About ten days ago we here in Maine were bombarded with news about a young woman from Scarborough who while attending college in Providence had written a blog post on a College Conservatives website that had gone viral. The entry telling of her experiences as a Walmart checkout person and what she saw became something that was read all over the country.
The young lady wrote about people using welfare in what she considered inappropriate ways by buying fancy foods such as lobster, using the welfare card at the same time as they paid cash for fancy electronic equipment and the like. We all know that many of the people who are on welfare do not use the cards the way we would. Or at least the way we think we would.
The problem with this girls entry is that it plays into stereotypes. The problem with stereotypes is, hang onto your hat here, is that usually there is enough of a truth in them to make them dangerous. A good deal of Nascar fans are rednecks. Not all but enough so that people get the joke. The fact is that a stereotype does not work if it does not have a strong grain of truth running through it. People would not get the reference and it would fade away.
So it is established that there is welfare abuse. Welfare dependency is generational and the fact that she sees children playing EBT card games is something that should give us all pause.
The problem is bigger than somebody getting a birthday cake with their welfare money or having lobster. We do not know. If it is her childs birthday would you deny that kid a cake. Even if it was on welfare money?
As much as the stereotype works we must understand that there are a strong percentage of people who use welfare the right way. The question is how do you fix the problems. If a person has or can only get a low wage job and has children then yes it becomes difficult to get them to work when they can get the same amount of money to stay home. Do some women have kids to perpetuate this. Yes they do. Still much of the reason that they do is that they are uneducated and fearful of life off the system.
Our problems are deeper than welfare abuse. Every time you take a trip to Walmart, for example , you see people and children that you know have very little chance of breaking out of the cycle of dependence.
Do you solve it by making it harder for a generation so that the cycle is broken. Perhaps you do. Nothing else seems to stop it.
So now we return to the check out girl. If her motive was altruistic in writing this it would be easier to embrace. However when she puts her life's goal as being the next Ann Coulter it is easy to see what the end goal of this blog is. It is to get attention and to be controversial. She succeeded. She is not a bad person. She has seen abuses and she feels strongly about what she has seen. The problem is that there will always be wide swath of the population who will take a true stereotype as gospel.
Just like those who say they have nothing against black people before they go on to criticize black people many will say for those who really need it they do not mind welfare. The problem is can you standing behind someone at the checkout counter really determine in that brief glimpse if someone needs or deserves welfare.
Could someone who sees me hobble in on my cane and sit and watch my sons basketball game determine if I am disabled enough to receive a check. Are they at home with me later that night when my wife helps me undress and rubs my legs as they recover from the pain of walking and sitting.
Yes there are abuses. Yes the cycle of dependence needs to be broken. Yes the poor have become a voting block to be protected and in some cases exploited by politicians. The fact is though with all of these fixes needed I cannot be judge and jury and nor can anyone else. In this case when the people in charge need to make rational, non emotional, long term decisions stereotypes do not help. Even when they come from attractive wanna be pundit college girls.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Is Lowe's Stupid or in a Bad Position
Recently Lowe's pulled their advertisements from episodes of the TLC show All American Muslim. Protest from conservative groups, mostly from Florida, caused this decision.
All American Muslim is one of the seemingly never ending list of reality shows that are featured on The Learning Channel. Certainly they seem to have gotten away from thier main mission with current shows also including Virgins, and Sister Wives. Truly we probably do not need to learn about these people.
All American Muslim centers on some Muslin families in Dearborn, Michigan. Interestingly the protests over the show center not on what is shown, but that what is shown attempts to make people think that Muslims, for the most part, are just like us and should not be discriminated against or perceived as a threat.
The argument is ridiculous. My wife and I had a rather heated quasi-argument about racial profiling two weeks ago. Her position was that she felt it was ok for Grandma's and babies from Iowa to be taken out of line for a full search while a few turbaned Muslims skated right through because profiling was wrong. I was of a mind if 99 percent of all plane related terrorism relates to a certain group, in this case Muslims I supported profiling. Anyone who gets on a plane in America profiles. Your concern always increases when you see an obvious Muslim. I believe that people who tell you they do not are fibbing, either to you, themsleves or both.
