This entry was sparked after watching a film earlier today regarding a young vietnamese man's plight to America to find his American GI father. The story's primary focus is his horrific and degrading experience in his travels abroad and in America.
This young man never gives up for two reasons: his father, but more importantly his belief in the opportunities that America can provide immigrants. The film sheds some light into the inaccuracy of this age old belief of our nation.
Our society used to exist on the forefront of moral integrity. We are the country that supports religious, political, ideological and personal freedom. At least we present ourselves to be. Thousands of pieces of litigation, wire taps and court cases later, our certainty in our own moral fiber needs reevaluation.
We have become the country of bailouts, the outlawing of abortions, and one which has suspended the basis of our justice system...habeas corpus.
Our beliefs in the pursuit of our own happiness led us to a free-market system. This free-market system is responsible for us having the strongest economy in the world, or former economy. With China at the forefront of international economic growth, our government's decisions to repeatedly ignore suggestions and desires to allow for more regulation, all but forced our government to handout billions in loans and bailout money to the two cornerstones of our economy, cars and Wall Street.
The Big Three have been responsible for some of the greatest and fastest cars on the planet. But it was their unfortunate philosophy of bigger and faster is better that led them to the footsteps of the White House on bended-knee with bucket hat in hand. Gas prices shot up and forced the consumers to realize the luxury and speed characteristics that earmarked our country's vehicle design are astonishingly illogical. Why do we need so many 4x4s and pick up trucks?? Of course it has been the desires of the public that the manufacturers have played to. However, if not so many millions had been spent on advertising of the "all-new more powerful V-8 engine and never-to-be used extra head and cargo room," then perhaps the public would not be begging for it.
It has been our own ignorance of experts and statistics that has time and again plagued this nation's well-being. We continue to re-elect the same congressmen whom we blame for our financial insecurity and high cost of living. Fenno's Paradox is as alive and well as it has been for years. It is the perplexing position of individual's approval of their congressperson and contradictory disapproval of Congress as a whole.
It is these congresspeople who head the committees that submit the legislation that leads to the taxes we complain about, the poor status of our school and highways and approval of an ever-growing military budget. It is our elected officials that make the votes. We have no one to blame but ourselves. It is true that industry is in bed with congress. They have the money to provided for campaign contributions and lobbyists to see their interests acknowledged. But it was the elected officials of years passed that gave into the lobbyists and accepted those campaign contributions.
It is in fact our very own freedom that led the current infringement upon our rights. If we had made more educated decisions in previous elections, we might not be as disgruntled. We have moved from a nation of hope and happiness, to one of stress and fear.
But as Obama's Innaguration is around the corner, so too hopefully is birth of a new era. One of more coprorate and financial regulation. An era in which the greed of superconglomerates is no longer fed by the desire for reelection. Hopefully it is an era equated with the addressing of the interest of the public at large, and not the top tier of the economic sector. Perhaps it will be an era to lead us back to the persona of fast cars and freedom.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Christmas Cheer...??
I have come to the conclusion that we are a strange society. We spend nearly an entire calendar month preparing for our Christmas celebrations. Hours of shopping accompanied by company parties and decorating.
Aside from the preparations is the so-called "spirit" of Christmas. It the time of year in which our culture has convinced us that we should be exceptionally courteous, giving and grateful. Whatever is necessary to guilt trip our society into kindness should be utilized. No quabbles with that.
The confusing portion of "Christmas Time" is how quickly it disappears. The countless hours of anticipation of those one or two days and nights of joy seems to dissipate miraculously by the 26th of December. Indeed some Christmas trees, lights and decorations may remain for the following week. But the fervor of that special time of year ceases to exist. People do not seem to have the smiles in their eyes. The courteousness and philanthropy have been all-used-up like the toilet paper roll.
Now that the holiday season is nearly over, we can once again expect our friends and family mentioning the failing economy, global warming and how much they loathe their jobs.
We spend so much time preparing, and are so quickly able to put Christmas behind us. Why doesn't Christmas extend further?? Why aren't gifts still exchanged and parties thrown beyond midnight of December 25th?? If Santa Claus has no problem sticking his ass into Thanksgiving, as comedian Lewis Black has stated, why can't Santa's fat keester push its way through to President's Day??, if not only for the reason to perpetuate further holiday cheer. Religion plays no role in my life aside from the fact I celebrate Christmas because it has nearly become an American obligation. But if we as a country could stretch the life of the Christmas "spirit," we would be able to extend the graciousness and good-doing that characterizes it. People would be happier and less-stressed about their lives further into the new year, and make life in this country that much more bearable.
