Political Venting - Before I Go Crazy

OK, I've been thinking about this for a while. I have thoughts, mostly political, which need more than the 256 characters allowed by facebook. So, I am going to join Mr. Michael King and start blogging again. Yes, I know no one is actually reading this, but what the hell.

So, we start with random thoughts....

Is there anything more unfair than the BCS? I just watched TCU take care of Wisconsin. A few years ago Boise State took care of Oklahoma and did so again this year to Virginia Tech. Utah did the same to Alabama a couple of years ago. So let's stop this greedy (by the big conferences) and unfair system and have a playoff.

I'm still certain the two-party system needs to end. It no longer serves to further our political needs.

The same goes for re-apportionment. Let the computers figure out the district lines, not politicians looking to make sure their jobs are safe.

My state representative is introducing a bill in the Georgia legislature this year to change our money to purely gold. Bobby Franklin is the stupidest person on the earth. See the story here.

Having now seen Freddi Gonzalez off the field a few times and talking to him at different events our kids share (Lassiter Trojan football stuff...Go Trojans!), I am amazingly confident he is the perfect replacement for Bobby Cox. I expect great things this year.

BTW, when did the Phillies decide to become the Yankees of the NL? How is what they are doing any different from what Stienbrenner did all those years?

Dale Murphy still deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. I wish I had a vote in the matter.

I continue to have the greatest wife ever. She's going to have to be my rock of strength as I start a diet and the goal of losing 50 pounds this year. 245 sounds so much better than...well...what I am right now.

Exactly how is it possible that Joel and Ethan Coen can make good movie after good movie without a clunker (although Tracey will argue about "Barton Fink")?

Favorite conservatives currently around - Mike King (WXIA webmaster), Joe Scarborough, Susan Collins, Alan Simpson.

My next posting will actually have more well thought-out commentary. And I promise to only make jokes about Sarah Palin once a week or so.

And so it goes.

First things first - Pitchers and catchers report in 6 days. I need baseball to start this year. I don't know why, but I really need it this year.

First things first - I cannot tell you the number of people who I know who have lost their jobs over the last few months. And these are not young workers, they are experienced IT types. The cutbacks I am seeing at so many companies scares me to death. Being a student of history, I've never seen conditions like this since the Great Depression. As much as I hate deficit spending, there is no doubt in my mind that we must have a massive economic package now or I fear what we will see in the future. So, I am very happy that the Senate came to some sort of compromise on a really large package. It's just too bad that most Republican's in that body cannot stop being stubborn partisans instead of being willing to be realistic about the needs of America right now.

First things first - Two weeks into his administration and President Obama has now, probably, learned the most important lesson available to him. Do not trust Nancy Pelosi. The economic bill was completely screwed up by her office and House Democrats. Putting stuff in the bill which, although probably worthy of consideration, is not what is needed right now. It was just stupid. So, now President Obama can go about the rest of his term in office trying to make her as distant as possible from real decisions.

First things first - I want it to snow. I want anywhere from 3" to 6", for it to stay around a few days, and for me to get into the laundry basket and go down our steep drive-way.

First things first - Yesterday was National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day. I would like to thank whoever came up with that idea. We celebrated that in our house by having ice cream and waffles.

First things first - We went to an engagement party for the child of a friend of ours today who lost their other child to an auto accident. It was wonderful to see them so happy, after so many times being in their house when everyone was so sad. Plus, the kid getting married is going to be a Georgia Tech grad, which means he's even better than most. It was a wonderful few hours.

First things first - I cannot be more thankful that, not only am I employed, but I get to work out of my home. No daily commute (unless you count the 50 or so feet from my bedroom to my computer). Able to see my boys off to school in the morning and be here when they get off the bus in the afternoon. Able to wear shorts and a t-shirt as my standard work clothing. Oooh, it is so the way to go.

First things first - We have started going to meetings to get us ready for sending Jacob to high school next year. SHOOT ME NOW!!!!

First things first - Jacob is going to try out for the football team next year. I'll see how long he sticks with it after the first real hit.

First things first - It is amazing that Tracey still makes me laugh after almost 20 years. That is just so great.

First things first - Elliott is a really good guitar player. So now I hope he becomes great, gets rich, and makes my life really easy.

First things first - Looks like my dad is finally going to retire. Good for him, but does that not confirm that I'm getting really old?

I have been working amazingly obnoxious hours the past few weeks. So tonight, Tracey and I decided to not go to an Oscar contender which would force me to think, but to go to see a spectacular movie.

