In 1980 I lived in West Palm Beach.I was working at The Breakers Hotel and was playeding pool after work one night in a cheesy bar that was in my neighborhood. I played against this black guy, who was obviously a GOOD pool player. NOT a hustler, but he was GOOD.
Anyway; he was kickn' my ass, but i was taking it well. He was a nice guy, and we quickly beacame pals. Soon after he beat me, another guy stepped up to play him. He kicked his ass as bad as he kicked mine!
Not so smoothe.... The other guy was angry over the dollar that he lost! He accused my buddy of cheating, (which was far from the truth) and proceededed to threaten him as ( the nigger), which really pissed me off! Anyway... things got ugly.
I called the red neck on his language; saying "this is 1980, not 1890," and he swung his cue stick at me. He hit me in my forearm as I'd stuck it up in defense. Soon a cop showed up because someone behind the bar had called 'em. He acted like WE were in the wrong!
Though it was obvious what had happened ,they let the red neck go, and threatened to take me and my black pal to jail, unless we left. Aint that America?
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Sacrifice
1: an act of offering to a deity something precious; especially : the killing of a victim on an altar
2: something offered in sacrifice
3 a: destruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else
b: something given up or lost
Without arguing with them, I want to include a bit more of what I believe "sacrifice" to mean.
# 3a gets close to what I'm thinking, but I'd like to take it a bit further. Jesus spoke of qualities that make someone a good person in Corinthians 13:13. He spoke of faith, hope, charity, and love; with love being the greatest of these. He didn't include "sacrifice", which I'm sure wasn't an oversight. I believe he wanted us to discover that through our human experience.
I tend to call it "shit or get off the pot". A little bit more earthy. What I'm talking about is the act of putting someone else's well being before your own. This act has elements of suicide in it, as well as martyrdom. It's not for the feint of heart, and can often result in one's own destruction.
Is there anything worth sacrificing for in such a manner? I say; "you're damn right there is!" There is deep within us a part that WILL NOT comprimise or allow something to happen to a person/people we care about, if we think it's wrong. It's not too different than a German Shepherd protecting their human child. We will fight (and bite) anyone attempting to do so.
I've had that experience. I hope you have too. I've sacrificed a 27 year career that I was very proud of, to save the life of a friend who was unable to speak for themselves. For me, it was a no-brainer. I don't believe I could have lived with myself if I hadn't. The sacrifice I made cost me a lot. What it cost others is in their own souls.
I LOVE the concept, and reality of "sacrifice!" I really do think it's made me more human than I could have ever been without it... I hope you'll consider it, if you ever need to.
Monday, September 14, 2015
DAWG Oregon: Centrification
DAWG Oregon: Centrification: I've coined a new word, and hope to see it in dictionaries by Christmas at the latest. I'm proud of my new word, because it defines ...
Centrification
I've coined a new word, and hope to see it in dictionaries by Christmas at the latest. I'm proud of my new word, because it defines a phenomena which is growing in popularity in the US and several other former democratic countries.
"Centrification" is my new word. Most people understand this word's first cousin, "gentrification", which is the act of (generally speaking...) wealthier white people moving into low income neighborhoods, traditionally inhabited by people of color. They end up destroying the culture, and drive the cost of living up, causing these lower income people to move away.
"Centrification" has similar qualities. It's the act of (generally speaking...) upper middle class white people kissing the asses of the rich, and going along with activities that harm poor people. The acceptance of "war", "poverty", and "racism" without ever saying these things are wrong for fear of leaving the center, thus disappointing their overlords.
I've been known to quote my personal hero, Martin Luther King Junior, who said "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter". Bet he'd use my centrification word if he were still alive! He also said "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere". I'm damn near sure he'd use my centrification word! I'll end this post with a quote from.....? MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. "In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends".
"Centrification" is my new word. Most people understand this word's first cousin, "gentrification", which is the act of (generally speaking...) wealthier white people moving into low income neighborhoods, traditionally inhabited by people of color. They end up destroying the culture, and drive the cost of living up, causing these lower income people to move away.
"Centrification" has similar qualities. It's the act of (generally speaking...) upper middle class white people kissing the asses of the rich, and going along with activities that harm poor people. The acceptance of "war", "poverty", and "racism" without ever saying these things are wrong for fear of leaving the center, thus disappointing their overlords.
I've been known to quote my personal hero, Martin Luther King Junior, who said "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter". Bet he'd use my centrification word if he were still alive! He also said "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere". I'm damn near sure he'd use my centrification word! I'll end this post with a quote from.....? MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. "In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends".
Back at Last!
After an absence of over a year, I'm back blogging again. Maybe I needed an extended break, or... who knows? A LOT has happened in the world and my own life since the last time I posted here. I plan to get into some of that in the days, weeks, months, and years to come.
It's great to be back! I really missed this old blog after a few months, but told myself I had made a decision, and needed to stick to it! Finally, my desire to share my thoughts with others won over my pride. I'm keeping this brief, so that we can get on with the show!
