I've been doing some thinking today. Surprised? Every now and then... Anyway... earlier this week I saw the President on TV imploring people who are able, to vote early this year. Could it be because he knows something about Hurricane Sandy's destructive powers that we don't?
I have a funny feeling about this storm. It's already caused some power outages in the East, and has another 2 1/2 days to go before it's even done there! If it messes things up too badly, it may make it difficult for people to get to the voting poles on the 6th. Jus' sayin'... So if Ohio and Wisconsin (yes, it's supposed to be big enough to effect them) don't get the kind of turn out the President is hoping for, does he get to call a "do-over"?
And what happens to the rest of the country if power outages hit NYC and the Wall St. stock exchange has to be closed down for a few days or more? That would cause a huge mess throughout the US. I kiddingly mentioned on Facebook That this storm may in fact be the "October surprise" of this election. I hope it's not. I just have a funny feeling about this storm...
10/31/12- Well the storm is now gone for the most part, but its' effects will be with us for a while. As I suspected, I got it partially right. The discussion is obviously about fixing things that got broke, but there's also talk about how this will effect the election next week. And I also heard talk about Wall Street being closed. Lower Manhattan got hit pretty hard. Let's just hope that's it for a while!
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Speaking of Heart...
My daughter Harmony attended Central Catholic High here in Portland. She graduated back in 2004. I bring that up for 2 reasons. The first is that she realized her love for running there, on the Cross Country track team, which is something that enriches her life now. The other, is that one of her fellow alums inspired me to write this post.
His name is Hayward Demison, and he was a running back on the Central Catholic Rams football team in 2010, 6 years after Harmony's departure. Yesterday I saw a story about him on ESPN, which I found to be both timely and inspiring. I knew by the time it was done that I needed to write about it on my blog.
In September, 2010, Hayward was a Junior in high school. His #1 football dream had always been to win a game for his team on the last play of the game. He saw that dream become reality when Central beat Canby by the score of 28 to 24, with Hayward running in the winning touchdown as time expired. Before he could celebrate the completion of his dream, he began to feel intense pain in his chest. Hayward had a major heart attack, which left him lifeless on the field of play.
Fortunately, he didn't "stay dead". He came back to life at the hospital, where they found he could either have a triple bypass, never to play football again, or he could have a risky open heart surgery that "might" allow him to play again in the future. He bravely opted for choice number 2, knowing that without the game he loved he'd have more regret than he wanted to handle. He made it through the surgery like the champion he is.
By his senior year he was back on the field, running the ball into the end zone. He played well enough to make it onto the all state team after leading his team into the playoffs with a 10-3 record! He accepted a scholarship from Southern Oregon University, and is now playing football on the college level.
The reasons I feel this story is timely and inspiring, is that just last week I wrote about the heart attack I had 19 years ago. I wrote that for the next 9 years I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, hypersensitive to any abnormal feelings in my body. Hayward's story inspires me because he was able to just move forward, whether or not he had the same fears as me. I feel it's safe to say he learned quickly what it took me 9 years to learn. Cast your fears to the side and live NOW.
His name is Hayward Demison, and he was a running back on the Central Catholic Rams football team in 2010, 6 years after Harmony's departure. Yesterday I saw a story about him on ESPN, which I found to be both timely and inspiring. I knew by the time it was done that I needed to write about it on my blog.
In September, 2010, Hayward was a Junior in high school. His #1 football dream had always been to win a game for his team on the last play of the game. He saw that dream become reality when Central beat Canby by the score of 28 to 24, with Hayward running in the winning touchdown as time expired. Before he could celebrate the completion of his dream, he began to feel intense pain in his chest. Hayward had a major heart attack, which left him lifeless on the field of play.
Fortunately, he didn't "stay dead". He came back to life at the hospital, where they found he could either have a triple bypass, never to play football again, or he could have a risky open heart surgery that "might" allow him to play again in the future. He bravely opted for choice number 2, knowing that without the game he loved he'd have more regret than he wanted to handle. He made it through the surgery like the champion he is.
By his senior year he was back on the field, running the ball into the end zone. He played well enough to make it onto the all state team after leading his team into the playoffs with a 10-3 record! He accepted a scholarship from Southern Oregon University, and is now playing football on the college level.
The reasons I feel this story is timely and inspiring, is that just last week I wrote about the heart attack I had 19 years ago. I wrote that for the next 9 years I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, hypersensitive to any abnormal feelings in my body. Hayward's story inspires me because he was able to just move forward, whether or not he had the same fears as me. I feel it's safe to say he learned quickly what it took me 9 years to learn. Cast your fears to the side and live NOW.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
A Heart Attack At 37?
You know... with all the posts I've placed on this blog, I never have brought up my heart attack from 19 years ago. I guess it's about time to do that, as the event changed me in several ways. Some good ways, and some not so good.
I was 37 years old at the time. One Saturday afternoon I was preparing for a nap, when my left shoulder began to increasingly bother me. My wife at the time was also in the bed, reading a book before taking a nap herself. I mentioned my shoulder being sore, and jokingly said something about sweating. Soon as I was finished with my statement, I broke out in a sweat.
Fortunately, after having attended first aid training 5 or 10 times, I immediately recognized what was going on, as a heart attack. My wife told me I had gone pale, which affirmed what was happening. We walked out to the car, and off we drove to the hospital. It was a pretty scary drive; running red lights and a lot of horn beeping, but we arrived at the hospital unharmed.
I walked into the emergency room unassisted, and sat down while my wife told the people at the desk that it seemed like I was having a heart attack. Some medical professional (can't recall if it was a doctor or a nurse) did a few quick tests, which ended with giving me a nitro glycerin tablet. Almost immediately the symptoms became less intense, but only for a few minutes. They determined that I was indeed, having a heart attack, and quickly got me into an operating room.
For the next 1/2 hour or so, I was in the greatest pain of my life! First they gave me an angio-gram to figure out what they needed to do to treat me. The whole time, I was in such pain that I was swearing like a sailor. They decided that what I needed was an angio-plaste. So I simply laid there in extreme pain while they did their thing. First thing I did when they were finished was to apologize for all the swearing I had been doing. I remember a male nurse telling me not to worry about it, that it happens all the time during this procedure.
I stayed in the hospital, stoned out on morphine for the next 3 days. Now I know why heroin is so addictive. That was some good shit! When I left the hospital I began viewing life differently than before I went in. For the next 10 years I was hyper sensitive to any kind of pain or discomfort I experienced. It was a total pain in the ass! I returned to the hospital 5 or 6 times out of fear that I was having another heart attack. Turns out, each time, it was merely a mild case of heartburn.
Then 9 years ago, those all too familiar pains returned. When I got to the hospital, they told me I needed a new coil because the old one was warn out. They replaced it, and I was good as new. At that point I made a decision to focus on living instead of dying. I became far less conscious of every little ache and pain that came my way. I still try to take care of myself, which is challenging because of chronic back problems, and I may not live forever, but at least I can enjoy myself now. THAT'S important!
I was 37 years old at the time. One Saturday afternoon I was preparing for a nap, when my left shoulder began to increasingly bother me. My wife at the time was also in the bed, reading a book before taking a nap herself. I mentioned my shoulder being sore, and jokingly said something about sweating. Soon as I was finished with my statement, I broke out in a sweat.
Fortunately, after having attended first aid training 5 or 10 times, I immediately recognized what was going on, as a heart attack. My wife told me I had gone pale, which affirmed what was happening. We walked out to the car, and off we drove to the hospital. It was a pretty scary drive; running red lights and a lot of horn beeping, but we arrived at the hospital unharmed.
I walked into the emergency room unassisted, and sat down while my wife told the people at the desk that it seemed like I was having a heart attack. Some medical professional (can't recall if it was a doctor or a nurse) did a few quick tests, which ended with giving me a nitro glycerin tablet. Almost immediately the symptoms became less intense, but only for a few minutes. They determined that I was indeed, having a heart attack, and quickly got me into an operating room.
For the next 1/2 hour or so, I was in the greatest pain of my life! First they gave me an angio-gram to figure out what they needed to do to treat me. The whole time, I was in such pain that I was swearing like a sailor. They decided that what I needed was an angio-plaste. So I simply laid there in extreme pain while they did their thing. First thing I did when they were finished was to apologize for all the swearing I had been doing. I remember a male nurse telling me not to worry about it, that it happens all the time during this procedure.
I stayed in the hospital, stoned out on morphine for the next 3 days. Now I know why heroin is so addictive. That was some good shit! When I left the hospital I began viewing life differently than before I went in. For the next 10 years I was hyper sensitive to any kind of pain or discomfort I experienced. It was a total pain in the ass! I returned to the hospital 5 or 6 times out of fear that I was having another heart attack. Turns out, each time, it was merely a mild case of heartburn.
Then 9 years ago, those all too familiar pains returned. When I got to the hospital, they told me I needed a new coil because the old one was warn out. They replaced it, and I was good as new. At that point I made a decision to focus on living instead of dying. I became far less conscious of every little ache and pain that came my way. I still try to take care of myself, which is challenging because of chronic back problems, and I may not live forever, but at least I can enjoy myself now. THAT'S important!
Tuesday, October 09, 2012
The "One Year" Rule
I've made a decision I call the One Year Rule. It goes like this... If you write something for someone, and they haven't used it for one year, you may post it on your blog. In August 2011, I was asked to write the advise I would give to an autistic young adult who was moving from an urban (city) setting to a rural (country) setting. I did what I was asked, and to the best of my knowledge, it hasn't been used to date. So I'm posting it here. The title of my writing is...
*****Beyond The Obvious
For all your
own good reasons, you've chosen to live in rural America, where getting your
needs met may be more difficult than in the city. There's no reason to panic if
you or someone who knows you is able to see "beyond the obvious."
Always remember it's not you or your disability that makes life tricky, it's a
world that has long neglected the idea of including EVERYONE as an equal
opportunity participant in the community. Throughout history people with
disabilities have been looked upon as second class citizens. Though things have
slowly improved, I believe we still have a long way to go.
Of course, you'll want to be tied into some real advocacy in your new environment. There are agencies and individuals who are well paid to be there for you, but this can be very challenging. Many people who claim to be disability advocates, really are not. They may simply see you as part of their job. Look for passion! Look for people who understand the disability racket, and have experience in taking on the status quo. Just because someone holds some sort of title, doesn't mean they have YOUR best interests at heart. You don't want to learn this lesson the hard way, so always make sure you know the person(s), and their intentions going in. ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS. If you do this thoroughly, and take this task seriously, you'll be much better off in the long run.
