Donald

Well, I've been at an ideological fork in the road for months... 

Respect President-Elect Donald Trump or don't?   

Some Background: I am 40 years old.  I was raised in Texas as a Republican (big surprise).  I was taught in predominantly christian school environments.  I was raised in church - Southern Baptist, Pentecostal, Church of Christ.  I attended christian universities.  I married a christian woman and had two children; then later divorced.  Once I began to care more about people and less about a bank account or guns, I became a Democrat.  I also came out as gay.  I'm now married to a man.  I've voted for President George W. Bush (once).  I voted for President Barack Obama (twice).  I voted for Hillary Clinton.  I describe myself as a staunch Democrat with a dash of Republican...because I'm a big enough person to understand there is value in both major political parties.   There, now you have the necessary background.

Having said all this, I was raised to respect the President without question.  I was taught that while you don't have to agree, you should respect him (or her).  That worked seamlessly for me until we all encountered the now President-Elect Donald J. Trump.  Never in the history of our nation has a President shown such a lack of respect for the people he's supposed to govern.  This is when everything changed for me.

I thought to myself - {Wait a fucking minute... The whole respect the President thing worked great before.  Why am I having such a hard time with this now?}  Simply put, Donald continues to disrespect both the office of the President and the people for which he was elected to lead.  And that, my friends, changes everything.  No longer will I be shackled by a concept of respect just for the sake of said concept.  Simply put, respect is earned.   Every President in my lifetime has approached this solemn duty and the American people with the respect and gravity that the job requires.  Every President, that is, until now.  As with the law or social issues, things evolve as we enter into uncharted territory and our understanding of circumstances changes.  This is uncharted territory.  I will not use this moment to list Donald's many transgressions against the American people or the office of the President.  His words (many just outright lies) and actions stand alone and need no context or clarity.  Only someone wishing to justify his inexcusable behavior will say otherwise.  This isn't about me not voting for Donald.  This isn't about Republican vs. Democrat vs. Bernie vs. the Green Party.  This is about what is undeniably missing from Donald's approach thus far - RESPECT.  He has none.


The Bottom Line:

Respect is earned and Donald is currently facing a "respect bankruptcy".  Until he pays his debt; until he stops trying to avoid giving the very thing he demands; until he starts behaving like a President; he will get no respect from me.  If you want to act like a 70 year old temper-tantrum throwing child - You will be Donald.  When you choose to grow up and show ALL the people of this great nation the respect they deserve - You will be President.  Some things really are that simple.

We the People

As I got up this morning, I completely overlooked the Supreme Court Decision on gay marriage.  In my grogginess, I moved about getting ready for what I anticipated to be a long workday.  I made my way through my morning routine...shower, teeth brushing...”de-ashification” (lotion)...coffee... and getting dressed.  As I walked toward the front door, the man to whom I used to be engaged informed me of the Supreme Court's decision.  My response was nearly indifferent.  I replied with an "oh, that's good".  See, I was engaged to be married several months ago.  Since that time, I called off the engagement and the relationship for reasons that I won't go into here.  At any rate, I made my way down to my car only to discover that a huge panel underneath the car was broken and hanging off.  I realized that I wouldn't be able to drive to work as planned.  As my anger mounted at the impending car repairs, I made my way back into the apartment, called an Uber, and waited to be picked up.  All I could think of was the cost, the inconvenience, getting to work late, this “stupid” gay marriage decision, and how very alone I felt.
    
I got into the Uber car, and headed off to work.  As luck (or lack thereof) would have it, the driver was tuned into NPR radio.  The topic, of course, was gay marriage.  The pundits were all flexing their opinion muscles.  They talked about the significance, the implications, and the possible legal fights ahead. At first I listened, still indifferent.  Then, they paused to cut over to the live speech by President Obama from the Rose Garden.   That's when everything changed for me.  As Obama spoke about the history of this struggle and the progress of American society, I began to cry.  All my indifference melted away as I realized that while I was so very happy for all those who wanted to get married but could not, I was further away from my marriage moment than I thought I'd be at this point in my life.  This strange mix of grief and gladness would not let up.  As I made my way to work, all I could think about was how I'd missed my chance.  Yeah, I know that sounds a tad dramatic maybe, but it's hard to see "marriage" for myself right now.
 
Once my tears began to subside; my thoughts turned to those who will undoubtedly announce the moral decay of American society and the destruction of all things "godly".  It hurts to know that there are those in the world that would seek to keep me and my gay and lesbian brothers and sisters as second class citizens; and for what?  Before gay marriage was even a thought, heterosexual couples have made a career of entering into marriages lightly and subsequently destroying this “holy” institution.  Furthermore, even those who didn’t believe in God or even believed in things which directly went against God were allowed to take part in this allegedly holy event.  It occurs to me on this day, people of all backgrounds should consider this… Perhaps it’s not holy or godly or Christ-like to exclude certain people from being married.  I offer that perhaps it’s ungodly, or unholy to treat marriage as something disposable.  Perhaps it’s immoral to enter into marriages with insufficient regard.  Perhaps the shame should be placed on the devaluing of marriage rather than who gets to be married.  I don’t pretend to have all the answers but as a formerly married, formerly straight man now living as an openly gay man who now has the right to marry anywhere in my homeland, I have to say that my perspective is clearer than it has ever been.

The Bottom Line

For those who wish to take part in this new era of equality, know this…
Your marriage should NOT be just another option.
Your marriage should NOT be disposable.
Your marriage should NOT be for show.
Your marriage should NOT be for convenience.
Your marriage should NOT be entered into lightly.

For those who wish to decry today’s Supreme Court decision, know this…
Gay marriage does NOT change your relationship with your god.
Gay marriage does NOT infringe upon your rights or opinions.
Gay marriage does NOT diminish your faith.
Gay marriage does NOT make your marriage less special.

