Once again, Texas A&M crushed Texas at a sport, cruising to a 17 point victory over the No. 10 Longhorns in basketball last night. Sure A&M had just lost to Baylor, but we needed an easy opponent to break our slump. Maybe Texas will beat us at swimming or something this year.
Recently, A&M has lost a few games on the road. I think I have a solution to that. Start this guy at point guard for all road games. He knows how to win away from home.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Picks
Attention! There is limited time before Super Tuesday in which we will most like have nominees. There is also limited time before the super bowl. Make your picks now and post them on the comments. These are predicitions not your personal favorites
Nominees:
Nominees:
- hillary - she's gonna win the big super tuesday states which means obama is gonna have to do very, very well everywere else. hillary is also up 9 points nationally.
- mccain - and superconservatives will be pissing their pants and it will be hilarious.
President:
- Im gonna guess mccain. i would have thought six months ago it would be impossible for a republican to win but this is a weird year. check out these head to head matchups. Now I realize its early and theres a lot left but nader did set up an explaratory committee for another campaign. could be a rough year for democrats.
Super bowl.
- im gonna go giants just because im pretty sure mercury morris is going to shoot tom brady.
...who you got?
p.s. dad, mom - its okay if you post. i promise. and don't give me another 4 word post. lame.
Monday, January 28, 2008
For Those Interested in the Texas Primary Process:
The Texas House Research Organization (people that make my life so much easier) has published a report summarizing the procedures for selecting Texas delegates to the Democratic and Republican party national conventions, including the systems used to apportion delegates among the presidential candidates. It also reviews the procedures for other parties to gain ballot access for their presidential candidates.
http://www.hro.house.state.tx.us/interim/int80-3.pdf.
http://www.hro.house.state.tx.us/interim/int80-3.pdf.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Somewhat Lengthy (and Tardy) Reply to Craig & Steven's Comments Regarding My Mini-Rant:
In the generic words I often invoke for bullshit replies to Ellen’s constituents: “I appreciate your comments and share your concerns”. I agree with Craig that for a lot of countries (including this one) privatization has proven successful, but I also agree with Steven that it might only be successful up to a certain point. I think the US is pretty close to that point. Here are just a few recent examples I have witnessed where privatization or deregulation has failed more miserably that Hillary’s attempts to look natural in a dress:
1) Sub-prime Mortgage Crisis:
It is my understanding that back when this industry was well-regulated and there were strict credit standards for buying a home, this sort of stuff did not happen. Low-income families received government help rather than private-market scams and there were hardly any defaults. (Ash Note: The Bailey Building & Loan Company only exists in the movies—and even then, the president was suicidal.)
2) Texas College Tuition:
Tuition rates at state universities have continued to dramatically increase each semester since deregulation. The state has given unchecked power to a bunch of unelected lazy bastards a.k.a. the Board of Regents with the common sense and budgeting skills of an infant (Case Study: Tony Sanchez for Governor Campaign.) Deregulation also gave the regents the power to determine the cost of individual student course loads, employment benefits and sick leave, expenditure of revenue derived from indirect research costs, etc. based upon the economic goals/market needs of each institution—all without the level of accountability previously held by the state legislature. Basically there is no longer any incentive to hold down unnecessary costs and eliminate waste. (Ash Note: Tuition deregulation is likely to be reexamined this next legislative session. With that in mind the UT Student Government President, who has his head shoved tightly up the regents’ asses, sent a letter to our office actually praising the tuition hikes as a way to improve the quality of education. Seeing as how he sent the letter on the very last day of the fall semester, chances are he was not truly speaking on behalf of the UT student body especially when multiple petitions, surveys, and campus protests have shown an overwhelming majority against the increases in tuition. (Yes, I am aware that the typical margin of error is much higher for liberal universities where half the students are too high or too outraged about anything and everything to actually pay attention to or care about what they are signing or participating in.)
3) Texas CHIP Program:
As a result of privatizing the administration of CHIP, over 6,000 children were mistakenly dropped from receiving coverage. This was just one of many mishaps that occurred at the hands of incompetent state contractors. (Ash Note: While there is nothing fun or funny about sick children, I must admit that my fav drinking game last session during House floor debate was ‘CHIPS and Dicks’. Basically you drank every time a Member added the nonsensical “S” to the end of CHIP or every time one of the crazy Republicans said something truly horrible about poor kids or illegal immigrants.)
3) Medicaid Doctor Reimbursements:
Since Medicaid has moved to contracts with private HMO providers, more and more doctors are refusing to accept Medicaid patients because of extremely inefficient and late reimbursements. This has created a huge burden on Medicaid patients and the increasingly low number of doctors who will see them.
