AMERICAN ANGST

I have told many stories of having casual conversations with republicans; I can do no less since I live in conservative country. Many I get along with fine, since it's not hard to recognize when I'm being baited. That sly little twinkle in their eye as they look forward to trapping the lone liberal, I kind of enjoy their happiness. We dance around the issues, as these conversations are normally accompanied with plenty of libations at hand, and for the most part we get along. Believe it or not, I can agree with many of their ideas; though not in the manner they would like. 

If they want to talk about strong family values, I'm with them and we can talk about the glorious strong ties that develop between family members. When they want to talk about getting ahead in life by hard work, again I can agree that productivity can create a healthy community. I understand the thought of taking responsibility for one's actions. 

But of course the separation begins in these discussions by adding to the conservative mantra a few simple thoughts. Strong families are to be supported even if not formed by the conservative's view of traditional marriage. Committed personal relationships are to be encouraged to enhance the community, not divide it. Those who are able to produce should possibly do so, those who are not able should not be penalized. Taking responsibility for an action is desirable, unless the action is caused by events outside of one's control.

We possibly all agree on the one major problem with today's conservatism, and that is its partnership with fundamentalist religious organizations. If you're an atheist conservative, I would think that would be a problem for you as well. 

The only desired outcome for fundamentalist conservatives derives from the hope of inserting religion into every aspect of the public sphere.

It is becoming easier to insert religion into politics without mentioning religion, and I think that is where conservative politicians are excelling. A recent conversation with the Tea Party's President Janis Lane in Mississippi is a great example. The content of the conversation makes it clear what drives these people.

Here are a few of Janis Lane's thoughts on abortion and women in politics:

Lane: "I do not agree with the federal government supporting killing a preborn human. A child is a child from the moment of conception. The argument is: They've done it before, they'll always do it. That's probably true. My point is a nation should not support or condone the killing of anybody. Then you'll come around with what about capital punishment. Well, you know what, if you're on death row, you're an adult and you made a choice to be there. An innocent child in the womb does not have a right to make a decision because they haven't been born, yet. We're taking that right away from that child."

This is a christian based argument, though never stated as such. Next god starts creeping into the conversation, and of course the thoughts get slightly more unrealistic. Emphasis mine.

Lane: "Our country might have been better off if it was still just men voting. There is nothing worse than a bunch of mean, hateful women. They are diabolical in how than can skewer a person. I do not see that in men. The whole time I worked, I'd much rather have a male boss than a female boss. Double-minded, you never can trust them."

"Because women have the right to vote, I am active, because I want to make sure there is some sanity for women in the political world. It is up to the Christian rednecks and patriots to stand up for our country. Everyone has the right to vote now that's 18 or over (who is) a legal citizen, and every person that's 18 and over and a legal citizen should be active in local politics so they can make a change locally, make a change on the state level and make a change in Washington, D.C."

Because she has a right that she herself says she shouldn't have, she's active in politics, because she has a right she shouldn't have. Hurts, doesn't it?

Coming to the Supreme Court of The United States soon will be whether the Defense of Marriage Act - DOMA - is constitutional. Another religious mandate that is trying hard to become a secular law. In New York, a federal appeals court ruled that the DOMA is unconstitutional. 

Though that is a ruling based in reality, our Supreme Court has been taken over by religious zealots, so who knows what nonsense they may fabricate.

As long as reason is not the law of the land the insanity will continue. Unfortunately, reality keeps ruining the conservative plan aimed at forming a functional theocracy.

A latest Gallup poll shows the unemployment rate is continuing to drop; that the September numbers were not wildly understated. What will Mitt do now?

Ask me if I'm better off than four years ago and I would have to respond with a resounding yes. Ask if better job opportunities are available, in my small area of family and friends, again a resounding yes.

Did anyone enjoy the DOW sitting at 7,949 at the end of George W. Bush's reign of terror? I wondered at first where all that money went but as time went on I realized the rich didn't lose a penny and the rest of America was raped. 

