There were problems on the horizon before Richard Nixon even took office. However, with each passing Presidential Administration, no one has been able to come up with a solid plan for health care reform. The bad part is that the system of health care in this country is getting progressively worse with each passing year. It would be easier for the politicians if the system would stay the way it is at this very moment and allowed them to find time and a way to reverse the damage already inflicted on Americans. But, as it is, the problem is constantly worsening and we are falling farther and farther behind. Our country is on the verge of a recession, that is if we are not already there.The value of a dollar is the lowest it has ever been even if we do operate on a credit standard, rather than a gold standard.
Other politicians, such as Senators and House of Representative members are not coming up with any new solutions either. It is almost as if they are relying squarely on the President to come up with a health care plan, if he or she can, and if they don't like the President's plan, they dump it in the crapper. For example, see Nixon and Clinton's health care plans, respectively. Reagan relied on Health and Human Services Secretary Otis Bowen to come up with solutions to the nation's health care problems and Bowen's solutions would have seriously undermined Reagan's domestic policies. George W. Bush also has been unable to devise a health care plan that provides adequate and affordable coverage to the Americans who need it most. For those Presidents who actually have created a possible health care plan, none of the plans have been successful. This is almost as bad as not even attempting to come up with a plan.
Showing posts with label My Daily Rant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label My Daily Rant. Show all posts
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
"I'm Not Ready To Back Down..."
It's funny, because I chose the Dixie Chicks to write a hero defense statement about. I don't idolize them but I do very much support them and did so when they first were villafied. As I said in class, some people have said, in their own defense of trying to crucify the trio of very talented country singers, that fans don't want to know what they think about the President and the war in Iraq, or any other political topic that comes up.
Well, that's crap. Because if the people didn't want to know these opinions, then TV Guide channel wouldn't have their reporters out on the red carpet at award shows asking artists and actors what they think. Joan and Melissa Rivers would never ask "So, what do you think of the President's search for weapons of mass destruction?" immediately following the asking of whose dress, shoes, and jewelry the celebrity was wearing. It was purely situational. At the time the Dixie Chicks came out and made their political beliefs known, the President's approval ratings were a lot higher than they are now. If the trio were to come out on TV tomorrow and make the same statement that they did years ago, they would be cheered and statues would be erected in their honor. WTF???
Personally, I think all of those who jeered and demonized the Dixie Chicks should pay them a written and public apology. We will start with an apology from Toby Keith and then move on to George W. Bush. After Bush apologizes to the Chicks, he can turn and apologize to all of us as well.
Well, that's crap. Because if the people didn't want to know these opinions, then TV Guide channel wouldn't have their reporters out on the red carpet at award shows asking artists and actors what they think. Joan and Melissa Rivers would never ask "So, what do you think of the President's search for weapons of mass destruction?" immediately following the asking of whose dress, shoes, and jewelry the celebrity was wearing. It was purely situational. At the time the Dixie Chicks came out and made their political beliefs known, the President's approval ratings were a lot higher than they are now. If the trio were to come out on TV tomorrow and make the same statement that they did years ago, they would be cheered and statues would be erected in their honor. WTF???
Personally, I think all of those who jeered and demonized the Dixie Chicks should pay them a written and public apology. We will start with an apology from Toby Keith and then move on to George W. Bush. After Bush apologizes to the Chicks, he can turn and apologize to all of us as well.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
It Just Can't Be Swept Under The Rug; But We Can't Keep Tripping Over It Either
Read the Radicalicious article by LaToya Peterson. I have pretty clear viewpoints on this topic and as some of my classmates saw today, I do not lean toward either side, black or white, of a discussion on racial tension or hatred. What happened with slavery was an attrocity. No human being has the right to buy or sell another human being, period. The fact that it happened, not only in our history, but in other cultures and civilizations, is simply disgusting. But you have two choices: either dwell negatively on this issue (inviting hatred, disdain and chaos to breed until it is out of control), or dwell positively on this issue (working toward letting go of the past and preserving the memory of how it happened so as to not let it happen again).
Who is allowed to talk about issues of racism?
White people say Black people talk about it too much and Black people say White people shouldn't talk about it at all. The reality is that if racism exists between two or more races, then ALL races involved are allowed to talk about it. Hell, talking about it is the first step in letting go of it. Many people take a very "elephant in the corner of the room" approach to it. They think if it is never discussed, it will just go away quietly. NEWS FLASH: It ain't gonna happen that way!
What is the difference between "forgiving" and "forgetting?"
Simply put, "forgiving" is acknowledging that someone did something wrong to you and,whether or not you are still going to preserve an amicable relationship with the person, letting go of the hostility that was born out of the misdeed. "Forgetting" is simply the act of not remembering what happened. Not a wise course of action. Forgiving should happen because it is less stressful on your mind and emotions than to continually hate all the time. But, never forget the tragedy, because you can learn from it and develop ways to detect a similar pattern of behavior or events that could lead up to it again, thereby stopping it before it happens again.
What does "cotton pickin" mean to me?
I never really considered its racial context before because I never heard it used as such. Or at least I didn't think I did. I know that my mother and grandmother used it occasionally as an adjective. "Keep your 'cotton pickin' hands off those cookies until after dinner," I would hear either of them say. Or, "Get your 'cotton pickin' ass in this house," when I was out playing with friends and it was time to come home. Honestly, if they used it racially, I was unaware of it. Now, my grandmother was raised in a very racist fashion and she raised my mother that way, though again, I don't know whether or not she meant to do it. Later in her life, very shortly before her death, my grandmother told me that she had not always lived as she would have wanted. When I asked her what she meant, she told me that if there was one thing she could go back and change about her life, it would be that she would be more tolerant, understanding, and loving toward all minorities, which she had not been most of her life. This helped to alter my perception of people. I tell people that something great came out of my mother's and grandmother's racist behaviors: I didn't develop them. I am devoid of hate for an individual based on their skin color. I can hate or otherwise dislike a person based on their personality or something horribly wrong they did to me or a close loved one, but I will never hate anyone based on race. Take that to the Rainbow Colored Bank.
