In my last couple pages, I talked about some of the issues that I noticed on both sides of the protest/rally during President Obama's visit to Grand Junction Co. I would now like to run through a couple issues that I see on BOTH sides, that I think need to be addressed.
The peaceful transfer of power is one part of our political process that truly separates our nation from so many others. On a set date, we go from having one President to having a new one, and often that new man will share very few common ideas or beliefs with his predecessor. This is a concept that I don't see many people considering when they support legislation that has a broad range of powers. I listened to many Republicans argue for the necessity of the patriot act during the Bush administration, only to cry "Big Brother" now that a Democrat is sitting in the White house. I cannot help but wonder how many of the supporters of this (H.B.3200) current health care bill will think it was such a good idea the next time Republicans take power.
For my second point, I would like to discuss political division. Anyone who knows me has probably heard me talk about how I think the two parties are no more than "a two headed snake", to use a term I heard somewhere. We as Americans often argue and bicker over party lines when, in fact, they are both actively campaigning to rob you of your liberty. Sound crazy? Then tell me why the party that constantly chatters about "small, non-invasive government" fights like hell to keep two consenting adults from getting married due to their gender! Or tell me why the party that has argued against the government telling women what to do with their bodies, is now trying to dictate EVERY ONES health care choices! We have been duped into believing that this oligarchic two party system has a good side and a bad side when they are both villains in every equation I can think of.
Lastly, I would like to bring up, once again, education. The average American can rattle off winners in their favorite reality show, or statistics about "their team" in a given sport, whereas I find few that can speak intelligently about American history or our political system. In other words, we watch mindlessly as people entertain us with no practical impact on our lives, while politicians are making decisions about our money, safety, health and children without so much as a glance from the majority of us. We need to wake up and pay attention! It was once illegal to educate slaves because it was believed that education bred the desire for freedom. I believe we have collectively lost our fierce attachment for freedom as our senses have been dulled by the television. Our understanding of the system, how it works and how it came to be has grown so vague that we are allowing those in power to slowly drain our liberties away while we watch, unknowingly.
I believe that it is time to turn off the TV, find our common ground as Americans and Fight! Fight to have our politicians represent the people, not the special interests! Fight against the idea that we can spend our way out of debt! Fight against the leaders of the two political parties who believe we as Americans must sit by silently as they run roughshod over our Constitution! And fight to remain the greatest nation this planet has ever known! Together we stand, divided we fall.
This page will be a running record of what goes on in my head. Most of it will be gibberish with no value whatsoever, and the rest will be garbage with no value whatsoever.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Obamas visit to Colorado PartII
This is the second part, of a 3 page piece about my experience during the protest outside President Obama's health care town hall in Grand Junction, CO. In the last piece, I wrote about what I found on the "pro-reform" side. Now I would like to cover a few issues I saw on my own side. One thing that became very evident to me very quickly, was the absolute lack of organization. Now I know there is some sort of stigma about conservatives organizing before a protest, ending in people being referred to as "astro-turf", but I don't care what people on the other side say. I saw buses, a stage, a professional sound system, dozens of pre-printed signs and several professional demonstrators leading all the festivities on the other side. These people were coordinated and well versed in setting up these types of events, and in terms of cohesion and sheer volume, they dominated. The next issue I found on our end was any common direction. People were protesting the health care bill, the stimulus package, Obama's birth-certificate, tobacco taxes and religion. While the message came across very clearly that we were very upset, the subject of said dissatisfaction seemed to come across a bit muddled. Lastly,I want to mention the passion of the people I met last Saturday. Indeed a wonderful thing when kept reigned in to some degree, this can serve to undermine any position if it gets out of hand. On more than one occasion, I witnessed individual from the "pro" side come over to engage in conversation. When this happened, instead of viewing it as an opportunity to present a clear, intelligent position to someone who seemed willing to participate in debate, people began shouting insults and demands that the person "go back to their own side". It is my belief after this experience, that the conservatives of this nation need to ignore all the "grassroots" conversations and gather together in order to organize and formulate a clear, concise message which the majority can stand behind. Simultaneously, people on both sides of this argument need to be educated in our constitution, some basic American history, simple economic ideas and, of course, this bill which threatens to unravel the intricately woven fabric of our great nation.
Obamas visit to Colorado
This weekend, I made the 3-4 hour drive to protest outside of President Obamas healthcare townhall, and I thought I would share some of my observations. In the interest of full honesty, I want it understood ahead of time that I am biased against this plan, and that I spoke to roughly 10-12 people, so this may not be representative.
