Feel The Emotion In The President

Feel The Emotion In The President

Fired up and ready to go!

 

Today is election day in America.  It's the day we celebrate democracy by using our votes to select the candidate we believe is best for the job. Let's finish what we started and keep moving forward.

 

 I support President Obama.

Growing up in a Washington DC suburb, I remember hearing about presidential politics from a young age.  I met President Carter when I played Suzuki violin with his daughter, Amy.  I went to President Reagan's inauguration.  I went to a pre-inaugural ball for President Clinton's reelection.  I've toured the white house and the capitol building (and many other monuments and museums downtown).  I voted in every election since I turned eighteen.  I'm interested in news and politics, and I'm excited about the election.  I hope we know the results tonight. 

My nineteen year old daughter doesn't want to vote because she doesn't know enough about the issues to decide.  She says she doesn't want to vote for President Obama just because her parents vote for him, and she doesn't want to vote for Governer Romney just because her friends vote for him.  This is the first presidential election she's been old enough to vote, so I can understand that, but I encouraged her to get informed on the issues so she can pick one.  I sent her a link to a quiz to help her.  I took it too.  We live in Texas, and while Dallas County will go to the President Obama, overall it's a republican state.  So, I can see why it's hard for her to decide.  But, I hope she does decide, and I hope uses her vote today. 

The same goes for my twenty year old stepson.  He said he registered to vote, but last time we talked about it, he said he was still undecided also. 

Just remember a few reasons why it's important to get out and VOTE...

• Someone is going to win the election and be president for the next four years. 
• People fought for the rights of black and female voters. 
• Some countries do not live in a democracy. 
• Each voice has an opportunity to be heard.
• Voting is a civic duty.

30 Days of Truth: Day 18-Your Views on Gay Marriage

I wrote about this topic in August when Chik-fil-a was in the news about their donations to anti-gay groups.   I think gay people should be able to get married. I just think it should be called something different.  Click here to read the whole blog entry.

Presidential Debate 10/3/12

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/03/obama-romney-debate_n_1937173.html


Romney wins? He wins what?  Romney had me at, "I like coal."  That alone says  a lot, and there is a stark difference between him and President Obama.  Romney's body language was not presidential, and he was rude and interrupted both his opponent and the moderator. He wins interrupter-in-chief and attacker-in-chief. 

Obama was not on the attack. Yes, he could have and should have mentioned important issues like climate change and the 47% and press his opponent for details on his plans.  He didn't get down in the mud and fight with his opponent.  Some say that he got his ass kicked.  I say he took the high road and was respectful of the moderator and maintained presidential compusure.  He faced the moderator mostly, although he did make eye contact with Romney too.   He faced the camera and spoke to the American people.  He didn't attend every argument he was invited to.  He could have done a better job of fighting back.  I wish he would have answered the "trickle-down government" question.  That was clearly a zinger rehearsed by the Romney campaign to say, 'nu-uh you're the one who trickles down'  (like in Tommy Boy when they are in the car eating m&ms and they roll down the dashboard). 

But the approaches to the issues are still the same regardless of what was said last night.  Obama wins on having facts and details.  Obama is a net job creator.  Obama has a clear vision for clean energy growth balanced with domestic use of oil.  Obamacare keeps young people on their parents plans longer, provides preventative care at 100% and health care for many people who can't afford it now including seniors. 

Going into the debate, I expected President Obama to win. He did and does and will have my vote because I agree with and support his visions for ways to move forward into the future.  Going back to failed policies of the past like trickle-down economics is like Einstein's definition of insanity:  doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. 

Listen people, the choice is clear. If you don't know who you are voting for by now, you're not looking at the issues. It's time for you to look at each issue and see where you stand. Register to vote and use your vote. I won't tell you whom to vote for, but I will tell you to vote because you can. Yes. you can!

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/

Chick Fil A, Same Sex Marriage, and My Position

Today is August 1, 2012.  It's support Chick Fil A day.  They have recently been featured in the news because they have donated millions of dollars to anti-gay groups.  When the CEO was asked to comment on his donations to anti-gay charities, he said they operate on biblical principles (closed on Sundays) and support the traditional definition of marriage as it's stated in the bible.  In the bible, marriage is defined as between a man and a woman, and it is a sin to be homosexual.