Who is allowed to talk about issues of racism?
White people say Black people talk about it too much and Black people say White people shouldn't talk about it at all. The reality is that if racism exists between two or more races, then ALL races involved are allowed to talk about it. Hell, talking about it is the first step in letting go of it. Many people take a very "elephant in the corner of the room" approach to it. They think if it is never discussed, it will just go away quietly. NEWS FLASH: It ain't gonna happen that way!
What is the difference between "forgiving" and "forgetting?"
Simply put, "forgiving" is acknowledging that someone did something wrong to you and,whether or not you are still going to preserve an amicable relationship with the person, letting go of the hostility that was born out of the misdeed. "Forgetting" is simply the act of not remembering what happened. Not a wise course of action. Forgiving should happen because it is less stressful on your mind and emotions than to continually hate all the time. But, never forget the tragedy, because you can learn from it and develop ways to detect a similar pattern of behavior or events that could lead up to it again, thereby stopping it before it happens again.
What does "cotton pickin" mean to me?
I never really considered its racial context before because I never heard it used as such. Or at least I didn't think I did. I know that my mother and grandmother used it occasionally as an adjective. "Keep your 'cotton pickin' hands off those cookies until after dinner," I would hear either of them say. Or, "Get your 'cotton pickin' ass in this house," when I was out playing with friends and it was time to come home. Honestly, if they used it racially, I was unaware of it. Now, my grandmother was raised in a very racist fashion and she raised my mother that way, though again, I don't know whether or not she meant to do it. Later in her life, very shortly before her death, my grandmother told me that she had not always lived as she would have wanted. When I asked her what she meant, she told me that if there was one thing she could go back and change about her life, it would be that she would be more tolerant, understanding, and loving toward all minorities, which she had not been most of her life. This helped to alter my perception of people. I tell people that something great came out of my mother's and grandmother's racist behaviors: I didn't develop them. I am devoid of hate for an individual based on their skin color. I can hate or otherwise dislike a person based on their personality or something horribly wrong they did to me or a close loved one, but I will never hate anyone based on race. Take that to the Rainbow Colored Bank.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Tigers will Roar Into the Final Four
Even someone who doesn't like basketball, like yours truely, can get a little swept up by the emotional overtones on campus and by the fever brought on by "March Madness." I am almost ashamed to say that while I was at work yesterday, the manager was letting us occasionally tune into the game and I was getting into it, a little. She brought a little portable TV from home and just about every 15 or 20 minutes, she turned it on and we got caught up on the game. Yes, there were a few exciting moments and once or twice I caught myself cheering for a basketball game and rooting for the Tigers. Lol, the guys in the shorts are just so cute.
Don't get me wrong, I support the University of Memphis in every way I possibly can. I just don't have the time, money, nor the inclination to go to a basketball game. I do very much hope the Tigers go all the way, win the championship, and skunk all the other college teams.
Yesterday's game ended with the Tigers beating...wait, who the hell did they play? Oh yeah, the Texas Longhorns. The final score was 85-67. Kudos to Memphis and way to go John Calipari. This coach is just what our Tigers have needed to get them back into the championship hunt. Ok, I'm done. All this sports talk is making my head hurt. I'm going to go have a Pina Colada and watch some re-runs of Sex In The City. Later y'all.
Don't get me wrong, I support the University of Memphis in every way I possibly can. I just don't have the time, money, nor the inclination to go to a basketball game. I do very much hope the Tigers go all the way, win the championship, and skunk all the other college teams.
Yesterday's game ended with the Tigers beating...wait, who the hell did they play? Oh yeah, the Texas Longhorns. The final score was 85-67. Kudos to Memphis and way to go John Calipari. This coach is just what our Tigers have needed to get them back into the championship hunt. Ok, I'm done. All this sports talk is making my head hurt. I'm going to go have a Pina Colada and watch some re-runs of Sex In The City. Later y'all.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
O.K. Everyone Wanted To Know When "W" Would Start Going Buck-Wild; This Is A Start
LOL, this bit of news just makes me laugh a lil bit. Most everyone I've talked to concerning the current (but soon to be gone, YES!!!) President of the United States has wondered, "when is "W" going to flip out and start doing some crazy shit. Well, this doesn't qualify as Uber-Crazy but it is uncharcteristic old George. Seems the President, who is normally quite stingy with his Presidential pardons, has been handing them out left and right here lately. Below is a list of names and a brief description of what they are being pardoned for:
On the pardon list were:
• William L. Baker of Spokane, Wash., who was sentenced in 1980 to two years prison for falsifying records.
• George Francis Bauckham of Oak Ridge, N.J., who received five years probation in 1958 for the unlawfully detention or delay of the mail by a postal employee.
• Kenneth Charles Britt of White City, Kan., who was sentenced to three years probation in 1998 for conspiracy to violate fish and wildlife laws.
• William Bruce Butt of London, Ky., who received three years probation in 1990 for bank embezzlement.
• Mariano Garza Caballero of Brownsville, Texas, who was sentenced in 1984 to 34 days in prison and four years probation for dealing in firearms without a license.
• Anthony C. Foglio of Santee, Calif., who was sentenced to three years probation in 1996 for distributing marijuana. He is also known as Tony Foley.
• Marvin Robert Foster of Boca Raton, Fla., who was sentenced to a year of probation in 1968 for making a false statement in connection with a Federal Housing Administration loan.
• Carl Harry Hachmeister of Denton, Texas, who was sentenced to three years probation in 1985 for conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud.
