See Ya, Sarah

What fun watching the cable news networks cover this yesterday.
.
Right-wing Fox offered its standard wide-eyed cartoonish support, absolutely convinced that this bizarre move has somehow catapulted Palin to the 2012 GOP nomination.
.
Left-wing MSNBC, as usual, did nothing to hide its hatred of the woman, lining up its "objective journalists" (wink wink) to take a few gleeful swings at her.
.
I guess I'm laughing to keep from crying at the state of American journalism.
.

All in all, this is probably good for the GOP. Palin can now galvanize the far right and let someone with more, um, gravitas run for President. She's tough to watch.
.
See ya, Sarah.


...

Truth Serum

.
As the government takeover rolls on, I'm trying to convince myself that it's a "good thing". Perhaps, in fact, it is the responsibility of the federal government to make everything "fair", to make us all "equal", and to punitively take from those who have accomplished more to give to those who just don't feel like putting out that much effort. After all, they're "victims" and all that.
.
It's not as if I have much choice, y'know? And the Republicans can't whine - they brought this on themselves, and have no one to blame but themselves.
.
So now I find myself hoping that one Democrat will be honest about their real motivations, their real intentions. Maybe someone can slip a little truth serum into their organic carrot juice for me. Or, perhaps further Democrat victories and increased majorities in the 2010 elections will embolden one of them to let the proverbial cat out of the bag.
.
If this were to happen, I believe we would hear something like this:
.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm in the mood to spill the beans, so here we go: The Democrat party and its constituency feel it's time to bring America down a few notches, and that's exactly what we're going to do.
.
"To be honest, we feel guilty about the prosperity, power and influence that America has achieved during its relatively short life. Simply put, we have too much. Our Constitution was so brilliantly conceived and executed that we have vaulted far ahead of every other country on the planet in only 230-some-odd years.
.
"We have so much more than most other countries that it's embarrassing, and we're tired of hurting their feelings.
.
"So, we have two choices: We can either inspire and motivate the rest of world to rise up and achieve more, or we can just bring America down.
.
"It's a tough choice at first glance, but look, you have to remember that we don't really believe in the individual. We believe in government and bureaucracy. So the choice really isn't that difficult. So here's the plan: We're going to lower America's standard of living, effective immediately.
.
"First we are going to raise taxes and regulations on those we deem to be rich. Then we are going to drastically increase the scope, influence and authority of the federal bureaucracy. Only two measures, but highly effective in decreasing our standard of living. This will accomplish several things at once.
.
"First, higher taxes will de-incentivize people and companies to compete and innovate. Second, increased taxes and regulations will motivate companies to downsize, move overseas, or both. Third, redistribution of wealth to the lower earners will make them more and more dependent on the federal bureaucracy and lock in their votes for generations. The whole thing will feed on itself, as the federal bureaucracy grows more and more in influence.
.
"This is how we will create a lower standard of living. For example, more people will have health coverage, but the standard rationing of care and the death of competition and innovation will decrease the overall quality of care. Higher and higher taxes - not just income, but across the board - will mean the average American will have less available money to purchase things that hurt the feelings of people in other countries. New big screen, new car, that kind of thing. And tougher and tougher regulations and taxes on businesses will lead to higher consumer prices and further decreases in our standard of living.
.
"Then, finally, America will be brought down to where it needs to be. Other countries won't be jealous of our prosperity, power and influence. No one's feelings will be hurt. And Democrats won't feel so guilty.
.
"Look, I can understand that this may be a bit of a shock. But trust your government, we'll take care of you. And if you're concerned about the Constitution, we have that covered too. We've convinced many that it's a living, breathing document. Plus, whenever we're backed into the corner about the size and scope of government, we can just point to that Promote The General Welfare line and we're good to go.
.
"Now, sit back, and enjoy.
.
"Can I have a bit more organic carrot juice?"

.

Way to go, Governor

Another one bites the dust.
.
The fact is, politicians just can't help themselves.
.
Whether it's lavishly spending other people's money (both sides), allowing themselves to be bought off by special interests (both sides), or putting their weiners where they don't belong (both sides), these people allow their power to continually override their common sense.
.
Meanwhile, one side preaches moral standards, religion and Family Values while practicing quite the opposite; and the other side freely admits that it HAS no standards and should be excused for everything.
.
Both sides are quite guilty, and both sides foolishly point the finger at the other.
.
And you want these people to take care of you, to make life fair for you?
.
Good luck with that.

Here's Hoping

Being an Independent can be tough at times.

.

I watch in great frustration and profound sadness as the Democrats & Obama administration work feverishly to turn America into just another Western European-style socialist democracy, making more & more Americans more & more dependent on a bunch of professional politicians and the federal bureaucracy.

.