We are all entitled to our opinions and free speech regarding same-sex marriage and everything else under the sun.  People who are eating at Chick Fil A are doing so to make a statement that they support the corporation's position against same sex marriage, and whether they realize it or not, they are financially supporting the corporation and all the charities they donate to when they purchase from Chick Fil A.  Some people are making it a freedom of speech issue, but what it really boils down to is do you support where they spend their dollars, not freedom of speech.

Chick Fil A is not alone in supporting controversial causes.  For example, KFC supports tiger habitat destruction.  McDonald's gets beef from the rainforest (where rainforests are cut down to provide land for the cattle to graze).  Tuna fisheries used to kill dolphins in their fishing nets.  If consumers are informed about where the corporations spend their money, they can make informed decisions about whom to support.  When the public became aware of the dolphin kill problem, they along with watchdog groups like Greenpeace put enough pressure on the industry to change their fishing practices and label cans of "dolphin-safe" tuna. 

Is it possible to be pro traditional marriage and pro same-sex marriage at the same time?  I say yes it is.  This is where religion and science have some crossover.  I am heterosexual and married to a man.  I support traditional marriage.  But it's not because of the bible.  It's because of science.  A species is defined as a group of organisms capable of producing fertile offspring.  It's not judgemental.  It doesn't say sex has to be between a man and a woman, but men and women make up the human species because the males and females are capable of breeding and producing viable offspring.  Traditional marriage is scientific marriage.  Men and women make babies and get married to share the workload in raising those babies.  That's the evolutionary reason for mating for life. 

I support homosexuals' rights to same-sex marriage and I also support traditional, scientific, offspring producing marriage.  Since much of the debate revolves around redefining the word, marriage, perhaps it could be solved by calling same-sex marriage just that, or maybe call it gay marriage, or some other verbage that sets it aside from male-female-offspring-producing marriage.  There is a win-win solution.  I don't see anything wrong with homosexual people who are committed for life to each other having the same rights as heterosexual couples.  Love is love is love.

Will I support Chick Fil A today? No thanks. Now that I know they funnel millions of dollars to anti-gay groups, I don't think I will give them any more of my dollars.  But should you eat there? If you support that cause, go for it.  It's not a free speech issue. It's an issue about the power of the consumer dollar.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/02/chick-fil-a-anti-gay-group-donations-_n_1644609.html
http://www.snopes.com/politics/sexuality/chickfila.asp

Guns

http://cnsnews.com/blog/ron-meyer/auroras-strict-gun-laws-didnt-prevent-shooting-if-one-law-abiding-person-theater-had

Yesterday's shooting is bringing up the issue of gun control. This article says we shouldn't let this massacre deter us from having guns to defend ourselves. The shooter was dressed in protective gear head to foot, so I'm not sure that he could've been stopped if someone in the theater had a legally concealed weapon. It's an interesting idea, but is that really the answer-arming more and more people in public places? Accidents happen all the time with guns. Kids accidentally get shot or shoot other people. My little brother in law told me last night he is strapped in public places but not when he is drinking. How can we trust that people packing guns for self defense will use the same judgement? It seems like a recipe for more disaster to me to put more guns in more people's hands, especially in public places. Take the movie theater shooting specifically, with tear gas in the air and mass hysteria all around, wouldn't it have been tough for people to tell who was the bad guy? I can just picture my little brother in there shooting at the bad guy trying to protect himself but accidentally hitting someone trying to run to safety. The more people you have shooting bullets, the higher the chances of innocent people getting hit. It's math.

What is the answer? First let me say outright that I don't have the definitive answer. If you asked me, I would say everybody should just love everybody and then we wouldn't have a need for guns, but I get it; that's naive and idealistic. But it's true.

The second amendment gave us the right to bear arms (for self defense, hunting etc.), but should it give us the right to buy automatic and semi-automatic weapons whose sole purpose is to kill many people in a small amount of time? Guns are already regulated somewhat. We can't go to 7-11 and pick up a rocket launcher or a bushel of grenades. But the question is where is the line drawn? How is it that people like this Colorado shooter and other like him can arm themselves with an arsenal and set out to attack innocent people? I get it that he planned it and pulled the trigger, but he probably would've been less effective without that AR-15. He could've still killed people with the shotgun and the handgun, but why was he able to secure so many firearms and ammunition legally and without raising any suspicion? Was he planning a major hunting trip where he needed to fire at a herd of hippos or something? Did he need to stockpile all those weapons and ammunition to defend himself against a home invader? Nobody thought twice about why he was buying the goods. He was able to secure all those deadly tools, and look at what happened.