It's great to be back! I really missed this old blog after a few months, but told myself I had made a decision, and needed to stick to it! Finally, my desire to share my thoughts with others won over my pride. I'm keeping this brief, so that we can get on with the show!
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Done
It's been an honor to have had the opportunity to post my thoughts about disability, social justice, and truth on this blog for the past 7+ years. Over 51,000 page views tells me there are people who read, and think about the content I've placed here. Thank you! Now I believe it's time to put this to sleep.
I was very angry when I started this blog. I continue to be a frequently angry person, because I still see and feel the unfairness in this country and the world. I haven't changed the unfairness. Though I've brought it to light on many occasions, I no longer wish to continue doing so. It's too hard.
In closing this down, there are some people I want to thank on my way out. Traci Alton, who I started this blog for, may she rest in eternal peace. The people who saw her euthanization to fruition, thank you too for motivating me to create this blog. My wife Suzanne. ALWAYS a great inspiration and friend. My daughter Harmony. Who got me thinking about legacy a long time ago. And my faithful readers and followers of this blog. You are the best!
I hope that what I've done here will stay forever in the hearts and minds of those who have read what I've had to say. Again... I thank you!
I was very angry when I started this blog. I continue to be a frequently angry person, because I still see and feel the unfairness in this country and the world. I haven't changed the unfairness. Though I've brought it to light on many occasions, I no longer wish to continue doing so. It's too hard.
In closing this down, there are some people I want to thank on my way out. Traci Alton, who I started this blog for, may she rest in eternal peace. The people who saw her euthanization to fruition, thank you too for motivating me to create this blog. My wife Suzanne. ALWAYS a great inspiration and friend. My daughter Harmony. Who got me thinking about legacy a long time ago. And my faithful readers and followers of this blog. You are the best!
I hope that what I've done here will stay forever in the hearts and minds of those who have read what I've had to say. Again... I thank you!
Sunday, June 29, 2014
"I Support The Troops"
I have never heard a more bullshit phrase than "I support the troops"! It means NOTHING. If it had any real meaning then we would see some REAL DIFFERENT behavior from the people who proclaim it on a regular basis.
These people who support the troops should be WORKING to support their proclamation. All I've seen is a bunch of people spouting this without doing ANYTHING to "support" their position. Instead they just TALK about their support.
Why are these people not taking their "support" to the streets, to demonstrate how strongly they feel about the way veterans are treated? Seems to me they probably just don't want to be counted among the millions who don't care, and say this because they think it sounds patriotic.
These people who support the troops should be WORKING to support their proclamation. All I've seen is a bunch of people spouting this without doing ANYTHING to "support" their position. Instead they just TALK about their support.
Why are these people not taking their "support" to the streets, to demonstrate how strongly they feel about the way veterans are treated? Seems to me they probably just don't want to be counted among the millions who don't care, and say this because they think it sounds patriotic.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Was That Really Me??
When I was 25, my life was an absolute mess! I didn't know myself very well, and as a result turned to self destructive behavior. I was either drunk, high on drugs, or both pretty much all the time. I believed I was a failure, and felt alone, and unlovable.
Then one day I figured out what I needed to do, so I grabbed a back pack, my guitar, and boarded a Grey Hound bus for South Carolina. My plan was to hang out with some friends who were living in Clemson with another friend who was going to school there.
More partying ensued, and it wasn't long before I realized what I REALLY wanted to do was find a woman I'd fallen in love with during the summer, who was living in a town called Willits in Northern California. After hanging out there for 3 days, it was obvious that last summer was last summer, so I began hitch hiking to San Francisco. Why? Your guess is as good as mine.
I was homeless and unhappy with the predicament I was in. Living in Golden Gate Park with an assortment of people who's issues were more serious than my own. I was sincerely bummed out. The morning after I found out I was sleeping in the same spot where someone had their head cut off a few months earlier, I began looking for a way to get off the streets in earnest.
That's when I ran into a guy who told me he was living with a radical social group called the White Panthers. He also told me that if I wanted to, I could live there too. The small catch was that I would need to work in their food co-op to justify my room and board. I jumped at the opportunity, and in no time , found myself living on Haight Street with 8 or 10 other folks, where we had breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, while working in the co-op, providing cheap groceries to poor people.
I was unaware of what I was getting involved in for the first few days. Then I noticed some of the leaders of this group seemed particularly paranoid. They had video surveillance going on around the outside of the house, and the street out front 24/7. They would talk to each other about their absolute disdain for the police, and had several guns locked up in the room closest to the front of the house. And I was told early on that the head guy, who's name was T.C. had done time in prison for manslaughter involving a cop!
It was the same thing 6 days of the week. Awakened at 6:00 AM and given breakfast. Then we would drive by van to a different house where the co-op was located. We'd work until lunch time, and after a short break, back to work until evening. We'd get back at around 7, have dinner, and go to bed after getting very stoned on joints. Pretty mundane... Then one day, all of us who weren't initiated, were informed that something was going to be happening involving the cops, and we were sent out with a few dollars each. being told not to return until dark.
