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A Letter to Our President
The White House receives some 40,000 pieces of mail on a daily basis; President Obama, in an effort to "stay connected," takes time each day to read ten letters from "ordinary Americans." Thus, your chances of actually getting your letter to the POTUS read are slightly better than your chances of hitting the lottery. This sort of thing has never stopped me from shooting my mouth off on paper, so the first reply contains the text of a letter I recently fired off. I've left out personal info such as my name and address.
On a Lighter Note. . .
Found this in Kitty Kelley's book, "The Family," and thought I'd share:
How many members of the Bush administration are required to change a lightbulb?
Ten.
1. One to deny that a lightbulb needs to be changed.
2. One to attack the patriotism of anyone who says the lightbulb needs to be changed.
3. One to blame Clinton for burning out the lightbulb.
4. One to tell the nations of the world that they are either for changing the lightbulb or for darkness.
5. one to give a billion dollar no-bid contract to Halliburton for the new lightbulb.
6. One to arrange a photograph of Bush, dressed as a janitor, standing on a stepladder under the banner: "Lightbulb Change Accomplished."
7. One administration insider to resign and write a book documenting in detail how Bush was literally in the dark.
8. One to viciously smear number 7.
9. One surrogate to campaign on TV and at rallies on how George Bush has had a strong lightbulb-changing policy all along.
10. And finally, one to confuse Americans about the difference between screwing a lightbulb and screwing the country.
How many members of the Bush administration are required to change a lightbulb?
Ten.
1. One to deny that a lightbulb needs to be changed.
2. One to attack the patriotism of anyone who says the lightbulb needs to be changed.
3. One to blame Clinton for burning out the lightbulb.
4. One to tell the nations of the world that they are either for changing the lightbulb or for darkness.
5. one to give a billion dollar no-bid contract to Halliburton for the new lightbulb.
6. One to arrange a photograph of Bush, dressed as a janitor, standing on a stepladder under the banner: "Lightbulb Change Accomplished."
7. One administration insider to resign and write a book documenting in detail how Bush was literally in the dark.
8. One to viciously smear number 7.
9. One surrogate to campaign on TV and at rallies on how George Bush has had a strong lightbulb-changing policy all along.
10. And finally, one to confuse Americans about the difference between screwing a lightbulb and screwing the country.
I Knew It!!
Dick Cheney was overheard talking to Shrubya in private just a few days ago: view link
Geez. . .I never realized how much Cheney sounded like Samuel L. Jackson. . .
Geez. . .I never realized how much Cheney sounded like Samuel L. Jackson. . .
I'm Beginning to Think Our Government. . .
. . .Isn't Such a Pack of Wimps, After all. Read on. . .
"There are two ways to view the news that the House Judiciary Committee will be holding a hearing on impeachable crimes by President George W. Bush.
One view would be that this is all a charade and that after all, it will not be a real impeachment hearing, but rather, simply a hearing into the impeachable crimes of the Bush administration."
Here's the rest of the story, as posted at smirkingchimp.com: view link
And, if that's not enough to make you reach for that second martini, there's this: view link
In the words of a great naturalized American, "What a country!"
"There are two ways to view the news that the House Judiciary Committee will be holding a hearing on impeachable crimes by President George W. Bush.
One view would be that this is all a charade and that after all, it will not be a real impeachment hearing, but rather, simply a hearing into the impeachable crimes of the Bush administration."
Here's the rest of the story, as posted at smirkingchimp.com: view link
And, if that's not enough to make you reach for that second martini, there's this: view link
In the words of a great naturalized American, "What a country!"
Patriotism, Jingoism, other -isms
This comes from David Swanson's blog, as quoted at smirkingchimp.com:
"I'm not a fan of patriotism, nationalism, racism, religion, or anything that does more to divide people into often antagonistic groups than the benefits seem to justify. I think we should be ashamed of our schools teaching children to stand like robots and swear obedience to a piece of cloth. I think we should be frightened of how easily a president can use that piece of cloth to cover the most hideous crimes and incite the most catastrophic wars of aggression. The flag that is imposed on some 150 nations around the world in some 1,000 military bases paid for with my tax dollars is not something I can bring myself to feel warm and fuzzy over. I prefer the Virginia flag. It is associated with no military, and it bears a motto that inherently counters the tendency of rulers to use flags in a fascist manner - that is to wave them at a populace as a toreador might wave one at a bull. On the other hand, probably the single greatest step toward instituting fair and responsible government on this earth was taken on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia. I take no pride in it, because I played no role in it, but if we manage to preserve the democratic republic that was born that day for another generation, I will take great pride in that. The indictment that was published that day reads almost entirely as an indictment of the new King George III. Our ancestors gave their lives so that we might have the rights that George Bush is stripping us of almost unchallenged. For that I am deeply ashamed and frightened."
