agnosticrat

Cough.. Cough!

2009-07-07T19:43:00.003-04:00

Cough ..Cough
Sure is a lot of dust in here!
Thinking I could fix the joint up and turn it into something.

2009-07-07T19:40:00.001-04:00

My back is up against a wall

2008-08-15T19:15:00.004-04:00

My back to the wall
A victim of laughing chance
This is for me
The essence of true romance
Sharing the things we know and love
With those of my kind
Libations
Sensations
That stagger the mind - Steely Dan (Deacon Blues)

Contempt

2008-08-04T19:03:00.001-04:00

|kənˈtem(p)t|
noun
the feeling that a person or a thing is beneath consideration, worthless, or deserving scorn : he showed his contempt for his job by doing it very badly.
• disregard for something that should be taken into account : this action displays an arrogant contempt for the wishes of the majority.

John McCain holds that Barrack Obama is deserving scorn. His attack ads this week are full of anger. Pushing the idea that Senator Obama is arrogant is the new "weapons of mass destruction" argument of the Republican party, as they muddle their way through a lackluster campaign.

Lather, rinse, and repeat as needed.

Much like during the build up to the Iraqi war, bad intelligence is dissembled along with fear rhetoric, in order to build an illegitimate argument. All the while, so called legitimate news outlets (in chorus) repeat these assertions, showing once again that news agencies are less interested in presenting facts, than joining in with the kind of "group think" that led us into war with a nation that was a less than adequate threat.

All of this is should be considered politics, as normal. Not merely reserved for those on the top of a political ticket, this strategy of hand slights has oozed itself downward into seemingly mundane ballot races. Even those that many would consider immune from gotcha politics.
Setup's, and name calling are used in such a way as to bait undecided voters into their unsavory arguments. If straight forward issues are easy enough to wade through for the voters, mirror flashes, and puffs of smoke are employed with seeming ease in order to remedy already formed decisions on clear cut choices.
Suddenly the subject of law enforcement is quickly changed from questions of previous performance, and crime rates, to highly contentious subjects involving gun rights. Forced to the forefront, in a confrontational manner, for political gain, not because there was an overwhelming need for people to strap on a deadly weapon for self defense, but because the non-issue issue could be employed as a means of showing contempt for the opposing candidate.

Blowback

The missing part in all of this is the reaction by the citizens that are being prodded, and harassed, through the claims, and actions of the attacking candidates. While it has been proven these tactics work in the short term, without a continuous stream of valid attacks they tend to fizzle out.
Tomorrow we may well know if the short quick actions taken by Sheriff Dar's camp were effective. So late in the game it may have had it's intended effect.
Though, I doubt it.
There has been enough time for the citizens in this county to see how their quiet, if not murder free, environment has been made fun of for political gain. Seemingly parallel in action, the attacks on Senator Obama using a suddenly vibrant electorate in order to paint him as a "rock star" may miss the mark, and rile the anger of said electorate.

As well it should

For some time now, here on this blog, and others, the mocking of an apathetic electorate has been great sport. On the streets of the nation, excuses for not taking up ones civil duty are myriad.

"Why should I care?, They are all crooks!"
"I am voting for the "lesser of two evils"

are but a couple of phrases used, in the call to non-action. I hear them more, and more as this election grows tired.

Tired, not because people have a choice that has a modicum of difference in platforms. To the contrary platforms have never been so different in intent. Tired because voters are being used as pawns in games of gotcha politics, and Voters themselves are being held in contempt by politicians.

Comments again at WMP

Paying taxes is patriotic

2008-07-24T20:47:00.006-04:00

The need

With troops in foreign lands, and an economy in shambles, it seems to me the least patriotic thing someone could do is not pay their taxes. Complaining about tax rates, is as much a national past time as watching baseball, or eating hot dogs. But this nations need for capitol as we defend ourselves from both physical, and commercial warfare has never been more apparent. Some may complain that a majority of tax dollars may go to an unjust occupation in Iraq, and use this as an excuse to skim from their obligations. Others fight for different levels of taxation in search for what they claim to be fair. These arguments should be fought in the nations capitol, not in foreign tax shelters.

Turning the tide

The Senate's Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, chaired by (our own senator) Carl Levin, held a hearing Thursday on tax haven banks and U.S. tax compliance. The committee has produced a report on its six-month-long investigation.

In reviewing a variety of case histories, the investigation found that from at least 2000 to 2007, LGT and UBS employed banking practices that facilitated tax evasion by their U.S. clients, including assisting clients to open accounts in the names of offshore entities; advising clients on complex offshore structures to hide ownership of assets; using client code names; and disguising asset transfers into and from accounts."Senator Levin estimated offshore banks deprived the US Government of $US100 billion ($102 billion) a year in taxes. The report says US clients hold about 19,000 accounts at UBS in Switzerland with an estimated $US18-$US20 billion in assets not declared to tax authorities.

Using simple math it is clear to see that Senator Levin's target is not Ma, and Pa Sixpack hiding little Timmy's lawn mowing income from the mean ol' IRS man. The use of code names, in complex structures, implies that this is not a simple mess up on the 1040 form that many working people may struggle with every year, but a blatant disregard for the same laws every red blooded American citizen must follow.

Local impact

What is untold, is the amount of money that the state of Michigan, and others in equal need are loosing through these unpatriotic actions.
People with the means to pay are depriving their own states of the ability to pay for much needed services, and obligations. Bridge, and road repair, power lines that are past due for overhaul, better care for returning guard veterans, and workers retraining programs must now be taken care of with borrowed money, or put off to some elusive "time horizon".

We must pay our dues, while arguing their use in the ballot box.

Regardless of ones point of view on unjust wars, and levels of taxation, the money continues to be spent by our federal government. Every dollar withheld from U.S. coffers will be borrowed from outside sources. This will leave a larger debt for future generations, and a weakening U.S. economy.

What may begin as civil disobedience, will end in generational warfare.

comments available at WMP

Change of plans!

2008-07-23T21:39:00.001-04:00

If in fact our present sheriff is behind this movement to allow people to walk willie nillie down the streets of Hastings with pistols at their hips, I will be voting against him.
I am not happy to be loosing a competent chief of police, but I will gladly give that up in order to squash the candidacy of someone so far out of the mainstream as to think that this is acceptable.
Sarver for sheriff!

Has the revolution just begun?

2008-07-08T20:56:00.002-04:00

Click here, to see how!

