Ok the election is over. President Obama won both the electorate and popular vote so not one can claim they cheated. Yet sore losers still abound. The only thing is that it is our life that they are being spoil sport about.
So what next?
That is the question. The president is playing hard ball something he should of done from the begging not now in the last 4 years of public service. Yet the President and the Democrats have upped their game and they are surprised that the Republicans are being hard headed and are complaining about being dragged to the woodshed.
Hey democrats and Mr President just because you won doesn't mean that the rhetoric has changed. While there have been a number of congressman jumping the TEA party Norcross Pledge ship it is still not going to get Republicans to start talking. All it means is that the Republican party has taken on a Bi-polar position.
By bi-polar mentality I am saying that you have TEA party folks becoming more entrenched, Ayn Rand faithful feeling that the rich and eleite are under even more threat from the working class, and the few poor moderate running around not sure of what to do next. You end up not knowing who to talk to hence the bi-polar attitude.
To me it is again a argument for a legitimate third party that moderates of both parties might find common ground and get their voice heard. For in the end while I am by nature something of anarchist I understand that extreme positions both on the right and left will never agree even to disagree. Rather it its the moderation that get things done. Folks who see the value of listening to others and adapting to the needs of the people. These people are often the ones shouted down by their respective parties by the extremes positions that often surface.
So what's next? That remains to be seen as we approach the proverbial fiscal cliff.
Projects-Reading-Movies
Projects - Well life has intervened to keep me from working on projects of my choice so I have nothing to report here.
Reading - Somehow I have managed to read Lee Child first book on his series the "Jack Reacher' called the "Killing Floor". Not bad but at time tedious but it was his first and he had not refined the way the book flows. I have been reading Crag Johnson "Another Mans Moccasins. good read so far.
Movies - Watched the newest Spiderman movie with grand kids and the high body count movie "Expendables 2" a movie with so many one liners from old action stars you didn't know whether to laugh or cringe. I laughed and enjoyed the movie.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Thursday, November 1, 2012
For Profit World
I heard yesterday that we are now the only country on the North American continent to not have Universal Health Care. Mexico went as Canada did so many years ago and guaranteed health care for all legal residents.
During the interview that CBS was doing they were talking to several US citizens who were living in Mexico for the obvious benefits of lower cost of living and now the benefit of health care. One of the interviewed was a US doctor who committed that the care was equal if not better than what is available in the US.
I am not going to say much more than this. If Mexico a country that is equally economically challenge as us if not more so can do it then why can't we? The answer is because who would profit from it.
If we are not careful we are going to allow the rich and corporate fat cats drive us into a third world state as if we are not already what I call a 2nd world state.
Lately I hear a lot of folks calling for vouchers for use to send your kids to private schools. pulling the money from the public sector to do so. This is nothing more than the rich resenting the fact that some of their meager tax money goes toward educating our young while they pay for the kids to go to private school with them bearing the total burden of the cost. The problem with the voucher system is that the money used to cover the voucher come from the public schools systems that are already on the ropes resulting in further limiting the educational opportunities of the children of the working class.
For those who are of the working class who think that the voucher system is a great ideal than I would suggest that you give this some thought. Most likely the tuition cost would not totally be covered by the voucher's/ That means you would have to pickup the difference. If you think that means you will get little johnny into some Ivy league prep school think again.
The bottom line again is this if the elite 1% and corporate America cant see the profit then they are going to be against it. Whether it is health care for profit or education for profit. Bottom line again it is about the profit not about the needs of the average Joe.
Let us make no mistake we are in a class war.
During the interview that CBS was doing they were talking to several US citizens who were living in Mexico for the obvious benefits of lower cost of living and now the benefit of health care. One of the interviewed was a US doctor who committed that the care was equal if not better than what is available in the US.
I am not going to say much more than this. If Mexico a country that is equally economically challenge as us if not more so can do it then why can't we? The answer is because who would profit from it.
If we are not careful we are going to allow the rich and corporate fat cats drive us into a third world state as if we are not already what I call a 2nd world state.
Lately I hear a lot of folks calling for vouchers for use to send your kids to private schools. pulling the money from the public sector to do so. This is nothing more than the rich resenting the fact that some of their meager tax money goes toward educating our young while they pay for the kids to go to private school with them bearing the total burden of the cost. The problem with the voucher system is that the money used to cover the voucher come from the public schools systems that are already on the ropes resulting in further limiting the educational opportunities of the children of the working class.
For those who are of the working class who think that the voucher system is a great ideal than I would suggest that you give this some thought. Most likely the tuition cost would not totally be covered by the voucher's/ That means you would have to pickup the difference. If you think that means you will get little johnny into some Ivy league prep school think again.
The bottom line again is this if the elite 1% and corporate America cant see the profit then they are going to be against it. Whether it is health care for profit or education for profit. Bottom line again it is about the profit not about the needs of the average Joe.
Let us make no mistake we are in a class war.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Things you Learn in Life
I have been reluctant in posting for a number of reasons mostly because I grow tired of ranting and without anything to post on projects I have been reluctant to write. But it is time to do a little of both.
First on the Rant
Watching the Presidential and Vice Pres debates on TV has been like watching Sumo wrestling. Seeing two big old boys butting bellies against each other trying to knock the other down. Trying to prove that there belly or ideals or positions or whatever you want to call it is bigger and better. Yet in the end they both have the same old belly no different then the other one.
What it boils down to me for now is to vote for the one who closely represent my ideals and let us not forget least likely to do the harm. For me that is President Obama. But then again I am a bleeding heart liberal.
In the mean time while this great debate is going on the economy continues to do show signs of life but not because of any great effort on the part of our government or the elite who have no reason to invest in the economy. I mean after all how many exotic cars and home can you own.
It struggles on because the middle and what I prefer to call really the working class continue to do what it must. It must feed, house and care for itself and the ones who can't our children and elderly. Consequently if it means they must cut back on the few luxury items they can afford they do. If they must sacrifice the quality of food they eat to make sure that the no one goes hungry to bed they do although this usually means health problems if not now then later. And, if this means that to do so they must take a job doing the same thing they use to do at a living wage but now must take a job that pays significantly less as much as a 1/3 or better less. than they do.
Why? Because this is what the working class always do and always will do.
Recently I had watched The Bill Moyers show on Sunday morning on PBS and you can watch on line that spoke of the Plutocracy. Now historically we tend to think of the Plutocracy as something they have in Europe particularly of Russia today. But the reality is that it exist among the world elite or umber Rich. They could care less as to how we do as they are insulated from the reality of poverty.
Again if you get a chance to watch Bill Moyers and Company
http://billmoyers.com/episode/full-show-plutocracy-rising/
Projects - Books- TV and Movies
Projects has taken a back seat for now due to money issues but hope soon to get back started. But I have managed to get a Bosch router table off of Craigslist for $20 and will help out once I start back to work in the shop soon i hope.
Books- Recently I have read the following books
"Sky Woman Falling" By Kirk Mitchell a excellent mystery that does not easily reveal who is the serial killer until the near end of the book. a 4 of 5 stars
"Bait and Switch The futile pursuit of the American Dream" by Barbara Ehernreich a book of how corporate world of middle class white collar jobs have been systematically turned into sweat shops at significantly lower pay. I give it a 4 of 5 stars for readability and thoroughly documenting it's argument.
Movies and TV shows - concentration of what we have watched of late has been from TV and cable networks hear are a few of our favorite shows
"The Walking Dead" AMC series on Zombies great series
"Copper" A BBC of America series that just finished about New York cops in 1865 as the Civil War winds down. watch it if you can but be prepared for some very blatant sexual and violent episodes.