As far as I can tell, from the mostly failed attempts at getting rid of poor and minority voters, the mostly failed attempts at restricting poll hours and reducing early voting periods, conservatives know their only chance of winning is to keep people from voting that may not agree with their agenda. 

In Virginia they've found an easy way, just throw out completed voter registrations if you don't want them voting. 

The Green Party Candidate, Jill Stein, was arrested yet again and held for eight hours after she tried to enter the presidential debate site. Though I possibly wouldn't vote for a third party candidate, it is annoying that I'm not allowed to hear them speak. 

For those Independent voters who are still trying to make up their minds, here's Amy Goodman and three third party candidates who were not allowed to participate in the debates. They answer the same questions as Obama and Romney answered In the second debate.

GOD'S GREATEST

The first story is tragic to those of us who don't favor the death penalty, but is also extremely interesting since god once again is the culprit.

In Florida, their Supreme Court has ruled that the state can execute a 64 year old paranoid schizophrenic. This goes against the Supreme Court of the United States. The fascinating part is their reasoning.

John Errol Ferguson, the man to be executed, claims he is the "Prince of God." He has many delusions of grandeur all related to his god fantasy. The reasoning that allows the state to execute him is that he is not delusional since his thoughts are not "significantly different than beliefs other Christians may hold."

I guess by saying the condemned is suffering from a disease, they would be implying that all christians are suffering from the same disease; we can't have that now, can we? 

As far as I can tell, a U.S. district judge has stopped this for the moment.

If he is not executed because he is delusional, then in the minds of the court, are all christians delusional? Well, I would think since they've already decided that he's not much different than other christians, then yes. Would that mean anyone involved in a death penalty crime could claim he was delusional because in his mind god was prompting his actions? Well, if he's not executed, then no more death penalty.

I really don't know what to think about this one.

The Secular Coalition grades the presidential candidates. No big surprises here, Romney get an "F" and Obama barely makes the grade with a "C."

Dinesh D'Souza finds himself in a jam. This is the gentleman who wants to save marriage from gays and lesbians, and made the so-called "documentary" that cast Obama in a very unsavory light, apparently has a mistress.

Oh joy.

The lady in question, Denise Odie Joseph II, shares his views on marriage and divorce. The one thing I enjoy about the holier than thou crowd is that they never fail to get caught. 

The catholic church has decided to enter the politics of the day by donating a million dollars to fight those of us who insist on equal rights under the law. They are spending over a million dollars in three states to stop the legalization of same sex marriage, and in another state that is considering amending their constitution by defining what a marriage is.

The catholic church is now the number one religious institution opposing same sex marriage, even though the majority of catholics are okay with the thought. Kind of like politics, the people don't get to decide.

The Texas cheerleaders seem to have won for now. In an earlier edition of the Planet I brought up a story about how these ladies write biblical verses on banners to encourage their team. At least for the rest of the year they may continue to proselytize like any other Sunday morning quack you'd like to mention.

The judge, Steven Thomas, was appointed by their god loving governor Rick Perry. I'm not surprised.

WICKED WOMEN

Nothing really wicked, only the normal anti-woman campaigns.

In Texas, they've figured out how to get rid of Planned Parenthood. They will be launching a new state-funded Women's Health Program that will ban abortion providing affiliates from getting any funding. The program also has a clause that states if the program is legally challenged, and the Planned Parenthood ban is found against the law, the state will will shut down the Women's Health Program completely. Bye bye health care ladies.

Kind of tired of this news, it's the same every week. Why it does not stop is because the conservatives we've elected to represent us only represent god and corporations, nothing more.

Take for instance one of my favorite nonsensical tea party representatives, the Honorable Joe Walsh from Illinois. Here we go, comments from the fatally ignorant:

"There is no such exception as life of the mother."

His thought there is that modern science and technology, which he derides when it contradicts him, will save the day.

According to him, “With modern technology and science, you can’t find one instance,” of an abortion necessary to save a mothers life. He's barely leading Tammy Duckworth in recent polls for the upcoming election, yet he talks total bull. If he's leading Tammy, that means conservatives are eating what he's defecating, and it's not a very tasty morsel.

