I have not been paying a lot of attention to the Occupy Wall Street protests, but it looks like they are gaining some ground. Here is a story.
This looks to me like another version of the Tea Party. While the Tea Party is pretty much a conservative outfit, this new one is pretty much a liberal outfit. I know both claim to not be either ... but if it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck .........
While the Tea Party made its hay with anti-government rhetoric, the new group is all about anti-rich rhetoric. It is worth noting too that these anti-greed protestors appear to be fairly rich themselves.
Ah the hypocrisy of politics.
The Tea Party's thing was how bad government is, yet they want to run government.
The new group is against wall street and corporate greed, yet ... “To the villainy-of-the-rich theme emanating from Washington, a child is
born: Occupy Wall Street. Starbucks-sipping, Levi’s-clad,
iPhone-clutching protesters denounce corporate America even as they weep
for Steve Jobs, corporate titan, billionaire eight times over,”
columnist Charles Krauthammer wrote Thursday.
But politics in general is not about truth, reality or solving problems. Politics is about rhetoric and ideology. Style ... no substance. So the two groups - Tea Partiers and the 99 Percenters (i guess thats what they call themselves) - are no exception.
The thing is. Republicans and Democrats are so out of touch and both are becoming irrelevant. Maybe - hopefully - people are getting more weary of the fighting and seeing that its all smoke and mirrors.
The new parties suffer from the same hypocrisy and lack of substance, but they at least are following the model of becoming a political party. Political parties are a necessary evil, just like money is. .. You cant win an election - or promote ideology - without some sort of organization. and some cash.
There have been changes over the years in political parties. Even as we have pretty much always had a two-party system, they have both changed. There were the Whigs once upon a time.
I think there will be even more parties emerge as people grow more weary of the Republican - Democrat claptrap. Right now the two new parties are just a different version, perhaps a bit more extreme, but still ... Tea Party-ers are basically republicans and 99 percenters are basically democrats - I know both will deny that, but .... its still the truth.
What I would like to see is more parties. And ideologies that are neither conservative nor liberal. Ive said before, I think the biggest problem we have in America is the ongoing boring battle between the two. Someone is making a fortune with this battle and we have no progress to show for it. For now politics is just about "which side are you on" and not about actual solutions.
At least the new groups are a starting point.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Greetings
Someone suggested i do an update yesterday. I thought that sounded like a good idea.
There are still a few people coming here and I appreciate all 10 of you :) ...
It is kinda interesting, the stat tracker that I put on here shows different numbers than what Google shows.. Google shows more visitors.
Anyways. I am a sports writer in Ardmore, Oklahoma. I was getting paranoid there for awhile, and that is why i was vague about what was going on. But now Im here, and its going ok.
The biggest thing is that I now work at night. Like from 4 pm. until midnight, or even to 1 a.m. at times depending on how busy it gets. I go to a lot of high school games. We put the paper together at night and it is on doorsteps by daylight. We cover about 15 high schools. Teams go to Oklahoma City now and then, so I go there a lot as well.
People take high school sports seriously here, and they expect the paper to let them know what is going on in this area. I like that really. Also my boss has high expectations. Higher standards here.
I did try doing some of that at the paper there, but it was difficult.
It is expected here, that work will be of high quality and be done on time .... no drama, no bs, just do it.. Things do still fall through the cracks at times, especially in sports, because of the high amount of information you are dealing with and all at deadline. I like it though.
Working till 12 or later at night, i end up staying awake until 2 am. or so. There is the deadline rush, so Im still a little hyped up when work is done, so its really hard to go to sleep soon at all. That has been the biggest adjustment. Im trying to not stay up so late and get up earlier so I can do more fun things. I have my free time before work, instead of after.
I found a nice place to live. It is in one of the nicer areas of town. I am in a small building out back of a larger house. The lady decided to rent it out after her husband passed away. He used to have an office here.
I am still visiting churches. Some days I dont get up in time and ive just not found the right place yet. The big baptist church was good. The main church has mostly older people. They also have a church for younger people at the same time, which is more like going to a rock concert ... but that is fun to.
The methodist and presbyterians downtown do the same thing, but thiers is not so much like a concert. There is a bit of tradition mixed in.
Im just enjoying going to different places.
Ill write more about my adventures here tomorrow, or later on today.
Someone suggested i do an update yesterday. I thought that sounded like a good idea.
There are still a few people coming here and I appreciate all 10 of you :) ...
It is kinda interesting, the stat tracker that I put on here shows different numbers than what Google shows.. Google shows more visitors.
Anyways. I am a sports writer in Ardmore, Oklahoma. I was getting paranoid there for awhile, and that is why i was vague about what was going on. But now Im here, and its going ok.
The biggest thing is that I now work at night. Like from 4 pm. until midnight, or even to 1 a.m. at times depending on how busy it gets. I go to a lot of high school games. We put the paper together at night and it is on doorsteps by daylight. We cover about 15 high schools. Teams go to Oklahoma City now and then, so I go there a lot as well.
People take high school sports seriously here, and they expect the paper to let them know what is going on in this area. I like that really. Also my boss has high expectations. Higher standards here.
I did try doing some of that at the paper there, but it was difficult.
It is expected here, that work will be of high quality and be done on time .... no drama, no bs, just do it.. Things do still fall through the cracks at times, especially in sports, because of the high amount of information you are dealing with and all at deadline. I like it though.
Working till 12 or later at night, i end up staying awake until 2 am. or so. There is the deadline rush, so Im still a little hyped up when work is done, so its really hard to go to sleep soon at all. That has been the biggest adjustment. Im trying to not stay up so late and get up earlier so I can do more fun things. I have my free time before work, instead of after.
I found a nice place to live. It is in one of the nicer areas of town. I am in a small building out back of a larger house. The lady decided to rent it out after her husband passed away. He used to have an office here.
I am still visiting churches. Some days I dont get up in time and ive just not found the right place yet. The big baptist church was good. The main church has mostly older people. They also have a church for younger people at the same time, which is more like going to a rock concert ... but that is fun to.
The methodist and presbyterians downtown do the same thing, but thiers is not so much like a concert. There is a bit of tradition mixed in.
Im just enjoying going to different places.
Ill write more about my adventures here tomorrow, or later on today.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Anyone out there?
I see the blog is still getting a few visits.
Where do we go from here?
im not really in ark city enough to know whats going on now.
let me know if you have any suggestions.
Where do we go from here?
im not really in ark city enough to know whats going on now.
let me know if you have any suggestions.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
political quote
"The whole modern world has divided itself into Conservatives and Progressives. The business of Progressives is to go on making mistakes. The business of the Conservatives is to prevent the mistakes from being corrected.
gk chesterton, 1906
gk chesterton, 1906
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
small town corruption
here is an ap story about a small town in arizona and its corruption ...
http://news.yahoo.com/arizona-town-disarray-mayor-alleges-corruption-012411346.html
On another note ... I need to get in touch with "d." .. if youre out there, send me an email .. even if your not out there, send me an email ..
http://news.yahoo.com/arizona-town-disarray-mayor-alleges-corruption-012411346.html
On another note ... I need to get in touch with "d." .. if youre out there, send me an email .. even if your not out there, send me an email ..
Monday, July 11, 2011
Another doomsday prediction
Guess you dont have to be a religious fruitcake to be a fruitcake....
http://news.yahoo.com/believers-mysterious-planet-nibiru-await-earths-end-103803162.html
http://news.yahoo.com/believers-mysterious-planet-nibiru-await-earths-end-103803162.html
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
picture worth a thousand words?
Here is a picture of an advertisement along interstate 35 south of oklahoma city.
I just thought it was really interesting, and a sad comment on our culture.
some will say, one is legal and one is not, but i dont think that matters.
what about the underlying message?
I just thought it was really interesting, and a sad comment on our culture.
some will say, one is legal and one is not, but i dont think that matters.
what about the underlying message?
back in the saddle
Greetings all
assuming anyone is still out there.
ive had major technology problems. also a battle with the local internet provider
which is AT&T, and it sucks, and thats about the best thing i can say about it. i highly recommend not using them for internet if you have a choice.
and on top of that. something blew up my router and corrupted my windows...
so finally its all fixed.
I could have found a way to post i guess. but it was kinda interesting taking a break from technology fora little while.
i do so much of that at work.
I was in ark city a couple weeks ago. looks like the hike and bike trail is taking shape.
What is going on of interest up there?
assuming anyone is still out there.
ive had major technology problems. also a battle with the local internet provider
which is AT&T, and it sucks, and thats about the best thing i can say about it. i highly recommend not using them for internet if you have a choice.
and on top of that. something blew up my router and corrupted my windows...
so finally its all fixed.
I could have found a way to post i guess. but it was kinda interesting taking a break from technology fora little while.
i do so much of that at work.
I was in ark city a couple weeks ago. looks like the hike and bike trail is taking shape.
What is going on of interest up there?
Friday, May 27, 2011
Free Speech
Here is something I have been thinking about. Freedom of speech seems to be under attack.
Last week an NBA player was fined $50,000 - that amount may not be right - for making a "gay slur" towards a fan.
A few months back Kobe Bryant, also of the NBA, was fined $100,000 for saying something was "gay."
And this week a tv commentator got in trouble for calling conservative woman politician a slut.
Now im not thinking about the gay issue, or any other issue.
The problem to me is freedom of speech. What does it say about freedom of speech when you can be fined, suspended, or even fired for making a comment.
Whether the comment was right or wrong is not the point. In all of those instances it was bad judgement and not a good thing to do. Does that make it right to take disciplinary action against them?
They were all on the job at the time, so i guess you could say they were representing their company.
There might be a conflict of rights there, so its not black and white.
But still I think there is a tendency now a days in our culture to squash freedom of speech.
Should offensive speech be allowed"?
How do you define offensive?
If you only allow freedom of speech to those you agree with, do you have freedom of speech?
Just some questions to spur discussion.
