Mr. Secretary, the last time I checked our country is not a military dictatorship. The Constitution gives Congress the power to make laws and the president the power to enforce them. It does not say anything about gaining the approval of the military before a law can be enacted.
No, I haven't read the law. Yes, there probably is a clause in the law that provides for the military (i.e., Pentagon) to phase in the changes over a period of time. The Secretary of Defense, however, is behaving as if he is the little dictator. I'm surprised he didn't shake his fists into the air during his news conference.
Get over yourself.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Male Breast Cancer
I went for a visit to the dermatologist today. Pretty routine stuff. The face that is forever 15 and acne-prone, and now an old person dousing of eczema for my hands, upper arms, and back. (My body doesn't know if it is young or aging.)
Anyhow, the little old lady nurse was asking me some questions from a list she had. It was pretty routine stuff, such as, "Do you smoke?" "Only for my glaucoma." "How about drink?" "Yes, I'd like a cup of coffee with a shot of Knob Creek in it, please. Thank you." And so on. She then shattered my world by asking me when I had my last breast exam. First of all, I was visibly taken aback by this question. You know, I've been mistaken for a woman in many regards, but never in looks. (In other words, my boobs aren't that big, or so I had thought up to this moment.)
I used my arms and hands to unconsciously cover my upper chest as I sort of laughed it off. She said it turns out that six men had discovered they had breast cancer, since they started asking that question. Yes, I know that men can develop breast cancer, but I had never really thought about it in terms of myself. The really disturbing part was when she began to demonstrate how to do it on herself. If I wasn't emotionally scarred enough before, I am now. She went further to tell me the doctor would perform one on me. (By the way, I thought this was the dermatologist!) In the end, the exam did not take place. I got off into a sob story about my poor blotchy skin and how no one can ever love me because of it.
I dashed out!
Her words, however, did not fall on deaf ears. My personal nature is to be paranoid, which is to act on every compulsively obsessive neurotic thought that crosses my brain. I added a new thought: breast cancer. Yes, I felt myself. Thankfully, I didn't feel anything out of the ordinary. Even though, my lymph nodes did feel a little sensitive. What's that all about?
Anyhow, the little old lady nurse was asking me some questions from a list she had. It was pretty routine stuff, such as, "Do you smoke?" "Only for my glaucoma." "How about drink?" "Yes, I'd like a cup of coffee with a shot of Knob Creek in it, please. Thank you." And so on. She then shattered my world by asking me when I had my last breast exam. First of all, I was visibly taken aback by this question. You know, I've been mistaken for a woman in many regards, but never in looks. (In other words, my boobs aren't that big, or so I had thought up to this moment.)
I used my arms and hands to unconsciously cover my upper chest as I sort of laughed it off. She said it turns out that six men had discovered they had breast cancer, since they started asking that question. Yes, I know that men can develop breast cancer, but I had never really thought about it in terms of myself. The really disturbing part was when she began to demonstrate how to do it on herself. If I wasn't emotionally scarred enough before, I am now. She went further to tell me the doctor would perform one on me. (By the way, I thought this was the dermatologist!) In the end, the exam did not take place. I got off into a sob story about my poor blotchy skin and how no one can ever love me because of it.
I dashed out!
Her words, however, did not fall on deaf ears. My personal nature is to be paranoid, which is to act on every compulsively obsessive neurotic thought that crosses my brain. I added a new thought: breast cancer. Yes, I felt myself. Thankfully, I didn't feel anything out of the ordinary. Even though, my lymph nodes did feel a little sensitive. What's that all about?
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Jon Kyl is a bigot
After the Senate voted to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ) declared the repealing of the law would "cost lives."
I wonder exactly how being homosexual would cost heterosexuals their lives. Is that what he meant? He went further to qualify his comments by saying the discrimination found in "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was not characteristic of the racial integration of the armed forces over fifty years ago. His attitude was that all lawmakers were 100% behind racial integration of the armed forces.
Let's face it, there were lawmakers who felt that anything that brough the races together was a catastrophe waiting to happen. This is similiar to what Senator Kyl is expressing through is comments now. Senator, it is 2010, not 1960! I wonder if fifty years from now, someone will look back and wonder how anyone could say such comments about a group of people? You would never hear a lawmaker today say that the racial integration of yesteryear was a bad policy. The same will be said about allowing gays to serve openly in the United States military.
