A WHILE.

Well it has been a while since I have written anything on this blog.
Life for me has changed a great deal. My wife is now expecting our second child in December.
There are a lot of changes, but it seems really all is the same.
I look out at the world my sons will be growing up in and I wonder. What are their chances for happiness, how will this world be different from my own?
What is the path that we have laid for them to walk down?

I walk out every morning and I go to work.
I live the normal Suburban American lifestyle.
Just enough money, just enough house, just enough cars........

Yet I have increased in salary most every year, I have gotten nicer things but really nothing different. Just a bigger home, a bigger car, nicer clothes. But, nonetheless still A HOME, a CAR, and CLOTHES.

For all my efforts, and all my hours, and all the time I spend making a living.
I ask myself...... What am I living for?
Why do I work so often, so much, and over such a long period?

It seems we are all trained to be " Members of the Machine" simply a tool, that like any other will be discarded and replaced when it is no longer of use.

I see the porters in my building making minimum wage, wondering how can they make there ends meet? They can't.

For an America that is free. There is nothing free here.
A country by the people, for the people. Seems to have changed to a country by the people, for the corporations.

Gas is approaching $3.50 - $4.00 a gallon, and who does this benefit?
Health care is almost non existent. Even people who have insurance and good jobs most often cant afford to get sick.
They can't afford the time off without pay, they are living paycheck to paycheck already, and even the $20 co-pay, and the $50 prescription is out of there budget, must less the 60-100 dollars or more, they loose per day in wages.

And these people I am talking about aren't just the poor, Heck in some respects there is more available for "the poor" than for the common middle class. I am talking about the people who make 35k-40k a year income with 2 or 3 children. That pay $900 in rent or mortgage, $600 a month for food, $400 for a car $110 for car insurance and and a $300 electric bill. Not to mention 5-600 dollars in taxes per month. That is roughly 2850 out of a around 3000 a month income.
This also does not take into account. School supplies, clothing, water, incidentals or GAS ($260 mth for me).
This is just enough to cover the bare necessities of life.
And what?, you work 40-60 hours or more a week, spend no time with your family, and actually own nothing to show for your time and sacrifice. Even the home you pay for costs you taxes every year for eternity on property you supposedly own. Sounds more like you are renting it from the government to me.

Now I am definitely a fan of hard work and discipline in the work place.
And I believe people who work harder and smarter should be compensated accordingly.
Yet, I also believe that in a country with such vast wealth, that we could use our resources to better advantage, by increasing the standard of living in America.
And use our power to keep the wealth spread out a little more evenly amongst the masses.

CEO's make millions even while there companies falter, yet there employees lose there jobs, benefits, and security???
Not to mention the stock holders who have not realized their investments due to this type of legalized embezzlement.

Again I feel this is a two sided sword. Without capitalism our country could not advance as fast or as far, however there should be some type of limit as to how restricted these benefits become.
If it only helps 1% of the population at the expense of the rest. Then I would have to say that is not improvement.

Again, I ask are we ( we being the majority) not just slaves to the proverbial machine?

Where is the life worth living?
Are we not supposed to enjoy life......Live and be merry.

In this country we are given the "Right to PURSUE happiness", not guaranteed happiness.
However it seems that in this world there are ample supplies to provide a moderate level of happiness for all in our country.
Happiness could be achieved by simply restructuring our way of thinking and adjusting our tolerance for injustices, and quality of life.
Work is a great thing, a necessary evil......
But to what reward do we come home too?
What is it that we are working for?

MY BABY BOY

HERE HE IS!

WELL I WOULD LIKE YOU ALL TO MEET THE FUTURE LEADER OF THE "GLOBAL NATIONS REPUBLIC".

Atleast that is what I think he will call it when he takes over the world.

Anyway, I have been so busy with work and my baby, I have neglected my blogs. So I though I would introduce him to the world.

Well I haven't much to say, other than having a baby is stressful and awesome all at the same time.

