Farnsworth asked if I had heard of Dale Peterson yet and seen his Best Political Ad Ever Created. (According to the Washington Post, it has received over 1.7 million hits on YouTube.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jU7fhIO7DG0
Damn, now that’s what you call plain folks appeal…My initial thought when viewing the first time was “is this one of those Internet jokes?” However, there’s some serious business going down in this ad. Mainly that old-fashioned, lever-action rancher gun. My Dale tells me that gun began manufacture in the 1880s and is still sold today because of its VERY EFFECTIVE DESIGN. I’ll have you know, John Wayne carried one as Rooster Cogburn, when he charged Lucky Ned Pepper across the meadow in “True Grit.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51l4U6Slgn0
“Rooster, I’m shot to pieces…”
The other pieces of serious business are: The man’s election is June 1 – I’ll be watching to see if he wins by a landslide. And then watching to see which other politicians in this region think they can get away with copying it for their races…
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Americana
Awesome day. Farnsworth wanted to take his mothers for a trip on the mother road. With Farnsworth behind the wheel, the grandma riding shotgun, and me providing vital navigation from the backseat, we drove Route 66, from Oklahoma City to Tulsa through the little towns of Arcadia, Chandler, Stroud…
First stop was Pops, a special place that touts the world’s largest soda pop bottle and 700 kinds of bottled soda pop for sale. Farnsworth’s Russian professor told him they sell a pop here called “Lenin’s Conscience” – well, we had to try to find that tasty treat!
First stop was Pops, a special place that touts the world’s largest soda pop bottle and 700 kinds of bottled soda pop for sale. Farnsworth’s Russian professor told him they sell a pop here called “Lenin’s Conscience” – well, we had to try to find that tasty treat!
This turned out to be my favorite thing of the day – I am so easily amused! Actually it was called “Leninade” – a lemonade with a shot of red fruitiness – these jokes just make themselves! The old fashioned glass bottle was covered with hilarious slogans:
Leninade – A Taste Worth Standing in Line For!
Surprisingly Satisfying! Simple Soviet Style Soda
Get Hammered and Sickled!
Drink Comrade! Drink! It’s This or the Gulag!
A Party in Every Bottle!
Join the Party!
Get Really Hammered and Sickled!
And in tiny print:
Our 5-Year Plan: Drink a bottle a day for 5 years and become a Hero of Socialist Flavor!
Beware the Repressed Communist Party Animal who is Really a Proletarian in Denial Masquerading as a Bourgeois Cold War Monger!
I LOVE irony, and have I ever mentioned how much I also love the free market, and did you get that part about the 700 kinds of pop sold? Yes, indeed, there stands Pops like a beacon on the plain, straw raised high in the air, saying “give me your Tired and Thirsty…”
Leninade – A Taste Worth Standing in Line For!
Surprisingly Satisfying! Simple Soviet Style Soda
Get Hammered and Sickled!
Drink Comrade! Drink! It’s This or the Gulag!
A Party in Every Bottle!
Join the Party!
Get Really Hammered and Sickled!
And in tiny print:
Our 5-Year Plan: Drink a bottle a day for 5 years and become a Hero of Socialist Flavor!
Beware the Repressed Communist Party Animal who is Really a Proletarian in Denial Masquerading as a Bourgeois Cold War Monger!
I LOVE irony, and have I ever mentioned how much I also love the free market, and did you get that part about the 700 kinds of pop sold? Yes, indeed, there stands Pops like a beacon on the plain, straw raised high in the air, saying “give me your Tired and Thirsty…”
Last thing, had to make sure and get myself a tacky souvenir on the way out (I mean, in addition to the Leninade bottle) – a pop bottle opener in the shape of a pop bottle that doubles as a refrigerator magnet. Awesome!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
The Barack Situation
Just some observations…
I want some of that Gulf Coast shrimp – it won’t stick to the pan!
The BP Situation is kind of like “The Bonnie Situation” segment in “Pulp Fiction.” The assassins, played by Travolta and Jackson, accidentally kill a guy in the backseat of the car (while waving a gun around), freak out, and drive to a friend’s. They call in The Expert in Handling Emergencies, “The Wolf,” played by Keitel, who says basically, “Okay, this is what we’re gonna do. You’re gonna clean it up.” And then, they clean it up. Or in this case, just plug the damn hole.
Seriously, if I was the POTUS…
Get some NASA scientists (space technology is usually the first to emerge, then it trickles down to other areas like ocean exploration and wilderness survival gear) and some Mensa eggheads in the same room. Throw in a couple of US drilling R&D types. Tell them they have 12 hours to get creative and produce three recommendations for BP. If one is successful, require BP to reward them with a nice monetary prize to split equally.
Yes, BP is required to drill in a difficult location under difficult circumstances, and it’s unbelievable there was no tested crisis plan in place. Rumors suggest greedy management killed people. All this so we can feed our addiction to oil and oil products like Wal-Mart bags. So many bad decisions piled on countless other bad decisions…stoopidity breeding more stoopidity.
Let us briefly run through some of those decisions:
1. Consumers make tiny bad decisions every day, when they buy and use plastic, certain beauty products and cleaning supplies, and drive their car. Multiply by millions.
2. We require oil companies to feed our addiction by drilling in places and situations on the very edge of our technological ability. Lawmakers make a lot of laws about this (wrong decisions?) influenced by special interest groups insisting that their decisions be implemented.
3. Oil company decides to fly with no Plan B!
4. Their management decides to not follow their own safety measures in order to meet quotas or benchmarks. Workers decide to go along with it. Workers die.
So many places we can assign blame. Let’s all own it.
So, no, it’s not Obama’s fault, but standing on the beach frowning isn’t going to get ‘er done, in this case. Be more than a figure head. Here’s the ingredients you need: Expertise, brainstorming, incentive, deadline. Take the lead, make it happen. Let’s see watcha got, Barry. You haven’t done anything in a month but whine. This is the kind of problem-opportunity that can define who you are.
What did that dude from Apollo 13 say? When he heard someone whine “oh, this could be the worst disaster NASA’s ever faced!” Gene Krantz replied “with all due respect, sir, I believe this is going to be our finest hour.” And it was. Real leadership…;^)
I want some of that Gulf Coast shrimp – it won’t stick to the pan!
The BP Situation is kind of like “The Bonnie Situation” segment in “Pulp Fiction.” The assassins, played by Travolta and Jackson, accidentally kill a guy in the backseat of the car (while waving a gun around), freak out, and drive to a friend’s. They call in The Expert in Handling Emergencies, “The Wolf,” played by Keitel, who says basically, “Okay, this is what we’re gonna do. You’re gonna clean it up.” And then, they clean it up. Or in this case, just plug the damn hole.
Seriously, if I was the POTUS…
Get some NASA scientists (space technology is usually the first to emerge, then it trickles down to other areas like ocean exploration and wilderness survival gear) and some Mensa eggheads in the same room. Throw in a couple of US drilling R&D types. Tell them they have 12 hours to get creative and produce three recommendations for BP. If one is successful, require BP to reward them with a nice monetary prize to split equally.
Yes, BP is required to drill in a difficult location under difficult circumstances, and it’s unbelievable there was no tested crisis plan in place. Rumors suggest greedy management killed people. All this so we can feed our addiction to oil and oil products like Wal-Mart bags. So many bad decisions piled on countless other bad decisions…stoopidity breeding more stoopidity.
Let us briefly run through some of those decisions:
1. Consumers make tiny bad decisions every day, when they buy and use plastic, certain beauty products and cleaning supplies, and drive their car. Multiply by millions.
2. We require oil companies to feed our addiction by drilling in places and situations on the very edge of our technological ability. Lawmakers make a lot of laws about this (wrong decisions?) influenced by special interest groups insisting that their decisions be implemented.
3. Oil company decides to fly with no Plan B!
4. Their management decides to not follow their own safety measures in order to meet quotas or benchmarks. Workers decide to go along with it. Workers die.
So many places we can assign blame. Let’s all own it.
So, no, it’s not Obama’s fault, but standing on the beach frowning isn’t going to get ‘er done, in this case. Be more than a figure head. Here’s the ingredients you need: Expertise, brainstorming, incentive, deadline. Take the lead, make it happen. Let’s see watcha got, Barry. You haven’t done anything in a month but whine. This is the kind of problem-opportunity that can define who you are.
What did that dude from Apollo 13 say? When he heard someone whine “oh, this could be the worst disaster NASA’s ever faced!” Gene Krantz replied “with all due respect, sir, I believe this is going to be our finest hour.” And it was. Real leadership…;^)
The Politics of Pedi’s
My 67-year-old mother and I had our monthly pedicure this morning! I can’t explain why I love doing this so much. Imagine 12 pedicure chairs in a row with pedicurists working over the clients’ feet. The place is packed, women wait for an open chair. Both patrons and workers range in age, from young and playful to elderly and wise. It’s fascinating to me how language is really no barrier at all.
It is a “woman’s place,” the talk is about children and husbands and looking and feeling beautiful. Call me a sexist and a racist and whatever – don’t care. It just feels right. It is the 2010 version of the beauty shop in “Steel Magnolias.” They recognize us and tease my mother about always choosing plain pale pink polish for her toes while I opt for red glitter, zebra stripes and flowers. Smiles pass between the women. Do men have such a place – I mean, do they bond at the auto parts store?