"The Last Resort" a ABC series that has a rogue US atomic submarine involved in a political conspiracy
"Revolution" a NBC series on what might happen if the the world lost all electrical power. Pretty good show.
Of course there are also the usual favorites such as "Fringe" "Grimm" "Alphas" "Haven" and the season finale of "Hell on Wheels"
I am looking forward to two films coming out one in November "Skyfall" a James Bond show and the other "Reacher" coming out in December based on reviews and trailers must be seen.
Well that is enough for now
First on the Rant
What it boils down to me for now is to vote for the one who closely represent my ideals and let us not forget least likely to do the harm. For me that is President Obama. But then again I am a bleeding heart liberal.
In the mean time while this great debate is going on the economy continues to do show signs of life but not because of any great effort on the part of our government or the elite who have no reason to invest in the economy. I mean after all how many exotic cars and home can you own.
It struggles on because the middle and what I prefer to call really the working class continue to do what it must. It must feed, house and care for itself and the ones who can't our children and elderly. Consequently if it means they must cut back on the few luxury items they can afford they do. If they must sacrifice the quality of food they eat to make sure that the no one goes hungry to bed they do although this usually means health problems if not now then later. And, if this means that to do so they must take a job doing the same thing they use to do at a living wage but now must take a job that pays significantly less as much as a 1/3 or better less. than they do.
Recently I had watched The Bill Moyers show on Sunday morning on PBS and you can watch on line that spoke of the Plutocracy. Now historically we tend to think of the Plutocracy as something they have in Europe particularly of Russia today. But the reality is that it exist among the world elite or umber Rich. They could care less as to how we do as they are insulated from the reality of poverty.
Again if you get a chance to watch Bill Moyers and Company
http://billmoyers.com/episode/full-show-plutocracy-rising/
Projects - Books- TV and Movies
Books- Recently I have read the following books
"Sky Woman Falling" By Kirk Mitchell a excellent mystery that does not easily reveal who is the serial killer until the near end of the book. a 4 of 5 stars
"Bait and Switch The futile pursuit of the American Dream" by Barbara Ehernreich a book of how corporate world of middle class white collar jobs have been systematically turned into sweat shops at significantly lower pay. I give it a 4 of 5 stars for readability and thoroughly documenting it's argument.
Movies and TV shows - concentration of what we have watched of late has been from TV and cable networks hear are a few of our favorite shows
"The Walking Dead" AMC series on Zombies great series
"Copper" A BBC of America series that just finished about New York cops in 1865 as the Civil War winds down. watch it if you can but be prepared for some very blatant sexual and violent episodes.
"The Last Resort" a ABC series that has a rogue US atomic submarine involved in a political conspiracy
"Revolution" a NBC series on what might happen if the the world lost all electrical power. Pretty good show.
Of course there are also the usual favorites such as "Fringe" "Grimm" "Alphas" "Haven" and the season finale of "Hell on Wheels"
I am looking forward to two films coming out one in November "Skyfall" a James Bond show and the other "Reacher" coming out in December based on reviews and trailers must be seen.
Well that is enough for now
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Just a couple of Thoughts
I have been watching the events of the Arab or Muslim world and have come to the conclusion that they are bi-polar. That is the only explanation I can come up with. Any other explanation leaves me dazed and confused.
But the conclusion I have come up with we the US of A need to only maintain a minimum presence in the Arab world. Let our diplomatic corp deal with these crazies that what they are trained for in making sure our economic and governmental relationship are covered. They should while there maintain a low profile but there should never be any question that though they speak softly they carry a big stick of the full force and might of our Military should the rulers of these Arab countries forget and allow as well as encourage at times their people to act out their frustration on our people.
This concept is nothing new in our history it was coined in the late 19 century the ideal of Gunboat Diplomacy and no one used it better than Theodore Roosevelt and his "speak softly but carry a big stick." Back then it was understood that as long as you operated in good faith so would we but if you took violence upon our diplomatic reps well that was where the term "Send in the Marines" came from. I once more thank that while this tends to be a isolationist diplomacy it is more of a staying in the background and acting in our own best interest and quit thinking of nation building. The Arab world does not want it. If they do then they need to do as every country who has initiated democracy over some kind of plutocracy by the force of their own nature and not artificially acted on by a foreign force. Instead of giving away blindly our wealth in form of aid we now trade it for positive action.
Again step back to Theodore Roosevelt concept of "Speak softly but carry a big stick." Maintain a low profile like we used to but know that in the background waiting if needed is the full force of the US Military, our big stick.
On another tack on what is going on here in the good ole USA the war on the working class continues. While it is not a war of guns it is still a war of attrition of the simple old beat down until you have no more energy to fight the good fight.
It is the numbers that show this to be true. Unemployment remains high while there are some job growth they do not represent a living wage that or at best is really just a survival wage. Unions that usually represent the working class in the form of collective bargaining continue to be under attack by throwback governmental policy and economic war of if you don't do as we say then we will move our business off shore taking your job with it. All this began back in the Ford administration and continued thru today with the FTA or Free Trade Acts treaties that has allowed big international corporations to dismantle our industry that made us a powerhouse and turn us into a nation of no real wealth except on paper, and paper has no wealth other than as toilet paper.
One of the big Democratic selling points for President Obama was his stepping in and supposedly stopping the flood of cheap flawed tires from China. It was met with popularity among the working class who the Dem's are depending on to vote so they have been talking the talk of protecting our jobs even at the risk of a trade war. Even the republicans are talking the say way out of the sides of their mouth. But just because you talk the talk are you willing to walk the walk? At least the dems have shown some intuitive to do so. The Republicans on the other hand have no incentive to do so as it would hurt their base the elite 1% .
This is a question you will have to answer for yourself. I believe until we have a strong enough of a 3rd political party you will not be able to keep the Dems or the Republicans honest and beholden to the majority.
Projects-Books-Movies
The book case I am building for my wife's cookbooks and gardening books has changed from a mission or arts and crafts style to a "shaker" style or country look. Again using pine or Douglas fir for the frame but redwood or rather cedar for the panel insert on the side of the book case.
My thought would be to paint the frame and back panel either a solid color or with a milk paint finish and the side inserts of cedar natural. I would appreciate any comment on what other wood workers think as the above ideal came to me during the night while I was waiting for sleep to come to me.
This is the style I was thinking of.
Books
Finished reading "The Devils Hearth" by Phillip Deploy and found it a good and solid read. The setting in north Georgia in the edge of the smokey mountains reminded me of my families ties in rural central Oklahoma.
The book I have undertook "Bad Things Happen" by Harry Dolan on the other hand is starting out slow and proving difficult to maintain my interest. Hopefully it will pickup the pace and action.
Movies
Recently rented the movie "Battleship" a great movie well worth the rental fee where ET came to kick our ass but we kicked his instead. Think "Independence Day" instead of in the skies on the seas instead.
Enough for now.
But the conclusion I have come up with we the US of A need to only maintain a minimum presence in the Arab world. Let our diplomatic corp deal with these crazies that what they are trained for in making sure our economic and governmental relationship are covered. They should while there maintain a low profile but there should never be any question that though they speak softly they carry a big stick of the full force and might of our Military should the rulers of these Arab countries forget and allow as well as encourage at times their people to act out their frustration on our people.
Again step back to Theodore Roosevelt concept of "Speak softly but carry a big stick." Maintain a low profile like we used to but know that in the background waiting if needed is the full force of the US Military, our big stick.
