If you ask people what the most imfluential book they have every read, probably the most common answer will be 'the Bible'. It flows off the tongue like a bird song. When you press these people about when they actually read the Bible most will eventual admit.......they haven't. Personally, I don't consider the Bible, or any other canon scripture, to be a book. It is scripture. Hence, I never anwser 'the Bible'.
Young people often quickly bring up some book that they read in high school lit, or perhaps something from the amphetamine-fueled Ayn Rand collection. I have no single book to be certain, rather a host of books. Interestingly, two of them are by Hermann Hesse. The first is Der Glasperleinspiel, the second is Demian. Yes, yes, I did read Demian for the first time in High School but it was in German so 'that's different'.
Anyway, one of the conversations in Demian revolved around Jesus being crucified and, more specifically, the thieves that hung alongside him. One of the thieves taunts Christ saying to the effect, if you are truly the Son of God then save yourself. The other thief answers, again, to the effect, this man is truly the Son of God.
We have been forever conditioned to somehow lionize the second thief. In Demian the following points were made: Both thieves had the existing pattern of belief (in crime) and were deserving of the fate they had been handed. The first thief was accepting of it. He sought no mercy, nor was he grasping at straws. He was a man of bad character, but at least he had one that was consistent! The second thief was neither a believer, let alone a disciple of Christ. he was just some punk-ass that got what was coming to him and he was grasping at straws. It is all reminiscent of a previous post topic Ronnie Lee Gardner. He was blubbering on about the 'good' he can still do if he was kept alive. The fact is Ronnie Lee Gardner would have licked the Dalai Lama's nut sack if he thought it would save him. The one thing Ronnie Lee could never do? Accept responsibility for his actions and express remorse while looking the family of his victims in the eye. I'll see you in hell Ronnie!
So, how does this rant tie into baby blessings? While it is not a 'saving ordninance' of my faith, blessing of children is an important thing nonetheless. I blessed all of my children that I was able, and it was a spiritually moving event every time. My beef is with fathers of the kids who have another family member do it, because they are not worthy to perform the ordinance themselves.
Why do they have the ordinance done? Is it because, like the theif on the cross, that at the very last minute they "believe" in the correctness of the principle? If there were but a little more time, they would become worthy to do it themselves? Nonesense! They do it because they perceive some type of benefit for themselves if they allow it. These people are worse than those who unequivocally state, "I do not believe in the (insert name) faith, therefore neither I nor my family will be part of these ordinances". At least these people believe in something and are consistent in their beliefs.
This one argument, from Demian, has greatly influenced how I view people's 'worth'. I would much rather discuss faith or other matters religious with a devout Catholic, Baptist, Muslim, Hindu, Jew, or even an atheist! These people have a belief. Ye must be either hot or cold, for if ye are but luke-warm,,,,,,,,, Does this ring a bell?
In earlier posts I mentioned the concept of absolute value. Find it and review it if you'd like. The reader's digest version is this. Devout Lutherans, if converted, make better Mormons that jack-Lutherans. Devout atheists, if converted, become devout believers in God. Agnostics? Spittle.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
The five variables and Zappa calling it right
I am a Taoist among other things. I say that a lot. I am also a schizophrenic pacifist. I hate violence, yet at times it must be employed. When these times occur, violence must be swift, certain, and overwhelming. By doing such the conflict is minimized in time and scope. It is merciful. Then just as quickly as the violence is meted out, the peace must be restored.
I was a student of Sun Tzu before Lao Tzu. As such, I was not fully able to grasp the full truth from the 'Art of War' for about 20 years or so. In any conflict, or any endeavor for that matter, there are five variables that need to be examined. He who has the majority of advantages will prevail. These variables are: The Way, the weather, the terrain, the leadership, and discipline.
The way is simply the Tao. One who adheres to the Tao is said to be in the way. The goal of the leadership and those being led must be the same.
The weather is simple enough to understand as is the terrain. Good weather and favorable terrain will increase your chance of being successful in your work. Whether it be a Boy Scout fifty-mile hike or a military offensive. (Naturally if I am on the defensive I will lay in wait in difficult terrain and pray for rain).
The leadership must not be overly stern. Nor can it be overly permissive. The leaders must not be easily angered, or humiliated. The leaders must be intelligent, good-intentions mean little. Leaders must be trustworthy and courageous. Finally leaders need to be humane and merciful.
Discipline must be clear, simple, and consistent. Organization and chain of command must be adhered to. Logistics and operations must be smooth.