At the same time, however, I enjoyed his speech at the University of Cairo. Brilliant, well-delivered (as always), and hopefully historic, this speech could turn out to be the first step we're all hoping for.

.

Here's my two cents on this topic, worth every penny --

.

The goal of Mideast peace & long term victory over terrorism will require a global shift in attitudes. This can only be accomplished by...

.

... the kind of communication, respect and understanding exhibited by Obama's speech, repeated over and over and over, until everyone on all sides understands that those who seek to murder innocents must be isolated & exposed, and...

.

... the complete removal of the American military from Mideast soil, where we have no right being. How the former President thought that we could simply "plant" a Western-style democracy in this area and expect it to thrive is an absolute mystery.

.

Right now, the extremists can point at America's actions and (rightly or wrongly) use them as a recruitment tool. Our former diplomacy, characterized by force & intimidation, was doomed from the beginning.

.

Give murderers no excuse to murder, and you expose them for what they really are. It's not capitulation; it's a specific, careful strategy. You win.

.

Yes, I'm far to the right of Obama on domestic issues. And yes, I'm probably to the left of Obama on foreign policy issues. And yes, I may need a shrink. So sue me.

...

.

America Needs a Mirror

It's such a shame that our politicians can't be honest with us. Say the wrong thing, your career is over, and you have to find yourself a real job.

.

See, if there were an honest politician out there, he or she would ignore political expediency and say the following about the Great Recession of 2008/2009:

.

"Part of this mess has to blamed on the Democrats, who pushed and pushed for mortgage lenders to lower their lending standards as a matter of -- wait for it -- fairness.

.

"Of course, most Democrats are so controlled by their emotions that they can't seem to grasp the obvious - that some people simply aren't ready to own a home. Purchasing a home is an accomplishment, not a right.

.

"But that's our Democrat friends. If something is too hard, just lower the standards so that no one's feelings are hurt. To hell with the outcome or the long term ramifications.

.

"A larger part of the blame has to go to the Republicans, who - true to form - knee-jerked away from regulating banks and the financial system so that CDO's and other whacked-out 'investments' could pollute and destroy our financial system. Well done, guys. Markets need clear, flexible and efficient regulation to function properly and to adapt to new products and services. Not necessarily more regulation, but better regulation. Don't you know that?

.

"But by far the biggest part of the blame, and this is where I'm going to make news, has to go to the American consumer.

.

"Yes, I know, calm down. Let me finish.

.

"Let's begin with the adjustable rate mortgages that have played such a big part in this meltdown. Do you know why a person usually gets an adjustable rate mortgage? That's right, because they don't qualify for the mortgage on the home they want. See, they could, if they wanted to, they could just get a little less house and a fixed rate mortgage. But no, they had to have more. Is that someone else's fault? No. They're adults, it's their call.

.

"That's just the beginning, of course. We have to have the nicest cars, the newest cell phones, and the coolest clothes. Your iPod is six months old? It's a relic! You'd like a faster computer? Well, charge it, dummy!

.

"Oh, and don't forget to take out a second mortgage so that you can pay off those credit cards and charge more, and hold out an extra thousand or so for that 46-inch TV. And that trip to Disney World? Well, the next door neighbors did it, why can't we!

.

"The American public did this to themselves. Ask your friend - how much do they pay every month for credit cards, car loans and home equity mortgages? 800 bucks? A grand? Twelve hundred? Is it someone else's fault that these people are not putting that money away, investing it?"

.
"Yes, I hear you say 'well the market just crashed, I would have lost it'. Nice try. The market would not have crashed if we had been exercising even moderate financial sense, if we had not been over-extending ourselves, for the last few decades. There's always an excuse to avoid being responsible, isn't there?

.

"This is a self-inflicted wound. The next time you feel like pointing the finger at someone else, may I suggest you stop by the store and buy a mirror.

.

"And please pay cash."

...

Wow, Deja Vu

...

***STIMULUS BILL PASSES***
...

"Dear Friends:

"These are perilous times. America stands at the precipice, and only swift & bold action can help us avert imminent disaster. Our political opponents have chosen to put politics over what we know is best for America, so their opinions & ideas must be ignored.

"We wish that our political opponents could have risen to meet this challenge. Frankly, we have to wonder if they even love America. We tried to work with them, but they were unwilling, so we must proceed with our plan.


Signed,
George W. Bush
Dick Cheney
2003"

...

The Great Pork Package of 2009

No doubt about it, the Great Pork Package of 2009 is a Democrat's wet dream: (1) More and more control over the lives of Americans, (2) the chance to buy more and more votes, and (3) an opportunity to remind us that we need you to "take care of us". Congratulations.

I know how much you folks love Hugo Chavez, I know how much you want to mimic the way he's ruling down there, but I hope you don't plan on re-naming America, "North Venezuela". Are you going to change the flag, too?

