An earlier (crude) poem I wrote for my friends Jack & Angie were a tribute to their telling me the horrors of "The Lemon Party". Here I am, just days after Angie has passed. Trying to know how to deal with the cycle of life...and death.
What bothers me most is my inability to know how to share final moments and memories with her when I could. As friends, you do not want to intrude on others as they go through the ugliness of cancer. Chemo, X-Rays, hospital visits, recovery etc. I had wanted to see Angie, I wanted to take her and Jack a "bucket of chicken" so they wouldn't have to cook and worry about the "little" things. Jack kept telling me she wasn't ready, or they were just busy or she was not wanting visitors.
I understood and respected this. After all we are not "family". However, aren't we ALL family? Aren't we all sharing in the experience that is this physical life together? Aren't we all somehow, some way connected through the human experience? Should our love for them have exceeded my respect for their privacy.
I feel selfish for feeling this way. Who am I? It's not my place. But I don't give a shit. I NEEDED to see Angie and to express my love somehow some way. I didn't have that opportunity and I honestly fear it will haunt me for the rest of MY life.
How to I resolve this? Resign myself to the fact that it was as they/she would have wanted it? Who the hell am I to intrude on their time in her life? Or do I just accept it as fate? I just don't know. My wife got to walk with her several times as she was working on increasing her energy just days before she left us. That was THEIR time. That was my wife's way to share her compassion, her love and her final moments with Angie. Why did I not get that same opportunity?! I'm so torn between my love and respect for their need to suffer privately and their need to share EVERY possible (physical) moment THEY could together; and my need for closure.
I guess I need to get over MYSELF, instead, I need to thank God that I had the opportunity to know someone as special...as BEAUTIFUL as Angie is (and always will be). I need to look at the moments that I did get to share with her and just be thankful that I was fortunate and blessed enough to share some of those moments with her. She has impacted me in so many ways...I only hope that wherever she is now, that a piece of ME and the moments that we shared are with her now too.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Obama Haters and my response
I received an email from a friend today. I have had MORE than one person say something along these lines regarding Barack Obama. I am a RON PAUL man myself, but this is the exact kind of fascist stuff I receive that I feel I have to correct and educate people on. So first is the original email as sent to me. Second is my response to my friend explaining the reality, I only chose to hit upon a couple of points to make my case. Thankfully, my friend asked me for the skinny, as he knew I would actually give a good answer (I think). lol. Enjoy and please feel free to comment:
"Why vote for Barack Obama"?
Who is Barack Obama?
Very interesting and something that should be considered in your
choice.
If you do not ever forward anything else, please forward this to all
your contacts...this is very scary to think of what lies ahead of us
here in our own United States...better heed this and pray about it and share it.
We checked this out on "snopes.com". It is factual. Check for yourself.
Who is Barack Obama?
Probable U. S. presidential candidate, Barack Hussein Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Barack Hussein Obama, Sr., a black MUSLIM from Nyangoma-Kogel, Kenya and Ann Dunham, a white ATHIEST from Wichita, Kansas.
Obama's parents met at the University of Hawaii. When Obama was two years old, his parents divorced. His father returned to Kenya. His mother then married Lolo Soetoro, a RADICAL Muslim from Indonesia.
When Obama was 6 years old, the family relocate to Indonesia. Obama attended a MUSLIM school in Jakarta. He also spent two years in a Catholic school.
Obama takes great care to conceal the fact that he is a Muslim. He is quick to point out that, "He was once a Muslim, but that he also attended Catholic school."
Obama's political handlers are attempting to make it appear that he is not a radical.
Obama's introduction to Islam came via his father, and that this influence was temporary at best. In reality, the senior Obama returned to Kenya soon after the divorce, and never again had any direct influence over his son's education.
Lolo Soetoro, the second husband of Obama's mother, Ann Dunham, introduced his stepson to Islam. Obama was enrolled in a Wahabi school in Jakarta.
Wahabism is the RADICAL teaching that is followed by the Muslim terrorists who are now waging Jihad against the western world. Since it is politically expedient to be a CHRISTIAN when seeking major public office in the United States, Barack Hussein Obama has joined the United Church of Christ in an attempt to downplay his Muslim background. ALSO, keep in mind that when he was sworn into office he DID NOT use the Holy Bible, but instead the Koran.
Barack Hussein Obama will NOT recite the Pledge of Allegience nor will he show any reverence for our flag. While others place their hands over their hearts, Obama turns his back to the flag and slouches.
Let us all remain alert concerning Obama's expected presidential candidacy.
The Muslims have said they plan on destroying the US from the inside out, what better way to start than at the highest level - through the President of the United States, one of their own!!!!
Please forward to everyone you know. Would you want this man leading our country?...... NOT ME!!!
Now for my response:
No problem:
In America, there is a thing we have called "Freedom of Religion". It's called our First Amendment to the Constitution:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
This means calling someone out because they are an Atheist (as his mother was) or are Muslim (as his father was) is not only FASCIST, but just plain wrong. He cannot help what religion his parents were or weren't. In addition, if you look, he is currently (and has been for DECADES) a practicing Christian and claims himself to be a Christian and has raised his kids to be Christians in a Christian church with his Christian wife.
The wording of the email below is scary (fascist) for several reasons.
"When Obama was 6 years old, the family relocate to Indonesia. Obama attended a MUSLIM school in Jakarta. He also spent two years in a Catholic school."
Ok...like he said hey dad, I'm SIX...we live in freakin' JAKARTA where 86% (EIGHTY SIX PERCENT) of the population is Islamic with the rest of the population being 6% Protestant, 4% Roman Catholic, and the other 4% being Hindu and Buddhist. Hey Dad...I'm six...put me in a CHRISTIAN school? WTF? The kid wouldn't know to do that!?!
That's like us saying, hey I'm an American, but I was born in Utah, I attended a MORMON school. Umm, that doesn't necessarily MAKE you mormon does it?
