KISS Government

Who are we kidding?

One of the largest problems with how the government of the United States of America operates is that there is too much confusion.

There is no excuse to have bills brought forth with thousands of pages in them and written in complex double-speak. The only reason this happens is because people who want to steal our rights and our tax money know full well that they can't do it straight up. If some of the extra crap that is added in these bills had to go before a vote on their own accord they would be laughed out of the building. So why do we play stupid and look the other way when all of these things are added into a bill?

Simply put, it's criminal.

There is not a decent, intelligent, person who can make the claim that this is a good way to do business.

Everyone knows the phrase Keep It Simple Stupid, and that's exactly what should occur in our government.

How embarrassing it must be for a congressman to admit they don't have the time, or probably the smarts, to read any of the huge, bloated, bills they are voting on. Why the hell are they there then?

How do we fix this?

I have heard many people propose this simple fix, and I still don't understand why it is not being pushed by the American people.

Only one topic should be allowed per bill. That's it!

Keep the bill simple, and limited to one item. This will instantly put a stop to all of the extra waste that is currently being spent in our government.

Do you realize how quickly we can decrease our spending when all of the extra tax money that is hemorrhaging out of every bill for special interests is removed?

Suddenly, our representatives would be able to actually read and understand the bills they are passing.

In addition, these clowns should also be made to sign every bill to verify that they have read the bill. We have to sign documents to make large purchases, or enter in contracts for doing anything important in our lives, why don't the congressman have to sign that they have read and understand the bill they are voting on?

This plan sounds so freaking simple, yet they will never adapt it. Why? Because our current government structure has been taken control by thieves and other criminals. Every time a bulging bill gets the rubber stamp by our representatives, they are participating in this crime.

It's time we demand not only the transparency we keep hearing about, but the adaptation of a simple process for our government, complete with accountability of our representatives.

Wow, there's a novel concept!

Over The Top

I enjoy listening to talk radio, and watching Fox news.

Yes, I am one of THOSE people.

Although I am a firm believer in most of what these entertainers say, there are times where they fall into the same trap as their opponents.

An example of this is recently Glenn Beck has been going off on the warning banner for the "Cash for Clunkers" screen. I will admit that the warning screen was a bit scary sounding, but it is a typical warning banner for a lot of government systems you might come across.

I really can't make the leap that the government is planting spyware into our systems and taking over all of the computers that surf their websites. What I can believe is that some government employee was told to create this website and they pulled this warning banner from another similar site and added it to the front of that site.

You find these warning banners everywhere on government sites because if they don't have them they can't prosecute people who log in and do malicious things to the governments networked computers.

Think of it like the "No Trespassing" signs you see on just about every fence you come across. Without the signs anyone can come onto your land and say that they did not know they couldn't just wander around your property. You don't have any legal ground to prosecute them.

Same thing holds true for food places, garages where you get your car worked on, etc... Look at their walls. They all have signs and warnings to cover their butts both for insurance reasons and legal reasons.

So the banner on the front of this website was merely an attempt for the government to cover their butt legally in case someone came into their system and did something naughty.

I chuckled at the people Glenn had on his show that were fueling the conspiracy about what the government was trying to do to our computers.

The one lady was clueless what she was saying, speaking merely at a user level and making scenarios based on things that she apparently had seen in movies.

The so-called computer security expert was adding hysteria to the whole story rather then approaching it from a more logical viewpoint that was based in reality. It seemed as though he was enjoying his 5 minutes of fame and was milking it for all it was worth.

Don't get me wrong, I think the warning banner's text was way out of line, but I blame a government employee's stupidity rather the some clandestine plot by the Obama administration.

Let's face it, after seeing this current administration in action, doing something that sneaky would be beyond their IQ level.

Watching Watchmen

Last night I went to see the new DC comic movie, Watchmen. Let me start by getting some house-cleaning out of the way.

This movie is rated "R" for a reason. It depicts extremely violent and horrible violence as well as several nude scenes, including one of the main characters that has a large amount of screen time walking around naked with his penis swaying back and forth.

Although I have not read the Watchmen series, I am told it was a dark and violent adult themed series, so I am guessing the movie is spot on in how it was made. Just be warned that this is not a movie to take the kids to, maybe not even some older kids. I recommend you go and screen the film first, then make your own decision on whether or not you want your younglings to see it.

Now that the disclaimer is over, let me dig into the movie itself.

