http://tallpocketsforprez08.blogstream.com/

DEAR CITIZENS:

It's time WE the PEOPLES come to the realization that for the DEMOCRATS OR the REPUBLICANS to be arguing about WHICH side is BEST (or more accurately, WHICH side is the LEAST WORST)is like two hookers yelling at one another, debating WHICH is the BIGGEST SLUT.

It's FAR past time for a THIRD Party ....

A ''WE THE PEOPLE'S PARTY"

INDEPENDENT-ly yours,

TallPockets/brian

“ A SOLDIER’S STORY “
(A Memorial Day Tribute)

Hello, sweetheart - Kissing this note
With these next words - My HEART, just wrote
Your love for me - Strengthens it much
Thinking of you - Your smile, your touch

Been here awhile - Missing you so
Doing my job - Best that I know
DEATH all around - Blood, limbs and screams
Haunting me in - My nightly dreams

If I come home - Not sure I’ll be
‘Normal’ again - Things that I see
Even though fight - For the right things
War, indeed HELL - ALL that it brings

WE who do serve - Those back at ‘home’
Just want to KNOW - We’re not ‘alone’
If can have that - Spirits are high
Whether we live - Whether we die

How is OUR son? - Missed his birthday
Just want to sit - With him and play
Hold him SO tight - Tickle his ribs
Will not be long - He wears no bibs

SORRY I missed - His first time ‘walked’
SORRY I missed - His first time ‘talked’
Promise that I - Will make amends
Tell him his DAD - ‘’LOVE’’ he does send

Honey, in case - I don’t come home
I never want - Your heart alone
Weep not for you - Weep not for me
Doing this so - ALL can be FREE

Memorial Day - 2010 - SALUTE!

TallPockets/bls35mm/brian

http://www.renderosity.com/mod/gallery/index.php?image_id=2062657&user_id=288892&member&np

“THE GREAT AMERICAN HYPOCRISIES”
(My Hypocrisy Cup Runneth Over)

“Better Is The Poor That Walketh In His INTEGRITY
Than He That Is Perverse In His Lips, And Is A Fool”

(Proverbs 19:1)

MY FELLOW AMERICAN CITIZENS:

This old man of nearly fifty nine years of age, grew up in a time when a man’s word and his personal handshake was as binding as any legal contract. Being the eldest of nine children, I learned that sharing was a necessity and not a luxury. I learned that honesty and courage was doing the right thing when no one was looking or watching.

I learned that everyone had their own cross to bear, their own life-given circumstances and to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes (as the old hit song lyrics of one Joe South exclaim).

I learned that while we were told we all were equal, in reality, that was far from the truth. Some were born into affluence. Some into abject poverty. Some were given good health while many others suffered mightily.

Some, because of the color of their skins or their gender, were not afforded the actual equality in daily life of the bedrock principles upon which our American Country was founded and so stated in documents such as the The Declaration Of Independence, The U.S. Constitution and the Bill Of Rights.

Segments of our newly formed country were described as three fifths of a citizen. Other segments could not hold property or vote. These hypocrisies, over time, were rectified with various laws and constitutional amendments.

Many of these issues have been addressed to one degree or another. Either via law statute or societal pressures. Some still bubble just beneath the surface. Like a volcano usually dormant and quiet but capable of sudden eruptions.

As I fast forward to our current time in history, I see that technologies have often advanced at a much faster rate than We The People. For all our innovations and claims of human enlightenments, when the skins of our American onion are peeled away, the results of our many hypocrisies bring tears to this old man’s eyes.

Where to start ....

*** “WE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS” ***

Do we? How do we do so? By simply stating such repeatedly? We send our heroic military personnel into harm’s way. Again and again and again. Lather, Rinse, Repeat. In deplorable conditions. We justify it by saying we’re fighting a global war on terrorism. A fight for our very American existence and way of life. Yet, for something deemed so critically necessary to our survival, we enlist the same few. Over and Over and Over.

We have labor laws that restrict how many hours someone can work in a given day or week. That mandate safety in their workplaces. That work in shifts in large scale businesses to provide the needed rest and recuperations to continue their working in a safe and efficient manner.

We marvel at the horses in the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes and the Preakness. Thoroughbreds all. Yet, if such horses were ridden to full pace daily and weekly, most of America would let out a collective, “Stop That!” It seems we treat horses better than our most beloved military dear citizens.

If this is indeed a global war for our survival, then let’s act like such as a country. Enlarge the pool of those doing the heavy lifting. Give them some much needed assistance. Our beloved soldiers are the ‘Secretariats’ of the world. We would never think of running the horse into exhaustion, so why do we allow such to continue with ours who serve us in uniform?

And when they do finally return home, they wait for weeks to see a ‘suicide’ counselor? For months to be told they’re not truly disabled even though they may be missing a few legs or arms or brain cells from explosive blasts?