That said the position that this show does a disservice is wrong. There is a higher percentage of the perceived American nationalities that have negative feelings about America and our government than do Arab Americans. Most of these folks are here for a reason, they choose to be, they believe the freedom in America is worthwhile. Most would not return to the Middle East if they could. To say a show that does not have for a sixth family a jihadi family so as to show the whole scope of Muslim opinion is foolish.
Lowe's giving into this pressure was very odd to me. However when one looks at Lowe's and their average customer demographic it is easy to see why. The percentage of people who might be offended by their decision, those that lean left and with a higher level of education is not the target Lowe's customer. Actually they really had no choice on this issue if they were going to protect their shareholders. Certainly they could have placed an add talking about the issue, stating their postion and going Stars and Stripes for everyone, including Muslims but that at best would have been a break even position. The amount of airplay this story has received, even in the left press, shows that Lowe's made the decision that was best for thier company financially.
All American Muslim is one of the seemingly never ending list of reality shows that are featured on The Learning Channel. Certainly they seem to have gotten away from thier main mission with current shows also including Virgins, and Sister Wives. Truly we probably do not need to learn about these people.
All American Muslim centers on some Muslin families in Dearborn, Michigan. Interestingly the protests over the show center not on what is shown, but that what is shown attempts to make people think that Muslims, for the most part, are just like us and should not be discriminated against or perceived as a threat.
The argument is ridiculous. My wife and I had a rather heated quasi-argument about racial profiling two weeks ago. Her position was that she felt it was ok for Grandma's and babies from Iowa to be taken out of line for a full search while a few turbaned Muslims skated right through because profiling was wrong. I was of a mind if 99 percent of all plane related terrorism relates to a certain group, in this case Muslims I supported profiling. Anyone who gets on a plane in America profiles. Your concern always increases when you see an obvious Muslim. I believe that people who tell you they do not are fibbing, either to you, themsleves or both.
That said the position that this show does a disservice is wrong. There is a higher percentage of the perceived American nationalities that have negative feelings about America and our government than do Arab Americans. Most of these folks are here for a reason, they choose to be, they believe the freedom in America is worthwhile. Most would not return to the Middle East if they could. To say a show that does not have for a sixth family a jihadi family so as to show the whole scope of Muslim opinion is foolish.
Lowe's giving into this pressure was very odd to me. However when one looks at Lowe's and their average customer demographic it is easy to see why. The percentage of people who might be offended by their decision, those that lean left and with a higher level of education is not the target Lowe's customer. Actually they really had no choice on this issue if they were going to protect their shareholders. Certainly they could have placed an add talking about the issue, stating their postion and going Stars and Stripes for everyone, including Muslims but that at best would have been a break even position. The amount of airplay this story has received, even in the left press, shows that Lowe's made the decision that was best for thier company financially.
Payroll Tax Cut Stalled in the House
It is not a usual circumstance for me to agree with John Boehner and less likely even for me to agree with the tea party but word that House Republicans plan to stop a bill to extend the payroll tax cut for the first two months of 2011.
Boehner would like to pass the bill but of course his friends on the tea party fringe are holding him hostage. Claiming that a two month bill just kicks the can down the road is an argument that cannot be fought. It is true. These folks want to go home for the holiday break. Anything that keeps their feet to the fire is a good thing.
Of course this will also give our President a chance to cave even further to the folks on the right. Obama clearly is of a mind that any deal is better than no deal. More than one Comedian has said for a reason that The Republicans today rejected an offer by the President for everything they asked for. Sometimes one must think that it is becoming harder and harder to argue with The President when he continually capitualtes.
Boehner would like to pass the bill but of course his friends on the tea party fringe are holding him hostage. Claiming that a two month bill just kicks the can down the road is an argument that cannot be fought. It is true. These folks want to go home for the holiday break. Anything that keeps their feet to the fire is a good thing.
Of course this will also give our President a chance to cave even further to the folks on the right. Obama clearly is of a mind that any deal is better than no deal. More than one Comedian has said for a reason that The Republicans today rejected an offer by the President for everything they asked for. Sometimes one must think that it is becoming harder and harder to argue with The President when he continually capitualtes.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Is Obama Going to Cave Again?
As the government debates if they should extend the payroll tax cut we now hear that the President is preparing to cave to the Republicans again.
I recently wrote about my disagreement with the extension as it relates to Social Security Funding. However were it to be extended which appears to be a certainty, eventually, the question is how does this happen or moreover how will it be funded.
