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| Courtesy of Scout |
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Happy Halloween
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
I Give Up
I give. I finally give up. I don't understand chess and I certainly don't understand politics. I never was a shrewd and savvy player. No wonder I don't understand the nuances of politics. I was sure we were headed for a war in Syria and all of a sudden the Russians (the RUSSIANS!) intervened and Syria volunteered to turn over their chemical weapons. I never saw that coming.
Whether President Obama knew the Russians were willing to mediate with Syria about averting an American intervention in their civil war, or it was all a wonderful case of serendipity, I don't care. I'm just happy we're not getting involved in another war.
The maneuver was a brilliant one. It was like watching a chess master tournament. Obama played the war card, one every conservative dearly loves. I bet it broke their greedy little hearts to side against war after all the wars they've led us into over the years and all the millions they have amassed. They wouldn't have hesitated if Romney was president. That is another good reason Romney wasn't elected. Anytime America enters into a war, or conflict in a foreign country our country bleeds money which gets syphoned into weapons and artillery. War is a money maker for the manufacturers of war.
President Obama hasn't been able to do anything to lead this country in a better future without fighting the Republicans every inch of the way. Mr. Obama is not a stupid man. He knows they will oppose everything he supports. They proved that in their relentless attempts to destroy Obamacare.
I told you I give up. If every other person on the planet wants to call it Obamacare, who am I to disagree although it really is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
If we call it Obamacare it will be part of our lexicon and the President will always be remembered as the President who gave all Americans health care, like President Lyndon Johnson is credited with giving us medicare. That will be a wonderful legacy for President Obama. He promised to give every American insurance in memory of his mother who died of cancer and he kept that promise.
Presidents have tried to pass some form of universal healthcare insurance in America as far back as 1936 by Franklin Delano Roosevelt. It took seventy-seven years and the election of a black president to finally get it done. In that one regard we can thank George W. Bush for that because he left the country in a financial meltdown.
A social tsunami ensued and America voted for a black man, or a mulatto*, if you will, for President of the United States of America for the first time. Caucasians were no longer top dog on the social ladder in America. That gnawed at a lot of conservative and entitled white men and women. The politicians played on the majorities fears and executed a plan to block every move he makes.
If we call it Obamacare it will be part of our lexicon and the President will always be remembered as the President who gave all Americans health care, like President Lyndon Johnson is credited with giving us medicare. That will be a wonderful legacy for President Obama. He promised to give every American insurance in memory of his mother who died of cancer and he kept that promise.
Presidents have tried to pass some form of universal healthcare insurance in America as far back as 1936 by Franklin Delano Roosevelt. It took seventy-seven years and the election of a black president to finally get it done. In that one regard we can thank George W. Bush for that because he left the country in a financial meltdown.
A social tsunami ensued and America voted for a black man, or a mulatto*, if you will, for President of the United States of America for the first time. Caucasians were no longer top dog on the social ladder in America. That gnawed at a lot of conservative and entitled white men and women. The politicians played on the majorities fears and executed a plan to block every move he makes.
President Obama always expressed a desire for bi-partisanship when making executive decisions. He repeatedly tried to reach across the aisle in an attempt to get the Republicans to work with him. He offered concessions that frankly made me furious. He suggested making some cuts in social security and welfare programs. Still, the Republicans wouldn't budge. They wanted all, or nothing. Nothing else would do for them. They tried to back him against the wall and make him look like a lackey, licking their boots and bowing to their wishes. He refused to do so. He has shown amazing stoicism and endurance.
The President realizes the Republicans are doing everything in their power to make his presidency impotent and irrelevant by obstructing him at every turn. He is a lame duck president and doesn't have to mind him p's and q's anymore. He is calling the Republicans out on their lies and duplicity by using tactics that clearly show their hypocrisy and motives. His attempt to lure Republicans into siding with him to get involved in Syria shows the truth behind that lie. Republicans will never agree with anything the President wants. I don't know if they're more mad because they hate Democrats that much, or they're just galled to have a black man in the White House.
I saw horrible vitriol from Republicans when President Clinton was in the White House but never as bad as this. The Republicans and Democrats worked together on the country's business. Now Washington is like a class of seventh graders who get in a tiff and refuse to reconcile. They won't agree on anything. Our country is divided and it is becoming shameful and embarrassing to watch the extremists in Washington try to steer our country off a cliff. It is even more frustrating to watch them try to strip Americans of their hard earned rights, the most valuable being their right to vote.