The APV

2008-05-02T20:28:00.002-04:00

The Michigan "one state recession" mantra still has legs....For Republicans.
We don't hear the phrase as much now, in the face of what is likely to be a very cruel national economy for some time to come. False hopes that Americans will spend those ever faithful election year payoffs on brand new goods rather than paying bills, and buying gas, will likely be dashed. When I get mine it will be going into a new water heater, but that is only because it just started leaking. I would have bought one anyway, but at least now I will not be busting into the Agnosticrat Preservation Fund.
The APV is a small amount of money I have squirreled away for emergencies. It has taken me some time to save, and it would not come easy to me to part from it.
Let me continue by saying that I feel lucky to have any savings at all. With the advent of time payments, and multiple credit scams out there I have seen quite a few of my friends start down the road to being dirt poor the rest of their lives. Dirt poor I can handle, but dirt poor without options would likely be the death of me.

Party Plan

2008-04-25T19:57:00.003-04:00

For years people talked about the housing bubble as the biggest looming crisis, and all McCain's party would offer were harsh words toward those that would dare point out the fallacy of the "free market". Lack of regulation has finally come home to roost, and eyes are finally open for one sector of the American economy.
Closer to your point here I am curious how many failings are looming in health care. We already know about lax inspection of food, and drugs, but how about failure of vital equipment, and infrastructure?
Right now both parties are hawking paperless record keeping as an answer to out of control costs.
The question I would pose to the American people is which party would you trust to put such a system online?
The party of Brownie, Rumsfeld, and Bremer?
Or the party of Gore, Edwards, and Obama?

2008-04-05T19:47:00.003-04:00

My parents always taught me that if something was meant to happen, it will. The lesson was not meant to be one of faith , as much as work, and planning. Without work, and planning involved, almost all of the outcomes we could hope for, would be lost from the beginning.
In short, nothing worthwhile is free.

It's about damned time!

2008-03-26T18:55:00.002-04:00

I have always been one to encourage people to log their dissent, but it is not helpful to merely post meandering comments on others blogs, in threads that have nothing to do with your subject. I for one would never go onto a blog with a post about the life cycle of worms, and question the blogger about crimes against democracy.
I frequent many blogs and have never found one that finds this kind of action is considered anything but rude. Likewise I find that responding to such comments are merely a way of giving trolls a larger soapbox to stand on. But there comes a time when they should be TOLD!

Eyes

2008-03-14T19:04:00.005-04:00

The empty facial expression of cult members as they used to wander the terminals of airports and subways was intentional. You may argue that not all of them wore a sullen mask, and indeed you would be right. But I feel as though it would be worth pointing out that a awkward (sometimes forced) smile is not exactly an invite to share in the warm emotions of the person handing you flowers, and bidding peace to your journey.
Maybe it's the blank stare?
I haven't been around a lot of cult members, and much of what I can tell you of the subject comes from viewing what one would call over simplified characterisations of them on television, and in film. There is no one thing that will give a clue about someones psyche like that of the eyes. Someone once said they were the window to the soul, and if they said it I believe the directors of the world believed it and used it as a rule.
"It's his eyes..they look weird" exclaimed my grandmother during a discussion of one of her favorite detective shows. "I could tell it from his eyes that he was the killer". I was certain that my grandmother knew she was watching a fictional program, but she was also certain that the actor had to be guilty of something.
My grandmother was a wise woman, and using her wisdom I have always been considerate of the eyes when about in the world. I have till this day been vigilant of people with "weird eyes", or at least the kind of eyes that a good actor would have if portraying a killer. You cannot do this on the internet. Except possibly here where the eyes are in the title bar.
Please don't think me a killer based on the appearance of the child's eyes used in my graphic.

Consistency is not one of my strong suits.

2008-02-29T20:09:00.004-05:00

My message here is just as likely to show up next week, as it is next month.
I have written, but for whatever reason toward the end I pick through my meanderings and find fault with the way I have chosen to explain the premise I began writing about. I worry that the actual meaning of my words are lost sometimes in the way I phrase them, and eventually give in to slogans or known phrases that come close to the feeling I am trying to convey. But they are unacceptable to me, and I end up leaving well enough alone and keeping silent.
I have to force myself to post what I mean, in the simplest terms I can, without using old rhetoric that others have misused.

Psst..Economic Conservatism Does Not Work

2008-02-06T20:48:00.000-05:00

Pass it on!

2008-02-02T13:08:00.000-05:00

While having my picture taken...

2008-01-27T14:35:00.000-05:00

While having my drivers license picture taken at the secretary of states office, over and over again the same thought rolled around in my head.

"Try not to look ...Islamic"

More later

Who are we stimulating?

2008-01-17T20:52:00.000-05:00

I want to borrow money from the Chinese, and give it to you, so you can buy more Chinese goods!
Who comes up with this stuff?

"Bush spoke with congressional leaders as top House aides worked on an economic rescue package that included more money for food stamp recipients and the unemployed as well as tax rebates and cuts."

Obviously someone is trying to buy a better poll rating!

"While 66% of Americans disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling his job overall, 71% of Americans say they disapprove of the way Bush is handling the economy according to the latest survey from the American Research Group."

Centrist insurgency

2007-12-30T19:10:00.000-05:00

Disguised as a Rodney King movement asking politicians to "all just get along", Sam Nunn, and a host of other spoiler centrists, nervous about the future of ~~corporate security~~ bipartisan unity, are at the discussion stages of mounting a third party candidacy.
My inner voice tells me it has allot to do with the fact that people from outside the beltway, without ties to big business may hold the presidency .
All of this, combined with the likelihood of a GOP candidate (Paul) jumping ship for the warm surroundings of his previous party, will make for the best damned television since the '68 conventions.
You will not be able to say, there was no difference between the candidates this time!

2007-12-29T08:51:00.000-05:00

It seems to me that xenophobic Kool-Aide being passed around in the GOP, may have given Huckabee an overdose. Trying to stay relevant in the days of the global war on musliopakistanic-extremofascisterror can be quite hard to do for a lil' ol Christian leader from Hope.
In front of cameras after his craptaculous response to the Bhutto assassination, he went "all in" at the Republican Texas Scare-em poker tourney. After trying to explain what it was he meant to say, Mr. Huckabee tried to gain favor with the neocons by pandering to their fear mongering egos.

"It also points out something we should do domestically and that is we ought to have an immediate, very clear monitoring of borders. And particularly to make sure if there is any unusual activity of Pakistanis coming into the country we just need to be in a very, very thorough in looking at every aspect of our own security internally because again we live in a very, very
dangerous time."- Mike Huckabee

On the bright side he may have single handedly inoculated the voting public to the effects of the fear card. In their rush to do away with the "Huckabee surge", so-called mainstream republican loyalists have begun to point out the fallacy of such an idiotic statement. Thus giving the American people a light to shine upon other equally idiotic statements the GOP has valued for some time now.

