American Idiot

No, the title of this post is not directed towards anyone in particular, though it could label quite a few people. This isn't exavtly a politics post, but I feel it's worthwhile enough to blog about.

What I'm getting at is the new Green Day CD, entitled "American Idiot". It is their best CD yet. To make it have some importance of blogging about here, it has really strong, well written lyrics. Some favorite ones of mine are "American Idiot","Jesus of Suburbia", "Boulevard of Broken Dreams". All the songs are good, really.

You can see the video of "American Idiot" here. It's a powerful song that I just can't get enough of. I'm sure that effect will wear off, I'll just give it time.

Till next time...

Assault Weapons

Since the lifting of the assault weapons ban, I, to be honest, have done very little about it. But I guess I am doing something about it by simply blogging and informing people of things I think they should know. And this is definitly one of them.

I think all Americans, liberal or conservative, should oppose them and have them re-banned. Why not? Is it that I don't trust my fellow American? To be honest, who does? You lock your doors at night, you claim to need a gun for "protection". Is it not just as likely that someone bad who breaks into people's houses can get this gun just as easily as someone who claims to have good intentions with it? And don't tell me that you need an assault weapon for hunting...come on. "There, I've blown the brains out of that deer, let's go have dinner."

And protection? Honestly, I don't believe you need to have a gun in your home for protection. It offers more danger than safety...

To bring up the subject once again, right after September 11th, do you think the Ney York city officials were thinking, "Damn it! Only if every person in New York had a gun on them..." Wouldn't we all be safer?

But really, there might be a plus out of all of this.

After all nuclear war and hell breaks loose, there's gonna be a huge cloud of nuclear dust and decay. And once that cloud clears, we (Americans) will come out of our houses, bunkers, underground tunnels, and along with out assault weapons, blow the heads off of whatever's left. Great? So we're all doing the right thing? Okay!

It's just great to have some assurance about this all...

Deadliest Words- HR 163 (Updated)

This bill, HR 163 (just search "HR 163"), is exactly what I have been talking about. It is the Return of the Draft. That's in capitals because Michael Moore should make a movie of it.

It is The Draft and nothing less. Men AND women will be required to serve two years in the uniformed services or homeland or community service positions that the Thief-in-Chief deems neccessary. But that is if Bush is reelected. If Kerry is elected, I sincerely hope that he does not agree with the representive's voting (IF they vote for the Draft.)

Lots of ifs. Only time will tell really. And if time does tell that President Kerry enacts the Draft, I was wrong and I won't be afraid to admit that. I can't avoid the truth, and at the moment, he looks to be the lesser of two evils.

If this is will never happen, which I hope does not, good. If it does happen, it will be terrible.

To make one thing clear: I did not get this information from Michael Moore. I didn't think anybody would think that, but apparently one person did, so just to make that clear to all.

But if this is simply "nonsense" to some, how so? Is it not a bill? Is there not enough idiots in Washington to make a bad decision?

Some call the American military "stretched", and to be honest, I will be the first one to admit I don't know the exact number of enlisted troops or how much is "stretched" for that number. But if the government really wants more soldiers, let them have their advertisements. Get people interested instead of fearing the armed forces. If they join the army that way, it was thier decision (maybe with some influence) but it's still their decision. And that's what we pride ourselves on here in America. Our ability to make our own decisions.

Instead of being forced to do something, why don't they increase a little spending in advertisements. Who knows? Maybe it'll be quite extensive. It can give people a career and satisfy the armed forces' "need" for more troops. Couldn't that be done?

It might work for everybody.

North Korea Testing Weapons?

I read a little bit of an article in the Seattle Times about North Korea possibly testing their nuclear weapons. Pretty heavy stuff.

Some believe that this could start an arms race in Asia. I hope not, and I don't they have to go so far as that. I sincerely hope that the remaining "Axis of Evil" can have their nuclear plans derailed. We can hope. But also, action will eventually be taken, and this can best be done by international pressure. This time, the UN has should be given a chance to do things better this time around (hopefully they will!). My biggest fear is a US invasion of Iran. I think that is the farthest from what we want. We need to avoid total warfare like in Iraq. That of all things, is the end result when you cannot deal with a nation (or don't try hard enough).

