Critically Considering Observations at a TEA Party
A COMMON MAN CRITICALLY CONSIDERS OBSERVATIONS AT A TEA PARTY
As the national event which may become known as the Great American TEA party of 2009 recedes into memory, I felt the need to clarify some of the thoughts and feelings I had after seeing some of the images of these events around the country. I will again state, as I have mentioned to some many times before, how fairly interesting it is that throughout the Bush administration I asked people to consider the motives behind the President's actions. I asked many to not just jump to conclusions, but to rather think about President Bush's actions, the environment in which we all live, the environment in which they are taking place, and take a moment to truly consider why. I never wanted President Bush to fail. I always wanted him to reach beyond, and be the best he could be for himself, and our country. However, he so often disappointed me. He was not a critical thinker. Some of the things he did, or attempted to do, to me personally seemed incredibly asinine and dangerous, such as the escalation of nuclear proliferation with the development of tactical nuclear bunker buster bombs. This was not helping to keep America, or the world, safe. Still, I never wanted him to fail. I never called him a fascist. I never had an unyielding hate for the man, the kind of hate that seems to emanate from a person's core being. I do however know many people that did feel this way. They had, and still have, an almost unreasonable hate for Bush and his administration.
How interesting it is to now see how things have changed.
The people at the TEA parties, or I gather at least a large number of them, seem to have an almost unreasonable hate for President Obama and his administration. They hate Nancy Pelosi. They hate Harry Reid. They are now in the unenviable position of just outright hating the Federal Government. And I have to use the word hate, because when Governor Rick Perry mentions the possibility of Texas seceding from the Union, a truly stupid and irresponsible thing to say, they cheer. They cheer and gather among themselves to talk about removing un-Americans from America, and seceding to form the one true America. Humans are amazing, which is why I can accept this. Still, I am human as well, and it causes me to shake my head in almost uncomprehending credulity. There they are, saying these things, believing in it fervently. I get it. Yes, I do understand. And it is saddening.
Before delving into commentary, I would ask each of you to do what I did before commenting. As I always admonish myself to do, I took a moment to stop and think. Now, bear in mind many of these images don't require much thought. They are exactly what they appear to be, true expressions of personal belief in the finest American tradition, but still quite hurtful to others, and prone to generating an emotional need that requires a like response. However, for those of us aspiring to critical cognition, we must work to remain positive, and critically consider the motive behind the action, behind the sign behind the image. And we can never forget that these are humans, American people, expressing their thoughts and opinions, as is their right.
I looked a this one and smiled. Then, I suppressed a chuckle. I don't think it felt like this in 1776 ... no central heating and air. Anyway, I thought about this, and I felt that some people are really feeling put-upon. They are equating taxation without representation and foreign rule, or rather rule from across the sea, with what's happening today with our federal government. That's a pretty incredible assertion. What does the sign really mean, or rather what does it portend? Is this the hint of secession? Really? We've gone down this road before, and it was not pretty. Do some of these people really want to consider such an option? I'll say this, emotion, desire, and anger at not having things go your way are powerful things. Petulance and vitriolic tantrums are the responses of children. However, as I have said time and time again, far too many people don't grow up. They just get older. Think about it. Then, think about how to respond critically, with compassion, and positive intent, remaining wary. Children can be dangerous, if left to their own devices.
Fire Congress, impeach the President, I'm assuming with the eventual option of either forcing him to resign, or indicting him for a crime. I'm assuming the crime will be taxing Americans, interpreting and undermining the Constitution, bankrupting the future, and essentially destroying America. I know some good people who would look at me and go, "Dammit D! You're finally getting it!" Sorry, not on the same page. I don't agree. I don't agree at all.
Okay, let's take them from left to right. The young child holding the sign that says don't mortgage my future is about the escalating national debt. I would not be an honest fiscal conservative if I said I was not concerned as well. Actually, most fiscal conservatives would just get mad at me and call me a closet-liberal and a liar. Okay, here's the deal. You've heard me say this before, I practice F-PEC, Fundamental Personal Economic Control. We have no credit-card debt. Our cars are paid for. We have a mortgage, and the usual bills. We have savings. We have investments. And now, we're looking for additional investment options. I am spending money to promote growth in my home and in our lives. I'm looking for investments in Green companies, battery and fuel cell manufacturers, chip makers, and other innovative companies. I know that innovation is the engine of economic growth. I believe the President is spending to stem the tide of depression (as I see it), and promote a new tide of innovation. Just my belief. I think it's a good bet. I'm in line with Warren. He's investing in a Chinese car manufacturer that makes a battery from which one can drink the water! He said he considered it critically before investing. Would you do any less? Like I said, I'm with Mr. Buffet.
Let's skip to the third poster. I think the President made a mistake when he said he would remove all the pork. Perhaps he should have stated it differently. Republicans and Democrats are too attached to their pork. I think it's clear he wants to attack and remove all earmarks and other forms of pork, however, it is thoroughly entrenched and a mighty thing to remove. I have hope, but not a lot. Money saved in the corners can add up fast. However, he has to convince all congressman to let their pet projects go. Don't know if he'll be able to pull this one off. But I sure do hope he can.
Okay, the second poster is really just silly. We need some form of regulation at some level. Theories are wonderful things. I love Ayn Rand's book. Ragnar Danneskjöld is a hero of mine, as are Hank Reardon and John Galt. I wonder if the kid knows who John Galt is? Still, I know that fiction creates ideals. In real life, Ragnar might be surprised to know that he would be giving bars of gold to a Bernie Madoff. Learned men are only human, despite their brilliance. On one end you have the call for bank nationalization. On the other you have the thought that we should let well enough alone and things will work themselves out. Consider this, that kid's mother or father could work for a small local bank, a well-to-do bank, not a monster mega-bank. However, we left well enough alone, right? Well, what happened? Most of the monster mega-banks shut down. Ford is the last American car company standing. Bankruptcy forced the closing of suppliers, and supporting companies from coast-to-coast, causing layoffs of millions. In a month, unemployment skyrocketed to 16% ... like dropping a nuclear bomb on our economy. That local bank isn't doing so well anymore. People have withdrawn funds. No one is looking for a loan. Instead, they're looking to just survive. There is no local business. There are no new deposits. The layoffs come right to the local bank's front door. Now his parents are ... unemployed. Just consider it. Hmmm, here in the real world things seem to be getting just a bit better. My company is hiring. Personally, I'm kind of glad the President decided not to leave well enough alone. So, the point is moot. As for your mortgage, and your kid's prosperity? PRACTICE F-PEC!
