There are a lot of good ideas out there. The problem is that people go and eff things all up. "Hey, look at this beautiful new Cadillac I just got. I think it will look great with spinners!" Why?!?! You may laugh at this; but, it is a nice lead in to a couple things that people, heck mankind, should never have messed with. Some things are just fine the way they were created and there is NO reason to screw them up.
First is politics. Political parties are a RIDICULOUS idea and do not work. They may have worked in the beginning as our forefathers built our country. But, they sure as hell are NOT working today! Why did we ever do this? Why does ANYONE do this? I can only speak for politics here in the US; but, I will bet that things are similar in some other countries as well. Do you know what political parties do for America? Not a DAMN thing! Do you know why the government is so fricking messed up right now? It's because of political parties. Sure, there are also quite likely a lot of incompetent people serving us. "Democrats vs Republicans" is why good legislation does not happen, is why the welfare system is messed up, is why there is less and less money for education, is why we are directionless in Iraq and Afghanistan, and so much more. These clowns who run the government, mainly the President (whoever that is at a particular time) and the upper echelon of government, senior senators and others, create such hostility between the parties and try to FORCE their fellow party members to follow the party line.
Look, there are a lot of people out there with some very good ideas. However, they are silenced or worse by their own parties because their ideas go against the party beliefs. Come on! Are we not all Americans first before we are Republicans or Democrats? If an idea is good, it is good. If an idea is bad, like this healthcare plan that the President is trying to FORCE through Congress / ram it down their throats, then it is bad. Do we need healthcare reform? Absolutely! Is the current plan on the table a good one. No way! Why? I will keep it simple - it is a bad idea because the government cannot manage ANY of its other programs! Why on Earth would I think THIS will work?? Do we need a way for the uninsured and just as importantly the under-insured to have proper affordable healthcare? Darn right we do! Do we need to get control of skyrocketing insurance costs? Definitely! The parties should work HONESTLY together to find a plan that can reel in the insurance companies and find something reasonable so that everyone can be insured. Should the government actually RUN a program? No effing way because they have proven time and time again that they cannot manage even the most simple government programs. This is IMPORTANT people! And it is VITAL that the government rethink this rather than have the Democrats force through THEIR program. The President wants this feather in his cap. I would prefer he try to push something through that is valuable to him as an American rather than something that he will try to hang his hat on in his Presidential resume.
What can we do to prevent this mismanagement and lack of good direction? Well, first, we can make damn sure to get out and vote every time we have a chance. Does your vote make a difference? It depends on whether you see only what is front of you or if you see the big picture. Your vote, as a single solitary vote, does not mean much when millions are cast. BUT, if you believe this and decide to stay home and not "waste" your time voting, your vote will not be counted. Considering that we regularly see 70% of voters stay home when it's time to vote, this means that only 30% of people vote for those who are there to represent ALL of us. If we can get another 30% (that's only 3 of every 10 non-voters) to come out and place their votes, we can DOUBLE the number of votes!! This will at minimum get us elected people who more accurately represent the "majority". Likewise, some of these referenda that show up on our local ballots might have better chances of passing if more of us vote. And if you are uneducated about one, ask questions! Read! So often, we only look at how much it will cost us. Is it not worth a few more dollars a year to make your community better? I will give you an example.
My fiancee's hometown has had a referendum the past couple ballots. One of the local high schools is in desperate need of repairs, renovations, additions, etc. The state has agreed to pay for the majority of this required work. The cost to the taxpayers is relatively minimal. Okay, so give me an example of how this high school is lacking. With pleasure. One of my fiancee's sister's classes RELIES on students missing class. Yeah, it's true. If all the kids in the class show up, the classroom will be short three desks. No, there will not be enough desks for the kids. Where would they sit? The floor? Folding chairs? This is ridiculous! Keep in mind, these kids might be our future leaders. Rather than half-ass things with them and just bitch about "kids these days", why don't we support them, give them what they need to have a healthy worthy education and fill them with the knowledge and confidence they need to run our country RIGHT when the time comes!
I got a little off track there. But, I do want to say one more thing about voting. I look at voting as my right to bitch. I go, place my vote, have my say and that's that. I vote because I want to improve my community and my country. Personally, I think that if you don't vote, you keep your effing mouth shut when it comes to government, taxes, and everything else!
One more thing about politics before I leave you. We need to keep an eye on our politicians. We vote them in and we can vote them out, too. What sucks is that everything is a crap shoot. When politicians are campaigning, they will say ANYTHING to secure your vote. Yes, they will lie. And I fear that they lie more than they tell the truth. Wait, I KNOW that's how it is! It's because once they are elected, they no longer represent you and me. Heck no! They represent their fricking POLITICAL PARTY! Also, we have people campaigning saying they have "plans". But, you know, they NEVER disclose these plans! Come on, spit it out. There is enough media coverage that if you are the first one to come up with a good idea and another candidate "steals" your idea, EVERYONE will know it's your idea in the first place. We need to stop electing Republicans and Democrats and start electing Americans who will share their ideas and who will truly be out there trying to represent us in a proper way.