I wonder exactly how being homosexual would cost heterosexuals their lives. Is that what he meant? He went further to qualify his comments by saying the discrimination found in "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was not characteristic of the racial integration of the armed forces over fifty years ago. His attitude was that all lawmakers were 100% behind racial integration of the armed forces.
Let's face it, there were lawmakers who felt that anything that brough the races together was a catastrophe waiting to happen. This is similiar to what Senator Kyl is expressing through is comments now. Senator, it is 2010, not 1960! I wonder if fifty years from now, someone will look back and wonder how anyone could say such comments about a group of people? You would never hear a lawmaker today say that the racial integration of yesteryear was a bad policy. The same will be said about allowing gays to serve openly in the United States military.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Don't Ask, Don't Tell
With a vote by the United States Senate, which followed an earlier vote by the House, Congress has repealed another area of discrimination, which was the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy of the 1990s.
It now lacks only the President's signature to become a law.
It now lacks only the President's signature to become a law.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
John Boehner
Is it just me or does anyone else pronounce John Boehner's (R-OH), who will be the next Speaker of the House, last name as "BONER"?
I don't see how you get BAY-ner out of that. I think it is a made-up pronunciation. After all, who would want to hear the infamous words, "Hey BONER!"?
I don't see how you get BAY-ner out of that. I think it is a made-up pronunciation. After all, who would want to hear the infamous words, "Hey BONER!"?
Monday, December 13, 2010
Healthcare Reform
George W. Bush appointed Henry Hudson, who is a judge on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, declared the individual mandate of Obama's healthcare reform bill, as passed by Congress, to be unconstitutional.
It is no surprise that a Republican-appointed judge would find in favor of the Republican agenda. (I'm certainly not shocked!)
It is no surprise that a Republican-appointed judge would find in favor of the Republican agenda. (I'm certainly not shocked!)
Saturday, December 11, 2010
G. Thomas Porteous: Impeached & Removed
The United States Senate found G. Thomas Porteous, who was a judge on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, guilty on four articles of impeachment.
This makes Porteous only the eighth federal judge to be impeached and removed by the Congress in our nation's history.
I watched some of his trial in the Senate. I had mixed feelings about what the House had done, when it impeached Porteous, but after I learned more about the charges, I felt they were justified. Porteous was a corrupt judge who had his hand out for pay-offs and kick-backs. While the U.S. Constitution shielded Porteous from crimes he may have committed before being confirmed to the court in 1994 by the Senate, it did not shield him, however, from crimes he committed as a sitting federal judge.
To wit:
Judge Porteous, and his wife, filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection in 2000. As a condition of their relief, the Porteouses were barred from incurring future debt for a period of one year, without consent of the Bankruptcy Court. Porteous, who was a habitual gambler, secured lines of credit from various casinos and other gambling establishments over the course of the year, which was a direct and flagrant violation of the court's order. In addition, Judge Porteous concealed a personal checking account from the Bankruptcy Court, which he used to pay off his incurred gambling debts. He further used the checking account to shield money from the court.
Although the House Managers argued that Porteous, who was a Louisiana state judge, committed perjury during his testimony to the Senate regarding his confirmation hearing in 1994, I do not find that constitutes an impeachable offense. It was the duty of the Senate to investigate and then either reject or confirm the President's nominee. In this case, the Senate confirmed the nominee (warts and all). The Constitution, though, could not provide protection for Porteous, as he did knowingly violate a court order on numerous occasions during his time in office.
Although, Porteous' defense declared he would retire from the federal bench in 2011, it did little to curtail the vote of guilt by the Senate. In addition, the Senate did more than simply remove him from office. It barred him forever from holding any other office of honor or profit in the United States.
Now that's harsh!
This makes Porteous only the eighth federal judge to be impeached and removed by the Congress in our nation's history.
I watched some of his trial in the Senate. I had mixed feelings about what the House had done, when it impeached Porteous, but after I learned more about the charges, I felt they were justified. Porteous was a corrupt judge who had his hand out for pay-offs and kick-backs. While the U.S. Constitution shielded Porteous from crimes he may have committed before being confirmed to the court in 1994 by the Senate, it did not shield him, however, from crimes he committed as a sitting federal judge.