POOP. POOP stands for Prisoner Of Obamapolitics. I guess the general message is that everything the President has done, or is doing amounts to a pile of excrement. That's nice. That's really nice. Still, they're expressing themselves. They're protesting. This is America, where we can freely do such a thing. I'm happy for them. They look pretty happy too. Good for them.
Okay, this one made me think of the Hannity, Limbaugh, Savage, Boortz all Spoon-Aid drinkers. Not nice, I know, but I really couldn't help it. I had to STOP and THINK, before addressing it. So, once I considered it critically, this is what I came up with. Children are petulant, and don't want to apologize for anything. Adults, do apologize for transgressions, sometimes whether they are real or perceived. Adults know that an apology can go long way towards healing emotional wounds with other adults. They also know that an apology can work rather well with intractable children. An apology can go a long way during a heated, political, diplomatic conflict. An apology can turn the direction of a heated debate, and give the person doing the apologizing the moral and actual high-ground. It's critical thinking in action.
Now, let's address America's need to apologize. I would ask the person (I so want to hurl an insult), what do they think America should apologize for? I would ask this person to shut off the Hannity show and just think for a minute. I would ask this person to consider it critically. Does American have ANYTHING to apologize for? ANYTHING!!! NO, DON'T MENTION SLAVERY! American does owe her children an apology, but that's okay. You keep it. Many of us don't want it anymore. We claim our nation, our country, and our pride in the ideal. All we want is a fair shake. So, for what should we apologize for? Not for defending America from terrorism. Not for prosecuting a war against those that committed the 9/11 attacks. Well, then what? Okay, many Iraqi's were glad to be rid of Saddam. However, we could start by letting them know we didn't mean to create an environment that invited and fomented sectarian violence. It was nice to tell the world that we're sorry, and we're no longer seeking to act stupidly as a unilateral nation attempting to press our will on the world, a doomed prospect from beginning to end; and don't delude yourself into thinking that some in power have not, and are not currently, pursuing just such an agenda. There's more than one way to consolidate power. But really, have any of you considered our creation, which is the mighty American economic empire. Apologies? We owe more apologies then we have time to give. How about propping up dictators (like Saddam you nitwits)? How about exploiting entire countries for their resources? How about using all our substantial power to stymie the growth of freedom and independence in third world countries because it would shrink the profit margins of our corporate interests? We do things in third world countries that would be illegal here in America (unrestrained free markets people). Okay, I'm getting angry. Just consider it ... please.
Oh, and read a book by John Perkins called Confessions of an Economic Hit Man. Open your eyes, my friends.
Must I? Really, must I? Okay, you know what? I'm going to address this poster by stating my belief about abortion, which in turn ties into my strong stance against the religious conservatives. Understand this, the modern American Conservative movement is a loose-knit coalition of different types of conservatives, such as fiscal conservatives, like myself, libertarian conservatives who believe in small government and very little to no economic intervention, and Christian conservatives, who are basically theocrats. What's interesting is how this movement remains together (which right now is currently falling apart). I know no libertarian conservatives who would enjoy living in a theocratic America, with religion butting into how they conduct their business. In fact, many of the Christian business and televangelist demagogues would be terribly frustrated by the rules their strict theocratic brothers would thrust upon them. My brothers, our sisters must be at home barefoot and pregnant ... well, maybe not barefoot. What does this lead me to?
Well, I believe, and hope that the person holding that sign is taking care of their children, taking care of their own, which is a strong libertarian tenet. You take care of yours, and I'll take care of mine. Understand, these people, many of them, believe they have been given a mandate by God to tell other people what they should do with their bodies, and their babies. Some have gone to great lengths to stop abortions, including murder. This is senseless. Abortion is a powerful, emotional, terrible thing to consider. It is deeply personal, and should be considered as an option critically, if at all, by the families involved. The person holding that sign has no DAMN BUSINESS TELLING ME OR MY FAMILY WHAT TO THINK OR DO! Personally, I abhor abortion. I love my child. I want more. I will raise her to be responsible and loving. I will concentrate on my own. I wonder if that person is dragging their child from city to city from rally to rally. I wonder if they're getting nurtured and educated, or are they getting indoctrinated. Consider it critically. How many of you out there can support this? Can you, when you think about it? How about working on being the best person you can be for yourself, your children, your family, your community. I equate these people to that woman here in Duluth, Georgia that supported having Harry Potter removed from libraries because it promoted witchcraft. Now, I know some of you agree with this (Zeesh!), and my question to you would be why? Why do you believe this fiction is real life? Why must you support her in denying my child the fun of a good Harry Potter book? Why must you impress your ideals upon me, instead of just making your own family unit that much stronger? People, consider it critically. It's un-American.
Know this. That part of the conservative movement that believes in theocracy and wants to create a Christian America, eventually removing all other religions, and denying them the right to live here and thrive, is being completely American in expressing their views and desires, but they are being totally un-American in proclaiming the eventual achievement of such an objective. Such a nation would be America in name only, denying religious freedom, and embracing totalitarianism. Escaping such tyranny was the very genesis of this nation. The man holding that sign does not know our history, our true beauty, or the American ideal. Due to his narrow thought processes he may be considered a throwback and an anachronism, and there are far too many of him wandering our streets. He must be allowed to be, this much is true. However, we must be ready to stand against him at a moments notice, lest we wake up one day in a fresh theocratic hell called the United Christian States of America.
This is exactly what I was discussing previously. I too am a Christian. However, this kind of intolerant person would be the first person to tell me I'm not. He's the kind of person that calls Obama a Muslim. It could very well have been his aunt at that McCain rally who said, "We can't let him be President ... he's an, an, an Aaarab." Did everyone at this rally support this sign? Did they understand the underlying implication? Does this young man even understand it? The very statement implies restriction, exclusion. Supporting this sign, means you are against something else. Now, you may read my words and say I'm wrong. You may say that just because we want to be, and may one day achieve our Christian nation, does not mean we're against anyone. That's fine. That's fair. I would say to you, to stop and think. Do you speak for all the people in your movement? Do you think they would all be so tolerant? Do you think they would treat Hindus, Buddhists, Taoists, and Atheists with respect? Do you think they would treat peaceful Muslims with respect. Or, would they say there are no peaceful Muslims? Consider it critically.