Also, it claims that Snopes verifies this type of garbage. I beg to differ...check this out. http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/muslim.asp
It just goes to show how some people can twist small details, take them out of context and try to create a fear based on the unknown or the exaggerated. Now you know, hope this helped.
"Why vote for Barack Obama"?
Who is Barack Obama?
Very interesting and something that should be considered in your
choice.
If you do not ever forward anything else, please forward this to all
your contacts...this is very scary to think of what lies ahead of us
here in our own United States...better heed this and pray about it and share it.
We checked this out on "snopes.com". It is factual. Check for yourself.
Who is Barack Obama?
Probable U. S. presidential candidate, Barack Hussein Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Barack Hussein Obama, Sr., a black MUSLIM from Nyangoma-Kogel, Kenya and Ann Dunham, a white ATHIEST from Wichita, Kansas.
Obama's parents met at the University of Hawaii. When Obama was two years old, his parents divorced. His father returned to Kenya. His mother then married Lolo Soetoro, a RADICAL Muslim from Indonesia.
When Obama was 6 years old, the family relocate to Indonesia. Obama attended a MUSLIM school in Jakarta. He also spent two years in a Catholic school.
Obama takes great care to conceal the fact that he is a Muslim. He is quick to point out that, "He was once a Muslim, but that he also attended Catholic school."
Obama's political handlers are attempting to make it appear that he is not a radical.
Obama's introduction to Islam came via his father, and that this influence was temporary at best. In reality, the senior Obama returned to Kenya soon after the divorce, and never again had any direct influence over his son's education.
Lolo Soetoro, the second husband of Obama's mother, Ann Dunham, introduced his stepson to Islam. Obama was enrolled in a Wahabi school in Jakarta.
Wahabism is the RADICAL teaching that is followed by the Muslim terrorists who are now waging Jihad against the western world. Since it is politically expedient to be a CHRISTIAN when seeking major public office in the United States, Barack Hussein Obama has joined the United Church of Christ in an attempt to downplay his Muslim background. ALSO, keep in mind that when he was sworn into office he DID NOT use the Holy Bible, but instead the Koran.
Barack Hussein Obama will NOT recite the Pledge of Allegience nor will he show any reverence for our flag. While others place their hands over their hearts, Obama turns his back to the flag and slouches.
Let us all remain alert concerning Obama's expected presidential candidacy.
The Muslims have said they plan on destroying the US from the inside out, what better way to start than at the highest level - through the President of the United States, one of their own!!!!
Please forward to everyone you know. Would you want this man leading our country?...... NOT ME!!!
Now for my response:
No problem:
In America, there is a thing we have called "Freedom of Religion". It's called our First Amendment to the Constitution:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
This means calling someone out because they are an Atheist (as his mother was) or are Muslim (as his father was) is not only FASCIST, but just plain wrong. He cannot help what religion his parents were or weren't. In addition, if you look, he is currently (and has been for DECADES) a practicing Christian and claims himself to be a Christian and has raised his kids to be Christians in a Christian church with his Christian wife.
The wording of the email below is scary (fascist) for several reasons.
"When Obama was 6 years old, the family relocate to Indonesia. Obama attended a MUSLIM school in Jakarta. He also spent two years in a Catholic school."
Ok...like he said hey dad, I'm SIX...we live in freakin' JAKARTA where 86% (EIGHTY SIX PERCENT) of the population is Islamic with the rest of the population being 6% Protestant, 4% Roman Catholic, and the other 4% being Hindu and Buddhist. Hey Dad...I'm six...put me in a CHRISTIAN school? WTF? The kid wouldn't know to do that!?!
That's like us saying, hey I'm an American, but I was born in Utah, I attended a MORMON school. Umm, that doesn't necessarily MAKE you mormon does it?
Also, it claims that Snopes verifies this type of garbage. I beg to differ...check this out. http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/muslim.asp
It just goes to show how some people can twist small details, take them out of context and try to create a fear based on the unknown or the exaggerated. Now you know, hope this helped.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Vermillion
Vermillion is the beginning and the end
First light of morn purple violet hues
Broken by the bright white of the sun
Or the snow
Or the clouds
Not to be seen again for the rest of the day
Till the sun tumbles down
The clouds conceal the light
The snow makes colors blend
Like vermillion in the beginning...now the end
Summary: This is my rip-off of Robert Frosts' 'Nothing Gold Can Stay'. Vermillion is the color of sunrise and sunsets. I just thought of it today. Hope you like. Written 1/1/2008
First light of morn purple violet hues
Broken by the bright white of the sun
Or the snow
Or the clouds
Not to be seen again for the rest of the day
Till the sun tumbles down
The clouds conceal the light
The snow makes colors blend
Like vermillion in the beginning...now the end
Summary: This is my rip-off of Robert Frosts' 'Nothing Gold Can Stay'. Vermillion is the color of sunrise and sunsets. I just thought of it today. Hope you like. Written 1/1/2008
Ode to Jack & Angie & the "Lemon Party"
Eyes are shocked
All lines are crossed
The scenes I see are bold and embossed
I can’t believe just what I’ve seen
Man to man let’s talk old farty
And have yourself a lemon party
Not me of course it’s not my bag
I didn’t know what I saw that day
Old men face to face being gay
How was I to know what to expect
One man skinny the other a lardy
Damaged for life by the lemon party
Why did they tell me where to see
www dot was what they said
But by my looking I’m better off dead
I saw things I could have lived without
Old as dirt but hard as a rock
Grampa suckin what rhymes with dock
Thanks Jack, thanks Angie cause of you I’m scarred
My retina seared by what it did see
Searching for that lemon party
All lines are crossed
The scenes I see are bold and embossed
I can’t believe just what I’ve seen
Man to man let’s talk old farty
And have yourself a lemon party
Not me of course it’s not my bag
I didn’t know what I saw that day
Old men face to face being gay
How was I to know what to expect
One man skinny the other a lardy
Damaged for life by the lemon party
Why did they tell me where to see
www dot was what they said
But by my looking I’m better off dead
I saw things I could have lived without
Old as dirt but hard as a rock
Grampa suckin what rhymes with dock
Thanks Jack, thanks Angie cause of you I’m scarred
My retina seared by what it did see
Searching for that lemon party
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Second Time Around
Boiling blood in my veins runs through
Forgetting a love that I never knew
Come now my love move closer to swoon
Tonight you and I will sleep like spoons
Reveal your thoughts to me be assured
You aren't the first girl ever I lured
Into my trap, though bitter I seem
It seems after our first, all's been a dream
Don't look in my eyes, it may show the pain
I know you'll never love me again
Listen to my voice, let it hypnotize
But to play my game would be unwise
Let me entice, let me draw you in
Let me see if it's your love I can win
Ah, closer, yes, that's it...come very near
It's your soft sweet voice I long to hear
Yes, come closer still, I feel your heat
Beneath your breast I hear your heartbeat
Be wary though, for I may strike
With acts of passion and the like
I'm unfeeling, yet I cry
I'm in pain and I don't know why
I want this second chance you see
I want to hurt you like you hurt me
It should be simple, not hard to do
But all anger evaporates when I look at you
Damn...I hate you I loathe you, you cause me disgust
Please, I beg you to come closer, in me you can trust
Strange things are most certainly abound
Since you've come a second time around.