When things go wrong, I retrospectively apply the variables to the situation and Sun Tzu is always proven right. I still need to improve my ability to examine the variables beforehand and determine outcomes more successfully. Today my four youngest children were involved in a bus fire that destroyed the bus (along with their belongings) but all escaped harm. My daughter sucked in some smoke on the way out but she says she is OK. Getting accurate info was difficult. Getting it from people I trust was nearly impossible. It was only after hearing from the wife of my neighbor Mike that I began to be calmed. She assured Shelisa that things were fine and that they (meaning her and Mike) were tracking the situation. I've blogged before about Mike. He is one of only three men in my ward, and the only one there, that I trust completely. He walks in the Way.
Enough of that.
I was listening to some old Zappa stuff (70's and 80's vintage) a few days ago. I thought I might give his later stuff (90's) a listen. He wrote a song called Jesus thinks you are a jerk. It is woefully dated due to the names and reference to things that were topical at the time but are now long-forgotten. There were a few passages that proved timeless though. I don't think Zappa was particularly religious. I also don't think he thought it a terrible bad thing however if people were religious so long as they didn't use religion as a excuse to hate. I will paraphrase a few of these passages with no apologies made to the Zappa trust (bite me Dweezil).
There's a pretty little weasel about five foot nine
Face puffed up from cryin' 'n lyin'
'Cuz here sweet little daughter's
Sucking prong part time
(In the name of the Lord)
Get a clue little shrew
Oh yeah, oh yeah Jesus thinks you're a jerk
Would he really choose Sarah Palin to do his work? Unh-unh!
The Tea party says they're the One
Oh sure they are, if Armageddon is your idea of family fun
And they got some planned for you
(But only if your name ends with an 'ez')
Perhaps it's their idea of an affirmative action plan
To give 'white trash' a special break.
Well they took those 'patriot' bucks and ran to the bank.
And every night we hear them thank
their Buddy up above for sending down his love.
Convinced they are the chosen ones
And all of them carry guns and hold them cards to the NRA
With their fingers on the triggers while they kneel and pray
If you ain't born again they want to mess you up screamin'
"Life's too precious can't you see"
(What's that hanging from a neighbor's tree?
Why it looks like a Mexican to me!)
If you don't know the truth of what I'm telling you
Then truly I have failed somehow
And Jesus will think I'm a jerk just like you.
'Cuz you've let the hatemongers make a monkey out of you.
This Arizona nonsense starts up in a few days. I will still reserve judgement however. I honestly believe that most people are decent, reasonable, and honorable. The people of Arizona have a huge problem they are trying to deal with. Unfortunately many who are leading the charge do so because they hate Mexicans......and blacks. Especially that (whispered quietly) nigger in the White house.
I make no secret of my political leanings. I vote for the man not the party. Don't tell my friends at the democratic HQ that I vote for R's almost as much as I vote for D's. I voted for Obama. While he is still preferable to McCain, I can't help but wonder if Hilary would have done better.
Rather than having the justice department file lawsuits against Arizona, Obama should be working on a comprehensive immigration policy, securing the borders, initiating discussion on a plan to lessen demand for drugs (as well as send some 'teams' south of the border to keep their skills honed by putting holes in any blow-lord they encounter), and doing it quick. You know some of that 'bully pulpit', 'push an agenda stuff' that you can do when BOTH houses are controlled by your party!
Some would argue that it is too ambitious and he's only been the President for 18 months. Well, it seems that me that Bush got pretty damn much everything he wanted at about 20 months in! And he was a dumb ass. I thought Obama was smart.
I was a student of Sun Tzu before Lao Tzu. As such, I was not fully able to grasp the full truth from the 'Art of War' for about 20 years or so. In any conflict, or any endeavor for that matter, there are five variables that need to be examined. He who has the majority of advantages will prevail. These variables are: The Way, the weather, the terrain, the leadership, and discipline.
The way is simply the Tao. One who adheres to the Tao is said to be in the way. The goal of the leadership and those being led must be the same.
The weather is simple enough to understand as is the terrain. Good weather and favorable terrain will increase your chance of being successful in your work. Whether it be a Boy Scout fifty-mile hike or a military offensive. (Naturally if I am on the defensive I will lay in wait in difficult terrain and pray for rain).
The leadership must not be overly stern. Nor can it be overly permissive. The leaders must not be easily angered, or humiliated. The leaders must be intelligent, good-intentions mean little. Leaders must be trustworthy and courageous. Finally leaders need to be humane and merciful.