And to the GOP, you're no better. Could you have possibly screwed up your chance any more? From a hideous war in the Middle East to being completely asleep at the switch while financial markets burned - your bizarre mixture of arrogance and naivete has provided a perfect excuse for the Democrats to create a Western European-model socialist democracy here, where individual freedom used to reign.

A pox on both of your houses. You're causing great damage to my children's futures with your power grabs. Worst of all, we keep voting you thugs into office, giving you even more power.

...

It's Time For a New Constitution

With all sincerity, I'd like to propose that we start from scratch and write a new Constitution.

In my humble opinion, the American Constitution is the most maginificent document ever written by man. It has created the most innovative, open, free, powerful & wealthy nation on the planet. I'm not "Proud to Be an American." I'm lucky. So very lucky. I did nothing to deserve not being born in, say, Nigeria. I just lucked out.

But let's stop kidding ourselves. We're no longer adhering to the spirit of the Constitution. And if we're going to insult and ignore such a wonderful document, it would be much more respectful if we'd just retire it.

A few ideas to get things started:

"All men are created equal." Well, to begin with, "men" will have to replaced by "people" to satisfy our Rules of Political Correctness, which we'll discuss in a moment.

And, the American public is now convinced that we are not born equal. If you are born of a certain race, you have no chance to succeed on your own, and it's up to the government to take from others to help you. See, it's now up to the government to make us all equal, after we're born.

The First Amendment. Clearly, as a result of Political Correctness and the very notion of a "Fairness Doctrine" (ha ha), Freedom of Speech is only allowed for one end of the political spectrum. Say something they don't like and it's over for you. Criticize a member of a CVG (Certified Victim Group) and they will divert the conversation by calling you something that ends in "ist." So dump the whole idea.

I would further suggest that the Democrat party create a website that we are all required to visit that specifically lists the words and phrases that we are not allowed to say. Each American will be required to visit the web site daily for updates. If, at some point, this list includes more than half of the English language, we can switch it to a list of words and phrases that we are allowed to say. Someone will have to monitor this.

Personal Responsibility & Self Reliance. This is where it will get tricky. See, the Constitution doesn't actually use the words "personal responsibility" or "self reliance." It just infers them, strongly, throughout. Freedom from control by the government. Freedom to succeed or fail based on your own efforts.

Well, as we know, notions like hard work, sacrifice, discipline, self reliance and personal responsibility for our actions are now equated with greed. Plus, failure hurts our feelings, and that simply can't happen.

It is now officially the responsibility of professional politicians and the federal bureaucracy to take care of us. So the above-mentioned qualities are not only not required, they are clear signs of evil and cannot be tolerated.

Well, that's a start. But let's at least be honest: It's time for change.

Conservatism, R.I.P.

I'll guess that the number of "GOP RIP" and "Conservatism RIP" pieces numbers in the thousands by now, so here's my take to throw on the pile.

Yes, conservatism as we know it is toast. But it's not because of George W. Bush's tragic, ideology-driven, America-as-policeman-of-the-world, ill-conceived war in Iraq. It's not because the GOP is tone-deaf on abortion, or because the Republicans knee-jerked away from regulation of financial markets, a truly historic blunder (although the Democrats are equally culpable in this mess). It's not even that they think that Sarah Palin (good gawd) is their political savior.

This death has been decades in the making, and it's the result of a patient, steady narrative supplied by the American Left. Liberals have succeeded in convincing America of the following:

1. It is the responsibility of a bunch of professional politicians and the federal bureaucracy to make everything "fair", to make us all "even" and "equal", and to see to it that we are all "happy." The Constitution, of course, says that we're all created equal, not that the government should make us all equal, but the liberals don't or won't see the obvious distinction. And, by the way, business profits are a sign of pure evil as well.

2. Personal responsibility, hard work, sacrifice and discipline are now equated with greed. In other words, they're bad qualities. See, if Person A sees Person B working hard and succeeding, then Person A's feelings may be hurt. And that is no longer tolerated. So by extension, competition, innovation and success may hurt someone's feelings, and are no longer "good" things.

3. If any endeavor is considered "too hard", then the standards for that endeavor must be lowered so that no one's feelings are hurt. We shouldn't use red ink when grading school papers, because it's too mean and may hurt someone's feelings, for example. Use purple, that's a nicer color. Certainly, when that student has a job in the real world, everyone around him will do everything they can to avoid hurting his feelings.

4. Political Correctness is mandatory, or you will be punished. The examples of this are simply too many to choose from, but I don't think I need to provide them. This has been a brilliant move by the American Left, because it allows them to control the conversation. Say anything critical of a Certified Victim Group, and you will be shouted down as a racist, or sexist, or whatever-ist, and they win the debate by pure volume. The First Amendment only applies to the Left. Absolutely freaking brilliant.