Written by Dan Johnson during his college years
Forgetting a love that I never knew
Come now my love move closer to swoon
Tonight you and I will sleep like spoons
Reveal your thoughts to me be assured
You aren't the first girl ever I lured
Into my trap, though bitter I seem
It seems after our first, all's been a dream
Don't look in my eyes, it may show the pain
I know you'll never love me again
Listen to my voice, let it hypnotize
But to play my game would be unwise
Let me entice, let me draw you in
Let me see if it's your love I can win
Ah, closer, yes, that's it...come very near
It's your soft sweet voice I long to hear
Yes, come closer still, I feel your heat
Beneath your breast I hear your heartbeat
Be wary though, for I may strike
With acts of passion and the like
I'm unfeeling, yet I cry
I'm in pain and I don't know why
I want this second chance you see
I want to hurt you like you hurt me
It should be simple, not hard to do
But all anger evaporates when I look at you
Damn...I hate you I loathe you, you cause me disgust
Please, I beg you to come closer, in me you can trust
Strange things are most certainly abound
Since you've come a second time around.
Written by Dan Johnson during his college years
Protest
Look down the silos
Look towards the sky
Look in the country's heart
Look at the darkness
Look at the blood
See that the soul is dark
Oh, but that's not why we compromise
Spreading the "truth" but hiding the lies
How many people are gonna die
Oh the time to act is now
We've got movies for weapons
And Weapons for movies
And all things in-between
We've got missiles in the water
And missiles in the air
Oh the time to act is now
And it's time that we all crack down
Shooting stars and shooting men
They never think of now or then
They only want to win my friend
Oh and the time to act is NOW
THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW!
Written by Dan Johnson during his college years
Look towards the sky
Look in the country's heart
Look at the darkness
Look at the blood
See that the soul is dark
Oh, but that's not why we compromise
Spreading the "truth" but hiding the lies
How many people are gonna die
Oh the time to act is now
We've got movies for weapons
And Weapons for movies
And all things in-between
We've got missiles in the water
And missiles in the air
Oh the time to act is now
And it's time that we all crack down
Shooting stars and shooting men
They never think of now or then
They only want to win my friend
Oh and the time to act is NOW
THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW!
Written by Dan Johnson during his college years
Strength in Nature
A bubbling river over pebbles doth run
Much like the heat from the rays of the sun
In September the leaves of a tree doth fall
Sounding much lik a whooperwill's distant call
Soft almost silent yet for those who know
It cometh like the air of a trumpets blow
All things in comparison are much to the like
Yet all things differ from forest glade to mountain peak
A beauty is evident in all that is seen
And we must tell the children we ween
Nature was here long before man
Nature's survival was God's master plan
A tree can stand for all eternity
Such an ancient thing is magnificent to see
Nature shall strive over any tribe or race
Even when Satan rears his ugly face
Nature is strong, it will never fall
Nature survives below nothing, above all
Written by Dan Johnson during his college years.
Much like the heat from the rays of the sun
In September the leaves of a tree doth fall
Sounding much lik a whooperwill's distant call
Soft almost silent yet for those who know
It cometh like the air of a trumpets blow
All things in comparison are much to the like
Yet all things differ from forest glade to mountain peak
A beauty is evident in all that is seen
And we must tell the children we ween
Nature was here long before man
Nature's survival was God's master plan
A tree can stand for all eternity
Such an ancient thing is magnificent to see
Nature shall strive over any tribe or race
Even when Satan rears his ugly face
Nature is strong, it will never fall
Nature survives below nothing, above all
Written by Dan Johnson during his college years.
Divided
The white man
In his white robes
They burn their crosses
A sacreligious deed
The black man
In his gold chains
They shoot their own
All out of greed
Together we stand
Divided we fall
What will help us through it all
God created
Men Destroy
Destroying the world
With dangerous toys
God is good, God is great
Man is filled with greed and hate
Let us stop this endless chain
Man has endured too much pain
Slaves from the South have fought with pride
To free themselves from chains
Jews have fought Hitlers genocide
After him, few remained
United we stand
Divided we fall
How will we live through it all?
Written by Dan Johnson in his college years
In his white robes
They burn their crosses
A sacreligious deed
The black man
In his gold chains
They shoot their own
All out of greed
Together we stand
Divided we fall
What will help us through it all
God created
Men Destroy
Destroying the world
With dangerous toys
God is good, God is great
Man is filled with greed and hate
Let us stop this endless chain
Man has endured too much pain
Slaves from the South have fought with pride
To free themselves from chains
Jews have fought Hitlers genocide
After him, few remained
United we stand
Divided we fall
How will we live through it all?
