Today the BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Ohio) demonstrated to me exactly why the government should not be managing our health care (or car companies, banks, education, etc for that matter).
Now, I have a bad habit of losing things. Particularly my wallet. I, uh, misplaced my wallet and needed to replace my license. I have not known the location of my Social Security card for... well... I don't know. In any case, I needed to go to the Social Security Administration and get a printout confirming my Social Security Number. Which I did. For once there wasn't a line. It is a miraculous thing when there isn't a line at the S.S.A. office. That took all of five minutes. Personally, I think it was a set up for what was about to happen next. Things were going too smoothly.
Since I was in Ravenna anyway, I went to the main BMV office rather than one of the License Bureaus. You know those twisty lines they have with the ropes? It wound around. Three times. I stood there for probably twenty minutes, twiddling my thumbs. That's to be expected. It's a government office, one that most people deal with at least once a year to get their tags. So I'm not freaking out at this point.
I get up to the counter. This grumpy, awful lady takes my S.S.N. printout and my birth certificate. She hands me the "application" to get my duplicate license, and asks me for my address. I rattle of my mom's address (I moved home last year because the economy sucks in general, but for the record I have lived on my own) thinking every thing's hunky dory because I changed my address with the BMV about a month ago when I realized (belatedly) that the tags had expired on my car. I never had a car in my own name until 2009, so... yeah. Anyway, I had just changed my address with them a month ago.
"That's not your address in our system. I'm going to need to see proof of address."
I explained to her the whole story I just explained in the previous paragraph.
"Well, it hasn't it our system yet, so I'm still going to need to see proof address."
What. The. Heck. How pathetic is it that in this age of computers after a month (more than a month, actually, probably closer to two or three months) that they couldn't get a simple change of address into the system. I mean, you can literally send information from here to Columbus in a matter of seconds. What. The. Heck.
So the lady sends me out to my car to look for something proving my address. Now, I don't know about you, but I generally don't keep my bank statements in my car. Or my mail for that matter. I did find a Valvoline receipt with my name and address on it. She of course said that wasn't valid proof of address, and I would have to go get a print-out of my account information from my bank and have them sign and stamp it. Or I would have to produce some sort of utility bill (which I don't have because I live at home).
Now, I don't know about your bank, but generally most banks require you to have some sort identification, preferably photo identification, in order to give you anything with your account information. Luckily for me, my cousin is a teller at the branch I go to, and everyone there knew me well enough that they were willing to vouch for my identity and give me the print out. Problem is, my bank is in Kent. I had to drive all the way back to Kent, then all the way back to Ravenna (though in hind-sight I suppose I could have gone to the Kent License Bureau, but I wanted to face off with the nasty lady at Ravenna).
The story gets better. This next part doesn't have so much to do with the inefficiency of government bureaucracy as it does general annoyance. Apparently we have to punish people with CDLs (Commercial Driver's Licenses). Getting a duplicate of a regular Class D license in Ohio costs $22 (highway robbery). Getting a duplicate of CDL (Classes C, B, and A for those who care) costs $27. Guess who only came prepared for the $22? Yup, you guessed it. I had to drive all the way back to Kent to get five more dollars because the BMV does not take credit cards (not that I had one anyway with the AWOL wallet).
At this point I'm so ticked off and I've already stood in a ridiculous line twice at the Ravenna BMV office, that I decided to go to the Streetsboro License Bureau near home instead. Now we're back to the stupidity of government offices. On Wednesday, just Wednesday, the Ravenna BMV is open till 6:30pm instead of just 5pm. I assumed, therefore, that the Streetsboro office would be the same. I mean, they both offices for the same Bureau, right?
The Streetsboro office was closed. They're only open till 6:30pm on Mondays. I didn't bother checking Kent, though I'm curious to see if their late day is on Fridays. Anyhow, I ended up trekking all the way back to Ravenna to wait in another hugely long line and finally get my license. I also learned from the much nicer lady that I dealt with exactly why I had to go through all the run around to begin with.
Apparently the Ohio BMV is at least a month behind in all their paperwork and mail-outs. People who ordered tags online almost two months ago still haven't received them, and have ended up coming in to buy tags. And we want these people to run health care? Well, I suppose it wouldn't be exactly these people. I mean, this just the Ohio state government messing up the BMV, we haven't even scratched the surface of what federal can do.
The moral of the story: Show up to BMV at 10am with at least $50 on your person and every scrap of personal information you can think of in your purse.
Oh, yeah, and don't lose your wallet.
Just think, when the government runs the rest of our lives as poorly as they do the BMV, we'll get to do this same thing at school and the doctor's office!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Allow Me to Explain Myself
Now that I have had time to cool off from the vote, I should explain my last post. Let me state clearly, I do not believe that all social programs are evil. I have serious issues with the way welfare is currently set up in this country and I think our president regularly lies through his teeth, but I do not believe that all social programs are by their very nature wrong.
