Well, it's that time again - Election Time. Normally I don't practise politics in mixed company (Democrats and Republicans), but I thought it might be interesting to put my opinions down on paper; forgetting the cardinal rule in our family - Never discuss politics, religion or the Great Pumpkin.
Now I know you are wondering what the heck the Great Pumpkin has to do with politics. It doesn't. But he invokes strong opinions, just like the other two subjects. I have discovered people are very vocal about their own opinions regarding politics and religion.
Party-wise, I will say upfront I am a registered Republican. Do I vote a straight party ticket? No. Do I blindly adhere to all the planks of the Republican platform? No.. Do I use my brain? Always.
The greatest gift we enjoy in this country is the right to choose our leaders. But it can also be our weakest link. When it comes time to elect the men and women who will spend our hard earned money, it seems lately people are not studying the facts behind the rhetoric. News Flash People: not everything candidates or their commericals say is true. Both side stretch and distort until without research it is impossible to tell fact from fiction.
This is on purpose people! If it is hard to check the facts, people won't do it. Let's face it, as a society we expect the newspeople to check our facts for us. Second News Flash - newspeople are not neutral! There was a time when journalists reported the news without bias, but that ended with CNN. Both sides report things as they see them, which may or may not be accurate depending on which side of the argument they agree with.
So, what do I believe it? I believe in America, not as a political system, but a country built on the premise that with his own hands, a man can go from indentured servant to prosperous businessman. A country that said it didn't care where you came from or who you were - this is a land of new beginnings.
I want a conservative approach to giving away my money. If a country doesn't like us, why should we try to buy their friendship? How well has that worked for us so far? How about we take some of those millions going overseas and spend them right here at home, where the money is truly needed. Remember the adage - charity begins at home? I don't think Congress does.
I think government should stay out of healthcare. I favor a strong military as a deterrent to other countries thinking we are sitting ducks for another 9/11. While I personally object to abortion, I will defend to the death a woman's right to make her own decisions. It's called free will, and if it's good enough for our Creator, it's good enough for me.
Our tax system isn't fair to any of the classes, and the small businessman is being squeezed. If all that stimulus money had gone to the companies who create jobs, it would have gone to the small local businesses. And, no matter how you re-name it, wealth redistribution smacks of the basic tenents of Communism.
For more than two hundred thirty-five years, this nation has survived internal strife, war on our soil and across the oceans, civil rights battles, and anti-war demonstrations. But I am afraid that apathy by our own citizens might be the downfall of the greatest democracy / republic the world has ever seen.
So in prepartion for the November elections - do yourself and everyone else a favor. VOTE!
Showing posts with label History. Show all posts
Showing posts with label History. Show all posts
Monday, October 15, 2012
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Black and White and Shades of Grey
All my life I have been taught there are only two sides to every confrontation: black or white. My father did not consider the shade of grey as an answer. Dad considered grey as the color for those unable to stick with a position. Everything was wrong or right. However, with the disappearance of the core family unit and the values our ancestors used to pass down to each new generation, black and white have left the building leaving an entire rainbow of color answers.
Black = wrong, White = right, Grey = possible to be right or wrong only if no one get offended.
What other personal responsibilities formally taught to us by our families have we neglected to pass on to the next generation? Manners, correct enunciation, personal accountability all have gone the way of the flightless dodo bird, extinct due to lack of interest in their continuation.
What other little expected behaviors we all grew up with have suddenly disappeared? Chewing with one's mouth closed, wearing appropriate clothing for the event and location, and cutting in front of people in line are the first few that come to mind but I'm sure, given time, we all could come up with dozens. But what began this major shift in attitudes? Do we attribute this to the hippies back in the 60's? Or did it come sooner - as more families began chasing the all mighty dollar instead of growing their children.
I have two children in two different times of their lives, but they have been taught the consequences of their actions since they were old enough to talk back. I know they will tell me the truth, whether I am ready for it or not. They accept their punishments for their misdeeds and strive to learn from their mistakes.
I can think of thousands of prisoners who could learn something about personal responsibility.
Black = wrong, White = right, Grey = possible to be right or wrong only if no one get offended.
What other personal responsibilities formally taught to us by our families have we neglected to pass on to the next generation? Manners, correct enunciation, personal accountability all have gone the way of the flightless dodo bird, extinct due to lack of interest in their continuation.
What other little expected behaviors we all grew up with have suddenly disappeared? Chewing with one's mouth closed, wearing appropriate clothing for the event and location, and cutting in front of people in line are the first few that come to mind but I'm sure, given time, we all could come up with dozens. But what began this major shift in attitudes? Do we attribute this to the hippies back in the 60's? Or did it come sooner - as more families began chasing the all mighty dollar instead of growing their children.
I have two children in two different times of their lives, but they have been taught the consequences of their actions since they were old enough to talk back. I know they will tell me the truth, whether I am ready for it or not. They accept their punishments for their misdeeds and strive to learn from their mistakes.
I can think of thousands of prisoners who could learn something about personal responsibility.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
On this day in history....
February 2Nd.
Groundhog Day.
In 1977, Radio Shack officially began making the TRS-80 computer. Such a short time ago, compared to the rest of history.
Working with computers has been part of my job history since 1985. Less than ten years after the TRS-80 began production. What changes we have experienced.
As children, would our generation have ever dreamed of television with remote controls or telephones you could take with you when you drive? Movies in three dimensions? Gasoline costing more than a meal at McDonald's?
What about the negatives we have experienced in that same time period? Coarse language and nudity accepted on prime time television? Teenagers hooked on prescription drugs they steal from their parents? An entire generation raised without two parent homes and dependant upon the government for their survival?
What would our founding fathers say of this America? Would they be proud of what we have bled and died to maintain? Or would they hang their heads and turn away disgusted with our avarice and complacency?
Make this day in history one you will be proud to point out to your children and your children's children. Take a stand for what you know is right. Stand apart from the masses. Think for yourself!
Groundhog Day.
In 1977, Radio Shack officially began making the TRS-80 computer. Such a short time ago, compared to the rest of history.
Working with computers has been part of my job history since 1985. Less than ten years after the TRS-80 began production. What changes we have experienced.
As children, would our generation have ever dreamed of television with remote controls or telephones you could take with you when you drive? Movies in three dimensions? Gasoline costing more than a meal at McDonald's?
What about the negatives we have experienced in that same time period? Coarse language and nudity accepted on prime time television? Teenagers hooked on prescription drugs they steal from their parents? An entire generation raised without two parent homes and dependant upon the government for their survival?
What would our founding fathers say of this America? Would they be proud of what we have bled and died to maintain? Or would they hang their heads and turn away disgusted with our avarice and complacency?
Make this day in history one you will be proud to point out to your children and your children's children. Take a stand for what you know is right. Stand apart from the masses. Think for yourself!
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