So, in this place where things are Right in the Universe, in stark contrast to most of the rest of the world, I noticed a stack of political brochures at the toe polish drying station. The shop was endorsing Cindy Truong running for District Judge. Cindy, brought from Viet Nam at age 11, could not speak English at first. She graduated Valedictorian seven years later from Mustang High. While working at a convenience store, she earned a bachelor’s in Economics in three years and a juris doctorate in another three. She’s been an assistant DA the last 10 years, and several area fraternal police orders are supporting her.
I loved the text of her brochure. “My last name is not Smith or Jones, but I am from here. I am an Oklahoman.” And on her website, she credits the injustices she witnessed as a child in Viet Nam as the fuel for her life. “Instead of wallowing in sorrow, I made myself strong.”
Now that, folks, is the American Dream. I can’t wait to cast my vote for her.
I included a few pics of Cindy and her son, her gorgeous husband, and some of her crew walking/ running the Red Bud Classic.
It is a “woman’s place,” the talk is about children and husbands and looking and feeling beautiful. Call me a sexist and a racist and whatever – don’t care. It just feels right. It is the 2010 version of the beauty shop in “Steel Magnolias.” They recognize us and tease my mother about always choosing plain pale pink polish for her toes while I opt for red glitter, zebra stripes and flowers. Smiles pass between the women. Do men have such a place – I mean, do they bond at the auto parts store?
So, in this place where things are Right in the Universe, in stark contrast to most of the rest of the world, I noticed a stack of political brochures at the toe polish drying station. The shop was endorsing Cindy Truong running for District Judge. Cindy, brought from Viet Nam at age 11, could not speak English at first. She graduated Valedictorian seven years later from Mustang High. While working at a convenience store, she earned a bachelor’s in Economics in three years and a juris doctorate in another three. She’s been an assistant DA the last 10 years, and several area fraternal police orders are supporting her.
I loved the text of her brochure. “My last name is not Smith or Jones, but I am from here. I am an Oklahoman.” And on her website, she credits the injustices she witnessed as a child in Viet Nam as the fuel for her life. “Instead of wallowing in sorrow, I made myself strong.”
Now that, folks, is the American Dream. I can’t wait to cast my vote for her.
I included a few pics of Cindy and her son, her gorgeous husband, and some of her crew walking/ running the Red Bud Classic.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Journalism 101
Masquerading as an entertainment news story on CNN.com is the following:
{Quite a few musicians - as well as a notable filmmaker - have joined Rage Against the Machine's Zack de la Rocha in what he calls a “sound strike” of Arizona.
After the state signed into law a bill requiring police to determine the immigration status of individuals suspected of being in the country illegally, some stars came forward voicing their opposition to the legislation.
In a statement, the Rage lead singer encouraged his fellow music artists, as well as music fans, to help “put a stop” to the law.
“Fans of our music, our stories, our films and our words can be pulled over and harassed every day because they are brown or black, or for the way they speak, or for the music they listen to,” de la Rocha said. “People who are poor like some of us used to be could be forced to live in a constant state of fear while just doing what they can to find work and survive. This law opens the door for them to be shaked down, or even worse, detained and deported while just trying to travel home from school, from home to work, or when they just roll out with their friends.”
The law –- SB 1070 –- takes “racial profiling…to a whole new low,” the singer went on. “When Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, they arrested her. As a result, people got together and said we are not going to ride the bus until they change the law…What if we got together, signed a collective letter saying, ‘We're not going to ride the bus,’ saying we are not going to comply. We are not going to play in Arizona.”
Thus far, a variety of music artists have agreed to join the boycott, including Calle 13, Kanye West, Spank Rock, Tenacious D and Sonic Youth. Filmmaker Michael Moore has also taken a stand with the Sound Strike to protest the law.
Earlier this month, Cypress Hill –- another music group that's joined the boycott –- and Pitbull both canceled concerts in Arizona in protest.}
Okay, that’s it. Every “journalist” out there, go back to Journalism 101 and embrace the idea that YOU HAVE A SERIOUS RESPONSIBILITY TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE TO REPORT FACTS IN AN ETHICAL, UNBIASED WAY! You are a joke. You are a boil on the ass of society.
This is how you would report the same story in a real newspaper.
Recording artists Rage Against the Machine announced (on their website) (today) a “sound strike” against Arizona in protest of the state’s recent immigration legislation. (Go to website and confirm.)
The “strike” consists of refusing to perform live in Arizona and asking other musicians to do the same. (Call the band’s tour manager or promoter and ask: Were any dates signed by contract with venues in the state? Were these contracts canceled? Was the band in negotiations with any venues? Is the band on tour now? Name of tour? How many of the band’s fans normally attend the live performances in Arizona? How much revenue is the band forgoing for this decision?) (Then call venue and ask: How many times in past has this band appeared? The typical crowd draw? The typical monetary take? What’s the venue’s cut? Are they hurt by this action? Their reaction?)
Joining the band’s protest are fellow artists Calle 13, Kanye West, Spank Rock, Tenacious D and Sonic Youth. (Call each and confirm. Get a quote from Kanye, because he’s a turd who loves attention and will call you back and he’s the best known for his recent turd-like behavior on an awards show. You might even mention that to remind people who he is.)
Filmmaker Michael Moore has pledged his support to the band. (Call and ask if he had plans to shoot a film in Arizona.) It is unclear whether Moore intended to shoot an upcoming film in Arizona.
(Call Zack and ask how his “strike” will result in “putting a stop” to the law. Get a DIRECT quote on this.)
(Try to contact Sara in the comments who claims to live in Arizona. Post a request that she contact you via email. Ask to use her full name and reaction – “To condemn their fans for living in Arizona is disgusting.”)
(Notes: Glancing at website shows June tour dates in Europe. They’re not even touring US right now? Looks like the corporate entity handling parts of their European tour is Live Nation – call them for factual tour info. Website has NOTHING listed on Events or Action pages/ sections and NOTHING about this under NEWS. How puzzling. Did this come into CNN as a “press release”? By whom? Who is listed as the contact for more info on the release? At this point, your bullshit meter should be on FULL ALERT. Wait. Is this even a story? Or a ploy on someone’s part to get much needed press attention for a band desperate to paint themselves as socially aware, anti-government rebels? Hmmmm.)
CNN reporter, you are LAZY and DESPICABLE. And a disgrace to what used to be a noble profession. You’re a damn mouthpiece. How sad for you. And us.
Let’s take a look at how CNN packages this as news. The story was accessed by clicking a link on their home page under “Entertainment News.” The headline was “Stars Join Sound Strike Against Arizona.” You were directed to a page called “Marquee” which is a blog? With no byline, reporter’s name, live person compiling it? Other blog entries do have a CNN.com reporter’s name at the bottom of the post (seen if you click through to the “Main” page of the blog). Not this one. No one wanted their name on it…
http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2010/05/27/stars-join-sound-strike-against-arizona/?hpt=Sbin
I believe that the state of journalism has become so bad in our country that the people are very confused and have no idea where to turn for real news and information. Do you have any ideas?
{Quite a few musicians - as well as a notable filmmaker - have joined Rage Against the Machine's Zack de la Rocha in what he calls a “sound strike” of Arizona.
After the state signed into law a bill requiring police to determine the immigration status of individuals suspected of being in the country illegally, some stars came forward voicing their opposition to the legislation.
In a statement, the Rage lead singer encouraged his fellow music artists, as well as music fans, to help “put a stop” to the law.
“Fans of our music, our stories, our films and our words can be pulled over and harassed every day because they are brown or black, or for the way they speak, or for the music they listen to,” de la Rocha said. “People who are poor like some of us used to be could be forced to live in a constant state of fear while just doing what they can to find work and survive. This law opens the door for them to be shaked down, or even worse, detained and deported while just trying to travel home from school, from home to work, or when they just roll out with their friends.”
The law –- SB 1070 –- takes “racial profiling…to a whole new low,” the singer went on. “When Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, they arrested her. As a result, people got together and said we are not going to ride the bus until they change the law…What if we got together, signed a collective letter saying, ‘We're not going to ride the bus,’ saying we are not going to comply. We are not going to play in Arizona.”
Thus far, a variety of music artists have agreed to join the boycott, including Calle 13, Kanye West, Spank Rock, Tenacious D and Sonic Youth. Filmmaker Michael Moore has also taken a stand with the Sound Strike to protest the law.
Earlier this month, Cypress Hill –- another music group that's joined the boycott –- and Pitbull both canceled concerts in Arizona in protest.}
Okay, that’s it. Every “journalist” out there, go back to Journalism 101 and embrace the idea that YOU HAVE A SERIOUS RESPONSIBILITY TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE TO REPORT FACTS IN AN ETHICAL, UNBIASED WAY! You are a joke. You are a boil on the ass of society.
This is how you would report the same story in a real newspaper.
Recording artists Rage Against the Machine announced (on their website) (today) a “sound strike” against Arizona in protest of the state’s recent immigration legislation. (Go to website and confirm.)