Written by Dan Johnson in his college years
When You're Away
See the cage around my soul
See it close and become whole
...My heart is won
Though our love is fairly young
Our souls have joined and become one
...And you know I love you...
...How much I love you
My eyes weep when you're away
My heart's fulfilled when you stay
I never thought I'd feel like this
I never knew I'd need your kiss
I never thought I'd feel as though I'd die
It's strange the way I feel inside
All these emotions I can't hide
...Tell me honey what should I do
But of all these things I've said and done
Of all the people, everyone
Of all the things I ever knew
...I know that I love you.
Written by Dan Johnson during my college years
See it close and become whole
...My heart is won
Though our love is fairly young
Our souls have joined and become one
...And you know I love you...
...How much I love you
My eyes weep when you're away
My heart's fulfilled when you stay
I never thought I'd feel like this
I never knew I'd need your kiss
I never thought I'd feel as though I'd die
It's strange the way I feel inside
All these emotions I can't hide
...Tell me honey what should I do
But of all these things I've said and done
Of all the people, everyone
Of all the things I ever knew
...I know that I love you.
Written by Dan Johnson during my college years
Untitled (To Endure)
Horizon colors changing hue
Sparkles on the morning dew
The water fountain starts to spew
It's water that is pure
From the window there is a view
Of trees...all of two
These two trees grow of life anew
Forever to endure
Together they grow, at first a sprout
This is what life is all about
Two trees grow without a doubt
Forever to be secure
First there are leaves, then there are flowers
Over all others they start to tower
Together they are an invincible power
Forever to endure...
Dan Johnson (while in college)
Sparkles on the morning dew
The water fountain starts to spew
It's water that is pure
From the window there is a view
Of trees...all of two
These two trees grow of life anew
Forever to endure
Together they grow, at first a sprout
This is what life is all about
Two trees grow without a doubt
Forever to be secure
First there are leaves, then there are flowers
Over all others they start to tower
Together they are an invincible power
Forever to endure...
Dan Johnson (while in college)
The Story of Poe & Coleridge
I wrote this in College:
Dread thee who readeth this
Ye shall not return to bliss
The serpent's tongue that tells us bad
The curing plant that drives us mad
Visions of darkness, of death abound
Other times there are colors around
An infinite rainbow of color explodes
As the mind of man slowly erodes
Mad as a killer but able to write
Death overpowers, unable to fight
Visions so strange but all to real
Cause one to write of what they feel
Fantasies and nightmares come alive
And for opium perfection these men will strive
To let us see all that they've beheld
As in black England when the bell knelled
The corpse of a memory, the ghost of a mind
The artist's words become unkind
Frightened by this vision of drug
To past memories they cling and hug
But all is lost, forever gone
Never again will the day dawn
For all is twilight, all is unreal
For opium dreams that the mind doth steal...
Summary:
Basically it refers to the drugs being such a big part of their body of work. Were they great in spite of the drugs...or BECAUSE of the drugs? YOU decide.
Dread thee who readeth this
Ye shall not return to bliss
The serpent's tongue that tells us bad
The curing plant that drives us mad
Visions of darkness, of death abound
Other times there are colors around
An infinite rainbow of color explodes
As the mind of man slowly erodes
Mad as a killer but able to write
Death overpowers, unable to fight
Visions so strange but all to real
Cause one to write of what they feel
Fantasies and nightmares come alive
And for opium perfection these men will strive
To let us see all that they've beheld
As in black England when the bell knelled
The corpse of a memory, the ghost of a mind
The artist's words become unkind
Frightened by this vision of drug
To past memories they cling and hug
But all is lost, forever gone
Never again will the day dawn
For all is twilight, all is unreal
For opium dreams that the mind doth steal...
Summary:
Basically it refers to the drugs being such a big part of their body of work. Were they great in spite of the drugs...or BECAUSE of the drugs? YOU decide.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Bill Maher, love him or hate him...this is too true...
Funny, yet sad...yet true!
New Rule: Republicans changed their party before -- from the party that freed the slaves to the party that freed Scooter Libby -- and they survived. Now it's time for them to stop pretending they're still the party of Reagan and take up a new banner: The Party of Superfreaky Superfreaks.
This week, the chairman of the St. Petersburg, Florida, City Council was accused of having sex with his two adopted daughters and their nanny. And he could have been in real trouble, too, if it turned out the nanny was an illegal. But he got ahead of the story when he killed himself by sitting in the garage with the doors closed and the riding lawn mower on.
Two guesses which party he was a member of. And the first guess doesn't count. And that's not fair. You knew he was a Republican, because even in death, he was still wasting gas. Republicans sex scandals are getting to be like Iraqi car bombings. By the time you hear about one, there's been another.
Ted Haggard, Mark Foley, Bob Allen, Vitter, Craig... It's like "Clue" only the answer is always "A Republican... in the washroom... with his cock." The Republicans should run on that. "America: You're 230 But We'll Still Fuck You." Especially if you're a dude. It's not really inspiring, but it's better than "Mitt Romney: He Has Hair."
New Rule: Republicans changed their party before -- from the party that freed the slaves to the party that freed Scooter Libby -- and they survived. Now it's time for them to stop pretending they're still the party of Reagan and take up a new banner: The Party of Superfreaky Superfreaks.
This week, the chairman of the St. Petersburg, Florida, City Council was accused of having sex with his two adopted daughters and their nanny. And he could have been in real trouble, too, if it turned out the nanny was an illegal. But he got ahead of the story when he killed himself by sitting in the garage with the doors closed and the riding lawn mower on.
Two guesses which party he was a member of. And the first guess doesn't count. And that's not fair. You knew he was a Republican, because even in death, he was still wasting gas. Republicans sex scandals are getting to be like Iraqi car bombings. By the time you hear about one, there's been another.