What's really
important is fully understanding how important it is to educate people on how
your disability can be their reward. Many people have an inner need to feel
like they're making a positive effect in the world. These are the same people
who find reward in doing things that help their neighbors. This is not about
pity, it's about ALLOWING people to be as great as they can be. Refusing people
the opportunity to be helpful, is no different than people refusing you the
opportunity to participate. Live and let live.
It's equally
important that you realize many people are fearful of stepping away from the
comfort of familiarity, especially familiar individuals. When they have someone
they can talk to who experienced the same situation that they did, it makes
them that much more comfortable. Not being able to do so causes folks to wonder
if they did or said the right thing. If they lose enough of their self-confidence,
they will likely retreat, and you will lose whatever support you were getting
from them. If they have someone to talk to they are more likely to feel
reassured, and less likely to retreat. This is a good reason to believe there's
"strength in numbers." There's nothing like a "team"
effort.
I'd like to
tell you about a short documentary I watched recently. The title is
"Picking up Butch." It deals with a man in his 60s who has cerebral
palsy. He lives in the relatively small town of Middlebury Vermont, population,
8000. Because he is physically compromised, he uses a wheel chair. His arms and
hands also contribute to his personal challenges. He grew up in Middlebury,
where he became a big fan of the University's football and basketball programs,
as well as the college and students themselves. Getting to the games was a
major difficulty for him as a child. Now, at 63 and living in a nursing home it
would be even more difficult for him, except for one thing. Butch has earned
the love and respect of the entire student body!
Where he lives
is what he calls a "boring" place. Most of the other residents are in
their 70s and 80s. What's most important to Butch is getting to the games, and
hanging out with the younger students. As the title of the film suggests, each
home game day, students come to the nursing home, pick him up, and take him to
the games themselves. It's a tradition that has held for 50 years. Somehow the
information about Butch, his physical needs, his mild fear of being in a van,
and his love for what happens at the school have been passed down from class to
class over the years. He is totally a crowd favorite, almost like he's on the
team himself. Everybody knows Butch! It's all about the relationships he's
established in the past 50 years with people who want to do good things. It's
not only about sports either. He's gotten his equivalency diploma with the
assistance and tutoring of a non-athlete. Butch is not any kind of mascot, he
is accepted as having a seat with everyone else.
I guess the
story of Butch and how he and his disability have enriched the lives of so many
others is not only inspiring, but shows me that with some "beyond the
obvious" thinking you can thrive, living in a rural area. Some strategies
that come to mind involve getting out in the community where people begin to
recognize you. Smaller communities make it easier for people to become familiar
with you, and as I said earlier, familiarity brings about comfort.
Look for a
college! There's usually some kind of formal adult education happening in every
part of the country. Check out the fire department! It's always a good idea to
let them know when you move into a new community, especially if you have
physical challenges. Who knows? Maybe you'll find a new friend there. If you're
comfortable, visit a church! A cafe! Wherever you can feel relaxed and be
yourself. If you can, introduce yourself to people. If that's something you're
unable to do, have someone with you who can, and is comfortable in doing so. My
thinking is that if you are out in the sticks, you're going to need to rattle
some branches in order to be noticed. Share (with those who seem interested)
what sort of support you need. You don't need to ask them to provide the
support, but it's fine to discuss your needs with others, if you're comfortable
doing it.
Generally
speaking, people who live in the country (as opposed to city) are a more open
and friendly people. Once they feel comfortable with you, they'd likely give
you the shirt off their back. You're also likely to be near something not
usually found in the city. Farms where they have horses. Not all people like
horses, but many do. Developing a personal relationship with a horse and their
owner could give you many hours of satisfaction, while being therapeutic at the
same time. Rural areas also are less stressful. The sounds and smells, are much
more relaxing than the sounds and smells of the city. If you are a bit of a
high strung individual, just being in nature can often help you feel relaxed.
Your biggest issue will be in figuring out how to get around. There's often
lots of miles in between places you may want to go.
Transportation
in rural places can often be sparse. Developing relationships can be very
helpful in this area. At the risk of sounding redundant, I'll say it again.
It's all about the relationships when you live in a rural area. You really do
need to depend on community! So does everyone else who lives near you. It's a
different lifestyle and you, along with the people who support you, need to
keep that in the forefront of your mind. Reaching out to another human is good
for you AND them. It's a win/win situation.
If you can
tell people your story, they'll likely take an interest in you and probably
want to spend more time getting to know you on a deeper level. That is why I
feel so strongly about making YOURSELF a valued part of the community.
Overcoming injustice and/or intolerance can be a full time job. If you don't do
it, who will?
Another option
is starting something up yourself, and inviting others to participate. If you
need help in accomplishing this, ask for it! Look for peers with and without
disabilities, and become friends with them. You may find yourself pleasantly
surprised to discover they have similar needs or wants as you. It's about being
"out there", participating in your own life. You may also discover that
there is grant money available to get something going. You'll never know unless
you ask.
At this point
I feel it's important to let you know a very important fact... You Are Not
Alone!! If you're choosing to live alone, it's critical that you don't isolate
at home. Many people choose to live in rural areas for several reasons.
Whatever yours may be, always remember that isolating yourself leads to
loneliness, self-doubt, and ultimately depression. It may be difficult doing
some of the strategies I'm suggesting here, but in the long run, you'll find
success if you just keep on trying. I'm aware that all I'm writing may be a bit
overwhelming to you, but it's going to take some work to make things come
together.
Speaking of
reading, the library can be a good free resource for you. You'll find a wealth
of information while making yourself visible to other folks in your community.
Libraries can serve for both serious studying and recreation. They are
generally quiet places, so you'll find a peaceful environment when you go
there. In addition to the traditional books, libraries often lend out DVD's,
have internet access, computer games, and magazines. You'll also probably come
into contact with a community bulletin board, which will give you ideas of
other things you can do where you live. A good library can be like a good
friend!
If you're able
to work, you just might make some friends while bringing some cash into your
life. Find out what sort of job assistance you are eligible for. Often times
you can find a "job developer" to help you find a job, and the state
might pay for this service. If you have trouble doing the work at first a
"job coach" may be just what you need. They teach you the job and
help you work on becoming independent in the workplace. Living in the country,
job opportunities will probably be somewhat limited, so be sure to set your
sights realistically. You can often grow into liking a job that you dislike
initially.
So now you
have my ideas about what you can do to thrive in a rural area. There may even
be more, but this should be a good starting point. Just remember to always use
your imagination and to try to think (and see) "beyond the obvious."
Become acquainted with the people around you. You'll do just fine!
Friday, October 05, 2012
Never Take "NO" for an answer!
When my autistic nephew came to live with us he was sixteen. Admittedly, we placed some serious expectations on him, and he responded well. When he reached twenty one, he decided enough was enough, and let us know he wanted to move. At first I was worried for him, having heard and /or experienced what challenges he would face, but decided he was now capable of taking care of himself with some support. I spoke with his case manager, who suggested we begin visiting some group homes she would refer us to.
These places were bad! In one setting they wanted to have him share a room with a guy who was in his 60's, blind, non-verbal, and developmentally disabled. They were serious! I couldn't believe it! Talk about the odd couple. They actually proposed a 21 year old guy, with speaking issues, who does jigsaw puzzles on the floor, would be compatible with someone who can't see, and never speaks, and is three times his age. Needless to say, we declined.
We checked out a few others before trying out a foster home. Bingo! We found a place where there were 4 other guys in their 20's, some working in the community, in a nice big home! Joseph loved the place, and within a month he decided he wanted to live there. There was one problem. His case manager said the house was set up to receive people in crisis, who would stay there until their crisis was over. I spoke with the managers who said she was right, but they would change the policy so that he could move in. Because they get a large payment from the county, the case manager had a lot of control over the house, and said she wouldn't allow them to do that. Guess her thinking was if you do this sort of thing for one person, you've set a precedent to have to do it again in the future.
Now I was angry! To keep her life/job simple, she was going to deny someone the right to live where they choose... WITH the blessing of the people who run the home! On the phone I told her Joseph would in fact, end up living there, and she hung up on me. What I did next caused my statement to come true. I collected 35 letters from people who knew my nephew, saying he should get to live where he wants. These people were from many walks of life, including family, teachers, skill trainers, past case managers, and familiar community members. I was pretty overwhelmed with some of THEIR passion to see this happen. I faxed the letters to her one at a time, with 5 minutes between each. I figured that would get her attention. After the last one was sent I called her again. This time I told her if she didn't agree, I would take the story to the media. She hung up on me again!
A few days later I got a call from the managers of the foster home, telling me Joseph could stay there! The county was changing the home to a non crisis home. And... Joseph had a new case manager!
Monday, October 01, 2012
On the "R" Word
That word, the "R word" -- "retarded" -- is loaded. It's personally experienced as hurtful, demeaning and oppressive. It is tossed around carelessly everywhere, on social media, the train, in our schools, on television and in movies. And every time it happens it pushes a button that restarts those feelings of inferiority, mockery, exclusion and fear.
A whole class of people with developmental and learning disabilities and their parents (including me) and friends have explicitly asked that the rest of the community stop using this slur. The request to stop using it has been made -- politely, politically, through campaigns such as Spread the Word to End the Word http://www.r-word.org/. Yet, its use is increasing in popular culture rather than declining, which sounds an alarm. Its constant, careless use sustains dominance and the resulting privilege at the expense of others who live a different experience, deemed by the culture as forever undesirable and invisible.
It's important for those of us working on ending injustice to be thoughtful about the power of language in shaping the cultural norms that ultimately drive social policy and behavior of individuals. We're all part of shaping of culture, and for demanding and creating a society that honors and protects all of us from oppression and exploitation -- even from eugenic targeting. During a time when we clearly see a rise in fascism happening, it's good to remember that fascists rely on each of us to signal for them which among us are most commonly excluded and held in low esteem by the general population -- and therefore, the most vulnerable to eugenic programs. Exactly what happened in Germany.