Some people, including myself, have asked where some of these protesters have been for the last eight years. Well, once I stopped and thought about it, I realized they have always been here. As I was saying earlier the movement is a collection of disparate groups. Many groups took advantage of the rallies to express their views. These are probably avid Ron Paul supporters. They want the Fed eliminated. They want us back on the gold standard. They want the entire international banking system dismantled, or rather they want it to function quite differently from how it works today. So, what brings them all together?
Money!
These rallies were sponsored by rich people. They were hosted by rich people. Rich people like Sean Hannity were commentators at these rallies. Why do I mention they were rich? Because the majority of the people at the rallies were not rich. This is not a promotion of class warfare, but a promotion of the initiative to question. I would ask these people to question why are they at a rally against taxes when they're getting a tax cut. Well, many of them want taxes removed all together, but again thinking, some of the people at the rally would want to sue if they lost their social security checks. Some promote the Fair Tax, just as I do. So, they wanted to leverage the rally to get the word out about the Fair Tax. That's fair. I support this. Still, consider the money. Consider the reasoning behind such wealth promoting this function. Then, consider the fact that the left is quite flush with the same type of money. Both sides have their foreign wealth supporters, Soros on the left, and Murdoch on the right. I would ask each of you to be what I ask you to be. Be critical thinkers. Vote based on what YOU believe will be best for you personally, your family, your community, and then your nation. Don't let others TELL you what to think. People, these rallies, and the money behind them, are all interested in control. IT'S ABOUT CONTROL. It's about controlling you, the masses, the policies, the people, what gets instituted, and how it affects the creation of wealth on a global scale. Truly consider this critically.
My neighbor does pay his own mortgage. This one confuses me. I understand that it's a statement about TARP, Stimulus, the Budget, Welfare, and the subsistence of what I call Entitlement Nation. But again, the sign ... I don't know of any neighbors getting a bailout. In fact, here at work, all I hear is people complaining about the banks getting money and normal homeowners not getting a dime for their mortgages. This has so many sides. Again, bottom line, people should practice F-PEC. It was Wall Street's fault. It was Fannie-Mae's fault. It was the fault of Congress. It was each and every individual's fault who succumbed to MDC (Media-Driven Consumercelebreality), and decided to get a $600,000 house and a Benz when they make $80,000 a year. Practice Fundamental Personal Economic Control, and don't be a victim. What's happening to this person to make him want to make this sign? Is he able to pay his own mortgage? Just a question.
This is the image that inspired me to write this. This man is at one of the rallies holding up a sign that I can fully support. He's protesting, and it makes sense. Read his sign, then read it again. He's decrying what's currently happening in government. Tax dollars, his dollars, are being spent on programs he simply does not believe in. He's not about to stand for it. He's going to fight back. And how is he going to do this? How will he prosecute this fight? He will vote. Simply outstanding. Wonderful. Even though I'm certain this retired Navy Seal and I disagree an how to make this nation more prosperous, I'm sure we could sit down, have a beer, discuss issues rationally, like men, and then go vote our conscious, as we each believe. That's how it works, and that's how it should continue to work.
And so we come to the end of the greatest political experiment in human history. The United States of America was the realization of a dream, a dream that quickly grew beyond the minds of just a handful of men. It is the ever-growing, ever-changing realization of an ideal. America represents something wonderful to people all over the world. This sign, is another example of some fair citizen's national temper tantrum. According to the gravestone, American died the night Barack Hussein Obama II was elected President of the United States of America. How sad. How clearly evident it is of ... fear. It is a fear of change. It is change that some people can barely stomach. It is the cry of the people that sit back, tear up, and actually cry, thinking longly of times gone by. They hear and agree with Rush when he says he wants America to be the way it was when he grew up. Well, Rush Limbaugh is 58 or 59? When he was young America was segregated. Hanging African-Americans resulted in a show-trial, and accolades from the community for the perpetrators. I don't hearken back for those days, and Rush is doing too much of his prescription drugs, or he's taken up crack-rock, if he thinks the majority of us well-intentioned, and especially critical-thinking, Americans are going to let him, or any of his ilk drag us back into the dark days of separation and intolerance. America, by its very nature is growing and changing, seeking to improve the lives of people worldwide. It serves as a beacon of hope. This little bit of contrivance is a spoonish aside. America is alive and well. She is undergoing hard times, but a critical-thinking, calm, but strong hand as at the tiller. America's best and brightest days are ahead of her my friends. They are indeed, ahead of us all.
Listen, I'm going to use two words ... SPOON ... and STUPID. Every time I listen to Neal Boortz woo his callers with his information about how the environmentalists have taken over the Democratic party and are pushing their own agenda, I cringe. Every time he talks about how climate change is natural, and how the world is actually cooler due to low sun spot activity, I shake my head. Then, I have to remember that he's a libertarian conservative, and he does not like anything that hampers business, or intrudes on individual liberties, including the liberty to crap up the environment ... apparently. Listen, my friends, let's just drop the whole Global Warming issue and get down to brass tacks. Do any of you out there believe that human activity has no discernible impact on the environment? Do any of you believe that government and interests groups should leave well enough alone, because people come first, and to hell with the fishes, the endangered bears, and the air? My friends, you force me to call you out if you get behind this nonsense. IT'S STUPID! Do you remember government efforts to stop acid rain (worked out pretty well). Do you remember the commercial sponsored by government admonishing us to pick up trash and keep our roads clean? This is not rocket science people. Human beings IMPACT the environment. It's truly not up for debate. To believe otherwise is incredibly DUMB! The Real inconvenient truth is that any scientist who takes the time to get into a debate against an initiative that would help keep our atmosphere clean is a nincompoop, and should turn in his labcoat. I'm sorry to be so strident, but really, this is just ridiculous.