5. Finally, risk is bad, we can't handle it, and it's up to the federal bureaucracy to save us. The economic meltdown provided the perfect excuse for the American Left to attack capitalism as a whole. If I make an investment decision and that investment decision goes south, that should be my responsibility. But not any more. Now, if someone makes a bad investment decision, they're a victim, and the fault lies with the American capitalist system. Once again, thank goodness we have a bunch of politicians and the federal bureaucracy to "save us".


Personally, I think that passing a fundamental personal economics course should be required before students can graduate from high school. But the American Left wouldn't like that, because creating a populace that is self-reliant goes against everything Democrats stand for.

Year by year, little by little, the American Left has convinced the American public that it is too feeble to take care of itself, that it's a victim, and that it has to watch what it says. And it has won the battle.

And the GOP has allowed it to happen. This is a self-inflicted, fatal wound.

...

Is This a Joke?

Oh, how I wish the partisan sheep on either end of the political spectrum could see how they mirror "the other side."

.

As I observe political web sites such as the Huffington Post, Town Hall, Hot Air, Daily Kos and Politico, I laugh to myself as I see both sides behave in precisely the same way. Actually, it's one of those "laugh to keep from crying" things, since the issues that face us are so serious, but I laugh nonetheless. Why not, right?

.

A few examples of how the sheep behave in precisely the same way, like clockwork:

.

When a significant news story appears, both sides (1) spin it so that the other guys are to blame, and/or (2) accuse the news outlet of showing favoritism to the other side.

.

When a new attack book or movie is released, both sides claim (1) it's about time such an accurate and significant expose reveals the evils of the other side, or (2) ignore it because it paints their side in a negative way, and attack it as "propoganda" and "lies".

.

When a politician makes a gaffe or breaks a law, both sides (1) point out that it's clear proof that the other side is bad and cannot be trusted ever, or (2) downplays it, and tries to divert attention by pointing out the evils of the other side.

.

When asked a tough question to which they can't quickly spin to their side, they simply answer another question. And they'll do it for a week if they have to. The "reporters" asking the tough question are evidently in on this, because they rarely make the partisan actually answer the damn question they asked. At least they've asked the question, so it looks like they tried.

.

Two of my favorite partisan sheep tough question dodges are: (1) "Well, the REAL question should be...." and (2) "The other side wants to talk about this instead of the REAL issues like...". Too funny, great stuff. You can see the sheep making the calculations in their heads: "How can I spin this? How can I dodge this? How can I divert this?"

.

Both sides utilize spin, hyperbole, denial and diversion at every opportunity; both sides ignore the bad about their side while pointing it out in the other; neither side can ever, ever be trusted to provide the whole truth.

.

And speaking of Truth, both sides are absolutely convinced that their side has an absolute stranglehold on The Truth. Both Limbaugh's and Olbermann's dittoheads are absolutely convinced that their guy has a death grip on The Truth (and by the way, Olbermann's sheep love to use the phrase "speaking Truth to power", which is just hilarious considering how desperate they are to give our lives over to the federal bureaucracy).

.

So here's what I'd like to know.

.

Is this a joke? Are you guys just kidding? Do you really expect to be taken seriously? Or is this just a big game, and no one told me? I certainly would feel silly, thinking that politics was supposed to be serious, when all along you guys were just getting your jollies. I'd feel like a real goofball if Begala, Hannity, Olbermann, Rush, Carville and Coulter are just comedians and have no real interest in the significant challenges that face our country.

.

Because the games played by partisan sheep on both sides are so transparent, so predictable, so freaking obvious, that this surely must be a joke.

.

And if so, could you tell me where the serious people are?

.

The Left's Limbaugh

In Keith Olbermann, the left wing has found its Limbaugh, it's as simple as that.
.
Interestingly, everyone (including myself) appeared to be looking at radio as the place for this to happen. Yet, Air America didn't pan out due to its constant stream of negativity, cynicism and elitism. No, as it turns out, it happened on television. And Olbermann has reached this level of success by being amazingly similar to Limbaugh in many ways.
.
Both men are very good at what they do, from their side of the political spectrum. Both men have dittoheads who are amusingly convinced that THEIR guy has a vice-like grip on "The Truth", and are willing to testify to that to anyone who will listen. Funny, funny, funny.
.
Neither man broadcasts a "news" program, although their dittoheads appear to believe that each man is doing so. Neither man can be counted on for intellectual honesty or objectivity. Both men are masters at spin, denial, diversion and hyperbole. Both men have found formulas for creating instant controversy, and therefore, attention to themselves.
.
So, dittoheads, enjoy your guy, whichever man he may be. Fight for him, convince yourself that your guy speaks "The Truth", ha ha. Those of us who choose to think for ourselves will observe both as a way to determine what that end of the political spectrum is thinking at any given time. And we'll take neither guy seriously.

