I've threatened to say this stuff for a damned long time, now. And, my silence should not be classified as fear or enforced. I was waiting. Choosing the moment when folks should fear themselves that I would point certain things out, even if only using a dim flashlight to do it. And folks, the long break is intentional, to keep the worst of my insulting those responsible, those who are supposed to watch over them, and just anyone with "delicate ears/eyes" from reading the worst of my vitriol. (Relax, if you're worried about swearing, the sulfur-smelling flames of the after-world are about it, that way, but I will not pull my punches on the fancier insults, and more demeaning ones. Considering I have taken far worse when forced to panhandle, you best learn to take some of it back.)
Welcome to Spring, Salt Lake City. Before you complain about the number of homeless people sleeping out in sidewalks, parks, street margins, and the like, realize this. Once more, after saying they would be keeping the family shelter open, they did not. So that migration of the families from the Midvale annex back down to the main Road Home is on, and with it, 350 beds are gone for the men ovewr the last 45 days. I have no clue how many the women's side lost this year, I try not to deal with many of the females, not being a snob, just not desiring any entanglements that could lead to more troubles. Got enough on my plate keeping myself alive.
So, with that annual cut, the common citizen, being a bunch of clueless idiots, scream about the ebb and flow through the areas the homeless seek for some sleep, not realizing where the real issue lies.
Your pathetic math skills. Yes, I am being insulting, but face it, you have 589 beds for the guys (last year's count, have no clue how many they offered over the winter just fading into our memories, to avoid the crime and drug usage down there, I camped out) take away 350, leaves 239, of which about a hundred are the ones reserved for the workers program (which is a joke, as guys with jobs less than 40 per week are not qualified for it, as some getting 36/wk got refused even being listed, from what I've been hearing) and the medical beds (the bulk of that count, and another joke, as some of those are taken by folks better off in an institution. But, oh, we cannot expose those folks to kleptomaniacs and those prone to violent outbursts!) Yeah. And, that does not count those who slept on the hallway floors, or in the "Drunk Tank: over the winter, which does happen, not just on the worst nights, but most, during the winter. Yeah, that closes Sunday the 13th, which means the worst problem after the drug-addicts is loose as well.
So, 139 beds, or there-about, depending upon this year's arrangements of the bunks in the dorms. Less than years before, as last summer, they cut the legendary "Big Dorm" in half for families to occupy. Which, while it cut some of the issues (but reports, as I left before that was done, say it merely concentrated the odor issues from the less hygienically inclined denizens), probably, just jams it out into your streets, neighborhoods, and the rest of the downtown area. Not to mention those who flee into the foothills, canyons, and down to the Jordan River and various waterways feeding to it.
Why?
What the Hell do you think? There is NOT some magical doorway to Never-Never Land we get to walk into each year, come the good weather, when those more fortunate's pockets seal up, or the funds get siphoned off somewhere, for us to leave your world! If you think other-wise, you need a head shrink, or have an IQ smaller than your waist size. Cutting beds does not mean the problems are ended, just some bean-counter does not want to have money he's getting for auditing the place (which, by the way, is that how a charity should work? that you charge it for helping it?) to fade away.
If you need to cry about losing your city's safety, go look in a mirror first. Some of the homeless would love nothing more than to get out, and I have seen a boatload of folks take advantage of that. Promising money for odd-jobs, then stiffing them (and yes, some of the guys who do work for contractors get stiffed as well, from reports), denying them jobs because they have no stable address history, and other malarkey. Stop coddling the users and abuser of the systems, and do some real, targeted help to those who are clean, sober and sick of being stuck down there, despite every effort they make. And, no, not all homeless folks are bums looking for handouts and free housing, or that disability check. Some actually will take steps, once free of the chains being homeless lays on them, to prevent returning.
And, seeing's how I mentioned the shelter by name, boys and girls down there, there is a video and set of pictures supposedly circulating, time stamped, among some of the homeless (which, if I had access to, I'd slam onto some other folks about to be mentioned, but I'm only reporting rumors, not something I've seen, as to those pictures. I do know, that you do this, even got you to admit it once before, and some former staff confessed as well, after leaving), of the staff taking the dirty blankets and folding them back up to hand out as clean again. This is ridiculous. So, who would want to rent to or hire some poor person who, while being stuck subject to your "tender mercies" (yeah, that is sarcasm dripping thick there, folks), gets infected with lice because of this! Even I know when you do this stupid crap. One only needs watch the sudden explosion of those infested, even the most meticulously clean, to know that something happened. And, the City, County and State Health Departments need keep a better eye on this kind of crap, not give it the ol' "it's just the homeless" blind-eye to the violations. (I know some of these latter, and might make them embarrassed by naming names, or worse, tossing them into said buckets of dirty blankets after shanghai-ing them next time I hear about it, to prove you cannot warn the criminals that you are coming, it only gives them time to clean up and kiss your butts with lies.)
So, wakey-wakey, folks. You want someone to blame? Ask the folks supposedly running things, as to how they never seem to have a decent plan in place for this. And then look in the mirror. Everyone shares some of the blame on this kind of thing.
One last bit. If folks tell you that they plan to end homelessness, get out the hip-waders. The best that will ever occur is keeping the numbers down, not end it. Face it, our ancestors were all homeless, that is why we came to America, a nation built by the homeless folks who immigrated here, one home at a time. And, don't say we never valued the homeless. We still idolize some. Many of the cowboys of the Old West, well, the drifted, homeless, from job-to-job, working a season here, a drive there, then drifting about, looking for something. If you buy and read westerns, you glorify the homeless cowboy, miner, or explorers who were just that, without a home, until they settled down, or died. The homeless have a better lineage than the homed, in a sense. When you read our roll-call of past members, you'll find a folks like a couple tossed out of a garden of legends, a guy who your God handed some stone tablets too (and all his people, too), a dude who dunked folks in the Jordan River of the Middle-East, and his carpenter cousin (What's his name? You know, that wanderer from Nazareth, by the Sea of Galilee?). And don't forget, the folks on the Mayflower, Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone, Kit Carson, and slew of others we hold up as American Icons.
