I could recite it... and I have over the years I've had this blog... but... straight from a well spoken individual that was raised in just such the situation. I don't care what the "bible" says about it. We aren't talking about the bible here... we're talking about real life... in a country founded on the ideas of religious freedom, which says that any one "religion" should not have any say on the matter.
I'm disturbed to see some of the crap Glenn Beck has been spouting lately... I swore I'd stop writing about politics... but man... This guy can distort facts like theres no tomorrow (and thats exactly the argument he makes alot of times...) I mean... hes arguing that the FCC trying to setup Net Neutrality ie: a Neutral Internet. As in an ISP is Neutral to the traffic that passes over them... and saying this is a way of "silencing the Right" ????? REALLY!?!? WTF!?!
I mean... you people that listen to him, make an argument and will say that you're "smart people".... but really? This guy is saying a black pot is a white pot... He's given you an argument that you want to keep the internet as it is.... well... except for the last oh maybe 2-3 years... the Internet HAS BEEN Neutral! ie: Net Neutraliy is what you want if you want to "keep it as it is". The reason the discussion about creating laws and regulation around it has come up... is because the likes of the AT&T CEO was wanting to charge customers and providers for the right to use their network... thats right... going and coming... thats like paying to get on the toll road... and paying to get off... on the same trip! Which is wrong... why must you defend this sell out of a man... hes nothing but a Shill for big Corps as they are the only ones against Net Neutrality!
So, the opinion show of Fox and Friends. Has decided to discuss some unnamed study that going to 4 years of college makes you more liberal.
They are saying its because professors are pushing their own liberal bias and that schools employ only liberal professors, and this translates into them rubbing off and being a bit more liberal. And to quote... they ask "How do with fix this?" !?!? First of all... I'm a little put back at the boldness of the statements they were making in the video. I mean... It says a lot about what they really want. They're saying that people shouldn't go to college because you'll become a dumb liberal? Uhm... I'm sure that's why... or maybe they're using that as a reason to keep you from going to school and actually learning something... learning critical thinking? Learning how logic works... learning how if a=b and b=c, then a=c EVERY TIME! Learn to develop your own opinion, and be exposed to many different cultures and people, because government funded schools are required to admit an ethnically diverse student body. In fact it sounds to me like they like to keep their audience uneducated and dumb... so they'll believe and act solely on the agenda they put forth. I mean... the proles were an excellent work force, keeping the party in power and able to do whatever they wanted. They just needed to throw a bone or two every now and again. I have to say... I think our education system is failing... on the basis that at the very minimum, high schools should be teaching Critical Thinking and Ethics classes at least in 10th grade.
Ok Republicans... Want something we can both be mad about? Want to talk about special interests? Want to know why I would have NEVER voted for McCain?
Supreme Court Rolls back Campaign Spending Limits THIS is VERY upsetting. What it means to you and me? Well, any corporation now has the same rights in the eyes of campaign elections as you or I. And they have MUCH deeper pockets. Want your voice to be heard? Not likely to happen because WalMart will get special time with each and every politician that will take their money. When was the last time you could sit down with your senator and have their undivided attention?
Oh and just so you know... Every Justice appointed by a republican... voted FOR this, Dems' appointments... were against. Just to make sure you know.
So I haven't been following it to closely because I can't stand all the petty bs spewing from both sides. However one side is definatly doing more than the other.... But Democrats.... grow a pair! I mean I don't understand why you do anything to attempt to please the republicans, because they are against you because of who you are not what you stand for. No matter what, they will disagree with you because that's what they are supposed to do. Their followers will do the same. They don't vote on issues, they vote party lines. Stop trying to please them, because it doesn't matter they won't change their vote. It will be a lot more misinformation and FUD. So if your not willing to step up and do what you were voted in to do. Could we get the Green Party to please stand up?
So... The New England Journal of Medicine has a report showing the majority of doctors support a public option... Atleast as many as 57.4% of doctors across the country from all specialities supported a public option. I wonder how many against it, know what option really means...
Why would a Doctor support something that was going to make their job harder? (ie: get between them and their patient, as is claimed far to often.)
I can't believe people... all against it, until your the one in need of medical care and can't pay for it or get *gasp* denied. First place you'll run to is Medicare isn't it? I would...
So, California's Private Insurers are denying the better part of 21% of their claims... thats 1 in 5 people... which are you? The Neocons would have you believe that our Healthcare is fine... no... the greatest in the world... I wonder which world they live in. My eye's tell me that the US ranks 37th... yeah 37th! I just don't understand why people are so against this healthcare thing... I mean... we've spent more on the war in Iraq than National Healthcare will cost in my lifetime. What do you people have against other people being well? I won't waist my time by putting in all the reasons why it works... those are apparent.
I've attempted, very poorly I might add... to put to words what I think of our current political situations... With listening to George Orwell's 1984 on my drive home for the last week, I've been making comparisons to today's world and the one imagined by Orwell... and the certain similarities are alarming to be honest. Anyway, I came across an article entitled: The Republican Party Is Turning Into A Cult. And, I believe it describes how I've felt for some time... but I believe it manages to remain "fair" and "balanced".
I found the following in a post on Digg... I rather like it so I thought I'd repost it here...
*Create a lower tax environment for foreign companies to build plants in the US, because it is obvious our own companies do not want to stay.
*Allow companies that are in trouble to fail. You will lose a lot of jobs instantly, but they will all be regained with the auctioning off of the assets of the deceased. You want alternative energy? Imagine what can happen it Tesla, Aptera, or THINK get there hands on the plants, machines, and assembly processes of Ford or GM.
