STUDY SHOWS PARENTS TO BLAME FOR KIDS LOUSY EDUCATION

News that can best be categorized as coming from the "duh" department indicates that a majority of Americans believe that the failures of education are the fault of parents and not teachers and administrators.  Well now, there is an interesting one for you.  It took years and a costly study to come to that conclusion, when I or most people with their eyes open and an ounce or two of common sense, could have figured that out for free in about, OH fifteen minutes.  As so many of today's students are not very motivated or really care all that much for learning, how hard would it have been to see that it has much more to do with their home life and how their parents are (not) preparing them for school.   In speaking to many elementary teachers, I am appalled to hear that a lot of kids are starting school now without knowing their alphabet or their basic numbers.  It really makes me wonder what is going on in the home.  Evidently,  not very much.  There is obviously a fundamental problem in American Society and to simply lay all the blame on the school is completely inaccurate.  Like so many aspects of our decaying society and culture, public education is in a great state of decline, with no end in sight.  This is why the increased spending of tax dollars is fruitless.  Without a major about face in how our families function we are doomed.

KDKA AND ITS HANG UP WITH WEATHER

Once again the 11 o'clock news on KDKA begins with the weather.   All these morons know is to continually try to make some cold weather and a dusting of expected snow, into a major news story.  Basically, they continue to try to frighten people with this crap.  What does it say about your news when you continually begin with the weather.  The producer or whomever makes these decisions is an idiot.  The other two local stations do the same thing sometimes but, nobody does it as often as KDKA. 
This along with their penchant for showing abused animals shows how desperate this station is to try to create some news even when there isn't anything to report.  It would be nice if they had someone of intelligence to actually select true newsworthy stories to put on the air instead of the made up fluff and nonsense they show all too often.  
Unless it is a major catastrophic storm of some kind then weather is NOT news.  

EVALUATING PITTSBURGH'S WEATHERMEN (PERSONS)

It must be me but, the local TV Weathermen/persons are really getting on my nerves. I try to watch just to find out the next day's forecast but I really can't stand them any more.  With one exception they all have some quirks that drive me crazy.
First, KDKA's  resident narcissist Jeff Verszyla drives me crazy with this periodic eye bulges, staccato delivery and form fitting shirts.  If ever someone appears to be in love with himself, it's Jeffy.
Then there is that happy go lucky, bumbling Jon Burnett.  This guy has the biggest bags under his eyes of anyone on local TV.  I like to refer to him as "Bobbin Jon" because when he does the weather, he bobs around the set constantly, leaning left, leaning right then even leaning toward the camera.  WTAE's Stephan Cropper is probably the one I can tolerate the best.  He doesn't appear to have any major quirks that get under my skin.  He appears to be a sincere, nice guy and generally, tends to keep it simple.   His one drawback may be he lacks pizazz and for all intents and purposes is about exciting as a washrag.
Finally, WPXI's Julie Bologna.  First of all, he name.  You've got to be kidding right?  Seriously, what kind of goof keeps a name like that for TV.  Geez, what about Julie Blaine, or Julie Boone or even Julie Bond.  But Bologna, give me a break.  Where I come from Bologna is another word for Jumbo.  Yeah, the lunch meat!  Secondly that face.  When I tune in for the weather I don't want to be frightened.  But, in trying to watch this chick and not think she reminds me of someone that Mike Tyson beat on for 12 rounds.  Truly a butter face.  Yes, everything is hot "but her face."  
Now when I add in all these things with the fact that when you really need these saps to come through with an accurate forecast when it's need the most, it's now wonder I tune in to the radio or the Internet for my weather forecast.

THE SPECTER OF SPECTER

I see in the news that PA's soon to be former Democratic Senator Arlen (The Traitor) Specter is upset by the partisan bickering in Washington.  Oh Boo Hoo Hoo poor Arlen, I feel sorry for you (not).  Suddenly, the guy with over 30 years of seniority in the Senate, the man who was a Democrat then a Republican then a Democrat again (because if was politically expedient) realizes that his Congress is partisan?  Wow, and it only took you 36 years to figure that out.  In all his years in the Senate, Arlen was all about doing what was best for him and his re-election.  Now that he's been booted by the voters of PA he is suddenly "concerned" about the gridlock and partisanship of Washington.   Please Arlen, just go quietly into the night so our state can begin to recover from 30+ years of your help.  Maybe he and outgoing Governor Ed Rendell can deliver Meals on Wheels or start a band or something.  Good riddance!

WORLD'S WORST GOVERNOR DOES IT AGAIN

Governor Ed Rendell (hereafter known as the worst governor in the world) has once again spit into the faces of the Pennsylvania voter by stepping in to bail our one of the most corrupt and poorly run transit systems in the country.  The  Port Authority Transit (or PAT as it's known in these parts) has long been a poster child for how NOT to operate an agency.  PAT has wasted millions of dollars yearly in following poor management models, out of line union contracts, managers that have flat out padded their own pockets at taxpayers expense and generally mismanaged itself in every conceivable way.  Let's just say that if it were a private company it might have lasted a year but, since it is a public entity, there appears to be no shame in its wasteful operation. 
After the authority met last month and was finally forced to make cuts to routes and drivers and to trim expenses, in steps Rendell (like a fat white knight) with $45 million dollars, supposedly from projects in the state that we scheduled but,  never got off the ground, and used that money to ONCE AGAIN bail out this awful, mismanaged agency. 
PAT is a mess today, it was yesterday , it will be tomorrow and next week.  Some things never change.  January can't get here fast enough so we can say good riddance to this buffoon.

I THINK AMERICA WAS A BETTER PLACE WHEN.....