I say leaves those "Merry Christmas," and "Happy Holidays" window paintings up through January, or the whole year if you dare. The is no denying the ability of the holiday season to cause a transformation in the psyches of millions of Americans. If it takes a never ending holiday season to maintain a more pleasant state-of-mind of our friends and neighbors, what, if anything, is wrong with that??
Aside from the preparations is the so-called "spirit" of Christmas. It the time of year in which our culture has convinced us that we should be exceptionally courteous, giving and grateful. Whatever is necessary to guilt trip our society into kindness should be utilized. No quabbles with that.
The confusing portion of "Christmas Time" is how quickly it disappears. The countless hours of anticipation of those one or two days and nights of joy seems to dissipate miraculously by the 26th of December. Indeed some Christmas trees, lights and decorations may remain for the following week. But the fervor of that special time of year ceases to exist. People do not seem to have the smiles in their eyes. The courteousness and philanthropy have been all-used-up like the toilet paper roll.
Now that the holiday season is nearly over, we can once again expect our friends and family mentioning the failing economy, global warming and how much they loathe their jobs.
We spend so much time preparing, and are so quickly able to put Christmas behind us. Why doesn't Christmas extend further?? Why aren't gifts still exchanged and parties thrown beyond midnight of December 25th?? If Santa Claus has no problem sticking his ass into Thanksgiving, as comedian Lewis Black has stated, why can't Santa's fat keester push its way through to President's Day??, if not only for the reason to perpetuate further holiday cheer. Religion plays no role in my life aside from the fact I celebrate Christmas because it has nearly become an American obligation. But if we as a country could stretch the life of the Christmas "spirit," we would be able to extend the graciousness and good-doing that characterizes it. People would be happier and less-stressed about their lives further into the new year, and make life in this country that much more bearable.
I say leaves those "Merry Christmas," and "Happy Holidays" window paintings up through January, or the whole year if you dare. The is no denying the ability of the holiday season to cause a transformation in the psyches of millions of Americans. If it takes a never ending holiday season to maintain a more pleasant state-of-mind of our friends and neighbors, what, if anything, is wrong with that??
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
parking lots and roundabouts
After doing a bit of passenger seat riding this morning, I have come to realize that parking lots are one of the most intriguing places to view poor driving habits. People seem to have trouble deciding whether the laws of the open road apply to parking lots. Some are courteous enough to let people in...others seem to believe that "...as long as I'm driving straight...I'll keep going."
I compare parking lot driving to Americans trying to negotiate roundabouts. They look like rats in a maze. Unless you dangle a piece of cheese in their face, they have no idea when to go. In the case of human beings, the cheese is a traffic signal. It is like they suffer from paralysis if there is no traffic signal or stop sign in sight. It never fails to make me laugh to see a person waiting at the entrance of a roundabout allowing 4, 5 or 6 cars pass by ahead of them before they take their chance entering the dangerous abyss.
My suggestion. Any time the proposed construction of a roundabout is approved. All residents in the vicinity of said construction site should be sent a user manual. This little, easy-to-produce, cheap pamphlet would be a short tutorial on how to properly negotiate their new, friendly, neighborhood, roundabout.
I propose this on behalf of the guy behind the lady who is waiting for a break in traffic and has already allowed 7 cars to take her turn.
oh...and Merry Christmas Eve...even though I don't believe.
I compare parking lot driving to Americans trying to negotiate roundabouts. They look like rats in a maze. Unless you dangle a piece of cheese in their face, they have no idea when to go. In the case of human beings, the cheese is a traffic signal. It is like they suffer from paralysis if there is no traffic signal or stop sign in sight. It never fails to make me laugh to see a person waiting at the entrance of a roundabout allowing 4, 5 or 6 cars pass by ahead of them before they take their chance entering the dangerous abyss.