To wit:
Judge Porteous, and his wife, filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection in 2000. As a condition of their relief, the Porteouses were barred from incurring future debt for a period of one year, without consent of the Bankruptcy Court. Porteous, who was a habitual gambler, secured lines of credit from various casinos and other gambling establishments over the course of the year, which was a direct and flagrant violation of the court's order. In addition, Judge Porteous concealed a personal checking account from the Bankruptcy Court, which he used to pay off his incurred gambling debts. He further used the checking account to shield money from the court.
Although the House Managers argued that Porteous, who was a Louisiana state judge, committed perjury during his testimony to the Senate regarding his confirmation hearing in 1994, I do not find that constitutes an impeachable offense. It was the duty of the Senate to investigate and then either reject or confirm the President's nominee. In this case, the Senate confirmed the nominee (warts and all). The Constitution, though, could not provide protection for Porteous, as he did knowingly violate a court order on numerous occasions during his time in office.
Although, Porteous' defense declared he would retire from the federal bench in 2011, it did little to curtail the vote of guilt by the Senate. In addition, the Senate did more than simply remove him from office. It barred him forever from holding any other office of honor or profit in the United States.
Now that's harsh!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Sarah Palin supports North Korea
In an interview, former Alaska governor and vice president candidate Sarah Palin declared her support of America's ally, North Korea.
She really should check her facts before she writes them on her palms.
She really should check her facts before she writes them on her palms.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Lead by Example
With all the talk about sexual molestation at the nation's airports, by TSA agents, in recent days, it is convenient for the country's leaders to say that such invasive techniques are required to secure the nation's airways from potential acts of terrorism, while at the same time enjoying the freedom to travel around the world molestation-free on the taxpayers' dollar.
It's kind of a kick in the balls. (Pardon the pun.)
I think it would go a long way to diffuse this unfortunate situation we find ourselves in tonight. The TSA should make a video showing the President of the United States undergoing the same invasive pat-down that American fliers are currently being subjected to in airports across the country. It is not a way to degrade the office of the president, but it is a way to show that we sometimes have to lead by example rather than hollow words.
In addition to the president, perhaps the Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Homeland Security, and the head of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can get in on the action, too. They can demonstrate to the nation exactly what the pat downs entail and what its ultimate function is.
Although many people object, personally, I would elect to go through the body imaging equipment. While it is completely invasive, the person who is viewing the image of my naked body is not even at the airport; thus, he/she cannot see what I look like off of the body imaging software. I think this is a less invasive method of getting through airport security and onto your flight!
I'm just saying!
It's kind of a kick in the balls. (Pardon the pun.)
I think it would go a long way to diffuse this unfortunate situation we find ourselves in tonight. The TSA should make a video showing the President of the United States undergoing the same invasive pat-down that American fliers are currently being subjected to in airports across the country. It is not a way to degrade the office of the president, but it is a way to show that we sometimes have to lead by example rather than hollow words.
In addition to the president, perhaps the Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Homeland Security, and the head of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can get in on the action, too. They can demonstrate to the nation exactly what the pat downs entail and what its ultimate function is.
Although many people object, personally, I would elect to go through the body imaging equipment. While it is completely invasive, the person who is viewing the image of my naked body is not even at the airport; thus, he/she cannot see what I look like off of the body imaging software. I think this is a less invasive method of getting through airport security and onto your flight!
I'm just saying!
Friday, November 12, 2010
US Postal Service delivers debt
The United States Postal Service has delivered well on its debt for the fiscal year ending on September 30. The USPS lost more than $8 billion dollars, which is grossly more than it did last year during the same time.
The USPS credits lower volumes in mail as one reason it is losing money. I credit its own self-importance as another reason.
Recently, I mailed a package to an address in California. I told the postal guy I wanted to send it as cheap as it would go. I was in no hurry. He told me it would be $16.70! I almost laid down and died right there on the floor. I know that California is 2,000 miles from where I live, but let's get real.
I declined the USPS service and selected UPS. UPS can deliver the same package in two days, instead of seven days, for half the cost. Why does the USPS think it is so invincible and needed? It better face that fact before it is too late.
The USPS credits lower volumes in mail as one reason it is losing money. I credit its own self-importance as another reason.