For ALL those who are or will be married, know this…
Love, honor, and respect your own marriage.  After all, it’s the only marriage you can both nurture or destroy.
 

Dear God

I can honestly say, that prayer is not a regular activity in my life.  I do believe in God.  I even believe in Jesus.  To what extent...that's another story.  I can tell you that I believe prayer is a conversation between you and God.  I believe it was never intended to be a political tool.  I believe prayer only helps you if you believe it.  I believe prayer can be instrumental in getting your heart and mind in sync.

If I had a prayer to offer, it would go something like this...

Dear God,

I want to say thank you for all the things I've been blessed with in my lifetime.  I know we've fought.  I've cursed you out.  I've screamed.  I've cried.  I burned books that people swear were divinely inspired by you.  I've lost faith in you.  I've gained it back.  I've been guilty of coming to you only when I need something.  I've struggled to understand you.  I've worried that you might not be real at all.  I still think you may have it out for me sometimes.  Other times, I feel you have my back.  Our relationship has been up and down...back and forth...and everywhere in between.  I can't say I've got you all figured out.  I can say that the more I learn about myself, the more I learn about you.

I pray that I never knowingly hurt someone, though I know I probably will.  I pray that I can always offer the forgiveness that I so desperately need from others.  I pray that I will always be man enough to be honest with my self and with others...no matter how unpleasant that honesty could be.

I pray that you help me not be so critical of myself and of others.  I pray you never take away my curiosity.  I pray for strength to fight, even when I don't want to fight.  I pray that I learn something...anything...from my tears.  I pray for courage.  I pray that I will always be better today than I was yesterday.  I pray that if you are listening...you never stop listening.   I pray for justice.

I pray for my children's peace of mind and soul.  I pray that no matter where they are in life, they always feel my great and never-ending love for them.  I pray they never forget me.  I pray that they seek the truth about who their dad really is.  I pray one day I can tell them face to face that their love forever transformed my soul.  I pray they will understand, before them...I was nothing.  I pray that everyone in this world gets to experience the unconditional love of a child at least one time.

Finally, I pray that I always feel that like I can say whatever I need to say to you, and that you will listen.  I pray that even in my worst moments, you see my heart.  I pray that you forgive my mouth, and my actions, and my thoughts.  I pray that by the end of my lifetime, I will get to meet the "person" that I've been through hell and back with.  Real or imagined...  Literal or figurative... Near or far... You've always been around.

Sincerely,
Me

The Bottom Line:
Maybe God is within.  Maybe God is somewhere out there.  Maybe God is everywhere.  Maybe it's OK that I don't know.  Life, if nothing else, is a journey.  Our conversations...our prayers with that something or someone that is bigger than ourselves can only lead to greater understanding and greater peace of mind.

Trumped

It occurs to me that Donald Trump represents the very best and the very worst of American culture.  On the one hand he is the picture of success and resilience.  On the other hand, he's a gas-bag headline whore who thrives on attention no matter the cost.  

I've been quite irritated with Donald Trump for the past several months because of all this running for President talk.  Let me be brutally clear...Donald Trump is Ross Perot reincarnated...PERIOD.  Donald Trump no more wants to run this country than Ross Perot did back in his day.  

The breakdown:  Every so often there is a man with enough personality and money to join a Presidential election in order to accomplish one goal.  The goal is to take away votes from a party in order to get a particular and desired candidate into office.  In other words, Donald Trump is trying to influence the outcome of the Presidential election in a way that will ultimately benefit him as a business man.  I can tell you right now, Donald Trump is not going to step away from his billion dollar empire to take the political job equivalent of working at Macy's as a cashier.  It's simply not going to happen.   

Then came the Obama birth certificate talk...  This is the point at which I moved from irritated to pissed off.  Trump used sensationalism and crack-pot conspiracy theories to get free advertising.  After all, the only thing Donal Trump has EVER tried to sell is "Trump".  It's a global brand with many different offerings.  He's not trying to sell anything in particular, just the overall brand.  He IS the brand.  So, any time he appears in a news conference or on a TV show it's a push for the Trump brand.  The sad part of this ordeal is that there are people out there that buy into this crap.  They believe that President Obama has not proven that he was born in the US.  Certain people continue to ignore that he's issued the legal document that is used by all Hawaiians now.  The long form is no longer even accepted for legal purposes in the state of Hawaii.  So what Trump and other nay-sayers have been asking to see is a document that is no longer legally relevant.

Trump has seen from the start that he could use this issue to get press time.  He laments the fact that news organizations only ask him about the birth certificate.  There are two reasons for that.  First, it's just about the only thing he has to talk about.  Second, he keeps making statements about the birth certificate that only generate more questions, which really means more press.  He may be fooling some people, but he's not fooling everyone.  He's most certainly not fooling me.  

The Bottom Line:  Business men in the vein of Ross Perot and Donald Trump will say and do ANYTHING to make a dollar.  Ross Perot ran as an Independent in 1992.  One of his campaign talking points was not outsourcing American jobs.  In 2009, Perot Systems was sold to Dell for 3.9 billion dollars.  Dell...one of the largest outsourcing companies around.  Don't get Trumped.  This is some knee-deep Voodoo. 

(click on the word Voodoo above for hilarious reminder of the type of person we are dealing with)

   

A Cog in the Machine

My close personal friend Merriam Webster says that a cog is a tooth on the rim of a wheel or gear.  Metaphorically speaking, being a "cog in the machine" has not been considered a really great thing in the past.  Some have used the term to describe someone who is just an insignificant part of a larger entity...a nobody...a slave...a worker bee.  It was once said that a cog in the machine simply runs around in circles, gets worn out, and is then replaced.  

Aren't we all cogs? 