Yes, I'm all for free speech and have no desire to dictate, or have anyone else dictate what we shall be allowed to express. That would be just like the racists and fascists I oppose. But, this is much more important than being "politically correct." In fact, I believe that those of us who place a strong focus on language as one tool in shaping the course of events are commonly derided and dismissed as "politically correct" in order to keep fascism and its adherents on their historical course of oppression and elimination of the weakest among us.
My pledge: I am aware that the socialization of my white, heterosexual, educated and temporarily-abled mind and body has covered my eyes and ears with a veil that presents the world to me in a way that sustains oppression. I will read and listen intentionally to understand biases that I may not hold myself, in order to see more clearly. I seek the voice raised that is different from mine. I will strive to use my intellect and abilities with communication to promote peace and to uplift all of humanity. My purpose is to help people develop critical consciousness about themselves and the culture in which they live, a consciousness that also serves to actively confront all forms of oppression.
http://www.lovethatmax.com/2011/03/if-you-ask-people-to-not-use-word.html
Thursday, September 27, 2012
The Real Enemy of the State
I've come to the conclusion that the biggest "enemy of the state" today is the American Legislative Exchange Council, otherwise known as ALEC. These people are truly BAD NEWS to the people of America, and ultimately the world. They are behind almost every scheme and shady deal going on in 2012. I hope that shedding some light on them will be helpful to my readers.
Since 1975, ALEC has been working overtime to create the corruption we see in state government. They claim that they are the largest “membership association of state legislators,” when the truth is that over 98% of their revenue comes from sources other than legislative dues, mainly from corporations and corporate foundations. Lying is not beyond the scope of what these people believe to be important. And do you wonder who it was that pushed through the idea that "corporations are people"? That idea is now, LAW!
They have members in the legislatures of all 50 states. In fact, in my state there are at least 19 Representatives and 3 Senators who contribute to, or benefit from ALEC's secretive ways.
The Reps. are:
Since 1975, ALEC has been working overtime to create the corruption we see in state government. They claim that they are the largest “membership association of state legislators,” when the truth is that over 98% of their revenue comes from sources other than legislative dues, mainly from corporations and corporate foundations. Lying is not beyond the scope of what these people believe to be important. And do you wonder who it was that pushed through the idea that "corporations are people"? That idea is now, LAW!
They have members in the legislatures of all 50 states. In fact, in my state there are at least 19 Representatives and 3 Senators who contribute to, or benefit from ALEC's secretive ways.
The Reps. are:
Rep. Katerina Brewer (R-29), Rep. Jason Conger (R-54), Rep. Sal Esquivel (R-6), Rep. Tim Freeman (R-2), Rep. Bruce Hanna, Rep. Wally Hicks (R-3), Rep. John Huffman (R-59), Rep. Mark Johnson (R-Hood River), Rep. Bill Kennemer (R-39), Rep. Shawn Lindsay (R-30), Rep. Michael R. McLane (R-55), Rep. Dennis Richardson (R-Central Point), Rep. Sherrie Sprenger (R-Scio), Rep. Kim Thatcher (R-25), Rep. Jim Thompson (R-Dallas), Rep. Matthew Wand (R-49), Rep. Matt Wingard (R-26),
and Rep.Gene Whisnet (R53). Representative Whisnet has the (dubious) distinction of being ALEC's "Legislator of the Year" in 2011!
The Senators who cozy up to ALEC are:
Sen. Ted Ferrioli (R-John Day), Sen. Larry George (R-Sherwood), and Sen. Fred Girod (R-Stayton). Although I'm a little bit out of touch with the Oregon State Legislature these days, several of the names listed here are all too familiar to me.
Nothing wrong with that, right? AL claims to be a membership club for legislators! But....some of the CORPORATIONS who have ties with AL include Anheuser-Busch, AOL, Amazon.com, Bank of America, American Express, Bayer Corporation, and Best Buy. The list goes on ad-nauseum! Sound like a “membership association of state legislators” to you? Me either.
Some of AL's activities include promoting the use of Atrazine (a weed killer that has caused serious health problems for the people who have come in contact with it), promoting the break up of the Wisconsin Protests last fall, protecting corporations who produce sewage sludge, which is "the growing and continuous mountain of hazardous waste produced daily by wastewater treatment plants.", and spending MILLIONS on the upcoming elections to keep Republicans in office. A-L-L D-O-N-E I-N S-E-C-R-E-T!!
Monday, September 24, 2012
Jury Duty
I understand that it's my duty
To sit in hard chairs on my tender booty
Waiting until my name is called
To enter a court room down the hall
Where I would listen to testimony
Guilt or innocent, real or phoney
To hear the story and see the gun
That murdered the unlucky one.
But I always feel like it's me in jail
Sentenced to the Jury Room without bail
Sitting around there, doing my time
Although I never committed a crime
Well, four strikes I'm done, they wore me out
No longer to sit in this room of doubt
Lock my ass up or better yet, shoot me
I've served my time in Jury Duty!!
Monday, September 17, 2012
It's Not an Anniversary! It's a Birthday!
Happy Birthday OWS! It took off one year ago today. All the grumblings and disgust came to a head in New York City! We (though I wasn't there, I consider myself part of the movement) took to the streets, and went from grumbling to roaring. It was beautiful!
No longer will we be satisfied to watch the raping of America by the elites! This is the country of the common man, not the few who call the shots. Change IS coming. Not the kind of wishy-washy change we've seen in the past 4 years, but REAL change, where even the least of us can be leaders, and we All have a voice!
There is little room for the optimist in this movement. By that I mean those who sit idly by, telling themselves "It will all turn out alright. Me and mine have ours." Nor is there much of a place for the pessimist who says "You'll never get anywhere. It's too late." What we have instead are people who are realists. Those willing to stand up and ask "If not now, then when?" And at the same time answer "With each of us, we can!"
We make no apologies for caring for our fellow man. We make no excuses for the words we use in this struggle. You can't evict an idea whose time has come! We will never stop until justice is served, and ALL people are treated with dignity!
So Happy Birthday Occupy Wall Street! WE ARE THE 99%!!
No longer will we be satisfied to watch the raping of America by the elites! This is the country of the common man, not the few who call the shots. Change IS coming. Not the kind of wishy-washy change we've seen in the past 4 years, but REAL change, where even the least of us can be leaders, and we All have a voice!
There is little room for the optimist in this movement. By that I mean those who sit idly by, telling themselves "It will all turn out alright. Me and mine have ours." Nor is there much of a place for the pessimist who says "You'll never get anywhere. It's too late." What we have instead are people who are realists. Those willing to stand up and ask "If not now, then when?" And at the same time answer "With each of us, we can!"
We make no apologies for caring for our fellow man. We make no excuses for the words we use in this struggle. You can't evict an idea whose time has come! We will never stop until justice is served, and ALL people are treated with dignity!
So Happy Birthday Occupy Wall Street! WE ARE THE 99%!!
Monday, September 03, 2012
What the Census Says About Disability
I created and began writing on this blog over 5 years ago. I saw the need to shine more light on the challenges and discrimination faced by people with disabilities, primarily in America, but in other countries as well. It's given me a lot of purpose, and I LOVE using it when I have other ideas too.
Well, here it is, Labor Day 2012. I think today is an appropriate time for me to share some important information on disability that I found in the US Census of 2010 this morning. Perhaps you'll be able to see (as I have) how much danger lies around the corner for this underserved segment of our population, and at least begin to talk about it! Of course it has direct ties to disability, and I hope the reader (you) will gain some insight into "The Numbers".
Population Distribution...
57 million people with a disability were living in the United States in 2010. They represent 19% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population.
By age...
•8 percent of children under 15 have disabilities.
•21 percent of people 15 and older have disabilities.
•17 percent of people 21 to 64 have disabilities.
•50 percent of adults 65 and older have disabilities.
By gender...
•Females with a disability, 20%, compared with 17% of males. (When adjusted for the aging of the population, the disability rate was 18 percent for both males and females).
Specific Disabilities...
•8 million... Number of people 15 and older who have a hearing difficulty.
•Among people 65 and older, 4 million have difficulty hearing.
•8 million... Number of people 15 and older with a vision difficulty.
•31 million... Number of people 15 and older who have difficulty walking or climbing stairs.
•4 million... Number of people who used a wheelchair to assist with mobility. This compares with 12 million people who used a cane, crutches or walker.
On the Job...
•41%... Percentage of people 21 to 64 with a disability who were employed.
•28%... Percentage of people 21 to 64 with severe disabilities who were employed. This compares with 71% of individuals with nonsevere disabilities who were employed.
Income and Poverty...
•$1,961... Median monthly earnings for people 21 to 64 with a disability, compared with $2,724 for those with no disability.
•$1,577... Median monthly earnings for people 21 to 64 with severe disabilities, while those with nonsevere disabilities had median monthly earnings of $2,402.
•$2,838... Median monthly earnings for people 21 to 64 with disabilities associated only with communication, including blindness or difficulty seeing, deafness or difficulty hearing, and difficulty having speech understood.
•29%... Percentage of people 15 to 64 with severe disabilities who were in poverty, while 18% with nonsevere disabilities were in poverty.
Program Participation...
•59%... Percentage of people 15 to 64 with severe disabilities who receive public assistance.
•33% receive social security benefits. This compares with 9% of adults 15 to 64 with nonsevere disabilities that receive Social Security benefits.
•28%... Percentage of adults with severe disabilities who receive food stamp benefits, compared with 8 percent for those with no disability.
•11%... Percentage of people 15 to 64 with severe disabilities who receive public housing assistance. This compares with 9 percent of people 65 and older with severe disabilities.
Health Insurance...
•48%... Percentage of adults 15 to 64 with severe disabilities who receive government health coverage.
•40%... Percentage of adults 15 to 64 with severe disabilities who have private health insurance coverage.
•23%... Percentage of people with severe disabilities who receive Medicare coverage.
•35%... Percentage of people 15 to 64 with severe disabilities who receive Medicaid, while 9 percent have dual coverage, receiving Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
•21%... Percentage of people 15 to 64 with severe disabilities who were uninsured, not statistically different from the 21% of those with nonsevere disabilities.
Well, here it is, Labor Day 2012. I think today is an appropriate time for me to share some important information on disability that I found in the US Census of 2010 this morning. Perhaps you'll be able to see (as I have) how much danger lies around the corner for this underserved segment of our population, and at least begin to talk about it! Of course it has direct ties to disability, and I hope the reader (you) will gain some insight into "The Numbers".
Population Distribution...
