A Montage
TED BRASSFIELD: (Monday) I was really inspired by you and by your campaign and the message that you brought. And that inspiration is dying away. I really want to know, is the American dream dead for me?
OBAMA: (June 3, 2008, St. Paul, MN) This was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal! (cheers)
VELMA HART: (Monday) I'm one of your middle class Americans. And quite frankly, I'm exhausted. Exhausted of defending you, defending your administration, defending the mantle of change that I voted for. I've been told that I voted for a man who said he was going to change things in a meaningful way for the middle class. I'm one of those people. And I'm waiting, sir. I'm waiting. I don't feel it yet.
OBAMA: (Feb. 5, 2008, Chicago, IL) Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.
WALT ROWAN: (Monday) You're losing the war of sound bites. You're losing the media cycles.
OBAMA LEADING FOLLOWERS: (Feb. 5, 2008, Chicago, IL) Yes, we can! Yes, we can!
....
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Disillusionment
"I am a chief financial officer for a veteran's service organization here in Washington. I'm also a mother, a wife, an American veteran, and I'm one of your middle class Americans. And quite frankly, I'm exhausted. Exhausted of defending you, defending your administration, defending the mantle of change that I voted for. I've been told that I voted for a man who said he was going to change things in a meaningful way for the middle class. I'm one of those people. And I'm waiting, sir. I'm waiting. I don't feel it yet. And I thought while it wouldn't be in great measure, I thought I would feel it in some small measure. I have two children in private school and the financial recession has taken an enormous toll on my family. My husband and I have joked for years that we were well beyond the hot dog and beans era of our lives and quite frankly it has started to knock on our door and ring true that it might be where we're headed again. And quite frankly Mr President I need you to answer this honestly - Is this my new reality?"
-- Velma Hart
Here is a smart, educated woman with a good job and a pension, and she has been told all her life that if the right people were in control in Washington, then we would all prosper because the money would be spread around equally.
But her savior, his political party, and their union supporters have made the cost of hiring and doing business to increase to the point that we are all becoming poorer, as unemployment rises and our indebtedness skyrockets.
I doubt that Mrs Hart has learned anything. There will always be someone to blame other than the socialism that Mr Obama has so expertly ushered in.
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Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Rush Limbaugh's "Top Ten Republican Moderate Moments"
#10 Newt Gingrich doing a Public Service Announcement on global warming with Nancy Pelosi in 2008.
#9 Bush-Quayle '92.
#8 Dole-Kemp '96.
#7 Ford-Dole '76.
#6 Jumpin' Jim Jeffords jumps from the Republican Party.
#5 Arlen Specter switches parties.
#4 Richard Nixon resigns in disgrace.
#3 Dede Scozzafava endorses the Democrat, Owens, in New York 23.
#2 The McCain campaign of 2008.
#1 Colin Powell endorses Barack Obama, the Democrat, for president in 2008.
I love lists! And this is a great one!
....
#10 Newt Gingrich doing a Public Service Announcement on global warming with Nancy Pelosi in 2008.
#9 Bush-Quayle '92.
#8 Dole-Kemp '96.
#7 Ford-Dole '76.
#6 Jumpin' Jim Jeffords jumps from the Republican Party.
#5 Arlen Specter switches parties.
#4 Richard Nixon resigns in disgrace.
#3 Dede Scozzafava endorses the Democrat, Owens, in New York 23.
#2 The McCain campaign of 2008.
#1 Colin Powell endorses Barack Obama, the Democrat, for president in 2008.
I love lists! And this is a great one!
....
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
We'll Always Have Paris...
And Probably Lindsay, Too
Recently I watched The Parent Trap for about the 25th time (Yes, I know... Probably "Low T.") and again I was left wondering how such a cute and talented little girl could grow into such a train wreck.
A guy I used to work with told me he'd seen a video of Paris Hilton demonstrating that she is also talented... but not in a way that would get her a job teaching Sunday School.
Across this country there are countless young, female role models that demonstrate talent, hard work, and character - every day. It's a sad and stinging indictment that our culture celebrates and gives face-time to the reprobates.
....
And Probably Lindsay, Too
Recently I watched The Parent Trap for about the 25th time (Yes, I know... Probably "Low T.") and again I was left wondering how such a cute and talented little girl could grow into such a train wreck.
