My Soapbox

What is going on in our country?

2009-12-30T09:21:00.000-08:00

I wanted to wait a few days to make sure I still felt the same way. It has been a couple of weeks since a senator was "silenced" thus "silencing" thousands of people in the nation.

It has been a few days since a senator's vote was bought, and there was no public outrage from the other 59 states that will have to pick up the tab and pay for health care for one state. Even worse, no public outrage from the people who put those representatives in office who simply turned a blind eye and allowed it, going along with the "party" line instead of actually reading what they were signing and acknowledging the tit-for-tat that had to occur to get the ONE vote needed to pass without compromise so that it passed by more than one vote. That doesn't seem right to me. Doesn't it seem that there is something wrong with a piece of legislation when one person can hold an entire party hostage to get an "out?" And yet it seems no one cares. The headlines have been barely covering it.... no one seems to realize the underhandedness that is going on.

I think a friend at work is right, there need to be term limits on senators and congressman. Our president has a term limit, so should they so instead of taking forever to go no where or worrying so much about being re-elected as opposed to actually doing a good job they can concentrate on making good decisions for our country.

I am really starting to think the government is too big brotherish now. I thought the point of the federal government was national security, primarily from outside entities. When did it become their job to determine every aspect of our lives?

I think I have to read more on this whole tea part movement by the libertarians if only to support them so that there can be more diversity in the senate and congress so that "one vote" can't just be bought to get the job done. Maybe if we had three parties in congress and the senate it would actually require negotiation. Don't people realize it isn't about WINNING it is about doing what is right for everyone. Having some people not have to pay, entire states get to opt out, etc... that is not what we meant for congress to do. We meant for congress to come to a compromise where everyone gives in a little.

It is a scary time.

My letter to my congressman

2009-08-11T11:49:00.000-07:00

Hello and good day,

I am writing to urge you to think very long and hard about the new health care reform proposals being presented to congress. I have been a lifelong democrat/liberal but with the growing debt, lack of demand by our party for personal responsibility, and now the continued reward for irresponsibility this additional legislation will provide is too much.

This legislation is not addressing the needs of the people who actually pay for their health care, which is what we are truly concerned about. Being denied services such as surgery, physical therapy, and medication because of health insurance bureaucracy is my problem.
I am tired of paying... paying for the housing, food, bills, clothes, cars, and schools of irresponsible individuals who have no desire to help themselves and instead choose to live of the system. Buying drugs, or Nike shoes, new cars, houses they can't afford, etc, while as a responsible citizen who make educated and informed decisions to live responsibly must pay for their being without any say in how my income taxes (which are nearly 40% by the way) are spent and who gets my help.

Because I chose not to have children until I can afford them, I am taxed. Because Jane Doe knows she can get more money for each kid she has more. It is not about religion, it is not about abortion, it is about responsibility. The reality is, families cost this country more so they should be contributing more to our government and how it functions.

It is time for true equality. Equality of taxation and responsibility. Our Constitution states the "pursuit" of happiness is a right. I cannot pursue happiness because I am paying for the happiness of others who are not "pursing" anything. It is time for a straight across federal income tax that treats everyone equal. Not based on income, family size, or anything. To be equal would mean we are all treated the same by the government. What we have now is preferential treatment for the lowest non-contributing portion of society who are "exempt" from taxes.

During the election, Obama spoke of service. Write into the health care bill and any other bill that provides money to individuals who are "hard pressed" to earn it through service. How many government buildings, national parks, federal roads, state roads, public parks, private volunteer opportunities exist in this country. If people want something from the government, they should give back in anyway they can. Pick up trash for all I care. People can log and submit community service as payment for the services they receive, if they can't earn an income to pay taxes.

I am tired of the "riders" on bills so that they "get pushed through." I am tired of lobbyists and congress deciding things without public input. I am tired of problems not being addressed because of the double-dealing. Tell me how, I can work toward a constitutional amendment that "bans" riders on bills.

Tell me how I can work toward a constitutional amendment that guarantees my right to bear arms so the bad guys are the only ones with guns.

I want to know how "we the people" can actually get things done to solve problems instead of use a tit for tat method which helps no one and never addresses the problem.

So sick of politics... I want a crystal ball

2008-09-15T20:45:00.000-07:00

I was extremely let down by both presedential candidates when they made their VP choices. It was disheartenting that our future president and chiefs on either side, Democrat or Republican could make such poor choices.

On the democratic side, a man who talks and talks with little action was chosen and on the other, a woman with little experience and knowledge about Washington.

What were they thinking?!?

I am afraid and frustrated, I don't even want to pick. I see pros for each presidential candidate, but the overall ticket on both sides is scary. Maybe Al Gore will be a write in ballot and elected anyway, or maybe Hilary will have a write-in campaign that will make a difference.