Something else that seems odd to me here. It is the liberals who seem more likely to take action against someone for bad speech. Arent liberals supposed to be the ones who want to let everything go? But not offensive speech apparently. hmmmmm
Last week an NBA player was fined $50,000 - that amount may not be right - for making a "gay slur" towards a fan.
A few months back Kobe Bryant, also of the NBA, was fined $100,000 for saying something was "gay."
And this week a tv commentator got in trouble for calling conservative woman politician a slut.
Now im not thinking about the gay issue, or any other issue.
The problem to me is freedom of speech. What does it say about freedom of speech when you can be fined, suspended, or even fired for making a comment.
Whether the comment was right or wrong is not the point. In all of those instances it was bad judgement and not a good thing to do. Does that make it right to take disciplinary action against them?
They were all on the job at the time, so i guess you could say they were representing their company.
There might be a conflict of rights there, so its not black and white.
But still I think there is a tendency now a days in our culture to squash freedom of speech.
Should offensive speech be allowed"?
How do you define offensive?
If you only allow freedom of speech to those you agree with, do you have freedom of speech?
Just some questions to spur discussion.
Something else that seems odd to me here. It is the liberals who seem more likely to take action against someone for bad speech. Arent liberals supposed to be the ones who want to let everything go? But not offensive speech apparently. hmmmmm
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Where are the birthers?
Ok. Birthers would you like a little barbeque sauce with your crow.
For months - years even - you have called for the president to come clean about his birth certificate.
He has finally done so - and I still think he should not have.
But... where is the fairness? Where is the admission of being wrong? Where is the being honeest and "coming clean" that you called for.
Remember that book that was to be released that was going to blow this thing out of the water and be a book that finally exposed the president ... well i guess it is still being released..
Below is a press release about it.
But come on birthers .... lets have a little transparency.....
Let me introduce you to Jerome Corsi.
This week he released a new book that the publisher says will be a bestseller "of historic proportions."
The title is "Where's the Birth Certificate?" -- yes, really.
Corsi's work is a greatest-hits reel of delusions, ranging from 9/11 conspiracies to claiming that there is an infinite supply of oil in the Earth's core. In 2008, he published a book about Barack Obama claiming, among other things, that he (a) is a secret Muslim; (b) is secretly anti-military; (c) secretly dealt drugs; and (d) secretly supported terrorist actions when he was eight years old. So many secrets!
FactCheck.org called Corsi's work "a mishmash of unsupported conjecture, half-truths, logical fallacies and outright falsehoods."
There's really no way to make this stuff completely go away. The only thing we can do is laugh at it -- and make sure as many other people as possible are in on the joke.
For months - years even - you have called for the president to come clean about his birth certificate.
He has finally done so - and I still think he should not have.
But... where is the fairness? Where is the admission of being wrong? Where is the being honeest and "coming clean" that you called for.
Remember that book that was to be released that was going to blow this thing out of the water and be a book that finally exposed the president ... well i guess it is still being released..
Below is a press release about it.
But come on birthers .... lets have a little transparency.....
Let me introduce you to Jerome Corsi.
This week he released a new book that the publisher says will be a bestseller "of historic proportions."
The title is "Where's the Birth Certificate?" -- yes, really.
Corsi's work is a greatest-hits reel of delusions, ranging from 9/11 conspiracies to claiming that there is an infinite supply of oil in the Earth's core. In 2008, he published a book about Barack Obama claiming, among other things, that he (a) is a secret Muslim; (b) is secretly anti-military; (c) secretly dealt drugs; and (d) secretly supported terrorist actions when he was eight years old. So many secrets!
FactCheck.org called Corsi's work "a mishmash of unsupported conjecture, half-truths, logical fallacies and outright falsehoods."
There's really no way to make this stuff completely go away. The only thing we can do is laugh at it -- and make sure as many other people as possible are in on the joke.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Prayer meeting ?
I just saw on brand-x website, that city attorney is concerned that the city "might" be sued over its practice of having a prayer before meetings, done by area ministers.
I just wonder if it is a good use of taxpayer money to pay the city attorney to prepare briefs on issues where the city "might" be sued. Someone could stumble on the front steps of city hall too, and sue the city. Anyone can sue anyone over anything. It just costs a couple bucks to file the paper work for a lawsuit.
I suppose this is a topic to be debated, but i think another issue here is whether the city should be paying its attorney to find areas where the city "might" be sued. This has been a long-standing practice, and many city commissions do this. There are constitutional ways of going about it. It will be interesting to see if this becomes a hot button issue in ark city.
I just wonder if it is a good use of taxpayer money to pay the city attorney to prepare briefs on issues where the city "might" be sued. Someone could stumble on the front steps of city hall too, and sue the city. Anyone can sue anyone over anything. It just costs a couple bucks to file the paper work for a lawsuit.
I suppose this is a topic to be debated, but i think another issue here is whether the city should be paying its attorney to find areas where the city "might" be sued. This has been a long-standing practice, and many city commissions do this. There are constitutional ways of going about it. It will be interesting to see if this becomes a hot button issue in ark city.
Live blogs
We are having the state track meet here today for two classifications. I am going to be doing a live blog there. This will pretty much just be state track results, so probably not of much interest to you folks up there.
But just in case anyone wanted to see it, it will be at www.ardmoreite.com
1-5 p.m. today, saturday.
But just in case anyone wanted to see it, it will be at www.ardmoreite.com
1-5 p.m. today, saturday.
Friday, May 13, 2011
friday
Google has been having some trouble looks like. I posted something yesterday and now I dont see it at all. Couldnt sign on last night at all.
Seems to be working now.
Talk about whatever you like in this space.
Seems to be working now.
Talk about whatever you like in this space.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
another update
Howdy folks.
We are almost at the end of high school sports season down here. Spring time sports is the busiest time of the year, and spring time sports playoffs are just crazy. It is almost over, but that is why i have not been posting.
I am going to be doing some live blogging at sports events. State track meet this weekend.
I am getting immersed in high school sports here. Paying more attention to who is hitting home runs, and who is nearing10 seconds in the 100 meters, is actually more fun than paying attention to what politicians are saying.
At least in sports, there is a winner and someone who did not win. As opposed to politics, where no matter what happens, both sides claim a victory and spin it their way regardless.
There are some good athletes down here, so that makes it fun. They play at a high level in most sports. But once the high school season is over things should slow down a bit.
Tourism
There is a tour of train depots coming up. Sounds interesting and I just heard about it yesterday. But the tour ends with the Heartland Flyer at the Ardmore train station. The depot here is still active, and is one of the old ones that has been restored.
Several train depots have been restored here.
I know there is one rotting to death in Ark City and some group is allegedly trying to do something to save it.
Ive even heard that the Railroad company is willing to give it away.
Hope someone will take up that project in earnest.
Ok, dont know if that will get people going.
But ... just in case ... guns, abortion, taxes, obama, bush, lowes and mel kuhn. . oh, and dotty smith.
We are almost at the end of high school sports season down here. Spring time sports is the busiest time of the year, and spring time sports playoffs are just crazy. It is almost over, but that is why i have not been posting.
I am going to be doing some live blogging at sports events. State track meet this weekend.
I am getting immersed in high school sports here. Paying more attention to who is hitting home runs, and who is nearing10 seconds in the 100 meters, is actually more fun than paying attention to what politicians are saying.
At least in sports, there is a winner and someone who did not win. As opposed to politics, where no matter what happens, both sides claim a victory and spin it their way regardless.
There are some good athletes down here, so that makes it fun. They play at a high level in most sports. But once the high school season is over things should slow down a bit.
Tourism
There is a tour of train depots coming up. Sounds interesting and I just heard about it yesterday. But the tour ends with the Heartland Flyer at the Ardmore train station. The depot here is still active, and is one of the old ones that has been restored.
Several train depots have been restored here.
I know there is one rotting to death in Ark City and some group is allegedly trying to do something to save it.
Ive even heard that the Railroad company is willing to give it away.
Hope someone will take up that project in earnest.
Ok, dont know if that will get people going.
But ... just in case ... guns, abortion, taxes, obama, bush, lowes and mel kuhn. . oh, and dotty smith.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Commision and other stuff
Noticed that the city commission there in ark city is going back to the mid-day Friday work session.
This is a sign that the old order, which is now the new order, has taken over.
The argument for thursday evening was so the working public could come to the meetings. The argument against that was that no one ever comes anyway, and i guess it is more convenient for members to meet at that time.
Of course if commissioners have a day job, that could be an issue.
As a reporter, the work session is always much more interesting than the meeting. I once covered a commission in another state and rarely actually went to a meeting. The meetings are a formality in a sense while the work session is where stuff gets hashed out.
You can still go to the regular meeting and you can still speak there.
The thing is, its rare for very many people to show up at a work sessions or at a meeting.
I saw where they have found bin laden and he is dead. Both sides are already lining up to take credit. Both sides should be embarrassed that it took them 10 years. :)
This is a sign that the old order, which is now the new order, has taken over.
The argument for thursday evening was so the working public could come to the meetings. The argument against that was that no one ever comes anyway, and i guess it is more convenient for members to meet at that time.
Of course if commissioners have a day job, that could be an issue.
As a reporter, the work session is always much more interesting than the meeting. I once covered a commission in another state and rarely actually went to a meeting. The meetings are a formality in a sense while the work session is where stuff gets hashed out.
You can still go to the regular meeting and you can still speak there.
The thing is, its rare for very many people to show up at a work sessions or at a meeting.