On another tack on what is going on here in the good ole USA the war on the working class continues. While it is not a war of guns it is still a war of attrition of the simple old beat down until you have no more energy to fight the good fight.
It is the numbers that show this to be true. Unemployment remains high while there are some job growth they do not represent a living wage that or at best is really just a survival wage. Unions that usually represent the working class in the form of collective bargaining continue to be under attack by throwback governmental policy and economic war of if you don't do as we say then we will move our business off shore taking your job with it. All this began back in the Ford administration and continued thru today with the FTA or Free Trade Acts treaties that has allowed big international corporations to dismantle our industry that made us a powerhouse and turn us into a nation of no real wealth except on paper, and paper has no wealth other than as toilet paper.
One of the big Democratic selling points for President Obama was his stepping in and supposedly stopping the flood of cheap flawed tires from China. It was met with popularity among the working class who the Dem's are depending on to vote so they have been talking the talk of protecting our jobs even at the risk of a trade war. Even the republicans are talking the say way out of the sides of their mouth. But just because you talk the talk are you willing to walk the walk? At least the dems have shown some intuitive to do so. The Republicans on the other hand have no incentive to do so as it would hurt their base the elite 1% .
This is a question you will have to answer for yourself. I believe until we have a strong enough of a 3rd political party you will not be able to keep the Dems or the Republicans honest and beholden to the majority.
Projects-Books-Movies
The book case I am building for my wife's cookbooks and gardening books has changed from a mission or arts and crafts style to a "shaker" style or country look. Again using pine or Douglas fir for the frame but redwood or rather cedar for the panel insert on the side of the book case.
My thought would be to paint the frame and back panel either a solid color or with a milk paint finish and the side inserts of cedar natural. I would appreciate any comment on what other wood workers think as the above ideal came to me during the night while I was waiting for sleep to come to me.
This is the style I was thinking of.Books
Finished reading "The Devils Hearth" by Phillip Deploy and found it a good and solid read. The setting in north Georgia in the edge of the smokey mountains reminded me of my families ties in rural central Oklahoma.
The book I have undertook "Bad Things Happen" by Harry Dolan on the other hand is starting out slow and proving difficult to maintain my interest. Hopefully it will pickup the pace and action.
Movies
Recently rented the movie "Battleship" a great movie well worth the rental fee where ET came to kick our ass but we kicked his instead. Think "Independence Day" instead of in the skies on the seas instead.
Enough for now.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Affordable Safe Housing
One of the key points in the proposed economic bill of rights that FDR proposed was the Right to safe affordable housing. When this was proposed the ideal of a McMansion for everyone was not the ideal rather it was the ideal of a reasonable home in a safe neighborhood. But what is an affordable safe home?
The usual ideal of public assisted housing refers to the housing projects where the economically deprived are warehoused in apartments. This is not the answer. It usually leads to predatory behavior of a few on the downtrodden. I am not talking about the gangster mentality that so many have in mind but rather the limitation of opportunities and a higher cost of just getting by where a few individuals take advantage of those with more to lose.
Here in these neighborhoods you will find a high concentration of payday loans and check cashing business. In these neighborhoods you will find that fuel is usually more expensive by a few cents and that food stores are far and few between resulting in higher food prices and that on those again who can least afford it.
The other problem tends to be the diversity of these neighborhoods. Unfortunately for what ever reason it tends to divide up racially,. this tends to lead to a distorted view of racial equality. The African American and Hispanic cultures tend not to trust whites or anyone not of their specific race because of their lack of dealing with the other races this leading to further isolation.
Well as usual I am getting too long winded. Bottom line you don't concentrate folks racial or economically in little islands to which they tend to identify themselves with. Rather you disperse folks throughout the neighborhoods in an attempt to develop better relationships in understanding how other races think.
It is not just the cost of living in sergated communities that is a problem. It also has it safety issues which are apart of FDR Economic Bill of Rights. A concentration of the economically and on racial lines result in the predators coming out of the woodwork. It is a case of where a start up is a new line of designer drugs, or a new way of home invasion or a new way of car jacking. Here is an personal example of what I am talking about.
Recently my youngest son moved from a neighborhood that was slowly moving from a racially diverse neighborhoods to a primarily African American concentration. These were relatively new duplexes and rent was for our area reasonable if not a little high.
On the last day of his move he was loading his pickup when two young black men decided that they were going take advantage of the open garage door to get access to the duplex to steal most likely the appliances and copper wiring as well as what he had on his truck if not his truck, a 2010 Ford F150 Crew Cab. My son had set my youngest grandson down in the house with an ipad to play with while he loaded the truck. My son said all he could think about was how Adam was in the house as these two guys did a bums rush on him. Unfortunately for them they didn't make it into the garage as he stopped both men knocking one down with his fist and shoving the others head through the drywall. They decided they needed help.
My son quickly finish tying down the load put Adam into his car seat just in time for the same two guys and three other to decide to make another move on him. He had his significant other on the phone at the time and gave the phone to Adam and told her to talk to him and keep him occupied while he dealt with the situation.
He shoved the keys to his put into his pocket and before he could get in to his truck he had face these 5 men all black as they came after him. Doing as I've told my boys to do in a situation like this he made them come to him by funneling them one at a time to him to deal with but his back was still exposed.
The first one the same one he had shoved into the drywall of the garage he again knocked down knocking his head into the side of the pickup. The second guy he punched in the face and solar-pelex putting him onto the ground . The third guy got behind him and hit him in the side with a piece of pipe bruising his ribs and shoulder. Jim took this from him and laid him out. Then the fourth guy a big one Jim said started forward stepping over the two he had taken out. He pulled a piece of 2X4 from his truck and smacked the guy up the side of the head. He said the guy took a step back and just shook his head and started forward again but now pulling out a pistol. Jim said he thought o crap picking up the piece of pipe the other guy had dropped and knocked the pistol from his hand and kneed the guy hard enough in the groin he went down. Meanwhile the fifth guy who Jim said had been telling these other guys they didn't need to do this reached down grabbed the gun and ran across the road taking the gun from the equation. This gave Jim the opportunity to get out of there.
During this whole time it was happening a crowd of about 10 to 15 people had gathered to watch and egg on the bad guys. They were all black and were making fun of the assailants for getting whipped by one little white guy. I want you to think about that they at no time tried to stop it but merely were there to watch and encourage them on. What is wrong with that?
This is what happens when a neighborhood becomes singular and not diverse. I firmly believe that if they neighborhood had been more racially diverse this would never had happen that a crowd would gather to not to encourage but to stop it. Maybe I am just being naive but I hope not. All I am saying when you have a neighborhood that is segregated into racial groups a ideal of us against the other attitude results.
Enough for now on Safe and Affordable housing and on the next blog I hope to add some ideals ot what we as a society and government can do.
The usual ideal of public assisted housing refers to the housing projects where the economically deprived are warehoused in apartments. This is not the answer. It usually leads to predatory behavior of a few on the downtrodden. I am not talking about the gangster mentality that so many have in mind but rather the limitation of opportunities and a higher cost of just getting by where a few individuals take advantage of those with more to lose.
Here in these neighborhoods you will find a high concentration of payday loans and check cashing business. In these neighborhoods you will find that fuel is usually more expensive by a few cents and that food stores are far and few between resulting in higher food prices and that on those again who can least afford it.
The other problem tends to be the diversity of these neighborhoods. Unfortunately for what ever reason it tends to divide up racially,. this tends to lead to a distorted view of racial equality. The African American and Hispanic cultures tend not to trust whites or anyone not of their specific race because of their lack of dealing with the other races this leading to further isolation.
