I love to yell and scream at the idiots in charge.
I don't do this very often.
In fact, I rarely do it.
Yet this morning, I am more than proud to eat crow.
I began reading an article (http://www.wvgazette.com/News/200902261114), preparing myself for the same lunacy I read every day. Yet then, a gem:
"Housing the homeless is a goal. This will give us more money for shelters, to take care of shelters that exist..."
FINALLY, someone... somewhere, said something of merit. For the first time in years, someone is actually recognizing the problems of the street... and plans to do something about it. I'm smiling while I write this.
It's not in my nature to agree with our leaders. Our lazy Democrats and clueless Republicans choose to enter in useless political bluster, ignoring the real problems of our society. We see the debates, watch the protests, and nothing gets done.
Meanwhile, people are cold... hungry... and in need. The homeless cannot get meaningful employment because they have no address (and the shelters are off limits to employers). No job, no way to move up. You get it.
Say what you want about the shortcomings of Obama and his plan, but this little slice of the pie makes me proud of our leadership (momentarily, perhaps). I've seen the President treat the poor with dignity and respect, and the case of Henrietta Hughes is evidence to that effect. I'm glad, really.
It makes me believe that someone in a position of authority actually gives a crap about the poor. I like thinking like that. Even though such thoughts may be totally naive... these are good thoughts...
...and I am appreciative for them, even for a moment.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Fill In the Blank
West Virginia is a great place to live, if you're a white, straight Christian. Guess that group is a little tired of diversity. Check this out:
http://www.wvgazette.com/News/200902150398
The article comments that one of the involved websites is involved in solely electing Republicans to office. Don't make the mistake of believing this a "Republican" problem, as the majority of elected officials in this state are Democrats.
Bigots come in all shapes and forms. I know, because I used to be one.
To properly trounce the target, one must dehumanize them. "Marriage equality" sounds a lot less provoking than "gay marriage." I've spoken about this before at length, and won't rehash it.
I ask, however, how does one reconcile such bigotry? Religion? Tradition? A lack of education?
Nope, Lewis Black says it best.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-id4GKsaQk
http://www.wvgazette.com/News/200902150398
The article comments that one of the involved websites is involved in solely electing Republicans to office. Don't make the mistake of believing this a "Republican" problem, as the majority of elected officials in this state are Democrats.
Bigots come in all shapes and forms. I know, because I used to be one.
To properly trounce the target, one must dehumanize them. "Marriage equality" sounds a lot less provoking than "gay marriage." I've spoken about this before at length, and won't rehash it.
I ask, however, how does one reconcile such bigotry? Religion? Tradition? A lack of education?
Nope, Lewis Black says it best.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-id4GKsaQk
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Love, Bailout, and Canes... Oh My!
Hello folks,
Here on the day of gankings... I spread love. Funny how these little traditions get started. However, for the sake of children... it's good that they give each other Valentine's and not weaponry.
My wife's birthday was on the 4th. Good times. She's never been to the Japanese restaurant around here, and she thoroughly loved it. Got to see Mike and Matt there, too... another bonus.
-------------
School is studious, but captivating. The instruction is fantastic, and the books are even good to read. One class requires 3 books...
...but as any good Dr. Porter student knows, busting your ass is part of the deal. The syllabus is the contract which states "you show up, you work hard, and you bust your ass. In return, you get a good grade." I really like it.
------------
Speaking of reading, I'm rigorously taking to audiobooks again. How much of a boner kill was the ending of "The Historian?" All that Conan Doyle detective work, and that otr suspense...
...at the end, it was as if the author decided to go on a creative vacation. "The Appeal" is good so far. I haven't took up a Grisham book in months, and have yet to read "The Associate."
------------
My car is a total mess. For those not in the know, Kristen and I were in a wreck. No injuries, thankfully. I got rear-ended by someone following too close. In the midst of this, I was finishing a Defensive Driving course required for all state employees. I actually learned a few things, and was applying them when my little car got spanked.
I drive with different eyes, as some may expect. I think requiring drivers to take such a course is an excellent measure, and would vote for such an idea instantly.
------------
I voted for Obama (after my first and second choices dropped), and I think he's doing a pretty good job thus far in repairing our international reputation, and making descent headway in technology. But can someone explain how this bailout package is going to affect those who really need it... the poor?