This is where it got really weird. I went directly to a pub up the street and began drinking beer. After I'd been there for a few hours, the van driver came in, and we began talking. He made light of the seriousness of the White Panthers, and I jumped right on board. Before you know it I was making disparaging comments about the group, going so far as suggesting they change their name to the Pink Panties. Shortly after, the driver left.
Apparently, he went directly back to the house and told them everything I said. He was a plant! I know this because my one and only trusted friend came to the bar and told me. He also told me it would probably be a good idea if I just stayed away from the house. T.C. was pissed! The big problem was that my guitar was back at the house, and there was no way I was going to leave that behind.
I gave things 24 hours for cooler heads to prevail, then I took the risk of going back. T.C. was there. He told me that it was in my own best interest that I leave San Francisco altogether, hinting that a bad accident might happen to me if I didn't. He handed me my guitar, and I left.... San Francisco.
Then one day I figured out what I needed to do, so I grabbed a back pack, my guitar, and boarded a Grey Hound bus for South Carolina. My plan was to hang out with some friends who were living in Clemson with another friend who was going to school there.
More partying ensued, and it wasn't long before I realized what I REALLY wanted to do was find a woman I'd fallen in love with during the summer, who was living in a town called Willits in Northern California. After hanging out there for 3 days, it was obvious that last summer was last summer, so I began hitch hiking to San Francisco. Why? Your guess is as good as mine.
I was homeless and unhappy with the predicament I was in. Living in Golden Gate Park with an assortment of people who's issues were more serious than my own. I was sincerely bummed out. The morning after I found out I was sleeping in the same spot where someone had their head cut off a few months earlier, I began looking for a way to get off the streets in earnest.
That's when I ran into a guy who told me he was living with a radical social group called the White Panthers. He also told me that if I wanted to, I could live there too. The small catch was that I would need to work in their food co-op to justify my room and board. I jumped at the opportunity, and in no time , found myself living on Haight Street with 8 or 10 other folks, where we had breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, while working in the co-op, providing cheap groceries to poor people.
I was unaware of what I was getting involved in for the first few days. Then I noticed some of the leaders of this group seemed particularly paranoid. They had video surveillance going on around the outside of the house, and the street out front 24/7. They would talk to each other about their absolute disdain for the police, and had several guns locked up in the room closest to the front of the house. And I was told early on that the head guy, who's name was T.C. had done time in prison for manslaughter involving a cop!
It was the same thing 6 days of the week. Awakened at 6:00 AM and given breakfast. Then we would drive by van to a different house where the co-op was located. We'd work until lunch time, and after a short break, back to work until evening. We'd get back at around 7, have dinner, and go to bed after getting very stoned on joints. Pretty mundane... Then one day, all of us who weren't initiated, were informed that something was going to be happening involving the cops, and we were sent out with a few dollars each. being told not to return until dark.
This is where it got really weird. I went directly to a pub up the street and began drinking beer. After I'd been there for a few hours, the van driver came in, and we began talking. He made light of the seriousness of the White Panthers, and I jumped right on board. Before you know it I was making disparaging comments about the group, going so far as suggesting they change their name to the Pink Panties. Shortly after, the driver left.
Apparently, he went directly back to the house and told them everything I said. He was a plant! I know this because my one and only trusted friend came to the bar and told me. He also told me it would probably be a good idea if I just stayed away from the house. T.C. was pissed! The big problem was that my guitar was back at the house, and there was no way I was going to leave that behind.
I gave things 24 hours for cooler heads to prevail, then I took the risk of going back. T.C. was there. He told me that it was in my own best interest that I leave San Francisco altogether, hinting that a bad accident might happen to me if I didn't. He handed me my guitar, and I left.... San Francisco.
Thursday, June 05, 2014
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Saturday, May 10, 2014
There Was More Than Enough (Memories of Mama)
This is a mother's Day project that Suzanne and I put together...
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
A Tune
A Little Song I Wrote
Back in the 80's I wrote this song, and last weekend Suzanne made a video of it...
Back in the 80's I wrote this song, and last weekend Suzanne made a video of it...
Friday, April 18, 2014
NBA Playoff Picks!
Ok basketball fans. The playoffs begin tomorrow! These are my picks for 2014, along with my reasons for predicting as I am.
In the West, San Antonio takes on Dallas. Though the Spurs swept the season series, I don't think it will be so easy in the playoffs. Between Dirk, Monta, and a rejuvenated Vince Carter, I see the Spurs losing 2 games, and winning in 6.
Houston will play against the Blazers. Portland comes in winning 9 of their last 10 games in the season, and have a reputation of putting W's together in bunches. They each have identical records of 54 wins, and I trust the Blazers health more than the Rockets. This one goes to 7 games with the Blazers moving on.