4) Media Outlets:
Deregulation of the media has resulted in high prices for the consumer and less diverse sources of information. Instead of receiving a wide range of contrasting perspectives from the media, we are simply getting the opinions of a handful of douche bags like Rupert Murdock and Ted Turner.
5) Black Water:
(‘Nuff said.)
To sum it all up (philosophically speaking), I believe the government works to serve the people and the greater good, private industry works to serve itself and the bottom-line. (That could just be the governmental employee in me talking.)
1) Sub-prime Mortgage Crisis:
It is my understanding that back when this industry was well-regulated and there were strict credit standards for buying a home, this sort of stuff did not happen. Low-income families received government help rather than private-market scams and there were hardly any defaults. (Ash Note: The Bailey Building & Loan Company only exists in the movies—and even then, the president was suicidal.)
2) Texas College Tuition:
Tuition rates at state universities have continued to dramatically increase each semester since deregulation. The state has given unchecked power to a bunch of unelected lazy bastards a.k.a. the Board of Regents with the common sense and budgeting skills of an infant (Case Study: Tony Sanchez for Governor Campaign.) Deregulation also gave the regents the power to determine the cost of individual student course loads, employment benefits and sick leave, expenditure of revenue derived from indirect research costs, etc. based upon the economic goals/market needs of each institution—all without the level of accountability previously held by the state legislature. Basically there is no longer any incentive to hold down unnecessary costs and eliminate waste. (Ash Note: Tuition deregulation is likely to be reexamined this next legislative session. With that in mind the UT Student Government President, who has his head shoved tightly up the regents’ asses, sent a letter to our office actually praising the tuition hikes as a way to improve the quality of education. Seeing as how he sent the letter on the very last day of the fall semester, chances are he was not truly speaking on behalf of the UT student body especially when multiple petitions, surveys, and campus protests have shown an overwhelming majority against the increases in tuition. (Yes, I am aware that the typical margin of error is much higher for liberal universities where half the students are too high or too outraged about anything and everything to actually pay attention to or care about what they are signing or participating in.)
3) Texas CHIP Program:
As a result of privatizing the administration of CHIP, over 6,000 children were mistakenly dropped from receiving coverage. This was just one of many mishaps that occurred at the hands of incompetent state contractors. (Ash Note: While there is nothing fun or funny about sick children, I must admit that my fav drinking game last session during House floor debate was ‘CHIPS and Dicks’. Basically you drank every time a Member added the nonsensical “S” to the end of CHIP or every time one of the crazy Republicans said something truly horrible about poor kids or illegal immigrants.)
3) Medicaid Doctor Reimbursements:
Since Medicaid has moved to contracts with private HMO providers, more and more doctors are refusing to accept Medicaid patients because of extremely inefficient and late reimbursements. This has created a huge burden on Medicaid patients and the increasingly low number of doctors who will see them.
4) Media Outlets:
Deregulation of the media has resulted in high prices for the consumer and less diverse sources of information. Instead of receiving a wide range of contrasting perspectives from the media, we are simply getting the opinions of a handful of douche bags like Rupert Murdock and Ted Turner.
5) Black Water:
(‘Nuff said.)
To sum it all up (philosophically speaking), I believe the government works to serve the people and the greater good, private industry works to serve itself and the bottom-line. (That could just be the governmental employee in me talking.)
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Will Ferrell
I honestly never thought that the Dr. Phil link I put up could be topped. I was wrong...... http://www.glumbert.com/media/powerlunch
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Finally, something nerdier than Fantasy Football
Fantasy Politics!
Luckily for me, I drafted Barack Obama in the early rounds but that Sam Brownback pick has cost me. He had all the essentials. The guy hates gays, women, atheists, catholics, democrats, free-thinkers, college graduates, black people, immigrants, and kittens... everybody. The evangelicals love him, What happened to Kansas? hates him too, which only bodes well for a conservative in states like South Carolina. I thought he was perfect, until it hit me that he's exactly like George Bush except for the fact that W's dad was the president - thats bad. Its like picking up Adrian Peterson as a free agent only to realize that your Adrian Peterson doesn't play for the Vikings.
...okay, i'm not playing fantasy politics. After fantasy football took over my life, there's no way I would go for that. But, you can still join now.
Luckily for me, I drafted Barack Obama in the early rounds but that Sam Brownback pick has cost me. He had all the essentials. The guy hates gays, women, atheists, catholics, democrats, free-thinkers, college graduates, black people, immigrants, and kittens... everybody. The evangelicals love him, What happened to Kansas? hates him too, which only bodes well for a conservative in states like South Carolina. I thought he was perfect, until it hit me that he's exactly like George Bush except for the fact that W's dad was the president - thats bad. Its like picking up Adrian Peterson as a free agent only to realize that your Adrian Peterson doesn't play for the Vikings.