Folks would say thank you and mean it
Women stayed at home to anchor the family
People kept their sexual preferences to themselves
Kids played outside by their own choosing and didn't need encouragement to do so
People paid more attention to the small stuff
Education was valued and school personnel were in charge of the schools
TV viewing was a diversion taken in moderation and it was not a baby sitter
Personal information was personal
There was no such thing as video game violence
Personal responsibility was a trait all aspired to
Life was so very simple and enjoyable
Drugs were purchased at the pharmacy and used sparingly 
Credit cards were unheard of, if you didn't have the cash you did without and didn't miss it anyway
Children were children and not mini adults
Holidays were spent with family that all lived nearby
Everyone walked to school and walked home for lunch as well
Children were creative and resolved disagreements peacefully
There was no such thing as identity theft
We were young and all the promise of better things lay ahead
TV Shows were wholesome, modest, non violent and displayed values

A BLOG LIST OF IMPORTANT PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS

Sarah Palin and Alaska, Rush Limbaugh and Talk Radio, Glenn Beck and Conservatives, Barack Obama and Marxism, Joe Biden and Stupidity, Sydney Crosby and Hockey, Alex Ovechkin and Hockey, Derek Jeter and The Yankees, Michael Douglas and Throat Cancer, Barry Bonds and Steroids, Jay Leno and the Tonight Show, Art Rooney and the Steelers, Art Model and the Browns, Wilt Chamberlain and the 76ers, Betty White and Allen Ludden, Bart Starr and the Packers, Earth Wind and Fire, Nancy Grace and Geraldo Rivera, Rin Tin Tin and Lassie, Star Trek and Deep Space Nine, San Francisco and Gay People, Pittsburgh and Steel Mills,  Red Skeleton and Jackie Gleason, Samson and Hercules, The Star Spangled Banner and America, George Bush and George Bush, Ben Cartwright and Hop Sing, Comic Strips and Rubber Bands, White Christmas and White Power and The Miami Dolphins and Miami Vice.

THERE WAS A CROOKED MAN

Well well, another unethical politician.  Gee what a shock to find that longtime Harlem Representative Charlie Rangel has been found guilty of numerous ethics violations by the House Ethics Committee.  Rangel has been involved in a multitude of shady dealings over the many years he has been serving (himself) in Congress.  Now don't expect Charlie to suffer too much because of this conviction since he has a lifetime supply of Idiots in Harlem to keep returning him to Congress as long as he wants.
Sadly, he is a poster boy for the disgusting and despicable behavior of a number of politicians in Washington.  It's baffling to those of us who would have the audacity to expect our politicians to serve honestly.  Shame on us.  

In a perfect world Rangel would be locked up and lose his cushy job and pension but in the dirty world of American Politics he will get a slap on the wrist from his peers and probably win reelection handily back home in Harlem.  Too bad!

VETERAN'S DAY MESSAGE

Thank You!

THANKS FOR THE (BAD) MEMORIES

Despite my desire to celebrate to some extent the comeuppance that President Soetoro and his cronies got the other night, I'm still filled with the realization that it wasn't only the Democrats who are to blame for the mess this country is in right now.  The devastation of the economy, the lack of moral compass, the loss of so many good jobs, the banking crisis, the bailouts and even the stimulus are all the result of both parties, their leaders and the destructive policies they put into place.  
Socialist President Soetoro has done his best to turn our country into a Marxist State but, thankfully, the voters, the commonsense citizens of America have repudiated him and his policies.  Time will only tell if this country can be salvaged and we can get back to some form of the America many of us grew up in.  The country of promise, of imagination and excellence may or may not be able to be saved but it behooves us all to try.  The election on November 2nd was a starting point.  It's up to us to keep it going.

GET OUT AND VOTE OR STFU

It's rug cutting time.  Time to shit or get off the pot.  It's do or die time.  Please feel free to add your favorite cliche here.  But seriously folks it's the day of perhaps the most important election in American History.  This is the time that the average citizens can begin to reclaim their country from the crooks, liars and thieves who have stolen it from us for the past 40 years.  It is time to get out there and reclaim what is rightfully ours and put these lifetime crooked shysters out of work.   
If you consider yourself a caring American, concerned for the future of this nation, you need to get your self out to the polls and vote.  Hopefully, you have done so already since many are already closed.  If you like to bitch and you didn't vote then, as the title of this post says, you need to STFU.
It is my hope that voters know what and whom they are voting for in every election but, I know better.  Too many times people are too loyal to a party or candidate for all the wrong reason or they vote for someone without really having a clue of what they stand for.  I am hopeful, with all that has been going on this year, people have gotten themselves more informed.  
What I am sure of is that if we continue on the path the Democrats and Obama are leading us on right now, our country as we know it will not survive.  Six more years of Democrat control, including another four of Obama will put this country so far behind the eight ball, we will never see the light of day again.  If the Republicans win as predicted they will have their feet placed on the fire immediately and they should know they will only have one term before they too will be booted.  This has the makings of a very historic night and a real chance to save America.  Let's hope we did.

WHAT KIND OF IDIOT VACATIONS IN MEXICO?

With all the violence that is going on south of the border, I'm wondering how much of an idiot someone has to be to take their family anywhere in that country for a vacation.  There have been numerous incidents of massacres, shooting and beheadings in Mexico since the explosion of the drug war a few years back.  Yet I hear friends and strangers talk of going to various places in that country for vacation.  To me it's like going to North Korea or Iran, I would never do it for any amount of money.  It appears that our government, likes to pretend that the violence in Mexico is controlled and only occurs in very specific locations that vacationers can easily avoid.  What a joke!  The truth is the violence there is spreading and will only get worse in the future, not only in Mexico but, in some U.S. cities north of the Rio Grande.  You can keep your Punta Cana,  Yucatan Peninsula and all the rest.  If I want to go on an international vacation I think I will go to Canada, Ireland or someplace a bit safer. 

