GIVING CHRISTIANS A BAD NAME

   I, like a great deal of Americans, consider myself a follower of Christs teachings, thus, a Christian.

   However, just as there are a variety of different cultures and ethnic backgrounds in the U.S., there are also a variety of Christianities that abound here.

   Some people look at how the Muslim faith is divided between the Shiite and the Sunni sects, and are confounded that two groups who proclaim the same faith can be so hostile to each other.

   Well, they've got nothing on us, there are so many different angles on what a Christian is supposed to be, that it makes your head spin.

   Now the days of killing each other over our differences are mostly behind us, but there remains some ugly reminders of just why we factionalized in the first place.

   Since Christianity began there have been those that devined different interpretations of Christs words, and then acted on those interpretations.

   Most notably, the Roman Catholics, the Protestants, the Mormons, Jehovahs witnesses, etc., and the offshoots of them, all that feel that they are the ones that are right.

   Now days these groups tolerate each other, and generally respect the others right to believe what they want, but there is a group that exists that is giving a bad name to the term "Christian".

   Mostly they call themselves "fundamentalists".

   Now this group is nothing new, they have been around for awhile, and the term actually describes a broad number of believers. 

   But the ones that are the problem, are those that like to mix large amounts of politics with their faith

   The most obvious of these lately are the members calling themselves the Tea party. They are mostly southern whites whose main motives seem to be in destroying the U.S. government.

   Unable to garner any real political power, they instead choose to attempt dismantling the current government structure.

   Although they loudly demand freedom, that would be the last thing we would have if these bigots were in charge.

   Instead we would have a small group that would dictate every step of our lives, they love to tell people what they can and can't do, in Gods name of course.

   This band of zealots criticize sharia law, and the Taliban, when in reality, they are just like them, ready to control your life as they see fit.

   The fact that the demographics of America are rapidly changing in favor of non white people is scaring the hell out of this group, probably because they fear that they will get treated as poorly as they treated others.

   Regardless of the desperate and destructive acts they partake in, this group will never usurp power from the majority of Americans, those that believe we are all in this together, and that when we take care of one another, we are making America a much better nation, a nation that cares for all of its citizens, not just a chosen few.

   My guess is that the very narrow and self serving way these fundamentalists pick and choose the parts of the bible that best serves their needs would be looked upon rather poorly by Christ, so I wish they would call themselves something else, because they are giving the term "Christian", a bad name.


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STAND ASIDE, THERE'S WORK TO BE DONE HERE

   OK, I'll probably take a lot of heat for this one, but W.T.F., that never stopped me before,

   I have been criticized more than usual lately by mostly Libertarians, they say things like,"Obama is forcing healthcare on this country", and, "Obama wants to financially ruin America", and, "Both party's are only a smokescreen to hide what's really going on".

   These are but a few of the responses I receive (unrequested) when I present any positive news of our Presidents actions, or negative news of the GOP/Tea party,

   The Libertarian ideal is indeed a very enticing scenario, minimal government intrusion, freedom from societal limitations, a true Utopia, but just like Utopia, it is unrealistic, and no matter how hard we close our eyes, or how many times we click our heels together, it just would not work.

   It is true that we have had a few Libertarians as President in the past, but that was over 150 years ago, in an era that was totally different from today.

   The complexity and massive intricacies of modern society make the idea of the "every man for himself" philosophy, and the "you do your thing and I'll do mine" mantra an absurd pipedream.

   Yes the idea of pure freedom is appealing,and yes the thought of everybody seeing to each others needs is a pleasant thing, but we live in a world of fellow human beings, and one thing about human beings is, we are a selfish species, we will look out for numero uno , and we will reach out to help others in varying degrees, but 99 times out of 100, that will happen only after our own needs and wants are satisfied.

   I am not condemning humanity for that, far from it, it's survival of the fittest and all that stuff, and I know there are people who do truly care about the well being of their fellow humans, but to count on every person in this nation to "do the right thing", is about as far fetched as you can get.