I felt the movie started out a bit slow. After about an hour into the movie I began looking at my watch wondering when it was going to end. It did start to pick up speed toward the end, but it seemed like it just took too long to get its momentum going.

The music was an interesting choice as well. Some of the songs were different, and I may be seeking out the soundtrack due to the interesting mix of music. You'll recognize some of the tunes, some of which left me scratching my head wondering if this was a movie made to be able to use these songs, since they were added in some strange places and a bit loud like it was a music video in the middle of a movie.

One line I thought was funny in the movie was when Rorschach was sent to prison. Many of the inmates in prison he helped to put in there, so they were looking for some payback. At one point he yells, "You've got it all wrong. I'm not locked in here with you, you're all locked in here with me".

This is definitely a more cerebral film in that it brings up a lot of questions about humanity. Is it worth saving? What value does it bring to the table? Are some actions justified no matter what extreme it takes to make them happen? And how creepy can you make President Nixon look?

I recommend this movie for the true comic book fan, as long as you're not exceptionally squeamish when you see gore on screen, or you don't mind seeing a hot girl get naked. The giant blue penis is a bit frightening, but after the initial creep out, I just ignored it, or at least tried to.

If you go and see it, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the movie...

New Preamble to the Constitution

I received this in email today and thought it was worth sharing...

Article XI is not entirely true, and I'll address this in another post later, or just point you to some previous posts I have made on this subject, but I wanted to leave it in this post in the interest of "full disclosure". ;)

The following has been attributed to State Representative Mitchell Kaye from GA. This guy should run for President one day...

"We the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt-free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt ridden, delusional, and other liberal bed-wetters. We hold these truths to be self evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim they require a Bill of NON-Rights."


ARTICLE I:

You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything.


ARTICLE II:

You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone -- not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc.; but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be.


ARTICLE III:

You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy..


ARTICLE IV:

You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes . (This one is my pet peeves...get an education and go to work....don't expect everyone else to take care of you!)


ARTICLE V:

You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public health care.



ARTICLE VI:

You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair.


ARTICLE VII:

You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won't have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.



ARTICLE VIII:

You do not have the right to a job.. All of us sure want you to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful. (AMEN!)



ARTICLE IX:

You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an over abundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights.


ARTICLE X:

This is an English speaking country. We don't care where you are from, English is our language. Learn it or go back to wherever you came from! (Lastly....)


ARTICLE XI:

You do not have the right to change our country's history or heritage. This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all; with no fear of persecution.

The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, and if you are uncomfortable with it, TOUGH!!!!" GET OVER IT !!!

If you agree, share this with a friend. No, you don't have to, and nothing tragic will befall you if you don't. I just think it's about time common sense is allowed to flourish. Sensible people of the United States speak out

Inspiration From Shrek

Friendships start by observing the outer shell. The friendship deepens as the layers of that shell are peeled back slowly.

With each new layer understanding and trust for one another is achieved. Eventually it is discovered what the shell truly protects...

Daily Do-Over

Recently I have been thinking about what each new day means in my life. If you stop your hectic life for a second, and think about what it means to watch the sun rise on a new day, I hope that you will see that each new day brings with it a fresh start.

Just as the sun is reborn in the sky each morning, so to is the chance to make changes in your life.

I tend to procrastinate too many things, but I am trying to change this part of my life with each new day. We have the ability to do anything we set our minds to do. Nobody can stop you if you want to delve into a new hobby, change jobs, change relationships, spend more time with your children, paint, write poetry, and the list goes on endlessly.

So what do you want to do tomorrow when the sun greets you? Think about it now. Make a plan, then as the sun rises, put your plan into action. As the sun grows in the sky, allow it to shed its light and energy on you and your new goal. Our sun is powerful and bright, and will shine on you and embrace you in its life-giving force. If you hit a stumbling block, pause a moment, look up in the sky and feel the support from this never-ending source of strength. Absorb it's nurturing rays, then once again strike out on your mission.

As I look out the window in my office I can see a blue sky, and the snow glistening in the sunlight. After this article is complete, and posted, I will start on yet another goal that I have been postponing.

After all, I too need help and I hope that by following my own advice my weekend will be more productive.

One thing that helps, and what I try to express to my daughters, is that you should remove phrases like, "I can't" from your arsenal. To quote a little green guy with a lot of wisdom (not Kermit, Yoda), "Do, or do not, there is no try".

Don't "try" to do something, "Just Do It". Picture your goal, keep it in your mind, and go for it! Don't let things detour you in accomplishing what you want.

