Archive for the ‘politics’ Category

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

What I Have Written, I Have Written

October 9, 2010

I can say to my BB a dozen times, “I love you” but it seems to have more meaning to her when I write it down just once.  Whether on a card, a note, or a letter, the sentiments I vocalize many times a day pale in significance to the scrawl of my hand.  Those very words, I love you… etched in that moment of time are held like an official document or a piece of evidence that makes the hearing of it circumstantial but the tangible proof more credible somehow.  The written word is more eloquent and she never tires of reading it.

Which brings me here, to the writings of my blog and the past four years of sporadic entry.  Many things have changed since May 2006 and the whimsy that placed me at the keyboard in the first place.  I re-married.  I re-located.  I re-considered my politics.  Through all of those months and thousands of words stretched into 400 entries here at AMRFP, I learned something about myself.  She reminds me of it every day… 

But there is more to it than that.  Do the entries I have posted stand the test of time?  Did I think or say something here that proved false?  Were my convictions misplaced?  Are there inaccuracies here that have somehow misled?

Hmmm… think back. http://advantagesofmutualrespectandfairplay.com/2006/05/27/in-the-begining/

I  still love that song…

and I still believe that original, first post of May 2006 and with each entry I tried to remain true to that theme of Advantages of Mutual Respect and Fair Play because I truly believe that is what the world needs and if you live it, it will come back to you. 

Or perhaps, out live you…

http://advantagesofmutualrespectandfairplay.com/2006/06/22/9/

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/10/09/earlyshow/saturday/main6942465.shtml

I know that some bloggers use this tool as a bully pulpit and I tried not to do that, but sometimes it was just unavoidable…

http://advantagesofmutualrespectandfairplay.com/2006/07/22/blinded-by-foresight/

Oh, I’ll admit that I have had my share of theories, but I don’t think they were all that far-fetched, considering the subject matter.http://advantagesofmutualrespectandfairplay.com/2006/08/26/the-rock-and-roll-conspiracy/  And you must agree with me to a certain point, because this topic remains one that still receives a multitude of hits.

 

Wow.  Wild Thing I think you move me…

Anyway, for what purpose was AMRFP started and why should it continue?  I mean, hasn’t it all been said? many times over? by someone more capable and profound than myself? http://advantagesofmutualrespectandfairplay.com/2006/09/28/life-begins-at-wd40/

and it is lovely to see you each and every time.  Walk along with me to the next bend.  But when and where does the next bend lay (or lie?)  And what was AMRFP originally?  A celebration of truth, justice, freedom of speech, mom’s apple pie, Jesse Winchester and the lifestyle of a free radical thinker (don’t tell your mother, she knows)

So maybe that is what this blog needs, to get back on track.  Perhaps its original destination has detoured a bit, http://advantagesofmutualrespectandfairplay.com/2006/10/13/irrefutably-44th-avenue-south/ but it’s intentions were good.

 https://lifemadedelicious.ca/en/Recipes/P/Perfect_Apple_Pie.aspx?&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=Apple%20Pie%20Recipe&utm_content=164731333&utm_campaign=.Pies

Honest.  Sometimes I just needed something to lift me from the doldrums and a random piece just tumbled out, http://advantagesofmutualrespectandfairplay.com/2006/11/14/53-studebaker-goin-for-broke/  which in turn led to some interest by you, the reader.  It was all quite fun and not to be taken too seriously.  But then, what happened?

http://advantagesofmutualrespectandfairplay.com/2006/12/05/sacred-words-sung-to-beatles-music/

I guess I got a little cynical… is that a bad thing?

I remind myself of the Bible’s description of the betrayal of Jesus found in the book of John.  You remember, how Jesus was left by his disciples and condemned by the religious leaders of the day?  They were supposed to be on the watch for the Son of Man but gave in to their own interpretations of what he should be.  And when Jesus clearly did not recognize the religious leader’s hierarchy, they gave him over to the authorities to be put to death as a fraud.  While Pilate could find nothing wrong with the man, as a king Jesus was a threat to Caesar and Pilate had to act.  He washed his hands of the matter and sent Jesus off to be impaled, placing a sign over his stake in Hebrew, Latin and Greek that read: Jesus the Nazarene – The King of the Jews.   Of course, the priests and rabbis took immediate offense at this and declared, ” Do not write ‘the King of the Jews’ but that he said, ‘I am the King of the Jews.’ “  After which Pilate famously declared, “What I have written, I have written.”  John 19:22

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39397251/ns/us_news-life?gt1=43001

I have tried to stay neutral on some subjects, but it has been difficult.  Sometimes you just gotta let it ride…

So, starting with post 401 and from this day forward I will try to remain true to what I originally set out to do with this blog.  There have been many fringe benefits along the way.  There have been some repercussions, too.  I will make every effort to place as a priority mutual respect and fair play.