Laws just or unjust may govern men's actions. Tyrannies may restrain or regulate their words. The machinery of propaganda may pack their minds with falsehood and deny them truth for many generations of time. But the soul of man thus held in trance or frozen in a long night can be awakened by a spark coming from God knows where and in a moment the whole structure of lies and oppression is on trial for its life. -Winston Churchill

I present Exhibit 1

That's it, I'm turning this car around!

2007-12-29T08:45:00.000-05:00

To begin with I cannot post here now without acknowledging the fact that I have not been here in quite awhile. I simply ran out of words.
Putting finger to keyboard here on my own blog has played second fiddle to my love of responding to , and reading posts on other blogs. They had the initial motivation to bring subjects to the forefront that I felt compelled to speak to. Although I have had several points I wanted to make on my own, finding the time, or inclination to post a long screed on my own has been difficult.
I have in this year played champion to my cause at several of the local blogs, and even posted a response on one that would be considered a well known national blog. One response on a behemoth the size of "Crooks and Liars" which consisted of eight words more, or less. To no end. It was ignored. Much like many of the responses I have posted locally, it was merely a post script. An also ran. But I said what I felt, and found myself quite pleased to see that I really did not adversely effect the course of events in human history.
That being said:
Let's pretend for now that I have been in a coma for these past months, and move on. I am not leaving again.
My posts will be,(for the most part) short, and will beg for counterpoint. Please respond as you see fit.

SOON!

2007-06-27T21:43:00.000-04:00

Lead, follow, or become a centrist!

2007-02-10T08:24:00.000-05:00

While attenting your post holiday, mid winter gatherings it will be clear that politics is in the air. After all you no longer have the luxery of opting for sports talk to fill time before your meal. Bowl games are in the past, and it is just the beginning of the collegiate basketball season.
It is likely you have saved your bits of partisan sound bytes and you have been practicing on close family since the first sparring match during your thanksgiving slice of pie. Numbers and "facts" are all stored in your politico rolodex for this occasion and you feel confident. Go get em!
But first give me a moment to point out that the real opposition you must conquer is not the man or woman on the other side of the table, loudly bloviating on your obvious lack of judgement,while shoveling batter dipped biomorph into their mouths. Your real nemesis it the nondescript gawker sitting next to you. This crafty devil is the rusty toothless sprocket that needs attention. It is not an easy task to garner opinion from this gear of apathy. Any attempt to do so will net you a rolling of eyes and a dismissal wave of the hand. Pushed further they will retreat to the a claim that has served them well in the past, and if you allow it to succeed again will spell the demise of our democracy.
"I am a centrist"
With such a phrase Rome was doomed. Let me be clear here. I have nothing against "going along, to get along" when we disscuss the mundane. Or the prospect of a multiple party system. But in this time of war there comes a time to decide.
It is my intent to point out to you "the partisan", that the claim of centrism is exactly what we have known for so long, and have been reluctant to shed light on. When taken as a shield against admitting ones own indescision or lack of knowledge it merely puts more pressure on government officials who are charged with doing the bidding of their constuants, and it forces the rest of us to the fringe. These very people are the ones that must be reached and forced to decide. Lack of military judgement in Washington has and always will be traced back to the electorates fear to voice their opinion, and the present administration has forced so many back to the shadows that is the claim of centrism. After all you are either "with them or against them" unless you garner the free pass that has been till now a refuge for those that allow apathy to flourish.

YUP!

2007-01-01T10:26:00.000-05:00

I've decided to give an open forum for the new year!
Please post your comments hopeful or not.

Scabs and band-aids!

2006-12-16T09:01:00.000-05:00

The Iraq study group has come out with their report, the whitehouse has non responded to it, and congress is nowhere to be found.
The plan as far as I can see is the "open air on the wound" theory.
Shortly the President will be on the airwaves to push for more troops to Iraq in order to give "it" another go. We still are left to our own discretion as to what "it" is. Something along the line of keeping the unrest in Iraq from spreading throughout the middle east, is the latest prescription.
A little Bactine please, we don't want this to get infected.
The ISG report has a subtitle "Turn your head, this is gonna hurt ", and predicts another year, or two of troops being bogged down as referees in a civil war. Ironical cloning the actions that so many have used to label the U.N. as ineffective. Stay out of the way, and get the bad guys if you can figure out who they are! ..Err...Um?...Just stay out of the way.
Minus the blue helmets.
I am tired of the same people, using different words, to explain how great this could have been.
Wince, and wait for the rip!

American people-
"Pull it off fast!...No!, no! ..slow!.No!..Fast!..just get it done, so we can start to heal!"

The cow says oink?

2006-12-01T20:21:00.000-05:00

Am I the only person around here that is exactly what he says he is?
With the onslaught of those that would tell you they are moderates, and call for the destruction of the system of state government we have had all of these years. The likes of those that would say they are libertarian, yet somehow find a warm place in their hearts for the ownership of property by government bodies provided they make money. I feel as though black is white, and up is down.
I will admit my particular persuasion is made up. Agnosticrat is simply a mix of agnostic, and crat, meaning for purposes here, I question the existence of beliefs or followings. This is true, and the previous paragraph gives fuel to my confusion.

You are about to be hijacked!

2006-11-19T11:00:00.000-05:00

Once again the straw man is spouting his mediocre message.
Don't take what happened in this last election seriously. According to the perveyors of "they speak", the americans, while no longer having the stomach to invest political capitol in the direction of our presidents party, have instead given a short lease to the Democrats in order to give time for the GOP to build a more acceptable facade.
I have no fight to pick with those that truely feel a centrist movement is what is needed to put our government back on track to secure us both physicaly and finacially. What I fear though is something a little more sinnister is about to befall true centrists.
Already at work to save ground in the middle, the GOP have layed groundwork to abscond with the move to the center you truely wish to see. Using an age old rally cry, they are about to talk taxes once again. Taxes are the centrists achiles heel. The soft underbelly of any switch voter is the likelyhood that they will be paid for their vote. This has been bore out to a ludicrous extent.
Wartime? Who cares? I'll vote my pocketbook.
This weeks sunday programs have already given us the likes of John McCain (the straw mans candidate) explaining how the americans are upset with the rising deficit, but could not possibly accept a "tax raise" on the top 1 percent of americans. Why?
He reasons that you, the taxpayer have already made room in your budget for the increase of wealth that this tax cut has given the likes of Bill Gates, and Donald Trump.
To take back the tax cut given to them, would most assuredly wreck the plans you have made for your future.

