Contemplation Is Good For The Soul

Hmmmmmm....I'm very contemplative today. Do you ever really know people? It seems like more often than not, there is a surpise about someone just waiting around the corner.

Not Another Word On Gay Marriage Until They Execute An Adulterer

A great article from huffingtonpost.com, written by Cenk Uygur, of The Young Turks. I couldn't agree more!

The religious right picks and chooses which parts of the Bible they want to apply. And they choose based on which outsider group they would like to hate next. First, they emphasized slavery in the Bible when they wanted to hate black people. Now, they emphasize the parts condemning homosexuality so they can hate gay people.

They are completely and utterly disingenuous. They don't mean a word of it. They don't give a damn what the Bible says. They just want to use it as an instrument of hate.

The Bible says eating shellfish is an abomination. Yet there are no Red Lobster Amendments. The Bible says you shall not wear two different types of cloths at the same time. Yet there are no Propositions against cotton and wool combos.

The Bible says you should leave your family and join Jesus Christ. The religious right pretends that Jesus was about family values. He wanted you to abandon your family. Read the Bible.

The religious right pretends that the Bible says marriage is between one man and one woman. But that is a bald faced lie. Have any of these people ever read the Bible? The Bible is full of men taking on second wives, servants, prostitutes and concubines. And all the while, God heartily approves. How many wives did King David have? Eight? Twelve? Let alone his possibly gay lover, Jonathan.

Now the Bible says that a man shall not lie with another man. That is true. But it also says, in the same exact book, that adultery is an abomination. And the just punishment for this sin is execution. So, who will execute the first adulterer? Please step on up. May the one without any Biblical sin cast the first stone.

Here is a question no one can answer -- and lucky for the right wing, the media never bothers to ask -- why do you only focus on the part of the Bible against homosexuality but not on the part against adultery? It's one thing to say you're against adultery; it's another to take away their rights. How come no religious figure in this country has mounted a campaign to take away the rights of adulterers? Let alone execute them.

I'll tell you why. Because there are too many of them. Their followers are adulterers. They don't make for good scapegoats. They are not an easy target to ostracize and focus your hatred on. Gays are perfect. They are a small enough percentage of the population and different enough from the rest of us to be able to get people to focus their negative, barbaric instincts on them. The Bible is only a tool for this tribal, ugly tactic.

But I am tired of hearing people saying that homosexuality is a sin in the Bible when they never quote the rest of the Bible (probably because a great majority of church goers have never independently read the Bible or they have built up a reservoir of excuses for the parts they find inconvenient). So, from now, I would like to tell the Rick Warrens of the world, you are perfectly allowed to say how much you would like to take gay people's rights away from them based on the Bible so long as you agree to do one thing first -- execute an adulterer.

If you can do that for me, then I'll believe that you actually believe in the Bible literally and will accept your literal argument against homosexuality. Fair is fair. Step on up.

Watch The Young Turks Here

PS -- In case anyone is a maniacal literalist, please do not actually attempt to execute any adulterers or anyone else. Check yourself into a mental hospital instead because the seven headed dragon in Revelations could be out to get you.

RIP

My brother's dog, Patches, died this morning. We all knew it was going to happen before long, because you could tell she wasn't feeling well the past couple of weeks. She was listless, her ears were droopy, her breathing was heavy, and she wouldn't eat bacon, a sure sign she wasn't well. My dad said he helped her into her favorite chair about four this morning and covered her up with her blanket; when he got up, she had passed away. My brother, Michael, was at work and didn't know until he got home at nine. We had left her in the chair, covered up, because we weren't sure what to do with her...Michael asked if my dad and I would take care of burying her.

We decided on a spot under the apple tree in my mom and dad's back yard. The soil here is almost entirely caliche, so we dug for a while, and now the ground is soaking in water because it's freakin hard. At least it will be a nice spot for her. I couldn't bear to bury her anywhere outside of town...just here at home.

She would have been 11 in February. My brother adopted her when she was about nine months old...she was an abused puppy, and he gave her a loving home. She was the only dog I have ever seen who could climb a pecan tree! Patches was a rat terrier I believe, but am not sure.

I know later in the day will be extra hard for Michael. As was Xmas tradition, I took a picture of him and Patches together a few days ago for Xmas cards, and he is picking them up today. At least it will be one last fond memory of her.

We will miss you Patches. Rest in peace in doggy heaven.

Protect Marriage, Protect Children, Prohibit Divorce

For you "Christian" Prop 8 asses:

Protect Marriage, Protect Children, Prohibit Divorce - watch more funny videos

Anticipation....Excitement

It's getting closer...can you feel it? The excitement and anticipation in the air is thick! You thought I was talking about Xmas....really I was thinking of Barack Obama's inaguration as President!!!!!!!!!

I'm excited about both events. This will be my 46th Xmas on this earth, and will be two firsts: the first without my mom, but on a happier note, the first with my new grandson, Robert, whom I might add is absolutely adorable.

Barack Obama, 44th President. It's nice to have someone in the Oval Office who is my age. But I can't decide if that means I'm old, or what! I'm excited, curious, and nervous all at the same time, about his presidency and what he can accomplish. And I'm already sad that he can only serve two terms! Ha! I know that's crazy!

So the countdown is on: 7 days until Xmas, 22 days until Tyler's birthday (;o), and 32 days until inauguration...Bye Bye, Little Georgie!

Xmas Spirit...

Today, I finished wrapping presents (thank God), and put up stockings. Our family has quite an array and quite a collection, one for every member of our family which has grown to 26 (I think)...I may be missing one or two. I am the only one of my siblings with a significant other in their life. I love you Nicol!

It was really hard when I took my mom's stocking out of the box. It's the little things like that that tear at your heart. Even though she isn't here with us in body, she's still with us in spirit, so I put her stocking up anyway! Anyone who has an issue with that can go to hell! (Ah! The joy of Xmas!).

Like Adrienne, I too enjoy the holidays. As our family has become more extended, it's harder for us to get together. Try as you might, there is never a day that works out for everyone. There will always be those who bitch and complain, or make excuses no matter what you do. So I choose to see the holidays this year through my grandkids eyes...and what beautiful eyes they have! We still have a gingerbread house to make, along with Jagger and Jalee, my great nephew and great niece. There's cookies to bake, Christmas lights to look at, and so much more to do.

Do Da Xmas Dance

How can you resist this song????????

Bailout, Schmailout

I'm glad the bailout for the automakers is meeting with resistance, and possibly won't pass. Why should taxpayer dollars be freely given to a company(ies) who prove year after year that they are unable to manage their money? If I was a poor manager of my business, do you think the government would rush to give me monetary assistance? For decades, the US auto industry has been giving us crap to drive...if you're lucky, you'll make it off the car lot in one piece, and it will fall apart while it's still under warranty. They cry and whine every time the government tries to enact stricter mileage and emission standards. They've mismanaged, and overpaid, and now they are paying the piper, because less people here and abroad are buying American made cars.

My car is a Toyota....they're well made, last a long time (over 250k miles, easily), get good gas mileage, etc. It's worth the money you pay. The foreign automakers aren't asking for a bailout.

If Chrysler, GM, and Ford want our money so badly, they definitely should have rules to follow...closely minded rules that make them accountable for every cent. Perhaps they should have to go to Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Kia for training, and to learn how to build a car that people want. Perhaps they should give their CEO's a pay cut. Perhaps one of the criteria should be some type of hybrid or electric car. The jobs that will be lost directly and indirectly if these companies fail will be significant; but we have been taken advantage of long enough. It's time for them to think green. It's time to get our money's worth when we use our hard earned dollars to buy a car that is necessary for so much of our day to day lives. It's time to kick the greed out of Detroit.