Discipline must be clear, simple, and consistent. Organization and chain of command must be adhered to. Logistics and operations must be smooth.
When things go wrong, I retrospectively apply the variables to the situation and Sun Tzu is always proven right. I still need to improve my ability to examine the variables beforehand and determine outcomes more successfully. Today my four youngest children were involved in a bus fire that destroyed the bus (along with their belongings) but all escaped harm. My daughter sucked in some smoke on the way out but she says she is OK. Getting accurate info was difficult. Getting it from people I trust was nearly impossible. It was only after hearing from the wife of my neighbor Mike that I began to be calmed. She assured Shelisa that things were fine and that they (meaning her and Mike) were tracking the situation. I've blogged before about Mike. He is one of only three men in my ward, and the only one there, that I trust completely. He walks in the Way.
Enough of that.
I was listening to some old Zappa stuff (70's and 80's vintage) a few days ago. I thought I might give his later stuff (90's) a listen. He wrote a song called Jesus thinks you are a jerk. It is woefully dated due to the names and reference to things that were topical at the time but are now long-forgotten. There were a few passages that proved timeless though. I don't think Zappa was particularly religious. I also don't think he thought it a terrible bad thing however if people were religious so long as they didn't use religion as a excuse to hate. I will paraphrase a few of these passages with no apologies made to the Zappa trust (bite me Dweezil).
There's a pretty little weasel about five foot nine
Face puffed up from cryin' 'n lyin'
'Cuz here sweet little daughter's
Sucking prong part time
(In the name of the Lord)
Get a clue little shrew
Oh yeah, oh yeah Jesus thinks you're a jerk
Would he really choose Sarah Palin to do his work? Unh-unh!
The Tea party says they're the One
Oh sure they are, if Armageddon is your idea of family fun
And they got some planned for you
(But only if your name ends with an 'ez')
Perhaps it's their idea of an affirmative action plan
To give 'white trash' a special break.
Well they took those 'patriot' bucks and ran to the bank.
And every night we hear them thank
their Buddy up above for sending down his love.
Convinced they are the chosen ones
And all of them carry guns and hold them cards to the NRA
With their fingers on the triggers while they kneel and pray
If you ain't born again they want to mess you up screamin'
"Life's too precious can't you see"
(What's that hanging from a neighbor's tree?
Why it looks like a Mexican to me!)
If you don't know the truth of what I'm telling you
Then truly I have failed somehow
And Jesus will think I'm a jerk just like you.
'Cuz you've let the hatemongers make a monkey out of you.
This Arizona nonsense starts up in a few days. I will still reserve judgement however. I honestly believe that most people are decent, reasonable, and honorable. The people of Arizona have a huge problem they are trying to deal with. Unfortunately many who are leading the charge do so because they hate Mexicans......and blacks. Especially that (whispered quietly) nigger in the White house.
I make no secret of my political leanings. I vote for the man not the party. Don't tell my friends at the democratic HQ that I vote for R's almost as much as I vote for D's. I voted for Obama. While he is still preferable to McCain, I can't help but wonder if Hilary would have done better.
Rather than having the justice department file lawsuits against Arizona, Obama should be working on a comprehensive immigration policy, securing the borders, initiating discussion on a plan to lessen demand for drugs (as well as send some 'teams' south of the border to keep their skills honed by putting holes in any blow-lord they encounter), and doing it quick. You know some of that 'bully pulpit', 'push an agenda stuff' that you can do when BOTH houses are controlled by your party!
Some would argue that it is too ambitious and he's only been the President for 18 months. Well, it seems that me that Bush got pretty damn much everything he wanted at about 20 months in! And he was a dumb ass. I thought Obama was smart.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Ronnie Lee gardner and the Family Guy
I watched an episode of the Family Guy a few weeks back. The premise was about the Peter, Joe, and Quagmire tracking down the source of a certain dirty joke. I have decided that I should be the source of a good joke. It is tasteless, but alas not dirty.
I had help on this one also, but she will remain uncredited as I suspect she would be embarrassed to have her name tacked on this joke.
So here it is folks. You heard it here first. I can prove it.
The Utah State Board of Pardons gave conditional approval to Ronnie Lee Gardner's request to help out 'troubled kids' through farming in Box Elder county. The catch being he will have to change his name to Ronnie Lee Compost.
I had help on this one also, but she will remain uncredited as I suspect she would be embarrassed to have her name tacked on this joke.
So here it is folks. You heard it here first. I can prove it.