This ends today's rant, but this war will go on. And, if you don't like me talking up, look to your hole cards, folks. The drifter at the other side, he might be holding something special, say pocket bullets or a suited marriage, to use some poker parlance.
Showing posts with label political views. Show all posts
Showing posts with label political views. Show all posts
Friday, April 11, 2014
Monday, April 7, 2014
Sweeping things under the rug ain't solutions, folks.
So... confession time.
The spot I like at the SLC Main Library gave me a rather wonderful, yet terrifying, glimpse into the minds of those who profess they want to help reduce the impact and scope of homeless problems in town, last week.
They had a little conference, of folks from various support agencies, and several things that might help will come from it, but one thing I heard has me wondering if the help providers do as much drugs as the addicts they seek to aid.
Aid and Abet, if what that moron says comes about.
Look, I agree, to reduce the clutter that the families have to muck through along South Rio Grande on Hell's Block, you need to find a way to move all the drug addicts and drunks off the walls of the Road Home and St. Vincent dePaul's buildings, just to make the sidewalks navigable and safe, but creating a "smoking area" where the cops are not to enforce the laws about narcotics and alcohol usage ain't an answer. It's sweeping the filth under a magic carpet, and acting like you solved the problem.
Yes, i do listen, morons. I may not speak, but I figure any "Brainiac" who claims to really want to help the homeless would at least talk to the more upstanding members (e.g. the non-addicts and non-criminals) before tossing out ideas willy-nilly. If folks thought Pioneer Park can be dangerous at times, or any part of the area Hell's Block (which is really more than a block, being the whole of Salt Lake City's skid row, from 200 South to 600 South, between 300 West and 600 West, with various jerrymander sections used by the druggies and drunks spiralling off that area) wait until this idea gets implemented.
Look, the real issues are indeed the need of a place for those who make no efforts to move out of the Shelter or Missions to move on. Targeting the druggies will just move them into the city, spreading east, as they did last year, bringing the crime, filth, and attitudes with them. You do not deal with addiction by creating a place to use and OD, you deal with it by sensible measures, say things like laws and funding for mandatory rehab for addicts and drunks after say six violations, even if not prosecuted... which indicates a pattern of self-abuse and public endangerment. You do it by looking at targeting the dealers that flock around Hell's Block, and taking away the CI's protection, as most of them are freaking dealing shit, feeding the cops their competitors, or those owing them money, instead of giving them a free rein to rule that area.
This idea moves forward, you will still have the fights, the stabbings, the crime, the drug-use, the overdoses, all the problems, just in a place where less of it will be seen, and thus it can escalate faster to much more dangerous levels, ones that will require the cops going in with guns drawn, not just a hand on the holstered sidearm they have to use now.
Wake up, stop feeding the addictions. Yes, we tobacco (which, unlike the narcotics, is legal to use) smokers could use some places to smoke, in peace. But, dammit, stop jamming the narcotics users in with us.
And stop thinking we are just bums who use, no matter our efforts to walk away.
Another, even better target? Yeah, I have one. A goodly number of the homeless in the shelter get an SSI or SSDI check, a GA check, or other assistance. Target that group, which has the monies that fund a good deal of the drug use, and includes many addicts in it, at getting them into some form of housing, thus removing the "Millionaire" (as those who get no funds call these folks) factor from the equation. Yes, many of them have issues that prevent getting normal housing, or desire not to go in with the addicts, drunks, and criminals. Some of those issues are related to felonies they committed, so it locks them out of a vast portion of the housing available, even if those events were not violent, not repeated, and quite a while ago. Finding a better solution towards getting those folks housed will do far more.
Reducing the money down there might just make an appreciable dent in the crimes, narcotics, and other problems. But that answer takes time, effort, and something society seems to lack these days, intestinal fortitude.
And, while I'm ranting a bit, how about doing something more productive than tossing the mentally ill back into the shelters or onto the streets. Right now, there are *3* functioning fecal matter artists smearing their wastes around places in public. In locations that range from public restrooms in the downtown and strip to the UofU restaurants, to public parks, and even lately on the sides of businesses, and enhancements to existing and new graffiti. Sorry to those on the Left who believe in keeping folks as part of Society who are so disturbed to rehabilitate them, and those on the Right too cheap to spend the money to actually solve issues, but these are walking health code violations, and after three offenses need to be locked up long-term, for treatment, true rehabilitation, and never allowed to be left unsupervised afterwards, as their recidivism is too nasty to leave the "art" they preform in the public view, where some kid could wind up touching it, and getting very ill.
So, to those who think we homelss are stupid, lazy, and useless... yes, some are, but this boy just offered you up options for some. For others.... well, real, meaningful, long-term work that comes with a living wage might be an option. Just don't offer it to me. After three years plus of searching for employment, and being denied, I've taken up a new way out, and plan to carry it through. I will write stories, trying to sell them, market my e-books of poetry as well, and just be a thorn in your sides, politically, to remind you that some of your ideas smell as bad as the above mentioned 'aritists" works.
The spot I like at the SLC Main Library gave me a rather wonderful, yet terrifying, glimpse into the minds of those who profess they want to help reduce the impact and scope of homeless problems in town, last week.
They had a little conference, of folks from various support agencies, and several things that might help will come from it, but one thing I heard has me wondering if the help providers do as much drugs as the addicts they seek to aid.
Aid and Abet, if what that moron says comes about.
Look, I agree, to reduce the clutter that the families have to muck through along South Rio Grande on Hell's Block, you need to find a way to move all the drug addicts and drunks off the walls of the Road Home and St. Vincent dePaul's buildings, just to make the sidewalks navigable and safe, but creating a "smoking area" where the cops are not to enforce the laws about narcotics and alcohol usage ain't an answer. It's sweeping the filth under a magic carpet, and acting like you solved the problem.