   And no matter how pleasant a place America would be in the Libertarian world, it just isn't going to happen, and that forces us to deal with the realities of today, and to accept them as they are, or to change them in a way that has some chance of being successful, not by pretending that somehow we can turn the clock back and return to an era long since past. 

   If it were a matter of the balance of power remaining static, then fine, chase your pipedream, I hope you catch it, but unfortunately, that is far from what's happening today.

   There exists a party that is under the control of the elite 1% of this nation, and in that party lies a sub party that acts as a force bent on bringing our nation to its knees.

   Those would be respectively, the GOP, and the Tea party.  The GOP partnered up with the Tea party for two reasons, they needed to expand their ever shrinking base of supporters, but mostly, they are both funded by the elite people and corps. in America, and have a similar agenda.

   As recently witnessed, the Tea party is an out of control group of misguided bigots, who are now running roughshod over the GOP pussies that are too scared to oppose them, they value their job a lot more than they value America.

   Now these GOP pussies and the terrorist acting Tea party puppets all took an oath, an oath that they are now breaking, making them dishonorable traitors, and they wear the title proudly.

   So while the Libertarian party would just sit back and watch the show, there is a drastic need for those who recognize what the GOP/Tea party is doing to step up to the plate and defeat these treacherous bastards, and to stifle them permanently.

   So while I understand that the Democratic party is flawed, and it too has its own corruption to deal with, it is at least fighting "FOR" the average American, not "AGAINST" them, and President Obama has proven over and over that he is trying to better our lives, not enslave us.

  Every progressive thing suggested is shot down by the GOP/Tea party, they would rather see America burn to the ground than to see our President succeed, and if you can't see past your face enough to realize that, then I have no use for your views or critiques, please keep them to yourself.

   Some of us are trying to get something accomplished.


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NOW LET'S SEE SOME REAL AMERICAN HEROES

   I've posted douchebags, traitors, and most the most hated people, now allow me to present to you some of the most admirable, commendable, and heroic people in America, past and present, the kind of American role models we need more of.

















The voters that waited in line for hours to show the GOP that they will not be suppressed


















George Washington Carver















The freedom riders
















President Abraham Lincoln
















President Franklin
Delano Roosevelt











Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.













The American service

man and woman












 

President Barack Obama







     







      
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HOW TO BE POWERFUL

   I had avoided signing up on Facebook for years because the thought of openly volunteering any personal information about myself seemed absurd. I have a natural distrust of the powers that be and giving them any of my vitals or open opinions struck me as somewhat less than intelligent.

   It was after the turmoil in the middle east known as "the Arab Spring" that I realized the true power of social networks on the internet, the ability of every individual to reach millions of people at lightning speed. Having the means to get out a message to the world before it can be twisted and spun by those who would do such things.

   It began with the Wikileaks event, once our state department communications were made public for the world to see, the people who lived in the countries described in those communications were given Carte' Blanche to examine exactly what their particular governments were doing in their names. Let it suffice to say that more than a few of them were a little unhappy with their governments behavior and boom, the uprising began and it has yet to cease.

   Through decades of diplomacy and countless hostilities the middle east remained basically static, and then a street vendor gets unjustly treated by a corrupt government official and the fuse gets lit. That last straw on the camels back was the catalyst for one of the most important events in human history. And it was all because of the internet.

   There have been thousands of incidences of corrupt governments and their agents abusing people since the beginning of civilization and we, the common citizen, are repulsed by that type of behavior from anybody, but especially from an entity claiming to be our protectors. That's the main reason governments do so many things in secret, because they are very aware that if the majority of their population knew what they were really doing then they would rise up and demand justice, just as they are doing in the middle east.

   The evidence of the internet and it's social networks immense power is not limited to third world countries, look around our own nation and it's influence is everywhere, from the videos taken of the police openly abusing their authority, to the immediate discovery of political candidates purposeful deceptions and false promises.