God bless you all

MY FIRST BABY

We just had our first child on 6/20/06 he is now just a few weeks old. I look at the world he has just begun to venture into and I stand in awe and fear. I am amazed at all that the world has done and all the things we have accomplished on this earth. Yet, the wars and turmoil spoil a perfectly great world. I feel that these things are important to the balance of humanity however I don't want my child to have less because of it. An innocent in this world. That soon will have to deal with world, as a wonder and a wonder how he will survive.
For all of you that have children, I ask you to look at your lives everyday and treat all the people that you come in contact with in a way that you would appreciate them dealing with your children.
Treat the world as you would your own kids, with love and kindness and patience. I only ask so that when our kids look at there world all they see is good and opportunity. Instead of every paper riddles with scenes of death and terror

Why is it?

Today, like most. Is a boring none eventful day. I spent most of my morning working. As, I do most. You know daily I read through these blogs left on blogger. Sometimes I find horrible atrocities, some days I find unrelenting happiness, other days, miscellaneous garbage. However, everything I read, gives me a vision into to the soul, and the life of the author. No matter how great, how bad, how happy or sad the context, these people are my fellow men and women. These are the people I see in the streets, that purchase from my company, that fly the planes I travel in. These people are the answers and the ruination all in one. So I ask to you all. Take the time to tell your story as it is, uninhibited and without fear, exercise that 1st amendment to free speech, and let your story be heard. There are millions of people all over the globe who live lives similar to yours. Why not help each other realize the solutions we all seek by expressing our experiences to one another.
Be open.
Be honest.
Be unafraid.

Just be.

Thank you for your time
God bless, and Rock On'
Richard

MONEY ='S RESPECT

Why is it that when we introduce someone of wealth to our normal network of acquaintances, we always feel the need to press on the fact that they have money? Often when I am told about people of wealth by someone I know, they always need to tell me "This is so and so, and he is loaded" or "Mr.? made a lot of money doing this and now lives________"(insert multi-million dollars address of choice).

Why is it that we put so much emphasis on knowing someone of wealth, over knowing someone of impeccable character? Rarely do you ever hear of a saintly, wealthy person introduced with their personality being the focus. We live in a society that squashes all signs of respect, dignity, valor, and honor, and which replaces them with status by financial hierarchy. WHY? Does making 150k a year, make me a better person than someone who makes 50k a year, and yet again does that mean I am less important than someone who make 200k a year? That seems to be the status quo of the American public. I ask again, why is that? Do we like to place ourselves in categories by our personal financial success. If these where held as true, than a successful drug dealer would be a better person than a Saintly Priest, or a sacrificing mother working three jobs just to feed her kids. Yet we admire all the things the dealer has. i.e. The cars, the mansions, the girls, the plane, and none of the woman’s, love, compassion, humility, desire.
If you think these things are of no value, tell the woman she is a wonderful person, and watch her pause and smile with pride, and do the same to the dealer, and watch out for his knife. Why do we sell our souls for a dime. We prostitute ourselves everyday for the dollar. Yet we wont give of ourselves for our brother. Why?Whyy are our hearts so dark? Is this the world from which the beginning of your child’s life starts. Is this the foundation you want for his sanity. Of course with our mouths we would all say of course not, yet our actions prove the antipode.
Should we not be people of ACTION, true to what be believe, instead of Hypocrites among hypocrites. Our hearts which are our beacons for true self satisfaction are shrouded by the seven deadly sins that our forefathers warned about 1000's of years ago. Yet we lie in awe every time we a proved this to be true.
WAKE UP YOU IMBECILES. You cry over all your pain yet you sow your seeds in maliced soil. Is your MIND NUMB? Are you just stupid? Crossing religion with humanity. All religions tell you to have a good life, kindness must be in your heart. Yet you close your eyes to GOD on all accounts of your life except in the proverbial FOXHOLE, when all is lost. You kick God, out of your house, your home, your life, your school, and only keep him on your DOLLAR!? Again why? The lessons of how to live a fuller life, a happier life, a more complete and satisfied life are out there for all of us. We are taught these truths daily as children. Yet when we need them most we ignore them. Why?
ACTIONS can be heard by the Deaf, and seen by the blind. Money can only be spent. And it can be everything, but your true soul, and your time. Again I ask you why do we revere a wealthy man over a moral man? Why do we shun the poor of funds but rich in spirit?If this was the right way to live don't you think life would be more enjoyable. Do you really get satisfaction from a dollar. Or are you just a whore, who is pimped out by a system?