Undeserving....

Several of you out there who know me, know that I am a fan of the Dallas Cowboys. I've been a fan as long as I can remember, from the days of "Dandy Don" Meredith and Roger Staubach, and the Doomsday Defense, to Troy Aikman, Moose Johnston, Emmit Smith, and the Cowboys who won three Super Bowls in four years...

Which brings us to the present day Cowboys...T.O., Marion Barber, and last, and in my book least, Tony Romo. I flipped back and forth Sunday between the Cowboy game and the Bronco game, for two reasons: a)I like the Broncos, and wanted to be a part of it with Tyler and Abby; and b) Dallas makes me nervous, and I can barely stand to watch a full game.

The point I want to make in this blog is in reference to the enormous salaries players receive these days. Last season, Tony Romo's first full season, the Cowboys were 13-3...not a bad record for a rookie quarterback, who ultimately choked during the biggest stretch of the season. Nonetheless, Romo was awarded with a HUGE contract to secure him as the quarterback of the future, as was Jason Garrett, the offensive coordinator who did a great job calling plays...LAST year.

Doesn't it happen, nine times out of ten, that when you give a guy a LOT of money, they choke the next year. In all of the years I have been a sports fan, I find that is true, regardless of the person or the sport. Maybe it's because the athlete no longer feels the pressure to prove that he is worthy of such an inflated salary, and whether he performs up to his potential or not, that money will go into his bank account every week.

Romo and Garrett have proven my theory correct this year, and then some! Romo has been pathetic, and the play calling by Garret has fallen wayyyyy short of last year. Same players, different result.

I THINK that all professional athletes should be paid by their performance. A base salary plus performance incentives...if you reach this level, you get a bonus; if you don't, we'll keep it for you until you earn it. Tony Romo lost the game for Dallas on Sunday, with careless errors, and a lackluster performance. Jason Garrett's play calling was pathetic. Really, there is no excuse for their underperforming...except that they have no real "reason" to give it their all...they get paid, anyway. Both of them should have to give back part of their salary, or donate it to a charity.

Romo makes it really hard for me to be a Cowboys fan. I might just have to switch full time to the Broncos. And Tony, two things: when you throw an interception or fumble the ball, it's not funny; and wear your hat right.

If It's In The Bible, It Must Be True...(more fairy tales to follow)!

This is a post from Daily Kos. Of course, we know that the "Christian Righties" only want to abide by "certain" rules in their holy text. I can't think of anything that is more of a threat to the sanctity of marriage than divorce or adultery...and we all know how rampant that is in the "Christian" community.

"jem6x has an excellent diary on Newsweek's great cover story on the Bible and gay marriage. Go check it out. But this comment by gladkov was particularly excellent. In short, if we are to let the Bible define what "traditional marriage" should look like, then our marriage laws should be amended as such:

A. Marriage in the United States shall consist of a union between one man and one or more women. (Gen 29:17-28; II Sam 3:2-5)

B. Marriage shall not impede a man's right to take concubines in addition to his wife or wives. (II Sam 5:13; I Kings 11:3; II Chron 11:21)

C. A marriage shall be considered valid only if the wife is a virgin. If the wife is not a virgin, she shall be executed. (Deut 22:13-21)

D. Marriage of a believer and a non-believer shall be forbidden. (Gen 24:3; Num 25:1-9; Ezra 9:12; Neh 10:30)

E. Since marriage is for life, neither this Constitution nor the constitution of any State, nor any state or federal law, shall be construed to permit divorce. (Deut 22:19; Mark 10:9)

F. If a married man dies without children, his brother shall marry the widow. If he refuses to marry his brother's widow or deliberately does not give her children, he shall pay a fine of one shoe and be otherwise punished in a manner to be determined by law. (Gen 38:6-10; Deut 25:5-10)

G. In lieu of marriage, if there are no acceptable men in your town, it is required that you get your dad drunk and have sex with him (even if he had previously offered you up as a sex toy to men young and old),tag-teaming with any sisters you may have. Of course, this rule applies only if you are female.(Gen 19:31-36) "

Oh, Romy-oh!

Since Friday, I have had the pleasure of the company of Romy, Tyler and Abby's dog. She needed a babysitter while they went to Jackie and Ryan's wedding (congratulations to the happy couple) and to the Bronco game in Denver (jealous.). What a wonderful little animal she is. Smart. Fun. Playful. And last but certainly not least, freakin adorable! I've never been around a Shih Tzu dog before, but I had imagined them to be spastic and irritating like poodles. Not Romy. Maybe it's just her, and not the breed...I don't know. All I know is that Tyler and Abby are very lucky to have her. She and my dad really like each other, which is unusual for him! I think she told me last night that she likes Honey the best and wouldnt mind living with her forever! Ha!

Prop 8: The Musical

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

Xmas Decorating Randomness

Yesterday, I put up the Christmas tree here in Jal, New Mexico (pop. 800 maybe), at my parent's house. What was I thinking? I have decided that is not one of my favorite things to do! Maybe if I didn't have to do it by myself, it would have been more fun; instead it was more like a chore...bah, humbug! I have to admit it was a little emotional, thinking about this being the first Xmas without my mom, seeing all of the old ornaments she collected, etc. I had a little cry, and I'm sure there will be more to come. Now it needs presents underneath, because it looks bare.

I don't like artificial trees. I LOVE the smell of a real tree, but don't like the mess it leaves, and don't like the fact that you have to cut down a tree, decorate it, and then throw it away after you're done with it. Talk about a cheap date! Guess I will stick with the artificial one. Does anyone know where you can buy "real tree" perfume?

Greed and the Christmas Spirit

The human race never ceases to amaze me! The whole holiday of Christmas, well, every holiday for that matter, has been hijacked and held for ransom by the big corporations. They have even managed to get their chubby fingers into the Christmas pie! Black Friday, as most of you know, is the "big" shopping day after Thanksgiving (which we only get to enjoy for a day). Gorging on material things has become a close rival with stuffing your face and belly on Thanksgiving.

This greed has become even more obvious this year. Yesterday, in New York State, a local Wal Mart opened its doors at 5am, as has become the new tradition for Black Friday. Bargains galore awaited the shoppers who frothed at the mouth to storm the doors. In all of the frenzy created by greed and first-come first-served, get-mine-before-you-get-yours mentality, the man who opened the doors was trampled and killed by the mob of holiday shoppers. In an effort to help rescue the man, several workers were also stampeded upon, though not as tragically.

When that particular Wal Mart announced that they were going to shut the store because of this man's death, the holiday well-wishers loudly protested, saying they weren't going to leave, because they had been in line since "yesterday."

For me, the way people have become obsessed with their spending and materialism at Christmas has become a big turnoff. The holidays are no longer about family and friends and traditions...they're about greed, materialism, and selfishness. How about we go back to the days of homemade gifts, home baked goodies...things that require an effort and are made with love?

I'm sorry for that man and his family, and I'm sorry that some Americans are such selfish pigs. But, hey! Don't let another human being's loss of life ruin the bargain you'll get on a 19" Samsung flat screen TV!

Just Want To Say....

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I hope your day is full of family, food, fun, and most of all, football!!!! Ha! Go Cowboys!

Just a reminder to love and appreciate your family, and be thankful for all of your blessings!

What a Lovely Song/Video

We Hold These Truths...

The opening of the Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, states as follows:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."