I know, I know. Poor first, but who can blame me? At least this President appears to be sympathic, as demonstrated in the town hall meeting. Despite John Edwards being an absolute prick to his spouse (and what good elected official isn't), he did at least provide a plan to attack poverty.
Comments, please.
------------
Miami did another good job with the 2009 class. I really like Armstrong and Dye. Bryce Brown coming or not, Randy Shannon did another exceptional job.
So, this is where is pays off, right? Maybe.
After two new coordinators, a transferred quarterback, a suspension, one bloviated drama involving an assumed phenom freshman, and a partridge and a pear tree... we're in the 2009 preseason.
Miami improved from 5-7 to 7-6. Not bad, and a bowl game appearance to warrant that. Yet already Cane Nation is ready to throw Shannon on the hot seat after a few losses late in the year. Keep in mind, that many of the big names were freshmen and sophomores. Miracles can't happen overnight.
So, what's it going to take for Shannon to keep his job? More wins. I don't expect Miami to win 11-12 games. I don't delude myself into believing that like other fanbase bases (WVU, FSU, and Notre Dame). Miami's early schedule is brutal. Check this out.
Should Miami end up with another 7 wins, fans will be calling for Shannon's head. I don't buy that. 6 wins? I'll buy that. Should Miami somehow beat Oklahoma... LOOK OUT.
The crystal ball:
A brutal and tough start. A kickass finish due to the experience gained from the rough start.
Lowest record: 7-5
Highest record: 9-3
Prediction: 8-4
Here on the day of gankings... I spread love. Funny how these little traditions get started. However, for the sake of children... it's good that they give each other Valentine's and not weaponry.
My wife's birthday was on the 4th. Good times. She's never been to the Japanese restaurant around here, and she thoroughly loved it. Got to see Mike and Matt there, too... another bonus.
-------------
School is studious, but captivating. The instruction is fantastic, and the books are even good to read. One class requires 3 books...
...but as any good Dr. Porter student knows, busting your ass is part of the deal. The syllabus is the contract which states "you show up, you work hard, and you bust your ass. In return, you get a good grade." I really like it.
------------
Speaking of reading, I'm rigorously taking to audiobooks again. How much of a boner kill was the ending of "The Historian?" All that Conan Doyle detective work, and that otr suspense...
...at the end, it was as if the author decided to go on a creative vacation. "The Appeal" is good so far. I haven't took up a Grisham book in months, and have yet to read "The Associate."
------------
My car is a total mess. For those not in the know, Kristen and I were in a wreck. No injuries, thankfully. I got rear-ended by someone following too close. In the midst of this, I was finishing a Defensive Driving course required for all state employees. I actually learned a few things, and was applying them when my little car got spanked.
I drive with different eyes, as some may expect. I think requiring drivers to take such a course is an excellent measure, and would vote for such an idea instantly.
------------
I voted for Obama (after my first and second choices dropped), and I think he's doing a pretty good job thus far in repairing our international reputation, and making descent headway in technology. But can someone explain how this bailout package is going to affect those who really need it... the poor?
I know, I know. Poor first, but who can blame me? At least this President appears to be sympathic, as demonstrated in the town hall meeting. Despite John Edwards being an absolute prick to his spouse (and what good elected official isn't), he did at least provide a plan to attack poverty.
Comments, please.
------------
Miami did another good job with the 2009 class. I really like Armstrong and Dye. Bryce Brown coming or not, Randy Shannon did another exceptional job.
So, this is where is pays off, right? Maybe.
After two new coordinators, a transferred quarterback, a suspension, one bloviated drama involving an assumed phenom freshman, and a partridge and a pear tree... we're in the 2009 preseason.
Miami improved from 5-7 to 7-6. Not bad, and a bowl game appearance to warrant that. Yet already Cane Nation is ready to throw Shannon on the hot seat after a few losses late in the year. Keep in mind, that many of the big names were freshmen and sophomores. Miracles can't happen overnight.
So, what's it going to take for Shannon to keep his job? More wins. I don't expect Miami to win 11-12 games. I don't delude myself into believing that like other fanbase bases (WVU, FSU, and Notre Dame). Miami's early schedule is brutal. Check this out.
- Sept. 7 at Florida State (W)
- Sept. 17 Georgia Tech (L)
- Sept. 26 at Virginia Tech (?)