I saw where they have found bin laden and he is dead. Both sides are already lining up to take credit. Both sides should be embarrassed that it took them 10 years. :)
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
What will the birthers say now
How will the birthers discredit this?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_theticket/20110427/ts_yblog_theticket/white-house-releases-obama-birth-certificate
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_theticket/20110427/ts_yblog_theticket/white-house-releases-obama-birth-certificate
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
economy
AP story says economy is growing steadily
things are looking up all over
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110426/ap_on_re_us/us_ap_economy_survey
how will the republicans say this isn't so ...
and
how will the dems take credit ...
im the one saying its a natural cycle that happens because it happens and not that much can affect it.
things are looking up all over
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110426/ap_on_re_us/us_ap_economy_survey
how will the republicans say this isn't so ...
and
how will the dems take credit ...
im the one saying its a natural cycle that happens because it happens and not that much can affect it.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
which side are you on
Here is a comment made in another string. It was the comment i wanted to hear in a sense, because it opened the door to the rant that follows :)
your only answer to "what is the republican answer" is "what is the dem answer"
which is to say ....the only thing we can say is the other side is worse...
or the only answer you have is to point at the other side.
the dems say the same... their answer is _ at least we're not as bad as the other side -
neither party has any answers, its time to move beyond parties. there are other parties, and new parties can be started... and will eventually when enough people get tired of the dem-pub, cons-lib fighting.
the idea that we have to have a two party system is a lie ...
if you think beyond your ideology at all, you will see that there are many issues where con-lib does not fit. neither side is right about everything, and in more cases than not, both sides are wrong
both are extremes. you can look at every issue through the lense of your partys ideology if you want, but if you take the glasses off, you will see that both sides are just putting their spin on every issue ... there is no truth, just the left or right spin...
so many times it happens, if you disagree with someone, or question something they say, they dismisss you as a lib or con... they wont even think about the issue, its just a matter of which side you are on.
its not even about politics really, its about money - cash flow....
i wish people could see the money that is being made creating this divisiveness in our country. if anytihng will destroy us it is the divisiveness, but the media mogules - both con and lib - are more into making money than caring about the country.. yes our economy has problems, it has had problems before, it will recover, and when it does many other problems will be fixed.
Dont you remember the 80s and hyper inflation? or was that the 70s? .. then it got better in the 90s, and of course both sides took credit.
but just think about the major spokespersons for both sides. (i really dont listen to any talk radio or tv anymore, i dont even know their names anymore... i guess rush is still around?)
they need to keep ratings up, they need to sell books, papers, etc., so keeping the division going is how they do that....
we are not sinking, that is just b-s /... part of the selling of division is the selling of fear and paranoia.. remember the "RED" scare of the 60s the cold war and all... now it was serious with the nukes around, but the ruskies were just as scared as we were and doing the same things as far as selling the population on fear and paranoia.
look at our history honestly .... we have had problems before, worse than now... and we always came through...
WWII could easily have been lost, there was the great depression (and real socialism was waiting in the wings to take over then. i think it was more a threat then than now)
after the civil war, just about any country could have invaded and taken over.
had the brits not been so arrogant, they would still own the colonies..
the economy will improve.. things will get better and the cycle will start again.
i really think a lot of it is just natural cycles that we really cant do anything about, we can maybe influence them some, make it faster or slower, but the cycles are natural and you cant really fight nature.....
I suppose I could answer your question with a question.well thats the point ive been making for months - maybe years -
What's the Democrat answer?
your only answer to "what is the republican answer" is "what is the dem answer"
which is to say ....the only thing we can say is the other side is worse...
or the only answer you have is to point at the other side.
the dems say the same... their answer is _ at least we're not as bad as the other side -
neither party has any answers, its time to move beyond parties. there are other parties, and new parties can be started... and will eventually when enough people get tired of the dem-pub, cons-lib fighting.
the idea that we have to have a two party system is a lie ...
if you think beyond your ideology at all, you will see that there are many issues where con-lib does not fit. neither side is right about everything, and in more cases than not, both sides are wrong
both are extremes. you can look at every issue through the lense of your partys ideology if you want, but if you take the glasses off, you will see that both sides are just putting their spin on every issue ... there is no truth, just the left or right spin...
so many times it happens, if you disagree with someone, or question something they say, they dismisss you as a lib or con... they wont even think about the issue, its just a matter of which side you are on.
its not even about politics really, its about money - cash flow....
i wish people could see the money that is being made creating this divisiveness in our country. if anytihng will destroy us it is the divisiveness, but the media mogules - both con and lib - are more into making money than caring about the country.. yes our economy has problems, it has had problems before, it will recover, and when it does many other problems will be fixed.
Dont you remember the 80s and hyper inflation? or was that the 70s? .. then it got better in the 90s, and of course both sides took credit.
but just think about the major spokespersons for both sides. (i really dont listen to any talk radio or tv anymore, i dont even know their names anymore... i guess rush is still around?)
they need to keep ratings up, they need to sell books, papers, etc., so keeping the division going is how they do that....
we are not sinking, that is just b-s /... part of the selling of division is the selling of fear and paranoia.. remember the "RED" scare of the 60s the cold war and all... now it was serious with the nukes around, but the ruskies were just as scared as we were and doing the same things as far as selling the population on fear and paranoia.
look at our history honestly .... we have had problems before, worse than now... and we always came through...
WWII could easily have been lost, there was the great depression (and real socialism was waiting in the wings to take over then. i think it was more a threat then than now)
after the civil war, just about any country could have invaded and taken over.
had the brits not been so arrogant, they would still own the colonies..
the economy will improve.. things will get better and the cycle will start again.
i really think a lot of it is just natural cycles that we really cant do anything about, we can maybe influence them some, make it faster or slower, but the cycles are natural and you cant really fight nature.....
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Figured it out
Last night I figured out this whole birth certificate thing.
It is really a rather clever conspiracy. Obama is pulling the classic bait and switch scam.
As many have pointed out, he doesnt have a lot of qualifications or experience. So he needed something to distract everyone from that, because he could really get a lot of grief over that.
And he needed something to keep people busy so as to not notice his agenda - which is really the elite liberal agenda. By the way, this is how he rose so fast in political circles. he is the front man for the vast left wing conspiracy.
So there were actually two things that needed to be hidden. or at least enough of a distraction so he could more easily pursue his agenda.
To throw the right wing off his tracks, he came up with a distraction.
He needed something that would keep people busy, and keep them chasing, so they would not notice the real things that needed hidden. or at least throw them off enough so he could get more things through.
He was born in hawaii, and his father is from kenya (i think thats right, or some other country) .. whatever. that was the framework for the bait and switch.
People love a conspiracy, there are large groups who think we never went to the moon, that elvis shot JFK, or that it was someone else anyway, or even that bush was really behind the 911 attacks.
What better distraction could there be? had he been born in iowa, it might have been a tougher sell, so hawaii made it much more convenient.
So the idea is sent out there. Of course the right wingers hate him, they would hate any liberal president. so obamas people knew that the fish would be biting so to speak,
so they send out this morsel and the right wingers grabbed the bait.
So that was the bait and switch. The first ones to put out this idea were no doubt closet liberals working as double agents in conservative circles. With the internet, you have no way of knowing who someone really is ... do you know for sure when this claim started? and who started it?
Its like criminals running from the cops. make them think you are going north and youre really going south.
So a lot of energy is expended on this birth certificate thing, while obama sails along happily with not that much attention being paid to his real weaknesses. He is laughing his behind off in the white house...
Now, this is the real reason he does not, and cannot, show the long form. or even more evidence that would remove any doubt. (actually he is really ticked at the liberals who keep showing evidence, or perhaps they are part of the conspiracy as well?)
If he did, the con would be over. and he would be in real deep doo doo... the right wingers would then be on his tail for real.
It is really a rather clever conspiracy. Obama is pulling the classic bait and switch scam.
As many have pointed out, he doesnt have a lot of qualifications or experience. So he needed something to distract everyone from that, because he could really get a lot of grief over that.
And he needed something to keep people busy so as to not notice his agenda - which is really the elite liberal agenda. By the way, this is how he rose so fast in political circles. he is the front man for the vast left wing conspiracy.
So there were actually two things that needed to be hidden. or at least enough of a distraction so he could more easily pursue his agenda.
To throw the right wing off his tracks, he came up with a distraction.
He needed something that would keep people busy, and keep them chasing, so they would not notice the real things that needed hidden. or at least throw them off enough so he could get more things through.
He was born in hawaii, and his father is from kenya (i think thats right, or some other country) .. whatever. that was the framework for the bait and switch.
People love a conspiracy, there are large groups who think we never went to the moon, that elvis shot JFK, or that it was someone else anyway, or even that bush was really behind the 911 attacks.
What better distraction could there be? had he been born in iowa, it might have been a tougher sell, so hawaii made it much more convenient.
So the idea is sent out there. Of course the right wingers hate him, they would hate any liberal president. so obamas people knew that the fish would be biting so to speak,
so they send out this morsel and the right wingers grabbed the bait.
So that was the bait and switch. The first ones to put out this idea were no doubt closet liberals working as double agents in conservative circles. With the internet, you have no way of knowing who someone really is ... do you know for sure when this claim started? and who started it?
Its like criminals running from the cops. make them think you are going north and youre really going south.
So a lot of energy is expended on this birth certificate thing, while obama sails along happily with not that much attention being paid to his real weaknesses. He is laughing his behind off in the white house...
Now, this is the real reason he does not, and cannot, show the long form. or even more evidence that would remove any doubt. (actually he is really ticked at the liberals who keep showing evidence, or perhaps they are part of the conspiracy as well?)
If he did, the con would be over. and he would be in real deep doo doo... the right wingers would then be on his tail for real.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
here it is, birth certificate
http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/born_in_the_usa.html
so would birthers be convinced if he showed a new one?
what about
, the conspiracy would need to be even deeper than our colleagues realized. In late July, a researcher looking to dig up dirt on Obama instead found a birth announcement that had been published in the Honolulu Advertiser on Sunday, Aug. 13, 1961:
Obama's birth announcement
The announcement was posted by a pro-Hillary Clinton blogger who grudgingly concluded that Obama "likely" was born Aug. 4, 1961 in Honolulu.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
what's going on
See i write a well thought out piece about a topic i find interesting, and it gets no responses. But just mention certain issues, and that gets people going.
Well i did want to write about what i am up to these days. I am not exactly in Texas. I misled everyone for a reason. I am almost in Texas. I am in Ardmore Oklahoma, which is not far from the lone star state... I am a sports writer. Just go to ball games, tell the tale, and help out in putting together the sports section and updating the paper's website. Interestingly enough, the higher-ups here have an Ark City connection. The publisher was once the publisher at the Traveler, way before it was sold, and was aware of winfield and the people at the paper there... so maybe there was a little bit of understanding.