57 million people with a disability were living in the United States in 2010. They represent 19% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population.
By age...
•8 percent of children under 15 have disabilities.
•21 percent of people 15 and older have disabilities.
•17 percent of people 21 to 64 have disabilities.
•50 percent of adults 65 and older have disabilities.
By gender...
•Females with a disability, 20%, compared with 17% of males. (When adjusted for the aging of the population, the disability rate was 18 percent for both males and females).
Specific Disabilities...
•8 million... Number of people 15 and older who have a hearing difficulty.
•Among people 65 and older, 4 million have difficulty hearing.
•8 million... Number of people 15 and older with a vision difficulty.
•31 million... Number of people 15 and older who have difficulty walking or climbing stairs.
•4 million... Number of people who used a wheelchair to assist with mobility. This compares with 12 million people who used a cane, crutches or walker.
On the Job...
•41%... Percentage of people 21 to 64 with a disability who were employed.
•28%... Percentage of people 21 to 64 with severe disabilities who were employed. This compares with 71% of individuals with nonsevere disabilities who were employed.
Income and Poverty...
•$1,961... Median monthly earnings for people 21 to 64 with a disability, compared with $2,724 for those with no disability.
•$1,577... Median monthly earnings for people 21 to 64 with severe disabilities, while those with nonsevere disabilities had median monthly earnings of $2,402.
•$2,838... Median monthly earnings for people 21 to 64 with disabilities associated only with communication, including blindness or difficulty seeing, deafness or difficulty hearing, and difficulty having speech understood.
•29%... Percentage of people 15 to 64 with severe disabilities who were in poverty, while 18% with nonsevere disabilities were in poverty.
Program Participation...
•59%... Percentage of people 15 to 64 with severe disabilities who receive public assistance.
•33% receive social security benefits. This compares with 9% of adults 15 to 64 with nonsevere disabilities that receive Social Security benefits.
•28%... Percentage of adults with severe disabilities who receive food stamp benefits, compared with 8 percent for those with no disability.
•11%... Percentage of people 15 to 64 with severe disabilities who receive public housing assistance. This compares with 9 percent of people 65 and older with severe disabilities.
Health Insurance...
•48%... Percentage of adults 15 to 64 with severe disabilities who receive government health coverage.
•40%... Percentage of adults 15 to 64 with severe disabilities who have private health insurance coverage.
•23%... Percentage of people with severe disabilities who receive Medicare coverage.
•35%... Percentage of people 15 to 64 with severe disabilities who receive Medicaid, while 9 percent have dual coverage, receiving Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
•21%... Percentage of people 15 to 64 with severe disabilities who were uninsured, not statistically different from the 21% of those with nonsevere disabilities.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Six Feet of Water in the Streets of Evangeline
I wrote about the fate of New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina on this blog 5 years ago. At the time I was thinking that the people of New Orleans (and the rest of the Gulf Coast) were all but abandoned by the U.S. Government in their greatest time of need. Is it any different today? 7 years down the road?? At least 1,836 people died in the storm.
I’ve been bouncing back and forth between sadness and anger this morning; the upcoming 7 year anniversary of Katrina devouring the Gulf Coast. New Orleans was my favorite city in the world. I’m sad and angry because that great city and her people (mostly low income black folks) continue to go largely unattended to by the US Government in the 7 years since. Was Kanye West inaccurate when he proclaimed; “President Bush doesn’t care about black people”? I’d have to say he hit the nail on the head when looking at what the Bush administration has done to put that city back together again. The Obama administration continues the unspoken policy.
Did you ever have a chance to visit New Orleans prior to its’ destruction? I went there twice when I was in my roaring twenties. Mardi gras remains as the greatest memory I have of partying in my entire life. But it isn’t just the revelry that has stayed with me since my visits way back when, it’s all that the Big Easy was!
Po Boy sandwiches, Dixie Land Jazz, Mark Twain, the Muddy Mississip, the street cars, the Doobie Brothers, Buster Holmes’ (red beans and rice), Louis Armstrong, voodoo, coffee with chicory, the Times Picayune, the old Southern homes with their tall ceilings, the Neville Brothers, grits, the list goes on and on. Who’d have thought it could all be wiped out by a storm?
When Randy Newman penned the lyrics to “Louisiana 1927” in 1974, I don’t think he was envisioning what would happen some 30 years down the road. What really gets me is that as far back as 1926 (the Mississippi overflowed its’ banks the year before the Big Flood) it was known that the city would eventually flood beyond repair... it was just a question of when. I’ve pasted those lyrics below, in honor of this sad date in US history. I'm also including a link to Randy Newman's touching song here.
“What has happened down here is the wind has changed
Clouds roll in from the north and it started to rain
Rained real hard and rained for a real long time
Six feet of water in the streets of Evangeline
The river rose all day
The river rose all night
Some people got lost in the flood
Some people got away alright
The river have busted through clear down to Plaquemines
Six feet of water in the streets of Evangeline
Louisiana, Louisiana
They're tryin' to wash us away
They're tryin' to wash us away
Louisiana, Louisiana
They're tryin' to wash us away
They're tryin' to wash us away
President Coolidge came down in a railroad train
With a little fat man with a note-pad in his hand
The President say, "Little fat man isn't it a shame what the river has
done
To this poor crackers land."
Louisiana, Louisiana
They're tryin' to wash us away
They're tryin' to wash us away
Louisiana, Louisiana
They're tryin' to wash us away
They're tryin' to wash us away"
I’ve been bouncing back and forth between sadness and anger this morning; the upcoming 7 year anniversary of Katrina devouring the Gulf Coast. New Orleans was my favorite city in the world. I’m sad and angry because that great city and her people (mostly low income black folks) continue to go largely unattended to by the US Government in the 7 years since. Was Kanye West inaccurate when he proclaimed; “President Bush doesn’t care about black people”? I’d have to say he hit the nail on the head when looking at what the Bush administration has done to put that city back together again. The Obama administration continues the unspoken policy.
Did you ever have a chance to visit New Orleans prior to its’ destruction? I went there twice when I was in my roaring twenties. Mardi gras remains as the greatest memory I have of partying in my entire life. But it isn’t just the revelry that has stayed with me since my visits way back when, it’s all that the Big Easy was!
Po Boy sandwiches, Dixie Land Jazz, Mark Twain, the Muddy Mississip, the street cars, the Doobie Brothers, Buster Holmes’ (red beans and rice), Louis Armstrong, voodoo, coffee with chicory, the Times Picayune, the old Southern homes with their tall ceilings, the Neville Brothers, grits, the list goes on and on. Who’d have thought it could all be wiped out by a storm?
When Randy Newman penned the lyrics to “Louisiana 1927” in 1974, I don’t think he was envisioning what would happen some 30 years down the road. What really gets me is that as far back as 1926 (the Mississippi overflowed its’ banks the year before the Big Flood) it was known that the city would eventually flood beyond repair... it was just a question of when. I’ve pasted those lyrics below, in honor of this sad date in US history. I'm also including a link to Randy Newman's touching song here.
“What has happened down here is the wind has changed
Clouds roll in from the north and it started to rain
Rained real hard and rained for a real long time
Six feet of water in the streets of Evangeline
The river rose all day
The river rose all night
Some people got lost in the flood
Some people got away alright
The river have busted through clear down to Plaquemines
Six feet of water in the streets of Evangeline
Louisiana, Louisiana
They're tryin' to wash us away
They're tryin' to wash us away
Louisiana, Louisiana
They're tryin' to wash us away
They're tryin' to wash us away
President Coolidge came down in a railroad train
With a little fat man with a note-pad in his hand
The President say, "Little fat man isn't it a shame what the river has
done
To this poor crackers land."
Louisiana, Louisiana
They're tryin' to wash us away
They're tryin' to wash us away
Louisiana, Louisiana
They're tryin' to wash us away
They're tryin' to wash us away"
Sunday, August 19, 2012
I AM a Rich Man!
I'm well aware of how often I criticize the wealthy in this world and my country. I believe they are (for the most part) selfish, cruel, and uncaring. But very recently it's been brought into my consciousness just how wealthy I AM. Not just in relationship to poor people here and abroad, but in my own world as it is...
When I think of my life
I see the riches that have come to me,
No reward for what I've done,
Just fortune.
I see the love of my family
And the love of my extended community.
I don't deserve it I think, for I've not done enough
to warrent it.
The friendships I've been able to afford,
The goodness I've been allowed to absorb,
The sweetness of nature, the pleasure of comanionship,
I'm overwhelmed with it!
I may, in fact, be the richest man
On the Earth.
When I think of my life
I see the riches that have come to me,
No reward for what I've done,
Just fortune.
I see the love of my family
And the love of my extended community.
I don't deserve it I think, for I've not done enough
to warrent it.
The friendships I've been able to afford,
The goodness I've been allowed to absorb,
The sweetness of nature, the pleasure of comanionship,
I'm overwhelmed with it!
I may, in fact, be the richest man
On the Earth.
Friday, August 17, 2012
They Just Keep Dying!
According to the Washington Post there were more military suicides in the month of July than any month since they began scrutinizing the numbers in 2009. What is making these Veterans choose to kill themselves rather than face what they experienced in war?? And more importantly, why do we (as a nation) continue to send people off to war??
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/july-marked-worst-month-for-army-suicides/2012/08/16/a310c6ec-e7e6-11e1-936a-b801f1abab19_story.html?Post+generic=%3Ftid%3Dsm_twitter_washingtonpost
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/july-marked-worst-month-for-army-suicides/2012/08/16/a310c6ec-e7e6-11e1-936a-b801f1abab19_story.html?Post+generic=%3Ftid%3Dsm_twitter_washingtonpost
Sunday, August 12, 2012
How NBC Flubbed the Olympics
The way the televised version of this year's Olympics played out on TV, left me with a few strong feelings I want to share. In my country there is very little interest in what NBC showed us for the past 2 weeks. In order to see the sports WE'RE interested in, you would need to share personal info. on line (which I didn't) or pay per viewing (which I also didn't).
I, along with many other Americans were subjected to hours of watching wealthy snobs ride horses, the worst boxing in existence, and extensive coverage of people doing "rhythmic" things in heavily applied makeup. To the best of my knowledge there were 3 basketball games, and 0 soccer matches shown on regular TV. Instead we watched somewhere around 60 water polo and volleyball games, if we watched at all.