The “strike” consists of refusing to perform live in Arizona and asking other musicians to do the same. (Call the band’s tour manager or promoter and ask: Were any dates signed by contract with venues in the state? Were these contracts canceled? Was the band in negotiations with any venues? Is the band on tour now? Name of tour? How many of the band’s fans normally attend the live performances in Arizona? How much revenue is the band forgoing for this decision?) (Then call venue and ask: How many times in past has this band appeared? The typical crowd draw? The typical monetary take? What’s the venue’s cut? Are they hurt by this action? Their reaction?)
Joining the band’s protest are fellow artists Calle 13, Kanye West, Spank Rock, Tenacious D and Sonic Youth. (Call each and confirm. Get a quote from Kanye, because he’s a turd who loves attention and will call you back and he’s the best known for his recent turd-like behavior on an awards show. You might even mention that to remind people who he is.)
Filmmaker Michael Moore has pledged his support to the band. (Call and ask if he had plans to shoot a film in Arizona.) It is unclear whether Moore intended to shoot an upcoming film in Arizona.
(Call Zack and ask how his “strike” will result in “putting a stop” to the law. Get a DIRECT quote on this.)
(Try to contact Sara in the comments who claims to live in Arizona. Post a request that she contact you via email. Ask to use her full name and reaction – “To condemn their fans for living in Arizona is disgusting.”)
(Notes: Glancing at website shows June tour dates in Europe. They’re not even touring US right now? Looks like the corporate entity handling parts of their European tour is Live Nation – call them for factual tour info. Website has NOTHING listed on Events or Action pages/ sections and NOTHING about this under NEWS. How puzzling. Did this come into CNN as a “press release”? By whom? Who is listed as the contact for more info on the release? At this point, your bullshit meter should be on FULL ALERT. Wait. Is this even a story? Or a ploy on someone’s part to get much needed press attention for a band desperate to paint themselves as socially aware, anti-government rebels? Hmmmm.)
CNN reporter, you are LAZY and DESPICABLE. And a disgrace to what used to be a noble profession. You’re a damn mouthpiece. How sad for you. And us.
Let’s take a look at how CNN packages this as news. The story was accessed by clicking a link on their home page under “Entertainment News.” The headline was “Stars Join Sound Strike Against Arizona.” You were directed to a page called “Marquee” which is a blog? With no byline, reporter’s name, live person compiling it? Other blog entries do have a CNN.com reporter’s name at the bottom of the post (seen if you click through to the “Main” page of the blog). Not this one. No one wanted their name on it…
http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2010/05/27/stars-join-sound-strike-against-arizona/?hpt=Sbin
I believe that the state of journalism has become so bad in our country that the people are very confused and have no idea where to turn for real news and information. Do you have any ideas?
Raging Against the Rage
I would like to announce that I will be Raging against the Rage.
Rage Against the Machine’s Zack de la Rocha is encouraging fellow musicians and fans to join him in what he calls a “sound strike” of Arizona, in protest of the “new” state law requiring police to enforce the existing federal immigration policy in that state.
http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2010/05/27/stars-join-sound-strike-against-arizona/?hpt=Sbin
Well, what does that mean exactly? No music for you, Arizona?
…And who has jumped on board with this? That would be: Calle 13, Kanye West, Spank Rock, Tenacious D and Sonic Youth. Earlier this month, Cypress Hill and Pitbull canceled concerts in Arizona in protest.
Well, that really impacts me. NOT. Like I would be attending their shows or buying their CDs anyway….tell me again, who? It sounds as if they could all really use the free press generated more than the concert appearances anyway.
Rage Against the Machine’s Zack de la Rocha is encouraging fellow musicians and fans to join him in what he calls a “sound strike” of Arizona, in protest of the “new” state law requiring police to enforce the existing federal immigration policy in that state.
http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2010/05/27/stars-join-sound-strike-against-arizona/?hpt=Sbin
Well, what does that mean exactly? No music for you, Arizona?
…And who has jumped on board with this? That would be: Calle 13, Kanye West, Spank Rock, Tenacious D and Sonic Youth. Earlier this month, Cypress Hill and Pitbull canceled concerts in Arizona in protest.
Well, that really impacts me. NOT. Like I would be attending their shows or buying their CDs anyway….tell me again, who? It sounds as if they could all really use the free press generated more than the concert appearances anyway.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
The Angry American
We were taught that in polite company, you don’t talk about money, religion, or politics. My personal feeling is “what else is there worth talking about”!? It’s time we all talk about these things. We can’t be silent – they’re too important.
I do believe in ground rules, however, and try my hardest to not engage in cheap, “aha gotcha!” moments. I know how vastly amusing they are to observers, and how satisfying they can be for me, but really, how productive are they? I’m no saint, but I do want to try to listen and learn new perspectives and understand those of different opinions.
It seems to me that politics involves a lot of “make-believe future scenarios” in everyone’s heads. That scenario can be rosy and positive or apocalyptic doom and gloom. And once that picture gets in someone’s head, they’re prepared to fight to the death to defend it! For example, some believe Obama’s health care reform WILL really fix all the problems in our current health care system. Others believe it WILL be another governmental screw-up of astronomical proportions and dire financial consequences. I fall in the latter category.
The truth is no one can see the future, but we can look at history, precedence, for clues. (Even that is problematic as interpretations vary.) Actually, has there EVER been a good outcome when the government was put in charge of it? I’m curious, because everything I’ve read or heard is “no, never.”
I opposed Obama’s health care reform; but, I was OUTRAGED by the manner in which it passed. In case you’re unaware, the final version of this 1400-page bill was delivered mere hours before a vote was forced at 10:30 at night. Arms were twisted, deals were made. D’s changed nay votes last-minute, then announced they weren’t running for re-election (because they knew their chances were slim, facing their angry constituents, and they had been promised other positions anyway by their party and president). This was a complete break-down of the system.
And the people are angry, VERY angry. Their voices are supposed to be heard, their votes are supposed to count. No one trusts any more that even the most basic rules of the system are being observed. How will all this anger play out? That’s the real scary scenario of doom and gloom in my head.
The Obama administration seems to not grasp the situation and plans to force even more unpopular, crazy policy in the near future. The liberal media continues to do its best to spin the people’s anger as radical, or racist, or unfounded.
How can I impress on everyone this simple fact: AMERICA IS ANGRY. Please make no mistake about it.
Upcoming: My son Farnsworth is on the front lines, dealing with America’s anger and mistrust every day, as a telephone campaign worker for an R candidate gunning for a Washington seat, and as a door-to-door enumerator for the US Census. I hope to be able to share some firsthand information regarding this mood of the people.
I do believe in ground rules, however, and try my hardest to not engage in cheap, “aha gotcha!” moments. I know how vastly amusing they are to observers, and how satisfying they can be for me, but really, how productive are they? I’m no saint, but I do want to try to listen and learn new perspectives and understand those of different opinions.
It seems to me that politics involves a lot of “make-believe future scenarios” in everyone’s heads. That scenario can be rosy and positive or apocalyptic doom and gloom. And once that picture gets in someone’s head, they’re prepared to fight to the death to defend it! For example, some believe Obama’s health care reform WILL really fix all the problems in our current health care system. Others believe it WILL be another governmental screw-up of astronomical proportions and dire financial consequences. I fall in the latter category.
The truth is no one can see the future, but we can look at history, precedence, for clues. (Even that is problematic as interpretations vary.) Actually, has there EVER been a good outcome when the government was put in charge of it? I’m curious, because everything I’ve read or heard is “no, never.”
I opposed Obama’s health care reform; but, I was OUTRAGED by the manner in which it passed. In case you’re unaware, the final version of this 1400-page bill was delivered mere hours before a vote was forced at 10:30 at night. Arms were twisted, deals were made. D’s changed nay votes last-minute, then announced they weren’t running for re-election (because they knew their chances were slim, facing their angry constituents, and they had been promised other positions anyway by their party and president). This was a complete break-down of the system.
And the people are angry, VERY angry. Their voices are supposed to be heard, their votes are supposed to count. No one trusts any more that even the most basic rules of the system are being observed. How will all this anger play out? That’s the real scary scenario of doom and gloom in my head.
The Obama administration seems to not grasp the situation and plans to force even more unpopular, crazy policy in the near future. The liberal media continues to do its best to spin the people’s anger as radical, or racist, or unfounded.
How can I impress on everyone this simple fact: AMERICA IS ANGRY. Please make no mistake about it.
Upcoming: My son Farnsworth is on the front lines, dealing with America’s anger and mistrust every day, as a telephone campaign worker for an R candidate gunning for a Washington seat, and as a door-to-door enumerator for the US Census. I hope to be able to share some firsthand information regarding this mood of the people.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
This Is Not a Joke...or is it?
What is this concept of “State Sovereignty”? When our founding fathers sat down to lay out our government structure, they knew they needed to build into it “safety measures,” to make sure one entity did not hold too much power. Wisely, they anticipated future problems and included the following:
“Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence, and every power, jurisdiction, and right, which is not by this Confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled.” Articles of Confederation, ratified in 1781
“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”The US Constitution, 10th Amendment, ratified in 1791
This protection is REALLY important for Americans who may find themselves in the situation that their elected officials vote according to party arm-twisting or personal deal-making instead of reflecting the will of their constituents, exactly like what happened two months ago regarding Obama’s health care reform bill.