The Clippers will have the home court advantage over the Warriors, who will be without Andrew Bogut in the playoffs. Griffin's back is questionable, but Chris Paul is the best point guard in the league. Jamal Crawford is back to give the Clips some extra punch. I see Golden State going down in 6.
OKC and Memphis. Kevin Durant will win this year's MVP award, and I find it hard to believe anyone on the Grizzly's team can check him. Tayshawn Prince is too old, and Tony Allen is too short. The best you can hope for in this series is a few dust ups, with the Thunder taking it in 7 games.
In the East, Indiana takes on Atlanta. If Larry Legend can get his mojo on, as I suspect he will, the Pacers shut this down in 5, with the Hawks winning a game at home.
On the same side of that bracket, Chicago faces Washington. The Bulls won 48 games despite the loss of their best player early in the season. Joakim Noah has proven to be an inspiration to the team, and will lead them to a first round win over the Wizards in 6.
Toronto plays Brooklyn in a series I predict will go 7 games. The Nets are the highest paid team in the league, but all those millions won't win them a championship. They also are one of the oldest teams in the playoffs, and it won't surprise me if after winning this series in 7 games, literally fall apart.
I hate the Heat! Had to say it, 'cause it's true... LeBron and company will knock off the Charlotte Bobcats, in moving on to the second round. Chris Bosh shouldn't have been an All Star, and Wade has only played a handful of games in the second part of the season. The question in my mind is who falls apart first, the Nets or the Heat?
Second round...
Spurs and Blazers. Blazers and Spurs. My heart wants the Blazers to take this series, but my head tells me otherwise. the Spurs didn't win 62 games this year by accident. Greg Popovich is probably the best coach in the league, even if he doesn't win the award this year. He should! I think the Blazers will give the Spurs all they can handle, but will go back home after losing the 7th game of the series in San Antonio.
Clippers vs. the Thunder. These teams don't get along. Ibaka seems to genuinely detest Griffin. Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul don't seem to be buddies either. This one could get ugly if the refs let it. Talent wise, I think they're pretty evenly matched. What remains to be seen is how the Clips will do shooting free throws at the end of games. It's pretty much a toss up, but I give the nod to LA in 7.
Indiana plays Da Bulls. Roy Hibert has played like he's forgotten how to in the last month and a half. He'd better remember, if the Pacers want to move on. The pesky Bulls will be hassling Paul George as much as possible, so he too had better be ready for a hard fought series. Because Indiana has home court advantage in this series, they'll win it at home in 7 games. Probably...
Heat and Nets. Break out the ice and bandages. These teams will be tired when they meet. Although the Nets are the first team to sweep the Heat during the regular season (first team to do so in 3 years), I don't think LeBron will let the Heat lose (quite yet). Heat in 7.
Western Conference Championship...
Spurs and Clippers. Did I tell you that Tim, Manu, and Tony all want one more ring before they close it down for good? It's now or never for the aging Spurs. They know it. They've been a special team ever since Duncan came into the league. The Clippers, on the other hand, are still pretty young overall, and Doc Rivers can lead them to the promised land as soon as next year. This year, I don't see the Spurs being denied, and will take it in 7 (maybe in 6?).
Eastern Conference Championship...
Featuring the Indiana Pacers against the Miami Heat. Did you watch the series between these teams last Spring? It was excellent sports viewing, with Miami coming through in the closing seconds of game 7. Indiana remembers it. They want to beat the Heat, but will need solid play from 3 or 4 guys in 4 games in order to do it. Lance, D West, and Paul George may be able to do it. Lance led the league in triple doubles this season, and he will get at least one in this series. The tables have turned. So long Heat...
NBA Championship
Spurs vs. Pacers. The Spurs will have home court advantage over the Pacers, and will take home the trophy at the end of game 7!
Ok... first round's almost over, so it's time for a check in. Before I get started, let me just say these are the best playoffs I've ever seen! And, as I and others have learned, the league has become immersed in parity!
Alright... I picked San Antonio over Dallas in 6 games. They've taken the Spurs to 7.
I picked the Blazers in 7, but they did it in 6, which seemed like 9!
Golden State has been surprising in taking the Clippers to 7, which will be played today.
The "dust up" I alluded to regarding Memphis and OKC will likely cost the Gris the series, playing in the 7th game without Zach Randolph due to a suspension.
Who'd have thought the Hawks would take Indiana to 7 games? Not me, that's for sure. But they have. We'll see on that one.
I was way off with Chicago and the Wizards. The youngsters looked good in beating the Bulls in 5 (?)
Toronto and the Nets play their game 7 today.
And Miami squished the Bobcats as predicted.
I got 3 out of the four teams I picked to be in the Conference Finals. I'm not changing my mind. The Spurs will win it all!
In the West, San Antonio takes on Dallas. Though the Spurs swept the season series, I don't think it will be so easy in the playoffs. Between Dirk, Monta, and a rejuvenated Vince Carter, I see the Spurs losing 2 games, and winning in 6.