So why is gay "marriage" even an issue? Can you imagine if the Southern States would have been allowed to "vote" on the issues of slavery, or civil rights? It never would have passed. Since when does popular vote dictate civil rights? Discrimination should never be "amended" to the constitution, whether it is the State or United States Constitution.

I was reading an article on huffingtonpost.com yesterday (or the day before!), about the passing of Prop 8 in California, what a step backwards it is. One of the comments was to this effect, "If you people would call it something different, I would stop voting no."

Ummmmm...okay, what else should we call it?

Freedom From Religion

This is the website I was talking about in one of my blogs. It's the Freedom From Religion Foundation.

http://www.ffrf.org/

It's A New Day!

Will.i.am's new video:

I Couldn't Resist...Mmmkay?

I LOVE SOUTH PARK!

Hate and the State Constituion

Most of you informed people know about Prop 8 in California...banning same sex marriage after it had been declared legal by the Supreme Court. On the drive to Colorado Springs on Thursday, Nicol and I were discussing it. I told her that it didn't make sense to me how a state constitution can be amended so easily, when it is such a major undertaking to amend the US constitution. I explained it to her a bit, then we started listening to Randi Rhodes on Air America 760, progressive talk (just a little advertisement). Randi is an amazingly smart person. You can listen to her online if you don't have a progressive radio station in your area. http://www.therandirhodesshow.com/ Randi was talking about the very same thing.

In case you don't know how it works, I will tell you. Any proposed amendement to the United States constitution requires 2/3 approval by the House of Representatives, then a 2/3 approval by the Senate. THEN it goes to the States for ratification. The amendment then has to be approved by 3/4 (I believe this is right) of the States. It's a LONG process, and one that has a very small chance of being approved.

This is not true with what has been happening in the states that have banned gay marriage, and adoption for gay couples. Groups with political and religious agendas, backed by money, have been able to get initiatives and amendments to the state constitutions on the ballot by getting a required number of signatures. Period. (The Mormon Church gave over $15 million to help defeat Prop 8). Then the amendment passes or fails by a civil majority...meaning if it's 1999.6 votes to 1999.4 votes, it passes. This just isn't right. Why don't states have to follow the same procedure to amend their constitution that the nation has to follow? And why are we allowing hate and prejudice to be written into the constitution?

Personally, I think this could be a good thing, though, because it opens up the amendments that have been passed, to the courts...or it should...because they are unconstitutional. We just need someone to stand up and challenge these intiatives. And I think the Mormon Church should lose its tax exempt status for mixing politics and religion.

Survival

Well, we survived the Colorado Springs trip! The show was decent, considering the shambles our economy is in. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I was reading one of the "Springs" independent newspapers...it had a caricature of George Bush, with a caption that said "That's All Folks!" It was like Porky Pig and Looney Tunes. The paper said that 40% of El Paso county voted for OBAMA! That is a miracle of all miracles! I just can't describe to you how conservative that area has always been. Up until this year, there wasn't ONE government position held by a Democrat.

I had so many positive comments on my Obama buttons. Obama supporters walked around with HUGE smiles on their face...and everyone would say the same thing, "This feels so good!" And I would agree! It does feel good. Like a huge weight has been lifted off! Ahhhhh.....

We also had some great sushi with some friends who live in Colorado Springs. They are a bi-racial couple, and when they first moved to the Springs, Jimmy said they got so many stares. One of the first questions he was asked by his neighbors was, "What flock do you belong to?" Isn't that just weird? Some of those people are whacky!

I saw a billboard that said, "Imagine No Religion." What a great city to have that billboard in. The website is ffrf.org, I believe. I'm going to check it out today.

Pray For Me, People....

....ha ha! Nothing life threatening or anything like that! Just keep Nicol and me in your thoughts as we venture out to the whackiness that is Colorado Springs. This is one of THE most beautiful cities in Colorado, but sadly also one of THE most conservative cities in the nation, not to mention THE home of Focus on the Family....ICK, ICK, AND MORE ICK. I am tempted to wear my Obama t-shirt, but it is dirty from Tuesday night and probably still smells of champagne, so I will have to wear a button. I can't think of a city I would rather go to right now! I wish I had a Bill Maher button to wear!

Hey all you crazies! Come buy a Pony-O for Horus-mas (get Adrienne to explain that one)! HA!

Religulous

You've heard of this guy named Bill Maher? Politically Incorrect on HBO? Well, he is on the money with this documentary about religion. It's about religious ideas and beliefs that are absurd, ridiculous, or comical....the title comes from the combination of religion and ridiculous, and I couldn't agree more!!!!!!!

He delves into a lot of religions: Mormonism, Muslim, Jews for Jesus, to name a few, and my favorite: Christianity. Having been raised in church and married for 19 years to a preacher, I have had a lot of "experience" with Christianity, very little of it positive. As a kid, I never really "agreed" or felt comfortable with the whole church thing. I would have had greater pleasure playing outside or watching football on TV. The stories of Jonah and the Whale, Noah and the Ark, and the beliefs just didn't line up for me (that Jesus was born of a virgin, rose from the dead, etc.). But you know, if you make your feelings about that known, you are bound for hell, so it was always best to shut up and go along for the ride!

Well, Bill Maher confirms a lot of things for me. His comparison of the story of Jesus to other middle eastern religions was eye opening. For example, Horus, an Egyptian god, whose story sounds an awful lot like Jesus.

http://www.paganizingfaithofyeshua.netfirms.com/comparsison_horus_jesus_chart.htm

Thanks to Adrienne, my boss, for that website address. Some Christians assert that all other deities are copies of Christ, that Socrates and Plato copied the words of Paul in the New Testament, and refuse to believe or admit that a lot of "Christian" practices and holidays are actually copies of pagan practices and holidays.

I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who finds this religion thing to be ridiculous.

Now you can see why I write about politics....

Bossi-ness

Adrienne thinks she's my boss. She told me to write a blog today that isn't about politics. Great....so I'll probably write one about religion!

Yes We Did!

The day of hope has arrived! Finally, we can have our country back!

800 Billion Dollar Pyramid

Getting Ready to Party!!!!

Got the posters up....got the champagne in the refrigerator...almost ready to watch the returns! If we can keep the Republicans from cheating during this election like they have the last two, we will be celebrating Barack Obama as our next president! YAY!!! How are you going to celebrate?

One Last Rally

Yesterday, Nicol and I went to a Michelle Obama rally at Dakota Ridge High School. It was so much fun being in that atmosphere again. We so enjoyed going to the festivities at the Democratic Nation Convention here in Denver, and we got to be in that same "like attitude" one more time! To be expected, there were some McCain/Palin supporters on the opposite street corner. I don't have a problem with people supporting their candidate, but I do have a problem when they are hateful, beligerent, and spewing their lies, especially where they don't belong, at the other candidate's rally. Go to your own dysfunctional rally and tell your lies to each other. Honestly, they were along the same lines as the Crazy McCain Rally Lady who said Obama is an Arab. Not America's finest trailer park trash.

Anyway, we were in line with several people who came from California to knock on doors and canvass for Obama. They were employees of a couple of law firms in the San Fransisco area. One was Virginia, a former New Yorker, who is a friend of some the of the Grateful Dead and other rock bands. This is her banner:

These are the young people from the other law firm:

The line was long, but everyone was so pumped up, so it went by pretty fast. We got to hear from Rep. Perlmutter, Governor Bill Ritter, Sen. Ken Salazar, and Senatorial hopeful Mark Udall (who is the cousin to Senatorial hopeful Tom Udall in New Mexico).

Gov Ritter

Last, but certainly by no means, least....Michelle Obama. What a gracious, classy woman. I will be so proud to have her as my first lady....I wouldn't care if her skin color was green.