After all, isn’t that what we all want?

Peace.

Tags:, , , , , , ,
Posted in advantages of mutual respect and fair play, ameriCanadian, bryan adams, jesse winchester, john lennon, life, love, moody blues, music, musings, peace, politics, pursuit of happiness, the beatles, the eagles, truth, undercurrent with my big toe, understanding, what is a category and why do we care?, why are we here? | 2 Comments »

Social Insecurity (or How I Stopped Worrying and Love Being Less Self-Assured)

September 17, 2010

I guess it is no big news that the economy is in the crapper.  Just look at me, home on a work day.  Oh, it’s nobody’s fault, really.  Sometimes things just work out that way when you work construction.  You either have too much work or not enough.  It’s hard having it come in just as you need it.

I’ve reached an age where I can just about picture myself retiring.  Now that’s scary.  Because when you think about it, no one is conscientiously  going to grow old, are they?  We all are going to go on and on until we reach middle age, somewhere way in the future.  But grow old?  Never!

So imagine my disheartenment when I read this on the Internet yesterday…

http://frugalzeitgeist.com/how-long-will-social-security-last/

I know how to fix social security.  It is very simple.  End it.  Baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964 still get it.  The rest forge ahead with a new program.  It will be called Social Assurance.  Families that take care of their own will benefit the greatest.  They will see reduced taxes if not eliminated all together.  Oh, there will be other means for the government to collect taxes, don’t worry about that.  But these families will not pay taxes on their wages.  Imagine that.  Keeping Grandma might be a better financial arrangement than shipping her to an old folks home. 

Medication and health care for those over 65?  Free.  F-R-E-E.  How can we afford this?  Simple.  Health care will become non-profit.  It seems a crime to me to make money on someone else’s illness.  Doesn’t that seem to be a conflict of interest?  If you make them well, they no longer need your services.  So just keep them coming back, stretch it out.  Suck them dry.  Nope, not anymore. 

In 2009 America’s #1 export was military equipment.  Our #2 export was pharmaceuticals.  If we don’t kill them we strive to make them well.  Remove the profiteers from these two “commodities” and we might be able to do away with a lot of things.

Did you know that there are a record number of Americans living in poverty?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39211644/ns/us_news-life

This is happening while we claim to have a better way for the world.  Democracy.  This despite a 12 trillion dollar annual Gross National Product. http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_2008_US_GNP  So how do we reverse the trend of more  people living in poverty?   Simple.  Stop giving jobs away.  We were at our greatest when we took care of ourselves first.  The Bible says, “Remove the rafter from your own eye, then you can better see how to remove the splinter from your brothers eye.”  Luke 6:42  If we don’t work, we don’t make money.

Did you know illegal substance abuse is higher now? 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39200536/ns/health-addictions/?GT1=43001

I guess it is because of the pressure of day-to-day living.  People need to escape.  Alcohol consumption is up, too.    Here’s a thought.  Decriminalize marijuana.  

I’m not saying everyone should smoke a fatty.  Everyone shouldn’t.  I don’t.  But you know, we spend billions on the war against drugs, why not divert our attention to national security instead?  We have not gained anything in making pot illegal, except making our citizens criminals.  More people die because of alcohol related abuse than any other single cause.  Think about it.  Crimes of violence.  Automobile deaths.  Health related deaths.  Work related injuries and deaths.  Throw tobacco in there and the cost is staggering.  Nobody ever knocked over a convenience store because they were high on pot.  

I say educate the public and let them decide.  You can legally brew your own beer, why not grow your own pot?  Curtail the selling of marijuana, yes.  Sell it as you do tobacco and alcohol, yes.  And of course, tax it.  Limit it’s use as we already limit alcohol and tobacco.  I don’t think we would become a nation of pot-heads.  Millions have tried it and left it behind.  Some have used it all their lives and functioned normally.  We can’t predict how society will respond, so why are we trying to protect us from ourselves, especially when it is an unpopular and costly effort that has not garnished any positive gains?  The definition of insanity?  Trying the same solution to a problem and expecting different results.  We need a broader mind, not a closed one.

And another thing.  This insurance business.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39215770/ns/health-health_care/?GT1=43001

It comes down to profit again.  I don’t think the U.S. government should be in the insurance business.  In fact, I don’t think anybody should.  If it is broken, lets fix it.  If you are sick, let’s make you better.  If you have lost it, let’s replace it.  It is that simple. 

Our society should operate like a family.  We take care of our own.  There is no enrichment at another’s expense, there is no profiting off another’s calamity.  The old ways are gone.