I realize that NBC has the right to show what they want, as they paid to televise these Olympics, but if I never see a person made of leaves (Dow Chemical), or another commercial telling me how smoothe things are going in the Gulf Coast (BP) it won't be too soon. So let me just say; "Goodbye Olympics, we hardly knew ya!"
I, along with many other Americans were subjected to hours of watching wealthy snobs ride horses, the worst boxing in existence, and extensive coverage of people doing "rhythmic" things in heavily applied makeup. To the best of my knowledge there were 3 basketball games, and 0 soccer matches shown on regular TV. Instead we watched somewhere around 60 water polo and volleyball games, if we watched at all.
I realize that NBC has the right to show what they want, as they paid to televise these Olympics, but if I never see a person made of leaves (Dow Chemical), or another commercial telling me how smoothe things are going in the Gulf Coast (BP) it won't be too soon. So let me just say; "Goodbye Olympics, we hardly knew ya!"
Wednesday, August 08, 2012
Why I Hate Texas
What is wrong with the Texas Supreme Court? What is wrong with Govenor Rick Perry? What is wrong with the citizens of Texas? What is wrong with the Supreme Court OF The United States ? There are several individuals and bodies responsible for the killing of Marvin Wilson, so I'm asking WHAT IS WRONG WITH THEM?
Marvin Wilson was executed last night in spite of having an IQ of just 61. The story surrounding his execution is beyond belief! In case you're unaware, an IQ of 70 or lower is the SCIENTIFIC benchmark regarding developmental disability. Science, obviously, had nothing to do with the decision to kill Marvin.
In Texas they use the imagination of John Steinbeck in deciding wether or not to execute someone who may or not be guilty. Remember Steinbecks book "Of Mice and Men"? Remember Lenny Smalls? He was the character with a developmental disability, who loved petting rabbits, and eventually mudered his boss's wife. THAT is what they use as a measuring stick in deciding if someone has a developmental disability. A fictional character!
In the year 2002 The SCOTUS decided that executing people with developmental disabilities was a violation of the law. They knew about this case (unless the don't pay attention to the national news), yet did NOTHING to stop the state of Texas from carrying out this "violation of the law". You see, they decided to leave it up to the individual states to decide how to interpret their ruling.
The prosecution had no forensic evidence that Marvin committed ANY CRIME. NONE! What they had instead was the word of the wife of another guy who was accused of committing the crime along with Marvin. In Texas the word of a suspect's wife is enough to find someone guilty. Her husband got a life sentance.
I spite of all this foolishness, Texas remained steadfast in their belief that Marvin should die. At 6:27 PM (Texas time) Marvin was injected with one shot of an experimental drug that killed him. Did I mention that Marvin was also black? Rest in peace Marvin Wilson.
Marvin Wilson was executed last night in spite of having an IQ of just 61. The story surrounding his execution is beyond belief! In case you're unaware, an IQ of 70 or lower is the SCIENTIFIC benchmark regarding developmental disability. Science, obviously, had nothing to do with the decision to kill Marvin.
In Texas they use the imagination of John Steinbeck in deciding wether or not to execute someone who may or not be guilty. Remember Steinbecks book "Of Mice and Men"? Remember Lenny Smalls? He was the character with a developmental disability, who loved petting rabbits, and eventually mudered his boss's wife. THAT is what they use as a measuring stick in deciding if someone has a developmental disability. A fictional character!
In the year 2002 The SCOTUS decided that executing people with developmental disabilities was a violation of the law. They knew about this case (unless the don't pay attention to the national news), yet did NOTHING to stop the state of Texas from carrying out this "violation of the law". You see, they decided to leave it up to the individual states to decide how to interpret their ruling.
The prosecution had no forensic evidence that Marvin committed ANY CRIME. NONE! What they had instead was the word of the wife of another guy who was accused of committing the crime along with Marvin. In Texas the word of a suspect's wife is enough to find someone guilty. Her husband got a life sentance.
I spite of all this foolishness, Texas remained steadfast in their belief that Marvin should die. At 6:27 PM (Texas time) Marvin was injected with one shot of an experimental drug that killed him. Did I mention that Marvin was also black? Rest in peace Marvin Wilson.
Monday, August 06, 2012
The End of Poverty
It's taken me a while, but I've finally come up with the way to end world poverty. That's right... bring an end to all the poverty that exists on the Earth today! And all that's needed is a few billion gardening trowels and whisk brushes.
First, you gather all the poor people in the world, and get them to the Sphinx in Egypt. Next, you give each one a mini shovel and a whisk broom (the kind umpires use to brush off home plate). Then they can carefully dig around the Sphinx, moving toward the center under the ground. Following each shovel, they delicately brush out the contents, and check to see if they dug up anything of consequence. Right now there's a handful of people doing this job, and having all the extra help would speed up the process.
When they finally get to the secret chambers that lie within, they will come across more treasure than you can shake a stick at. The treasure is divided equally among all the impoverished people who did their part in unearthing it. Bingo!! No more poverty in the world!
First, you gather all the poor people in the world, and get them to the Sphinx in Egypt. Next, you give each one a mini shovel and a whisk broom (the kind umpires use to brush off home plate). Then they can carefully dig around the Sphinx, moving toward the center under the ground. Following each shovel, they delicately brush out the contents, and check to see if they dug up anything of consequence. Right now there's a handful of people doing this job, and having all the extra help would speed up the process.
When they finally get to the secret chambers that lie within, they will come across more treasure than you can shake a stick at. The treasure is divided equally among all the impoverished people who did their part in unearthing it. Bingo!! No more poverty in the world!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Taking Aim at NBC
I'm having a hard time with the NBC "Family" these days. There's a new show on NBC's affiliate called "Ripping Off The Rich". The reason I know that, is I was watching the Olympics yesterday and ran into it by accident. When I saw a promo about the show I decided it was something I wanted to write about.
For the past...... years Rich Americans have been ripping off the rest of the American people. Who are the criminals? Rich people have made out quite handsomely for a long time from what they've done to us. How dare NBC express sorrow for these CROOKS? Especially on an hour long weekly show.
NBC has demonstrated their love for the 1% OVER AND OVER again. Their showing of the Olympic Games, and understanding of what the American public is capable of understanding and/or care about bare me out. While the US got an interview with Michael Phelps, other countries were viewing the opening sequence that honored people who have died due to terrorism, including those who lost their lives in the bombing in the London Underground in 2005. http://pilgrimpathways.wordpress.com/2012/07/28/london-olympics-opening-ceremony-vision-of-a-post-imperial-u-k/
They also plan to air another show, hosted by Wesley Clarke, about the art of war, using real weapons and celebrities to demonstrate how war is FUN. As far as I'm concerned war is NOT fun, or sexy, or cute. People LOSE THEIR LIVES in war! NBC has gone over the edge, into a land where few (1%?) people would want to live.
For the past...... years Rich Americans have been ripping off the rest of the American people. Who are the criminals? Rich people have made out quite handsomely for a long time from what they've done to us. How dare NBC express sorrow for these CROOKS? Especially on an hour long weekly show.
NBC has demonstrated their love for the 1% OVER AND OVER again. Their showing of the Olympic Games, and understanding of what the American public is capable of understanding and/or care about bare me out. While the US got an interview with Michael Phelps, other countries were viewing the opening sequence that honored people who have died due to terrorism, including those who lost their lives in the bombing in the London Underground in 2005. http://pilgrimpathways.wordpress.com/2012/07/28/london-olympics-opening-ceremony-vision-of-a-post-imperial-u-k/
They also plan to air another show, hosted by Wesley Clarke, about the art of war, using real weapons and celebrities to demonstrate how war is FUN. As far as I'm concerned war is NOT fun, or sexy, or cute. People LOSE THEIR LIVES in war! NBC has gone over the edge, into a land where few (1%?) people would want to live.
Sunday, July 08, 2012
Run Oscar, Run!
Back in 2007 I wrote a heart felt piece on a guy named Oscar Pistorious on this blog, and his quest to be a runner in the Olympics in 2008. The story had to do with his physical disability, and whether or not he had an "unfair advantage" by running on prosthetic legs...
http://dawgoregon.blogspot.com/search?q=Oscar
Well guess what? Though they determined at the time that he did have an "unfair advantage", apparently the Olympic committee have changed their mind!
I don't want to make a big deal of what was the obvious flaw in their thinking back then, but at least they finally came to their senses. I, for one, am THRILLED that Oscar will finally get his chance in London this summer! My biggest hope (as I wrote at the end of my post back then) is that he kick some ass!!
http://dawgoregon.blogspot.com/search?q=Oscar
Well guess what? Though they determined at the time that he did have an "unfair advantage", apparently the Olympic committee have changed their mind!
I don't want to make a big deal of what was the obvious flaw in their thinking back then, but at least they finally came to their senses. I, for one, am THRILLED that Oscar will finally get his chance in London this summer! My biggest hope (as I wrote at the end of my post back then) is that he kick some ass!!
Wednesday, July 04, 2012
"Life Is Not Fair..."
I don't know how many times I've heard it throughout my life. Someone who's relatively comfortable in their circumstances telling someone who isn't, that life is not fair. Sort of like telling them to "get over yourself" in a condescending manner. "Pull youself up by the bootstraps". To me, that's VERY cold and thoughtless.
My take on it is that most often people are not fair to each other. That's the only reason poverty exists. That's the only reason discrimination exists. It's the only reason people are left to wander the streets without a place to lay their head. A lack of compassion and empathy.
As a small child I can remember feeling this way, and it's stuck with me all my life. In fact, just thinking about needless suffering can bring me to tears. There's a helplessness attached to it. What can one person do to make those around them see that people hurt people in a much larger way than circumstance does.
"Life is not fair". Think of those words. What's REALLY not fair is that most people just don't give a fuck about anyone but themselves.
My take on it is that most often people are not fair to each other. That's the only reason poverty exists. That's the only reason discrimination exists. It's the only reason people are left to wander the streets without a place to lay their head. A lack of compassion and empathy.
As a small child I can remember feeling this way, and it's stuck with me all my life. In fact, just thinking about needless suffering can bring me to tears. There's a helplessness attached to it. What can one person do to make those around them see that people hurt people in a much larger way than circumstance does.