Doctors immediately contradicted the man, but the followers will never hear about it.

Another young lady is demonized by the right. During the last Presidential Debate Katherine Fenton asked a question about equal pay. An "anonymous" blog on Free Beacon basically did a Fluke on her. She's a slutty, boozing, whore you know.

Conservatives are basically saying, "Do you ladies not know your place yet? Get back in the kitchen and make me a sandwich!"

FINAL FIX

A slight conundrum; how do I handle a visit from my duly elected representative from Michigan's 3rd district without alienating newly made friends?

In the last few months I've decided to spend some of my spare cash in my local town. I pay to play guitar with an excellent guitarist who owns a quaint little studio where he also gives art lessons. I've become a regular at a small bar/restaurant instead of going to the city for entertainment. I've started eating at the only place in town that has a veggie burger I can knock down, and there lies the problem.

Knowing and friending the small business owners in the local area seemed to be a good way of not only making new friends, but also getting involved in the community. I have an unsubstantiated feeling that those business owners have quite a bit of sway in the town as well, and I have a desire to talk about my concerns to them. 

Regardless, the little coffee shop that has the very important veggie burger, is hosting Justin Amash, said representative from my district, this Tuesday. The lady who owns the business I've had several conversations with, though none concerning politics, and have enjoyed those talks. I like her, yet Amash is a fool in my eyes. I get a little excited at times about my politics. In 2004 I aggressively protested Cheney's visit to a local restaurant, I've never eaten there since; doubt if that guys stench will ever leave the place.

I would rather not be like that this time.

So, do I show up on Tuesday morning armed for battle and show them how much more wittier I am than they? Do I show up and drink coffee, keep quiet and puke later? Or do I stay away from the place altogether? Tuesday is the day I spend in town, drinking coffee and having a meal, then guitar playing with the local master, then drinking and messing with the conservatives.

I've really enjoyed that day, until now.

American Angst

Not only is America fighting against the plutocracy that Romney stands for, we are fighting against the fundamentalist christianity that is being used to keep the populace under control while the plutocracy rules. Christianity is nothing more than a tool for government, a extremely mean and nasty tool, but a tool nonetheless.

On the first of August, 47 million women gained preventive health care through the Affordable Care Act. Billionaires are upset by this, money that could be in their pockets will now be used to help the general populace. doone has a discussion on it here.

Here are some comments from government officials that were duly elected by either ignorance or fear. "I know in your mind you can think of the times America was attacked,” said Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), a freshman. “One is December 7 — that is Pearl Harbor Day. Another was September 11 — that was the day of the terrorist attack. I want you to remember August 1, 2012 — the attack on our religious freedom. That is a date that will live in infamy, along with those other dates.”

Providing health care for women will go down as a date that will live in infamy, possibly like when they were allowed to vote as well, right Mike? He doubled down by not only not apologizing, but elaborating on his insanity. "The HHS mandate is an undeniable and unprecedented attack on Americans’ First Amendment rights," was a quote from one of the douchebag's spokesmen. Said douchebag continued with, “Our freedoms and way of life have been under attack before, from both internal and external threats, If we fail to defend our constitutional rights, we risk losing the freedoms that so many brave men and women have given their lives to defend throughout the course of our nation’s history."

Possibly the majority of America's population doesn't know that he is incorrectly talking about the first amendment, just sounds like something horrible. But the thoughts here actually pervert the constitution he is claiming to protect. Religion needs power to keep the masses brainwashed, apparently they are succeeding. 

There are more ridiculous comments you can find on doone's discussion, but I have to reprint Representative Boehner's comments. Special attention should be focused on this man considering he is the Speaker of the House. Long quote coming, but we should disseminate his thoughts if we want to understand what is happening.

The Speaker of the House John Boehner's statement in regard to women's health care:

“On this day, let us renew our determination to reverse the mandate and restore the religious liberty that has been demolished by the Obama Administration’s actions.