Well as usual I am getting too long winded. Bottom line you don't concentrate folks racial or economically in little islands to which they tend to identify themselves with. Rather you disperse folks throughout the neighborhoods in an attempt to develop better relationships in understanding how other races think.
It is not just the cost of living in sergated communities that is a problem. It also has it safety issues which are apart of FDR Economic Bill of Rights. A concentration of the economically and on racial lines result in the predators coming out of the woodwork. It is a case of where a start up is a new line of designer drugs, or a new way of home invasion or a new way of car jacking. Here is an personal example of what I am talking about.
Recently my youngest son moved from a neighborhood that was slowly moving from a racially diverse neighborhoods to a primarily African American concentration. These were relatively new duplexes and rent was for our area reasonable if not a little high.
On the last day of his move he was loading his pickup when two young black men decided that they were going take advantage of the open garage door to get access to the duplex to steal most likely the appliances and copper wiring as well as what he had on his truck if not his truck, a 2010 Ford F150 Crew Cab. My son had set my youngest grandson down in the house with an ipad to play with while he loaded the truck. My son said all he could think about was how Adam was in the house as these two guys did a bums rush on him. Unfortunately for them they didn't make it into the garage as he stopped both men knocking one down with his fist and shoving the others head through the drywall. They decided they needed help.
My son quickly finish tying down the load put Adam into his car seat just in time for the same two guys and three other to decide to make another move on him. He had his significant other on the phone at the time and gave the phone to Adam and told her to talk to him and keep him occupied while he dealt with the situation.
He shoved the keys to his put into his pocket and before he could get in to his truck he had face these 5 men all black as they came after him. Doing as I've told my boys to do in a situation like this he made them come to him by funneling them one at a time to him to deal with but his back was still exposed.
The first one the same one he had shoved into the drywall of the garage he again knocked down knocking his head into the side of the pickup. The second guy he punched in the face and solar-pelex putting him onto the ground . The third guy got behind him and hit him in the side with a piece of pipe bruising his ribs and shoulder. Jim took this from him and laid him out. Then the fourth guy a big one Jim said started forward stepping over the two he had taken out. He pulled a piece of 2X4 from his truck and smacked the guy up the side of the head. He said the guy took a step back and just shook his head and started forward again but now pulling out a pistol. Jim said he thought o crap picking up the piece of pipe the other guy had dropped and knocked the pistol from his hand and kneed the guy hard enough in the groin he went down. Meanwhile the fifth guy who Jim said had been telling these other guys they didn't need to do this reached down grabbed the gun and ran across the road taking the gun from the equation. This gave Jim the opportunity to get out of there.
During this whole time it was happening a crowd of about 10 to 15 people had gathered to watch and egg on the bad guys. They were all black and were making fun of the assailants for getting whipped by one little white guy. I want you to think about that they at no time tried to stop it but merely were there to watch and encourage them on. What is wrong with that?
This is what happens when a neighborhood becomes singular and not diverse. I firmly believe that if they neighborhood had been more racially diverse this would never had happen that a crowd would gather to not to encourage but to stop it. Maybe I am just being naive but I hope not. All I am saying when you have a neighborhood that is segregated into racial groups a ideal of us against the other attitude results.
Enough for now on Safe and Affordable housing and on the next blog I hope to add some ideals ot what we as a society and government can do.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
General Observation and FDR Economic Bill of Rights
Recently I have taken noticed of a change in the diversity of some of our neighborhoods here in the City of Ft. Worth TX. Now normally when I would say this people would think I am being negative and despairing on how blacks or Hispanic or moving into traditional white neighborhoods, but far from it. In fact it is the other away around.
Historically certain parts of East and central FW and were primarily black as certain parts were historically Hispanic in North FW. But times are a changing for these areas usually were economically depressed meaning cheaper homes for rent but the new economic reality of today whites usually found in the suburbs are moving into these areas as their economic fortunes have changed.
Now the working class whites who lived in the suburbs are moving into these areas as they loose their homes or job changes that have them making less money forcing them to look for cheaper housing. Hence the white infiltration of black and Hispanic neighborhoods. What is disturbing to me about this is the method of forced diversity of these neighborhoods. Forced by economic realities.
I have always been offended by the ideal of I could not live in certain neighborhoods because of my skin coloration. Particularly since my maternal grandmother and mother were native American or Indian. Because of their skin coloration they were discriminated against. Now if you are one of those millions who proudly point out their Indian heritage of 1/16th well I am happy for you. But for the bulk of the Indians who live in states with a reservations often find their selves discriminated against much as the deep south was at one time. By the way my birth certificate says Father white and mother Indian. Which just shows you what Docs know. My father was registered with the Cherokee Nation and my mother was never registered with the Choctaw Nations her grandfather did not trust the BIA.
The only reason I mention my heritage is show I understand discrimination and white flight back into the "hoods" has nothing to do with prejudice on my part but merely noting the economic changes and the lack of affordable housing. This is what is forcing people back into economically depressed neighborhoods, the lack of affordable housing. Instead of blacks and Hispanics fleeing into the suburb's as their economic situation improved now it is the other way around putting a strain on what is out there.
The other thing that I have observed is the age of the whites that are moving back to these areas. Of course you have young folks but their is a significant number of older folks who in the recent past were able to stick it out with their homes paid for or stable incomes. But no longer is this a reality for older workers. Unfortunately the older workers have been some of the most impacted. If you are over the age of 45 don't be surprised if in a wave of layoffs your group take the most hits. Consequently the age group of 45 to 65 will find it takes longer to find a job and then that job will most likely pay half of what you used to make. Hence the increased number of older folks moving into the depressed neighborhoods looking for affordable housing.
The funny ha ha things is it is a myth. Economic depressed neighborhoods pay significantly high rents for the level of housing they receive. Just that the slum lords tend to have less stringent renting policies and they make up the higher turnover with higher rent. That is the reason you will often find multiple generations living in one household so as to be able to afford to pay the rent.
So now you are thinking about why folks don't move into the housing project for low income. Basically because years ago the powers to be started selling off these projects and issuing vouchers for section 8 housing. These lucrative properties were sold for a song to developers. For example here in FT Worth one such that was in downtown FW was closed down and sold to Radio Shack another one in Dallas was closed down and sold to Presbyterian hospital and Dental school.for parking. The people who lived in these projects worked in the downtown of FW and the Presbyterian Hospital. Now they live farther away with longer commutes because the almighty dollar was more important than housing that was affordable for the disadvantage.
So now we have more folks competing for the few homes that are considered affordable. It is not uncommon for homes to rent to folks at a rate greater than traditional 25% of gross income and now tend to be 30% to 45% of gross income. This means less money for essentials such as health care, clothing, and food.
The problem is for a lot of these folks this is a new reality that they have never had to deal with. Fortunately for my wife and I we have been there. We were both raised in homes with empty pantries, homes where the power was not always on and water hauled in from a neighbor. Homes whee the breakfast consisted of bowl of beans left over from last night supper. Christmas and birthday presents that didn't materialize for there just wasn't any money for them. That was why I went to work when I was 11 years old first just for the $1 a day for labor or 10 cents a row of corn hoed. The thing is we both knew we were only two paychecks from homelessness. Something a lot of people don't realize until it happens.
With the selling off of our jobs overseas for the sake of increased profit through the use of Free Trade Agreements, destruction of unions, and general layoffs for further profitability the working class both blue and white collar are pretty well screwed.