Kings...Queens...Executives...actors...bankers...Quakers...farmers...landscapers...burger-flippers...travel agents...poop scooper-uppers at the circus...we are ALL part of something larger.  We all perform our function to make something bigger happen.  Who is ever really at the top?  Sure, some of us are bigger cogs than others, but size isn't everything.  That's when it came to me...cogs are getting a bad wrap.   In fact, I think being a cog is the natural order of things.  We are all replaceable.  Every last one of us will "wear out" eventually.  We will all be replaced, displaced, or misplaced at some point in our existence. While we may feel like we are running around in circles and just getting worn out, think of it this way... You may be a cog in the machine but you can always chose the machine.  Our life is what we make it.  The cogs makes life happen all around us.  WE make life happen all around us.  We are all a part of something larger in life.  We all matter. 

The Bottom Line

It really does take all kinds of cogs to make the world turn.  We should all be proud cogs and realize that we can choose what kind of machine we want to be a part of.  That is liberation.  That is freedom. At the end of the day, we are all part of the biggest and most important machine ever made...Life.  Make your circles count.   

A Pledge to American't

I just finished reading the twenty-one page "A Pledge to America".  I have to say, the Republicans have out done themselves this time.  They've found a way to use 7,853 words, 215 paragraphs, and 21 pages to say nothing of substance.  It's a long-winded way to say absolutely nothing.  I will give credit where credit is due. They are masters at being obtuse and blending fear with patriotism.  It is NOT a different approach.  It's not a new way forward.  It's SSDD (same shit different day).  Yes, I said it!  This document, like all it's predecessors, is flagrant and irresponsible in it's claims and scope.

I will give you some quotes that seemed to stand out to me...

"The American people are speaking out, demanding that we realign our country’s compass with its founding principles and apply those principles to solve our common problems for the common good."

They speak of founding principles.  What they aren't admitting is that times change.  These Christian principles that Republicans are so fond of don't all make sense for the society we live in today.  As with the Bible, there are vast differences between Old and New Testaments and even Christians will tell you that we don't live by Old Testament law these days.  So, using "founding principles" would require us to restrict women from voting and enslave all minorities(including the President).  Republicans invoke this term as a way to inspire their base, but you can't pick and chose which "founding principles" you want to use.  Society changes.  Times change.  Understanding evolves.  We know things now that our forefathers did not.  We shouldn't do things a certain way just because it's the way it's always been done.  That's not progress.

"Our plan offers a clear and clearly different approach, one in which the people have the most say and the best ideas trump the most entrenched interests." (No, in fact, the majority of this "pledge" is to simply revert to how things were before Obama.)  (i.e.)...

"...we will roll back government spending to pre-stimulus, pre-bailout levels..."


"We offer a plan to repeal and replace the government takeover of health care..."


"Congress should move immediately to cancel unspent “stimulus” funds, and block any attempts to extend the timeline for spending “stimulus” funds." (which, by the way, will throw state and local budgets into instant havoc and chaos, resulting it program cut-backs, and lay-offs...which is the exact opposite of job creation)

The other thing I can't stand about this document is that once again, Republicans are trying to capitalize on fear and confusion to win elections.  Just take a look at this ridiculous and illegible chart.

Even blown up to 139%, I am unable to read or make any sense of this chart.  It has no value except providing the Republicans with a way to confuse the readers of this document and add to the fear of the unknown.

The document made statements about protecting our country and our troops, saying...

"When asked to provide our troops with the resources they need, we will do so without delay."


Would these "resources" also include the nearly 13,000 troops discharged under the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy?  Not according to most Republicans.  In 2000 and 2001, when our nation needed troops during and after September 11th, more than 2,500 gay and lesbian troops were discharged.  Fast forward to Republicans blocking key votes to repeal the policy.

Additionally, they drone on about reducing red tape while indicating that they want to add more voting processes to an already bloated system of voting on legislation.  (i.e.)...

"If a regulation is so “significant” and costly that it may harm job creation, Congress should vote on it first." - Red Tape


"Hold Weekly Votes on Spending Cuts" - More Red Tape




This "pledge" is PR BS.  There are no concrete solutions for anything and the vast majority of its text is telling us what's wrong with Democrats.  Please don't mistake this as a true way forward.  This is just a different way of saying the same thing the Republicans have said since losing the Presidency.  They continue to say... You should be afraid of change.  You should be afraid of terrorism.  You should be afraid of the economy.  You should be afraid to admit that any major advances in this country take time.  You should be afraid to understand that NOTHING happens over night.  Do you see any trends here?  Shame on the Republican Party for wasting the people's time with vague rhetoric that amounts to trickery, smoke, and mirrors.  There is nothing different here.  I can sum up this entire document it a few short words...

We are Republicans.  We want control back.  We are bitter about losing.  We want you to be afraid.  We don't like change.  We don't think the American people are smart enough to see through BS.  We want to create jobs for lawmakers.  We want you to vote against yourself...your families...your friends...and your interests.

The Bottom Line:  All the documents and press conferences and rallies and town hall meetings and Fox News appearances in the world will NEVER change the fact that it's time to put up or shut up!

One Year - One Billion Dollars

It's a curious thing to me that the measure of an artist tends to be how well they do once they are gone.  Think about it...whether and painter, dancer, writer, actor, or singer...if that person's art outlives them, they can truly be counted as one of the all-time greatest.  This fact was never truer than for Michael Jackson.  In the year that followed his death, the singer's estate generated nearly one billion dollars in sales world-wide.  That, my friends, is astonishing.  His music and life continue to speak to all generations.  As with any artist who's taken too soon, one can only imagine what he might have accomplished in the future.  I think about what new artists he might have discovered or worked with.  For all of Michael's tortured moments, he remains an unmatched musical savant.  On a day where only Michael's music will be playing in my home and in my car, I choose to be thankful for MJ's art and his giving spirit.  In a world of one-hit-wonders and tabloid celebrities, it's nice to know that every once in a while we are blessed with the presence of a true artist.

Here's to one year of rest for Michael Jackson.    