NO, IT'S REALLY STUPID!
We are stewards of this world, each in our own time, and it is incumbent upon us to treat it with love and respect. Some of these people are protesting taking money out of their grandkids' pockets, what about crapping up the stream that provides sustenance to the land, water for drinking, and good fishing for the locals? What kind of world will they live in if they have to wear masks over their mouths and goggles to protect their eyes because we've dumped too much particulate matter in the atmosphere (taken a look at China lately?). Come on people! Again, I apologize for being so strident, BUT THIS IS REALLY STUPID! Listen, even the captains of industry are doing more than just seeing the writing on the wall, they're looking at this situation and are saying we have to do better, we have to make a change. The days if irresponsibility are done for some, and fading fast for others. This is the direction in which we should be heading, and in my personal opinion it is the hallmark of a true fiscal conservative. Why? Because acting responsibly as individuals, saves money for everyone in the aggregate. Being responsible at the corporate level saves resources and extends potential product lines. It also secures the world for our posterity, and the potential for innovation. Genius exercised happily in a world with clear blue skies, green grasses, and clear blue oceans, a verdant world that takes care of us, and supports our progress, because we care of it. That, is a sound investment for any conservative.
I don't know, friends. When I look at this poster, it makes me think about the crowd at the McCain rally when he lost. A crowd certainly comprised of some people who didn't like McCain in the first place, but still looked thunderstruck. I'm sure many of them attended a TEA party. I'm sure during the 2000 election some of them were smug, some of them were civil, and some of them just couldn't understand why the Democrats couldn't deal with it. Deal with it and move on, many of them said. Many Democrats acted like petulant children after that election. I still hear echoes of stolen elections on the wind. Now, Republicans are acting like petulant children. How about we all just grow up.
I've seen people call her ugly, disgusting, un-American, so many different things. At first, I was going to cut this picture out. However, I changed my mind. I felt it should remain. We should look at what someone put together, and discuss it. America is complex. Freedom isn't easy. American freedom and citizenship comes with a great deal of responsibility, and a whole ton of emotional baggage. When you don't have to apply for it, it's easy to take it for granted. However, for those that don't take it for granted, but hold fast to it,and try to move forward through life with everything they have, it often invites introspection, a critical analysis of one's own origins. This poster is asinine and insincere. She made a statement about how she was now proud to be an American. Of course, some people took it and ran with it. However, you are without compassion if you don't consider her statement in terms of who she is, and the many dimensions of her life. She is an American, to be sure, and quite proud despite the context in which her comment was taken. She knows, as her husband says often enough, that her story could not have happened anywhere else on Earth. She is an African-American, with all this implies. This is not about pulling a race-card or asking for special consideration. This is simply stating a fact, and all that it implies. As an African-American she is in a very unique ethnic and cultural category. One should acknowledge this. She is also a Descendant of the Emancipated, and all that this implies. She is also a woman. Need I say more. Considering our history, she is entitled to say a great deal more. However, all she really did was express her pride and faith that the country of her birth could acknowledge a man that looks like her father, and consider him its leader. For many of us, this was a very, very, very big deal. I for one never thought to see it in my lifetime. Yes, as progressive as I am, and with as much as I have seen, I still had no faith in this actually happening anytime soon. You know what? She should be proud. I know what she meant, as do you. Michelle, you are incredibly strong, you are incredibly beautiful, you are a phenomenal woman. You are our First Lady, and I am so very proud.
I have seen people, some friends of mine, talk about how much they love this image. It's going around on the Internet, and it either disgusts, angers, makes one laugh, makes one cheer, or makes one hopeful. This is indeed funny. I'm not laughing, but it's laughable. We're supposed to be able to make fun of our leaders, so there you have it. However, I have to stop and consider it. What was the person thinking when he put this together. Was it the result of Obama Degenerative Syndrome? It says it was penned by the same person who wrote, Smoking Weed, Snorting Coke, and Getting Laid, My Formative Years. Wow, that's pretty ugly. The rebranding of the Marxist Dream? Really? Wow! This ... seems angry. This, looks like the result of a personal, petty, temper tantrum. This, appears to be the result of someone who is mad because their candidate lost.
There have been many who have said the TEA movement is truly a national expression of dissatisfaction. That many who participated are still quite upset at seeing John McCain and Sarah Palin lose the election. As I mentioned at the beginning, how interesting it is to see how things have changed. Millions of Americans thought George W. Bush stole an election and would be the eventual of undoing of the country. Now, millions of Americans think that a large portion of the population has simply gone insane, or been completely ensorceled by an awful charismatic, Arabic-Muslim, Kenyan, that faked his American citizenship to steal the White House and bring about the ruination of America. We made it through W. I think we'll make it through O. In fact, I personally believe we are going to enter into a new renaissance of change and innovation. That's just one common man's critically considered opinion. I wish you all well, no matter which side you support.
Remember ... Think ... Be Critical ... Be Engaged!
D.S. Brown
www.2rulesof3.com
www.TheHandMill.com
As the national event which may become known as the Great American TEA party of 2009 recedes into memory, I felt the need to clarify some of the thoughts and feelings I had after seeing some of the images of these events around the country. I will again state, as I have mentioned to some many times before, how fairly interesting it is that throughout the Bush administration I asked people to consider the motives behind the President's actions. I asked many to not just jump to conclusions, but to rather think about President Bush's actions, the environment in which we all live, the environment in which they are taking place, and take a moment to truly consider why. I never wanted President Bush to fail. I always wanted him to reach beyond, and be the best he could be for himself, and our country. However, he so often disappointed me. He was not a critical thinker. Some of the things he did, or attempted to do, to me personally seemed incredibly asinine and dangerous, such as the escalation of nuclear proliferation with the development of tactical nuclear bunker buster bombs. This was not helping to keep America, or the world, safe. Still, I never wanted him to fail. I never called him a fascist. I never had an unyielding hate for the man, the kind of hate that seems to emanate from a person's core being. I do however know many people that did feel this way. They had, and still have, an almost unreasonable hate for Bush and his administration.
How interesting it is to now see how things have changed.