Bravo, Mr. Swanson; I couldn't have said it better, myself. Of course, there's also the bit about patriotism being the last refuge of a scoundrel. . .
"I'm not a fan of patriotism, nationalism, racism, religion, or anything that does more to divide people into often antagonistic groups than the benefits seem to justify. I think we should be ashamed of our schools teaching children to stand like robots and swear obedience to a piece of cloth. I think we should be frightened of how easily a president can use that piece of cloth to cover the most hideous crimes and incite the most catastrophic wars of aggression. The flag that is imposed on some 150 nations around the world in some 1,000 military bases paid for with my tax dollars is not something I can bring myself to feel warm and fuzzy over. I prefer the Virginia flag. It is associated with no military, and it bears a motto that inherently counters the tendency of rulers to use flags in a fascist manner - that is to wave them at a populace as a toreador might wave one at a bull. On the other hand, probably the single greatest step toward instituting fair and responsible government on this earth was taken on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia. I take no pride in it, because I played no role in it, but if we manage to preserve the democratic republic that was born that day for another generation, I will take great pride in that. The indictment that was published that day reads almost entirely as an indictment of the new King George III. Our ancestors gave their lives so that we might have the rights that George Bush is stripping us of almost unchallenged. For that I am deeply ashamed and frightened."
Bravo, Mr. Swanson; I couldn't have said it better, myself. Of course, there's also the bit about patriotism being the last refuge of a scoundrel. . .
A Challenge for Us All. . .
These thoughts come from the same source as my previous post on national security. I'm reminded of Tom Joad's great speech at the end of "The Grapes of Wrath."
"When America experiences a long-overdue concern for the poor, we will be there. When Americans realize our present foreign policy is leading us into isolation from our friends and allies, we will be there to reenter the community of nations. When Americans have a revival of the conservation of nature, we will be there. When a new generation of immigrants seeks democratic asylum, we will be there to welcome them. When our countrymen broaden their understanding of the true nature of security, we will be there to help achieve it. When any race or nationality on our shores is reviled and threatened, we will be there demanding justice. When an elderly woman is alone and without proper medical care, we will be there. When a child is neglected, we will be there. When young people lack purpose and direction, we will be there to challenge them to serve their country.
We will do these things and more for one simple reason: Our principles require it. We cannot do otherwise. We must know who we are and we must be who we must be. We must have principles. We must set our principles high. And we must always strive to live up to them."
These are powerful words and a powerful challenge; this once-great nation held these ideals once, we seem to have forgotten them in the fog of rampant individualism and self-interest. I sincerely hope we can find our way back.
"When America experiences a long-overdue concern for the poor, we will be there. When Americans realize our present foreign policy is leading us into isolation from our friends and allies, we will be there to reenter the community of nations. When Americans have a revival of the conservation of nature, we will be there. When a new generation of immigrants seeks democratic asylum, we will be there to welcome them. When our countrymen broaden their understanding of the true nature of security, we will be there to help achieve it. When any race or nationality on our shores is reviled and threatened, we will be there demanding justice. When an elderly woman is alone and without proper medical care, we will be there. When a child is neglected, we will be there. When young people lack purpose and direction, we will be there to challenge them to serve their country.
We will do these things and more for one simple reason: Our principles require it. We cannot do otherwise. We must know who we are and we must be who we must be. We must have principles. We must set our principles high. And we must always strive to live up to them."
These are powerful words and a powerful challenge; this once-great nation held these ideals once, we seem to have forgotten them in the fog of rampant individualism and self-interest. I sincerely hope we can find our way back.