United States of Terrorism: Why Immigration is Just a Symptom

"Immigration"  

This word really is a loaded gun, a gun certain political parties seem hell-bent on using against anyone that dare stand in their path.  Arizona has become a lightning rod of attention with the passing of the very obtuse immigration law recently.  I'd like to point out that this law is not only a band-aid for a very real problem; it's a dirty band-aid.  Politicians in Arizona are trying to make a statement.  They are trying to tell the White House that they can do as they wish when it comes to immigration.  The problem I see with this law and logic is that immigration is to the United States of America, not Arizona specifically.  With that in mind, I believe immigration laws should be written on a federal level...not state.  I also believe that measures to prevent illegal immigration should be funded and maintained by the federal government.  The Arizona bill flies in the face of federal judiciary and law.  This is why you will see challenges to it.  Local law enforcement should hold its traditional role...to protect the people.  It should NOT be used to act in a federal capacity by verifying U.S. citizenship.  The federal government should be securing our borders with agents, funding, fencing, and technologies.  Stopping every ethnic person one sees to make sure they belong here is not an answer.  Putting our police officers in a role of having to racially profile individuals is not wise and not clever.  Solve the problem at the source...the border.


Those who tell you that Arizona HAD to pass this law to protect the citizens are wrong, if not lying outright.  Some of the worst laws in history were passed out of fear...i.e. The Patriot Act.  Politicians will use the weapon of fear to keep their own positions of power and influence.  They are not concerned with making sure people are U.S. citizens.  At the end of the day, they would do most anything to keep a seat at the government's table.  Government, in general is a gigantic popularity contest.  If you can't appeal to people for votes you must scare them into voting for you.  September 11th didn't just kill thousands of people, it turned America into the VERY thing we claim to fight against... the largest, most well-funded terrorist group the world will ever see.  Think about it, we have waged wars using bad intelligence, killing thousands and contributing heavily to economic unrest.  We've imposed our way of life and values on sovereign countries.  We have terrorized our own citizens with laws that infringe upon basic civil rights.  We tell our citizens, by our actions, that we should live in fear of the unknown...fear of things that are different or contrary... fear of finding our own answers.  Oh, we go on and on about how this is all in the interest of national security...blah blah blah.  It's about power.  


While I realize that many will find my words subversive and unpatriotic, the simple truth is, I love this country and those who, under orders from our government, risk their lives for this country.  I have NO ill will toward and mean no disrespect to any member of the armed forces.  I also love the freedoms that this country was founded on that afford me the right to express my opinion.  I want those same freedoms to remain in tact for my children and their children.  I do not love what I have seen happening in America since 9/11.  It's year after year of bad judgment and leadership.  It's moment by moment scare tactics.  It's a dreadful mess.  


The Bottom Line:
Don't let the politics of immigration law distract you from the much larger issues going on in America.  There are very real powers at work to make sure we remain under foot and scared of the dark.  

Marketing 101 - GOP Style

The GOP's answer to providing an alternative to "Obamacare" as they so gleefully call it, is to "Fire Pelosi".  When you say it out loud it sort of just hangs there.  OK, fire Pelosi.  I don't care for her either.  She's spent more time getting Botox and appearing at press conferences than working to make things better.  Then what?  What on earth will the GOP do next?  The GOP claims they have alternative legislation which is "common sense".  I read through this "common sense" summary.  The only thing certain about this summary is that it's VERY common.  It's more common talking points from a party with few real alternatives.  A party whose entire offering is based upon pointing out deficiencies in the Democratic health care plan.  Let's look at just a few of the statements taken directly from the GOP website. See the GOP Summary here.

• Lowering health care premiums. The GOP plan will lower health care premiums for American families and small businesses, addressing Americans’ number-one priority for health care reform.

This is a great campaign point, but how exactly is this going to be carried out?  I wouldn't know.  There is no information to support this bullet point.

• Ending junk lawsuits. The GOP plan would help end costly junk lawsuits and curb defensive medicine by enacting medical liability reforms modeled after the successful state laws of California and Texas.

Sounds great...except California and Texas are number 5 and 9 respectively on the list of states which have the highest payments for medical malpractice claims. See the list here.  This means... "successful" is NOT a word any reasonable person would use to describe their reforms.  Then there is that whole California is bankrupt...thing.  Why on earth would their legislation be considered a good example of ways to cut costs?  

• Prevents insurers from unjustly cancelling a policy. The GOP plan prohibits an insurer from cancelling a policy unless a person commits fraud or conceals material facts about a health condition.

Hmmm... and who will decide what "material facts" will be defined as?  I am guessing the federal government.  Last time I checked that's still part of the makeup of social medicine.  

• Encouraging Small Business Health Plans. The GOP plan gives small businesses the power to pool together and offer health care at lower prices, just as corporations and labor unions do.

• Encouraging innovative state programs. The GOP plan rewards innovation by providing incentive payments to states that reduce premiums and the number of uninsured.

These two statements use the word "encouraging".  This isn't an after-school special people.  The word "encouraging" is just a marketing word that really means government regulation and legislation...still social medicine.  It's STILL the same thing the GOP says we should all be fighting against.  Additionally, just HOW is the GOP planning to fund these "incentive payments"?  Monopoly money?  Reducing lawmaker salaries?  I think not.  Try higher taxes...which the GOP historically places on the middle class.  The GOP wants us to apply labor union methods to healthcare.  Look how well labor unions worked for the auto industry.  Oh wait...they didn't!  

My personal favorite...

• Allowing dependents to remain on their parents’ policies. The GOP plan encourages coverage of young adults on their parents’ insurance through age 25.

There's that word "encourage" again.  Do you think for a minute that insurance companies won't slap us with more fees and higher premiums if the GOVERNMENT tells dependents they are now allowed, by law, to remain on their parents insurance until 25??  