Sometimes you need a hand up. I firmly believe that hand up should come from local organizations, churches, and people, but in the event that none of those options are feasible, some sort of social safety net is not completely unwarranted. However, that safety net should be very, very, very minimal.
Right now in this country there are literally people who will be part of the welfare system for life. They are born into it with parents who are already on welfare, then they hop on it themselves at eighteen. Often times they are often parents themselves by that point. They stay on it, in some cases popping out more kids, live in Section 8 Housing, work a few minimum wage jobs here and there, and then eventually collect Social Security.
That is not everybody. There are many, many people who genuinely fall on hard times, take advantage of food stamps or Section 8 for a while, and then get back on their feet and get off the system. Those people use the system responsibly, and suffer from the stigma the people that I described in the proceeding paragraph create.
However, as we move more and more towards a socialist society, the first type will become more and more the norm. The current Health Care reform is merely an example.
Here is my proposal for welfare. In order to receive any kind of aid at all, a person should have worked at least two solid years in his or her past. Food stamps should be for families only, and a person should only qualify for enough for the number of family members that her or she has at the time he or she applies. If you can’t afford to support your family, you shouldn’t be screwing around risking expanding it. There should be a two year limit on any kind of aid, and the requirement that the person gets a job a year in unless he or she is a non-traditional college student with a family.
That’ll never happen.
The message that is being sent to America’s youth is that they are entitled to help from the government. Those evil rich capitalists are responsible for every woe. We are exchanging liberty for… honestly, I’m not even sure what we’re exchanging it for. But I am afraid.
But going back to what I said in the second paragraph, I do believe that the focus should be on local organizations. This country would be a much happier place if we would all turn our eyes back to our own communities and do what we can to help lift up those around us. We spend so much time worrying about what’s happening in every other state while the family down the road could use a few extra cans of food. Focus on your neighbors. Help your neighbors. A few churches and charities that take local outreach seriously can make a much bigger impact on the poor in their community than any federal program.
Take all that money that you donate to political parties or causes and invest them in local free clinics and food banks. Do something for those around you. Relieve the suffering in your own community, and let the rest of the country do the same.
Sometimes you need a hand up. I firmly believe that hand up should come from local organizations, churches, and people, but in the event that none of those options are feasible, some sort of social safety net is not completely unwarranted. However, that safety net should be very, very, very minimal.
Right now in this country there are literally people who will be part of the welfare system for life. They are born into it with parents who are already on welfare, then they hop on it themselves at eighteen. Often times they are often parents themselves by that point. They stay on it, in some cases popping out more kids, live in Section 8 Housing, work a few minimum wage jobs here and there, and then eventually collect Social Security.
That is not everybody. There are many, many people who genuinely fall on hard times, take advantage of food stamps or Section 8 for a while, and then get back on their feet and get off the system. Those people use the system responsibly, and suffer from the stigma the people that I described in the proceeding paragraph create.
However, as we move more and more towards a socialist society, the first type will become more and more the norm. The current Health Care reform is merely an example.
Here is my proposal for welfare. In order to receive any kind of aid at all, a person should have worked at least two solid years in his or her past. Food stamps should be for families only, and a person should only qualify for enough for the number of family members that her or she has at the time he or she applies. If you can’t afford to support your family, you shouldn’t be screwing around risking expanding it. There should be a two year limit on any kind of aid, and the requirement that the person gets a job a year in unless he or she is a non-traditional college student with a family.
That’ll never happen.
The message that is being sent to America’s youth is that they are entitled to help from the government. Those evil rich capitalists are responsible for every woe. We are exchanging liberty for… honestly, I’m not even sure what we’re exchanging it for. But I am afraid.
But going back to what I said in the second paragraph, I do believe that the focus should be on local organizations. This country would be a much happier place if we would all turn our eyes back to our own communities and do what we can to help lift up those around us. We spend so much time worrying about what’s happening in every other state while the family down the road could use a few extra cans of food. Focus on your neighbors. Help your neighbors. A few churches and charities that take local outreach seriously can make a much bigger impact on the poor in their community than any federal program.
Take all that money that you donate to political parties or causes and invest them in local free clinics and food banks. Do something for those around you. Relieve the suffering in your own community, and let the rest of the country do the same.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Children for Life
Today I go into mourning for my country.
What we have succeeded in creating is a society that lacks individual, personal responsibility for one's own self. We have created a society in which the public is responsible for the health and well-being of the individual. We have created a society in which there are no adults. We are children for life, living in a bubble-wrapped world under the vigilant eye of our loving nanny, the federal government of the United States of America.
People in this country no longer grow up. We coddle our children, we make excuses for our teenagers, and we hand out entitlements like candy at Halloween. What makes your child any more deserving than any other? Why should money that could go towards one child's care be taken from his or her parent’s pocket to care for yours? Why are you entitled to a single thing that belongs to me or my neighbor?
Ask yourself, do you honestly believe that anyone else is responsible for you? Is it anyone else's responsibility to make sure that you have food on your table? A roof over that table?