*Close almost every overseas military base and reopen some our closed military bases here in the states. Instant increase in sales in the areas of base openings and lower cost for the US tax payer. Need to keep some bases open? Fine, Bahrain can stay since Bahrain gives us a nice kick back for keeping that base open, maybe Okinawa...
*Get rid of a lot of Government departments such as Education, HUD, Susquhenna river basin commission, etc.
*Obviously, the president is not going to toss the FED out the window -- like they should -- so since they are going to keep them, raise rates and keep them high. Because, if they really want to be Keynesians, they need to have VERY high rates when times are good [12% and above], and lower rates if ***** hits the fan. Under REAL Keynesian economics, you are to be a capitalist when times are good, and a socialist TOWARDS YOUR PEOPLE (not companies), when times get bad. Keynesian economics do not state BAIL OUT COMPANIES.
*REMOVE ALL SUBSIDIES! PERIOD! A lot of people say that Alternative Energy Companies should get a subsidy. Well, guess what? Exxon Mobil and Chevron Texaco can count as alternative energy companies just by changing a few bylaws since they both cumulatively own the majority of alternative energy patents out there. I don't my tax dollars going to private companies -- period. If all else fails, please remove the subsidies that you have on the Oil, gas, and coal industries.
*REMOVE ALL COMMODITY related subsidies. A lot of people do not know that American sugar, rice, cotton, etc are subisidies thereby keeping the price of these commodities [and more] high? Billionaire Trader Jim Rogers actually calulated that it'd be cheaper to pay every farmer $100,000 per year for the rest of their lives, give each a Porsche, and pay for their housing for the rest of their lives, and it'd save the government AND US Tax payers 50Million per year.
*Fix restrictions on patents please. If there is anything that should be done on this list it should be this. As matter of fact, this is the number one thing to do. PERIOD!
*Legalize weed and tax it via licensing at the federal level [like you do the alcohol and tobacco companies], then aggressively pursue those who violate the licenses [like you do moonshiners]. Granted, with weed it is harder to do this, and lot of potheads are going to hate me for saying this, but although it comes from the ground, and although it does wonderful things for us, if they legalize it, consider it a gift.
*Allow America to regain our status as the #1 Hemp leader in the world. Hemp Oil, Hemp Clothe, etc., kicks ass and can help create jobs.
*But man, we really need to do a NEW DEAL!!! Fine, take every non violent criminal and put them to work on this thing then. Give them a choice: Max punishment for sentence, or work 1-2 years fixing roads or digging ditches and *****. I'd love to see the CEOs of Lehman and Goldman shoveling asphalt into a road.
TL;DR: Legalize hemp, stop subsidizing *****, create more favorable tax laws to promote foreign companies to open here in states, close almost all overseas military bases, and number one: REDO LAWS ON PATENTS!!!
I'm intrigued by this notion that Obama is a socialist. How so? Really? I don't get it.... How does him wanting to give healthcare to people because they can't afford it on their own because of Job cut backs and horrible HMO's that don't cover anything make him a socialist? Alot of americans have had to quit jobs and file bankrupcy because their HMO wouldn't pay for medical bills. Guess what happens then? You end up footing the bill for them anyway, I'd much rather we all pay into a system that keeps such things from happening.. The US has a lot of current plans that are like socialism already... in fact Ronald Regan called Medicade and Medicare socialistic practices, cause they are in a sense. Having the government pay for TSA is also socialism. There are alot of other things that also fall into it, but you get my point right? Claiming one candidate over another is a socialist is, well... dumb. Fact of the matter is Dems and Republicans aren't all THAT different. Knowing my family, friends and relatives are LDS, I would just like to point out one thing you may have missed in some of your "research". Senate Majority Leader (D-NV) Harry Reid IS LDS. Also there have been a few Apostles that were also Democrats, the one I know off the top of my head, Apostle Hugh B. Brown who said in his biography, "I am a Democrat because I believe they are kinder to the poor.".
A few other things you might have missed in all the research was that the crap that goes on in the Middle East and the bombings here in the US, is CAUSED BY US. Our meddling and support for various dictators in those countries (Courtesy of the 9/11 Commission Report). It makes people not like us. So... we should pull out, and leave them the hell alone. Its not that they hate our freedom, its in how we try to "spread" it... they're perfectly capable of doing it on their own should they want it.
And another thing I hear a bit... that its all the Beginnings of the Second Coming... I'm dumb founded by this type of comment... I mean... your saying we should continue to fight and cause all sorts of ruckus because of the writings of the second coming in the bible? Really? So... may I pose a few questions... Why would you agree to life saving surgery's and medicines if you believe this? I mean, if you die, not by your own volition, and you've lived well... then you go to heaven right? So... why agree to it? I'm just wondering, because I know you all would.... Everyone will do anything possible to save their own life, and yet its somehow ok just to continue having our solders and those Middle Eastern Muslims die in the name of the Second Coming. Some how Though shalt not kill has been underwritten to include text something like "unless your Muslim/Middle Eastern/In the way of the second coming". And I'm ashamed of everyone of these so called Christians that are wishing ill will towards ANYONE (That's not in the bible). As far as writing me back about any of this, don't. Because I don't care what you say. You've justified all these actions to yourself until you whole hardily believe it. However, just because you believe this way, does not mean I will treat you any differently. I will still always be civil, and I expect the same from you. We can agree to disagree of sorts.