The reason I misled everyone is I became paranoid. For months I realized that i needed a regular steady job. My freelancing was doing ok, but just ok... So I started applying for jobs. Papers or other publishing companies, would show interest, we would be going through the "dating" process so to speak. Interviews and all that. I was very open and honest about what happened in AC ...
So then I would tell people in ark city, well i had an interview with this company... and suddenly that company lost interest... no explanation no reason .. just not interested anymore.. each time it was exactly the same thing..
So I misled everyone about where this job was. I got offered the job... It does make you think...maybe it was just a coincidence .. or maybe not... i just know what i saw.
I like the paper here a lot. Totally different culture than where i was before.. higher expectations and standards, and a spirit of teamwork. The bar is raised, but there is also a great sense of appreciation and value in what is being done.
Also I am not in management by any stretch. Just a lowly reporter - albeit in sports. So i dont have to be concerned about the big picture at all, or what others are doing... I dont even have to worry about tomorrow's paper.. how it will get done, what will be in it. I am only concerned with what game i am going to today, and what help is needed on the desk (putting the paper together)...so it is much less stressful.
I found a neat place to live. It is a garage apartment type thing in someone's back yard. All my utilities, including cable tv and the net, are included in my rent, so i only have one bill to pay...
I hate to admit it, but life is pretty good right now...
The only thing that has been difficult at all is getting used to working for a morning paper. I work "second shift" .. 3-4 p.m. to midnight. I am getting adjusted though..
So that's it. I may write more about my job and what its like here.
Well i did want to write about what i am up to these days. I am not exactly in Texas. I misled everyone for a reason. I am almost in Texas. I am in Ardmore Oklahoma, which is not far from the lone star state... I am a sports writer. Just go to ball games, tell the tale, and help out in putting together the sports section and updating the paper's website. Interestingly enough, the higher-ups here have an Ark City connection. The publisher was once the publisher at the Traveler, way before it was sold, and was aware of winfield and the people at the paper there... so maybe there was a little bit of understanding.
The reason I misled everyone is I became paranoid. For months I realized that i needed a regular steady job. My freelancing was doing ok, but just ok... So I started applying for jobs. Papers or other publishing companies, would show interest, we would be going through the "dating" process so to speak. Interviews and all that. I was very open and honest about what happened in AC ...
So then I would tell people in ark city, well i had an interview with this company... and suddenly that company lost interest... no explanation no reason .. just not interested anymore.. each time it was exactly the same thing..
So I misled everyone about where this job was. I got offered the job... It does make you think...maybe it was just a coincidence .. or maybe not... i just know what i saw.
I like the paper here a lot. Totally different culture than where i was before.. higher expectations and standards, and a spirit of teamwork. The bar is raised, but there is also a great sense of appreciation and value in what is being done.
Also I am not in management by any stretch. Just a lowly reporter - albeit in sports. So i dont have to be concerned about the big picture at all, or what others are doing... I dont even have to worry about tomorrow's paper.. how it will get done, what will be in it. I am only concerned with what game i am going to today, and what help is needed on the desk (putting the paper together)...so it is much less stressful.
I found a neat place to live. It is a garage apartment type thing in someone's back yard. All my utilities, including cable tv and the net, are included in my rent, so i only have one bill to pay...
I hate to admit it, but life is pretty good right now...
The only thing that has been difficult at all is getting used to working for a morning paper. I work "second shift" .. 3-4 p.m. to midnight. I am getting adjusted though..
So that's it. I may write more about my job and what its like here.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Evidence ...
Here is a story that illustrates what i was talking about in my previous post about what the bible says. This story is much shorter, and much better written...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110418/wl_uk_afp/britainreligionchristianseaster
This is a good example of using evidence, science, and the bible together to try to find truth.
This article talks more about the last supper ... what day was it ... i think the conclusion of the person here is very valid ..
Related to that is the issue of Good Friday and Easter, the church celebrates his death on good friday and his resurrection on sunday .. and still says he was in the tomb three nights and three days...
and many people have gone through a lot of gyrations to make three days out of friday night to sunday morning ...
A clear reading of what the bible actually says would mean that he was crucified on wednesday.. taking the bible and matching it up with the jewish calendar of the time ... not our modern calendar.
As the article suggests, the last supper was wednesday night, and easter was on sunday....
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110418/wl_uk_afp/britainreligionchristianseaster
This is a good example of using evidence, science, and the bible together to try to find truth.
This article talks more about the last supper ... what day was it ... i think the conclusion of the person here is very valid ..
Related to that is the issue of Good Friday and Easter, the church celebrates his death on good friday and his resurrection on sunday .. and still says he was in the tomb three nights and three days...
and many people have gone through a lot of gyrations to make three days out of friday night to sunday morning ...
A clear reading of what the bible actually says would mean that he was crucified on wednesday.. taking the bible and matching it up with the jewish calendar of the time ... not our modern calendar.
As the article suggests, the last supper was wednesday night, and easter was on sunday....
what the bible says
Here is a post from another thread. I thought it was interesting and it raises some good points.
JJ, what if the Bible clearly did say when life began? What then? Do you take everything the Bible says as fact,without argument even in the face of contradictory scientific proof? What do we do with our reason and intellect? I think part of the problem we get ourselves into, is that we believe the Bible has something to say about every facet of our lives, and have used it to polarize ourselves.
This got incredibly long, sorry, but it was fun to write.. if you read it all, then comment, ..:)
God created us with a brain, and gave us reason, logic and intellect for a reason.
The bible itself says "examine everything carefully, keeping the good and discarding the bad."
We do not need to stop thinking
That is a huge problem in religion today. People twist the bible to make it say things it does not say, and when that happens you do have to stop thinking. atheists also take things out of context to try to prove it wrong ...
Some things are tradition and not biblical. Galileo got in trouble with the church because of his discoveries, and advocating the idea that the earth goes around the sun instead of hte other way around.. the problem was, that was church tradition. and not bible...
The bible does not say either way. It does say things like the sun rising or setting, but ... that has been a common way of phrasing things since we had words. we still say that today, but it really doesnt. we say today the sun isnt shining when it is cloudy ... everyone knows that isn't literally true. yet we still say it all the time ..and everyone knows what is meant
An example today is the idea of creation. Seven literal 24-hour periods, or seven periods of time.. i lean towards the latter, there are logical problems with the seven 24-hour period idea, one being that the earth was not created on day one, so you could not measure day one ... also the hebrew word translated "day" can just as easily be translated into English as "time" ..
That is not the real issue in my opinion. Whether it was 7 days, 7 seconds or 7 bajillion years doesnt matter.. There is no real controversy here between science and the bible .. the problem comes when you try to force it to say something it does not say.
The real issue is ... "In the beginning God Created"
The problem is on both sides. Athiests take evolution to mean God did not create..wheras pure science based on observation, experimentation and reason, cannot say one way or the other. it can only say that species develop over time. .which does not contradict the bible at all. The bible does not say..
If there is a logic problem, or even a blatant contradiction with science, that should raise a flag.
You don't blindly choose one or the other,
If that happens, you need to study more. chances are the problem is more in your understanding than with either science or the bible.... a huge problem is that people think they have things figured out so they blindly go forward and twist the bible or science to fit that set of beliefs .. religious people, atheists, pubs, dems ... the problem is they are interpreting evidemce through the lense of their ideology, which is backwards.. which is why i say truth is more important than ideology.... are we willing to admit that our ideology might be wrong? What do you do when you are faced with evidence that contradicts your beliefs.. many people dismiss it .. what we should do in that case is study more..
If you cannot show a clear teaching throughout the entire bible on an issue, ... then to be intellectually honest, you have to say ... it doesn't say. and you should keep studying...also another important point .. studying an issue is not trying to find evidence to fit your beliefs .. it is pursuing truth where ever it leads, and if you have to change your belief on an issue .. then .. you have to make a choice.
Some people say they are using biblical principles in making decisions. I say that is a dangerous idea... and that is one area where i am a bit radical even in christian circles.. it is a slippery slope from "biblical principles" to making it say what it does not say....
A key point in biblical interpretation is understanding the type of literature it is. What was the intent of the writer? Also context is everything... one verse by itself does not mean anything .. for any issue you have to seek what the ENTIRE bible says about it..
Interpreting the bible is no different than interpreting any piece of literature. To really understand what the bible actually says, you have to study a lot, you have to think a lot, and use reason a lot.
The Psalms are poetry. we all know what poetry is .. so the ideas presented in poetry are literally true, but the words used are metaphors. whether the things literally said are true is irrelevant.... the psalms are more for comfort and thinking about things in different ways - just like any poetry is - so it should not be used for setting doctrine... psalms speak of God's strong right arm ... God doesnt have arms, God is not a person with a physical body ...
Jesus told stories, parables, these are stories to make a point. the points are literally true, but the stories themselves may or may not be, He talks about a sower and the seed, and how it grows if it is in good soil... he is not talking about how to farm here..
Other times his sermons are recorded, and these are clear teachings .. love your neighbor as yourself.. that is a direct order from the chief :)
And there are times where the bible does speak to an issue, but it is not clear .. the problem is that people want it to be clear, so they take one part and ignore the other part.
Free will and predestinaiton is one issue .. this is a deep philosophical issue.. the new testament writers say both and seem to have no problem with that .. to me that should be part of the equation... if they didn't have a problem .. why do we?
It really is like .. can god build a rock too big for god to move?
It is easier to pick one or the other and make the bible say that .. but ... we should be looking to what it actually says ..
Some people ask what about when the bible contradicts science (my answer to that is, you don't yet have it figured out.) ,... i like to ask, what about when the bible contradicts your ideology?
Many controversial issues are controversial because there is room for interpretation. We dont have all the evidence, or what evidence we have does not really answer the question.
So we take up what evidence fits our belief system and dismiss the rest as heresy ... its easier to do this than it is to actually think.
