Topping the blog lists!

You made Thinking Out Loud one of the top ten conservative blogs on "Top Political Blog" site (on April 28, 2012) with an international audience. On February 18, 2013, we hit in the top 50 of ALL political blogs. (This changes all the time, so keep reading.) Thank you.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Government shutdown . . . SMH

This was apparently an email that was sent out recently. Someone posted it on Facebook. Take a look.

From: Barack Obama
Subject: This has gone too far

Friends --

This has gone too far.

House Republicans are threatening to shut down the government -- and potentially default on our bills for the first time in history -- because they want to sabotage the Affordable Care Act.

Well let me state this as clearly as I can: I won’t let the Republicans prevent 30 million people from getting health insurance, and I won’t let them inflict economic pain on millions more just so they can make an ideological point.

But I need you standing with me. That’s why I’m asking you to step up before this fundraising deadline and help me defend everything we’ve fought for together:

Click here to give $3 or more today and your donation will be triple-matched.

House Republicans are promising to roll back all the hard-earned economic progress we’ve made.

I need you to show them that you won’t stand for it.

http://dccc.org/Do-Your-Part

Thanks,

Barack Obama

It truly baffles me how people can make (minimum $172,000 a year - for Obama its $400,000 a yr just from his job as President, although he is reportedly making in the million range) will ask hard working Americans to donate money so they can do their job. Don't they make enough to spend on themselves to "do their job". And really, we don't elect them to be intractable with each other, we elect them to go and represent us to work with those that millions of others elect to work with each other and so on. Dividing us on this point or that point is counter to their job description. If we went to work and were intractable with our co-workers and asked our bosses to give us even more money so we can be this way, plus we get our bosses to argue with each other, how long would we keep OUR jobs? yes, the President is right. This has gone too far.

And the link attached with the FACEBOOK posting took you to the website, "Democrats for 2014".

Here is what it asked for on this website.

"Support President Obama's Agenda
Will you chip in right now to help us fight back against Republican attacks and support President Obama's agenda?

The average gift today is $23.12

Your Contribution to DCCC
$25
$100
$250
$1,000
$ (fill in the blank here with what you are willing to sacrifice so they can stay in office)

(Disclaimer Note – that last part not in Italics I threw in.)

Then it has the gall to ask how many contributions you want to make. Its like you're renting or leasing a car. Instead, its renting or leasing a political party, a political candidate or a political ideology.

"Make this contribution...
Once
Each month for the next months"

Don't get me wrong. The other side has done this for just as long and is just as bad.

But don't blame them. We did this. We made them this way. We allowed this type of person to hijack OUR government. A government that is supposed to be of, by and for the people. But our collective apathy has led them to think they can do whatever they want, pull whatever wool over our eyes they feel like and trample whatever facet of our country's history that doesn't fit with their personal agenda, or the agenda of those manipulating them.

We have allowed them, through a lack of our own understanding of how this country was formed, through our caring about ourselves and each other.

Let me step back just for a moment to head off some of the objections to my last statement that will most assuredly be forthcoming.

The cries will ring out “If you cared, you wouldn't object to Obamacare, unemployment extensions, (fill int he blank for entitlement programs of your choice here).”

To the contrary, I care more than you do. I say that because you want to hand out and hand out and hand out – simply because it makes you feel good. I want to help up, empower and shuttle people on their way because it is good for them, for me and for America to have useful, contributing members of society rather than useless, unmotivated leeches draining from the rest of us. I want REAL healthcare reform that will address the REAL problems our country faces, not just a smattering of nice pieces here and there bundled in with all the stinking parts. I want doctors to treat patients for reasonable fees so they can provide for their family. I want enough insurance companies providing insurance to fill EVERYONE'S needs no matter what they do or where they live. I want an end to irresponsible and frivolous people who think they will get rich off of a lawsuit (one of the top three ways Americans think they will get rich) and who think they are ENTITLED to something without having to work for it.

I want jobs for people - in THIS country. I want companies to act responsibly, pay their employees and offer them reasonable benefits. I want unions to revert back to their original function of making sure workers are not taken advantage of, rather than the current situation where THEY take advantage of the workers, destroy the companies and cater to politicians all in the name of solidifying a power base of their own.