My suggestion. Any time the proposed construction of a roundabout is approved. All residents in the vicinity of said construction site should be sent a user manual. This little, easy-to-produce, cheap pamphlet would be a short tutorial on how to properly negotiate their new, friendly, neighborhood, roundabout.
I propose this on behalf of the guy behind the lady who is waiting for a break in traffic and has already allowed 7 cars to take her turn.
oh...and Merry Christmas Eve...even though I don't believe.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
a rant from FEB 2007
The phrase "station in life" is frequently resorted to by people attempting to section their life into periods that can be used as reference. Some might call a new job a new station. Some might refer to getting married or having children as entering a new station in their lives. I guess it makes sense if you consider life to be on a linear path. With a new station being just another stop to refuel and reload your train.
But does it really makes sense that we are on a linear path? Is there a final destination for all of us? Is their a direction we are supposed to be heading? Some might call my point of view as one of a pagan or an atheist. I just consider it as not taking the "out" offered by the concept of destiny. it is a haunting notion to believe that regardless of what one does, the paths they take, or the decisions they may make, that they will always end up in some place that was foreseen from their birth.
The mystery of tomorrow or the next corner provides human beings with the excitement and fear necessary for the pursuit of happiness. Trying to find what you believe you were designed to do leaves you with a frustrating existence that can never provide the fruits of its labor with any legitimate certainty.
We go to school in an attempt to fill ourselves with knowledge that will lead us to some place or situation that resembles happiness. We peruse the self-help section of bookstores searching for the one author who has figured out the way for you to "find yourself" or "make things better."
It is all an attempt to solve a problem that we have created. Why do we need to find our destiny? Why is there a particular job or conglomerate of material possessions that will provide us with the happiness we so utterly desire? Society has conditioned us to believe that we need to have these things, or obtain this knowledge if we ever want a shot at happiness. They have designed the "American Dream" as an example of what happiness supposedly is.
Some try to find comfort in faith. Religious organizations do offer a support system that can make you feel accepted and important and valuable, but not without requiring you to surrender any hopes or dreams or notions that do not coincide with the rhetoric of their ideology.
We can not rely on the thoughts and concepts of others to direct us to our own happiness. We must take control of the the opportunities that arise. We must find our own happiness. Our happiness is not going to come in the form of a car, or of a house or of some fabulous new cell phone. The pleasure that results from such things is minimal and temporary. The best chance we have at finding our own happiness lies in the relationships with those that are closest to us. The connections that we hold with our husbands, wives, children and most importantly friends are pivotal.
In the words of filmmaker Kevin Smith, "that's all life really is, is a series of moments, go seize yours..." This concept could not be truer in my eyes. We must cherish and pursue the special connections with other human beings. We must pursue the kind of bond with a person that will leave a smile on your face simply thinking about them.
I enjoy acquiring knowledge, but my goal in life is not to find my niche. My goal is not to have the house and the car. My goal is to have the girl, the family and the friends. People exist forever, while possessions deteriorate and are replaced. If college is my current station in life, I hope to jump the train. I do not want to be headed somewhere, but rather to someone, and I am not going to find them unless I go where the day takes me and not the tracks.
But does it really makes sense that we are on a linear path? Is there a final destination for all of us? Is their a direction we are supposed to be heading? Some might call my point of view as one of a pagan or an atheist. I just consider it as not taking the "out" offered by the concept of destiny. it is a haunting notion to believe that regardless of what one does, the paths they take, or the decisions they may make, that they will always end up in some place that was foreseen from their birth.
The mystery of tomorrow or the next corner provides human beings with the excitement and fear necessary for the pursuit of happiness. Trying to find what you believe you were designed to do leaves you with a frustrating existence that can never provide the fruits of its labor with any legitimate certainty.
We go to school in an attempt to fill ourselves with knowledge that will lead us to some place or situation that resembles happiness. We peruse the self-help section of bookstores searching for the one author who has figured out the way for you to "find yourself" or "make things better."
It is all an attempt to solve a problem that we have created. Why do we need to find our destiny? Why is there a particular job or conglomerate of material possessions that will provide us with the happiness we so utterly desire? Society has conditioned us to believe that we need to have these things, or obtain this knowledge if we ever want a shot at happiness. They have designed the "American Dream" as an example of what happiness supposedly is.