There are other very good reasons that state sovereignty exists. They include:
1. Senator Hank Johnson from Georgia, Democrat
He thinks Guam may tip over if we put more people on it. The Navy Admiral he is questioning shows admirable restraint with this response “We don’t anticipate that happening.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bs23CjIWMgA&feature=related
2. Senator Robert Byrd from West Virginia, Democrat
This former Exalted Cyclops of the Ku Klux Klan is 92 years old and has served in the US Senate for over 50 years. In that time, he has diverted ONE BILLION dollars of federal tax money to fund special pet projects in his state, making him the all-time King of Pork. Every building, bridge, highway, tree and stick in West Virginia (over 30 public works), funded by our tax money, bears his name. Of course he was the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and he has never even tried to hide how Washington really works with all of the back-scratching: "Let me say to my colleagues, if you vote for this budget conference report, don't come to the appropriations watering hole. It is not that I would not love to help you, but you are going to make it impossible."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-M83IXf4uEs
3. Senator Arlen Specter from Pennsylvania, Switches Parties to Get Himself Elected
This rascal first crossed my radar back in 1991, while I lied on the couch nursing baby Farnsworth and flipping through the TV channels. He was verbally bullying a soft-spoken Anita Hill during the titillating proceedings of the Clarence Thomas Sexual Harassment Congressional Investigation. Thank God the good people of Pennsylvania recently came to their senses and ousted the 80-year-old Snarlin’ Arlen, after 44 plus years in office. He at one time had a brain tumor.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-Bpshk5nX0&feature=fvw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQ_pAy7r4I0
IQ tests? Drug tests? Term limits? How can we American people protect ourselves from the clowns the other states are voting into office? They make laws that affect the entire country! One answer is State Sovereignty…demand it. Time to dust off our historic documents and USE them.
“Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence, and every power, jurisdiction, and right, which is not by this Confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled.” Articles of Confederation, ratified in 1781
“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”The US Constitution, 10th Amendment, ratified in 1791
This protection is REALLY important for Americans who may find themselves in the situation that their elected officials vote according to party arm-twisting or personal deal-making instead of reflecting the will of their constituents, exactly like what happened two months ago regarding Obama’s health care reform bill.
There are other very good reasons that state sovereignty exists. They include:
1. Senator Hank Johnson from Georgia, Democrat
He thinks Guam may tip over if we put more people on it. The Navy Admiral he is questioning shows admirable restraint with this response “We don’t anticipate that happening.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bs23CjIWMgA&feature=related
2. Senator Robert Byrd from West Virginia, Democrat
This former Exalted Cyclops of the Ku Klux Klan is 92 years old and has served in the US Senate for over 50 years. In that time, he has diverted ONE BILLION dollars of federal tax money to fund special pet projects in his state, making him the all-time King of Pork. Every building, bridge, highway, tree and stick in West Virginia (over 30 public works), funded by our tax money, bears his name. Of course he was the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and he has never even tried to hide how Washington really works with all of the back-scratching: "Let me say to my colleagues, if you vote for this budget conference report, don't come to the appropriations watering hole. It is not that I would not love to help you, but you are going to make it impossible."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-M83IXf4uEs
3. Senator Arlen Specter from Pennsylvania, Switches Parties to Get Himself Elected
This rascal first crossed my radar back in 1991, while I lied on the couch nursing baby Farnsworth and flipping through the TV channels. He was verbally bullying a soft-spoken Anita Hill during the titillating proceedings of the Clarence Thomas Sexual Harassment Congressional Investigation. Thank God the good people of Pennsylvania recently came to their senses and ousted the 80-year-old Snarlin’ Arlen, after 44 plus years in office. He at one time had a brain tumor.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-Bpshk5nX0&feature=fvw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQ_pAy7r4I0
IQ tests? Drug tests? Term limits? How can we American people protect ourselves from the clowns the other states are voting into office? They make laws that affect the entire country! One answer is State Sovereignty…demand it. Time to dust off our historic documents and USE them.
Random Stoopid Stuff
Otter: “I think that this situation absolutely requires a really futile and stoopid gesture be done on somebody’s part.”
Bluto: “And we’re just the guys to do it!”
At the end of “Animal House,” in the where-are-they-now sequence, Bluto and Mandy drive off in a stolen car and the line appears “Senator and Mrs. John Blutarsky.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8lT1o0sDwI&feature=related
Funny, huh.
Bluto: “And we’re just the guys to do it!”
At the end of “Animal House,” in the where-are-they-now sequence, Bluto and Mandy drive off in a stolen car and the line appears “Senator and Mrs. John Blutarsky.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8lT1o0sDwI&feature=related
Funny, huh.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Stoopidity Breeds Stoopidity
With Dale Jr.’s help, I have been able to identify an important new Scientific Theorem , an offshoot of Newton’s 3rd Law of Motion, which states: “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.”
The updated version is, of course: “For every stupid action, there is an equal and opposite stupid reaction.”
Cases in point:
1. The OK Governor’s Ethnic American Advisory Council printing the Qur’an for distribution to 149 state legislators, 35 of which refuse acceptance. This causes Republican State Representative Rex Duncan to explain his refusal with, "Most Oklahomans do not endorse the idea of killing innocent women and children in the name of ideology." I could explain that a lot of Muslims don’t either, depends on the interpretation of your local Crazy Cleric…uhmmm, never mind, Rex.
2. The (insert “Republican” or “Democrat,” it doesn’t matter which) Party in power uses every slime ball, under-the-table, backroom, deal-making, arm-twisting tactic in the book to get just enough votes to pass a very unpopular, 1400-page bill no one has read that will increase the national debt and taxes by billions of dollars. This causes the (insert R or D, it doesn’t matter which) Party, not in power, to react with voting against everything proposed by the first party, whether it has merit or not, in retaliation. And the current, 2-party system only allows we the parents to send the naughty children to their bedrooms every 4 years.
3. Final Point: Many of my friends don’t like the name of my blog! And, if some yahoo had not already claimed “The Stupid American,” I would not have been forced to respond with an even stoopider name, “The Stoopid American”!
The updated version is, of course: “For every stupid action, there is an equal and opposite stupid reaction.”
Cases in point:
1. The OK Governor’s Ethnic American Advisory Council printing the Qur’an for distribution to 149 state legislators, 35 of which refuse acceptance. This causes Republican State Representative Rex Duncan to explain his refusal with, "Most Oklahomans do not endorse the idea of killing innocent women and children in the name of ideology." I could explain that a lot of Muslims don’t either, depends on the interpretation of your local Crazy Cleric…uhmmm, never mind, Rex.
2. The (insert “Republican” or “Democrat,” it doesn’t matter which) Party in power uses every slime ball, under-the-table, backroom, deal-making, arm-twisting tactic in the book to get just enough votes to pass a very unpopular, 1400-page bill no one has read that will increase the national debt and taxes by billions of dollars. This causes the (insert R or D, it doesn’t matter which) Party, not in power, to react with voting against everything proposed by the first party, whether it has merit or not, in retaliation. And the current, 2-party system only allows we the parents to send the naughty children to their bedrooms every 4 years.
3. Final Point: Many of my friends don’t like the name of my blog! And, if some yahoo had not already claimed “The Stupid American,” I would not have been forced to respond with an even stoopider name, “The Stoopid American”!
Monday, May 24, 2010
A Scoutmaster's Minute
An anecdote from Tom Dugger, former Scout Executive of the Last Frontier Council in Oklahoma, Boy Scouts of America:
“My father used to tell the story of the ‘Poor Mule.’ It seems that the poor mule fell into the well one day and lay in a hopeless situation at the bottom of a 20-foot-deep dry well. The mule was still alive, but how would he be rescued? All agreed that the mule was indeed poor and that as the well was dry, what would be the value of the rescue? As the well needed filling, it was determined that the mule should just be buried in the well.
The first load of dirt was dumped into the well on top of the mule. This made the mule mad; he brayed loudly and shook off the dirt as he stood up…Everyone thought that sooner or later the poor mule would lie down and die. Everyone, that is, but the poor mule. Each time they dumped in dirt the poor mule got madder, shook off the dirt and stepped up on top of it, until, to everyone’s amazement, the poor mule walked right out of the well. Dad would always tell this story whenever I thought a task was insurmountable or when I did not have enough confidence in myself to complete a task…
…keep shaking off the dirt, and stepping up and out of the hole.”
This is why the Boy Scouts of America is the greatest youth program in the history of the universe. They give boys (and everybody else) Things to think about. This program emphasizes that confidence and self-esteem are built through endeavoring, not by being “rescued” all the time. When the program is delivered correctly by impartial leaders, the scout is not pampered, but allowed to struggle, figure out things on his own, and embrace his own successes and failures in a safe environment.
Now, I don't wanna point fingers and say names, but do we always have to rush in and save everyone? What effect do we have on the confidence and self esteem of others when we do that? Do we create a society of people who lack the belief in themselves to take care of their business?
“My father used to tell the story of the ‘Poor Mule.’ It seems that the poor mule fell into the well one day and lay in a hopeless situation at the bottom of a 20-foot-deep dry well. The mule was still alive, but how would he be rescued? All agreed that the mule was indeed poor and that as the well was dry, what would be the value of the rescue? As the well needed filling, it was determined that the mule should just be buried in the well.