I approached everyone I met from the "pro-reform" side with the same three questions, in the same order.
1- Have you read the bill? The answer to this was uniformly (with one exception which I will cover later) no. The only person I met who said yes was an obvious professional demonstrator, who could not speak intelligently aboput any portion of the bill, and would not answer ANY question in a straight foreward manner.
2- How will we pay for it? Mostly I heard "I dont Know" with occasional "Tax the rich" thrown into the mix. When confronted with the bills statement that the "surecharge" on the rich and the 8% payroll tax would only account for 1/2 of the amount stated, I recieved a look that strongly resembled a deer in headlights.
3- social security, Medicare and Medicaid are broke, the DMV is a pretty widely disliked office due to long lines and gross mismanagement, and by the Presidents own statements, the post office is getting whooped by private industry. What makes you think THIS program would be better when it will be run by the same people who have screwed up all of the afforementioned? From this question, most people chose simply to walk away.
I approached everyone I met from the "pro-reform" side with the same three questions, in the same order.
1- Have you read the bill? The answer to this was uniformly (with one exception which I will cover later) no. The only person I met who said yes was an obvious professional demonstrator, who could not speak intelligently aboput any portion of the bill, and would not answer ANY question in a straight foreward manner.
2- How will we pay for it? Mostly I heard "I dont Know" with occasional "Tax the rich" thrown into the mix. When confronted with the bills statement that the "surecharge" on the rich and the 8% payroll tax would only account for 1/2 of the amount stated, I recieved a look that strongly resembled a deer in headlights.
3- social security, Medicare and Medicaid are broke, the DMV is a pretty widely disliked office due to long lines and gross mismanagement, and by the Presidents own statements, the post office is getting whooped by private industry. What makes you think THIS program would be better when it will be run by the same people who have screwed up all of the afforementioned? From this question, most people chose simply to walk away.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The green movement and political conservatism
Over and over I run through this in my mind, and still I come to the same conclusion. The green movement should be embraced by all who consider themselves conservatives. Think about it. Conservative. Conservation. Say those words a few dozen times and you'll notice that there is at least some small similarity, like maybe somehow they might share a uh..whats that thing called...Oh yeah, a root word! Now I'm not sure about you, but I usually take that to mean the two words are SIMILAR!! Lets go a bit deeper.
Lets start with the energy issues involved. We as Americans currently import roughly a shit-ton (I think it's Metric) of oil annually to power our lives. Of that shit-ton, a whole ass-load of this oil is used to help produce electricity to power our buildings (Buildings account for a large majority of the American energy use). Now, lets just pretend for a moment that every building in the country provided 1/10th of it's power from solar panels on their roofs. If my math is correct, that would add up to a grip of oil that we as Americans wouldn't have to buy from some other country. The other effects of this would be: Job creation from installation and servicing of the solar panels, More cash in each Americans pocket, some security from price fluctuations, and lastly a dramatic increase is self sufficiency. All of these effects stand right in line with conservative values.
Next, lets discuss environmental protections. Often,environmental regulations are considered costly and non-business friendly. While for many companies this is true, there is an entire industries based around building and operating equipment that helps other businesses operate in a cleaner fashion. Imagine the economic impact of shutting these guys down. In the coming years, environmental stewardship will foster large quantities of well paying jobs that will be difficult to outsource. This form of economic stimulation is real, and could help keep our country running for a long time.
Finally, lets discuss the food that we eat. Fresh food is healthier. Period. By growing food locally and organically, we as individual communities empower ourselves with the ability to choose what goes into our food. We create a stronger local economy, and we reduce the amount of fuel needed to ship produce (I read that on average, you're food travels 1500-2000 miles to get to you). This independence is both economic and social, creating a stronger, more capable citizenry. Who could argue that that is not a conservative value?
Conserve. Conservative. Hmmmmm....
Lets start with the energy issues involved. We as Americans currently import roughly a shit-ton (I think it's Metric) of oil annually to power our lives. Of that shit-ton, a whole ass-load of this oil is used to help produce electricity to power our buildings (Buildings account for a large majority of the American energy use). Now, lets just pretend for a moment that every building in the country provided 1/10th of it's power from solar panels on their roofs. If my math is correct, that would add up to a grip of oil that we as Americans wouldn't have to buy from some other country. The other effects of this would be: Job creation from installation and servicing of the solar panels, More cash in each Americans pocket, some security from price fluctuations, and lastly a dramatic increase is self sufficiency. All of these effects stand right in line with conservative values.