Listen up?

2006-11-16T19:03:00.000-05:00

Excitement here at Agnosticrat, as I look toward the possibility of going audible!
I haven't quite nailed down the logistics, but I have been shopping for a new mic, and am looking at different methods of posting my rants. The truth is I hate typing. I never was good at it, and although I have been improving at hunt and peck, it seems to take me forever to check spelling, and you already know about my horrible sentence structure. Also I like to use sarcasm, and it really looses something when I have to type it out.
There are a lot of things that I want in the new setup, but one thing that must not change is your ability to post comments. If all else fails I will have to give an e-mail address for your response, and I would have to do a mail segment on the audio portion.
Either way this could get stupid, and I highly recommend you tune in for some laughs.

2006-09-24T19:03:00.000-04:00

Let's make fun of people who don't vote.
Me first.
People who don't vote are the ones that are destroying this nation. They can't even be honest and tell you they will not vote, the pollsters have had to invent an algorithm to tell us of the people that have answered their questions how many are likely voters.
Do you think it is O.K. to shame people into voting?
If so, would you do it to someone that would likely vote for a different candidate than the one you intend on voting for?
Maybe we can bring back the I voted today pin! Or better yet a secret handshake that we can use when we meet up in our "voter" meetings just before we roam the streets and beat the crap out of non voters. Nah I'm pretty non violent. How about a secret ballot that just the voters that show up know about. It could be something like a vote that says if you vote you get to take all of the non-voters stuff. I know a couple of non-voters with some pretty cool things. I want their stuff.
If you are a non-voter,... tell me you got a plasma t.v.? I would really like one of those!
Think about it and get back to me.

Cut the park loose

2006-08-19T21:01:00.000-04:00

The park millage will not be renewed any time soon
What the powers that be don't understand, is that the voters gave the park a chance at life some years ago with the first millage.
When the first park millage was passed it was done so to clean up fiscal issues that still have not been taken care of. The park was to be a viable entity that would help draw tourism, and companies that were looking to place their business' in a more progressive community.
Neither has happened. The park has not shown any progress in becoming a viable moneymaker for the people of the county. As a matter of fact it has actually chased away popular organized events.
Promises of growth were overstated, and politics has soured the community to giving money to such an albatross. It should be cut loose and run as a not for profit. In that case there would likely be more money from endowments, and government programs. Not the voters, or non-voters fault here, they gave it a chance and it did not perform.

It Hurts!

2006-08-08T19:06:00.000-04:00

Blam! It hit me like the second scene in an Aaron Spelling television show.
This is not going to be good.
I mentioned to co workers that I wanted to leave a little early today to vote, and with few exceptions I have found that most of them do not think this election thingy is all that important.
They vote in the big elections, not the hum drum ones.
But when I mention the fact that there is a millage request I see a spark in their eye. Unfortunately it diminishes when they realize that there would be that 10 minute journey to the school, or township hall. "Where do I go to vote?"
I give up, and in a moment of misguided apathy they ask what else is on the ballot. Governor? Are we voting for governor this time?
Umm...Yes I said,..In a way .
I get a glassy eyed stare.
The kind that says I hope he doesn't explain what he means.
At this point I decided to relinquish control of the conversation back to the subject of the day "Big Brother" and go back to what I was doing.
Hours later I am on my way out of work when I am asked....Where do we vote?
I said, go home and dial *56 on your cell phone.
"Really we can do that?"
Yes I said, But be sure to watch Julie Chen on the CBS morning show for the result.

I wish I could form sentences!

They's Revenge!

2006-07-16T11:01:00.000-04:00

They: The word they (with its counterparts them, their, and themselves) as a singular pronoun to refer to a person of unspecified sex has been used since at least the sixteenth century. In the late twentieth century, as the traditional use of he to refer to a person of either sex came under scrutiny on the grounds of sexism, this use of they has become more common. It is now generally accepted in contexts where it follows an indefinite pronoun such as anyone, no one, someone, or a person:: anyone can join if they are a resident; | each to their own. In other contexts, coming after singular nouns, the use of they is now common, although less widely accepted, esp. in formal contexts. Sentences such as | ask a friend if they could help are still criticized for being ungrammatical. Nevertheless, in view of the growing acceptance of they and its obvious practical advantages, they is used in this dictionary in many cases where he would have been used formerly. -Oxford American Dictionary
You see the dictionary cannot tell us who "they " are!
But I will.
I have a name!
You may refer to me as "they" when quoting me, but I would prefer Agnosticrat. Anything else would be redundant.
Some posting comments here have called me Aggie, or Ag and although I will respond to such nicknames it is not a choice I would make.
I would prefer Agster, or Agerator, Nostiholic, Nosti by itself has a respectful ring!
It does not matter who I pretend to be in the "real world". As long as I am here asking questions, I am relevant as agnosticrat and can be shunned, or accepted as such.
There are other bloggers in the area that have been handed the false title of "they".
Pol watcher I call him/her "Pol", for which I have not been reprimanded.
I for one do not care who Pol is, I have my suspicions, but in the interest of fair play have decided it does not matter. Pol is Pol, and has and will continue to be quoted as such. That should be enough for anyone that is not looking to diminish the work done on westmichiganpolitics.
Same goes for 3
Agitator3 whom I have dubbed "3" ( nobody calls him/her aggie!, Do they?)
according to his /her own statements, 3 may be a unit of many people, and until I see posts that conflict with previous statements I will not call him/her disingenuous. I applaud 3 for allowing some posting by Dan Fighter on his comments section, it is not easy sometimes to take in comments that are filled with such anger. More on that later.
It is far too easy to get wrapped up in who is who, and what their motive is.
What is possible here is far more than throwing your opinion around, and making people take notice. It is reading others words and accepting that there are other points of view that could hold just as true as the one you have posted. To read those opinions and take the points into consideration when making your own is called a discussion, and it works.
Some would say that the cloak of secrecy and made up names diminish the purpose of these blogs. I say poppycock to such an off hand statement. The people who push that idea are the shills for conformity that would shut down such an icon of free speech.
When the nation was not yet born, there was a newspaper publisher that took matters into his own hands when discussion was lacking as to solutions for an impasse with the king of England. He wrote letters to his own newspaper under made up names and he forced the future citizens of the United States care about what was happening in the world about them. He would even argue with himself on issues of the day such as taxes, and representation of the people. His name was Benjamin Franklin.
I bring up editors, and their past deeds not to propagate rumors that David T. The editor of the Hastings Banner, is alive and well on these blogs. It is to point out that if he is, we should be encouraged that he would see fit to give an unfettered opinion the likes you would not likely be able to read in the local newspaper (a business). Keep in mind that other newspapers, and television shows you read, or watch are also businesses. While I would not accuse the Banner of putting business before news, I would honestly say that it would have to be considered when publishing rumor, or innuendo. Something for good or bad these blogs can do quite nicely.
Honestly, I get the shivers when I consider that a badly written paragraph of mine would be read, and possibly, responded to by any official, or servant in our community. It is real thought from a real person, and if it is less so in your eyes because I have no other title to go by than agnosticrat, then you have already missed the point I was trying to make, and would feel more comfortable in your easy chair watching the nightly news.
I have been trying to figure out the point of this blog, and find it troublesome that I have not posted much in recent days. This will not stand.
While I see myself as political, I have never intended for that to be the mainstay of this blog. I am not well connected, and have no scoops to offer. I do have opinion, and intend to throw it at anyone who will listen. You should do the same. For now I intend to use this space to point out blogs of note in the area. Forums that I have for one reason or other overlooked.
Oh yeah!, and my opinion will always be on hand here.