How many of you have gone to a local or nearby funeral of one of our fallen heroes to pay your respects to them and their loved ones?

How many of you have lined the streets of your town as the procession drove by?

How many of your have mailed a card to the name and address of the listed relatives of the deceased hero given in your local obituary?

How many of you visit, along with your children of appropriate ages, your local VFW’s and AMERICAN LEGION’s to pay your respects and ask them what you can do for them in return for their services?

How many of you, from either political persuasion or none, have contacted your elected officials and told them that if we are going to continue in far away lands in protracted events to get our heroes some additional numbers of help?

FINAL TROOPS POINT:

We now have MORE ‘contracted’ individuals in both Iraq & Afghanistan than we have SOLDIERS.

To ADD insult further, our MILITARY makes about one HALF the wages that said ‘contractors’ do.

The very SAME soldiers who RISK ALL for US.

And we ‘say, “WE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS?” ...............

*** “WE VALUE LIFE” ***

Do we? How so? Up until the time it comes kicking and screaming into this earthly world of ours? What do we actually do to value it from that point on during each journey?

Too often, from this old man’s vantage point, we value OUR life. Not necessarily those of others around us. I see the thought mentality, “I got mine so you get yours” abounding. Even though many saying such have far more than they could ever need or use in their lifetime.

We seem ok with paying forty thousand dollars a year to keep someone in prison for decades but reticent to put forward such monies at the start of young lives. Old Benjamin Franklin’s phrase comes to mind, “An Ounce Of Prevention Is Worth A Pound Of Cure”.

And while incarcerated, we as a society, decided to provide even felons with basic, health care.

Even if one does not care about the human condition and circumstances of all around them, it does make sound monetary and fiscal sense.

If such upfront preventions cut the later expenses in half or such, our country would prosper. Monetarily of course, but also in human ways. Crime would be lower. The quality of life for society would be greatly improved. The monies saved in prison costs alone, could be used for a greater good within our great country.

Most people would stop and offer assistance to their fellow man if they were driving along the road and saw someone in distress. Yet, even though each of us knows many in our area who may be out of work or in bad health with no ability to pay for such necessary treatments. We know many these days who find it difficult to feed themselves and their children. Yet, we seem to sleep just fine at night when our heads hit our pillows.

*** I humbly and honestly ask, “What is the difference between the stranger along the road we travel and our neighbor(s) that we KNOW?” ***

We lay claim to calling ourselves the UNITED states of AMERICA. Methinks it’s far past time to live up to our namesake.

You want to truly value life? Go adopt children who are in desperate need of such. If you are unable to do so physically or situationally but have the monetary means to do such, give to adoption agencies to help those who CAN and who WILL serve as parents to such children.

Sit down with peoples from all walks and spectrums and views in our America and figure out a way to get all good, basic health care. A decent meal each day. Walk the Walk and not just talk the talk.

Wages have not kept pace with inflation over the decades. In my youth, only ONE wage earner was usually necessary per family. Even large families. That left most of the mothers at home to raise their families. Entire neighborhoods watched over one another.

I’ve thought for some time now, that the first demise of the VALUE of life in OUR America, was when TWO wage earners per family became a NECESSITY and not a LUXURY.

In my day, the average C.E.O. made about 30 times more than their employees. Today, they make about 300 times more than their workers they employ.

*** To my fellow BRETHREN, I ask you what this statement means to you:

“What you do for the LEAST among US you also to do ME”. ***

We value life? .... To paraphrase a recent president of ours, “I guess that depends on what the definition of VALUE is”.

*** “WE SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS” ***

No we don’t, dear citizens. I cringe when I hear those whom state such repeatedly and thump their chests as they do such. For, if we truly did offer real support to small business, we would not allow the continued merger after merger after mega merger of various types of business and banking and investment entities. The Mom & Pop small businesses that I and those my age grew up around and with are either in the last stages of going or have already gone the way of the dinosaur. To Extinction.

When I hear folks who claim the above, I also hear the very same expound on the philosophy of Capitalism and Free Markets and Competition. We have such huge conglomerates representing the various major entities these days that they are basic monopolies. There is no true competition.

When the gas crisis a short while back made us open our wallets to the tune of over four dollars a gallon, you could drive from one end of America to the other end and have the choice of paying about $4.10 or $4.20 a gallon. In the Health Care area today, you may have a choice of a couple of businesses that control your area. There is no true competition any more dear citizens. It’s been monopolized. The strong have obliterated the weak. Mom and Pop are a thing of the past.

Community is also becoming such. When I grew up, main street small town America bustled with activities. It was hard to find a parking space close to your favorite places. The person who owned and ran the local drugstore was not only your pharmacist, but a friend you trusted explicitly. You and their children were friends. They knew you. You knew them. When things got tough, as they do for most at times in life, help was offered, given and returned.