GOOD VS BAD INCUMBENTS

Initially, my feeling is to vote against all incumbents in office longer than two terms for a Senator or 12 years for a member of the House.  This amounts to the same amount of time because the Senate has six year terms while the House has two year terms.  
After seeing the damage done by long term incumbents of both parties, I think is is essential that we vote against any how try to remain in power longer than 12 years. 
Unfortunately, there will be some good people that will  have to go under this plan but, looking at he big picture, it is better for the country to limit time in office even if the person is doing well.  There is just too much power built up be some of these long time office holders much to the detriment of the country.  
I don't think any of them will favor term limits enough to pass legislation to make it law so they need a push by the voters to get out.  This coming election, take a long look at the candidates running in your region and if they have been in too long, then vote for the other guy regardless of political party. 

TIME TO SEND A MESSAGE TO ALL POLITICIANS

Hopefully, the upcoming election will be a message to all politicians regardless of party.  It's time we the citizens make it clear that nobody is or ever will be safe again.  Enough of the bullsh*t  where you make all these promises and then get in there and do what you want anyway.  Try that stuff and you will be booted out at the next opportunity. Keep spending like a drunken sailor and you will be booted.   Use your office for personal gain..........booted.  Don't take the time to listen to your bosses (us), you will be booted.  We don't care if you are a Democrat or a Republican..............booted.
Try to run for a 3rd term or stay in office longer than 10 or 12 years and we will boot you out.  No more life terms with all the perks and benefits indefinitely. 
I truly hope that this upcoming election will fulfill the potential that it has to be a game-changer.  Just like Dorothy Gale always had the power to go back to Kansas, we the people always had the power to put an end to the nonsense in Washington and we are finally going to use it.

EPA AGENDA .....A BUNCH OF HOT AIR

Don't fear the legislators, fear the regulators.  The EPA is an example of an agency that plans to make policy if the liberal Congress is unable to enact it legally in Washington.  It is an example of how an agency can circumvent the Constitution by unilaterally enacting regulations that put into force rules that the majority of Americans do not want.  For example, if climate change laws don't pass Congress, the EPA can put in place very similar "rules" which many believe will cost tens of thousands of jobs.  It is very disturbing to know that this kind of violation, even has a remote chance of happening.  Agencies like the EPA should not have the authority to impose any long term regulations on America.  There is one in the works at this time where they (the EPA) wish to add regulations regarding how boilers work.  I'm referring to boilers that might appear is large factories or hotels or stores.  Based on their proposal, many companies would have to totally replace existing boilers, which would cost tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of dollars.  This kind of situation would be an untold hardship on many employers or owners and in the long term would cost jobs in this country.  
The EPA is only one example.  Other agencies will be trying to do the same thing.  Let your Senators know that you oppose this kind of backdoor activity by any government agency and that you prefer all laws be made by the voting of elected legislative bodies and not by unelected bureaucrats.

WHAT ABOUT IT?

Does anyone know of an honest politician out there?  With all the stories we hear daily about the crooks in local, state and national government, I'm wondering who the honest politicians are and where they represent. It's pretty hard not to be cynical with all we are reading and watching on the news and in the newspapers.  It truly seems that there are just so many crooks serving in the government. 

I WANT SOME OF THAT JUSTICE

After reading and watching the news over the past few weeks and observing the justice that Paris Hilton and Lyndsay Lohan get, I've decided I want the same kind of justice those two are getting.  It seems that no matter what  offenses they commit, they are out on the street again in just hours or days.  You can't tell me in any way shape or form, that it is the same justice that most of the rest of us would get in the same situation.  It is an absolute disgraceful joke and shows you how rules and laws are applied differently in this country based on the level of one's wealth or celebrity.  Any one with a brain knows that Lohan is headed on the fast track to the morgue.  It's only a matter of time.  As to that other arrogant goof, Hilton, she may not be dead as fast as Lohan but, she probably won't be far behind.  Of course they both may surprise me and keep going for a long time since they both can always land on large pile of money. 


It is extremely disturbing to know that so many young people are dying in Iraq and Afghanistan so that morons like these two can jet-set around the world, use drugs at will and thumb their noses at the rule of law.  The only way to correct this garbage is for people to stop kowtowing to and drooling over these horrendous celebrities.

TAKING A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

OK what kind of Idiot would take a walk along a border between two countries like Iraq and Iran?  I guess we are supposed to be happy that one of the three morons who did exactly that has been released from an Iranian jail.  Evidently, that's what happened today as one of three "hikers" was released by Iran.
I'm sorry but, I have no pity on anyone stupid enough to be hiking in that area at all.  I don't care if you were in Iraqi territory or not.  That is not the point.  To me the point is you were stupid enough to be walking in an area within 100 miles of the Iranian border, giving what we know about the situation there.  It's as bad as riding a pogo stick on the edge of the Grand Canyon.  There is a good chance you are going to get what you deserve.  It's one thing to be falsely imprisoned but, it is entirely another to be imprisoned because of your own stupidity.  Next time you want to live dangerously, take a walk in downtown Detroit................at night............with hundred dollar bills hanging out of your pockets.  Fools!

HARLEM SHOWS ITS COLORS

News that Charlie Rangel won the Democratic nomination to retain his congressional seat is Harlem says a lot about the people up there.  Rangel is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for a number of ethics violations.  Despite his troubles he is still able to hold on to his party's nomination.  I guess you CAN fool some of the people all of the time.  This says a great deal about the people of that district and where their heads are.   I'm sure a lot of good honest black folks got passed over so this POS can stay in DC and keep the corruption going.  What a vote of confidence for a Confidence Man.  BTW are you suddenly thinking of Ralph Kramden right now?