Recently there has been much ado about Dan Fighters' complaints and concerns directed toward the present prosecutor. Point and counterpoint that seems to have evolved into a name calling match. Name calling in and of itself is not a great way to get your point across, and in general will win only the hearts of fellow disgruntled mudslingers. Although it seems there is a case to be made by Mr. Fighter for a lack of action on the part of J.N.P., it seems to have been swallowed up by the anger directed toward his ex-wife's supporters. If I were to advise Dan on a way to proceed it would be to stick to telling his story without being drawn into he said, she said comments. Facts are like a river, there is no way around them.
While recent letters to the editor in the Banner have called Mr. Fighters own record into question he needs only to reply to this by stating that he, "the father" has the custody of his children. As many already know, this does not "just happen" in the state of Michigan and lends his character some credibility.
I only know what I have read, and unless J.N.P. herself speaks to the issue, I will be forced to consider what "others" have said when pulling the "peoples lever".
---------------------------------------
More bloggers in the area:
citizensentinel - "Live Free or Die"
I look forward to reading sentinels comments. A centrist, with conservative fiscal leanings.
PatTheTruth
who points out "There are an enormous number of people who are sick to death of the failure of the legislature and the special interests who own them." No posts as of yet on Pats blog but I am looking forward to something soon.
Bankerboy - Barry County Book Club
Serving up some good reads, and offering comment on other blogs.

Keep em' coming, the more voices, the louder the noise!
There are others that have been in and out of this blog that have no blogs of their own. I am disappointed by this as I believe the more voices the better.
peace!

I Don't Know What I've Been Told...

2006-07-08T15:40:00.000-04:00

There seems to be whole lot of subjects I know nothing about, and one of them is the recent article in the Banner, about Whizwheels planned withdrawal from Hastings, and Barry County.
Although the article leads one to believe it was inevitable that they would go to Kent County, in search of a growing customer base, it also leaves the impression that the Wiswells could have been convinced to stay.
The two main reasons for leaving stated by Jack Wiswell in the article were the growing bike trail system in Grand Rapids (due to Fred Meijers' generosity), and the lack of buildings in this area of the size they needed.
Of course the goal of business is to make money, so nobody could fault a company for leaving to greener pastures. But with that goal in mind I have to wonder why there was room left open to consider staying here. As far as I know there are no means bye which the city, or county can compete with the bike trail and the customer base it will provide.
After that, the second reason appears to be of little consequence, doesn't it?
It appears as though someone dropped ball somewhere, and more information would shed some light on a possible communication problem by city officials. We can't afford to lose jobs in this community.
That being said, I wonder if there was an intentional lack of response by the city?
The statements by Mr. Wiswell lead me to believe they were fishing for handouts from the city, or county. Let me make this clear: I am not saying that is what was happening here , but one has to wonder if the city would be in any kind of position to make such promises.
Are the coffers of this municipality such that we could afford to extend bargains to growing companies with their own capitol?
Was there really room for an agreement between these two parties, that would have netted more jobs for the city , and county , without expense to taxpayers?
Anyone with more information, and answers to my misinformed questions, please set me straight.

"but it's my favorite finger!"-Ringo Starr

2006-07-02T08:10:00.000-04:00

I once had a blackcat blow the tip of my finger to a numbness that lasted three weeks. Oh sure I probably should have had it looked at by a doctor, but I was not about to tell my parents of the accident that came about on that 4th of July weekend. You see I was already in trouble for smoking cigarettes at school the previous semester.
Although I talked myself into believing I was being valiant by not putting my parents through another episode of "what the hell did the boy do to himself this time?" the truth is it scared me. To not feel ones finger for a good three quarters of a month is simply a terrifying prospect to a teenager. At first the skin turned a grayish white and although it never bled it had in three days turned a dark coffee color. In short I was sure it was going to have to come off. Visions of living my life as a shopteacher were in full technicolor dreams at night.
My friends encouraged me to work through this tragedy in the usual fashion, "Geezus, it was only a blackcat!" and "You fu*%ing wuss" were the soft words that comforted me in my time of need. I was never sure if they were saying that in order to keep me from outing them in what would be a tearful confession of teenage delinquency at the emergency room, or if it was true that "nobody ever got their finger blown off by a blackcat."
This memory came to me last night while visiting a friend on the other side of town, 3rd ward I believe, we were amazed at the relative silence.
As far as I can see there has been no fireworks in my small neighborhood this year. Generally I have heard the loud report of firecrackers beginning in mid June. I don't really mind not being woken up in the middle of the night to an audio history of the fall of Saigon, but I am curious.
What could possibly be the reason for such a quiet 4th of July weekend?
Has anybody else noticed this?