You tell me?

EXPORTED FUNDS TAX

Now this will probably be a little controversial. That is great for me however.

Now this is in an effort to stop American money, from leaving our soil, and forcing the American people out of work.

This is my problem,

Today I called customer service for Dell Computers, and was connected with a women in INDIA. Well my first thought was why is this Job not offered to an American first. I know there are plenty of people here in the states that would do this kind of work. But NO, instead we offer good mid range paying jobs to foreigners. Why, because they will work for less. Well as long as your main market place is in the states, I would recommend to all you cheap ass companies out there. To put money back here. Sending our money abroad kills local and national economies. Less people are working means, less people have disposable income for your product. So it begins a cause and effect scenario that doesn't look to promising for either of us.

Lets keep it here. It our damn money anyway.

THE ENCEPHALON'S PRISON

Often when I see people in the streets, I wonder; Why are we the way we are? What forges our beliefs? What makes us human, even when we are not HUMANE? I see our preconceived notions of our lives and our thought that each and every one of our thoughts is precognitive to all others. Like a radio I think our reception is singular, only able to tune into our own perception of reality. Sometimes we must turn the proverbial nob and adjust our view point. Why does our own mind, the same mind that teaches us to kill millions, and then again how to cure disease and yet again to lay a soft hand on the bosom of our betrothed, not allow the same breadth of discovery in our every day world? Is red really red? Or is it only red through ones own eyes? Are there alternate beings of the same space? Like the radio, all the stations are there in the air, and the only way to know is to tune into them separately, each revealing a new and different reality than the other. Even though all the realities are present at the same time.

My fear is that our minds limit us to believe in only one reality. That our minds limit us in so many ways, in this reality, that our mind seems limitless, but so limited is our mind that it allows us only to see what it wants. For some people all is black and white. For others there will be bands of color, and God's for sake, if anyone admits to see outside of the norm, they are chastised and condemned on earth. Boundless is universe to our imagination, but what contains even that. What created all that is and all that we know. Are we like what is said in the movie Animal House, " We are but just one atom of a giants toenail in the unknown universe. " or are we more, or is there even a we to begin with. Could we not be just random thoughts of one entity, like people in a dream, or video game?

Earlier I mentioned, is red really red. Through my eyes I would never know. It is only one perspective, one option on the axis of million. How is it that we can stand so assured that what we believe to be real is real? If I looked through another persons eyes is it not possible that what I saw was a blue apple, or at least what I now perceived as a blue apple?

I love how people say oh that person is attractive, or that person is weird, or that person ugly, while another may contradict ever opinion stated. How is this possible, the person or object is still the same, it is in the same form, and still discovered and witnessed at the same time? What makes our mind choose one set of truths over another and how can both be true? This reminds me of Quantum Mechanics in which a particle does not truly exist in any state until it is observed in that state. For instance Uranium, is only Uranium until it later turns into lead. So to say it is always uranium is false, the truth is that at the point in time it was observed the atoms are forced to make choice, and they chose uranium, later it may be lead. Weird thought but makes since. You would easily eat an apple off a tree, much more likely than to eat one that is rotten even though the atoms contained in it are the same, just realigned.

Why are our minds so limited? Is our mental discovery where the pioneers of the future need to quest forth? Will we ever be able to see through our own concave vision into to ourselves?What is real? Do we wake up every day from our dreams, or do we wake up into our dreams from our lives? It is often said that mind over matter is all that is needed to accomplish many things that our inhibitions say where impossible. Impossible? 100 years ago, it was impossible to go to the moon, 500 years ago it was impossible to fly, 1000 years ago, impossible to go across the ocean, 2000 years ago, impossible to conquer the romans. The impossible was never impossible, just improbable for the time. What does all that mean? Well to me that means that our minds are the biggest block in our lives. We don’t trust ourselves at a subconscience level. Why? Why do we limit ourselves?

