And Oh No You Didn't

How much farther with this go? I truly thought that once health care was instated and the hulabaloo was over, the conservative right would calm the freak down, possibly regroup for their next strategy for whatever non productive stance they wanted to take on next and move on. Wow was I wrong.

The death threats are ridiculous. The hatred is absurd and non serving to anyone. And the lies are rampant. I think that’s the part that has my anger up more than anything. It seems that the lambs of the GOP are willing to believe anything they are told regardless as to whether it’s the truth or not. Listen up lambs and listen up good. KNOW YOUR FACTS BEFORE YOU SPEW VENOM.

The one that slays me the most is that health care reform was done behind closed doors. This was brought to the light again by a recent CNN clip that is currently viral on Facebook and other social media sites. Funny, if it was so secretive, why did I watch it all live stream on my computer at work? Why is it I could find the bipartisan summit on most major networks and CNN? I watched that live stream from work as well.

How many of those who are buying into the BS bothered to listen to the State of the Union address explaining health care reform? The Congress vote? The health care reform summit? How many of the naysayers have read any of the reform bill itself? I’m betting none or very few. I have followed its entire journey from the get go and am pleased to say that other than the comprises that were agreed upon and made public, the bill stands as it was originally presented. There are no hidden agendas. There are no behind closed door decisions. It was all out there. As someone who works roughly 60 hours per week, if I can take the time to be educated, anyone can.

But here’s the rub. They don’t want to be. They don’t want to know the truth and they don’t want you to know it either. And it doesn’t make very interesting copy for the media to report, Health Care Reform Passes ~ Everyone is Happy! And no one wants to look back and say they are wrong. People think it’s better to keep the pot stirred than to sit back and see what happens and how it benefits the populous. Or doesn’t. But in the meantime, the anger, aggression and flat out confrontational lies get no one anywhere.

Here are some facts for you. After HCR passed, recent polls showed that the popularity of the bill increased by 9% over GOP opinion previously stated. Another fact. The DOW and NASDAQ finished higher than it had in years the day the bill was signed. I got bad news for the GOP. America is happy.

I have some things to ask of you. Don’t believe every thing you hear. Take some time and do your homework. I recently asked someone who said to me…..”well Obama is going to …[fill in your favorite]….” I asked them, show me where he said that. They said, …“well I can’t. All I know is what I’m told..” And who told you? Rush Limbaugh or someone else who is obviously misinformed? The next time someone spews the trash at you, simply ask them to show you where that is stated. I have found that shuts the majority of the ignorant down on the spot and hopefully gets them to think. A great source is the internet and http://www.factcheck.org/. That’s another great source to share with folks. But again, this will only work on those who want to be educated. That is worth saying again. FACTS ARE ONLY FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO BE EDUCATED. Let’s face it. There are plenty who and enjoying the fray and you will not change their minds. I live in a very red county and I should know. There is saying out there and you can make up your own mind if it’s worth it. One of my dearest friends once told me this. Don’t wrestle with a pig because the pig likes it and you just get muddy.

This girl is wiping off the mud and will continue to live in the truth and (dare I say it) be happy.

Sarah Palin's Debate Flow Chart

I Just Don't Get It

A lot of attention has recently come up regarding unfortunate comments made by Jesse Jackson. When it read things like this, it never fails to shock me. I guess the wagon left me behind because I don't see this campaign as a "black man" running as much as I see what he stands for and what he can do for our country.

Yes, I'm excited that we are on the threshold of electing our first African/American president but I am far more consumed by what he stands for and how the changes he is set to make will influence not only this nation but rather the world. I really, really wish people could get on THAT wagon and stop dropping the race card.

Someone once told me that there are African Amercians and there are *that degrogitory word that I won't even type* and there are white people and there is white trash or . Why must good and evil be segrigated? Why can't we simply acknowledge that there are now and always will be good and bad in this world and stop lumping them into racial divides?

Barack Obama is a man who can lead this free country and make some positive changes. Can't we start to LISTEN to him rather than just LOOKING at him?

Barack on the Economy

Unification

Today I just got angry. I have not been a Hillary hater. But I have clearly not been a Billary supporter either. I was a big Edwards fan and those of you who have followed my blog know this. But since his dismissal I've fallen back on a favorite since the last Democratic convention. My only fear was whether or not this was his time.

I am now convinced that it is. The only thing that could make me happier is if he chose John Edwards as his running mate, something I am told will likely never happen. Heaven help you all if it does because I will become insufferable!