Update: 07/05/06
Last night was loud as hell!
Congratulations, United States of America!
You kept me awake till 1 am!
I hope you are proud!
I know I am. ;)

A posers dream

2006-06-24T23:34:00.000-04:00

First off Pol thanks for trying to become a part of a discussion here at agnosticrat.
Although I have no tracking software to prove it I fear that it may be the least responded to blog, ever. That is ok, the stuff I have written thus far is more musing on events, and my personal philosophy and I understand that neither of these lend themselves well to counterpoint.
Secondly I must admit that I felt a little let down at first that your questions were the only ones that Wade felt compelled to respond to. Wades response as I have said before left me flat.
You see, I don't think he has taken me seriously for whatever reason when I have stated that I truly intend on voting republican in his race. Maybe it is the fact that I have a short history (on these blogs, anyway) of cracking wise in some discussions. It sometimes gets me into trouble, and leads others to believe I am only a lurker, not to be taken seriously. Maybe it is the fact that I am a liberal that is willing, for now to overlook some positions he has taken that are obvious hot spots for many of the conservative republican persuasion.
When I wrote my letter I wanted to see whether Mr. Trombley was really a candidate for change or just another spinmeister looking to get his name in the paper. I really believed that if I engaged him one on one that he would step up and give real answers. That was my mistake.
When presented with a choice of clarifying his agenda or bashing the other candidate he took the latter, and more political route. This is when I realized counter to all he has said that Wade Trombley is a politician.
As for why I first took on Mr. Trombley over Mr. Reynolds the answer is simple, he was there. He had been lurking your blog for sometime giving updates as to the hours he had been out on the road campaigning. He was accessible to me and I found that compelling.
Although from what you have written, you seem to have the stuff it takes to ask questions of public figures, go to public forums and play a more public role. It would never occur to me to go out of my way to ask the editor of a paper, local or otherwise what his opinion is of anything. But with my trusty computer and a beer or two I can be Agnosticrat. Yeah the wack job that at least in his own mind just wrote off the candidacy of Mr. Trombley as nothing but a posers dream. Too bad he seems like a really nice guy.
Don't suppose Mr. Reynolds has a spare five dollars and computer access do ya? I still need some kind of sign in my yard. If you see him send him my way. I would love to ask him a couple of questions.

An open letter to Wade Trombley

2006-06-22T21:34:00.000-04:00

O.K. Wade I think we can work something out!
First thing is first, I have finally been afforded an opportunity to read your plaform and have a few things I think you could fine tune. If we can work these things out I believe I can forego the five dollars!
point by point from your website:
As far as Gay marriage goes I can take it or leave it for now. It is not a sticking point. I am a liberal that hopes for equal justice for all, but I am not gay, and I'm going to beat you up on this. I also believe that the rest of the state may have just as much apathy on either side of this issue for the moment, so as you have said let's "not change a thing" (please pass this on to the home office).
Another fine idea of yours would be that you will reduce the amount of red tape in Lansing. Eliminating the SBT is a fine goal as long as a poor working schmuck like me doesn't end up footing the bill. If we are in agreement, I believe you have found common ground with the present governor also.
I am confused by your next point and hope you can clear this up.
You claim that our schools are still based on an agrarian society, and that would lead many to believe you would like a more modern approach, then you lead the reader back to the three R's?! Why? and isn't the curriculum a choice made by local school boards? How are you going to effect change in local school districts, if you are in Lansing? As a small government republican, I would hope you see the pitfall before you. If you were to legislate what children in differing backgrounds and opposite areas of the state were to be taught, wouldn't that be more government on the backs of the people? You mean well, but I fear this is a negative in your column.
The casino!, What a great stance! I like it. More stuff like this will get me to the polling place with a smile on my face! I hate the 3 hour drive, and I can't afford to blow $30 in gas to lose $100 in Illinois. God bless you!
Here we go with the fire the senate thing.
It will likely fail this time and that is not because it is a bad idea. Just that it sells anger in lieu of constructive change.
I am not sure however that all of the proponents of the fire the senate campaign are going to wild about cutting 20% from the Legislature's budget. Not to mention this would likely cause problems for what I see as an eventual passage of Fire the Senate 2.0! One that I hope incorporates funding for our states future endeavors. Maybe something like a healthcare bill, or more likely alternative fuel implementation. Others use the word research, but I believe we have the answers already, and must implement them. The movement also lacks a prize show pig! As Pol once mentioned the name LaFollette, who never became president as his ideas were stolen and became Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal. If you were to carry the torch to lansing with such a message as one of those I have laid out, you too could be a Roosevelt for Michigan! (sorry for the pig reference..and um... the Roosevelt thing).
Cutting funds from the legislature would have been a sure fire way to get voters 8 years ago, but right now the people of this great state want to know they are going to have roads, to waste overpriced gasoline on. We need to know that there will be stability, and infrastructure. "Remember Engler?" Please don't let this be the cry from your opposition.
As far as special interests are concerned, I must ask if you have accepted any money from the NRA? If you have please explain how you don't believe they are a special interest group? Do you accept any funding from other interest groups? If you have not, and would not , say so. Please understand I am looking for someone who is not beholding to anyone but the voter.
Although I am a liberal and generally vote democrat, I have decided for now to forego voting on the democratic ticket at least during the primary, provided I found an acceptable republican to vote for. You could be that republican!
On a more personal note:
I know a couple of Lutherans and find them pleasant to me personally. I have had the occasion to be present at a Lutheran wedding , and although I felt sorry for the sinners that were being wed that day that they were not worthy of gods love, I made sure they understood that mine was unconditional.
I have friends that are also small business owners, and feel their pain and would like to be sure and send someone will represent them, as much as me
You seem like a nice guy, and lets face it there will likely be a republican in Lansing representing my district. I am tired of voting democratic, and finding that either they are really republicans in disguise, or losers that have no chance. The word Agnosticrat should have a little more meaning with that sentence. I have not found any republican that comes as close to what I envision my representative as being as you do at this moment. You want term limits, GOOD!, You dislike the amount of money being spent by special interest groups that steal the voice from the average citizen, GOOD! I hope we can work together on these, and other points, so I can say I have a man in Lansing that truly comes as close to representing me as any republican could!

Alright you unruly Bunch!

2006-06-21T19:20:00.000-04:00

If you don't calm down I'll turn off anonymous comments like Pol did!

I am not a produce inspector, but I have seen them on TV!

2006-06-10T10:07:00.000-04:00

"Okay! Everybody, give me ten laps!"
That is how "Coach" handled my gym class when one or two ne'er-do-wells would tamper with the conformist nature of his class. Being of a larger non-atheletic nature than most others in the class this would be nothing short of being condemned to hell for the next 30 minutes of my life.
The thought behind such a punishment was never in dispute. It is one I have seen in many a war movie. (the encyclopedia I use when dissecting the traditions of military service) Divide and conquer! Make the rest of the unit force the bad actors to conform. As my eighth grade teacher (or all of my elementary teachers for that matter) would say "It only takes one bad apple to spoil the bunch" I hated that saying, and whatever undeserved punishment was about to follow it.
But it seemed to work! Generally in the fifth, (the most painful and side splitting) lap, as much as I dreamed of a more relaxing endeavor in far left field of a game of softball, there were others among us that looked forward to playing a game of "watch the fat kid try to catch a ball with the sun in his eyes". So with unspoken agreement our unlikely alliance would proceed to ostracize the perpetrator to conformity.
Such punishments my well have to employed today. In recent verbal debacles we have seen on the national scene, there are two ne'er-do-wells, I feel would be worthy of being publicly ostracized.
Ann Coulter a hateful right-wing pundit , who spews her money driven assmossity, and John Hostettler, of the House of Representatives, who insists on making up issues in order to further his isolationist agenda.
They are bad apples, and should be put on notice!
Now give me ten laps!