Some try to find comfort in faith. Religious organizations do offer a support system that can make you feel accepted and important and valuable, but not without requiring you to surrender any hopes or dreams or notions that do not coincide with the rhetoric of their ideology.
We can not rely on the thoughts and concepts of others to direct us to our own happiness. We must take control of the the opportunities that arise. We must find our own happiness. Our happiness is not going to come in the form of a car, or of a house or of some fabulous new cell phone. The pleasure that results from such things is minimal and temporary. The best chance we have at finding our own happiness lies in the relationships with those that are closest to us. The connections that we hold with our husbands, wives, children and most importantly friends are pivotal.
In the words of filmmaker Kevin Smith, "that's all life really is, is a series of moments, go seize yours..." This concept could not be truer in my eyes. We must cherish and pursue the special connections with other human beings. We must pursue the kind of bond with a person that will leave a smile on your face simply thinking about them.
I enjoy acquiring knowledge, but my goal in life is not to find my niche. My goal is not to have the house and the car. My goal is to have the girl, the family and the friends. People exist forever, while possessions deteriorate and are replaced. If college is my current station in life, I hope to jump the train. I do not want to be headed somewhere, but rather to someone, and I am not going to find them unless I go where the day takes me and not the tracks.
...of the greatest value
The occasions in which people have uttered the invaluableness of human life are too numerous to fathom. Usually this line of thinking is reserved for instances in reference to how important a child’s life is, or the necessity to cherish a loved one that may not have too much time remaining in their life.
I regard this statement as needing and alternative reading. I would prefer this phrase be used to describe the sheer importance of the peers in our lives, our friends. Our dearest friends are held within our lives in a position unlike any other. Most know us in ways that we ourselves are not privy. They understand aspects about us that are parents shall never even catch a glimpse of. They have a wealth of knowledge regarding our lives and personalities that the majority of those familiar with us will never even break the cusp of. These are the people that can be the shoulder to cry on, to lean on, to laugh on. Without these people survival would be utterly hopeless, and notions of perseverance nothing short of ridiculous. It is common for these individuals to lack a comprehension of their value to their dear companions,and unfortunate that many will finish their days oblivious to the impact of their presence, advice and support.
Some may say that you can tell a lot about a man by his clothes, his car, his spouse, his children. I say that the most telling aspect of a man’s existence are his friends, the company he keeps; for family may grow old and pass, and marriages are more doomed to fail than ever before. However, the truest of best friends last a lifetime, and best friends are currency of the greatest value.
I regard this statement as needing and alternative reading. I would prefer this phrase be used to describe the sheer importance of the peers in our lives, our friends. Our dearest friends are held within our lives in a position unlike any other. Most know us in ways that we ourselves are not privy. They understand aspects about us that are parents shall never even catch a glimpse of. They have a wealth of knowledge regarding our lives and personalities that the majority of those familiar with us will never even break the cusp of. These are the people that can be the shoulder to cry on, to lean on, to laugh on. Without these people survival would be utterly hopeless, and notions of perseverance nothing short of ridiculous. It is common for these individuals to lack a comprehension of their value to their dear companions,and unfortunate that many will finish their days oblivious to the impact of their presence, advice and support.
Some may say that you can tell a lot about a man by his clothes, his car, his spouse, his children. I say that the most telling aspect of a man’s existence are his friends, the company he keeps; for family may grow old and pass, and marriages are more doomed to fail than ever before. However, the truest of best friends last a lifetime, and best friends are currency of the greatest value.
some old poetry
shuffle, stumble and turn my head
the road i'm walking is not easy to tread
bumps and bruises burn as memories in my head
the road less traveled is easier said than done,
the journey of today is harder as one,
but bear down and follow the sun
two days since i saw it clearly
my body is not as tired as my mind is weary.