Yes, i do listen, morons. I may not speak, but I figure any "Brainiac" who claims to really want to help the homeless would at least talk to the more upstanding members (e.g. the non-addicts and non-criminals) before tossing out ideas willy-nilly. If folks thought Pioneer Park can be dangerous at times, or any part of the area Hell's Block (which is really more than a block, being the whole of Salt Lake City's skid row, from 200 South to 600 South, between 300 West and 600 West, with various jerrymander sections used by the druggies and drunks spiralling off that area) wait until this idea gets implemented.
Look, the real issues are indeed the need of a place for those who make no efforts to move out of the Shelter or Missions to move on. Targeting the druggies will just move them into the city, spreading east, as they did last year, bringing the crime, filth, and attitudes with them. You do not deal with addiction by creating a place to use and OD, you deal with it by sensible measures, say things like laws and funding for mandatory rehab for addicts and drunks after say six violations, even if not prosecuted... which indicates a pattern of self-abuse and public endangerment. You do it by looking at targeting the dealers that flock around Hell's Block, and taking away the CI's protection, as most of them are freaking dealing shit, feeding the cops their competitors, or those owing them money, instead of giving them a free rein to rule that area.
This idea moves forward, you will still have the fights, the stabbings, the crime, the drug-use, the overdoses, all the problems, just in a place where less of it will be seen, and thus it can escalate faster to much more dangerous levels, ones that will require the cops going in with guns drawn, not just a hand on the holstered sidearm they have to use now.
Wake up, stop feeding the addictions. Yes, we tobacco (which, unlike the narcotics, is legal to use) smokers could use some places to smoke, in peace. But, dammit, stop jamming the narcotics users in with us.
And stop thinking we are just bums who use, no matter our efforts to walk away.
Another, even better target? Yeah, I have one. A goodly number of the homeless in the shelter get an SSI or SSDI check, a GA check, or other assistance. Target that group, which has the monies that fund a good deal of the drug use, and includes many addicts in it, at getting them into some form of housing, thus removing the "Millionaire" (as those who get no funds call these folks) factor from the equation. Yes, many of them have issues that prevent getting normal housing, or desire not to go in with the addicts, drunks, and criminals. Some of those issues are related to felonies they committed, so it locks them out of a vast portion of the housing available, even if those events were not violent, not repeated, and quite a while ago. Finding a better solution towards getting those folks housed will do far more.
Reducing the money down there might just make an appreciable dent in the crimes, narcotics, and other problems. But that answer takes time, effort, and something society seems to lack these days, intestinal fortitude.
And, while I'm ranting a bit, how about doing something more productive than tossing the mentally ill back into the shelters or onto the streets. Right now, there are *3* functioning fecal matter artists smearing their wastes around places in public. In locations that range from public restrooms in the downtown and strip to the UofU restaurants, to public parks, and even lately on the sides of businesses, and enhancements to existing and new graffiti. Sorry to those on the Left who believe in keeping folks as part of Society who are so disturbed to rehabilitate them, and those on the Right too cheap to spend the money to actually solve issues, but these are walking health code violations, and after three offenses need to be locked up long-term, for treatment, true rehabilitation, and never allowed to be left unsupervised afterwards, as their recidivism is too nasty to leave the "art" they preform in the public view, where some kid could wind up touching it, and getting very ill.
So, to those who think we homelss are stupid, lazy, and useless... yes, some are, but this boy just offered you up options for some. For others.... well, real, meaningful, long-term work that comes with a living wage might be an option. Just don't offer it to me. After three years plus of searching for employment, and being denied, I've taken up a new way out, and plan to carry it through. I will write stories, trying to sell them, market my e-books of poetry as well, and just be a thorn in your sides, politically, to remind you that some of your ideas smell as bad as the above mentioned 'aritists" works.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Secessionists are damned fools....
Look, I never agree with what my government does 100% of the time. Just cause you lost an election is no reason to take your toys, go home and say you will change the minds of other folk by force though.
Quite frankly, those supporting secession at this time must face the music. They stand against the Union, are ignoring the Constitution and are thus both committing Treason and Terrorism against the United States of America. They can talk about it to their heart's content. Taking the actions they have is Treason, and if they try to use force in forcing the decision, they have crossed into Terrorism, and are subject to the full penalties of the Patriot Act and other laws passed by their own factions in the last few decades.
I can bitch and moan, I can say I think about a time that to defend the Constitution and its Amendments that I may have to rebel against the branches of government that stem from the trunk of We The People... but I never go more than grousing and try to remember to point out the ways that have to be expended before I can do such. Like making an effort to fix things, honestly and faithfully within the system.
But to start the actions they have turns my stomach. Look, these fools are not doing this to "Save our nation for God.." or any of the other cries they are giving. Quite frankly, they are sore losers, who want everything their way, and as they cannot do so now, "The South shall rise again" mentality they hold tells them its time for a Civil War to get their way. Its a power trip... "We'll show you who's boss." Or
Insert a big sigh here, then walk with me a moment, folks.
We can fix our nation's problems without another Civil War. Yes there are problems out there. Top on that list is folks don't want to compromise anymore, and extremists rule the main parties... All of them.
I want the damned fools preaching secession to think really hard... are you willing to set brother against brother again... to tear apart our nation, at a time we cannot afford to be torn apart if we wish to remain as the leader in Democracy and Freedom on the Earth. The crossroads we stand at is one with no paved roads, as we have already taken too many steps down the less safe roads of over governance and extremism on both sides of the aisle. I cannot even have a civil discussion about my thoughts on issues now without being called a moron. Or worse.