It was nice to hear an intelligent, educated woman speak. No shrieking, no winking, no gosh-darnit's...just a nice flow of well thought out sentiments. She and Barack are examples of what's left of the American Dream....they came from families with very little, who worked hard to make a better life for their children. They both attended the finest colleges in the nation and became lawyers; both have used their education to help others. They didn't come from wealth or privilege....

She didn't speak ill of the other party's candidates...there wasn't anything negative said at the rally...just hope: hope for the future of our country, hope for our children and grandchildren. It was uplifting. She did mention that Barack's grandmother had passed away...very sad...

After the rally, we went to see Religulous, which is another blog!

Six Weeks

As of today, my mom has been gone for six weeks. Since the funeral I have been super busy, with not a lot of free time to let my mind wander or think of anything but work. This is a rare weekend off, and I'm enjoying being at home. However, the down side is the realization that hits you like a ton of bricks out of nowhere...it takes your breath away, and leaves a sick, sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach: when you walk by a picture, or some reminder, or think of a funny story you want to tell, and your heart slaps you upside the head, and reminds you that person is gone...gone forever. I guess time will heal everything, and really, I haven't had much time to grieve for the loss of my mom.

With that said, I have wanted to write this particular blog since mom's funeral, because it is in a trying time such as that, that you realize how very much your family means to you. I am speaking of my mom...we all love our mothers and fathers. But I am also speaking of my brother, my sisters, my nieces and nephews and their families, my children and grandchildren, and my dad. I can't imagine how his heart feels, losing the woman he was married to for 61 years. I hurt for him.

I have the most awesome family in this entire world, which I sometimes take for granted. I think we all do to some degree. You think they will always be around, and sometimes maybe you don't let them know that you love them, and you don't really see or take the time to appreciate the person they are inside.

So to all of my family members who read this: I love you. I am so fortunate to have you as a part of my life. Thank you for all you do, thanks for being so strong, so loving, and so caring in this time of great loss for all of us. As time heals our hurts and pains, let's remember that we still have each other, and share a common bond.

These are the people I'm talking about:

Adrienne, George, Jade, Jaimee, Jordin, Rob
Tyler and Abby
Nicol
Dad
Michael
Marilyn
Tootie
Nick, Shelby, Katie
James, Cheryl, Ian, Garrett, Camden
Christie, Ricky, Jagger, Jalee
Jared, Glenda, Dustin, Dylan

To mom: we all love you and miss you very much.

If Barack's a Socialist....what does that make you?

So, I haven't really been around my computer much lately...and therefore, haven't really had a chance to respond to the ridiculousness of the McSame/Bible Spice/Repugnants accusations of Barack Obama being a socialist. Taking tax breaks from the rich (who deserve to pay more tax) and giving them, instead to the middle class (who pay far more tax than they should) can HARDLY be considered the socialism that they are using as a "scare" tactic. But if they insist on calling Barack a socialist, let's put the shoe on the other foot and call Bush and McCain what they REALLY are.

13 SIGNS OF FACISM:

1. Powerful and continuing expressions of nationalism. From the prominent displays of flags and bunting to the ubiquitous lapel pins, the fervor to show patriotic nationalism, both on the part of the regime itself and of citizens caught up in its frenzy, was always obvious. Catchy slogans, pride in the military, and demands for unity were common themes in expressing this nationalism. It was usually coupled with a suspicion of things foreign that often bordered on xenophobia.

2. Disdain for the importance of human rights. The regimes themselves viewed human rights as of little value and a hindrance to realizing the objectives of the ruling elite. Through clever use of propaganda, the population was brought to accept these human rights abuses by marginalizing, even demonizing, those being targeted. When abuse was egregious, the tactic was to use secrecy, denial, and disinformation. (CAN ANYONE SAY "GITMO" OR WATERBOARDING?)

3. Identification of enemies/scapegoats as a unifying cause. The most significant common thread among these regimes was the use of scapegoating as a means to divert the people’s attention from other problems, to shift blame for failures, and to channel frustration in controlled directions. The methods of choice—relentless propaganda and disinformation—were usually effective. Often the regimes would incite “spontaneous” acts against the target scapegoats, usually communists, socialists, liberals, Jews, ethnic and racial minorities, traditional national enemies, members of other religions, secularists, homosexuals, and “terrorists.” Active opponents of these regimes were inevitably labeled as terrorists and dealt with accordingly.

4. The supremacy of the military/avid militarism. Ruling elites always identified closely with the military and the industrial infrastructure that supported it. A disproportionate share of national resources was allocated to the military, even when domestic needs were acute. The military was seen as an expression of nationalism, and was used whenever possible to assert national goals, intimidate other nations, and increase the power and prestige of the ruling elite.

5. Rampant sexism. Beyond the simple fact that the political elite and the national culture were male-dominated, these regimes inevitably viewed women as second-class citizens. They were adamantly anti-abortion and also homophobic. These attitudes were usually codified in Draconian laws that enjoyed strong support by the orthodox religion of the country, thus lending the regime cover for its abuses.

6. A controlled mass media. Under some of the regimes, the mass media were under strict direct control and could be relied upon never to stray from the party line. Other regimes exercised more subtle power to ensure media orthodoxy. Methods included the control of licensing and access to resources, economic pressure, appeals to patriotism, and implied threats. The leaders of the mass media were often politically compatible with the power elite. The result was usually success in keeping the general public unaware of the regimes’ excesses. (FAUX NEWS?)

7. Obsession with national security. Inevitably, a national security apparatus was under direct control of the ruling elite. It was usually an instrument of oppression, operating in secret and beyond any constraints. Its actions were justified under the rubric of protecting “national security,” and questioning its activities was portrayed as unpatriotic or even treasonous. (TERROR LEVEL: ORANGE)

8. Religion and ruling elite tied together. Unlike communist regimes, the fascist and protofascist regimes were never proclaimed as godless by their opponents. In fact, most of the regimes attached themselves to the predominant religion of the country and chose to portray themselves as militant defenders of that religion. The fact that the ruling elite’s behavior was incompatible with the precepts of the religion was generally swept under the rug. Propaganda kept up the illusion that the ruling elites were defenders of the faith and opponents of the “godless.” A perception was manufactured that opposing the power elite was tantamount to an attack on religion. (SEE ELIZABETH DOLE'S AD ATTACK ON KAY HAGAN...SEE ALSO SARAH PALIN, AKA "BIBLE SPICE.")

9. Power of corporations protected. Although the personal life of ordinary citizens was under strict control, the ability of large corporations to operate in relative freedom was not compromised. The ruling elite saw the corporate structure as a way to not only ensure military production (in developed states), but also as an additional means of social control. Members of the economic elite were often pampered by the political elite to ensure a continued mutuality of interests, especially in the repression of “have-not” citizens. (CAN ANYONE SAY: $700B BAILOUT...AIG...FANNY MAE, FREDDY MAC, HALLIBURTON, BLACKWATER?)

10. Power of labor suppressed or eliminated. Since organized labor was seen as the one power center that could challenge the political hegemony of the ruling elite and its corporate allies, it was inevitably crushed or made powerless. The poor formed an underclass, viewed with suspicion or outright contempt. Under some regimes, being poor was considered akin to a vice. (WAL MART AND OTHER CORPORATIONS FIGHTING THE RIGHT TO UNIONIZE)

11. Disdain and suppression of intellectuals and the arts. Intellectuals and the inherent freedom of ideas and expression associated with them were anathema to these regimes. Intellectual and academic freedom were considered subversive to national security and the patriotic ideal. Universities were tightly controlled; politically unreliable faculty harassed or eliminated. Unorthodox ideas or expressions of dissent were strongly attacked, silenced, or crushed. To these regimes, art and literature should serve the national interest or they had no right to exist. (ART AND MUSIC THE FIRST THING TO GO IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS...THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS GLOBAL WARMING, ETC.)

