Sounds like a recipe for disaster … that our tax dollars are paying for 😶
apple.news/AU3xOb1AvTFK3_GFMma5G_g
Just something I was thinking about …
Category Archives: Politics
Extremely Stable Genius
Hey my Blog Buds . . . pretty much done with the house, but have to finish up the garage and the yard, but working it. Hurricane Harvey didn’t keep us down though it’s been a damn long haul back . . . and to say my husband and I are ~t~i~r~e~d~ is an understatement! 😐
I’ve been watching the news and all the shenanigans going on. I could spend all day writing about how bad this all is, but I just don’t have the time or the energy. I’ve been watching a lot of Rachel Maddow lately – I like the way she connects things that seem unconnected.
I’ve started watching CSPAN, too – live and in color! I watched the Brett Kavanaugh hearings — wow, that was a circus & Matt Damon’s SNL’s sketch was damn near spot on LOL 🙂 I watched the Barr hearings, too. I’ve got a date with the Mueller Report – though it’s not my job to read it, as I don’t serve the American public. BUT every Congressperson who has not read it is derelict in their duties.
But I had to comment on this . . .
Though I’ve heard him say those three words before, after his little performance making everyone uncomfortable, I couldn’t help but shake my head in utter disdain . . . this man truly needs help. His abandonment and self-esteem issues, are just so sad and disconcerting, besides the impression it makes and the message it sends to the rest of the world . . . but our late night hosts have plenty to work with.
Anyways, just something I was thinking about it . . . (and wanted to let you know Sadie’s still alive and kickin’ 🙂 I read a few of your blogs here & there, but it’s been far and few between for now.) Hope this finds you all doing well 🙂
Pence’s Private Email Surfaces – what a hypocrite
I’ve been pretty busy lately. Haven’t even heard Spicer news. And I certainly hadn’t heard about this . . . so had to reblog!
You can’t change stupid or superiority behavior . . . and in this instance it makes you more of a hypocrite . . .
Just something I was thinking about . . .
Image via Twitter
ADDICTING INFO
You remember that one company that used to stuff your mailbox full of coasters installation discs every single goddamn day of the week, your only reprieve from the madness being Sunday? Well, America Online finally discovered what it takes to be relevant: apparently Mike Pence uses it.
On Thursday, the Indianapolis Star revealed that not only did the Vice President use private email — something for which Donald Trump’s opponent, Hillary Clinton, was demonized — but he conducted state business on an insecure, almost-forgotten service that was presumed dead long ago. Unlike Hillary Clinton’s private email server, Pence’s AOL account was hacked.
Clinton was spotted on a flight from Boston to New York on Friday and a passenger managed to catch the very moment the former Secretary of State saw the USA Today headline about Pence’s private email. The passenger sent the photo to friends…
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Gold Plated Ham – SoCS
[I want to thank Linda Hill for her Stream of Consciousness Saturday prompt today – Ham.]
Donald Trump is a ham. His ego is so huge, because his self-esteem has to overinflate itself AND be publicly acknowledged to overcome the damage done when he was the only child of five sent away. (Yeah, I threw in a little armchair psychologist there!)
Just yesterday, he ordered 350 more gold-plated Cross pens (made in China) because he has already handed out, after one use I might add, 150. My dad was in the service my entire childhood & the pens they used then & the ones government employees use now are Skilcraft – which by the way are made by blind and disabled Americans here in America. Being somewhat of a pen/pencil connoisseur, I can tell you they write just as a good as a Cross.
When we are trillions in debt, in all honesty, why are we wasting pens? Sometimes tradition has to go by the wayside when times are tough . . . I know this first hand & most recent. Every little thing adds up. I used to work as a purchaser for the government & I also know when you are given a budget & you don’t use it all they reduce your budget the next year – so you are encouraged to spend your money whether you need to that year or not – which is crazy. Think about it – if we all did that, we’d never have anything saved. Just seems so wasteful to me . . .