Granted, some goals may take longer, such as getting a college degree, but this just means that with each new new you allow the sun to recharge your biological batteries and keep going.

The saying that every journey begins with the first step is so true. Don't look at a goal as too large. If you have a lot of snow to shovel, don't stare at the job and think that it's too much snow to move, adjust your sight to right in front of you and dig in. Before you know it, the task will be done and you'll be amazed at what you have accomplished.

Early in my career I had the opportunity to help design, and build, a huge computer network. When I began the task, there was no network in place and everyone was just using individual computers. Several years later, when I transferred from one job to another I looked back and was blown away by what I had accomplished. Connecting multiple facilities together with fiber cabling, running cabling within each building, heck, just learning how to build and run a network server! If someone would have told me what I had to do when I first began the job, I would have immediately put up mental roadblocks thinking the job impossible, but on hindsight, I proved to myself that it could be accomplished.

So if you need to get out of debt, don't put it off, sit down, make a plan, and get going. If you're having trouble in a relationship, it's a new day, you can start over. Act like it's the first day of the relationship rather then just another day! If you would like a new career, get to work taking classes, or doing whatever it takes to begin moving you in that direction.

Watch the sun rise, welcome its energy, then absorb the force it provides and make things happen! You don't need anything else but the strength of your internal power to change the course in your life.

Now that this article is done, time for me to get off my butt and practice what I preach!

Thanksgiving - Not Just An American Holiday

It's a holiday tradition in the United States to give thanks on this day.

Although the origin of Thanksgiving is an American one, the statement is one that can, and should, be shared the world over.

American's do not own the act of giving thanks. It's meaning can transcend the boundaries of other countries and land on every shore.

I encourage all families to use Thanksgiving day as a time to bring one another together, and enjoy each others company while reflecting on what you are thankful for.

This year my thanks go out to the people of the world who are striving to make it a better place now, and for generations to come. Everyone from loving families who teach their children to love their neighbors and to do no harm, to the leaders of various countries that are truly trying to keep the peace, and find better solutions then killing and war.

My family is my rock, and my reason for living. They are what gets me up in the morning and keeps me going at work when I get tired.

This year there has been a ripple in my family, but nothing we cannot overcome. If it's true that something that doesn't kill us, makes us stronger, then my strength is growing daily as I continue to live my life.

Sometimes I wish that I could speak to the world and share with them the secret to love, honor, and the joy of life. Even though I struggle with the mystery of my own existence on a daily basis, I believe I am on the right path.

All around me there is hate, sadness, and negativity. I have plotted my course through those troubled waters and I am keeping my ship as steady and true as best I can.

If any of you are experiencing difficulty in your life, I encourage you to focus your site on your goal. The past has built your current foundation, but it does not control your future.

The shining light up ahead is where you want to end up. Keep that vision firmly planted in your mind, and let anything life tries to throw in your path just bounce off of you like waves against the hull of a ship. The waves might make your vessel rock and shutter, but as long as you hold the steering wheel firmly in your grasp, and follow the heading you have set for yourself, nothing can stop you in succeeding in life.

Some people speak of peace and freedom, then embrace hate for other people or even the narrow-minded dislike for an entire country. Can't you see that the two positions are in direct opposites from one another? You can't believe in peace and freedom then create some reality where you are still able to hate others in this world.

Sure there are misguided leaders who need to be dealt with, and there are people who have distorted views on how the world should be that can't be ignored. We should all have the freedom to live our own lives, as long as we do not impose our life choices on others. Once that begins, you suddenly cease to be about freedom, and begin the path to hypocrisy.

Thanksgiving can also be thought of as a sad time. A time when a people stepped forward to assist invaders to their land, only to have their land taken from them by those same invaders in the name of progress. Unfortunately this is a theme that has transpired all over the Earth, as our history shows that our civilizations grew from fighting, killing, and conquering one another. I'd like to think that the time has passed where this is an acceptable practice.

Some people can't seem to leave the past alone. They still believe that they can take anything they want, and kill innocent people as they carry out their evil plans. I truly think these people are misguided and lost. They are so wrapped up in trying to achieve power that they have lost the capacity to love, forgive, and accept people that are different.

This year I ask you all to join me, in whatever spiritual path you follow, to find it in your hearts to give thanks for all of the good in this world. We must all strive to become better people who are more about helping the people of this planet move forward in our evolutionary progress, then to destroy it and bring about its ruin.