Ted Haggard, Mark Foley, Bob Allen, Vitter, Craig... It's like "Clue" only the answer is always "A Republican... in the washroom... with his cock." The Republicans should run on that. "America: You're 230 But We'll Still Fuck You." Especially if you're a dude. It's not really inspiring, but it's better than "Mitt Romney: He Has Hair."
Monday, September 10, 2007
Free Lunch
Another email that I received with a deeper meaning. Makes you think. It was from a conservative friend of mine. I am not editing this and will leave in it's entirety. Don't like the line at the end that tries to persuade you...(DRINKING THE PURPLE PUNCH) but I think the rest of it has some merit.
Free Lunch
There was a Chemistry professor in a large college that had some Exchange students in the class. One day while the class was in the lab the professor noticed one young man (exchange student) who kept rubbing his back and stretching as if his back hurt. The professor asked the young man what was the matter. The student told him he had a bullet lodged in his back. He had been shot while fighting communists in his native country who were trying to overthrow his country's government and install a new communist government. In the midst of his story he looked at the professor and asked a Strange question.
He asked, " Do you know how to catch wild pigs?"
The professor thought it was a joke and asked for the punch line. The young man said this was no joke. "You catch wild pigs by finding a suitable place in the woods and putting corn on the ground. The pigs find it and begin to come everyday to eat the free corn. When they are used to coming every day, you put a fence down one side of the place where they are used to coming. When they get used to the fence, they begin to eat the corn again and you put up another side of the fence. They get used to that and start to eat again. You continue until you have all four sides of the fence up with a gate in the last side. The pigs, who are used to the free corn, start to come through the gate to eat, you slam the gate on them and catch the whole herd.
Suddenly the wild pigs have lost their freedom.
They run around and around inside the fence, but they are caught. Soon they go back to eating the free corn. They are so used to it that they have forgotten how to forage in the woods for themselves, so they accept their captivity.
The young man told the professor that is exactly what he sees happening to America . The government keeps pushing us toward communism - socialism and keeps spreading the free corn out in the form of programs such as supplemental income, tax credit for unearned income, tobacco subsidies, dairy subsidies, payments not to plant crops (CRP), welfare, medicine, drugs, etc. While we continually lose our freedoms- just a little at a time. (We should remember "There is no such thing as a free Lunch"; and "You can never hire someone to provide a service for you cheaper than you can do it yourself.) If you also see all of the government "help" as a problem for the future of democracy in America , please send it on. And remember which political party has been pushing the "free lunch" programs on you for decades now.
Free Lunch
There was a Chemistry professor in a large college that had some Exchange students in the class. One day while the class was in the lab the professor noticed one young man (exchange student) who kept rubbing his back and stretching as if his back hurt. The professor asked the young man what was the matter. The student told him he had a bullet lodged in his back. He had been shot while fighting communists in his native country who were trying to overthrow his country's government and install a new communist government. In the midst of his story he looked at the professor and asked a Strange question.
He asked, " Do you know how to catch wild pigs?"
The professor thought it was a joke and asked for the punch line. The young man said this was no joke. "You catch wild pigs by finding a suitable place in the woods and putting corn on the ground. The pigs find it and begin to come everyday to eat the free corn. When they are used to coming every day, you put a fence down one side of the place where they are used to coming. When they get used to the fence, they begin to eat the corn again and you put up another side of the fence. They get used to that and start to eat again. You continue until you have all four sides of the fence up with a gate in the last side. The pigs, who are used to the free corn, start to come through the gate to eat, you slam the gate on them and catch the whole herd.
Suddenly the wild pigs have lost their freedom.
They run around and around inside the fence, but they are caught. Soon they go back to eating the free corn. They are so used to it that they have forgotten how to forage in the woods for themselves, so they accept their captivity.
The young man told the professor that is exactly what he sees happening to America . The government keeps pushing us toward communism - socialism and keeps spreading the free corn out in the form of programs such as supplemental income, tax credit for unearned income, tobacco subsidies, dairy subsidies, payments not to plant crops (CRP), welfare, medicine, drugs, etc. While we continually lose our freedoms- just a little at a time. (We should remember "There is no such thing as a free Lunch"; and "You can never hire someone to provide a service for you cheaper than you can do it yourself.) If you also see all of the government "help" as a problem for the future of democracy in America , please send it on. And remember which political party has been pushing the "free lunch" programs on you for decades now.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
My letter to "The View" regardin Whoopi's comments on Michael Vick & dogfighting.
I am still trying to wrap my mind around what Whoopi said today regarding Michael Vick. It just doesn't make sense to me and her statements in my opinion don't hold any water. I have noted a few things for her to study up on before she espouses on something that she surprisingly knows little about but seems to be able to debate on national television.
First, Michael Vick is NOT from the "Deep South". I have LIVED in the deep south (I graduated from High School in Jacksonville, AL). In my humble opinion, even to the least knowledgeable person...when has VIRGINIA *EVER* been considered the "deep south"? My wife and I discussed this (she was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Selma and Prattville, AL). The Deep South USUALLY refers to the following states, and the term itself is traditionally used to imply the stereotyped "backwoods" ignorant type, though I could be wrong. These states are usually Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and sometimes Arkansas. Some people will throw in Kentucky or Tennessee but I don't see them as being "deep south" either geographically or culturally. Some people will also throw in the Carolinas, but the same thing goes with these two states as with KY and TN in my opinion.
Please have Whoopi reasearch Newport News, VA. I have taken the liberty for you folks to make it easier to verify:http://www.infoplease.com/atlas/state/virginia.html
Newport News ALSO has over 100k people...not really a "backwoods" town that would have a "culture" of illegal dogfighting. It's actually the 6th largest city in a fairly large state:http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108283.html
Furthermore, as a former Marine, I had the opportunity to be stationed for a period of time in Norfolk, VA and Chesapeake, VA which are both SOUTH of Newport News. Never once did I feel as if I were in the "Deep South". I would know...I lived there.