...okay, i'm not playing fantasy politics. After fantasy football took over my life, there's no way I would go for that. But, you can still join now.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Tales of Horror
As all of you are at work being jealous that I am at home doing nothing and sleeping till 2 everyday, just know that today I go through unspeakable pain. Such horror should not be experienced by any person for if I try to imagine hell, I can only imagine endless hours of this afternoon.
Today, I was awoken by someone barging in my room asking where my dirty clothes were, shuffling through all of my stuff and endlessly babbling - all while speaking in a thick Polish accent. Have any of you ever been awoken by Elizabeth telling you about a stone in her urethra? Anybody??? No, you haven't and thats pretty much the worst experience that could ever be imagined... until it got worse. Oh yes, it got worse.
I was downstairs trying to ignore Elizabeth while she seamlessly transitioned from talking about my messy room, to the museum of modern art in new york and her new iphone. She sat down next to me only to show me all of the "amaazaingg feeeturus" like google maps. Then she made another classic elizabeth seamless transition. here comes the stone in her urethra again. Only this time she pulls out the picture. Thats right, the PICTURE! My reaction can probably described like this.
I literally closed my eyes and pleaded with her not to show me the picture. If my eyes would have been opened I might have known that she was digging through her purse and walking my way. I would have run out of the room and probably prevented years of psychological assistance. I opened my eyes in horror.
...Yes, while you are at work reading this today or tomorrow, or next week or whatever, know that things could always be worse. She could always start describing stones in men, which she did.
Gross.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
The picks
After going 1-3 last week, I forgot that I messed up one of my rules..... It's always bet against Brian Shipley. Well now I am locked in, and am actually really going to put real money on these teams when I go to Vegas, so here are the picks vs the spread, home team in caps.
GREEN BAY (-7) vs. NY Giants
I have never liked Brett Favre, and I never could figure out the reason. Maybe it's b/c every announcer who has done a Packers game in the last 5 years spends 70% of the broadcast talking about how great he is, or maybe its the dyslexic spelling of his last name. But I realized its his first name, I have never met a person named Brett that wasn't a complete D-bag. Also, Brett has to be the whitest popular name around. Have you ever met a black dude named Brett? Didn't think so. So why am I picking them to win? Because I would never put money on this guy on the road....... http://www.gatorcountry.org/wearetheboys/images/eli_drunk.jpg
San Diego (+13.5) vs. NEW ENGLAND
New England hasn't covered the spread in like 50 years. They have been slowing down as of late. Also, the Chargers are secretly better with Darren Sproles at RB, and are getting stronger every week. Being forced to watch the Chargers every week, I noticed their season turned around when Phillip Rivers started inexplicably talking trash to every single opposing player/fan. He's not even good, but the team rallied around it. If he can pull of the victory, he will earn a spot in my favorite qbs of all time group alongside Jared Lorenzen, Jake Plummer (with mustache), Juice Williams, Shane Falco, and "Steamboat" Willie Beamin.
Anyone else got picks? Post them while you still can.
GREEN BAY (-7) vs. NY Giants
I have never liked Brett Favre, and I never could figure out the reason. Maybe it's b/c every announcer who has done a Packers game in the last 5 years spends 70% of the broadcast talking about how great he is, or maybe its the dyslexic spelling of his last name. But I realized its his first name, I have never met a person named Brett that wasn't a complete D-bag. Also, Brett has to be the whitest popular name around. Have you ever met a black dude named Brett? Didn't think so. So why am I picking them to win? Because I would never put money on this guy on the road....... http://www.gatorcountry.org/wearetheboys/images/eli_drunk.jpg
San Diego (+13.5) vs. NEW ENGLAND
New England hasn't covered the spread in like 50 years. They have been slowing down as of late. Also, the Chargers are secretly better with Darren Sproles at RB, and are getting stronger every week. Being forced to watch the Chargers every week, I noticed their season turned around when Phillip Rivers started inexplicably talking trash to every single opposing player/fan. He's not even good, but the team rallied around it. If he can pull of the victory, he will earn a spot in my favorite qbs of all time group alongside Jared Lorenzen, Jake Plummer (with mustache), Juice Williams, Shane Falco, and "Steamboat" Willie Beamin.
Anyone else got picks? Post them while you still can.
Best Quote From Yesterday's Newspaper:
"It took Mr. Bush almost his entire presidency to embrace diplomacy, but now that he’s in the thick of it, or perhaps the thin of it — given his speed-dating approach to statesmanship — he is kissing and holding hands with kings, princes, emirs, sheiks and presidents all over the Arab world and is trying to persuade them that he is not in a monogamous relationship with the Jews." -Maureen Dowd, NYT
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Too Busy to Offer a Traditional Ashley Rant...