Why have I stated the above? Because I believe in the answer to be in what Franklin D. Roosevelt proposed in 1944 just before he decided that a second bill of rights be initiated as a "Economic Bill of Rights." If you don't know what this is take time to learn. Start talking about it for it is a viable workable concept. Here is a link that you will find useful.
http://www.fdrheritage.org/bill_of_rights.htm
Over the next few blogs I would like to examine these few ideals that FDR proposed and has laid stagnant since his death. Well enough of this.
Projects- books-movies
I have decided that the bookcase/TV.entertainment shelves will be out of dimensional lumber i.e. 1X12 for sides and shelves and 1/4inch plywood for the back. and will start to put the material together this week.
Books - Finished reading "Cliff Walk" by Bruce DeSilva and it was again wow. The ending like his first mystery left you wondering about justice and how it is applied. I have started a book by Philip Depoy called the "Devils' Hearth". glancing at briefly I have a feeling that it will be a book that I will back up several times to catch passages of it.
Movies - watched "Safe" another of Strahtam movie that was a thrill ride.from beginning to end. Also watched for our 39th anniversary the movie "The Words" my wife didn't care for it since it did not have a satisfactory ending at least one for her.
Until later take care.
Historically certain parts of East and central FW and were primarily black as certain parts were historically Hispanic in North FW. But times are a changing for these areas usually were economically depressed meaning cheaper homes for rent but the new economic reality of today whites usually found in the suburbs are moving into these areas as their economic fortunes have changed.
Now the working class whites who lived in the suburbs are moving into these areas as they loose their homes or job changes that have them making less money forcing them to look for cheaper housing. Hence the white infiltration of black and Hispanic neighborhoods. What is disturbing to me about this is the method of forced diversity of these neighborhoods. Forced by economic realities.
I have always been offended by the ideal of I could not live in certain neighborhoods because of my skin coloration. Particularly since my maternal grandmother and mother were native American or Indian. Because of their skin coloration they were discriminated against. Now if you are one of those millions who proudly point out their Indian heritage of 1/16th well I am happy for you. But for the bulk of the Indians who live in states with a reservations often find their selves discriminated against much as the deep south was at one time. By the way my birth certificate says Father white and mother Indian. Which just shows you what Docs know. My father was registered with the Cherokee Nation and my mother was never registered with the Choctaw Nations her grandfather did not trust the BIA.
The only reason I mention my heritage is show I understand discrimination and white flight back into the "hoods" has nothing to do with prejudice on my part but merely noting the economic changes and the lack of affordable housing. This is what is forcing people back into economically depressed neighborhoods, the lack of affordable housing. Instead of blacks and Hispanics fleeing into the suburb's as their economic situation improved now it is the other way around putting a strain on what is out there.
The other thing that I have observed is the age of the whites that are moving back to these areas. Of course you have young folks but their is a significant number of older folks who in the recent past were able to stick it out with their homes paid for or stable incomes. But no longer is this a reality for older workers. Unfortunately the older workers have been some of the most impacted. If you are over the age of 45 don't be surprised if in a wave of layoffs your group take the most hits. Consequently the age group of 45 to 65 will find it takes longer to find a job and then that job will most likely pay half of what you used to make. Hence the increased number of older folks moving into the depressed neighborhoods looking for affordable housing.
The funny ha ha things is it is a myth. Economic depressed neighborhoods pay significantly high rents for the level of housing they receive. Just that the slum lords tend to have less stringent renting policies and they make up the higher turnover with higher rent. That is the reason you will often find multiple generations living in one household so as to be able to afford to pay the rent.
So now you are thinking about why folks don't move into the housing project for low income. Basically because years ago the powers to be started selling off these projects and issuing vouchers for section 8 housing. These lucrative properties were sold for a song to developers. For example here in FT Worth one such that was in downtown FW was closed down and sold to Radio Shack another one in Dallas was closed down and sold to Presbyterian hospital and Dental school.for parking. The people who lived in these projects worked in the downtown of FW and the Presbyterian Hospital. Now they live farther away with longer commutes because the almighty dollar was more important than housing that was affordable for the disadvantage.
So now we have more folks competing for the few homes that are considered affordable. It is not uncommon for homes to rent to folks at a rate greater than traditional 25% of gross income and now tend to be 30% to 45% of gross income. This means less money for essentials such as health care, clothing, and food.
The problem is for a lot of these folks this is a new reality that they have never had to deal with. Fortunately for my wife and I we have been there. We were both raised in homes with empty pantries, homes where the power was not always on and water hauled in from a neighbor. Homes whee the breakfast consisted of bowl of beans left over from last night supper. Christmas and birthday presents that didn't materialize for there just wasn't any money for them. That was why I went to work when I was 11 years old first just for the $1 a day for labor or 10 cents a row of corn hoed. The thing is we both knew we were only two paychecks from homelessness. Something a lot of people don't realize until it happens.
With the selling off of our jobs overseas for the sake of increased profit through the use of Free Trade Agreements, destruction of unions, and general layoffs for further profitability the working class both blue and white collar are pretty well screwed.
Why have I stated the above? Because I believe in the answer to be in what Franklin D. Roosevelt proposed in 1944 just before he decided that a second bill of rights be initiated as a "Economic Bill of Rights." If you don't know what this is take time to learn. Start talking about it for it is a viable workable concept. Here is a link that you will find useful.
http://www.fdrheritage.org/bill_of_rights.htm
Over the next few blogs I would like to examine these few ideals that FDR proposed and has laid stagnant since his death. Well enough of this.
Projects- books-movies
I have decided that the bookcase/TV.entertainment shelves will be out of dimensional lumber i.e. 1X12 for sides and shelves and 1/4inch plywood for the back. and will start to put the material together this week.
Books - Finished reading "Cliff Walk" by Bruce DeSilva and it was again wow. The ending like his first mystery left you wondering about justice and how it is applied. I have started a book by Philip Depoy called the "Devils' Hearth". glancing at briefly I have a feeling that it will be a book that I will back up several times to catch passages of it.Movies - watched "Safe" another of Strahtam movie that was a thrill ride.from beginning to end. Also watched for our 39th anniversary the movie "The Words" my wife didn't care for it since it did not have a satisfactory ending at least one for her.
Until later take care.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Thoughts on Health Care
Recently I had a little scare that fortunately turned out to be nothing. But it did have me spend some quality time with health care professionals. Now most of the time I find doctors periodically need to be reminded that they serve you and not the other way around. They start feeling a little too self-important and forgetful of you as a human being. But still most of the time they are OK. But what I found out to be the most reveling is when you talk to their support staff.
Did you know that most Doctors do not offer any health care insurance to their staff. At best they treat them free of charge and give them meds from the free stuff they get from the sample bin. That means the very people who you see first before the doc that take your temps and try to make you comfortable and consequently exposed to a wide variety of infectious colds and flues have no reliable health care. I mean after all do you want your podiatrist treaty you for pneumonia?
It wasn't just because of their own perilous situation but because of the many they see that come through who have forgone treatment because they could not afford the basic care they needed until it became a matter of life and death.
Many scream about how they do not want socialize medicine as it will lead to rationing of health care. The truth again is we already ration health care. Either by simple inability to afford it or the meds or by the health insurance industry denying claims or services for any number of reasons mostly because it is industry standard to deny the claim on the first request.
I am one of the fortunately ones in that I am on Medicare and have taken advantage of their buy up insurance plan.. This means that I pay $0 to my Primary and only $20 to specialist. My meds of which I take 7 only cost me $4 apiece for $36 a month average. A recent colonscopy cost me only $20 and that included the removal of the benign tumor. Any lab work I have done cost me $0 and all of this for a fee of %99 a month. If we can do this for our seniors and disabled why cant we do this of all.
