Random Thoughts

Bust Me: Here is an interesting site. Study it. Learn it. Know it. Then email your Senator and demand Republicans stop rewriting rules every time they don’t get their way. Does anyone else see a pattern? For years, rightwingers didn’t have enough elected officials so they scrambled districts until the Repubs became a majority. For decades, they railed against a strong federal government usurping states’ rights until Bush and Co. arrived in Washington. Now, f*ck the states and our bureaucracy has grown like never before. Every problem has a solution. Frustrated because Dems aren’t supporting judicial nominees who turn back the clock on women’s rights, choose big business over poor folks, and trample civil rights? Threaten to rid the country of filibusters!

I’ll repeat myself and urge all two of you to email your Senator today. Tell them enough is enough. Conservatives already have every branch of government controlled in their power-hungry hands. We can’t afford for them to steal any more.

UPDATE: A deal was reached, a compromise made. Apparently. Here are the main points from the AP: "These officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the agreement would clear the way for yes-or-no votes on some of Bush's nominees, but make no guarantee.Under the agreement, Democrats would pledge not to filibuster any of Bush's future appeals court or Supreme Court nominees except in "extraordinary circumstances."For their part, Republicans agreed not to support an attempt to strip Democrats of their right to block votes.Under the agreement, Texas Supreme Court Justice Priscilla Owen, nominated to a seat on the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, would advance to a final confirmation vote." I'm inclined to agree with Senator Feingold. Will the real battle regarding the Supreme Court be extraordinary enough?

Racism + Homophobia = Big Laughs: Does anyone else see evil behind Blue Collar Comedy? These so-called comedians joke about minorities of all kinds, belittling and berating them in the name of good humor. Mouthbreathers line up to applaud because at least these God-fearing freakshows don’t take the name of the Lord in vain or use the “f” word. This is yet another example of Dumbya-Down America where ignorance reigns supreme. Why are we celebrating the blue collar lifestyle? When did this trend start? Parents used to say, “Kids, daddy didn’t go to college because he couldn’t afford it. So we saved our money to make sure you'd have a better life. Start studying because we don’t want you to repair microwaves for the next fifty years.” Today? “To hell with those educated liberals. We don’t need that shit! Ain’t nothin’ wrong with repairing microwaves as long as queers don’t get married and ruin the country. Amen and pass me a Bud.”

Weak: Newsweek magazine printed a story claiming US interrogators flushed Korans down toilets to torture prisoners at Gitmo. Afterward, when extremists went on killing sprees in Afghanistan, the article was cited as provocation. Then Newsweek retracted the story and apologized. Why would a magazine with a great reputation put that reputation on the line by either a) retracting a true story or b) printing a story that wasn’t true in the first place? Many on the right use this as evidence of a biased liberal media, which is ridiculous. Ever read Newsweek? Liberal, they ain’t. Many on the left insist the story is true and point out international news agencies running similar claims. Maybe, but stop looking smug and thrilled to report our military’s evil doings. It makes us look like we’re not on our own side.

As always, these scandals erupt at a convenient time. The BBC recently reported new evidence suggesting Tony Blair and George Bush conspired to sell the Iraq war way before it became a foregone conclusion. Now, that’s news to people who thought Michael Moore was blowing smoke up our collective ass. Still, can’t find anyone talking about it on cable news. They’re sidelined by irrelevant news stories and blaming a magazine for evils that extremists do. Liberal bias, my ass.

Act Local: In 2006, Floridians will pick a new governor. Jeb Bush’s days are numbered – thank God. As a teacher, I am appalled by how little support our schools get from Tallahassee. Lack of funding for the No Child Left Behind Act leaves children and teachers not only behind, but choking in the dust. Our next governor has one hell of a mess to clean up.

That’s why I’m happy Jim Davis has gotten into the race. He declared his candidacy some time ago and I can’t think of a more worthy person to head into Tallahassee and straighten everything out.

Former mayor of our state capitol, Scott Maddox, recently joined Jim in pursuit of our party’s nomination. Scott led the state Democratic Party last year. Need another reason to reject him as candidate for governor? How about this. In October 2004, he was busy working for a developer against environmentalists that are the backbone of our party. What else did he have going on that month that demanded his full attention? Oh, right, that election where we lost the state to Bush and gave up a senator to the right.

This is the Thanks I Get: Friday was graduation day for my seniors and I had planned to see them off into the real world. Then my children got sick. So, I canceled plans, called my husband and told him I’d pick up the kids instead and take them home early. I arrived expecting appreciation. Instead, hesitant smiles turned to frowns turned to tears because they were expecting their father and got me instead.

Story of my life.

Instead of fudge cookies and Nintendo DS systems from daddy they got fig newtons and conversation from mommy. They HOWLED. I drove home thinking I should have gone to graduation and out for drinks afterward. To hell with ‘em.

It Starts: A few months ago, my mom went out for breakfast with my dad and left without paying the bill. (They’re good Christian folk and went back afterward to pay.) This past Friday she went to work, but forgot to put on shoes. I told her to lay off pork products and drink more green tea, but she’s not listening. What's ahead? Adult diaper-wearing, Shiavo Land where mom moves in and I force-feed organic food while she curses soy milk. Instead of the Bible, I’ll make her read Newsweek.

I can’t wait.