12. Obsession with crime and punishment. Most of these regimes maintained Draconian systems of criminal justice with huge prison populations. The police were often glorified and had almost unchecked power, leading to rampant abuse. “Normal” and political crime were often merged into trumped-up criminal charges and sometimes used against political opponents of the regime. Fear, and hatred, of criminals or “traitors” was often promoted among the population as an excuse for more police power.

13. Rampant cronyism and corruption. Those in business circles and close to the power elite often used their position to enrich themselves. This corruption worked both ways; the power elite would receive financial gifts and property from the economic elite, who in turn would gain the benefit of government favoritism. Members of the power elite were in a position to obtain vast wealth from other sources as well: for example, by stealing national resources. With the national security apparatus under control and the media muzzled, this corruption was largely unconstrained and not well understood by the general population. (BOY, HAS THIS ONE BEEN POPULAR!)

14. Fraudulent elections. Elections in the form of plebiscites or public opinion polls were usually bogus. When actual elections with candidates were held, they would usually be perverted by the power elite to get the desired result. Common methods included maintaining control of the election machinery, intimidating and disenfranchising opposition voters, destroying or disallowing legal votes, and, as a last resort, turning to a judiciary beholden to the power elite.

(FLORIDA 2000, OHIO 2004...WHAT WILL THIS ELECTION'S BE????)

My Fellow Prisoners

WTF???? Can you say "Freudian slip"?

Political Survey....THREE DAYS TO GO!

From Abby, Adrienne, Paula, and Gena's blog.

A: What is your political party AFFILIATION?
Democrat

B: Did you vote for George W. BUSH?
In 2000 yes, but I learned my lesson by 2004.

C: Should illegal immigrants be able to earn CITIZENSHIP?
Yes...isn't that what America is made up of? The only real Americans are the Native Americans.

D: Do you watch political DEBATES?
Yes.

E: Do you agree with EITHER presidential candidate 100 percent?
No, but Obama comes close.

F: Should there be absolute right to FIREARM ownership?
Yes, but why does anyone need an AK-47, bazooka, or armor piercing bullets. There has to be a line drawn somewhere.

G: Should GAY marriages be legalized?
Yes.

H: Should companies be required to HIRE more women & minorities?
I think the person who is most qualified for the job should be the one hired: man/woman, gay/straight, black/white/brown/green/purple, atheist/christian, etc.

I: What ISSUE do you feel strongest about?
The issue of getting our country back on track and getting the Republicans out of office. Other than that: energy independence, healthcare.

J: Is the legal drinking age JUSTIFIED?
Yes!!!!! I spend time in Canada, where the drinking age is 18, and it is scary! The kids are too immature to handle it. It's one thing to sneak alcohol, and quite another for it to be legal at such a young age.

K: Do you feel you have enough KNOWLEDGE of your cadidate to make an educated vote?
Hell YES!!!!!!

L: Are you pro LIFE or pro choice?
Pro-choice. Smoke that, Palin!

M: Do you have friends or family in the MILITARY?
Probably so.

N: What is your NATIONALITY?
American

O: What are some of your OTHER political concerns?
Equal rights, healthcare, environment, poverty.

P: Do you believe in capitol PUNISHMENT?
In some cases I do.

Q: Do you QUESTION wheather or not our government is connected to 9/11 tragedies?
No. I k now they were complicit in 9/11....they had a lot of information that is was going to happen and ignored it. Have you ever read "The New Pearl Harbor"? And does anyone really believe that the Twin Towers came down from the heat of the jet fuel?

R: Do you like your presidential hopeful's RUNNING mate?
Yes I do!

S: SHOULD marijuana be legalized?
Yes...the only reason it isn't legal is because you can grow it in your back yard, and the government wouldn't make a dime off it!

T: When should our TROOPS come home?
Should never have been in Iraq.

U: Should the UNITED States develop space-based military platforms?
No.

V: Are you registered to VOTE?
Yes I am! In fact, I voted yesterday!

W: Is this WAR necessary?
No. Not the war in Iraq.

X: Who (e)XACTLY do you plan on voting for?
OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (I already did!)

Y: Do YOUR friends share the same political views as you?
My friends do, because I choose my friends! My family....that's another story! But I'm proud to say my children and I have similar views!

Z: Which voting location are you ZONED to?
Ummmm....Jefferson county...that's all I know, cause I used a mail in ballot.

What's All Of This White Stuff?

This is what I woke up to this morning. It's actually quite beautiful, but a little cold outside!

Pro-Life???

So, we have been traveling in the south (Alabama) and in Florida. Surprisingly, I have seen quite a few Obama yard signs and bumper stickers. But in Jacksonville, Florida I saw more McCain/Palin "stuff" than I have anywhere. You'll be proud to know that I bit my tongue and didn't voice my opinion...I just charged them double and took their money! (Not really...I just took their money).

Anyway, an older woman, probably in her 60's, was watching Nicol's demonstration. She was wearing a button that read: "I vote pro-life." Hmmmm....I thought.....what exactly does that mean? Well, if you're a Republican/John McCain/Sarah Palin supporter, it means that you are anti-abortion. Period. (Does anyone out there really know anyone who is pro-abortion? C'mon, it's silly-ness).

This was one instance where I did some serious tongue-biting. This is what I wanted to say:

"I see that you vote pro-life. Good for you. So that means you're AGAINST the war. Because as I'm sure you know, over 4000 Americans have lost their life fighting in this unwarranted occupation of a sovereign nation, not to mention the hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqi women and children who have lost their lives, by being no more than a citizen of that country. AND, I suppose that means you are also AGAINST the death penalty. I am so glad to hear that. Because as I'm sure you know, there are a lot of people of death row who were convicted of crimes solely based on their skin color. AND since you are pro-life, I'm sure this means you are voting for Barack Obama, because as I'm sure you know, he supports stem-cell research to find a cure for Alzheimers, Parkinsons Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, etc.; AND he wants to put money into research to find a cure for AIDS. He also wants healthcare for all Americans, so we can all be healthy, happy, pro-life button-wearers with a high quality of life! He has vowed to take on hunger and poverty, not only in America, the country where this should never be an issue, but worldwide. After all, by being pro-life, that means that you are in favor of life for EVERYONE, right? not just Americans. And I know that since you are such a great pro-lifer that if some poor girl couldn't bring herself to have an abortion, that you would be right there to help her by adopting that baby, and giving that child a good home and good education."

Sadly, I didn't say this to "that woman." But I'm saying it to you...feel free to use it any time. It's sad that the Republican party has turned this into such a wedge issue. I'm not pro-abortion, but I am pro-choice. I drive a Toyota cause I want to, but if you want to drive a Chevy, well that is a choice you'll just have to live with!

Howdy

I've missed all of you knuckleheads out there. I'll be back soon.

Busy-ness

Hello, everyone! Well, it has been a while since my last blog. Í have been busy, busy, busy. After my mom's funeral, Nicol and I headed back to Colorado for a couple of days, before re-starting our tour of women's shows. We flew back to Charlotte, NC on Tuesday, Sept 30 and drove that night to Birmingham, AL. Our show there was from Wednesday (set up day) to Sunday. Sunday night, we drove to Atlanta (about 2 hrs), got a couple of hours sleep, then drove to the airport for an 8:25 am flight to New York City, LaGuardia airport. We arrived around 10:45...took a cab to the hotel, and began our tour of New York City.


