Why does it seem like we are all so inclined to pick a side and and dig in, defend it and block out anything that comes from "the other side"? It is obviously the case in U.S. politics these days. You pick a party/candidate and only listen to points coming from their "side". Everyone denies they do it but most get caught doing exactly that. It isn't just politics though. If you aren't ready to declare your support of gay marriage then you're a homophobe. If...
A conversation I had with a friend on Facebook inspired me to write about this subject. He had joined a movement urging the state of Michigan to ban smoking in businesses including bars and restaurants. I for one would be ecstatic if everyone stopped smoking altogether but I don't think the government should have that power over businesses. First of all, smoking is legal. Why should the government be able to tell a business owner that they can't have something legal occurrin...
On another blog taxes were compared to slavery because for some, half of their work goes to the government. Many voice the opinion that those people have plenty and that money should be given to those who “need” it more. If it can be judged by others that one person has more than they “need”, shouldn’t the people having their money taken get to judge what is “needed” by those on the receiving end? I say, if you are receiving government money, you get disqualified if any of your ...
If you follow the presidential race you've probably heard about "Joe the Plumber". His question, Obama's answer and debates I've seen here on JU and in other places have lead me to the conclusion that the class warfare that is going on today leaves people with the sentiment that if you are just starting out on the American Dream then we're behind you but once you've achieved it you become a greedy bastard (unless you are in entertainment). Work hard, save your money and you will succ...
All of the headlines are about how McCain is now running attack ads. It is called mudslinging and is looked upon as bad...I guess. Why is it bad though? I think that the candidates should point to each other's character. I think who the candidates friends and mentors are is very important. I'm sick of hearing things like, "He no longer associates with..." Well, if they ever associated with terrorists, radicals and especially if they got money or a leg up politica...
I know it's hard to do since most people tuned into the VP debate hoping either one or the other would do well or fall on their face. Most tuned in having plenty of preconceived notions about the nominees. But if you can put the partisanship and expectations aside, I think you would see the outcome as more of a draw. Neither looked like a fool. Both misspoke at times but there were no huge gaffes that I have heard of. But people have plenty of influences in their opini...
There is so much spin around the whole bail out deal it's dizzying! The Dems tried (and largely succeeded) to convince people that they had a deal done until McCain brought it to a screaching halt. That has been debunked but after hearing about some of the earmarks the Dems are trying to put in their "deal", I would call McCain a hero if he had thrown a wrench in the works. One of the most scary provisions was a 20% earmark for ACORN (if you don't know what ACORN is, PLEASE e...
McCain just announced that he is postponing his campaign, most importantly, including the presidential debate slated for Friday, in order to go back to Washington and do what he can to help find a solution to the major financial crisis. He says that he would rather lose an election than not do what he can for the country. He just might indeed lose the election in my opinion. What about all the people who have been planning and investing in the debate that is now hosed d...
From the Mount Olympus type setting of the DNC, Obama looked down upon his subjects and accepted their appointment of him as their nominee. It was quite a spectacle. Plenty of celebs were everywhere. The hype was palpable. What a show! But that is all I see coming from the Dems, show and no substance. They are for the things that are good and against the things that are bad. Obama is going to tell us what we should and shouldn't do because we can't be...
I know there are plenty of Harvard and Yale experts out there saying that their analysis says that raising the minimum wage causes no harm to anyone, but real life experience says otherwise. I was just at my local Lowe's and when it came time to check out I discovered that my only option was self serve. There was one attendant and this was on a Saturday! I asked if self serve was my only option as it appeared to be and the lone attendant said that since they cut back on the minimu...
FEMA is under investigation for not having verified information before awarding emergency funds to claimants. It bothers me deeply that the agency was so sloppy but it bothers me more that so many scumbags stole money from truly needy people during a time of absolute disaster. It just shows the absolute absence of respect for others and the absence of self respect and pride. My grandparents came from the great depression. They believed in taking care of their own and wo...
Isn't getting drugs from Canada actually outsourcing US pharmaceutical jobs?
I recieved this in an email from a dear friend. I already checked it out on snopes.com so I figured I would share it. It articulates, from a well experienced military member, the character deficiency that I loathe in Senator Kerry. I cringe every time I hear someone say that Kerry was brave for giving his Senate testimony when he returned from the war. Here you go: Bring it on, John > by Oliver North > > August 27, 2004 > > "Of course, the president ...
I am sickened by the thought of so very many uneducated dolts deciding who will run my country. You have to take a test in order to drive a car. Why not have a test in order to vote? I propose we come up with a basic knowledge requirement to be passed in order to cast a vote. I don't think an IQ test would be the way to go. I am just asking that citizens be required to do their homework when it comes to deciding who will have control of such a powerful position. ...
The left seems to respond to the word "Halliburton" like my mother-in-law responds to the word "fart" (it is what she considers the "f" word). I ask this, what other establishment could and would do Halliburton's job? I am not defending overcharges or any other conduct. I am simply curious as to what the options would be. I often wonder how many people howling "Halliburton this or Halliburton that" even know what Halliburton does. I also think you have to be out of you...