Back to Billary. She's been caught in some unfortunate lies and actions that have painted her in a less than perfect light. I've been told since I was a kid that if it walks like a duck, talk likes a duck, chances are, it's a duck. And now, her desire for sheer limelight is just beginning to agrivate me.

Some say she's lining herself up in the event that Obama does badly or to unseat McCain in 12. Whatever the reason, say goodnight already, IRENE! Staying in the race can only paint her in a negative light at this point. It's like the kareoke person who won't sit down, the bad comedian who keeps telling the same sad jokes over and over again and if it were the Gong Show I would have reached for the hammer a month ago. Once she saw after the last big delegate day that her hopes were imminently dashed, grace says she should have taken her final bow.

Now, today I have to ask myself....If she cannot unify her own party at this point, what makes anyone think she can unify this country? I would have far more respect for her and give her a harder look in 2012, if it were warranted, if she handled herself in a manner that gave me reason to do so. At this point, she is Uncle Sal who stays too long after Thanksgiving dinner to the point where you roll your eyes, offer to drive him home and do whatever it takes for him to end his overstated welcome.

The reasonable thing for her to do is bow out, support her candidate, back him with all her might, tell the truth and put herself in a good place to run again in 8 years when Obama has finished his term. If she were willing to so, I'm betting he would repay the favor and back her whole heartedly.

Come on Hillary. Do what's best for your party to support it and stop expecting it to support you. In doing so, you may just give yourself another chance.

Do We Want This in the White House?

In an interview with MSNBC’s Chris Matthews, (Terry)McAuliffe referred to surveys of voters as they left their polling places which showed Clinton running most strongly among less-educated white voters, among whom she won nearly 75 percent support.

She SCORES!!!

And the game goes into overtime. With sudden death on the line you can bet that both sides will be in the shot gun and blitz positions. There is no time to lose and the entire season rests on the play that is called next. What will it be? I didn't see that one coming. Did you John?

It's Third Down and Long

On this eve of what could be the most pivotal part of the Democratic election primaries, Hillary Clinton faces a third down and long. She's in the pocket and the defense is blitzing. She needs to strike it big with her receivers or she is most likely in a punt situation. This is the moment of the game that all the fans on both sides of the playing field are huddled together asking their Higher Power "pleeeeeeeeezzzzz". Both sides holding their breath. If she hits a strike with her receivers, then its' a first down and goal to go. If she misses, then she is in a punt situation or risk another miss on a fourth down and the game is over. The fans of Barack are anticipating the Hail Mary or (if you're a Raider fan) the Ghost to the Post. Am I REALLY that old???? They hope for an incomplete pass or better yet, an interception and hopefully the run back for the touchdown. If that's the case, you know who will be the last one in the foot race to throw that final shoe string tackle attempt.

So what will it be? Which side will finish the conference championships tomorrow victorious? And who will be sent home to watch the Big Show from the couch?

Thank you, Travis G!

I stole this from Travis G's Blog. It was too good not to pass on!

Now Why Would He Say That?

As an avid watcher of the Today Show, I saw where President Bush defended Bill Clinton. He said that he understood President Clinton defending his wife and campaigning for her. He went on to say that he didn't believe what some media was saying regarding the former President as a racist. He said he just didn't see where that had any truth to it.

Hmmmm......now its long been known that there is no love loss between the Clinton's and the Bush's through the years. So why would W come out now in defense of his father's former rival? I pondered that myself until I came up with this.

Bush (obviously) supports the war. McCain is a huge supporter of the war. In fact, he believes the more troops the better. The longer we are there, the better. Wouldn't he be perfect to continue Bush politics? YES! Then by supporting Hillary, what does that say? It says in the world according to Bush, the Republican party has a better chance staying in power if Clinton gets the Democratic nod over Obama. He thinks Clinton will be easier to beat in November than Obama. That is the ONLY reason this presidency would advocate a Clinton on any grounds.

The best part about this? That Bush mentions it at all. Oh yes. It appears that the Republican party is looking at the Democrats with a new set of eyes. Eyes that see a possibility of reclaiming the White House since the Clinton's owned it between Bush's. Could there be any other reason for this mention? You tell me.

What a Mystery to Me

I was raised as an only child and due to this, I didn't grow up having to share points of view with siblings, though I was raised by parents who could not have been more of the polar opposite of myself. Because of this, I tend to think that the way I think should be the way other people think too. Are you with me? Anyone else feel this way? That if the world saw things as I/you do, that their would not be the problems there are today? Well, obviously, that is not the case.