After just reading a letter to our office about yet another disasterous outcome resulting from deregulating/privatizating governmental controll/services, I ask you to please give me some examples of where it has actually worked out favorably for the consumer/public. (Not a hypothetical, I seriously want to know.) Pro-privatization seems to be gaining popularity and yet EVERY recent example I have experienced of deregualtion or privatization has not worked out in the people's best interest.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Monday, January 14, 2008
New Links
Admit it, you will never get tired of my links, they are hilarious. I like the pics, Ashley. Truly I am a world class athlete. On to the links.........
The 100 greatest quotes from fundamentalist chat rooms: http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:http%3A//www.fstdt.com/fundies/top100.aspx%3Farchive%3D1
Some of these are very funny. Some are kind of scary. Some of them are very sad. Here is one of the quotes: "I can sum it all up in three words: Evolution is a lie. "
NOTE: Some of these quotes contain bad language and stuff, so be careful reading them at work.
Dr. Phil is a joke of a man: http://www.fhmonline.com/articles-6074.asp?page=2
Tortoise vs. cat: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ul0gfCyeiyM
Normally Mom would be the one to post videos of kitties on this blog, but I will do it instead, b/c its funny.
The 100 greatest quotes from fundamentalist chat rooms: http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:http%3A//www.fstdt.com/fundies/top100.aspx%3Farchive%3D1
Some of these are very funny. Some are kind of scary. Some of them are very sad. Here is one of the quotes: "I can sum it all up in three words: Evolution is a lie. "
NOTE: Some of these quotes contain bad language and stuff, so be careful reading them at work.
Dr. Phil is a joke of a man: http://www.fhmonline.com/articles-6074.asp?page=2
Tortoise vs. cat: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ul0gfCyeiyM
Normally Mom would be the one to post videos of kitties on this blog, but I will do it instead, b/c its funny.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
Just a couple of political comments.
* Hilary was not convincing when she cried. But it was a good trick.
* John McCain is getting stronger, his double chin is getting bigger.
* Who is Duncan??
* Huckabee needs to enlist Joel Osteen's help. After all, if you believe, you will be successful and win.
* The O train is speeding along with enthuiasm and lots of good feelings. Some voters are ready to feel good again and are voting with their feelings.
* Love to hear Edwards talk with that southern accent. Is he still running for president?
That's all for now politically.
Other issues:
* We will never know the truth about Roger Clemens and steroids. It is an "I said, you said" issue. Roger has always been a big man, has always worked out rigorously, has always been a star. He has worked in a career where steroid use is rampant and the unsaid accepted way to get ahead and stay ahead. All is available to the successful and wealthy athletic stars. I don't think it can be proved or disproved. Whatever, we will be listening to this debate and the media's opinions for a long time. It will get boring.
* The rock and roll clown was not funny. Especially the back hair. Maybe I'm just old.
* Steven, the Explorer was much superior to the chinese car crash. In fact, it survived a few "mishaps" and managed to survive 3 teenage boys. I think this is a testament to any vehicle.
* I think I will watch "The View" today and get the real and true facts of how I am to think. This is where all intelligent women get their information.
* Hilary was not convincing when she cried. But it was a good trick.
* John McCain is getting stronger, his double chin is getting bigger.
* Who is Duncan??
* Huckabee needs to enlist Joel Osteen's help. After all, if you believe, you will be successful and win.
* The O train is speeding along with enthuiasm and lots of good feelings. Some voters are ready to feel good again and are voting with their feelings.
* Love to hear Edwards talk with that southern accent. Is he still running for president?
That's all for now politically.
Other issues:
* We will never know the truth about Roger Clemens and steroids. It is an "I said, you said" issue. Roger has always been a big man, has always worked out rigorously, has always been a star. He has worked in a career where steroid use is rampant and the unsaid accepted way to get ahead and stay ahead. All is available to the successful and wealthy athletic stars. I don't think it can be proved or disproved. Whatever, we will be listening to this debate and the media's opinions for a long time. It will get boring.
* The rock and roll clown was not funny. Especially the back hair. Maybe I'm just old.
* Steven, the Explorer was much superior to the chinese car crash. In fact, it survived a few "mishaps" and managed to survive 3 teenage boys. I think this is a testament to any vehicle.