I also want to point out some retarded claims of Obama causing the worst 4 years in history. You obviously haven't lived in this country for the last 8... Cause I could have sworn that the last four years were the worst ever. Apparently there are quite a few that agree with me, being that George W. Bush has the worst approval rating of ANY president EVER, even Nixon had a higher approval rating. I have seen my digital rights as well as my privacy be striped over these last 8 years more than any year previous. The government has gotten to its BIGGEST point EVER, and somehow its the Dems fault? The Department of Homeland security is the biggest joke and excuse for a department if ever there was one. Guess what... we had a department that was dedicated to homeland security... you all know it... three initials, FBI. So why is it we believe that the Dems cause bigger government? Bush and cronies have done a real bangup job of getting the Government to its largest size ever. And I'm an equal opportunity complainer, I know that the Clinton Administration created the current housing debacle, the fact still stands that the Bush Administration AND congress knew about, and have known about it for years and have done nothing to fix it. BOTH parties. Which leads me to a position I've held for quite a while... I've been saying to vote out EVERY incumbent. I don't care what party they were apart of, if they've been in office for more than 4 years, VOTE THEM OUT. I don't like McCain because of this... he's been a career politician for a long time, and had the ability to stop, or even attempt to try to change things. The only people in office I've liked that can stay, Ron Paul, and Dennis Kucinich. Why these two? They're both from different parties and actually have completely opposite view points about government. Ron Paul has constantly stood out against alot of the crap that goes on in Washington. Dennis was the only politician pushing for Impeachment of Bush and Cheney for High Crimes(which they both deserve jail time for). AKA, they were BOTH going for CHANGE. That is what I want. The current system isn't working out well. One thing Obama's been for is transparency in the Legislative branch. He wants all bills to be put on the Internet and able to be viewed by the public at large as soon as they're proposed on the house and senate floors. As well as a way easily track how each candidate voted. Being in technology, I know that such a thing isn't difficult. He however was getting lots of opposition (mostly from republicans) about the bill. Sounds like someone wants to keep hiding the pork? By the way, hear about the 7 counts of illegal gifts received by Alaska's Republican Senator Ted Stevens was found guilty for? Good thing they replaced him... Finally.
I find it somewhat amusing at the rhetoric I hear living in one of the most red states in the union. Especially from members of my own family, just because I lean more left than I do right(But I don't consider myself aligned by any party in particular, as I believe they're all not without fault). Let me help you with my position on life a bit... I grew up with a thirst for technology, and naturally, a love for science and logic are a result. I don't respond to emotional plea's and scare tactics, because I immediately wonder why, what the purpose of such an action is based on... Logic and Facts? or someone's belief? If it can't be backed by something other than belief, then its placed in a "to be determined" state in my mind. After all... that's what my Critical Thinking classes have pointed out to be the correct response.
Now on to why I voted Obama. I voted for him, not just because he's a democrat, not because he is African American, not for his stupid slogan of "hope", and "change". But for the change he has already brought to the senate, and the change I expect to see from world leaders. World Leaders like him, and we could use some help from the world at this point in time. Having world leaders getting along and talking is a *GOOD* thing, regardless of how we actually like their policies. Fact of the matter is... the world hasn't liked Bush's policies with regards to them, and I must agree. I don't want war, I'm tired of the war we are in, I don't want to go to war with Iran, Venezuela or any other country. I want the focus to be on our homeland. If the Iraqi's want to kill each other... let them, they need to figure it out for themselves. Being in the US I don't understand their culture, nor will I make any such claim to. What I do know is... spreading "Democracy" isn't something you can slam down someone's throat, they need to want it. Just stop meddling in their affairs. Take care of home. Supporting various Regimes for some sort of desired outcome has only come out to bite us in the end (Hussein AND Bin Laden anyone?).
I love Ron Paul's take on foreign affairs, and we could use some more of that. However, He's unlikely to get elected in my lifetime because libertarianism is only favored by a small select few. Everyone wants the government to step in and monitor and control everything.... and for a system such as Paul's to work, people would have to stop wanting that, and stop allowing the government to get bigger and bigger. Individual liberty needs to be EVERYONE's top priority, so the whole illegal NSA wire-tapping would not be tolerated, Gay Marriage should not even be an issue, and what content is in Movies/TV/Radio/Video Games, is not an issue for ANY government agency. No Medicaid, no Medicare, no social security. No to a ot of things... there are some good things that result from such, but as I said... we are so far from accepting anything that closely resembles it, that its... not vote-able. So, I'm left with picking someone that can work in the political and social structure that we currently have, but still enact change that I believe to be beneficial. I don't like war, so, I want someone that will get us out of it and focus on the issues at home, not run off and start a new one with Iran. And considering all that I've heard bush say over the last 8 years... I don't want anyone close to him... Obama being a lawyer is a good sign he is more intelligent than Bush. I never believed McCain to be a bad guy, however I do believe he was being influenced by the NeoCons of Bush/Cheney and company. That I don't like, for him to have ever had a shot with me, he should have pushed that off instantly.
Now, do I believe I made the correct choice, absolutely. Will I be paying higher in taxes? who knows, from the analysis from his tax plan that I keep seeing on CNN, latimes, and other sources I'll be paying less with Obama. Will he bankrupt coal power plants, from what I heard him say... he could bankrupt new, non clean, coal power plants. Will we get the socialized medical attention that the rest of the modern world has? doubtful, least not in the first 4 years. As for the other negatives I've heard about him... They're not even worth mentioning because their ridiculous.
I've always believed it from the moment I first heard of her... but after reading an article on Sarah Palin's War on Science. I'm appalled. *THIS* is the candidate the conservatives want in a vice president? One missed heart beat away from the president of the USA... in a time such as ours currently? *REALLY?!?!* *WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?*
I don't know what to do... really... I'm at a loss... why? I want a good reason why? I'm tired of the petty terrorist, or he hates America crap, or he's a socialist... Wake up, we just bailed out private banks... we're socialist already UNDER REPUBLICAN CONTROL (and if its for the reason of color... shoot yourself now, you don't have a reason to live)... and can't we just get beyond paltry party politics for a minute and just look at a thing called HISTORY, you know... that dreaded class that was forced upon you in your early schooling years... ya know they did that for a reason....