Now I know you are screaming at me saying this is the kind of thing that is breaking this country. But BS is BS and that is exactly what it is. When I was preparing to retire the City brought in a SSI specialist to advice those who were approaching that age. The rep a medicare specialist when asked if the system was in the process of going broke responded if we did not take anymore money in as of that date, 2009, and just used the money that was already collected the funds were enough to last until 2030 at the soonest.
So why are told of dire predictions of impending doom?
Because the system as it is setup right now does not set well with the elite for it is money they cant touch. So their mouthpieces set and scream about entitlement programs that are giving away Cadillacs to welfare moms and of impending doom if they do cut back or do away entirely of these programs take it back to pre 1930 days.
But they are right about one thing it is an entitlement program. But it is an entitlement program you are entitled to because you have earned it. Do not let these greedy SOB's take it away these programs that help feed the needy, educate our children, make our retirement possible, and health care fessible.
For more information and insight on the problems go to PBS Frontline and Bill Moyers and Company for a unique and eye opening info.
Well I have been on my soapbox long enough but pay attention and be ready to take to the streets if these bastards make a move on us. Finally never believe them when they tell you it is not personal for it ablsoutley is.
Projects-Movies-Reads..
I have begun assembling a list of materials I will need for a bookcase/TV stand to replace the clunky old entertainment system we have right now. But first I need to finish the design of it and I can't seem to settle on a final configuration.
Netflix has been playing a lot into our TV movie viewing mostly the BBC series "The Last Detective" a great show of a man who receives little or no respect from his superiors or his peers but suprisingly solves the unwanted cases.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
The other shoe has dropped
Well after putting off my colonscopy for over 10 years I finally had it done. Apparently my reluctance at having the test done will cost me.
First it would seem that man who spent 40 plus years on his feet or sitting in a truck develope hemroids. Nothing needs tobe done in that it does not bother me. So that's ok.
It is the other reason you have this embarrassing procedure done that was revelatory.
The scope revealed several polups that required removal in that they tend to be Pre-cancerous so they were removed. It was the one at the very end of the exam that proved a problem. It was more involved and could not be fully removed indicating its most likely cancerous and will require a more involved surgery. More will be known in a few weeks after results of the biopsy has come back .
But an offhand comment by my doctor is that he believes it is at an early stage and can be sussfully dealt with. So for now I am just going to put it in the hands of God and the doctors who assist me in improving my health.
I am not telling you dear reader for your sympathy but more as a moral tale not to put this simple test off just because it is embarrassing and you feel vulnerable. If you do well let it not be said I didn't warn you.
Movies - Books - projects
Well projects have taken aback seat for now. But I have been reading more. One of the books has been the Walt Longmire series by Crag Johnson called "kindness goes unpunished " a excellent book putting the Wyoming Sheriff in Philidhia Pa. A excellent read fast paced and excellent characters.
I have been watching on Netflix the BBC America " Luther" and "The Last Detective" well worth watching but be aware "Luther" is quite intense.
Speaking of BBC America their period show called " Copper" is really quite good with a New York cop set in 1865. Of course I can't forget AMC "Hell on Wheels" again I like westerns the first season of which you can get on Netflix.
Well enough for now.
First it would seem that man who spent 40 plus years on his feet or sitting in a truck develope hemroids. Nothing needs tobe done in that it does not bother me. So that's ok.
It is the other reason you have this embarrassing procedure done that was revelatory.
The scope revealed several polups that required removal in that they tend to be Pre-cancerous so they were removed. It was the one at the very end of the exam that proved a problem. It was more involved and could not be fully removed indicating its most likely cancerous and will require a more involved surgery. More will be known in a few weeks after results of the biopsy has come back .
But an offhand comment by my doctor is that he believes it is at an early stage and can be sussfully dealt with. So for now I am just going to put it in the hands of God and the doctors who assist me in improving my health.
I am not telling you dear reader for your sympathy but more as a moral tale not to put this simple test off just because it is embarrassing and you feel vulnerable. If you do well let it not be said I didn't warn you.
Movies - Books - projects
Well projects have taken aback seat for now. But I have been reading more. One of the books has been the Walt Longmire series by Crag Johnson called "kindness goes unpunished " a excellent book putting the Wyoming Sheriff in Philidhia Pa. A excellent read fast paced and excellent characters.
I have been watching on Netflix the BBC America " Luther" and "The Last Detective" well worth watching but be aware "Luther" is quite intense.
Speaking of BBC America their period show called " Copper" is really quite good with a New York cop set in 1865. Of course I can't forget AMC "Hell on Wheels" again I like westerns the first season of which you can get on Netflix.
Well enough for now.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Totally Black
Frank Sinatra was quoted once as "When you think things have about gotten as dark as they can get that is when it goes totally black." That pretty much sums up the state of the union right now.
We have what we call our two party system that are deadlocked as to what to do next and basically determined that no matter what to paint the other party as guilty. All this does is a big fat nothing as to solutions.
but in all honesty there is probably not actual solutions to the situation we are in right now without some dramatic steps that people are not ready to take. The first of which would be a third party to spice things up.
How would this work this third party?
Well first they would hopefully be a party of moderates or centralist. who would while not likely strong enough to take power would be strong enough to guide the legislation that the country needs at this time. as a moderating influence this party would offer help to both sides of the aisle where legislation makes sense while keeping the radical element from getting too out of control. Although for this writer I fear that my left leaning almost tipping over beliefs may find some of the more moderate views annoying while at the same time making sense.
But until we do have more moderates in office we are stuck with the media controlling elite spilling out their vitriolic poison through the Rush Limbaugh's and Reilly's that will keep the rhetoric poisonous. Thereby continuing the stalemate that has become business as usual in Congress.
So until there is a thrid party willing to be a moderating influence you must choose between either the TEA Party (elites) controlled GOP or the Dems who have enough Blue Dog Democrats (GOP in sheeps clothing)to keep meaningful goverment from happening.
As for myself, to keep my parents from rolling over in their graves I will be voting for the Dems, always with hope but fearing it is the darkness before it goes totally black.
Projects-reading=movies
Reading - finished up Bruce DeSilava book "Rogue Island" and it was a great read. strongly recommend it for pure entertainment value. Already bought his second book "Cliff Walk" it was that good. In the mean time started Crag Johnson's "Kindness Goes Unpunished"
Movies - TV has been really good of late for show like "Hell on Wheels" and "Longmire" along with the great Sci-Fi"Falling Skies". An upcoming show called "Copper" on BBC America starts Sunday and looks interesting so I am looking forward too watching it.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Time to Drive the stake into the ground
One of my favorite visions of native American heritage is of the Chyenne Dog Soldier who would confront their enemy with their disdain by driving a stake into the ground and tying off to it daring their opponent to attack. I see it both a move to allow the tribe to make their escape and most importantly an act of defiance.
Perhaps it is time for us to drive a stake onto the ground, tie ourself off to it and call for our enemies to make their moves on us. Perhaps it is our time for our last great act of defiance. Why am I calling for this?
Simply, the radical group the TEA Party and their lapdog the GOP our nipping at our heels. They are systematically ridding the GOP of its moderate influences who tradtionally got things done in Congress with the Democrats through compromise and our replacing them with folks who sole agenda is to consolidate their myopic viewpoint of the rich our 1% elite know best and the concept of a "trickle down economy".