Face it. The problem is not me. Its all of us, me included. We have to learn to compromise again. To accept the fact we will not get everything we want, as long as the other guy does not get everything he wants as well. We do need to fix things, like the Electoral College issue. Like the fact that Congress gets to set its own wage and benefits. Maybe even find some way to return to some level of civility. And we need to do it soon.
Flame me all you want, call me a wuss, a damned fool as I called you. I don't care. If you act upon these petitions, and actually tear the Union apart, I will stand for the Union... For the Stars and Stripes, and by the Constitution. For now, I am still just a guy... but once upon a time, I took an oath... to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign .. and domestic. If you took that oath as well, you better think twice before signing on a secessionist. Especially if you said... "so help me God.." as part of it.
Look inside America. Its time to sit down and talk CALMLY for a change... both sides of the extremes have to give... or the Center will not hold with you. Or hold you up when you fall in the mud you seem to like throwing around.
Part of Democracy is not always getting your way. And the biggest part, is accepting that, moving on to the next issue, and stop trying to be a jerk about it. Grow up folks.
Quite frankly, those supporting secession at this time must face the music. They stand against the Union, are ignoring the Constitution and are thus both committing Treason and Terrorism against the United States of America. They can talk about it to their heart's content. Taking the actions they have is Treason, and if they try to use force in forcing the decision, they have crossed into Terrorism, and are subject to the full penalties of the Patriot Act and other laws passed by their own factions in the last few decades.
I can bitch and moan, I can say I think about a time that to defend the Constitution and its Amendments that I may have to rebel against the branches of government that stem from the trunk of We The People... but I never go more than grousing and try to remember to point out the ways that have to be expended before I can do such. Like making an effort to fix things, honestly and faithfully within the system.
But to start the actions they have turns my stomach. Look, these fools are not doing this to "Save our nation for God.." or any of the other cries they are giving. Quite frankly, they are sore losers, who want everything their way, and as they cannot do so now, "The South shall rise again" mentality they hold tells them its time for a Civil War to get their way. Its a power trip... "We'll show you who's boss." Or
Insert a big sigh here, then walk with me a moment, folks.
We can fix our nation's problems without another Civil War. Yes there are problems out there. Top on that list is folks don't want to compromise anymore, and extremists rule the main parties... All of them.
I want the damned fools preaching secession to think really hard... are you willing to set brother against brother again... to tear apart our nation, at a time we cannot afford to be torn apart if we wish to remain as the leader in Democracy and Freedom on the Earth. The crossroads we stand at is one with no paved roads, as we have already taken too many steps down the less safe roads of over governance and extremism on both sides of the aisle. I cannot even have a civil discussion about my thoughts on issues now without being called a moron. Or worse.
Face it. The problem is not me. Its all of us, me included. We have to learn to compromise again. To accept the fact we will not get everything we want, as long as the other guy does not get everything he wants as well. We do need to fix things, like the Electoral College issue. Like the fact that Congress gets to set its own wage and benefits. Maybe even find some way to return to some level of civility. And we need to do it soon.
Flame me all you want, call me a wuss, a damned fool as I called you. I don't care. If you act upon these petitions, and actually tear the Union apart, I will stand for the Union... For the Stars and Stripes, and by the Constitution. For now, I am still just a guy... but once upon a time, I took an oath... to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign .. and domestic. If you took that oath as well, you better think twice before signing on a secessionist. Especially if you said... "so help me God.." as part of it.
Look inside America. Its time to sit down and talk CALMLY for a change... both sides of the extremes have to give... or the Center will not hold with you. Or hold you up when you fall in the mud you seem to like throwing around.
Part of Democracy is not always getting your way. And the biggest part, is accepting that, moving on to the next issue, and stop trying to be a jerk about it. Grow up folks.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Teetering on the brink
Its been a while since I shot off my mouth. So I guess I am overdue here.
Like I have said before, we all have opinions, just as we all have smelly backsides. And no one likes sniffing someone else's (unless they are truly sick puppies). This is your warning. I am about to offer up my opinion on things. You probably will think I am crazy, stupid or just an ass. All of these are your perogative to think about me, but I have the right to speak and write, and intend to use it.
The economy of our nation is still screwed up, teetering on the brink of a real disaster. The root cause is not just the division of wealth, but the costs of housing versus the wages paid to the lowest end of society. This, not the crisis in Europe, will be what the hell brings us down.
Before you all pop off of here, wait and let me point out that rent inflation is higher than the rate of wage increase at the bottom end of the scales. Why should someone who is making minimum wage (or less if tips might be added, and not much comes in the way of those in a tight economy, believe me, I know from past experience) work two or three jobs just to keep a roof over theiir head?
Some of you fools out there may think, you get what you earn. But these folks busted ass to get a paycheck, and you want them to double that load, often with kids in the household, to make ends meet?
You're damned fools, if so.
Look, any economy has to be healthy in the middle, and with our middle class suffering something beyond decimation (which is only a 1 in 10 reduction folks), we cannot claim to be a healthy economy, or nation for a long while.
When an economy collapses, it happens because the base everything is built has deteriorated. And folks, AFFORDABLE housing for the lowest class is a necessity. Try living at that wage and finding a home in this nation. In the inflated urban areas, the boomtowns of the northern plains, and some other spots, you can't. Not without some supplement, be it social welfare or criminal activity.
Well, that is my bit. Start looking back to the past, we don't need more apartments with all the trimmings folks. We need more that are bare bones, studios up to 4 bedrooms. No pool facilities, no jacuzzi, no covered parking, no clubhouse, just somewhere nearby or on property to do laundry, a small common patio area and the like. Stop wasting my time on the big complexes, build some small urban ones again. Not condos, apartments. And then rent them at a rate where a person can make ends meet, set a small amount aside to build up that nest egg and move on later.
Until next time, you can release your nose. BTW, your ideas and opinions smell as bad as mine.
