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.

A short version of The Planet is all I have time for this week. I also included much more in the way of quotes than normal; wanted to make sure the context was correct. Short and late, my apologies. 

American Angst

Happy days are here again. Controversial Sheriff Arpaio of Arizona, the guy who dehumanizes prisoners, is on thebirther bandwagon. This is the gentleman who built a tent city jail where temperatures reach 135 degrees. Then he banned cigarettes, hot lunches, coffee, salt and pepper. He makes the male inmates wear pink underwear and socks, sometimes parading them around. He has claimed numerous times that Obama's birth certificate is a forgery. He bases this conclusion on the thought that it must be a forgery, since their is no other documents saying it isn't a forgery. That is critical thinking for the tea party gentleman.

Romney has a new campaign strategy, he totally agrees with Obama, yet manages to make it sound like he doesn't. Romney's attack ads center around the President's thought that businesses need help to succeed, that they "didn't build it themselves." Romney says that shows how out of touch with the business community Obama is. Gates built his business, Jobs his and mentions other names. Obama's taken out of context quote related to how businesses use the infrastructure that the government and the people built. Business owners went to schools that the public pays for. What really makes his argument look bad is that Romney took one billion dollars from the federal government while working on the Olympics; taxpayer money. 

Mitt has also decided not to release any more of his tax documents. Ann backs him up stating, "There are so many things that will be open again for more attack, and you just give more material for more attack, and that's the answer. We've given all you people need to know and understand about our financial situation and about how we live our life."

Take that you people.

Gun Goons

The NRA's tweet for Saturday morning from their @NRA_RIFLEMAN account was possibly not in the best of taste. The tweet in question said, "Good morning, shooters. Happy Friday! Weekend plans?" The tweet was possibly done in advance, but pretty much sucked. That account is now gone.

This after the mass shooting in Aurora Colorado. Ten years ago, the assault weapon ban was still in effect so this type of damage cold be lessened, but Americans need their assault rifles; for hunting I'm sure.

The NRA said in a statement: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and the community. NRA will not have any further comment until all the facts are known." They continued with the thought that if someone in the theater was armed they could have stopped the shooter. Well, hopefully they would have been great shots, since the shooter was wearing body armor. And of course, just what we need, vigilantes dispensing justice.

Right Wing Rants

Keeping are eyes on Aurora, here comes the crazy. American Family Association's Bryan Fischer had the answer to problems with America's youth:

"With regard to students, SAT scores began to plummet almost immediately, starting in 1963, and have never recovered. The rate of premarital sex began to climb, as did the rate of sexually transmitted diseases. Teenage pregnancies and teen births began to skyrocket, again starting in 1963. The rate at which teens were arrested for rape, aggravated assault, and murder shot through the roof ... The consequences for “parents” and families have been equally severe. Since 1963, the rates of adultery, divorce, cohabitation and domestic abuse have risen dramatically, and the intact nuclear family is being ravaged perhaps beyond repair.

With regard to “teachers” and our educational system, SAT scores have fallen into the basement while rates of school violence are shooting through the ceiling and our armed forces are hampered by functionally illiterate recruits.

The consequences for “our Country” are equally catastrophic. Homicide rates are up; more Americans are being gunned down in cold blood this year in Chicago than in Afghanistan. The nuclear family is breaking apart at culture-destroying rates. One of out every five adults in America has a lifelong, incurable sexually transmitted disease.The sexual and physical abuse of children is out of control.

The Supreme Court compounded its godless and criminal misconduct by banning the Ten Commandments and its moral precepts from classrooms in 1980. Their reasoning was fantastically absurd when looked at in the light of last night’s massacre.

“[I]f the posted copies of the Ten Commandments are to have any effect at all, it will be to induce the schoolchildren to read, meditate upon, perhaps to venerate and obey, the Commandments,” which, the Court said, is “not a permissible state objective under the Establishment Clause.”

So these black-robed miscreants said we cannot permit potential mass murderers like James Holmes to read or meditate on God’s prohibition “Thou shall not murder” as a part of their education, because someone like him just might be inclined to “venerate and obey” it and not go on a midnight shooting rampage leaving a trail of dead bodies in his wake. No, we can’t be having that, now, can we?

...

It’s time for us to say to the left we’ve tried it your way for the past 60 years and our country is being destroyed before our very eyes. It’s time to try it our way for next 60 years. If we don’t like what we see in 2072, we can always drink again from the poisoned well of secular fundamentalism. Something tells me we won’t want to."

Jesus Juice

Not to be outdone by AFA's crazy Bryan Fischer, who has a "degree" in theology, Jerry Newcombe of Truth in Action Ministries weighed in on the shootings as well; and in a predictably asinine fashion.

"I can't help but feel that to some extent, we're reaping what we've been sowing as a society. We said to God, "Get out of the public arena." Lawsuit after lawsuit, often by misguided "civil libertarians," have chased away any fear of God in the land -- at least in the hearts of millions.

...

