So does old Dubya have his foot in it this time?  The proposed prime time TV appearance scheduled for Monday evening is an attempt to shore up the conservative base in Border States.  Immigration issues have swollen to an unprecedented hot potato for the Bush Administration.  Then the timing of the NSA secret phone call database story in USA Today had to knock the white house staffers back on their heels. Surly the spin-meisters will be burning the midnight oil over the weekend to develop a plan to tell us how the trampling of our Fourth Amendment Rights is prudent and good for us.  A friend and I were laughing Friday night about a great idea we had for those out there who think giving up their civil rights is a fair exchange for a false sense of security.  We are going to start calling our conservative friends at night and in an efficient as possible manner are going to fit the words Al-Qaeda, training camp and bomb into our conversation.  Then we felt it would be a good idea to advise them that the infinitly humoungus neural net computer at the NSA just fired off a spider query on all the phone calls they have made since 9/11. 

          Okay that’s all I can say about that.  It’s not like these two issues are not going to dominate all of the media’s attention providing coverage to the point right before your mind implodes from too much coverage.  I don’t watch a lot of TV anymore. A daily fix of ESPN or the Weather Channel as I put on my socks and shoes in the morning is about it.  A part of that routine has a dark family secret that I am going to share with you.  Somehow in my young adult years I got into the habit of putting on my shoes before I put on my pants.  I don’t know how that happened, I really don’t.  This method of morning dress has been a part of my life for going on twenty years now.  There is something built into the psyche of the rest of my family that finds that abnormal and to this day it gives them some level of consternation.  All I can tell you is that it works for me in some neurotic way and there is no changing after all of these years.  I’m a rebel that way.

          Oh yeah, I was going to talk about TV.  Cable and network news seem to be about as valuable for understanding the world around us as are pickled herring or bat guano.  Hmm, think of the nutritional value of some savory pickled herring dipped in bat guano.  That idea is about as appealing to me as spending any considerable length of time watching the sound bite video clips that are presented as news coverage these days.  The news shows just beat to death one or two news stories of the day and provide shockingly little in depth coverage for the amount of time they devote to their stories.  Call me a skeptic but I just think it would be a wee bit more informative to have investigative interviews of the news makers as opposed to the guy on the street.  The networks seem to think it is more important to cover how the average Jane or Joe feel about a headline than how, what, where, when or why the story became newsworthy in the first place.

          I am finding that I prefer to get my news from the internet, newspapers and NPR radio.  NPR does a fantastic job of in depth reporting on a variety of topics.  And kudos to USA Today for their breaking stories about the improprieties of the NSA.  Call me old timer if you must but there is just something about the tactile and auditory comforts of rustling a newspaper as you wrestle it into submission in an attempt to keep your focal frame of reference in an optimal position. 

          Have a great Saturday, I’m off to shower, put on my shoes, then my pants and go for a spin on the Harley.  Don’t forget to call your Mom tomorrow.  Tell her that you love her and appreciate all she has done for you.

 

Song Credit: Don Henley Dirty Laundry

On April 27^th I first wrote about Congress considering a law that would allow the big phone companies to control which websites you are able to locate.  Simply put, the highest bidders would show up first in your web searches.  Congress just doesn’t get it.  My God, with all of the headlines reporting the people are fed up with the crooked influence of lobbyists how can they even consider this legislation?  How many times are they going to be willing to abandon the electorate in favor of corporate donations?  I like the way the internet works now.  If you Google Red Hog Diary I come up as the number one listing.  If this legislation passes I am sure that the Republican National Committee will be willing to spend millions of dollars to prevent your ever getting the opportunity to read the truth again.  Okay, maybe I don’t really scare anybody but doesn’t it suck that something as widely used, as openly accessible and currently free as this internet will be jeopardized because large corporations got the idea that they can snag more and more coin by screwing it up?  Doesn’t it suck that your Senators and Congressmen would jeopardize the widely used functionality of something as revolutionary and educational as the internet because their money men tell them to?  I’m sorry, I just don’t get it.  