A guy I used to work with told me he'd seen a video of Paris Hilton demonstrating that she is also talented... but not in a way that would get her a job teaching Sunday School.
Across this country there are countless young, female role models that demonstrate talent, hard work, and character - every day. It's a sad and stinging indictment that our culture celebrates and gives face-time to the reprobates.
....
Monday, September 20, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Karl and the Country Club Republicans
So it's Sunday and I'm still digesting the fact that on Tuesday and Wednesday nights I heard Karl Rove rip the winner of the Delaware Senate Republican Primary, Christine O'Donnell. With his comments, Rove did more for O'Donnell's Democrat opponent than he could do for himself.
I suspect that Karl thinks of himself as being very, very important. He and other blue-blood Republicans seem to have a certain disdain for any fellow Party member who wouldn't fit in at a Washington cocktail party. I guess those Republicans - unsophisticated and unwashed - are supposed to sit down, be quiet, and marvel at Rove's, Bill O'Reilly's, and Charles Krauthammer's cummulative genius.
I see it this way... I'd rather see the Senate controlled by Democrats than a Republican Majority consisting of Liberals with an R beside their name. It's the so-called moderate, Country Club Republicans that make the public believe there is no difference between the two Parties.
So maybe Karl and his buds should get behind the Tea Party candidates... or sit down and shut up.
....
So it's Sunday and I'm still digesting the fact that on Tuesday and Wednesday nights I heard Karl Rove rip the winner of the Delaware Senate Republican Primary, Christine O'Donnell. With his comments, Rove did more for O'Donnell's Democrat opponent than he could do for himself.
I suspect that Karl thinks of himself as being very, very important. He and other blue-blood Republicans seem to have a certain disdain for any fellow Party member who wouldn't fit in at a Washington cocktail party. I guess those Republicans - unsophisticated and unwashed - are supposed to sit down, be quiet, and marvel at Rove's, Bill O'Reilly's, and Charles Krauthammer's cummulative genius.
I see it this way... I'd rather see the Senate controlled by Democrats than a Republican Majority consisting of Liberals with an R beside their name. It's the so-called moderate, Country Club Republicans that make the public believe there is no difference between the two Parties.
So maybe Karl and his buds should get behind the Tea Party candidates... or sit down and shut up.
....
Saturday, September 18, 2010
The Ego of an Elitist
The problem with a career politician is that their career is not service to country, but rather... A career. They come to measure success wholly in terms of winning elections. Their values are for sale... Their beliefs are driven this way and that by polls.
These political whores are easy to spot this year... Especially among the establishment Republicans. In Florida, Charlie Crist's soul is for sale to the highest bidder, to anyone or any idea that might help him get elected. In Alaska, Lisa Murkowski is not governed by party loyalty or values... or even primary results. She is now a write-in candidate, because in her mind the election is all about... Lisa Murkowski.
Even John McCain was born-again a conservative this year... once he found himself in a primary fight with a candidate who actually was... A conservative... I mean, all the time!
It continues to be an interesting year. Republican elitists like O'Reilly, Crist, Rove, Murkowski, McCain, Krauthammer, and Castle are twisting and squirming over the electorate's total disregard for their sage counsel. This year is different. Politics as usual is unacceptable... Whether it's coming from the Democrats... or the Republicans.
....
The problem with a career politician is that their career is not service to country, but rather... A career. They come to measure success wholly in terms of winning elections. Their values are for sale... Their beliefs are driven this way and that by polls.
These political whores are easy to spot this year... Especially among the establishment Republicans. In Florida, Charlie Crist's soul is for sale to the highest bidder, to anyone or any idea that might help him get elected. In Alaska, Lisa Murkowski is not governed by party loyalty or values... or even primary results. She is now a write-in candidate, because in her mind the election is all about... Lisa Murkowski.
Even John McCain was born-again a conservative this year... once he found himself in a primary fight with a candidate who actually was... A conservative... I mean, all the time!
It continues to be an interesting year. Republican elitists like O'Reilly, Crist, Rove, Murkowski, McCain, Krauthammer, and Castle are twisting and squirming over the electorate's total disregard for their sage counsel. This year is different. Politics as usual is unacceptable... Whether it's coming from the Democrats... or the Republicans.
....