This was my very first trip to NYC, and it was a mad dash. In one day, we did what takes most touristsyears to complete. On Tuesday, Nicol had a meeting with an infomercial representative, and then we flew back to Atlanta at 5:00 Tuesday afternoon. From Atlanta, we drove to Orlando, FL for our next show (about six hours). We had setup on Wednesday, and the show began Thursday. It lasted until Sunday. Then we drove 2 hours to Jacksonville, FL on Sunday for our next show. Finally, we had a couple of days off...Monday and Tuesday....today (Wednesday) we had set up, and our show starts tomorrow.


After Jacksonville, we DRIVE back to Denver (1741 miles), and catch a flight to Canada on Wednesday to see Nicol's mom, then back to Denver for a couple of holiday shows.


WHEW! How exhausting these last few weeks have been! It was so nice to have time off for a couple of days. Yesterday we went to St. Augustine, FL (the oldest city in the US). It was ok, but nothing exciting...however, they do have a great winery there, and we wound up buying a case...in fact I'm having a glass now, and it's pretty darn good!

Rosie

My mom was born in 1924...she lived through a lot of major milestones in our country's history: the Great Depression, the bombing of Pearl Harbor and World War II to name a few. Her favorite music was from the Big Band Era: the Andrews Sisters, Tommy Dorsey, and Glenn Miller.

After the US was bombed by the Japanese and officially entered into World War II, the women were called upon to fill the roles of the men who were sent overseas to fight. The movie "A League of Their Own" is an example.

My mom was a riveter in an airplane factory in Dallas. You've probably heard of "Rosie the Riveter." Well, that was my mom. In their factory, the bomber airplanes were built...B24's and B52's. Growing up, we saw the rivet test plate she made...I guess they had to pass a test to make sure they could rivet straight!

In my mom's obituary, it was mentioned that she was a member of Rosie the Riveters and helped build B24 bombers. When we were at the graveside, one of the funeral directors mentioned that there would be a presentation by the military. I wasn't sure what he was talking about...none of us were.

But after the Lord's Prayer, a Marine came under the tent, and presented a United States flag to my dad, "from the President of the United States" in grateful appreciation for my mom's service to her country. I can't remember all of the words, but it was very touching. He saluted my dad, and then marched away. What an honor, and what a surprise! It made us all very proud of our mom.

My Heart Hurts

This has been the hardest week of my life, and it probably won't get easier for a while. As most of you know, my mom, Wanda Fayne Bush, passed away on Sept 21, one week ago today. She was 84, and had been in very poor health for years; I'm glad she isn't in pain anymore, but that doesn't mean that I won't miss her, and long to have her company again.


The week is a blur, really; in some ways, it feels like it has been years instead of days. I got to see my mom for the last time six days before she died. I am so thankful for that week, and I will never trade those memories for anything. On Sunday, Sept 14, Tyler came down to Jal, and we watched football with my mom, my dad, and my brother, and I grilled steaks. I got to feed her, because she was unable to feed herself. My mom was an avid sports fan, and we have watched football on Sunday afternoons for as long as I can remember.


I left the next day because I had to catch a flight home to Denver. I gave my mom a long hug and kiss, and told her that I loved her and would see her soon. Whenever I had to leave, she would always cry and ask me when I was coming back home again. One of my New Year's resolutions was to spend quality time with family this year, and I have been able to spend quite a bit of time with my mom and dad.


It will be really weird not having her around, like a void you'll never be able to fill. You get used to little things, like walking into the den, and she's in her chair, and you say, "Good morning, Mom." Or picking her brain about events that happened years and years ago. Even though my mom's health was fragile, her brain was sharp as a tack. She was an intelligent and strong woman.


The holidays will be hard this year, but we will make it through, and be thankful for the time that we had with our mom, and also be thankful and grateful that we still have our dad. I will never take time with my family for granted again. I'll write more about her later...

Sarah Palin Baby Name Generator

My Palin name is Bash Budweiser. I'd be interested to know yours.

http://www.personal-space.com/palin/index.php

Savage...Graphic Content

1982

Oopsy Daisy!

Someone needs to get McSame and Caribou Barbie on the same page so they don't disqualify each other...oh the insanity of being a Republican!!!!! The "oops" in the article are mine.

McCain Pre-Palin: Mayors And Governors Can't Handle National Security

When does being a governor or mayor for a short period of time not disqualify your credentials on national security? When you are John McCain and your task is to defend your vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

When does being a governor or mayor for a short period of time ABSOLUTELY disqualify your credentials on national security? When you are John McCain and your task is to defeat primary opponents Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani. (oops!)

Back in October 2007, when McCain's candidacy still appeared dead and buried, the Senator berated the two Republican front runners for lacking the necessary political experience to handle commander in chief responsibilities.

"I have had a strong and a long relationship on national security, I've been involved in every national crisis that this nation has faced since Beirut, I understand the issues, I understand and appreciate the enormity of the challenge we face from radical Islamic extremism," the Senator declared. "I am prepared. I am prepared. I need no on-the-job training. I wasn't a mayor for a short period of time. I wasn't a governor for a short period of time." (oops!)

Fast-forward nearly a year, and the argument McCain made back then is being used against his vice presidential pick today. Only Sarah Palin held the post of mayor of Wasilla for less time than Rudy Giuliani headed New York City. And her gubernatorial stint in Alaska is shorter than that of Mitt Romney's in Massachusetts. (oops!)

McCain, not surprisingly, has changed his tune. His campaign has suggested that as head of Alaska's national guard, Palin had more national security experience than Obama. The Senator himself went on Fox News and declared:

"I'm so proud that she has displayed the kind of judgment and she has the experience and judgment as an executive... She's been commander in chief of the Alaska National Guard ... she's had judgment on these issues. She's had 12 years of elected office experience, including traveling to Kuwait, including being involved in these issues. I'm so proud she has the experience and judgment as an executive."

And yet, for critics, Palin's interview with ABC on Thursday evening was an apt demonstration of the criticism's McCain raised about mayors and governors back in October. In her first interview since being tapped as McCain's vice president, Palin showed, in some respects, the limitations of her foreign policy capacity. Time's Joe Klein wrote, "A joke... This woman clearly has no idea what she's talking about. What an embarrassment." Unable to define the Bush Doctrine and contradicting McCain on Pakistan, she acknowledged that she had only visited a handful of countries and never met with another world leader. Then, it was her turn to ridicule the lengthy Washington resume that defines McCain.

"Charlie, again, we've got to remember what the desire is in this nation at this time," she said to the ABC host. "It is for no more politics as usual and somebody's big, fat resume maybe that shows decades and decades in that Washington establishment, where, yes, they've had opportunities to meet heads of state." (oops!)

ENOUGH!

Don't Be Distracted

Don't be distracted by a "hot babe" (comedian Rush Limbaugh's words, not mine) who can read a teleprompted speech written by a Bush speech writer. McCain is McSame...more of Bush; just older, and maybe not as dumb.

Honest Question

How can a man (John McCain) who proudly voted with George Bush over 90% of the time, who chose a Vice Presidential nominee (Sarah Palin) who is MORE conservative than he is, truly represent change???????? Isn't that more of the same? I'm confused.

Small Town Values My Ass...

Repuke...

Is it completely wrong of me to want to snap her wrist? I'm just wondering.

God help us..these people are psychos.

