Get Out and Vote

Early voting has started in most places throughout the nation. Please take a few minutes and either go vote now or be sure to to it on November 2nd.

Remember, if you are a registered voter and it looks like someone is trying to keep you from voting, report them immediately to the authorities. Don't let anyone prevent you from exercising your right to vote.

Living in the Past?

This is a tweet from Governor Rick Perry from today:

Way to go Rangers!! What should we wager Giuliani for the series??!!>

Really? How out of touch is he? Does he not realize that Giuliani has not been in office since the end of 2001?

He's gotta go.

The Miners are Free

Congratulations to the 33 miners who were rescued today from the mine in Chile and best wishes to them and their families.

Also, kudos to all those who were involved in the rescue and support of these men over the last few months.

Out of the Smoke

I knew it would eventually happen.

Lately, I've been seeing those commercials for the smokeless cigarettes all over the airwaves. You know the ones:

“It's water vapor.”

“Now I can smoke anywhere.”

“This is a free country, isn't it?”

Well, recently, at a restaurant (a non-smoking restaurant I should add) a customer “lit up” his smokeless cigarette. When the waitress went over to as him to put it out or go outside to smoke, he went off on her that it was not a real cigarette and he could smoke it wherever he wanted. The waitress informed him that he still could not use it in the restaurant.

The man started yelling at the waitress and making a spectacle of himself. The manager came over to try and settle the situation. He calmly explained to the man that even though it was a “smokeless cigarette”, he couldn't allow him to use it in the restaurant since it would give the impression to people who smoke real cigarettes that they could light up as well.

Of course, the man wasn't accepting that and continued to make a scene. Finally, the frazzled manager asked the man to leave. The angry man threatened to call the police and have them come to the restaurant and force them to allow him to smoke his smokeless cigarette.

What did he expect the police to do? They are there to enforce the laws and ordinances on the books. They could no more force the restaurant to allow him to use his smokeless cigarette than they could force them to serve a different type of food.

Finally, the man and his group left the restaurant. As he walked out, he proclaimed loudly that he was going to sue the restaurant and put them out of business.

This is a case of a smoker who only thinks of himself and no one else. He can't see the reasoning behind the restaurant's policy. If he did, he would realize that most people who smoke aren't going to change their habit and switch to the smokeless cigarettes (besides, the tobacco companies would be fighting it tooth and nail). Also, the mentality of most smokers seems to be that if one person lights up somewhere then they all can regardless of the rules. (I've actually seen this happen before)

Many smokers believe they have a legal right to smoke. I don't remember anywhere in the Constitution of the United States or any law books I've read seeing a legal right to smoke. Of course, they will say it's a first amendment right of free speech. Really? Smoking is free speech? Wow!

I applaud the stand the manager took at the restaurant that evening. In fact, I even told him so before I left. I only hope that as this continues to happen, more business owners will stand up and enforce their no smoking policy as vigorously.

A Message from America's Witches

September 17, 2010

From: American Council of Witches and Warlocks – Office of Governing Elders

To: Republican Party of the United States

Re: Depictions of Witchcraft in the Media


It has come to the attention of this council that your political party has been depicting Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi in California as the Wicked Witch of the West in a televised ad. As a group, we do not endorse any political candidates (and do not use our powers to affect the outcomes of elections).




Our membership is diverse. We include everyone and treat them equally regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, or beliefs. We are also a part of the nation as a whole. We can be found in all neighborhoods in all cities and states. We are also a part of the nation's military (until someone passes a “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” on us).



As for the Republican Senate Candidate in Delaware, Christine O'Donnell, we have no record of her as a part of our group. As far as we can tell, she has cast no spells (many include masturbatory practices).

We seriously must protest and ask you to cease and desist any further mention or depictions of witchcraft in the future or spells will be cast which will affect your families for generations.

Besides, the real wicked witch is located further north of California. So, Sarah, if you are reading this, please get your dues paid up. We've let it go for a few years now, but I'm sure you can afford them now with all the money you are making.

Sincerely,

Hilda von Broom
Executive Chairman
Salem, MA

Is Rick Perry Giving Us the Business?

Governor Rick Perry (R TX) has recently begun airing a new campaign commercial about Texas being open for business (see video below). In it he states there is  8 billion dollars set back for a rainy day.



Really???

Do we need to be holding back funds like that when we have so many issues in this state that need to be addressed?

Look at education. There are school districts in the state of Texas who are including toilet paper, paper plates, cups, antibacterial wipes and more to the list of supplies that kids needed for school.