I don't need to be taught the definition of charity. I will gladly give you the shirt off of my back if you only ask me. But if you demand it from me, expect it from me simply because you exist, you do not deserve it. You are not entitled to a single material thing in this world. You are not entitled to clothing, or food, or money, or health care. You may work for them, or you may die. Nothing is a guarantee. You have the right to pursue happiness, but not the promise of finding it.
I would rather die than force someone else to pay my medical bills. If I cannot pay my own way and no one else is willing to voluntarily reach out a hand to me, then I will die. I will make it or break it on my own. I expect nothing more and nothing less from every other able-bodied American.
What we have succeeded in creating is a society that lacks individual, personal responsibility for one's own self. We have created a society in which the public is responsible for the health and well-being of the individual. We have created a society in which there are no adults. We are children for life, living in a bubble-wrapped world under the vigilant eye of our loving nanny, the federal government of the United States of America.
People in this country no longer grow up. We coddle our children, we make excuses for our teenagers, and we hand out entitlements like candy at Halloween. What makes your child any more deserving than any other? Why should money that could go towards one child's care be taken from his or her parent’s pocket to care for yours? Why are you entitled to a single thing that belongs to me or my neighbor?
Ask yourself, do you honestly believe that anyone else is responsible for you? Is it anyone else's responsibility to make sure that you have food on your table? A roof over that table?
I don't need to be taught the definition of charity. I will gladly give you the shirt off of my back if you only ask me. But if you demand it from me, expect it from me simply because you exist, you do not deserve it. You are not entitled to a single material thing in this world. You are not entitled to clothing, or food, or money, or health care. You may work for them, or you may die. Nothing is a guarantee. You have the right to pursue happiness, but not the promise of finding it.
I would rather die than force someone else to pay my medical bills. If I cannot pay my own way and no one else is willing to voluntarily reach out a hand to me, then I will die. I will make it or break it on my own. I expect nothing more and nothing less from every other able-bodied American.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Radio Hijackers
Alright America, are you ready for another outrage? If you are any kind of conservative you need to be sitting up and paying attention, because this is truly ridiculous. Organizing for America is now encouraging people---progressives, uber-leftists, etc--- to call in to conservative radio talk shows with the intention of completely overwhelming them with left-wing talking points. Essentially, they want to hijack conservative talk shows for the sake of promoting “liberal” or “progressive” propaganda, particularly in the healthcare debate.
“The fate of health reform has been the focus of debate in living rooms and offices, on TV and online -- and on talk radio. And since millions of folks turn to talk radio as a trusted source of news and opinions, we need to make sure OFA supporters are calling in with a pro-reform message.” That is directly from the website, "On the Air." One could argue that President Obama has nothing to do with the website (though it bears his name in its url address) since Organizing for American is “a project of the Democratic National Committee…[and] this communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.” However, does anyone really believe that Obama is completely unaware? Do you really believe that our president is that ignorant that he is unaware of what OFA is doing in his name?
The website provides “OFA supporters” with tips for calling, as well as talking points. Callers are encouraged to share “a personal story about how health reform affects [the caller] and [his/her] family” as a “great way to show the importance and urgency of health reform.” The talking points, says the site, “are only to provide extra information and suggestions. Your personal story will make the most compelling message.”
Not only does this site encourage people to flood conservative shows with “a pro reform message,” but it gives them direct access. Step 1 displays the logo of a show currently on the air, with a link to a free web-radio. For some shows, there is even a “call for free” allowing you to call from your computer through Skype at no charge. Anybody else think this is ridiculous? “If you can’t get through, don’t worry!” say the calling tips. “If the show you call is busy or not accepting calls at the moment you call in, simply click ‘Give me another show’ to find another.”
When I first saw the site Sean Hannity’s show was on the front page as a target. After flipping through a few hours later (aka, hitting ‘give me another show’ repeatedly) I saw shows like Michael Medved, Glenn Beck, Dennis Miller, The Wall Street Journal This Morning, and of course, Focus on the Family. Seriously? Focus on the Family?
I also noticed several more liberal leaning shows on the hit list. Some would use that to argue that this proves the website is not an attempt to as I said, hijack conservative talk radio. On the contrary, I contend that it is simply camouflage. No one needs to call in to liberal shows to promote healthcare reform, as the liberal shows, generally, do it all on their own. The real targets here I the people I listed above. Michael Medved. Glenn Beck. Dennis Miller. Sean Hannity. Savage. Limbaugh. Focus on the Family. Actually, let’s throw the entire Moody Bible Institute’s radio productions in there for good measure.
Any way you slice it this is ridiculous. These people are calling shows they may not have even heard before, simply to push “a pro-reform message.” If the listeners of the conservative talk shows wanted to hear “a pro-reform message” they’d go watch MSNBC! It is one thing if you are a regular listener to a show, or happen to flip through the stations and hear something you want to challenge, and you then call in and pick a fight with the talk show host. Fine. However, if you’re calling in just to push talking points on me, then get off my radio!