   The ability for all the people to instantly connect to one another has given the masses a power that has never before been possible in human history. It is a power that is little used by society in general, but it is a power that the elite decision makers of the world truly fear.

   That is the reason I began using the internet and it's social networks, to be a voice for change, a voice for telling others that they are not powerless, that they can change the status quo, that they don't have to be quiet and just accept things the way that they are. I have no delusions of grandeur, I easily recognize that my opinions and outrages by themselves are unimpressive to many people, but when hundreds and thousands of people join together in a singular voice, that voice travels around the world and it puts on notice those that need to be made aware that we see what they're doing, and woe to those who betray our trust.

   I'm still a bit uncomfortable exposing myself like this, but I firmly believe that if we can keep the powers that be from taking control of the internet and stifling the voice of the people, which appears to be exactly what they are trying to do, then we may have a real opportunity to enact the kinds of change that will bring this world together in a way that unites us all.

   Since the beginning of mankind there have been those whose only goal was the domination and rule over others, and I promise you that an educated and well informed public is the very last thing they want to see, so they view the internet as something they must control, we cannot let this happen, be a voice, you don;t have to join a party or attend a rally, but speak up, say what you feel, it is our only hope for a world that we would happily hand down to our children.




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To Those Who Gave All For America, Thank You

   Memorial day is a time that all Americans reflect back on those men and women who have sacrificed themselves in the service to us and our great nation. I can think of no thing more honorable or special to write about than a tribute to the heroes of America.

   In the 18th century we fought America's first war, the War of Independence. America was born from that unlikely success we enjoyed way back then, when states didn't exist yet, only colonies loosely united. But even back 237 years ago when its people were being treated with contempt and disdain, those early Americans rose up and went forth in the face of overwhelming odds to defend this land and its people against the tyranny being imposed on it by a ruler an ocean away.

   Thousands gave their lives way back then so that their children and their childrens children would be able to live in a land of freedom. We had forefathers who had the insight and wisdom to provide us with a road map for democracy, the Constitution and the Bill of rights, perhaps the most important documents ever written. Those revolutionary soldiers set the standard of what Americas military would become, a proud professional force whose courage and honor could not be surpassed, and whose strength on the field of battle would become legendary.

   In the first half of the 19th century the military proved it's abilities in two major conflicts, the war of 1812 and the Mexican American war. In 1861 our great nation faced its worst nightmare, a civil war. The American civil war threatened to tear the United States apart forever, and although it began as a war for states rights, its ultimate cause would be for the enforcement of that which is written in our Constitution, that "all men are created equal."

   The civil war succeeded in putting right a situation that shamed America, abolishing slavery. The civil war cost over 600,000 American lives, by far more than all other wars combined to that point in time, but it also brought a new beginning to these still United States of America. We ended the 19th century with the Spanish American war, where we established our military reach virtually around the world. Early in the 20th century America was quickly becoming an industrial giant and its influence in world affairs growing. Beginning in 1914 European nations entered war with each other that would eventually draw in most of the world.

   Although The United States attempted to keep itself isolated from the conflict, we too were drawn into battle. By having our brave fighting men entering what was called the "war to end all wars", the gridlock was broken and the Americans and their allies were the victors in what would be known as World War I. This was a turning point for Americas military, we had gone abroad in the defense of other nations right to freedom.

   Twenty one years later the European nations again found themselves at war with each other, and we again attempted to stay removed from their conflict. However over the next 2 years it was becoming more and more apparent that the only way this new war would end with the worlds freedom intact would be for the United States to once again enter the fray. While our nation was debating on whether or not to become involved, the decision was made for us on December 7, 1941. That day Japan attacked our Pacific fleet in Pearl harbor and decimated our battleships, it had also attacked our military bases throughout the Pacific. The next day we declared war on Japan, a short time later Japans allies, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States.

