The Once and Former Republican

As the eight-year catastrophe of the Bush administration rides with their patented willful obliviousness into the hazy sunset; it is advantageous to remember that those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.

Eight years past, I found myself impassioned for the idea of a smaller less intrusive government. This was seemingly echoed in the rhetoric of George Bush's overall platform in 2000. His critique of President Clinton's involvement in nation building in Serbia and Bosnia resonated with my desire for America to focus on America. The cries for fiscal conservatism and prudent government spending looked like the responsible course of action. His apparent straight forward language, although rustic, appeared genuine; as if honesty could find it's long lost way to the steps of the white house. He appeared to cherish the constitution and planned to uphold the true ideals of democracy. Naturally this registered Republican voted in his very first election for the man from Texas. After the dust had settled over the long and arduous electoral battle, he reign victorious, and the rest is history. We stayed out of world conflicts and wisely invested our money on our own failing schools, roads and bridges. We respected the constitution and reduced the wasteful spending on the federal level then reveled in the financial benefits that made us all prosperous. Well, it would have been nice.

Now, I sit in mystified bewilderment. What happened to all the promises and talking points? Today the Executive Branch enjoys power never before extended to the branch. They have made precedents for disregarding the constitution and civil liberties of American citizens. They've condoned torture, lied to their own party members to engage in a foolish war, and wildly spent taxpayer money on thinly veiled imperialist endeavors that would make some mild dictators cringe. This doesn't even begin to mention the doubling of the national debt since Clinton, and the recent nationalizing of banks complete with billions of dollars for them to horde as they please. This president has done more to increase the size, spending, and debt of this government than any executive in the recent past, without leaving us with reasonable positive results. We are much closer to becoming a socialist state because of this "conservative" president. In short everything they have done is almost the exact opposite of what they promised.


Vote for us, were conservatives! ( muffled laughter erupts)

So the question then becomes who abandoned whom. I find that my ideas on the free market and small government have not changed. I still oppose expanding our international empire while ignoring our own failing infrastructure to be reprehensible. I think nationalizing banks is not only a temporary band-aid but also an example of the incompetence of this administration and it's party. So, if this system operated under any semblance of the laws of reason and logic, I would still be a conservative, but Bush wouldn't be. I feel like Don Quixote the seeming lunatic in a story full of real ones. Speaking of that...

The good Senator from Arizona has adopted all of those wonderful hollow promises once uttered by the current President. He must have found them in a waste bin somewhere on Pennsylvania Avenue. Commitments of reduced government spending plume like billowing clouds of promise from the Senators aged lips. Staunch orations of smaller government and hunting down of pork barrels, fills every last sound bite. Yet the simple truth is they will continue the standard operating procedures of the last occupant of the oval office. This serves to color me somewhat skeptical. Not withstanding the emphatic rejection that Sen. McCain is a carbon copy of George Bush, his current line of policy proposals serve to only perpetuate the unreasonable abandon of reality that holds Washington like vice. So, should I vote for McCain? Well, Fool me once, shame on me, fool me twice, uh well uh you can't fool me again.

Shut off your TV and read a book!

