Breaking The Ties That Bind US

I will be the first to admit I am a slave to fossil fuels. I drive therefore I must endure that rising cost of gas. Obviously no one enjoys paying more at the gas pumps, I know I certainly don't. But is the answer to this problem more drilling?

It has been suggested that we now re think our stand on future oil wells in Alaska and off shore in the Gulf of Mexico. The reasoning behind this of course is that it will give some relief to the American consumer at the gas pump, But will it really?

I SAY NO! This isn't about jumping on the Al Gore green is clean band wagon. Its about economics and politics. We as a nation have become entirely too dependant on resources that we can only obtain in quantity from other countries. Countries that have governments who for the most part don't care for us as a nation or who's own government is unstable or in constant turmoil. And yet.....here we are continuing to pay the ever rising price to purchase the fuel we need from them. Does this make any sense to anyone?

Yes I admit we do need this fuel to function, but being at the mercy of the current suppliers to fill those needs isn't in our best interests long term. And isn't that what we should be looking at here the long term bigger picture?

Fossil fuels while plentiful in other parts of the world are not so in this country. And this is not a renewable resource...so once its gone its gone for good. The limited supplies still to be found in the United States are not enough to sustain our country's needs long term. And by the time we harvested this fuel, refined it and were actually able to make it available to the public the amount of help it would provide us economically would be extremely minimal at best. Amounting to only a few cents at the gas pumps.

Is a few penny's really worth possible harm to our environment? Again...this isn't about green is clean, tree hugging, kiss the polar bears thinking. But this is the place we live. If we screw it up we don't get a second chance...and where else would we go?

The fact is we want to become more independent as a country, then we need to break our need for fossil fuel. If we want to continue to have a clean living environment, we need to break our need for fossil fuel. If we want to reduce the costs and help our economy WE NEED TO BREAK OUR NEED OF FOSSIL FUELS. Does anyone see a pattern here?

Continued drilling in this country will only amount to providing a small band aid on much bigger issue. And its not even a band aid that will stop the bleeding. We need to look past the immediate wants and needs and look for a more long term solution to this problem.

We as a nation have some of the best minds in the world. We have a society and and a way of life that is rivaled by none. You can not tell me that a country as advanced and as great as this one can not come up with a better plan than that of Oil to fill the energy needs of our people. I'm sorry but I just don't buy it and neither should you.

So what as a voter, as consumer and as citizen of this country can we do about this. To be honest I don't know. It seems that as long as those in power want us to continue with the status quo...there is little we can do but ride it out. But for those who's concerns are more financially motivated and for those reasons alone do not wish to lose their grasp on Oil...I say this: There is money to be made in alternative energy sources for those willing to step outside the box and pioneer it.

As a nation and as a people it makes sense politically and economically to break these ties that bind us. Isn't it time that someone stepped up to the plate and said ENOUGH?

A Thong Gone Wrong...

I have no problem with a woman wanting to feel sexy. In fact if you have the body for it.....and your comfortable with yourself.....wear whatever you like as far as under clothing goes. But please....please for the love of all that's holy......If you don't understand how to operate them...please leave them to those that do.

For those of you who might have missed it....Victoria's Secret is being sued by a 52 year old women who claims while putting on her thong...a metal piece from the underwear popped off hitting her in the eye causing damage to her cornea.

I realize that some intimate apparel out there can be a bit tricky to put on. There are hooks straps and zippers...etc. Sometimes knowing what goes where is a challenge. But I cant see how anyone can be confused on how to wear a thong. Especially the one she had issue with. The material in it is no bigger than a postage stamp...and the rest of it is only string. Its doesn't take a rocket scientist to put it on.

Besides if you have to stretch your thong so tightly that it becomes a sling shot, making the little rhinestone decorations deadly projectiles......You might want to rethink your underwear choices.

In a country where we now have to label everything because if we don't we get sued...I wonder how Victoria's going to handle this one....The warning label alone will be larger than the underwear its suppose to represent.

"WARNING....THIS UNDERWEAR MIGHT BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH. So either keep your eyes closed or your big butt out of it".

While I'm sure its not the first time some of the Victoria's Secret underwear has caused vision issues.....Those were usually not associated with the person wearing the underwear. And in most of those cases you rarely hear about anyone complaining. However in this case...it seems to me more like its an owner/operator issue than a manufactures one.

I understand that today 50 is considered the new 40 and women are behaving and feeling younger. But this woman was older than my mom...who while I love her dearly, the thought of her wearing a thong is enough to send me to therapy for a very long time.