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
A More Civil Civil War
Is it my wishful thinking, or is there a growing number of people in our country who are looking to be free of Washington DC and the big-government, big-spending, big-brother mentality that is so pervasive in its machinations? Is there among us a growing plurality wondering if anything is being accomplished in that crime-infested little plot of acreage that actually improves the lives of those living outside the beltway... The very individuals who create the wealth that keeps the D.C. Aristocracy funded? Or is Washington just in business to serve... Washington?
I'm not sure how widespread the Tea Party Movement has become, but you have to smile when you see ordinary citizens gathering to be educated on The United States Constitution... and on how Washington and its Judiciary are shredding it. It's makes me practically euphoric to see conservative, hard-working people get fed up and fired up enough to gather in a community center or parking lot to practice a little sedition. I'm reminded of Barry Fitgerald's character in The Quiet Man when he says, "Well it's a nice soft night, so I think I'll go and join me comrades and talk a little treason."
Traditionally, in America, the host on which the parasites feed, slumbers through the assault... But lately it has awakened to challenge the sponging of its hard-earned assets and the limiting of its freedoms. It's as if we're witnessing a new Civil War, one with more civility than our last one. The states, communities, and individuals aren't looking to secede this time... They just want their freedom back. They want the Federales to be limited... You know... Like it says in The Constitution.
I think it is all so very delicious!
....
Is it my wishful thinking, or is there a growing number of people in our country who are looking to be free of Washington DC and the big-government, big-spending, big-brother mentality that is so pervasive in its machinations? Is there among us a growing plurality wondering if anything is being accomplished in that crime-infested little plot of acreage that actually improves the lives of those living outside the beltway... The very individuals who create the wealth that keeps the D.C. Aristocracy funded? Or is Washington just in business to serve... Washington?
I'm not sure how widespread the Tea Party Movement has become, but you have to smile when you see ordinary citizens gathering to be educated on The United States Constitution... and on how Washington and its Judiciary are shredding it. It's makes me practically euphoric to see conservative, hard-working people get fed up and fired up enough to gather in a community center or parking lot to practice a little sedition. I'm reminded of Barry Fitgerald's character in The Quiet Man when he says, "Well it's a nice soft night, so I think I'll go and join me comrades and talk a little treason."
Traditionally, in America, the host on which the parasites feed, slumbers through the assault... But lately it has awakened to challenge the sponging of its hard-earned assets and the limiting of its freedoms. It's as if we're witnessing a new Civil War, one with more civility than our last one. The states, communities, and individuals aren't looking to secede this time... They just want their freedom back. They want the Federales to be limited... You know... Like it says in The Constitution.
I think it is all so very delicious!
....
Friday, September 10, 2010
The Indigenous Metaphor
I like the sound of this post's title. I have no idea what it means. Sometimes I come up with a title, and the post... simply... writes... itself. This is not one of those times.
So instead, let's take a moment and talk about automatic-flush toilets... Shall we?
Recently while training in a blood bank in Indy, I felt a fullness in my abdomen and knew that I needed to excuse myself. I went to the restroom, sat down, and about ten seconds later I felt much better. Tending next to the paperwork, I leaned to my left, being right-handed, and the toilet flushed. I gathered more TP, leaned to my left again, and toilet flushed. I then spent several minutes experimenting, leaning this way and that, and each time the toilet flushed.
This was no longer about personal hygiene. It was just... personal.
I am a responsible person. If I use the restroom, I can be trusted to flush the toity. If I use it standing, I always clean the rim with toilet paper if anything has dripped there. I'm a polite man. I'm a conscientious man. I don't need some smart alec toilet thinking for me... Assuming I'm irresponsible... Laughing at me behind my back... Probably making remarks...
Automatic flush toilets are a metaphor for our culture's struggle in dealing with the loss of personal responsibility. Such devices are surely indigenous only to this country.
Yes, I know. But it was a great title... And this was the best I could do.
....
I like the sound of this post's title. I have no idea what it means. Sometimes I come up with a title, and the post... simply... writes... itself. This is not one of those times.
So instead, let's take a moment and talk about automatic-flush toilets... Shall we?
Recently while training in a blood bank in Indy, I felt a fullness in my abdomen and knew that I needed to excuse myself. I went to the restroom, sat down, and about ten seconds later I felt much better. Tending next to the paperwork, I leaned to my left, being right-handed, and the toilet flushed. I gathered more TP, leaned to my left again, and toilet flushed. I then spent several minutes experimenting, leaning this way and that, and each time the toilet flushed.