In this we come to the constant question. Republicans want there to be cuts and not an extension of the deficit. This is a worthwhile opinion. Democrats would like to pay for it by raising revenue, specifically by new taxing of millionaries.
Now as a moderate Democrat it seems to me that taxing the wealthiest Americans is an acceptable way to raise revenue.
As a lay follower of politics it seems to me that nothing could so easily demonstrate the difference between the left and the right in this country is their opinion on the issue of taxing the rich. Yet in these instances time and time again The President wavers on these issues. Were you a Republican would you ever think that this President will hold firm on an issue, come what may.
When Congress did not cooperate Ronald Reagan went around them and spoke to the public. This President seems to have no desire to do that. For a man who is reputed to be a great speaker and communicator he again and again demonstrates an unwillingness to join the battle.
As he prepares to give in again, without a fight, before a shutdown and give away this incredibly potent contrast between the parties one wonders if Barack Obama is patently incapable of standing for something or anything at all.
I recently wrote about my disagreement with the extension as it relates to Social Security Funding. However were it to be extended which appears to be a certainty, eventually, the question is how does this happen or moreover how will it be funded.
In this we come to the constant question. Republicans want there to be cuts and not an extension of the deficit. This is a worthwhile opinion. Democrats would like to pay for it by raising revenue, specifically by new taxing of millionaries.
Now as a moderate Democrat it seems to me that taxing the wealthiest Americans is an acceptable way to raise revenue.
As a lay follower of politics it seems to me that nothing could so easily demonstrate the difference between the left and the right in this country is their opinion on the issue of taxing the rich. Yet in these instances time and time again The President wavers on these issues. Were you a Republican would you ever think that this President will hold firm on an issue, come what may.
When Congress did not cooperate Ronald Reagan went around them and spoke to the public. This President seems to have no desire to do that. For a man who is reputed to be a great speaker and communicator he again and again demonstrates an unwillingness to join the battle.
As he prepares to give in again, without a fight, before a shutdown and give away this incredibly potent contrast between the parties one wonders if Barack Obama is patently incapable of standing for something or anything at all.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Joe Biden
On the opposite side of the spectrum is Joe Biden. As Vice President Biden has become a bit of a caricature but no one inside Washington doubts his skills and knowledge. This man is a politician's politician.
In 2008 over the first few debates there were few, if any, candidates that were more prepared and more knowledgable that Joe Biden. Most acknowledge this. Biden is a very smart man and the consumate pro.
I, myself, do not think I am alone among Democrats in thinking that Joe Biden, tried and true Joe Biden, would have been a much more effective President than Mr. Obama has been.
Joe Biden is a man of courage, who for many long years has done the right thing. One wonders if he will run for the Presidency in 2016 at what will be a fairly advanced age. It is hard in this age of media to see him succeeding in a long term campaign but one never knows.
Biden might well be for Democrats what Dick Cheney was for Republicans, a member the faithful embrace while they watch them being pushed to the side. Biden does not deserve to be shunted aside. He is an example of how we elect the new and shiny and under utilize our best.
In 2008 over the first few debates there were few, if any, candidates that were more prepared and more knowledgable that Joe Biden. Most acknowledge this. Biden is a very smart man and the consumate pro.
I, myself, do not think I am alone among Democrats in thinking that Joe Biden, tried and true Joe Biden, would have been a much more effective President than Mr. Obama has been.
Joe Biden is a man of courage, who for many long years has done the right thing. One wonders if he will run for the Presidency in 2016 at what will be a fairly advanced age. It is hard in this age of media to see him succeeding in a long term campaign but one never knows.
Biden might well be for Democrats what Dick Cheney was for Republicans, a member the faithful embrace while they watch them being pushed to the side. Biden does not deserve to be shunted aside. He is an example of how we elect the new and shiny and under utilize our best.
Donald Trump
Is there anyone who is more deserving of disrespect and ridicule than Donald Trump. This man has changed his opinions so often over the years that he makes Mitt Romney look strong willed.
I do not like to make personal attacks on people. My Mom told me that if you cannot say something nice about someone to just be quiet.
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I do not like to make personal attacks on people. My Mom told me that if you cannot say something nice about someone to just be quiet.