- Oct. 3 Oklahoma (L)
- Oct. 10 Florida A&M (W)
- Oct. 17 at Central Florida (W)
- Oct. 24 Clemson (W)
- Oct. 31 at Wake Forest (W)
- Nov. 7 Virginia (W)
- Nov. 14 at North Carolina (?)
- Nov. 21 Duke (W)
- Nov. 28 at South Florida (W)
Should Miami end up with another 7 wins, fans will be calling for Shannon's head. I don't buy that. 6 wins? I'll buy that. Should Miami somehow beat Oklahoma... LOOK OUT.
The crystal ball:
A brutal and tough start. A kickass finish due to the experience gained from the rough start.
Lowest record: 7-5
Highest record: 9-3
Prediction: 8-4
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Jason Farley
Again, I come to this blog with a heavy heart.
I attempted to go Cincinnati this Christmas with Kristen. For some reason, the right tire kept deinflating. When we decided to stay, the tire was fine.
I received the message.
I learn yesterday that one of my friends (who I also worked with) died before Christmas. I don't know nor will venture the specific details of his death, but it was not from natural causes... nor was it his fault. I don't know what happened that night, but I'm going to know.
Could that have been me with a wrecked vehicle, lying there without any help? Worse still... could it have been Kristen?
I'm not sure what it is about the students who went to George Washington High School... Bart Monk, Rob Goldberg, Vaughn Suppa, and now Jason Farley all have passed. These were people I knew, all 30 or younger, highly intelligent... and now snatched away.
I played football (though I had no business playing there) with Bart and Rob. I was in JROTC (another place I had no business with) with Vaughn and Jason.
I knew Jason the best the four.
I went to junior high school and high school with Jason. Mostly, he was a surprisingly shy and highly intelligent person. At Marquee, I saw the nature of his intelligence... as he often spouted off these amazing bits of knowledge about history. Jason was remarkable in the breadth and diversity of his knowledge.
He still has a quote that makes me laugh. I'll never forget it as long as I live. I don't think it's appropriate to post now... not because it's dirty.
I really liked Jason, and appreciated talking to someone at Marquee Cinemas who I knew, went to school with, and had a passion for learning. Come to think of it, Jason's knowledge was the first real idea I had that I could actually go back to school and get my degree. I didn't have the spark until I met Kristen.
When I worked at Marquee, Jason never failed to share his knowledge or ask my opinion. Dare I say, I participated in my first level of higher thought with Jason... no debates, just talking. I got my B.A. in History... imagine that.
I feel sick. Have I reached the point in my life where I have to check the obituaries every day? I learned about all the aforementioned deaths (including Dr. Richards) late. Do I really have to start reading that... opening that page every day? It's like playing Russian Roulette.
I'm done for now.
I attempted to go Cincinnati this Christmas with Kristen. For some reason, the right tire kept deinflating. When we decided to stay, the tire was fine.
I received the message.
I learn yesterday that one of my friends (who I also worked with) died before Christmas. I don't know nor will venture the specific details of his death, but it was not from natural causes... nor was it his fault. I don't know what happened that night, but I'm going to know.
Could that have been me with a wrecked vehicle, lying there without any help? Worse still... could it have been Kristen?
I'm not sure what it is about the students who went to George Washington High School... Bart Monk, Rob Goldberg, Vaughn Suppa, and now Jason Farley all have passed. These were people I knew, all 30 or younger, highly intelligent... and now snatched away.
I played football (though I had no business playing there) with Bart and Rob. I was in JROTC (another place I had no business with) with Vaughn and Jason.
I knew Jason the best the four.
I went to junior high school and high school with Jason. Mostly, he was a surprisingly shy and highly intelligent person. At Marquee, I saw the nature of his intelligence... as he often spouted off these amazing bits of knowledge about history. Jason was remarkable in the breadth and diversity of his knowledge.
He still has a quote that makes me laugh. I'll never forget it as long as I live. I don't think it's appropriate to post now... not because it's dirty.
I really liked Jason, and appreciated talking to someone at Marquee Cinemas who I knew, went to school with, and had a passion for learning. Come to think of it, Jason's knowledge was the first real idea I had that I could actually go back to school and get my degree. I didn't have the spark until I met Kristen.
When I worked at Marquee, Jason never failed to share his knowledge or ask my opinion. Dare I say, I participated in my first level of higher thought with Jason... no debates, just talking. I got my B.A. in History... imagine that.