The first load of dirt was dumped into the well on top of the mule. This made the mule mad; he brayed loudly and shook off the dirt as he stood up…Everyone thought that sooner or later the poor mule would lie down and die. Everyone, that is, but the poor mule. Each time they dumped in dirt the poor mule got madder, shook off the dirt and stepped up on top of it, until, to everyone’s amazement, the poor mule walked right out of the well. Dad would always tell this story whenever I thought a task was insurmountable or when I did not have enough confidence in myself to complete a task…
…keep shaking off the dirt, and stepping up and out of the hole.”
This is why the Boy Scouts of America is the greatest youth program in the history of the universe. They give boys (and everybody else) Things to think about. This program emphasizes that confidence and self-esteem are built through endeavoring, not by being “rescued” all the time. When the program is delivered correctly by impartial leaders, the scout is not pampered, but allowed to struggle, figure out things on his own, and embrace his own successes and failures in a safe environment.
Now, I don't wanna point fingers and say names, but do we always have to rush in and save everyone? What effect do we have on the confidence and self esteem of others when we do that? Do we create a society of people who lack the belief in themselves to take care of their business?
Saturday, May 22, 2010
A Case of Stoopidty No. 1
What we have going on here in Oklahoma is I believe some kind of coup – and I’m kinda liking. The last few weeks, the D-gov has been busy vetoing almost everything coming out of the legislature, then the lej retaliates with overrides or close attempts. Gee whilickers, pass the popcorn.
This got me to wondering – has Governor Brad Henry accomplished anything important for the state in the last 8 years? I posed the question on my Facebook page and after reading 19 hilarious responses, determined this merited more research on my part. I looked him up on Wiki and found this gem:
“… Governor Brad Henry issued Executive Order 04-21, which created the Governor's Ethnic American Advisory Council. The Ethnic American Advisory Council then published an English translation of the Qur'an embossed with the Oklahoma State seal which was then distributed to 149 Oklahoma state legislators. There were 35 lawmakers who declined to accept the copy of the Qur'an that they were offered. After refusing the copy of the Qur'an, Republican State Representative Rex Duncan wrote a letter to his colleagues explaining, "Most Oklahomans do not endorse the idea of killing innocent women and children in the name of ideology." Further, Duncan said during a TV interview "I think it was inappropriate that they used a state centennial seal on a religious item."
Yes, I do remember rolling my eyes at this one! So, I FB-posted it immediately, for the good times. This council’s action was so asinine, it earns the distinction of being my first official Case of Stoopidity.
Why exactly is this a Stoopid Idea? Let me count the ways.
1. Can you FORCE true enlightenment on others who may be resistant? Probably not. I would call that the Futile Gesture. We used to refer to OK as the good ol’ buckle on the Bible Belt, probably not real fertile soil for this kind of thing. A fertilizer issue?
2. How do we know it was translated into English correctly? Or that the Okies perceived the message correctly? Ah, damn details.
3. It could say “plant a flower in the name of Allah” for all I care. I just want to know who paid for this Futile Gesture? Did the embossed state seal cost extra? Can’t they get it at the library? Couldn’t we have taken that money to hire more ESL teachers?
4. My quickie Qur’an Internet research revealed the Original Word of Allah is not supposed to ever be translated – to only be fully appreciated in all its Arabic glory. Oops. Or ever be put on a chair (or anywhere someone’s arse may have been) or on the floor, but to be displayed at the highest point in the room. And oh yeah, you’re supposed to kiss it before opening it and receiving its Wisdom. Whether a menstruating woman can handle it is still up in the air. Did Care Instructions come with the copies given to the good legislators? I mean, how else are they gonna know they are to revere this object above their own religions and personal convictions?
5. See, this is why we have that whole separation of state and religion thing (pun intended). It means we respect people’s differences by not DOING ANYTHING AGAINST it, not by ADVANCING it onto others.
Can I get a big “Amen!” from those seated in the pews! Or in this case a big “As-Salamu Alaykum!” which means “peace be upon you” in Arabic…or ”pieces be upon you” in the case of an Islamic terrorist..
This got me to wondering – has Governor Brad Henry accomplished anything important for the state in the last 8 years? I posed the question on my Facebook page and after reading 19 hilarious responses, determined this merited more research on my part. I looked him up on Wiki and found this gem:
“… Governor Brad Henry issued Executive Order 04-21, which created the Governor's Ethnic American Advisory Council. The Ethnic American Advisory Council then published an English translation of the Qur'an embossed with the Oklahoma State seal which was then distributed to 149 Oklahoma state legislators. There were 35 lawmakers who declined to accept the copy of the Qur'an that they were offered. After refusing the copy of the Qur'an, Republican State Representative Rex Duncan wrote a letter to his colleagues explaining, "Most Oklahomans do not endorse the idea of killing innocent women and children in the name of ideology." Further, Duncan said during a TV interview "I think it was inappropriate that they used a state centennial seal on a religious item."
Yes, I do remember rolling my eyes at this one! So, I FB-posted it immediately, for the good times. This council’s action was so asinine, it earns the distinction of being my first official Case of Stoopidity.
Why exactly is this a Stoopid Idea? Let me count the ways.
1. Can you FORCE true enlightenment on others who may be resistant? Probably not. I would call that the Futile Gesture. We used to refer to OK as the good ol’ buckle on the Bible Belt, probably not real fertile soil for this kind of thing. A fertilizer issue?
2. How do we know it was translated into English correctly? Or that the Okies perceived the message correctly? Ah, damn details.
3. It could say “plant a flower in the name of Allah” for all I care. I just want to know who paid for this Futile Gesture? Did the embossed state seal cost extra? Can’t they get it at the library? Couldn’t we have taken that money to hire more ESL teachers?
4. My quickie Qur’an Internet research revealed the Original Word of Allah is not supposed to ever be translated – to only be fully appreciated in all its Arabic glory. Oops. Or ever be put on a chair (or anywhere someone’s arse may have been) or on the floor, but to be displayed at the highest point in the room. And oh yeah, you’re supposed to kiss it before opening it and receiving its Wisdom. Whether a menstruating woman can handle it is still up in the air. Did Care Instructions come with the copies given to the good legislators? I mean, how else are they gonna know they are to revere this object above their own religions and personal convictions?
5. See, this is why we have that whole separation of state and religion thing (pun intended). It means we respect people’s differences by not DOING ANYTHING AGAINST it, not by ADVANCING it onto others.
Can I get a big “Amen!” from those seated in the pews! Or in this case a big “As-Salamu Alaykum!” which means “peace be upon you” in Arabic…or ”pieces be upon you” in the case of an Islamic terrorist..
Friday, May 21, 2010
The No Party
Like a lot of people, I started life as an idealistic, young, caring Democrat. I wanted to save the world, “cure” poverty, and feed the whales. Then I got the bill for it. When I went to Grown Up work, I saw 30% of my earnings taken off the top. Wait a minute, whah? Is poverty a “curable condition” by my giving the GOVERNMENT ONE-THIRD of my paycheck? A lot of assumptions packed in there. Saving the world is pretty complicated, too – sounds expensive. And can’t the whales feed themselves?
So, I signed up to become an “R.” Time to grow up and learn about interest calculations, budget forecasting, economic development, free market. I assert that the longer you live, the more R you become! You begin to realize the government cannot be trusted to do anything right. And you certainly don’t want to keep feeding it your green – it just keeps getting bigger and scarier!
(Actually, there used to be a “drift” as people age toward conservatism and “traditional” Republican policy. Now, all my reading suggests strong generational influence. For example, older Baby Boomers hold on to their ingrained hippie, liberal bias as they age while Gen-Xers love their new money and tend to go R once they hit 24, etc.)
Yet, I do still feel empathy for others – I just want those others to find a different source of revenue other than my pocket. Gays – love ‘em. Are they forcing me into having gay sex? No. Let ‘em marry, be miserable, and divorce like the rest of us. Abortion – the biggest political “non-issue” I’ve ever seen. Does it really matter how you or I feel? No. You can never “legislate” it away. Women have been getting worm fern from the voodoo woman or midwife since the dawn of time. I just don’t want to PAY for it. The last thing I want is to get in some woman’s personal business. She knows her situation better than you and I. Just don’t send me the bill.
At some point I realized I’m really a Libertarian – I’m all about limiting government. Even there I’m not a purist, though. My exceptions are education, defense, and some economic development.
The only thing I feel STRONGLY about is…money. I sometimes think I am the only Stoopid American who has no DEBT. Except my house mortgage, and I assure you, it’s one I can afford. (I wasn’t stoopid enough to fall for any sales pitch that I could afford a million dollar house simply because I had a job.) I don’t spend what I don’t have, I live within my means, and I save for emergencies and large, planned expenses. Is it too much to ask my government do the same? I know I sound like a pompous, righteous ass, but it’s all TRUE. At some point, you have to grow up and take responsibility for yourself.
Thus, I want to start my own political party and call it the “Great Idea! Who’s Payin’ For It?” party. Name too long? How ‘bout the “No Party.” I love all the double and hidden meanings that could have. And I want to nominate for president Dr. No himself. That would be my personal hero – Dr. Tom Coburn, US Senator from the great state of Oklahoma. I know he’s anti-abortion, anti-gay, but so are a lot of my friends. I’m pretty sure he’s not gonna propose HUGE costly programs to impose his personal feelings on the rest of us. He’s too dang busy busting pork, putting holds on countless spending bills, actually reading proposed legislation, tracking down earmarks, and generally being a pain in the ass to every career politician in Washington DC. Hear-hear.