Apathy, thy name is Agnosticrat!

2006-06-08T19:49:00.000-04:00

Recently there has been (what could only be described as) an unplanned discussion at Westmichiganpolitics about legalization of drugs. I for the purpose of this post have decided to take that as legalization of, specifically, marijuana.
While I have heard the evidence, and read many allegories as to the disadvantages, or advantages that such a move may produce, I have as of yet not come to a conclusion either way.
It seems as though, once I fell away from daily use, I have become more apathetic toward the need for legalization.
Beyond the scientific evidence there is a more moral argument that I have not yet come to grips with. I will do away with the scientific reasoning for now. They are so wishy-washy anyway! For instance, Fish! Can you give me the definitive conclusion? Can I eat one helping? Two? They change it every three months it seems.
On moral arguments I generally go with the opinion of the people who have gotten me where I am today! No, not my parents, they don't know anything about this stuff. Besides they would have me in rehab before I could explain why I asked their opinion.
For this kind of question, one needs to go no further than his friends. What? You don't want me to pick this kind of information up on the street do you? My friends are conservative, and from what I can see somewhat retarded (hand in hand), but they sometimes give me insight as to what "the common man" as they would say believes.
The question I asked is simple. "Should marijuana be legalized?" The answers as you will see were somewhat eye opening.

friend #1: "It should be decriminalized! I really think if you just have enough for personal use you should be fined and that is it!"

friend #2: "Yeah, as long as you are over 18!"

friend #1: "Really, they should just legalize it and put a heavy tax on it!"

friend #3 "yeah!"

Pretty amazing stuff considering ten minutes ago they were bragging about how they buy their cigarettes on line from Indians in New York because they didn't want to pay the high taxes.
This brings me to a point I would like to make.
Republicans, or conservative for that matter, can justify anything as long as there is a tax on it!
Really! I am not kidding. The very people who rage against taxes every two years come November, find themselves giddy with excitement with the idea of legalization of pot, if it is taxed! Same with prostitution, and gambling. It's enough to send a poor liberal like me into a panic attack.
As far as it falling into the wrong hands? Children!
Yes, by all means keep it from them! People under the age of 18 are not equipped to handle the responsibility of drug use. They have to get jobs, and pay taxes if they are to partake in such frivolous ventures.
The truth is it is unlikely to happen. But, just because I like to be contrary, if we do legalize it, I for one would not like it to be taxed.
I don't like the idea of Indians in New York getting Michigan's pot tax dollars!

They

2006-06-01T17:19:00.000-04:00

I have a friend that constantly questions any assertion I make that begins with the phrase "they said .....". His usual question in such an instance is "who is they?", I often find myself without an answer. Merely because I did not take the time to learn their name, or relevance to the issue at hand. "They" may have been someone on television, or radio, talking about any given subject that interests me. Unfortunately, I found myself so caught up in what "they" were saying that I did not catch their name, and subsequently what if any position "they" may have been in to make any statement about which "they" were speaking about.
More recently I have been making an effort to actually gather more information about who "they" is. While doing so I have made some startling discoveries!

* "they" sometimes are not even associated with whom, or what they are speaking about.
* "they" are sometimes also repeating only things that "un-named sources" have said.
* "they" may make one assertion on one day, and take an opposite stance on the very next day.
* "they" are often politicians, but more than likely are people who speak for politicians.

My study, while ongoing is slowly coming to the conclusion that "they" are less likely to know what "they" are talking about , than I am to remember who "they" are, and why I should take "their" word for it!
There may be more on this subject later, as I am now expanding my investigation into such memorable folk as "them" , "those others" and eventually "him-her", and "we".
I am afraid this is bigger than "all of us"

The wheel of anointment!

2006-05-23T20:22:00.000-04:00

I read on the CBS news website, Arizona, (in an effort to battle voter apathy) is considering a million dollar prize to be given randomly to a constituent who has voted. It seems, the powers that be have found a way to make voting fun again!
Barry county could also benefit from such a crazy gameshow scheme. We could offer a chance to pick next anointed official! The next time someone has to leave for "personal matters", or suddenly decides they would like to take on "more responsibilities elsewhere" , or they were "just fired for no apparent reason", the anointment patrol would appear on the doorstep of the lucky winner.
The county could lavish the "anointer" with an all expenses paid trip to Ritchies Coffeeshop, where they would be given the special of the day, at half price. They then will be blindfolded and allowed to spin the wheel of anointment!
The wheel would have on it the most common names from Barry county politics. Sure the same names can be used over and over again as they already are. If the wheel lands on an official that has already been elected to some other post, they would then be forced to resign their present position to take on their newly anointed position. A double spin to see who gets their position! After the fun of spinning the wheel and moving elected officials from post to post there will be closed door meetings held to decide what names get placed on the next wheel of anointment.
Is this an answer to our current state of malaise, and voter apathy? No, but it will give me something fun to do in an empty voter line next time!
Lets see ... Who can be anointed next time?....Tune in tomorrow!