Like I have said before, we all have opinions, just as we all have smelly backsides. And no one likes sniffing someone else's (unless they are truly sick puppies). This is your warning. I am about to offer up my opinion on things. You probably will think I am crazy, stupid or just an ass. All of these are your perogative to think about me, but I have the right to speak and write, and intend to use it.
The economy of our nation is still screwed up, teetering on the brink of a real disaster. The root cause is not just the division of wealth, but the costs of housing versus the wages paid to the lowest end of society. This, not the crisis in Europe, will be what the hell brings us down.
Before you all pop off of here, wait and let me point out that rent inflation is higher than the rate of wage increase at the bottom end of the scales. Why should someone who is making minimum wage (or less if tips might be added, and not much comes in the way of those in a tight economy, believe me, I know from past experience) work two or three jobs just to keep a roof over theiir head?
Some of you fools out there may think, you get what you earn. But these folks busted ass to get a paycheck, and you want them to double that load, often with kids in the household, to make ends meet?
You're damned fools, if so.
Look, any economy has to be healthy in the middle, and with our middle class suffering something beyond decimation (which is only a 1 in 10 reduction folks), we cannot claim to be a healthy economy, or nation for a long while.
When an economy collapses, it happens because the base everything is built has deteriorated. And folks, AFFORDABLE housing for the lowest class is a necessity. Try living at that wage and finding a home in this nation. In the inflated urban areas, the boomtowns of the northern plains, and some other spots, you can't. Not without some supplement, be it social welfare or criminal activity.
Well, that is my bit. Start looking back to the past, we don't need more apartments with all the trimmings folks. We need more that are bare bones, studios up to 4 bedrooms. No pool facilities, no jacuzzi, no covered parking, no clubhouse, just somewhere nearby or on property to do laundry, a small common patio area and the like. Stop wasting my time on the big complexes, build some small urban ones again. Not condos, apartments. And then rent them at a rate where a person can make ends meet, set a small amount aside to build up that nest egg and move on later.
Until next time, you can release your nose. BTW, your ideas and opinions smell as bad as mine.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Dave's idea of a good foreign policy.
Why does everyone think I have to share THEIR politics, religion and dreams?
Hell if I know, damned if I give a rat's hindquarters about them either. Folks have disrespected my views as being to radical, too controversial, too idealistic, and when I dash that same cold water on them, the freak out. Too bad....
its time for you to know what I feel about foreign policy and why.
i am a limited isolationist. Limited in I realize we live in a big world, and crap spreads across borders, but I am tired of being the ones the world turns to for solving every problem. Espeicially as the world seems to think we Americans are pigs anyway.
The US of A needs to cut off financial aid to other countries to save our own butt, but we are too scared, even now, to do it. Look, had we cut aid to the developed countries of Europe a long time ago, some of them would have developed a much better fiscal policy. So, we start with this list here, UK, Germany, France, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Italy,Spain, Portugal, Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands and Denmark, over the next three years, your monet gets cut in half, then after that, its payments for bases on your turf only, and we will kill a few of those too, cause you don't really seem to want us there. This is not a disolution of NATO, but us forcing you to step up to the plate. You want actions, from now on, you have to get your hands dirty, we are in rebuild mode on our forces, after 10 years of non-stop grind on them.
The rest of Europe, you have 6 years, get your houses in order, we are cutting yours by 25% per year for the next 6 years, then pulling the plug to see if you live or die. Your choice folks, but the party on US dimes is over.
Africa, you get 10 years, 10% reductions, if you complain, the funds crash to zero, and you have to have real, democratic reforms. Middle East, ditto, but you have oil so guess what, 2 years.... that's all you get, all that anti-American hate just got cashed in, and guess what, we don't really like you either...
Asia, 5 years boys and girls, 20% reductions for all nations each year, Zero after that. Oh, and you children get matching trade tariffs, no more free trade deals...
Speaking of trade, the US will be withdrawing from the WTO... its just another way to make us open our markets and give you folks reasons to protect yours. We are sick and tired of it, so the hell with ya all.
Now, Isreal..... look, its up to you, but we don't have to save your asses. In fact the prophets all say some day you will be all on your own. We will turn on you, unless you lighten up, learn to truly negotiate, live and play fairly with others. I have NO problem with starting Armegeddon tomorrow, it would be a blessing in some ways, but to be fair, 5 years, tops... and that is on the same Asian cut down, 20% per year, and no more Vetos in the Security Council, we will Abstain from now on.... unless its a blatantly unfair move.
The rest of the Americas.... Guys, the Monroe Doctrine save most of you from things you could not imagine. But its over.. you are big kids now, and if what you do gets you an ass-whuppin, well, we will televise it in Prime Time as our new national sport, and laugh at your stupidity. Just stop exporting your criminals to us, or we will use your primest real estate as our new proving ground for anti-matter weapons.
Now, as to dealing with America: Don't. We are sick of the rest of you. You whine, cry and won't pull your weight. Learn to do so, and remember this, you kicked most of us out of your countries... and we are the rabid dogs who have used nukes in anger.
Yes, here it is, piss off or attach US interests, you get the city you reside in nuked. Gee, ain't that simple... don't like it, don't poke at us, and we will let you rot in you sewage that you were supposed to use the money we gave you to remove instead of invest in a portfolio for the leading members of your juntas.
Simple? Yes. Practical, no.
Look, this is what I want to do, not what we should do. A realist would approach me now with some ideas and an open mind to negotiations to meet halfway. And of course then Welsh on the whole deal in the end, thinking oh, the US won't hurt us. Like I said, we have Nukes, and we like using them. Keep breaking agreements, and see what our next offer is... it may be, oh, you want a nuclear bomb? Here ya go! Kra-THOOOM!
Meet us half way, keep your end of the deal, and stop acting like we are Satan, and you might get treated fairly in return. But world, you have a lot of bad attitude and pissed off citizens here to soothe and be nice to before you get fair receptions to your needs again.