I want kids to get an education. And I want them to be able to further their education after high school IF THEY WANT without having to contract their first born child to indentured servitude. I want industry leaders to realize an educated workforce is better for them and their bottom line of profit so they combine forces to help fund education in this country.

But I also want other things. And this is where both the bleeding heart, liberal idiots and the right wing extremists and I part ways.

But lest you think that the rhetoric being bandied about is a concern about government shutdowns – the very plea the President and others are blitzing out there on the airwaves, beltways and cyberwaves. It isn't. Because it (looming shutdowns) happens all the time.




In fact, threats of government shutdowns happen ALL THE TIME throughout our history. And there have been 17 times it actually happened. (http://uspolitics.about.com/od/thefederalbudget/a/Government-Shutdowns-In-The-Past.htm)

Before the 70's, arguments and late passing budgets happened all the time, and most people didn't care because it didn't affect them. But President Carter's Attorney General Benjamin Civiletti, passed a legal opinion saying that government workers could not report to work until Congress passed a budget. Thus leading to the modern phenomena of shutdown threats and all the political posturing associated with them.

Which is what they are, posturing. They are political maneuvering for one side or the other to get what they want.

All to dupe the stupid voter into feeling relieved when a shutdown is either averted or finally ended. Politicians count on your gullibility, naivete, ignorance and apathy to use these shutdowns to score political points.

For which I say “Shame on you, Washington! Shame on you, Mr. President! Shame on you Senate and House leaders! And shame on you America for constantly voting in these frauds, these charlatans, these dissension-makers, these greedy, power hungry jerks year after year after year after year.

So who is to blame? Civiletti? Carter? Obama? Congress?

Not really. We let them think they could do what they want. We fall under their “spell” and become outraged by what they TELL US to be outraged about.

Therefore, its our own fault.

Personally, I'd say let it shutdown. Then maybe people will realize we need to vote them ALL out of office and become more educated with the people we elect to serve us. Maybe we'd be more in tune with WHY we are SUPPOSED to be sending these “representatives of the people” to Washington for in the first place.

I'd say that, but I'd know it would never happen. Americans are too lazy. Americans could care less about each other except where it makes themselves feel good, or gain something from it. Americans deserve what they get. And God help us all because we have to live with the stupidity and general haplessness of the American majority.

But you know what, you can agree with me or disagree with me and that is your free choice. In fact, I want you to check things out for yourself before believing anything I or ANYONE else tells you so you can be truly informed about what is really going on in this country. So its no skin off my nose if you agree or not, because this is just me, Thinking Out Loud.

Have a great day.

Charles

Monday, August 19, 2013

Been a while, but this bugged me

I know its been a while. I have been busy trying to do work that will pay the bills. Although I love doing this blog, it really doesn't pay the rent, phone, electric, car, etc bills. But this article by one of my mainstream colleagues kind of peeved me. I started to write a comment reply and it ended up getting to long. So here I am responding via blog.

Olivier Knox over at Yahoo News! wrote and article entitled "Everyone knows politicians lie. Why don't reporters say so?"

In the article Knox asks if it is an important question. "Does it matter?"


Part of the answer is that we don’t necessarily know when someone is lying — meaning when they knowingly pass along something that isn’t true with the intent to deceive.
One official told me Clapper’s assertion that the NSA doesn’t collect information about millions of Americans was technically true because the intelligence community definition of “collect” means that an analyst has reviewed the information. So the NSA could scoop up millions of phone records and that wouldn’t technically count as “collection.”
More broadly, there is the thinking that if someone believes their statement to be technically true, it doesn't meet the definition of lying — at least for reporting purposes


This article splits way too many hairs. Although it is not always necessary to label something a "lie" or someone a "liar", it is certainly incumbent for the media - mainstream or otherwise - to make the public aware of the falsehoods. To ignore that the President has told one or more of these falsehoods gives the public a false sense of security in their commander-in-chief when he does not deserve it. It IS important to point this out. When a government official lies because of incompetence (he didn't mean to tell a lie, he just doesn't know what is going on), the media needs to be the eyes and ears of the public and let them know. So many elections are accused of failing to focus on the issues but the truth is the media isn't giving them the information they need to BE INFORMED. The only poignant and true thing this reporter tells about the media is that they fear losing "access" for their next story. It should be government officials and politicians who fear losing access. The media should be the disciplinarian here when it comes to access, not the supposed public servant. If an official lies - or misrepresents the truth due to "technicalities" or "incompetence" - it should be they who fear the media for shining that light on their lie, incompetence or misrepresentation. The media, as the fourth estate in this country, has a responsibility to the public to not only report but investigate and report on government, industry, the public.