Cook a turkey, ham, duck, or whatever you'd like, invite your friends and family over, and just enjoy each others company for the day. Give thanks for the family you have, and the people you love. Next, discuss the possibility of putting past aggressions behind you, and agree to make the next year about peace for the sake of all of those you love and care about. Hatred toward others only serves to tear down life, it will never serve to make it better.

Happy Thanksgiving, and may your future be filled with prosperity, kindness and love.

I Know He Can Get The Job, But Can He Do The Job?

President elect, Barack Obama, is great at making speeches, and moving a crowd, but from now on it's not about catering to voters, it's all about being President of the United States of America.

In the interest of full disclosure, I voted for John McCain. My reasons for not voting for Barack Obama are the typical ones you have all heard, and apparently many of you ignored.

The number one reason I did not vote for him is that Barack Obama does not give me a warm fuzzy that he has the experience needed to be the president of our country.

Truthfully, I didn't like either candidate, which seems to be an ongoing pattern with me over the past few elections. Many candidates seem to be political business as usual, and I am rather tired of that mentality.

Barack Obama uses change as his main message, and perhaps he'll have something different to bring to the country.

The point is, he has won the election, and for the next four years, he is our elected leader.

Luckily, the president of our country is not the same as a dictator. He now must surround himself with an intelligent staff, and I believe he will realize that this is not a political contest anymore, but the stakes are much higher.

Obama has stepped up to the plate when the country is in sad shape. We have an ongoing terrorist threat to deal with, an economic crisis going on, and an energy crisis (or at least a potential one looming).

My philosophy is to give everyone a fair chance. Barack is now in the driver seat, and for all of us I hope he will make a great president. He has a great speaking ability, which will be a refreshing change, and I truly believe he has good intentions for the direction he wants to take our country.

Our job will now be to prevent him from turning this country into some socialist regime.

I have heard comments that he wants to modify the Constitution, but with any luck that will fail just like Bush's attempt to define marriage in the Constitution. That is a sacred document, and not to be changed flippantly at the whim of any one person.

The Constitution protects the people of this country, and the country itself. Anything that attempts to modify that thought process had better be doing the same and not taking away from that document.

Don't even get me started with government run health care, taxing the middle class and giving the money to the poor, or pulling our troops out of Iraq prematurely.

Like I said, I'll give him a chance to get into the office, listen to the security briefings, think long and hard about what his priorities should be, and then what direction he takes.

Now that he's got the job, can he do the job?

Eight, Eight, Oh Eight!

I was in class when I realized it was 08/08/08.

Not only was this an interesting date because of the numbers, but tonight I watched the most breathtaking ceremony I have ever seen.

China has done themselves proud for their successful opening ceremonies for this years summer olympics. Regardless of political differences, or anything else, you cannot say that China did not do a fantastic job creating, and executing, probably the most amazing show in the history of the world.

Congratulations China, your country has shined, and you should all be proud.

It's safe to say that China is one of the oldest countries, with some of the richest history.

Many people will hate China regardless of what they do, and I understand this animosity because they have done many things that we do not consider civilized.

My hope is that one day China will overcome their problems with how they treat people who do not bend to their will, and work harder to join the countries who treat people more humanely so we can put the past behind us.

This ceremony is a great step in that direction.

If you saw the ceremony, I'd love to hear your comments.

By the way, did you notice the rings in the Olympic flag make multiple figure eights?

Divorce, It's Only Natural

Am I wrong?

Isn't a marriage between two people a commitment for life?

At least, this is what I have always been led to believe. In sickness and in health, 'til death do us part, and all that.

Now I'm not so certain.

Several friends have recently been having second thoughts on their marriage, and I find this strange because of what is happening in my own situation. My other friends are women, and from this limited pool of data I have deduced that women seem to loose interest in their mates later in life.

It seems as though from their stories, and from what I have been reading online recently, women tend to loose interest in their husbands as the kids grow older and they realize that keeping the family together is no longer such a big deal.

As men grow older they seem to, slow down a bit. They find enjoyment in coming home and relaxing. Women, on the other hand, seem to go the opposite direction. I read that women who are divorced are looking for men who want to go camping, hang-gliding, hiking, spelunking, etc... It's like women are trying out for, "Survivor", and men are just trying to stay awake.

I'm not certain where I'm going with this, just that I am observing some strange behaviors in this whole marriage thing, and I find it disturbing.

Why do people continue to get married in the guise that it will last forever, when it seems that the reality is that it is more then likely not going to.