Okay.  How are we going to PAY for all this progress?  Simple.

Social Assurance means faith in ourselves.  That we will be treated honestly and fairly.  That we will be cared for and looked out after.  This is a pact we make unto ourselves, this is a creed we will live by that as long as we are treated fairly, we will treat others the same way.  There is no greed because of an un-certain future.  There is no theft for lack of necessity.  There is no animosity or suspicion of motive.

What do we all want?  To live and let live.  To go our way, to be clothed and fed and sheltered from the elements.  To see our loved ones prosper, not just financially but morally, physically and spiritually.

Social Assurance means trust in each other.

Most dreams seem far-fetched… but the reality is, our set course is not our desired destination.

peace.

Tags:
Posted in advantages of mutual respect and fair play, ameriCanadian, faith, family, God, life, peace, politics, pursuit of happiness, truth, understanding, why are we here? | 4 Comments »

What You Need…

July 17, 2010

Surprise!  Your momma was right!  Better eat your vegetables… ?gt1=43001  but oops!  somebody forgot to put the nutrients in!

Doesn’t that just beat all?  The good ol’ days were really good…

and good for us, too.  Seems like today we just are not getting what we need.

So this morning as I contemplate my second cup of tea, I wonder about what other things were better for us when we should have eaten our veggies…

1)  Music was better.  But don’t take my word for it, ask the recording industry.  Record sales have plummeted  recently and plug my ears with nostalgia but I gotta think it has to do with content.  Better music means more satisfied ears.  I keep telling RIAA executives this, but they don’t listen.  They are not giving us what we need.

2)  Automobiles were more interesting and friendlier, too.  It used to be you could tell a Ford from a Chevy at a glance.  Cars seemed to be made stronger, too.  I remember jumping up and down on the hood of our car when I was a kid and nobody thought a thing of it.  Backing into another car meant merely a “kiss” of the bumpers, you could lay down in the back seat and the trunk was large enough to rival a wading pool.  In fact, I think we filled ours on occasionally hot summer days in order to cool off.

  Simple transportation is what we need.

3)  Fashion.  Well, fashion is a funny thing.  Get some fool to wear a visor backwards and upside down then the world follows like he’s the Pied Piper of Hamelin.

One artist claims another is a copycat whilst archive footage reveals THAT artist ripping off another previous to her.

lady-gaga-gets-a-dventurously-intimate-wrassles-with-madonna-on-snl-1.html

 I use the term artist loosely… (see #1 above)

But fashion is one of those things that never go out of style.  Old is new and vintage is hip.  I remember when you had to wear out your jeans in order to have them faded, ripped and thread bare… now you can buy them that way.  It is almost as if fashion can’t wait.  I saw some knee-high lace up boots advertised for fall this morning, ugh! can you imagine? 

 The things we do to look good but is it really what we need?

4)  Money.  Remember when money was really something?  I mean, win a million dollars and you were set for life.

Millionaire-pets.aspx?cp-documentid=24877154&imageindex=1&cp-searchtext=richest%20pets

Nowadays millions are not enough.  8lotteryWinnersWhoLostTheirMillions.aspx  Money can tear families apart.108590 or turn friends into enemies. crime  Still you gotta think, what’s wrong with money?

A devalued currency in the U.S. has made the Canadian dollar stronger while China blossoms into a financial juggernaut.  Remember the good ol’ days when our greenbacks were backed by gold and silver?  Substantial backing meant strong consumer confidence.  This Federal Reserve note business is a jinx.  It does not give us what we need. 

5)  Health.  There is an old saying that “health is wealth” and the key to happiness is longevity but it seems we are less healthy now than any time in our history.  Though our average life span has risen substantially, health issues are a multi-billion dollar industry. 

Some people blame the food we eat.  So are we living longer, unhealthier lives?  See the advertisements on T.V.?  Ask your doctor then get a second opinion?  Can we really buy better health? ?Do-We-Really-Need-to-Take-Vitamins-for-Our-Health?&id=1066888  Seems like a ”pair of docs” to me. articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100260381>1=31036 

6)  Politics.  Do we all agree that our political system sucks? (see the post, un-American activities )  I have advocated a strong 3rd party on this blog for a while now. (see the post, Have a little cake with your Tea Party? )  I think it is past due.  When our society has to choose between the “best of the worst” it is no wonder that people get fed up.  Our political system has sunk into such a quagmire that our faith in our politicians has been shaken down to the roots.  Are we doomed to be lost in a vacuum that continues to draw out the worst in us?  When citizens view their representatives with contempt, that form of government is clearly not giving them what they need.