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The Payroll Tax Cut Extension Revisited
As our friends in Washington debate the extension of the payroll tax cut a few things should be considered.
Just as I wrote long ago this is not a payroll tax cut. This is a reduction in Social Security Deductions. This is significant. The same program we are afraid will be out of money sometime in the next twenty years is the one we are reducing the amount of money we set aside for. Now we are told it is ok as the government is covering that amount that would have been contributed by individuals. Of course for those who think that money will be set aside must think the millions and billions that are in surplus are kept in a lock box and not spent.
Interestingly last year I said the Republicans were for this payroll tax cut is they hoped to starve the government and the best way to handle that is not to fund it and tax cuts are a fun way to not fund the government. It is popular sleight of hand until it is too late.
However in the debate for the renewal of this cut which I must say I am against the Republicans in the Senate are being more reponsible than their Democratic brethren. They wish to extend the cut but to fund this by cuts in other places. This is a practical solution. You cannot call everything an emergency and continially add to the deficit.
I am against this cut. The government should not cut SS contributions under any pretense.
Just as I wrote long ago this is not a payroll tax cut. This is a reduction in Social Security Deductions. This is significant. The same program we are afraid will be out of money sometime in the next twenty years is the one we are reducing the amount of money we set aside for. Now we are told it is ok as the government is covering that amount that would have been contributed by individuals. Of course for those who think that money will be set aside must think the millions and billions that are in surplus are kept in a lock box and not spent.
Interestingly last year I said the Republicans were for this payroll tax cut is they hoped to starve the government and the best way to handle that is not to fund it and tax cuts are a fun way to not fund the government. It is popular sleight of hand until it is too late.
However in the debate for the renewal of this cut which I must say I am against the Republicans in the Senate are being more reponsible than their Democratic brethren. They wish to extend the cut but to fund this by cuts in other places. This is a practical solution. You cannot call everything an emergency and continially add to the deficit.
I am against this cut. The government should not cut SS contributions under any pretense.
My Ipod, My Lonely, Dusty Ipod
My kids have Ipod touches and by the look of the Christmas flyers the ipod touches are still very popular. I myself have an Ipod, not a touch, but I must confess I have not listened to it in months. It is not so much obsolete as a victim of the choices it has predicated.
I have an Ipad that I use for most if not all of my internet, actually with the exception of blogging such as this and for Spotify which I still have as free and thus cannot use on my Ipad. At night I listen to Tune In Radio on the Ipad. If I want I can listen to Pandora on the Ipad but much of music comes from Spotify. In short one does not need to own music anymore. That day seems to be ending. I am not sure how artists make money under the Spotify system but clearly they must be or they would not be taking part. Right?
Spotify, Pandora, Tune In Radio and of course Sirius XM in the truck and the Ipod becomes a casualty. I do not think Apple is hurting, but certainly the era of choice is among us. For me personally Spotify is the descendant of Napster and Tune In Radio is perhaps the most underrated app for the Ipad.
For each gain however someone loses. I will dust off my Ipod but most likely will not be listening much.
My son has an overloaded ipod but he uses the computer for his music, if not spotify then our itunes collection. The next step for me is wireless speakers. Essentially what is happening is, at least in the house, itunes itself is replacing the ipod.
Still it's purpose was served, it started the revolution.
I have an Ipad that I use for most if not all of my internet, actually with the exception of blogging such as this and for Spotify which I still have as free and thus cannot use on my Ipad. At night I listen to Tune In Radio on the Ipad. If I want I can listen to Pandora on the Ipad but much of music comes from Spotify. In short one does not need to own music anymore. That day seems to be ending. I am not sure how artists make money under the Spotify system but clearly they must be or they would not be taking part. Right?
Spotify, Pandora, Tune In Radio and of course Sirius XM in the truck and the Ipod becomes a casualty. I do not think Apple is hurting, but certainly the era of choice is among us. For me personally Spotify is the descendant of Napster and Tune In Radio is perhaps the most underrated app for the Ipad.
For each gain however someone loses. I will dust off my Ipod but most likely will not be listening much.
My son has an overloaded ipod but he uses the computer for his music, if not spotify then our itunes collection. The next step for me is wireless speakers. Essentially what is happening is, at least in the house, itunes itself is replacing the ipod.
Still it's purpose was served, it started the revolution.