Every time there is a tragedy like this, we tighten up security in hindsight. Airport security has been shaped by the 9/11 attacks as well as the underwear and shoe bomber. What's next? Do we increase gun control? Do we have metal detectors at movie theaters, grocery stores, schools, and every other public place?

http://m.nydailynews.com/1.1119173

This article says he is acting irrationally in jail and thinks he is acting in a movie. The underlying problem in my opinion is mental illness. What are we as a society going to do about the mentally ill? And how can we keep mentally deranged people from getting guns and other deadly weapons? How do we curb the desire to kill?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2176911/Dark-Knight-Rises-Colorado-Shooting-A-hero-died-saving-girlfriend-man-birthday-party--tragic-stories-victims-killed-Dark-Knight-massacre.html

These are the people whose lives were cut short. Each person has a story and a family. Each person walked into that theater for fun not knowing what violence would ensue. We don't think that way when we go out to movies or the mall. We trust that other people will act right and abide by the rules.

We can't go back and fix it. The shooter also cut short his own life by taking these actions. He will either be killed in jail, put to death, or live the rest of his life in a mental hospital. It's too bad he didn't get to a mental hospital sooner. I wonder what went so wrong in his life.

Regardless of where you stand on the gun control debate, I think it's easy to agree that guns shouldn't be used for acts of pure evil. I respect your right to have a gun, but do I have the right to be safe?

Casey Anthony

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZKdD88gjLE

http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/071311-Casey-Anthony-Reportedly-Moving-to-Texas

I would like to dedicate this song to Casey Anthony.  "Where do bad folks go when they die? They don't go to heaven where the angels fly. They go down to the lake of fire and fry, won't see them again till the fourth of July."  Her lies make about as much sense as the verses in this song.  She was found not guilty of murder and manslaughter because they didn't have enough evidence.  In our jury system, if they are not 100% sure beyond of a reason of a doubt, they have to acquit the defendant.  If she is indeed guilty of murder like I think she is, karma will come around and get her later.  Now I hear she is moving to Texas where I live.  Great. 

Messing with Texas

August marked four years since we moved to Texas from Virginia.  We moved here to take advantage of the housing market, and Joe was able to transfer with his law firm to their Dallas office.  We love our house, and the weather is nice and sunny most of the time.  Spring and Fall last a long time, summer is wicked hot, and winter is mild and short.  Southern hospitality is another perk.  Boys and men hold doors open for me, and when I say thank you, they answer, "Yes ma'am." Wow that's something you don't hear too often on the east coast.  Beyond those nice things, however, I have found a few reasons to mess with Texas:

1.  Gov. Rick Perry and his assertion that we should secede from the USA. No thanks. That's crazy talk!

2.  Joe Barton's apology to BP when they are the people who should be apologizing to the American people for ruining the Gulf.  He certainly doesn't speak for me, and it's embarassing.

3.  TX leads the nation in teen pregnancies.  Enough said.

4.  TX is last in the nation for organ donation.  Now that's sad.  I know somebody has to come in last place, but with as large a land mass and population we have, you would think more people would be aware of the need for viable organs and be selfless enough to register. 

Be a Hero, register at:  http://www.taylorsgift.org/      or    http://www.facebook.com/?ref=hp#!/TaylorsGift


5.  There are no state standards for supervision of students in schools. Instead it's left up to each principal of each school.  At my daughter's elementary school, they save money by letting parent volunteers watch classes instead of hiring substitutes when they have staff meetings on site.  I guess they think being a parent qualifies you to be a teacher.  At my son's preschool, they believe that 4 year olds are old enough to walk the hallways by themselves to prepare them for kindergarten where the same leniency is permitted.  Please.  They are 4 years old! They aren't old enough to supervise themselves!

6.  Christian hypocrites.  Christianity is in fashion here.  Even the teenagers think it's cool.  Too bad they aren't walking the walk the way they talk the talk.  They backstab their neighbors and are intolerant of diversity.  They wear purity rings and then turn around and lose their virginity in high school, hence the teen pregnancy problem.  Get real!

7. The state legislature recently approved a measure to rewrite the history books to reflect the conservative agenda.  How is that ok?  History is history and should be taught accurately.