In today’s America, we are becoming more and more a country of Corporations controlling everything from the product available, the price at which they feel blatantly set for record net profit results and the attitude of do anything to achieve it. The ends justifies the means.

Our manufacturing sector and jobs in our once prosperous middle class are leaving faster than the patrons in the proverbial movie theatre after hearing the shout of “Fire!”

The Middle Class is what made America great and prosperous. What gave it the needed foundation upon which to build the world’s best democracy ever seen.

Today, manufacturing is approximately at the same levels of the late 1940’s. The very heart and soul and foundation of our American way of life is dissolving before our very eyes. Jobs and entire industries within the America I grew up in, are willingly being sent overseas. For much cheaper labor. All for the goal of more profits. RECORD profits.

They once asked Henry Ford why he paid the then high wage of about five dollars per day to his employees and he responded, “So they can buy MY cars”.

Wise old Henry knew that peoples had to make enough money to have some left over or disposable income to spend to keep his and other industries going and growing. These days, the conglomerated few could seem to care less about American Citizens and what it does TO America when they ship millions of decent paying jobs to outsourced venues.

I call it TREASON. Economic treason. Even more treacherous and reprehensible then if some spy in the cold war days had leaked a secret here or there about our military. For, our military would simply adjust to the news and go on from there.

Finally, there are those who shout that no one has a right to tell anyone what they can make. Lately, that’s been such in the banking and investment world. Yet, these very same who decry such about themselves, have no problems telling an auto worker or some other worker in our America what they should make or are worth.

These same investors also have no problem inviting foreign countries into their states and offering them huge tax incentives and credits for profits to their portfolios. Then they have the nerve to run for elected offices thrusting their hands into the air and telling those listening that they love America and it’s citizens.

*** “REDISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH” ***

That phrase is bandied about often these days. It’s meant to give the impression that it’s not fair to take money from wealthier folks and send it down to poorer folks.

This is an honest debate and argument philosophically. If only the real life hypocrisy matched said rhetoric.

We presently have a regressive tax system in our America. Currently, the highest tax bracket is 36%. Those who argue the redistribution above statement would be correct if it were true in actual practice all the time.

The billionaire, Mr. Warren Buffett, recently stated on a television interview that about 95% of his earned monies was from investments and not from wages. He went on to further say that almost all wealthier folks would also invest similarly. And, Mr. Buffett further explained that the investment monies gained would be taxed at a much lower rate for Capital Gains. A mere 15% tax rate. Not the purported or claimed 36% tax rate.

He next said that he paid this much lower 15% tax rate while his executive secretary paid about twice that tax rate but made very little in comparison.

Steve Forbes, one time republican presidential candidate and wealthy businessman, proposed a Flat Tax. One tax rate for all citizens. Say, for example, a 20% tax rate. This would have eliminated the current regressive tax rate system. Of course, this failed miserably.

Because, as Mr. Buffett went on, with the massive amounts of capital gains investments in America and with all the add on deductions, write offs, depreciations and other numerous tax shelters, the actual tax that he and most all others in similar monetary circumstances paid was about 13% in real income taxes. Far less than most working and middle class folks who make a mere fraction of yearly wages and cannot afford themselves the luxury of capital gains investments.

It’s simple. Anyone who truly paid an actual tax rate of 36% (or a tax rate of between 21-36%) would jump at the chance to pay only 20% in taxes. Which just further proves the point that the above type folks do not pay anywhere near their claims of taxes.

Now, this dumb old man must next ask the next logical question, “Isn’t allowing for a much LOWER capital gains 15% tax rate just as wrong, if not MORE so, than their decry of having to pay 36% rates while most others paid less?

Question two: What does one call the capital gains rate of 15% if not a “Redistribution Of Wealth”.

It appears that ‘redistribution’ is like the word ‘value’ in the earlier above, We VALUE life.

Over 250 of the largest corporations paid NO taxes. ADD to that, the last estimates are that UBS, a SWISS bank, harbors at least $300 BILLION (b) tax evaded dollars from some of American citizens and will not declare the names of such persons.

MORE redistribution of wealth ....

*** “BIG GOVERNMENT & SOCIALISM” ***

The hue and cry of big government and socialism abounds these days. It can be and should be an honest debate among citizens. Big is not always better. Yet, many who complain of such, seem to have no problems whatsoever, in partaking and enjoying their Social Security monthly check. Their Medicare A, B, C & D coverages.

In point of fact, all over our America in past months at town hall meetings and cable news, many shouted to their elected officials, “Leave MY GOVERMENT MEDICARE and SOCIAL SECURITY alone!”

And the very same elected officials who had consistently also decried such, responded to said shouter with the assertions of, “WE will not let anyone mess with them!”