"Life is not fair". Think of those words. What's REALLY not fair is that most people just don't give a fuck about anyone but themselves.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Yeah... Right
"There are conscientious objectors joining the military everyday where they've bold face lied that they will take orders from their superiors. This is a video of such 'veteran' objectors whose full intention was to bring discourse amongst the ranks and to propagandize their supposed new found disapproval of the war after 'serving their country'. War is war ... people are terrorized in the act of war"
I don't know if it's a sin to take comments written on my Facebook page, and reprint them on my blog, but I found the statement above to be included in a larger thought. This is where I write my larger thoughts. In fact; I often wonder how many people from Facebook also follow this blog, and stay quiet as to not shake up their own apple cart.
This quote came from a guy I knew from back in my high school days. I remember him as a quiet fellow, who worked hard on his academics, and was an average athlete. He asked me to be his Facebook friend about a year ago, and I figured "What the hell...". I had posted a video of Iraq/Afghanistan veterans who were talking about their experiences in the Middle East. Real life soldiers who were upset and scarred by those experiences. It got me thinking...
It's not really about the 1% who control the majority of wealth in our country. It's also about the other top 24% who make a lot of money, and hope to make a lot more that is at the crux of the problem. I'm not about to say Republican or Democrat... they are both to blame equally. These people have never seen a day of REAL struggle, but think they understand it. If they have seen struggle, it's so far behind them they don't remember it correctly.
Jim is not that far off from some other Americans. They also believe that conscientious objectors would willingly join the military. Wouldn't that make them something other than conscientious oblectors?? Maybe, agent provocateurs? You know, the kind of scum that infiltrate groups to sabotage them (uhm...uhm...). I also believe (contrary to this group of Americans) that "discourse" about what the hell you're doing is a good idea, rather than bad. Especially if you're in a war. The 24% probably see it as the oposite. Follow orders blindly with the hope it will get you somewhere. And yes, people are terrorized by the act of war, which seems to me to be the biggest reason for having them in the first place. "Shock and Awe" a people into submission. Then you can steal their resources, scott free.They seem to also believe that even though they never put on a military uniform, they have a right to poo poo soldiers who may be putting their own personal agendas at risk.
I'm done trying to educate the willingly ignorant 24+1 %. Go ahead; put your desire to be rich above all that is sacred and good. We'll see how that works down the road further.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Help Wanted!!
Help Wanted!!
Politician for the Year 2012
Do you have a burning passion to get wealthy through schmoozing corporate hogs? Are you ready to make a difference in the altering of fair and free elections? If you have the leadership and passion, you could potentially be a perfect fit to work as a politician in the year 2012! We have leadership positions available in offices across the country so apply today! Stand with Wall Street, the KKK, and like minded parasites on these critical current-day issues.
Job Responsibilities: Recruitment: Build a team of 15-50 mindless flunkies by recruiting from within the local and/or national community. Interview prospective staff, who lack the ability to ask questions or think independently, and make hiring decisions; Staff Management: Teach spin, lies, and most importantly, fundraising skills. Work with your minions in individual and group settings, with a particular eye towards keeping you in office at all costs. Cultivate a welcoming and motivating atmosphere; Canvassing: Canvass in the field as often as it takes to raise vast sums of money. Administration: Carefully track income and expenses, carefully using only one eye. Manage the budget for your office; cooking the books where possible. Process staff payroll, convincing staff they're making a living wage. Maintain falsified records for future organizing efforts.
Qualifications: Strong communication and motivational skills, ability to talk out of both sides of your face, and desire for political control of your constituents are essential. Candidates must be willing to step on toes as needed, have proven leadership ability and experience handling a lot of cash. Strong self-direction and the ability to take things that don't belong to you are also necessary qualifications. Previous field or lobbying experience is a plus, and may qualify candidates for additional leadership positions.
Training: Newly hired politicians will typically spend thirty minutes doing field training, working intensely alongside slimy politicians and will also attend motivational speeches by both parties. Additionally, politicians receive support from corporate sponsors throughout their time in office. After one year in the position, politicians will have learned the basics of running a successful political scam, including, but not limited to, fundraising and donor recruitment, hiring and supervising staff and/or volunteers, and resource management.
Expectations: Positions have a minimum commitment through the 2012 Calendar Year. Campaign hours can run 80-100 hours per week, including work on weekends, where golf clubs are needed.
Salary/Benefits: Annual salary for politicians... The sky's the limit!! Candidates may opt into our health care plan (PPO). Paid training, vacation and tons of sick days are included; student loan assistance is available.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Thank You Billie D. Harris...
I realize that this story's been told already, but I want to share some thoughts about the content. I first saw it this morning on the Sunday morning CBS News Magazine, and once I stopped crying, decided it was important enough for me to do so.
There's a lot of heated debate going on in this country about the value of the military. Whenever it's discussed, inevitably soldiers are drawn into the conversation. Recently I asked a question regarding soldiers being paid for making films while still on "Active" status on my Facebook page. This turned into quite the argument, both for and against such a notion. I hope I can settle it here.
I believe that War Profiteers are behind the struggles we're involved in in the Mid East. I also believe that the US Government is complicit with these BILLIONAIRES in "feeding the machine" with US soldiers. For a large part, young men and women hoping to have their secondary education paid for by volunteering their necks and the necks of others. THERE IS A REASON WHY THERE ARE SO MANY SUICIDES among returning vets!
So... I refuse to be a part of lining the pockets of these billionaires by giving my approval of what the military's currently doing. It's wrong! Viet Nam was wrong! Our involvement in Cuba, El Savador, Panama, Somalia, Yemen, etc. was wrong! I believe the last time we were on the right side (slightly) of war was WWII. That was just before the Military Industrial Complex was fully established. There was some nobility in taking on the Nazis with our allies.
Now you have modern day politicians dealing with what remains of WWII. People so involved in keeping the current wars alive that the past wars mean nothing. The story below demonstrates my point succinctly...
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57448571/they-dont-forget-normandy-still-honors-american-wwii-pilots-sacrifice/?tag=exclsv
There's a lot of heated debate going on in this country about the value of the military. Whenever it's discussed, inevitably soldiers are drawn into the conversation. Recently I asked a question regarding soldiers being paid for making films while still on "Active" status on my Facebook page. This turned into quite the argument, both for and against such a notion. I hope I can settle it here.
I believe that War Profiteers are behind the struggles we're involved in in the Mid East. I also believe that the US Government is complicit with these BILLIONAIRES in "feeding the machine" with US soldiers. For a large part, young men and women hoping to have their secondary education paid for by volunteering their necks and the necks of others. THERE IS A REASON WHY THERE ARE SO MANY SUICIDES among returning vets!
So... I refuse to be a part of lining the pockets of these billionaires by giving my approval of what the military's currently doing. It's wrong! Viet Nam was wrong! Our involvement in Cuba, El Savador, Panama, Somalia, Yemen, etc. was wrong! I believe the last time we were on the right side (slightly) of war was WWII. That was just before the Military Industrial Complex was fully established. There was some nobility in taking on the Nazis with our allies.
Now you have modern day politicians dealing with what remains of WWII. People so involved in keeping the current wars alive that the past wars mean nothing. The story below demonstrates my point succinctly...
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57448571/they-dont-forget-normandy-still-honors-american-wwii-pilots-sacrifice/?tag=exclsv
Thursday, June 07, 2012
Rest In Peace Richard Luccetti
A friend of mine died recently. I know death is an important part of life, and everybody's gonna go sometime (including yours truly), I'm saddened by his death. His name was Richard Luccetti, and these are my memories of him...
Richard was a champion for children. I'm not so sure he was interested in advocating for wealthy kids as he was for low income children, but his main focus was justice for ALL children.
Richard was unafraid. he was far less interested in people's thoughts about him, than he was in doing the right thing for the people he cared about.
Richard was funny. He often mumbled when he spoke, and was prone to speaking different languages in the same sentence. That may have been so that he'd have an opportunity to repeat what he believed were important thoughts. he had many humorous stories that he liked to share with his inner circle of friends and colleagues.
Richard was smart. He seemed to know quite a bit about many topics. He had a great understanding of law and the legal system. He blew me away when I realized how well versed he was in civil rights and special education law he was.
Richard was warm. He was ALWAYS ready to lend a hand; often before he was even asked. He could be counted on to do what he said he woud do cheerfully.
Richard was my friend. Godbye dear friend.
Richard was a champion for children. I'm not so sure he was interested in advocating for wealthy kids as he was for low income children, but his main focus was justice for ALL children.
Richard was unafraid. he was far less interested in people's thoughts about him, than he was in doing the right thing for the people he cared about.
Richard was funny. He often mumbled when he spoke, and was prone to speaking different languages in the same sentence. That may have been so that he'd have an opportunity to repeat what he believed were important thoughts. he had many humorous stories that he liked to share with his inner circle of friends and colleagues.
Richard was smart. He seemed to know quite a bit about many topics. He had a great understanding of law and the legal system. He blew me away when I realized how well versed he was in civil rights and special education law he was.
Richard was warm. He was ALWAYS ready to lend a hand; often before he was even asked. He could be counted on to do what he said he woud do cheerfully.
Richard was my friend. Godbye dear friend.
Saturday, June 02, 2012
The Story of Val
In the summer of 1987 I worked in a Hospice home with people who were dying of Aids. The requirement for living there was that they needed to have a diagnosis of 3 months or less. I would work 48 hours on and then have 48 hours off. It was a pretty difficult job, with lots of important tasks that needed to be done meticulously. The environment was kept sterile at all times.
Talk about a diverse group of people! There was a 30ish guy named Bruce (I believe) who was both bi-sexual and a junky. No one really knew how he contracted the virus. There was a 40ish woman named Pam, who got the virus from her husband, who was seeing prostitutes on a regular basis. One guy, (I can't remember his name) who only came out of his room to smoke cigarettes several times a day, and was severely depressed. And Val.
Val became my friend over the course of a few weeks. He was a black, gay man, who had spent most of his life in the South. He was older; in his 50's. He'd tell me stories of how he was treated as an "out" black man in the South. He'd served in the military in his 20's until he was caught having sex with an officer, and was given an Honorable Discharge. This really hurt him, as he was proud of his military service. Once out of the military, he decided to be out with his sexuality.
He boasted about living an extremely flamboyant lifestyle, and that wasn't hard to believe. He was warm, funny, loud, and smart. Not "book smart", but "world smart". He spoke of his adventures which eventually led him to Portland, where he discovered he was sick. He didn't know people here, and I became his only real friend in the area. He took to me quickly, and I could see the joy on his face when I would show up after my days off.