7)  Religion.  They say two things you cannot discuss with people are politics and religion.  I think that is wrong.  Politics and religion are the bond that holds a society together.  When either falter, the people suffer.  We can have our own views, ideas, beliefs and faith as long as they don’t interfere with the rights of another having their freedom of choice in kind.  You may have your moral convictions, but others have the same path they must travel to come by those beliefs.  If there is a God, we should all try to immolate His qualities of Love, Patience and Tolerance.  Because, as the Bible says, if God looked for perfection, who of us could stand before Him? (see the post, Does God Hate Haiti? )  If a religion divides us, that congregation does not have the teachings that we need.

So what is it that we really need besides better vegetables?

 

Maybe we need to laugh more and not take ourselves too seriously.  Let things roll off our backs and be satisfied with what we need rather than dwell on the things we want.  Have a little more faith in our fellow man.  Try some kindness and treat people the way we would want to be treated.   

This old world can be like a used car salesman telling you this and selling you that to the point that we are never happy with having just what we need.

  Ultimately, walking is safer and better for you.

peace.

Tags:, , , , , , , , ,
Posted in advantages of mutual respect and fair play, ameriCanadian, faith, family, friends, george harrison, God, humor, life, music, politics, pursuit of happiness, truth, undercurrent with my big toe, understanding, what is a category and why do we care? | Leave a Comment »

un-American activities

July 3, 2010

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38072154/ns/us_news-life

Oh beautiful for spacious skies…

Have you heard about the mural that was painted over in California?  Not only did I find the article disturbing but the comments afterwards made a lot of good points about the sad state our government is in.

I live in a foreign country now, and while Canada is not that much of a stretch, it never ceases to amaze me how much I DO know about the U.S. when having a discussion with the kids… things that I take for granted.  Things that an outsider does not know.

For example: the fam was having dinner the other night when we started talking about our national anthems (Canada and the United States) and their origins.  The kids were comparing Oh! Canada and its melodious content to The Star Spangled Banner.  I have to admit, when I hear Oh! Canada it brings a lump to my throat because it is a beautiful song.  To make a case for The Star Spangled Banner  I would have to delve way back into a part of my brain that hadn’t been tapped in a while.

Francis Scott Key was being held by the British in a ship off the coast of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.  As the cannons blasted on into the night, Key watched from the deck to see if the American forces would prevail.  As the smoke cleared, the American flag remained!  Later, Francis Scott Key penned the words that would become our national anthem. 

Oh!  say can you see

by the dawns early light

what so proudly we hailed

at the twilights last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars

through the perilous fight

o’er the ramparts we watched

were so gallantly streaming!

And the rockets red glare

the bombs bursting in air

gave proof through the night

that our flag was still there!

Oh! say does that star spangled

banner yet wave

o’er the land of the free

and the home of the brave?

 (the flag that inspires…)

The symbolism of the American flag is not a graffiti object.  Whether it be hoisted up on a pole, displayed from a front porch, carried in a parade, worn as a uniform/article of clothing or painted on the concrete embankment of a state-owned highway, it is the representation of a people united against tyranny.  We were not granted our freedoms by some foreign dignitary’s masterful stroke of a pen.  WE TOOK OUR LIBERTIES BY FORCE!  They were not handed down to us or granted as if by favor.   

I sometimes forget where I came from.  I sometimes forget the history of my native land.  I hurt inside when I hear disparaging generalities hurled at the people I grew up with and the heroes I cheered for.  Still, I can forgive the outsiders, because they know no better.  They do not know my home as I do.

But when representatives and employees of the very government that protects them fails to show proper respect to the American heritage and the republic for which it stands I just gotta say…

shame on them.

peace.

 

Tags:, , ,
Posted in advantages of mutual respect and fair play, ameriCanadian, family, history, If I were the President of these United States, life, peace, politics, pursuit of happiness, truth, undercurrent with my big toe, understanding, what is a category and why do we care? | 2 Comments »

I’m Too Hot for this Blog…

June 5, 2010

So perhaps you heard of this poor woman’s plight…

.

 

.

Could anything be more vain?  To declare, ” I have had this burden all my life.  My figure just drives men to distraction because I’m so hot?”

If you watch the video (which appears rehearsed) this woman looks like, well… a woman at work.  But now suddenly, we have other images… and  and finally, splashed all over the Web that seem to be auditions for a magazine cover.

You know, people will do anything these days for their 15 minutes of fame.  Reality “stars”, Balloon Boy, mistress confessions, stalkers, crashers, Joe the plumber, frivolous lawsuits… and it all seems to work for a while.