If you really would like to know it, my ideal liberal dream is that after it is virtually impossible for a nation or group to obtain nuclear materials, we can all fire them up into space and blow up the moon. Sound good?

Okay, we probably won't do that, but I still have a dream that the world can be de-nuclearized (including the United States). There would be no reason to threaten nations with no nuclear capabilities when you have all the nukes. That itself, would be terrorism. But it's not like the stakes should be even, either. We can't say, "Here, you take half of the nukes, and you take the other half. There. Have fun. Start a war." So maybe it does look good for us to have the majority (temporarily) until we can dissarm them all. Until then, we go after each country and take their stuff. Anybody? Nod if you agree.

That is also why I am thinking that the United Nations would be in charge of nukes removed from other countries' governments. If that isn't true, I'd be kind of suprised. I am pretty sure that's what would happen.

In fact, going back to that crazy liberal dream of mine:

We should just give the nukes to the United Nations. EVERYONE DOES. We just say "Here, take these. Don't remind me I lost them." And BAM! No more nuclear holocaust. Unless the UN went haywire and passed them out again when asked.

Don't ask what I'm saying really, I'm just thinking out loud.

Anyways! This post is on North Korea testing weapons... Anyone else scared? Where are they going to test them? I never got to that part of the article (if it was in there). It's a test, so I'm betting they would shoot it somewhere desolate and barren. And hopefully that site is not populated with thousands of people. Or any person, really. That would especially suck. A nuke shot at you and no one else. Scary? I think so. But it's a good thing humans live in packs...

Three Years Later

Waking me up, I was told that two planes had just slammed into the side of the Twin Towers in New York. I was up immediately and ran to see the images replay on the TV. This was wrong. It was terrible. I knew it immediatly. Some people thought that maybe it was another rogue country attacking America. Just like Pearl Harbor. But eventually we found out different, of course. I knew right away our country was going to war.

The government wouldn't put up with this under any circumstances. The world had changed forever and I feared we were heading to darker times. And we were, more or less. People were going to take opposite sides on how to handle this whole thing. But then, we were all frightened together. We feared the future of our country. And we still should, more or less.

There is no doubt in my mind that the terrorists had their victory. I am not afraid to say it. They won, and we failed. It couldn't be clearer. America lost that day. We lost three thousand people, two magnificent and hopeful buildings. We suffered a great loss, the greatest on American soil.

But also, I strongly believe the loss on September 11th, 2001 inspired us that we could win tommorow. Together, not as Democrats, not as Republicans, but Americans, we were confident we could recover from our loss and stand proud and that we can do better.

We started by bravely saving as many Americans in the towers as much as possible, sending money and gifts, and prayers to New York and its people which suffered so much.

Now the real challenge was how to deal with the real threats out there. It was clear that we must, the world was with us and we were emerging as leaders again. Straight back to the drawing board we went, a new drawing board, liberals and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans, to find out the ways to make America better.

In a time of caution and crises and repression in fear, we need brave men and women once again. We need innovative ideas to help us see right and wrong. Not only the evils of the world, but things right here in our home. To exercise our rights to the best of our ability is the right way to go. Question authority, and criticizing even the things we love the most is the only way we can make it better. It's something we must do now, before another tradgedy strikes.

Stupid White Men, Lies

I recently read Michael Moore's Stupid White Men. A very good book. I especially like the way he portrays the corporate crooks. It's funny, and it conveys a strong message. It's not just "This guy did that" so you should hate him. He brings logical evidence to the table often times and that is desired of a political activist.

Moore brings up things of his past, things he'd like to see in the future, and most importantly, what we can do better now. Some things he mentioned made me laugh and others would indeed make me laugh, but behind the clever humor was a deep meaning that soon made you angry. When you're done, you will feel quite a bit more informed.