We are on the precipice of the complete shutdown and defaulting on our debts and the Republicans have been playing the blame game and denying any responsibility for the shutdown although this shutdown originally started because the Republicans wanted to block Obamacare. They are willing to destroy the economy of our nation, nay, the economy of the whole fricking world just to stick it to Obama. They are pretending that they are representing their constituents but in reality are being duplicitous. They want to bring down the government.
World War II veterans descended on the Capitol after the government shutdown that closed most non-essential federal programs in America, demanding their right to cross closed barriers and exercise their rights to view the monuments. Republican congressmen and senators took advantage of the veterans visit for a photo-op and a little speechifying, don't ya' know. Veterans need to wise up and realize the Republicans are not their friend.
The Republicans are the same men who are trying to cut veterans benefits, social security benefits, meals-on-wheels, reduced lunches, food stamps, head start, and other programs our veterans and their families, and the elderly, and disabled, and the poorest among us depend on to live. Why the hell can't they understand that? I'd really like to know. Is it more important to line your own pockets and obey your corporate overlords than to represent those very people that most need real representation in the government?
I don't know where we're going as a nation and that scares me. I don't know if Obamacare is the final answer. From the things I've been reading about socialized medicine the best healthcare is universal and the most progressive governments use the people's tax money to pay medical costs. They have a tight hand on controlling cost of medicine, doctors, tests, and administration.
I've read stories of people from other countries who never get a bill when they have to go to the hospital. Wouldn't that be the best system in America? That is even better than the single payer plan where the government only supervises costs but the patients still pay out. Every citizen, no matter what is wrong with them, could see a doctor and be treated when necessary. People wouldn't have to endure illnesses or injuries because they couldn't afford medical care.
The Republicans have quit harping on Obamacare and are now trying to wring some kind of concession out of the Democratic party via the shutdown. I've been hearing rumblings of infighting in the Republican party with some people demanding a holdout until they get what they want, but more levelheaded members of the party trying to get them to capitulate.
I get upset with the president when he implies he is amicable to the opposition and willing to negotiate with America's social security safety net but I'm beginning to believe that the president knows they will never willingly go along with him and his best bet is to let public pressure work to influence the congressmen to behave like representatives, not obstructionists.
Whatever happens tomorrow will affect everyone in America. If they aren't willing to raise the debt ceiling it will become worse. People have been on furlough, or working without pay, until the standstill is over. I hope they come to their senses tomorrow or the crap will hit the fan. Just when our economy gets going again the clowns in Washington are going to pull the rug out from under us all. The shutdown and a downgrade in the US economy could tilt us back into a deep recession. If this doesn't work, I'm blaming the Republicans. I hope you do, too. Remember this in 2014. I know I will.
Let's hope the Republicans are willing to capitulate and allow the government to reopen like they promised today.
We are on the precipice of the complete shutdown and defaulting on our debts and the Republicans have been playing the blame game and denying any responsibility for the shutdown although this shutdown originally started because the Republicans wanted to block Obamacare. They are willing to destroy the economy of our nation, nay, the economy of the whole fricking world just to stick it to Obama. They are pretending that they are representing their constituents but in reality are being duplicitous. They want to bring down the government.
World War II veterans descended on the Capitol after the government shutdown that closed most non-essential federal programs in America, demanding their right to cross closed barriers and exercise their rights to view the monuments. Republican congressmen and senators took advantage of the veterans visit for a photo-op and a little speechifying, don't ya' know. Veterans need to wise up and realize the Republicans are not their friend.
The Republicans are the same men who are trying to cut veterans benefits, social security benefits, meals-on-wheels, reduced lunches, food stamps, head start, and other programs our veterans and their families, and the elderly, and disabled, and the poorest among us depend on to live. Why the hell can't they understand that? I'd really like to know. Is it more important to line your own pockets and obey your corporate overlords than to represent those very people that most need real representation in the government?
I don't know where we're going as a nation and that scares me. I don't know if Obamacare is the final answer. From the things I've been reading about socialized medicine the best healthcare is universal and the most progressive governments use the people's tax money to pay medical costs. They have a tight hand on controlling cost of medicine, doctors, tests, and administration.