Finally... The GOP "Scorecard"

Scorecard: Speaker Pelosi’s Government Takeover vs. GOP Common-Sense Solutions

                         Speaker Pelosi’s Bill      GOP Alternative

Job Losses          Up to 5.5 million              0 (Prove It)

Medicare Cuts     $500 billion                     0 (Prove It)

Tax Increases      $729.5 billion                  0 (Prove It)

The Bottom Line:

Just because something is stated over and over again doesn't magically make it true.  The GOP gets an F for effort and an A+ for marketing.  Too bad marketing isn't accepted as a valid form of payment at the doctor's office.

Home Sweet Home

http://www.udr.com/

Nearly two years ago, I moved to my current apartment community.  I had the unfortunate pleasure of meeting the only male in the office at the time.  He was snide.  He over compensated for being a straight man in an increasingly gay male profession by flirting with any woman who entered the room.  He was rude. He was juvenile.  He got my UDR relationship off on a sour note.  It was like one of those really bad American Idol audition clips that we have all grown to love.  My prayers were answered early on as this delight of a man moved away to Austin.  I don't recall his name because I had a medical procedure done to block it from my memory permanently.

Then there was James...

James didn't really get a fair shake from me because of that Neanderthal that ended up in Austin.  I figured James was Neanderthal Jr. and would typically steer clear of dealing with him. As fate would have it, there were several times I was forced to deal with James because there was simply nobody else to help me.  I started to realize that James might be OK.  He seemed interested in what I had to say for one thing.  That's always a GREAT way to start.  Then he did something else that took me by surprise.  He followed up.  While that may seem like a really lame thing to be surprised by, the apartment leasing world has changed for the worse over the years.  I've lived in apartments all my life.  I've seen just about every type of leasing "professional" you could imagine.  The chance that one of them would follow up with you on an issue or question is about as great as the chance that you would be hit by a truck-driving nun in a school-zone situated in an all Baptist community.  Let's just say that today's leasing professionals don't exactly measure up all the time.  James has always followed up with me.  If he doesn't have an answer...he gets one.

While all this is noteworthy, there is something that sets James apart from even the rest of the staff here in my community.  He has the uncanny ability of "knowing his audience".  He is able to assess WHO he is talking to and engage them in a manner that shows them that he's paying attention.  When he needs to speak slowly and with regard for his words...he does.  When he needs to "be real" and talk to you straight...he can.  When he knows you need a laugh...he makes you smile.  I've personally witnessed him in action.  He is keenly aware of who he is talking to and is able to present himself just as that person needs him to be presented.  This is a quality that is rare.  Most people are only satisfied with coming to terms with how they interact with others.  It's not often that you find those perceptive people who are willing to meet others half way in order to better communicate and build trust.

UDR should be taking notes.  James has a lot to offer any employer.  His abilities make him priceless.  In case you were wondering, I do not know James.  I don't even know his last name.  There is nothing in it for me except the pleasure of being able to brag on someone who is doing a stellar job at treating people like...well...people.  It's timeless.  It's classic.  It NEVER goes out of style.  James should be considered the "new black" in apartment leasing.  Every apartment community should have a James "hanging in the closet".  He goes with everything.

James:  I appreciate you for treating me like a person and not a lease.  I appreciate you caring enough to stay late on a Sunday to update me on an issue I was having with trespassers.  I appreciate you always taking the time to get back to me.  I appreciate you always going above and beyond for even the smallest things.  I wanted to take the time to say thank you and to make sure that everyone knows what a great person and great professional you really are.  It's because of your efforts that I continue to call my apartment...home.  UDR is lucky to have you.

Sincerely,

David by the pool.  :-)

TIME...for God to call Pat Robertson Home

In a world so filled with hate and intolerance, you'd think that nothing would shock me at this point.  Well, leave it to the increasingly senile Pat Robertson to shock me all over again.  It's amazing to me how he has the innate ability to be two-faced.  During a 700 Club "relief telethon" that started airing on the Christian Broadcasting Network, Pat Robertson started going on about a "deal" with the devil that Haitians made many years ago.  He was inferring that the earthquake was some sort of punishment for being anti-god.  So while trying to "help" the people of Haiti with a telethon, he is basically saying they got what they deserved???  He wins the Fake Ass Religious Tool (or F.A.R.T.) Award for 2010.

Below is a "Top Ten" list of ridiculous quotes made by Pat Robertson...

10. "Lord, give us righteous judges who will not try to legislate and dominate this society. Take control, Lord! We ask for additional vacancies on the court." –Pat Robertson

9. "Just like what Nazi Germany did to the Jews, so liberal America is now doing to the evangelical Christians. It's no different. It is the same thing. It is happening all over again. It is the Democratic Congress, the liberal-based media and the homosexuals who want to destroy the Christians. Wholesale abuse and discrimination and the worst bigotry directed toward any group in America today. More terrible than anything suffered by any minority in history." –Pat Robertson

8. "I would warn Orlando that you're right in the way of some serious hurricanes, and I don't think I'd be waving those flags in God's face if I were you, This is not a message of hate -- this is a message of redemption. But a condition like this will bring about the destruction of your nation. It'll bring about terrorist bombs; it'll bring earthquakes, tornadoes, and possibly a meteor." –Pat Robertson, on "gay days" at Disneyworld

7. "(T)he feminist agenda is not about equal rights for women. It is about a socialist, anti-family political movement that encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism and become lesbians." –Pat Robertson

6. "I know this is painful for the ladies to hear, but if you get married, you have accepted the headship of a man, your husband. Christ is the head of the household and the husband is the head of the wife, and that's the way it is, period." –Pat Robertson