AND

I know it's a small photo, but I'm pretty sure she's wearing an Alaska pin...not an American flag. Please see previous post re: Republican Hypocrisy.

Republican: The Party of Liars

Don't know if you've ever read the book by Al Franken entitled "Lying Liars and the Liars Who Tell Them." It's about the Republican party. That is their specialty: spinning the truth, and twisting it until it is so FAR from the truth, you forget what the truth was to begin with...(whew!). I haven't watched the Republican Convention, because I don't have enough alchol to take a shot every time they say liberal, 9/11, or POW, AND my stomach just isn't that strong! So I get my news from the internet...which I do anyway, because the media is pathetic.

My point: I don't know if there has been a plan laid out by the Republicans to make our country better...I doubt it...that's not what they do. But there has been so much lying about the Democrats, and what they will do to make our country better. This article is an example, and refutes some of the lies they have been telling all week....did you hear the one about Sarah Palin being qualified to be Vice President? Now, that one is funny!

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and her Republican supporters held back little Wednesday as they issued dismissive attacks on Barack Obama and flattering praise on her credentials to be vice president. In some cases, the reproach and the praise stretched the truth.
Some examples:

PALIN: "I have protected the taxpayers by vetoing wasteful spending ... and championed reform to end the abuses of earmark spending by Congress. I told the Congress 'thanks but no thanks' for that Bridge to Nowhere."

THE FACTS: As mayor of Wasilla, Palin hired a lobbyist and traveled to Washington annually to support earmarks for the town totaling $27 million. In her two years as governor, Alaska has requested nearly $750 million in special federal spending, by far the largest per-capita request in the nation. While Palin notes she rejected plans to build a $398 million bridge from Ketchikan to an island with 50 residents and an airport, that opposition came only after the plan was ridiculed nationally as a "bridge to nowhere."

PALIN: "There is much to like and admire about our opponent. But listening to him speak, it's easy to forget that this is a man who has authored two memoirs but not a single major law or reform _ not even in the state senate."

THE FACTS: Compared to McCain and his two decades in the Senate, Obama does have a more meager record. But he has worked with Republicans to pass legislation that expanded efforts to intercept illegal shipments of weapons of mass destruction and to help destroy conventional weapons stockpiles. The legislation became law last year. To demean that accomplishment would be to also demean the work of Republican Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana, a respected foreign policy voice in the Senate. In Illinois, he was the leader on two big, contentious measures in Illinois: studying racial profiling by police and requiring recordings of interrogations in potential death penalty cases. He also successfully co-sponsored major ethics reform legislation.

PALIN: "The Democratic nominee for president supports plans to raise income taxes, raise payroll taxes, raise investment income taxes, raise the death tax, raise business taxes, and increase the tax burden on the American people by hundreds of billions of dollars."

THE FACTS: The Tax Policy Center, a think tank run jointly by the Brookings Institution and the Urban Institute, concluded that Obama's plan would increase after-tax income for middle-income taxpayers by about 5 percent by 2012, or nearly $2,200 annually. McCain's plan, which cuts taxes across all income levels, would raise after tax-income for middle-income taxpayers by 3 percent, the center concluded.

Obama would provide $80 billion in tax breaks, mainly for poor workers and the elderly, including tripling the Earned Income Tax Credit for minimum-wage workers and higher credits for larger families. He also would raise income taxes, capital gains and dividend taxes on the wealthiest. He would raise payroll taxes on taxpayers with incomes above $250,000, and he would raise corporate taxes. Small businesses that make more than $250,000 a year would see taxes rise.

MCCAIN: "She's been governor of our largest state, in charge of 20 percent of America's energy supply ... She's responsible for 20 percent of the nation's energy supply. I'm entertained by the comparison and I hope we can keep making that comparison that running a political campaign is somehow comparable to being the executive of the largest state in America," he said in an interview with ABC News' Charles Gibson.

THE FACTS: McCain's phrasing exaggerates both claims. Palin is governor of a state that ranks second nationally in crude oil production, but she's no more "responsible" for that resource than President Bush was when he was governor of Texas, another oil-producing state. In fact, her primary power is the ability to tax oil, which she did in concert with the Alaska Legislature. And where Alaska is the largest state in America, McCain could as easily have called it the 47th largest state _ by population.

MCCAIN: "She's the commander of the Alaska National Guard. ... She has been in charge, and she has had national security as one of her primary responsibilities," he said on ABC.

THE FACTS: While governors are in charge of their state guard units, that authority ends whenever those units are called to actual military service. When guard units are deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, for example, they assume those duties under "federal status," which means they report to the Defense Department, not their governors. Alaska's national guard units have a total of about 4,200 personnel, among the smallest of state guard organizations.

FORMER ARKANSAS GOV. MIKE HUCKABEE: Palin "got more votes running for mayor of Wasilla, Alaska than Joe Biden got running for president of the United States."

THE FACTS: A whopper. Palin got 616 votes in the 1996 mayor's election, and got 909 in her 1999 re-election race, for a total of 1,525. Biden dropped out of the race after the Iowa caucuses, but he still got 76,165 votes in 23 states and the District of Columbia where he was on the ballot during the 2008 presidential primaries.

FORMER MASSACHUSETTS GOV. MITT ROMNEY: "We need change, all right _ change from a liberal Washington to a conservative Washington! We have a prescription for every American who wants change in Washington _ throw out the big-government liberals, and elect John McCain and Sarah Palin."

THE FACTS: A Back-to-the-Future moment. George W. Bush, a conservative Republican, has been president for nearly eight years. And until last year, Republicans controlled Congress. Only since January 2007 have Democrats have been in charge of the House and Senate.

Don't Vote For a Black Man

I think a lot of people in America have been able to transcend beyond this bigoted statement...but obviously some haven't. I have been thinking about it quite a bit today, and frankly, I am hurt that people still think that way. But not only have I been hurt today, I have been angry! And outraged! I just want to stand on top of the tallest building and scream!

Because when you say, "don't vote for Barack Obama because he is black" you are also saying, "don't vote for him/her because he/she is brown," "don't vote for him/her because he/she is asian," "don't vote for him/her because he/she is a Jew," "don't vote for him/her because he/she is gay," "don't vote for him/her because he/she is buddhist," "don't vote for him/her because he/she is a Navajo/Apache," and on and on and on.

When I see Barack Obama and his beautiful family, I know that anyone can be anything they want, if they work hard, because that is the greatness and uniqueness of America. It doesn't matter your color, sex, religious preference, or sexual preference...we all have the same opportunity to dream whatever it is our dream may be!!

I have four beautiful grandchildren who are mixed race. They are smart, did I mention beautiful (handsome), and I know that they have unlimited potential and can been whatever it is they desire. And that is what I will teach them and tell them. So when you say not to vote for a man who offers our country hope and change, only because he is black, you are limiting what my grandchildren can be, or my son-in-law for that matter. Your racism touches everyone who is not "white."

Inequality for one is inequality for all, whether it is prejudice toward a person's skin, who they love, or whether it is equal pay for equal work done. It's time to evolve out of the old ways of thinking. It's time to let America's wounds heal, and to allow people to be one. It's time for all of us to be equal, the way the founding fathers intended.

Rocky Mountain News Article

This is an excerpt from the Rocky Mountain News, the day after Barack's acceptance speech:

When Barack Obama walked to the podium Thursday night he finished the early steps taken by Hank Sanders and about 2,500 other blacks when they strode boldly on US80 in Alabama. Forty-three years. A journey that Sanders never thought he'd see completed.