I look at the past 20 years of the White House and I can't say I'm happy with how it has gone. We've done the Bush/Clinton/Bush and possibly the Clinton thing again and all I can ask of you is, "how's that working out for ya?" Are you making all the money you want to be making? How are your taxes looking for you this year? Are you able to put your kids through college? Do you have a son or daughter that could be looking at a draft if a certain someone who supports this war and doesn't mind seeing it go on indefinately? Are you making your house payments comfortably? If you are like me, the above mentioned are areas of concern for many of us. And yet, I see a nation that is so reluctant to change. I see that the majority of Republicans are in favor of this war. I see the middle and lower middle class continue to take it in the shorts as the rest of us struggle to keep our heads above water. And more disconcerting yet, I see people who don't even know who is running and who they stand for. I saw on a bumper sticker the other day. It said, "if you aren't outraged, you aren't paying attention". I, for one, am outraged. I hear people talk of change and yet when it's time for the polls, I see people time and time again make the same decision over and over again. They vote for a repeat of the continued disasters that are currently plaguing this country. So why not take that leap? Why not make a vote for change? Are people afraid that things will actually get worse? Or maybe they will get better and then no one will have excuses for their continued failure to thrive. I for one am in favor of positive change and a better life for me and my kids. Come on, won't you join me in Christyland and make a better world for all of us? At least think about it.

Ending Poverty - The Purpose of His Life

Oh My....

I found this on Stumble. I thought I'd share....

Dear Red States:

We're ticked off at the way you've treated California, and we've decided we're leaving. We intend to form our own country, and we're taking the other Blue States with us.

In case you aren't aware, that includes Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and the entire Northeast. We believe this split will be beneficial to the nation, and especially to the people of the new country of New California.

To sum up briefly: You get Texas, Oklahoma and all the slave states. We get stem cell research and the best beaches. We get Elliot Spitzer. You get Ken Lay. We get the Statue of Liberty. You get OpryLand. We get Intel and Microsoft. You get WorldCom. We get Harvard. You get Ole' Miss. We get 85 percent of America’s venture capital and entrepreneurs. You get Alabama. We get two-thirds of the tax revenue; you get to make the red states pay their fair share.

Since our aggregate divorce rate is 22 percent lower than the Christian Coalition's, we get a bunch of happy families. You get a bunch of single moms. Please be aware that Nuevo California will be pro-choice and anti-war, and we're going to want all our citizens back from Iraq at once. If you need people to fight, ask your evangelicals. They have kids they're apparently willing to send to their deaths for no purpose, and they don't care if you don't show pictures of their children's caskets coming home.

With the Blue States in hand, we will have firm control of 80 percent of the country's fresh water, more than 90 percent of the pineapple and lettuce, 92 percent of the nation's fresh fruit, 95 percent of America's quality wines (you can serve French wines at state dinners)
90 percent of all cheese, 90 percent of the high tech industry, most of the U.S. low-sulfur coal, all living redwoods, sequoias and condors, all the Ivy and Seven Sister schools, plus Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Cal Tech and MIT.

With the Red States, on the other hand, you will have to cope with 88 percent of all obese Americans (and their projected health care costs), 92 percent of all U.S. mosquitoes, nearly 100 percent of the tornadoes, 90 percent of the hurricanes, 99 percent of all Southern Baptists, virtually 100 percent of all televangelists, Rush Limbaugh, Bob Jones University, Clemson and the University of Georgia. We get Hollywood and Yosemite, thank you.

Additionally, 38 percent of those in the Red states believe Jonah was actually swallowed by a whale, 62 percent believe life is sacred unless we're discussing the death penalty or gun laws, 44 percent say that evolution is only a theory, 53 percent that Saddam was involved in 9/11 and 61 percent of you crazy bastards believe you are people with higher morals than we lefties.
By the way, we have all the good pot, too. You can have that dirt weed they grow in Mexico.

— Anonymous in California

Kerry Endorses Obama?????

Wow...I was shocked to hear that one. Before I go on, I have to tell you that I am having a BLAST with this years political season. It is fair that you should know that I am liberal. But I am a different liberal. Well...not necassarily. You see, I feel that in the election past that a hard line got drawn between "christian conservatives" and "Godless liberals". I think that line is so wrong on so many levels. I believe in a woman's right to chose, gay rights and many other issues that put me in the liberal half. On the other hand. I support my troops even though I do not support the war. I am patriotic and I salute my flag and all the values it stands for. And I whole heartedly love my Lord and Savior. In conversations I have had with other liberals, I don't think I stand alone. I am in favor of getting rid of that line. In this election, I favor John Edwards, Barack Obama and Hillary. In that order. I love Barack's stance on unity and I think it would do this country a world of good. But I digress. Okay...enough about my political background. Let's just say...democrat through and through.