Many members of Congress don't think the public are paying attention to this issue. Let's show them we are, we care, and we don’t want them to screw up the internet so they can line their campaign chests with corrupt obligatory donations - please sign this petition today.  Take the time, do it now.  This is how democracy works.  Please share this link with everybody you can think of.   http://civic.moveon.org/save_the_internet Then read this: http://www.newyorker.com/printables/talk/060320ta_talk_surowiecki

 

          And now for something completely different.  I was searching some quotes the other day and came across this little gem; "The President is merely the most important among a large number of public servants. He should be supported or opposed exactly to the degree which is warranted by his good conduct or bad conduct, his efficiency or inefficiency in rendering loyal, able, and disinterested service to the Nation as a whole. Therefore it is absolutely necessary that there should be full liberty to tell the truth about his acts, and this means that it is exactly necessary to blame him when he does wrong as to praise him when he does right. Any other attitude in an American citizen is both base and servile. To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public. Nothing but the truth should be spoken about him or any one else. But it is even more important to tell the truth, pleasant or unpleasant, about him than about any one else."  "Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the Kansas City Star", May 7, 1918  If you think it is right that the president is keeping a record of every phone call you make then keep quiet.  If you think this is one step too far over the line then speak up!

 

Song Credit: Moon Martin Dreamer

 

 

          WAHOO! The red italicized text is from a friend with whom I love to discuss politics.  It seems my Tuesday post struck a nerve so he sent me an email to tell me how he really feels.  Truly I welcome his comments and I have chosen to share them with you here.  The best part about all of this is; in this format, I get the last word.  Bohahaha!

How can you say “housing is down” when we have had the best run in the housing industry the past six years compared to anytime in the history of our country.  It might be down from the all time high, but it is still outstanding in comparison to let’s say………the Jimmy Carter years. 

The stock market has rebounded well since 9-11.  In fact, the DOW is hitting all time highs almost daily.  Now is that bad??  Check you employer funded 401k and see for yourself.

Employment is increasing monthly.  Unemployment is not at an all time low but it is close.  If someone wants to better themselves the opportunities are out there.  If you work for a company that doesn’t appreciate you there are companies out there that will. 

I agree that the deficit is out of control and there are two big reasons for that:  #1) War in Iraq….we can debate all day if this is good or bad.  The fact is that the entire congress voted to go to war with them and now the Democrats are once again changing their minds to get votes.  They are taking the easy way out.  We even have a couple of those idiots on our side, one representative from Iowa in fact.  We owe it to our service men and women that have given it their all over there to finish what was started.  #2) Prescription Drugs for seniors…..you Dems should be falling over yourselves taking credit for this one but instead you are mad that you didn’t think of it so you just tear it down.  This one I know is a mistake and will cost us dearly in the future.   

This economy has withstood hit after hit after hit.   9-11, the items mentioned above, hurricane after hurricane that has ripped apart countless miles of our states, a flooded city and I can go on and on.  Is the economy perfect, no it is not.  Is it remarkably sound after all that has gone on, no doubt about it.  

 

Okay, First of all don’t ever talk bad about Jimmy Carter.  “The five-year housing boom is indeed over, judging from growing statistical evidence and the performance of some of the nation's leading builders, and the slowdown is already rippling through the economy.

In the last week, the Commerce Department reported that January sales of new single-family homes fell 5 percent _ the fourth decline in seven months _ and the backlog of unsold new homes hit a record. And the National Association of Realtors said used home sales slipped 2.8 percent in January, the fourth straight drop and 5 percent below January 2005.” http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/03/06/D8G69A980.html

Regarding the stock market, it is wonderful news that the DOW is hitting records daily.  I have been consistent in my writings, however, that the fiscal policies of the current administration have perpetuated a concentration of the wealthy class and an expanding poverty class.  While our 401K’s may indeed be reaping benefits the prosperity of the stock market has less to do with an expanding middle class than it does the expanding portfolio’s of the ultra rich.  That income for the wealthiest American’s is protected by the Bush tax cuts and capital gain tax cuts.  "An overwhelming majority of taxpayers earning under $50,000 a year have neither capital gains nor dividend income." http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-tax8may08,1,5617746.story?coll=la-headlines-politics To me it would make most sense to tax unearned (investment) income at the highest levels and provide tax cuts on wages.  If the Republican Party would talk about tax cuts on wages there would be no limit to the amount of corruption American’s would tolerate.

Employment increasing monthly?  Not according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.  Unemployment rates: All workers 3^rd ¼ 2005   5.0  |  4^th ¼ 2005     4.7  |  Jan. 2006     4.8  |  Feb. 2006     4.7  |  March 2006     4.7  http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm   Furthermore, job creation statistics are expected to fall short of projections for the second quarter of 2006 and we aren’t even going to begin the discussion of the types of jobs that are being created.  The exportation of manufacturing and high tech jobs and increased opportunities at Wal-Mart are hardly anything conservatives should draw our attention to.  The point I was making regarding a struggling economy for real American’s had more to do with their ability to maintain or improve their quality of life.  Soaring gasoline and health care costs are burdening ordinary people; mortgage costs and credit card rates are on the rise; jobs are threatened by outsourcing.  But hey, Exxon and Lockheed Martin stock prices are up so what do teachers, cops and nurses have to complain about?

