John S. McCain, Too Risky a Choice

Friends, Readers, or any casual observer who happens to stumble upon my blog:

I write this today to say that, after the past few weeks, if you have any inclination of voting for John S. McCain for president, you are stupid. That, I assure you will be the meanest thing that I will say directly to you through the entirety of this post. Now see, that didn't hurt much. Please bear with me now as I explain why.

Eight years ago, I would not have said that (however, at that time, I didn't know that he had cheated on his disabled wife, trading her in for a new beauty queen because she wasn't pretty enough anymore—but I digress). The John McCain from that time was a decent candidate. He did offer "straight talk" and may very well have been the "maverick" that he claims to be now. However, times have changed. With his desire to become president, he has given in to the same smear tactics and lies that were played against him in 2000, and costing him the nomination. We have seen and heard the constant barrage of negative ads, shrill stump speeches and disingenuous sound bites—this after a vow to have an elevated campaign that would not venture onto the low road. I guess this just shows that when the going gets tough, John McCain is willing to throw all integrity out the window in the hopes of a win.  I think that's my biggest issue with him. I do, however, think that his policy stances are mostly worthless as well.

John McCain, in selling his soul to win the Republican base has voted to support George W. Bush's policies more than 90% of the time. And, in keeping in line with Bush, he has pretty much decided to embrace Dubya's failed policies for the future. Tax cuts he once argued against, he now wants to make permanent (never mind that we're fighting two wars that have cost nearly one trillion dollars). In the past eight years, our country has racked up one third of its national debt—keep in mind that we have been around for 232 years—financed by countries who don't have our best interests in mind.  On the war, John McCain is opposed to any withdrawal from Iraq, when even George W. Bush is supporting a timetable for it. He claims that victory is near, but I would ask him to explain exactly what a victory would entail. In fact I would ask anyone who supports this un-ending war in Iraq to define what a victory there means. Most experts are in accordance that a victory won't come militarily, so I ask Senator McCain, why are we still there?

John McCain is a conservative who has utmost faith in the markets and has called for deregulation over and over. Looking at the financial mess we are now in, it is clear that regulations are needed. He claims that the market is the solution for healthcare issues, when experts show that his plans would (after giving tax dollars to insurance companies) cause an additional 20 million Americans to be un-insured. And here's just some food for thought, imagine if the call for privatizing Social Security, embraced fully by the Republicans a few years back, had passed and tax dollars had been invested in Wall Street for that. Now, millions would have been lost in this vital security for our elderly and less fortunate over the past month alone.

It's a well-known fact that John McCain is a gambler. But with the dire circumstances that our country finds itself in, it's certainly too big a risk to go support a man who will willfully wager the nation's future on the ability to gain political points. I say this in the three major gambles he has taken in recent memory. Last year, at the time of the "surge" in Iraq, John McCain stood for it, when most voices were against it. Yes, that was bold at the time. The surge does seem to have paid off, for now, though contributing all recent success in Iraq to it would be foolish as well. This was a gamble that paid off for now, but it exists in the context of a war that should never have been waged;  a war that Senator McCain called for even before George W. Bush.  Second, his pick of a running mate in Sarah Palin was a risky wager that has held mixed results.  This is a woman who is clearly not qualified to lead the United States. Before being picked, she had given no thought to national or foreign policy. She is well-liked in Alaska, but I would bet that it's hard to have a big gripe against any part of government there when each citizen is paid by the government. She may have "shaken up" the Republican establishment in Alaska, but when she claims (falsely) that she can see Russia, from her home and that gives her foreign policy experience, she fails any competency test that would qualify her to be a breath away from the presidency, especially with a delicately frail candidate. Even this year, she claimed that she didn't know what the Vice President did. She hasn't given thought to the Supreme Court, to economic policy, or to American foreign policy. She has proven that all she can do is talk in circles, avoiding questions, and focus on talking points given to her by her handlers. She can read a speech well, but in this election there's one who can do that far better. The thing is, her speeches are laced with anger, disdain and mocking lines that belittle and degrade. She claims to be Christian, but her words certainly don't reflect that view. Last week she was the laughing stock of America and managed to "wow" some with her performance at the debate because she didn't run from the stage crying, but she offered nothing substantive, nothing more than memorized buzz words. She's a pretty face for a ticket without a plan. Lastly, with the economic crisis, two weeks ago John McCain "suspended" his campaign to look like he was helping resolve the problem. It turns out he was more of a hindrance than anything else. America saw this as a gimmick and it backfired. This is a man who, the day after one of the biggest financial collapses in history, claimed that "the fundamentals of the economy are strong." He proved he had clearly no idea about what is going on, and that going to Washington to "work" on this was just a ploy. This has been a risk that hasn't paid off, and I hope it seals his fate. John McCain is a risky choice, one that we, the American people can't gamble on.