After hearing his stories one day, I carelessly mentioned that he should write a book. He looked sadly at me, and reminded me that he wouldn't have time to write a book. That's when an idea popped into my head. I asked him if he'd like to get his stories on tape, and that I would write the book in honor of, and for him. He lit up like a Christmas tree over the idea!
That same day, I took hin to a dentist appointment to have some infected teeth pulled. Val was deathly afraid of the dentist, and only agreed to go if I went with him. On our way there I managed to keep him distracted of his fear by talking about our plan to get his adventures on tape. I would bring a tape recorder to work after my 2 days off, and interview him, as I now had a good idea what his stories were about. I sat with him in the room where the dentist pulled 2 teeth. It was a lot on his already compromised body, and by the time we left, I needed to help him back to the van.
Once we were back at the house, we got word that Bruce had left with a drug "friend", which everyone knew was a bad move. I left that day, with a sadness over Bruce's decision, but feeling good about getting to interview Val when I came back. My time off was anything but relaxing. I'd call the house every few hours to ask about Bruce and Val. The evening of my second day off, I received a call that Bruce had come back, but then died as a result of shooting heroin when he was gone. Val was doing only slightly better, due to the dental work.
The next morning I went back to the house early; ready to record whatever I could with Val. When I went inside I found that he had passed during the night. It was too late. I honestly can't remember what happened after that. I was so upset, and distraught, I could only look at the empty beds and cry. I couldn't work there any more. After a long talk with the house manager, we agreed that it would be best for me to hang it up; which I did.
Talk about a diverse group of people! There was a 30ish guy named Bruce (I believe) who was both bi-sexual and a junky. No one really knew how he contracted the virus. There was a 40ish woman named Pam, who got the virus from her husband, who was seeing prostitutes on a regular basis. One guy, (I can't remember his name) who only came out of his room to smoke cigarettes several times a day, and was severely depressed. And Val.
Val became my friend over the course of a few weeks. He was a black, gay man, who had spent most of his life in the South. He was older; in his 50's. He'd tell me stories of how he was treated as an "out" black man in the South. He'd served in the military in his 20's until he was caught having sex with an officer, and was given an Honorable Discharge. This really hurt him, as he was proud of his military service. Once out of the military, he decided to be out with his sexuality.
He boasted about living an extremely flamboyant lifestyle, and that wasn't hard to believe. He was warm, funny, loud, and smart. Not "book smart", but "world smart". He spoke of his adventures which eventually led him to Portland, where he discovered he was sick. He didn't know people here, and I became his only real friend in the area. He took to me quickly, and I could see the joy on his face when I would show up after my days off.
After hearing his stories one day, I carelessly mentioned that he should write a book. He looked sadly at me, and reminded me that he wouldn't have time to write a book. That's when an idea popped into my head. I asked him if he'd like to get his stories on tape, and that I would write the book in honor of, and for him. He lit up like a Christmas tree over the idea!
That same day, I took hin to a dentist appointment to have some infected teeth pulled. Val was deathly afraid of the dentist, and only agreed to go if I went with him. On our way there I managed to keep him distracted of his fear by talking about our plan to get his adventures on tape. I would bring a tape recorder to work after my 2 days off, and interview him, as I now had a good idea what his stories were about. I sat with him in the room where the dentist pulled 2 teeth. It was a lot on his already compromised body, and by the time we left, I needed to help him back to the van.
Once we were back at the house, we got word that Bruce had left with a drug "friend", which everyone knew was a bad move. I left that day, with a sadness over Bruce's decision, but feeling good about getting to interview Val when I came back. My time off was anything but relaxing. I'd call the house every few hours to ask about Bruce and Val. The evening of my second day off, I received a call that Bruce had come back, but then died as a result of shooting heroin when he was gone. Val was doing only slightly better, due to the dental work.
The next morning I went back to the house early; ready to record whatever I could with Val. When I went inside I found that he had passed during the night. It was too late. I honestly can't remember what happened after that. I was so upset, and distraught, I could only look at the empty beds and cry. I couldn't work there any more. After a long talk with the house manager, we agreed that it would be best for me to hang it up; which I did.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Throwing Medals
I remember vividly, as a sophomore in high school, watching the soldiers throwing back their medals in Washington back in 1971. It was an event that took place in April, and I watched it with other kids my age at a friend's house. These men and women realized they'd been duped by our government into fighting a war that couldn't be won. I was proud of them.
Fast forward to May of 2012; a full 41 years later. I just finished watching "Democracy Now!", where veterans at a protest of the NATO Conference in Chicago did the same thing the other day. When I was a sophomore I'm sure I didn't cry as I watched it on TV. As a grown man in his mid 50's, I had my own permission to this time.
There were only 45 vets who participated in this display of the hatred of war, and all that goes along with war. They spoke of the civilians killed. They spoke of the harm that came to themselves. They spoke of the way women in the military were mistreated. They spoke of the lies told to them. Their message was as loud to me now, as the thousands back in '71. And if I remember correctly, what happened back then was the beginning to the end of that war. May history repeat itself.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
The Scourge That Is Leftism
I happened to live next door to a boy who had leftism when I was 10 years old. It was awful! At all hours of the day (and night) you could hear the shrieks and screams of his exhausted mother, frustrated that he was unable to do tasks with his right hand. His parents were often at odds over his condition, which caused insurmountable strain on their marriage. The financial burden faced by these folks in having a child with leftism only added to their grief.
I recall asking my mother what was wrong with him, and she told me in a lowered voice that his affliction was not his fault, and she hoped someday they'd find a cure. In the mean time, she advised me to keep my distance, because at that time they weren't sure if leftism was contagious. In the next few years I noticed more and more children with leftism, and no one knew why this epidemic was spreading. From 3 in 100 to 1 in 15 over the course of 5 years!
Thank God Leftism Speaks was organized in an effort to combat the negative effects of leftism. They were funded primarily by rich white folks who had a connection to a child with leftism. Professional athletes, Hollywood types, and other people able to spread the word, and solicit funds. They managed to become the "go to" voice for anyone in the community who wanted to appear to be a friend of people with leftism. They organized charity walks all over the country, bringing in millions of dollars in the name of finding a cure. their PR was impeccable.
Around that same time, people who had leftism themselves began wondering why Leftism Speaks had such a low opinion of them. Many people with leftism were thriving and contributing in their communities. They could be found on college campuses getting an education. They were working in good paying jobs. Many were involved in science, mathematics, and other scholarly pursuits. Artists, poets, musicians, they could be found vitually every where. And many were speaking up themselves about what they believed was unjust language from Leftism Speaks. They were able to find skewed numbers, quid pro quo behaviors, and unwarranted "research" that was going no where. Could it be? Was Leftism Speaks more about money than about the altruism they publicly espoused?
As I've grown up, I've been fortunate to have met many people with leftism. They seem fine to me. In fact, I've not only worked and befriended people with leftism, but was blessed with the opportunity of having my own nephew who has leftism live with me for several years. I just can't seem to wrap my mind around the idea that people with leftism somehow need to be "fixed". For every "difficult" person who has leftism, there are probably 50 difficult people who don't have that label. Umm... you are reading one of these difficult people's blogs right now...
Saturday, May 12, 2012
You Go First
This is interesting! The Oregon GOP, led by Senator Bruce Starr, have decided that low income people receiving assistance from the state, need to be drug tested. I guess such a notion is going on in other states as well, and I have some strong feelings about it. Below is part of the Legislative update that came to me in email yesterday...
Abuse of Oregon assistance programs must be addressed
Salem, OR – Senate Republicans will continue to push legislation that can safeguard the integrity of Oregon’s public assistance programs. Data recently released to The Oregonian revealed disturbing evidence of misuse of these funds. In an effort to protect programs for needy Oregon families, Republicans introduced legislation in 2011 to require drug testing for individuals on public assistance.
"Oregon’s assistance programs are meant to help struggling Oregon families pay for groceries, gas and rent while they get back on their feet," said Senator Bruce Starr (R-Hillsboro) who sponsored the 2011 legislation. "A few bad apples are abusing these payouts to gamble, drink and visit strip clubs. Putting a stop to that type of exploitation protects taxpayer dollars and shields the resources for those who need them most."
Note that there is no mention of how and why Legislators spend the money they receive from the state. I guess the idea is that if you are an elected official, it's nobody's business but your own, what you do with the tax dollars that pay your salary. However; if you are poor, you should be expected to be held to a higher level of accountability. Doesn't that define the word "discrimination"?
Are the citizens of Oregon expected to believe that elected people DON'T include "bad apples" who gamble, drink, and visit strip clubs? How about those who take illegal trips, have illegal vacations, and profit from the suffering of others? If they want to insist on disciminating against poor people, I say, ok, let's go for it! But YOU GO FIRST!
Abuse of Oregon assistance programs must be addressed
Salem, OR – Senate Republicans will continue to push legislation that can safeguard the integrity of Oregon’s public assistance programs. Data recently released to The Oregonian revealed disturbing evidence of misuse of these funds. In an effort to protect programs for needy Oregon families, Republicans introduced legislation in 2011 to require drug testing for individuals on public assistance.
"Oregon’s assistance programs are meant to help struggling Oregon families pay for groceries, gas and rent while they get back on their feet," said Senator Bruce Starr (R-Hillsboro) who sponsored the 2011 legislation. "A few bad apples are abusing these payouts to gamble, drink and visit strip clubs. Putting a stop to that type of exploitation protects taxpayer dollars and shields the resources for those who need them most."
Note that there is no mention of how and why Legislators spend the money they receive from the state. I guess the idea is that if you are an elected official, it's nobody's business but your own, what you do with the tax dollars that pay your salary. However; if you are poor, you should be expected to be held to a higher level of accountability. Doesn't that define the word "discrimination"?
Are the citizens of Oregon expected to believe that elected people DON'T include "bad apples" who gamble, drink, and visit strip clubs? How about those who take illegal trips, have illegal vacations, and profit from the suffering of others? If they want to insist on disciminating against poor people, I say, ok, let's go for it! But YOU GO FIRST!
Saturday, May 05, 2012
To The Opologists
I'm always amazed by the pseudo fighting between Democrats and Republicans! Each blaming the other for the condition of the USA. I guess what bothers me the most are the people who call themselves "progressive", witout speaking out against the wars, or the money making corporations behind them. At least the "conservative" crowd stays true to their color.