It is my belief that all things are interconnected like water in vase, each molecule is separate but all together form one unit. People, plants, water, dirt, planets, galaxies, earth, stars, heavens and hell. I believe they are all one form. Like a human with many different parts. Lets take this for example, if energy can never be created nor destroyed, then that would mean, all the power that is and all the power that will be are exactly the same. That all they do is change form, and our perceptions and realization of this energy changes, but it’s overall power is constant. Okay, so what happens to the life of something when it dies. It is my belief that it lies ambient, waiting to take on its new form whatever that might be, some of it is even reassimulated into ourselves. Hmm, that would mean that at some level every relative, friend, loved one, pet, plant, or other that has expired, has left its imprint of life on my and your form of life. That their energy is now part of mine and everyone else’s. Why would this not make sense? Because that is not what you are taught to believe, you are living in a one dimensional reality. Well last I was in class there was at least four dimensions, (length, width, depth, time), I think another might be realization or knowledge. What is always is, even in new form. This concept would explain, a lot, such as ghost sightings, aliens, fear, a 6th sense, instinct, these are things people experience and are unsure how to rationalize. Everyone wants to put everything into a box. To simplify all. Even though I think ALL is the most simple of simple. That everything is an ever changing set of reorganization of particles. We are but one form of existence. Even the church agrees, for the most part. "ashes to ashes, dust to dust" sound familiar? Well it applies here as well.Why do we limit our minds? Why do we assume anything is certain. The only thing history is taught us for sure is that change is inevitable. Therefore, why does every person, and every group of people, and every people, assume that they are right? Why am I assuming I am right? No one knows and yet we all know. HMM??!!

This universe, is vast but contained in something, and minute in its space. Yet, even that container of our space, is again contained to the infinite. How can we being so small in relevance, be so sure of what is and is not. Like an ant in a mound, we only know our immediate world. We accept it and don’t want to change. Why? What is our fear?

Keeping an open mind as though it was a box, is still closed on 5 sides. We need to remove that box, release our thoughts, and make sure that all we know is that we know nothing, and start from there.

Explore every day, as though you where destined to find what no one else has.
Accept the possibility of the impossible.
Tame not your mindSee what no one else sees.
Hone in on the fact that your mind is bigger than you allow it to be.
Examine with no inhibitions.
Expect nothing, and receive all.

The continuum of life depends on perseverance of truth.We must NOT let our own judgements, our own biases, our own fears and doubts, stop us from becoming all that our limited selves can be.Our minds are part of all that has ever existed.

With unlimited and untapped power, what can you do?

Please if makes any sense let me know. Sometimes like the song, I let the led out and "RAMBLE ON"

Thank you. For your thoughts

RELIGION

Their seems to be many people who don't believe in the same religion as others. It seems throughout time that people have traded their steadfast beliefs for others. In example, the persian Mithras, The Egyptians Rae, and the Romans Zeus, as well as some Hebrews, altered their religious beliefs and many adopted Christianity instead. This is evident in the fact that many of Christians holidays, also referred as ( holi-days or HOLY days ), moral teachings, and symbology have been somewhat borrowed from these older traditions and religions. Now I am not saying that any of these are false, and not really saying that any is all right. It seems to be that they are all mutations of the same belief system adapted to fit the people of the times. Lets compare Saints or Angels, with the old gods of Egypt. Notice that the Sun disk of the old egyptian gods, hangs over the heads of these saints as HALO's. Okay, also the day Jesus turned water into wine is known as Jan. 6th, strange how this day also coincides with the Greek Dionysos, and Osiris blessing of the water. Not to mention that Mithra's sun, and zeus' sun both where half man and half human.
To make this entry short, I invite a discussion to from all of you out there to let me know your thoughts on this topic. I expect this to get ugly.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

AMERICAN SUICIDE???

OKAY I GOT THIS IN AN EMAIL
TELL ME WHAT YOUR THOUGHTS ARE

JUST CURIOUS.


WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT TO TURN ON THE TV AND HEAR ANY U.S. PRESIDENT, DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN GIVE THE FOLLOWING SPEECH?


My Fellow Americans: As you all know, the defeat of Iraq regime has been completed.

Since congress does not want to spend any more money on this war, our mission in Iraq is complete.

This morning I gave the order for a complete removal of all American forces from Iraq. This action will be complete within 30 days. It is now to begin the reckoning.