Well, thats my bit. Anyone who has read my blogs before knows how I feel about the reponssibility of the media to the people. I know this won't be my last complaint about the whole argument of media access to government officials or government activities. It surely won't change if these two things never happen.

1) The media does have to stop being "pansies". ("“I do think the blogosphere is too quick to say ‘You guys are pansies 'cause you won’t say lie,’” Ron Fournier, the National Journal writer who worked for years at The Associated Press, told Yahoo News.") I think Fournier is a little sensitive on this issue. If they would step up no one would be quick to call mainstream media "pansies". But since they won't step up AT ALL, the label sticks.

2) Politicians need to understand that their actions and words, whether an outright lie or a incompetent repetition of unsubstantiated information they are passing along as fact, have consequences. They lie or they unknowingly pass along a lie, their credibility with the public MUST be called into question. It must be they who fear losing the media and the public.

Anyway, thats my thoughts. You can agree or not, its all good. Don't take my word on it. Look at all the information from all sides and make your own decision. An INFORMED decision. Think for yourselves and avoid the spin. But, hey, this is just me, Thinking Out Loud.

Have a great day.

Charles

Monday, May 13, 2013

74 lashes? Really? Morons.

This is why I am totally against ANY kind of despotic type ruling body - governmental or not, religious or not.

I am in no way, shape or form a fan of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran's over-the-top, oft times megalomaniacal President. He constantly seeks to thwart any attempts by the rest of the world to play nice. And his threats to other countries (yes, we are talking mostly Israel and the US here) are beyond sane.

But him going to the registry office with his protege to file for the upcoming election being a violation of election law? Seriously? He can't run. So who cares if he goes with the guy?

The asinine, despotic Islamic leaders do, thats who.

Anyone who thinks that this "crime" deserves 6 months in an Iran jail or 74 lashes is delusional. I know that many Americans might think that our own politicians who violate various election laws would deserve this, but thats just mean spirited thinking. They really don't actually want that to happen.

(And for those who say "oh yes we do" aren't thinking about how different jail is in Iran than the cushy life most American jails offer their inmates. But thats a topic for a different conversation.)

It is a despot ruled country that would actually do this. I don't care if that rule is religiously based - as this one is - or secularly based. I hate all despots.

So to all those "Islam is not so bad" blatherers out there, hear this: Its not Islam that is the problem. Its the people in charge of various factions of the religion that are. There are plenty of Muslims out there who practice their religion and go on with their life happy and content. But there is a perverted form out there that is the cause of nearly all the world's current woes. Cut out this disease and the world goes to some sort of sanity and we can all move forward in science, culture, art, peace - you name it - happily.

But until this blight on the face of the earth is eradicated - and this thing with Ahmadinejad is a prime public example of the ridiculousness of these fatheads who don't really believe in the same religion that Mohammed did - than we are in for some tough roads ahead.

Anyway, I'll get off the old soapbox and remind you that you can agree or disagree. No problem. I just want people out there to think for themselves, come tho their own conclusions and not be swayed by anyone else's opinion - including mine. Just use that grey matter stuffed between your ears and THINK for god's sake - and your own. But hell, this is just me, Thinking Out Loud.

Have a great day.

Charles

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Do you even KNOW what a reporter does?


Its so annoying when people try to sound smart and just end up being idiots. Especially when they do so in such a way that those who don't know any better just nod their heads.

I wholeheartedly have to disagree with this Yahoo article. Both in its conclusion (though not necessarily its initial assertions) about the number 2 dying career, and their alternative suggestion of Public Relations Specialist.