So, I signed up to become an “R.” Time to grow up and learn about interest calculations, budget forecasting, economic development, free market. I assert that the longer you live, the more R you become! You begin to realize the government cannot be trusted to do anything right. And you certainly don’t want to keep feeding it your green – it just keeps getting bigger and scarier!
(Actually, there used to be a “drift” as people age toward conservatism and “traditional” Republican policy. Now, all my reading suggests strong generational influence. For example, older Baby Boomers hold on to their ingrained hippie, liberal bias as they age while Gen-Xers love their new money and tend to go R once they hit 24, etc.)
Yet, I do still feel empathy for others – I just want those others to find a different source of revenue other than my pocket. Gays – love ‘em. Are they forcing me into having gay sex? No. Let ‘em marry, be miserable, and divorce like the rest of us. Abortion – the biggest political “non-issue” I’ve ever seen. Does it really matter how you or I feel? No. You can never “legislate” it away. Women have been getting worm fern from the voodoo woman or midwife since the dawn of time. I just don’t want to PAY for it. The last thing I want is to get in some woman’s personal business. She knows her situation better than you and I. Just don’t send me the bill.
At some point I realized I’m really a Libertarian – I’m all about limiting government. Even there I’m not a purist, though. My exceptions are education, defense, and some economic development.
The only thing I feel STRONGLY about is…money. I sometimes think I am the only Stoopid American who has no DEBT. Except my house mortgage, and I assure you, it’s one I can afford. (I wasn’t stoopid enough to fall for any sales pitch that I could afford a million dollar house simply because I had a job.) I don’t spend what I don’t have, I live within my means, and I save for emergencies and large, planned expenses. Is it too much to ask my government do the same? I know I sound like a pompous, righteous ass, but it’s all TRUE. At some point, you have to grow up and take responsibility for yourself.
Thus, I want to start my own political party and call it the “Great Idea! Who’s Payin’ For It?” party. Name too long? How ‘bout the “No Party.” I love all the double and hidden meanings that could have. And I want to nominate for president Dr. No himself. That would be my personal hero – Dr. Tom Coburn, US Senator from the great state of Oklahoma. I know he’s anti-abortion, anti-gay, but so are a lot of my friends. I’m pretty sure he’s not gonna propose HUGE costly programs to impose his personal feelings on the rest of us. He’s too dang busy busting pork, putting holds on countless spending bills, actually reading proposed legislation, tracking down earmarks, and generally being a pain in the ass to every career politician in Washington DC. Hear-hear.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
The Life Cycle of a Social Movement
Social movements, like oh say, the TEA party or labor unions…Let’s take a quick look at Cooter’s Sociology text book:
· Agitation: Social movements typically emerge from the belief that a problem exists. In this early stage, a small group of people attempts to stir up public awareness of the issue, often with the intention of gaining widespread support for the movement. More often than not, movements die out at this point due to lack of support or lack of resources.
· Legitimation: Movements that find support enter legitimation stage, as the movement becomes more respectable and gains increasing acceptance among the population. Leaders previously dismissed as cranks are now seen as legitimate spokespeople of a just cause. Government and other authorities begin to recognize the movements’ concerns as legitimate. The movement attracts media attention, which brings goals to attention of increasing numbers of people. Demonstrations and rallies add to visibility.
· Bureaucratization: As the structure becomes more formal, movement enters the third stage. Movement has developed a ranked structure of authority, official policies, efficient strategies for future. The original goals of the movement are sometimes swept aside during this stage because increasing amounts of time and energy are needed to handle day-to-day running of the organization.
· Institutionalization: Movement has become an established part of society. Bureaucrats have replaced the idealistic leaders who founded the movement, and they care more about their position than the goals of the movement. Movement resists proposals for change. Procedures no longer benefit the members.
It is so fun to evaluate labor unions in this framework. Then evaluate the current TEA party.
Labor Union
Agitation: Remember the pictures of child workers in the mines and factories? Pictures of the horrific working conditions?
Legitimation: Unions even had song books!…for all those protest songs to be sung as you march around.
Bureaucratization: My grandfather, a trucker, was often puzzled by the actions of his own union, but very grateful for his pension received without fail every month in the mail.
Institutionalization: Look at the images in the media today of the pompous, arrogant spokespeople making quite frankly greedy demands that crush the very companies and industries they work for. Companies are either going bankrupt due to their labor costs or adopting a dug-in stance to break the union and get it out of the industry altogether. A strong argument can be made that unions killed the auto industry in this country due to insane labor costs – they just cannot compete with the more cost-efficient superior product from overseas. So, how did the workers benefit exactly when those companies shut their doors and went belly up?
Would I ever doubt the need of labor unions as we became an industrial nation? Absolutely not. Am I sad to see what they have become? Yup. I am afraid we have cut our nose off to spite our face. How can you fight the natural course of events – the life cycle of the social movement? Labor unions have evolved into something not good for anyone…certainly not good for rational, creative, problem-solving discussion and action to make the company or organization more competitive and profitable.
I believe our biggest challenge in this country today is figuring out how to get rid of what we once needed and replace it with what we do need that reflects TODAY’s situation, not a hundred years ago, for Pete’s sake. How can we all see more clearly the natural life cycle going on around us, and tear down that which is no longer effective and put our energy into building new things that are.
As a consumer, I don’t understand a lot of the preservationist attitudes – let the Germans make the beer and let the Japanese make the cars! Because I want to drink the best and drive the cheapest, most reliable. I want to reward the best with my purchasing decision. And if the Germans or Japanese make me mad at some point in the future and I can’t suddenly get beer and a new car, then some enterprising American will probably take advantage of that situation and step in and fill my need with some new wonderful American invention or substitution. Displaced workers in the meantime? I’d rather see my tax money go to developing new energy sources and new jobs in that area than shoring up companies making crappy products who can’t get their labor costs under control. God, I love the free market. And that means I am free to make my own darn beer, too, if I feel like it. The last thing we need is the government in the beer-making business! Blech…. can you imagine. Can you say: Don’t pee down my leg and tell me it’s raining…
TEA Party
Where is it on the life cycle? Based on my research, I believe hovering between legitimation and bureaucratization. TEA party-haters believe that it is much further along in the process than it really is. THERE IS NO FORMAL STRUCTURE. The reality is that there are several competing splinter groups at the state level. They have websites that sometimes lack a professional veneer, as they’re being created by emotional non-professionals. The national level exists so far of one not-too-bad website with leaders tasked as official spokespeople and the goal of organizing rallies and demonstrations. The organization is focused still on communicating its message and getting the word out. The message is simple: The mission is to attract, educate, organize, and mobilize fellow citizens to secure public policy consistent with three core values of Fiscal Responsibility, Constitutionally Limited Government and Free Markets. However, the movement is attracting some true crazies who PERCEIVE that message to mean ANYTHING anti-government, and they’re fuzzing up the core message/ mission.
Also, the young organization is coming under a very interesting attack from those in power in the establishment and media. I speak of use of propaganda techniques such as name calling (claims of yelling racial slurs and spitting on people) and card stacking (printing the quotes from the random crazies as opposed to official spokespeople). Interestingly enough, no video or proof has yet to be offered to support the claims. It definitely looks like, sounds like, smells like “nazi tactics” to discredit a LEGITIMATE social movement.
· Agitation: Social movements typically emerge from the belief that a problem exists. In this early stage, a small group of people attempts to stir up public awareness of the issue, often with the intention of gaining widespread support for the movement. More often than not, movements die out at this point due to lack of support or lack of resources.
· Legitimation: Movements that find support enter legitimation stage, as the movement becomes more respectable and gains increasing acceptance among the population. Leaders previously dismissed as cranks are now seen as legitimate spokespeople of a just cause. Government and other authorities begin to recognize the movements’ concerns as legitimate. The movement attracts media attention, which brings goals to attention of increasing numbers of people. Demonstrations and rallies add to visibility.
· Bureaucratization: As the structure becomes more formal, movement enters the third stage. Movement has developed a ranked structure of authority, official policies, efficient strategies for future. The original goals of the movement are sometimes swept aside during this stage because increasing amounts of time and energy are needed to handle day-to-day running of the organization.
· Institutionalization: Movement has become an established part of society. Bureaucrats have replaced the idealistic leaders who founded the movement, and they care more about their position than the goals of the movement. Movement resists proposals for change. Procedures no longer benefit the members.
It is so fun to evaluate labor unions in this framework. Then evaluate the current TEA party.
Labor Union
Agitation: Remember the pictures of child workers in the mines and factories? Pictures of the horrific working conditions?
Legitimation: Unions even had song books!…for all those protest songs to be sung as you march around.
Bureaucratization: My grandfather, a trucker, was often puzzled by the actions of his own union, but very grateful for his pension received without fail every month in the mail.
Institutionalization: Look at the images in the media today of the pompous, arrogant spokespeople making quite frankly greedy demands that crush the very companies and industries they work for. Companies are either going bankrupt due to their labor costs or adopting a dug-in stance to break the union and get it out of the industry altogether. A strong argument can be made that unions killed the auto industry in this country due to insane labor costs – they just cannot compete with the more cost-efficient superior product from overseas. So, how did the workers benefit exactly when those companies shut their doors and went belly up?