One last thing, you Tea Party idjits and Libertarians, I find that your views, while similar, stink. so move along, and sotp trying to get me to join your paths... you fail on other points... which we will discuss in my internal policy ideas next time... after I get the stink of this off my flesh.
Hell if I know, damned if I give a rat's hindquarters about them either. Folks have disrespected my views as being to radical, too controversial, too idealistic, and when I dash that same cold water on them, the freak out. Too bad....
its time for you to know what I feel about foreign policy and why.
i am a limited isolationist. Limited in I realize we live in a big world, and crap spreads across borders, but I am tired of being the ones the world turns to for solving every problem. Espeicially as the world seems to think we Americans are pigs anyway.
The US of A needs to cut off financial aid to other countries to save our own butt, but we are too scared, even now, to do it. Look, had we cut aid to the developed countries of Europe a long time ago, some of them would have developed a much better fiscal policy. So, we start with this list here, UK, Germany, France, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Italy,Spain, Portugal, Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands and Denmark, over the next three years, your monet gets cut in half, then after that, its payments for bases on your turf only, and we will kill a few of those too, cause you don't really seem to want us there. This is not a disolution of NATO, but us forcing you to step up to the plate. You want actions, from now on, you have to get your hands dirty, we are in rebuild mode on our forces, after 10 years of non-stop grind on them.
The rest of Europe, you have 6 years, get your houses in order, we are cutting yours by 25% per year for the next 6 years, then pulling the plug to see if you live or die. Your choice folks, but the party on US dimes is over.
Africa, you get 10 years, 10% reductions, if you complain, the funds crash to zero, and you have to have real, democratic reforms. Middle East, ditto, but you have oil so guess what, 2 years.... that's all you get, all that anti-American hate just got cashed in, and guess what, we don't really like you either...
Asia, 5 years boys and girls, 20% reductions for all nations each year, Zero after that. Oh, and you children get matching trade tariffs, no more free trade deals...
Speaking of trade, the US will be withdrawing from the WTO... its just another way to make us open our markets and give you folks reasons to protect yours. We are sick and tired of it, so the hell with ya all.
Now, Isreal..... look, its up to you, but we don't have to save your asses. In fact the prophets all say some day you will be all on your own. We will turn on you, unless you lighten up, learn to truly negotiate, live and play fairly with others. I have NO problem with starting Armegeddon tomorrow, it would be a blessing in some ways, but to be fair, 5 years, tops... and that is on the same Asian cut down, 20% per year, and no more Vetos in the Security Council, we will Abstain from now on.... unless its a blatantly unfair move.
The rest of the Americas.... Guys, the Monroe Doctrine save most of you from things you could not imagine. But its over.. you are big kids now, and if what you do gets you an ass-whuppin, well, we will televise it in Prime Time as our new national sport, and laugh at your stupidity. Just stop exporting your criminals to us, or we will use your primest real estate as our new proving ground for anti-matter weapons.
Now, as to dealing with America: Don't. We are sick of the rest of you. You whine, cry and won't pull your weight. Learn to do so, and remember this, you kicked most of us out of your countries... and we are the rabid dogs who have used nukes in anger.
Yes, here it is, piss off or attach US interests, you get the city you reside in nuked. Gee, ain't that simple... don't like it, don't poke at us, and we will let you rot in you sewage that you were supposed to use the money we gave you to remove instead of invest in a portfolio for the leading members of your juntas.
Simple? Yes. Practical, no.
Look, this is what I want to do, not what we should do. A realist would approach me now with some ideas and an open mind to negotiations to meet halfway. And of course then Welsh on the whole deal in the end, thinking oh, the US won't hurt us. Like I said, we have Nukes, and we like using them. Keep breaking agreements, and see what our next offer is... it may be, oh, you want a nuclear bomb? Here ya go! Kra-THOOOM!
Meet us half way, keep your end of the deal, and stop acting like we are Satan, and you might get treated fairly in return. But world, you have a lot of bad attitude and pissed off citizens here to soothe and be nice to before you get fair receptions to your needs again.
One last thing, you Tea Party idjits and Libertarians, I find that your views, while similar, stink. so move along, and sotp trying to get me to join your paths... you fail on other points... which we will discuss in my internal policy ideas next time... after I get the stink of this off my flesh.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Our National Shortcoming...
I hear the cries of the folks Irene flooded, and I sympathize, but the media forgot the real big flood this summer.
Parts of the Missouri River Valley are still under water, and have been since June. You folks back east can get a taste for what has happened in the midwest now. And I hope some of your claims get rejected for Irene just like the Great Corps Deluge of 2011 has bugged folks who had whole counties denied their disaster relief requests after the Corps of Engineers opened the gates of the dams, and their bloody levees failed. You can say what you want out there, but these folks lost sight of their land and roads back in June and its just now receding so they can see the higher parts.
There were two great inland seas this summer, one north of Omaha, and one south. Go to YouTube, hell, amatuers did a better job covering it than the media did. Oh, I'm sorry, did your sound bite driven ADHD personality just get offended by that, national media? Good.
Once upon a time, we had a real media, one that covered stories, was patient and not worried about the ratings of the news, and rarely covered the entertainment gossip save as a light thing on a slow day. We had local papers that covered all the minutes of the city council meetings, school board meetings, and all the other things we need to know about.
Not anymore. Or if they exist, they are too damned few and way too far between.
Look, the problems in this world don't start with what you neighbor is doing folks, but with that freak in the mirror. The one that cares more about the fashions of Lady Gag'me or how the Phats are playing, than about what is going on in local politics. When you accept that, start reading the papers, even if its the E-version, maybe the bozos behind the curtains will realize they bought that barrier from the dude who sold an Emperor some clothes.
The best way to transparency is you giving a damn enough to actually read or finding out yourself what your elected bozo's are doing.....
and my apologies to all clowns out there for insinuating they are as incompentant as politicians by the comparison.