When a district cannot afford basic supplies such as these, why is our state government not helping them out?A fraction of the money set back would solve this problem.

The same goes for the fact that many teachers are spending money out of their salaries to buy necessary supplies for their students and classrooms.

Where is the outrage? Why aren't more people demanding the state government get involved and help out? Education should be our number one priority (behind healthcare) in this state. It is NOT fair to our kids!

Then there is our infrastructure. There are roads in my home city of Fort Worth that have not been paved in years (literally). Many of them have serious potholes and bumps from where they have tried to patch them.  I know because I drive over them every day.  Some of that "rainy day money" could be used to fix problems like this.

It's time for Rick Perry and the Republicans in the state legislature to either get their backsides in gear and fix the problems of this state or we need to get them out of office.

This November, be sure to get out and vote. And, vote Democrat!

A Moment of Remembrance

Let us take a moment and remember all those who died on 9/11/2001 - the people in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and those on the planes as well as the heroic members of the New York Fire and Police Departments.

Let us also remember and honor those of our troops who have given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan over the last several years. No matter your politics, I think we all will agree they served well.

I'd also like to take a moment to remember those who lost someone on 9/11 as well as in Iraq and Afghanistan. My those you loved live on in your hearts and minds forever.

An Apology

Last week, Congressman Joe Barton (R)Texas apologized during a Congressional hearing to British Petroleum for the way the Obama Administration subjected them to what he calls "a shakedown":

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Ultimately, after being pulled into a meeting with the GOP leadership, Congressman Barton released a statement rescinding his apology.

However, you can never un-ring the bell. Mr. Barton shows his blatant hypocrisy and lack of compassion to the people of the gulf coast. He is one of (if not the largest) supporters of the oil industry. He receives more in contributions from the oil industry than anyone else in the House of Representative.

You can bet that if the oil was coming onto the shores of Texas, his attitude would be completely different. He would be demanding money (from the government or BP) to get the mess cleaned up.

So, I apologize to everyone; especially the people along the gulf coast whose lives have been turned upside down and have lost their livelihoods. I apologize for the type of politicians we elect and send to represent us in the Congress. As a life-long Texan, I am so horrified and ashamed that we as citizens could send a moron like this to Washington.

Book Review - Lost States: True Stories of Texlahoma, Transylvania and Other States That Never Made It

Lost States: True Stories of Texlahoma, Transylvania and Other States That Never Made It by Michael J. Trinklein

This is another book that I won in a contest from GoodReads First Reads.  It’s actually one I might have picked up at the bookstore anyway because I’m always interested in offbeat historical information.

First off, the book was extremely entertaining.  If I hadn’t had so many interruptions, I probably would have read it in one sitting.  It’s really a fast read.  The stories are concise (1 page in length) and the maps give added context.  Add to that, the author throws in some humor to make it even more enjoyable.

Another neat thing about the book is that the cover unfolds into a map of the Lost States.  Great idea!

While reading it, I realized I had learned a few things about my own state that were never taught in Texas history class.  I knew Texas could slice itself up into four or five states if it wanted (that was a provision in the treaty with the U.S. when Texas joined), but I had never heard about any instances where it had been tried.  Although, knowing the knuckleheads in the Texas legislature, I’m surprised they haven’t tried doing it recently.

As with any book, there are some errors.  One was listing President Buchanan when it should have been President Polk (page 68) and there were a few typos.  All in all, it wasn’t any worse than some novels I’ve read lately.  Doesn’t anyone proofread anymore?

If you’re a historical trivia buff like I am, this is a book on the same par as Weird History 101.  It is a thoroughly enjoyable read and I would recommend it to all my friends.

Easter Greetings

                              Keep it hopping,

                                                        Keep it handy.

                                                        Grab and eat

                                                        Tons of candy.       

                                                                                                         

Book Review - Diet for a Hot Planet

This book will be available on March 30th.

I recently received Diet for a Hot Planet as a contest prize from Good Reads First Reads. I’ve always been concerned with the issue of climate change. However, I wasn’t aware that food production contributed as much to it as it does. It’s common sense, actually, but most of us don’t think about it.

The author brings into focus the fact that industrialized food production makes a significant contribution to the greenhouse gases currently causing the problem of climate change; from the actual growth of genetically modified feed, to the production of chemical fertilizers and pesticides through the raising of crops and livestock all the way to the store and eventually to your table.