“The fate of health reform has been the focus of debate in living rooms and offices, on TV and online -- and on talk radio. And since millions of folks turn to talk radio as a trusted source of news and opinions, we need to make sure OFA supporters are calling in with a pro-reform message.” That is directly from the website, "On the Air." One could argue that President Obama has nothing to do with the website (though it bears his name in its url address) since Organizing for American is “a project of the Democratic National Committee…[and] this communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.” However, does anyone really believe that Obama is completely unaware? Do you really believe that our president is that ignorant that he is unaware of what OFA is doing in his name?
The website provides “OFA supporters” with tips for calling, as well as talking points. Callers are encouraged to share “a personal story about how health reform affects [the caller] and [his/her] family” as a “great way to show the importance and urgency of health reform.” The talking points, says the site, “are only to provide extra information and suggestions. Your personal story will make the most compelling message.”
Not only does this site encourage people to flood conservative shows with “a pro reform message,” but it gives them direct access. Step 1 displays the logo of a show currently on the air, with a link to a free web-radio. For some shows, there is even a “call for free” allowing you to call from your computer through Skype at no charge. Anybody else think this is ridiculous? “If you can’t get through, don’t worry!” say the calling tips. “If the show you call is busy or not accepting calls at the moment you call in, simply click ‘Give me another show’ to find another.”
When I first saw the site Sean Hannity’s show was on the front page as a target. After flipping through a few hours later (aka, hitting ‘give me another show’ repeatedly) I saw shows like Michael Medved, Glenn Beck, Dennis Miller, The Wall Street Journal This Morning, and of course, Focus on the Family. Seriously? Focus on the Family?
I also noticed several more liberal leaning shows on the hit list. Some would use that to argue that this proves the website is not an attempt to as I said, hijack conservative talk radio. On the contrary, I contend that it is simply camouflage. No one needs to call in to liberal shows to promote healthcare reform, as the liberal shows, generally, do it all on their own. The real targets here I the people I listed above. Michael Medved. Glenn Beck. Dennis Miller. Sean Hannity. Savage. Limbaugh. Focus on the Family. Actually, let’s throw the entire Moody Bible Institute’s radio productions in there for good measure.
Any way you slice it this is ridiculous. These people are calling shows they may not have even heard before, simply to push “a pro-reform message.” If the listeners of the conservative talk shows wanted to hear “a pro-reform message” they’d go watch MSNBC! It is one thing if you are a regular listener to a show, or happen to flip through the stations and hear something you want to challenge, and you then call in and pick a fight with the talk show host. Fine. However, if you’re calling in just to push talking points on me, then get off my radio!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
CPAC, Beck, TV, Head Cold, Blah
Okay, I’m not going to lie, I did not watch much of CPAC this weekend. Really, I didn’t watch much of anything this weekend. I’m recovering from a nasty head cold and haven’t been in the mood for anything except sleep and SunnyD. For some reason that’s my drink when I’m sick. Must be the need for vitamin C. In any case, I did plop myself down in front of the TV about an hour before the coverage of Beck’s speech at CPAC was supposed to start and turned on Fox, planning just to watch the news till it began. Yeah, that didn’t work so well. For those who follow me on Twitter, you know that as soon as I woke up I had a rather royal hissy fit. I SLEPT through Beck’s speech. I fell asleep before it began, and didn’t wake up until an hour later. So, if you didn’t believe my sob story about a head cold before, I’m sure you do now, haha.
Eventually I did watch the speech as soon as the full video was posted at glennbeck.com. For those of you who also missed it, you can find it there. Ron Paul and others from this year's CPAC can be found on youtube. So far at three hours after it ended, Beck's speech doesn’t seem to have hit youtube. Apparently the bloggers haven’t started cherry-picking it for choice phrases. Yet.
Hopefully tomorrow or Monday I will post my reaction to the speech (I need a little more time to get over my head cold if you want something coherent and insightful). I’m going to try to avoid any commentary on it before then. I want to talk about the speech based on its merits, not anyone’s opinions.
So, Beck at CPAC. Tomorrow. Or Monday. Promise.
Eventually I did watch the speech as soon as the full video was posted at glennbeck.com. For those of you who also missed it, you can find it there. Ron Paul and others from this year's CPAC can be found on youtube. So far at three hours after it ended, Beck's speech doesn’t seem to have hit youtube. Apparently the bloggers haven’t started cherry-picking it for choice phrases. Yet.
Hopefully tomorrow or Monday I will post my reaction to the speech (I need a little more time to get over my head cold if you want something coherent and insightful). I’m going to try to avoid any commentary on it before then. I want to talk about the speech based on its merits, not anyone’s opinions.