8. No homework in the elementary school because homework is not good for kids.  WHAT??

9.  George Bush as President 2000-2004

10.  George Bush as President 2004-2008.  It's insanity to try the same things over and over and expect a different result.

11. Texas leads the nation in alcohol related deaths.

 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40868244/ns/local_news-dallasfort_worth_tx/

12.  Texas leads the nation in emissions of greenhouse gases.

13.  Texas is also the only state in the union that refuses to have greenhouse gas emissions regulated by the EPA.  In fact, Gov. Rick Perry is suing the EPA over its finding that carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas. Please.

http://www.npr.org/2010/12/30/132469407/texas-epa-escalate-battle-over-pollution-rules?sc=17&f=

14.  Texas lawmakers propose Christian language in funerals for non-Christian soldiers?

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/08/26/1010854/-Texas-lawmakers-fighting-to-insert-Christian-language-in-funerals-for-non-Christian-soldiers?via=blog_1

15.  Texas is ranked #44 out of 50 states in per pupil spending in public schools.

http://www.politifact.com/texas/statements/2011/jan/31/wendy-davis/state-sen-wendy-davis-says-texas-ranks-44th-educat/

16.  Texas is ranked #50 out of #50, that's right LAST or HIGHEST in the nation depending on which way you look at it, on the number of elderly and children who go without health insurance....and 50th in the nation for per capita spending for mental health.

17.  No cap on teacher/student ratio for middle and high schools.  The ratio for elementary schools is 22 students for every 1 teacher.

Isn't it Ironic?

Limits on social networking sites? You can't comment too much or request too many friends in one day? Shouldn't limits be relative to the total number of friends you have?

Sen. Ted Kennedy died yesterday. Everybody knew it was coming as he battled brain cancer for the past year. I think it's ironic that people don't get to live to hear what is said about them after death. Even in this case when it was anticipated, it's not until the person dies that the media makes a big deal out of them and airs programs honoring their lives and achievements. If I knew I was dying, I'd kind of like to hear what I meant to everybody BEFORE the fact. With that said, his passing marks the end of an era. The beginning of a new Kennedy generation as he was the last of three incredible brothers who tried to make our world a better place. Even though they called him the "Liberal Lion" he was known for having many close friends across the aisle.

another day

Another day of healing. Another day lying around. I watched President Obama's town hall on health care today and thought he did a great job dispelling all the myths out there. I am hopeful people will come together and agree on something. It seems to me a public option is a good idea. I forgot to call my congressman's office today to express my support of health insurance reform. I guess I will have to do it tomorrow.

Haven't made any progress in either of my books, New Moon or Driftwood Summer, today but have been doing a lot of thinking and resting and playing around on facebook. Took care of all the bills on Monday. Listening to the news pretty much all day with a slight break for some comedy and some wife swap.

Sierra went to pick up her schedule today. Can't believe she is now a junior! We decided to let her drop out of the GT/AP versions of her classes so she can get more As instead of Bs and get her class rank up so she has a better chance of getting into the colleges she is interested in. Zoe and Thomas are w/ Joe's mom until tomorrow, so the house is quiet. At least they are not making a big mess as usual! But of course I miss them and look forward to seeing them tomorrow when they come home.

Am craving pad thai and wondering if they are made with rice noodles only - like no wheat or corn. Joe should be home soon so we'll figure out something for dinner.

Made an appointment to get my cast off next week, Tues Aug 18. Tutoring tomorrow, Thurs, and Friday. It will be a nice change of pace from doing nothing all day!

Obama's birth certificate and the health care debate

I'm listening to the news (msnbc) and I don't see why there is still a debate about Obama not being born in America. It's already been substantiated that he was born in HI. It's ridiculous. Let it go people. And who cares about the beer summit and what kinds of beer they drank. I think all the republicans who are complaining need to get over it and accept Obama won the election fair and square and get on board to try to find some middle ground.

Chiming in on the health care debate - glad to hear there has been some compromise on the ideas for reform and hopeful they will figure out a win/win solution. I think offering a public option in addition to private insurance is a smart idea. If you like your private insurance you can keep it. If you don't you can go to the public option. They have to figure out how everything will be paid for, but I am hopeful and confident they can come with some solutions.

The dow is up, we are losing jobs slower than six months ago, the recession is slowly coming around. I think we are headed in the right direction.