So.. if you can line up what the bible says, what pure evidence says - what you can see,.what you can think .. if they all line up, then you have truth .. if they do not all line up the problem could be that you do not yet really have it figured out and need to study more..
You don't need to shut off your mind or intellect when studying the bible - or anything else, but you do need to try to shut off your ideology...
JJ, what if the Bible clearly did say when life began? What then? Do you take everything the Bible says as fact,without argument even in the face of contradictory scientific proof? What do we do with our reason and intellect? I think part of the problem we get ourselves into, is that we believe the Bible has something to say about every facet of our lives, and have used it to polarize ourselves.
This got incredibly long, sorry, but it was fun to write.. if you read it all, then comment, ..:)
God created us with a brain, and gave us reason, logic and intellect for a reason.
The bible itself says "examine everything carefully, keeping the good and discarding the bad."
We do not need to stop thinking
That is a huge problem in religion today. People twist the bible to make it say things it does not say, and when that happens you do have to stop thinking. atheists also take things out of context to try to prove it wrong ...
Some things are tradition and not biblical. Galileo got in trouble with the church because of his discoveries, and advocating the idea that the earth goes around the sun instead of hte other way around.. the problem was, that was church tradition. and not bible...
The bible does not say either way. It does say things like the sun rising or setting, but ... that has been a common way of phrasing things since we had words. we still say that today, but it really doesnt. we say today the sun isnt shining when it is cloudy ... everyone knows that isn't literally true. yet we still say it all the time ..and everyone knows what is meant
An example today is the idea of creation. Seven literal 24-hour periods, or seven periods of time.. i lean towards the latter, there are logical problems with the seven 24-hour period idea, one being that the earth was not created on day one, so you could not measure day one ... also the hebrew word translated "day" can just as easily be translated into English as "time" ..
That is not the real issue in my opinion. Whether it was 7 days, 7 seconds or 7 bajillion years doesnt matter.. There is no real controversy here between science and the bible .. the problem comes when you try to force it to say something it does not say.
The real issue is ... "In the beginning God Created"
The problem is on both sides. Athiests take evolution to mean God did not create..wheras pure science based on observation, experimentation and reason, cannot say one way or the other. it can only say that species develop over time. .which does not contradict the bible at all. The bible does not say..
If there is a logic problem, or even a blatant contradiction with science, that should raise a flag.
You don't blindly choose one or the other,
If that happens, you need to study more. chances are the problem is more in your understanding than with either science or the bible.... a huge problem is that people think they have things figured out so they blindly go forward and twist the bible or science to fit that set of beliefs .. religious people, atheists, pubs, dems ... the problem is they are interpreting evidemce through the lense of their ideology, which is backwards.. which is why i say truth is more important than ideology.... are we willing to admit that our ideology might be wrong? What do you do when you are faced with evidence that contradicts your beliefs.. many people dismiss it .. what we should do in that case is study more..
If you cannot show a clear teaching throughout the entire bible on an issue, ... then to be intellectually honest, you have to say ... it doesn't say. and you should keep studying...also another important point .. studying an issue is not trying to find evidence to fit your beliefs .. it is pursuing truth where ever it leads, and if you have to change your belief on an issue .. then .. you have to make a choice.
Some people say they are using biblical principles in making decisions. I say that is a dangerous idea... and that is one area where i am a bit radical even in christian circles.. it is a slippery slope from "biblical principles" to making it say what it does not say....
A key point in biblical interpretation is understanding the type of literature it is. What was the intent of the writer? Also context is everything... one verse by itself does not mean anything .. for any issue you have to seek what the ENTIRE bible says about it..
Interpreting the bible is no different than interpreting any piece of literature. To really understand what the bible actually says, you have to study a lot, you have to think a lot, and use reason a lot.
The Psalms are poetry. we all know what poetry is .. so the ideas presented in poetry are literally true, but the words used are metaphors. whether the things literally said are true is irrelevant.... the psalms are more for comfort and thinking about things in different ways - just like any poetry is - so it should not be used for setting doctrine... psalms speak of God's strong right arm ... God doesnt have arms, God is not a person with a physical body ...
Jesus told stories, parables, these are stories to make a point. the points are literally true, but the stories themselves may or may not be, He talks about a sower and the seed, and how it grows if it is in good soil... he is not talking about how to farm here..
Other times his sermons are recorded, and these are clear teachings .. love your neighbor as yourself.. that is a direct order from the chief :)
And there are times where the bible does speak to an issue, but it is not clear .. the problem is that people want it to be clear, so they take one part and ignore the other part.
Free will and predestinaiton is one issue .. this is a deep philosophical issue.. the new testament writers say both and seem to have no problem with that .. to me that should be part of the equation... if they didn't have a problem .. why do we?
It really is like .. can god build a rock too big for god to move?
It is easier to pick one or the other and make the bible say that .. but ... we should be looking to what it actually says ..
Some people ask what about when the bible contradicts science (my answer to that is, you don't yet have it figured out.) ,... i like to ask, what about when the bible contradicts your ideology?
Many controversial issues are controversial because there is room for interpretation. We dont have all the evidence, or what evidence we have does not really answer the question.
So we take up what evidence fits our belief system and dismiss the rest as heresy ... its easier to do this than it is to actually think.
So.. if you can line up what the bible says, what pure evidence says - what you can see,.what you can think .. if they all line up, then you have truth .. if they do not all line up the problem could be that you do not yet really have it figured out and need to study more..
You don't need to shut off your mind or intellect when studying the bible - or anything else, but you do need to try to shut off your ideology...
Friday, April 15, 2011
hot button issues
In another post we were talking about the hot button issues. I was saying they could be solved if people wanted them solved.
I wanted to comment first on the thing about compromise itself. Then someone asked about if I would compromise my religion. I dont think that is a legitimate argument against compromise. You cant "make" someone believe something, even though i guess you could make certain religions illegal as they do in muslim countries.
But I have my beliefs. I realize some dont agree with me. The thing is, I just dont have a burning desire to show them where they are wrong. I could be wrong on some things. We dont need to agree on ideology - or a set of beliefs. That is not the real issue. The real issue is actually solving problems and doing things that matter, instead of just continually arguing the same arguments over and over.
Here is an example. I really do believe pornography is wrong, on many levels. However, I think it would be a big mistake to make it illegal because even the supreme court can't define it. So, while i dont change my belief, i have to "allow" it..
Here are my answers to the three hot button issues that were raised.
These are just not black and white issues as some try to make them be.
Democrats are for bigger government, and Republicans are for smaller government.
To some extent this is a bogus argument. we have a huge country, more than 300 million people. so everything is bigger. Wichita has to have a bigger govt. than Ark City just by the nature of each city.
The real issue is what do you want "government" to do.
Those who are against "big" govt and govt. interference are not intellectually honest. They want govt. to tell people what drugs they can use, how fast they can drive their car, which side of the road to drive on. they want abortion to be illegal, they want govt to not allow other people to take your stuff from you...(stealing) . and the list goes on ....
The answer here is to stop the rhetoric and work on issues. WHAT do we want govt to do? The constitution says by the people and FOR the people. So ... maybe we have to have 100 questions on the election ballot.
Democrats are pro-abortion, and Republicans are anti-abortion.
This is an issue that is not as black and white as either side wants to make it. It is not about choice. You make the choice when you do what you do to make a baby....
The real question is when does life begin?
people used to think that if you had sex for any other reason than making a baby, you were doing wrong... even with your spouse.
With all the advances of modern medicine surely we could define when life begins ..
so we have to "agree" on that question. you dont change your ideology and agree with it necessarily, but you get something and you give something ...
The bible really does not say when life begins. the verse often quoted - God knew you in your mothers womb - is a poem full of allegory .. it should not be used to set doctrine - that is just basic sound biblical interpretation..
Democrats are anti-gun, and Republicans are pro-gun rights.
Again, here both sides need to get over themselves a little bit.
Dems need to concede that most americans want their guns and that owning guns is a basic right.. even the supreme court has said this.
Pubs need to be honest about regulation, and understand that you have to have some kind of law .. even pubs dont want a 5 year old carrying a gun to kindergarten... or a blind person carrying a gun.
So, Dems admit to the basic right to own a gun, and Pubs admit that there needs to be some regulation...
Ok, there you have it, ...
let the arguing, er discussing begin.
I wanted to comment first on the thing about compromise itself. Then someone asked about if I would compromise my religion. I dont think that is a legitimate argument against compromise. You cant "make" someone believe something, even though i guess you could make certain religions illegal as they do in muslim countries.
But I have my beliefs. I realize some dont agree with me. The thing is, I just dont have a burning desire to show them where they are wrong. I could be wrong on some things. We dont need to agree on ideology - or a set of beliefs. That is not the real issue. The real issue is actually solving problems and doing things that matter, instead of just continually arguing the same arguments over and over.
Here is an example. I really do believe pornography is wrong, on many levels. However, I think it would be a big mistake to make it illegal because even the supreme court can't define it. So, while i dont change my belief, i have to "allow" it..
Here are my answers to the three hot button issues that were raised.
These are just not black and white issues as some try to make them be.
Democrats are for bigger government, and Republicans are for smaller government.
To some extent this is a bogus argument. we have a huge country, more than 300 million people. so everything is bigger. Wichita has to have a bigger govt. than Ark City just by the nature of each city.
The real issue is what do you want "government" to do.
Those who are against "big" govt and govt. interference are not intellectually honest. They want govt. to tell people what drugs they can use, how fast they can drive their car, which side of the road to drive on. they want abortion to be illegal, they want govt to not allow other people to take your stuff from you...(stealing) . and the list goes on ....
The answer here is to stop the rhetoric and work on issues. WHAT do we want govt to do? The constitution says by the people and FOR the people. So ... maybe we have to have 100 questions on the election ballot.
Democrats are pro-abortion, and Republicans are anti-abortion.
This is an issue that is not as black and white as either side wants to make it. It is not about choice. You make the choice when you do what you do to make a baby....