Can you say HYPOCRITES boys and girls? In the BIGGEST way?

I’ve offered before and will offer still, to the FIRST person to accept such, that I will write a check for the amount of $1,000 to said person who verifies to me that they have DROPPED their current MEDICARE and purchased a PRIVATE health care policy instead. So far, there have been no takers (I’m betting my above one grand, there won’t be any).

My simpleton solution, if both sides can’t play and work well with each other, is to give we citizens the same plan(s) and choices that our elected officials now have. Paid for by we the peoples. If it’s good enough for THEM it’s just FINE for WE the PEOPLE.

In the words of Larry The Cable Guy, “GET ‘ER’ DONE!”

These very same elected officials who get their healthcare needs met on we the taxpayer’s monies while they gladly accept such big government & socialism policies they openly decry.

So, we have many peoples shouting against the big government and socialism put forth by them all the while enjoying the fruits of such with intense declarations to not mess with them. The very description of the word, “HYPOCRISY”.

Most say they want their elected officials to cut back spending. Just don’t cut back on THEM.

Most say they think elected officials do not warrant staying in their jobs. Except, of course, for THEIR elected officials.

Most say they don’t want big government subsidies and earmarks handed out. Except for THEIR areas.

When the tornadoes, the hurricanes, the fires and the floods hit THEIR area, they scream out, “Where is BIG government to help?”

Elected officials rant about ’wasteful spendings’. Yet, they all seem to pass legislation that benefits THEM and THEIR constituents. Those who decried the stimulus package bill passed, were also seen in large numbers at local events holding signs with their voters showing how much money THEIR elected official had sent THEIR way.

The very same PRIVATE businessess who decried such, GLADLY joined in on the BIG GOVERNMENT SOCIALISM of Medicare Part “C” /Advantage & in on Medicare Part “D”/ Prescription Drugs.

We SUBSIDIZE all kinds of businessess, entities, etc. who are doing WELL. We even PAY farmers NOT to plant crops. We offer them crop insurance at LOW rates and subsidized. When this old man sees ALL elected officials go on television and promise to not subsidize anyone or anything, only then will he believe such HYPOCRISY present day rhetoric.

Many claim to be CAPITALISTIC and FREE market theorists, yet voted to SOCIALIZE the LOSSES of the banks and wall street investment firms.

They WILLINGLY accepted our SOCIALISTIC monies to save their sorry behinds!

Yet, even after that FACT, they now have the unmitigated GALL to tell those of us who PAID for their BAIL OUTS just how much money WE can or should be worth or make and to dramatically increase the APR interest rates they charge we who saved their butts with CHEAP money!

Maybe, we SHOULD have NATIONALIZED said banks and investment firms above? Then, at least, they WOULD have had a valid claim to their words of ‘socialism’.

All the above concludes me to this statement:

“Oh what a tangled web we weave but when we practice to deceive”

HYPOCRISY? .... PLENTY of it to go around from ALL sides .... From elected officials and WE THE PEOPLE ....

INTEGRITY? .... RARELY seen these days ... From elected officials and WE THE PEOPLE ....

MY DEAR FELLOW CITIZENS:

Look in YOUR mirror .... What do YOU see?

INTEGRITY or HYPOCRISY?

JESUS & The Health Care C.E.O.

“It is NOT the HEALTHY who need a doctor
But the SICK” (Mark 2:17)

*** (The following is how this DUMB old man
imagines a ‘conversation’ between the above two) ***

JESUS: Welcome, dear Health Care C.E.O. Have you taken GOOD care of MY people?

C.E.O. : Why YES I have, LORD.

JESUS: Pray tell, just how have you done so?

C.E.O. : Well, I have taken money from them to INSURE them against
sickness.

JESUS: That sounds good. I take it ALL MY people are taken WELL care of then?

C.E.O. : Well, MOST of them are.

JESUS: What do you mean by MOST of them?

C.E.O.: Well LORD, I insure a great deal of people. Except for some who have ‘pre-existing’ health conditions.

JESUS: What exactly is this ‘pre-existing’ condition thing?

C.E.O.: It’s when someone has already HAD an illness or disease or has something similar that could cost me and my company to pay out ALOT of money.

JESUS: So, let me understand this. If someone has a CHRONIC or LONG term illness or disease or gets one, you will NOT insure them like you do your other clients?

C.E.O.: Yes, that is right.

JESUS: Mr. C.E.O., it seems to ME that THOSE are the very peoples of mine who NEED it MOST?

C.E.O.: Yes, they probably are, LORD. But, if I insured THEM , my net profits would be much less.

JESUS: So, you’re in the Health Insurance Business to make PROFITS instead of HELPING those of MY peoples who are ill and sick?