Recently, I wrote on the subject of Hell and how our society has generally lost its cognizance of it.

We've lost this cognizance to the point that a recent bestseller was a book by an "evangelical pastor," who for all practical purposes denied Hell (or the import of it). (It exists, but don't worry -- supposedly nobody's going there.) When the book was first published 16 months ago, it made the cover of TIME magazine. This month it was republished as a paperback.

This makes me think. "Wow, what the heck happened to Hell?" What -- was there some new revelation that changed what the Lord warned about? To me, what He said 2,000 years ago is still worth heeding: What does it profit you if you gain the whole world and lose your soul?

Tens of millions of young people in this culture seem to have no fear of God. It's becoming too commonplace that some frustrated person will go on a killing spree of random people. If they kill themselves, they think it's all over. But that's like going from the frying pan into the fire. Where's the fear of God in our society? I don't think people would do those sorts of things if they truly understood the reality of Hell."

Murder Mania

On average, we get the great displeasure of hearing about another mass murder more than once a year during the last 30 years. Mass murders are defined as being four or more people killed in a single incident. 

American Angst

This week a fine officer of the law out of the District of Columbia made comments about shooting the first lady. Apparently he even showed a picture of the gun he would use. The officer has not been named yet and the Secret Service will follow up. Bad enough that there's a gentleman that's been hired to "protect and serve" who's decided to do the opposite, but reading comments at sites that have picked up the story once again shows how belittling and ignorant some followers of the right wing machine are.

The story is hearsay so far, and conservatives are screaming it's a political move. Guess we'll find out soon.

Michelle is being attacked by the right. Something as simple as planning an event at a Florida high school is more than they can handle. They don't want political events in schools, even though the high school in question allows anyone to rent the facility, it isn't costing Florida's taxpayers any money and school is out for the summer.   

A reminder for those not paying attention, Romney endorses the Ryan budget plan. If he is elected, everyone who is 55 or younger will lose. "The Path to Prosperity" would eliminate Medicaid by 2022. All those who were born after 1956 would end up on a voucher system that would benefit the usual suspects; corporations and the rich. The federal government would save over time since each state will receive a block grant that is less than what the feds would spend on the current system. Meaning the states will have to come up with more income, or start shutting down other services. The nice part is that in 2022 the feds will reduce the block grants by excluding payments for acute care services for the elderly. The plan is that the elderly will supplement their coverage with a personal medical savings plan.

Who's killing Grandma? Apparently Alan Grayson was right on the mark when he explained the conservative's plan for health care. Part one, "Don't get sick," part two, "if you do get sick, die quickly." I miss Alan.

The plan also talks about closing tax loopholes, but doesn't designate which loopholes will be closed. Maybe one of those loopholes will be your mortgage tax deduction?

It has not been a good week for Romney. Apparently the Bain Capital argument that the democrats have been pushing has finally found a foothold; Romney says he left in 1999, the books show he was the CEO and getting paid up until 2002. Bain, who has been called the, "pioneers of outsourcing," will not be the campaign highlight that he was hoping for.

The wait in Wisconsin is over. A month after the recall elections democrats finally are in control of the Senate. State Senator Van Wanggaard finally has admitted defeat after a recount and a threat to sue. At least one part of Wisconsin's legislature is now  out of tea party hands.

Snap Socialism

I've mentioned the Farm Bill in the past, but did not dwell on the statistics and what they mean to low-income Americans; hopefully this will put it in perspective.

On Thursday the House Agricultural Committee approved 16.5 billion in funding cuts affecting 45 million Americans. The number of Americans using the program has seen recent jumps in numbers due to the recession. Think about this; when we need help, our government turns their back. Being unemployed for the majority is not a goal or a scam; it is the direct result of too big to fail banks and their friends on Wall Street that gambled and lost with many of the unemployed's hard earned wages. Since I haven't seen the rush to prosecute CEO's for the crime, I take it this is the new America.

Remembering that this effects children, the elderly, single parent families and even veterans is a big part of the discussion. 2 to 3 million individuals will lose their benefits entirely, another 500 million households will have benefits cut and 300,000 children will lose school lunches. 

The SNAP payouts equal $1.50 a meal for recipients. 

Not a pleasant thought for many of us, but Charles Krauthammer from FOX news explains the conspiracy to us all; "the president feels it is a success to get as many people dependent on the government as possible." He goes on saying, "he, (Obama), is trying to get people to accept handouts and not be so proud, destroying our national aversion to handouts."

Yes sir, starving Americans would rather watch their children die than take any government handouts. We've worked, paid taxes, contributed to welfare for the rich and now you can bury us.

American Exceptionalism all the way.

Education Enemies

Innovative attacks on educating children continue. Romney has stated several times during his campaign that when elected he would end public funding for PBS; they should get their money from advertisers like everyone else.