5. "I'd like to say to the good citizens of Dover: If there is a disaster in your area, don't turn to God, you just rejected him from your city. And don't wonder why he hasn't helped you when problems begin, if they begin. I'm not saying they will, but if they do, just remember, you just voted God out of your city. And if that's the case, don't ask for his help because he might not be there." --Pat Robertson, after the city of Dover, Pennsylvania voted to boot the current school board, which instituted an intelligent design policy that led to a federal trial

4. "God considers this land to be his. You read the Bible and he says 'This is my land,' and for any prime minister of Israel who decides he is going to carve it up and give it away, God says, 'No, this is mine.' ... He was dividing God's land. And I would say, 'Woe unto any prime minister of Israel who takes a similar course to appease the E.U., the United Nations, or the United States of America.' God says, 'This land belongs to me. You better leave it alone.'" --Pat Robertson, on why Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon suffered a massive stroke

3. "Maybe we need a very small nuke thrown off on Foggy Bottom to shake things up" –Pat Robertson, on nuking the State Department

2. "You know, I don't know about this doctrine of assassination, but if he thinks we're trying to assassinate him, I think that we really ought to go ahead and do it. It's a whole lot cheaper than starting a war ... We have the ability to take him out, and I think the time has come that we exercise that ability. We don't need another $200 billion war to get rid of one, you know, strong-arm dictator. It's a whole lot easier to have some of the covert operatives do the job and then get it over with." –Pat Robertson, calling for the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez

1. "It may be a blessing in disguise. ... Something happened a long time ago in Haiti, and people might not want to talk about it. Haitians were originally under the heel of the French. You know, Napoleon the third, or whatever. And they got together and swore a pact to the devil. They said, we will serve you if you will get us free from the French. True story. And so, the devil said, okay it's a deal. Ever since, they have been cursed by one thing after the other." –Pat Robertson, on the earthquake in Haiti that destroyed the capital and killed tens of thousands of people, Jan. 13, 2010

It's too bad we can't predict earthquakes...then we could make sure Pat Robertson is there in person to report on things AS they actually happen.  

The Bottom Line: Someone needs to give Pat Robertson a one-way ticket to Shady Pines Retirement Home so that he can regale the old folks with stories of God's hate for everyone except 700 Club members.   

~ To the people of Haiti ~ 

The Lord bless you and keep you.  The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.  The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.  

I'm Terrified That Terror Will Terrorize Me Until I'm Terrified Of Being Terrorless

My wish  for the new year is that the word "terror" be banned for ALL TIME.  I can't go anywhere without hearing or reading the word.  Everything is "terror".  Terror...terror...terror.  A child hits someone on the playground...terror.  Someone cuts in line at the grocery store...terror.  Late on your rent?  Terror.  Give me a BREAK.  Not every single thing that happens is terror.  Just like the fact that not everyone who attacks a pope is "mentally unstable", as the Vatican would have you believe.  Some people are just bad. Some are just plain old bastards.  I fear that soon everything will be labeled terror.  Once we start labeling any and every thing as terror then we can all be held without being charged as an "enemy combatant".  Is that what we really want?  It's sad to see the resurgence of this ridiculous blanket term in the media and beyond.  I'm sick and tired of "the world" trying to scare the shit out of me at every turn.  So the next time you see someone pull something out of his underwear on a flight, just beat his or her ASS, then sit back down and enjoy your peanuts.  There is NO need to be filled with terror all the time.

The bottom line:

There is nothing to fear but fear itself.

Oprah, Palin, & Mononucleosis

I just got done watching Sarah Palin on Oprah.  Listening to her gave me Mono!  Why won't Sarah Palin just answer a damn question directly?  I don't understand why this woman refuses to say YES or NO.  She had the perfect opportunity to undo or reduce her poor image with the opposition and she only made it worse. Maybe she just confirmed what the nay-sayers have said all along.

I won't deny, there is something appealing about Palin's personality.  Did she ever need to be in politics?  I'm thinking no.  Did she ever need to be on a Presidential ticket as the Vice Presidential candidate?  No...certainly not!  Is there a forum for her in the public eye?  I think so.  Those who know me well understand that last statement is a huge departure from how I've felt in the past.  I just wanted her to go away.  I do believe that she represents a good portion of the people in this country.  I don't believe she will ever be respected by those with opposing views until she stops playing cat and mouse with the media.  One day she's the cat and one day she's the mouse.  Until she learns to simply ANSWER THE QUESTION, she will not be taken seriously.  She spent an hour on what many would consider the world's most influential television show very nearly refusing to give direct answers and trying to be portrayed in an intelligent light.  All she really managed to do was make herself look even worse by not being up front with those watching.

I have an idea.  If Sarah Palin is going to make a career out of not answering questions directly or dancing around subjects, maybe she should stop going on TV for interviews.  She should stop wasting everyone's time.  She should go back to being a mom.  What's even more amusing is that there are still people trying to refute valid criticism of this Palin interview.  Someone told me told me today, "if you don't want to see Sarah Palin turn the channel...It's not rocket science".  To that I say, if Sarah Palin wishes to remain in the public eye and put herself in a public forum in an attempt to "tell her story", then she, along with everyone else, should be ready for those who will call bullshit when they see it.  It's THAT simple.

Bottom Line: Sarah Palin would have you believe that what you see is what you get...and all those other warm and endearing clichés.  The real truth is that what you see is what Sarah Palin wants you to see...nothing more.  So, to Sarah Palin I say this...  Show us something different.  Show us that you can answer questions directly.  Show us that you can "talk straight" with us, rather than acting like the politicians you moan about.  Stop pretending that you are just a "good ole girl" and own up to the fact that you are NO different than any other politician in the game today.  You are a person with a plan, an agenda, just like the rest of those in power and on their way to power.  You are not the brightest individual in that group either, so it's time you put up or shut up Maverick.

You betcha!

iPhone Douche Bag Syndrome - The Real Health Care Crisis

I want to start by saying that I believe that the iphone is a wonderful device. I do not dispute that this phone has changed the "game" when it comes to what people are capable of doing on a cell phone. For all it's success, the iphone has created a dubious phenomenon... the iphone douche bag or iDB!