So Miss (whatever your name was).....do yourself a favor, go out and buy some sensible underwear...the right size......something without any sort of decorations that might at some point pop off,impaling you and cause some permanent damage. AND PLEASE stop blaming Victoria Secret for your screw up.

REMEMBER money is no substitute for love.......and after all the press your getting, I kind of doubt your going to be getting much of either.

Do Not Follow Blindly

All I ask is that we do not behave like sheep. That we see the entire picture and then act accordingly. But we cannot do that if we don't have all the facts and cant see things from all sides. I make no secret of my dislike for Barack Obama as a candidate for the office of president. I don't want this man as our leader. I don't trust him. I think he has hidden agendas which do not and will not serve the American people.

And contrary to what his long time friend and former spiritual advisor Reverend Jeremiah Wright would like you to believe....My dislike for the man does not stem from the color of his skin or his religious preferences or that of his families. My dislike is based on the simple fact that the man is not what hes selling the American public.

From the outside he seems like a little slice of politically packaged heaven. He is educated...(a Harvard grad) Which means hes intelligent. Enough so that hes cleverly and charismatically wooed a large number of potential voters. Hes young, and well dressed, has a beautiful wife and children...which makes him look like a hip yet traditional version of the American dream. Hes well spoken which has definitely been a plus in his ability to hypnotize everyone who listens to him.

But all that is a shell game. Its not who this man is. Its who he wants you to see. He is like a magician who directs your eye in one way...while moving his hands in another. But just as with all magicians.....there is no real magic to his tricks...Its all slight of hand. And if you know the secrets...the trick is exposed.

I do not believe a man is just one isolated incident. He is the sum total of all his experiences. He is who he associates himself with. He is who he listens to for council. How he conducts himself past present and future. So lets look at other aspects of Mr Obama the man and possible future President of the United States.

This is Grandmother, Sarah Hussein Onyango Obama. Proudly pointing to an "Obama 08" bumper sticker.

Obama's Uncle shown here with Obamas grandmother who has been a prisoner in his own home, trapped by post election violence that has left more than 600 Kenyans dead.....said "If Barack Obama were elected, he would improve relations between Africa and America because he had his roots in Africa".

Malik Obama, older brother of Barack , holds an undated picture of Barak, left, and himself, middle, and an unidentified friend in his shop in eastern Kenya. By Karel Prinsloo, AP

Barack here showing his support for Luo Raila Odinga (Opposition Leader in Kenya who signed a "Shariah pact" with Muslims and claims to be Obama's cousin) He is married to Ida Odinga, they have four children - two sons and two daughters. His oldest son, Fidel, is named after Fidel Castro.

Barack's father, hard-drinker, raised Muslim.....Was married three times, also attended Harvard and then returned to Kenya. Obama claims he was an atheist, but was given a Muslim burial at Baracks family's request.

A young Barack shown here with mother Stanley Ann Dunham. In his own autobiography Obama writes, "How and when the marriage occurred remains a bit murky, a bill of particulars that I have never quite had the courage to explore". Fair enough...No ones family tree is without a few shaky branches. (His father was still married to his first wife Kezia in Kenya at the time.)

Obamas Father and Mother together during his fathers only visit to Hawaii while Obama lived there. Obama with his father on the same visit to Hawaii

In this photo Baracks mothers second husband Lolo Soetoro (Indonesian Muslim), their daughter Maya, and Barack.

Abandoned by his father and shipped off by his mother to his grand parents, Barry Soetero becomes Barack Hussein Obama. Obama would describe his grandparents as "white folk". ( His words not mine.) I would have described them as a decent man and woman who didn't abandon their grandson.

Here Barack stands behind Kezia (stepmother) in a Kenyan family shot. Including brother Abongo 'Roy' Obama who is a Luo activist and a militant Muslim, who argues that "the black man must liberate himself from the poisoning influences of European culture"

Obama wrote in Dreams From My Father: "Abongo's new lifestyle has left him lean and clear-eyed, and at the wedding, he looked so dignified in his black African gown with white trim and matching cap,that some of our guests mistook him for my father".

This is Obama's visit to Africa '06. There are no transcripts of the speeches he gave on this trip while campaigning for Odinga. But I do have to wonder what this man in this photo is about? Is this the same man who now wants to disassociate himself with inflammatory political statements? It appears that it wasn't that long ago that he was making similar statements of his own.

Then there is Obamas former Reverend Jeremiah Wright. It has been said that The corporate media and the racists have attempted to use the black church against the leading presidential candidate.