   Once again the entire world was at war with each other, and once again the brave men and women of America stood up and took their place in the defense of freedom. For four years the might of the American military fought battles worldwide and in 1945 became the victors over tyranny. That massive war cost over half a million American lives, lives sacrificed on foreign soil in the name of freedom. Just 5 years later we again found ourselves engulfed in a conflict in Korea that would claim thousands of American lives. In the 1960's and 70's the Vietnam war would cost over 50,000 brave Americans their lives.

    Through the 1980's and 90's Americas military answered the call to battle and did their duty without question. Here in the 21st century Americas fighting men and women have again been sent to foreign lands and again have given their all while representing this nation. All throughout the history of our great nation the bravery and honor of the men and women of Americas military have gone unquestioned, and their integrity and strength are unequaled in the world today.

   To the countless number of those American heroes who gave their lives, and the families that lost them, we owe our undying gratitude and thanks, for without their great sacrifices we would not have a United States of America, and the world would be a much different place. So be grateful everyday, but be especially grateful today, and say a prayer of thanks to the ones who made freedom possible for us all. May God bless America, and the brave men and women who protect it every day.   

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Hate Me Or Love Me, You Need To Read This

   Obviously you are interested enough in what I'm saying to now be reading this current posting. Kudos to you, either you want to know more about my view of our current political climate, or you are just here to gather more reasons for which to hate me and my criticisms.

   Regardless of your reason for perusing my latest episode of running at the mouth, I do commend you for having the intelligence to at least look at my presentation, not that reading what I say shows any particular intellectual genius, it just show's that you are wise enough to keep an open mind to other sides of an issue, and that is a seemingly shrinking quality amongst our fellow Americans these days.

   I am an admitted liberal, I happen to hold views that both parties profess as their core philosophy. For instance, I believe that abortion is wrong, at the same time I feel a woman has the right to determine her own situation regarding her health and all it implies. I believe fervently in the second amendment. but I can't see how background checks for firearm purchases threatens us, there are hundreds of millions of guns already in the hands of regular Americans, my guess would be that a well armed citizenry is not on the endangered species list. There are many crossover issues I believe in so I'm not comfortable calling myself a Republican or a Democrat,

   I can only assume that there are many others like me who don't see an issue as either black or white, but as somewhere between those two extremes. For whatever reason, it would appear that being a moderate these days is akin to being a leper in times long past. No matter what I rant on about I get flak for my position, especially from two of my sons, one would hold that my professing of my belief that a particular political parties actions constituted a conspiracy that undermines all this nation holds dear was nothing but a delusional episode I was experiencing, while the other would criticize me for being naive because I failed to see that the entire system is corrupt beyond redemption.

   I hold fast to my beliefs, that there is good and bad in all things and that very little exists in life that can be labeled as just black or just white. For more than 237 years America has been governed by the rule of law, those laws originated from a system purposefully designed to rely on moderation and compromise. In spite of ourselves we have not only survived as a nation for this long, but have long been recognized as the desired role model for the rest of the planet because we have abided by that system our forefathers had the insight to install into our Constitution.

    At the present time in our history we seem to be in the midst of a political crisis that threatens not just the American people, but of the entire worlds inhabitants. Ever since 9/11/2001 the powers that be have been chipping away at the constitutional rights that have made this country what it was. The people who decide such things have sworn that all these procedures were needed in order to keep us safe and secure. Well with 12 years of war behind us does anybody feel any safer? How about having illegal random traffic stops so the police can interrogate "SUSPICIOUS" persons, does that make you feel more secure?

   How much safer does it make us to have surveillance cameras watching us our every waking moment? Perhaps getting a nice greeting with your pat down at the airport gives you a warm fuzzy feeling. Just think of how safe and secure we would be if we could live in a big building with locked doors and armed guards that would keep all the bad people from getting to us, now that would be safe.

    Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have been culpable in legislation that continues to marginalize the American citizen, it is at are own peril that we allow this behavior to continue. I frequently blast the GOP for their anti-American tactics lately not because I believe the Democrats are so altruistic and guilt free of wrong doing, but because the GOP has become a runaway train, and like a speeding train with no one at the controls, it does not care about how much carnage and destruction lies ahead, it just keeps speeding up.

