August 17, 2010

I need to remember to switch party affiliation - and by the way, I will not become a Democrat.  I will be an Independent - which means I can't vote in primaries in the State of Nebraska.  How ridiculous is that?  I am having a tough time leaving the Republican party because I am still naive enough to believe that it can go back to its traditional roots.   The reason I consciously chose to register as a Republican all those years ago was because I thought the party reflected my personal views: respect individual and personal rights, with government keeping their noses out of the bedroom, and small government resulting in lower taxes.   The party has now been hijacked and those hijackers somehow feel it is necessary to dictate their own ideas of appropriate behavior.  That's unacceptable and so sad that the Republican party let this happen. 

August 15, 2010

It really is time for everyone to sit down and start sharing ideas with a new civility.  No actually, it's the old civility that has disappeared.   For some reason, it has become okay to label others because of their ideas and then refuse to talk with them simply because of the label.  Discussion usually occurs among adults - it is only by a rational, unemotional sharing of ideas that we can grow and become better. 
I guess I would compare the American political process at this time to a marriage that has gone bad.  I just read recently that the major cause of divorce is not conflict but the refusal to address conflict.  I think that applies to the political rhetoric being thrown around by so many very loud voices in America today.  Just as in a marriage, if the parties can confront their differences, they can usually reach a point of consensus.  However, if one party lobs in a bomb and then runs away before the conflict can be addressed, the relationship usually explodes, with little hope of repair.   Let's hope that we can all get to the point where we can have reasonable, respectful discussions again. 

August 14, 2010 - the Omaha budget debacle

Dear Mayor Suttle,
I don't understand our city government in the least.   From what I have heard, you have a budget up for approval that includes an 11% increase in general spending.   And that budget includes over $1 million for Building Bright Futures, an organization funded by some of the wealthiest individuals in Omaha (and the world).   Do you really think we're all that stupid?   It is offensive to be told we just have to suck it up because you inherited the situation.   Give me a break - how long were you a City Council member?  Were you asleep during all those meetings?   If we the public saw that you were trying to rein in spending, we might give you some leeway but that's not going to happen now.

Moderate Omaha Mama

August 13, 2010

I love nothing more than to sit with my 13 year old chatting about his soccer team, and the strengths and weaknesses of both the offense and the defense of the team.  Now keep in mind, I have extremely limited knowledge of the game, so my comments consist mainly of "yes, I think you're right".   But it is a treasure for us to have time together.
Today on CNN.com was a great blog: http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/08/11/avlon.billionaires.working.wealthy/index.html?hpt=T2.   Well worth reading.   And when did it become acceptable that only about half of all individuals actually pay federal income tax?   I think that's what angers me most - if everyone was paying something than maybe those of us who pay now would be more accepting.   I do look at the Tea Party crowds with suspicion - I always wonder how many of them are getting off scot free.

August 11, 2010

Now let's get this straight - the party that wants to keep activist judges from getting appointed now wants to change the Constitution of the United States of America - to prevent babies born in this country from becoming citizens if their mothers are here illegally.   This is absolutely crossing any lines of decency, morality and Christian belief.  Get it straight - people come here for jobs.  If they cannot be employed, they do not come across the border.  Go after employers - not babies!  I cannot stay a Republican.

August 9, 2010

See http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/08/09/president.imposter/index.html?htp=C1.    Great article!  It is simply amazing how prejudices stick no matter what the facts.   As the author states, the capacity of people to step back and ask if something makes sense is almost gone.  What has happened to us???!!!

Sunday, August 8

I have only one question today:  Why do those with the most hate-filled positions almost always claim that God belongs only to them?