The war in Iraq is a major part of our deficit and Democrats DO SUPPORT THE TROOPS!  What we do not do is support President Bush and his motivation for being there.  The fact remains we are there so what ever it takes to keep our troops safe is money well spent.  The second most significant factor of our deficit is prescription drug care for my mother?   I don't think so.  The projected cost is $72 billion per year over the next ten years.  That is $72 billion of projected expenditures for 2006 of $2,251 billion   In the 2006 budget 20% goes towards our defense, 20% goes to social security, 13% goes to income security and 13% goes to Medicare which is where the prescription drug plan will get its funds.  Eight percent is earmarked for interest payments.  http://www.gpoaccess.gov/usbudget/fy06/pdf/budget/overview.pdf

The reality of this conversation is that I believe we both think things can be better, we both hope that things would be better.  We see different paths to similar objectives.  My friend wants to live in a land which promotes opportunities for achieving the American dream.  So do I.  My friend wants to live in a land which protects his liberty and provides his family security.  So do I.  My friend wants to live in a land where you can be successful if you work hard enough.  So do I.  He just has a really warped vision of how to accomplish those wants.  Thanks for the email S.  I’ll be happy to buy you a beer at lunch today.

Song Credit: Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder Ebony and Ivory

          Is it a bad sign if you can feel the sore muscles tightening throughout your body four hours after you finish your first significant yard work of the year?  Some significant tree trimming and a little weed whacking was the work of the day.  I guess that should be a lesson to me.  I won’t do that again! 

          Movie recommendation!  The boy and I rented a couple of movies Sunday night.  First we watched “Second In Command” the new Jean-Claude Von Damme movie.  Standard Jean Claude fare.  He kicks some ass, they blow some stuff up.  The second movie we rented, “An Incomplete Life” starred Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman as a pair of aging cowboys in modern day Wyoming.  Jennifer Lopez and Josh Lucas play are strong in the cast.  The story is about coming to grips with being dealt some unexplainable adversity in life and the effect that has on relationships.  The setting is a beautiful valley in Wyoming.  I must have been asleep when this movie made its way through the theaters.  I am pretty sure I would have gone to see it on the big screen.  I’m giving it two thumbs up. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0350261

          I got me some mail from California this weekend.  My sister blogger www.hahnathome.com and I were chatting one evening and she told me about a sticker she proudly displays on her little Toyota Rav.  I told her, “I want one.” She said, “I’ll send you one.” And she did.  I’m not big for stickers on my vehicles but this is one I had to have.  The sticker says, “You Don’t Speak for God” To me that simple little sticker speaks so loudly.  There seems to be a lot of conflicting messages from God out there right now and not much of it seems to be supported by any of the teachings of Christ that I am aware of.  I was hesitant to apply it to my truck for a moment as I visualized an offended self-righteous zealot keying my paint job but decided to leave that in God’s hands. 

          My phone rang.  It was an old college room mate.  I hadn’t talked with Bob in over twenty years.  He lives in California now and has a family.  It sounds like life for Bob is going well.  I would have imagined it would.  Bob was good people.  Bob and I went to the same high school but for one reason or another we ran in different circles.  As fate would have it we ran into each other in college at a time when we both needed to find new living accommodations.  The crazy thing about all of that was how well it turned out.  I had some great room mates in college and I never told Bob this but he stands out as one of the best.  We had some truly amazing times back in those youthful days.  Damn I would like to go back and do college again.  I wouldn’t do a thing different.  It was some of the best years of my life.  I was living in an apartment Bob and I had shared when I met my wife.

          Whew!  Good save.  I can’t believe that I almost said that those ten years of college were the best years of my life.  One time I made the mistake of saying, in front of “she who must be obeyed” that the day I got my first Harley was the best day of my life.  I hadn’t even inhaled after making that statement and I knew I was in big trouble.  You see, the thing is, that of course your wedding day and the birth of your children are so obviously incomparable on the spectrum of great days that they just don’t even register when talking about any other possibly enjoyable experience in life.  Why do I feel like I should quit defending this whole train of thought before I get in more trouble?  Sigh. 