“The administration's mandate stands today not because it is sound policy; not because it reflects the will of the people; not because it is consistent with the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution. The mandate stands today because the Democratic-controlled Senate preemptively blocked legislation that would have reversed this attack on religious freedom. And it stands because the President of the United States has refused to listen to the people and institutions that built a great nation.

“As I noted last week: whether the administration’s attack on religious freedom is reversed through judicial action, legislative action or other means, it must be reversed. And last week’s court ruling provided the surest sign that it will be reversed. The freedoms that define us as a nation have stood the test of time -- and they can outlast any form of tyranny, as long as the American people, who hold the true power in this country, remain committed to them."

His first line sets the tone, the health care mandate has to be reversed because it violates the first amendment. Women having access to preventative health care, in their minds, violates old white man's christian freedom of religion to impregnate willing or unwilling females. Sounds odd, yet what else does it really mean?

The second paragraph blames democrats for the attack on, again, religious freedom.

The third line is my favorite. Framed words to incite ugly conservative christians. "Freedom" that we had before, "tyranny" that we have now. Yeah, having a black democratic president is your worse nightmare, isn't it?

By looking at their photos, they must share the same tanning bed.

Mitt's rating is plummeting; you can only hide stupidity and arrogance for so long. His highly touted overseas trip shows he understands nothing about the world, and in his arrogance he probably doesn't even really care. Whether running his mouth in England about how he didn't think they were ready for the Olympics, or talking about how the Jewish culture is superior to the Palestinian, I'm surprised he didn't run home to safety faster. 

But then again, home is not a safe place for the Mitt. The rising tide of requests from all sides to release more tax returns is starting to dampen his spirits. We know from his  2010 tax returns that he paid a 13.9 percent rate; nice. I have never been able to pay that low of a percentage in my life as a middle class worker.

My amusement is probably misplaced, but when mild mannered Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid starts attacking, we know Mitt has a problem. 

I'm tired of looking at pictures of the goofball, so here's a much prettier animal for you. Anne's dressage horse, for which the Romney's get a 70,000 dollar tax credit, has been competing in the Olympics. This horse is worth more than any child you may raise or bear; considering that a child is only worth a 1,000 deduction. If you made 70,000 dollars a year you'd be making more than 75% of the U.S. population. When you think that we have 42 million people living in poverty that are accused of being lazy and not worth the support of their country and compare it to this tax credit, you get a certain feel for what this country really stands for. I'm not saying you can't have nice things, spend millions on a horse, but to get a tax credit as well is an abomination.

Good news for my home state, finally. The tea party has a firm and obnoxious grip on life in Michigan, and our Governor Snyder has finally been the recipient of a well deserved smack down. The Michigan Supreme Court has decided to let the voters decide whether we will allow the current Emergency Financial Manager law to remain in place. This law allowed the state to overthrow elected officials with their own "tyrants" who had no duty to represent the people. Predominately black cities and institutions were attacked by this measure. The EFM would step in, toss out elected officials, break all contracts with union workers; hell, do whatever they wanted to supposedly help the financial mess that city was in. 

Everyone is probably aware of this law, I've commented on it before, but I think you need to know how it effected cities across the state. In my own little town, which is very conservative, it made it possible for elected officials here to toss out the unions in public schools, to renegotiate all contracts with city workers and to privatize jobs. Not wanting to invade anyone's privacy, but I do know of individuals here who had barely living wages paid to them while working for the school district in a non-teaching union job role; a few thousand above the poverty level. The union jobs were removed before the start of the 2011 school year. The individual was hired by the privatized company for a couple of thousand less than what that person was making doing the same job, and lost the few benefits had as well. Nothing like reducing income for workers during a recession. Did the school save money? There is no information available anywhere that I can find, but I am going to see if the locals working there know. I'm thinking another CEO got a great bonus and the schools saved little.

Women Wanted

No, not offering a job, or a relationship, only a chance to benefit yourself. Above I let you know what conservatives think about your health care, here is what they despise.