Before me, I have two lists. One list contains the names of countries which have stood by our side during the Iraq conflict. This list is short. The United Kingdom, Spain, Bulgaria, Australia, and Poland are some of the countries listed there.

The other list contains everyone not on the first list. Most of the world's nations are on that list. My press secretary will be distributing copies of both lists later this evening.

Let me start by saying that effective immediately, foreign aid to those nations on List 2 ceases immediately and indefinitely. The money saved during the first year alone will pretty much pay for the costs of the Iraqi war.

The American people are no longer going to pour money into third world Hell-holes and watch those government leaders grow fat on corruption.

Need help with a famine? Wrestling with an epidemic?



Call France!

In the future, together with Congress, I will work to redirect this money toward solving the vexing social problems we still have at home. On that note, a word to terrorist organizations. Screw with us and we will hunt you down and eliminate you and all your friends from the face of the earth.

Thirsting for a gutsy country to terrorize? Try France, or maybe China.

I am ordering the immediate severing of diplomatic relations with France, Germany, and Russia. Thanks for all your help, comrades. We are retiring from NATO as well. Bon chance, mesamis.

I have instructed the Mayor of New York City to begin towing the many UN diplomatic vehicles located in Manhattan with more than two unpaid parking tickets to sites where those vehicles will be stripped, shredded and crushed. I don't care about whatever treaty pertains to this. You creeps have tens of thousands of unpaid tickets. Pay those tickets tomorrow or watch your precious Benzes, Beamers and limos be turned over to some of the finest chop shops in the world. I love New York

A special note to our! neighbors. Canada is on List 2 Since we are likely to be seeing a lot more of each other, you folks might want to try not pissing us off for a change.

Mexico is also on List 2. President Fox and his entire corrupt government really need an attitude adjustment. I will have a couple extra tank and infantry divisions sitting around. Guess where I am going to put em? Yep, border security. So start doing something with your oil.

Oh, by the way, the United States is abrogating the NAFTA treaty - starting now.


We are tired of the one-way highway. Immediately, we'll be drilling for oil in Alaska - which will take care of this country's oil needs for decades to come. If you're an environmentalist who opposes this decision, I refer you to List 2 above: pick a country and move there. They care.

It is time for America to focus on its own welfare and its own citizens. Some will accuse us of isolationism. I answer them by saying, "darn tootin."
Nearly a century of trying to help folks live a decent life around the world has only earned us the undying enmity of just about everyone on the planet. It is time to eliminate hunger in America. It is time to eliminate homelessness in America. It is time to eliminate World Cup Soccer from ! America. To the nations on List 1, a final thought. Thanks guys. We owe you and we won't forget. To the nations on List 2, a final thought: You might want to learn to speak Arabic. God bless America! Thank you and good night. If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you are reading it in English, thank a soldier.

I LOST MY RIGHTS?

WHY WOULD YOU LOSE YOU RIGHTS IN THIS COUNTRY IF YOU HAVE NOT COMMITTED A CRIME?

SIMPLE, YOU FORGOT TO OPEN YOU MOUTH AND USE YOUR RIGHTS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS FROM BEING TAKEN FROM YOU.

YOU SIT IDLY BY AND DID NOTHING, WHILE THE PEOPLE WHO DID NOT HAVE THE RIGHTS, TOOK YOURS AND MADE THERE OWN FOR THEMSELVES.

SO THERE YOU LIE STRIPPED OF ALL THAT IS YOU, ALL YOU COULD HAVE BEEN, A PRESENT DAY SLAVE TO SOCIETY.

WHY? YOU ASK .

BECAUSE YOU DID NOT STAND UP, YOU DID NOT VOICE YOUR TRUE OPINION, YOU LET OTHERS DECIDE FOR YOU. YOU WOULD RATHER THROW ANGER AT YOUR OWN MOTHER WHO NURSED YOU WHEN ILL, THAN A MAN YOU NEVER MET WHO WOULD RAPE YOU OF YOUR DIGNITY AND INDIVIDUALITY.

WHY?

BECAUSE YOU WOULD NOT VOTE.
BECAUSE YOU WOULD NOT VOTE.
BECAUSE YOU DID NOT VOTE.