Paul Blart - Mall Cop

This may well be the perfect mindless entertainment movie for the entire family. No dirty jokes or nudity (so my youngest could go with us). No great moral themes or personal conflicts of an ethical nature. Just a funny movie. In fact, a very funny movie.

Here's the highlights for me, with no spoiler alerts.

The Hello Kitty bandage.

"Hey, Paul Blart and Jelly!"

"Wasn't there a moment when I was kissing your purse?"

"You sell pens."

Pixie-sticks as medicine.

Now, don't you just need to go see this movie. I mean, there is no doubt that this is probably the least important movie of our times, yet it is SOOOO worth the $8 and 90 minutes of your life.

In the end, I came out of the movie in a better mood. Happier for having spent an evening with Tracey and Elliott and Paul.

I will now be hiring Paul Blart as my home security agent. We'll have to make our own sign for the yard.

I went to shul tonight. Instead of the normal sermon (our Rabbi was off this week), our Cantor lead a discussion about the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

OK, I want Israel to win. Hamas is a group of terrorist thugs who do more to enslave their own people than to assist them in bettering their lives. And shooting bombs at Israel on a consistent basis doesn't help, either.

But what was interesting was two comments which were made during the discussion. The first was one by our Cantor that lead to further discussions, that we should do what we could to continue to promote moderate Palestinians in the region. That lead to a quick discussion of my visit a couple of weeks ago (with my good friend Hal) to a local mosque.

The visit to the mosque was wonderful. The service was very similar to a Jewish service, although the prayers were in a different language. I felt very comfortable there, and know that I would be welcomed back in the future. It was the feeling of common experience that made me, again, recognize how close our two religions really are.

It really did speak to me about not so much promoting moderate Muslims, as giving each other the chance to learn from each other, and see how much we are alike. How much we value our G_d, our families, our communities. If only those in the middle east took the time to do the same, I think it would so help everyone. The differences between Jews and Muslims would fade as our similarities became more apparent.

The other comment was a person saying that people needed to take more of a stand with our government officials because President-elect Obama was a pragmatist...and that a pragmatist might not always side with Israel.

Now that's one I have trouble understanding. Is siding with Israel always the best thing to do, even in Israel's best interest? Can we not stand with Israel and still disagree with some of their policies?

That thought then brought me to another idea. There are many who are trying to stop Barack Obama from using his BlackBerry. He is resisting and good for him. As long as he is connected to the outside world, he will hear all the differing voices on this and all other subjects.

Then his pragmatism will be well-informed, and I pray that the decisions will be wise and will benefit all, no matter where they come from.

Well, it's been a month since I've updated this electronic thinking board...so it's time to catch up. I'll do it by the catagories which you see above.

Family

Elliott is amazing. He's 11 years old. He has a very nice girlfriend, and last night went out on his second date. We went also (subjecting ourselves to the horrible movie "Twilight") to keep an eye on things. She is smart, funny, nice and cute as a button. I can say with total confidence that girls never looked at me at that age with anything but disdain, but here's my son with a crush on a wonderful girl (who also seems to have a crush on him).

Elliott also posesses an amazing voice. He had a solo at his school's choral concert last week. He's also smart and funny.

My question is...how did he get this good? I mean, I'm his father. I do not nor have I ever possessed so many of the talents he has. Did he just luck out with all of the great qualities which Tracey's side of the family has? Maybe G_d, in his/her infinite wisdom, just wants me to feel like a shlub next to my son?

As for my eldest, Jacob proved something to me yesterday which I could not be prouder of. He was at a wrestling tournament, as is often the case for him on a Saturday. He had lost his first match (against someone who he knows he can surely beat) and was standing around to see who he was going to face in his second match. When that person didn't show up, Jacob said that he'd be happy to take his place and wrestle the kid he had already lost to again. That kid declined. Then Jacob suggested that they wrestle in the place of his final match of the day, just to get the practice and for the fun of competition. That kid declined again. Jacob mentioned this to his coach, who then intervened with the kid and his coach, and both turned him down again.

Jacob may not be the greatest wrestler on the planet, but I give him full credit for his willingness to put himself out there again and again no matter the circumstances. It shows both courage and fortitude that I am so glad he posesses.

He's a teenager, a pain in the tush and louder than any human I know. But, he's growing into a good man, which is all I can ask.