* I think I will watch "The View" today and get the real and true facts of how I am to think. This is where all intelligent women get their information.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
The Enigma of Ron Paul
I'm sure you guys have seen the Ron Paul news today about the racist publications and whatnot: http://blogs.chron.com/bluebayou/2008/01/some_shady_ron_paul_history.html
Now Ron Paul probably isn't a racist or homophobe, but the lack is oversight over what was written in his name is kind of alarming. I'm starting to think this guy doesn't have the very best judgement in the world, and might possibly be a 'tard. Take a look at what he has to say about getting rid of the income tax and IRS, and then replacing it with nothing:
http://blip.tv/file/542763?utm_source=aolvideo&utm_medium=aolvideo
Okay, you don't really have to watch it all, but I will get to the main points: Eliminate taxes, eliminate the IRS, the government will be funded by a universal tariff and excise taxes. After all, before 1913 we didn't even have an income tax.
Whoa, easy there Ron. Why don't you stop talking for a while. Take a look at the figures http://askville.amazon.com/percentage-revenue-income-tax/AnswerViewer.do?requestId=6872434
Personal income taxes make up about 45.06% of our projected 2008 revenue. Corporate taxes another 11%, and social security about another 36%. Good luck collecting those without an IRS. Estate taxes and gift taxes make up less than 1% of taxes, and my guess is Mr. Paul isn't a big fan of those either. That leaves us with excise taxes (3.2%) and customs/tariffs (2.8%), the two most regressive forms of taxes that are used to get money for the federal government. So basically, Dr. Paul grand scheme is to operate on around 6% of current revenues and shift most of the tax burden to the poor.
In 1913, this might have worked. But life is much better now than it was in 1913. I can expect to live past the age of 45. I didn't start working in a coal mine at the age of 7. I won't be catching cholera anytime soon, and if I did, leaches wouldn't be used to cure it.
Hey, I get it. We are spending too much money on ridiculous things. As a result, people are not getting good return for their taxes. The U.S. probably spends too much time and money getting involved in other people's business overseas. But the government does need money to operate, and Ron Paul ain't going to abolish the post office or military. We cannot cut off our revenues entirely. I tried that when I moved to California. It didn't work.
Now Ron Paul probably isn't a racist or homophobe, but the lack is oversight over what was written in his name is kind of alarming. I'm starting to think this guy doesn't have the very best judgement in the world, and might possibly be a 'tard. Take a look at what he has to say about getting rid of the income tax and IRS, and then replacing it with nothing:
http://blip.tv/file/542763?utm_source=aolvideo&utm_medium=aolvideo
Okay, you don't really have to watch it all, but I will get to the main points: Eliminate taxes, eliminate the IRS, the government will be funded by a universal tariff and excise taxes. After all, before 1913 we didn't even have an income tax.
Whoa, easy there Ron. Why don't you stop talking for a while. Take a look at the figures http://askville.amazon.com/percentage-revenue-income-tax/AnswerViewer.do?requestId=6872434
Personal income taxes make up about 45.06% of our projected 2008 revenue. Corporate taxes another 11%, and social security about another 36%. Good luck collecting those without an IRS. Estate taxes and gift taxes make up less than 1% of taxes, and my guess is Mr. Paul isn't a big fan of those either. That leaves us with excise taxes (3.2%) and customs/tariffs (2.8%), the two most regressive forms of taxes that are used to get money for the federal government. So basically, Dr. Paul grand scheme is to operate on around 6% of current revenues and shift most of the tax burden to the poor.
In 1913, this might have worked. But life is much better now than it was in 1913. I can expect to live past the age of 45. I didn't start working in a coal mine at the age of 7. I won't be catching cholera anytime soon, and if I did, leaches wouldn't be used to cure it.
Hey, I get it. We are spending too much money on ridiculous things. As a result, people are not getting good return for their taxes. The U.S. probably spends too much time and money getting involved in other people's business overseas. But the government does need money to operate, and Ron Paul ain't going to abolish the post office or military. We cannot cut off our revenues entirely. I tried that when I moved to California. It didn't work.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Football Picks and then some
Its about time Dad. Please, somebody else start putting up stuff other than me and Craig. Now its time for Steven's picks versus the spread (Home team in caps):
Seattle (+8) over GREEN BAY:
Yes, Green Bay is at home. Seattle has looked shaky at times. The announcers will say the name "Brett Favre" approximately 2,345 times during the course of the 3 hour game. So why the Seahawks? Because they have Matt Hasselbeck, and the man he resembles is one you can never bet against. Take a look for yourself....
If I have learned one thing in my life it is this: never bet against Brian Shipley.
NEW ENGLAND (-13) over Jacksonville
The Pats are 13 point favorites vs. the Jags, and that is still not enough. Yes, the Jags have a good defense, running game, and all the tools to win in January, and they are playing the Pats on a cold field. But that is not enough, because the Pats have Tom Brady, and the Jags have David Garraud. I couldn't pick out any of the Jaguars from a police lineup, and judging by the current state of the NFL, I might have to someday.