TAX TAX TAX

Is it possible for our illustrious Governor, Ed Rendell to go one full day without proposing some sort of new tax.  His most recent efforts are involving ways to tax the Marcellus Shale extraction in the state.  This is all this guy knows how to do.  I understand the need for the state to find revenue and I'm not against some kind of tax on this new up and coming resource (on a talk show today an expert predicted that PA will become the Saudi Arabia of this natural gas deposit) but, it's just so sickening to watch this man run around the state constantly proposing taxes.  Thank god the end of this most corrupt and backward administration is coming to an end.  Hopefully, the people will elect Tom Corbett, a Republican, to give us a break from the taxinator and his party.  After watching video of Governor Christy in New Jersey, I can see that it is possible to have a sane realist in office who is looking to cut first and tax second, instead of the other way around. 

LIFE WITH A SOMETIME CONSTITUTION

I'm having a hard time deciding if we really have as many rights and freedoms in this country as many might believe.  I know I always hear references to them in situations such as a town council meeting or read them in an editorial in the local paper.  Sometimes I hear people make references to them such as; "I have a right to my opinion," or  "It's a Free Country," or the like. 
But, in reality as I read the news and see and hear the events going on around me, I'm not really so sure that these so called "Rights" really exist.  Are they perhaps a figment of my imagination or some left over, deeply ingrained thoughts from my youth?  I know I used to learn about them and I used to really be a true believer in their existence but, the reality of what I am seeing makes me question they exist at all.  I'm seeing dissent quashed, even on a local level,  I'm seeing the total denial of facts by people who only want things done their way, or who ignore them to accomplish selfish goals.  I'm seeing people intimated at polling places, harassed at peaceful protests and even being physically assaulted in the process of exercising their so called rights.  I'm seeing a President and Administration ignore the Constitution on a daily basis and a Congress that does the same.  I'm seeing votes of the majority overturned by one person.  I'm hearing of legal permits being denied to people based on political beliefs.  I'm seeing so many things, in so many forms that really make me question whether there really are any rights for some folks.  
Maybe it's my fault for the way I look at things?  I've always been an all or nothing type of person.  I don't think you can do a part of anything and expect that it counts.  You can't run half a race and say you ran the race at all.  You can't watch part of a game then say you watched the game because you didn't.  You only did part.  The same holds true in my mind with the Constitution.  You can't follow part of it or just follow it sometimes then, claim you have ALL the rights and freedoms because you don't.  Anytime that one person or group is denied use of their Constitutional Rights or anytime our government fails to enforce part of it, or ignores part of it, for political reasons, they have made the entire thing non-existent.  It's all or nothing on this.

GREAT MUSLIM CONTRIBUTIONS TO HUMANITY

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******If you can think of any please feel free to add them in as comments.

SHARPTON OPPOSES M.L. KING IDEALS

In response to Glenn Beck's upcoming rally at the Lincoln Memorial to "Take Back America"  and to restore honor and integrity to the country, The Reverend Al (I really don't have a church or congregation but I get all the tax breaks) Sharpton is having a counter rally in opposition.  SO let me get this straight, Sharpton OPPOSES restoring honor and integrity to our country?  He also opposes honoring the memory and ideals that Martin Luther King presented at the same spot over 40 years ago to the day, right?  I mean why else would you have a counter rally?  People don't have counter-rallies to support the main rally so it's pretty clear to me that Sharpton must stand in opposition to things like honor and integrity.  That's what his actions tell me.  
This certainly exposes Sharpton to everyone for what he truly is, a race-baiting, opportunist who plays the race card constantly and is willing to compromise and stand in opposition to the very principles of the Civil Rights Movement.  
Isn't it funny that Beck's effort to make a positive contribution to return America to its core values and principles, (many of which Dr. King advanced as well) would be opposed by a so called black leader, who claims to represent so many.  His actions here should finally and unequivocally expose him for what he truly is, an opportunist, whose only goals are to advance himself and not the betterment of blacks OR our nation. It's pretty clear that Sharpton's actions in this instance and in many others is a result of his fear.  I'm referring to his fear of losing his voice, power and control over so many black people.  I mean (heaven forbid) the nation moves toward unity, honor, integrity, cooperation and racial harmony, hucksters like Sharpton would be out of business.  He and his ilk certainly don't want that. 
Hopefully, Beck's efforts will lead to a stronger commitment by all Americans to unify behind the core principles and values that made our country great, and for which Dr. King fought and died.  As a nation we are running out of time and any efforts to return us to our strengths as a nation should be supported and not countered.

RENDELL WANTS MORE FEES AND TAXES

Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell is proposing more taxes and increased fees to pay for highway and bridge construction and for mass transit, particularly effecting Philadelphia and Pittsburgh public transportation systems.

If you remember this isn't the first time he's played this card.  This guy never thinks about cutting spending or eliminating waste.  All he knows is to get taxpayers to keep paying more.  In my opinion, he has to be the worst governor our state has ever had and that is saying something.
Those of us living in this state know that our roads and bridges are decaying at a rapid rate along with a good deal of our infrastructure and this goof has had seven plus years to help but, instead all he has done is make it worse.

DEPRESS BE KILLING DECOUNTRY

How is it that the press in the US has become so jaded in their views and reporting?  It seems like more and more reporters are taking sides in reporting the news and they are not interested in the least in trying to hide it.  Reporters with an agenda are pushing a viewpoint rather than retaining their objectivity.  They are quite sly sometimes because it may not necessarily be what they are saying but, rather it may be what they are NOT saying, in other words, what they leave out.
None of this may have any effect on you or I since we are getting our news and info in a variety of ways, not the least of which in the internet.  Thank god for the ability to come on here and actually get some unbiased sources.