Tracey is the queen of school book fairs. This time though, she was in charge of the book fair at the boy's middle school. Even though she got about zero support from the administration of the school and not a ton more from the PTSA, she was still there every day and every minute it was open. I love her so much.

Not only is she the best wife a man can have and a wonderful mother, but she is a great example to others about committment.

Finally, we took a trip to Arizona for Thanksgiving.

We drove. I will say that one more time so it will sink into your head. We drove.

Across Texas. All the way across Texas. I loved most of the trip out there, except for the part from San Antonio to El Paso. Mile upon mile upon mile of empty nothingness. And there are no drugs which can make it anything more than a pain to drive.

I loved seeing my father and step-mother. It was a blast to get to know my extended family there also. They were all so welcoming and loving. It was a great time. I loved it, and I will think fondly of it always.

Then came the trip back....yech!!!

More driving through Texas. Mile upon mile upon mile of Texas. Included in this wonderful journey through Texas was a ticket for speeding. So I'll remember that part of our trip for the 16 hour period of driving which also cost me a couple of hundred bucks for trying to shave 30 minutes off the trip.

Sports

The Braves are in trouble. They need at least one more starting pitcher and someone who can hit a homer from time to time. None seem to be on the horizon. Crap!!!

On the better side of life, Georgia Tech beat the crap out of UGA in this year's football game. Hell YES!!!! May this be the beginning of many years of us doing the same.

Bowl season starts next week, which means I get to watch much football while working. Ok by me...even if it is Ball State vs. East Carolina (or whatever match-up comes down the pipeline).

By the way, the local hockey team is playing an amazingly bad brand of hockey. They should pay people to come and see them.

Politics

Barack Obama is putting together one superb cabinet. I could quibble about a pick here and there, but as a group they seem to be incredibly knowledgable and competent. After the last eight years, this is something I will welcome.

Also, I am sick and tired of Republicans who are more than willing to watch millions of people lose their jobs yet are more than happy to support foreign car companies getting hundreds of millions of dollars in tax breaks from the states they represent. The level of hypocracy is so huge as to be astounding, except it's coming from politicians so I'm not that shocked.

And I continue to countdown the hours before W leaves office. Saw that movie, by the way. It's not that bad but it actually made me feel sorry for him. This is a man who proved the Peter Principle over and over and over again.

Political Scum

Gov. Rod Blogojevich of Illinois. Enough said.

OK, just one comment. I must admit, the man had a set of testicles the size of planets. Truly impressive in so many ways, most of them sickening to think about. Hey, plus what a classy wife.

It has now been 5 days since my dream came true.

OK, one of my dreams. The one where I win the lottery is still out there waiting to be granted.

Barack Obama was elected President. The people of the United States of America considered two men for the most important job in the land and a majority of them voted for Barack Obama.

I'm just trying to let that sink in.

It's not that I haven't trusted the majority of Americans to think along the same political lines as I do (OK, I'm a left-wing nut job with a strong fiscal conservative streak...so that's a stretch), but I've been just a bit disappointed that the American electorate has given the job to George W. Bush for the last two elections.

As much as I've not enjoyed the leadership of the past 8 years, I can understand why Bush was elected. Well, I can justify why they voted for him. I believe the American electorate will vote for the man or woman who seems to know how not to look stupid while running for office. The last two Democrats running before Mr. Obama had a real problem with that little aspect of political life.

But on top of it all, as about the whole world knows, Obama is a mixed race African-American. Up until now, no matter how much I really tried to imagine that this country could or would elect a black man to the office, I just couldn't work through it.

In some ways, it's funny. My best friend for the last (darn close to) 30 years is a black man. I have always been almost lucky enough to consider myself ahead of the curve when it comes to race. I just don't really consider a person's skin pigmentation when I meet them. So you'd think that I'd have no trouble with this idea of Barack Obama being elected President.

I've poured so much of myself into this election. I'm not anywhere near the most active volunteer for the campaign in this zip code, but I know that I did my part and worked for what I believed in (a trait my grandfather and father both bored into me). Move than anything else, I wanted to make sure this country considered this candidate's words and made a decision based on what they felt was best for the country, no matter his color or upbringing.

On that point, the American people did just that.

Then, at 11pm EST on November 4th, 2008, Charlie Gibson (who I was watching) announced that which I already had seen coming to pass, that America had elected Barack Obama, junior Senator from Illinois, to the highest office in the land. And I cried. My being was filled with joy, with wonderment, and with complete and utter shock.