AND YET WHEN YOU COULD HAVE DONE SOMETHING. YOU DID NOTHING, AND NOW SUFFER.

VOICE YOUR OPINION, DO NOT BE AFRAID.

VOTE. VOTE. VOTE.

IT IS YOUR RIGHT. AT LEAST NOW.
GET YOUR VOICE HEARD.

THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF WAYS TO GET YOUR OPINION IN THE EARS OF THOSE WHO MAKE THE LAWS.
THE SIMPLEST IS TO VOTE.

START THERE.

TAXES AND THE POOR

THIS IS A TOPIC THAT HAS REALLY BOTHERED ME.
LET ME EXPLAIN.
SOME OF YOU WILL NOT LIKE THIS. BUT YOU HAVE TO ADMIT IT STILL DOES NOT SEEM FAIR TO THE AVERAGE PERSON IN AMERICA WHICH IS ALMOST EVERYONE.

I SELL CARS FOR A LIVING. DURING THIS TIME OF YEAR ( TAX TIME ) WE DO A LOT OF TAX RETURNS FOR CUSTOMERS. THIS IS MY COMPLAINT. I OFTEN DO TAX RETURNS ON PEOPLE WHO MAKE ROUGHLY 15-25K A YEAR THESE PEOPLE RARELY PAY MORE THAN 600-1300 IN TOTAL TAXES, ONCE THEY INCLUDE THEIR DEDUCTIONS. THAT SEEMS FAIR ENOUGH, TILL YOU LOOK AT THEIR RETURNS, WHICH ARE USUALLY IN THE BALLPARK OF 2500-5000. THAT IS 1900-4400 DOLLARS MORE THAN WHAT THEY PAID IN.

MY QUESTION IS THIS. HOW DO YOU GET A REFUND FOR MORE THAN YOU PAID IN? TO ME IT SEEMS LIKE THEY ARE GET PAID TO BE POOR AND HAVE KIDS.
FAILURE FOR THEM TO BE RESPONSIBLE BECOMES OUR PROBLEM NOT THEIRS.
WE HAVE TO PAY LITERALLY FOR THEIR MISFORTUNE, POOR PLANNING, OR FAILURE TO DO WHAT THEY NEEDED TO DO.

YET THESE PEOPLE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT SEEM TO COMPLAIN THE MOST, AND ARE THE BIGGEST DRAIN ON OUR LOCAL ECONOMIES AND RESOURCES, SUCH AS WIC, WELFARE, POLICE, FIRE, AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL. NONE OF WHICH THEY ARE PAYING A DIME FOR IN FACT WE ARE PAYING THEM TO SPEND AND USE OUR MONEY.

THIS REDISTRIBUTION OF OUR WEALTH IS COMPLETELY UNETHICAL. WHY SHOULD YOU AND I BE PUNISHED FOR WORKING HARD, AND DOING RIGHT. WHY DO WE HAVE TO PAY THE PRICE FOR WHERE OTHERS HAVE FAILED.

DOES THIS SEEM RIGHT TO YOU.
OR ARE YOU TO SHALLOW TO SEE HOW THIS EFFECTS YOU AND MOST EVERYONE YOU KNOW.

IN CONTRAST I PAY IN USUALLY CLOSE TO 30K IN TAXES AND STILL OWE SOME USUALLY A FEW HUNDRED MORE COME TAX TIME.

I THINK THERE SHOULD BE SOME TYPE OF REFORM. A FLAT TAX FOR EVERYONE. LIKE SALES TAX IS.

OR PERHAPS, JUST A MUCH LARGER SALES TAX. THEN YOU ONLY PAY FOR WHAT YOU SPEND AND NO INCOME TAX AT ALL.

WHAT ARE YOUR IDEAS, ON BOTH TOPICS?

AMERICA'S SUICIDE?!

PLEASE READ BELOW AND TELL ME YOUR THOUGHTS!
THANK YOU

MY QUESTION IS THIS!