• William Marcus McDonald of Wetumpka, Ala., who was sentenced two four years confinement with hard labor by an Air Force court-martial in 1984 for cocaine and marijuana charges. His pay was docked, his rank was reduced and he was given a discharge for bad conduct.
• Robert Michael Milroy of Cinnaminson, N.J., who was sentenced to 7 1/2 years prison in 1975 for heroin importation.
• Jerry Lynn Moldenhauer and Thomas Donald Moldenhauer of Colorado Springs, Colo., who each received three years probation in 1994 for selling migratory bird parts in violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
• Richard James Putney of Woodbridge, Va., who received one year of probation in 1996 for aiding and abetting the escape of a prisoner.
• Timothy Alfred Thone of Woodbury, Minn., who was sentenced in 1987 to two years probation for making a false statement to the Department of Housing and Urban Development to obtain a mortgage.
• Lonnie Edward Two Eagle Sr. of Parmelee, S.D., who was sentenced to two years probation in 1976 for misdemeanor simple assault on an Indian reservation.
*****Bush also commuted the sentence of Patricia Beckford of Portsmouth, Va., who since 1992 has been serving a 23-year prison sentence for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of crack cocaine. Bush left intact a five-year term of probation.
Since Roger Clemens, who is a friend of the Bush family, has yet to be charged or convicted of alleged illegal steroid use and allegedly lying to Congress while under oath during a Congressional investigation on illegal steroid abuse by professional sports athletes, in the event that he is convicted, "W" will probably pardon him as well. And with 9 months left in his Presidency, Bush is likely to do some more CRAZY shit. Stay tuned, because I will be back.
On the pardon list were:
• William L. Baker of Spokane, Wash., who was sentenced in 1980 to two years prison for falsifying records.
• George Francis Bauckham of Oak Ridge, N.J., who received five years probation in 1958 for the unlawfully detention or delay of the mail by a postal employee.
• Kenneth Charles Britt of White City, Kan., who was sentenced to three years probation in 1998 for conspiracy to violate fish and wildlife laws.
• William Bruce Butt of London, Ky., who received three years probation in 1990 for bank embezzlement.
• Mariano Garza Caballero of Brownsville, Texas, who was sentenced in 1984 to 34 days in prison and four years probation for dealing in firearms without a license.
• Anthony C. Foglio of Santee, Calif., who was sentenced to three years probation in 1996 for distributing marijuana. He is also known as Tony Foley.
• Marvin Robert Foster of Boca Raton, Fla., who was sentenced to a year of probation in 1968 for making a false statement in connection with a Federal Housing Administration loan.
• Carl Harry Hachmeister of Denton, Texas, who was sentenced to three years probation in 1985 for conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud.
• William Marcus McDonald of Wetumpka, Ala., who was sentenced two four years confinement with hard labor by an Air Force court-martial in 1984 for cocaine and marijuana charges. His pay was docked, his rank was reduced and he was given a discharge for bad conduct.
• Robert Michael Milroy of Cinnaminson, N.J., who was sentenced to 7 1/2 years prison in 1975 for heroin importation.
• Jerry Lynn Moldenhauer and Thomas Donald Moldenhauer of Colorado Springs, Colo., who each received three years probation in 1994 for selling migratory bird parts in violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
• Richard James Putney of Woodbridge, Va., who received one year of probation in 1996 for aiding and abetting the escape of a prisoner.
• Timothy Alfred Thone of Woodbury, Minn., who was sentenced in 1987 to two years probation for making a false statement to the Department of Housing and Urban Development to obtain a mortgage.
• Lonnie Edward Two Eagle Sr. of Parmelee, S.D., who was sentenced to two years probation in 1976 for misdemeanor simple assault on an Indian reservation.
*****Bush also commuted the sentence of Patricia Beckford of Portsmouth, Va., who since 1992 has been serving a 23-year prison sentence for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of crack cocaine. Bush left intact a five-year term of probation.
Since Roger Clemens, who is a friend of the Bush family, has yet to be charged or convicted of alleged illegal steroid use and allegedly lying to Congress while under oath during a Congressional investigation on illegal steroid abuse by professional sports athletes, in the event that he is convicted, "W" will probably pardon him as well. And with 9 months left in his Presidency, Bush is likely to do some more CRAZY shit. Stay tuned, because I will be back.
Monday, March 24, 2008
This Is How You Know I'm Gay
One of my favorite programs in the world has been "Sex In The City." I have watched every episode of the Emmy award-winning series and thanks to it being on HBO, I've seen every episode at least three or four times. I am waiting on the "Sex In The City" movie to come to theaters. Trust me baby, I'm there. I absolutely adore Cynthia Nixon (Miranda), Kristen Davis (Charlotte), Kim Cattral (Samantha) and would marry Sarah Jessica Parker(Carrie) if I were straight. Hell, she could take my last name and wouldn't have to change hers.
She is in a bit of a tizzy as of late though. Seems Maxim magazine labeled her "Unsexiest Woman Alive." Makes me want to write a blog about it. So, I think I will.
Sarah Jessica Parker, along with her 3 other castmates from the series personified sexy, and still do. She is upset and has every right to be. Granted, she may not exhibit some of the qualities of the normal "women" that Maxim lets grace the covers and articles, but she does have classic beauty and grace. She spoke to "Grazia," Britain's first 'glossy' magazine, and magazine writer Russ Wellen had this to say, I guess, in both the defenses of Maxim and Sarah Jessica Parker, "Maxim's readers likely weren't singling her out for a lack of sexiness, which no red-blooded man can dispute at this point. Arguably, it's her long face to which they object.
In fact, Ms. Parker is the latest in a long line of formidable women stretching from Cleopatra to Bette Davis to Madonna. Though lacking the symmetry of a classic beauty, they bent men -- and the world -- to their whims, whether by disposition, determination, or talent."