Next, lets discuss environmental protections. Often,environmental regulations are considered costly and non-business friendly. While for many companies this is true, there is an entire industries based around building and operating equipment that helps other businesses operate in a cleaner fashion. Imagine the economic impact of shutting these guys down. In the coming years, environmental stewardship will foster large quantities of well paying jobs that will be difficult to outsource. This form of economic stimulation is real, and could help keep our country running for a long time.
Finally, lets discuss the food that we eat. Fresh food is healthier. Period. By growing food locally and organically, we as individual communities empower ourselves with the ability to choose what goes into our food. We create a stronger local economy, and we reduce the amount of fuel needed to ship produce (I read that on average, you're food travels 1500-2000 miles to get to you). This independence is both economic and social, creating a stronger, more capable citizenry. Who could argue that that is not a conservative value?
Conserve. Conservative. Hmmmmm....
Monday, December 15, 2008
The dream
Hearing a strange noise, I turn and walk down a hallway, followed by others I cannot identify. Coming to a door that rests slightly ajar, I push the door open slowly. In shock I stand stock still as the door moves to reveal a man hanging by his neck. This appears to be a recent occurance, I note, as the body is still swinging.
Slowly the body spins, bringing the mans face toward us, revealing a pair of black holes where his eyes should have been. Unlike the hanging, this is definately not recent, because the color is not that of a recently exposed eye socket (why do I know that?)The man wears a horrible grimace, and the dark pits that should have been eyes seem to stare at me accusingly.
Suddenly I realize that I'm waking up, but I cant decide if this is a dream...Or a memory.
Slowly the body spins, bringing the mans face toward us, revealing a pair of black holes where his eyes should have been. Unlike the hanging, this is definately not recent, because the color is not that of a recently exposed eye socket (why do I know that?)The man wears a horrible grimace, and the dark pits that should have been eyes seem to stare at me accusingly.
Suddenly I realize that I'm waking up, but I cant decide if this is a dream...Or a memory.
Rambling..
Troubles with my mind are causing me to start new writings, get a few pages into them, then delete them entirely. I find myself frustrated over the lack of perfect wording, or suitable metaphore. Maybe i will just write, and see what comes out. Fuckin free for all.
Recently, I have found myself in deep thought over the poor and homeless in my country. I find that my mind has a very difficult time accepting the situation as hopeless,rather, I see an issue that is dying for new tactics, ideas, and movements. I have been collecting coats as a warm-up for further actions. Once this drive is wrapped up, I will gather those who took part, and conduct a "lessons learned" meeting, so that the next event will benifit from the knowlege gained in this one. If an attept is made at continual, intentional evolution....I dunno, maybe something great could come of it. i am avoiding the recipt of advice from any who have done this before, in an attempt to try an maximize the potential "out of the box' thinking that I tend to be capable of.
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Recently, I have found myself in deep thought over the poor and homeless in my country. I find that my mind has a very difficult time accepting the situation as hopeless,rather, I see an issue that is dying for new tactics, ideas, and movements. I have been collecting coats as a warm-up for further actions. Once this drive is wrapped up, I will gather those who took part, and conduct a "lessons learned" meeting, so that the next event will benifit from the knowlege gained in this one. If an attept is made at continual, intentional evolution....I dunno, maybe something great could come of it. i am avoiding the recipt of advice from any who have done this before, in an attempt to try an maximize the potential "out of the box' thinking that I tend to be capable of.
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Sunday, August 19, 2007
A fathers pride
"C'mon, stand up! Find a good place for your feet,and stand up! You got it, dont worry so much about your hands, watch your feet!" I say excitedly, as I have with so many others, as they begin their rock climbing lives with me as something of a mentor. "Just trust your feet, and remember that I've got you!"
Like just about everyone else I have put on a rope for the first time, I see the fear in his movements as I shout encouragement upward,with my head craning back to a point just beyond uncomfortable.
In so many ways, he is like everyone else with whom I have shared my passion. Scared, excited, and a little clumsy. But he is very different. He is different, because he's my son, and he has never known life without climbing. Only now it's me looking up at him as he climbs steadily higher,not only facing the challenges....But persuing them. Life is good, and I am proud.
Like just about everyone else I have put on a rope for the first time, I see the fear in his movements as I shout encouragement upward,with my head craning back to a point just beyond uncomfortable.
In so many ways, he is like everyone else with whom I have shared my passion. Scared, excited, and a little clumsy. But he is very different. He is different, because he's my son, and he has never known life without climbing. Only now it's me looking up at him as he climbs steadily higher,not only facing the challenges....But persuing them. Life is good, and I am proud.
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