Freedom of Choice

I'm a big fan of Freedom of Choice.

Yet as I watch Barack Obama tell me how he's "going to make my life better" (I didn't realize it was the government's job to do that, but okay) it becomes more and more clear to me that Freedom of Choice is no longer being exercised. A few examples...

... YOU CHOOSE to either whine at work about your pay and/or benefits, rather than doing what it takes to move up on your job and increase your own income.

...YOU CHOOSE to either know who's winning on American Idol, or to increase your value on the job market by taking classes or getting certifications in your field to improve your career.

...YOU CHOOSE to sign on to an Adjustable Rate Mortgage for a house you can barely afford, rather than buying a smaller house that is more appropriate to your budget in the long run.

...YOU CHOOSE to run up your credit card on IPods and the latest fashions, instead of keeping your debts down in case something bad happens.

...YOU CHOOSE to drive an expensive new vehicle rather than a smaller vehicle that would allow more money in your budget for things like health insurance or a retirement account.

...YOU CHOOSE to complain about how "other people" don't "care" about the underpriviledged, instead of working with a non-profit to TRULY improve the lives of others, such as the poor, fatherless children, and/or lonely seniors. We all know it's easier to just bitch & moan than to get your hands dirty.

...YOU CHOOSE to complain about how other people have more money than you, pretending that they "cheated" or that they "didn't earn it" or "don't deserve it", when you don't take it upon yourself to improve your own life.

...YOU CHOOSE to make excuses and give up when things go wrong, pretending that such events don't happen to everyone else. If you admitted that we all have to deal with adversity and that some just don't give up, it would mess up your whole "victim" motif.

...YOU CHOOSE to wait for the government to "fix" your problems, using other people's money and time, because taking responsibility for your own life is just "too hard."

Yep, let's just hand everything over to a bunch of politicians and the federal bureaucracy. Let's let THEM have Freedom of Choice, deciding how to run our lives for us.

...

Here's Your "Conversation on Race"

It has come to my attention that many Democrats are calling for "A Conversation on Race." I think that's a fabulous idea, and I'm getting tired of waiting for it. So I'll provide it myself.

.

The conversation will feature a Typical White Person (as Barack Obama would call him) and a Black Leader.

.

Typical White Person: Thanks for your time sir. I'd like to start with a few simple questions. Can you tell me why average SAT scores for blacks are significantly below those of hispanics, whites and asians, despite the best efforts of the teachers unions to reach them? Can you tell me why one in three blacks actually drop out of high school, despite the fact that our school systems have continually lowered standards by emphasizing self esteem over results?

.

Black Leader: (clears throat)

.

Typical White Person: I'll continue if you'd like. Can you tell me why only 32% of black children have someone in the home they can call "daddy", and why black leaders are virtually silent on this kind of life-destroying child abuse? Can you tell me why one in three blacks are involved in the penal system, or why blacks account for 43% of HIV cases while constituting only 12% of the overall population of our country?

.

Black Leader: (checks watch)

.

Typical White Person: Well, I guess I can keep going. Can you tell me why blacks who work hard, get good grades, sacrifice and succeed are attacked by many in the black community for being "Uncle Toms" or "too white"? How are more blacks supposed to have better lives if they are criticized for doing what it takes to succeed in America, regardless of skin color? Why is it that blacks are made to feel inferior and dependent by their own leaders, when they are clearly just as capable as anyone else? Why aren't effort, sacrifice and achievement held up as fundamental expectations in today's black community?

.

Black Leader: Well, I have the answer to all your questions.

.

Typical White Person: That would be wonderful, thank you.

.

Black Leader: It's all YOUR fault.

.

Typical White Person: What? It is?

.

Black Leader: How DARE you question me! That means you're a racist! A RACIST, I say!

.

Typical White Person: I'm so sorry. I'll watch every word I say from now on. The last thing I want to do is offend you.

.

Black Leader: (smiles) I knew this would be a constructive conversation.