And look at what happened to those counties in Iowa.... actually look and think about it.
Parts of the Missouri River Valley are still under water, and have been since June. You folks back east can get a taste for what has happened in the midwest now. And I hope some of your claims get rejected for Irene just like the Great Corps Deluge of 2011 has bugged folks who had whole counties denied their disaster relief requests after the Corps of Engineers opened the gates of the dams, and their bloody levees failed. You can say what you want out there, but these folks lost sight of their land and roads back in June and its just now receding so they can see the higher parts.
There were two great inland seas this summer, one north of Omaha, and one south. Go to YouTube, hell, amatuers did a better job covering it than the media did. Oh, I'm sorry, did your sound bite driven ADHD personality just get offended by that, national media? Good.
Once upon a time, we had a real media, one that covered stories, was patient and not worried about the ratings of the news, and rarely covered the entertainment gossip save as a light thing on a slow day. We had local papers that covered all the minutes of the city council meetings, school board meetings, and all the other things we need to know about.
Not anymore. Or if they exist, they are too damned few and way too far between.
Look, the problems in this world don't start with what you neighbor is doing folks, but with that freak in the mirror. The one that cares more about the fashions of Lady Gag'me or how the Phats are playing, than about what is going on in local politics. When you accept that, start reading the papers, even if its the E-version, maybe the bozos behind the curtains will realize they bought that barrier from the dude who sold an Emperor some clothes.
The best way to transparency is you giving a damn enough to actually read or finding out yourself what your elected bozo's are doing.....
and my apologies to all clowns out there for insinuating they are as incompentant as politicians by the comparison.
And look at what happened to those counties in Iowa.... actually look and think about it.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Some basics of my Politics
Enough of that maudlin, vindictive crap for now. Look, here are my views on politics.
We screwed it up, folks. All of us. Whether by not voting, voting for the same fools over and over, or not taking it seriously. (I admit to this. There is at least twice, rather than hold my nose or vote Green/Commie, I wrote in Mickey Mouse.) We the People have failed in our responsibility to rein in the fools in office at all levels, and lost our ability, or at least perceived ability, to do so. In order to take back government and make it once more "Of the people, by the people and for the people" will take one of three things at this point (four if you count a miracle of God).
1: A revolution or civil war (bloody, nasty, filthy things.... not worth the waste of bullets and more bad blood they breed. The South is still trying to take us down even now.) Yeah, right, only a damned fool wants this option.
2: A real Third Party, of moderates and those with open minds being formed and reaching out to the people for guidance not lobbyists and others with cash. Sure, it may seem stupid, but this is the kind of situation when 3rd parties have a chance, this time I hope we can keep one, and not have it become the lunatic fringe the Progressives turned into (and I might add, considering its stars, I was not surprised at their faded star).
3: The People waking up, and just not voting for the fools in office, forcing state and local term limits upon their elected officials and realizing they have to be knowledgable and aware of the issues at all levels. Again, not likely, but this would be the best way. Once you have their attention by being aware, showing up at council meetings, state legislative hearings and sessions, they know to be on their best behavior if they want to be sent back (which I still say is a mistake, vote the rats out is my motto).
For the Federal Government, only way to wake up those laggards will be to yank their chains hard. Vote against the incumbant, or make them amend the Constitution.
Speaking of amending that document, I do believe its past due, and we need 4 amendments for sure, just to end the status quo in Washington.
1> an amendment that states that Congress shall be the first to pay the price if they fail in their duty to get a budget done on time. Right now, no matter what, Congress gets paid. How about we make it so they get their pay stopped without chance of getting their backpay if they don't have a budget in place by September 15th. The whole budget, not some extension or such trickery. It can be suspended only by a major shooting war, or major disaster and then only for 60 days. But no pay, and suspend all benefits until it passes.
2> End the Dynasties. We need to state that a child cannot follow a parent into politics, for one reason, we need to spread out both the responsibility for the running of our governments. Other people who are just as worthy of the chance often are blocked by some dynastic child running these days. The skill is not in the blood, we saw that, look at the second Bush. Not the greatest at many things. He was probably okay as governor, but some one else would have done better at the disaster parts as being President.
3> Congress pay is set by them, but they are our employees. So, do you set your wage if you work for someone? We are the owners, and if they want a raise, it should be limited to a small percent and voted on by the majority of the people. I would prefer a super majority, but there are folks like me who would not give them a raise for a century or more out there, and that way lays corruption at the hands of lobbyists with deep pockets and money laundering abilities. We the People should have a say in how much they get paid from now on, as well as set their benefits. And this must be set in the common vernacular language of the time it is set on the ballot, so we don't have the vote no to say yes crap pulled on a lot of initiatives and ballot issues. Also, limit that pension to 4 years for Congress, 8 for President and 10 for the Court. Cabinet officials get only 2 years, but they can go back to work easier. Make it half pay though, its still more than they deserve, but will let them hire the security guards to please the Secret Service and prevent their assassinations or kidnapping.
4> Term limits for Congress, Cabinet service, and the Courts. I have no problem with the cout having a seat for 15 years, just to mix things up, but life needs to end. We also need to use this one to set a compentency standard or they are out. Compentency, no more I am barely here but my staff runs things quite well Senators sleeping in their chairs. Either they are still mentally there, or out they go, thanks for your service. Set the House to 5 terms (10 years is enough, go get a real job now bub), 3 terms for senate, and one term for the Court. Limit overall government service time to 25 to 30 years... about the same time we limit our military to.
I would be crazy as some think I am if I thought these could all be done overnight. Getting even one, especially the pay ones, will be an uphill battle. The state legislatures that are not already under these limits will balk at it, unless you rattle the ballot box a few times on them. I don't think we could get more than one, but even that one at least puts a collar on the beast called government, reminding them the People are their bosses, not pigeons and marks to be gulled or sheared at their pleasure.