San Diego (+8.5) over INDY
Indy is in trouble in this game because SD has 11 of the fastest gangsters I have ever seen on the defensive side of the ball. Every starter they have can run, and every single one can do an eloborate dance after they catch you in the backfield. My guess is they at least cover the spread.
DALLAS (-7.5) over NY Giants
I hate having to make this prediction. I hope T.O. gets kidney stone or something.
Funny link of the day:
This is probably how the old explorer would also do in a 30 mph crash test
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Clemens admits he used steroids
A quick break from the political nonsense........
Take a look at this shocking video of Roger Clemens admiting he used steroids http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1795065
This is shocking stuff! Its about time the truth comes out. Also, I don't know much about George W. Bush's younger years, but I think it probably went something like this: http://www.gametrailers.com/player/usermovies/42432.html
Note: My guess is only Craig will find this funny, and possibly Ashley. But I could be wrong.
Take a look at this shocking video of Roger Clemens admiting he used steroids http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1795065
This is shocking stuff! Its about time the truth comes out. Also, I don't know much about George W. Bush's younger years, but I think it probably went something like this: http://www.gametrailers.com/player/usermovies/42432.html
Note: My guess is only Craig will find this funny, and possibly Ashley. But I could be wrong.
Select Smart
Select smart
These are usually lame but I think it would be cool to see where we stand on issues and how they correspond to the candidates. I know having issues correspond exactly with you isn't the most important thing (which is why I won't be voting for Kent Mcmanigal - check out his website, its hilarious) but it is pretty important.
Take the quiz and post your results on the comments page.
These are usually lame but I think it would be cool to see where we stand on issues and how they correspond to the candidates. I know having issues correspond exactly with you isn't the most important thing (which is why I won't be voting for Kent Mcmanigal - check out his website, its hilarious) but it is pretty important.
Take the quiz and post your results on the comments page.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Is this a discussion, a discussion of ideas, a friendly debate, or a "loud argument'? I really do like politics (sometimes, anyway). I will consider all your views on the candidates and will eventually come to my own conclusions. If you are interested, I will let you know my opinion.
I think for now that I will go to trim my plants and chill some wine!
I think for now that I will go to trim my plants and chill some wine!
Friday, January 4, 2008
Huckabee and the Evangelicals
I know that many Democrats are excited to see Huckabee win the Republican Iowa Caucus. In Huckabee, Republicans find a candidate who while light on policy and experience has great emotional appeal to evangelical Christians. Among all of the traditional candidates, he seems to be an honest political outsider who they think can calmly lead our country but stay true to traditional conservative social beliefs.
My concern here isn't about his politics (of which I greatly disagree) but rather with Governor Huckabee's influence on American perception of Christianity and with a radical change in Republican thought. Evangelicals see the corrosion of Christian values in society, but what will be the cost of evangelicals trying to reassert these values into society through government?
The rise of Mike Huckabee has cemented a shift in traditional Republican thought. No longer are they affirming the limited government views of Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan, but rather a government that aims to assert itself into society's social problems only towards evangelical/social-conservative concerns. They have ceased to be the party of limited government. It started with President Bush's era of fiscal policy and domestic fear-mongering and is culminated with Governor Huckabee and the evangelical vote.
My greatest fear with Governor Huckabee and the evangelical vote is not with his politics. Politics has a tendency to vilify whatever the opposition is doing whether that vilification is justified or not. Obama speaks of this when he talks of the politics that is tearing people down instead of building them up. To conservatives, the Clinton's have become communists and John Murtha and John Kerry have become traitors despite spilling blood for our country. To liberals, President Bush has become Hitler and Karl Rove is somehow even worse (they may be right about Dick Cheney being Yosemite Sam). If the political/evangelical push continues with a successful Huckabee campaign, what will be the view of Christianity?
Christianity has long been changed and distorted. It started as a counter-cultural movement faced against the oppression of Rome, the most powerful empire on Earth. Now, the president of the most powerful nation on Earth could possibly be someone who's campaign strategy is name-drop Jesus whenever possible. Evangelicals and Christians need to think twice about what the impact of an evangelical win will be. The goal of evangelicals have always been to bring as many people to Christianity as they can and their influence in the political spectrum could make that goal much more difficult.
Rant Over.
My concern here isn't about his politics (of which I greatly disagree) but rather with Governor Huckabee's influence on American perception of Christianity and with a radical change in Republican thought. Evangelicals see the corrosion of Christian values in society, but what will be the cost of evangelicals trying to reassert these values into society through government?
The rise of Mike Huckabee has cemented a shift in traditional Republican thought. No longer are they affirming the limited government views of Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan, but rather a government that aims to assert itself into society's social problems only towards evangelical/social-conservative concerns. They have ceased to be the party of limited government. It started with President Bush's era of fiscal policy and domestic fear-mongering and is culminated with Governor Huckabee and the evangelical vote.