But what a slap in the face for John Edwards. I understand that John has been fairly vocal (with Jay Leno) that running for second chair in 2004 was no picnic but for Kerry to openly endorse Obama has to be somewhat of an injury for Edwards. Regardless of what this does for Obama, it does not bode well for the character of Kerry. Why? What would motivate him to endorse someone other than his former running mate? Would Kerry ever run again? Does he feel that if he chose to do so that Obama would be easier to take the nomination from? I just feel that this is a blatant nose thumbing at his former running mate and I'm having a hard time understanding why. If class were to play into this election which it almost never does, I would think that not endorsing anyone would be far more favorable than endorsing someone other than the one you have had past ties with. Thoughts? Please share.

On another note. If John Edward had the press coverage that Obama and Clinton have had, I think he would have faired far better than he did in New Hampshire. As my 15 year old son said, Edwards just doesn't have the contraversy that Obama and Clinton have. He's your average white guy that worked hard to get to where he is in life. He refuses big business money so that he does not "owe" them if elected. Kinda boring. And yet, so in touch with what this country needs.

I adore Barack Obama. And I will support him if he is our candidate. I just think it might (might) be a little too soon for him. John brings humanity, honesty and integrity to this election. If you haven't looked at him before, please look at him now.

Happy Election Day!

In our current corrupt society, it's hard to get geared up to go out and vote. Oh I'm not just talking about our current presidential state of the union, I'm talking about every day politics. You don't know who is telling the truth. You don't know if what they say is really what they mean or their true beliefs. And it's often hard to decipher what is the true (or hidden) meaning in a ballot measure. I can't fix or explain the intent of who is running for election or what how you should vote a measure that is being presented by your state. What I do know is that if you don't educate yourself, if you don't take the time to fill out your ballot or get out and vote, you don't have the right to complain if you aren't satisfied with the state of your government.

For example: I live in the eastern part of Oregon in a rural community. Most of our statewide measures are decided in the more metropolitan west side of the state. As I mentioned, I live in Oregon. Most national politicians do not see us as a "must win" state. But I vote. I vote every election. I study my voters pamphlet. I get as educated as I can on the issues at stake and I vote. Yes it takes time. But a lot went into giving me that right and I take it seriously. Get informed. Take a stand and vote!

Ann Coulter...GET HELP!

I try very hard not to mix politics with my business blog but this is worth mentioning. Did anyone else happen to see the once again embarrassing interview with Ann Coulter on the Today Show yesterday? Does she really represent the Republican party well? Do Republicans really look to her and say, "Yes Ann! That's exactly who we are and how we feel!"? I watched her interview yesterday and didn't feel the usual contempt I feel for her. Instead I just felt embarrassed for her like you do for a parent who's child has just behaved badly or for the pre teenager who means to say something intelligent and ends up with an ill-timed and unfortunate comment instead. It's the inner cringe factor that makes you almost pity that person. I said "almost". She is the perfect example that we tell our daughters, "pretty is as pretty does". Her soul is ugly and thereby erasing any physical beauty she had the potential of possessing. As I watch her I also have to wonder about the possibilty of arrested developement. Her comments are so void of intelligence and maturity that I have to wonder about an underlying disorder. I will not honor Ann Coulter ever again by mentioning her here. I will not post her photo or a video of her spewing her mess on society. I will NEVER purchase anything that will put a single dollar in her pocket. I do not find her intelligent, insightful or, above all, productive in doing anything that helps people or contributes to society. Not only do I wonder if Republicans cringe at her bottom dwelling comments on behalf of their party, but I have a hard time believing that Christ looks down upon her and says, "Yes my child. That is exactly the message I want to deliver".

Oprah! Answer Your Fax!

Yeah...it's been that day. The one where you chase your tail ... the one where you just can't get Oprah to pick up her fax. But in my attempts to reach Oprah today, I got to thinking about how many people want her to run for office. And then I got to thinking about the candidates debate. Who is your favorite? Are we ready for Hillary? I don't dislike Hillary. She is third on my list right now. Edwards is #1 (how can you not love him?) and Barack is my #2. I want him to be president in the worst way but not just yet. I like what Hillary has to say and I will definatley vote for her if she is The One. But what about Oprah and celebrities running for office? Are you for it or against it? Are they really ready to take the office or do they run on a popularity ticket? And do we really know what candidates stand for or do just know what their supports pay for them to endorse. Back to chasing my tail.