So, Beck at CPAC. Tomorrow. Or Monday. Promise.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Mediator: Beck vs Maddow
Okay, some things reach a certain point of ridiculous, and the Beck vs. Maddow fiasco is one of them. Now, I may be a little biased in my assessment of this situation as I am both a Glenn Beck fan and not a believer in global warming, but the back and forth on this issue with Bill Nye, climate change, Al Gore, and lying is just a bit… well… ridiculous.
Firstly, Rachel Maddow did in fact cut Glenn Beck’s comments on Bill Nye short. She also did in fact use clips of conservatives who were for the most part joking. These people have made no secret that they believe climate change is a bunch of bull, however all of them know perfectly well that one storm doesn’t prove anything. They’re just using it as a great excuse to make fun of Al Gore, because let’s face it, he’s a fun target for conservatives. Most of us don’t like him, and never will. Get over it, Maddow.
Secondly, in Glenn Beck’s pod cast he edited it (in my opinion) more for time than content. Yes, he edited out the clips. He edited them out because the important part was what Maddow herself said and the issue of the clips had been addressed in an earlier episode of his radio show. He was not cherry-picking her comments. The pod casts are meant to be short blips about a topic, not the next great Hollywood blockbuster.
Thirdly, ENOUGH ALREADY. Okay, so Beck made fun of Bill Nye in the original radio segment. He did not say anything about Maddow herself or her views. Why, precisely, did Maddow then engage in this ridiculous he-said/she-said battle of the broadcasts? Being a confrontational person myself, I would probably have reacted to her attack the same was as Beck. However, I implore Beck to drop the Maddow topic, just because it isn’t worth responding. These people will never agree with you, even if you argue with them till you turn blue. Hell--- and most of the Atlantic--- will have to freeze over before they give in.
Finally, I think my biggest beef with Maddow’s comments is her wonderful little run-down of how she gets death-threats from Beck’s fans. Really? Seriously? I’m sure he gets nothing but warm, cuddly Hallmark greeting cards from your fans. (Oh, by the way, that’s a joke, for any of the liberals that happen to be reading this). There are nutcases out there. Every movement has its loonies and its fringe. However, I can assure you Ms. Maddow, that most of Glenn Beck’s fans and/or regular viewers, do not think he is the second coming.
This whole he-said/she-said debate is stupid. Conservatives are within their rights to make fun of global warming/climate change and yes, Al Gore. Liberals are within their rights to believe the conservatives are wrong and to make fun of them for it. However, for Nye to say either side is unpatriotic over this stupid, unproven theory is wrong. Whether or not you feel the need to save the planet has nothing to do with the love and loyalty you feel for your country, nor should it. End of discussion.
Firstly, Rachel Maddow did in fact cut Glenn Beck’s comments on Bill Nye short. She also did in fact use clips of conservatives who were for the most part joking. These people have made no secret that they believe climate change is a bunch of bull, however all of them know perfectly well that one storm doesn’t prove anything. They’re just using it as a great excuse to make fun of Al Gore, because let’s face it, he’s a fun target for conservatives. Most of us don’t like him, and never will. Get over it, Maddow.
Secondly, in Glenn Beck’s pod cast he edited it (in my opinion) more for time than content. Yes, he edited out the clips. He edited them out because the important part was what Maddow herself said and the issue of the clips had been addressed in an earlier episode of his radio show. He was not cherry-picking her comments. The pod casts are meant to be short blips about a topic, not the next great Hollywood blockbuster.
Thirdly, ENOUGH ALREADY. Okay, so Beck made fun of Bill Nye in the original radio segment. He did not say anything about Maddow herself or her views. Why, precisely, did Maddow then engage in this ridiculous he-said/she-said battle of the broadcasts? Being a confrontational person myself, I would probably have reacted to her attack the same was as Beck. However, I implore Beck to drop the Maddow topic, just because it isn’t worth responding. These people will never agree with you, even if you argue with them till you turn blue. Hell--- and most of the Atlantic--- will have to freeze over before they give in.
Finally, I think my biggest beef with Maddow’s comments is her wonderful little run-down of how she gets death-threats from Beck’s fans. Really? Seriously? I’m sure he gets nothing but warm, cuddly Hallmark greeting cards from your fans. (Oh, by the way, that’s a joke, for any of the liberals that happen to be reading this). There are nutcases out there. Every movement has its loonies and its fringe. However, I can assure you Ms. Maddow, that most of Glenn Beck’s fans and/or regular viewers, do not think he is the second coming.
This whole he-said/she-said debate is stupid. Conservatives are within their rights to make fun of global warming/climate change and yes, Al Gore. Liberals are within their rights to believe the conservatives are wrong and to make fun of them for it. However, for Nye to say either side is unpatriotic over this stupid, unproven theory is wrong. Whether or not you feel the need to save the planet has nothing to do with the love and loyalty you feel for your country, nor should it. End of discussion.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Going Part-Time
Term limits. I think this topic is rather timely, given a few recent events. It may be at subject that has been beat into the ground, dug up, and then pile-driven in again, but I’m going to dig it up one more time.