Yes ladies and gentlemen, if you are not one of them already most likely you've seen them or know one. They are in their cars next to you in traffic, at the office in a cubicle, at the grocery store, the movie theater, study groups, churches, restaurants, doctors offices...you name it! They are characterized by being unable to pull their faces away from the iphone long enough to take in the world around them. They have replaced the loud, obnoxious cell user as the new annoying thing on the flight from L.A. to New York and everywhere in between.

I've been up close and personal with the iphone. I know it's great. I also tend to grant people their "new gadget honeymoon". I've been there before. The iDB, however, takes this obsession to a whole new level. Have you ever tried talking to the iphone Douche Bag about anything other than their iphone? I thought people talking about their young children or grandchildren were bad. They are mild compared to the iDB. I think it's time to put the iphone down and rejoin the land of the living. There is a time and place for the iphone. The restroom, hospital, game night, or other HUMAN social event is not really the place for it.

Don't let this happen to your loved ones. Act now before it's too late! Start an iphone Douche Bag support group in your area. It's an illness and must be cured. With your help we can see a brighter day for those suffering with iDBS. :-)

Stay iphone Free!

Health Care Hoax: Smoke & Mirrors

America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) is a group of major health insurance providers that have banded together to resist health-care reform. They are now offering up a "report" which states that should health-care reform pass in Congress, it would increase deductibles for America's insured. I had to wonder why a group of major insurance companies would even have such a group. I did a little digging. The following is just a short list of some of the board members of this group. Everyone should know this...

George C. Halvorson
Chairman and CEO
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan

H. Edward Hanway
Chairman and CEO
CIGNA Corp.

Michael McCallister
President and CEO
Humana Inc.

Daniel P. Neary
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company


Ronald A. Williams
Chairman and CEO
Aetna Inc.

Any of those companies look familiar to you? There are also several CEOs from various Blue Cross - Blue Shield companies around the U.S.

Again, this is just a fraction of the CEOs that are a part of this "bipartisan health-care reform" group. Now why would all these major insurers be against health-care reform? Something is just "off" here...

Even more interesting...the "bipartisan" report claiming that reform would raise our rates by 111% percent in the next decade was created by PricewaterhouseCoopers, a tax, risk, and business strategy firm that all of these insurance companies are members of. This is a firm which helps the insurance companies be more profitable world-wide. Oh, and this tax firm, it's based in the UK...not the U.S. Do you really think they have OUR best interest in mind?

This same group has a tax-free research group (AHIP Foundation) set up to do research about the insurance industry. That means you and I are paying for them to research how to increase their business. Have you ever heard of such MESS???

This health-care reform bill represents massive accountability and regulation for the Insurance Industry and they are fighting it tooth and nail. They have their lobbyists and their pseudo reporting firms throwing lies at the American people and legislature in hopes of continuing to profit off the backs of every-day Americans like you and me. Don't fall for this report that premiums will increase for every American. The premiums have been increasing dramatically for years, well before talk of health-care reform. What's not being said is that insurers would no longer have a free ride at our expense and they do NOT like that idea at all. The sad part is all of this information that I've laid out here today is available to everyone. All you have to do is read. I simply went to each website and started connecting the dots. Don't just take my word for it...read for yourself.

Sources:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/10/12/health.care/index.html
http://www.ahip.org/default.aspx
http://www.pwc.com/gx/en/index.jhtml


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Nobel B.S.

It astonishes me that so many people have such an issue with President Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize. I think some people are not familiar with the award's purpose and function. I also think there are others who are just angry that Obama is being recognized for any good deed and would find any reason to criticize the choice. It really irritates me that so many don't know anything about the award yet have so many things to say about who receives it. For more information on the history and purpose of the award please visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nobel_Peace_Prize or http://nobelprize.org/index.html

I believe there are good reasons why Obama has received this award. There are many things which he has put into motion to open dialogue between countries. Communication is paramount to any effort for peace. While our previous President closed many doors to communication while fostering an isolationist approach to war, President Obama has again opened those doors and begun a new era of open communication...even where it's not popular to do so. He's had to reverse so much of the damage done by former President Bush across the globe. He's done an incredible thing taking this country off the path of isolationism.

All things said, I believe people should take it upon themselves to get more background and information on the Nobel award before they chastise the committee or the recipient. The ignorant comments I've seen in a mere few hours has left me with a desire to continue to educate myself as much as possible.

For the record: Self-education is a highly undervalued resource.


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Sen. Black - FIRE YOUR AIDE!

I will try to keep this short and sweet.


Scenario:

I send out a disparaging email about my company's CEO to other employees of my company, using company email and computers. I also do this on company time.

Result:

FIRED

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I can't say that I am shocked by the racist email that was sent out by legislative aide Sherri Goforth, but I am incensed by Senator Black's resolution. Stellar career or not, this Sherri Goforth should be fired. It's one thing to be Jane Doe having your right to free speech and opinion. It's something completely different when you, in essence, send out a racist email about your "CEO".

Senator Black further insults general intelligence by stating "It absolutely does not represent the beliefs or opinions of my office". Really? Doesn't this woman work in her office? Isn't the Senator choosing to look the other way when she should be decisively relieving this woman of her duties?

If Sherri Goforth cannot find a place of basic respect for the Office of the President of the United States then she shouldn't be working in a government office.

In my opinion, until Sen. Black takes definitive action and fires Sherri Goforth, she should have sent the email herself.


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What's Good for the Goose...

After reading about the 4 Uighurs from China who have been at the Guantanamo detention center for the last 7 years, I was left confused.


Here are some of the questions that I could not answer to save my life:

Why did the world’s most powerful government with nearly limitless resources only determine after SEVEN years that these four men were not a threat to the U.S. and innocent of any crime?