McCain brings a lot of experience, and unique experience that no individual even close to office has anymore. He lived through war, and being a prisoner of it brings a different kind of perspective and experience to the table. He has usually stuck to his guns and says what he thinks and above all, I think he usually does what he thinks is right and best for the common good not his own gain. That is why he didn't know how many houses he owns. McCain presents a unique opportunity for a "Stong" leader who yes, may be stubburn but can also ensure the US is not taken advantage of because of ideals when in reality the world is not ideal and may never be.

I am idealist. I get in arguments all the time with others becuase I think there is good in everyone. I get taken advantage of a lot because I believe in others. I am naive and inexperienced and becuase of this put myself and those around me at risk at times.

For many, Obama is the symbol of hope, and in ideal world with resources and all around support may do big things. However, American is strapped for cash, stretched thin across the globe, and as much as we help we are still viewed as an enemy and negligent. Hope, and the desire to help have the potential to do great things. But unchecked hope that is not grounded in reality has the potential to do harm. What is the saying, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

So I am confused and don't know what to do... provide an opportunity for an individual with lots of experience and who I think tries to make choices based on the good of all... or provide an opportunity to less experience and idealistic thinking in a realistic world?

I hate politics... I think I am going to abstain and just try to survive the next four years. I hate party lines. Really, I think the VP and the Presidential roles should be truly separate races. I think the public should have a say in who we want the person to be the runner up for president, when as so many have pointed out, they are just one heartbeat away from being president.

Education and Politics

2008-09-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

I am so sick of politicians who come in and think they are going to "fix" education. Most of all, I am sick of people making it politician's jobs, and teacher's jobs to "fix" education. People, everyone, need to become more invested in the local school near where they live. I despise "open enrollment" so parents can just yank their kids and send them somewhere else. I despise vouchers. I despise the fact that instead of fighting for the things "your" kid needs and should get at the local school near where a person lives, they pick up and go to where it isn't any work to get that stuff.

It amazes me, it is interesting what message we are sending to kids. It should be easy to get what you want. If you don't like something, just leave. What about social responsibility? What about teaching children that you have to "fight" for things and work hard for them. It takes time, effort, money, and most of all persistence to succeed and make a difference.

I want Washington to butt out of education. There should be a baseline to quality education, yes so No Child Left Behind is good, but, not every child is going to learn the same way, at the same rate, and the same "things" regardless of how much regulation there is. What happened to America's desire for "individuals"?

Education, public education, is an opportunity to learn what you need to so that you can contribute to society in the most minimal way. Excelling, and even learning depends on the child, the parents, the community, and society. Instead of working to improve "their" school, people go to where there aren't any problems. I think that is unacceptable! There is a reason "states" retained the right to govern education. The federal level is too big and doesn't address the issues.

The local level is where teachers can be held accountable, when parents know them and know what they are doing in the class. When administrators can actually have more time to deal with their school rather than the bureaucrats. I am just sick of it. Leave education alone. Stop changing everything. Provide money for resources, and I mean PHYSICAL resources, books, computers, classrooms, equipments, sports programs... instead of on committees, administrators, textbook companies who make money from creating "testing" materials from the government, schools, and parents. Put that money back in the classroom so students can learn to love learning again.

What were we doing when we were at the "top" of the list. We were tailoring education and allowing students the opportunity to learn what was being taught. The more you "force" someone, the less they are going to continue.

Washington, stop it! Leave education alone... stop having people 1,000s of miles away making decisions for students, teachers, communities they know nothing about! Education and American IS NOT a one size fits all kind of place.

Depressing vs. Selfish

2008-09-09T07:55:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I received an email titled "Voted the best email of the year." Well, it was a depressing email. It shows how thankful we should be for all the things we have in our privileged lives living in an "advanced" nation. Things like running water, enough food, cars, clothes, shoes, etc. There were depressing pictures of emaciated children in the streets and plastic 2L bottles tied with bits of cloth for shoes.

Well, I know I have it easy. I know I have it better than most, and I am thankful for that. But, I think it is okay for us to be sad at times too and feel like life sucks at times. Just because we have a lot too, doesn't mean we are happy all the time. In fact, I think it increases the overall likelihood that "Americans" will be dissatisfied because we do so much social comparison and our society is focused on who has more instead of having enough.

Well, I am just sad this week. I think it is okay that I am feeling depressed, just for a little while because you can try to be a good person, give back, be nice, respectful, etc and bad things will still happen. Now "bad" depends on perspective, but everyone gets tired of dealing with life sometimes and bad can be breaking a nail or getting in a car accident.

So, I feel bad about those individuals in life who's plight is worse than mine... but I should be able to feel bad sometimes too just because I need to.

Fertility Drugs and Abortion

2008-08-05T17:39:00.000-07:00

I am pro-choice and anyone who is pro-life and yet also is pro infertility treatments is a hypocrite. I am a hypocrite for the other reason, I am pro-choice but I am against infertility treatments.

I never realized there are more ethical dilemmas with fertility drugs than with abortion. Fertility treatments create so much more potential for long-term concerns and issues. Let's just list a few...