Look, I'm not saying he's perfect, I don't know how he could be where he is, and be perfect. He still has to pander like every other politician... but they pander for you, you know that right? They spoon feed you whatever crap they believe you want to hear. And they dodge questions and flash something shiny to divert your attention from what really matters. All I'm saying is look at the history, as that's really the true measure of the person. And from where I'm standing... (I realize there is "less" history for Obama, but go from what there is).
The answer is obvious... more of the same... or actual Change(tm).
I'm So sick and tired of this idea that this country was founded on some Christian establishment or ideal. Its so far from wrong it astounds me. Up until the 1950's, the national moto was E Pluribus Unum, ("from many, one") , and In God We Trust was not added until an Act of Congress in 1956. I know our school systems are bad, but since I wasn't there THAT long ago, I know they are not teaching this. So where does this non-sense come from? The Media? ie: Fox News? or what? It's absurd and I can't take it anymore. I will call anyone out on this anytime I hear it... and this reason alone, I will NOT vote for McCain.
I was browsing while watching the Lost recap this evening and found an excellent article written about the actual actions the two running Democrats have done in the Senate over the last year.
I can tell you I'm overjoyed at the news of this. It happened while I was getting my surgery and I can tell you its great news to my ears.... And If you disagree with me, you really should listen to the words he uses to the reasons hes dropping out. He says that if you vote for the Democrats your a terrorist... Jon Stewart explains exactly how I'm feeling...
I'm also glad Jon pointed out exactly how hypocritical Romney is, with this Religion thing. Our country was founded on the principals of religious freedom, because the founders disliked how the countries they were leaving were run by religion. They wanted to worship who and what they pleased. He also said to extended our freedoms, yet at the same time said he wanted to legislate to protect marriage, which would actually decrease freedom as it would be the first thing in our constitution forbidding something... Its beyond me how people can't see the problems with all of this... I'm not saying you have to like it, I'm just saying *YOU DONT HAVE THE RIGHT* to forbid these actions and then maintain your own religious guilt trips.
Well, I've been saying it for a while, as I believe most of the Republicans follow the words of our current President and think the Constitution is just a piece of paper. Well, its not. Came across a blog entry entitled: Mitt Romney: It’s Not Religion, its His Politics. It gives some very good reasons for not voting for Romney as well as all but one of the current Republican candidates.
Why is it that people link video games to real world violence? Or music and movies for that matter? I don't quite understand it. I've never been a stranger to these violent video games or movies, and I'm not out killing people. Nor do I have the desire to. In fact, if you've read my blog at all, you'd know I'm against the current Iraq war and typically war in general. I am also not alone in this form of thought, and yet we have an ultra concervative right wing that is on a mission for the "greater good" because they believe these things contribute the the decay of society or something like that. However, these beliefs are unfounded, and cannot be proven, and above all they inhibit the freedoms this country was founded on. It is our *RIGHT* to have freedom of speech and to do whatever, whenever we want to. The *ONLY* reason to ever stop a person from doing what they want is when what they want would interfere with someone elses rights. This is the reason Murder is bad. As I said previously however, there is no proof what so ever that these violent video games, or the violent music of the 70's, 80's and 90's? or was that era before that too? I know Elvis was thought to be evil at one time and he was in the 50's right? Forgive me, because I'm only old enough to have my sheltered begining years in the 80's and my teen years through the 90's and I can't tell you the exact order of anything before that. (What can I say, the "history" as its presented in our schools is mostly worthless) Anyway, I believe I'll sum up my distaste for censorship with a couple of quotes from slashdot.
Great advertising.. (Score:5, Interesting) by EveryNickIsTaken (1054794) on Tuesday June 19, @12:06PM (#19565967) Manhunt 2, available soon in the US on the Wii... GamePro gives it 8/10. IGN rated 9.5/10. British Board of Film Classification calls its 'unrelenting focus on stalking and brutal slaying.' 'There is sustained and cumulative casual sadism in the way in which these killings are committed, and encouraged, in the game.'
The idea is dumb. (Score:5, Insightful) by Pojut (1027544) on Tuesday June 19, @12:09PM (#19565997) The very idea of banning ANYTHING entertainment-related in a 1st world country/area is completely stupid.
Any newscast will be covering events at least as horrible if not worse than anythin you will find in a video game. The difference is, when you hear about someone getting brutally murdered on the news, a person actually died.
I've always felt those that say videogames/movies/whatever that are too violent are the sick ones, for they apparently cannot discern fantasy from reality.
What is it with people? They're willing to give up everything because some situation will "never happen to them". And do it in the name of "freedom", and the "war on terror" or the "war on drugs"? Why? I'm writing about this article: 'No-knock' Searches Get People Killed. This is ludicrous. I'm going to let you in on a little secret. The "ware on drugs" is costing us BILLIONS every year... and guess what? In case you hadn't been able to tell WE STILL HAVE DRUGS! What does that tell you? Its not working. Never has, never will. Face up to it. Whats the best thing to do? Legalize them! Make them a controlled substance, just as prohibition never worked, neither will the war on drugs. Want drug related crime to go down? Legalize. Eliminate the black market for them, making legal controlled methods for distribution and even consumption if you want. You might be surprised that most if not all people would prefer such methods.