The Utah State Board of Pardons gave conditional approval to Ronnie Lee Gardner's request to help out 'troubled kids' through farming in Box Elder county. The catch being he will have to change his name to Ronnie Lee Compost.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
In defense of buffets and Senor Juan en Oaxaca
There are two stereotypes surrounding buffets, especially Golden Corral. The perception is old folks crowd these places for lunch. Alas, it is true. I went there today, and aside from the people that worked there, I was the second youngest person there.......Shelisa was the youngest. Sterotypes are often founded in reality.
The second sterotype is that buffets have lousy food, but the virtues are its being cheap and plentiful. While the offerings are Golden Corral are simple (and their Caesar salad scares the living S**T out of me), the food is tasty. The variety is on par with restaurants. The thing about buffets is they can be a dog's breakfast of styles. They don't have to be a particular ethnicity or style. Even the Chinese Gourmet does this. Perhaps 1/3 of the fare is actually Chinese.
What these buffets do is find a particular item other places serve. Something that draws people to a particular restaurant i.e. the biscuits at Red Lobster, and serves them up.
So let's examine my food today. Hush puppies. Nothing like putting some "south in your mouth". I am not aware of anyone else that makes them. Cheese pizza. It was OK, but I just wanted a small slice. Potato casserole. Restaurants call them 'au gratin'. Golden Corral's were good. The last three offerings I had from 'gourmet' sources were underbaked, bland, and too salty in that order. Dinner roll. Perfectly done, fresh and warm, yummy honey butter. Clam chowder. Good, not great. The aforementioned biscuits, not quite as good as Red Lobster but pretty good still. Asparagus. Steamed spears that we just a bit overdone. Still pretty good. Chocolate covered bananas. Better than Disneyland since they were ready to eat and not frozen solid AND I didn't have to listen to "It's a small, small world".
The best thing I have ever eaten is a fresh, perectly ripe peach. The only thing that gets close is perectly ripe pineapple. The best 'dish' I have ever eaten is a pasta dish called "Stallone's favorite" at the Spice Market in Vegas. Yup.......Buffett food!
While eating, I found myself lost in thought. What would happen if yours truly decided to emigrate to Mexico. I would probably move to the Oaxaca region. It is more mountainous like home, but more importantly it is the culinary heart of the country. I thought to myself how things would play out for me there. I speak a little Spanish, and I would obviously try to learn is as quick as possible. Still, when I see other Americans, I would likely speak in animated English to them. I doubt anybody would say to me, "We speak Spanish here......LEARN IT!!". I have always found Mexicans to be hospitable. I suspect they would be very patient with me while I learned the language, their customs and mores, and adapted to their culture. I suspect that even though I am a large and pale gringo, after a few years the people would proclaim, "he is one of us now". Of course, that is assuming I either hide or stop being a vegetarian. That is one thing I don't think they would accept.
It pains me to defend Bush, but I find myself doing it progressively more as I digest his presidency. We need a comprehensive and humane policy towards immigrants from Mexico. It's just those damn Hondurans we gotta watch out for! (Just kidding about the Hondurans). There is much talk about the new law in Arizona. As distasteful and wrong as it sounds to me, we have to admit they have a HUGE problem. The federal government has failed to do anything on a national level, so they felt compelled to act. So I will learn more as I am able. I will observe to see what happens. I will pray that it will generate action on a federal level.
The drug trade, and the money and violence that are it's companions, are the biggest problem as I see it. People coming up here to work, and send their kids to school is decidely not the problem. The drug trade remains divisive and complex. It is being tied in with the immigration issue and attempts are being made to make them the same thing. They are not.
The second sterotype is that buffets have lousy food, but the virtues are its being cheap and plentiful. While the offerings are Golden Corral are simple (and their Caesar salad scares the living S**T out of me), the food is tasty. The variety is on par with restaurants. The thing about buffets is they can be a dog's breakfast of styles. They don't have to be a particular ethnicity or style. Even the Chinese Gourmet does this. Perhaps 1/3 of the fare is actually Chinese.
What these buffets do is find a particular item other places serve. Something that draws people to a particular restaurant i.e. the biscuits at Red Lobster, and serves them up.