The people at the TEA parties, or I gather at least a large number of them, seem to have an almost unreasonable hate for President Obama and his administration. They hate Nancy Pelosi. They hate Harry Reid. They are now in the unenviable position of just outright hating the Federal Government. And I have to use the word hate, because when Governor Rick Perry mentions the possibility of Texas seceding from the Union, a truly stupid and irresponsible thing to say, they cheer. They cheer and gather among themselves to talk about removing un-Americans from America, and seceding to form the one true America. Humans are amazing, which is why I can accept this. Still, I am human as well, and it causes me to shake my head in almost uncomprehending credulity. There they are, saying these things, believing in it fervently. I get it. Yes, I do understand. And it is saddening.
Before delving into commentary, I would ask each of you to do what I did before commenting. As I always admonish myself to do, I took a moment to stop and think. Now, bear in mind many of these images don't require much thought. They are exactly what they appear to be, true expressions of personal belief in the finest American tradition, but still quite hurtful to others, and prone to generating an emotional need that requires a like response. However, for those of us aspiring to critical cognition, we must work to remain positive, and critically consider the motive behind the action, behind the sign behind the image. And we can never forget that these are humans, American people, expressing their thoughts and opinions, as is their right.
I looked a this one and smiled. Then, I suppressed a chuckle. I don't think it felt like this in 1776 ... no central heating and air. Anyway, I thought about this, and I felt that some people are really feeling put-upon. They are equating taxation without representation and foreign rule, or rather rule from across the sea, with what's happening today with our federal government. That's a pretty incredible assertion. What does the sign really mean, or rather what does it portend? Is this the hint of secession? Really? We've gone down this road before, and it was not pretty. Do some of these people really want to consider such an option? I'll say this, emotion, desire, and anger at not having things go your way are powerful things. Petulance and vitriolic tantrums are the responses of children. However, as I have said time and time again, far too many people don't grow up. They just get older. Think about it. Then, think about how to respond critically, with compassion, and positive intent, remaining wary. Children can be dangerous, if left to their own devices.
Fire Congress, impeach the President, I'm assuming with the eventual option of either forcing him to resign, or indicting him for a crime. I'm assuming the crime will be taxing Americans, interpreting and undermining the Constitution, bankrupting the future, and essentially destroying America. I know some good people who would look at me and go, "Dammit D! You're finally getting it!" Sorry, not on the same page. I don't agree. I don't agree at all.
Okay, let's take them from left to right. The young child holding the sign that says don't mortgage my future is about the escalating national debt. I would not be an honest fiscal conservative if I said I was not concerned as well. Actually, most fiscal conservatives would just get mad at me and call me a closet-liberal and a liar. Okay, here's the deal. You've heard me say this before, I practice F-PEC, Fundamental Personal Economic Control. We have no credit-card debt. Our cars are paid for. We have a mortgage, and the usual bills. We have savings. We have investments. And now, we're looking for additional investment options. I am spending money to promote growth in my home and in our lives. I'm looking for investments in Green companies, battery and fuel cell manufacturers, chip makers, and other innovative companies. I know that innovation is the engine of economic growth. I believe the President is spending to stem the tide of depression (as I see it), and promote a new tide of innovation. Just my belief. I think it's a good bet. I'm in line with Warren. He's investing in a Chinese car manufacturer that makes a battery from which one can drink the water! He said he considered it critically before investing. Would you do any less? Like I said, I'm with Mr. Buffet.
Let's skip to the third poster. I think the President made a mistake when he said he would remove all the pork. Perhaps he should have stated it differently. Republicans and Democrats are too attached to their pork. I think it's clear he wants to attack and remove all earmarks and other forms of pork, however, it is thoroughly entrenched and a mighty thing to remove. I have hope, but not a lot. Money saved in the corners can add up fast. However, he has to convince all congressman to let their pet projects go. Don't know if he'll be able to pull this one off. But I sure do hope he can.
Okay, the second poster is really just silly. We need some form of regulation at some level. Theories are wonderful things. I love Ayn Rand's book. Ragnar Danneskjöld is a hero of mine, as are Hank Reardon and John Galt. I wonder if the kid knows who John Galt is? Still, I know that fiction creates ideals. In real life, Ragnar might be surprised to know that he would be giving bars of gold to a Bernie Madoff. Learned men are only human, despite their brilliance. On one end you have the call for bank nationalization. On the other you have the thought that we should let well enough alone and things will work themselves out. Consider this, that kid's mother or father could work for a small local bank, a well-to-do bank, not a monster mega-bank. However, we left well enough alone, right? Well, what happened? Most of the monster mega-banks shut down. Ford is the last American car company standing. Bankruptcy forced the closing of suppliers, and supporting companies from coast-to-coast, causing layoffs of millions. In a month, unemployment skyrocketed to 16% ... like dropping a nuclear bomb on our economy. That local bank isn't doing so well anymore. People have withdrawn funds. No one is looking for a loan. Instead, they're looking to just survive. There is no local business. There are no new deposits. The layoffs come right to the local bank's front door. Now his parents are ... unemployed. Just consider it. Hmmm, here in the real world things seem to be getting just a bit better. My company is hiring. Personally, I'm kind of glad the President decided not to leave well enough alone. So, the point is moot. As for your mortgage, and your kid's prosperity? PRACTICE F-PEC!
POOP. POOP stands for Prisoner Of Obamapolitics. I guess the general message is that everything the President has done, or is doing amounts to a pile of excrement. That's nice. That's really nice. Still, they're expressing themselves. They're protesting. This is America, where we can freely do such a thing. I'm happy for them. They look pretty happy too. Good for them.
Okay, this one made me think of the Hannity, Limbaugh, Savage, Boortz all Spoon-Aid drinkers. Not nice, I know, but I really couldn't help it. I had to STOP and THINK, before addressing it. So, once I considered it critically, this is what I came up with. Children are petulant, and don't want to apologize for anything. Adults, do apologize for transgressions, sometimes whether they are real or perceived. Adults know that an apology can go long way towards healing emotional wounds with other adults. They also know that an apology can work rather well with intractable children. An apology can go a long way during a heated, political, diplomatic conflict. An apology can turn the direction of a heated debate, and give the person doing the apologizing the moral and actual high-ground. It's critical thinking in action.