Would I ever doubt the need of labor unions as we became an industrial nation? Absolutely not. Am I sad to see what they have become? Yup. I am afraid we have cut our nose off to spite our face. How can you fight the natural course of events – the life cycle of the social movement? Labor unions have evolved into something not good for anyone…certainly not good for rational, creative, problem-solving discussion and action to make the company or organization more competitive and profitable.
I believe our biggest challenge in this country today is figuring out how to get rid of what we once needed and replace it with what we do need that reflects TODAY’s situation, not a hundred years ago, for Pete’s sake. How can we all see more clearly the natural life cycle going on around us, and tear down that which is no longer effective and put our energy into building new things that are.
As a consumer, I don’t understand a lot of the preservationist attitudes – let the Germans make the beer and let the Japanese make the cars! Because I want to drink the best and drive the cheapest, most reliable. I want to reward the best with my purchasing decision. And if the Germans or Japanese make me mad at some point in the future and I can’t suddenly get beer and a new car, then some enterprising American will probably take advantage of that situation and step in and fill my need with some new wonderful American invention or substitution. Displaced workers in the meantime? I’d rather see my tax money go to developing new energy sources and new jobs in that area than shoring up companies making crappy products who can’t get their labor costs under control. God, I love the free market. And that means I am free to make my own darn beer, too, if I feel like it. The last thing we need is the government in the beer-making business! Blech…. can you imagine. Can you say: Don’t pee down my leg and tell me it’s raining…
TEA Party
Where is it on the life cycle? Based on my research, I believe hovering between legitimation and bureaucratization. TEA party-haters believe that it is much further along in the process than it really is. THERE IS NO FORMAL STRUCTURE. The reality is that there are several competing splinter groups at the state level. They have websites that sometimes lack a professional veneer, as they’re being created by emotional non-professionals. The national level exists so far of one not-too-bad website with leaders tasked as official spokespeople and the goal of organizing rallies and demonstrations. The organization is focused still on communicating its message and getting the word out. The message is simple: The mission is to attract, educate, organize, and mobilize fellow citizens to secure public policy consistent with three core values of Fiscal Responsibility, Constitutionally Limited Government and Free Markets. However, the movement is attracting some true crazies who PERCEIVE that message to mean ANYTHING anti-government, and they’re fuzzing up the core message/ mission.
Also, the young organization is coming under a very interesting attack from those in power in the establishment and media. I speak of use of propaganda techniques such as name calling (claims of yelling racial slurs and spitting on people) and card stacking (printing the quotes from the random crazies as opposed to official spokespeople). Interestingly enough, no video or proof has yet to be offered to support the claims. It definitely looks like, sounds like, smells like “nazi tactics” to discredit a LEGITIMATE social movement.
Blag's Awesome Celebrity Apprentice Appearance
Did it do more harm or good? You decide...
Here Rod Blagojevich tries to turn on his laptop and find some info on cyber ID theft for his team.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlDAbmvP5E0&feature=related
Here Rod Blagojevich tries to turn on his laptop and find some info on cyber ID theft for his team.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlDAbmvP5E0&feature=related
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
An Honest Day's Work
Whether you’re an R or a D or a one-legged striped giraffe, you’ve got to admire the sheer brilliance of the OK gubernatorial campaign of Mary Fallin-R.First, let’s set the table for discussion with the recent appearance of ex-Governor of Illinois Rod Blagojevich on Celebrity Apprentice, who when he wasn’t telling every person he encountered on the street “I didn’t do it,” was trying to figure out how to turn on his laptop or send a text on his cell phone. Executive assistants all over America were falling off their couches doubled over with laughter. Not only was there a big question mark over his head, but mine, as well! How? What? Has he ever…? What did he do before…? How can someone be that…? Huh?
Contrast that with these images of Fallin “Working her way across OK,” doing a different real person’s real job each day. There’s Mary drivin’ the hay truck! And there she is doing your income taxes for you! And it was fun to imagine the scenarios – here’s Mary with your UPS package on your porch!
No one can say she hasn’t done an honest day’s work, like so many career politicians. They’ve got the photos to prove it. How’s that for a brilliant “plain folks appeal” campaign.
No one can say she hasn’t done an honest day’s work, like so many career politicians. They’ve got the photos to prove it. How’s that for a brilliant “plain folks appeal” campaign.
Doubt Everything!
From Cooter’s Sociology text book:
A democratic country, such as the US, depends on citizens who can make wise decisions both when they cast their votes and when they make their purchases. Thus, it is important for people to be alert to the techniques that propagandists use to sway public opinion. Social scientists have ID’d 7 such techniques:
· Testimonials – use of endorsements by famous people to sell products or secure votes. The goal is to persuade people to transfer their admiration for a celebrity to the products or candidates endorsed.
· Transfer – similar to Testimonial, use national symbols (flag, national monument) to suggest buying the product is patriotic, can also be used negatively (use negative symbols to suggest buying product is bad)
· Bandwagon – appeals to public’s desire to conform, a product or politician may be promoted as the one already most popular with the public, takes advantage of people’s desire to be on the winning side or using products that appear highly desirable
· Name calling – use negative labels or images to make competitors appear in unfavorable light i.e. refer to someone as a reckless spender or uncaring
· Plain-folks appeal – appealing to the average American, or using images of average Americans with whom everyone can identify may be shown endorsing product or candidate
· Glittering generalities – use of words that sound positive but have little real meaning
· Card stacking – presenting facts in a way that places products or candidates in a favorable light, i.e. newspapers may give a lot of attention to politicians they favor and little to those they do not
The Stoopid American’s Thoughts: Learn to see these when they’re being used! You’ll begin to see them everywhere. I spent a lifetime in advertising and became a master at creating effective ads for my clients using these techniques. And 25 years ago we did not learn these in a sociology text book. Advertising was not a “degree” either, you learned these in Newspaper Advertising Bureau workshops and through real life trial and error. My personal specialty was a combo of testimonials and plain-folks appeal – which was the fastest way to gain a consumer’s trust to try a new product or new store or new experience. As a former ad exec, the only thing I see missing from this list is use of color and use of human faces and the frequency barrage (it used to be 7 exposures to get some action). I’ll bet that’s changed now…
What I hope to achieve with this blog entry is to get people to see when they are being manipulated. Doubt everything. But also keep in mind: propaganda can contain TRUTH, PARTIAL TRUTH OR LIES. I just want all Americans to know spin when they see it. Ask yourself “why am I seeing all this coverage of only one candidate or one side of an issue?” And even though you can easily see the “technique,” the content may still be TRUE or NOT. Look for the “fact,” and the “source of the fact.” I for one, also a former professional journalist, have a hard time today finding any believable facts in popular media.
Which brings to mind the discussion of “what is a fact”? Let’s look at an example. Recently a Bricktown business owner complained about participants in a charity event (called Cancer Crawl) urinating off her balcony onto nice family people below in the street. The Cancer Crawl involved people paying money to get to drink a lot in Bricktown establishments which raised money for cancer. The reporter reported the facts: Business owner complained. Bricktown Association will not participate in this event in future. An interesting comment made by a reader: How do we know this urinating-on-people really happened? We only have this so-called business owner’s word! Then he accused the reporter of not reporting facts.
What an idiot, I thought. The fact was not that someone peed on somebody else (who the heck could possibly know, and I’ll get into eye witnesses in a minute). The FACT was the business owner complained. The reporter CAN confirm that. As a reader, you get to decide if what the business owner said was PROBABLY true – why would she otherwise turn down potential business? She did portray shock and outrage, as well. She owned the balcony and was probably physically in a position to witness said pee-ing. People who drink a lot tend to pee a lot. People who have drunken a lot tend to not exercise good judgment about where they pee. I’m gonna vote for yeah, probably true. No one can be everywhere seeing everything…real journalism is about getting as close to a believable source as possible and recording accurately their statements.
And even if you can get eye witnesses, many studies have shown they don’t even get it right most of the time. Why? How is that possible? Well, just look around you – we all look at a painting, a movie, a set of data, a piece of information and put our own perception on it…because we are individuals with our individual biases, experiences, intelligence level, environmental conditions, etc. Imagine a man running toward a woman – some may see him wanting to do harm to her, others see passion and romance, and yet another sees a dramatic rescue in the making.
Regardless, I hope I’ve given you some new tools to use when analyzing the world around us. Dust off your bulls*** meter! And let’s get to work – I refuse to let anyone do my thinking for me anymore.
A democratic country, such as the US, depends on citizens who can make wise decisions both when they cast their votes and when they make their purchases. Thus, it is important for people to be alert to the techniques that propagandists use to sway public opinion. Social scientists have ID’d 7 such techniques:
· Testimonials – use of endorsements by famous people to sell products or secure votes. The goal is to persuade people to transfer their admiration for a celebrity to the products or candidates endorsed.