C.E.O. : This is AMERICA. It was built on being all you can be. The cream rises to the top. It’s not my fault some people get sick or aren’t wealthy.

JESUS: I can’t help but notice that America gives those in jails and prisons basic health care. Are you ok with that?

C.E.O.: I suppose. This is America. We VALUE life, LORD.

JESUS: Do you believe in MY faith and teachings?

C.E.O.: YES, I DO, my LORD.

JESUS: What does, “There but for the GRACE of GOD go I” mean to you?

C.E.O.: It means that some people have MORE BAD stuff happen to them then others.

JESUS: Through FAULTS of THEIR own doings?

C.E.O.: I don’t understand?

JESUS: Do these SOME peoples you mention CAUSE their illness and sickness?

C.E.O. : Well SOME do. Like those who SMOKE.

JESUS: But MOST do NOT CAUSE their illnesses, correct? Do those who get CANCER cause such? Is someone who rides in a car and is struck by a drunk driver and maimed for life at fault for their condition? Is the child born with health issues to blame for their own ills?

C.E.O.: Well NO, my LORD. But, If I insured them ALL I would make LESS profits and our stockholders would NOT be happy.

JESUS: So, let me understand this Mr. C.E.O., you HEAL people and make them better by doing what you do?

C.E.O.: Well, not exactly. I take money from them called ‘premiums’ and then decide who and what I cover for all types of sicknesses, illnesses and infirmities they have.

JESUS: So YOU play “GOD”?

C.E.O.: (Blushes & Stammers) .... Well, YES. That’s how it works in America. The STRONG and the WEAK. The STRONG survive. It’s free market capitalism at it’s best.

JESUS: Back to MY faith you said you believed in. What does it mean when I said, “How ye treat the LEAST among US is ALSO how ye treat ME”?

C.E.O.: Well, that means you’re SUPPOSED to treat those with LESS just as much as those who HAVE much.

JESUS: And you do NOT do that in your health care business?

C.E.O.: It’s NOT that I don’t WANT to LORD, but if I DID that for the LEAST, I’d only make HALF of what I now make.

JESUS: I just read the Wall Street Journal (The HEAVEN Edition - And the REAL “WIRELESS‘’ version). I see where you made a record $2.7 BILLION dollars profit for just ONE Quarter/three months.

C.E.O. : Yes, it WAS a GOOD quarter business wise, LORD.

JESUS: I also read where you then increased the ‘premiums’ to those who already HAD your health insurance or NEEDED it by almost 35%?

C.E.O.: Yes, but that was strictly a ‘business’ decision, LORD. It just means people will have to pay more for OUR health services we offer them.

JESUS: Do you think it OK to make huge profits off MY ILL and MY SICK peoples?

C.E.O.: It’s only a few BILLION here and there, LORD.

JESUS: How much do you NEED Mr. C.E.O.? How much is ENOUGH?

C.E.O.: This is America. The SKY is the limit.

JESUS: (SMILES). “I” know something about SKY and “LIMITS” better than YOU Mr. C.E.O.

C.E.O.: (Blushes red - Is QUIET with head bowed)

JESUS: Let ME understand all this. So people give YOU their hard earned money and YOU in turn HEAL THEM?

C.E.O.: Well, NOT exactly, LORD.

JESUS: NOT exactly?

C.E.O.: “I” take their monies and HELP them PAY their Doctors & Hospitals and Medical folks they see to get well.

JESUS: So YOU do NOT heal anyone DIRECTLY? The DOCTORS and the NURSES and MEDICAL people are the ones who ACTUALLY HEAL the ill and the sick of mine?

C.E.O.: Well, yes. When you say it THAT way, it sounds like I don’t do much.

JESUS: Well, DO you? Did Health Insurance Companies exist long ago? Or did the ill and the sick go directly to such Doctors and Medical folks back then and pay them directly?

C.E.O. : Well, they USED to do it THAT way LORD. But NOW it’s SO much better using companies like mine! We can CONTROL things better.

JESUS: So YOU know MORE about actual HEALING than the MEDICAL folks do?

C.E.O.: Well, no. But, we provide a ‘service’ so the ill and the sick CAN get medical help.

JESUS: But they USED to be able to get that help BEFORE you and your type existed just fine, right?

C.E.O.: (More blushes and stammers) Well, yes. I suppose.

JESUS: So why wouldn’t it be BETTER and be BEST to ELIMINATE the ‘middle men’ like you and your company and use the BILLIONS of hard earned monies INSTEAD to actually GET MORE healing TO those in GREATEST NEED? And to FIND new CURES for MY sick and MY ailing in greatest NEED?

C.E.O.: This is America. We don’t do things like that here. We make money on everything here.

JESUS: Even the SICKEST and those of greatest ILLS?

C.E.O.: YES. Even those. That’s the American way, LORD.