Houston will play against the Blazers. Portland comes in winning 9 of their last 10 games in the season, and have a reputation of putting W's together in bunches. They each have identical records of 54 wins, and I trust the Blazers health more than the Rockets. This one goes to 7 games with the Blazers moving on.
The Clippers will have the home court advantage over the Warriors, who will be without Andrew Bogut in the playoffs. Griffin's back is questionable, but Chris Paul is the best point guard in the league. Jamal Crawford is back to give the Clips some extra punch. I see Golden State going down in 6.
OKC and Memphis. Kevin Durant will win this year's MVP award, and I find it hard to believe anyone on the Grizzly's team can check him. Tayshawn Prince is too old, and Tony Allen is too short. The best you can hope for in this series is a few dust ups, with the Thunder taking it in 7 games.
In the East, Indiana takes on Atlanta. If Larry Legend can get his mojo on, as I suspect he will, the Pacers shut this down in 5, with the Hawks winning a game at home.
On the same side of that bracket, Chicago faces Washington. The Bulls won 48 games despite the loss of their best player early in the season. Joakim Noah has proven to be an inspiration to the team, and will lead them to a first round win over the Wizards in 6.
Toronto plays Brooklyn in a series I predict will go 7 games. The Nets are the highest paid team in the league, but all those millions won't win them a championship. They also are one of the oldest teams in the playoffs, and it won't surprise me if after winning this series in 7 games, literally fall apart.
I hate the Heat! Had to say it, 'cause it's true... LeBron and company will knock off the Charlotte Bobcats, in moving on to the second round. Chris Bosh shouldn't have been an All Star, and Wade has only played a handful of games in the second part of the season. The question in my mind is who falls apart first, the Nets or the Heat?
Second round...
Spurs and Blazers. Blazers and Spurs. My heart wants the Blazers to take this series, but my head tells me otherwise. the Spurs didn't win 62 games this year by accident. Greg Popovich is probably the best coach in the league, even if he doesn't win the award this year. He should! I think the Blazers will give the Spurs all they can handle, but will go back home after losing the 7th game of the series in San Antonio.
Clippers vs. the Thunder. These teams don't get along. Ibaka seems to genuinely detest Griffin. Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul don't seem to be buddies either. This one could get ugly if the refs let it. Talent wise, I think they're pretty evenly matched. What remains to be seen is how the Clips will do shooting free throws at the end of games. It's pretty much a toss up, but I give the nod to LA in 7.
Indiana plays Da Bulls. Roy Hibert has played like he's forgotten how to in the last month and a half. He'd better remember, if the Pacers want to move on. The pesky Bulls will be hassling Paul George as much as possible, so he too had better be ready for a hard fought series. Because Indiana has home court advantage in this series, they'll win it at home in 7 games. Probably...
Heat and Nets. Break out the ice and bandages. These teams will be tired when they meet. Although the Nets are the first team to sweep the Heat during the regular season (first team to do so in 3 years), I don't think LeBron will let the Heat lose (quite yet). Heat in 7.
Western Conference Championship...
Spurs and Clippers. Did I tell you that Tim, Manu, and Tony all want one more ring before they close it down for good? It's now or never for the aging Spurs. They know it. They've been a special team ever since Duncan came into the league. The Clippers, on the other hand, are still pretty young overall, and Doc Rivers can lead them to the promised land as soon as next year. This year, I don't see the Spurs being denied, and will take it in 7 (maybe in 6?).
Eastern Conference Championship...
Featuring the Indiana Pacers against the Miami Heat. Did you watch the series between these teams last Spring? It was excellent sports viewing, with Miami coming through in the closing seconds of game 7. Indiana remembers it. They want to beat the Heat, but will need solid play from 3 or 4 guys in 4 games in order to do it. Lance, D West, and Paul George may be able to do it. Lance led the league in triple doubles this season, and he will get at least one in this series. The tables have turned. So long Heat...
NBA Championship
Spurs vs. Pacers. The Spurs will have home court advantage over the Pacers, and will take home the trophy at the end of game 7!
Ok... first round's almost over, so it's time for a check in. Before I get started, let me just say these are the best playoffs I've ever seen! And, as I and others have learned, the league has become immersed in parity!
Alright... I picked San Antonio over Dallas in 6 games. They've taken the Spurs to 7.
I picked the Blazers in 7, but they did it in 6, which seemed like 9!
Golden State has been surprising in taking the Clippers to 7, which will be played today.
The "dust up" I alluded to regarding Memphis and OKC will likely cost the Gris the series, playing in the 7th game without Zach Randolph due to a suspension.
Who'd have thought the Hawks would take Indiana to 7 games? Not me, that's for sure. But they have. We'll see on that one.
I was way off with Chicago and the Wizards. The youngsters looked good in beating the Bulls in 5 (?)
Toronto and the Nets play their game 7 today.
And Miami squished the Bobcats as predicted.
I got 3 out of the four teams I picked to be in the Conference Finals. I'm not changing my mind. The Spurs will win it all!