Now we see that when they have nothing else, the campaign will stoop as low as they can to bring up irrelevant acquaintances that mean nothing and try to paint a candidate as evil because he knows a person who did a bad thing at one point in his life, what's the old adage, "those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones?   They are a desperate campaign and are grasping at straws.

So those are my thoughts, and that doesn't even include why Barack Obama is the superior candidate. I can do that tomorrow I guess. But for now, remember that in light of current events, if you still support John McCain, you're an idiot—my dad even said he won't vote for him, and for Darrell to not support a Republican, that means a lot.

Funny

Thoughts on Thursday's Vice Presidential Debate:

However, I think that it may be premature. With all of her hair-brained remarks of late, the bar is set very low for Ms. Palin. But here's hoping that once and for all she'll prove to the entire American electorate just how un-qualified she is.

Today's Things That Must Go

Whereas I started a new job last week, I've got some related items that must go

 

1). Office speak--I didn't realize before, but now that I am at a larger corporation, I hear stupid phrases all of the time. Sayings like, "We need to circle the wagons," "There's no I in team," "Synergize," and the most annoying, that I have heard about thirty times in this week "At the end of the day..." I hate them all, but that one in particular irritates me. It's like they're trying to teach a lesson. Let's just speak normally, and not give the motivational talks. C'mon, when people talk like that, I feel like I am being treated like a child, but maybe that's just me.

2). Show-offs in training classes--There was this guy in orientation who would ask questions, knowing the answer he was going to hear, seemingly only to hear himself talk, and to impress the others with his vast knowledge of corporate mumbo-jumbo. This man must go. He's nice enough, but that behavior is un-acceptable.

3). Training videos--They're not interesting. They put you to sleep. Worst of all are the ones about sexual harassment, especially when they try to be overly dramatic. I can't imagine that anyone at a decent-sized corporation, who has made it through the screening process for the job would not have an understanding of what harassment is. And if they didn't, I would imagine that a simple video isn't going to change their behavior. I'm sure it's a CYA move that every company (actually my previous company never did, come to think of it) does to limit their liability, but for me, I don't think that I'll be harassing anyone any time soon. And that has nothing to do with the stupid video I watched, and the un-believable cast of characters who starred in it.

4). Cubicles--I miss my old office. I moved from a 11' x 13' window office (newly renovated) to a 48-square-foot box with ugly fabric on the walls. There's no room for my Van Gogh print on the wall, no bookcase, no potted plant. Instead, I am relacated to a cage, much like a creature at the zoo. However, I won't complain too much, cause now I make more, I have a commute that is half as long and an opportunity to learn things that may lead to a real career. But the cubicle is not a fun stop on that career path.

5). Leaving lunch at home--Yup I packed it all up (breakfast and lunch today) and realized, half way to the office that I had left it on the table at home. Boo!! It wasn't worth my time to turn aroung and get it. It will just mean that I'll have to go out, which I didn't want to do today. Anyway, that's that. 

Today's List of Things That Must Go

I don't know where this will end up, but after a week's worth of pus and bile that was spewed to the good American people from the stage of the republican National Convention, I think this week's "must go" should have theme.
1) Calling McCain a "maverick"--we know this isn't true, and hasn't been for at least the past four years while he's been prepping for his run for president. He's said and done whatever he could to make him look good to the public, while voting against the exact measures, whose virtues he extols. John McCain 2000 may have been a good guy, but McCain 08 definitely is not. Case in point: (don't disregard it because it comes from a comedian)click here if video doesn't work