The real question is when does life begin?
people used to think that if you had sex for any other reason than making a baby, you were doing wrong... even with your spouse.
With all the advances of modern medicine surely we could define when life begins ..
so we have to "agree" on that question. you dont change your ideology and agree with it necessarily, but you get something and you give something ...
The bible really does not say when life begins. the verse often quoted - God knew you in your mothers womb - is a poem full of allegory .. it should not be used to set doctrine - that is just basic sound biblical interpretation..
Democrats are anti-gun, and Republicans are pro-gun rights.
Again, here both sides need to get over themselves a little bit.
Dems need to concede that most americans want their guns and that owning guns is a basic right.. even the supreme court has said this.
Pubs need to be honest about regulation, and understand that you have to have some kind of law .. even pubs dont want a 5 year old carrying a gun to kindergarten... or a blind person carrying a gun.
So, Dems admit to the basic right to own a gun, and Pubs admit that there needs to be some regulation...
Ok, there you have it, ...
let the arguing, er discussing begin.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
election results
A reader posted this on another thread, just passing it along.
Comments??
Amazing to me that less than 650 votes would have won a seat .. wow..
Arkansas City City Commission (unofficial results as of 8:50 p.m.)
•Joel Hockenbury — 788
•Charles Tweedy III — 705
•Chad Giles — 648
•Jean Snell — 501
•Ron Hirst — 431
•Dotty Smith — 330
Comments??
Amazing to me that less than 650 votes would have won a seat .. wow..
Arkansas City City Commission (unofficial results as of 8:50 p.m.)
•Joel Hockenbury — 788
•Charles Tweedy III — 705
•Chad Giles — 648
•Jean Snell — 501
•Ron Hirst — 431
•Dotty Smith — 330
Friday, April 1, 2011
DUI bill
I saw where the DUI bill has stalled in the Kansas senate. They were going to make the law tougher.
I know lots of conservatives get upset about the idea of looking at what other countries do, but ... it would be interesting for people to understand what they do in Europe.
Here in the U.S., we see driving as a right. and we dont have the infrastructure for public transport, so it is a necessity as well. If you dont live in a major city like New York or Chicago, a car is a necessity. In the large cities here, and in Europe, a car is really a burden.
They do take driving more seriously in Europe. You have to be 21 i think, or maybe 18. And you have to take serious driving classes. You cant just show up and take a test like you do here. You have to pass a hard driving course and it costs a few thousand dollars to get a drivers license.
THey dont mess around with laws either. When I was in Europe i got a parking ticket, and it cost nearly $100. From what I hear, a speeding ticket can cost several hundred, and second offense you might lose your license. Drunk drivers lose their license and go to jail for a long time. They have cameras that record speeders. You dont get pulled over, you get a picture of your car speeding in the mail, and showing your speed and how much your fine is.
I was really surprised when i was in Europe, that everyone was going the speed limit. You know here, when its posted 50, everyone drives 59 or more.
Im not sure its feasable in the U.S. because of the large rural areas and lack of public transport ... but driving could be taken more seriously in the U.S.
In some states you have to buy a legal ad and run it in the newspaper, with your picture, saying that you got your second dui .. thats an interesting idea too.
I know lots of conservatives get upset about the idea of looking at what other countries do, but ... it would be interesting for people to understand what they do in Europe.
Here in the U.S., we see driving as a right. and we dont have the infrastructure for public transport, so it is a necessity as well. If you dont live in a major city like New York or Chicago, a car is a necessity. In the large cities here, and in Europe, a car is really a burden.
They do take driving more seriously in Europe. You have to be 21 i think, or maybe 18. And you have to take serious driving classes. You cant just show up and take a test like you do here. You have to pass a hard driving course and it costs a few thousand dollars to get a drivers license.
THey dont mess around with laws either. When I was in Europe i got a parking ticket, and it cost nearly $100. From what I hear, a speeding ticket can cost several hundred, and second offense you might lose your license. Drunk drivers lose their license and go to jail for a long time. They have cameras that record speeders. You dont get pulled over, you get a picture of your car speeding in the mail, and showing your speed and how much your fine is.
I was really surprised when i was in Europe, that everyone was going the speed limit. You know here, when its posted 50, everyone drives 59 or more.
Im not sure its feasable in the U.S. because of the large rural areas and lack of public transport ... but driving could be taken more seriously in the U.S.
In some states you have to buy a legal ad and run it in the newspaper, with your picture, saying that you got your second dui .. thats an interesting idea too.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
city commission ?
What do you all think about the candidates for city commission. I understand they wrote answers for the paper, but i didnt read the article.
Time is flying, hard to believe its been so long since i have posted. I am fairly busy here. Getting adjusted to new surroundings takes time.
So talk about the candidates if you like, but please no slanderous stuff or criminal allegations.
Time is flying, hard to believe its been so long since i have posted. I am fairly busy here. Getting adjusted to new surroundings takes time.
So talk about the candidates if you like, but please no slanderous stuff or criminal allegations.
Friday, March 18, 2011
voter id
Here is something from AP about requiring voters to show a photo ID at the polls when voting.
I still remember the first time i voted in Kansas, i tried to show three people my ID, and none of them wanted to see it ...
in south carolina you have to show an id with your address on it, and it has to match what is on the roll. which is what i was used to.
People think this measure is about illegal immigrants, and maybe it is ... but to me it just makes sense that people should have to prove they are who they say they are in order to vote.
you could go through a phone book and vote 10 times in 10 different precints the same day just by saying you are a different person each time ...
ive always thought it was a bad idea to not require some ID for voting.
TOPEKA (AP) — A Kansas Senate committee endorsed an election fraud bill Thursday after members rewrote legislation from Secretary of State Kris Kobach to delay the proposed start of his plan to require anyone registering to vote for the first time to prove they are a citizen.
The Ethics and Elections Committee also stripped the measure of provisions Kobach sought to increase penalties for some election crimes and give the secretary of state's office the power to file and prosecute election fraud cases in state courts, along with the attorney general and county prosecutors.
But the committee kept intact a proposal from Kobach to require voters to show photo identification at the polls, starting next year. That provision would make Kansas the 10th state with a photo ID requirement, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
I still remember the first time i voted in Kansas, i tried to show three people my ID, and none of them wanted to see it ...
in south carolina you have to show an id with your address on it, and it has to match what is on the roll. which is what i was used to.
People think this measure is about illegal immigrants, and maybe it is ... but to me it just makes sense that people should have to prove they are who they say they are in order to vote.
you could go through a phone book and vote 10 times in 10 different precints the same day just by saying you are a different person each time ...
ive always thought it was a bad idea to not require some ID for voting.
TOPEKA (AP) — A Kansas Senate committee endorsed an election fraud bill Thursday after members rewrote legislation from Secretary of State Kris Kobach to delay the proposed start of his plan to require anyone registering to vote for the first time to prove they are a citizen.
The Ethics and Elections Committee also stripped the measure of provisions Kobach sought to increase penalties for some election crimes and give the secretary of state's office the power to file and prosecute election fraud cases in state courts, along with the attorney general and county prosecutors.
But the committee kept intact a proposal from Kobach to require voters to show photo identification at the polls, starting next year. That provision would make Kansas the 10th state with a photo ID requirement, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
regulation, bank reform and internet control
Here are a couple links from Politico, that point to the differences between the Gop and Dem on reform, regulation, no regulation etc.,
Gop silently repealing banking reform,
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0311/51458.html
and one about internet regulation
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0311/51266.html
Seems to me, pubs want no regs on banking while dems do. Dems want no regs on the net while dems do.
Gop silently repealing banking reform,
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0311/51458.html
and one about internet regulation
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0311/51266.html
Seems to me, pubs want no regs on banking while dems do. Dems want no regs on the net while dems do.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Local drug war
Here is a press release Police Chief Sean Wallace sent out, which is what he said to a state senate committee last week. They want to make the drug pseudoephedrine a prescription only medication. This is the essential drug in allergy medicine that you can now get without a prescription.
A box of this costs around $5, and it is used for making meth. it is also used by people who have allergies.
If it were a prescription only med, you would have to have a doctor visit and get a prescription, so the cost - including the doctors visit, would be around $50 if you dont have insurance, and probably $15-$20 if you do have insurance.
I know this drug is abused to make illicit drugs, but ... this is punishing the citizenry for the actions of a few. Wallace feels this would prevent meth-makers from getting the drug. So how hard would it be for them to go get a doctors prescription? All they would have to do is sneeze a bit for the doc.... and pay a little more than they pay now...
I do at least agree with Wallace that we need to let our state senators know what we think of this bill.
:)
below is what Wallace sent out:
I am in full support of SB131which proposes to make pseudoephedrine a prescription only drug. Chief Dan Parker of Winfield Police Department and I are both located in Cowley County and our agencies are part of a countywide drug task force along with Sheriff D uld add that affect the safety, health, and the crime rate of our perspective cities.
When pseudoephedrine was first required to be kept behind the counter in July of 2004, we saw a drop in Methamphetamine labs and sales in our county. However, the “tunnel vision” addiction of Meth led the users to problem solve ways to acquire pseudoephedrine in spite of the restrictions and resume methamphetamine production. The method “smurphs” are using to finance the purchase of pseudoephedrine has caused our theft and burglary rate to sore. The “smurphs” steal scrap metal, copper from air conditioners, and commit other burglaries and thefts to acquire the funds to purchase pseudoephedrine legitimately. The “Smurphs” then fan out to the various stores in our jurisdiction and buy their limit of pseudoephedrine and meth production continues. These methods used by “smurphs” have increased methamphetamine production in Cowley Co. and now 30% of the drug crime we investigate is methamphetamine related.
The current controls on pseudoephedrine may be working statewide but are not working in southeast Kansas and further steps are needed to curb meth production. Logs are great, but many pharmacies employee minimum wage workers at their counters and they are not diligent to verify ID cards and driver’s licenses. Corporate pharmacies keep electronic logs but like all transactions at these type of stores, transactions are done with electronic readers and signature pads that the clerk never views so purchasers of pseudoephedrine can write anything. If Kansas strengthens the current restrictions to include requiring pseudoephedrine to be on the same computerized tracking network it still will not prevent “smurphs” from funding their efforts by theft and from going out in force and buying up their limit of pseudoephedrine at the over the counter drug providers in our jurisdiction. If pseudoephedrine is prescription only, no amount of thefts and mobilization on their part will allow them to obtain the product.