Thursday, April 17, 2014
This Aint Al Bundy's Ranch
I've been reading and seeing in various "news" sources that the people involved in protecting the Bundy Ranch are "terrorists" or off the wall "Tea Partiers" lately. This disturbs me for a few reasons. I'll go further into that in a few moments. I just want to go on record as suggesting that maybe they are neither.
It's obvious to me and other people uninterested in pretending things are fine in our country, that there are very few levels our government WON'T stoop to. I get the feeling in my gut that once again they are experimenting with their citizens, to see how tolerant we are. "If we LABEL people in a negative light, will the sheep follow the leader?" "Maybe this will work to get their guns..."
There's more than a few folks who are sick of the government pushing us around. Maybe these are good hearted people who are simply fed up with being constantly bullied and lied to. It's very possible that they see the government as terrorists, who want to monitor and limit all their actions, like the government did in the book "1984". Honestly, I get to feeling that way, more and more frequently these days, and I'm not naïve enough to believe I'm alone.
I personally believe that any time the government puts on their brakes, like they have in Nevada; that's a good thing. It shows that they haven't COMPLETELY lost the ability to weigh things out, instead of steam rolling through, in order to have their way.
It's obvious to me and other people uninterested in pretending things are fine in our country, that there are very few levels our government WON'T stoop to. I get the feeling in my gut that once again they are experimenting with their citizens, to see how tolerant we are. "If we LABEL people in a negative light, will the sheep follow the leader?" "Maybe this will work to get their guns..."
There's more than a few folks who are sick of the government pushing us around. Maybe these are good hearted people who are simply fed up with being constantly bullied and lied to. It's very possible that they see the government as terrorists, who want to monitor and limit all their actions, like the government did in the book "1984". Honestly, I get to feeling that way, more and more frequently these days, and I'm not naïve enough to believe I'm alone.
I personally believe that any time the government puts on their brakes, like they have in Nevada; that's a good thing. It shows that they haven't COMPLETELY lost the ability to weigh things out, instead of steam rolling through, in order to have their way.
Monday, March 31, 2014
One Liner
March came in like a lion in Portland. May have been a lamb somewhere in the middle, but it's also going out like a lion!
Friday, March 21, 2014
Thoughts on the Ukraine
I'm not a particularly religious guy, but I'm fairly sure I've heard the President and John Kerry describe themselves as Christians. They believe they are following the example(s) Jesus gave us for our earthly walk. Perhaps they need a reminder of one of those examples.
Jesus walked in on a scene where they were preparing to stone a woman to death for committing adultery. I don't remember all the details of who said what; etc., but I do know that what he ended up saying to the crowd was something along the lines of "Let those of you without sin, cast the first stone", which no one did.
Fast forward to 2014. Kerry comes out with "Who does Putin think he is, invading a country which has not provoked him?" Well, let's have a look back at what the US has done in the past 40 years... all UNPROVOKED.
Jesus walked in on a scene where they were preparing to stone a woman to death for committing adultery. I don't remember all the details of who said what; etc., but I do know that what he ended up saying to the crowd was something along the lines of "Let those of you without sin, cast the first stone", which no one did.
Fast forward to 2014. Kerry comes out with "Who does Putin think he is, invading a country which has not provoked him?" Well, let's have a look back at what the US has done in the past 40 years... all UNPROVOKED.
(1) Grenada (1983-1984), (2) Bolivia (1986; ), (3) Virgin
Islands (1989), (4) Liberia (1990; 1997; 2003), (5) Saudi Arabia (1990-1991),
(6) Kuwait (1991), (7) Somalia (1992-1994; 2006), (8) Bosnia (1993-), (9) Zaire
(Congo) (1996-1997), (10) Albania (1997), (11) Sudan (1998), (12) Afghanistan
(1998; 2001-), (13) Yemen (2000; 2002-), (14) Macedonia (2001), (15) Colombia
(2002-), (16) Pakistan (2005-), (17) Syria (2008; 2011-), (18) Uganda (2011),
(18) Mali (2013), (19) Niger (2013), (20) Yugoslavia (1919; 1946; 1992-1994;
1999), (21) Iraq (1958; 1963; 1990-1991; 1990-2003; 1998; 2003-2011) (22)
Angola (1976-1992).
Perhaps they should do what Jesus would have them do, and put down the stones.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Good Lord He's At It Again...
White Entertainment Television Network (WET)
Television Lineup for 3/14/14…
7:00 AM- The Brady Bunch
7:30 AM- Cooking With Martha Stewart
8:30 AM- Infomercials Only White People Can Appreciate
9:00 AM- Morning Movie: “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?”
11:00 AM- Jerry Springer
12:00 PM- The 700 Club
2:00 PM- The Steve Wilkos Show
3:00 PM- Afternoon Movie- “A Very Brady Christmas”
5:00 PM- Cooking with Paula Deen
6:00 PM- Full House
6:30 PM- The Andy Griffith Show
7:00 PM- Evening Movie: “The Great White Hope”
9:00 PM- “Sports On WET”: Lacrosse- Alabama Vs. Texas
11:00 PM- Infomercials Only White People Can Appreciate
11:30 PM- Infomercials Only White People Can Appreciate
12:00 PM- Infomercials Only White People Can Appreciate
Monday, February 10, 2014
Beyond My Pay Grade...