1. Many times the use of fertility drugs may lead to the "selective reduction" of embryos (abortion if you are pro-choice). There are no regulations regarding the number of viable embryos or possible embryos that are implanted, increasing the likelihood of multiple pregnancies (increasing the chance of selective reduction). However, there are state laws in many states indicating when or under what circumstances an abortion may take place.

3. Fertility drugs can lead to multiple births in the 10s and 20s (which usually requires "selective reduction") and people were not mean to have litters of babies. Think about our anatomy. A woman has two breasts, that indicates a max of two babies to feed... okay there is an occasional third nipple, but is it ever functional? If so, maybe that is why natural triplets are as rare as the third nipple.

4. Selective reduction involves more people that may not agree with abortion... doctors, nurses, parents who must because mom will die trying to carry 20 babies, instead many early term abortions are one doctor with a prescription pad and the parents.

5. The generational effect. Neo-natal procedures started about 20 years ago saving many babies that would have died. Now those babies are grown and want their own children. Their bodies refuse to have children, and instead they force them to using infertility treatments. Thus, they are bringing into the world individuals who may potentially have even more risk factors or medical complications than they did, who may not survive, or have no quality of life.

6. Fertility treatment and genetics. Now people are selectively choosing to keep or not keep an infant based on some genetic marker found and then use fertility methods to increase the chances of a male or female... what is next... specific hair or eye color? Again, fertility treatments and "selective reduction" = abortion.

7. Donor eggs and sperm. With older women or any woman using donor parts to conceive children, it is scary to think of the long-term ramifications. How many half-brothers and half-sisters or full brothers and sisters have the potential to unknowingly hook-up and get married. Psychology has shown that birds of a feather flock together, so we are attracted to people more like ourselves. Twin studies have revealed that even growing up in different families, twins are more alike in personality and activities, thus attributing some portion of personality to genes. Therefore, brothers and sisters who don't even know they are brothers and sisters are at an increased risk to end up together. What is that going to do to the gene pool? There are many documented negative effects of incestuous births, we are just adding to the problem since so much of fertility treatment is hush hush with little if any disclosure.

Just think about it. So if you are for infertility treatments and against abortion... or even if you are for both or against both... maybe we should stop working so hard to play God, because we are just adding to our own demise.

Remembering Tim Russert

2008-06-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

I was going to bed last night and happened to turn on the TV and was confused when I saw a special on "Remembering Tim Russert." It took me about a half hour to comprehend that he had passed away. I couldn't believe it.

In fact, I woke up this morning and had to verify it. I saw on CNN that he had in fact passed away. I still can't believe it. I am very saddened by this because I think he was an amazing journalist. He didn't hold back! He asked the hard questions and I liked that he would let people know he wanted an answer. He seemed so full of energy and passion.

Even though he wasn't an anchor like Tom Brokaw or known for his international reporting, I think he made a difference in his own way by making American politics important. He tried to hold our political candidates and representatives accountable and make them be transparent to the people they represent. He didn't make their personal lives an issue, it was about how they do their job, and how they said they would do their job.

I think he will sincerely be missed. He helped me better understand politics and the importance of asking questions of our political leaders.

Who would come to aid the USA?

2008-06-09T18:09:00.001-07:00

There are so many disasters in the world. The Tsunami, the Earthquake in China, the current conditions in Myramar.

There are countries and volunteers lined up to go in and help, even when that help is turned away. The USA drops food, send people to help, and is always there.

Now some people may think we are poking our nose in other's business, but I think that people truly want to help.

My question is, what would happen if something that devastating, that horrific happened here in the USA? Would anyone come to help us? Or would people think we get our due because we parade our wealth and power around the world.

We have had these events, Hurricane Katrina and the attack on 9/11. I don't remember much help from other places. Maybe I just didn't hear about it... but it makes me wonder.

Who would help us if our country and way of life was about to fall apart? Maybe that is why people are so paranoid and that is why there is so much fear in our country. This is starting to frustrate me.

The Catholic Church - Holding "Communion" hostage

2008-06-07T14:38:00.000-07:00

I went to church memorial day weekend, and I was once again reminded why I get so frustrated. The priest was doing the homily and how the Catholic Church had decided it was up to individual bishops whether they would like to withhold communion from public figures (politicians) who's platforms did not align with the Catholic Church (abortion, gay rights, etc.).

He even provided examples of instances where this had occured. I am not even going to touch how wrong this is based on the separation of church and state that exists in our country... but from a point that shows how hypocritical representatives of the Catholic Church are and therefore make the Catholic Church look.

Going to church my whole life... all I was told is Judas betrayed Jesus. Well, mister bishop, if Jesus did not deny Judas a seat at the table when he broke the break and drank the wine, who are YOU to deny someone else communion? Jesus looked the man, whom he knew was a non-believer, who he knew he could not trust, who he knew was the "betrayer" and instead of denying him communion, he broke the bread and gave it to his diciples, all of them!

The entire time I went to church, all my schooling, was how Jesus came and befriended those no one would befriend. What do you think? Is it up to the church to decide?

Didn't Jesus also say, "Let he without sin cast the first stone." I don't think bishops are without sin.