Think it over folks. Am I still Crazy? Or am I saying something that makes a hell of a lot of sense? Remember, until now, I have been working at getting my ideas out in tweet or facebook sized thoughts, and failing due to a keyboard that sticks and that size constraint. I feel we all screwed it up, and its time to look in the mirror, admit it, and start fixing it, as a nation, a state, a county or parish, a town, a school district. Every level needs to be taken back, and given over only after great thought. Perhaps we should have a two week period with no sports, just to forment that. (Yeah, if we get it, I know I will have a very short life span from the fanatics out there.) Its our nation. But only if we accept the responsibility and take the time to learn the issues, and vote wisely.
Oh, and you Tea Party folks, Ron Paul fans and the like, no, I do not agree with your ideas enough to join forces with you, unless you embrace my call to bell the cat so we mice can keep our cheese. And even then, it will be on an issue by issue basis. I trust you as much as I trust the Rats in power now.......
We screwed it up, folks. All of us. Whether by not voting, voting for the same fools over and over, or not taking it seriously. (I admit to this. There is at least twice, rather than hold my nose or vote Green/Commie, I wrote in Mickey Mouse.) We the People have failed in our responsibility to rein in the fools in office at all levels, and lost our ability, or at least perceived ability, to do so. In order to take back government and make it once more "Of the people, by the people and for the people" will take one of three things at this point (four if you count a miracle of God).
1: A revolution or civil war (bloody, nasty, filthy things.... not worth the waste of bullets and more bad blood they breed. The South is still trying to take us down even now.) Yeah, right, only a damned fool wants this option.
2: A real Third Party, of moderates and those with open minds being formed and reaching out to the people for guidance not lobbyists and others with cash. Sure, it may seem stupid, but this is the kind of situation when 3rd parties have a chance, this time I hope we can keep one, and not have it become the lunatic fringe the Progressives turned into (and I might add, considering its stars, I was not surprised at their faded star).
3: The People waking up, and just not voting for the fools in office, forcing state and local term limits upon their elected officials and realizing they have to be knowledgable and aware of the issues at all levels. Again, not likely, but this would be the best way. Once you have their attention by being aware, showing up at council meetings, state legislative hearings and sessions, they know to be on their best behavior if they want to be sent back (which I still say is a mistake, vote the rats out is my motto).
For the Federal Government, only way to wake up those laggards will be to yank their chains hard. Vote against the incumbant, or make them amend the Constitution.
Speaking of amending that document, I do believe its past due, and we need 4 amendments for sure, just to end the status quo in Washington.
1> an amendment that states that Congress shall be the first to pay the price if they fail in their duty to get a budget done on time. Right now, no matter what, Congress gets paid. How about we make it so they get their pay stopped without chance of getting their backpay if they don't have a budget in place by September 15th. The whole budget, not some extension or such trickery. It can be suspended only by a major shooting war, or major disaster and then only for 60 days. But no pay, and suspend all benefits until it passes.
2> End the Dynasties. We need to state that a child cannot follow a parent into politics, for one reason, we need to spread out both the responsibility for the running of our governments. Other people who are just as worthy of the chance often are blocked by some dynastic child running these days. The skill is not in the blood, we saw that, look at the second Bush. Not the greatest at many things. He was probably okay as governor, but some one else would have done better at the disaster parts as being President.
3> Congress pay is set by them, but they are our employees. So, do you set your wage if you work for someone? We are the owners, and if they want a raise, it should be limited to a small percent and voted on by the majority of the people. I would prefer a super majority, but there are folks like me who would not give them a raise for a century or more out there, and that way lays corruption at the hands of lobbyists with deep pockets and money laundering abilities. We the People should have a say in how much they get paid from now on, as well as set their benefits. And this must be set in the common vernacular language of the time it is set on the ballot, so we don't have the vote no to say yes crap pulled on a lot of initiatives and ballot issues. Also, limit that pension to 4 years for Congress, 8 for President and 10 for the Court. Cabinet officials get only 2 years, but they can go back to work easier. Make it half pay though, its still more than they deserve, but will let them hire the security guards to please the Secret Service and prevent their assassinations or kidnapping.
4> Term limits for Congress, Cabinet service, and the Courts. I have no problem with the cout having a seat for 15 years, just to mix things up, but life needs to end. We also need to use this one to set a compentency standard or they are out. Compentency, no more I am barely here but my staff runs things quite well Senators sleeping in their chairs. Either they are still mentally there, or out they go, thanks for your service. Set the House to 5 terms (10 years is enough, go get a real job now bub), 3 terms for senate, and one term for the Court. Limit overall government service time to 25 to 30 years... about the same time we limit our military to.
I would be crazy as some think I am if I thought these could all be done overnight. Getting even one, especially the pay ones, will be an uphill battle. The state legislatures that are not already under these limits will balk at it, unless you rattle the ballot box a few times on them. I don't think we could get more than one, but even that one at least puts a collar on the beast called government, reminding them the People are their bosses, not pigeons and marks to be gulled or sheared at their pleasure.
Think it over folks. Am I still Crazy? Or am I saying something that makes a hell of a lot of sense? Remember, until now, I have been working at getting my ideas out in tweet or facebook sized thoughts, and failing due to a keyboard that sticks and that size constraint. I feel we all screwed it up, and its time to look in the mirror, admit it, and start fixing it, as a nation, a state, a county or parish, a town, a school district. Every level needs to be taken back, and given over only after great thought. Perhaps we should have a two week period with no sports, just to forment that. (Yeah, if we get it, I know I will have a very short life span from the fanatics out there.) Its our nation. But only if we accept the responsibility and take the time to learn the issues, and vote wisely.
Oh, and you Tea Party folks, Ron Paul fans and the like, no, I do not agree with your ideas enough to join forces with you, unless you embrace my call to bell the cat so we mice can keep our cheese. And even then, it will be on an issue by issue basis. I trust you as much as I trust the Rats in power now.......
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