Okay, I Give Up

I follow politics not because it's fun; not because it's a neat sport. I follow politics because I want to be prepared for what politicians are going to do to me. This blog is my catharsis for the frustrations I have when I follow politics. Simple as that.
.
I disagree with conservatives on many issues: I didn't and don't think we should have gone into Iraq; I'm pro-choice, anti-death penalty, anti-"War on Drugs", pro equal rights for gays. I'm sure I agree with the American Left with a few other things as well.
.
But when it comes to the issues involving economics and culture, it makes me sad to watch what the American Left is doing to what's left of my country. Four vivid examples are the Politics of Envy, Political Correctness, The Soft Bigotry of Reduced Expectations and the Politics of Victimhood. I've watched as the momentum on these issues has been clearly on the side of the American Left.
.
Like a staggered boxer, I was close to hitting the canvas and crying "uncle". The latest blow was the argument that people who purchased adjustable rate mortgages were "victims" of The Evil Mortgage Companies and needed to be saved. Surely it was obvious to all that (1) a vast, vast majority of buyers knew what they were getting into when they signed on the dotted line, and (2) all these people needed to do was purchase a little less house, and they would not have needed the ARM. But no, there was and is no one on the American Left willing to admit it either.
.
But the final blow (and it pains me to admit this) came from Joy Behar, of all people. Recently on The View, she blamed Those Big Evil Restaurants for America's obesity problem. Absurd, ridiculous, even funny. As if people are being forced to order and eat what they're ordering and eating. But then she uttered the words that finally did me in: “Why aren’t they (restaurants) being called to task instead of the victims of this type of eating?”
.
When I heard about this, something snapped. Victims of this type of eating.
.
Unlike the American Left, I think that Behar or anyone else is free to say whatever they want, no matter how bizarre, without being fired or suspended. My point is that her stunning comment probably sounded right to millions. Our country has become so soft, so "victimized", that there were probably millions of heads nodding in agreement with Behar from coast to coast. Bad restaurant, bad. It's your fault I ordered and swallowed that double cheesecake. Bad.

.

To make this as clear as I possibly can: It's not the words. It's the nodding heads. The millions of people saying "yeah, she's right. It's not my fault. It's someone else's fault. I'm a victim of my own bad decisions and someone else must be blamed."
.
It has come incrementally, but the Left has won. Standards, from education to employment to music to oral sex in the Oval Office, have been lowered and lowered and lowered. To the point now where people are victims when they make stupid, destructive choices. And now, if I purchase and eat food that is bad for me, I'm a Victim. The decay of my wonderful country has begun.
.
The Western European-model socialist democracy the Left has been pining for is on the way, and soon. Government is here to protect us from ourselves. Self-reliance and effort are now officially indications of evil greed. And anyone who claims to be a victim, is.
.
Dang it, I wish I had been born earlier. This is painful to watch.
...

Let's Make PC Official

I think it's time that we did the right thing and made Political Correctness official.
.
Looking around the news, it's clear that people are being offended by the things that other people say. And I think we all know that being offended causes significant and permanent harm to the offendee in a wide variety of emotional, psychological and financial ways, and that any offender must be severely punished.
.
Don't worry. This will be simple. A three-step approach:
.
First, we identify members of a Certified Victim Group (CVG). Members of this group would include women, blacks, hispanics, Muslims, illegals and liberals (or is that term offensive? Am I supposed to say "progressives" now? Please let me know, I don't want to offend). We make it a Constitutional Amendment that a member of a CVG can announce that they are offended by something someone else says, and the offender is immediately subject to a lawsuit (can't have enough of those) and job dismissal (before he offends a co-worker). We could have a code word so that everyone knows what's going on. I will suggest "Shenanigans!"
.
Second, everyone knows that government exists to step in at every opportunity to micro-manage our lives, to make everything "fair" and "even." So, we create a government program (obviously) that maintains a web site of all of the words and phrases that we are not allowed to say in public. Because this list is constantly expanding, the government program will have to be very large and expensive. That's fine. No cost is too high to save members of a CVG from being offended. We can give the web site an appropriate name, like TheFirstAmendmentIsDead.com. This way, we can always be up to date on Words and Phrases That Are Not Allowed In America For Fear That They May Offend Someone. For Co-Directors, I will nominate Al Sharpton and Don Imus.
.
Third, we figure out how to pay for this critical bureaucratic program. Oh come on, I'm just kidding! We all know we can just "tax the rich" to pay for it. Of course, "the rich" don't need all that money, they didn't earn it, they don't deserve it, and they're evil. Get their money. Unless, of course, they're a member of a CVG. Those people are okay. Because, you know, they're victims and all. We may have to wait in line behind those who are also expecting "the rich" to also pay for health care, energy, infrastructure and a few dozen government programs, all as we raise their taxes, but I'm not worried. I'm sure we can soak those rich meanies for a few more bucks.
.
See? I told you this was easy.
.
And I hope I haven't offended anyone.
...

"The Truth" Silences Opposition

A while back I blogged about how I had visited a Keith Olbermann fan site, and was told quite clearly that his "Countdown" show is a "real" news program. While I was a bit surprised to learn that there are people who consider him a "newsman", I realized that, in the current hyperpartisan political climate, anything is possible.

.

Anyway, here's an update.

.