But you have to wonder when this lawyer decided to take the case, did he see it as a win-win situation??mkt=en-ca&vid=ac537f6e-c03a-459f-b520-f9fa4572f7cf&tab=m1209500717947&from=hpquad  Either way, we’re gonna make some big bucks off this case because either Citi will settle, we will win the case via judgement by the court, or we’ll garnish so much publicity that someone out there will hire you because you are “so hot.”

I guess that means if the rest of us are still working, we must not be very hot.  Perhaps only average or worse yet… (gasp!) ordinary.

.

Could it be that this person was let go because she couldn’t do her job?  If as she claims, she was a distraction and a “favorite” amongst the male clients… did she play up to that rather than try to overcome it?  It would seem to me that a person determined to succeed at their job would try to minimize anything that would hamper job performance, if they valued their position.

I have been to many loan institutions in my day and I have seen attractive women doing their work.  I have seen some try to get by with their facial features and anatomy, others use their brains.  Many were/are as attractive as this person, perhaps even more so.

I find if you are doing your job and doing it well, the attraction comes naturally and people recognize it without all the outside appearances.  If you are obsessed with how you look, the attraction fades…

After all, the world is full of pretty faces… true beauty comes from within.

peace.

Tags:, , , ,
Posted in advantages of mutual respect and fair play, ameriCanadian, easy money, humor, life, musings, politics, pursuit of happiness, rants, sex, truth, undercurrent with my big toe, understanding, what is a category and why do we care? | 2 Comments »

Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time? Not Hardly

June 2, 2010

Another list, another bust.  I guess Rolling Stone had to “update” it’s 2004 greatest songs of all time list to accomodate the Y2KO’s  but I say bunk.  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036789/vp/37374786#37374786

And I guess I’m not the only one who feels this way…http://www.canada.com/entertainment/Rolling+Stone+songs+Time+after+time+they+wrong/3089120/story.html

Here’s the list if you haven’t shelled out the bucks for the prints yet…http://forum.nin.com/bb/read.php?30,1086538,1086538

It’s almost hysterical.  Some of these choices to be “politically correct” left out some fantastic songs by great artists.

You know, a great song should be a defining moment in our culture.  Bangladesh by George Harrison.  Back in 1971 George did it first by sponsoring a charity event, The Concert for Bangladesh. Unselfishly, a world renown artist did something to make a difference.  That song should be considered one of the greatest of all time simply because of what it started.

On the heels of George Harrison,  Micheal Jackson helped organize We Are the World for charity.  It was a rallying cry for people to make a difference.  I think that song deserves to be ranked as one of the greatest of all time ahead of Rolling Stones choice for #417, Fuck the Police. Don’t you?  Beat It did manage to rank #337, kind of like an afterthought.

Let’s see,  the Moody Blues recorded the first stereo album, Days of Future Passed, back in 1967.  That is a landmark achievement not only because of it being stereo, but because it blended classical instruments with rock for the first time! Perhaps rather than No Woman, No Cry (which sucks) we could have had Knights in White Satin.

There was no mention of Harry Nilsson, personally I think Everybody’s Talkin’ or I Guess the Lord Must Be in New York City does it for me much better than Nirvana’s Feels Like Teen Spirit, ranked at an unbelievable #9!

Neil Diamond, accomplished singer and songwriter, didn’t get a spot on Rolling Stones list.  I Am, I Said should have been included somewhere.

Jim Croce’s Time in a Bottle beats anything Iggy Pop put out, in my humble opinion.

One For My Baby (and One More For the Road) by Frank Sinatra?  Nothing by The Voice on this list.

Kris Kristofferson was an obvious oversight.  Loving Her Was Easier Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again should have beat out at least a hundred lesser songs chosen by Rolling Stone’s panel, or at the very least… Sunday Morning Coming Down.

I would have liked to see Charlie Rich, either Rollin’ With the Flow or Good Time Charlie’s Got the Blues but who says Rolling Stone really knows what they are talking about?

It’s Only Make Believe by Conway Twitty.  Blue Eyes Cryin’ in the Rain by Willie Nelson.  You’re So Young and Beautiful by Elvis Presley.  I Saw the Light or I Can’t Help It If I’m Still in Love With You by Hank Williams.  From a Jack to a King by Ned Miller.  He’ll Have to Go by Jim Reeves.  Devil Woman by Marty Robbins.  I Will Always Love You or Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton.  Coalminer’s Daughter or You Ain’t Woman Enough by Loretta Lynn.  Me and Bobby McGee by Janis Joplin.  At Last by Etta James.  Blue Bayou by Linda Ronstadt.  This Guy’s In Love With You by Burt Bacharach.  No Waylon, no Merle, no Roy Clark, no Boy Named Sue?  and on, and on, and on…

And no Grateful Dead?

Why omit this song?