The President also said the media was an enemy to the people of this country. He only likes media outlets that toot his egotistical horn. How dangerous his statement is – if you don’t feel it . . . it’s dictator-speak. Not unlike that of Stalin and other “leaders” who were destructive and evil in their throne of power.
I am a trained journalist. I fact check (through several different reliable sources) statements of fact that I write about, regardless of my own opinion. I believe in the power of journalism – NOT fake news or alternative facts, but true unbiased fact sharing journalism. There are still true journalists out there reporting the facts, even if you have to seek them out.
So I say again . . . President Trump is a ham, and too much ham will always cause bloat and discomfort and could lead to other more serious issues . . .
Just something I was thinking about . . .
A little piece of me died today . . .
A little piece of me died today . . .
What more can I say . . . All I can do now is pray . . .
Yes, I watched it (well most of it) – the inauguration . . .
Hard to swallow these feelings of consternation . . .
Just something I was thinking about . . .
It’s like a train wreck!
I know “the opera ain’t over till the fat lady sings.”
But, it’s looking like it might be bad, and I have a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. AND I never took anything for granted, as I saw the “jump on the Trump bandwagon” steamroll early on.
I’m not sure I can take anymore of this speculating, and I’m tired and thankfully I have a job to get up for early in the morning. But like a train wreck, I am just not sure I can turn away, shut the TV off, and actually go to sleep. (Though, my neck was really bothering me today, so I took a muscle relaxer not too long ago.)
Right now I am seeing Clinton with 209 electoral votes, and the “Don” with 228 of those votes. Winning involves garnering 270 electoral votes. Am I worried – you fucking betcha!!
I just don’t get it . . . 😦
They reported earlier that the Dow is expected to plunge tomorrow . . . so glad we pulled what little money we had left out of the market just in time!
I just heard the Canadian website crashed, due to all the Americans who now want to leave. The news pundits are comparing it to Brexit. OMG!!!
Are you watching the results come in? Your thoughts, feelings?
Just something I was thinking about . . .
SMH – Election 2016 – Debate #1
WOW – as expected, that was entertaining and frightening all at the same time! Just finished watching the first U.S. Presidential Debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. I wasn’t surprised when Trump began to unspool pretty quickly in. Clinton was able to bring out his “best side” with little provocation. He was rude, childish, vague, defensive, argumentative, and came off about as genuine as a slimy used car salesman. I don’t think he answered one question with a clear thoughtful response, instead meandering in various other directions. Presumptive expectations were met.
I followed Twitter during the debate this time – it fascinates me that so many people see and hear the same things, but interpret them so differently . . .
Personally I thought Hillary kicked the “Don’s” ass, for the most part.
For all the people that think Trump would be a great president because he is a great businessman, consider this:
- He stated during tonight’s debate that paying little or no taxes (when asked about the past) shows he’s smart – yes and he’s a cheat and doesn’t believe he should pay his fair share. I paid 33.4% in taxes last year for the small amount of 401K money we withdrew to keep our bills paid. [This did include a penalty for early withdrawal.] What percentage of your income did you pay?
- Trump has filed bankruptcy six times, yet always walked away personally financially sound, never changing his lifestyle. These bankruptcies, however, destroyed many small businesses that worked for him in good faith. Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should. YES, I could file bankruptcy, and probably should have over two years ago, but these are my bills and I will pay them as long as I have funds to do so, regardless if it’s allowed or not. That’s how I was raised!
- He doesn’t own the majority of the buildings that his name is on – he is paid for the use of his name. (Okay, I have to admit, that is great branding on his part.)
- He has used money from his Trump Foundation (mostly funded by donors) to pay personal and business debts.
- When asked tonight about being investigated for his alleged racial violations of the Fair Housing Act, he stated he settled those lawsuits admitting no guilt or fault – typically when lawsuits are settled out of court, no one admits guilt or fault, though often the payee was guilty or at fault, which is why they are paying out, often to hush people up.
- His current global business dealings would be a definite conflict of interest, regardless of who he says is running HIS companies.