I've been in one of those back-and-forth running conversations with an Olbermann follower at the Huntington Post. It was pretty standard communication with a far lefty: I asserted that "Countdown" is not a news program; the follower insulted me, called me "stupid", came up with a few other names, and did not deny my original point. Of course, they rarely do. The insults and name-calling are simply diversionary tactics designed to avoid addressing the issue. I get them all the time on left wing sites. Luckily, I've been married for 25 years, I can handle insults.

.

But at one point he said something that fascinating and quite illuminating.

.

One of my points was that Olbermann is clearly afraid to interview anyone who disagrees with him. He launches vicious attacks, and then introduces a guest who reinforces his attacks. They agree and everyone is happy. Of course, on a "real" news program (especially on cable), the host has one guest from both sides of the story to provide balance. I pointed out that even Bill O'Reilly (whose goofy O'Reilly Factor is no news show either, but he doesn't claim it is) interviews people who disagree with him constantly.

.

So the Olbermann follower says this: "Keith speaks the truth, so no other sides are needed."

.

Did you get that?

.

Keith and his sheep have decided that the people who hold opposing viewpoints to those of the sainted Mr. Olbermann are simply "wrong", and so their opinions don't deserve the light of day. This is why, they reason, he is clearly justified in not presenting two sides of a story. Since he represents and "reports" The Truth, no other input is required.

.

Between the narcissitic hypersensitivity of Political Correctness and "news" programs like this, the American Left is succeeding in controlling free and open reporting and discourse in America. The First Amendment has become a relic, a punchline.

.

How nice it would be to see the GOP candidates expose this fact.

...

JFK GOP?

The great irony of the current Obama-Kennedy comparisons is that JFK would have no place in today's Democrat party.

.

His most famous line, "Ask not what your country can do for you..." would be the antithesis of the Democrats' push toward a Western European-model socialist democracy.

.

To today's Democrats, self-reliance and effort and nothing more than indications of greed. Success is to be attacked, as those who are successful certainly didn't earn it and don't deserve it.

.

To today's Democrats, standards must be lowered across the board so that everyone can have an equal chance at mediocrity. If something is "too hard", we must make it easier, lower the bar.

.

To today's Democrats, the role of government is to step in at every possible opportunity to "make things fair", to "make things even", and to punish anyone who is willing to put out too much effort.

.

JFK's "Ask not what your country can do for you" assertion would get him invited to less Democrat dinner parties than Joe Lieberman.

.

I can't imagine JFK would want to see us become a Western European-model socialist democracy. Anyone who denies that this is the direction the Democrats are taking is invited to provide a list of things they didn't like about pre-Sarkozy France. My list, the specifics the Dems are pushing for now, would be much, much longer.

.

The Party of Decay

As an Independent, it's in my nature to listen to, consider and respect both ends of a given issue. This election season was no different - I was prepared to keep my mind open to both parties and let them convince me one way or the other. I agree with both parties on various issues, so the better candidate and message would get my vote.

.

But something has happened along the way. As I look at the websites of the various candidates, as I listen to them talk, and as I carefully observe what their supporters have to say, it's becoming more and more difficult for me to imagine voting Democrat in 2008.

.

Of course, I have this profound epiphany in an election that will almost certainly be another sweep for the Democrats. Oh well.

.

But as I look at what the Democrats clearly want to do, it is becoming more and more clear that modern-day Dems are all about lowering standards. And it also seems clear that, as we continue to lower standards, we are accelerating the decay of our society.

.

Let's take a few examples:

.

Education - I asked my oldest daughter how her spelling test went. "I don't know", was her reply. Annoyed, I asked why she didn't know. Her answer? "Sometimes my teacher just tells us later because she doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings."

.

Whether it's spelling tests or dodge ball, the feelings and "self esteem" of children are now more important than their acheivements. The Democrats and the teacher's unions have lowered every standard possible. As a result, we see the decay of our educational system.

.

Employment - I believe it is bigotry to treat people differently based on their ethnicity, the color of their skin. Such bigotry is cool with Democrats, and they support Affirmative Action wholeheartedly. The color of a person's skin is more important than their qualifications, and employers are forced by law to be "fair" to all.

.

They have to hire person A because of the color of their skin, and they can't fire person B due to the color of their skin. The result of this bigotry? Of course, the decay of the quality of a company's workforce. Rather than expecting minorities to hold themselves to the same standards as non-minorities, the American Left has convinced them that they are inferior (what a crock), they're victims, and they should not have to try so hard. And of course, businesses must comply.

.

Citizenship & Language - The Democrats have demonstrated their intense commitment to keeping us all separated by our ethnicity. Rather than keeping standards high and expecting Americans to at least speak English, they've gone in the opposite direction and once again they have lowered the bar.

