Monthly Archives: February 2014

I Believe In . . .

Gun rights, Opinion, Politics, Thinking Independently, Uncategorized, Women in Politics, , , , , , , , , ,

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I had to laugh at this pic I saw on FaceBook, mostly because it’s pretty much how I feel. Probably doesn’t make me too popular with some people. I have always been told I tend to have a very unique way of looking at things, and at life. Quite frankly, I am happy about and proud of that fact. I am sure my dad, a raging Republican would cringe. Though he knows these things about me, I am quite certain he doesn’t understand me.

My significant other always tells me that when God made me, he didn’t throw away the mold, he locked it up to ensure he never used this combination of traits again . . . for whatever reason. I am told this is a compliment of the highest order. I often laugh when this is said, as I am not so sure.

I think I have mentioned, I do not have a political party line per say. I guess I am what some call an Independent. I just consider myself a person with a modicum of common sense, integrity, intelligence and compassion. I do not want others involved in my business without being invited, nor do I want to be involved in anyone else’s. For the most part, unless someone is being abused, I do not care what goes on behind other people’s closed doors, including their bedroom – as long as it doesn’t spill out of their doors. Nor is it anybody’s business what goes on behind mine.

I do not have a problem with gay people. I know many. I think if a person can find someone to share their life with and they love each other and are not hurting anyone else, then why is that even anyone else’s business. I’d be willing to bet you all know, and love or respect or both, someone who is gay – whether you are aware of it or not.

I believe if one wants to own guns and is responsible with them that is their personal business. I do not have a problem with that or background checks, only because I have had them done on me to get a job, so why not to buy a weapon with the capability of killing someone from a distance. If you asked me if I have a problem with the amount of information the government collects about us – I would tell you I most certainly do. But, there’s nothing I can do about that, per say, other than to go off the grid, which I must admit has been a tempting thought at times, if I had the resources.

Having been around the block a time or two, I am aware of what marijuana, alcohol, and other illegal and prescription drugs do to people, and often times their loved ones. Personally, I think cigarettes, alcohol, and prescription drugs are incredibly more harmful to people’s bodies than marijuana. But let’s be honest, the liquor and pharmaceutical companies are scared to death about their market shares and profit margins now that people’s attitudes about marijuana are beginning to change and the public opinion is influencing legalization laws – be it medical or recreational.

Having said that, we also have to remember that often what we do affects others. No one is an island, regardless of what one may think. The government shouldn’t have to point these things out to us, nor police society in that manner. Unfortunately, though I am glad we do not all think the same, there are some who have no common sense, intelligence, integrity or compassion. And compromise – many act like they never learned what that word means and it certainly does not apply to them.

So, if I have pissed you off, I certainly didn’t mean to. I just have my own ideas and opinions about things. I am sure you do too, and I’m the type of person, I would love to hear your ideas and opinions. I call it learning . . .

Just something I was thinking about it . . .

Image courtesy of:  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152007476084915&set=a.375215934914.157525.299509864914&type=1 

American Jobs Needed

American Infrastructure, American Jobs, Opinion, Politics, Thinking Independently, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , ,

So the other day, I was watching some talking heads show & it was mentioned how the infrastructure of the United States is in dismal need of maintenance & repairs. It was mentioned that the current president had talked about putting American people to work on these projects – thus fortifying America and bringing much needed employment to many areas of the country.

Sounds like perfect sense to me, but we all know those are not the types of jobs that can be shipped overseas to be done for pennies on the dollar of what it would cost here by paying a decent living wage.  These are NOT the types of jobs that bring big bucks to corporate America, so no one seems interested in getting these projects started, let alone completed.

I remember years back the former president made the statement that we need to train Americans for jobs needed in the 21st century. What we have seen is that most of those jobs are being sent overseas to be done cheaper – so I never understood how that was going to help Americans stay employed and help this country prosper.

Unfortunately, when our bridges start collapsing at a quicker pace, our water systems start malfunctioning and the worst nightmare of them all, we start having power grid issues, these corporate tycoons and government buffoons  are going to wish they had invested a little more here in their own backyards. I have always said, the one act that will bring this country to its knees is to take out the power grid – our aging, antiquated power grid that we ALL depend on for every aspect of our lives – communication, power, heating, running water systems, pumping gas, banking, checking out at the grocery stores, etc., as the list goes on and on and on.

It just seems like we are setting ourselves up to be ambushed, caught with our pants down, to fall hard, and to lose much. There’s a song I like by Toad the Wet Sprocket called Whatever I Fear and part of the chorus goes like this:

“Whatever I fear the most is whatever I see before me
  Whenever I let my guard down, whatever I was ignoring . . .”

 We, as a nation collectively, better start paying attention. We better quit ignoring the things that don’t seem to affect us right this instant, but will when we least expect it.

Just something I was thinking about . . . what do you think?

Lyrics ©Toad the Wet Sprocket – Coil 1997

Women’s Libidos – Really?

Healthcare Issues, Opinion, Politics, Reproductive Rights, Thinking Independently, Uncategorized, Women in Politics, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I have been hearing and reading a lot lately about Mike Huckabee’s comments about women’s libidos and contraception. Apparently he said something to the effect that the Affordable Care Act provided free contraception to women because essentially some people think women can’t control their libidos.

As a journalist my first instinct was to go find the video and see it for myself, in complete context, but I didn’t – and I’ll tell you why. Regardless of what exactly was meant by what was said exactly and the various interpretations of this comment, my question is . . . .

WHY are we talking about women’s libidos and personal health care choices that involve their quality of life? This discourse included married women – like their husbands are going to be onboard 100 percent with their wives “limiting their libidos” to avoid pregnancy. And I have to admit – I believe the old joke 99 percent of the time – what do you call women who you use the rhythm method of contraception? The answer is mothers. Even weathermen and farmers use more than a calendar to make predictions and determine action.

Do we have these discussions about men and their “little blue pills,” or whatever they take, for their erectile dysfunction? It’s also pretty well known there are many men who take these pills who don’t need them, they just want to be able to have more sex or extended  sex – but that’s a libido discussion for another day.

Do we have women in our congress – Senate and House of Representatives, as well as in other key management positions in our government making healthcare decisions for men and their quality of life? The sexual part of their lives and identities in particular?

There is not equal representation out there for women when it comes to government mandated decisions regarding women’s reproductive rights and lives because women make up a  small percentage of those who hold office. This is a problem, and I think we need to start thinking about that in our future voting decisions – as well as the fact there are many young ambitious intelligent thoughtful women who could run for these offices now and in the future.

Notice I have not mentioned party-lines – not interested in that. I am interested in women who understand the ramifications, situations and specific concerns of being  a woman being responsible for, or at least involved in, making decisions or at least having a majority say in legislation passed that affects women.

And one other point . . . this is 2014. Have we not learned that sex is an essential emotional, psychological, physiological and personal part of being a human – whether you are male or female? Again, why would this or any political discussion involve the word libido at all?

Just something I was thing about . . .