2) Sarah Palin--Face it, she wasn't picked for any other reason than the fact that he has a uterus, and a well-used one at that. Sure, she delivered her speech well. It's a damn good thing too, because as a Communications and Journalism major, had she failed to deliver, it would have proven that all five of the universities she attended while pursuing her undergrad had failed her. But what has she got? A tenure as mayor of a small town that is proving daily to show controversy and problems that have been left to Wasilla? Or the fact that she's been the governor of one of the least-populated states in America, during which time, she likely misused her power to get revenge at a former brother-in-law. We could maybe have an idea of whether or not she has any idea about the world at large if she would ever allow herself to be questioned by the media. But that doesn't happen. America take note, this hockey mom doesn't have a clue.
3) Sarah Palin's well-used uterus--Not her children per se (even if they have the most ridiculous names I have ever heard), but the fact that this "loving" mother is exploiting them for political gain. In her speech, she throws their life story at us, she has her knocked up teen display her "sex on skates" boyfriend as America's hope for the future, and when anyone tries to question that, they call foul. But I guess the republicans are the kings of the double-standard.
4) Making this election about the little stuff--There are huge issues our country is facing. Most of our problems have been caused by the moronic republican party. Now, when they haven't got anything to offer except more of the same, they want to divert American attention and try to act like the Democrats are to blame. Smoke and mirrors kids. Look at McCain's speech. He hasn't got a plan. He spoke entirely in generalities and offered not one specific. Then compare that to Obama. Side by side, you'll see that there are stark differences. If you, like the 80% of America who thinks we're on the wrong track, want to change the direction of this country, you need to realize that John McCain is the exact same as George W. Bush.
5) Not a thing that must go, but just a note, an observation I had while watching McCain's speech. There were people in the crowd who began to protest--Iraq veterans against the war. Whenever they got up and yelled, the entire crowd of know-nothing republicans began chanting in unison "U S A, U S A..." It just seemed very symbolic of what they really are. They can say and do the most ridiculous things, run amok in the government, doing untold damage to our country, but when someone tells them they're wrong, what do they do but try to argue that they support the "U S A" and that the other person is not patriotic. I AM SICK OF THIS, AMERICA!!! ENOUGH!!! THROW THESE ASSHOLES OUT!!! They have destroyed the image of the country I love. They have vilified dissent, the one true keeper of our freedoms. They pay lip service to the brave men and women who wear this country's uniform and protect this land, but do nothing to protect or help them afterward. They mock reason and logic. They make a joke of the poor and lowly in spirit. They condemn the opposition for the exact same human foibles they have, themselves, on many occasions exhibited. They rail against big government and government swelling, while on their watch, the budget deficit has grown by billions. They are in the pocket of big business and don't give a damn about me and you. They have destroyed the American dream, they daily making the world a worse place for me and my children. GET RID OF THEM, PLEASE!!!

Life's a Beach

Dear Readers:

I have been away for a while, and thus, I haven't posted much in the past couple of weeks--with good reason. I was here for a week of my break.

On the beach with Mel's family in Virginia Beach.

We were right on the beach this is the back fence of the deck.

On the Wednesday, we all went to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. I went on all of the following rides.

And this is the latest addition to Busch Gardens, The Griffon. It was awesome.

The week was great, and relaxing. It involved pool time, the driving range, jig-saw puzzling, great food and, oh yeah, the beach. Here are a couple more photos from the trip. It was awesome. Thanks Mel's family.

A family effort got this done in a couple of hours

Amber and Mel in line for our 4-D leprechaun ride

Mel standing next to the ugliest mullet ever

Mel after escaping from Pompeii

Thank goodness I didn't need to try this on, it's a sad commentary on our society I think though.