The Fed Bails out the Euro
Last week as we had our weekly fear mongering about the pending collapse of the Euro the United States treasury led a bailout effort for some European banks. Digest that for a moment. While some European treasiries were convinced to help the main force was the United States.
The International Banking System is all connected so it stands to reason the United States would be concerned about the pending rupture in Europe. That said one has to ask themselves if this is the action that we should expect. The U S out in front on baling out European economies.
I do not know the answer but I know that much of America would say no.
The International Banking System is all connected so it stands to reason the United States would be concerned about the pending rupture in Europe. That said one has to ask themselves if this is the action that we should expect. The U S out in front on baling out European economies.
I do not know the answer but I know that much of America would say no.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Michael Steele is no longer a Boogeyman
Former Republican National Committee Chairman Micheal Steele was very controversial in his tenure. Since being ousted however and taking a position as a regular analyst on MSNBC now Steele is a gentleman. The fact that he is working for MSNBC and not FOX can lead to one to believe that he has been cast aside by the right.
Thus Steele may be toning down his act. For me however I think we are seeing, just as we talked earlier about Pawlenty, that once away from the day to day sword fight that is politics, one can be polite and not personal and still disagree.
To me Steele is so much more likable and seems much more intelligent at this time speaking clearly and persuasively for his positions.
Why do folks have to leave politics to stop acting like spoiled children.
Thus Steele may be toning down his act. For me however I think we are seeing, just as we talked earlier about Pawlenty, that once away from the day to day sword fight that is politics, one can be polite and not personal and still disagree.
To me Steele is so much more likable and seems much more intelligent at this time speaking clearly and persuasively for his positions.
Why do folks have to leave politics to stop acting like spoiled children.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Does Joe Scarborough have a Personal Agenda?
I like Joe Scarborough. I respect his opinions and in many ways think that is postions mirror mine on many issues. He is a Republican. Many Republicans are thinking that the party needs a few less friends like Joe.
This morning alone he eviscorated Newt Gingrich and his lobbying efforts and pay checks and then laughingly spoke about Rick Perry's claim that he would stop Obama's War on Religion.
Scarborough is intelligent and witty. He is an entertainer and he is very articulate. Still one wonders where the line between criticizing in an attempt to get the party to move to winnable positions and just being critical as a knee jerk reaction.
I have watched Joe so much it makes me wonder what he does believe in. I think that with the dissatisfaction on both the left and the right someone like Scarborough could be a legitimate candidate for President. I get the sense that he is four years away from this.
One thing that might come back to bite him however is that he soon will not be able to run as a Republican. He will have to be an Independent. Perhaps that is the plan already. If it is not then it might have to be.
I for one welcome his getting off the fence and standing on the soapbox as a candidate.
This morning alone he eviscorated Newt Gingrich and his lobbying efforts and pay checks and then laughingly spoke about Rick Perry's claim that he would stop Obama's War on Religion.
Scarborough is intelligent and witty. He is an entertainer and he is very articulate. Still one wonders where the line between criticizing in an attempt to get the party to move to winnable positions and just being critical as a knee jerk reaction.
I have watched Joe so much it makes me wonder what he does believe in. I think that with the dissatisfaction on both the left and the right someone like Scarborough could be a legitimate candidate for President. I get the sense that he is four years away from this.
One thing that might come back to bite him however is that he soon will not be able to run as a Republican. He will have to be an Independent. Perhaps that is the plan already. If it is not then it might have to be.
I for one welcome his getting off the fence and standing on the soapbox as a candidate.
Rick Perry's New Ad
I have made clear I think Rick Perry is a terrible Governor, would be a horrnedous President and is not a person whose opinions I agree with in anyway.
Still there must be something said about his recent ad. Perry talks about it being wrong that gays can serve in the military openly and children cannot pray openly in school. It is not an opinion I agree with but I agree with the fact that this does appear to be an interesting contrast.
Perry runs an ad that does not deflect or hide his feelings. He believes this stuff. He tells what he believes.
You do not have to agree with him. I do not. You still have to respect that he is clear and not mincing his position depending on his audinece
Still there must be something said about his recent ad. Perry talks about it being wrong that gays can serve in the military openly and children cannot pray openly in school. It is not an opinion I agree with but I agree with the fact that this does appear to be an interesting contrast.