A box of this costs around $5, and it is used for making meth. it is also used by people who have allergies.
If it were a prescription only med, you would have to have a doctor visit and get a prescription, so the cost - including the doctors visit, would be around $50 if you dont have insurance, and probably $15-$20 if you do have insurance.
I know this drug is abused to make illicit drugs, but ... this is punishing the citizenry for the actions of a few. Wallace feels this would prevent meth-makers from getting the drug. So how hard would it be for them to go get a doctors prescription? All they would have to do is sneeze a bit for the doc.... and pay a little more than they pay now...
I do at least agree with Wallace that we need to let our state senators know what we think of this bill.
:)
below is what Wallace sent out:
I am in full support of SB131which proposes to make pseudoephedrine a prescription only drug. Chief Dan Parker of Winfield Police Department and I are both located in Cowley County and our agencies are part of a countywide drug task force along with Sheriff D uld add that affect the safety, health, and the crime rate of our perspective cities.
When pseudoephedrine was first required to be kept behind the counter in July of 2004, we saw a drop in Methamphetamine labs and sales in our county. However, the “tunnel vision” addiction of Meth led the users to problem solve ways to acquire pseudoephedrine in spite of the restrictions and resume methamphetamine production. The method “smurphs” are using to finance the purchase of pseudoephedrine has caused our theft and burglary rate to sore. The “smurphs” steal scrap metal, copper from air conditioners, and commit other burglaries and thefts to acquire the funds to purchase pseudoephedrine legitimately. The “Smurphs” then fan out to the various stores in our jurisdiction and buy their limit of pseudoephedrine and meth production continues. These methods used by “smurphs” have increased methamphetamine production in Cowley Co. and now 30% of the drug crime we investigate is methamphetamine related.
The current controls on pseudoephedrine may be working statewide but are not working in southeast Kansas and further steps are needed to curb meth production. Logs are great, but many pharmacies employee minimum wage workers at their counters and they are not diligent to verify ID cards and driver’s licenses. Corporate pharmacies keep electronic logs but like all transactions at these type of stores, transactions are done with electronic readers and signature pads that the clerk never views so purchasers of pseudoephedrine can write anything. If Kansas strengthens the current restrictions to include requiring pseudoephedrine to be on the same computerized tracking network it still will not prevent “smurphs” from funding their efforts by theft and from going out in force and buying up their limit of pseudoephedrine at the over the counter drug providers in our jurisdiction. If pseudoephedrine is prescription only, no amount of thefts and mobilization on their part will allow them to obtain the product.
Monday, February 28, 2011
whats up
Ive been here a few days. Things are going well. People seem nice.
So whats on your mind"?
Talk about whatever you want below :)
So whats on your mind"?
Talk about whatever you want below :)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Gone to Texas
Hello everyone.
I think there are still a few readers out there. I have taken a job down around Texas and will be starting there very soon .. as in later this week. Its been in the works for awhile and that is one reason i did not file for the commission race but it was not official until this past weekend.
Anyways, Ill not be around Arkansas City much anymore. Just on weekends for awhile, before we make the move. That is assuming things work out well there. But if not ill come back and see what happens then.
So a new adventure will begin late this week. I am being intentionally vague about where the job is for a good paranoid reason. :)
So just wanted to say adios.
Ill leave the blog up for awhile so you all can cuss and discuss everything.
Or if people let me know they are still interested in reading it, i might post weekly for awhile.
Hopefully ill fare better than Davy Crockett. When he left Tennessee, after he lost his bid for reelection to congress, he said, to heck with you all, im going to Texas. He went from there to the Alamo.
I think there are still a few readers out there. I have taken a job down around Texas and will be starting there very soon .. as in later this week. Its been in the works for awhile and that is one reason i did not file for the commission race but it was not official until this past weekend.
Anyways, Ill not be around Arkansas City much anymore. Just on weekends for awhile, before we make the move. That is assuming things work out well there. But if not ill come back and see what happens then.
So a new adventure will begin late this week. I am being intentionally vague about where the job is for a good paranoid reason. :)
So just wanted to say adios.
Ill leave the blog up for awhile so you all can cuss and discuss everything.
Or if people let me know they are still interested in reading it, i might post weekly for awhile.
Hopefully ill fare better than Davy Crockett. When he left Tennessee, after he lost his bid for reelection to congress, he said, to heck with you all, im going to Texas. He went from there to the Alamo.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Update on the blog
Hello everyone
I have been in Oklahoma and Texas recently on business. So I have not had time to do much updating or reporting.
Also, I am heading out to Tennessee now. I have had a death in the family and need to be there.
I might try to update some this week.
But likely will be next week before I can even think about doing anything much on here.
Feel free to discuss whatever you like on this post.
I have been in Oklahoma and Texas recently on business. So I have not had time to do much updating or reporting.
Also, I am heading out to Tennessee now. I have had a death in the family and need to be there.
I might try to update some this week.
But likely will be next week before I can even think about doing anything much on here.
Feel free to discuss whatever you like on this post.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Swiss gun control
Here is a link to an interesting story about guns in Switzerland. Most of Europe tends to not like our ideas about guns, but it appears the Swiss love their guns and wont give them up.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703515504576142190857662716.html?mod=WSJEurope_hpp_LEFTTopStories
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703515504576142190857662716.html?mod=WSJEurope_hpp_LEFTTopStories
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Something new
Ok Sports Fans. I was just wondering about something.
Can we do a post and discussion of things you like? or have enjoyed recently.
Just post something you enjoyed recently .. big or small.
Here is is my contribution.
Sunday Piper Lee Ewing sang at our church. It was really good. I dont even remember the song. I had forgotten what a voice she has. That was really nice. She is singing again tonight at College Hill Coffee Shop in Winfield, along with Tim Durham and some others. .. so im excited about that.
Ok.
Your turn .....
Can we do a post and discussion of things you like? or have enjoyed recently.
Just post something you enjoyed recently .. big or small.
Here is is my contribution.
Sunday Piper Lee Ewing sang at our church. It was really good. I dont even remember the song. I had forgotten what a voice she has. That was really nice. She is singing again tonight at College Hill Coffee Shop in Winfield, along with Tim Durham and some others. .. so im excited about that.
Ok.
Your turn .....
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Cowley games moved again
The Cowley College men and women's Homecoming basketball games versus Kansas City have been moved to Monday. Women's game at 6 p.m. and men's game at 8. Fans are being asked to wear white in support of the Tigers. The first 100 students in attendance will receive a free white Cowley t-shirt.
Monday, January 31, 2011
More on the coming storm
Here is something Brian Stone, director of county emergency management is sending out. Also, the the NWS is calling for blizzard like conditions in oklahoma tomorrow. ..
Here is what Brian sent.
We recently completed a conference call with the NWS about the upcoming storm. Below is the graphic with current snowfall predictions:
The snow is anticipated to begin tomorrow morning (6am timeframe approximately) and last through tomorrow night. It is expected to be a fairly constant snow with accumulations as seen above.
High winds (30mph with gusts up to 40mph) can be expected in places. Wind chills will drop to dangerous levels Tuesday night into Wednesday. The snow is not expected to create major issues on power lines or trees (mainly due to high winds). Drifting snow is a concern and could be up to 4-6’ in southeast Kansas.
The good news is that this is not expected to be an icy event. The majority of liquid moisture is predicted in far southeast Kansas near the Kansas/Missouri/Oklahoma corner and then areas further east. While some icing is still possible, and elevated surfaces could be slick, a major ice storm is not predicted.
Here is what Brian sent.
We recently completed a conference call with the NWS about the upcoming storm. Below is the graphic with current snowfall predictions:
The snow is anticipated to begin tomorrow morning (6am timeframe approximately) and last through tomorrow night. It is expected to be a fairly constant snow with accumulations as seen above.
High winds (30mph with gusts up to 40mph) can be expected in places. Wind chills will drop to dangerous levels Tuesday night into Wednesday. The snow is not expected to create major issues on power lines or trees (mainly due to high winds). Drifting snow is a concern and could be up to 4-6’ in southeast Kansas.
The good news is that this is not expected to be an icy event. The majority of liquid moisture is predicted in far southeast Kansas near the Kansas/Missouri/Oklahoma corner and then areas further east. While some icing is still possible, and elevated surfaces could be slick, a major ice storm is not predicted.
Winter storm coming
Looks like we will be getting some snow. National weather service is predicting a "significant" winter storm. They do tend to give out the maximum possibilities, and usually it is less than they say, but still it looks like it could get nasty out there.
Here is the winter storm warning from the NWS
* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS... 9 TO 12 INCHES OF SNOW IS LIKELY ACROSS SOUTHEAST KANSAS THROUGH TUESDAY NIGHT. ACCUMULATIONS OF 4 TO 7 INCHES ARE FORECAST FOR THOSE PARTS OF CENTRAL AND SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS ALONG AND EAST OF I-135.
* ICE ACCUMULATIONS... A GLAZE OF ICE IS EXPECTED THIS MORNING... ESPECIALLY FOR LOCATIONS NORTH OF HIGHWAY 400.
* WINDS... NORTH WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO BE BETWEEN 25 AND 30 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 40 MPH LATE TONIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING.
* IMPACTS... THE FREEZING DRIZZLE WILL RESULT IN LIGHT ICE ACCUMULATIONS ON EXPOSED SURFACES AND UNTREATED ROADS THIS MORNING. HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW WILL MAKE DRIVING DANGEROUS FROM TONIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY NIGHT. THE STRONG NORTH WINDS MAY RESULT IN BLIZZARD CONDITIONS TUESDAY AND TUESDAY NIGHT... ESPECIALLY OVER SOUTHEAST KANSAS... WITH NEAR ZERO VISIBILITIES POSSIBLE. DANGEROUS WIND CHILLS OF 15 BELOW TO 20 BELOW ARE LIKELY BY TUESDAY NIGHT.