On Security in the 21st Century
A great American recently wrote what should be required reading, not only for Democrats, but for everyone who chooses to enter public service. I'd like to share some thoughts that I found particularly pointed. . .
". . .if I lose my job and the ability to provide for my family, I don't feel very secure. If my community loses its principal employer either to relocation or to foreign competition, those in my community are not feeling very secure. If my grandchildren's health is jeopardized by polluted air and water, their security is threatened. If local young men and women are recruited to fight in Gulf War III, IV, or V so that my neighbor can drive his Hummer, my nation is not secure. If the Homeland Security Department fails to meet its mandate to prepare for and respond to an attack, whether by al Qaeda or by Hurrican Katrina, my nation is manifestly not secure."
Those are powerful words, gang. Whoever our next president is, he/she needs to address this; given the current state of politics, I fear we'll not see this addressed within our lifetimes. . .
". . .if I lose my job and the ability to provide for my family, I don't feel very secure. If my community loses its principal employer either to relocation or to foreign competition, those in my community are not feeling very secure. If my grandchildren's health is jeopardized by polluted air and water, their security is threatened. If local young men and women are recruited to fight in Gulf War III, IV, or V so that my neighbor can drive his Hummer, my nation is not secure. If the Homeland Security Department fails to meet its mandate to prepare for and respond to an attack, whether by al Qaeda or by Hurrican Katrina, my nation is manifestly not secure."
Those are powerful words, gang. Whoever our next president is, he/she needs to address this; given the current state of politics, I fear we'll not see this addressed within our lifetimes. . .
On CNN Today. . .
. . .Maria Shriver, First Lady of California and daughter of R. Sargent Shriver, officially endorsed Barack Obama.
I would LOVE to be a fly on the wall during dinner at the Schwarzeneggar household. . .
I would LOVE to be a fly on the wall during dinner at the Schwarzeneggar household. . .
Off Topic, But. . .
Okay, I know this doesn't really fit the general topic here, but I've just gotta share. . .
A sailing ship is cruising along when the look-out in the crow's nest calls down, "Deck, Ahoy! Enemy ship on the horizon!!" The first mate promptly runs up to the captain on the quarterdeck and asks what he should do.
"Bring me my red shirt!" demands the captain.
Shortly after the captain dons his red shirt, the battle is joined, and rages on for hours. The crew fights valiantly, and the enemy ship soon slips beneath the waves. The crew is bloodied, but victorious, and the captain basks in the cheers of his men. Exhilirated, the first mate asks his captain, "Sir, why the red shirt?"
"When I wear the red shirt, if I am cut or shot in battle, no member of the crew will see the blood; and everyone will be inspired to fight on!" Cheers of adulation for the brave captain fill the air.
Several days later, the ship is cruising when the look-out again cries, "Deck, Ahoy! Twenty enemy ships on the horizon!!"
Again, the first mate rushes to his captain for advice. The captain pauses for a moment, then demands. . .
"Bring me my brown pants!"
A sailing ship is cruising along when the look-out in the crow's nest calls down, "Deck, Ahoy! Enemy ship on the horizon!!" The first mate promptly runs up to the captain on the quarterdeck and asks what he should do.
"Bring me my red shirt!" demands the captain.
Shortly after the captain dons his red shirt, the battle is joined, and rages on for hours. The crew fights valiantly, and the enemy ship soon slips beneath the waves. The crew is bloodied, but victorious, and the captain basks in the cheers of his men. Exhilirated, the first mate asks his captain, "Sir, why the red shirt?"
"When I wear the red shirt, if I am cut or shot in battle, no member of the crew will see the blood; and everyone will be inspired to fight on!" Cheers of adulation for the brave captain fill the air.
Several days later, the ship is cruising when the look-out again cries, "Deck, Ahoy! Twenty enemy ships on the horizon!!"
Again, the first mate rushes to his captain for advice. The captain pauses for a moment, then demands. . .
"Bring me my brown pants!"
Someone Who Actually Gets IT. . .
The following letter to the editor appeared in the Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch last Sunday (1/20); I thought I'd share it here. IMHO, this is one voter who actually seems to have a handle on what it means to be an American. . .
See first reply for letter.
See first reply for letter.