So let's examine my food today. Hush puppies. Nothing like putting some "south in your mouth". I am not aware of anyone else that makes them. Cheese pizza. It was OK, but I just wanted a small slice. Potato casserole. Restaurants call them 'au gratin'. Golden Corral's were good. The last three offerings I had from 'gourmet' sources were underbaked, bland, and too salty in that order. Dinner roll. Perfectly done, fresh and warm, yummy honey butter. Clam chowder. Good, not great. The aforementioned biscuits, not quite as good as Red Lobster but pretty good still. Asparagus. Steamed spears that we just a bit overdone. Still pretty good. Chocolate covered bananas. Better than Disneyland since they were ready to eat and not frozen solid AND I didn't have to listen to "It's a small, small world".
The best thing I have ever eaten is a fresh, perectly ripe peach. The only thing that gets close is perectly ripe pineapple. The best 'dish' I have ever eaten is a pasta dish called "Stallone's favorite" at the Spice Market in Vegas. Yup.......Buffett food!
While eating, I found myself lost in thought. What would happen if yours truly decided to emigrate to Mexico. I would probably move to the Oaxaca region. It is more mountainous like home, but more importantly it is the culinary heart of the country. I thought to myself how things would play out for me there. I speak a little Spanish, and I would obviously try to learn is as quick as possible. Still, when I see other Americans, I would likely speak in animated English to them. I doubt anybody would say to me, "We speak Spanish here......LEARN IT!!". I have always found Mexicans to be hospitable. I suspect they would be very patient with me while I learned the language, their customs and mores, and adapted to their culture. I suspect that even though I am a large and pale gringo, after a few years the people would proclaim, "he is one of us now". Of course, that is assuming I either hide or stop being a vegetarian. That is one thing I don't think they would accept.
It pains me to defend Bush, but I find myself doing it progressively more as I digest his presidency. We need a comprehensive and humane policy towards immigrants from Mexico. It's just those damn Hondurans we gotta watch out for! (Just kidding about the Hondurans). There is much talk about the new law in Arizona. As distasteful and wrong as it sounds to me, we have to admit they have a HUGE problem. The federal government has failed to do anything on a national level, so they felt compelled to act. So I will learn more as I am able. I will observe to see what happens. I will pray that it will generate action on a federal level.
The drug trade, and the money and violence that are it's companions, are the biggest problem as I see it. People coming up here to work, and send their kids to school is decidely not the problem. The drug trade remains divisive and complex. It is being tied in with the immigration issue and attempts are being made to make them the same thing. They are not.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Simplicity
It's one of the things that I increasingly appreciate as I get older. As I get older, I also understand the complexities and nuance of issues. Without sounding like I am blowing my own horn, I am a pretty smart guy. In short I get it. What I 'get' is the entire Taoist imperative of understanding complexity in that which appears simple and understanding the simplicity in that which is complex.
I have read that Napoleon, in formulating grand strategy, would bring in a lowly corporal and lay out the plans he had. Were the corporal unsure of certain aspects of the plan, then things would be reorganized. Apparently French corporals were unaware of just how damn nasty the Cossacks would be during the Russian campaign......but I digress. Keeping strategic plans simple and understandable is crucial. Leave operational issues to the individual field commanders. So what am I really getting at?
Three rants today that's what.
1) Ronnie Lee Gardner. He's that fine citizen that killed a guy in '84 at a bar. Shot him in the face. In '85 while being charged with the original crime, was passed a gun and made his escapse. He shot an attorney that was getting a drink and hindering his escape. He also managed to wound a bailiff. It is now 25 years later and they are only now getting around to executing this guy. I am not an attorney. I lack the knowledge of the appeals process and all the wrangling and timetables that accompany it. Yet, I have to wonder........after all justice delayed is justice denied. If anyone is reading this, I realize that innocent people have been executed in the past. Others on death-row have been vindicated and freed. I also agree that it is better than ten guilty go unpunished than an innocent is wrongly punished. We all praise the rule of law and procedures and order. But secretly we thirst for blood. I am a vegetarian, or rather I won't anything with a face. I cannot stomach cruelty to animals. Yet I would be like Torquemada, and able to sleep like a baby were I to be in charge of Ronnie. I realize this all sounds a bit like Hitler. I despise Nazis and white supremacists. Where I dying of something terminal I would be like John Wayne in his final movie "The Shootist". I would keep it fair however. I'll use a couple of bats just to keep it fair. If I went into the compound of one of these hate groups and I were armed properly, I would stand a very good chance of killing them all and making it out alive.