We Can Run

Lyrics: John Barlow
Music: Brent Mydland

We don’t own this place though we act as if we did
It belongs to the children of our children’s kids
The actual owners haven’t even been born yet

But we never tend the garden and we rarely pay the rent
Most of it is broken and the rest of it is bent
Put it all on plastic and I wonder where we’ll be when the bills hit

Chorus
We can run but we can’t hide from it
Of all possible worlds we only got one, we gotta ride on it
Whatever we’ve done we’ll never get far from what we leave behind
Baby we can run, run, run but we can’t hide

Well I’m dumping my trash in your back yard
Making certain you don’t notice really isn’t so hard
You’re so busy with your guns and all of your excuses to use
them

Well it’s oil for the rich and babies for the poor
We’ve got everyone believing that more is more
If a reckoning comes maybe we’ll know what to do then

[chorus]

All these complications seem to leave no choice
I heard the tongues of billions speak with just one voice
Saying just leave all the rest to me, I need it worse than you, you see
Then I heard the sound of one child crying

Today I went out walking in the amber wind
There’s a hole in the sky where the light pours in
I remember the days when I wasn’t afraid of the sunshine

But now it beats down on the asphalt land
Like hammering blow from God’s left hand
What little still grows
Cringes in the shade till the night-time

[chorus]

as recorded by the Grateful Dead

This song was way out of character for them and it struck a chord with all of us, sort of a modern send up of… It’s Natures Way by Spirit.

Or how about this one?

He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother (B. Scott and B. Russell)

The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where
Who knows when
But I’m strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother

So on we go
His welfare is of my concern
No burden is he to bear
We’ll get there
For I know
He would not encumber me
He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother

If I’m laden at all
I’m laden with sadness
That everyone’s heart
Isn’t filled with the gladness
Of love for one another

It’s a long, long road
From which there is no return
While we’re on the way to there
Why not share
And the load
Doesn’t weigh me down at all
He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother

He’s my brother
He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother…

as recorded by the Hollies

Or how about the single most recorded song of all time?http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gentle_on_My_Mind …

http://www.johnhartford.com/gentle.cfm

check it out…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glc9lzV8_S4&feature=related

Gentle On My Mind by John Hartford

It’s knowing that your door is always open
And your path is free to walk
That makes me tend to leave my sleeping bag
Rolled up and stashed behind your couch
And it’s knowing I’m not shackled
By forgotten words and bonds
And the ink stains that have dried upon some line
That keeps you in the backroads
By the rivers of my mem’ry
That keeps you ever gentle on my mind

It’s not clinging to the rocks and ivy
Planted on their columns now that binds me
Or something that somebody said
Because they thought we fit together walking
It’s just knowing that the world will not be cursing
Or forgiving when I walk along some railroad track and find
That you are moving on the backroads
By the rivers of my mem’ry
And for hours you’re just gentle on my mind

Though the wheat fields and the clothes lines
And the junkyards and the highways come between us
And some other woman crying to her mother
‘Cause she turned and I was gone
I still might run in silence tears of joy might stain my face
And the summer sun might burn me ’til I’m blind
But not to where I cannot see you walkin’ on the backroads
By the rivers flowing gentle on my mind

I dip my cup of soup back from the gurglin’
Cracklin’ caldron in some train yard
My beard a roughning coal pile and
A dirty hat pulled low across my face
Through cupped hands ’round a tin can
I pretend I hold you to my breast and find
That you’re waving from the backroads
By the rivers of my mem’ry
Ever smilin’ ever gentle on my mind

as recorded by Glen Campbell

.

Yes, I could go on but I won’t.  Suffice it to say I don’t buy into Rolling Stones “something for everybody” greatest songs list.

You shouldn’t either!

peace.

Tags:
Posted in advantages of mutual respect and fair play, ameriCanadian, country music, george harrison, humor, life, moody blues, music, musings, peace, politics, pursuit of happiness, rants, rock & roll, truth, undercurrent with my big toe, understanding, what is a category and why do we care? | 5 Comments »

Spam-a-little

May 21, 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anwy2MPT5RE

I love the Internet.  You do, too…  don’t you?  I love the information superhighway, the instant communication between family and friends, the unlimited expression afforded  to me and the audience that AMRFP has garnished.  I really do listen to your comments and try to think of important information to convey to both of you.  But I do not like spam.   It reminds me of Dr. Suess…

I do not like it on my blog, I do not like it on a log.

I do not like it in a tree, I do not like it on my knee.

I do not like it on a house, I do not like it with a mouse.

I do not like it here or there, I do not like it anywhere.

I do not like unsolicited spam, I do not like it, Will.i.am.