Now, let's address America's need to apologize. I would ask the person (I so want to hurl an insult), what do they think America should apologize for? I would ask this person to shut off the Hannity show and just think for a minute. I would ask this person to consider it critically. Does American have ANYTHING to apologize for? ANYTHING!!! NO, DON'T MENTION SLAVERY! American does owe her children an apology, but that's okay. You keep it. Many of us don't want it anymore. We claim our nation, our country, and our pride in the ideal. All we want is a fair shake. So, for what should we apologize for? Not for defending America from terrorism. Not for prosecuting a war against those that committed the 9/11 attacks. Well, then what? Okay, many Iraqi's were glad to be rid of Saddam. However, we could start by letting them know we didn't mean to create an environment that invited and fomented sectarian violence. It was nice to tell the world that we're sorry, and we're no longer seeking to act stupidly as a unilateral nation attempting to press our will on the world, a doomed prospect from beginning to end; and don't delude yourself into thinking that some in power have not, and are not currently, pursuing just such an agenda. There's more than one way to consolidate power. But really, have any of you considered our creation, which is the mighty American economic empire. Apologies? We owe more apologies then we have time to give. How about propping up dictators (like Saddam you nitwits)? How about exploiting entire countries for their resources? How about using all our substantial power to stymie the growth of freedom and independence in third world countries because it would shrink the profit margins of our corporate interests? We do things in third world countries that would be illegal here in America (unrestrained free markets people). Okay, I'm getting angry. Just consider it ... please.
Oh, and read a book by John Perkins called Confessions of an Economic Hit Man. Open your eyes, my friends.
Must I? Really, must I? Okay, you know what? I'm going to address this poster by stating my belief about abortion, which in turn ties into my strong stance against the religious conservatives. Understand this, the modern American Conservative movement is a loose-knit coalition of different types of conservatives, such as fiscal conservatives, like myself, libertarian conservatives who believe in small government and very little to no economic intervention, and Christian conservatives, who are basically theocrats. What's interesting is how this movement remains together (which right now is currently falling apart). I know no libertarian conservatives who would enjoy living in a theocratic America, with religion butting into how they conduct their business. In fact, many of the Christian business and televangelist demagogues would be terribly frustrated by the rules their strict theocratic brothers would thrust upon them. My brothers, our sisters must be at home barefoot and pregnant ... well, maybe not barefoot. What does this lead me to?
Well, I believe, and hope that the person holding that sign is taking care of their children, taking care of their own, which is a strong libertarian tenet. You take care of yours, and I'll take care of mine. Understand, these people, many of them, believe they have been given a mandate by God to tell other people what they should do with their bodies, and their babies. Some have gone to great lengths to stop abortions, including murder. This is senseless. Abortion is a powerful, emotional, terrible thing to consider. It is deeply personal, and should be considered as an option critically, if at all, by the families involved. The person holding that sign has no DAMN BUSINESS TELLING ME OR MY FAMILY WHAT TO THINK OR DO! Personally, I abhor abortion. I love my child. I want more. I will raise her to be responsible and loving. I will concentrate on my own. I wonder if that person is dragging their child from city to city from rally to rally. I wonder if they're getting nurtured and educated, or are they getting indoctrinated. Consider it critically. How many of you out there can support this? Can you, when you think about it? How about working on being the best person you can be for yourself, your children, your family, your community. I equate these people to that woman here in Duluth, Georgia that supported having Harry Potter removed from libraries because it promoted witchcraft. Now, I know some of you agree with this (Zeesh!), and my question to you would be why? Why do you believe this fiction is real life? Why must you support her in denying my child the fun of a good Harry Potter book? Why must you impress your ideals upon me, instead of just making your own family unit that much stronger? People, consider it critically. It's un-American.
Know this. That part of the conservative movement that believes in theocracy and wants to create a Christian America, eventually removing all other religions, and denying them the right to live here and thrive, is being completely American in expressing their views and desires, but they are being totally un-American in proclaiming the eventual achievement of such an objective. Such a nation would be America in name only, denying religious freedom, and embracing totalitarianism. Escaping such tyranny was the very genesis of this nation. The man holding that sign does not know our history, our true beauty, or the American ideal. Due to his narrow thought processes he may be considered a throwback and an anachronism, and there are far too many of him wandering our streets. He must be allowed to be, this much is true. However, we must be ready to stand against him at a moments notice, lest we wake up one day in a fresh theocratic hell called the United Christian States of America.
This is exactly what I was discussing previously. I too am a Christian. However, this kind of intolerant person would be the first person to tell me I'm not. He's the kind of person that calls Obama a Muslim. It could very well have been his aunt at that McCain rally who said, "We can't let him be President ... he's an, an, an Aaarab." Did everyone at this rally support this sign? Did they understand the underlying implication? Does this young man even understand it? The very statement implies restriction, exclusion. Supporting this sign, means you are against something else. Now, you may read my words and say I'm wrong. You may say that just because we want to be, and may one day achieve our Christian nation, does not mean we're against anyone. That's fine. That's fair. I would say to you, to stop and think. Do you speak for all the people in your movement? Do you think they would all be so tolerant? Do you think they would treat Hindus, Buddhists, Taoists, and Atheists with respect? Do you think they would treat peaceful Muslims with respect. Or, would they say there are no peaceful Muslims? Consider it critically.
Some people, including myself, have asked where some of these protesters have been for the last eight years. Well, once I stopped and thought about it, I realized they have always been here. As I was saying earlier the movement is a collection of disparate groups. Many groups took advantage of the rallies to express their views. These are probably avid Ron Paul supporters. They want the Fed eliminated. They want us back on the gold standard. They want the entire international banking system dismantled, or rather they want it to function quite differently from how it works today. So, what brings them all together?
Money!