Moving on, she mentioned "cock fighting" in Puerto Rico. Major point to note. It is LEGAL in Puerto Rico! It is KNOWN to be illegal in all states but Louisiana currently (though there is legislation that is expected it to be banned in that state by August of 08). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cockfight.
So cultural or not...cockfighting OR dogfighting...if you are doing it in the United States...you KNOW you are breaking the law.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogfighting
By Whoopi's logic, it's ok to do crack cocaine because in certain geographical areas (urban inner cities mostly, though it HAS spread out a bit) this is the culture and what people do? Sounds kinda ridiculous doesn't it... Think about that for a second. In certain cultures (African and some Middle Eastern) it is ok to remove a womans sexual genitalia or mutilate a womans sexual organs. So by her logic, it's ok to come to the United States and do that here? I don't think so. We have laws for a reason.
Mr. Vick was not raised in Puerto Rico, Thailand, Mexico, India or any other number of foreign countries where "cockfighting" is legal. and as for dogfighting, as in the earlier link I had which I will put again HERE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogfighting
Dogfighting is ILLEGAL in all 1st world countries and ALL of North America! Same as where he was raised in Newport News, VA. In the United States: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Vick
This isn't a matter of race or culture. It's a matter of right and wrong. Why did he use the name "Ookie"? Because he didn't want his real name used. Why? Because he KNEW it was wrong. That is why in his indictment, (page 15 #68) it states (and I QUOTE) "During the fightC.W.#3 (corroborating or cooperating witness) was criticized by a person unknown to the Grand Jury from "Bad Newz Kennels" for C.W.#3's having yelled out VICKS name in front of the crowd during the dog fight".
That's a smoking gun. It shows that they (Vick and his buddies at Bad Newz Kennels KNEW that what they were doing was wrong and/or illegal). That's why they don't film these things, or when they do, people have masks and bandanas over their faces to protect them from being recognized and/or punished for their criminal activities.
In closing, I can only say that today, I was dissapointed by what I heard from Whoopi. I've never written a show before about something like this. But after seeing some clips on ESPN, I felt that I HAD to give you my opinion. I'm neither a fan of Whoopi's nor am I NOT a fan, I've always been "indifferent" to her career to be honest. I am a Libertarian in politics, (the reason I state this is to prepare you for my next statement). However, I thought she handled herself EXCEPTIONALLY well with Bill O'Reilly (who I think is a bully and often sets up his guests to be "straw men"). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw_man
However, he has some interesting things to say regarding child welfare laws etc. I don't want to come across as a right winger or neocon either. I'm a centrist libertarian. I just hope that the folks that read this can see that I have done some due diligence, stated my case with an informed and intelligent argument and will hopefully be used to highlight the "average" American's thoughts regarding Whoopi's statements today.
Please feel free to read my blog if you want to know where I'm coming from as I will be adding THIS letter to my blog. A response from Ms. Walters, Ms. Goldberg or your staff would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and I truly hope that Whoopi can succeed in her new role, but in the future, choose her words a bit more carefully before stating opinions on such a sensitive issue.
Sincerely,
Dan Johnson
http://pocketlintandpurplepunch.blogspot.com/
First, Michael Vick is NOT from the "Deep South". I have LIVED in the deep south (I graduated from High School in Jacksonville, AL). In my humble opinion, even to the least knowledgeable person...when has VIRGINIA *EVER* been considered the "deep south"? My wife and I discussed this (she was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Selma and Prattville, AL). The Deep South USUALLY refers to the following states, and the term itself is traditionally used to imply the stereotyped "backwoods" ignorant type, though I could be wrong. These states are usually Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and sometimes Arkansas. Some people will throw in Kentucky or Tennessee but I don't see them as being "deep south" either geographically or culturally. Some people will also throw in the Carolinas, but the same thing goes with these two states as with KY and TN in my opinion.
Please have Whoopi reasearch Newport News, VA. I have taken the liberty for you folks to make it easier to verify:http://www.infoplease.com/atlas/state/virginia.html
Newport News ALSO has over 100k people...not really a "backwoods" town that would have a "culture" of illegal dogfighting. It's actually the 6th largest city in a fairly large state:http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108283.html
Furthermore, as a former Marine, I had the opportunity to be stationed for a period of time in Norfolk, VA and Chesapeake, VA which are both SOUTH of Newport News. Never once did I feel as if I were in the "Deep South". I would know...I lived there.
Moving on, she mentioned "cock fighting" in Puerto Rico. Major point to note. It is LEGAL in Puerto Rico! It is KNOWN to be illegal in all states but Louisiana currently (though there is legislation that is expected it to be banned in that state by August of 08). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cockfight.
So cultural or not...cockfighting OR dogfighting...if you are doing it in the United States...you KNOW you are breaking the law.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogfighting
By Whoopi's logic, it's ok to do crack cocaine because in certain geographical areas (urban inner cities mostly, though it HAS spread out a bit) this is the culture and what people do? Sounds kinda ridiculous doesn't it... Think about that for a second. In certain cultures (African and some Middle Eastern) it is ok to remove a womans sexual genitalia or mutilate a womans sexual organs. So by her logic, it's ok to come to the United States and do that here? I don't think so. We have laws for a reason.
Mr. Vick was not raised in Puerto Rico, Thailand, Mexico, India or any other number of foreign countries where "cockfighting" is legal. and as for dogfighting, as in the earlier link I had which I will put again HERE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogfighting
Dogfighting is ILLEGAL in all 1st world countries and ALL of North America! Same as where he was raised in Newport News, VA. In the United States: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Vick
This isn't a matter of race or culture. It's a matter of right and wrong. Why did he use the name "Ookie"? Because he didn't want his real name used. Why? Because he KNEW it was wrong. That is why in his indictment, (page 15 #68) it states (and I QUOTE) "During the fightC.W.#3 (corroborating or cooperating witness) was criticized by a person unknown to the Grand Jury from "Bad Newz Kennels" for C.W.#3's having yelled out VICKS name in front of the crowd during the dog fight".