Perry runs an ad that does not deflect or hide his feelings. He believes this stuff. He tells what he believes.
You do not have to agree with him. I do not. You still have to respect that he is clear and not mincing his position depending on his audinece
Rod from Illinois and Micheal Jackson's Doctor
So the former Governor of Illinois was convicted on various charges and yesterday was sentenced to 14 years in jail. I am sure he committed offenses. Still this seems like a vendetta and certainly an excessive sentence.
14 years for conspiracy to extort. Really? 14 years for being a whore for money. Like a good percentage of our politicians? It just seems like this is excessive. Now, clearly, if he had fallen on his sword and stayed off reality television perhaps it would have not been such a large sentence.
Still I see no merit in Blagovich, SIC, spending this much time in jail. It seems ridiculous.
Conrad Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and received a four year sentence. That was the maximum allowed. I did not follow the case. That sentence seems to be in line, accidentally being a cause of a death. The Illinois Governor did not kill anyone.
14 years? Ridiculous. Vindictive.
14 years for conspiracy to extort. Really? 14 years for being a whore for money. Like a good percentage of our politicians? It just seems like this is excessive. Now, clearly, if he had fallen on his sword and stayed off reality television perhaps it would have not been such a large sentence.
Still I see no merit in Blagovich, SIC, spending this much time in jail. It seems ridiculous.
Conrad Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and received a four year sentence. That was the maximum allowed. I did not follow the case. That sentence seems to be in line, accidentally being a cause of a death. The Illinois Governor did not kill anyone.
14 years? Ridiculous. Vindictive.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
LePage and his Medicaid cuts
As anyone who knows me knows I am not a fan of Paul LePage. I think he is a poor governor and truthfully as close to an embarrassment as we have ever had in a public official in Maine.
His Medicaid proposal deserves a fair review. The state Medicaid system pays at a higher percentage than the federal mandate. We really have no reason for that to be the case.
Proposed cuts to the benefits for childless adults, and young adults may need to be made . It is a fair question if providing health insurance to these people is the best use of our resources.
Another question to be asked is why should those who receive Medicaid get dental benefits when many working people even with health insurance do not have dental coverage.
It could be said that giving health benefits to those who qualify for Medicare that exceeds that given to those who buy their own health insurance brings up it's own questions of fairness.
Like him or not something needs to be cut. This plan is legitimate and should not be given a knee jerk rejection from the other side. If folks do not like these cuts they should at least propose what they would cut.
His Medicaid proposal deserves a fair review. The state Medicaid system pays at a higher percentage than the federal mandate. We really have no reason for that to be the case.
Proposed cuts to the benefits for childless adults, and young adults may need to be made . It is a fair question if providing health insurance to these people is the best use of our resources.
Another question to be asked is why should those who receive Medicaid get dental benefits when many working people even with health insurance do not have dental coverage.
It could be said that giving health benefits to those who qualify for Medicare that exceeds that given to those who buy their own health insurance brings up it's own questions of fairness.
Like him or not something needs to be cut. This plan is legitimate and should not be given a knee jerk rejection from the other side. If folks do not like these cuts they should at least propose what they would cut.
Newt Picks His Secretary of State
Usually candidates wait for things like this, wanting to not annoy anybody while the campaign is still in progress.
Not our friend Newt. Newt today stated that his Secretary of State of choice would be John Bolton. Bolton, you will remember, was Bush the second's ambassador to the UN. He could not get him confirmed, he had to put him in place with a recess appointment. We should thank Gingrich for being honest.
He brought a Conservative group to their feet today with this announcement. And, truthfully few Americans pay attention to potential Secretary of State choices. For those in the know though, this cannot get Gingrich any Independent votes.
Things sometime do not work out as expected and the rise of Newt in the polls proves this but it seems on all levels Gingrich as the nominee would be a complete disaster for the Republicans.
Not our friend Newt. Newt today stated that his Secretary of State of choice would be John Bolton. Bolton, you will remember, was Bush the second's ambassador to the UN. He could not get him confirmed, he had to put him in place with a recess appointment. We should thank Gingrich for being honest.
He brought a Conservative group to their feet today with this announcement. And, truthfully few Americans pay attention to potential Secretary of State choices. For those in the know though, this cannot get Gingrich any Independent votes.