Now I've seen EVERYTHING! Have you heard about the rich people's disease that was recently used to keep a rich kid out of prison? It's called Affluenza, and was successfully used as a defense in a Texas courtroom, to defend this kid who killed 4 others while driving drunk. You can't make this shit up...
I heard about it this morning while watching "Democracy Now!" on TV. From their website... "A wealthy teen who killed four people in a Texas drunk driving accident will not go to jail after a judge ruled this week that instead, he must attend an expensive rehabilitation facility paid for by his parents. The driver was 16-year-old Ethan Couch. He was speeding, with a blood-alcohol level more than three times the legal limit.
Couch has admitted to his crime, and in a case that went before a Texas judge, prosecutors sought a 20-year sentence. Instead, Couch was sentenced to 10 years’ probation after a psychologist claimed he had "affluenza," and testified that his cushy upbringing prevented him from connecting bad behavior with its consequences." What follows is part of a transcript they played on the show...
"911 DISPATCHER: And how many people need EMS?
I heard about it this morning while watching "Democracy Now!" on TV. From their website... "A wealthy teen who killed four people in a Texas drunk driving accident will not go to jail after a judge ruled this week that instead, he must attend an expensive rehabilitation facility paid for by his parents. The driver was 16-year-old Ethan Couch. He was speeding, with a blood-alcohol level more than three times the legal limit.
Couch has admitted to his crime, and in a case that went before a Texas judge, prosecutors sought a 20-year sentence. Instead, Couch was sentenced to 10 years’ probation after a psychologist claimed he had "affluenza," and testified that his cushy upbringing prevented him from connecting bad behavior with its consequences." What follows is part of a transcript they played on the show...
"911 DISPATCHER: And how many people need EMS?
CALLER: Ma’am, I’m telling you, it’s dark. There’s four or five kids. There’s kids laying in ditches and street.
JUAN GONZÁLEZ: That was a 911 call from last June, when four people were killed by a drunk driver. The driver was 16-year-old Ethan Couch. He was speeding, with a blood-alcohol level more than three times the legal limit. Couch has admitted to his crime, and in a case that went before a Texas judge, prosecutors sought a 20-year sentence. Instead, he was sentenced to 10 years’ probation after a psychologist claimed he suffered from "affluenza," which he described as growing up in a house where the parents were preoccupied with arguments that led to a divorce. On Wednesday, a judge ordered him to go to an expensive rehabilitation facility paid for by his parents."
Am I supposed to actually believe this bullshit? Is this the REAL story of "the poor little rich kid"? I AM DIS GUS TED!!!
Tuesday, February 04, 2014
Another Open Letter to the Portland Trailblazers
Dear Blazers,
I wrote an open letter to you back on December 5th, 2013, where I apologized to you for taking your team too lightly. I pointed out the many surprising strengths the team had displayed since the start of the NBA season. I singled out how I felt about individual players, and complimented the team on having a 16-3 record on that date.
Well, here we are, a little more than 1/2 way through the season, and I'm back to writing you yet another open letter. I hadn't planned to do so, but I feel the need to "reconnect" before the upcoming All Star break. Having both Damian and Lamarcus represent your team and our city as players in that game is impressive, but it's looking like that's where all congratulations end.
Your record is now 34-14, which is not disrespectable, if you want to make it to the playoffs in the Western Conference. However, you have begun to lose games you really shouldn't lose. Last night it was the Wizards, a 24-23 team, and after squeaking by Toronto the other night, you were up-ended by Memphis and Golden State. In other words, you've lost 3 of your last 4 games. In fact, since I sent you my original letter, your record is 18-11, which is slightly better than average; around a "B" in letter grades.
Once again, that old feeling in the pit of my stomach is beginning to grumble. There are several important games with good teams coming up in February, and I'm not convinced you're going to sail through the month. In my humble opinion, it's time to take a look at yourselves, and get back to work! When I've watched you lose (many times now), I've taken note that the only player who truly looks pissed off is Wes Matthews. What about the All Stars?
I'm sure that when you see this, you'll likely think; "Who the hell does that dude think he is"? The answer to that question is simple. I'm just someone who lives in Portland, loves basketball, and has followed this team since 1982. That would be 32 years where the Blazers were in the Finals twice, losing both times. I WANT A CHAMPIONSHIP ok?
1 and 1 since I wrote this... jus' sayin'
I wrote an open letter to you back on December 5th, 2013, where I apologized to you for taking your team too lightly. I pointed out the many surprising strengths the team had displayed since the start of the NBA season. I singled out how I felt about individual players, and complimented the team on having a 16-3 record on that date.