2) Bank regulations that are being proposed by the Obama administration. There is all this stuff going on about Goldman Sachs benefitting from betting against sub-prime mortgages. The same sub-prime mortgages that they were pimping. Let me make it simple. If a investment practice or vehicle is too complex for me to understand then it should NOT exist. Things are only and always made complex in order to screw somebody. Don't regulate derivatives. Ban them. Make the rules simple. Make how things work simple. Reduce the sheer number and complexity of these things and do it now. Yes folks, it really is that easy! Some might say that I don't understand markets or how the international economies work. Really? And who caused this? It wasn't me.
3) Muslim (or any other) extremists. The boys that make South Park were threatened by some New York based group of Taliban wannabees. South Park is offensive to be certain. It is also funny. It has bashed my own faith in different episodes and just about every other faith too! These guys even made a movie called Captain Orgazmo about an LDS missionary. Offensive? Yes. Misinformed? Yup. Funny? Admittedly.........at times. So back to the death threats. This is something that transcends politics and gets the heart of being an American. We have free speech here. These people that enjoy it, have to take the good with the bad. You can argue, and persuade, and express disgust. You cannot threaten to kill. I didn't particularly like the last President, though I will admit he did some things right. Unfortunately he did some other things colosally wrong. When people shouted "No more Bush!" I joined in. When left wing nut-jobs talked about killing Bush I would get in their grill and explain for better or for worse he is still the C in C. I am also still under oath to defend this country from all enemies foreign and domestic.
So taking my cue from Jon Stewart, and with a 'gospel' choir to back me up. I'd like to sing out. To Ronnie Lee, Goldman Sachs, and Muslim extremists. To the tea-partiers, minutemen and everyone else that hates people because of their skin color. GO F**K YOURSELVES!!!
I have read that Napoleon, in formulating grand strategy, would bring in a lowly corporal and lay out the plans he had. Were the corporal unsure of certain aspects of the plan, then things would be reorganized. Apparently French corporals were unaware of just how damn nasty the Cossacks would be during the Russian campaign......but I digress. Keeping strategic plans simple and understandable is crucial. Leave operational issues to the individual field commanders. So what am I really getting at?
Three rants today that's what.
1) Ronnie Lee Gardner. He's that fine citizen that killed a guy in '84 at a bar. Shot him in the face. In '85 while being charged with the original crime, was passed a gun and made his escapse. He shot an attorney that was getting a drink and hindering his escape. He also managed to wound a bailiff. It is now 25 years later and they are only now getting around to executing this guy. I am not an attorney. I lack the knowledge of the appeals process and all the wrangling and timetables that accompany it. Yet, I have to wonder........after all justice delayed is justice denied. If anyone is reading this, I realize that innocent people have been executed in the past. Others on death-row have been vindicated and freed. I also agree that it is better than ten guilty go unpunished than an innocent is wrongly punished. We all praise the rule of law and procedures and order. But secretly we thirst for blood. I am a vegetarian, or rather I won't anything with a face. I cannot stomach cruelty to animals. Yet I would be like Torquemada, and able to sleep like a baby were I to be in charge of Ronnie. I realize this all sounds a bit like Hitler. I despise Nazis and white supremacists. Where I dying of something terminal I would be like John Wayne in his final movie "The Shootist". I would keep it fair however. I'll use a couple of bats just to keep it fair. If I went into the compound of one of these hate groups and I were armed properly, I would stand a very good chance of killing them all and making it out alive.
2) Bank regulations that are being proposed by the Obama administration. There is all this stuff going on about Goldman Sachs benefitting from betting against sub-prime mortgages. The same sub-prime mortgages that they were pimping. Let me make it simple. If a investment practice or vehicle is too complex for me to understand then it should NOT exist. Things are only and always made complex in order to screw somebody. Don't regulate derivatives. Ban them. Make the rules simple. Make how things work simple. Reduce the sheer number and complexity of these things and do it now. Yes folks, it really is that easy! Some might say that I don't understand markets or how the international economies work. Really? And who caused this? It wasn't me.
3) Muslim (or any other) extremists. The boys that make South Park were threatened by some New York based group of Taliban wannabees. South Park is offensive to be certain. It is also funny. It has bashed my own faith in different episodes and just about every other faith too! These guys even made a movie called Captain Orgazmo about an LDS missionary. Offensive? Yes. Misinformed? Yup. Funny? Admittedly.........at times. So back to the death threats. This is something that transcends politics and gets the heart of being an American. We have free speech here. These people that enjoy it, have to take the good with the bad. You can argue, and persuade, and express disgust. You cannot threaten to kill. I didn't particularly like the last President, though I will admit he did some things right. Unfortunately he did some other things colosally wrong. When people shouted "No more Bush!" I joined in. When left wing nut-jobs talked about killing Bush I would get in their grill and explain for better or for worse he is still the C in C. I am also still under oath to defend this country from all enemies foreign and domestic.