Recently I've had the dubious pleasure of having access to cable once again. I spent several years without the amenity. I have to say that I didn't pine for it during it's absence. Now that it's returned I find myself drawn as a moth is to the flame. I suppose there was something in my generation that swapped the warm glow of the hearth with the blue flicker of the idiot box. It made us feel comfortable. I can't say that my comfort can be sustained much longer by this strain of media. I will openly admit that there are many entertainment programs that I profusely enjoy. That being said, utilizing the television for your primary source of information is a severe error in judgment. The Walter Cronkites and Edward R. Murrows have long left us to be prayed upon by the ringmasters of infotainment. News has become a circus with flying snappy graphics, theatrical music, Ken dolls and most damaging of all, half informed attempts at transmitting facts and informed opinions.
The obvious culprit is Fox News, but the blame should not be placed with them alone. CNN and MSNBC also share in the ridiculous antics that have become what Americans have come to accept as reputable news. We focus on the fact that Fox is too Right wing or that CNN or MSNBC is too far to the left. These are essentially non-issues when confronted with the fact that these stations invest their time and effort into making the news a veritable orgy of exploding logos and bellicose arguing guests. It's no longer a healthy debate, it's a boxing match that doesn't require pay per view. The defense to this new trendy style of news is that Americans have shorter attention spans and perhaps the unwillingness to utilize their centers for reason. They want the short sound bit that's quick crisp and delivered by a sharp suited beau with perfect teeth. The problem with that is issues are almost never simple, that's why they are called issues. Abortion, the Iraq War, the Economy, and a long list of other important issues are complex and deserve to be studied and carefully analyzed. To simplify them into absolutes is not only wrong but an insult to rational human thought.

Actions speak louder

"what is past is prologue"
-William Shakespeare

The attitude of the American people has always been one of hope. A hope that the rays that illuminate us tomorrow will shine greater than those of today. Even with the great tides of apathy that have consumed many in the latter part of the previous century, we still believe America is great and will retain it's greatness. So it was with Rome, their hubris exceeded their reason and effort. Theirs was an ignominious conclusion. Let us not follow their example, but rather give energy to that American optimism. It is the same optimism that energized the founders and gave courage to the countless huddled masses who yearned to breath in liberty upon this free nation. In both cases, their hope alone failed to produce a nation conceived in liberty. Their efforts upon that optimism, built this great nation. That is the example we must emulate, action.

We the people formed this great nation, not a single leader or a small conglomerate of the elite. Jefferson's intellect and Washington's leadership were hollow without the musket and ball of the minuteman. We the people. The masses united but fierce in independence, create the unique paradox that is America. We the ordinary citizens stand as the ones responsible for the destiny of this country. Some where along the way we allowed our government to swell to large and permitted lobbyists to convince us that the decisions are better left with them. They effectively brainwashed us to think that the individual has no real power. He simply has a vote which is little more than a quaint tradition. Money is the new substance of the election. The truth is quite different. People still posses power as long as they act.

This is not a pleasant fiction spun by idealists and dreamers; it is quickly becoming reality. We all know of the up coming election. Many of us are already disenchanted. Money, as always, seems to be the power behind the candidate. Those with deep pockets or individuals who appeal with those who posses them seem to glide forward in the polls. The apathy once again strikes us, emasculating our wills and lulling us into that familiar state of helplessness. Not so for everyone. A group of passionate supporters have decided to fight fire with fire.

On the 5th of November Congressman Ron Paul received around 5 million dollars in donations toward his campaign. The interesting thing to note about the money raised is that it came mostly from individuals. Unions, special interest groups, Hollywood and the powerful elite failed to make the list. You can guess who they like. Congressman Paul is perceived as a fringe candidate with unorthodox views. Clearly those perceptions aren't being created from the vox populi, but from other source. It seems as though people are raising their voice in the form of green backs if that's what the occasion calls for.

These actions strike back at the jeers that challenge our individual strength. You may not agree with Congressman Paul's politics or platform, but he clearly has inspired many to shake of apathetic feelings and act. That action is what is required to restore our power as a people. I heartily endorse him, and believe he would do this nation much good. I don't expect anyone to blindly follow my views, but to carefully study the issues. Act with reason and logic, not fear and emotionalism. Let's not follow the cycles set forth by the empires of the past. We cannot afford to let a chosen few decide the fate of our nation and let them weaken it through pride and corruption. Don't take my word for it, open a history book and act.