Recently, I mailed a package to an address in California. I told the postal guy I wanted to send it as cheap as it would go. I was in no hurry. He told me it would be $16.70! I almost laid down and died right there on the floor. I know that California is 2,000 miles from where I live, but let's get real.
I declined the USPS service and selected UPS. UPS can deliver the same package in two days, instead of seven days, for half the cost. Why does the USPS think it is so invincible and needed? It better face that fact before it is too late.
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Morons in Kentucky
Who in their right mind would vote for Rand Paul?
He has already been declared the winner of Kentucky's Senate seat by the major networks. I'll just go ahead and say it, "What the fuck!"
He has already been declared the winner of Kentucky's Senate seat by the major networks. I'll just go ahead and say it, "What the fuck!"
Saturday, October 23, 2010
United States Postal Service (USPS)
The United States Postal Service is the only self-sustaining government agency (well, sort of). It delivers untold pieces of mail each year.
So why can't it deliver mine?
I had a package sent to me on Monday, which was the 18th, via First Class mail. Today is the 23rd, and its still undelivered. The package originated in Pennsylvania, which is not that far from here. (It has a tracking number on it, so I can see clearly when it was sent by tracking it online.) It left from its pick-up point in Pennsylvania, where it stayed in limbo for two days. Then magically it turned up in Cincinnati, which is less than 100 miles from here and that is where it has been ever since the 21st.
I just knew I would get it today. I went to the mailbox to check and no package. I just checked online to see where it is. Guess what? It's in Cincinnati, Ohio!
If the USPS really wants to compete with FedEx and UPS then it better step up its customer service. They have commercials equating their services with the companies I just mentioned. In my experience they are not even close. They can deliver a letter quickly, but never a package.
In the future, I will request that my packages be shipped via FedEx or UPS!
So why can't it deliver mine?
I had a package sent to me on Monday, which was the 18th, via First Class mail. Today is the 23rd, and its still undelivered. The package originated in Pennsylvania, which is not that far from here. (It has a tracking number on it, so I can see clearly when it was sent by tracking it online.) It left from its pick-up point in Pennsylvania, where it stayed in limbo for two days. Then magically it turned up in Cincinnati, which is less than 100 miles from here and that is where it has been ever since the 21st.
I just knew I would get it today. I went to the mailbox to check and no package. I just checked online to see where it is. Guess what? It's in Cincinnati, Ohio!
If the USPS really wants to compete with FedEx and UPS then it better step up its customer service. They have commercials equating their services with the companies I just mentioned. In my experience they are not even close. They can deliver a letter quickly, but never a package.
In the future, I will request that my packages be shipped via FedEx or UPS!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Barack Obama: a homophobe?
Yesterday, the Pentagon issued orders allowing military recruiters to accept openly homosexual recruits for the first time in the history of the nation's armed forces. In a step backward, however, Barack Obama's administration applied for a stay from the same San Francisco federal court that declared "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" unconstitutional.
I find this completely unacceptable. The government should be working to enforce the court's ruling that lifted the stigma of hate and exclusion against the gay community. Instead, they cite that the ruling may compromise the armed services in some way.
That is bogus!
President Obama, you do not know your ass from a hole in the ground! Although, you are a Democrat, like me, I never supported your rise to power! Hillary would never have petitioned the court to reverse its ruling.
I find this completely unacceptable. The government should be working to enforce the court's ruling that lifted the stigma of hate and exclusion against the gay community. Instead, they cite that the ruling may compromise the armed services in some way.
That is bogus!
President Obama, you do not know your ass from a hole in the ground! Although, you are a Democrat, like me, I never supported your rise to power! Hillary would never have petitioned the court to reverse its ruling.
Flu Shot
Yesterday, I voluntarily agreed to get a flu shot. I was visiting the doctor for some routine stuff, and he suggested I get a flu shot. Usually, I protest and turn down his offer. But this time, after some mild coxing, I relented and received my first-ever flu shot!
Now, I have heard horror stories of people getting the actual flu from the shot, but after getting my shot, I did some research and found out that the the viruses they use are utterly dead; therefore, there is no chance of becoming infected via the injection. Although, it is my first flu shot, I am glad that I accepted it. I do work in a setting where I am exposed to countless viruses and bacteria on a daily basis. Lord knows I should have caught it by now, but I haven't yet! Perhaps, this year will be a chance for a new yearly event.