.

Learning English is too hard? Okay, you don't have to do that. We'll put up signs in your language so that your feelings aren't hurt, and we'll force businesses to hire you anyway. Don't want to wait your turn for immigration? That's okay, we'll fight for your God-given right to ignore our border and break our laws. The result? The disintegration, the decay, of our borders, language.

.

Culture - Our cultural decay is obvious, unmistakable. Americans glorified for providing verbal aid to our enemies in a time of war by comparing our President to Saddam and Hitler; the gang culture glorified in music and movies; politicians glorified for preaching the Politics of Envy, inciting hatred among Americans.

.

People called "racist" because they believe minorities are just as able as whites; Political Correctness destroying public discourse by saying that certain words "aren't allowed"; and, perhaps worst of all, a political party convincing millions that it's the job of the federal bureaucracy to "make things fair", to stick it to anyone who has more than me, so that I can lower my standards and not have to try so hard.

.

President Bush has been a disaster on a variety of levels. The GOP field is, uh, flawed, to say the least. I don't think we should be in Iraq. I'm pro choice, anti death penalty, anti War on Drugs. I don't know squat about the Bible. But I can't support the decay of my country from within.

.

The Democrats, the Party of Decay, have gone so far off the deep end that I just can't support them this time around.

.

Somehow I suspect they'll survive without me.

...

America, 2009

I spend some time in political chat rooms, and posting on sites like Politico and Huffington. There's one literal, sincere, serious point I make that consistenly incites attacks and personal insults from liberals:

.

"The American Left wants to turn America into a European-model socialist democracy."

.

Boy, do the claws come out with this one. People on these sites like to compete to come up with the most creative, vicious personal attacks that they can muster (and many are very good), but they typically revolve around either "you're stupid" or "you're mentally ill." Most amusing of all, of course, is that they automatically assume I'm a Republican.

.

The funny thing is, no one ever denies it.

.

If they were to deny it, I would then ask them something like this: "Okay, my apologies, perhaps I'm wrong. Please describe, then, precisely what you did not like about pre-Sarkozy France."

.

How many examples, do you suppose, would they be able to provide? I'd bet my collection of Jimmy Buffett CD's that you'd be able to count them on two fingers, while I'd be able to provide a long list of things they just loved about pre-Sarkozy France.

.

Every indication, as of this writing, is that either Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton will be our President in 2009, and that Congress will lean even more to the Democrat side. Take a close look at the promises these people are making, and Google "France government".

.

Then you tell me.

...

México No Es Bueno

The illegal immigration battle rages on, of course. With absolutely no end in sight, of course.

And, as with most critical issues facing our country today, I find myself somewhat annoyed by both ends of the political spectrum.

The Democrats seem completely oblivious to the following facts: (1) condoning and supporting law-breaking is a bad idea, (2) continually lowering standards in virtually every part of American life because "they're going to do it anyway, and you're a meanie" is also a bad idea, and (3) if Mexican nationals can pop across the border with the ease of a trip to your corner 7-11, so can terrorists. Of course, Democrats can be counted on to immediately scream "racism" if any of these points are brought up (their brilliant method of controlling the argument), so I'd better keep my voice down.

The Republicans, as usual, remain virtually unable to put two consecutive coherent thoughts across on this topic. How about this: "Close the freakin' border, enforce the freakin' laws." There. That wasn't so hard, was it? The GOP could take this issue and run with it all the way into the White House in 2008, but they're too busy, uh... well, I actually have no idea what they're doing.

They even sit there and take it when the Democrats say that "Republicans are against immigration", purposely leaving out the "illegal." Can't you guys at least call them on that load of crap? Has Bush screwed up on so many levels that you're afraid to even fight any more?

One topic I've heard very little about on this issue is the bizarre inability of our friendly neighbors to the south to get their act together and, you know, have a country. Fred Thompson is the only candidate I've heard explore this. Here it is:

Evidently, Mexico sucks.

We wouldn't have to worry about this constant flow of illegals from south of the border if their country weren't such a pile of crap. What is it, have the drug lords so corrupted the country that it's beyond repair? Why the hell are your people so freakin' desperate to get out of your country? Did I do something?

For crying out loud, you're so close to us geographically, can't you just figure it out by osmosis? Isn't there anyone in your country who can look a few miles north and see how it's done? I'm pretty sure you have electricity there, can't someone get online and look up "commerce"?

Perhaps we can do something like force feed you some business sense. Can we send a few business consultants down there (God knows we have plenty to spare) with a laptop, Excel, and the latest edition of Inc. magazine? I'm just trying to think outside the box here.

I'm not sure what would be tougher - motivating Mexico to get its act together or waiting for our politicians to close the border and enforce the laws.

As usual, I'm not holding my breath.

...