· Transfer – similar to Testimonial, use national symbols (flag, national monument) to suggest buying the product is patriotic, can also be used negatively (use negative symbols to suggest buying product is bad)
· Bandwagon – appeals to public’s desire to conform, a product or politician may be promoted as the one already most popular with the public, takes advantage of people’s desire to be on the winning side or using products that appear highly desirable
· Name calling – use negative labels or images to make competitors appear in unfavorable light i.e. refer to someone as a reckless spender or uncaring
· Plain-folks appeal – appealing to the average American, or using images of average Americans with whom everyone can identify may be shown endorsing product or candidate
· Glittering generalities – use of words that sound positive but have little real meaning
· Card stacking – presenting facts in a way that places products or candidates in a favorable light, i.e. newspapers may give a lot of attention to politicians they favor and little to those they do not
The Stoopid American’s Thoughts: Learn to see these when they’re being used! You’ll begin to see them everywhere. I spent a lifetime in advertising and became a master at creating effective ads for my clients using these techniques. And 25 years ago we did not learn these in a sociology text book. Advertising was not a “degree” either, you learned these in Newspaper Advertising Bureau workshops and through real life trial and error. My personal specialty was a combo of testimonials and plain-folks appeal – which was the fastest way to gain a consumer’s trust to try a new product or new store or new experience. As a former ad exec, the only thing I see missing from this list is use of color and use of human faces and the frequency barrage (it used to be 7 exposures to get some action). I’ll bet that’s changed now…
What I hope to achieve with this blog entry is to get people to see when they are being manipulated. Doubt everything. But also keep in mind: propaganda can contain TRUTH, PARTIAL TRUTH OR LIES. I just want all Americans to know spin when they see it. Ask yourself “why am I seeing all this coverage of only one candidate or one side of an issue?” And even though you can easily see the “technique,” the content may still be TRUE or NOT. Look for the “fact,” and the “source of the fact.” I for one, also a former professional journalist, have a hard time today finding any believable facts in popular media.
Which brings to mind the discussion of “what is a fact”? Let’s look at an example. Recently a Bricktown business owner complained about participants in a charity event (called Cancer Crawl) urinating off her balcony onto nice family people below in the street. The Cancer Crawl involved people paying money to get to drink a lot in Bricktown establishments which raised money for cancer. The reporter reported the facts: Business owner complained. Bricktown Association will not participate in this event in future. An interesting comment made by a reader: How do we know this urinating-on-people really happened? We only have this so-called business owner’s word! Then he accused the reporter of not reporting facts.
What an idiot, I thought. The fact was not that someone peed on somebody else (who the heck could possibly know, and I’ll get into eye witnesses in a minute). The FACT was the business owner complained. The reporter CAN confirm that. As a reader, you get to decide if what the business owner said was PROBABLY true – why would she otherwise turn down potential business? She did portray shock and outrage, as well. She owned the balcony and was probably physically in a position to witness said pee-ing. People who drink a lot tend to pee a lot. People who have drunken a lot tend to not exercise good judgment about where they pee. I’m gonna vote for yeah, probably true. No one can be everywhere seeing everything…real journalism is about getting as close to a believable source as possible and recording accurately their statements.
And even if you can get eye witnesses, many studies have shown they don’t even get it right most of the time. Why? How is that possible? Well, just look around you – we all look at a painting, a movie, a set of data, a piece of information and put our own perception on it…because we are individuals with our individual biases, experiences, intelligence level, environmental conditions, etc. Imagine a man running toward a woman – some may see him wanting to do harm to her, others see passion and romance, and yet another sees a dramatic rescue in the making.
Regardless, I hope I’ve given you some new tools to use when analyzing the world around us. Dust off your bulls*** meter! And let’s get to work – I refuse to let anyone do my thinking for me anymore.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Exactly Who Is the Stoopid American?
Life Experience: I have had the (mis?)fortune of having some of the funnest, craziest jobs you can imagine which brought me Great Perspective and Random Knowledge, but NOT Worldly Riches. :^) To name a few: newspaper reporter, advertising exec, marketing researcher, photographer, museum curator, public information officer, new technology project leader, marketing director, teacher, customer service manager, "executive assistant" to a CEO, and local production assistant to performing Famous People touring through Oklahoma City. I would also like to add former Boy Scout leader and national sorority officer. Kinda tough to pigeon-hole me. I have nothing to show for all this except great drinking stories. And I have a heckuva time figuring out how to respond to drop-down menus.
Education: Bachelor's in Journalism with a minor in English. Master's in Business Administration with an emphasis in International Marketing.
Personal: I have two teenage sons, Cooter and Farnsworth, who amuse and dismay me in equal parts. I am married to Dale Jr., whom I met during a wild Mensan pool party 8 years ago. You can only imagine how bad the visuals were on that deal. Dale Jr. is an engineer. Need I say more? He is building a catapult to fling golf balls across the street at the neighbors. There is one other female in my home - my slutty cat Emma who bats her eyelashes at men in a blatant attempt to use sexuality to get her way.
Yes, I am a Mensan, BUT in my defense, I have been told I got in on the "Dan Quayle Plan" or to help them meet their blonde quota. Dontcha just love Dumb Blonde jokes? (I do have to admit I don't understand the Dan Quayle crack, though...) Mensans can be so nasty.
So, there you have it. Proof that even somebody with a Mensa-IQ and multiple degrees can still be stoopid. I hope to fix that with your help.
Education: Bachelor's in Journalism with a minor in English. Master's in Business Administration with an emphasis in International Marketing.
Personal: I have two teenage sons, Cooter and Farnsworth, who amuse and dismay me in equal parts. I am married to Dale Jr., whom I met during a wild Mensan pool party 8 years ago. You can only imagine how bad the visuals were on that deal. Dale Jr. is an engineer. Need I say more? He is building a catapult to fling golf balls across the street at the neighbors. There is one other female in my home - my slutty cat Emma who bats her eyelashes at men in a blatant attempt to use sexuality to get her way.
Yes, I am a Mensan, BUT in my defense, I have been told I got in on the "Dan Quayle Plan" or to help them meet their blonde quota. Dontcha just love Dumb Blonde jokes? (I do have to admit I don't understand the Dan Quayle crack, though...) Mensans can be so nasty.
So, there you have it. Proof that even somebody with a Mensa-IQ and multiple degrees can still be stoopid. I hope to fix that with your help.
Exactly How Did Americans Respond to Terrorism?
I have long suspected that formal structured government “action” in the form of programs (funded by taxes) is not always necessary in an evolved society such as ours. There are other formal structures in place to respond to social needs – primarily churches and charities. Why is it necessary to impose additional behaviors on individuals through their government, removing their choice to donate time, money, and effort to individual churches and charities?
But I’ve never come across good evidence to back up my theory, until reading in my son’s Sociology text book: Sociology published by Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2008. The text author had 7 content reviewers and 9 educational reviewers. I try to have the highest standard I possibly can in each situation for evaluating “good evidence” or facts or source material, in order to achieve a level of comfort before broadcasting it to others. I’m feeling pretty good about this one. But keep in mind this chapter is focused on studying the behavior of “collectivities” which are informal groupings of people acting alike.
In the week after the 9/11 attacks, 94% of Americans took some kind of action.
* People trained for emergencies rushed to NYC and DC.
* Blood donation rates ran 2-3 times normal, people waited for hours to donate, and some were turned away when storage facilities were full.
* In the 9 days after, 78% flew US flags. Stores ran out.
* 80% offered prayers, 40% attended religious services for that purpose.
* 60% OF AMERICANS MADE MONETARY DONATIONS.
* Many organized special events: A telethon raised $110 million.
* Children sold lemonade, washed cars, gathered supplies, wrote letters.
NO FORMAL , GOVERNMENT-ASSOCIATED STRUCTURE asked or forced anyone to do this. So, why or how did this happen? The next part focuses on commonality in attitudes.
* 75% felt anxiety over further attacks.
* More than half felt personal safety had been shaken.
* Nearly 3/4s felt depressed about the attacks.
* More than 60% said the unified response made the country stronger.
* Nearly 40% said they felt changed into better Americans.
People have empathy for others? People want to feel good about themselves? It would seem so.
The last part of the case study looks at our “war” response to the situation.
* A large majority favored giving police and security forces greater powers, even though it might adversely affect civil liberties.
* A vast majority strongly supported military action against Afghanistan.
* Most stated a belief the war would be a long one, taking resources from other programs. Half said it would be worth this expense.
Just some random thoughts in response to these statistics:
1. A WHOPPING 80 PERCENT offered prayers?? I thought we were supposedly not a religious country…that we need to remove any and all mention of anything remotely religious from our public space? Hmmm…in light of this data, it would seem that that position is being rammed by a very small minority and a responsive, sympathetic minority in power? I dunno. It just seems that those things aren’t jiving…
2. Civil liberties vs. fight on terrorism: Well. That seems to be another thing that blows around in the wind depending on which day it is. Ted Nugent wrote an awesome editorial for the Washington Times titled “Profile or Die.” I mention this because we all need to own up to the fact that we all PROFILE every day in our lives. I profile every time I go down the grocery aisle and decide whether to buy the blue or the red box of cereal, based on my own personal past experiences with blue and red. I’m actually VERY partial (have had excellent experiences) to purple and yellow cereal boxes (Raisin Bran and Corn Pops). I digress. :^) The point is profiling is a survival instinct we naturally have and to ignore it is stupid.
3. If the federal government was doing such a great job with my tax money of dealing with hunger and poverty, why would a kabillion food charities exist? Can I take the portion of my tax dollar that goes toward hunger (food stamps, WIC vouchers) and donate it to the private and probably far more efficient philanthropies OK Regional Food Bank and Feed the Children et al? I guess it doesn't WORK that way...
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