Hell, if you get thrown into a category with the likes of Bette Davis, Madonna, and Cleopatra, then you must be doing something right because these are some pretty dominant and powerful women. I can understand why Ms. Parker is upset, but she just needs to let this roll off her back. It's alright girl, they're just jealous.
She is in a bit of a tizzy as of late though. Seems Maxim magazine labeled her "Unsexiest Woman Alive." Makes me want to write a blog about it. So, I think I will.
Sarah Jessica Parker, along with her 3 other castmates from the series personified sexy, and still do. She is upset and has every right to be. Granted, she may not exhibit some of the qualities of the normal "women" that Maxim lets grace the covers and articles, but she does have classic beauty and grace. She spoke to "Grazia," Britain's first 'glossy' magazine, and magazine writer Russ Wellen had this to say, I guess, in both the defenses of Maxim and Sarah Jessica Parker, "Maxim's readers likely weren't singling her out for a lack of sexiness, which no red-blooded man can dispute at this point. Arguably, it's her long face to which they object.
In fact, Ms. Parker is the latest in a long line of formidable women stretching from Cleopatra to Bette Davis to Madonna. Though lacking the symmetry of a classic beauty, they bent men -- and the world -- to their whims, whether by disposition, determination, or talent."
Hell, if you get thrown into a category with the likes of Bette Davis, Madonna, and Cleopatra, then you must be doing something right because these are some pretty dominant and powerful women. I can understand why Ms. Parker is upset, but she just needs to let this roll off her back. It's alright girl, they're just jealous.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Think Globally, Act Locally
I have completely missed the River City Writers series. I am going to try to make the last one on Monday night granted that I don't have to work. However, I have RSVP'd for the first speaker, Andrew Couch, on the Think Globally, Act Locally series in the morning. I am very interested in hearing this speaker. Not that I wasn't interested in hearing any of the writers speak, I just couldn't find the time. Given that I NEVER have a fixed schedule at work, it is very hard for me to go to some of these outside events unless I can plan them a week or two in advance. There are a lot of students whose mommy and daddy float them financially and that they don't have to work as much as me or others. God, I wish I had that arrangement. However, I don't. I have to work to pay the bills and school ties with my job. Neither is more nor less important than the other at this time.
However, I am free tomorrow morning when Couch will be speaking, therefore, I am going. My next blog will be about him. I know that it is important for me to go to these events, not only because they are figured into my grade, but because I am truely interested in these events. But sometimes I have to make the hard choice of going to an event to keep my grade up, or going to work and making money that keeps Memphis Light Gas and Robbery from turning my electricity off. Hearing Rebecca Skloot speak or putting food on my table. Hard choice, but I make the best decision that I can until I have my career. See you guys on the flip side. Later.
However, I am free tomorrow morning when Couch will be speaking, therefore, I am going. My next blog will be about him. I know that it is important for me to go to these events, not only because they are figured into my grade, but because I am truely interested in these events. But sometimes I have to make the hard choice of going to an event to keep my grade up, or going to work and making money that keeps Memphis Light Gas and Robbery from turning my electricity off. Hearing Rebecca Skloot speak or putting food on my table. Hard choice, but I make the best decision that I can until I have my career. See you guys on the flip side. Later.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
And Then There Was One
One by one, the Republican candidates fell. Some started as flashes in the pan but then quickly fizzled out. The only Republican that I really liked and would have voted for was former New York City mayor, Rudy Guiliani. But he was one of the first to go. So, since I didn't like any of the other Republicans (especially not Fred Thompson or Mike Huckabee or Mitt Romney or any others), and my only Republican choice was shot down, I decided to switch over to the Democrats. I like both Hilary and Barack, too bad they can't be co-Presidents of the United States. Hey, now there's an idea. Ralph Nader doesn't ever really stand a chance in hell of winning and has anyone seen H. Ross Perot?? "Mr. I'm in, no, I'm out, no, I'm in" himself. Now that was comedy. And not any of the SNL skits either. Real life Perot was a riot to watch.
So, with Mike Huckabee conceding defeat, we are left with John McCain. He's not really fit to be President, but with the country possibly not being ready to elect a female or African-American for President and with Ralph Nader trying to get into the race, only to suck votes away from the Democratic candidate, the sad truth remains that John McCain is likely to be George W. Bush's successor. I think I'm going to cry. And speaking of crying, if W's public endorsement of his candidacy causes him to lose any popularity, McCain may be crying in his beer. That's ok, John. If you can't finish your beer, W will drink it for you. And if not him, then his daughters will.
So, with Mike Huckabee conceding defeat, we are left with John McCain. He's not really fit to be President, but with the country possibly not being ready to elect a female or African-American for President and with Ralph Nader trying to get into the race, only to suck votes away from the Democratic candidate, the sad truth remains that John McCain is likely to be George W. Bush's successor. I think I'm going to cry. And speaking of crying, if W's public endorsement of his candidacy causes him to lose any popularity, McCain may be crying in his beer. That's ok, John. If you can't finish your beer, W will drink it for you. And if not him, then his daughters will.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Crime $toppers: 528-(not nearly enough)CASH
In an area of town called Binghampton in Memphis, 6 bodies (two dead men, two dead women, and two dead children) were found along with 3 children that had been wounded, but are still alive. The police have absolutely no leads at this time and no idea how to pursue the city's biggest murder investigation in decades. They are not even sure if they surviving children found in the house are going to be able to assist them in finding if attacked them. A homicide detective for the Memphis Police Department has pleaded for residents in the area to come forward to help solve this case.
Often ads are seen on TV and billboards about Crime $toppers. Just call 528-CASH and you can turn someone in and collect a little bit of money as a reward. But is this worth your life? If someone is desperate enough to kill 6 people and wound 3 others, then surely, they would have no problem killing another person. Now I am not advocating that you should say nothing if you have knowledge that will bring a criminal to justice, but you should stop, think it over and determine if the rewards (money) outweigh the dangers (possibly losing your own life).