I pull my chin up cause i'm far from home
but i don't know where that is, so i continue to roam
in reverie i stand hoping for clarity
but all that interrupts are strangers' words of charity
switching the track may be an option,
but who says my current road is the wrong one
some day i might discover t he right way
but it seems that might be the last day
i haven't seen it one your face in a while,
where did you go with that smile
everyday is better now that it's back again,
ones that were a four are now a ten.
the lines in your cheeks,
the lift of your brow,
the color in your eyes,
how fortunate am i now?
time may have been rough,
but it's all in how you see it,
the glass is always half full,
remember to always believe it.
a drive and that look are all i need.
call it simple, call it a lack of greed.
the basic pleasures will keep me with you,
and you with me
lines on my face,
they speak of my youth
years and tears of joy,
expressions only tell the truth
the times as a child,
when a mother's touch cured all
if times never changed
i'd never be afraid to fall
on your own you learn,
failure teaches more,
than receiving gifts,
or being right can assure
won't be scared to be wrong,
won't be scared of the fight
must remember this is the way it goes
when i lay my head down at night
the road i'm walking is not easy to tread
bumps and bruises burn as memories in my head
the road less traveled is easier said than done,
the journey of today is harder as one,
but bear down and follow the sun
two days since i saw it clearly
my body is not as tired as my mind is weary.
I pull my chin up cause i'm far from home
but i don't know where that is, so i continue to roam
in reverie i stand hoping for clarity
but all that interrupts are strangers' words of charity
switching the track may be an option,
but who says my current road is the wrong one
some day i might discover t he right way
but it seems that might be the last day
i haven't seen it one your face in a while,
where did you go with that smile
everyday is better now that it's back again,
ones that were a four are now a ten.
the lines in your cheeks,
the lift of your brow,
the color in your eyes,
how fortunate am i now?
time may have been rough,
but it's all in how you see it,
the glass is always half full,
remember to always believe it.
a drive and that look are all i need.
call it simple, call it a lack of greed.
the basic pleasures will keep me with you,
and you with me
lines on my face,
they speak of my youth
years and tears of joy,
expressions only tell the truth
the times as a child,
when a mother's touch cured all
if times never changed
i'd never be afraid to fall
on your own you learn,
failure teaches more,
than receiving gifts,
or being right can assure
won't be scared to be wrong,
won't be scared of the fight
must remember this is the way it goes
when i lay my head down at night
jobs
Why don't they grow on trees??
My life would be tremendously less stressful at the current juncture if this fantasy were true.
I'm actually taking a break from the seemingly hopeless daily searches I make as a college graduate for any job outside of a restaurant or retail store for which I can qualify.
I know I'm not job search expert...and I don't have any work experience related to my field of study...but isn't that the whole point of going to college?? You study your ass off for four years (or more depending on your work ethic), and then this sheet of paper that shows how hard you worked makes people understand what you are capable of. "I haven't worked yet...cause I was in college learning...so no I don't have any work experience. That's why I'm talking to you...I want work experience."
My life would be tremendously less stressful at the current juncture if this fantasy were true.
I'm actually taking a break from the seemingly hopeless daily searches I make as a college graduate for any job outside of a restaurant or retail store for which I can qualify.
I know I'm not job search expert...and I don't have any work experience related to my field of study...but isn't that the whole point of going to college?? You study your ass off for four years (or more depending on your work ethic), and then this sheet of paper that shows how hard you worked makes people understand what you are capable of. "I haven't worked yet...cause I was in college learning...so no I don't have any work experience. That's why I'm talking to you...I want work experience."
day one...but more like day 5000
I find myself hesitating to get up, just because getting out of bed means that something has to be done. Food made. Shower taken. Responsibilities addressed.
This may be day one of publicating (yeah i said publicating) my thoughts on the internet, but it is not day one of adulthood. Who qualifies as an adult anyway?? The government says anyone over the age of 18, while many who fall under that age limit are more qualified than even those who ran the BIG 3 into the ground. Madoff=adult...not so certain.
I make objections to many things that have certain definitions. Nothing but "death and taxes," right?
I had a little experience just last week in a hospital while waiting to get an injection. A woman, whom was certainly in her 40s, I want to believe mid 40s, comes in with her 3 young children. One of these children had Down's Syndrome, and was no older than 5 years of age. If my math and guestamations are accurate, the mother probably had this child at...or near the age of 40. This meaning she had this child at a time when the offspring would be scientifically 300% more likely to have a genetic or developmental disability.
The slight selfishness allows me to view this decision as a combatant to the general definition of adult. Aren't adults supposed to be those who have well thought out decisions?? ...those who take into consideration as many consequences of their choices as possibly??
I'm not saying I'm an adult...but I am saying I can't say anyone else is either.
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