1. Well-woman visits: This includes an annual well-woman preventive care visit for adult women to obtain the recommended preventive services, plus additional visits if women and their doctors determine they’re necessary.

2. Gestational diabetes screening: This screening is for women 24 to 28 weeks pregnant, and those at high risk of developing gestational diabetes. Women who have gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the future, and their children are at a significantly increased risk of being overweight and insulin-resistant throughout childhood.

3. HPV DNA testing: Women who are 30 or older will now have access to high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing every three years, regardless of Pap smear results. Early screening, detection and treatment have been shown to help reduce the prevalence of cervical cancer.

4. STI counseling: Sexually active women may receive annual counseling on sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The sessions have been shown to reduce risky behavior in patients, but only 28% of women aged 18 to 44 discuss STIs with a doctor or nurse.
HIV screening and counseling: Sexually active women can receive annual counseling on HIV. Women are at increased risk of becoming infected with HIV: from 1999 to 2003, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a 15% increase in AIDS cases among women, and a 1% increase among men.

5. Contraception and contraceptive counseling: Women will have free access to all government-approved contraceptive methods, sterilization procedures and patient education and counseling. This does not include abortion drugs. Most workers in employer-sponsored plans are currently covered for contraceptives; however, employers with religious affiliations will not be required to pay for birth control. Rather, insurance companies providing health plans to such employers will cover the cost.

6. Breast-feeding support, supplies and counseling: Pregnant and postpartum women now have access to comprehensive lactation support and counseling from trained providers, as well as breastfeeding equipment.

7. Interpersonal and domestic violence screening and counseling: Screening and counseling for interpersonal and domestic violence is provided free for all adolescent and adult women. An estimated 25% of women in the U.S. report being targets of intimate partner violence during their lifetimes.

Simply fucking horrible isn't it? Just like 9/11 thousands will die, right? My disgust with the right is at an all time high. Conservative repression is at an all time high; they ignore everything that is good for all, and only focus on what is bad for religion.

We can immediately recognize that they are against contraceptives and any type of education; I mean you women are better off barefoot and pregnant. They dislike the ACA in its whole, but have to find small pieces that they can fan the flames of hate their followers enjoy. They would destroy this monumental law and harm millions of Americans if they can because it interferes with their riches. 

Can you be truthful about a position when you ignore the high percentage of benefits to the population? Gestational diabetes screening is lost, domestic violence counseling, HPV DNA testing; all gone because of these psychopaths and their delusions. 

Yes, woman are wanted; vote these bastards out or live in a nightmare of your own making. 

God's Greatest 

I decided to check up on a few of our evangelical so-called leaders. I ran across an old Times article that covered all these "great" men and decided to see what all these bastards are up to; apparently no good. Because of our thoughts on religion, you will probably know the names, but I like to keep what they're up to current. How else can we stay current on their Dominionism plans?

Asswipe number one, Rick Warren. Last month his sermon had to do with pleasing people. It can't be done, god is the only one you need to please is his mantra. It may sound innocuous, but in context what he is saying is don't get upset if people don't like your thoughts on the LGBT community. Don't despair that you are disliked by your neighbors because of your anti-choice or anti-contraceptive stance. It's okay, you only have to stand before god and get him to like you.

What this does is allow supporters to not feel bad about being part of the largest hate group in America. Instead of discussing with friends and neighbors the moral debates that humanity can't help but discuss, isolate yourself from the world's thoughts and reasoning. Close the flaps on that box and wait for god. 

Rick Warren, keeping America safe for bigots. Keep smiling prick, we know your game.

Asswipe number two is David Barton. The man who would make American history one shiny little fairy tale. Everyone knows he is rewriting history as fast a he can, and millions of Americans will never know the truth because of the machinations of this one dumb dick.

His latest foray into insanity includes a joint venture with crying Glenn Beck. Another conservative windbag known for his emotional sincerity as he lies to your face. They are thinking about starting indoctrination camps for new college students. You know that once they get edjumicated they will possibly stray from the garbage they were brainwashed with since birth. Two dicks on a mission for god. Keep them stupid and docile is religion's greatest desire.