If you've been thinking about reading this, and you've also been thinking "I need to read more often" this may be the thing you need to stick with a good book. And if you enjoy Stupid White Men, you may want to read Moore political satirists (pun intended).



I was inspired, and I have begun reading Al Franken's (and TeamFranken, Al and his team of fourteen harvard graduates)Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right.Currently at page 19, it is fantastic. Funny, clever and completely well done.

I'll keep reading, and of course, I'll keep posting.


By the way...I have a few Gmail invites left. If anybody wants one, all I really require is you:
1. Email me
2. Tell all your friends about my blog (which I'm sure you've already done)
3. And...run in circles ten times without falling down.

Goodbye Florida

I don't know why anybody would move to Florida. The hurricanes are obviously after them.

Honestly. There was that first one, and people kinda thought, "Oh that's normal around here." But now, Frances is here, and they say there might be another one on its way. Goodbye Floridians.

I wish there was some way you could both be friends, hurricane and Floridians. Maybe the wind could help you to relieve some of your energy crises. And in turn, the Floridians could help the hurricane with it's obvious anger problem.

See, and you thought problem solving with hurricanes couldn't work!


The Blogger sincerely apologizes for the previous post.

"Vacation"

I have been enjoying a little "vacation". And by "vacation" I mean I have been very lazy not posting new stuff.

Well, I'll give you one thing. Those polls going around show Bush leading by 11 percent. What is going on with the public? Did they see everybody on TV cheering so much that they decided it's best to make a complete switch of polical view simply because the cowboys on TV had a party.

It has been neck and neck until now, and that worries me. It not only worries me in the way that Bush may be re-elected, but how easily the public is swayed by Fox News (I mean, the media).

Obviously all of America did not read my post on thinking for yourself. How is it that so many Americans suffer or complain and then they have a great turnaround in a mere four days? How are Americans supposed to get what is wants, when it doesn't KNOW what they want!

If so many Americans want the politicians to "stick to the issues" why they (the public) are so unclear on what issues they care about? Because the ones that often "bash" the opposition are usually the ones that will not change their polical view for a different party, it means the unsure ones (who used to be at least SOMEWHAT sure) are the ones being swayed. I firmly believe they are not thinking enough about what they want out of their president.

This defies the point of democracy! You are supposed to have the rights and abilities to uncover all the facts on the issues that you care about and will help you elect a leader to make those ideas come true!

The rights and abilities have been given to you. Not enough citizens are using them, sadly.

This must change.

Day 3- The Speech

I made sure not to miss Presiden't Bush's speech. I was very excited to hear what he wanted to do with our country. He did say quite a lot of stuff but only the end of his speech was really worthwhile.

Bush stressed health care (him of all people). But he never really talked of how he would accomplish the things he promised in his speech. I wish he really could have talked what we need to do to solve our critical problems here in America. I do not care to hear him say, "We've got to do this, we've got to do that,". I really wish he'd tell us how, that might even buy him a few votes from the people who, you know, expect change.

Do the people out there really want to listen to this guy and just assume he has a plan? He says this needs improvement, so we'll just leave that to him. He's had four years. Why does he deserve four more? What is his defense?

"Well, when I promised all that stuff in 2000, I assumed that I'd have eight years to do it in." That's not the way it works. We can easily throw you out after four. The American people should expect something more to be done after the first term. If very little has been done, why would we expect him to get it done in another four years?

But, really, the last part of his speech was genuine. It was more heart felt and didn't let the crowd keep intrrupting him every 2 lines. If you'd like to, read the his speech here.

But Bush yet again, forgets where each one belongs, and indirectly tells America that he is on a mission from God. Okay, what does Reverend Bush have to say this time?

He spoke of a calling from beyond the stars (something very similar to this, I can't find exact text). From beyond the stars, huh?

How can he not excpect the opposition to think this sounds a little like a holy war. The Christian States of America vs. Islamic Extremists. No matter for what cause, religious politics has been and can be very dangerous.