Billionaire Mexicans and Magazines

Have you ever seen a perfect stranger in dire need of help, and yet felt incapable of aiding them? Well that is exactly the position in which I found myself today. There I was, sitting by the window at Barnes and Noble. After a long day at work I decided to unwind with a good book and a Mozart aria. About the time I realized how much of a pompous elitist I was, an attractive young woman sat directly across from my table. She was alone and rifled through a few periodicals in a casual fashion. The table held a few magazines left from the previous occupant. The former apparently returned to find his table presently used by this woman. He was younger, Hispanic descent, short haired, normal looking. He clumsily retrieved his magazines, to which the lady apologized for taking his place. That was apparently an unwise choice. The phrase " I'm sorry I didn't know those were yours " some how translated to " please, sit down and tell me your extended life's story" What followed was one of the most dismally awkward situations I've ever witnessed.

As mentioned previously this man wasted no time in parrying her apology and pulling up a chair to the bewilderment of the young lass. I could not hear the whole conversation but there were little pearls that I was so fortunate to hear. He said that he was waiting for a friend of his who had yet to arrive. The girl nodded and kept her eyes fixed on her Cosmo. Then he proceeded on reciting the dating habits of his acquaintance, contrasting them with his own. Upon hearing this little gem, I lowered my book, peering over the page. He spoke of previous girlfriends and how he was, in more or less words, a man of honor, not "into the things my friend is into." I leave you to fill in that innuendo. At this stage my bewilderment probably exceeded that of the young lady. She was undoubtedly too creeped out to feel bewilderment. Then he let slip that his parents were billionaires living in Mexico with a large house. She kept her eyes locked to the page, and uttered a polite, is that so type comment. It was getting worse by the minute. I felt mortified for her, but at the same time was trying to keep from letting out my muffled laughter. I wanted to help her, but what could I do? A distraction perhaps, I could throw my book at his head, and signal her to run. My cowardice held me in check and curiosity of what he'd say next.

He continued to talk when the climactic comment arrived.
"My friend says his he'll give me $1500 if you go out with me."
That was it, I almost lost it. Ah yes, it was all clear now. The son of billionaire Mexicans had come to the local book shop to rendezvous with his unscrupulously lascivious friend who'd offer a seemingly useless sum of cash if he'd woo the girl in the periodicals. What a treat! The tense body language of the girl was screaming, get away from me you weirdo! Still, she maintined her composure and said that she already had a boyfriend. Whether it was fact or fiction I know not, but it seemed to do the trick. Within a few short seconds our would-be Romeo was shuffling off undoubtedly to find another conquest.

I must give him high marks for creativity. I haven't heard one like that since I worked for my schizophrenic boss. I was stunned, and I can only image what she was thinking. Apparently that was enough excitement for her, after talking briefly to a real acquaintance she left. So let this be a lesson. Girls, if there are magazines on a table at Barnes and Noble, go else where!

A new wind?

This morning the populous of the world awoke. As they set about brushing their teeth and preparing their ante meridian brews to vanquish the bleary eyes; the weight of the world compressed upon their collective shoulders. This melancholy's oppressive hulk made the promise of a fine Columbian concoction seem infinitesimally inadequate. Yearning for the warm glimmering beams of a new dawn they reached for their computers and ventured in to the bloggosphere. And there- awaiting them was... Novoventus! Then after reading, the sorrows of the earth were lifted from their shoulders. In a great voice they declared,

"At last, the cure for all the ills, wars, poverty and oppression that plagues our fair planet! This new armchair philosopher spinning his puerile ideas from the depths of suburbia; this windbag of zero credentials mounting his virtual soapbox and shaking his fist, shouting his incessant drivel. At last sanity for the masses! This is what will save us all!"

And lo, the new dawn broke. The shimmering rays of hope opened their blackened souls. Optimism washed over them as a warm placid tide; for they all had a new way to waste their time. The horrifying question of: what will I do between watching episodes of "Cribs" on Tevo and incessantly texting my friends while slurping my 64oz was then answered. They all could continue their lives with that knowledge warming their hearts.

This is the service I offer my fellow citizens of the world, a reprieve from the insanity of the blunders and blubbery of all that hounds your minds. So fair people, fear not, for I shall provide you with the words you so desperately seek. The new wind has arrived.

MSH