Even though I detest needles, I detest being sick even more!
Now, I have heard horror stories of people getting the actual flu from the shot, but after getting my shot, I did some research and found out that the the viruses they use are utterly dead; therefore, there is no chance of becoming infected via the injection. Although, it is my first flu shot, I am glad that I accepted it. I do work in a setting where I am exposed to countless viruses and bacteria on a daily basis. Lord knows I should have caught it by now, but I haven't yet! Perhaps, this year will be a chance for a new yearly event.
Even though I detest needles, I detest being sick even more!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Don't ask, but feel free to tell
The Pentagon issued orders allowing recruiters of the armed forces to accept gay and lesbian enlistees. While the recruiter may not ask about candidates' sexual orientation, the candidate may declare if he or she is homosexual without being disqualified.
Wow! People can actually be honest about who they are and die for their country in the process!
Wow! People can actually be honest about who they are and die for their country in the process!
Too Sad: Christine O'Donnell
Republican fiasco-Tea-Party-loving candidate Christine O'Donnell, who is up for Delaware's seat in the United States Senate, seemed to have murky knowledge about the First Amendment. She was shocked to find out, during a debate, that the First Amendment does guarantee separation of church and state.
Way to go Delaware!
Way to go Delaware!
Red State Update: Rand Paul
In an attempt to get Rand Paul elected as the Kentucky's next senator, the RINO Hunters of Central Kentucky hired Red State Update to create a political advertisement.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Aqua Buddha lover Rand Paul declares Bible is a hoax
If we didn't get the memo in 2008, anyone whose last name is "Paul" is probably a moron with radical ideas about our country. If Ron Paul wasn't enough, now Kentucky--for some odd reason--has Rand Paul, who is running for the state's seat in the United States Senate.
Like his father, Ron Paul, Rand Paul is an extreme radical whose ideas are completely out of the mainstream. Only in the Republican Party could you have dabbled in witchcraft, like Delaware's Christine O'Donnell did, or declare the "Bible a hoax" and state that your god is "Aqua Buddha," like Rand Paul. Of course, these candidates have the full backing of the (Tea Party) Republican Party.
In the past, Republicans tried to say it was Democrats who had whacky notions, but this year's pool of Republican nominees has blown that notion out of the water!
Like his father, Ron Paul, Rand Paul is an extreme radical whose ideas are completely out of the mainstream. Only in the Republican Party could you have dabbled in witchcraft, like Delaware's Christine O'Donnell did, or declare the "Bible a hoax" and state that your god is "Aqua Buddha," like Rand Paul. Of course, these candidates have the full backing of the (Tea Party) Republican Party.
In the past, Republicans tried to say it was Democrats who had whacky notions, but this year's pool of Republican nominees has blown that notion out of the water!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Christine O'Donnell (aka, the Witch)
Republican Christine O'Donnell, who is running to fill Vice President Joe Biden's old Senate seat has come under some scrutiny since she discussed her affinity for different religious beliefs and practices. (Even if it was a few years ago. You know what they say about skeletons in the closet at election time!)
In her own political ad, she declares, "I'm not a witch! I'm you." She is just an average American, who never went to Yale University, nor did she inherit millions from her family. That does sound typically American, but she is fighting the fact that she tried, or at least thought about, witchcraft in the past. Now, that past is catching up with her, and you know Republicans feel about any religion that isn't there own (i.e., full-on, dogmatic Christianity)!
Here's O'Donnell's honest-to-goodness ad:
Then, here's Saturday Night Live's spoof of her ad:
In her own political ad, she declares, "I'm not a witch! I'm you." She is just an average American, who never went to Yale University, nor did she inherit millions from her family. That does sound typically American, but she is fighting the fact that she tried, or at least thought about, witchcraft in the past. Now, that past is catching up with her, and you know Republicans feel about any religion that isn't there own (i.e., full-on, dogmatic Christianity)!
Here's O'Donnell's honest-to-goodness ad:
Then, here's Saturday Night Live's spoof of her ad:
10/10/10
I like uniform dates. I remember most of them. I think the world was supposed to end on 6/6/6. Then, something was supposed to happen on 9/9/99, too. But what I can't remember.
It's just fun!
It's just fun!
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