JESUS: So YOU and your company DECIDES who gets HEALED? Or who lives or dies? Sounds like a kind of DEATH PANEL to ME.

C.E.O.: YOU make it sound REALLY BAD.

JESUS: (SMILES) The TRUTH shall set one free, Mr. C.E.O.

C.E.O.: This is America. We create things here. We are an enterprising bunch of peoples. SOMEONE has to take charge and decide things.

JESUS: So, if you were driving down a country road during a HOT summer day and saw two people along the way in need of water, would you HELP both of them or just the one who could AFFORD to BUY some of YOUR water?

C.E.O.: You can’t always help EVERYONE with EVERYTHING.

JESUS: And why NOT? Do you think that “I” was wrong for feeding the MASSES for FREE with LOAVES and FISHES? Do you think that we ARE OUR brother’s keepers?

C.E.O.: Yes I was taught and believe YOUR teachings.

JESUS: SOME of the time or ALL of the time? Do you believe in a HEAVEN where ALL will SHARE EQUALLY the bounties?

C.E.O.: YES, I do, LORD.

JESUS: Isn’t that like SOCIALISM as you describe it? You’re OK with that in HEAVEN but NOT here on EARTH?

C.E.O: This is America. We work hard for everything we get here. I can’t help the LOSERS in society, LORD.

JESUS: So, you believe in honest and free competition?

C.E.O.: Yes, I do, LORD.

JESUS: Then WHY do you ACCEPT an ANTI-TRUST Exemption for your industry when NO OTHER industry or company GETS them?

C.E.O.: Well, HEALTH care is IMPORTANT, dear LORD.

JESUS: (~SIGHS~) From your lips to GOD’S ears, Mr. C.E.O.

C.E.O. (Awkward pause and silence)

JESUS: BACK to your earlier described “LOSERS“?

IF YOU or a LOVED one were stricken with CANCER tomorrow and the company you and they had health insurance with decided they could no longer afford you as a client any longer and dropped you from their coverage AND no OTHER company would take you on as a NEW client because of your EARLIER health issues and conditions, would YOU be OK with that?

Or if you or your loved ones LOST their JOBS and could NOT afford your health insurance or companies like you raised their premiums so much that only the wealthier folks could afford your ‘services’, would you be OK with that?

C.E.O.: Well, NO. But that couldn’t happen to MY loved ones OR to ME, LORD.

JESUS: (SMILES) “DON’T be so sure, Mr. C.E.O. .... DON’T be so sure”.

My SARCASTIC CUP Runneth Over & The ‘13th’ wannabe DISCIPLE yours,

TallPockets/bls35mm/brian -- (February 15th, 2010)

“THE STATE OF ‘OUR’ UNION - 2010”

“A Nation DIVIDED Can Not Stand”
(Abraham Lincoln - 16th U.S. President)

Q: MR. BEN FRANKLIN - (After the Constitutional Convention) WHAT have all of you created?

A: ‘’A ‘REPUBLIC’ - IF they can KEEP it‘’.

DEAR FELLOW CITIZENS:

The beauty of OUR America is that EACH individual citizen can speak their thoughts and views about OUR great country WE live in and still be ‘patriotic‘. This means that those who agree OR disagree with OUR country’s leaders not only LOVE THEIR America as MUCH as the next person but have a ‘DUTY’ of CITIZENSHIP as Mr. Thomas Jefferson so profoundly stated. To keep WATCH over OUR government of WE THE PEOPLE.

I grew up during the Vietnam era and heard the oft quoted slogan, “America, love it or leave it”. I found that to be a false choice then and now. I say, “America, LOVE it AND make it even BETTER”.

To this DUMB old citizen, looking back over his years, it has been MY experience that NEITHER political party has shown a MONOPOLY on EITHER ‘brilliance‘ or ‘stupidity‘.

The simple observation that BOTH sides these days can’t AGREE on just THIS ONE, prior statement, speaks VOLUMES about the ‘political’ MESS we’re mired in these days.

I realize by saying such, I will have offended many on EACH side of the aisle. I can hear them SHOUTING at their computer screens, “That STUPID old man! MY side is FINE! It’s the OTHER side that’s messed up!” (All the ‘MARRIAGE counselors’ hearing this are now SMILING).

Being an INDEPENDENT, thinker and voter, I deal with that in my lifetime on a consistent basis. I suppose I could have taken the easier way out by picking ONE side or the OTHER side and at least had HALF of a friends(?) list. However, being a man of CONSCIENCE, I found it impossible to do. I saw that BOTH sides had GOOD peoples within it and some NOT so good peoples.

NEITHER side wants to ADMIT to THEIR culpabilities, THEIR flaws or call out THEIR followers when they go off the proverbial ‘train tracks‘.