Senators are dying in office, and it isn’t because some far-out extremist with a 12-guage is gunning them down. Death is a natural part of life, and occasionally someone is going to die in office. It just happens. However, we have recently lost two senators, Murtha and Kennedy, both long, LONG time members of Congress. These men held their seats so long that the seats have become known by the senators, rather than the senators being known by the seats.
That being said, I have to applaud Evan Bayh of Indiana for stepping down at the end of his term. Very few politicians seem to do that these days, unless they are either sure of defeat at the voting box, or have been scandalized with some gross misconduct. Senator Bayh, as far as we know, had a solid chance at re-election, and no up-and-coming scandal. Rather than being pushed out by unpopularity, Bayh is giving up his seat of his own volition for apparently moral reasons. That is to be applauded in any politician, on either side of the aisle. According to the New York Times, Senator Bayh was more of a part-time senator than many of his colleagues, “popping in” for votes and making rare floor speeches, but still getting home for all the important family events. That is exactly the way it should be. I don’t know much of the man’s politics, but it seems that many of his colleagues could take a leaf out of his book.
Everyone in Washington should be going home on the weekend. Better yet, they should be home ALL the time, except for scheduled debates and votes. The people they represent are, guess what, at home. Then again, many of the politicians in Washington might get tar-and-feathered if they stayed home long enough.
Members of Congress, particularly senators, as they have six-year terms anyway, should have a limit on how many terms they can serve. I would recommend two for senators, maybe three or four representatives. They should be in Washington part-part-time, and spend the rest of their time in their offices back home, where their constituents can actually reach them. Perhaps the townhalls of this summer were a bit scary for the poor, sheltered congressmen, but they’ll have to get over it. People are demanding more respect and attention from their congressmen (oh, and congresswomen, too).
Would anyone in Congress (aside from possibly Senator Bayh) vote for a bill limiting their own term limits? Probably not. That’s about as likely as Congress giving itself a pay-cut. But that's another subject for another post.
Senators are dying in office, and it isn’t because some far-out extremist with a 12-guage is gunning them down. Death is a natural part of life, and occasionally someone is going to die in office. It just happens. However, we have recently lost two senators, Murtha and Kennedy, both long, LONG time members of Congress. These men held their seats so long that the seats have become known by the senators, rather than the senators being known by the seats.
That being said, I have to applaud Evan Bayh of Indiana for stepping down at the end of his term. Very few politicians seem to do that these days, unless they are either sure of defeat at the voting box, or have been scandalized with some gross misconduct. Senator Bayh, as far as we know, had a solid chance at re-election, and no up-and-coming scandal. Rather than being pushed out by unpopularity, Bayh is giving up his seat of his own volition for apparently moral reasons. That is to be applauded in any politician, on either side of the aisle. According to the New York Times, Senator Bayh was more of a part-time senator than many of his colleagues, “popping in” for votes and making rare floor speeches, but still getting home for all the important family events. That is exactly the way it should be. I don’t know much of the man’s politics, but it seems that many of his colleagues could take a leaf out of his book.
Everyone in Washington should be going home on the weekend. Better yet, they should be home ALL the time, except for scheduled debates and votes. The people they represent are, guess what, at home. Then again, many of the politicians in Washington might get tar-and-feathered if they stayed home long enough.
Members of Congress, particularly senators, as they have six-year terms anyway, should have a limit on how many terms they can serve. I would recommend two for senators, maybe three or four representatives. They should be in Washington part-part-time, and spend the rest of their time in their offices back home, where their constituents can actually reach them. Perhaps the townhalls of this summer were a bit scary for the poor, sheltered congressmen, but they’ll have to get over it. People are demanding more respect and attention from their congressmen (oh, and congresswomen, too).
Would anyone in Congress (aside from possibly Senator Bayh) vote for a bill limiting their own term limits? Probably not. That’s about as likely as Congress giving itself a pay-cut. But that's another subject for another post.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Movie Review: Avatar
I am going to take this opportunity to give a movie review. I don’t go to the theater all that often so don’t worry, you won’t have to suffer through this often.
Some friends and I went to see Avatar last night. We drove all the way out to Macedonia and paid $12 a head so we could see it in 3D. I’d never actually sat through a movie in a theater with 3D glasses before, and the experience was interesting. I had a massive headache for a while after I took the glasses off. Further, they don’t stay on your face very well when you are already wearing normal glasses. Guess I should get that contacts prescription renewed.
Centered around an ex-marine that has lost the use of his legs, and his brother, the movie follows him to the alien world of Pandora, where he is part of the Avatar program. He and several scientists are “linked” to lab-grown bodies that are designed to be like the native people of Pandora. Through his avatar, Jake Sully begins to understand the natives and ultimately has to choose between them, and greedy business and military men determined to destroy the avatar program and the natives.
The movie itself more than lived up to its hype. It was action-packed, and filled with butt-kicking stunts and special effects. The credits, accordingly, were very, very long.