These rallies were sponsored by rich people. They were hosted by rich people. Rich people like Sean Hannity were commentators at these rallies. Why do I mention they were rich? Because the majority of the people at the rallies were not rich. This is not a promotion of class warfare, but a promotion of the initiative to question. I would ask these people to question why are they at a rally against taxes when they're getting a tax cut. Well, many of them want taxes removed all together, but again thinking, some of the people at the rally would want to sue if they lost their social security checks. Some promote the Fair Tax, just as I do. So, they wanted to leverage the rally to get the word out about the Fair Tax. That's fair. I support this. Still, consider the money. Consider the reasoning behind such wealth promoting this function. Then, consider the fact that the left is quite flush with the same type of money. Both sides have their foreign wealth supporters, Soros on the left, and Murdoch on the right. I would ask each of you to be what I ask you to be. Be critical thinkers. Vote based on what YOU believe will be best for you personally, your family, your community, and then your nation. Don't let others TELL you what to think. People, these rallies, and the money behind them, are all interested in control. IT'S ABOUT CONTROL. It's about controlling you, the masses, the policies, the people, what gets instituted, and how it affects the creation of wealth on a global scale. Truly consider this critically.
My neighbor does pay his own mortgage. This one confuses me. I understand that it's a statement about TARP, Stimulus, the Budget, Welfare, and the subsistence of what I call Entitlement Nation. But again, the sign ... I don't know of any neighbors getting a bailout. In fact, here at work, all I hear is people complaining about the banks getting money and normal homeowners not getting a dime for their mortgages. This has so many sides. Again, bottom line, people should practice F-PEC. It was Wall Street's fault. It was Fannie-Mae's fault. It was the fault of Congress. It was each and every individual's fault who succumbed to MDC (Media-Driven Consumercelebreality), and decided to get a $600,000 house and a Benz when they make $80,000 a year. Practice Fundamental Personal Economic Control, and don't be a victim. What's happening to this person to make him want to make this sign? Is he able to pay his own mortgage? Just a question.
This is the image that inspired me to write this. This man is at one of the rallies holding up a sign that I can fully support. He's protesting, and it makes sense. Read his sign, then read it again. He's decrying what's currently happening in government. Tax dollars, his dollars, are being spent on programs he simply does not believe in. He's not about to stand for it. He's going to fight back. And how is he going to do this? How will he prosecute this fight? He will vote. Simply outstanding. Wonderful. Even though I'm certain this retired Navy Seal and I disagree an how to make this nation more prosperous, I'm sure we could sit down, have a beer, discuss issues rationally, like men, and then go vote our conscious, as we each believe. That's how it works, and that's how it should continue to work.
And so we come to the end of the greatest political experiment in human history. The United States of America was the realization of a dream, a dream that quickly grew beyond the minds of just a handful of men. It is the ever-growing, ever-changing realization of an ideal. America represents something wonderful to people all over the world. This sign, is another example of some fair citizen's national temper tantrum. According to the gravestone, American died the night Barack Hussein Obama II was elected President of the United States of America. How sad. How clearly evident it is of ... fear. It is a fear of change. It is change that some people can barely stomach. It is the cry of the people that sit back, tear up, and actually cry, thinking longly of times gone by. They hear and agree with Rush when he says he wants America to be the way it was when he grew up. Well, Rush Limbaugh is 58 or 59? When he was young America was segregated. Hanging African-Americans resulted in a show-trial, and accolades from the community for the perpetrators. I don't hearken back for those days, and Rush is doing too much of his prescription drugs, or he's taken up crack-rock, if he thinks the majority of us well-intentioned, and especially critical-thinking, Americans are going to let him, or any of his ilk drag us back into the dark days of separation and intolerance. America, by its very nature is growing and changing, seeking to improve the lives of people worldwide. It serves as a beacon of hope. This little bit of contrivance is a spoonish aside. America is alive and well. She is undergoing hard times, but a critical-thinking, calm, but strong hand as at the tiller. America's best and brightest days are ahead of her my friends. They are indeed, ahead of us all.
Listen, I'm going to use two words ... SPOON ... and STUPID. Every time I listen to Neal Boortz woo his callers with his information about how the environmentalists have taken over the Democratic party and are pushing their own agenda, I cringe. Every time he talks about how climate change is natural, and how the world is actually cooler due to low sun spot activity, I shake my head. Then, I have to remember that he's a libertarian conservative, and he does not like anything that hampers business, or intrudes on individual liberties, including the liberty to crap up the environment ... apparently. Listen, my friends, let's just drop the whole Global Warming issue and get down to brass tacks. Do any of you out there believe that human activity has no discernible impact on the environment? Do any of you believe that government and interests groups should leave well enough alone, because people come first, and to hell with the fishes, the endangered bears, and the air? My friends, you force me to call you out if you get behind this nonsense. IT'S STUPID! Do you remember government efforts to stop acid rain (worked out pretty well). Do you remember the commercial sponsored by government admonishing us to pick up trash and keep our roads clean? This is not rocket science people. Human beings IMPACT the environment. It's truly not up for debate. To believe otherwise is incredibly DUMB! The Real inconvenient truth is that any scientist who takes the time to get into a debate against an initiative that would help keep our atmosphere clean is a nincompoop, and should turn in his labcoat. I'm sorry to be so strident, but really, this is just ridiculous.
NO, IT'S REALLY STUPID!
We are stewards of this world, each in our own time, and it is incumbent upon us to treat it with love and respect. Some of these people are protesting taking money out of their grandkids' pockets, what about crapping up the stream that provides sustenance to the land, water for drinking, and good fishing for the locals? What kind of world will they live in if they have to wear masks over their mouths and goggles to protect their eyes because we've dumped too much particulate matter in the atmosphere (taken a look at China lately?). Come on people! Again, I apologize for being so strident, BUT THIS IS REALLY STUPID! Listen, even the captains of industry are doing more than just seeing the writing on the wall, they're looking at this situation and are saying we have to do better, we have to make a change. The days if irresponsibility are done for some, and fading fast for others. This is the direction in which we should be heading, and in my personal opinion it is the hallmark of a true fiscal conservative. Why? Because acting responsibly as individuals, saves money for everyone in the aggregate. Being responsible at the corporate level saves resources and extends potential product lines. It also secures the world for our posterity, and the potential for innovation. Genius exercised happily in a world with clear blue skies, green grasses, and clear blue oceans, a verdant world that takes care of us, and supports our progress, because we care of it. That, is a sound investment for any conservative.