I've read stories of people from other countries who never get a bill when they have to go to the hospital. Wouldn't that be the best system in America? That is even better than the single payer plan where the government only supervises costs but the patients still pay out. Every citizen, no matter what is wrong with them, could see a doctor and be treated when necessary. People wouldn't have to endure illnesses or injuries because they couldn't afford medical care.
The Republicans have quit harping on Obamacare and are now trying to wring some kind of concession out of the Democratic party via the shutdown. I've been hearing rumblings of infighting in the Republican party with some people demanding a holdout until they get what they want, but more levelheaded members of the party trying to get them to capitulate.
I get upset with the president when he implies he is amicable to the opposition and willing to negotiate with America's social security safety net but I'm beginning to believe that the president knows they will never willingly go along with him and his best bet is to let public pressure work to influence the congressmen to behave like representatives, not obstructionists.
Whatever happens tomorrow will affect everyone in America. If they aren't willing to raise the debt ceiling it will become worse. People have been on furlough, or working without pay, until the standstill is over. I hope they come to their senses tomorrow or the crap will hit the fan. Just when our economy gets going again the clowns in Washington are going to pull the rug out from under us all. The shutdown and a downgrade in the US economy could tilt us back into a deep recession. If this doesn't work, I'm blaming the Republicans. I hope you do, too. Remember this in 2014. I know I will.
Let's hope the Republicans are willing to capitulate and allow the government to reopen like they promised today.
AS ALWAYS
PIO
*mulatto: half white and half black
Friday, October 4, 2013
OCTOBER
We've been pretty busy around here. On Saturday the boys went to Mama's and Daddy's to help them. They are mowing so Daddy doesn't have to mow again. He's still bleeding sometimes.
Daddy doesn't trust them to do the job right so he usually walks along beside them on the riding mower telling them how to mow. I wish he would quit obsessing. You have to eventually let go and turn control over to someone else if you want help. The job may not be done exactly like you do it but at least you're getting it done.
Daddy doesn't trust them to do the job right so he usually walks along beside them on the riding mower telling them how to mow. I wish he would quit obsessing. You have to eventually let go and turn control over to someone else if you want help. The job may not be done exactly like you do it but at least you're getting it done.
Donny and I went to the Cracker Barrel on Sunday and met some of my Facebook friends for brunch. I think he thought they were imaginary people I always talk about since I don't have any friends in real life. We met Jennie and her husband Gary. They live in Calhoun.
We also got to meet Piette and her husband, Paul. They live in North Carolina. She was picking up some kitties that Jennie has been caring for. They're animal rescuers. They work hard to get the animals vetted and find good homes for them.
We also got to meet Piette and her husband, Paul. They live in North Carolina. She was picking up some kitties that Jennie has been caring for. They're animal rescuers. They work hard to get the animals vetted and find good homes for them.
I was full of trepidation and had a hard time sleeping the night before, thinking about meeting people I only knew on Facebook, but my fears were unfounded and I was ecstatic to finally meet Jennie and Piette in person.
Our friend Kristie was supposed to go to the Cracker Barrel with us but I wasn't able to get hold of her that day. She lives in Calhoun. Kristie's met Jennie and me, and Jennie's met Kristie and Piette. I've never met Jennie or Piette. Kristie's never met Piette. I felt like we were going to a party.
It didn't take long before we all felt comfortable talking to each other. Jennie has three daughters. Piette also has three daughters. They were commiserating with each other about the drama of raising girls. I thought it was fascinating. I have two sons and don't know much about raising girls. I always thought boys were a handful.
Jennie and I were both surprised that the other was short. I think we're both about five feet tall. I usually assume everyone is taller than me. So much for making assumptions about people on the internet.
Our friend Kristie was supposed to go to the Cracker Barrel with us but I wasn't able to get hold of her that day. She lives in Calhoun. Kristie's met Jennie and me, and Jennie's met Kristie and Piette. I've never met Jennie or Piette. Kristie's never met Piette. I felt like we were going to a party.
It didn't take long before we all felt comfortable talking to each other. Jennie has three daughters. Piette also has three daughters. They were commiserating with each other about the drama of raising girls. I thought it was fascinating. I have two sons and don't know much about raising girls. I always thought boys were a handful.
Jennie and I were both surprised that the other was short. I think we're both about five feet tall. I usually assume everyone is taller than me. So much for making assumptions about people on the internet.