If no one shares their plans with us, how can we develop an opinion? If you agree or disagree with someone/something, at least you will develop an opinion! At least you might start talking about it and try to understand it. Or better yet, maybe you will think of something better. And then you share YOUR thoughts with anyone who will listen. Let's stop thinking as political parties and start thinking as Americans. We are ALL in this together, folks. And if we all unite and MAKE our leaders do the right thing, we will once become the best country on Earth. And if not, we will see ourselves continue on this downward spiral on our way to being some second-tier country. Do you want that?
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Respect, or the Lack Thereof
People today amaze me, especially kids. When I was brought up, I was taught certain things by my parents. I was taught to say "please" and "thank you". I was taught to be honest. I was taught to be kind to others. I was taught to work hard. Okay, I will admit that I don't always work hard. But, at least I know I am supposed to. Also, I was taught to respect others, especially my elders.
Disrespect is one of my biggest pet peeves. Lying and cheating are certainly ranked higher; but, this one irritates the piss out of me. If everyone would just approach each new person with a basic respect, we could have a much more peaceful planet. Instead, we all to often form an opinion of this person before we even meet him.
On a big scale, for example, we have many Muslims raised to hate Jews and vice versa. I remember watching some documentary on HBO a few years ago and they followed a Palestinian boy around and he told how he was raised to believe that the Jews are the enemy (among many other words). Not only was he taught to not respect them, he was taught to HATE them. It is quite possible that an Israeli child might be brought up the same way. The power of a parent's words is tremendous!
On a smaller and more individual scale, we have kids who show NO respect, not even to their own parents. To watch some of these kids interact with their parents sometimes makes my jaw drop. Did he/she just say THAT?? And if they act like that with their parents, how would they act around others?!?!? I'm not a parent yet; but, I can tell you that my kids will be brought up with the same values that I was. Live by the Golden Rule - "do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Treat not only your elders with respect, but ALL people.
How does one learn respect? First of all, parents need to let their kids know when they step out of line. Don't turn away from it. Take responsibility for your children. Would YOUR parents have let YOU get away with what your kids are getting away with? I am guessing the answer is 'no'.
I will admit that I play my share of video games. However, I think that video games are WAY too prominent in families these days. Now, say a family has a Wii and they play games together, use Wii Fit and maybe some family oriented games. I am cool with that to an extent. Just please do not let the video games become your kids' babysitter OR the only thing that brings the family together. Likewise, please do not let the TV be the babysitter either.
Once again, I have to admit that I watch WAY too much TV. And I understand why parents like those portable DVD players for the kids on road trips. Hey, it makes sense. But, you know, when the family is at home, why let the TV babysit? If the family is watching together, that's different. But, how often are you watching together? And how often are you watching something with any human value versus some movie with questionable content and language?
Language - here's where I start showing my age. There is entirely WAY too much language and sex on TV. Did I really just say that? I did. Don't let the TV be where your kids learn life skills. Sure, once you hit a certain age, the rules change a bit. But, I don't think I swore in front of my parents until I was probably 20 years old. Don't quote me on that. I think that once a kid hits 17 or 18, things can loosen up a bit. However, a 12 year old or a 15 year old swearing in front of their parents is NOT right. Sure, teens will be teens. But, there is a limit and it is up to the PARENTS to teach them what is right and what is wrong.
People wonder why their kids end up with the wrong crowd or end up all messed up. "Oh I don't know why he acts like that." "I don't know where she got that attitude." I have a feeling a lot of it can be traced back to how they were raised and how much their parents were around. If you have kids, PLEASE teach them right. Teach them to be upstanding citizens. Teach them how to act properly in public. If you do not teach them these things, someone else will. And that person may not have the same values as YOU.
On a big scale, for example, we have many Muslims raised to hate Jews and vice versa. I remember watching some documentary on HBO a few years ago and they followed a Palestinian boy around and he told how he was raised to believe that the Jews are the enemy (among many other words). Not only was he taught to not respect them, he was taught to HATE them. It is quite possible that an Israeli child might be brought up the same way. The power of a parent's words is tremendous!
On a smaller and more individual scale, we have kids who show NO respect, not even to their own parents. To watch some of these kids interact with their parents sometimes makes my jaw drop. Did he/she just say THAT?? And if they act like that with their parents, how would they act around others?!?!? I'm not a parent yet; but, I can tell you that my kids will be brought up with the same values that I was. Live by the Golden Rule - "do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Treat not only your elders with respect, but ALL people.