I wish there was a way you could return spam with your own spam magnified ten-fold.  That might help curb the content in my little in-box.  As of this posting, Akismet has blocked 32,108 pieces of spam.  That is a lot of junk spam.

Like this one:

atlanta cheap tickets Says:
May 22, 2010 at 7:52 am | Reply   edit

Well, the article is really the sweetest on this notable topic. I harmonise with your conclusions and will thirstily look forward for your next updates. Saying thanks will not just be sufficient, for the extraordinary lucidity inside your writing. I’ll directly grab your rss feed to stay abreast of any updates. Solid function and much success in your business efforts!

Didn’t they realize they had already spammed me on this very same post earlier?

atlanta cheap tickets Says:
May 20, 2010 at 4:44 am | Reply   edit

I admire the valuable information you offer in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and have my children check up here often. I am quite sure they will learn lots of new stuff here than anybody else!

Nice try atlanta cheap tickets…

There is also legitimate spam.  www.spam.com and it really has quite the history.Spam_(food)

But there is a different kind of spam out there that I don’t like as well.  Obama spam.

I fully realize there is some mending of fences required as far as the U.S. and world relations are concerned.  Americans should not be viewed as a “we’ll take what we want and ask questions later” people.  We need to be accountable to other nations and consider their rights and sovereignties in all our extended operations outside our borders, because we do not own the world.  We are a Republic and are governed by a Democracy;  i.e., the will of the majority of the American citizenry.

Recently our president, Barack H. Obama, criticized Arizona law authorizing law enforcement officials to request proof of legal status from possible illegals aligning himself with the visiting president of Mexico.  I do not think that our president should go against the will of the American people, in this case, the American voters of Arizona.  Barack H. Obama is OUR president representing AMERICANS!  Duly elected officials enacted a law that the federal government can not or will not address for political reasons.  It is plain to see that they are dragging their feet and do not have the interests of Arizonans in mind.  You can’t blame the people of Arizona for taking action.

Another Obama spam.  Just recently Obama lifted a ban on offshore oil drilling.?q=Obama%20lifts%20oil%20drilling%20ban&mkt=en-ca&setLang=en-CA Within a few weeks, BP has an oil spill.  Immediately Obama rescinds the lift and is calling for tougher regulations on oil drilling.  BP has said it will pay for all damages and clean-up efforts,b182270 but now it is a political hot potato.

It makes me wonder if this was truly an accident. 

Now that would be really scary… if it wasn’t.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZpqhtAdYg8

spam, spam, spam, spam, spam, spam, spaaaam, wonderful spam!

peace.

Tags:, , , , ,
Posted in advantages of mutual respect and fair play, ameriCanadian, If I were the President of these United States, life, musings, politics, pursuit of happiness, rants, truth, undercurrent with my big toe, understanding, what is a category and why do we care? | Leave a Comment »

Happy Mother’s Day in cyberspace

May 9, 2010

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/36969170/ns/today-mothers_day_guide?Gt1=43001

Interesting history of this famous day. 

To all of my sisters. 

To my beautiful girl.

To all mothers, the happiest of holidays.

peace.

Tags:
Posted in A Holiday Wish, advantages of mutual respect and fair play, ameriCanadian, faith, family, friends, history, life, politics, pursuit of happiness, truth, understanding, what is a category and why do we care? | Leave a Comment »

Is It Any Wonder We’ve Lost Confidence?

April 24, 2010

There is a storm a-brewin’… us_news-life

When the President of the United States is more concerned about the rights of illegals than his own citizens, whose to worry? After all, there is enough tax money to go around for everybody… isn’t there?

You know, this profiling argument has got me even more giddy. Why should we look out for criminals that look like criminals just because they look like criminals? If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, flys like a duck and tastes like a duck… do we call it a herring? A certain nationality is crossing our borders illegally, why is it wrong to suspect them?

If I matched a certain description and was questioned by authorities, would I get my panties in a wad? No. Why not? Because I went through due process entering a foreign country. It was not a pleasant procedure; it took effort, time and money. But was it worth it? Yes. I do not have to fear the repercussions of having entered Canada illegally.

I read this statement on the Internet this week: WHY DON’T WE STOP BLAMING BARACK OBAMA FOR GEORGE BUSH’S MISTAKES? and I couldn’t agree more. Bush put us in the sewer; financially, socially, morally and hopelessly. When George II opened the doors to illegals by saying, “You got a job… you’re welcome here.” the flood gates poured in thousands. But that was yesterday. It is never too late to correct our mistakes.

I have stated previously on this blog that I do not begrudge people wanting a better way of life. I do not blame immigrants for wanting to come to a country where they have opportunities not afforded to them in their native land. But two wrongs do not make a right. One government should not relax its laws in order to accommodate citizens of another.