    Our current system is obviously flawed, but as American citizens it is our patriotic duty to right what has been wronged, to reset the game and put back in place the principles that first guided us as a new nation. The ONLY way to accomplish that is to raise our voices and protest the way the GOP is obstructing legislative progress, to protest our President approving documents that further curtail our constitutional rights, to end these ridiculous witch hunts, and to stop the squabbling and bickering being done in the Congress and the Senate.

    Our elected representatives need to be forcefully reminded that they work for us, not the banks, not the corporations, not special interest groups, but for us, the American public, and if they can't do that then they need to be replaced with those that will represent ALL of the people.

    Abraham Lincoln said that this country will only survive if we have a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people". It is as true today as it was 150 years ago, and if we don't fix this problem soon, then I believe it won't be long until it is too late to fix anything.

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It's The "Rights" Thing To Do

Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev

   First things first. I think the men that bombed Boston are despicable, good riddance to the dead one and may his brother suffer every day of his life for their actions. It is my complete belief that any and all who engage in the murder of innocent people to bring attention to their particular cause should suffer endlessly and experience the pain in measure which they so casually inflict on others.

   I have no sympathy for these individuals, and I believe that no punishment is too harsh for them

   That being said, I also believe all American citizens should be afforded the due process that our Constitution guarantees them, regardless of the severity of their offenses.

   There is nothing in the Bill of Rights that says a person has a right to free speech unless we don't think they deserve it. It doesn't say we have the right to a free press unless they say bad things about us

   . The United States of America was founded on principles that were conceived and committed to writing by men who witnessed the tyranny and unfairness of regimes of their day on an ongoing basis.

   Our founding fathers fought and died for the ability of their children, and their childrens' children, and all who follow to have the opportunity to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These weren't convenient ideas for them, they were core beliefs that they knew were required for a free and open society.

   In the 237 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence this nation has witnessed many situations that tested these concepts. Some for the good, some not so good.

    The founding fathers gave us the flexibility to amend those laws with a two-thirds majority vote by the individual States. However, beginning in the 1970's, we have had those in power slowly nibbling away those rights. Using Presidential powers, our various rights have been curtailed in the name of national security or other powerfully worded reasons.

   The slow erosion of these rights continued throughout the 80s and 90s, regardless of what particular party was in the White House. Then came 9/11, beginning that day and continuing to the present time, the rate at which our rights are being ignored and trampled on has expanded exponentially.

   We are told that withholding Miranda rights was needed to safeguard the public, we have a government that can declare you a terrorist and incarcerate you without charges; or send a Drone to kill you.

    We have witnessed a veritable martial law declared on a major U.S. city, and the passing of Presidential orders giving law enforcement a virtual free pass to stop, interrogate and detain any citizen it feels poses a threat.

   The treatment of prisoners deemed terrorists by our government was a harbinger of things to come, unspecified detention without charges, refusal of legal representation, torture, disregard for habeas corpus.

    The declaration of a "war on terror" is more than a mere phrase; in legal terms a "state of war" gives special powers to the President that would not otherwise exist. Bush and his criminal posse took these powers to their limit and beyond anything resembling legality, and we let them get away with it.

   Now it seems the great hope we have placed in our current President may have proven to be a disappointing dream. Same shit, different day.

    Why are we allowing this to go on? It's because we have been told that we should be scared. Scared of the Islamic boogey-man -- scared of the illegal immigrant coming for your job -- scared, scared, scared, scared, scared.

   We have become a nation of apathetic frightened ostriches, sticking our heads in the ground and hoping the bad things don't see us. Well it's time to wake up and open your eyes and your mouth about what's going on. Taking your rights does not make you safer, it makes you vulnerable to those who would like nothing more than to enslave you and lord power over you.

   We live in a once great country, but history has proven over and over that even great countries can fall if not kept in check. There is a saying,"Those who would trade freedom for security deserve neither." 

    I hope we are deserving...

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