I've heard so much about Jennie's husband, Gary, it was nice to put a face to the name. She's so funny and descriptive when she tells tales on him, like the time he came in the house and announced he and his buddy were going to go rafting down the river, despite the fact they didn't have a boat, or canoe, or any equipment. I could just imagine one of my boys coming up with a hairbrained idea like that.
I'd love to ride down the river but I don't think I'm brave enough to risk it. The water is muddy and you can't see rocks and rubbish in the water. If I fell into that nasty water, I'd probably die from hypochondria.
I'd love to ride down the river but I don't think I'm brave enough to risk it. The water is muddy and you can't see rocks and rubbish in the water. If I fell into that nasty water, I'd probably die from hypochondria.
Piette and Paul came by the house to visit and saw our goat, Vinnie, before heading back home . Piette gave me oodles of chocolate and tulip bulbs. She even gave me a bottle of hot sauce. She knows me so well. Piette is such a sweet lady.
I wasn't expecting company so I hadn't done a "dash and stash". I hope I didn't frighten her away.
I used to be a Flybaby and tried to keep my house clean. I eventually fell off the bandwagon and got into my old habits of letting the clutter overwhelm me, not knowing where to start or how to catch up. You can imagine the mess around here. I've got even more clutter now, after Colt moved back home from Marietta.
Donny couldn't get over how nice my friends were and what a good time he had meeting them. I guess he thinks my friends would have to be annoying and cantankerous like me to get along with me. Doesn't he know opposites attract? Look at us. Donny's sweet as pie, and I'm not.
I only have a few regrets. For one thing, I was so overwhelmed, I forgot to leave a tip for the waitress. She deserved a tip for taking such good care of all of us. I also forgot to take a picture of everybody while we were at the restaurant. I can't believe in this day and age I still can't remember to take pictures when something special happens. My biggest regret is because Kristie wasn't able to join us. I think she would have enjoyed brunch with everyone. It probably won't ever happen again.
On top of all that excitement, Donny's been painting the fender on Daddy's '39 Ford Deluxe. He scraped it when he tried to back into the garage. Old people!
I wasn't expecting company so I hadn't done a "dash and stash". I hope I didn't frighten her away.
I used to be a Flybaby and tried to keep my house clean. I eventually fell off the bandwagon and got into my old habits of letting the clutter overwhelm me, not knowing where to start or how to catch up. You can imagine the mess around here. I've got even more clutter now, after Colt moved back home from Marietta.
Donny couldn't get over how nice my friends were and what a good time he had meeting them. I guess he thinks my friends would have to be annoying and cantankerous like me to get along with me. Doesn't he know opposites attract? Look at us. Donny's sweet as pie, and I'm not.
I only have a few regrets. For one thing, I was so overwhelmed, I forgot to leave a tip for the waitress. She deserved a tip for taking such good care of all of us. I also forgot to take a picture of everybody while we were at the restaurant. I can't believe in this day and age I still can't remember to take pictures when something special happens. My biggest regret is because Kristie wasn't able to join us. I think she would have enjoyed brunch with everyone. It probably won't ever happen again.
On top of all that excitement, Donny's been painting the fender on Daddy's '39 Ford Deluxe. He scraped it when he tried to back into the garage. Old people!
We also took Buddy back to the vet for his annual checkup this week. He never had any checkups until last year when he nearly died. Colt went to the vet with me to handle Buddy. He growls sometimes. Colt thumped him in the nose and distracted him. He said he saw the vet grin when he did that.
They put a muzzle on him when they did the exam. I ordered one. Maybe we can give him a bath without getting bit. I don't trust Buddy all the time.
We can put the muzzle on Buddy and let him be Hannibal Lecter for Halloween. I guess that makes me Clarice.
They put a muzzle on him when they did the exam. I ordered one. Maybe we can give him a bath without getting bit. I don't trust Buddy all the time.
We can put the muzzle on Buddy and let him be Hannibal Lecter for Halloween. I guess that makes me Clarice.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Joann, Shannon, Alesha, Lon, Layla, Matt, Devan, Michelle, Kelly,
Debbie, Chase, Barry, Diane, and Summer
Debbie, Chase, Barry, Diane, and Summer
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
Kelly and Troy
Piette and Paul
Kelly and Troy
Piette and Paul
HAPPY HALLOWEEN
AS ALWAYS
PIO
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