Why when I drive down the highway, even in the nicest parts of town, do I see unemployed, undereducated, and homeless people, yet when I call for customer service on an American made product, I am usually routed to a person in India, Iran, or Mexico? Are our American men and women not willing or not offered these positions and why? If these people had jobs and where able to contribute to society not only would america look cleaner, but our economy would be strengthened. I am not a wise man, but if we give all our money away to other countries, how are we going to have any left for us after while?

Please let me know what you think?

Does, it really cost to much?
If we as Amercans can no longer afford the products being offered. What does it matter how inexpensive the service of them is?

AMERICA UNDER ATTACK

THIS IS A COMMENT THAT I RAN ACROSS ON ANOTHER BLOG
http://thebluevoice.blogspot.com/

This particular conversation is about this topic on there page.


What kind of America?
Although the past year was marked by sudden and traumatic events, starting with the tsunami that shocked us last Christmas, change generally occurs gradually, and often we do not notice even very substantial and threatening changes. In the past five years, I have become increasingly alarmed at changes that threaten what we love most about America. The middle class is under attack. Tax breaks for the rich have been financed by the accumulation of debts that threaten the financial security of all Americans. Corporate bosses have off-shored many thousands of jobs, and for four years in a row median income in the United States has declined in real terms! More Americans do not have health insurance. Pension commitments are being broken. The GOP wants to walk away from Social Security, and bankruptcy has been "reformed" to ensure that the credit card companies get their pound of flesh. Corporate interests and the interests of the most wealthy and privileged Americans are the priorities of the Congress and of the President.Despite the President's empty rhetoric about the march of democracy, we have abandoned any claim to idealism. We are a renegade nation, an aggressor who launched an unprecedented "preventive" war against Iraq. We do nothing to prevent genocide in Darfur. We cast aside the Geneva Conventions and international commitments regarding torture. With secret "interrogation" facilities around the world, we send prisoners to countries that will torture people for us (when even the Gonzales rationalizations are too limiting for our needs).Our Congress is an embarrassment. The stink of corruption that attaches to Tom DeLay has been spread far and wide among the GOP. Congress abdicated its war powers responsibility, and has permitted the President to run a war that was never justified, except by false information that the Executive branch presented in support of its desire to invade Iraq. There has been no check on the power of the Executive, even as the incompetence, dishonesty and foolhardy nature of this administration has become painfully apparent.The President has claimed unprecedented powers in the name of national security. He has ordered widespread wiretaps and surveillance of Americans. He insists that his powers as Commander in Chief inherently allow him to do whatever he likes during "time of war" -- even the arrest and indefinite detention of Americans.What we were once, we are no more. Where are we headed? Are you okay with all of this?
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posted at 12/29/2005 12:23:00 PM by Neil


These where Mine and other Peoples Comments.



Please do me the kindest favor, and tell everyone you know, everyone you see, everyone you hear about, and everyone you can possibly find, what you have written, show them and make them think on it. Hopefully when we will think long and hard about our next president, and America will not stand silent but be heard as a nation. When it is time to vote, tell everyone to get off there lazy ass’s and stop your complaining and do something about it. make you voice heard. and if you do not get what you want yell louder and louder and louder until finally These issues are resolved. I am a passive quiet person, who is more likely to go along with whatever i am faced with. However over the past few years, I have seen much the same problems you see. I see our money going to other countries, I see it leaving through my borders in Texas, I see our people being silenced by the overpowering Corporations. I see a country that is turning back to a majestic monarchy, by allowing CEO's to become modern day nobles, and Presidents to become Unchecked KINGS, and with a purchased Congress, who's interests does it protect, well it protects those who Bid the highest. We where founded on the belief we need representation, yet we sell ourselves short by forgetting to raise our voice. Everyday we are told that we are unpatriotic if we do not agree with our current status. No, I say, we are unpatriotic, if we do not stand for what is right in our country instead of what is right only for a select few. There will always be the "yes" men in every group of people, that people who agree with "THE POWER", in hopes there hopes, dreams, and ambitions are not squashed. But as in the movies in the end they usualy get smeared on the road, while the people they worshiped, reap the rewards of smearing them. Making them the scape goat. I sit and look at my life, being a 26 year old man, recently married, and expecting my first child. I see the world that is being laid out before my children, and I would not wish this on my enemies. Yet it is the bed at which I failed to make right for them, by not standing up and making a point. Therefore, they must lay in the waste of a bed I provided. This is an absolute shame. I am so sorry to my children and your children for not correcting these wrongs. I hope only that America reunite to its basic fundamental beliefs. And start trying to do what is right for America. Not the 4000 or so corporate and congressional, and presidential heads. Well what do you think?Or have you forgotten to do so?RICHARD Homepage 12.29.05 - 1:43 pm #