From this old man’s perspectives, UNTIL that is DONE by BOTH sides on a CONSISTENT basis AS NEEDED, the citizens of America will continue to bear the brunt of this sixth grade, finger pointing, blame vs. blame diatribe of DISRESPECT.

Human nature tells any rational thinking person that when you call someone a ‘name’ that their first reaction to you is MOST often , “SCREW YOU”. However, that is where I see US these days far too often. NOT a good starting point, from my HUMBLE perch within OUR America, to begin to work TOGETHER to attempt to SOLVE issues and problems that affect the MAJORITY of our citizens.

WHEN, I ask dear citizens, will WE become AMERICAN CITIZENS FIRST and POLITICAL representatives second?

I hear MUCH about REPUBLICANS and MUCH about DEMOCRATS these days but LITTLE about ‘’AMERICANS‘’. That troubles this old man GREATLY.

I think it’s time to form a THIRD political party. A ‘’WE THE PEOPLE’s PARTY‘’.

Given the current divided impasse, WE would only need to win a few elected seats in the HOUSE and in the SENATE. WE would become the SWING VOTE as it were. BOTH sides of the political debate would HAVE to come to US at that point as WE would CONTROL the debate. For BOTH sides would NEED OUR votes in Congress to PASS ANY legislation.

ONLY THEN, would the ‘PEOPLE’ would HAVE a TRUE VOICE once again in the halls of CONGRESS. One that has been replaced by LOBBYISTS. The last report I saw stated there were about 3,300 REGISTERED lobbyists on Capitol Hill. That is about SIX of them per EACH elected congressman! THINK about THAT dear citizens!

WE ALL have the best congress that MONEY can and DOES BUY! AND PRESIDENTS!

FOR THE RECORD:

MY definitions for DEMOCRATS and REPUBLICANS:

DEMOCRAT = A member of NO ORGANIZED party.

REPUBLICAN = A member who rails AGAINST big government, spends MILLIONS to get ELECTED TO IT and once elected, proceeds to PROVE their point.

I also want to clear up for some that just because one is an INDEPENDENT does NOT mean they have troubles making ‘decisions’. (I’ve gotten a TON of Private Messages, Emails and comments telling ME how BAD MY decisions are!) SMILES.

It DOES mean that WE think about ALL views and TRY to use the BEST of EACH per EACH situation to come up with the BEST POSSIBLE outcomes.

AGAIN, it goes back to my earlier assertion that NEITHER side or ANY ONE person has a MONOPOLY on GOOD or NOT so good ideas, thoughts and solutions.

I think of Wilbur and Orville Wright. It took BOTH of them to come up with airplane flight. I’m sure that they both argued about HOW to build something that would fly. (Especially, since ONE of THEM would be in the AIR flying at some point). WINK.

WE have LOST that COMRADERIE that MADE America what it became. We’ve become like an NFL football team who ARGUES about which PLAY to run. All the while the play clock is counting down to ZERO and NO play is run. To ADD INSULT to INJURY, there is a PENALTY added on for NOT deciding on a play.

The PLAYERS still collect THEIR checks while the FANS bear the BRUNT of such INACTIONS and VITRIOLE.

Or, to use an historical analogy, “ROME burned while NERO fiddled”. (SOUND and/or LOOK FAMILIAR dear citizens?).

“Those who FAIL to understand HISTORY are doomed to REPEAT it!”

I have some PERSONAL thoughts on a variety of things I witness from MY ’branch’ on the AMERICAN ’tree’. (Grab a coffee or coke or something stronger).

This country was founded from those OPPRESSED in and by England. Who were TOLD by the STATE WHAT to DO and WHAT and WHO to WORSHIP etc. They had LITTLE say in government. The CHURCH of England at the time told others to ‘Get On Board’ or else.

So, when folks say America was founded ON religion, I AGREE. To an EXTENT. It was founded from MY view, on FREEDOM of religion. That one could either PRACTICE such or NOT practice such as THEY saw best fit THEIR needs.

And that NO ONE or NO SIDE could FORCE ‘their’ views or lack of views ON ANYONE else in OUR AMERICA. They would be FREE to JOIN or NOT join such factions as EACH INDIVIDUAL saw fit.

Of course, ALL were allowed their FREEDOM of SPEECH to attempt to PERSUADE the MASSES that THEIR way was a GOOD or BEST way. REASON became the DOMINATE force in the GREAT AMERICAN Society/Country. INSTEAD of the BARREL OF A GUN or the MASS of a MILITIA against it’s OWN citizens.

BALLOTS replaced BULLETS!

As a person of ‘FAITH‘, I do NOT want MY GOVERNMENT (Or ANY citizen or GROUP of citizens) FORCING ME,OR ANY other Citizen(s),into anything that “he/she” does NOT believe in.