And then comes the other issue in that article. Which I've heard the news media talk about before, only in a different light. There was a news broadcast a year or more ago, that said District Attorneys do not like the "CSI Affect". As a result of the popularity of the show, juries were wanting the DA's to present more evidence and wanting a solid conviction, wrapped up all nice and neat like they do in the show. To be honest, I'm dumbfounded by this statement really. To have a DA, who's job it is to convince the jury of a persons guilt. Complain when they aren't convincing the Jury. After all, we are all innocent until proven guilty by our constitution. To make an assumption otherwise is just simply wrong. We are also allowed to protect ourselves from unlawful entry into our homes, *regardless* of who is entering. To have *one* innocent man go to jail is a crime. *EVEN* if that means that 100 guilty men/women go free as a consequence of the DA/police not doing their jobs(And yes I do realize that makes their jobs EXTREMELY hard, and they should be). To have the representatives of law breaking the law themselves and fabricating evidence is truly criminal and they deserve to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
I also dread our next election. Because I know people are tire of Bush and all the crap hes pulled, which means people are probably going to vote Democrat. The sad thing... the Democrats are JUST AS BAD as he is! I've only seen one or two that will actually try to fix the mess we are in. But they are not the popular candidates, because of their candidness to the questions most politicians give pre-fabricated bull-shit answers to.
So, the question becomes "Where do I want to move to? Which country knows the *REAL* meaning of freedom? and patriotism?" Anyone know? because I'm really tired of all of this... it gives me such anxiety.
Well if you didn't catch the Republican National Debate (neither did I, I've been catching pieces of it on YouTube.) you really should read more about it. What was said and what not. And frankly I'm appauled at what all but one of them said. What has become of Republicans? They are war monger, torturous, hippocrits. That will almost in the same breath utter that they do these things for god and Jesus. I could be a bit rusty on what Jesus taught in the Bible, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't about torture and war mongering. And don't even start trying to argue that if we don't beat them there, they'll come here. Because that is bull shit, and has absolutely no basis on a little thing call "facts". These are sentiments argued by are fearless leader and his minions of soulless advisors, that are meant to cause nothing but Fear, Uncertanty and Doubt. One of which, by the way, is investing in the *decline of the dollar*(Yes, our Vice President Dick Cheney himself, do some googling you'll find it).
Just when I've lost all faith in the Republican Party, a diamond in the rough appears. Senator Ron Paul (who also happens to be an MD). Look him up, do some googling on him, heck look on youtube and watch him in the Republican National Debate. Hes amazing! We need more statesmen like Ron Paul! This is why I signed the below petition, I hope you will too.
Hi,
I wanted to draw your attention to this important petition that I recently signed:
"Stop Ignoring Ron Paul" http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/RonPaul08?e
I really think this is an important cause, and I'd like to encourage you to add your signature, too. It's free and takes less than a minute of your time.
Well, if you didn't think Attorney General Alberto Gonzales was a complete and utter moron before. Check out his latest showing of complete incompetency. He now wants to put people in jail "for life", when "thought" to have committed copyright infringement. Thats correct, I did write "thought", and so did he. You don't actually have to be proven to have committed copyright infringement, they just need to believe you did, and show "thought" of committing copyright infringement. I just don't know where to begin with this... I mean... this is completely ridiculous.
I'm so sick of Democrats "talking" about democracy like they care about it. Don't even get me started on the vast majority of Republicans on the subject either. I'm so sick and tired of people being apathetic about government issues that cause them to not vote. There are enough non-voters in this country that all it would take is for them to vote for someone that is exactly the opposite of everyone else that is running, Ron Paul comes to mind. Or the new crazy Democrat from Alaska. At this point I'll take either. They should be able to swing the pendulum back in the opposite direction. Something... I really don't know how much longer I can take all this BS.
I regrettably didn't make it down to the BYU Alternative Commencement Ceremony last Thursday. But thanks to Pete Ashdown for publishing it on his website. Also listed is a transcript of Pete's speech that he gave, and I must say it was amazing. The whole ceremony was great. I do just want to put an awesome quote from Pete's speech:
Today, insurgents, radicals, extremists, the ignorant and the insane have turned war into an entrepreneurial sport. We can no more fight teenagers using bombs and cell-phones with multibillion-dollar-aircraft-carriers and the latest jets than we can kill mosquitoes with a shotgun. If the Iraq war has taught me anything it is that our traditional methods of nation-state defense are currently useless against committed individuals. The inability to grasp this realization is what dates many politicians as dinosaurs in a modern world.
Pete also issued a challenge in his speech to Google "Iranian Blogs" as you may be surprised at what you find.
I've been doing some looking... and I find myself, surprised. They are just as Pete said. Go ahead and look for yourself, I even provided a link.
I don't know why I typically only write about political stuff. I really would like to write about different stuff. However, whenever I sit down to actually write something, political crap is usually on my mind. I mean, like today, I've been looking over this awesome website OpenCongress. Which gives background info and breaks down all the crap that is constantly going on in our congress and at least for me, makes understanding it all A LOT easier.
Anyway, I will try to get some more content that is not politically motivated. Maybe more car stuff? As I actually read more about cars and computer/technology stuff than I do anything political. I guess the political stuff just strikes more nerves?
I really don't know where to start with the UK's Prime Minister Tony Blair. I'm referring to a reply he made with regards to an e-petition the UK people had against their National ID card system that is currently being proposed(and I'm sure one is in the works here knowing our government...).
His comments... scare me actually... If there is a national ID system and your complete identity is contained in that system. A system that would be run and under the complete control by our government (or any independent entity), makes it more likely to be abused. All it would take is one person to make a typo when updating your information, or one false positive on a biometric identification, or hundreds of other possibilities, and you could end up being detained in jail for an undetermined length of time because of your possible terrorists connections. Being in technology myself, and knowing what I do, I really don't want to trust my life on a system like this. It screams to be taken advantage of and exploited just like our current system is(and will be). And to help better illustrate my point... I'll quote a comment from slashdot, made much better than I could(they are quoting directly from Tony Blair's reply email):
it is clear that if we want to travel abroad, we will soon have no choice but to have a biometric passport.