I'm still in shock. Happy, satisfied, amazed shock.

I have no idea how to really feel. I have been a participant, in a small little way, in the making of American and world history. I have seen my country, this land that I have blessed to be born into, overcome one of its greatest sins and become the beacon of hope and opportunity it had been in the past but had forgotten at some point.

I have tried to come up with a way to reconcile my knowledge of history with my experience of this country. I have failed to make it all completely real in my own mind.

It is as if I will suddenly wake up from an amazing dream and reality will kick me in the teeth again. If that were true it would really suck, because I just never remember my dreams.

But today, as I watched the Sunday morning blab-fests, it became real. There I was, listening to every political pundit known to mankind explain, rationalize and prognosticate about the Obama administration, and it became crystal clear.

It wasn't a dream, it is reality. Everything became obvious. We had left the world of hoping and suddenly arrived at the depot called acceptance. All these people were there just trying to fit themselves into the political world which was now evident.

It is now reconciled. History has been written. The page is turned again. We must start writing the next chapter.

The grand experiment that is America has just cooked up an honored moment. A man was elected regardless of his skin color. I could be prouder, but I don't know how.

"We believe that the best of America is in these small towns that we get to visit, and in these wonderful little pockets of what I call the real America, being here with all of you hard-working, very patriotic, um, very, um, pro-America areas of this great nation." – Gov. Sarah Palin

"Liberals hate real Americans that work and achieve and believe in God." – Rep. Robin Hayes (R-NC)

“The news media should do a penetrating expose and take a look. I wish they would. I wish the American media would take a great look at the views of the people in Congress and find out are they pro-America or anti-America. I think people would love to see an expose like that.” – Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN)

This campaign season has taught us many, many lessons. Some of these lessons are those which we want to replicate, others are actions or attitudes we need to avoid. As we near the end (and thank goodness we are actually reaching the end) we get to learn another lesson.

Thanks to the remarks by the above representatives of our government, we get to see how easy it is to try to dissect America and belittle others. It seems, over the past few days, the Republicans across this nation have decided that all those people who agree with them are good Americans, patriotic Americans, and more godly Americans.

As you all know by now, I am a liberal (well, at least on social issues). I would apologize for this, but I just don’t think it’s a bad thing. Now, many of you reading this do not agree with me politically and that is perfectly fine by me. This world would be amazingly boring if everyone was in lockstep together on political beliefs.

But, does being a liberal mean I don’t believe in G_d? Given I’m a Jew, most people are not going to agree with me as a matter of religious belief. But does that actually mean that I am less religious than most. I certainly don’t believe so. I don’t think one has anything to do with the other.

Does being a liberal mean I don’t work hard or value those who do? Well, I was taught my work ethic by my parents and grandparents. I always try to give those I do a job for my extra mile of effort. Not that I’m the greatest or most intelligent person on the planet, but I always try to work hard. I also appreciate when someone goes the extra mile in their professions, and I hope I express that appreciation.

Finally, does being a liberal mean I am un-American? Wow, how do I answer that? Let me try.

I have tried to teach my boys the importance of being a good and active citizen of this country. We are blessed with many liberties, but those come with responsibility. I take those responsibilities seriously. I always vote. When called, I have never shirked jury duty. I pay taxes (we can all argue the correct amount, but I do pay). I always try to obey the laws of the land (no speeding tickets in 4 years).

So in all of that, where am I un-American….un-patriotic?

I love this country, but does that mean I must always agree with the leaders on the decisions that they make. If my reading of history is correct (and I love historical non-fiction), the Founding Fathers wanted the citizenry to question the ideas and process of those governing. The whole idea behind the First Amendment is to guarantee and promote the debating of our country, the wonderful idea that is representative democracy.

Why has it become acceptable to question a person’s patriotism or love of country if they do not agree with you? How can we expect our leaders to govern us to our greatest good if we are promoting the idea that their motives are against the national interest? As much as I have hated many of George W. Bush’s policies, I have never questioned that he was doing what he thought was best for our country.

So why is it OK to think the same of Barack Obama, or anyone who is not a Republican?

But that has been the message this last week. It’s open season on questioning the patriotism and the love of country of Democrats.

Is this going to help bring our country together? Is this going to help us overcome the problems which are facing us? Or is this going to continue to rip us apart as a people, as Americans? We need to stop the name-calling and hatred.

We can do better. We need to do better.