The article states that that the #2 Dying Career is Reporter. It says "They say a species must adapt or die, and with the trend of the Internet replacing print journalism (you are reading this on the computer, after all), media folks who don't adjust might not survive too much longer."

With this I agree. In part. The part where reporters have to play the web and social media cards. They need to adapt to this new format. Just like when they had to adjust to going from the old typesetting and inkwells and every manner of technical changes have come along over the ages. This idea is nothing new. Its just a new medium to get used to. Some make it, some don't. Just like in the days when they had to adjust from radio to television.

"In short, many reporters could be going the way of their typewriters soon." In short . . . this is a ridiculous assertion on the article writer's part. Some will, obviously, not be able to adapt. But reporters have made the jump from inkwell to typeset to print to radio, television and digital pretty well.

And for anyone that brings up "citizen reporters" into the mix saying that these people will replace the experienced writer because they are cheaper have not seen the comings and (mostly) goings of venues that use them exclusively. Companies such as the publishers of The Examiner that created online venues using these "citizen reporters" found that quality over quantity was of great importance, even in the plethora of junk that is often the makeup of the internet. No one would put stock in poor writing, poor reporting and obviously slanted journalism. The cream rises to the top, they found, and began to tinker with how they, pick, maintain and assist with quality the writers they have.

The second assumption in the article is that a good alternative for a reporter is the career choice of Public Relations Specialist.

Really? Reporter to public relations??? Have they really met any reporters?

The author (and oh boy do I use that term loosely here) states "In the new world of Facebook, Twitter, and all things Web, the public image of a company has never been more important." And I agree. Even to the point of saying that in this new age, a reporter is essentially their own company when it comes to social media. Sure, papers and news shows and online venues have their own ways of publicizing in these arenas. But it is also incumbent on the reporter to do so also. But that is an adaptation in effect, not the be all and end all of what reporters do.

Now if you ever actually met a reporter or even just know what it is that reporters do, can you really seeing Woodward or Bernstein "evaluate advertising programs, write press releases, and communicate with the media and public to promote a company's public image"?

I am sure I cannot. Making people look good is so not the job of a reporter. Reporting the news is the job of a reporter. Informing the public of things they need to know about their government, businesses, the economy, American and worldwide society and culture, thats the job of a journalist. But making someone or something look good - well, that is just not their job. And saying this is an alternative career for a reporter is just plain naive.

I would have told this to the writer (Terence Loose) of this little bit of fluff on Yahoo's Education channel. But there is no place for comment. Nor is there a way to send them a little missive. And this bit of oversight is just the thing that a reporter in today's media needs to do in order to adapt. The reader feedback is a valuable asset to today's reporter, just as much as "Facebook, Twitter and all things web", as Loose makes a point of highlighting. So I am guessing we may not be hearing much from this writer.

You can agree or disagree with me on this, because that is your right to do. But its okay. I don't mind. Because, as the title of this blog states, this is just me Thinking Out Loud.

Have a great day.

Charles

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Goodbye yellow brick road, hello yellow brick wall

Hollywood has sunk to a new low, even for them - capitulating to demands from an oppressive government not to insult them or their country. All for the sake of money.

And no, I am not talking about America. Because Hollywood has proven they don't care about demeaning America, Americans or American values. I am talking about how they are cow-towing to China and Chinese demands for "sensitivity".

This is pretty sickening. Hollywood has always been a bastion of morally repugnant heels, but this latest bit of "concessions" to the demands of a totalitarian government makes my blood boil. Hollywood has never failed to insult one aspect of America or the other, from the Bush bashing W, EVERY Roger Moore flick and the denigrating Julianna Moore depictions in Game Change to the constant barrage of white supremacy / black violence / homosexual acceptance that inundates the "silver" (yea right) screen. Yet no Hollywood producer cares about - and even hopes for the controversy from - the outcry from the public over these constant insults to America, American business or American values. Yet insult one aspect of China and they "excise" the film. Deplorable. And these low life scum who call themselves members of some elite group of artisans wonder what has happened to American audiences. I'll tell you, they are sick of paying your exorbitant ticket prices for mediocre movies that constantly assault our eyes, ears and sensibilities. Also, when it comes to paying these high prices (both in tickets and concessions) vs paying our bills, putting food on the table or buying medicine for our children, you lose . . . EVERY time.