Well, here we are, a little more than 1/2 way through the season, and I'm back to writing you yet another open letter. I hadn't planned to do so, but I feel the need to "reconnect" before the upcoming All Star break. Having both Damian and Lamarcus represent your team and our city as players in that game is impressive, but it's looking like that's where all congratulations end.
Your record is now 34-14, which is not disrespectable, if you want to make it to the playoffs in the Western Conference. However, you have begun to lose games you really shouldn't lose. Last night it was the Wizards, a 24-23 team, and after squeaking by Toronto the other night, you were up-ended by Memphis and Golden State. In other words, you've lost 3 of your last 4 games. In fact, since I sent you my original letter, your record is 18-11, which is slightly better than average; around a "B" in letter grades.
Once again, that old feeling in the pit of my stomach is beginning to grumble. There are several important games with good teams coming up in February, and I'm not convinced you're going to sail through the month. In my humble opinion, it's time to take a look at yourselves, and get back to work! When I've watched you lose (many times now), I've taken note that the only player who truly looks pissed off is Wes Matthews. What about the All Stars?
I'm sure that when you see this, you'll likely think; "Who the hell does that dude think he is"? The answer to that question is simple. I'm just someone who lives in Portland, loves basketball, and has followed this team since 1982. That would be 32 years where the Blazers were in the Finals twice, losing both times. I WANT A CHAMPIONSHIP ok?
1 and 1 since I wrote this... jus' sayin'
Monday, January 27, 2014
I Aint Goin'!
Today is my nephew's annual ISP review. For the uninitiated, ISP stands for Individualized Service Plan, but let me assure you, it's anything but "individualized". I've been "participating" in this for 13 years now. Always with the same results that nothing will ever change in his life, other than his address.
I made a major decision this morning. I aint goin'! The plan is, that soon as I finish here, I'm going to call his case manager and tell her. She knows Suzanne and I well enough to realize what we want for him. INDEPENDENCE... the one thing he'll never get in the system.
Last night I was thinking I'd go and give the "team" a piece of my mind. I wrote down what's troubling me about this process, and planned to read it out loud, leaving each team member a copy. The more I thought about it, the less I felt like actually doing it. As I get older, the less I want to fight. That's the reality. My God, I've been fighting this monster for over 1/2 my life! Time to give it, and me a break. Instead, I've decided to talk about it here; sharing what I wrote, with Suzanne's help last night...
I made a major decision this morning. I aint goin'! The plan is, that soon as I finish here, I'm going to call his case manager and tell her. She knows Suzanne and I well enough to realize what we want for him. INDEPENDENCE... the one thing he'll never get in the system.
Last night I was thinking I'd go and give the "team" a piece of my mind. I wrote down what's troubling me about this process, and planned to read it out loud, leaving each team member a copy. The more I thought about it, the less I felt like actually doing it. As I get older, the less I want to fight. That's the reality. My God, I've been fighting this monster for over 1/2 my life! Time to give it, and me a break. Instead, I've decided to talk about it here; sharing what I wrote, with Suzanne's help last night...
"I’m here today to make a statement about my nephew.
For at least 10 years, we’ve been meeting with this team , making suggestions
of what we believe would make his life better. Better meaning some kind of
PROGRESS. Progress towards independence – like an adult, which he is. Suzanne
and I feel that we AND our nephew have been [jerked around] led on a bridge to
nowhere – a bridge to continuous dependence, by all the rest of his “team”.
I have to wonder if there is real sincerity among his *team*
members to see him move forward in his life. Yes, he understands when he’ll
burn himself when the water is too hot. And, of course, he knows how to leave
the house if it’s on fire. He won’t *choke* when he is eating, and his *hygiene*
is appropriate. THIS part of the ISP meeting – I have always HATED it. It’s
demeaning, it’s stereotypical, it has no respect for the individuality of who
HE is, and it subjects HIM to a degrading --- uh, I hate it. Please, Case Manager,
you KNOW us and you KNOW him. Just STOP it. I will NOT answer any more if
he needs *assistance* with his hygiene. If you need to fill out your form for
the authorities, Pllllllllllllllleeze do it on the time you are paid for by the
STATE.
Approximately five years ago, we as his ISP team figured out
a *person-centered-plan*, which was paid for by the state. Everyone was in
agreement – or so they said - that this
plan should happen. What happened? A few years later we were told that he
needs watching 24/7, so that his provider could be paid as much as possible.
He’s still doing the exact same things, in the exact same
places, at the exact same times that he was 5 years ago. I never would have
participated in such a planning process if I had known that it was all for
naught – at least for him.
I will no longer go along with this silliness. How many
times have we heard from Goodwill, he’s not ready to move along to another job
opportunity *in the community*? How many times have we continually heard “not
yet”? It’s been years of pestering for speech and language services using his
own damn money to pay for it. HIS OWN MONEY???
You may surmise that I am angry about how he is dealt
with in these meetings. You are 100% correct. It is a waste of his, and
everyone else’s time. You can go on and finish this meeting, to satisfy a
broken system, but it will be without my “participation”.
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