In addition to being absolutely fantastic in the action and special effects department, the movie was impressive for its scope. It created an entirely new world and new race of people (something sci-fi movies have been doing for generations now), and they were totally and completely believable. I’ve read a lot of fantasy and sci-fi (not everything, but a lot) and I give Avatar full points for breaking the mold.
In addition for great world building and imagination, the movie shows the darkest and lightest sides of humanity. The movie showcased not only the human capacity for great evil and greed, but also the human capacity for great good. It showed us at our most intolerant worst, as well as our accepting and embracing best.
I won’t spoil the storyline, but I will say that it has some interesting turns, although ultimately it ends up exactly how the viewer knows it has to in order to have a satisfying, happy ending. I would say that happily ever after is a bit cliché, but for the movie to have ended any other way, in my opinion, would have been a great disappointment. Sometimes you just have to have that happily ever after. In this case, at least, the happily ever after was bought at a cost. No freebie rides for the heroes.
All and all it was a fantastic movie, and I completely recommend it. I will add, however, not to ignore the PG-13 rating. View it before you take the kids. Worth the $12 to see it in 3D? Absolutely. Two thumbs, five stars, and a standing ovation.
Some friends and I went to see Avatar last night. We drove all the way out to Macedonia and paid $12 a head so we could see it in 3D. I’d never actually sat through a movie in a theater with 3D glasses before, and the experience was interesting. I had a massive headache for a while after I took the glasses off. Further, they don’t stay on your face very well when you are already wearing normal glasses. Guess I should get that contacts prescription renewed.
Centered around an ex-marine that has lost the use of his legs, and his brother, the movie follows him to the alien world of Pandora, where he is part of the Avatar program. He and several scientists are “linked” to lab-grown bodies that are designed to be like the native people of Pandora. Through his avatar, Jake Sully begins to understand the natives and ultimately has to choose between them, and greedy business and military men determined to destroy the avatar program and the natives.
The movie itself more than lived up to its hype. It was action-packed, and filled with butt-kicking stunts and special effects. The credits, accordingly, were very, very long.
In addition to being absolutely fantastic in the action and special effects department, the movie was impressive for its scope. It created an entirely new world and new race of people (something sci-fi movies have been doing for generations now), and they were totally and completely believable. I’ve read a lot of fantasy and sci-fi (not everything, but a lot) and I give Avatar full points for breaking the mold.
In addition for great world building and imagination, the movie shows the darkest and lightest sides of humanity. The movie showcased not only the human capacity for great evil and greed, but also the human capacity for great good. It showed us at our most intolerant worst, as well as our accepting and embracing best.
I won’t spoil the storyline, but I will say that it has some interesting turns, although ultimately it ends up exactly how the viewer knows it has to in order to have a satisfying, happy ending. I would say that happily ever after is a bit cliché, but for the movie to have ended any other way, in my opinion, would have been a great disappointment. Sometimes you just have to have that happily ever after. In this case, at least, the happily ever after was bought at a cost. No freebie rides for the heroes.
All and all it was a fantastic movie, and I completely recommend it. I will add, however, not to ignore the PG-13 rating. View it before you take the kids. Worth the $12 to see it in 3D? Absolutely. Two thumbs, five stars, and a standing ovation.
Friday, January 8, 2010
No Encouragement Needed
There is a lot about Congress’ health care reform debacle that people are upset about. There’s a lot to be upset about, on both sides of the aisle. For the conservatives the whole thing is insane, and they’re feeling not only ignored, but shut out of the entire process. For liberals, the bill that seems to be emerging is not what they wanted. A perfect example would be Howard Dean calling for far left Dems to “kill the bill.”
And let us not forget the campaign promises that this debate would be on C-SPAN from beginning to end.
However, I submit that what should be ticking off the American people the most is not the backroom deals, smear tactics, or partisanship (although those are all wonderful points) but the earmarks, pork barrel, etc that has so far been tossed around to… encourage senators and representatives to vote the way Congressional leadership wants them to. I hesitate to use the phrases “bribe” and “buy votes” in an attempt to give our elected officials the benefit of the doubt, but quite honestly… that’s sure what it feels like to me.
A piece of reform this important, something that will completely change such a large portion of our economy, and indeed, our day-to-day life, should be completely devoid of all earmarks. There should be absolutely nothing in this bill that does not apply to all the states equally. Period, end of story. The Federal government is responsible for the welfare of the entire country, not the welfare of individual states. That’s what state governments are for. If your state government can’t take care of it’s people, then encourage them to boot the clowns out next election. But something this critical to the entire nation should be voted on purely on its merits and not extra encouragement that has been put in place for specific districts and states.
I have one thing to say to Congress. Shame on you. Shame on every single one of you who dares to vote for a bill stuffed with goodies for your state or district at the expense of others. The ramifications of this bill will effect all of us, and deserve your undivided attention. Shame. On. You.
And let us not forget the campaign promises that this debate would be on C-SPAN from beginning to end.