To the "Opologists" who want to blame everything on George Bush, I'd like to say; "GW Bush did not order 241 (and counting) drone strikes, launch FBI raids on antiwar activists, expand the Patriot Act, authorize the assasinationsof US citizens abroad,appoint Monsanto executives to the FDA, and deport ofver a million (and counting) immigrants." No, that was someone else.
Keep that in mind as you campaign from now until next November.
To the "Opologists" who want to blame everything on George Bush, I'd like to say; "GW Bush did not order 241 (and counting) drone strikes, launch FBI raids on antiwar activists, expand the Patriot Act, authorize the assasinationsof US citizens abroad,appoint Monsanto executives to the FDA, and deport ofver a million (and counting) immigrants." No, that was someone else.
Keep that in mind as you campaign from now until next November.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Talkin' Generalizations
I'm tired of hearing about ALL THE REASONS that people with autism CAN'T do anything. "They can't handle change". "They can't handle noise." "They can't handle touch." It's all a bunch of stigmatization as far as I'm concened!
How about considering the reason people with autism can't do anything, is the people who speak on their behalf. I'm talking about those who BENEFIT from the belief that these folks are so UNABLE. Without naming names, it should be clear who I'm talking about...
What about the idea that people with autism generally rise to the level of EXPECTATION placed upon them. In my many years working with these folks (inluding 12 with my own nephew), I've found this to be the case. For Christ sake, STOP pretending like these folks are unable to learn, and start believing that they are TOTALLY capable of learning!! Thank You!
How about considering the reason people with autism can't do anything, is the people who speak on their behalf. I'm talking about those who BENEFIT from the belief that these folks are so UNABLE. Without naming names, it should be clear who I'm talking about...
What about the idea that people with autism generally rise to the level of EXPECTATION placed upon them. In my many years working with these folks (inluding 12 with my own nephew), I've found this to be the case. For Christ sake, STOP pretending like these folks are unable to learn, and start believing that they are TOTALLY capable of learning!! Thank You!
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Speaking of War...
"Heroism on command, senseless brutality, deplorable love-of-country stance, and all the loathsome nonsense that goes by the name of patriotism - how passionately I hate them!"
Monday, April 09, 2012
Flakes on the Net
Last month I was contacted by someone claiming her name is Julie Vernon. She was offering me money for advertising some business stuff on this blog. Below is the interaction we had...
----Original Message-----
From: Julie Vernon <
From: Julie Vernon <
julievernon99@gmail.com>
To: dawgoregon <dawgoregon@aol.com>
Sent: Tue, Mar 13, 2012 6:46 am
Subject: Quick question about your post
To: dawgoregon <dawgoregon@aol.com>
Sent: Tue, Mar 13, 2012 6:46 am
Subject: Quick question about your post
Hey Dawg,
I just finished reading a post of yours from a bit ago and really enjoyed it!
Do you do advertising? I'm marketing out a site and can pay you via PayPal for adding a few text links to an old post of yours. These links would go to resources on education and topics related to the theme of your post.
Let me know if we can work something out! :)
Thanks
Julie Vernon
--
"Try not to become a man of success but rather to become a man of value" - Albert Einstein
I just finished reading a post of yours from a bit ago and really enjoyed it!
Do you do advertising? I'm marketing out a site and can pay you via PayPal for adding a few text links to an old post of yours. These links would go to resources on education and topics related to the theme of your post.
Let me know if we can work something out! :)
Thanks
Julie Vernon
--
"Try not to become a man of success but rather to become a man of value" - Albert Einstein
On Tue, Mar 13, 2012 at 3:29 PM, David McDonald <dawgoregon@aol.com> wrote:
I'm interested! Please explain.
Hey David,
Thanks for hearing me out. I can pay you $20 over PayPal for adding a few text links to an old blog post of yours. The link would be related to online education and added within your actual writing, so they'd be discreet to a reader. I have many sites and can match up the topic of your page with one of my sites.
Here's an example, look at the Online University link:
Would you be interested in this? I can find a post of yours and write out a way of how to add the links in with your content. Also if you want more opportunities, we can pay you for more links in the future.
Thank you,
Julie Vernon
On Thu, Mar 15, 2012 at 1:05 PM, David McDonald <dawgoregon@aol.com> wrote:
Sounds interesting!
I do have a few questions to ask.
1. How did you find my blog?
2. What site(s) are you marketing?
3. What kind of agreement would we have about who you are linking to?
4. Which post are you interested in?
Thanks for your interest!
David
Hey David,
Thanks for hearing me out! Here's the details. You'll just add a little content to your post:
Takes only a few minutes.
You can copy paste the link, so it's very easy.
You'll get paid $50 via PayPal.
I can send the payment first, then you can update your content.
Proposal:
1) Please add a new first paragraph to read:
“Assisted suicide laws are controversial, particularly because they could harm the poor and those with disabilities. The best online psychology degree programs and top traditional programs have studied this issue. An APA study was done in 1997 as well, it concluded that Assisted Suicide was a state-level issue. Oregon is the only state to make assisted suicide legal so far. However, other states could follow suit at any time.”
2) Please link the text “best online psychology degree programs” to
Please link "APA study" to <http://www.apa.org/pubs/info/reports/aseol.aspx>
Also, please link the text “make assisted suicide legal” tohttp://public.health.oregon.gov/ProviderPartnerResources/EvaluationResearch/DeathwithDignityAct/Pages/index.aspx.
That's it. Remember, it is just an initial proposal, so if you want to change something we can make it happen!
Thanks,
Julie Vernon
On Tue, Mar 20, 2012 at 11:24 AM, David McDonald <dawgoregon@aol.com> wrote:
Hi Julie-
I'm wondering if there are any rigid requirements involved in placing these links on my blog. For example:
1) what is the expectation for the length of time that I would leave these links connected to the post?
2) I don't want to be connected to any group that promotes euthanasia that is specifically directed at people with disabilities. If I were to see this beginning to happen and had personal concerns, I may want to remove the links. What would happen in such a case?
Supporting people with disabilities through activism is what I do, and that's where my concern comes from. I'll be waiting to hear from you.
Thanks,
David
-----Original Message-----
From: Julie Vernon <julievernon99@gmail.com>
To: David McDonald <dawgoregon@aol.com>
Sent: Tue, Mar 20, 2012 11:33 am
Subject: Re: Quick question about your post
Subject: Re: Quick question about your post
Hey David,
1) The site hopes that the links would be permanent. At the very least we ask for two years and at that point, just remind me and the site is likely to renew.
2) If the site were to ever begin advocating for euthanasia for people who did not wish to be euthanized, I would strongly recommend you take the links down. However, I don't think that will be a problem :)
If you would like to keep moving forward, send me your PayPal and I will send you a deposit.
Thanks!
On Tue, Mar 20, 2012 at 12:43 PM, David McDonald <dawgoregon@aol.com> wrote:
Thanks Julie! never having used PayPal, I'll go there now to set up an account.
I think you will be pleasantly surprised by PayPal.
Let me know once you have!
Thanks again!
Thanks David!
On Thu, Mar 22, 2012 at 11:56 AM, David McDonald <dawgoregon@aol.com> wrote:
I sent them the wrong bank info., so it's gonna take a few more days. Sorry...
That's fine, I did the same thing when I signed up!
Just let me know when you have everything worked out and I will put the payment over right away!
Thanks David!
Ok... we're good to go now. PayPal,s up and running! What's next?
Never heard from her again! The other day, I checked my account (which is fine), and then contacted the Dept. of Justice who told me this may very well be a scam. Fortunately I never completed the PayPal info., and now I may even catch her in a fraudulent attempt at accessing my bank account. Just goes to show you there are still plenty of flakes on the net!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Developmental Disability Awareness Month 5
Seeing how yet ANOTHER Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is coming to a close, I'd like to know how many people even knew it?
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Wrongful Birth
I'm feeling badly about the verdict reached in an Oregon court last week, where it was decided that a health care provider was libel for almost 3 million dollars to the parents of a Down Syndrome baby. It was a "wrongful birth" suit, brought because a Doctor failed to diagnose the child BEFORE she was born. It only took the jury 6 hours to deliberate (12-0), and find for the parents.
The main reason this bothers me is that I've come in contact with so many Down Syndrome people in my life, and the idea that they could have been aborted is very upsetting! I struggle with the knowledge that as technology has evolved, it's now pretty easy to find out if a baby is not "perfect" while still in utero. If not, an abortion can put an end to the possibility of having to work hard in oder to support the child.
During WWII, the Nazis experimented on this sort of thing in the hope of creating the "perfect" race of people. Hitler had a particular distaste for people with disabilities. I'm sure he'd approve of this wonderful technology. And if a birth is determined to be "wrong", why can't also a life be determined to be "wrong"? Do we really want to go down that road of "Perfection"? I don't!
There have been studies done where somewhere between 89 and 92 percent of women have said they would terminate their pregnancy if they knew they were carrying a Down Syndrome child. That's an astronomical statistic! I'd also like to know if they interviewed mothers wih Down Syndrome children. The mothers I've met deeply love their children! As a parent, I'd much rather deal with the needs of a child with a disability, than a child who grows up with entitlement issues. I guess that's just me...
The main reason this bothers me is that I've come in contact with so many Down Syndrome people in my life, and the idea that they could have been aborted is very upsetting! I struggle with the knowledge that as technology has evolved, it's now pretty easy to find out if a baby is not "perfect" while still in utero. If not, an abortion can put an end to the possibility of having to work hard in oder to support the child.
During WWII, the Nazis experimented on this sort of thing in the hope of creating the "perfect" race of people. Hitler had a particular distaste for people with disabilities. I'm sure he'd approve of this wonderful technology. And if a birth is determined to be "wrong", why can't also a life be determined to be "wrong"? Do we really want to go down that road of "Perfection"? I don't!
There have been studies done where somewhere between 89 and 92 percent of women have said they would terminate their pregnancy if they knew they were carrying a Down Syndrome child. That's an astronomical statistic! I'd also like to know if they interviewed mothers wih Down Syndrome children. The mothers I've met deeply love their children! As a parent, I'd much rather deal with the needs of a child with a disability, than a child who grows up with entitlement issues. I guess that's just me...
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