I feel sick. Have I reached the point in my life where I have to check the obituaries every day? I learned about all the aforementioned deaths (including Dr. Richards) late. Do I really have to start reading that... opening that page every day? It's like playing Russian Roulette.
I'm done for now.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Homelessness in WV
This makes me want to vomit.
http://www.wvgazette.com/News/200901120683
..."The number of homeless people increased in West Virginia between January 2005 and January 2007 more quickly than almost anywhere in the nation..."
No one has done anything to assist in this. Not one person anywhere. In an earlier study in mid-2008, WV also has the greatest gap between rich and poor than anywhere else in the country. Many often remarked, so what?
These things are why "so what."
No, I'm not going to sprout off about it being the government's fault, because we elected those fools in the first place. Now we see the tragic result.
It isn't just about the economy, because those with half a brain saw this coming. For years, we as a society (especially in WV) are delightfully clueless about what really happens in the streets. Otherwise, we wouldn't hear stupid things like "there are no such things as homeless veterans."
If you've never been hungry or spent a night on the street, then you haven't a clue. None. Granted, who would want to have such a thing? But it is the duty of those with means to assist those without.
I'm not talking about welfare here, because that's bullshit... and it doesn't freaking work.
Homelessness costs perhaps a good person a chance for a job, since employers require that individual to have a mailing address. Medical assistance is shoddy, and that shoddy expense comes to hit the taxpayer hard.
Not to mention crime... and the bitter cold of winter.
First of all, those without means are treated with a lack of respect, a lack of dignity. Events far beyond their control have often landed them in a sewer. Not everyone has a support system, or a nice car. We ignore the bum on the street, because they're dangerous.
If the fix means to raise taxes, then do it. If it means to start public works and to create more efficient health care, do it.
If we've got enough money to donate $20 to a DVD, or to an offering plate... then we can all chip in to help the people on the street.
Because if you've ever faced such a thing, you see life with different eyes...
...and it pisses you off.
We haven't too far to look into the mouth of hell.
This was one of the many things Dr. Richards was talking about... getting in touch with the community.
Are we brave enough to drop the stupid political jargon and execute... for the sake of each other? Are we strong enough to drop the act and make "Christmas donations" and everyday event? Are we diligent enough to force our leaders to declare war on poverty? Are we intelligent enough to remove those leaders who don't?
I hope so.
http://www.wvgazette.com/News/200901120683
..."The number of homeless people increased in West Virginia between January 2005 and January 2007 more quickly than almost anywhere in the nation..."
No one has done anything to assist in this. Not one person anywhere. In an earlier study in mid-2008, WV also has the greatest gap between rich and poor than anywhere else in the country. Many often remarked, so what?
These things are why "so what."
No, I'm not going to sprout off about it being the government's fault, because we elected those fools in the first place. Now we see the tragic result.
It isn't just about the economy, because those with half a brain saw this coming. For years, we as a society (especially in WV) are delightfully clueless about what really happens in the streets. Otherwise, we wouldn't hear stupid things like "there are no such things as homeless veterans."
If you've never been hungry or spent a night on the street, then you haven't a clue. None. Granted, who would want to have such a thing? But it is the duty of those with means to assist those without.
I'm not talking about welfare here, because that's bullshit... and it doesn't freaking work.
Homelessness costs perhaps a good person a chance for a job, since employers require that individual to have a mailing address. Medical assistance is shoddy, and that shoddy expense comes to hit the taxpayer hard.
Not to mention crime... and the bitter cold of winter.
First of all, those without means are treated with a lack of respect, a lack of dignity. Events far beyond their control have often landed them in a sewer. Not everyone has a support system, or a nice car. We ignore the bum on the street, because they're dangerous.
If the fix means to raise taxes, then do it. If it means to start public works and to create more efficient health care, do it.
If we've got enough money to donate $20 to a DVD, or to an offering plate... then we can all chip in to help the people on the street.
Because if you've ever faced such a thing, you see life with different eyes...
...and it pisses you off.
We haven't too far to look into the mouth of hell.
This was one of the many things Dr. Richards was talking about... getting in touch with the community.
Are we brave enough to drop the stupid political jargon and execute... for the sake of each other? Are we strong enough to drop the act and make "Christmas donations" and everyday event? Are we diligent enough to force our leaders to declare war on poverty? Are we intelligent enough to remove those leaders who don't?
I hope so.
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