So taking my cue from Jon Stewart, and with a 'gospel' choir to back me up. I'd like to sing out. To Ronnie Lee, Goldman Sachs, and Muslim extremists. To the tea-partiers, minutemen and everyone else that hates people because of their skin color. GO F**K YOURSELVES!!!
Friday, March 19, 2010
not enough time
I had several things I wanted to rant about today, but since I have to leave for work in about 30 minutes I lack the time. I had thought about lauding the virtues of "torch music". How it is a genre that highlights true vocal skill by utilizing control and at times absolutley soaring, all the while anunciating the words. Well, enough said. Don't believe me? Listen to 'Busy being Blue' by k.d. lang from her Shadowland album.
Ahhhhh, forget it. I know exactly what I want to talk about. I hope I don't sound like TAP.
I wish to discuss PI's. Not private investigators, but the perennially indignant. Much talk is going on about reforming health care. It needs to be done. I think everyone can agree the system is broken. This is not going to be a discussion of what is going on in Congress right now, rather a deeper issue. An issue that has been generations in the making and one that is not going away until something drastic happens.
We have a permanent class of people in this country that will be forever dependent in the State (meaning federal, state, and local governments) for support. Their parents were, they are, their children are, and they're gonna be granparents themselves by 40. These people. It transcends race so let's not go there.
Anyway, the way I see 'assistance' working is not unique. Organizations like the United Way do it. In addition to evaluating your 'needs' they also look at what you are spending money on. Cable TV has to go. Cigarettes, beer? Stop! Any luxuries at all? Get rid of them. NOW......we will help you with what you need. Every month, we will reevaluate your situation. Churches do something similar except of course they want you to come to church also.
The point being is no two people need the same type or level of help. Some need very short-term assistance. Some need longer-term help. Others are lifelong.
So who are the PI's? We all know them. They exhibit obnoxious behavior and a perpetual sense of entitlement. I could spend hours recounting examples of PI behavior. Who are they? I'll make it simple. DO you remember sharing your orange with a kid at school only to find out that another kid shared his orange with them to? Well you and the other kid each have a half orange now and the PI has one. You know what? The PI is pissed because he didn't get the better halves!
Until we devise a system that destroys the ability of the PI's to exist, no health care (or welfare, or education, or criminal justice) reform will work.
Now, it's time to go to work.
Ahhhhh, forget it. I know exactly what I want to talk about. I hope I don't sound like TAP.
I wish to discuss PI's. Not private investigators, but the perennially indignant. Much talk is going on about reforming health care. It needs to be done. I think everyone can agree the system is broken. This is not going to be a discussion of what is going on in Congress right now, rather a deeper issue. An issue that has been generations in the making and one that is not going away until something drastic happens.
We have a permanent class of people in this country that will be forever dependent in the State (meaning federal, state, and local governments) for support. Their parents were, they are, their children are, and they're gonna be granparents themselves by 40. These people. It transcends race so let's not go there.
Anyway, the way I see 'assistance' working is not unique. Organizations like the United Way do it. In addition to evaluating your 'needs' they also look at what you are spending money on. Cable TV has to go. Cigarettes, beer? Stop! Any luxuries at all? Get rid of them. NOW......we will help you with what you need. Every month, we will reevaluate your situation. Churches do something similar except of course they want you to come to church also.
The point being is no two people need the same type or level of help. Some need very short-term assistance. Some need longer-term help. Others are lifelong.
So who are the PI's? We all know them. They exhibit obnoxious behavior and a perpetual sense of entitlement. I could spend hours recounting examples of PI behavior. Who are they? I'll make it simple. DO you remember sharing your orange with a kid at school only to find out that another kid shared his orange with them to? Well you and the other kid each have a half orange now and the PI has one. You know what? The PI is pissed because he didn't get the better halves!
Until we devise a system that destroys the ability of the PI's to exist, no health care (or welfare, or education, or criminal justice) reform will work.
Now, it's time to go to work.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Resolved
I still suffer from the same affliction that I alluded to in my last entry.......from November. I think of things to write but by the time I get home my energy has flagged or I want to play something. The result nothing happens.