I guess its time for another round of independent filmmakers and production companies. The last time Hollywood went too far afield, along cam such visionary independent companies such as Weinstein, Wachowski, New Line and others. Eventually, they were absorbed by the Hollywood megaliths of cinematography. Some, like Touchstone, were the big companies pretending to be independent. But these were quickly discovered and the ruse abandoned. But new indepndents will rise in response to thsi latest Hollywood depravity.

I hope. Otherwise, coming soon to a theatre near you, you'll be watching the new incarnation of Red Dawn, where it is America swooping into a country and toppling the government, only to be thwarted by the brave cadre of rice farmers who battle the evil invaders.

Anyway, agree or not, I really don't care. Just stop being mindless sheep and unconcerned drones. Think for yourself. But hell, its all good. This is just me, Thinking Out Loud.

Have a great day.

Charles

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Gun Control does NOT stop criminals

So, you all are hearing about all this gun control rhetoric from DC. Most of it is such crap. It addresses nothing and positions the government to take away more and more from Americans.

Now there is an email form the White House that is just loaded with lies, bupkas and more crap.


"For the first time since the 1990s, Congress might be on track to pass legislation aimed at reducing gun violence in the United States."

Legislation to control guns does NOT stop gun violence. Chicago, IL has the most restrictive gun control laws in the country. Would you feel safe walking the streets of that city during the day let alone at 2am? Not me. In 2012, gun violence was UP, not down. And new gun legislation won't affect the illegal purchase of guns.

"And it's because folks in Washington are starting to understand that the rest of the country isn't going to sit by and let them ignore this issue. Your voices are the reason we have a chance to win this debate. The American people expect and demand a yes or no vote."

No, moron, what the American people demand is you get your heads out of your butts and understand what the real issues are and not your insipid knee-jerk reactions to events like Sandy Hook Elementary.

"But this is a critical moment. It's been almost four months since the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, thousands more Americans have died at the hands of gun violence, and time is on the side of those who would prefer that we do nothing."

Ta da! See, Sandy Hook. The legislation they are proposing would NOT have stopped that tragedy. A better mental health view in this country WOULD HAVE!


"We want to make sure that your voices are impossible to ignore. So we're asking people from all over the country to speak out online in concert -- all at the same time. Will you join us?"

I agree wholeheartedly. Speak out. And tell these idiots to stop worrying about their re-election campaigns and where their next special interest payment is coming from and start doing some good. Spread the word on Facebook to call up, email, visit your leaders in DC and tell them that 1) Gun legislation WILL NOT stop the violence in this country 2) Maybe they don't think they are an overbearing government that would strip our rights but even the founding fathers knew that future governments might not be as faithful to our Constitution and gave us the right to protect ourselves from such governments with the Second Amendment 3) Mental health is a better use of their time than gun laws that won't work 4) If they keep worrying about their re-election and their special interest kick backs we will make sure they don't have anything to worry about. 5) Stop with the knee jerk reactions to things. Sandy hook was a tragedy but you are focusing on the wrong aspect of that tragedy.

"So let's make sure that there's absolutely no confusion about the public consensus."

YES! 100% in agreement. Let us REALLY give them an idea of public consensus. Tell them THEY ARE FREAKING MORONS! Stop making laws that don't work! Stop wasting their time on these useless pieces of legislation!

Okay, that is my rant for the day. Agree or not, just so long as you stop listening to every word from these people who have no care about you as gospel. Start looking at FACTS not SPIN, and decide for yourself. Whether you agree or not makes no difference to me, just think for yourselves. ANyway, this is just me, Thinking Out Loud.

have a great day.

Charles

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Texas Education? NOT!

This is what passes for education in the Texas school system. A teacher - whom the students say felt uncomfortable teaching this but it was "in the curriculum" - has students dressing up like Islamists, calling terrorists "freedom fighters" and sugar coating genocide (referring to the Holocaust as "ethnic cleansing").