STANDING TOO CLOSE

Now don't get me wrong I fully understand the scope of the tragedy that occurred at the off road truck  race in the Mojave Desert near LA recently.  I'm sorry for the loss of life and the pain and suffering of those involved but , come on, what kind of idiot would take his family to watch large careening trucks speed along a windy dirt road with a multitude of twists and turns and blind spots AND stand only three or four feet back.  It proves once again that stupid moments no matter how brief can have horrific results.  It's hard to imagine what innate quality would give a sensible person the idea that this was a good thing to do.  In viewing the video it's unbelievable to me that someone could be so stupid as to put him or herself and their family and friends in that kind of a risky situation.  It is quite a head-scratching thing to figure out what these people were thinking.  Now I hope I'm wrong but I'll bet that the victims and their families will be looking for a scapegoat in the form of someone to sue, and someone they can blame for their own really bad choices.  If only people would use their brains a bit more and do what is smart in the first place,  instead of what might pleasure them for a few minutes, accidents like what happened here could be avoided.

THINGS THAT HONK ME OFF.........PART 1

Here is a list of some of my pet peeves.  I've left the door open to add some in a Part 2 later.  Please feel free to comment or add some of your own.

1.  People who don't use their turn signals

2.  People who use their turn signals  for one or two blinks at the instant they are making a move.

3.  People who exit or enter a door or room from the left instead of the right.  (It's America Jack---STAY TO THE RIGHT!

4.  People who don't call you back in a month and then say, "I've been so busy I haven't had a chance to call."  (What a bunch of BULLSHIT.  You mean to say in a 30 day timeframe you haven't had TWO FREAKING MINUTES?)

5.  Disclaimers on TV ads or on the radio.  (This pill can kill you 10 different ways but, you should buy it anyway.)

6.  Car dealers that try to make their prices seem low by putting in the small print that you must have a $5,000 trade or down payment.   (Good luck buying that $20,000 car for $13,000)

7.  People who worship athletes or entertainers.

8.  Automated phone calls.

9.  Crooked career politicians

10.  People that can't follow rules.  (Yeah, STOP does mean the car shouldn't be moving)

11.  People who walk their dogs and don't carry poop bags (Yes we all have neighbors like this)

12.  The constant amount of times lately that the "race card" is being played by people with an agenda

13.  Weathermen or women who can never get it right.  They tend to always miss the big ones.

ROGUES GALLERY.........A LAZY MAN'S POST

Notice anything in common with these folks? 

 

DON'T FEAR IRAN FEAR MEXICO

28,000 dead since 2006 right across our southern borderhttp://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100803/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_drug_war_mexico should make us more afraid of neighbors directly across the Rio Grande rather than worrying about those thousands of miles away. With all its drug violence spilling over into the southern USA, Mexico is proving to be a much bigger threat to our security than any country from the Middle East or South Asia.  
The brutality that is occurring including beheading and mass executions, should be the number one priority of the US Government.   As this continues unabated it will soon certainly spill into America and we will see our own country attacked by these heavily armed drug lords.  What will it take for our government to secure and seal off our southern border?  Most likely it will probably be a large military like attack by these drug cartels against US law enforcement.  http://trendsupdates.com/the-flourishing-drug-trade-in-mexico-is-worthy-of-war

HOW YOU CAN GET A FREE IPOD, IPAD OR IPHONE BY USING TWITTER OR FACEBOOK

Well you really can't but, perhaps if you went to work and spent some time working instead of expecting to get something for nothing, you would probably have one by now.  The trouble with so many people is they truly expect something for nothing.  What made this country great is the work ethic of it's people over the past 100 years and not the freeloader mentality that made (SOME) of you click on the above title that brought you here to this website.  My advice is if  you want an Iphone, I pod or Ipad then by all means go to work, save some money and go out and buy yourself one you lazy good for nothing bum.  It's evident that many people believe that if they stick their hand out long enough someone will fill it up for them.  WRONG!!!

CHARLIE RANGEL, MAXINE WATERS AND MORE TO COME???

Crooks and liars all.  There could be many more that should be charged with ethics violations, or worse,  as time goes on.  It would be nice to see someone walk up and slap those smug pusses now wouldn't it?  They are both destroyers of America who have been leading a Congress that has been stealing and cheating us blind for many years.  I hope that all their deserving comrades are soon brought to justice as well.  No deals, no hiding any more.  Shine the light on them all, then vote them out as soon as possible. If you don't imprison them then take away their pensions.

POLITICAL DIRTBAGS AND TERM LIMITS

How many times have we seen crooked politicians proclaim their innocence in the early days after the news breaks of their indiscretions, tell us they can't wait to get the "truth" out and prove why the charges are wrong, unfair or drummed up?  You see this at every level of government when the corrupt are finally caught.  The attorney says, "my client can't wait to testify to set the record straight," or "he will definitely testify to get the truth out there and so on.  What a bunch of crap!  What ends up happening is the client ends up not testifying like in the current Rod Blagojevich case or they make a plea deal to avoid the facts being exposed, like I'm betting the current Charlie Rangel case will end up.  Time after time this happens whether at the state, local or national level.  These crooks and liars pull this nonsense and we are supposed to believe it  If only more people cared and ran these slime balls out of town.  What they count on is apathy and the fact that the great majority of people don't pay attention to the garbage they pull.  It's just an observation but, the early denials and the fake promises of "telling their side" are generally all bullshit.  The great majority of the time these rats never come through in the truth telling department.  All the more reason for term limits to break the decades long stranglehold on power they build.