          I have mentioned before that I have a little ritual of sipping port, smoking cigarettes and listening to tunage as I write my blog each day.  One of the fun things about doing all this is picking out the song of the day.  Typically it is not to difficult to find a song relevant to the topic of which I have written.  This post is kind of all over the place so I am just going to put out a song that I love and that I heard as I wrote.  Have a great day.

 

Song Credit: Gladys Knight and the Pips Midnight Train To Georgia

          My Saturday was groovin’!   It began with work from 8:00 AM until noon but I can dig that because when I work Saturdays it is more of an on call situation and I provide support from home in my leopard print Speedo’s.  It is hard to feel to put upon by working a Saturday when you can do it sippin’ coffee and smokin’ cigarettes while sitting around in your underwear.  God Bless America!

          This brings me up to my second event of the day.  It was sixty degrees and sunny today so I decided to take a ride to Grinnell College. Grinnell College is an academically renowned private school in the center of Iowa.  Today they were host to Senator John Kerry who came to make a speech in support of putting an end to the war in Iraq.  He said, “Our call to action is clear. Iraqi leaders have responded only to deadlines…” “So we must set another deadline to extricate our troops and get Iraq up on its own two feet.”  The war in Iraq is an ideological war there is no question about that.  You can not win an ideological war with military action.  Wars of this nature are successful by winning hearts and minds not by shock and awe.  Could that not be more obvious?  Senator Kerry has proposed that the people of Iraq must step up and be accountable for their own lives and futures.  That would sound like a Republican philosophy except it lacks any meaningful windfall opportunities for the oil industry or the military industrial complex.

Perhaps most significant to me were Senator Kerry’s comments regarding the current political climate where your patriotism is questioned if you oppose the war, he said, “I believe that the best way to support the troops is to oppose a course that squanders their lives, dishonors their sacrifice, and disserves our people and our principles. When brave patriots suffer and die on the altar of stubborn pride, because of the incompetence and self-deception of mere politicians, then the only patriotic choice is to reclaim the moral authority misused by those entrusted with high office.”

Patriotism does not belong to those who defend a President's position-it belongs to those who defend their country. Patriotism is not love of power; it is love of country. And sometimes loving your country demands you must stand up and demand that your government hears your voice. This is one of those times”

          I left Grinnell feeling pretty good about being an American.  I have confidence that moral integrity will win out in the end and these times of deception and profiteering will be but a bad memory.  So I jumped back on the Harley and began my seventy-five mile return trip home.  It was an amazing day.  It was one of those beautiful crisp spring days where you can’t help but roll your bike from center line to shoulder and slalom down the road.  I was rolling along at about sixty miles an hour when I saw a huge group of bikes coming up on me quickly.  Not wanting to be in their way or get caught in the middle of a big group I gave the throttle a little twist.  Sixty-five, they were still gaining on me.  Seventy, the gap was narrowing.  I ran it up to eighty where I was sure to break away from a big ride group.  No doing.  So I figured to heck with it and ran the big V-twin up to 100 mph.  Damn!  Some of the pack began to fall behind but a good number of bikes were still closing in on me.  At that point I figured I could out run some of them but was certain I couldn’t outrun all of them so I pulled to the right side of the lane and slowed down so the obviously hurried group could get by. 

As the first bike pulled up along side me I looked over and saw that it was a good friend of mine who was hosting a poker run for Veterans.  I had to laugh because seeing this “flippant” friend I confirmed that there would have been no way he would have ever given up on passing me.  This friend, hmm, I will call him “Flip” is a truly amazing guy.  He is extremely comfortable being an adult child and he pulls it off in a manner which evokes envy.  The guy is serious when he needs to be and has a heart of gold and a hard playing fun loving nature that is infectious to even the most hardened of souls.  

One time out at Sturgis I was at a huge biker bar.  It was one of those half indoor-half outdoor establishments that exist only for Sturgis week and serve revelers in the thousands at any given time.  This particular day the place was packed but it was dead.  I’m not sure if the heat and the week’s activities had worn everybody out or what but nothing was really going on.  Eventually I became aware of a commotion and like a slow tide rolling across the vast expanse of the bar the place began to come to life.  Even the energy of the band seemed to intensify.  Loud cheers, hollering and laughter could be heard coming from the beer station nearest the front door so I went to investigate.  Sure enough, Flip had arrived.  Flip was performing his own kind of magic on top of the bar.  He was doing hand stands, walking the length of the bar on his hands, leading cheers and telling jokes.  It takes a special kind of guy to energize 1000 hot and tired bikers.  Ya just gotta love a guy like that.

 

Song Credit: Big Joe Turner Flip Flop and Fly