This is a red herring that is repeated with annoying frequency. ICAO requirements [icao.int] state that the only required biometric is a digitised photo, which new UK passports already contain [bbc.co.uk]. There's no need for fingerprints, retinal scans, etc.
Secure identities will also help us counter the fast-growing problem of identity fraud. This already costs £1.7 billion annually.
The majority of fraud reported as "identity fraud" is credit card fraud. ID cards will be no use at stopping this, unless you require people to show their ID when buying anything. In particular, the "£1.7 billion" figure is nonsense [spy.org.uk].
I also believe that the National Identity Register will help police bring those guilty of serious crimes to justice. They will be able, for example, to compare the fingerprints found at the scene of some 900,000 unsolved crimes against the information held on the register. Another benefit from biometric technology will be to improve the flow of information between countries on the identity of offenders.
Nice to know that the Government has already gone back on its assurance in 2005 [telegraph.co.uk] that the ID register wouldn't be used for "fishing expeditions" - also nice to know that our details will be shared with some unspecified other countries.
The additional cost of the ID cards is expected to be less than £30 or £3 a year for their 10-year lifespan.
This is a comment by Catullus and the full text is available here.  So... if worst comes to worst... what country will I have to go to to avoid such stupid, idiotic thought processes from our elected officials? They are *supposed to be SMARTER* than the average person. In this case, if they really are... they are damn good at hiding it, and it would also mean they have something much more sinister in mind.  We all should be very afraid. Now that your aware of this information, go watch V for Vendetta again.
Thats right, they're comming, if you hadn't noticed... gas prices are falling, and the dirt is being dug up on both sides of the Democrat and Republican fenses. I've followed politics for the last couple years, not extensively because there's only so much my nerves and stomach can take, and up until recently I've wondered why should I even bother with it. They all seem to sell their soles to the highest bidder and make compromises, giving up something important to gain some political capital. It is this squabling that has kept me from even wanting to vote, because I thought they all were dealing with two faces(at the very least). It has to stop. Its time we get people in office that know the circumstances that this nation was founded on, which is also the very reason for its greatness. Personal beliefs do *NOT* have any place in making descisions for this country. I don't care what religion you are, their rules should not be represented in bills to be put into law. It is supposed to be the land of the free, and have justice for all. Not just the few we choose, not just Americans, every single human being on this planet. I have been looking and waiting for a candidate that understands these very simple things, things that were taught in grade school here in the US. I have finally found one, and as such, I've actually registered to vote for the coming elections and will be voting for Pete Ashdown and he just wrote an excelent blog on just what I'm talking about.
Yes, video games can be violent. We as humans *ARE* violent. Don't believe me? Look at history. Every form of communication humans have created during our existance on this planet, has depicted... wait for it... VIOLENCE. From the earliest cave drawings, to even religious works such as the Bible. Whats causing all the commotion now? The guy in Montreal who *gasp* played violent video games. Ask any one on the street, especially the younger demographic, and I'd beat it'd be easier to count those that haven't played some form of violent video game in their life. Does this make them violent? I'd say that that in and of itself does not. Its typically other factors that lead to the tragedy's such as the latest Montreal incident. The fact that he played these games is no more than a coincident. I mean, he could just as well of eaten at a McDonalds and drove a Ford, and someone honked his horn at him on the freeway just before he did what he did. Could they have caused this? Not likely, but does that mean we need to ban any of these things too? When does it stop? When can we stop blaming x product, and say blame the person that committed such acts? Where does personal accountablity start? After all that is what is really the problem. No one wants to accept their own responcibilities. Our rights (especially as Americans and any country that modeled their own constitutions after our original constitution [our changes to it since i'm less sure about]) have the freedom to do as we wish. The only reason for government intrusion, and the purpose of the government at that point... is to prevent say one persons freedom to shoot a cannon in an area that would affect another persons life or property. If said person had enough land and a cannon that they wished to shoot, and it all stayed within their property then they by all means nessisary should be allowed to exibit their freedom and shoot that cannon to their hearts content.
The point being of coarse freedom. Every decade or so has their own explination for violence, rock 'n roll, and Elvis were two in the last century that were used to explain violence and crime. However, I'm just sick that even after all of the unfounded aligations and the continuing attempts to try to limit the sale of video games, which are struck down because of violations to our right for freedom of speech. Video games are a form of art, art depicts life, and life is violent. Don't like it? Don't buy it. Nuf said.
The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not sufficient warrant. -- John Stuart Mill(1806 - 1873)
Here's another rant about an article that showed up in the Salt Lake Tribune today... its titled: Protecting data: Bennett's bill favors businesses over consumers. I'll summerize it real quick if you don't want to read it yourself... It comes down to who's responcible for protecting *YOUR* personal identification information? In the age of Identity theft, its true that its ultimately our responcibility to protect our own identity. However, businesses that require this sacred information for whatever purpose, and store it also have a responcibility to you, to keep it safe. That means that if these businesses were to loose that information or somehow this information were to be compromized, by a cracker (yes cracker is the correct term *NOT* hacker as the media types like to use) or a lost/stolen laptop. They should be required to inform you of this information should they not? They also should be responcible for the outcome of said compromize. Well good o'll Sen. Bob Bennett thinks that even the first thing is to much and to costly for businesses. Yeah, thats right. Notifying you that they have lost or there was a possible compromize of your personal information is not "cost effective" for a business to notify you about. I ask then, why is this information imporant for them to have? Oh thats right, it allows them to make money, and this pesky thing of notifying "customers" about this breech could hurt their reputation, cost them future and current customers, and cost them alot of money as well.... hmmm yeah, I can see why its in their best interests to have this law...