I know many people will argue that they have been happily married forever, and I have no clue what I'm talking about. As I think back on many relationships, more often then not I see people tolerating each other as time goes on. Some are better at it then others, and these marriages are called, successful.

Many couples live on, trying to make it work because they are husband and wife and that's what they are supposed to do. Others ride it out, "for the kids".

I think people get married with the good intentions of making it work forever, but after 10-20 years of dealing with all that life has to toss your direction, people grow apart or just flat out can't stand each other any more.

Is this good or bad? I'm not in the position to say.

No matter what happens, I think the stigma that getting divorced is a horrible thing needs to be reworked.

I'm not condoning flippant relationships, but just maybe mating for life is not a practical life model anymore, or really ever was. It's just that in these times it seems that folks are not as scared to get divorced as they once were.

Religion has played a part in this trend.

People aren't getting divorced more frequently because of our society, they are getting divorced more frequently because religion is loosing its hold on dictating how people should live.

Some will have you believe that this is a horrible thing, and the trend must be reversed at all costs.

I believe it is only natural, and the reason we have had a lot of problems in the past is that people force themselves to remain together because of societal pressures.

What do you think?

Psychic Reflections

Certainly I'm not unique.

In spite of my self-proclaimed open-mindedness, I have come to the realization that I have been plodding along through life with blinders on. It's not that after 19 years of marriage I am depressed about being separated from my wife. In fact, the opposite feeling. There is a sense of freedom and release.

One of my traits I have always thought of as being strong, is the ability t get along with anyone. At work, or in my personal life, not much really bothers me. I believe this is actually a negative thing now.

It feels like instead of getting along with people, I am just a doormat. Now that I have control of my own castle once again, I'm enjoying the freedom and finding myself wanting to get things done such as cleaning out the garage, and going through all of the crap that has been in boxes for the six years we have lived here.

During my marriage I have claimed a tiny spot in the house where I could be me, and let my wife have the run of the rest of the house. My thinking was that I really don't care about that sort of thing, so why not let her do what she wants. This may have unknowingly been our undoing.

Because I relinquished all of my power and control to my wife, I didn't realize that this also diminished my desire to even want to do anything around the house. Now that the house is mine, and mine alone, the drive is slowly returning because the end result will be my responsibility now.

When you have been a part of a team for so long, and that team suddenly breaks apart, the invisible dynamics begin to show themselves. I know my wife is having to adjust to life on her own as well, and is probably realizing the same things, although on the flip-side.

This time apart will help us each to grow in our personal lives, but I'm not sure that it will lead to repairing our current situation. At this time, unless something drastic happens, I believe that ship has sailed.

If you're in a marriage, and having problems, take a step outside your comfort zone, outside the box you have created for yourself, and try to view things like you have never viewed them before. Have you lost your identity because of your marriage? Are you letting yourself be walked on, or taken advantage of? If so, you need to find yourself again. Become a more active part of your relationship.

When I hear women talk about men, one phrase seems to come up frequently. "Well, he should just know what I want."

Ladies, let me tell you straight up. Men are clueless as to what you want. Despite what you see when you watch romantic comedies, soap operas or read in any of the women's magazines, men are not psychic. No, really, we're not. We have no idea what you want, and will NEVER know unless you tell us.

When you want to tell your man what you want, don't be clever, and subtle either. Take out a 2x4 and beat us over the head with it! If you want jewelry, tell your man that nothing on the planet makes you happy like jewelry does, and the more expensive the better! If you're more of a flower girl, then let your man know how much you love to receive flowers from him, and what kinds make you the most happy.

Once this point has been driven home, you're not through. Men have short attention spans, so you're going to have to remind him over, and over, and over again what makes you happy. I have a news flash for you, men will never do these things on their own no matter how much they love you. Oh sure every once in a while he'll do something special, but the less you remind him, the more he'll forget, and the longer it will be between the things you desire.

Constantly you hear that communication is the key to a good relationship, and it's true. It's not psychic communication, it's not memory, and it's certainly not patience. You have to speak to your man in slow, small, simple words. Then tell him again, and again. Yes, communication IS the key, but you have to actually communicate.

Time to quit bitching to your friends how you man doesn't do this or that for you, and start telling him what you need him to o for you.

After all, once you have made it blatantly clear what you need, and he still ignores you, then you'll feel better about dumping his worthless butt for a better model. ;)

If he listens to your needs, and gives you what you ask for, show him how much you care about what he has done for you, don't follow it up wit more demands. It's the little battles that will win the war, and never an uncompromising surrender of the enemy.

Good luck!