This was no longer about personal hygiene. It was just... personal.
I am a responsible person. If I use the restroom, I can be trusted to flush the toity. If I use it standing, I always clean the rim with toilet paper if anything has dripped there. I'm a polite man. I'm a conscientious man. I don't need some smart alec toilet thinking for me... Assuming I'm irresponsible... Laughing at me behind my back... Probably making remarks...
Automatic flush toilets are a metaphor for our culture's struggle in dealing with the loss of personal responsibility. Such devices are surely indigenous only to this country.
Yes, I know. But it was a great title... And this was the best I could do.
....
Monday, September 06, 2010
Character Flaw for September
As a public service, and in an effort to make others feel better about themselves, each month a staffer at Malott's Blog confesses to a character flaw. We hope this helps to build build self-esteem in a world of imperfect people.
Staffer for September: Malott
Malott's Confession:
I Steal Condiments
And here's why: I'm a bachelor and it makes no sense for me to buy a big container of sugar, mustard, ketchup, or parmesian cheese. Those little packets at the restaurant and at work are complimentary... And I have never been so rude as to refuse a free gift.
So when I make French Toast once per year, I get out about ten little packages of maple syrup... When I take a ham sandwich to work, I include a little packet of Kraft Mayo in my lunch bag.
Do I buy taco sauce or Bar-B-Q sauce after visiting Taco Bell and Arby's... And stuffing my pockets with complimentary gifts? Nope!
Oh sure, I could buy relish to put in my potato salad, but why not just tear open 40 or 50 of those little packets?
The entire staff at Malott's Blog hopes this confession has eased your nagging conscience and made you feel better about yourself.
Next Month: Malott instructs readers on the correct way to hide a roll of toilet paper under their shirts.
....
As a public service, and in an effort to make others feel better about themselves, each month a staffer at Malott's Blog confesses to a character flaw. We hope this helps to build build self-esteem in a world of imperfect people.
Staffer for September: Malott
Malott's Confession:
I Steal Condiments
And here's why: I'm a bachelor and it makes no sense for me to buy a big container of sugar, mustard, ketchup, or parmesian cheese. Those little packets at the restaurant and at work are complimentary... And I have never been so rude as to refuse a free gift.
So when I make French Toast once per year, I get out about ten little packages of maple syrup... When I take a ham sandwich to work, I include a little packet of Kraft Mayo in my lunch bag.
Do I buy taco sauce or Bar-B-Q sauce after visiting Taco Bell and Arby's... And stuffing my pockets with complimentary gifts? Nope!
Oh sure, I could buy relish to put in my potato salad, but why not just tear open 40 or 50 of those little packets?
The entire staff at Malott's Blog hopes this confession has eased your nagging conscience and made you feel better about yourself.
Next Month: Malott instructs readers on the correct way to hide a roll of toilet paper under their shirts.
....
Saturday, September 04, 2010
Friday, September 03, 2010
Racial Profiling in America
Yes, it's sad but true. Without any evidence, and even before the immigration law is put into play, the United States Federal Government is suing the State of Arizona... Racially profiling white law enforcement officials as being dishonest and incapable of fairly applying the law. Why? Because they are white.
As a white man I am racially profiled in the mainstream media every day. Many things are assumed of me, simply based upon the color of my skin. It's assumed that I am guilty of bigotry, hatred... and that I have a selfish disregard for my fellow man.
I can't help the way I look. God made me this way. But I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal... So let freedom ring from every village and every hamlet... Let us look forward to that day when all God's children, greasy Italian-Americans, drunken Irish-Americans, stupid Swedish Immigrants, and all us other white guys will join hands and sing... Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!
....
Yes, it's sad but true. Without any evidence, and even before the immigration law is put into play, the United States Federal Government is suing the State of Arizona... Racially profiling white law enforcement officials as being dishonest and incapable of fairly applying the law. Why? Because they are white.
As a white man I am racially profiled in the mainstream media every day. Many things are assumed of me, simply based upon the color of my skin. It's assumed that I am guilty of bigotry, hatred... and that I have a selfish disregard for my fellow man.
I can't help the way I look. God made me this way. But I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal... So let freedom ring from every village and every hamlet... Let us look forward to that day when all God's children, greasy Italian-Americans, drunken Irish-Americans, stupid Swedish Immigrants, and all us other white guys will join hands and sing... Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!
....
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