Which brings me back to Mr Bennett, showing his true colors isn't he. Hes not out for his voting public, hes out for this company that most likely gave something to Mr. Bennett for which he was able to personally benifit from. As for the people, the "consumers", they get the shaft. Thanks so much!
What I think should happen in the very least, is that these companies that retain this personal and confidential information on their consumers, should become legally responcible for it. If the information is compromized in *ANY* way, the customers affected should be notified within 20 - 30 days(maximum! I would personally say a week or less). Also the company is also legally responcible for clearing said customers credit if it turns out that they are an unfortunate vicitim of Identity theft. This includes all financial problems resulting from such fraud. I would also leave it open to emotional distress resulting from the effects of having your identity stolen. Yes I very well understand the implications of these requirements, and that they could bankrupt companies because of it. However, *THAT* is just how important this information is. The idea is, that it would make the company NOT want to retain this information if it really doesn't need to. Also, they would stop storing this information on Laptops, which, to me, is insane. It would, by default, enforce the use of encryption, and I think it would even help with the push for greater broadband speeds and the like over the longer term. Being a geek myself, I love the thought of getting more bandwidth.
All I can say is "good". I mean honestly... there are much more important issues going on in our Nation alone, than to give this issue another thought. Its pointless. Even more dissapointing however, is the show of how little some of our elected officials know and understand what our country is about. Our founding fathers often spoke out against a "Direct democracy", because it would give to much power to the majority, allowing them to squander the rights of the minority. Which is exactly what this country was founded on. Our ansestors came to America because they were being persecuted and their rights squandered because of the majority, and now the "christian" majority are trying to do that again to other minorities. You don't have to agree with the lifestyle of the minority(or anyone else for that matter), its your right not to. Using your status as the majority to take away rights from a minority just because you find morally wrong? What? Come on, and going as far as to put a descriminating clause in the Constitution? Its purpose is to give *WE THE PEOPLE* our rights to protect us from the government! Here you are trying to turn it against a minority. You should be ashamed. It will *NOT* affect you one bit if a gay or lesbian couple are able to get married. I mean, whats the chances of divorce now between straight couples? Nor does it mean the nation will become over run with gay and lesbians (because we all know straight people only breed straight children right?). Nor does it mean you will have to allow these marriages in your temples, churches or synagogues, because these places are not currently required to marry any and all straight couples! These are religious places and as such have the protections to prevent the government from doing these things! Ya know, that other clause you religious groups like to grip about, "Separation between church and state". In this case it is working towards your cause.
In any case I want to make one comment about the article I linked above:
"Forty-five states have passed laws or constitutional amendments defining marriage between a man and a woman, yet non- elected, liberally motivated judges have overturned the voice of the American people time after time," said House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) in a statement.
"It's unfortunate that more than a majority of democrats today have sided with these liberal judges and voted against this measure," Hastert said.
No, Speaker Hastert, its unfortunate that you think that way. You seemingly act like you know very little about the history of this nation and the reasons it was founded in the first place. As I've previously stated, we are a "Democratic Republic" for a very specific reason. So the rights of the few can not be squandered by the many. After all, that is why our ancestors left their homes and everything they had and wanted to come to America in the first place. Ya know? The Land of the Free?
How can the human race survive the next 100 years? thats the question... what do you think? Being my blog, I'll write what I think. My simple answer is "Same way we've survived the last X years". We humans naturally have an intense desire to survive and we will at all cost. That desire will never change.
Dr. Hawking implies that our civil unrest with each other and with nature, will be what kills us off unless we do something. Which is definately a valid point. Why we as humans insist on performing gestapo tactics on each other is beyond me. I'm not just implying tactics of the current so called "terrorists". After all they are just standing up for what they believe... Why they're so radical about it is where they cross the line, but they aren't the only ones that do such things. Most (or dare I say all? to my knowledge at least) religions perform some of these same actions, either directly or indirectly, with and without malace. These religions may not do it on purpose, but its one thing after another, people connect things that they shouldn't and it all gets taken out of porportion, and out of control. This is where we have problems, people dissagree (which is natural and a given because of circumstance), which is where things should stop. Its OK to dissagree with someone, however because you believe your opinion is "right", it does *not* give you the right to force it apon someone else. Before you become cynical with that comment wait and let me finish. As a citizen of the United States of America, I have to say I've become more and more impressed by the sheer wisdom and forethought in our Constitution. Our founding fathers where very intelligent and they added the very excellent clause as to what a persons rights are. Citizens(however I would much rather consider it as a Human Right) have the *RIGHT* to our own Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness. The only time this is (or should be) overruled is by someone elses Rights. This is where you cynical people come back into play. As any of your cynical comments will usually violate atleast one of those three words which are given to every person(or should be...) in this country(and more utopian like, the World). This is a moto I'm trying to truely adapt into the way I think, that if something doesn't affect me personally? what do I care, or have any business in, what you do? As such, I don't think there should be any laws or amendments to our consitution that do anything to counter those Rights. Our founding fathers knew these things from the begining, they used history as their teacher... Now why can't we do the same?