Until I read this book, I did not know that only growing one crop in a field over and over using chemical fertilizers and pesticides caused the soil to erode and release carbon into the atmosphere. Ms. Lappe points out that by using sustainable farming methods (natural fertilizers as well as planting a variety of crops) would reduce carbon emissions and help to restore the topsoil.

I was also unaware that a huge amount of methane was being produced by livestock and their waste. Most of this is caused by feeding them food other than grass. Their waste is drained into “cesspits” that do not allow it to break down properly, so more methane is released. By allowing them to feed naturally and by recycling their waste as fertilizer, methane and carbon emissions could be reduced. Also, reducing the number of livestock being raised could reduce it further.

One of the things discussed is to “buy local”. I’ve always been a proponent of that. When you buy locally, you help to reduce emissions from transport vehicles. Why buy fruits and vegetables raised across the country when you can buy the same thing raised nearer your community?

Speaking to a number of experts and travelling to various places around the world, Ms. Lappe discovered that more people are returning to the time-tested methods of farming. They are thumbing their noses at the big agribusiness companies like Monsanto and Archer Daniels Midland. Using sustainable methods, these people have brought land back to life and are producing more than enough food for their communities.

I have to say that this book was an eye-opener for me. I learned that industrialized food production is energy intensive (from creation of the fertilizers to the lighting of the barns to the creation of packaging) and is heavily dependent on fossil fuels. I also learned that there are ways to slow down and reduce the greenhouse gases from food production.

And, now, after reading this book, I may never look at (or eat) a Pop Tart the same way again.

Health Care Reform

I spent most of my day watching the House of Representatives on C-Span. Yes, I know, I'm a glutton for punishment.

For each resolution or bill brought up for discussion, the House Republicans automatically turned the subject to Health Care Reform (known as Government Take Over of Health Care by the Republicans).

For example, a resolution was brought before the house to honor an author whose name I can't remember because I only heard it mentioned once. The Democratic speaker would begin to speak of the matter at issue, and then the Republican would immediately change the subject to health care.

It was the same old talking points: "it will bankrupt the government", "it will cause a loss of jobs", "we should start over from scratch", "it's the biggest government take over of any part of the economy", "the sky is falling!" (OK...I added that last one in myself), yadda, yadda, yadda.

A few of them even complained about having to be there for a vote on Sunday (they want to hold the vote on Thursday of next week). My advice to them is, if you don't plan to vote for it anyway then don't be there on Sunday. See, problem solved. You can have your weekend and the rest of us can have decent healthcare.

It's been said by the Republicans that if the Democrats pass this legislation, it will come back to bite them in November during the mid-term elections. Many feel that if they don't pass it, it will come back to bite them in November.

The Democrats already know they are going to lose some seats in the mid-terms. Historically, the party in majority loses some seats in the mid-terms after a president of the same party is elected. They are expecting it.

I heard Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) once again say that he hasn't heard from a single American saying they want this legislation to pass. Who is he talking to?? It certainly isn't me! I think all who want reform should send him an email and let him know (I did).

Another thing, I heard today was about the 11 year old whose mother died after she lost her job and health care. He was invited to testify on capitol hill. Of course, the Republican talking-heads jumped right on this. Michelle Malkin wrote about it in a column and Glenn Beck made his usual out-of-this-world comments, but the most insensitive had to be from Rush Limbaugh.

On his radio show, he made the comment that she would have died anyway even under the new health care rules. Why is this buffoon still on the air?

And speaking of Glenn Beck, he went off on his radio show about how the vote for reform being taken on Sunday is an affront to God. Please! Glenn Beck is an affront to intelligence.

This may not be the best reform to our health care system (personally I think we should have gone to Medicare for all), but at least get the ball rolling. Fixes can be made after the main reform is passed. The Republicans had years to do something (but the wouldn't mess with their donors) and their proposals now are lame.

Like Larry the Cable Guy would say, "Let's git 'er done!"

Top O' the Mornin'

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Public Service Announcement

Many of you may have already received the 2010 Census Questionnaire in the mail today. If not, you will likely get it some time this week.

The census helps to determine the number of representatives each state has in the U.S. Congress as well as the congressional districts themselves. The amount of money from the federal government to your local area also depends on the answers given. The money is used for many local services such as roads and services for children.

Many people disregard the census. They think "it doesn't help me" or "it's not important". Well, it is for a number of reasons as mentioned above.

When you receive your questionnaire, please take a few minutes to fill it out and mail it back.

Thanks!

A Message from Rowdydog

Happy New Year to everyone!

One of my resolutions for 2010 is to post more here, so keep an eye out.

Woof!