I don't know, friends. When I look at this poster, it makes me think about the crowd at the McCain rally when he lost. A crowd certainly comprised of some people who didn't like McCain in the first place, but still looked thunderstruck. I'm sure many of them attended a TEA party. I'm sure during the 2000 election some of them were smug, some of them were civil, and some of them just couldn't understand why the Democrats couldn't deal with it. Deal with it and move on, many of them said. Many Democrats acted like petulant children after that election. I still hear echoes of stolen elections on the wind. Now, Republicans are acting like petulant children. How about we all just grow up.
I've seen people call her ugly, disgusting, un-American, so many different things. At first, I was going to cut this picture out. However, I changed my mind. I felt it should remain. We should look at what someone put together, and discuss it. America is complex. Freedom isn't easy. American freedom and citizenship comes with a great deal of responsibility, and a whole ton of emotional baggage. When you don't have to apply for it, it's easy to take it for granted. However, for those that don't take it for granted, but hold fast to it,and try to move forward through life with everything they have, it often invites introspection, a critical analysis of one's own origins. This poster is asinine and insincere. She made a statement about how she was now proud to be an American. Of course, some people took it and ran with it. However, you are without compassion if you don't consider her statement in terms of who she is, and the many dimensions of her life. She is an American, to be sure, and quite proud despite the context in which her comment was taken. She knows, as her husband says often enough, that her story could not have happened anywhere else on Earth. She is an African-American, with all this implies. This is not about pulling a race-card or asking for special consideration. This is simply stating a fact, and all that it implies. As an African-American she is in a very unique ethnic and cultural category. One should acknowledge this. She is also a Descendant of the Emancipated, and all that this implies. She is also a woman. Need I say more. Considering our history, she is entitled to say a great deal more. However, all she really did was express her pride and faith that the country of her birth could acknowledge a man that looks like her father, and consider him its leader. For many of us, this was a very, very, very big deal. I for one never thought to see it in my lifetime. Yes, as progressive as I am, and with as much as I have seen, I still had no faith in this actually happening anytime soon. You know what? She should be proud. I know what she meant, as do you. Michelle, you are incredibly strong, you are incredibly beautiful, you are a phenomenal woman. You are our First Lady, and I am so very proud.
I have seen people, some friends of mine, talk about how much they love this image. It's going around on the Internet, and it either disgusts, angers, makes one laugh, makes one cheer, or makes one hopeful. This is indeed funny. I'm not laughing, but it's laughable. We're supposed to be able to make fun of our leaders, so there you have it. However, I have to stop and consider it. What was the person thinking when he put this together. Was it the result of Obama Degenerative Syndrome? It says it was penned by the same person who wrote, Smoking Weed, Snorting Coke, and Getting Laid, My Formative Years. Wow, that's pretty ugly. The rebranding of the Marxist Dream? Really? Wow! This ... seems angry. This, looks like the result of a personal, petty, temper tantrum. This, appears to be the result of someone who is mad because their candidate lost.
There have been many who have said the TEA movement is truly a national expression of dissatisfaction. That many who participated are still quite upset at seeing John McCain and Sarah Palin lose the election. As I mentioned at the beginning, how interesting it is to see how things have changed. Millions of Americans thought George W. Bush stole an election and would be the eventual of undoing of the country. Now, millions of Americans think that a large portion of the population has simply gone insane, or been completely ensorceled by an awful charismatic, Arabic-Muslim, Kenyan, that faked his American citizenship to steal the White House and bring about the ruination of America. We made it through W. I think we'll make it through O. In fact, I personally believe we are going to enter into a new renaissance of change and innovation. That's just one common man's critically considered opinion. I wish you all well, no matter which side you support.
Remember ... Think ... Be Critical ... Be Engaged!
D.S. Brown
www.2rulesof3.com
www.TheHandMill.com
This LinkedIn group is for networking and job leads & not this swill. My comments re this trash is that this clown doesn't have the slightest knowledge of hatred. Former President Bush kept us safe after the 9/11 "terrorist" attacks. The Nobama bunch doesn't refer to our enemies as "terrorists." The Nobama bunch including the leftist thugs in control of Congress since 2006 ooze hatred. This bunch did everything they could to obtain defeat in Iraq. They further with the help of the leftist thugs in the despicable media were willing to lose a war to defeat George Bush. George Bush was, is & will continue to be a classy man. The leftist thugs have no class and are nothing but scum. I for one do not want and will "fight" if necessary to preserve this country. Nobama's ties to "radical" America hating leftists who are disciples of the leftist thug Sal Olinsky "Rules For Radicals." Nobama is nothing but a self serving, community organizing demagogue who is way over his head. He has no worthwhile thoughts; only what his teleprompting behind the scenes "keepers" tell him to say. Also, he & his radical wife are angry, narcissistic radicals with their misguided socialist agenda and an in the tank "out of control" & protectionist media that has not done their job to expose this bunch. Consider the Air Force One stunt that occurred last week over New York’s Manhattan that caused the NY lefties to think they were under attack again. This scumbag president has “total” control over where these planes are. Further, in case there is an attack, the Secret Service has prearranged mapped routes of escape for him. I for one am sort of glad that the NY lefties got a “picture” of this clown’s true nature. Since they are so stupid, they probably didn’t understand. After all, they voted for “hope” & “change,” a bunch of bromides with no substance. The change is communism. Open your eyes before it’s too late. One last comment: if the adults from the previous administration had even thought about a “photo op” over NY City, the press would lead with this ad infinitum. Where is the free & open press? Nobama’s going down.
It’s only been 100 days since this clown took office. Seems like 10 years. The tea parties are scarring this & other radicals to death. The tea parties are freedom oriented, not hate oriented as this misguided person has alleged.
Posting and sharing information is networking online. Discussing, acclimating, and gaining understanding with others is networking in person, represented online through social networks like Llinkedin. It is the sharing of thoughts and ideas that make networking a rich activity. Within this activity is room for critical discourse, as well as fun. On this, let's be clear. Good.
Now, It's also quite clear you did not take the time to read my my post. However, your commentary is very much appreciated. I firmly believe in one's right to speak his or her mind. However, I prefer critical thinkers and I demand civility. You are barely one, I'll reserve judgment on the other. I prefer to not throw vitriol. Words like scum are full of vitriol, but do as you see fit. The rest of us shall do as we believe. I wish you well, and again, ask you to really take the time to read the post.
Thanks for commenting,
D.S.