Neil - what a succinct statement of what has happened, and where it has left us. Thank you, I don't know how you managed to put it so exactly. You know how I feel about all of it, and that I will continue to fight and work, despite my usually high levels of pessimism and despair. I will rail on.Richard - thank you for your passionate response to Neil's posting. You too must tell everyone the truth, as widely and loudly as you can. It is not your generation that is to blame for the current state of events. No, I am afraid that it is mine. We have passed on to you, to our children and grandchildren, a world which - as you so poignantly say - I would not wish on my worst enemies. I can only hope that now we can stand shoulder to shoulder against those who would completely destroy everything we believe in and would hope for our children to know in their futures.marigolds2 12.29.05 - 2:51 pm #

Thanks Richard and Mari. I think a lot of Americans are waking up to the hangover that is the remainder of the Bush presidency. As a people, we need to make a resolution to never do this to ourselves again.Neil.Neil 12.29.05 - 3:12 pm #

One more thinglook up AMT TAX, and how it affects the middle classes, read carefully about how it effects your tax return and deductions such as multiple children and houseing. You might be in for a shock.RICHARD Homepage 12.29.05 - 5:17 pm #

2006 is our year. We have 10 months to rouse the common man from his 5 year nap and take back our country from those who would sell us to the highest campaign donor.The gloves are off, and the fight begins Saturday night at midnight. Are you with us?Tankwoman Homepage 12.29.05 - 6:19 pm #

A FEW MORE COMMENTS

I AM THERE, LETS ROCK, ALSO, CHECK OUT MY SITE AND MY BOOK.RICHARD Homepage 12.29.05 - 6:29 pm #

Why Richard, you sound just a like a Republican, shilling your book.MMMMM, Delicious capitalism. Sure you're not a Republican?Jenn Homepage 12.30.05 - 3:46 pm #

No but maybe an opportunist. No not at all, just curious what people think.RICHARD Homepage 12.30.05 - 7:03 pm #

Linked here from Richard's blog. Thanks Richard for stopping by my blog and making me aware of this place and yours. We have to stick together to defeat the neocons. Great post Neil. I'd like to mention your post on my blog. May I?Marty Homepage 12.30.05 - 7:21 pm #

LET THE LEARNING BEGINRICHARD Homepage 12.30.05 - 7:26 pm #

Marty,Yes, of course. Thanks and Happy New Year!NeilNeil 12.31.05 - 12:43 pm #

Thanks Neil and Peace in the New Year to you.Marty Homepage 01.01.06 - 8:45 pm #

I CANT BELIEVE PEOPLE ARE NOT READING THIS MORE. I HOPE YA'LL'S NEW YEAR WAS A GREAT ONERICHARD Homepage 01.02.06 - 6:51 pm #

Damn those blasted Neo-Cons. Anyone here actually looked at the dictionary definition of a neo-conservative.ne·o·con·ser·va·tism also ne·o-con·ser·va·tism Pronunciation Key (n-kn-sûrv-tzm)n. An intellectual and political movement in favor of political, economic, and social conservatism that arose in opposition to the perceived liberalism of the 1960s: “The neo-conservatism of the 1980s is a replay of the New Conservatism of the 1950s, which was itself a replay of the New Era philosophy of the 1920s” (Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.).Not bad, really. So feel free to call me a Neo-Con. Thanks.jenn Homepage 01.02.06 - 10:58 pm #

Well I think whatever term we use. In short, what we want is a better life, better economy, and a safer and better America. We want our families to have good jobs, and for our streets to be safe. For our neighbors and ourselves to have a full life. For the America we where sold, not the one we ended up with. Thank you,RICHARD Homepage 01.03.06 - 10:46 am #

PLEASE LETS MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN
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