Understanding other cultures is one thing, blatantly waxing over evil is something completely different.

If you are form Texas, you should be embarrassed by this story. If you are in the military, you should be outraged that this is what you are defending. If you are a victim of terrorism (here or in any where in the world) - which is, in my mind, nothing but the actions of cowards - you should be stunned and hurt. If you are an American, you should be calling the state officials responsible for this out!

The Holocaust was systematic murder with the intent of wiping out an entire culture, religion, heritage, genetic group. It was the actions of madmen who felt that simply by virtue of birth they were superior. ALL ETHNIC CLEANSING is this, no matter it was in Germany, Serbia, Uganda, Rwanda, ANYWHERE! It was / is murder. Cold, calculated, deliberate and premeditated murder. To say otherwise is sick. To teach otherwise is dangerous and reprehensible.

Islam has a long history of being a culture of advancement, beauty and richness. The modern version of extremist Islam is nothing but a bunch of thugs and manipulators with insane agendas. To represent it as anything else is not education, it is brainwashing.

Go ahead . . . agree or disagree. I don't care. But think about what this truly is and how it impacts not only the students of this twisted school system, but the future of this country. And decide if you want murderous thugs being portrayed as the good guys. If you do, shame on you. If you don't, get those letters and phone calls and emails flying to the Lone Star State! They need to be made aware of their sickness. But hell, what do I know? This is just me, after all, Thinking Out Loud.

Try to have a good day.

Charles

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Afghans . . . good riddance

I am so sick and tired of reports like this and actions from Middle East (so-called) leaders.

BBC report of Afhan President ordering US Special Forces out of a particular province.

And even more sick and tired of our SO-CALLED leaders - from the White House on down - who cower from pompous, dictatorial, (oh I would so like to use profanity at this point) jerks.

An Afghan politician is "ordering" US Special Forces out. Who the hell do our boys and girls work for? OUR {PRESIDENT, not some loser who can't handle his own people. This jackal can ASK our President to remove our troops from a particular location. But just who the hell does this limp noodle terrorist puppet on a string think he is ORDERING our military ANYWHERE?!?!?!

So here is what I would do as President. (Which I know our loser commander-in-chief that couldn't lead his way out of a paper bag among REAL Americans will NEVER do because he is such a wimp!)

I would immediately order the start of removal of ALL our troops from these savage nations. (Don't get me wrong. This area of the world was once rich in culture and science and art - but is no longer due to fanatical losers who are brainwashed into blowing their own dumbasses up and taking their poor kids with them.) At the samer time, I would revoke all visas to anyone from this section of the world. I wouldn't care who they were, who they loved or what their situation was. They would be gone. Then I would restrict travel of anyone from this area of the world into the United States. They would all be routed to an airport that could be under 100% government control and had security out the ying-yang. (This would free up Americans who travel from having to have their three-year old wheel chair bound child from being patted down and traumatized.)

AND AT THE SAME TIME, I would cut off all foreign aide to these deplorable centers of fear, hate and cowardice (and letting them know this is exactly what they are and what they represent) and "redistribute" this wealth to our own people starving and homeless and without healthcare in OUR OWN COUNTRY.

Because charity begins at home.

some may say this is a bit extreme, but how should the United States react when they are constantly berated (and for actions that are the responsibility of their own people, not ours) for military actions but at the same time pleaded with to be the world's police force? How should the United States react when they are being called the "evil empire" with venom while at the same exact time being bled dry by people who can't take care of themselves?

The reason there are so many homeless, sick, poor, jobless, broken and hungry people in America (which is always being lauded as the richest nation in the world) is because we take care of so much of the world, we don't take care of our own.

As President, this is the first thing I would fix.

Well, maybe the second.

The first would be to get rid of all the special interest laden, self serving political structure that has been failing to lead us for decades.

But THEN I would send a message to the world.

ENOUGH!

Enough begging from us. Enough trying to kill us for your own shortcomings. Enough spewing your hatred at us, while all the time asking for our help. ENOUGH!

You take care of yourselves and we will take care of ourselves. Don't like it? Tough! Get your money and your rice and your oil revenues from somewhere else.