My greatest fear with Governor Huckabee and the evangelical vote is not with his politics. Politics has a tendency to vilify whatever the opposition is doing whether that vilification is justified or not. Obama speaks of this when he talks of the politics that is tearing people down instead of building them up. To conservatives, the Clinton's have become communists and John Murtha and John Kerry have become traitors despite spilling blood for our country. To liberals, President Bush has become Hitler and Karl Rove is somehow even worse (they may be right about Dick Cheney being Yosemite Sam). If the political/evangelical push continues with a successful Huckabee campaign, what will be the view of Christianity?
Christianity has long been changed and distorted. It started as a counter-cultural movement faced against the oppression of Rome, the most powerful empire on Earth. Now, the president of the most powerful nation on Earth could possibly be someone who's campaign strategy is name-drop Jesus whenever possible. Evangelicals and Christians need to think twice about what the impact of an evangelical win will be. The goal of evangelicals have always been to bring as many people to Christianity as they can and their influence in the political spectrum could make that goal much more difficult.
Rant Over.
OFYM pt 2, the Democrats
Sex, Drugs, and Rock N Roll? The guy above doesn't believe in any of that. Especially drugs for sick, poor people. His advice to them? Pray real hard. Well, a real miracle would be him winning against any of the below guys, so lets go through the list of the Democrats.
John Edwards- John Edwards is popular because like most of the nations population and very few of its leaders, he has working class roots. Though not a member of the American noble class, he did become very wealthy as a successful ambulance chaser. His exagerrated accent, populist rhetoric, and incredible ablility to turn questions about unrelated topics into stories about 5 year old cancer patients in Kansas with no health insurance gives him a punchers chance in the early primaries.
Hillary Clinton- Leads all candidates in man crushing ability. Bill won't even look in the general vicinity of a woman when he campaigns with her. Her greatest quality is that she was the wife of a amicable and charasmatic former president who was known for getting things done. Her greatest weakness is that she is the complete opposite of him. She once was the favorite, but Americans don't like watching man crushing bitches, which is exactly why The Weakest Link is off the air.
Bill Richardson- I only know two things about this guy: 1) He is the governor of a state with a population half the size of the greater Houston area 2) His entourage threw me against the wall of the capital building when I walked too close to him in 2000. This actually happened. I swear to God, ask Randall Robinson. I still hate him for that reason.
Barrack Obama- Being a young, extremely well spoken, intelligent politician from Illinios, one cannot help but compare him to Abraham Lincoln. I disagree with that comparison, because Obama has a much better jumpshot. Nobody would represent our country to the rest of the world better than Obama, and it isn't even close. Yes, as a fellow good looking supergenius with the gift of gab, and I do gravitate to the man because our similarities. So, as the clear favorite, the O-train is picking up steam. Let's just hope he nominates Oprah as his running mate instead of Richardson.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Obama for your Momma
Iowa voters, both Republican and Democrat, firmly stated that they want Barrack Obama to be the next president. The Republicans did their part by choosing the laughably unelectable Mike Huckabee, the ultraconservative former Arkansas governor. Huckabee would lose an election to Obama even more definitely than he lost his 100 lbs. So, lets do a quick breakdown of the candidates.....Republicans
Mitt Romney- The former governor of Massachussetts was a popular governor, relatively open minded on social issues, an excellent businessman, and the savior of the Salt Lake Olympics. His good judgement, salt and pepper hair, and dull personality had some(only me) refer to him as the "Mormon Larry Moore". Then he realized that he could be elected president, and started radically changing his views right before the campaign. The newly pro-life, anti-gay Mitt started looking like another patrician, flip-flopping Massachussetts guy - John Kerry.
Fred Thompson- He does have that trophy wife. That scores points in my book. So does the fact that he remained a Senator for all those years despite a reputation for being the laziest man ever. He also looks just like Mitt Romney, only the exact opposite. If I wanted a C-List actor who hasn't done anyting for a while, I would vote for this guy http://www.nndb.com/people/045/000108718/
Duncan Hunter- One time I threw this party and this guy showed up who nobody invited. He drank all our beer, ate all my egg rolls, and slept on the couch. The next morning, he left, and nobody knew who the hell he was. I need to check my old Facebook photos, because I am pretty sure it might have been Duncan Hunter.
Rudy Giuliani- I don't like Rudy. First, his name has so many vowels in it that it would cost about $25,000 to solve his name on Wheel of Fortune. Second, Rick Perry likes him, and Rick Perry likes nothing good. What if Rudy wins the election with Perry as his running mate and then dies of prostate cancer or syphillis or whatever else afflicts Rudy. I would move to Mexico. Not really, but probably Belgium or something.