Here is the winter storm warning from the NWS
* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS... 9 TO 12 INCHES OF SNOW IS LIKELY ACROSS SOUTHEAST KANSAS THROUGH TUESDAY NIGHT. ACCUMULATIONS OF 4 TO 7 INCHES ARE FORECAST FOR THOSE PARTS OF CENTRAL AND SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS ALONG AND EAST OF I-135.
* ICE ACCUMULATIONS... A GLAZE OF ICE IS EXPECTED THIS MORNING... ESPECIALLY FOR LOCATIONS NORTH OF HIGHWAY 400.
* WINDS... NORTH WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO BE BETWEEN 25 AND 30 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 40 MPH LATE TONIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING.
* IMPACTS... THE FREEZING DRIZZLE WILL RESULT IN LIGHT ICE ACCUMULATIONS ON EXPOSED SURFACES AND UNTREATED ROADS THIS MORNING. HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW WILL MAKE DRIVING DANGEROUS FROM TONIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY NIGHT. THE STRONG NORTH WINDS MAY RESULT IN BLIZZARD CONDITIONS TUESDAY AND TUESDAY NIGHT... ESPECIALLY OVER SOUTHEAST KANSAS... WITH NEAR ZERO VISIBILITIES POSSIBLE. DANGEROUS WIND CHILLS OF 15 BELOW TO 20 BELOW ARE LIKELY BY TUESDAY NIGHT.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Deadline for commission
The deadline for filing for city commission is in just a few minutes. at noon today.
I thought a lot about it, and talked with a lot of people, but in the end, decided to not throw my hat in the ring.
Real mixed feelings. I really wanted to. And now is a good time for a newcomer to make an effort.
It would have been fun, would have been a good experience win or lose.
There was just too much to overcome though.
And i really dont think i could make a four year commitment.
That was the biggest issue. If it were for a two year term, i would have done it.
Well ill just keep being an observer and maybe ill get more involved in some other way.
Be interesting to see how it shakes out.
I thought a lot about it, and talked with a lot of people, but in the end, decided to not throw my hat in the ring.
Real mixed feelings. I really wanted to. And now is a good time for a newcomer to make an effort.
It would have been fun, would have been a good experience win or lose.
There was just too much to overcome though.
And i really dont think i could make a four year commitment.
That was the biggest issue. If it were for a two year term, i would have done it.
Well ill just keep being an observer and maybe ill get more involved in some other way.
Be interesting to see how it shakes out.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Controversial ad
Here is a controversial video. Some thought it funny, some were offended. What do you think?
At one point it had a chance of being on during the super bowl, it wouldnt have been anyway, but it got pulled anyway, if that makes sense?
At one point it had a chance of being on during the super bowl, it wouldnt have been anyway, but it got pulled anyway, if that makes sense?
Thursday, January 13, 2011
MLK celebration Sunday
The annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration of unity ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday in the Brown Center at Cowley College. This years’ theme is “Honoring the Past…Inspiring the Future” and will feature performances from the Arkansas City Magic Voices Show Choir, the Cowley College Dance Theatre group, Delphia Jennings, and a special guest speaker, Rodney Worsham.
The event will also include the presentation of the Joe B. Avery Community Spirit Award. This year’s award winner is Pastor James Watson, Jr. Cub Scout Pack #328 will present the flag and flag salute and Cowley College student Caleb Sherron will sing the Star Spangled Banner to start the celebration.
The event is a gathering of song, praise, fellowship, and tribute. It is free and open to the public. The Celebration of Unity is sponsored by the Arkansas City Human Relations Commission whose mission is to promote good will in the community.
A reception will follow in the Earle N. Wright Community Room and Gallery. Refreshments will be served by the Arkansas City Soroptimist Organization.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Arizona Shooting
In the wake of the Arizona shooting it's not surprise that some liberals are calling for more laws on guns. I think many of us agree that guns are not the problem. Here is a story in Politico about how there is not much of a chance of any anti gun laws passing now. It does take somewhat of a liberal bent, but it does show that the climate is not conducive to more gun laws now.
This was the act of a crazy person, but he was likely influenced by what he heard in the media. His mental instability was a major factor, but ... how much impact did political radio and tv have? Here is an opinion piece that thinks it was a lot..
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/10/opinion/10krugman.html
And here is one that says the political rhetoric is not to blame.
http://www.politico.com/click/stories/1101/stewart_rhetoric_isnt_to_blame_.html
I am not saying at all that conservative radio - rush limbaugh, hannity , or Fox news - should be shut down or silenced. I am however, saying, that they should take a long look at the stuff they promote and the hate they foster.
Of course the left has its own radio and media people, who foster their own brand of hate and fear mongering..
This time it was a crazy person going off the deep end. But how far are we from more widespread violence?
I do think the conservatives are just a bit worse than the liberals, but thats like saying one hog has a little more mud on him than another..
The problem is not conservatives .. the problem is the fear and hate being pushed by radio talk shows, tv talk shows and political rhetoric in general.
Thus the price of freedom of speech.
But if the trend of pandering hate and fear continues ... we can expect more violence. If all you hear is how evil government is, then you are going to hate government .. and maybe you will eventually feel encouraged to take action in the form of some type of violence.
I think the side not in power makes the most noise. The viotrol against bush made the liberals louder during the bush administration, and now that the dems hold the presidency, the conservatives are spewing more hate and fear. Like I said, it isn't the republicans - or even the tea party - its the general political climate. This is my conspiracy theory i guess. This debate between left and right, is not a debate at all ... it is just part of the media making money selling fear.
The answer is to stop listening to them. To not buy into the polarization of our culture. If you are a conservative, you need to realize all liberals are not evil socialists, and if you are a liberal you need to realize that all conservatives are not evil fascists.
Also, you do not have to choose sides in this thing. That might be the best idea. A few in the media are making a fortune on this polarization - making us think we have to be one or the other and hating the other side.
This whole political debate in our culture is not about solving any problems or having any progress. The polarization is about making a buck selling fear and hate.
Now its a crazy man in arizona shooting a few people. What will be next?
This was the act of a crazy person, but he was likely influenced by what he heard in the media. His mental instability was a major factor, but ... how much impact did political radio and tv have? Here is an opinion piece that thinks it was a lot..
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/10/opinion/10krugman.html
And here is one that says the political rhetoric is not to blame.
http://www.politico.com/click/stories/1101/stewart_rhetoric_isnt_to_blame_.html
I am not saying at all that conservative radio - rush limbaugh, hannity , or Fox news - should be shut down or silenced. I am however, saying, that they should take a long look at the stuff they promote and the hate they foster.
Of course the left has its own radio and media people, who foster their own brand of hate and fear mongering..
This time it was a crazy person going off the deep end. But how far are we from more widespread violence?
I do think the conservatives are just a bit worse than the liberals, but thats like saying one hog has a little more mud on him than another..
The problem is not conservatives .. the problem is the fear and hate being pushed by radio talk shows, tv talk shows and political rhetoric in general.
Thus the price of freedom of speech.
But if the trend of pandering hate and fear continues ... we can expect more violence. If all you hear is how evil government is, then you are going to hate government .. and maybe you will eventually feel encouraged to take action in the form of some type of violence.
I think the side not in power makes the most noise. The viotrol against bush made the liberals louder during the bush administration, and now that the dems hold the presidency, the conservatives are spewing more hate and fear. Like I said, it isn't the republicans - or even the tea party - its the general political climate. This is my conspiracy theory i guess. This debate between left and right, is not a debate at all ... it is just part of the media making money selling fear.
The answer is to stop listening to them. To not buy into the polarization of our culture. If you are a conservative, you need to realize all liberals are not evil socialists, and if you are a liberal you need to realize that all conservatives are not evil fascists.
Also, you do not have to choose sides in this thing. That might be the best idea. A few in the media are making a fortune on this polarization - making us think we have to be one or the other and hating the other side.
This whole political debate in our culture is not about solving any problems or having any progress. The polarization is about making a buck selling fear and hate.
Now its a crazy man in arizona shooting a few people. What will be next?
Thursday, January 6, 2011
City direction
Ok, looks like the blog is working now. I am still in Tennessee, but should be home by the weekend. This area of the mountains is like a big city now. Traffic is awful. But then, im used to ark city traffic now...
Anyways, I saw in Brand-X that Lane Massey had a "secret" severance package drawn up even before Archer left. Im not so sure that is a real conspiracy though. The package was probably there in his contract just like it was for Archer.He would have gotten that money anyways.
The problem I have with all this is the total money being spent. Massey is getting around 40 grand and Archer is as well. With other expenses, paying a temporary CM, and costs involved with finding new people .. this thing could get to $100,000.
And for what reason?
is it worth $100,000 to change the leaders of administration?
All of this was in executive session, so other than the fact that commissioners were unhappy, we don't know what exactly they were unhappy about.
As a casual observer, it is hard to see how either of them were doing such an awful job...
We will see who replaces them, and whether it was worth it, but it will be a couple years before we know for sure.
Its going to be real interesting to see what happens there.
Anyways, I saw in Brand-X that Lane Massey had a "secret" severance package drawn up even before Archer left. Im not so sure that is a real conspiracy though. The package was probably there in his contract just like it was for Archer.He would have gotten that money anyways.
The problem I have with all this is the total money being spent. Massey is getting around 40 grand and Archer is as well. With other expenses, paying a temporary CM, and costs involved with finding new people .. this thing could get to $100,000.
And for what reason?
is it worth $100,000 to change the leaders of administration?
All of this was in executive session, so other than the fact that commissioners were unhappy, we don't know what exactly they were unhappy about.
As a casual observer, it is hard to see how either of them were doing such an awful job...
We will see who replaces them, and whether it was worth it, but it will be a couple years before we know for sure.
Its going to be real interesting to see what happens there.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
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