President Bush made great promises and therefore, possibly putting more challenges and critiscism to live up to his promises to the American people.

Day 2 in RNC World

Predictable he was. Cheney sparked quite a fire as he preached to the choir. It seemed like everyone in there (except for Michael Moore I'm sure) was estatic at every line the man said. I have no doubt in my mind that Dick Cheney's speech could have taken up half the time it did if it weren't for the mob-like behavior of the bubbling Republicans.

Many Americans, I believe, have seen the pictures, have seen the video footage of followers of Muqtada al-Sadr and you might wonder: how can they be so stupid to listen to this guy? Well, it's similar to what Cheney did, really. He simply tells them what they want to hear. And some more of the undecided voters out there see them parading around happy listening to him and think "Wow, maybe he really is all he's cracked up to be, I guess I'll vote for him". It might be a good start to your political learning, but to really see what you like and what you don't like, you should investige more about both parties.

Sadly, many Americans choose not to do this. But some are learning, and provide me hope. And Dick Cheney, Vice President of the United States of America, provides me little hope. The rest of his speech was not very interesting either, if you were looking for new and exciting speech at a political convention or something...

But this high school pep rally continued to spout the same stuff that we've grown tired of in the past four years.

Enough of my rants, Mr. Cheney, your turn:

"Our nation has the best health care in the world, and President Bush is making it more affordable and accessible to all Americans."

Ehh...I don't think so. He has done little to work towards a better system like universal health care. Millions of Americans don't have it and have increasingly tough medial bills they must pay. They should not have to make decisions like rent or food, frustration or suffering! Know what we might need to solve this problem? A democrat. That should be on Ripley's Believe it or Not because so many people (I call them Republicans) can't seem to understand that.

And this one too had me laughing:

(I can't find the exact text anywhere, arrg.)

He brought the sensitive thing up again! Again he looks past the real meaning of the word and says "I'm going to rip apart your serious and thought out plans for America's future so I can get more votes."

Not much hope at all, really.



A note on this blog: I have it set up so whenever you leave a comment here, it emails me with whatever you've put here. So rest assured, when you respond to me, I can know about it.

Think For Yourself

I won't make up anything about the second day of the Republican Convention because, well, I didn't see it. Sorry. Maybe I can get to it later. But I do have news I would like to discuss:

When our Founding Fathers started this country, they had to think for the future. They knew that the smart and innovative ideas of freedom would become increasingly popular, so they had to think long and hard about the kind of government they would want. Eventually, they saw the positives in federalism and chose an indirect democracy.

For those of you who don't know, an indirect democracy is when you elect an official for a position. They, in essence, really have more power than you to make the important decisions that will affect you in everyday life. You elect someone to make decisions that should be in your favor, so you don't have to.

What is the other kind of democracy then, that I believe should be used more? Direct democracy. And if you don't know what that is, it's exactly what the ancient greeks in Athens had. Every citizen is part of making the laws and it is fair. They vote, the vote is tallied, and a law is created. Simple.

But this eventually developed into the Romans' form of government. They had a senate who made the important decisions for you.

How does this relate to today? How is it affecting me in this election?

You see this pretty often, actually. When a group, say the FDNY, endorses President Bush, it obviously gets people's attentions. They think, "Oh wow, I really like the FDNY. And they support Bush so maybe I should too". They stop thinking for themself.

Another such example, a better one, is how many Catholics are tending to claim they are Republicans when they hear a official Catholic group of "officials" endorse President Bush. This can get legions of voters to be persuaded. They listen to the "authority" and believe they must. But many feel torn between both. Say that they have been a Catholic Democrat. They feel they must listen to the others, and therefore aren't really listening to themselves completely. And each vote represents one person with views to make this country better, and it should be their own views showing how they really feel about the issues.

Please, in this election just do one thing for whatever party you favor or how you stand on issues: Think For Yourself.

More direct democracy in the United States wouldn't be a bad thing. Just pick carefully and thoughtfully in the primary and presidential elections, and that is a type of direct democracy in its own.