Now, if the police do find this sick bastard that did this, they should decapitate him right then and there in the middle of the court room. Send out a clear message to other would-be killers. We are tired of you killing our townsfolk and we are going to start killing you back.
Often ads are seen on TV and billboards about Crime $toppers. Just call 528-CASH and you can turn someone in and collect a little bit of money as a reward. But is this worth your life? If someone is desperate enough to kill 6 people and wound 3 others, then surely, they would have no problem killing another person. Now I am not advocating that you should say nothing if you have knowledge that will bring a criminal to justice, but you should stop, think it over and determine if the rewards (money) outweigh the dangers (possibly losing your own life).
Now, if the police do find this sick bastard that did this, they should decapitate him right then and there in the middle of the court room. Send out a clear message to other would-be killers. We are tired of you killing our townsfolk and we are going to start killing you back.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Are We Still Talking About This? Really? Really??
The Pyramid, I mean Bass Pro Shop's Supercenter, I mean the possible new hotel and amusement park, is STILL in the news. WHY?????
Be done with this already. Whether the city is going to go ahead with the deal with Bass Pro Shops, or sell it to the businessman who wants to turn it into a possible hotel and amussement park, they need to go ahead and do something and quit letting this be an issue. Give King Willie what he wants by killing two birds with one stone. Cut the cables and let the Pyramid slide off into the Mississippi River and then let Herenton build another arena (with the FedEx Forum only a few years old) in its place. Or better yet, let the state go ahead and approve gambling here in Tennessee. Hell, we already go to Tunica, why not save the gas money? Turn the Pyramid into a casino and hotel.
Whatever is done, it needs to be done fast because people are really getting tired of hearing about it. I can't tell you how many people I hear say, "I'm just sick of hearing about it. I don't care if they blow the damn thing off the face of the planet, just as long as they go ahead and make a decision and stick with it."
Come on Memphis City Council. Do what you got to do to keep this from darkening another front page, or any other page, of the Commercial Appeal ever again.
Be done with this already. Whether the city is going to go ahead with the deal with Bass Pro Shops, or sell it to the businessman who wants to turn it into a possible hotel and amussement park, they need to go ahead and do something and quit letting this be an issue. Give King Willie what he wants by killing two birds with one stone. Cut the cables and let the Pyramid slide off into the Mississippi River and then let Herenton build another arena (with the FedEx Forum only a few years old) in its place. Or better yet, let the state go ahead and approve gambling here in Tennessee. Hell, we already go to Tunica, why not save the gas money? Turn the Pyramid into a casino and hotel.
Whatever is done, it needs to be done fast because people are really getting tired of hearing about it. I can't tell you how many people I hear say, "I'm just sick of hearing about it. I don't care if they blow the damn thing off the face of the planet, just as long as they go ahead and make a decision and stick with it."
Come on Memphis City Council. Do what you got to do to keep this from darkening another front page, or any other page, of the Commercial Appeal ever again.
Harold Ford, Jr
It is amazing with all of the concerns today of violence in schools, apparent surges of gang activity both in and out of schools, and the lack of any REAL, viable solutions to these problems, that anyone has ANY time to concentrate on who Harold Ford, Jr is dating or married to. I see two problems here.
The first problem is that people are commenting on this when in fact it is really none of their business. Ford, Jr does not come to these people's homes and tell them who they can and cannot, or should or should not date or marry. Keep your nose in your own business. If Harold Ford, Jr wants to know what the general public thinks about his choice for a girlfriend or wife, then I would imagine that he would open an internet poll or buy space in the Commercial Appeal or other newspapers and conduct an opinion poll. My guess is that Jr doesn't really give a flying flip what anyone thinks and he shouldn't.
The second problem, and more serious one I might add, is the racial undertone of this concern of the general populace. Almost everywhere I've gone in the last couple weeks I have heard many black citizens who have had disparaging things to say about Ford, Jr's choice for a girlfriend or wife. It is shocking to hear many people, mostly black, saying things like "Ford, Jr is betraying his race because his woman is white." It is symbolic of the existing racial disharmony that continues to beat through the heart of this city. A recent article that I read in the Commercial Appeal written by Wendi C. Thomas says that racial tension is dying down in Memphis. I have to call bullshit on that article. Otherwise, so many of the black citizens, and some white and hispanic citizens as well, would not be up in arms about this issue with Harold Ford, Jr.
The first problem is that people are commenting on this when in fact it is really none of their business. Ford, Jr does not come to these people's homes and tell them who they can and cannot, or should or should not date or marry. Keep your nose in your own business. If Harold Ford, Jr wants to know what the general public thinks about his choice for a girlfriend or wife, then I would imagine that he would open an internet poll or buy space in the Commercial Appeal or other newspapers and conduct an opinion poll. My guess is that Jr doesn't really give a flying flip what anyone thinks and he shouldn't.
The second problem, and more serious one I might add, is the racial undertone of this concern of the general populace. Almost everywhere I've gone in the last couple weeks I have heard many black citizens who have had disparaging things to say about Ford, Jr's choice for a girlfriend or wife. It is shocking to hear many people, mostly black, saying things like "Ford, Jr is betraying his race because his woman is white." It is symbolic of the existing racial disharmony that continues to beat through the heart of this city. A recent article that I read in the Commercial Appeal written by Wendi C. Thomas says that racial tension is dying down in Memphis. I have to call bullshit on that article. Otherwise, so many of the black citizens, and some white and hispanic citizens as well, would not be up in arms about this issue with Harold Ford, Jr.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
To Blog or Not To Blog
Recently, I attended a small scheduled event held by the Journalism department. The University of Memphis invited Thaddeus Matthews, a local radio personality and a blogger, to the campus to speak on the topic: "Is Blogging Journalism?"