ENOUGH ALREADY

It finally looks like white folks are beginning to tire of  constantly being referred to as "racists"   by blacks and other minorities.  I'm getting a sense that more and more whites are fighting back against these constant accusations , which most times are baseless.  It's become evident that in many cases minorities simply pull out this card when they are not getting their way or what they want.  If we are ever going to get past the past, this nonsense has to stop.  Unfortunately, it is still a weapon used by certain people who are benefiting from it, to continue the division in the country.  It may someday come to pass that Americans will get past this but, I'm betting it won't be in my lifetime or yours.  As of now this whole thing is getting quite tiring.

LOST.................THE REAL WORLD

After hearing another radio talk show host talk about life in the "real world,"  I decided I've had enough.  To talk about the real world of today and assume it is the "real world" that everyone else knows is simply not accurate.   To many today the real world consists of; vulgar and disgusting music lyrics, oversexed and violent movies and the belief that the government can, and should, do things for you.  
Sorry, but to me that is nothing like the "real world" I knew growing up.  That world consisted of; music with thoughtful and meaningful lyrics, movies that made you laugh, cry, sit on the edge of your seat, or be very very afraid, without needing to show you all the sex and violence directly.  You had a bit of an imagination in "my real world."  There were honest to goodness heroes, who were giants on screen and ladies and gentlemen off screen.  Today's "real world" consists of too many celebrities who are Anti-American, lack class and dignity and are, in many cases addicts of some kind.  
My "real world" consisted of two parent households where child-rearing was the most important job, discipline was available when needed and TV didn't rule your life 24 hours a day.  Where newsmen reported the news and left opinion out of it.  It was a world where most people were motivated to work and had respect for themselves and pride in their accomplishment, no matter how small.  My "real world" consisted of American jobs in American factories and businesses that were run by Americans and could produce any product bigger and better than any foreign competitor.  It consisted of a public school system run by dedicated and underpaid teachers, who sacrificed and worked with every student until they learned.  Truly opposite of today's real world where students are dumped by the thousands into "special' classes and slapped with protected titles and learning is an accident not an intention.  
I could go on and on but, my point is that for people today to discuss the "real world" please be advised that your version and mine are sorely different.

USING BLACKNESS AS A WEAPON

One noticeable shift in tactics by the Left Wing fringe has been their "putting out in front" their black members so as to allow them to constantly use the "race card" as a weapon against anyone who opposes Obama, his policies or their views on key issues.  Note the recent upswing in race baiting by people like Jesse Jackson (saying that the Cleveland Cavs owner was using a "slave owner mentality" when he criticized his best player for leaving the team and the way he left it).  Putting the Black Panthers back out in the headlines and their recent issues with voter intimidation in Philadelphia and their leader's call for the killing of white babies and white women.  The refusal of our (black) Attorney General to prosecute the obviously guilty members of the Black Panthers who stood outside the voting place with billy clubs.     Also out on the front lines now is the NAACP and their charge against the Tea Party as being a racist organization.  They know that their race card is the ultimate weapon and they are going to use it to keep the Tea Party in check.  It's going to get ugly, I'm sure. Anything to fuel the fire, blatant lies, or half truths, it really doesn't matter to them as long as they can keep hiding behind their color, in order to achieve their goals. 
What is sad about the whole thing is that a great majority of whites have tried to put the past behind them and move forward with the black community in America.  Unfortunately, the whole process of improving relations just keeps getting set way back by the actions of these so called black leaders and their organizations.
Thankfully, there is a growing movement of black conservatives who are seeking office or leadership roles and are calling out people like Jackson, Sharpton and others, that want to keep everyone locked up in the 1960's because it serves their own selfish agenda.  If the great percentage of black Americans who know what the leadership is doing to them so that they can maintain their control over them,  would speak up like Lt. Col. James West in Florida, Cedra Crenshaw in Illinois, talks show host David Webb and others, it would be a tremendous and uplifting act of unification in America unlike any we've ever seen before.  Sadly, at this moment in history the majority of blacks choose to remain silent and in essence, to remain slaves to their black leadership and the control they impose on them.  It would be a difficult move to make, to break out of that continually needy, give me, give me, give me mentality but some are doing it.  They recognize that the opportunities are there for black Americans and all that is necessary to achieve great things is the willingness to throw off that old way of thinking, and to realize that their perceived slavery at the white man's hand, is actually being perpetrated on them by their own leadership.  It's no secret that welfare, Section 8 housing, drugs, guns etc. are useful tools in keeping people down and dependent.  This is what Jackson, Sharpton and all the rest count on to keep themselves in control and living the high life.  It is sad to see the "blissful ignorance" of the masses as they kowtow to this manipulation.
White Americans are not helping either by allowing this sort of stuff to go on without challenge.  Just as blacks need strong leaders to speak up against the abuses of this "phony playing the race card, whites need to take a stand against this constant drumbeat of false charges and race baiting.  They need to quit being afraid to confront the lies and call out these liars.

AL GORE WHERE ARE YOU?

Al where have you been?  Haven't been visible much lately, why?  Just when you were building your popularity and about to take that giant step...............and now you are gone, what happened?


Oh I see, well that explains it then. Better lay low till the heat is off.  Perhaps a massage for relaxation? 

HOW ABOUT THOSE BLACK PANTHERS?

Well  it looks like the Black Panthers are making a bit of a comeback according to reports on the Drudge Report, Breibart and other web news sites.  Looks like the plan is to kill white babies and white women.  Sounds like a pretty good plan.  Nice to hear that this is going to be the contribution of some of these folks.
Unfortunately, a few extremists on all sides seem to dominate the news rather than the millions of people that get along in this country.  It doesn't make news that blacks and whites get along by the millions but it's the idiots that get the attention.  Hopefully the Black Panthers don't speak for a majority of black folks just as the KKK doesn't speak for a majority of whites.   We need to focus on the reality of that and not the few idiots that get the medias attention.