That's a smoking gun. It shows that they (Vick and his buddies at Bad Newz Kennels KNEW that what they were doing was wrong and/or illegal). That's why they don't film these things, or when they do, people have masks and bandanas over their faces to protect them from being recognized and/or punished for their criminal activities.
In closing, I can only say that today, I was dissapointed by what I heard from Whoopi. I've never written a show before about something like this. But after seeing some clips on ESPN, I felt that I HAD to give you my opinion. I'm neither a fan of Whoopi's nor am I NOT a fan, I've always been "indifferent" to her career to be honest. I am a Libertarian in politics, (the reason I state this is to prepare you for my next statement). However, I thought she handled herself EXCEPTIONALLY well with Bill O'Reilly (who I think is a bully and often sets up his guests to be "straw men"). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw_man
However, he has some interesting things to say regarding child welfare laws etc. I don't want to come across as a right winger or neocon either. I'm a centrist libertarian. I just hope that the folks that read this can see that I have done some due diligence, stated my case with an informed and intelligent argument and will hopefully be used to highlight the "average" American's thoughts regarding Whoopi's statements today.
Please feel free to read my blog if you want to know where I'm coming from as I will be adding THIS letter to my blog. A response from Ms. Walters, Ms. Goldberg or your staff would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and I truly hope that Whoopi can succeed in her new role, but in the future, choose her words a bit more carefully before stating opinions on such a sensitive issue.
Sincerely,
Dan Johnson
http://pocketlintandpurplepunch.blogspot.com/
Thursday, August 16, 2007
About Ayn Rand
Ayn Rand was an "objectivist" thinker and brilliant woman that was far before her time. Though some of her views are a bit more progressive than I am (at this stage in my life anyhow), there is no denying her sheer GENIUS when it came to her socio-political ideologies. Recently, I received a quote in my MySpace Bulletin from someone who posts as Ayn Rand (though they are moreso a forward thinking group I believe...of people) and they sent me this nugget: "Inflation is not caused by the actions of private citizens, but by the government: by an artificial expansion of the money supply required to support deficit spending. No private embezzlers or bank robbers in history have ever plundered people's savings on a scale comparable to the plunder perpetrated by the fiscal policies of statist governments."-- Ayn Rand, "Who WIll Protect Us From Our Protectors"? The Objectivist Newsletter, May 1952
Thank you to the folks at this site who are able to provide these words of wisdom. All I can say is keep them coming! I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did.
Thank you to the folks at this site who are able to provide these words of wisdom. All I can say is keep them coming! I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Interesting email I received about the welfare state...
Someone sent this to me via email. Some of it at the end (the commentary part) I don't think I would use the verbiage they have chosen to use, but the sentiment goes along with my Libertarian views. However, the email itself and the parable as it is written uses an EXCELLENT analogy that I don't think I would have thought of. Your comments as always are appreciated. I am pasting it in it's entirety:
We bought a bird feeder. I hung it on the back patio and filled it with seed.
Within a week we had hundreds of birds taking advantage of the continuous flow of free and easily accessible food.
But then the birds started building nests in the boards of the patio, above the table, and next to the barbecue.
Then came the poop. It was everywhere: on the patio tile, the chairs, the table...everywhere.
Then some of the birds turned mean: They would dive bomb me and try to peck me even though I had fed them out of my own pocket.
And others birds were boisterous and loud: They sat on the feeder and squawked and screamed at all hours of the day and night and demanded that I fill it when it got low on food.
After a while, we couldn't even sit on our own back porch anymore. It was unbearable.
I took down the bird feeder and in three days the birds were gone.
I cleaned up their mess and took down the many nests they had built all over the patio and soon the back yard was like it used to be...... quiet, serene and no one demanding their rights to a free meal.
Now let's see....... our government gives out free food, subsidized housing, free medical care, free education and allows anyone born here to be an automatic citizen.
Then the illegals came by the millions....
Suddenly our taxes went up to pay for free services; small apartments are housing 5 families: you have to wait 4 hours to be seen by an emergency room doctor: your child's 2nd grade class is lagging behind other schools because 1/2 of the class doesn't speak English: Corn Flakes now come in a bilingual box; I have to press "one" to hear my bank talk to me in English, and people waving flags other than "Old Glory" are squawking and screaming in the streets, demanding more rights and free liberties.
Maybe it's time for the government to take down the bird feeder.
We bought a bird feeder. I hung it on the back patio and filled it with seed.
Within a week we had hundreds of birds taking advantage of the continuous flow of free and easily accessible food.
But then the birds started building nests in the boards of the patio, above the table, and next to the barbecue.
Then came the poop. It was everywhere: on the patio tile, the chairs, the table...everywhere.
Then some of the birds turned mean: They would dive bomb me and try to peck me even though I had fed them out of my own pocket.
And others birds were boisterous and loud: They sat on the feeder and squawked and screamed at all hours of the day and night and demanded that I fill it when it got low on food.
After a while, we couldn't even sit on our own back porch anymore. It was unbearable.
I took down the bird feeder and in three days the birds were gone.
I cleaned up their mess and took down the many nests they had built all over the patio and soon the back yard was like it used to be...... quiet, serene and no one demanding their rights to a free meal.
Now let's see....... our government gives out free food, subsidized housing, free medical care, free education and allows anyone born here to be an automatic citizen.
Then the illegals came by the millions....
Suddenly our taxes went up to pay for free services; small apartments are housing 5 families: you have to wait 4 hours to be seen by an emergency room doctor: your child's 2nd grade class is lagging behind other schools because 1/2 of the class doesn't speak English: Corn Flakes now come in a bilingual box; I have to press "one" to hear my bank talk to me in English, and people waving flags other than "Old Glory" are squawking and screaming in the streets, demanding more rights and free liberties.
Maybe it's time for the government to take down the bird feeder.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Digg - The "Black/Urban Culture"
Digg - The "Black/Urban Culture"
Free Thinker "The Infidel Guy" Reginald Finley Sr. has some interesting insight on the African American race and culture. Interesting video. Let me know what you think.
