (BabyBoy's step mother) explained that she had been raised reading Dr. Dobson, and that he didn't HATE gays, he LOVES everyone, he just believes that homosexuality is a sin. Then came the $64,000 question, "I believe that homosexuality is a sin," she typed, "do you believe that I am spreading hate?"
I admit it. I chickened out and just didn't answer her.
Because yes, telling others, especially young children, that homosexuality is a sin IS SPREADING HATE. While the Bible tells us that we should hate the sin, but love the sinner, most of us are a little too human for that. So being told that a person's lifestyle (one that I believe is NOT CHOSEN) is something that God disagrees with gives others the right to disagree with it. Being told that homosexuals are going to hell is spreading hate. And if the person that you are explaining all of this to just happens to realize that she is gay one day, now you have spread fear.
I don't believe there is a parent in any land who has a child and looks down into its sleeping face and prays that that child will be gay. I would almost bet that homosexuals do not pray that their children will be gay. It is a difficult life fraught with uncertainty, and, sadly, at times danger.
We have come a long way in this country toward accepting homosexuality as normal, but not far enough. And will never be truly equal, or truly free, if people continue to raise their children to hate and the hatred is continuously being spread.
Even if that hatred is as innocuous as labeling a person's lifestyle as a sin.
But several weeks ago, my ex-husband's new wife (who is a Facebook friend, and someone I normally enjoy IRL) posted a link to a free book written by Dr. James Dobson. It was titled, "Daddys and Daughters" and she is ordering this for her little girls, or maybe for their father, and, trust me, he could use the help with his parenting skills. I mentioned that I was pretty certain that Dr. Dobson spreads hatred about homosexuals and that he was the one who want after that poor Teletubby (I was wrong, it was Spongebob he didn't like), and that I was not certain that she wanted that sort of information around her girls. (BabyBoy's 2nd little sister was born Thanksgiving weekend, so there is now a 3 year old and a 2 month old).
The conversation did not go well from there. She asked for proof, I provided links. A friend of hers told me that I didn't know what I was talking about, and she (BabyBoy's step mother) explained that she had been raised reading Dr. Dobson, and that he didn't HATE gays, he LOVES everyone, he just believes that homosexuality is a sin. Then came the $64,000 question, "I believe that homosexuality is a sin," she typed, "do you believe that I am spreading hate?"
I admit it. I chickened out and just didn't answer her.
Because yes, telling others, especially young children, that homosexuality is a sin IS SPREADING HATE. While the Bible tells us that we should hate the sin, but love the sinner, most of us are a little too human for that. So being told that a person's lifestyle (one that I believe is NOT CHOSEN) is something that God disagrees with gives others the right to disagree with it. Being told that homosexuals are going to hell is spreading hate. And if the person that you are explaining all of this to just happens to realize that she is gay one day, now you have spread fear.
I don't believe there is a parent in any land who has a child and looks down into its sleeping face and prays that that child will be gay. I would almost bet that homosexuals do not pray that their children will be gay. It is a difficult life fraught with uncertainty, and, sadly, at times danger.
We have come a long way in this country toward accepting homosexuality as normal, but not far enough. And will never be truly equal, or truly free, if people continue to raise their children to hate and the hatred is continuously being spread.
Even if that hatred is as innocuous as labeling a person's lifestyle as a sin.
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!
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