"We didn't stop marching. We kept taking steps," Sanders said. "And now he's standing on all of the shoulders of those who marched before him." The 65 year old Selma resident wiped his eyes. He brought tissues for this occasion. He knew he was going to use them.

When Obama said he accepted the party's nomination for president, Sanders looked up and remembered his father, Sam Sanders---a sawmill worker with a first-grade education. A man who worked 10 hour days, got shorted on paychecks and harassed on his way home---a seven mile walk each way. Sometimes the hours were longer.

"We called it 'can't see-to-can't see'---as in can't see in the morning and can't see at night.

Alabama, with 70 delegates present on the floor of Invesco Field isn't likely to go for Obama this November. Sanders knows that, but it doesn't matter. He said that simply having Obama as the nominee is a huge mark in the nation's history. It's a history he can't forget. A history that brings tears to his eyes.

Like the time when his brother was picking cotton in a field when a white man tried to his on his brother's girlfriend. His brother wrested him to the ground. Three white men showed up, one pulling a gun on him. Another pulled out an ax. The third began kicking him in the ribs until he couldn't walk. Then, the white men called the cops and his brother was thrown in jail.

Sanders said the judge told his brother to leave the state and never come back. He didn't for 10 years.

Such stories aren't unique for the generation that fought in the civil rights era. Emma Sanders, no relation, came with the Mississippi delegation. She was a friend of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers. She found out he had been shot in his driveway when a neighbor cam and told her. She went to his funeral and cried.

As she sat waiting for Obama to take the stage, she said it was one of many regrets---that Evers wasnt alive to see history in the making. "Those that came before us and fought should be here," she said. "But I guess we knew they all wouldn't be---even back then."

They all have stories. Mississippi state Sen. David Jordan remembered being slapped about by a white man because he didn't like the way Jordan said "sir." "I couldn't do it to his liking," Sanders said. "But others had it worse than I did."

Both states were epicenters for unrest during the 1960s and both became shorhand for racism in America. The delegations now sit together at Invesco Field---black and white.

And when Obama took the stage, Hank Sanders let his eyes wander to those around him---white, black, and Hispanic---all applauding the same man. He wiped his eyes from beneath his glasses and clapped.

"History," he said. "I guess it's official."

I'm so proud to be a Democrat...and proud to be a member of a political party which is able to see beyond race, to the heart and soul of a person. Republicans should only be so lucky. Why not a black man?

Live From the Republican Convention..Wednesday

The first official picture of McCain/Palin after she accepts the Republican nomination for Vice President:

Sarah Palin: Only a Heartbeat Away!

(Have I mentioned that I love Daily Kos?)

America is a Liberal Nation????

From Daily Kos. I would be interested to read your thoughts.


So, we've heard how awful liberal values are tonight from Mitt. Will Mike reiterate? Because Gallup says:

Americans are pro-choice (67 percent)

Americans support the Geneva Conventions with regards to torture (57 percent)

Americans don't want the government snooping in their bank and internet records (67 percent)

Americans support protecting the environment at the expense of economic growth (55 percent)

Americans believe that global warming is happening (86 percent)

Americans believe that it's the government's responsibility to provide health care (69 percent)

Americans support the decriminalization of marijuana (55 percent) and support the legalization of medical marijuana (78 percent)

Americans are opposed to attacking Iran (68 percent, according to a CNN Poll)

Americans support labor unions (60 percent)

Americans want government funding of embryonic stem cell research (56 percent)

Americans believe rich people and corporations aren't paying enough taxes (66 and 71 percent respectively)

Liberal enough for ya?

Don't You Want Better Things For Your Family?

Signs of Hope

Obama: Black or White?

Some people out their in our beloved America think Barack Obama should not be President of the United States, the melting pot of the world, because he is black. Oh My God! It's 2008! Can't we grow up and see beyond color? Are we doomed to our leaders having milky white skin but a very small and limited way of thinking? Why can't we elect a man of color, who is beyond intelligent, who wants to take our country in a new direction, and leave behind the divisions that have existed since America became a nation?

It's time to leave behind the small minds who would say that only a white person is capable of leading our country into the 21st century. It's nothing but ignorance to feel that way.

I think I am safe in saying that there is no one in our country who is pure "white." Even the white supremacists, who make me want to throw up, aren't pure "white." They're kidding themselves if they think otherwise.

Barack Obama is half "white", half "black". He was raised by a "white" family. The only thing not "white" about him is his skin color. You can bet that in a few short years, most Americans will be of a darker skin. What, oh what, will the Republicans do then? Their milky white skin will be the one that stands out in a crowd. But we won't say, "I won't vote for them because they're white, they're less, and don't deserve to have a place in running our country," because by then HOPEFULLY we will have outgrown that childishness, and small minded way of thinking.

Get out in the world! People are no different inside, whether they are black, white, brown, yellow, red, or fucking turqoise! When our forefathers wrote the Constitution, which we still have thankfully, in spite of the Republican party, they wrote that everyone is entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that we are ALL created equal!

It's time to look beyond a person's skin color, and to see what is inside. Honestly, can a man who has a darker skin tone be worse than what we have been stuck with for the last 8 years? Maybe if John McCain had a little melanin in his skin, he would be less prone to skin cancer!

GET OVER YOURSELVES....do something for our country other than set us back to the dark ages. It's time to evolve and progress!

I'm through ranting now.

PEACE!

More Republican Hypocrisy

Hmmmmm...guilt by association. Isn't that what the Republicans ALWAYS preach when it comes to the Democrats? An article from TPM:

Founder Of Group Palin Courted Professed "Hatred For The American Government"; Cursed "Damn Flag"

By Greg Sargent - September 2, 2008, 6:10PM

The founder of the Alaska Independence Party -- a group that has been courted over the years by Sarah Palin, and one her husband was a member of for roughly seven years -- once professed his "hatred for the American government" and cursed the American flag as a "damn flag."

The AIP founder, Joe Vogler, made the comments in 1991, in an interview that's now housed at the Oral History Program in the Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks.

"The fires of hell are frozen glaciers compared to my hatred for the American government," Vogler said in the interview, in which he talked extensively about his desire for Alaskan secession, the key goal of the AIP.

"And I won't be buried under their damn flag," Vogler continued in the interview, which also touched on his disappointment with the American judicial system. "I'll be buried in Dawson. And when Alaska is an independent nation they can bring my bones home."

At another point, Volger advocated renouncing allegiance to the United States. In the course of denouncing Federal regulation over land, he said:

"And then you get mad. And you say, the hell with them. And you renounce allegiance, and you pledge your efforts, your effects, your honor, your life to Alaska."

You can listen to audio of the relevant section of the Volger interview here. Bill Schneider, curator of oral history at the library, verified the authenticity of the interview and the quote to me a few moments ago.

Palin has courted the group over the years.

Three years after the controversial interview, in 1994, Palin attended the group's annual convention, according to witnesses who spoke to ABC News' Jake Tapper. The McCain campaign is disputing her presence there, but Tapper found two people to attest to it.

The McCain campaign today produced Palin's voting registration records, and said they proved she was never a member of the party.

But she has repeatedly reached out to the group. The McCain campaign has confirmed she visited the group's 2000 convention, and she addressed its convention this year, as an incumbent governor whose oath of office includes upholding the Constitution of the United States.

Palin's husband, Todd Palin, was a member of the party from 1995-2002 with a brief exception in 2000.

It's worth noting that Vogler isn't just some figure from ancient history. He is still being hailed on AIP's site this year, the same year Palin addressed the group's convention.

It's worth pondering how big a deal it would be if Obama had ever courted the support of a group whose head had said this kind of thing about America and her flag. Oh, wait...