How does one learn respect? First of all, parents need to let their kids know when they step out of line. Don't turn away from it. Take responsibility for your children. Would YOUR parents have let YOU get away with what your kids are getting away with? I am guessing the answer is 'no'.
I will admit that I play my share of video games. However, I think that video games are WAY too prominent in families these days. Now, say a family has a Wii and they play games together, use Wii Fit and maybe some family oriented games. I am cool with that to an extent. Just please do not let the video games become your kids' babysitter OR the only thing that brings the family together. Likewise, please do not let the TV be the babysitter either.
Once again, I have to admit that I watch WAY too much TV. And I understand why parents like those portable DVD players for the kids on road trips. Hey, it makes sense. But, you know, when the family is at home, why let the TV babysit? If the family is watching together, that's different. But, how often are you watching together? And how often are you watching something with any human value versus some movie with questionable content and language?
Language - here's where I start showing my age. There is entirely WAY too much language and sex on TV. Did I really just say that? I did. Don't let the TV be where your kids learn life skills. Sure, once you hit a certain age, the rules change a bit. But, I don't think I swore in front of my parents until I was probably 20 years old. Don't quote me on that. I think that once a kid hits 17 or 18, things can loosen up a bit. However, a 12 year old or a 15 year old swearing in front of their parents is NOT right. Sure, teens will be teens. But, there is a limit and it is up to the PARENTS to teach them what is right and what is wrong.
People wonder why their kids end up with the wrong crowd or end up all messed up. "Oh I don't know why he acts like that." "I don't know where she got that attitude." I have a feeling a lot of it can be traced back to how they were raised and how much their parents were around. If you have kids, PLEASE teach them right. Teach them to be upstanding citizens. Teach them how to act properly in public. If you do not teach them these things, someone else will. And that person may not have the same values as YOU.
A Letter to Milton Bradley
In response to Milton Bradley who signed with the Seattle Mariners for the 2010 season blaming the team and the fans for his poor play in 2009 with the Chicago Cubs.
Dear Milton,
You sit there and take jabs at the Cubs and their fans. You blame us for your crap year in 2009. Was pressure put on you to perform? Maybe. But, why shouldn't pressure be there considering you were hired to play a game and get paid more than $6 million in 2009 to play that game for the Cubs.
You say it's our fault you sucked in 2009? Really? I will be honest with you, a LOT of us did not want you here. You have been a troublemaker for several years before you came to Chicago and we wanted no part of that.
If you wanted us to like you, the least you could have done was perform! We actually give a lot of credit for TRYING. However, your batting average did not hit .200 until the end of May. Pitchers were out-hitting you! Your fielding in 2009 was fair. However, I had the great displeasure of being at the Cubs-Brewers game on June 12 where you forgot how many outs you had. You showboated by making a basket catch. Then you looked smugly into the stands and then tossed the ball to the crowd. Nice move asshole! Fortunately, it didn't cost the team a run. Do you really think you made fans that day? No. You LOST fans that day. And do you know why? It's not because you made a dumb error. Everyone makes errors. It was the manner in which you did it. The Cubs fans do not react well to your technique. You are a douche-bag. Bottom line!
Milton, if you were TRULY a professional, you would have sucked it up and soldiered on.... like Alfonso Soriano. He has had WAY more disappointing moments with the Cubs than good ones and I personally think the team would be better off without him and his $17 million salary for 2009. Just ask any Cub fan. However, not once did he blame his lack of performance on the fans, the team or the city. I give him credit for going out there every day and playing. Sure he does that stupid little hop when he tries to catch a fly ball. And sure he poses like an a-hole when he gets a hold of one. BUt, he goes out there and plays and blames no one but himself for his lack of performance.
Are you a professional? No fricking way! You are no more a professional baseball player than I am. Sure, you were blessed with some talent that lets you hit and throw a baseball well enough to make you millions of dollars. A professional would take responsibility for his actions or lack thereof. He would try harder. He would say the right things to the reporters. The only times the fans hear you speak are by the words and videos of the reporters. On April 24, you told the media that you don't like them. After saying that, did you really think your positive press would increase? You did this to yourself. You played like crap and got bad press. All we needed you was to get in a fight with a teammate and we would have been set.
I am so glad you are out of Chicago. And for the sake of the Seattle Mariners, I hope you have a year that helps them make the playoffs. One way to do that is to not rile up the fans and most importantly - shut your effing mouth!
Sincerely,
A Lifelong Cub Fan
Dear Milton,
You sit there and take jabs at the Cubs and their fans. You blame us for your crap year in 2009. Was pressure put on you to perform? Maybe. But, why shouldn't pressure be there considering you were hired to play a game and get paid more than $6 million in 2009 to play that game for the Cubs.