Oh really? It seems to me that the damage done there was inflicted by Wright himself. It was Wrights statements in his sermons that caused the firestorm that came back negatively to the candidate. No one created or fabricated that chain of events. No matter how much I'm sure the Obama camp would like it to be that way. Reverend Wrights well publicized quote:"Not 'God bless America,' 'God damn America," "God damn America for treating its citizens as less than human." should be in my opinion in the front of every ones mind.

WHY should this matter? Obama disassociated himself with it didn't he? And later with the Reverend for saying it. It should matter because no matter if hes publicly saying at this moment that he doesn't agree with the Reverends comments....He still sat at the mans knee for the past 20 years as a member of his church, and as a family friend. By Obamas own admission one of Reverend Wrights speeches "The audacity of Hope" is what prompted him to seek office. The man was a huge influence in his life. You cant be that close and be that significant to a person and not subscribe to his views.

Wright who appeared on the TV Show Bill Moyers Journal spoke about the positive side of his negative press. He said : "In response to the sound bytes, in response to the snippets, in Philadelphia Senator Obama made a very powerful speech in terms of our need as a nation to address the whole issue of race. That's something good that's already starting. That because of you guys playing these sound bytes now whats getting ready to happen as something very positive, and something very powerful that God can take what you meant to try and hurt somebody to help a nation to come to grips with the truth......To help a nation come to grips with mis educaton .....To help a nation to come to grips with things we don't like to talk about"....

Are you serious? You would like us all to believe that those comments you made about Damning our country and the negative media attention that followed are now a positive thing? That you Reverend are directly or indirectly responsible for this precieved positive attention? Who exactly do you feel your statements are educating? Who are they directed toward? Because I have to tell you speaking as a citizen of this country you speak of....I don't feel like this is about ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL. It seems to me that the only person who is making this about race is YOU. You and others like you who have lived in this country for generations, who have reaped the benefits of it, but would still like to be seen as the victims of its past.

I am so tired of people like you Mr Wright. Those like you who refuse to move forward. Let me put this thought out there..... If as Americans you have been so ill used and mistreated then why is Mr Obama being taken seriously as a candidate for the highest office this country has to offer? How has he been able to become a US Senator? How was he able to attend one of the most respected Ivy League Schools in our country, Harvard?

From examination of Mr Obamas family and childhood....He wasn't born with a silver spoon in his mouth. So tell me, how could a man who's father wasn't there, who's mother sent him to live with grandparents go on to become a potential candidate for President of the United States? Could it be that he took advantage of the things this country had to offer him? The same country he now wants to lead? The very same country his Reverend and friend Damns?

Mr Obama recently relinquished his membership to the Church he has attended for the past two decades....He did so because the negative press that came from his associate with its speakers was hurting him politically. So my question..... Is Mr Obama really against this type of thinking? Or is he only against it at the moment because it will have an negative effect on his chances to become President? AND...if we elect him, will we then begin to see the same sort of statements coming out of the white house that he is trying so hard to distance himself from now? Will we see men like Jeremiah Wright becoming his closest advisors? Are these the type of people you want to have your Presidents ear?

If as I suspect his actions are a political ploy to maximize his votes for the Presidency. Then he is the equivalent of a snake oil salesman. One who will tell the American people anything they want to hear to make the sale and when he has what he wants (the oval office) You find that the thing you thought you were buying doesnt exist.

We ALL need to ask more questions. We need to ask ourselves what sort of man we want to lead us? What sort of man we want to represent us gobally. This shouldnt be about party politics...It should be about OUR future as country.

Observations Of Semi-Adulthood

Just like probably every other person in the world I sat and listened to the brain numbing lectures the family gave me about life in "the real world". I heard the "life isn't fair and that the real adult world was full of responsibilities and sacrifices. So enjoy it while you can...because this time wont last forever".

Yeah.... Yeah..... Yeah....I think I actually have that whole speech stitched on a pillow somewhere.

But now that I'm sort of here......standing in what could be considered semi adult hood....I admit it.....You were right Mom. The real world sucks sometimes. Being an adult is not all its cracked up to be. So I have to wonder is this really all there is? And if it is and this is what it means to be an adult......why does anyone want this job? It reeks!

Here are some of the changes Ive noticed...

You have to work ALL the time. Now I'm not opposed to work. But you have to do it ALL THE TIME!!

I miss beach days.

When you finally become legal drinking age.....the thrill of being able to do it is pretty much gone. Although by then you sometimes need the buzz. (that doesn't sound like a potential problem does it?)