Today hope springs eternal. The weather was warm enough that I was able to go close to Lookout Pass today. The snowline was a bit low to go all the the up. I hiked for about 4 miles. DIdn't pick p all that much elevation though. Maybe a couple hundred feet is all. About 3/4 off the road was a fence. A well maintained one at that. I'm not sure what if anything is being kept out or in. The occasional antelope and deer won't be barred (and no I didn't see either of them playing today). I see sheep herder trailers out there a fair amount but never any sheep. The place has been cow-bombed in spots though.
Anyway, I walked the fence line for a while. After about another mile or so I came across about a half dozen wild horses. This is in itself is not so remarkable. We have a large population of them in the West Deserts. Seeing them this far east was new though.
Afterwards I found my self singing an old Arlo Guthrie tune. A staple of 'patriotic' people and events everywhere. The only trouble is we were only taught three of the final verses as kids. As adults we choose to ignore facts. Most folks only know this one tune by Arlo Guthrie. If they knew more than this then the last two verses wouldn't come as a surprise.
As I was walking
I saw a sign there
And that sign said
No Trespassing
But on the other side
It didn't say nothing
Now that sign was made for you and me.
In the squares of the city
In the shadow of a steeple
Near the relief (this term needs updating I suppose) office
I see my people
And some are grumbling
And some are wondering
If this land's still made for you and me
I wonder myself at times. I lack confidence in the organism that is government. I have long maintained that government service should be something akin to jury duty. Let me tell you about my neighbor Mike. We all probably know a guy just like him. Mike has never done anything that most folks would consider extraordinary or possessing the qualities of greatness. All he and his wife have done is raised their family according to their own terms. Every one of his kids turned out good. He watches out for others, while still minding his own business. He works hard and tirelessly. And Mike is a really smart guy. So why isn't he in elected office? You'd have to ask him to be sure. I suspect that Mike is like me though in this regard. He has no stomach for double-talk, back room dealing, or cozying up to scum-bags to get elected. He would rather do his job well and focus on his job the whole time. No worries about raising money, appealing to demographics, or re-election. Just hard work.
Trust me on this one. He would make a good public official. He would do his six-year stint (one year to learn, four years of performance, one year to train a successor) and then happily go back to doing his thing. I think elections used to be just such a thing. In some smaller communities it might still be. How to bring it back? I dunno.
Today hope springs eternal. The weather was warm enough that I was able to go close to Lookout Pass today. The snowline was a bit low to go all the the up. I hiked for about 4 miles. DIdn't pick p all that much elevation though. Maybe a couple hundred feet is all. About 3/4 off the road was a fence. A well maintained one at that. I'm not sure what if anything is being kept out or in. The occasional antelope and deer won't be barred (and no I didn't see either of them playing today). I see sheep herder trailers out there a fair amount but never any sheep. The place has been cow-bombed in spots though.
Anyway, I walked the fence line for a while. After about another mile or so I came across about a half dozen wild horses. This is in itself is not so remarkable. We have a large population of them in the West Deserts. Seeing them this far east was new though.
Afterwards I found my self singing an old Arlo Guthrie tune. A staple of 'patriotic' people and events everywhere. The only trouble is we were only taught three of the final verses as kids. As adults we choose to ignore facts. Most folks only know this one tune by Arlo Guthrie. If they knew more than this then the last two verses wouldn't come as a surprise.
As I was walking
I saw a sign there
And that sign said
No Trespassing
But on the other side
It didn't say nothing
Now that sign was made for you and me.
In the squares of the city
In the shadow of a steeple
Near the relief (this term needs updating I suppose) office
I see my people
And some are grumbling
And some are wondering
If this land's still made for you and me
I wonder myself at times. I lack confidence in the organism that is government. I have long maintained that government service should be something akin to jury duty. Let me tell you about my neighbor Mike. We all probably know a guy just like him. Mike has never done anything that most folks would consider extraordinary or possessing the qualities of greatness. All he and his wife have done is raised their family according to their own terms. Every one of his kids turned out good. He watches out for others, while still minding his own business. He works hard and tirelessly. And Mike is a really smart guy. So why isn't he in elected office? You'd have to ask him to be sure. I suspect that Mike is like me though in this regard. He has no stomach for double-talk, back room dealing, or cozying up to scum-bags to get elected. He would rather do his job well and focus on his job the whole time. No worries about raising money, appealing to demographics, or re-election. Just hard work.
Trust me on this one. He would make a good public official. He would do his six-year stint (one year to learn, four years of performance, one year to train a successor) and then happily go back to doing his thing. I think elections used to be just such a thing. In some smaller communities it might still be. How to bring it back? I dunno.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)