Free Thinker "The Infidel Guy" Reginald Finley Sr. has some interesting insight on the African American race and culture. Interesting video. Let me know what you think.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Outrage!
These three young lives were snuffed out (and a fourth was intended to be another victim with a shot to the head as well) by several people. TWO suspects are ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS/ALIENS. There is no mention of the one guy in custody (28 year old Jose Carranza) as being an illegal with a history of crime and violence here in the USA. Why is this not mentioned? Is that not odd/strange to you? Is this the "liberal media's" attempt to just "wash" this little fact over? There is another suspect they are looking for named Rodolfo Godinez. In this article it says he is a Nicaraguan "National"...but doesn't that just mean he is not a citizen of the United States...or worse yet, an ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT/ALIEN to the United States? The apparant lack of clarity or transparancy on this issue is appaling and quite simply MIND boggling! It is a travesty that these young people whom seem to have had a history of good morals, character and judgement had to have their lives ended/wasted so brutally by people that did not have the legal right to even BE here. And we KNEW about them!
This in no way implies that this would be any less tragic had these young people been shot/killed by citizens any more acceptable, justifiable or understandable. Heinous is heinous. However, it points to a much greater problem in the security of our own borders...or at least in the inability or unwillingness of the states to ENFORCE current laws that are in place to prevent just these kinds of things.
This article uses words like "undocumented immigrant" from Peru and Nicaraguan National etc. Why don't they just come out and say it. ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT/ALIEN!? Carranza has had TWO previous indictments from alleged sexual assault of a minor ...sadly they have this mis-reported and/or misrepresented by CNN's reporting by saying that it was a 13 year old girl. What it was is: "Carranza was indicted by grand juries in New Jersey twice this year — in April on aggravated assault and weapons charges; and in July on 31 counts which included aggravated sexual assault of a child under 13 years old and endangering the welfare of a child he had a duty to supervise". There is a big difference in the reporting. How come Fox News got it right? This indictment was in additon to VARIOUS and MULTIPLE weapons and assault charges. But not once do they use the term "illegal alien". Amazing. THESE are the very sorts of things that create RIFTS and BI-Partisanship and distrust in any and all media. You have to go to MULTIPLE sources to get the truth or get to the nuts and bolts. That is WRONG.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/08/10/schoolyard.killings/?iref=mpstoryview
This local CBS news affiliate said it like it is. Used the word "ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT"/ALIEN for Carranza and stated that it is believed that Godinez is a CITIZEN of Peru (in other words...illegal immigrant/alien). http://wcbstv.com/topstories/local_story_223110502.html
This local blog from the NJ Star Ledger calls it like it is too: http://blog.nj.com/ledgerupdates/
Of course FoxNews is going to be ALL over this and aggressively going after these guys...but they do a pretty good job of stating the obvious and just through prose...seeming to get the reader to ask the obvious...WHY were these people still here and WHY were they able to continue to commit crimes after they had been caught the first time? Where did Carranza come up with the money to pay his bail on his previous arrests and/or indictments? Sad indeed. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,292717,00.html
This in no way implies that this would be any less tragic had these young people been shot/killed by citizens any more acceptable, justifiable or understandable. Heinous is heinous. However, it points to a much greater problem in the security of our own borders...or at least in the inability or unwillingness of the states to ENFORCE current laws that are in place to prevent just these kinds of things.
This article uses words like "undocumented immigrant" from Peru and Nicaraguan National etc. Why don't they just come out and say it. ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT/ALIEN!? Carranza has had TWO previous indictments from alleged sexual assault of a minor ...sadly they have this mis-reported and/or misrepresented by CNN's reporting by saying that it was a 13 year old girl. What it was is: "Carranza was indicted by grand juries in New Jersey twice this year — in April on aggravated assault and weapons charges; and in July on 31 counts which included aggravated sexual assault of a child under 13 years old and endangering the welfare of a child he had a duty to supervise". There is a big difference in the reporting. How come Fox News got it right? This indictment was in additon to VARIOUS and MULTIPLE weapons and assault charges. But not once do they use the term "illegal alien". Amazing. THESE are the very sorts of things that create RIFTS and BI-Partisanship and distrust in any and all media. You have to go to MULTIPLE sources to get the truth or get to the nuts and bolts. That is WRONG.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/08/10/schoolyard.killings/?iref=mpstoryview
This local CBS news affiliate said it like it is. Used the word "ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT"/ALIEN for Carranza and stated that it is believed that Godinez is a CITIZEN of Peru (in other words...illegal immigrant/alien). http://wcbstv.com/topstories/local_story_223110502.html
This local blog from the NJ Star Ledger calls it like it is too: http://blog.nj.com/ledgerupdates/
Of course FoxNews is going to be ALL over this and aggressively going after these guys...but they do a pretty good job of stating the obvious and just through prose...seeming to get the reader to ask the obvious...WHY were these people still here and WHY were they able to continue to commit crimes after they had been caught the first time? Where did Carranza come up with the money to pay his bail on his previous arrests and/or indictments? Sad indeed. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,292717,00.html
Good intentions for all...
I'm just sitting here thinking. I do believe that the liberals have good intentions...I really do. However, I also feel that those intentions for the most part are socialist and thus, unconstitutional and still provide FAR too much power to the feds. I think it was Toqueville (sp?) that said that socialism was slavery, but I could be wrong. Medicare is not covered under the constitution, nor is Social Security. The right is leaning towards fascism (power of the "State" 'read- the country' takes precedent over the power of the people). This is also unconstitutional as the PEOPLE and the individual states have authority over the federal government (per the constitution). That's why I like Ron Paul. He is a constitutionalist for the most part. Though he isn't afraid to state his own PERSONAL beliefs and opinions...I have a firm trust and belief in this man...that he would not let his personal ideologies or beliefs/value systems change the constitution. But who knows...just my musings.
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