Man Punched while calling 911 to report punch

Man Punched while calling 911 to report punch

Police in Iowa City said a man who called them to report that he'd been punched while on the Iowa City pedestrian mall, was punched again by a second person while he was on the phone with his 911 call.

Police said the man, whose name was not released, told 911 dispatchers early Tuesday morning that he had just been assaulted in the 100 block of East College St. and was following the person who did it. Police said that while he was speaking with officers, a friend of the original assailant punched the man and knocked him to the ground.

The victim was treated at University Hospitals for what are believed to be minor injuries to the head.

Portland Press Herald article

This headline is too amusing not to share. I am still chickling over it..

AL

A line in the sand..

I cannot find a way to address the issue of domestic violence in soft or subtle terms. Perhaps, this is appropriate for the issue as it stands is not one of subtleties or nuances. There exists no delicacy in the act of a man beating his wife, or children. No grace or beauty in the aftermath, filled with tears, pain, and fear. Domestic violence is simply cruel, cowardly behavior, performed by persons of lesser intellect who seek power. Power over others, for they have none over themselves or their surroundings.

No, there is no nice way to write about it, but this should not make us shy away.

The recent charge of Murder placed against Patrick Dapolito in the death of his wife Kelly Winslow of Limington last month, really brought the issue to the fore again. After shooting his wife in the back of the head with a 9mm handgun, Mr. Dapolito then stuffed the victim in a freezer until such time as he was able to dispose of the body in western Maine.

If we as a society truly believe that Domestic violence in all its forms is unacceptable as evidenced by the myriad of articles and books written on the subject, then I ask why in God’s name do we still have families who are living in a state of fear, where life itself, can become the ultimate price paid?

The situation continues because we as a people may pay lip service to the notion of stopping violence in the home, but do little to translate the idea into a reality. Yes there are education programs and outreach facilities, there are social service organizations and law enforcement officers, but overall these programs and avenues, are mere stop gaps. They exist to help save people from suffering at the hands of a supposed love one. Noble yes, but they are not, by their very nature, able to change the general perception and social values of the citizenry which, I believe, is what really needs to happen.

That, my friends, is left to you and me.

If we really want to stop violence then we should make the idea of it so socially unacceptable, that once found out, an abuser cannot help but experience great shame and/or fear. To do this we have to make the abuser understand not why he/she was so abusive, but rather why we will not tolerate this behavior as a people. This is not hard to do, for those who lower themselves by attacking women and children are nothing more than cowards. Being such, they are deserving of none of our attentions, friendships, or business. In other words, we should ostracize them. This can be done without violating anyone’s civil liberties, for nowhere in the Constitution does it state that you must interact with those persons you find distasteful.

I personally have no room in my world for men who are tough with women and children. I have found that these types are generally of an unreliable and unstable personality and that they cannot be trusted. The very nature of their lives makes it so, for they must lie and deceive continually to cover up their crimes. They have no honor, no pride, no strength of character, and lacking such they deserve no respect, friendship or companionship from anyone least of all me. I draw a line in the sand on this issue, a very distinct line, and if friend, family member, or even associate, crosses it they quickly find themselves “Shut out” completely.

I associate not with cowards.

I believe if more people took such a stance, if perhaps the abuser’s friends looked past “What a nice guy he is except for that beating his wife to a bloody pulp every Friday night bit” then we just may find a decrease in the instances of domestic violence here in Maine. If we can all measure our relationships with perpetrators of domestic violence with a moral compass that rejects any and all excuses, that scorns those found guilty, then we can begin to remove this barbaric plague from our society as a whole.

It will be shame that brings such persons to their knees and to heel, not discussions about drug use or their childhood. It will be their neighbors and friends turning away in disgust at the cowardice of the act which will leave no doubt, domestic violence is no longer acceptable or wanted.

Draw your line in the sand!

Sláinte
Allen R Butler

*the photo is of the cowardly and weak Dapolito heading to court*

On limited Government

The New Religion.

As I look out upon the frozen tundra that once was my lawn, and prepare to shovel the yards and yards of snow from my drive, I cannot help but wonder, where is all the Global warming? According to the "green" folks the temperature has increased so dramatically that we as a species are in great peril of extinction. Al Gore, that magnificent prophet of the movement, even went so far as to boldly predict the destruction of the polar ice cap within five to seven years.

Contrary to the scientific evidence that proves the exact opposite, which is that the ice cap has grown in size.

To give the warming acolytes and their prophet some due, I have to note that once faced with incontrovertible evidence that the world is not warming, they took action to address it. Holding a summit in which all the best and brightest of the disciples attended they decided to rephrase their stance, so instead of fighting Global Warming they now rally behind the banner of Climate Change.

It seems that every action we as people perform in our daily lives has a negative impact upon the environment. Our cars emit pollutants, our warm homes use up fossil fuels, even our very bodies produce carbon dioxide every time we exhale. Cattle flatulence has been measured and determined to have weakened the ozone, (what a lousy job that must have been) the list goes on and on. No matter where one casts his or her eye, they cannot help but be assaulted by some form of heresy or another against the planet.

To have faith one must believe beyond the manifestations of physical evidence; to believe in a god one merely needs to accept his or her existence as truth. This often brings solace and understanding to the human experience which given the complexity of life and society is much needed. I have no problem with faith or religion as its benefits are great indeed, however, once the views of the faithful are imposed upon me through force or legislation I do get a bit defensive.

The religion of Climate Change has already crossed that line with me.