If we (the U.S.) put them in detention, why were we now trying to pawn them off on every other country but our own?

In the interest and spirit of "transparency", why are secret deals being brokered with tiny island governments to take in these former prisoners?

Why not make public our efforts to give these people a normal life again?

Doesn't the world need to see that we are capable of owning up to our mistakes and making things right?

----------------------------------------------------------------------

All I've heard about the closing of these types of detention centers is that we are closing them because they are wrong and a symbol of poor U.S. foreign policy and oppression. Now we are trying to piece their lives together secretly. Don't say it's for their safety. If that were the case we'd never know where they went. If the U.S. is footing the bill for their resettlement, I'd like to know the details. I'd like to know how my taxes are being spent for this. Don't get me wrong, I feel badly for those poor souls who have spent seven years locked away and labeled terrorists only to have the U.S. basically say "just kidding". We'd pay restitution for someone cleared by DNA evidence and released from prison after being wrongly convicted. I think it’s fair to help them. I believe it’s our responsibility.

I, for one, do not understand why we are placing them on tiny islands and not here in the U.S... If they are cleared of wrong-doing then what is the problem? In this country's vast Muslim population they could probably find some true anonymity. I don't see how they will ever have that being on an island with 500+ Muslims out of about 68,000 people.

This whole scenario leaves me with more questions than answers. I'd like real transparency. I want to know how we are making things right for these four and the others who have been cleared as well.

If these four people can be plucked from their countries, held without trials or charges, labeled enemy combatants or terrorists, then dropped on a remote island somewhere to fade into history; the same could happen to us.

Think about it for a minute...

Is that really so far fetched?

While the following quote was originally a reference to the sexes being treated equally, I think it has a deeper relevance for all…


“What's good for the goose is good for the gander”



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Wright: Just WRONG - Open Letter to Rev. Wright

Dear Rev. Jeremiah Wright,



I'd like to write to you to express my deep contempt for your continued displays of ignorance. I won't mix words here. You have proven yourself to be an idiot. After your comments today about Jews not letting you speak to Obama I have just HAD IT. You'd do well to be a Jew yourself; just remember that. Perhaps you could learn a thing or two by converting. You'd learn to show some respect for a group of people who has endured attitudes like yours for THOUSANDS of years....not merely hundreds. You are a gas-bag who will say anything hateful to get attention and perpetuate racism. You are giving your church, religion, blacks, and the human race a bad name; and it's time you zip the lip!





I don't usually resort to name-calling but I feel the need to meet you on your level so that you will understand how some people really feel about your antics. Obama not speaking to you has nothing to do with Jews. It has to do with the fact that you seem to have lost your mind in recent months, if not years. I'm personally glad that people all over the world are now aware of just how ignorant and hateful you have become. Your stupidity has managed to go largely unnoticed except by those who happened to be under the sound of your voice. While I have and always will be a proponent of free speech, I will call B.S. when I see it. As I see it now, you are knee deep in it.





In closing, how about you read the rest of the Bible. You know…the parts that tell you to "love thy neighbor as thyself". Try that on for size. Drop the racism and hatred and step away slowly. Nothing is holding you back in this life except for your sorry attitude.





Sincerely,



David A.K.A "FED UP"

*********************************************
UPDATE: 11JUNE 2009 - 4:27PM

Hello everyone - It's been a busy day for me but I wanted to take a moment to make an update to this story based upon Rev. Wright's "clarification”.

I will say that I'm still NOT buying it. He's trying to soften the impact of what he said by saying he misspoke like Hillary Clinton.

So if Hillary jumps off a bridge does that make it OK for you Reverend? That is the coward’s way out in my opinion and I am not impressed with your half-hearted effort at damage control.

Rev. Wright has made a career of speaking to both congregants and media alike. To pass this off as a gaffe not only insults our intelligence but it reeks of indifference. It is clear to me that Rev. Wright wishes to stay mired in past ideals instead of moving forward. He resorted to the verbal equivalent of a drive-by shooting the other day and now wants to make it seem like a mere mistake. I call B.S....AGAIN.

A Priestess Problem

All personal views on "marriage" aside, I was astonished at the behavior of Brenda Lee, the "reporter" from Macon Georgia yesterday. The last time I checked, trying to take a "personal stand" while on the clock as a reporter is not in any way professional or acceptable. Beyond that, the members of the press who are allowed that close to a President are warned about protocol ahead of time. Brenda Lee was out of line and over the top in her protests near Air Force One. After all the anthrax letter scares and things of that nature, anyone in their right mind should be well aware that you don't try to hand the President of the United States a letter outside of standard procedures. She should also know better than to act like a damn fool when asked to leave by the Secret Service. You just don't do that. Now she wants to complain about how she was removed but left the people who are responsible for protecting the President no other choice short of tasering her. She states that she was worried about people seeing under her clothes. I say to that: Don't lie down on the ground while wearing a dress! I think maybe it's time Brenda Lee re-thinks her career path as she is obviously not willing to report on a story from a objective and professional place. If Brenda Lee wants to speak out about “traditional marriage” she can do it on her own time by taking part in an organized protest, blogging, or sending her letter through the proper channels. If she wants to be a reporter she should learn to check her religious views at the door and start behaving like a rational adult rather than a two year old. I, for one, do not believe she is a legitimate reporter at all. After reading her rather juvenile attempt at writing at http://www.gainformer.com/Files/thebirdseyeview.htm , I am not convinced. I also read the letter which she was trying to deliver to the President which reeks of ignorance and prejudice. You can find that letter at http://www.gainformer.com/Files/god%20verses%20men.htm I think the questions should be: How on earth did this “priestess” get within 3 states of the President? Why was she ever allowed that kind of access in the first place? She amounts to a third-rate opinion blogger on her best day. Maybe the U.S. Press Relations Office should revise their procedures for granting access to media events.



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