I found this interesting because I originally thought blogging to be just the web version of a diary. Even with all that I have to blog for my English class, I didn't take much stock in it because it is not something I do on a daily basis (even though I am supposed to for a grade). Don't get me wrong, I love to write. I just don't have the internet or a computer attached to my hip like most people do. I know I need the computer and internet; I just wish we didn't need them so badly. Anyway, I'm getting away from the topic at hand.
Matthews recently posted official police documents in the murder case of soon-to-retire officer Vidulich on his blogsite. This angered Memphis City Police Chief Larry Godwin and Dist. Atty. Gen. Bill Gibbons, who sent two investigators ("Goons" as Matthews puts it) to the studio where Matthews puts on his radio talk show. Matthews refuses to reveal his sources from the police department that "leaked" the documents to him and claims that he is protected by Tennessee Shield Laws for journalism. If a case is brought against Matthews and he is found to not be covered by the journalist protection measure, he is prepared to go to jail to protect his sources.
So, the question(s) on the table: Does Matthews have the right to publish those documents on his blogsite? Are Bloggers Journalists? Should they have the same rights afforded to reporters for newspapers, magazines and TV news programs? Would you go to jail to protect your sources if you were a journalist?
I found this interesting because I originally thought blogging to be just the web version of a diary. Even with all that I have to blog for my English class, I didn't take much stock in it because it is not something I do on a daily basis (even though I am supposed to for a grade). Don't get me wrong, I love to write. I just don't have the internet or a computer attached to my hip like most people do. I know I need the computer and internet; I just wish we didn't need them so badly. Anyway, I'm getting away from the topic at hand.
Matthews recently posted official police documents in the murder case of soon-to-retire officer Vidulich on his blogsite. This angered Memphis City Police Chief Larry Godwin and Dist. Atty. Gen. Bill Gibbons, who sent two investigators ("Goons" as Matthews puts it) to the studio where Matthews puts on his radio talk show. Matthews refuses to reveal his sources from the police department that "leaked" the documents to him and claims that he is protected by Tennessee Shield Laws for journalism. If a case is brought against Matthews and he is found to not be covered by the journalist protection measure, he is prepared to go to jail to protect his sources.
So, the question(s) on the table: Does Matthews have the right to publish those documents on his blogsite? Are Bloggers Journalists? Should they have the same rights afforded to reporters for newspapers, magazines and TV news programs? Would you go to jail to protect your sources if you were a journalist?
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Sunday's Headline: Tigers Declawed!
I must admit that I am not a fan of basketball at all. And I am much less a fan of college hoops. However, you must be 100% emotionally deficient not to have felt the excitement around the campus, in the general area, and across the country for that matter. Tigers vs. Vols, kinda old news. But when you throw in the fact that we went into this game in the #1 position ahead of the Vols, it makes the loss even that much harder for the true fans to stomach. I've talked to quite a few fans in the last two days and they are all kind of depressed. So, I have the answer if classrooms are empty for the next few days.
Still, the game was hyped, the tickets were insanely expensive, and the Tigers were denied. Last night, coming home from work, I am sitting a red light and some jackoff from UT pulls up next to me and other cars and screams out the window, "Rocky Top, Rocky Top Tennessee, baby!!" I brush that off and then i am going to a bar where a friend of mine works to say hi when I pass Gill's on Highland. I was taken aback for a moment. Outside, this guy, this big, burly he-man of a dude, was sitting alone at a table and he was weeping. Not a tear, TEARS, lots of them. I asked him if he was ok and all he could muster was "Memphis lost man." WOW! Either he had a LOT of money riding on that game, or he is the biggest fan of the Tigers. For those who missed the game, the final score:
#2
TENN (25-2)
66
#1
MEM (26-1)
62
To be perfectly honest, when I heard that we lost by two lousy baskets, I was just a little disappointed. Not as much as weeping willow boy, but still disappointed.
Still, the game was hyped, the tickets were insanely expensive, and the Tigers were denied. Last night, coming home from work, I am sitting a red light and some jackoff from UT pulls up next to me and other cars and screams out the window, "Rocky Top, Rocky Top Tennessee, baby!!" I brush that off and then i am going to a bar where a friend of mine works to say hi when I pass Gill's on Highland. I was taken aback for a moment. Outside, this guy, this big, burly he-man of a dude, was sitting alone at a table and he was weeping. Not a tear, TEARS, lots of them. I asked him if he was ok and all he could muster was "Memphis lost man." WOW! Either he had a LOT of money riding on that game, or he is the biggest fan of the Tigers. For those who missed the game, the final score:
#2
TENN (25-2)
66
#1
MEM (26-1)
62
To be perfectly honest, when I heard that we lost by two lousy baskets, I was just a little disappointed. Not as much as weeping willow boy, but still disappointed.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Writing Writing Writing Arrrrrrrrgh!!!!!
The only class that i don't have to write an essay or paper in this semester is College Algebra. I am becoming very initmate with my computer (get your minds outta the gutter). Hell, that's $5.99 a minute and i don't have that kind of cash. Anyway, I have to write blogs for english (I'm blogging about the blogs I have to blog...I feel like a Smurf), as well as my other assignments. In psychology, I have to write an essay daily about a topic from the chapter just read. And in my media writing class...hello? The name says it all and I get to write news stories, even though I am not going to work for a newspaper or magazine.
I love to write, but I am feeling just a touch overwhelmed at times. It's ok though, I just rant for a bit and then go back to writing. Dammit! LOL, well, here I go again.
The blogs are cool though. I get a chance to express myself and it is a way that I can keep track of my research and take notes from my readings. Occasionally, I will sneak in a silly or insane blog because that would be so like me. But for the most part, I will adhere to the sage advice administered by my English professor. How many more of these do I have to do? Aww, Hell. See you in class Wendy.
I love to write, but I am feeling just a touch overwhelmed at times. It's ok though, I just rant for a bit and then go back to writing. Dammit! LOL, well, here I go again.