Nice move. If this seems harmless in comparison to all the other social needs we face, think about it this way. PBS has children shows. Shows that do not advertise and only teach. The benefit to this is that you as a parent don't have to listen to your children expressing their thoughts on what cereal they want for breakfast, what clothes they should be wearing to school, what toys they need to have and so on. You have a safe haven, a place where children can watch Sesame street and learn how to read or do simple math; or even more importantly, how to interact socially. All without corporate america's influence.

That's what the problem is of course, cartoons and children's shows on other networks are homes to corporations; where the most important thought to be taught is consumerism.

Childhood Cancelled

Two words, "Zero Tolerance." Laws that have been put in place over the recent years are helping the school to prison pipeline. Taking advantage of disadvantaged children, zero tolerance laws let young ones get a taste for jail early on in life. 

Minor offenses are now treated as punishable by law. Take the fairly current case of Salecia Johnson, a 6 year old charged with assault. Yeah, you heard me right, 6 years old. Salecia was going to be charged with a felony assault until someone pulled their head out of the sand and decided that might be going to far. Still Salecia ended up being expelled for the year.

Salecia had a temper tantrum in school. Her tantrum included tossing a shelf and hitting the school principal in the leg. Besides the assault she was also charged with damaging school property. The police were called, and when they arrived they found Salecia on the floor crying. They went over to her and she "resisted" their help. She was handcuffed and taken away.

A 6 year old having a temper tantrum hauled away in cuffs, amazing.

I've heard different reports on young ones being hauled away. Sometimes they are so small that they can't handcuff their wrists because of how small the children are; they move the handcuffs up to their upper arms to get a fit.

Conservative laws make us barbarians.

Jesus Juice

Watching conservatives trying to legislate god and country is a full time job. So many bills that try to remove the separation of church and state, you'd think it was all we had to worry about. 

In Florida, Governor Scott signed a bill allowing prayer at graduations, sporting events and assemblies. The legislation is called the Inspirational Messages in School bill. Proselytizing in public schools is the law of the land. 

Romney has been considering pledging support for an amendment or legislation on putting god back into schools. Ten commandments hanging everywhere, crosses up and down the roads, god in our history books and whatever else that would entail after getting rid of the first amendment. Conservatives really only like parts of the constitution, just like their bibles.

There is only one reason why god needs to be in any school. Since there are churches everywhere that will teach you more than you wanted to know about the magic bastard, and parents can teach their children about the magic bastard as well, the only purpose is to proselytize.

Religion is slowly losing its hold on America. There are a few Facebook pages on bringing god back into schools, yet even on that massive social network, the "children for putting god back into school" has only 54 likes, and their adult counterparts has only a little over a thousand. Not going anywhere with the general public it would seem. 

Suicidal Soldiers

More soldiers are killing themselves than are being killed in combat. This year soldiers are killing themselves here at home every day. In the first 155 days of the year, 154 soldiers have died. Forty seven percent of these losses are under the age of 25.

Dismal statistics. Even if you hate war, it is hard to dislike the children that fight them.

Apparently soldiers who have returned home have problems even driving down the streets. Years of waiting for a roadside bomb to go off seems to permanently reside in their minds, even while back in the states.

Besides the memories of war, the military's self-reliance training appears to get in the way of finding help for these men. 

Final Fixation

Voting Misconceptions:

A constant refrain in many posts here, and elsewhere, deals with this question; "why do voters vote against there own best interests?" Possibly I don't understand what is being stated because believe me, people do not vote against their best perceived interests.

Whenever the statement is made, it seems to pertain mainly to the poor. Yet statistically, if you are talking about the poor, 86% or so are minorities. They are not voting against themselves. The vast majority voted for our current president, and will do so again.

You may think this is about race, and to a certain point it is, but even race did not keep poor whites from voting for Obama. In 2008 sixty percent of white voters making under $50,000 voted for Obama.

So who is voting against themselves? 

I can not find any evidence that people generally vote against their best interests, they do at times, but not always. Even in the $50,000 to 100,000 income levels, Obama managed to split the white vote. 

You could say that 50% of middle class white America voted against their best interest, if you think the middle class is better served by democrats. The only real part race plays is privilege, and it does play a large part. Whites have it good in this country; they tend to have better lives because of that privilege. Better jobs and education, and they want to keep it that way. Yet still, you could also say that 50% voted against that thought, thinking correctly that it will serve them best to vote against the rich. 

I think we should start looking at this differently. Conservatives have framed the discussion in the last several election cycles as us against them. Workers against the freeloaders, workers against the unions, theists against the secularists, family against the LGBT community; and they are losing support every cycle.

Whites are increasingly voting for democrats, and even a black candidate is not enough to stop the surge of middle America against the rich. I've enjoyed seeing bumper stickers supporting Obama on cars being driven by older white gents and ladies; we're not all crazy.

So even though we dislike the local elections that come out of rigged districts, I think we should be encouraged that as a whole, Americans are getting the message. It is only a majority of the rich that totally embrace conservatism, and though that may be enough to defeat Obama because of Citizen's United, I think not. 

Lets face it, though there are pockets of enraged white idiots, we seem to be coming around nicely, albeit slowly.