What George II did plummeted the U.S. economy into the worst economic recession in history… and we might never recover. I DO NOT WANT TO STAY THE COURSE!

So here comes a state plagued by illegals that wants to do something about it. Concerned voters contact their representatives and say, “This is wrong, we need to enforce the law!” and their duly elected officials respond. This is the way democracy works. What business is it of the President of the United States? Protect the rights of Americans. Enforce the laws of the United States.

On the other hand, we cannot lose sight of our humanitarian efforts to help others in need. I am proud of the way the U.S. responds to countries like Haiti. The American people have shown time and again their compassion and generosity because we want others to enjoy the freedoms and way of life that we do. That is the true American spirit.

Abraham Lincoln stated: “A house divided will not stand.” Our house is in need of repair before it collapses because if it does… who will pick up the pieces, the illegals?

I applaud the governor of Arizona for complying with the wishes of her citizens. I think Barack Obama should butt out.

peace.

Tags:, ,
Posted in advantages of mutual respect and fair play, ameriCanadian, If I were the President of these United States, life, politics, pursuit of happiness, rants, soap box, truth, undercurrent with my big toe, understanding, what is a category and why do we care? | Leave a Comment »

In China… they don’t hardly have anything (except contempt for the American public)

April 10, 2010

I have been following this:listedblogpost.aspx?post=1738522&_blg=1,1738522&ucpg=4#uc2Lst and have been commenting:

It is idiotic for anyone to blame the contractor and/or homeowner.  I have worked construction for over thirty years and the general consensus has always been “cheaper is better.”  The supplier looks for the best price and markets materials to the consumer for the best bottom line.  It used to be “Made in America”  then we shifted to “Made in Mexico” then finally we sunk to “Made in China.”  The cheapest goods on the market today are made in China.  It is a “buyer beware, buyer be aware” market. 

Until we as consumers realize that the cheapest product is not the best for us, we will continue to buy from China.  They make inferior products, folks.  As an electrician, I have installed materials that have fallen apart, corroded or simply stopped working in less than a year, electrical materials that once installed should last for years.   Spend a little more, demand better products and write to your political representative and tell them, “We are being put at risk by a Chinese government that puts the consumer at risk.” 

They don’t play by the same rules we do and they are sucking the American consumer dry because we keep asking for cheaper products.  Quality comes at a price.  Safety comes out of concern for individuals and the Chinese have demonstrated again and again that they do not care about civilians, theirs or anyone else’s.

Folks, you owe it to yourselves to insist that this trade with a communist ideology is discontinued before it is too late.  If the above article scares or concerns you, write to the political powers that have authorized this travesty.  If enough people complain, things might change.  Stop shopping at Chinamart, start asking for better quality, make some noise… 

Bad drywall indeed.  Bad karma is more like it, and money is the root of all evil.  This evil is over money.

and here…

 I was an electrical contractor for many years.  Inferior products come by way of the supplier.  If you refuse to purchase their materials, where else do you go?  To say it is the contractor’s responsibility is garbage.  The facts are that we have regulators and laws that should be complied with.  In my case, it is Underwriter’s Laboratories or UL.  The UL label is placed on material’s that are supposed to meet or exceed government standards. If said materials are being supplied to the consumer, we assume that the SUPPLIERS are buying these government approved materials. 

Somehow there are loopholes being created for manufacturers outside our borders and laws to allow inferior and dangerous products to be marketed here.  As I wrote earlier, people need to demand better from our politicians.  THEY are the ones that are supposed to be protecting the citizens that elected them.  An unsuspecting public should not be held accountable for political wrangling and corporate greed. 

And WE as consumers need to seek a better quality of product, re-establish our pride in being able to build better and lasting structures and quit thinking that cheaper is better.  Remember; every single building, automobile and stitch of clothing you wear was manufactured by the lowest bidder.

China owns a great deal of American debt… and we are paying for that now.  It should have NEVER been allowed to have a foreign entity own American soil, influence American politics or dictate where Americans purchase their products.

One more thing, as an electrician I have always been proud of my profession.  Electricity can be a dangerous power source if materials are not installed properly.  To think that someone or something could be harmed and I could be held liable, not because of my ability as a tradesman, but because of materials bought in good faith…  is disturbing.

.

I don’t know if we can change direction but I do know this…

a government of the people, by the people is not for the people when things like this are happening under our very noses and you feel helpless to do anything about it.

peace.

Tags:, ,
Posted in advantages of mutual respect and fair play, ameriCanadian, life, politics, rants, soap box, truth, undercurrent with my big toe, understanding | Leave a Comment »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.