The blogs are cool though. I get a chance to express myself and it is a way that I can keep track of my research and take notes from my readings. Occasionally, I will sneak in a silly or insane blog because that would be so like me. But for the most part, I will adhere to the sage advice administered by my English professor. How many more of these do I have to do? Aww, Hell. See you in class Wendy.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Ding Dong "W"'s Almost Gone
I would never even begin to speak for anyone else, but I am tickled F****n' pink. This is Bush's last year in office so it's bound to be an entertaining one. I just don't see "W" going quietly into the night. He's a Texan and they just don't do that sort of thing. The media is on a perpetual state of Red Alert just in case Bush does something monumentally stupid.
The question is: will Bush do something monumentally stupid before he leaves office next year? If I were a betting man, I would put all of my money on YES. With the country in the financial trouble that it is in, thanks to Bush, and with most of our troops still over in Iraq, thanks to Bush, is there anything left that his "reverse" Midas touch can destroy?
As I said in one of my earlier blogs, it doesn't really matter who goes into office next, a blind monkey with an addiction to crack and a penchant for snorting cocaine off a hooker's ass would do a better job, so anyone that get's elected now would be much better. I do hope, on a personal note, that he is successful in getting the tax cut for Americans pushed through. The way I figure it, he owes us AT LEAST that much, if not definitely more. Lift your glasses high into the air and let's toast ol' "W." Here's to the worst President in our nation's history (Nixon gives a sigh of relief from the great beyond).
The question is: will Bush do something monumentally stupid before he leaves office next year? If I were a betting man, I would put all of my money on YES. With the country in the financial trouble that it is in, thanks to Bush, and with most of our troops still over in Iraq, thanks to Bush, is there anything left that his "reverse" Midas touch can destroy?
As I said in one of my earlier blogs, it doesn't really matter who goes into office next, a blind monkey with an addiction to crack and a penchant for snorting cocaine off a hooker's ass would do a better job, so anyone that get's elected now would be much better. I do hope, on a personal note, that he is successful in getting the tax cut for Americans pushed through. The way I figure it, he owes us AT LEAST that much, if not definitely more. Lift your glasses high into the air and let's toast ol' "W." Here's to the worst President in our nation's history (Nixon gives a sigh of relief from the great beyond).
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Confession Is Good For The Soul...Round Two
Even though I didn't post a comment about his "Trouble Up Ahead In '08" blog, Confessions of a West TN Liberal must have felt that the 8 people who did throw their two cents in thought along the same lines I did. His latest blog, "I Retract My Statement!", has the blogger backtracking and apologizing for his earlier comments.
And it wasn't so much which comments he made as it was that he trashed everybody, Democrat and Republican alike. If you don't like ANY of the candidates, write in your choice if possible and let that be enough. If you claim to be a Democrat, find a candidate you can support and throw your support behind that person. Likewise if you ,for some ungodly reason, wish to be a, **gulp** Republican.
There are things I don't like about Hilary Clinton and things I don't like about Barack Obama. But this much is true, I support both and if I could vote for both, I would. And regardless of who gets the Democratic nod for this Presidential race, be it Hilary or Obama, if the other ends up running as the winner's running mate, I will be tickled pink. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but Confessions of a West TN Liberal was just being nasty to all running for the big chair in the White House. Like I said in my first blog about this guy, pick a candidate and support them, and if you don't like the choices, add a new one if you can. Otherwise, sit down and let the next person talk. Thanks
And it wasn't so much which comments he made as it was that he trashed everybody, Democrat and Republican alike. If you don't like ANY of the candidates, write in your choice if possible and let that be enough. If you claim to be a Democrat, find a candidate you can support and throw your support behind that person. Likewise if you ,for some ungodly reason, wish to be a, **gulp** Republican.
There are things I don't like about Hilary Clinton and things I don't like about Barack Obama. But this much is true, I support both and if I could vote for both, I would. And regardless of who gets the Democratic nod for this Presidential race, be it Hilary or Obama, if the other ends up running as the winner's running mate, I will be tickled pink. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but Confessions of a West TN Liberal was just being nasty to all running for the big chair in the White House. Like I said in my first blog about this guy, pick a candidate and support them, and if you don't like the choices, add a new one if you can. Otherwise, sit down and let the next person talk. Thanks
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Only In An Election Year
It amazes me that when a major election year rolls around, that incumbent politicians as well as those seeking to unseat the incumbents begin the heavy discussions of issues that matter to the people of this country. Maybe I am a huge cynic when it comes to this, but I think it sucks that the incumbents and political hopefuls only seem to care about matters of healthcare, social security, employment, and education when they are trying to get (or keep) their jobs.
I propose that we revise the election system in this country. Make it a "get it done or get the hell out" system. If you promise (make a campaign promise) to solve the healthcare problem, and do it, you keep your job this round. If you fail to do anything significant, you're out. No impeachment process necessary. Donald Trump gets to walk up to you and say "You're Fired." This kind of conditional election system will either cut down on the number of campaign promises made or it will strongly motivate an elected official to actually do what they promised to get elected. Of the remaining people jockeying for the big chair in the White House, they all have and will continue to tell us what we want to hear from now until election day. But what will they actually do when they get there??
My hope is that they will actually do something significant to help the people of this country, but my cynical money is riding on believing that they will do little to nothing. God, I hope I'm wrong, but I fear I'm right.
I propose that we revise the election system in this country. Make it a "get it done or get the hell out" system. If you promise (make a campaign promise) to solve the healthcare problem, and do it, you keep your job this round. If you fail to do anything significant, you're out. No impeachment process necessary. Donald Trump gets to walk up to you and say "You're Fired." This kind of conditional election system will either cut down on the number of campaign promises made or it will strongly motivate an elected official to actually do what they promised to get elected. Of the remaining people jockeying for the big chair in the White House, they all have and will continue to tell us what we want to hear from now until election day. But what will they actually do when they get there??