*** In RETURN, I allow those VERY SAME tenants to EACH AMERICAN CITIZEN. ***

For those lacking in U.S. History, please refer to a documents called, THE BILL OF RIGHTS, The U.S. CONSTITUTION and the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.

Then, peruse the later ADDED AMENDMENTS to the U.S. CONSTITUTION as OUR nation continued it’s history.

To ALL my fellow BRETHREN who may have a different ‘view’ regarding such and ‘religious’ views and history, I HUMBLY offer THIS verse quoted by OUR JESUS:

“RENDER UNTO CAESAR THAT WHICH IS CAESAR’S AND TO GOD THAT WHICH IS GOD’S”

During the days of MY youth, most POLITICIANS expressed THEIR views from EACH perspective. They espoused THEIR government philosophy regarding AMERICA .... NOT regarding ‘’Americans‘’.

They did NOT question one’s “PATRIOTISM” for DISAGREEMENTS. Be those be from EITHER side of the debates of the time.

There USED to be many “MODERATES” from BOTH parties and points of views located THROUGHOUT ‘OUR’ America. These days, it’s difficult to FIND such from EITHER side of the aisle. SADLY, to this old man’s life experiences he’s witnessed, THAT could be the DEATH knell of the AMERICA “I” was raised within.

I say with HONEST concern, I FEAR for OUR America dear citizens.
We are quickly becoming like a married couple with ‘disputes’ in which NEITHER side will LISTEN and/or COMPROMISE to make things WORK for their BETTERMENT,

“PRIDE GOETH BEFORE THE FALL”

*** I PUBLICLY ADMIT that MY personal views are only such. MY views. They are NOT any BETTER or ANY WORSE than ANYONE else’s VIEWS. To EACH their own.

THAT is the AMERICA that MY readings of OUR historical documents and history “I” envision for OUR America. ***

I ask, WHERE are OUR ‘’LEADERS‘’?

Those such LEADERS who represent THEIR sides who will step up to insure the BEST America? ’LEADERS’ who will take on THEIR OWN FOLLOWERS IF and WHEN necessary?

I see a VACUUM of TRUE LEADERS these days. WE the PEOPLE need to DEMAND that EACH side provides US with the following type of such, dear citizens:

The POLICE CHIEF who sees one BAD cop and does NOT cover up for him ....

The PRIEST who sees one BAD priest molest his flock and NOT cover up for him ....

The DEMOCRAT who sees one BAD democrat say something over the line and does NOT cover up for him ....

The REPUBLICAN who sees one BAD Republican say something over the line and does NOT cover up for him ....

The BUSINESS CEO who sees something that might be or is “SHADY“ and does NOT cover it up or allow it to continue ....

The WALL STREET investment C.E.O. who sees a SHADY deal and REFUSES to participate .....

The BUSINESS C.E.O. who is making decent PROFITS and REFUSES to MOVE THEIR company OVERSEAS for MORE profits ....

The MILLIONAIRES and BILLIONAIRES who stand up and say it’s NOT right that THEY pay a 15% Capital Gains Tax on HUGE INVESTMENT monies while their WORKERS or EMPLOYEES makes little and pays HIGHER tax percentages ....

The PREACHER, PASTOR or MINISTER who decides to ‘’make do’’ with a ‘TWO MILLION’ dollar CHURCH instead of a ‘TEN MILLION’ dollar CHURCH, PREFERRING to use the OTHER ‘8’ MILLION to HELP those who are the “LEAST” among US as TAUGHT ....

The LEADER of EITHER political party, who will call THEIR OWN followers to task for ‘over the line’ remarks about ANY person ....

Looking BACK over world history, the mighty EMPIRES of the time have all fallen. MOST from IMPLOSION within their own borders. GREED, COMPLACENY, DISRESPECT for ALL citizens are just SOME of the REASONS for their demise.

Will ‘OUR’ America JOIN that list in the future dear peoples of AMERICA?

Will WE THE PEOPLE continue to ALLOW the LOBBYISTS, the SPECIAL INTERESTS, those with MONEY and ACCESS to not only ELECT ‘OUR’ CONGRESSIONAL representatives but to BUY their continued VOTES AFTER being sworn in to said offices?

DEAR CITIZENS OF ‘OUR’ AMERICA:

It’s NO longer about “PARTY” affiliation, my FRIENDS.

It’s about ‘OUR’ America.

It is THIS DUMB citizen’s perspective that WE the PEOPLE get what WE ALLOW and along with such, WE get what we DESERVE.

TO REPEAT MY EARLIER STATEMENT ABOVE:

WHEN, I ask dear citizens, will WE become AMERICAN CITIZENS FIRST and POLITICAL constitutents second?

INDEPENDENT-ly and MOST respectfully yours,

TallPockets - January 2010