If we don't do something soon to either strengthen the Dem's our come out With an alternative party then all will be lost and the division of the haves and have-nots will become even more pronounce. It is time to drive that stake into the ground and tie our self off and stand and fight.
http://billmoyers.com/segment/keesha-gaskins-and-michael-waldman-on-supressing-votes-by-law/
This past weekend I watched the PBS show Bill Moyers and Company a new show hosted by Bill Moyers a long time activist and commentator on issues that or a threat to our society. As usual his timing is spot on. First with his review of a report on the move by radicalized state GOP governments to limit and manipulate who votes in the upcoming elections. But then he followed with a review of a documentary film that showed the development Tycoon Donald Trump coming into a remote part of Scotland to build a golf course on sand dunes that environmentally sensitive.
What makes this film important it showed the arrogance and total disdained that men like Trump hold for the people. How it makes no difference to them what destruction they bring down on the local inhabitants to achieve what they want. If they need to use eminent domain To seize property closing down farms and homes of people who have lived their entire lives well that is just too bad. You would laugh at the absurd behavior of Trump if it was not so frightening.
The final segment go the show was dedicated to a review of the history behind Medicare and Medicaid both of which Moyers was intimately involved in while serving with LBJ in the White House. This segment is really worth watching and reminds us that it was a start not the end.
Projects-Reads-Movies
Too dam hot to get much done in the shop. Also I am waiting for money to buy a Parting tool to finish a turning project for my wife. In the meantime I have begun designing a 3 section bookcase that the
center section will hold the TV. Right now we have a traditional
entertainment center that eats up space in our compact living room.
Book I have been reading by CJ Box has lacked what I consider to be an edge to it. In fact I have found the book to be sugar sweet and for this diabetic almost put me into a comma.
Fortunately I have some good replacements waiting I the wings.
Perhaps it is time for us to drive a stake onto the ground, tie ourself off to it and call for our enemies to make their moves on us. Perhaps it is our time for our last great act of defiance. Why am I calling for this?
Simply, the radical group the TEA Party and their lapdog the GOP our nipping at our heels. They are systematically ridding the GOP of its moderate influences who tradtionally got things done in Congress with the Democrats through compromise and our replacing them with folks who sole agenda is to consolidate their myopic viewpoint of the rich our 1% elite know best and the concept of a "trickle down economy".
If we don't do something soon to either strengthen the Dem's our come out With an alternative party then all will be lost and the division of the haves and have-nots will become even more pronounce. It is time to drive that stake into the ground and tie our self off and stand and fight.
http://billmoyers.com/segment/keesha-gaskins-and-michael-waldman-on-supressing-votes-by-law/
This past weekend I watched the PBS show Bill Moyers and Company a new show hosted by Bill Moyers a long time activist and commentator on issues that or a threat to our society. As usual his timing is spot on. First with his review of a report on the move by radicalized state GOP governments to limit and manipulate who votes in the upcoming elections. But then he followed with a review of a documentary film that showed the development Tycoon Donald Trump coming into a remote part of Scotland to build a golf course on sand dunes that environmentally sensitive.
What makes this film important it showed the arrogance and total disdained that men like Trump hold for the people. How it makes no difference to them what destruction they bring down on the local inhabitants to achieve what they want. If they need to use eminent domain To seize property closing down farms and homes of people who have lived their entire lives well that is just too bad. You would laugh at the absurd behavior of Trump if it was not so frightening.
The final segment go the show was dedicated to a review of the history behind Medicare and Medicaid both of which Moyers was intimately involved in while serving with LBJ in the White House. This segment is really worth watching and reminds us that it was a start not the end.
Projects-Reads-Movies
Too dam hot to get much done in the shop. Also I am waiting for money to buy a Parting tool to finish a turning project for my wife. In the meantime I have begun designing a 3 section bookcase that the
center section will hold the TV. Right now we have a traditional
entertainment center that eats up space in our compact living room.
Book I have been reading by CJ Box has lacked what I consider to be an edge to it. In fact I have found the book to be sugar sweet and for this diabetic almost put me into a comma.
Fortunately I have some good replacements waiting I the wings.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Privatization
Here is a scary thought for you. What do you think of a
private security firm like Blackwater acting in place of your local Police
Dept?
That is a firm hired to replace the local PD by a
company who by low bid won the right to patrol your neighborhood and enforce
the community laws. This would be a enforcers who answer and tie to the
community is the paycheck they receive. Am I the only one who see the
opportunity for corruption and abuse of power.
I am having a hard time articulating what I am trying
to say but basically the ideal of a private security firm replacing local governmental
Police Depts. as ominous. For I see it as once again the elite 1% ensuring
their control and keeping the rest of us in line. It was bad enough the
influence that the elite often had over the local PD but it will be ten times
worse under a private firm who’s employees allegiance is it’s paycheck signed
by stockholders. Again Not US.
Here is another thought for you while on this subject
as of recent reports the greatest growth industry is Private Security Firms who
not only shake door knobs but monitor security cameras and electronic info ie…emails,
cell phones. You get the picture. A one stop we do everything for your security
company. All of this will be justified as cost efficient and if we alone the
way must give up some freedom for security then it is just the cost of
protection.
To help get a clearer picture of this log on and watch
this Frontline documentary
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/are-we-safer/
Where is this coming from you might ask? My paranoia?
Perhaps, but that does not mean someone is not out to get ya.
Projects-Books-Movies-
Finished reading Peter Bowen’s book “Thunder Horse” a
great fun read. Have started reading CJ Box mystery.
Reba and I have recently
been watching on PBS George Gently biritish police dectictive set in the mid
1960’s. It tends to expose a side of
English PD that you often don’t get over here. Apparently they are rather
racist. Also have been watching “Falling Skies” on TNT excellent alien invasion
movie. Also on A&E the series “Longmire” has lived up to it’s expectation.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Like a Broken Record
I have been reluctant to write for fear I was
sounding like a broken record. That I perhaps was bordering on the edge of
tedium for some readers. But then again it is what it is and if I sound like a
broken record then at least I am on record.
This is what we must do. Support these groups who
get out there and bring attention to our society problems. That is why Unions,
as corrupt as they can be, still or viable alternative for representing the
working man, both blue collar as well as white collar. That is why
organizations like ACORN is so important for they act not just on a national
level but in your neighborhood to assure fair treatment for all neighborhoods
and not for an exclusive few.
When Ideology and party loyalty becomes more
important than the best interest of the people then someone should say “For
shame!” Someone needs to cry out the king has no clothes on. To stand and
pretend all is ok and all we need to do is elect a party to office and all will
be ok is to build your house of straw just waiting for the wolf to come and
blow it down. So with that having been said here goes.
Any party ie the GOP who primary and stated goal is
to unseat a single man, President Obama, cut social welfare safety nets, and
take the government regulations on the environment and economy back to 1929 and
yet the common man, the guy who’s income has been slowly but aggressively falling
since the election of Ronald Regan still votes for the GOP. Well, if we don’t try
to inform these individuals, if we don’t try to get the message out then we get
the government we deserve. Change comes only when the people will accept
nothing else.
The OWS and 99% movement folks have it right I believe
that change will only come when we take to the streets either physically as
they do resisting the elite 1% and their bought and paid for political
machinery and their security forces in peaceful non-violent demonstrations. Or,
by using the opportunity of demanding change from our elected officials by
showing up at their rallies and political functions. This is what ACORN has
done in their community based activism when they show up at their city council meetings
with questions and demanding answers and putting it to their l
ocal leaders
wanting to know if they “Talk the talk do they also walk the walk” for social
change.
ocal leaders
wanting to know if they “Talk the talk do they also walk the walk” for social
change.