Which would be the third thing I would fix in this country if I were President.

But I'll leave that for later. maybe for my announcement in forming and exploratory committee to run for President in 2016.

Maybe.

Anyway, you all know the drill, agree or not, it doesn't matter to me. So long as I get you thinking for yourselves instead of listening to the spin and acting like sheep, then I will consider my job done for the day.

Have a great day.

Charles

Monday, February 18, 2013

Why liberalism without conservative oversight fails

I know its been a while but things have been kind of crazy here. And by crazy, I mostly mean just trying to survive. Since I started my self employment gig a year and a half ago, its been a month to month just trying to survive. Even though I JUST pay my rent and phone, and can contribute a little to my household bills (no TV or superfluous items in this house), I get NO assistance from the government. Sure, I could probably be eligible for some kind of assistance - food stamps and the like - I refuse to do so.

Stubborn, you say? Not really . . . okay, maybe a little. But honestly, I know there are plenty of people much worse off than me that really NEED our government to help them out. So I will not be a burden and possibly take food from hungry young mouths that have no other means.

But then I see things like this and it makes my blood boil.

The Wall Street Journal reported today that the government spent $2.2 BILLION dollars subsidizing phones for people, Cell phones. Fancy cell phones with lots of bells and whistles. Which really wouldn't bother me so much because even I have found the necessity of modern times where we all must stay connected. What really burns my butt is this:

"Until last year, FCC rules didn't require carriers to certify to the FCC that subscribers were eligible. Consumers could self-certify, and in many states documentation wasn't required."

And what is the government response to this failure?

Julius Genachowski pretty much summed it up. According to the WSJ article, the FCC Chairman said "The program rules we inherited were designed for the age of the rotary phone and failed to protect the program from abuse."

Come on. Really? But what can we expect from a government official simply following his great leader's example? Put the blame on the last guy to be in charge.

But I am not going there. Not right now. Where I am going is to express that THIS is a prime example of why liberalism without proper conservative oversight is a huge fail. (Note the lack of capitalization here. "liberal" and not "Liberal".)

To want to help your fellow man and fellow American is ingrained in our very existence. It is not just a religious idea (i.e. - Christian, Jewish, Wiccan, etc), it is an American ideal framed into our founding by men and women who KNEW what persecution and elitism and ignoring the poor and weak was really like. Dig into your history books and look at the glorious wrong doings of European leaders as they ignore the pleas of the hungry, hunted down and persecuted those whose religious beliefs were not in line with the powers that be, stole from those who had little to enrich their own lives. The founding fathers had left this world to create a new one. America.

So, yes, we all feel for those who need help. But without the common sense conservatism brings to the table, such programs of aide can be abused and can run amuck.

The poor in this country need help. And seeing how the government is wholly responsible for this condition, they have an obligation, a duty, to see to the needs of these people. But the lazy and the greedy (which includes ALL levels of American society and NOT just the top money makers, Mr President) and the unscrupulous not only need not apply, but should be prosecuted and forced to work off their debt.

The latter statement, of course, does not mean prison. Oh no, I am NOT paying for these people to get three squares a day (which many Americans do not), free healthcare (of which many Americans do not have), free internet and free education (again, which many AMericans cannot afford). No. They need to work off their debt by helping the very same people whom they have hidden among and stolen from.

There always needs to be a balance or things will swiftly tilt to the extreme. Dark must have light, good must have evil, wrong must have right. And liberalism must have conservatism. The ideals presented by various groups in this country have skewed the perception of Americans that one or the other is evil. The truth, however, is that without the balance of liberalism, extreme conservatism would leave far too many in dire needs. And without the balance of conservatism, extreme liberalism would bankrupt the nation and leave everyone in dire straits.

Liberalism is the heart of America. Conservatism is the common sense of America. And those who recognize this fact are the soul of America.

Agree or disagree, it doesn't really matter to me. But take a side, for God's sake, that doesn't rely on someone else telling you what to think. Not even me. Look at everything and make an INFORMED decision. Stop being sheep, stop listening to the spin of those who only have their own interest at heart. Either way, this is just me, Thinking Out Loud.

Until next time, take care and have a great day.

Charles