What is it with this president? Its one thing after another, our laws mean nothing to him. First the NSA wire-tapping without the need for warrants? Watching three episodes of Law & Order and he would know that just doesn't work in a court of law. However, he also would know(just from watching a few episodes of that show) he would need a little thing called evidence to justify that warrant... So, since hes The Decider, he's deciding not to go for the warrant because he knows he couldn't get one if he tried? To make it worse he justifies it by saying "Terrorists"... thats right, hes doing it to protect us from "the terrorists". Uh huh... and who should the citizens of the US call to protect us from you? Mr. Decider? eh? If this wasn't bad enough, now theres a new one, where they're looking through bank records. Again... in the name of Terrorism... And hes calling the press that are printing this story "A disgrace", because its telling the "terrorists" what they're up to. I have no idea where he gets off... Looking through personal bank records of average Joe Schmoe and running it through some algorithm and if it falls within certain boundries, they get investigated by the CIA? What? so we're all terrorists untill this program says we're not? Guilty until proven innocent? Has this guy ever even READ the constitution? Which hes sworn to uphold by the way... And yet Clinton, "does not have sexual relations with that woman", and everyone's ready to impeach. How was that worse than whats currently going on? This guy has broke more laws in 3 years than any previous president EVER.
Forgive me, as I've been on rants in my recent posts... and this is yet another one. The purpose of this one however, is because I've actually found some data showing what I've been thinking all along about this whole crisis called "Global Warming"
For years the media and environmentalists have been clammoring about global warming and if we don't stop poluting we're all going to die or something. However, their story has never made sense. They use reports that say that the water level in the ocean is rising because of melting ice caps, and in particular they said that in Iceland, the water is now at a level it was at 100,000 years ago or so (forgive me if the number is wrong, I don't have an article to double check, but the message essentually is that the current level the ocean is at... was also a previous level) Ok.... so the water level is rising.... so we should all be running scared right? Wrong, the real information is also in that statement, just at the end of it... this is *not* the first time the ocean was at its current level. The difference between now and when it last was at its current level? An ICE AGE! So... the earth is essentually still just warming up from the *last ice age*. Hardly a reason to panic. This was my thought, and heres some reasearch to back me up: Is the global climate changing? Is the world getting warmer? They have core samples from Antartica that say essentually the same thing... and from what they're seeing, and if history will continue to repeat itself... we currently are on the tail end of a warm spell. This makes sense, all the doomsday media doesn't.
This is *NOT* to say I don't agree with finding alternative fuels. Being dependant on oil is not a good thing, nor am I trying to say the polution we put into the atmosphere doesn't harm anything. What I am saying is that Global Warming is NOT being caused soley by us. Our polution certainly does contribute, but so does a volcano. I support measures taken by our government to improve funding for research that leads to alternative fuel sources soley for the sake of having alternative fuel sources. If we lessen or even eliminate our harmful impact on the environment in the process, that is "icing on the cake".
What is it with the current Bush Administration? why the power grab? They're power grabbing our fourth and first admendment rights... why are people just rolling over and giving these up without much of a fight? Because its being done it in the name of "Terrorism"? At the cost of what? What it comes down to, is everyone in the US is being assumed to be a terrorist, and your leaving it upto the government to say your not... Whatever happened to innocent untill proven guilty? or does that not fly anymore either? You wouldn't believe how much this whole thing irritates me. Kerry on X96's Radio from Hell has recently stated that hes giving up on politics because hes fustrated that he can't do anything about it... I often feel the exact same way... Because of both politics, and technology issues relating to politics... both make me extremely fustrated, and I don't feel like I can do anything about it.
There were some posts that came across the PLUG (http://plug.org) list the other day about a presentation given by Pete Ashdown (http://peteashdown.org) who is running for US Senate this year, against the long standing Orin Hatch(who I really despise). Anyway the discussion started up because a few (or maybe many?) of the plug members (most are LDS) disagree'd with his views on pornography. And were even going as far as to say that it should be treated as a drug?!? Don't get me wrong, I don't participate, nor contribute any money to the industry as I don't like it. However, going so far as to make it against the law or saying the government should step in to control it? That's going overboard, and it really upsets me. Utah is a very conservative state, thus it is also a very republican state (hence why Mr. Hatch has been in office so long...). The one thing I don't understand as its very contradictory, is Republicans always seem to want and give tax cuts, but they also want the government to step in and start controlling things that they feel are more and more offensive? This *requires* money people! You can't have your tax cuts and the government doing more "filtering for the bettering of our morals". Its one or the other... then they will also complain about the lack of budgets for education and want MORE tax credits given so they can send their kids to private schools... All of this makes me wonder... is it because most republicans, which I believe are usually religious people, know the moral standards they are supposed to have, but have a hard time keeping them selves on track? So their solution is it to make things against the law or harder to access because of laws, thus removing most of the blame on their own lack of will power?
I don't understand it... I've grown up here in "Happy Valley" and of the LDS faith, and for as long as I remember all the lessons I had while growing up were about acceptance of other faiths and beliefs. Sure we believe we are "correct" but... so do terrorists fighting for Allah? My point being that who are we to judge what is right for the rest of the world. If someone wants to listen you your message, that is their right. If they don't, that is also their right. The same goes with morals... If they want to abide by your morals... that is their right and they probably will. If they don't want to, that is also their right, so why do most (at least those that I've read and associated with) believe that it is their moral and ethical responsibility to make the rest of the world abide by their moral and ethical standings. As I said before I'm not a patron of porn myself. I find it repulsive. I disagree very much the thought of government regulation however. Because it'll be a lot of wasted money without much benefit. The solution is simple people... If you don't like it, *DON'T BUY IT*. I know, it means you'll have to practice some will power, and yes it also means your going to have to *TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN* about such things. You can't rely on this nice community to do it for you. You should be doing this anyway! The world can be a big bad place, if you let it. Ignoring that fact does not make it go away, creating laws for it won't stop it either. Keeping things out in the open is always the best way to handle things, because as soon as it goes underground you'll loose all control.
I get so aggravated over this... If you couldn't tell...
Random Quote:
The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not sufficient warrant.