He’s definitely good at keeping his head above water – but a smart and trusted business man – I don’t think so. Conniving and slick, I have no doubt, as he’s admitted to having conducted business this way. And he may not be a politician, but he’s probably the richest candidate (if you go by appearances) that’s ever run for president. Why don’t people see that he’s one of the worst of the 1%ers?
I will say that even if I liked him, and I don’t, I would never vote for someone who refuses to release their tax returns . . . that one action tells me he has much to hide, and/or that many of his lies will be revealed.
Looking forward to the next debate – I just hope those that need to be watching are.
Were you watching tonight? What did you think?
Just something I was thinking about . . .
Yeah, I know, it’s been a while since I have blogged in any way, shape or form – hope you all have been doing well & I plan to catch up with you soon ❤
Sadie’s world these days
Hello my Blog Buds! I hope you have all been doing well, here so close to the end of May. The end of May already – I am amazed how quickly this year has flown by. I had so many goals for this year, and so far, I am no where near meeting any of them! I’m working on that, though some days are better than others.
I have been busy, back hot and heavy on the job hunt. I am always looking, but sometimes take a break from the all out full-time job of searching. I have a couple of really good leads, with people who know me well pulling for me – so I am quite hopeful. But, I was in this position in March, and nothing came of it, as another friend who is 10 years younger received the offer. (The interview had gone well, I had much more experience in the role than she did, and agreed to the lower salary they mentioned right up front. The person leaving that position, due to a promotion, even recommended me for the job.) I AM NOT GIVING UP, even if I’m not counted!!!
Today I made pineapple marmalade for the first time. It tastes great, but hope it gels properly, as marmalade usually takes a little time to set up. Fixing to make some more apple butter, and some blueberry jam, in the next week or so. Then I will have enough to rent a space again – this time at one of the farmers markets, as we have many around my area. [YEAH, I know . . . Fixing to, you know I’m from the south, though I smiled at how incorrect it was when I typed it. 😉 ]
Oh Lordy, the upcoming election . . . I am truly absolutely shocked and amazed and confused and frightened and apprehensive, and I could go on and on and on. Let’s be honest, NONE of the candidates from the beginning were the best choices – BUT no one else stepped up. And the issues and possible solutions are endless. Also, I can genuinely understand where some of these people are coming from, the depth of their discontent and disparity. I even get their differences of opinion. I also realize the sense of greed and lust and power and control others approach these matters with. What a dichotomy . . .
The government and others in power and control of our lives have let us down often. It seems much of their time and effort is spent furthering their own agendas, not the American peoples’. In doing so, “the powers that be” have eroded this country’s greatness and ability to be the best by eroding the basic security and self-esteem of so many that have worked so hard for it. We don’t all want to be rich, but we would like to make enough to survive and have a little extra, and to know that in our elderly years we won’t be homeless, or dependent on others. You know be reasonably comfortable.
I do know the world is different than it was when I was growing up – often to survive or succeed you talked tough and made few compromises. Once you kicked ass a few times and proved you could hold your own, you had it made and no one messed with you anymore. BUT, the world is smaller now, and larger all at the same time. Mindsets and tactics have changed, and everything is faster. Information about almost anything you want to know is available and on overload. Balances are delicate – you can’t bulldog your way through the china shop. We have to change the way we approach some things for this country to prosper and out-maneuver, or we’ll die – our democracy as we know it.
At this point, I’m just waiting to see what happens when the game of “52 Pick-Up” is over, and the last card falls to the floor. I will vote, and we’ll see what shakes out . . .
[That’s not to say I won’t write any other political thoughts, because I might!]
I doubt my backyard owls will return this year. The city has been doing sewage upgrades in my neighborhood, and they have been quite busy back in my little alcove, where one of the mains is located, even storing one of their small bobcat diggers back there for the last several weeks. All that noise and activity I’m sure will eliminate my little area as a suitable home. I’m pretty sad about that, as I enjoyed the little glimpses of them I was blessed to have.