If you believe as I do then ACT now before we slip
so far down this slippery slope that GOP has us on and the Dem’s have allowed
that the only way to correct is violent rebirth of our nation. Support those
you believe in and act locally to affect global change.
It is going to take winning change by one precinct,
one county, one district, one state at a time to affect true and everlasting
change. This will not happen without you participating either with your
physical presence or your finical
support.
For me, I will do as I preach. I will give of my
time and available income to those who I believe in. And, even if this doesn’t
work as I know some of you or scoffing at me as I write thinking it will be for
naught, at least I can look my grandchildren in the eye and say I did my best
for your future.
Projects,
Books, movies
Well despite my way too much association with the
medical profession I have managed to turn from a piece of scrap cocobolo a
replacement joy stick knob for my power chair. Did you know that when you allow
equipment to sit for a long time without use it tends to resist your efforts to
setup. 
Apparently I need to spend more time at the lathe.
Apparently I need to spend more time at the lathe.
Recently acquired Peter Bowen “Nails” and just
started reading after finishing Neal Stephenson book “The Baroqe Cycle”
essentially 3 books in one and it weighed like it. But it was good a good read despite
physical challenge of near 4 lbs of book.
TV can offer surprisingly good entertainment that is
not meant to numb the mind. Example PBS Masterpiece Mystery theater with the Inspector
Lewis series, the Zen series, and Inspector George Gently series. It can also
inform you with shows like “Frontline” with exposes on Wall Street and how availability
of dental care affects over 30% of our nations people health. Shows like these
is one reason I support my local PBS and NPR
stations.
Enough for now.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Toughen Up Cupcake
Sometimes life has a way of getting in the way of what you want to do. Take for example something as simple as writing this blog. What I want is to be able to write and post a couple of times a week. The reality is that I am often pushed to post once a week and life is the reason for this late post.
When I retried two years and seven months ago I thought I would spend the “Golden Years” of my life working in my shop, writing, photographing, reading, finding a good 42 game and spending time with Reba and the grandkids and well my kids as well, although they aren’t as much fun as the grandkids.
Instead I have found myself without time or money for projects all too often, it is either one or the other. I spend way too much time with Doctors then grandkids. That same time spent in waiting rooms cuts into writing, photography as well. Reading is hard when you find your mind drifting thinking about what the Doc’s are going to tell you but somehow you manage to occasionally complete a book or magazine article.
Ok, enough whining.
It is time for me to “Toughen up Cupcake”. I will make to most of each day, each hour, each minute that I have. If that means that I find myself heading for the Doctors covered in sawdust and sweaty that is their problem not mine. When I find my mind drifting from what I am writing or the photo I am taking thinking about the next doc visit or what they said I will give myself a kick in the ass and remind myself that worrying about it is not going to change anything.
So here is the best advice I can give to myself and anyone else as far as that goes. When life has suckered punch you and has you on the ropes, cover up and push off the ropes and hit back. It isn’t over until the bell rings.
Projects – Reading – TV/Movies
I am sharpening my chisels and will take to the lathe to turn Reba a necklace rack. Hopefully by the next post I will have a photo of the finish product. I am also going to turn a joy stick knob to replace the one that was on my power chair. After that Reba’s potting bench and a series of 3 to 4 six foot tall book/TV cases. I think I need to go down to Woodcraft and take one of their sharpening classes apparently my skills or eye has deteriorated and I am not as good as I was when in my early 30’s at sharpening.
I have been reading Neal Stephenson “The Baroque Cycle” a great read but boy is that book heavy. You almost need a book holder to keep you from being wore out from holding it.
Movies and TV will I highly recommend watching PBS on line if not available Frontline recent documentary called “Money, Power and Wall Street”. It will one make you mad and two make you rethink your entire ideal of banks and money and their relationship to you.
Again on PBS and available on line Masterpiece Mystery “Endeavor” and the George Gently mysteries series. Totally English not to mention they show a side of British Police you normally don’t associate with them.
Well enough for now I got to go and get ready to see the doc.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Choose wisely
Today I heard on NPR that a recent poll showed that
6 out of 10 or 60% of registered voters believed that it did not make any
difference on the economy and jobs as to who won the presidential election.
Apparently the people finally are not believing the hype that the President
actually has a effect upon our economy other than as a spokesman. Why do I say
that?
But we are a nation of Puritan heritage that
preached that if you haven’t been blessed with a silver spoon in your mouth
then it is because you are not of the chosen of God. These people believe that
their donation of used clothes and the Christmas basket is sufficient and that
all should be grateful for their hand me downs. This Puritan Calvinistic
altitude is anything but Christian. Christian says “For what you do the least
you do for me” Mathew 25:40. Yet the ones who call themselves neo conservative Christians
seem to forget this.
As to investment of captiol into the job market or
manufacturing sector. Well that becomes a issue of how money is made into today’s
world. Until it becomes a benefit to own actual property those who traditionally
invest in factories will continue to make money off of paper. In short a house
of cards that the nation backs up when the wind blows that house down. If you
don’t believe me think Chase Bank and BOA for a couple. Until a international
bank can see the value of real capitol such as buildings and equipment then
there will be not real improvements in the economy or in the purest local
sense. Unfortunately they can’t see the value in something invested on a local
level.
That is one reason you should bank with local banks
who live in your area, who see the buildings. Who depositors are the very ones
who money they spent on improvements in the local business that do the hiring
that supply the jobs to the very same depositors. It is a healthy symbiotic
relationship as it should be.
In short the problem with the Chase and BOA hi-rise
bank buildings is so often those on the top floor don’t know what is going on
the bottom floor and don’t want to know.
For them their depositors are nothing but a numbers game. A matter of
shuffling paper.
So when you get ready to vote of course vote for a
President who represent your values are as close to it as possible. But, even
more so vote for the congressman and senator who will act on the laws who will
have effect on you and who represent your values.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Rules are made to be Broken
This is one quote that rings true today as it did in Henry’s time. It is almost as bad as when some idiot tells you "that is the way we always do it." regardless of the results. But I am a believer that only 10 rules were written in stone and the rest well most are not worth the paper they are written on.
Most rules are about control and about keeping it and since rules are written by man they are about controlling their fellow man. Hence my distaste for rules.
When I think about the rules I have in my house it was about keeping control of my young children. As they grew older they challenge these rules, as they should, for their comes a time when you must find out for yourself whether or not works for you.
But, that challenge is what most people don’t like. It represent disorder for them a change in the status quo. That is why change that is needed is so slow to happen. It is feared and it is outside the rules of play. But then my so called superiors were always quick to point out to me I do not play well with others.
All I guess I am trying to say is be hard to beat. Follow the rules that work for you and don’t follow the ones don’t work for you. Remember rules are made to control the player and rules are made by those who want that control. That is why we have buildings filled with books of rules (law) in that attempt to control and manipulate you and the situation to the benefit of their masters. That is why we have a health care law that is 1500 pages long when Canada’s when initiated was only 12 pages long. Our law was meant to manipulate and control and theirs to help. It makes you remember just who controls our government. That perhaps the Constitution instead of “We the People” should read “We the few”.
When you start thinking about what and why you follow rules or laws remember old Henry D. Thoreau choose what rules and laws he followed. When arrested and jailed for failure to pay one dollar poll tax (used to support the war with Mexico) for one night Emerson came to see him while in jail. Emerson reportedly spoke to him saying and I paraphrase “look where you have ended up” and Thoreau’s response was “the question is not why I am in hear but why are you out there”.
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