NOW AL GORE................WHO WOULDA THUNK IT?

Below is a list of current politicians with perfect records.  No sex with employees, stole no money, did not give any favors, are intelligent, understand the Constitution and are great role models.


1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
       ***Really now what did you expect?

STOLEN AMERICA

I started thinking the other day how the innocence, promise and direction of America has been hijacked over the past 30 years or so.  Lost is the innocence of our youth, what with drugs rampant, the constant emphasis on sex, the acceptance of the violent thug culture, the mind numbing reliance on technology, the decaying of our schools and the corruption of values by TV, music and Hollywood.
Also being destroyed is the American Spirit of self reliance, the work ethic of our parents and grandparents and the creativity of individuals, which helped shape the nation.  We have completely tied ourselves up in knots as we constantly worry about being diverse, politically correct and all inclusive.  This high-jacking has been perpetrated right before our eyes and we seem powerless to stop it.  What was the America of my youth is gone, never to return.  The strength of  our nation has ebbed and those behind this calculated take over, the politicians, the Hollywood  leftists, the race-baiters, the illegals,  the criminals, the liberal judges, the failing public school system and all the rest, will soon be able to stand above the nation's dying corpse, laughing and taunting us as America takes her final breaths.  I long for what was America and an end to this impostor that has replaced her.

QUESTIONS THAT NEED ASKED

     After reading numerous articles in the newspaper regarding the difficulties many of our communities have paying for road repair, water and sewer line replacement , demolishing buildings, electricity, and even snow removal, I realized that no one appears to be asking the million dollar question,  "Where is OUR Stimulus money?"  How can it be possible that billions upon billions have been spent yet , we see almost no useful infrastructure improvement in our communities?  Shouldn't  that kind of spending kill two birds with one stone, by providing jobs, and making all these needed repairs?  Instead, the Stimulus was  wasted on bailouts and many questionable projects as well as,  the usual waste and corruption that goes along with every government activity.  Meanwhile, our community roads crumble, sewer and water lines age and bridges deteriorate.  The Sunday drive has become the Sunday "bounce", over pothole filled roadways.  Heavy rains bring continual flooding to local communities since money is not spent on permanent solutions.  Instead, political pork projects, such as the Murtha Airport, take precedent over desperately needed ones.
       Recent comments by Indiana Senator Evan Bayh are proof of what we already know, Washington (and Harrisburg) are cesspools of partisanship and massive government bloat, waste and mismanagement. He admits that for the most part, Congress is ineffective and spends its time between political bickering and campaigning for re-election.  We should  be impressed by his candor and forthrightness in verbalizing those thoughts.  His comments since announcing he will not seek re-election, are refreshingly blunt. You know things are falling apart when the insiders are this disgusted.  Yet we the voters continue to fiddle while America burns, content to reelect the same career politicians over and over again. Isn't it logical to assume that if some of these career hacks have been in Congress 30, 40 or even 50 years and things are this screwed up, that they are the problem and not the solution?  If Bayh is correct it should come as no surprise that things are as mismanaged as they are.  In the upcoming election we need to "retire" as many of these incumbent politicians as possible , since  most don't know how to step away gracefully on their own.  If you still need a reason, think of it as helping an addict kick his habit.  It's something you can feel good about.

GARBAGE TV

My wife watches the three WORST categories of TV Shows ever put on TV.  First, she watches Soap Operas.  Boring, can't stand them.  Does anyone really think that people really live like that?  All they do is jump from bed to bed, fight over ownership of the "company," and talk in annoying whispers.  I absolutely hate them but, I'm stuck listening to this garbage when I am in the house.  
Another type of show she watches is the annoying shopping channels like QVC and HSN.  Not only does she watch but occasionally, she even buys something.  I can't take the idiotic hosts of these shows who shill the products and make each item sound better than the one before.  This ring is the greatest ever made, until the next one is shown then it becomes the greatest.  The overuse of the word 'gorgeous" is also sickening.  I usually do a count of the word just to drive my wife a bit crazy and believe me it is used dozens of times per hour to describe their jewelry. 
 Every item is gorgeous and every aspect of the gorgeous item, is gorgeous.  It is PATHETIC.
Lastly, she likes to watch the morons on HLN, namely Jane Thelez Mitchel, Mike Galanos and the worst of the worst, that pucker faced dimwit, Nancy Grace.  I would rather poke myself in the eye with an icepick than have to watch these jerks but, when it's on and I'm in the house, I'm stuck listening to it.  BOMBSHELL Nancy you and your cohorts SUCK!  I just don't have a nicer way to describe these ambulance chasing, tragedy loving shysters.  They are soooooo phony about not convicting people before they are found guilty or even charged for that matter.  They try to cover themselves while convicting the poor sucker they are talking about, by constantly tossing out the word, "alleged"   Attention Jane, rather than racism, I think what YOU do is a mental disorder!  What a pile of trash!  Sadly, this is what America has become with the advent of these 24 hour news channels. 