However, I submit that what should be ticking off the American people the most is not the backroom deals, smear tactics, or partisanship (although those are all wonderful points) but the earmarks, pork barrel, etc that has so far been tossed around to… encourage senators and representatives to vote the way Congressional leadership wants them to. I hesitate to use the phrases “bribe” and “buy votes” in an attempt to give our elected officials the benefit of the doubt, but quite honestly… that’s sure what it feels like to me.
A piece of reform this important, something that will completely change such a large portion of our economy, and indeed, our day-to-day life, should be completely devoid of all earmarks. There should be absolutely nothing in this bill that does not apply to all the states equally. Period, end of story. The Federal government is responsible for the welfare of the entire country, not the welfare of individual states. That’s what state governments are for. If your state government can’t take care of it’s people, then encourage them to boot the clowns out next election. But something this critical to the entire nation should be voted on purely on its merits and not extra encouragement that has been put in place for specific districts and states.
I have one thing to say to Congress. Shame on you. Shame on every single one of you who dares to vote for a bill stuffed with goodies for your state or district at the expense of others. The ramifications of this bill will effect all of us, and deserve your undivided attention. Shame. On. You.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
By Way of Explanation...
There is nothing I hate more than shopping alone. Don’t get me wrong. I do love to shop. I just hate doing it by myself. My mother, of course, just plain hates leaving the house in general. The result? I end up doing not only my shopping, but also her shopping, all by myself. My remedy? Talk on my cellular phone. A lot. All through Wal-Mart. I am probably by far and large the most obnoxious person the Streetsboro Super Wal-Mart has ever had the displeasure of serving. People actually stare at me, as I laugh at seemingly nothing and rant about how Mom sent me to buy her Christmas cards. (Which, by the way, Mom, how am I supposed to know what you want to say to these people? I can barely pick out my own Christmas greetings!).
It was during one of these many shopping excursions (the Christmas card one, actually) that a very good friend of mine said “you should totally start a blog about your relationship with your mother. You’re hilarious. You could call it ‘My Mother Sent Me.’” And so the blog was born!
Now, while my relationship with my mother is indeed a very complex and often frustrating aspect of my life (and an amusing one) I didn’t feel that it was sufficient material for a blog. Even a bi-weekly one. So, I have decided that once every couple of weeks I will do a “My Mother Sent Me” as one of my regular… uh… segments, I guess. Yes, this is for you, oh best friend of mine. I just hope my mother never reads it…
Another frequent topic will likely be the various frustrations that come with being on, near, around, with-in-a-hundred-miles of a university. In this particular case, I will be show-casing student life on two different campus. I’m not going to name any names yet. For now they are Campus #1 and Campus #2. Some time in the future I’ll see if any of my readers (wait, what readers?) can guess which two fine *choke* institutions of higher learning I am referring to. Hint: they are both in Ohio, so don’t go guessing something four of five states away, kay?
Politics, current events, and history are three unavoidable subjects for me. Fair warning, I am a conservative, and don’t apologize for it. However, I maintain a certain code of respect. I do not use derogatory terms for any politician or public figure (with the very possible exception of fool). If and when I do receive comments on my posts, I ask for the same respectful disagreement. Anything else will be deleted.
That said, I’m going to finish this first informational little posting. Starting tomorrow I’ll come up with something much more interesting and insightful to blog about. I’ve been hitting the history books, what musty old fact have I dug up?
It was during one of these many shopping excursions (the Christmas card one, actually) that a very good friend of mine said “you should totally start a blog about your relationship with your mother. You’re hilarious. You could call it ‘My Mother Sent Me.’” And so the blog was born!
Now, while my relationship with my mother is indeed a very complex and often frustrating aspect of my life (and an amusing one) I didn’t feel that it was sufficient material for a blog. Even a bi-weekly one. So, I have decided that once every couple of weeks I will do a “My Mother Sent Me” as one of my regular… uh… segments, I guess. Yes, this is for you, oh best friend of mine. I just hope my mother never reads it…
Another frequent topic will likely be the various frustrations that come with being on, near, around, with-in-a-hundred-miles of a university. In this particular case, I will be show-casing student life on two different campus. I’m not going to name any names yet. For now they are Campus #1 and Campus #2. Some time in the future I’ll see if any of my readers (wait, what readers?) can guess which two fine *choke* institutions of higher learning I am referring to. Hint: they are both in Ohio, so don’t go guessing something four of five states away, kay?
Politics, current events, and history are three unavoidable subjects for me. Fair warning, I am a conservative, and don’t apologize for it. However, I maintain a certain code of respect. I do not use derogatory terms for any politician or public figure (with the very possible exception of fool). If and when I do receive comments on my posts, I ask for the same respectful disagreement. Anything else will be deleted.
That said, I’m going to finish this first informational little posting. Starting tomorrow I’ll come up with something much more interesting and insightful to blog about. I’ve been hitting the history books, what musty old fact have I dug up?
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