John McCain- I don't like a lot of the guys politics, but he is certainly a badass. Too bad he is like 112. Besides voting his conscience on issues in the Senate and singlehandedly fixing baseball's steroid problems (actually, Canseco can take some credit), McCain spend 5 and a half years as a POW, including 2 years in solitary confinement. McCain wouldn't cooperate with his captors despite torture so bad it turned his hair white and permanently affected the movement of his arm. Once, when asked for the names of his squadron, he supplied the names of the Green Bay Packers offensive line. When the North Vietnamese tried to release him, he refused to go because others who came before him had not been released yet. McCain is a good guy in a Republican field of douchebags. This guy makes Chuck Norris look like Nathan Lane in The Birdcage.
Ron Paul- I'm going to write another blog sometime on Ron Paul for 2 reasons 1) I think his popularity is fascinating and 2) It will really piss off Craig and get this blog going. I will just say for now that he has brought some issues about government spending, our tax system, and foreign policy that are worth debating. But I would have to be more stoned out of my mind than Lindsey Lohan before I considered voting for him.
Mike Huckabee- The favorite. Former Baptist minister can wow over evangelicals and polarize the remaining 70% of the country who are scared as hell of evengelicals. Doesn't believe in evolution. Has a turkey neck. Is hardcore against immigration and alienates Hispanics. Democrats would love for him to win.
.......Coming tomorrow (or maybe over the weekend), the Democrats
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Beards!
Unlike my brothers and father (and I guess mother too), I have the incredible ability to grow facial hair. No, it's not like Grizzly Adams, but it does exist. The following is clear evidence that I am genetically superior to all of you because my beard slightly warms my face in the winter. Enjoy.
http://mudhead.uottawa.ca/~pete/beard.html
http://mudhead.uottawa.ca/~pete/beard.html
Links of the Day
Hey Craig, start posting on the blog. I know you aren't doing anything, so stop sucking at life and get a blog on. As for Mom and Dad, register already and put something up. Its really not that hard. Anyways, on to some links.....
Dad sent this one to me to post ...... http://www.newsmax.com/us/banned_words/2008/01/01/60906.html
Whatever, those words shouldn't be banned. They make up like 80% of my vocab.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/5416236.html
This is about how Iowa and New Hampshire have way too much power in the election process, which is true. Iowa and New Hampshire are 95 and 94 percent white respectively, about what you would find at a Texas A&M football game. Basically the next president of the United States always has to be for massive corn subsidies and whatever is important to the people of New Hampshire (probably the Red Sox, not being confused with Vermont on maps, and continuing to not have any major cities in the state). I think we need to rotate who gets first, so that other states can have a say. Maybe, just maybe, large states like California and Texas should matter in the primaries. A crazy thought I know, but whatever.
http://www.milkandcookies.com/link/85166/detail/
Carl from Aqua Teen Hunger Force gives his bowl picks. I don't know if anyone else out there likes this show, but they should, because it is awesome.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqk1-q8gXcY
Worst Price is Right contestant of all time. Wait till the end to see the reaction from Bob.
http://www.clubforgrowth.org/2007/08/ron_paul_loves_pork_projects.php
Apparently Ron Paul loves the pork. The Department of State, the IRS, and the Federal Reserve are all extraneous, but $8 million for shrimp marketing is pretty vital.
Dad sent this one to me to post ...... http://www.newsmax.com/us/banned_words/2008/01/01/60906.html
Whatever, those words shouldn't be banned. They make up like 80% of my vocab.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/5416236.html
This is about how Iowa and New Hampshire have way too much power in the election process, which is true. Iowa and New Hampshire are 95 and 94 percent white respectively, about what you would find at a Texas A&M football game. Basically the next president of the United States always has to be for massive corn subsidies and whatever is important to the people of New Hampshire (probably the Red Sox, not being confused with Vermont on maps, and continuing to not have any major cities in the state). I think we need to rotate who gets first, so that other states can have a say. Maybe, just maybe, large states like California and Texas should matter in the primaries. A crazy thought I know, but whatever.
http://www.milkandcookies.com/link/85166/detail/
Carl from Aqua Teen Hunger Force gives his bowl picks. I don't know if anyone else out there likes this show, but they should, because it is awesome.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqk1-q8gXcY
Worst Price is Right contestant of all time. Wait till the end to see the reaction from Bob.
http://www.clubforgrowth.org/2007/08/ron_paul_loves_pork_projects.php
Apparently Ron Paul loves the pork. The Department of State, the IRS, and the Federal Reserve are all extraneous, but $8 million for shrimp marketing is pretty vital.
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