Things sometime do not work out as expected and the rise of Newt in the polls proves this but it seems on all levels Gingrich as the nominee would be a complete disaster for the Republicans.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Christmas Time Again
I can tell how much closer Christmas gets as my wife's complaining about the cold increases. I do not mean to imply my wife is one who complains often. She is not, in fact she almost never does. Except. About the cold. Our house is about sixty years old and it would appear has never been insulated that well. This is a problem when you have a wife who gets cold easily, and children who like to wear t shirts and shorts all year long.
So we know that Christmas is getting closer. Today we took our annual trip to get our Christmas tree. Going to our regular tree farm we were given an ax and a tarp and off we went. Armed with a six foot four teenager we were well prepared to do battle with Mother Nature despite my days of carrying an ax being replaced by my days of hobbling along on a cane.
It is a nice experience, pretty fields, a nice day, laughing families. It gives one a little bit of hope that the whole world has not gone crazy. Some neat machines help get the tree you cut ready to go on your truck and if you like you can have cider and cookies.
When we arrive home the tree goes up. I must admit the debate between three teenagers or two teenagers and a twelve year old is a bit more than I like..the tree set up was a good time to take the dogs out but once that was done we were well on our way to decorating.
So here we sit, at six fifteen on a Sunday night. Children bribed with pizza to stay social a few minutes longer before they retire to their seperate corners for the evening to do homework, text and facebook.
Still a good day. The longest we have been all together without a National Holiday in a few months. Have to call that what it is...a special day.
So we know that Christmas is getting closer. Today we took our annual trip to get our Christmas tree. Going to our regular tree farm we were given an ax and a tarp and off we went. Armed with a six foot four teenager we were well prepared to do battle with Mother Nature despite my days of carrying an ax being replaced by my days of hobbling along on a cane.
It is a nice experience, pretty fields, a nice day, laughing families. It gives one a little bit of hope that the whole world has not gone crazy. Some neat machines help get the tree you cut ready to go on your truck and if you like you can have cider and cookies.
When we arrive home the tree goes up. I must admit the debate between three teenagers or two teenagers and a twelve year old is a bit more than I like..the tree set up was a good time to take the dogs out but once that was done we were well on our way to decorating.
So here we sit, at six fifteen on a Sunday night. Children bribed with pizza to stay social a few minutes longer before they retire to their seperate corners for the evening to do homework, text and facebook.
Still a good day. The longest we have been all together without a National Holiday in a few months. Have to call that what it is...a special day.
We Have a Sick Pet
Not one of our dogs but one of our cats. One is either a cat person or not. In our family we are cat people. I think cats are interesting and have an incredible amount of personality. We have two cats both large, a brother and sister. As they approached seven years old our female cat weighted well over 20 pounds.
About a month ago we noticed that she was losing weight. When we weighed her we were shocked to see that she was down to 14 pounds. Now a month later she is about 13 and while she does not act sick we know she is. Our vet took a look this week and ran some tests and she does indeed have diabetes. It is possibly treatable but not surely as her levels are very high and she has lost a great deal of weight.
What does one do. Can we see ourselves giving insulin shots twice a day, incurring that cost, the consistent blood and urine tests. These are not barn cats They have great personalities and they are loved members of the family. That said we have a large family with many pets. There are limits to what can be done to save a cat, even one we love.
We have been honest with the kids, given the prognosis, and advised we are going to change her diet and hope this makes a difference. I hope it does. I feel sad about her sickness and bad I cannot spend 1000 to save her. It is hard being the grownup sometime.
About a month ago we noticed that she was losing weight. When we weighed her we were shocked to see that she was down to 14 pounds. Now a month later she is about 13 and while she does not act sick we know she is. Our vet took a look this week and ran some tests and she does indeed have diabetes. It is possibly treatable but not surely as her levels are very high and she has lost a great deal of weight.
What does one do. Can we see ourselves giving insulin shots twice a day, incurring that cost, the consistent blood and urine tests. These are not barn cats They have great personalities and they are loved members of the family. That said we have a large family with many pets. There are limits to what can be done to save a cat, even one we love.
We have been honest with the kids, given the prognosis, and advised we are going to change her diet and hope this makes a difference. I hope it does. I feel sad about her sickness and bad I cannot spend 1000 to save her. It is hard being the grownup sometime.
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