2006-05-12T18:56:00.000-04:00

My father when I was growing up worked two, sometimes three jobs to keep me and my siblings in shoes. He would be up and gone from the house before I saw him in the mornings. In the evenings he would come home after I went to bed, and this went on for years.
My brothers being older could stay up later and spend time with him, and I have to say to their benefit. I hardly knew him as a person and to this day find it difficult to talk to him the way a son should talk to their father. Being the youngest I was more flighty, and probably still am a little more than annoying to a man that worked as hard as he did.
Mom worked part time jobs sewing, and from what I understand was more than competent at it. She would take in jobs farmed out by the local "guru" of home decorating and made a decent wage. When I came home from school for lunches she would clear a spot on our dining room table ( her workspace) for me to sit at, and would talk to me over the hum of a singer sewing machine while I ate.
Things were like this for quite a while in the early seventies, and by today's standards some would say they were "working poor". Although there was always food on the table and us kids always had shoes. As the youngest I must admit my shoes were the fashion of the year before, and as I got older started to tell my brother the style I would like when he outgrew what would end up on my feet.
My clothes would always be last years fashion, as many of you know sidewalk sales meant good savings for children's clothes, as they would always change the patterns every year. I distinctly remember the year bellbottoms were no longer the style, as I am sure my mothers trusty Singer would remember the hours of stitching them to boot cut size. At the price they could not be passed up.
My mothers sewing machine had no fancy programmed stitches. It had two, zig-zag and straight. It was bought with the clear intention of being what it was. A work horse.
My parents scrimped, and saved where they could and bought brand new, if by a forum of the two felt it was a special occasion enough. They would buy things at bargain basement prices , and managed to pay their house off the year before I graduated from school. They had me deliver the final payment to a neighbor two blocks up, as his father had sold it to my parents on land contract. My mother has always told me how she didn't like the house, until it was paid for.
We would have a great Christmas every year, with all the toys a child would want. Clothes would sometimes be too big for us, but if they didn't fit perfectly my mother would have them to size by the end of the week. When we grew larger too quickly for them, we found she had hemmed them in such a way as to be able to let them out by pulling a few stitches. A miracle worker to be sure.
Here is the kicker, the thing I never realized until I had moved out on my own. They did it without a credit card. Sure my parents responded to an application and carried a credit card with them "for emergencies". They layed away, made payments on, and fenagled what they could when they could. But when the credit card company wanted to charge them for simply carrying the card, (because the never used it) my father cut into pieces. With a little hard work, and self restraint I also have ditched the credit card, and now I understand that my family was not poor, my parents were just smart.
Happy Mothers Day, and Fathers Day to all!

Now I can hear you

2006-05-09T17:03:00.000-04:00

Comments are up!
At least this way if you happen upon my blog, I can give you directions to where you meant to be.

Response to A Night at the Forum

2006-05-08T20:41:00.000-04:00

The following is my response to Pol Watchers' "A Night at the Forum" post (at westmichiganpolitics) the link is now up!

Be more coherent!
There is a need to tighten up your message before even I could join your ranks.
Every time I go to the fire the senate web page I find myself snickering at the pig cartoon smoking a cigar, and I lose interest as soon as I see the "were sitting on a time bomb" header.
If you want to sell this thing you have to make the website appear as though it is more organized. No!, Don't get your blood pressure up because I have now defaced something that someone obviously has spent alot of time on. Realize that if I were tv 8, I would consider your story for one of their old "Tom Van Howe" nightcap reports after seeing such a display. This would only happen if someone didn't steal your thunder by climbing Mt. Rushmore naked! (something I strive to do one day)
Secondly, (at least for now) be godawful thankful that Larry Nienhuas didn't have the opportunity to destroy your message by broadcasting twenty people in a not so small lecture hall,with a quiet and comfortable setting.
The democratic hall would have served nicely, and it was a big mistake to not use it. Shove twenty sweaty folk in there and it would have looked much more like an old time Chataqua! Real hard working folk that have the states best interest at heart, not leisure conscious assmorons with enough clout to tap the school system into spending money for air conditioning. It would have been a plus to see dissenting public officials with sweat on their brow answering staightforward questions from the minions...and yeah , MORE MINIONS PLEASE! Hire some kids to hand out leaflets, get locals interested! advertise advertise advertise! You know some people don't read the Banner?
Thirdly, Don't expect people in the system to stand bye and allow you to tear their way of life apart. Sure there are real hard working people in the House and Senate that may like your idea, But they also know what side their bread is buttered on, and you may just be wrecking their retirement.
That is all for now. Two and a Half men is on!

2006-04-26T20:10:00.000-04:00

A short story
Recently when buying beer or alcohol at the corner gas station, customers have been asked to give their birth date.
I frequent 2 stations (one near work and another near home) almost every other day. Prices are a little higher than the one across from the park. But they don't sell beer.
One day I walked in and bought a pack of cigarettes, and as usual I was asked for my birth date and I told her. A split moment later chills ran down my spine.
The attendant slapped herself in the forehead like Chris Farley and mumbled to herself oh yeah! I should know that!
Since then I have made up dates to see if anyone catches on. Nobody has, except the girl who has it memorized does not ask.
Am I being stalked?

Pol the dragon slayer!

2006-04-21T20:03:00.000-04:00

Well it seems Pol is feeling sorry for him/her self over at westmichiganpolitics, and rightly so.
There is no ground swell to reform the Michigan Bicameral system. Why?
As west Michiganders we have seen this before. Not this particular idea, but many like it.
Get your pitchforks out from the closet, and tell your children the tales of how many dragons we have slew. We demanded many panaceas in the past that have proven to be false or ill conceived notions.
My father has often regaled me on the movement for a state sales tax. I believe his sincerity when discussing how he and other voters at that time were told that the monetary ailes of Michigan would be put to an end by making a tax on sold goods, in lieu of paying a property tax. We now have both.
As for the unicameral Michigan, I do not hate the idea. But do not mistake me for a supporter of this bill. While it is true that the money harvested from such a venture would be substantial, you would have to be foolish to believe it is not already being eyed by the greedy house.
After the dismantling of the senate, the yet standing state house will move like ninjas in the night with the windfall of funds brought on by such an action. Before the final vote is cast the booty will be soaked from the state with the same vigor that made the tobacco settlement instantaneously disappear. You see I have heard no mention, and would venture a guess that there is no allocation for the funds saved in this bill. When posed with this notion a circulator of the petition claimed it to be "A small matter". You see, the spoils of the battle had suddenly become irrelevant, for they only want to slay dragons with trusty pitchforks!

It's the commas that screw me!

2006-04-20T21:26:00.000-04:00

Nobody can make a run on sentence like me!
is one too many? Is twenty not enough? Oh well at least I'm not self-effacing. I hate those guys!

Good Lord!

2006-04-20T19:42:00.000-04:00

I have to put something down, so here goes!
Don't read this, Really I have nothing helpful to say , and my spelling lacks! On the other hand I "have a lot of heart". Anybody who knows sports, (which I don't) can tell you what that means.
For now I have comments turned off. This is not because I don't want your opinion, just that I have to build up a resistance to insulting comments very much like I have posted at other blogs. I can dish it out, but at the moment I can't take it.
I am not here to pick a fight with you, I just don't understand your point of view, explain it instead of screaming at me and maybe we can get along.
I lean left, some say I am a communist, still other say I am a right wing fascist. Do not ask me to explain, it will become apparent in time. (I don't care to know the real difference of the two! another reason comments is turned off.)
For now that is enough to make your dull life seem extraordinary, I am missing Survivor!
(feeling special because it is such low brow entertainment? Don't...The Nightly News is for morons!)