Memorial Service

I just finished watching the memorial service for the 13 murdered soldiers at Ft. Hood. What an emotional experience. That's the first time I've ever watched something like that on TV and felt like I was there. It was partially because the channel I was watching stayed silent. Even when there was a lull in activity. The President gave a very emotional speech. He named each person and some of their characteristics. It made it much more personal. I think it is one of the best speeches I've heard the president give.
He seemed proud of who we are as a country. I don't always feel that from his speeches. He did an excellent job.
It made me cry to see the families walking by their family members pictures at the end of the ceremony. I had to turn it off. I think it is good that we all can feel what these people go through if we allow it. It's too much for me today.

More Problems With Fenty

My problems with the Mayor started earlier this year. He took two trips abroad, to China and Dubai, that were partially or fully paid for by the governments of the visited country. Many of us asked why they paid and Fenty said it was none ya. None Ya is short for none of your business.
Then about 6 months ago, I believe, it was found that the city had paid a bill for a party Fenty's fraternity brothers had thrown. The money was paid back but the fact that it happened at all is problematic. People asked why and none ya was the answer again.
A few weeks ago it was alleged that some of Fenty's frat brothers were receiving city contracts. When the mayor was asked about it the basic answer waaass...you guessed it. None ya!
The final straw for me was the report yesterday in the Washington Post about Mayor Fenty using police officers as his bike ride bodyguards. They stop traffic for him, they allow him to run red lights, he rodes bikes on roads that say no bicyclists allowed. He has even gone so far as to have our police officers ands there vehicles used to transport his bikes. THAT'S IT!
I would encourage all drivers to beep and jeer and holler at the mayor if you end up behind him on Rock Creek Park or any of the other roads his arrogant ass thinks are his personal bike trail.
It is obvious that power corrupts. NO matter the person as soon as they get a little power they just cant help themselves. They start trippin almost immediately.
I think we need one term limits for politicians. The longer they are in power the more corrupt they become.
KICK HIM OUT!

Excuse for Murder

We all get teased and tormented in life. It doesnt goive us the right to kill people...in my opinion.

A Calm Explanation of My View On Health Care

I know a lot of the heath care debate has divided us as a country. I have been one of the angry people saying hell no to government heath care. I thought that maybe if I explained my self in a calmer manor it may help a few understand my point of view.
I was raised to take care of myself. From the time I was young I had to do chores to earn my allowance. If I wanted to buy anything I had to save up that money. If I didn't have any money I didn't get what I wanted.
I grew up in a middle class neighborhood. I hung around in the ghetto once I got into my late teens. There I met a lot of bums. Not bad people necessarily. Just people with no motivation to better themselves. No work ethic. I asked why some didn't have jobs and the answer was they got more from welfare then they would working.
These are the things that affect the way I view the government taking my tax money to help the "poor". If someone is genuinely poor and has tried their best to get ahead. Got three jobs, cancelled cable, turned of air conditioning, wear the same clothes over and over, no fast food, no junk food. Then they should be helped. But most of the "poor" people I have met don't try hard enough or don't think they should have to make any personal sacrifices.
I think a lot of people feel entitled to somethings they have done nothing to earn.
I believe in the old saying. Help them that help themselves.
I hope this frames my position a little better. I don't hate poor people. I do get angry at people that think society owes them something. All it owes you is the opportunity to help yourself.

Leadership

True leaders make hard decisions. Politicians make popular decisions.

Excusing Bad Behavior

I am not surprised to hear the excuses the family of the man who shot people at Ft. Hood yesterday. That's how a lot of people are in this country now. It's always someone elses fault. What a bunch of crap.
I got picked on constantly in school as a child. There was always someone putting me down or treating me like crap. Then I would go home and get some crap from my brother. I never shot any of them. I was molested as a child and I never shot the molester. That is a personal choice I made.
People need to realize that we all have choices in the way we choose to react to hard times in our lives. I chose to pull back form people and eventually learned to deal with my issues. I didn't choose to go out and murder anyone.
The shooter did what he did because he wanted to.
The end.

Doesn't Reflect on the President

Back when the Democrats took over both the House and the Senate in 2006 it was said to be a commentary on the Presidency of George Bush. This vote showed that people were sick of his crap. That's how it was presented at least.
Yesterday two Republicans upset two Democrats in Governors races. Now I am not trying to say Congressional races and governors races hold the same weight but why is one a response to the policies of a president and one isn't. Oh I know its based on party. When its a Dem it means nothing, when its a Republican it means everything. Wheew...glad I figured that out.

Smart Terrorists

5 British soldiers were killed by the police officer they were training in Afghanistan. That's a terrible thing but also very smart from the terrorists point of view. They are having the desired effect.
The first part of the story I heard questioned if it was time for Britain to pull out. That's exactly what these terrorists want. They are doing things that they know undermine the publics support for the war. I think we have to be smarter then that.
George Bush, who I am no fan of, said this was going to be a long costly war when it started. He said that we citizens were going to have to be patient. Osama Bin Laden said we Westerners didn't have it in us to stay the course and finish the fight. I fear he may have been correct.
I am no expert in foreign affairs but I am no idiot either. If we don't finish what we have started in Afghanistan then what goes on In that region will spread.

Cat With H1N1

I just read a story about a cat who caught H1N1 from a person. Now I am not usually an alarmist but I have never heard of flu being passed from people to pets. Maybe I am uninformed. I do know that flu comes from animals. At least I think I know that.
So I guess it makes sense that it can be spread from animal to human and vice versa.
I read a couple of weeks ago about swine at a county fair that tested positive or H1N1 but this seems a bit different to me.
If anyone knows if this is commonplace please let me know.

*Update* I have found that this is not that unusual. All the more reason to watch your pets carefully. Thanks for the info Stephanie.

Idiot Youngun

I was at The National Arboretum today with a friend. Beautiful place. This is the first time I've been and I've lived here all of my life. The main grounds weren't that impressive right now . The leaves are all coming of the trees and most of the flowers are dead. We went in to see the bonsai trees and on our way out there was what appeared to be a school group.
On one side of some of the trees are big pots with water in them and a big ladle on top. I don't know if they use that to water the trees. I hope not because on the way out one of the stupi...oh I mean students dropped something into one of these pots and looked up from doing it with a devilish grin and then a look of minor shame. It pissed me and my friend Candace off. Cant take some of these young people to see beautiful things. They just don't appreciate it.
After I got home I started to think about what she may have dropped in the pot. What if it was something that could do harm to one these beautiful old trees. I need to call the Arboretum tomorrow to be sure.
Schools need to watch students more closely when they are around things that are not easily replaced.

*Note* There are photos from this trip on www.throughmyeyeballs.blogspot.com .