NOW HEAR THIS. Barton wishes to use his version of history in these seminars, which is to be expected. But his thoughts on adolescents need to be known. According to Barton, the concept of adolescents is unbiblical and utterly foreign to the founding fathers. "Adolescence" is a liberal word that has no real meaning. His exact words, "God wasn't into adolescence, He was in to having you become productive, having you be fruitful, having you produce and so that's why there was no adolescence in the Founding Era; that's a modern phenomenon, that's a progressive liberal phenomenon is adolescence."

I'm sure you know what he's insinuating, but this is what I hear. I hear that labor laws keeping children out of sweatshops is against god. I hear that education is not something a young person should strive for, he should be working on being productive. How well that works into the theme of a docile, stupid, religious citizenship that would be easy to control.

Don't ever think for a minute that this man is here for the public's good He recently stated that Church Law should overrule the Supreme Court. Sharia law anyone?

If it wasn't clear to you why atheists detest him, it is because he is the enemy of enlightenment, the enemy of reason, the enemy of science and a hater of true morality.

Asswipe number three is James Dobson. His latest foray into destroying life as we know it involves stopping the overturning of Ohio's ban on gay marriage. Since their will be a referendum in 2013, which he does not want to see even happen since the results may not be what he wishes, he is organizing seminars to edjumicate the fine people of Ohio. His advertising I will not fully copy, you can see it all here if you wish to read nonsense, but I do want to focus on his last line which is:

"Manual to multiply your leadership and influence in your church and community-A Voter Impact Toolkit DVD, containing 12 high quality videos you can pick from to encourage your church, as well as all you need to do a Christian Citizenship Sunday."

When I see the words "church" and "voting" in the same paragraph, I know there's a problem. A voter impact toolkit to encourage your church would seem to violate the separation of church and state, but that's not in the evangelical's copy of the constitution. 

His definition and thoughts on feminism are very enlightening. He compares our young women's freedom to live as an invitation to porn, though the stats show those who need porn the most are the bible belters. The taliban and the feminist movement are the same according to this mentally castrated pervert.

To be continued.

Final Fixation

It is getting to be that time of year. The elections are soon to take place, and the sewage is rising to incredible heights. 

In a recent conversation I was told by an acquaintance how he had heard that before the election takes place, the national guard was going to be called into the major cities across the country. The reason he offered was that extra protection would be needed if Obama lost the election. You know, riots and shit from those unruly scary liberals; probably mostly minorities. 

I looked at the gentleman and replied that most large cities in the states have a better equipped army than most countries, while dabbing at the blood running out of my ears. Where does this shit come from? I thought it was probably a FOX echo chamber story, but today decided to look it up and see where exactly it came from. Took a few rewordings of my search, but finally came across the crap. It comes from The American Spectator; archived at the end of 2011.

It is expected that right wing rags like the American Spectator would bash everything the President tries to accomplish, but making up nonsense should be illegal. A perfect example of yelling "fire" in a crowded theater, the rag should be censored. Stepping up the fear, people could take the statements as true and hurt someone.

The real story centers on my search, and the horrors it unleashed. There will be no links here, go read if your humanity can handle it. Whatever pejoratives you can think of, you will find.

I have posted a few thoughts on civility, and have tried to temper down my excitement when I'm thinking about events I find important. While writing this edition of "The Sunday Planet" I thought that my language may be too strong. I've had people comment on my use of words, and they are correct; I can be as bad. Jackals anyone?

I was going to bring back the "civility cancelled" header for this section of my post, but I think I will no longer be able to comment on that. When I see the bullshit that is being used to create that culture of fear I am no longer able to respond nicely. I may still be rational, but possibly not civil. How many discussions does it take before one gets tired of the incessant nonsense hitting you like it was shit hitting the fan. Stuff stinks and gets spread everywhere.

So for those who dislike my use of language disparaging those you may care for, tell them to read a book or shut the fuck up; I won't bother them.