One Is the Lonliest Number

Reading an entry of by a friend of mine has prompted me to write this. You see, I'm a religious person, and I thoroughly enjoy the big picture of what my beliefs offer. I happen to subscribe to the Mormon way of thinking, in case you didn't know (officially The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints--so I don't ruffle any of my Mormon friend's feathers). Whereas I am not married, I attend a congregation that is made exclusively of other single members like myself. I like the idea of this, as it offers the large number of us in our geographical region to have a network of others who become a second family or support net for most of us who are far from home and out on our own. Ultimately, (I think) the grand-scheme of it is to put singles in their twenties with pent-up sexual tension and anxieties together so that they'll be in closer proximity to other Mormons who are feeling these same feelings. They'll date, fall in love, marry (hopefully in that order), and make lots of Mormon babies. Now, Mormon friends, don't get angry, you know that's what "they" want. So, that being said, I have been in my current ward for a little more than two years, and I quite enjoy it for the most part. There have been ups and downs, but I have met some of the most interesting and enjoyable people during these past two years in the Langley ward. I happen to find myself in the previously mentioned pattern of dating, falling in love, and...well, you know the rest, and it comes as a result of being in said ward.
So, I don't really have a beef with the ward itself, but rather how we're being treated. As I mentioned in my previous post, we just got booted from our old building (which, incidentally is a bit of a deal, as it now takes 20 minutes to get to church rather than the previous location, which was seven), which was centrally located in the ward boundaries, was within walking distance from public transportation for those of us who don't drive (that was me a year ago), and now we are forced to meet at 2:30 because of "limited" parking spaces--never mind that there's a whole block of street parking on the very quite street. And, the ward's schedule will remain that way indefinitely because no one will complain to anyone who could change it. Before we were constantly at the later, 1-4 pm time slot. The logic is that the "family" wards have small children, and the early schedule works better for them. Last I checked, I was a small child in a "family" ward once, and we rotated every year, like every other congregation in the world. My parents dealt with it. So should the McLean Virginia stake!!
This is merely an illustration of an over-reaching mistreatment of singles in the church I feel. Maybe mistreatment is a harsh word, but I don't know what else to call it. You see, we're active, we contribute a lot to the church, we have the highest temple attendance in the stake, we volunteer time in our stake's family history center and at stake service projects, and we get shafted in return. All this because we haven't gotten married. Last I checked, we were all God's children, and equal in his eyes--regardless of marital status or fertility (heaven knows Sherry Dew harped on this a lot).
I refuse to see myself merely as a half of a future Mr. and Mrs. Darin. And, no accomplishment that I have made, or those of my many single friends, is of less worth because I , or they, are not married. I've worked hard for the life that I have, I've struggled, and have worried about a lot of things over the years. I have had many opportunities that I feel will help me be a better husband and father for them one day. Had I been married, I very well may not have had these experiences.
I don't want to belittle the lives of those people my age who went on a mission, came home and married a few months later and now continue to live in my home town (okay, maybe a little). It's not easy to raise a family, but to assume that I am not as mature as someone who is in this boat simply because I am single is preposterous.
I don't know entirely where I meant to go with this post, but just to get some of my sentiments out of me. I am not disgruntled with anyone who happens to be married. In fact, I'm quite gruntled with the prospect of being married and having a family, but I think some people need to take a look at what we singles are capable of and not treat us any differently because we don't have a husband or wife.

Today's List of Things That Must Go

It's been a few weeks since I have posted an enumerated weekly list of complaints, so here it goes:
1). Butt Parkers--Why do some people insist on backing their cars into parking spots? It irritates me to no end. I'm guessing that there is some theory of a quick escape if necessary. But when I see it in my parking garage at work(or at the grocery store), I know that it's less than likely that these folks are going to pull off a bank heist, and will need a quick escape. Besides that, in witnessing people backing their cars into a parking stall, it's apparent that it takes much more time ease your way slowly into the spot than to drive in forward and then back out fairly quickly when you leave. This must go (not always, but the people who insist on it every time they park must).
2).Cathy Mitchell--Well, not her in particular; she seems like a lovely lady, but the infomercial line "Who has the time?" must go. You see, I'll admit that I enjoy the occasional infomercial, and I have seen Cathy on quite a few of them. In fact, her latest endorsed item, the GT Express 101, is one that I personally find quite intriguing. What gets me though, is that while expounding on the great time saving benefits that the little machine offers, she says over and over "who has the time?" (to sit and wait for cinnamon buns to bake, or a chicken breast to cook, or what have you). Cathy, obviously someone who has nothing better to do than to spend 30 minutes watching you peddle a glorified George Foreman grill HAS THE TIME!!
3). 2:30 p.m. church--This is insane, we were informed yesterday, over the pulpit, that our congregation will be moved to a different meeting house about 1.5 miles away, which doesn't bother me much, but now we will begin at 2:30. Having a 3-hour church set means that we won't get out of our blasted meetings until 5:30. Come Sunday night football, I may have to start leaving a little early to make it home for some games. Ridiculous I say. I don't really think that it's fair that because we're the singles ward, we get stuck with the worst schedule possible--indefinitely at that.
4). John McCain--He must go. I'm sure I'll dedicate an entire post to my reasoning of why he's now a miserable human being, and is better suited to be the grumpy old man, sitting in a lawn chair, hand-watering his lawn while yelling at the "damn neighbor kids" for running over his hose with their bicycles rather than being the leader of the free world. But for now, suffice it to say that he must go. He complains that Barack Obama is "just talk," but he's not even that. Though Obama hasn't been entrenched in Washington the requisite amount of time to have the "experience" that the old codger has, at least he offers ideas. McCain doesn't even offer that, he offers bile, anger, a yellowed, slimy smile and a guarantee of four more years of the same failed policies that we're currently living with. So that grumpy old man must go.
5). People who try to make their testimony in Sacrament Meeting a stand up routine-- a joke or two is fine if that's your style, or if it puts you at ease to speak in front of a crowd, but seriously, when you go off on complete non-sequitur for the sheer purpose of a laugh--that ends up not being too hearty of a laugh at that--is not acceptable. 'Nuf said.

There are so many things that I think of, but never write them down. I'll try to keep better track of my annoyances as they come.