You say it's our fault you sucked in 2009? Really? I will be honest with you, a LOT of us did not want you here. You have been a troublemaker for several years before you came to Chicago and we wanted no part of that.
If you wanted us to like you, the least you could have done was perform! We actually give a lot of credit for TRYING. However, your batting average did not hit .200 until the end of May. Pitchers were out-hitting you! Your fielding in 2009 was fair. However, I had the great displeasure of being at the Cubs-Brewers game on June 12 where you forgot how many outs you had. You showboated by making a basket catch. Then you looked smugly into the stands and then tossed the ball to the crowd. Nice move asshole! Fortunately, it didn't cost the team a run. Do you really think you made fans that day? No. You LOST fans that day. And do you know why? It's not because you made a dumb error. Everyone makes errors. It was the manner in which you did it. The Cubs fans do not react well to your technique. You are a douche-bag. Bottom line!
Milton, if you were TRULY a professional, you would have sucked it up and soldiered on.... like Alfonso Soriano. He has had WAY more disappointing moments with the Cubs than good ones and I personally think the team would be better off without him and his $17 million salary for 2009. Just ask any Cub fan. However, not once did he blame his lack of performance on the fans, the team or the city. I give him credit for going out there every day and playing. Sure he does that stupid little hop when he tries to catch a fly ball. And sure he poses like an a-hole when he gets a hold of one. BUt, he goes out there and plays and blames no one but himself for his lack of performance.
Are you a professional? No fricking way! You are no more a professional baseball player than I am. Sure, you were blessed with some talent that lets you hit and throw a baseball well enough to make you millions of dollars. A professional would take responsibility for his actions or lack thereof. He would try harder. He would say the right things to the reporters. The only times the fans hear you speak are by the words and videos of the reporters. On April 24, you told the media that you don't like them. After saying that, did you really think your positive press would increase? You did this to yourself. You played like crap and got bad press. All we needed you was to get in a fight with a teammate and we would have been set.
I am so glad you are out of Chicago. And for the sake of the Seattle Mariners, I hope you have a year that helps them make the playoffs. One way to do that is to not rile up the fans and most importantly - shut your effing mouth!
Sincerely,
A Lifelong Cub Fan
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Yack's Blog Numero Uno
Welcome to Blog #1. I've wanted to have my own blog thingy for several years now and FINALLY, here it is! Why did I want to do blogs? It's simply because I have an opinion about pretty much everything and I think everyone should hear what I have to say! So, thanks in advance to reading my rants, raves, etc.
What can you expect to see here? Certainly, taboo topics like politics, religion and things like that will be a must. Yeah, I have plenty of things to say. Current events will probably be the main fuel that feeds the fire here.
How often will I post? I have no idea. Just check back every now and then. I have a bunch of ideas that I will be starting with including the economy, the Middle East (Israel, Iraq and Iran), Metallica, gas prices, home prices and unions. I will look for a way for readers to add comments. For now, if you know me, just email me and I will reply or maybe not.
As Rush Limbaugh has said, "if you don't know what to think, I'll tell you." No, I am not a Ditto-Head; but, I sure like that philosophy.
A warning to those of you who are too insecure or too sensitive, this blog is not the place for you. Please forget that you were ever here. There will be colorful language, things you may disagree with, things that might offend you and much more. That, I can promise. Personally, I say lighten the eff up. If everyone would quit taking themselves so effing seriously or taking things so effing literally, this world would be a MUCH better place.
For those of you who do not fit in the previous paragraph, welcome! Please grab a cup of coffee, sit back, buckle in and enjoy the ride!
What can you expect to see here? Certainly, taboo topics like politics, religion and things like that will be a must. Yeah, I have plenty of things to say. Current events will probably be the main fuel that feeds the fire here.
How often will I post? I have no idea. Just check back every now and then. I have a bunch of ideas that I will be starting with including the economy, the Middle East (Israel, Iraq and Iran), Metallica, gas prices, home prices and unions. I will look for a way for readers to add comments. For now, if you know me, just email me and I will reply or maybe not.
As Rush Limbaugh has said, "if you don't know what to think, I'll tell you." No, I am not a Ditto-Head; but, I sure like that philosophy.
A warning to those of you who are too insecure or too sensitive, this blog is not the place for you. Please forget that you were ever here. There will be colorful language, things you may disagree with, things that might offend you and much more. That, I can promise. Personally, I say lighten the eff up. If everyone would quit taking themselves so effing seriously or taking things so effing literally, this world would be a MUCH better place.
For those of you who do not fit in the previous paragraph, welcome! Please grab a cup of coffee, sit back, buckle in and enjoy the ride!
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