After spending most of the day online looking for jobs, I have to take a break from the computer screen, so I have not been able to keep up with all of you lately; I am slowly, but surely, trying to visit you all! I miss you and what you share ❤ I’ll be coming around to visit soon. 🙂
Just some things I’ve been thinking about . . .
The Dems Debate and the Tax Man Cometh
The Democratic Debate was lively tonight. I think Bernie did a good job overall. I think Hillary is getting a bit nervous, with Bernie snapping at her heals.
The commentators stated after the debate that “Hillary cleaned Bernie’s clock,” on the gun control question. I mentioned to my husband that I agree with Bernie’s decision to vote against holding gun makers and dealers responsible, as long as they did the appropriate background checks. What no one has mentioned is WHO does these background checks? Using that thought process, shouldn’t they be held liable as well, if a background check came back approved on someone who later committed a crime?
I believe in Texas background checks are performed by the Texas Department of Public Safety, though I am not sure on that. For all I know, that work is contracted out to some third party, in my state, as well as others. The point is, it’s really no different than if a drunk driver kills someone and has a floorboard full of empty Budweiser bottles – it’s doubtful that Budweiser would be sued, or be held responsible. If someone stabs someone with a Buck knife, no one would try to sue the knife company.
You can still walk into any gun show in Texas and sell your weapons with no background check, or exchange of any paperwork, with anyone who is willing to pay the price you are asking. Anyone who happens to have paid the ticket price to get into the gun show and has cash in their pocket. And how many crimes are committed with stolen guns? (No, I have not had a chance to actually research the numbers on this.)
Anyway – it seems like the audience was giving Bernie some good feedback, from what I could tell.
Changing topics, about a month ago I had a job interview, in my industry, for a job I have a great reputation for doing sucessfully. The position was being vacated by an old friend and colleague, who gave me an excellent recommendation. The interview went really well. I found out, via FaceBook, that I did not get the position, but another friend and colleague was offered the job instead. She is about ten years my junior. Though I wasn’t super jazzed about going back to a place I feel sucked my soul out, and it was also for over a third less than I what I used to make doing the same job – I won’t lie, the snub hurt. I need the money, I need the benefits, I need something to do with my time – I am getting so unfocused, and feel that I am adrift. BUT, I will keep looking!
Last, but certainly not least, it’s tax time in the U.S. It’s no secret that my husband and I have been surviving on our 401K money for over the last two years. So, let me be a little more frank – after our standard deductions, our taxable income this year was $29, 252. My taxes, and penalties for keeping my bills paid – surviving on about a third of what we are used to making – was close to $10,000. Oh yes, I did the math, our tax rate was 32.8%.
I could be wrong, but I doubt any millionaire, or billionaire, paid 32.8% of their income in taxes – but I bet a shit ton of them paid as much as, or more than, I paid to their accountants to ensure they did not pay that high of a percentage in taxes due to all the loopholes the rich have at their disposal. To me, that is a crime . . .
On a side note – my dad’s 76th birthday is coming up, and he is a staunch Republican. I bought him a Feel the Bern coffee mug, so he could start his days thinking about his “bleeding heart Liberal” (in his opinion) daughter. And I can’t wait to wear my Bernie Sanders T-shirt 🙂
Just some things I’ve been thinking about . . .
Iowa – just a stepping stone
I just saw the late night poll results from the Iowa caucuses, and I had to share! The Donald did not come out on top, as he expected. Bernie and Hillary are running neck in neck, so close that even at 99% of the precincts reporting, it’s still too close to call.
So the numbers for the Republicans went like this:
Cruz took 28% with 51,649 votes,
Trump took 24% with 45,416 votes,
and
Rubio came in at 23%, with 43,132 votes.
Of course, these numbers don’t really mean anything, and it’s still anyone’s race. And I have to say, Iowa doesn’t exactly represent the rest of the nation. I can’t wait to see what happens in New Hampshire!
I heard somebody on TV say, “The eyes of the world are watching us tonight.” I believe that is probably true.
On a personal note – Way to go, Bernie!!
Just something I was thinking about . . .
Just something I was thinking about . . . 