No matter how much money you save......Bills will come to take it all. Its never enough. No matter how much you plan there is always going to be that unexpected fuel pump that goes out in your car...or the pot hole that takes out your tires.

It doesn't seem to matter what your work schedule says...Because inevitably you will still be called each and every time you have a day off. So don't make plans.

The less money you make at a job, the harder you will have to work and the nastier the jobs will be that you are asked to do.

You don't have to be an ASS to be in a position of power or authority. But if you have any of that in you, it will most definitely rise to the surface.

The social drama you thought you would leave behind when you left high school, continues to exist in the work place. Because age rarely changes those types of individuals.

Being forgiving or easy going is seen as a weakness. And its better not to let others know of it.

Don't get me wrong....I don't want to go back. Its not all bad. I do like some of the freedoms, even if they do come with more than their share of responsibilities. And I honestly am looking forward to finishing school and finding a good job. I suppose I want the same things everyone else seems to want.... to travel, a decent car, a house of my own, maybe a little financial Independence, someone special to share all the good things with. (but considering the dating options Ive observed....I maybe taking applications for a qualified gold digger) *smile*

But I admit I'm a little bit apprehensive about what comes next. Because I'm told this will only get worse. There are other things that come alone as time and adulthood progress.....Such as Kids....Morgages....Summer camp....PTA meetings.....Braces....Mowing the lawn.....Life Insurance...Retirement plans....Bran cereal.

I REALLY MISS BEACH DAYS

Ron Paul for President?

After my last post on the 2008 presidential contenders there were a few comments made about another option for the office of President, congressman Ron Paul.

Here in my area I see a lot of signs, bumper stickers, etc promoting Congressman Paul for President. But to be honest, I really knew very little about him. Who exactly is Ron Paul and would he make a good choice for president? So I decided to let my fingers do the walking and see what Mr Paul was about. Here's some of what I found out.

Before seeking a public office Mr Paul attended and graduated from Duke University School of Medicine. He served his country in the US Air Force as flight surgeon. In the late 60's he began his medical practice in Brazoria County Texas, where he specialized in obstetrics/gynecology and delivered over 4000 babies.

He became a congressman in the 70's thru the early 80's and served on the House Banking committee where he was an advocate for sound monetary policy and a very outspoken critic of the federal reserves inflationary measures. His firm views on limited government were not considered popular in Washington.

Through out his career he has been an unwavering advocate of pro-life and family value issues. He has also consistently voted to lower or abolish federal taxes and spending regulation. He believes in and has actively promoted the return of the government to the proper constitutional levels.

In 1984 he voluntarily gave up his house seat to return to the private sector to practice medicine, then returned to congress in 1997. He now serves on the House Committee on Financial Services and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Through out his life and Congressional career Mr Paul has remained consistent in his beliefs and works tirelessly toward the reduction of government, a return to constitutional principals, lower taxes, free markets and a return to sound monetary policies. His consistent voting record proves this and has prompted some of his colleagues to state : "Ron Paul personifies the Founding Father's ideal of the citizen-statesman. He makes it clear that his principles will never be compromised, and they never are.” and “There are few people in public life who, through thick and thin, rain or shine, stick to their principles. Ron Paul is one of those few.”

That seems high praise from ones own peers wouldn't you say? So now I have to ask myself why isn't this man someone who's been taken more seriously as a presidential contender? But in asking that question I suppose I already know the answer..... Considering his above strong ideals and beliefs he doesn't seem like a man who would be controlled or swayed for party's sake. And in the real world if you want the backing of the larger parties you have to be willing to not only bend but kiss a little butt while you're down there.

The following is a brief overview of Congressman Paul's record while in office.
He has never voted to raise taxes.
He has never voted for an unbalanced budget.
He has never voted for a federal restriction on gun ownership.
He has never voted to raise congressional pay.
He has never taken a government-paid junket.
He has never voted to increase the power of the executive branch.
He voted against the Patriot Act.
He voted against regulating the Internet.
He voted against the Iraq war.
He does not participate in the lucrative congressional pension program.
He returns a portion of his annual congressional office budget to the U.S. treasury every year.
Congressman Paul introduces numerous pieces of substantive legislation each year, probably more than any single member of Congress.

I have to say what Ive learned about this man so far I really like him. Now I have to decide if my vote is better used to block Obama,who I'm absolutely sure I do not want to run our country or do I want to vote for a man who I can actually admire and believe in as president?