My hope is that they will actually do something significant to help the people of this country, but my cynical money is riding on believing that they will do little to nothing. God, I hope I'm wrong, but I fear I'm right.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
They Say Confession Is Good For The Soul...
Ok, I really didn't like AlphaPatriot and his lunatic ramblings, but I am starting to get peeved. I read the Confessions of A West Tennessee Liberal's blog entitled "Trouble up ahead in '08" and I wonder what is wrong with the American political system today. This John Marek guy is scared of John McCain like he is the boogeyman or something. He has absolutely no confidence in either Barack Obama or Hilary Clinton. I can understand if you don't like one or the other and if you have good reason not to be confident, but at the moment, neither Obama nor Clinton have given us any reason to think they wouldn't do a totally fabulous job in the White House. Hell, at this point, after 8 years of "W," a blind monkey with a CRACK addiction and a penchant for snorting cocaine off a hooker's ass would do a better job.
He has all but conceded victory to the Republicans. I would emplore Marek to have a little faith and find a candidate to support and actually support that candidate. A year or so ago, I believed that it really didn't matter who the Democrats put up against the Republicans, that the Republicans wouldn't stand a chance in Hell of taking the Presidency after Bush. The truth of the matter is that none of the candidates can say that another one voted for the War in Iraq, because they all did. Each and every single candidate still running for the White House checked yes to that particular question, so it will be interesting to see how things continue to unfold.
He has all but conceded victory to the Republicans. I would emplore Marek to have a little faith and find a candidate to support and actually support that candidate. A year or so ago, I believed that it really didn't matter who the Democrats put up against the Republicans, that the Republicans wouldn't stand a chance in Hell of taking the Presidency after Bush. The truth of the matter is that none of the candidates can say that another one voted for the War in Iraq, because they all did. Each and every single candidate still running for the White House checked yes to that particular question, so it will be interesting to see how things continue to unfold.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
AlphaPatriot is just a weeee bit CRAZY!
Poor guy. He is just a touch upset over the fact that none of the remaining candidates believe the way he does. Well, maybe that's because he's a lunatic and all of the lunatics that wanted to be President are either out or on their way out the door. Maybe, just maybe "W" has screwed up so much that nearly every Republican looks like the Devil in disguise. AlphaPatriot says he can't vote for Mitt Romney or John McCain and is scared by the idea of Hilary Clinton or Barack Obama getting into office. Whatever on Earth is this poor guy going to do if either of them is elected you might ask?
"I decided right then and there that if either one of them is elected then I'm joining a militia to prepare for the coming disintegration of the Union. In fact, if I can't find a militia then I'm going to start one. Buy a few hundred acres of Tennessee wilderness and go practice war and survival," he psychotically said in his blog.
Umm, uh, yeah. That would be called joining or starting a CULT. And we all know what happens to people who start cults. For examples, see David Koresh and Charles Manson. One dead and the other locked in the criminal looney bin, the nut hatch, "Nanna's Change Purse."
This guy needs to get out and get himself a hobby before he ends up in a Mexican Stand-off with the Federal government he proclaims to love so much.
"I decided right then and there that if either one of them is elected then I'm joining a militia to prepare for the coming disintegration of the Union. In fact, if I can't find a militia then I'm going to start one. Buy a few hundred acres of Tennessee wilderness and go practice war and survival," he psychotically said in his blog.
Umm, uh, yeah. That would be called joining or starting a CULT. And we all know what happens to people who start cults. For examples, see David Koresh and Charles Manson. One dead and the other locked in the criminal looney bin, the nut hatch, "Nanna's Change Purse."
This guy needs to get out and get himself a hobby before he ends up in a Mexican Stand-off with the Federal government he proclaims to love so much.
Whitehaven and Others
After reading the Memphis blog, Bring Back Whitehaven, I have to say that I agree 200%. Though I have never been to Graceland myself, there is absolutely no denying the magnitude of its drawing power on tourists, especially fans of The King. It is somewhat embarrassing to have people come from out of town and from other countries to visit a landmark like Graceland and see the blighted areas leading up to it. It must make them think to themselves, "damn, if this is how they treat Graceland, then it must be how they treat ALL of their landmarks. Why even bother going to see them if we can just expect more trash and blight when we get there.
Though I agree with the plight of Whitehaven's blight, there are many other areas withing the city of Memphis that are slowly decaying and creating havens for criminals to carry out their dastardly deeds. Revitalization of Downtown Memphis is nearly complete, but the city's leaders need to shift their focus from that, once completed, to the other areas of Memphis that look post-apocolyptic.
The plan to improve Whitehaven is a very good one. And it can be expanded to other areas as well. One key factor that can help this plan along would be to have more police patrolling the streets to keep crime away and impose stiffer penalties on criminals for the crimes they commit. I think we have been taking it too easy on those who commit crimes, allowing them to go free later and just commit more crimes. This has got to stop somewhere or we will stop having decent places to live in this city and the Federal government will have to bomb this city and start from scratch.
Though I agree with the plight of Whitehaven's blight, there are many other areas withing the city of Memphis that are slowly decaying and creating havens for criminals to carry out their dastardly deeds. Revitalization of Downtown Memphis is nearly complete, but the city's leaders need to shift their focus from that, once completed, to the other areas of Memphis that look post-apocolyptic.
The plan to improve Whitehaven is a very good one. And it can be expanded to other areas as well. One key factor that can help this plan along would be to have more police patrolling the streets to keep crime away and impose stiffer penalties on criminals for the crimes they commit. I think we have been taking it too easy on those who commit crimes, allowing them to go free later and just commit more crimes. This has got to stop somewhere or we will stop having decent places to live in this city and the Federal government will have to bomb this city and start from scratch.
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