THINGS I THINK I THINK

Just a few things that really get to me.  See if you agree or not.  Perhaps you may want to add a few of your own.
(1)  WHY do so many businesses with crash doors at the entrance always have one locked?   I nearly broke my wrist a few weeks ago walking out of a local convenience store because they had locked the one crash door and I go out in full stride and, like a bird crashing into the window, I'm nearly knocked out.
(2) Speaking of those same doors, WHY do people exiting a building, try to go out the left side door all the time.  Don't these folks know that this is AMERICA and we are supposed to go TO THE RIGHT, just like when driving?  You know what I mean, you are walking in to the local grocery store and reaching for the door on your right and some moron come flying out that same door (his left) and nearly knocks you over.  
(3) How about the goofy amber traffic lights that never have the same timing before changing to red?  Many times you are into the intersection as the light is still green but before you can get through, the damn light is red because the FREAKING amber light is two seconds long.  There should be a law that makes ALL amber traffic lights five seconds long.  This way drivers would have a much better sense of timing.  
(4) Finally, how about those damn disclaimers that are 500 words long and flash on the screen for four of five seconds?  Also, there are the ones in the micro mini print in the newspaper or what about the ones on radio that the guy reads at 100 words per second?  You really can't tell what the guys is saying but all you can make out are words like: "death", "rapid heart beat"  "blindness", or "four hour erection."  It's OK for the pharmaceutical companies to kill us but, not good old Doctor Kevorkian.  At least the good doctor is truthful and clear on what he is going to do to you.  
     I don't know what bugs anyone else but, the items on this list really piss me off and I'm going to guess, that if you think about them, you will agree.  Please add to the list in the comments section.  

AMERICA'S GREATNESS OVERRATED??

Hey, maybe it's time we admit we aren't as great as we think?  It's easy to say you're great but, are we really?  Many blowhard politicians like to say it but, as we know, they like to say a lot of things that sound good but, aren't accurate.  Now this isn't to say there aren't any great Americans or that America hasn't accomplished great things throughout her history but it's necessary to consider the big picture.  Sadly, looking at the big picture means considering in your evaluation the last 40 years of monumental decline in our nation.  This slippage includes areas like education, economic power, increased crime and violence and the destruction of family.  In fact if you think about it for a minute  we are pretty average. at best.  Here are some examples that might make one rethink how we perceive our nation's strength and importance in the world.  These rankings come from http://rankingamerica.wordpress.com. 
America ranks 15th out of 30 in college and university graduation rates with 36.5% completing their degrees.  We cocky Americans like to think we are smarter than everyone else but, in this category Iceland is first at 63.1%   We aren't even in the top ten on this one.
In employment growth rates we come out as 26th out of 30.  This isn't very encouraging for our economy and shows these politicians are not giving us jobs, as they promise, but rather , "jobbing us."
In terms of reading we are a dismal 18th.  Enough said here.  It is startling to note that we great Americans rank 49th in Life Expectancy behind such countries as Singapore, Macau and Andorra.  Wow, shove that in your pipe and smoke it.  All our technology and medical marvels can't buy us a longer life than a Singaporian (sic) or a Macauan (sic), pretty sad.
Regarding satisfaction in family life we rank 9th at 89%,  trailing India at 96%.  America ranks 18th in freedom from corruption, 15th in Broadband access, 24th in Press Freedom......WHAT?  Doesn't everybody always refer to the First Amendment?  How in the h*ll can we be 24th in Press Freedom?  If this on doesn't put a knot in your bonnet, nothing will. 
Okay now not to beat a dead horse here but you get the idea.  In fairness, there are many categories in which we rank quite high but the point is we aren't number one in everything like so many arrogant Americans believe.  In fact in many categories, we are far from it.  
Unfortunately, only a few decades ago we were much higher up on most if not all of these categories but our rapid cultural decline in the last 40 or so, has without question, diminished us greatly.  
I don't believe we can begin to rebuild our greatness until we take a long and impartial look in the mirror, and get off the high horse regarding how we view ourselves.  It's evident we aren't going to get the truth from the politicians, since giving us that might make them look bad.  Looking too long at career politicians like Arlen Specter, Ted Kennedy, John Murtha,  John McCain, or any others like them who have "served" us for so long, might make us realize that we have been played by these guys and their ilk.  If they had truly been doing their jobs and cared about the country, instead of focusing on partisan and localized politics, and keeping themselves in power for decades,  perhaps America would be a lot better off.  We need to recognize we are on the downside of the mountain in regards to America's greatness and we need to do something about it sooner rather than later. 

ELECTING OUR MASTERS

Well, Primary Day is behind us and it appears encouraging that some housecleaning has been done by the voters.  Particularly here in PA as the Democrats "dumped" Single Bullet Specter.  Looks like that missile took one too many turns.  Joe Sestak who was nominated by the Democrats  appears to sound like a different kind of politician. (But hey don't they all when they are running)  I'm going to withhold opinion on him until I have more opportunity to check him out.  He will be running against the Republican Pat Toomey another guy I've got to investigate more closely.    As an Independent voter in PA, where we have a closed primary (which really sucks), I am not able to vote for anyone in May but I will certainly be involved come November.  At this point I'm thinking "anyone" is better than what we have now.  Specter, was a political opportunist, who changed his party affiliation only because he knew the Republicans were not going to nominate him.  Geez, the guy is 80 years old, has had every major medical malady know to man and yet he want to go back to DC for six more years.  Really Arlen, it's time to go out to the pasture and smell the cow chips.  The lifetime politicians just don't know when enough is enough.  I don't care how many wonderful things you did in your career, it's time to move on.  How many of these drooling, diaper wearing old farts do we need in Congress?  After 30 years of your guiding the ship of state our country should be Nirvana by now.  Is it?  I don't think so!
What gets me is how some of my fellow citizens can vote for some of the clowns they do.  People like Bill DeWeese, an indicted State Rep gets the nomination and Murtha Stooge, Mark Critz is able to win out as well.  I'm sure the people of the Johnstown PA area are so addicted to the pork that Murtha brought in, that they are just hoping this lapdog can do the same thing.  Everyone bitches about wasteful spending unless the waste is spent in their area, then, I guess it's OK?   Greedy localized self interest trumps caring about the country and the Constitution.   Well we all know that once the November election is over the cycle will repeat itself again.  The politicians will go back to 'F**king us over again.   Everyone will have a job as promised, taxes will be significantly lowered and we will all live happily ever after.  Yeah right, in your dreams!