This past week one hundred of our State legislators signed a letter calling on Maine's U.S. senators to take action to promote clean energy jobs. The intent of the letter is twofold; first to show support for Senators Snowe and Collins, if they decide to vote in favor of a climate change bill, second, it gives the new found faith validity of sorts. The faithful didn’t bother to add Chellie Pingree or Mike Michaud as recipients, for those two are already amongst the converted.

Forgetting, or ignoring all that is right before them, our leaders are happily wasting time on writing missives to one another of faulty and frivolous substance. Of course the devoted authors of this letter were sure to peak the voters interest with the word "Jobs" thrown in for good measure. Somehow, dedication and confidence in something that cannot be proved will create sustainable employment for the people of Maine. This must be the "hope and change" I have heard so much about. If my unemployed neighbor just hopes and prays for a job it will come to pass with a little faith in Al Gore that is.

I see now that reason has left our leadership completely.

Any legislation that effects the lives and livelihoods of so many people must be based in more than faith. Truth and facts are the keys to logical, practical governance. Ignore these keys and the laws become but whims of fancy. As a consequence, the law itself suffers as it loses the respect of the citizens. The danger in this should be self evident even to the most doltish of our politicians.

Perhaps we would be better served if those we elected to office could take a moment to look out the window and see the snow piling up. A quick gander at a thermometer might not hurt either what with the record cold we have been having.

I realize that what I am writing and thinking brands me an ignorant heretic, and that those true believers in Climate Change will find great discomfort in my calling to task their faith. Blasphemy is always discomforting. However, before they flay me alive for sacrilege or draw and quarter me as a warning to others of like mind, I must go now and shovel the drive.

Sláinte
Allen Butler

Change You Can't Believe in

Really a no brainer.....

Honor, Duty, Country.

Two months ago at a breakfast meeting someone I admire very much looked me dead in the eye and said “You are unique because you are so patriotic, yet have never served in the military.” I was a bit taken aback by this statement as I felt that my love and concern for our country was not something remarkable. I’m no different from the next fellow down the road, or next door or even in my family, for I believe there are few amongst those people who can say they love not this nation. Yet, here was my friend Jack, a proud Navy veteran casually expressing surprise. I dismissed his statement with a weak joke and a change of topic, but something has been gnawing at the back of my brain since and I feel that today, being Veterans Day, it would be appropriate to flush it all out. For it is through the Veterans of my family that this ardor came to be.

Honor, Duty, Country.

My uncle, Master Sergeant Frank Butler, was a combat Veteran who fought through three tours of duty in Vietnam including the Tet offensive of 1968. He went to war because his country asked him to, and to be blunt because it was the right thing to do. Frank watched as his friends and comrades were torn to shreds in ambushes and on patrol. He experienced the hardship, sacrifice and pain of warfare first hand, privations he would hint at, only rarely, when drunk.

While he slogged through the Jungle his friends and family back home continued on with their peaceful every day lives. They had jobs, built families, and got married all while Sergeant Butler was half a world away fighting for his life and the lives of his comrades. He was married too, not out of love, but necessity. He was wed to his 12 gauge pump action shotgun, which he explained was the finest bush fighting weapon ever devised. His job was to “Demoralize, murder, and maim” the enemy into submission, which he did without fail every single day.

When he returned in the summer of 1971, the world he had left was changed considerably. There were no parades, which I don’t think he would have marched in anyway, or general support for the troopers coming home. The only attention you were likely to receive from the media would be if you were unlucky enough to be in a body bag. Outside of that, no one seemed to notice or care, except loved ones and family. After three years of fighting, Frank was just happy to be at home where no one was trying to kill him.

I know the pain of those years wore heavily on Uncle Frank, I could see it in his eyes every now and again. Darkness would shadow his piercing gaze and a sense of melancholy would overtake him, these spells lasted not long, perhaps five to fifteen seconds or so, but they were frightening all the same. Once he caught me staring and noticed my concern. “Don’t worry Allen, it’s nothing.” He said and then he cracked a crude joke to make us laugh.

Frank instilled in me a respect for the military and its purpose. He taught me that it is the trooper, airman, and sailor that secure the freedoms and security of our land. Without whom we very well may be subject to the barbarities of warfare here in our very homes. He hated communism and socialism with a personal passion as he had witnessed what those systems could bring about, which was explained to me in some detail.

Sergeant Frank Butler was a great man, and I am proud to say I knew him. He went to serve his country because he knew it was the honorable thing to do. He understood that to maintain freedom, and liberty, one sometimes has to fight, and it was his duty to answer the call of his country. This was and is a very important lesson to learn especially at a young age, a lesson I have carried with me my entire life.
From the toils of my forebears I have received the gifts of liberty and opportunity, for generations my family has fought in the wars of this nation, without complaint, from the American Civil war to Vietnam, they answered the call of duty and gave their all. Frank was but one man of many who share my blood, and it is my duty, and my honor to remember them all with gratitude.

From such comes my ardor and love of this country it was passed to me by a hand strong and a heart true. Look to those of your family today and thank those who are either serving or have served, for they are examples of what is good and right.

Honor,Duty,Country.

Allen Butler

Do you know who I am?

Do you know who I am?

Most probably not, and more than likely even if you did happen to know me, you would not be admitting it freely. Perhaps it is my face which is by no means a pretty one or the all too common sneer that pulls back my right upper lip as I take in my surroundings. Regardless, the fact remains I personally am not a likeable fellow, nor might I add, have I ever tried to become such. In essence, I am nobody of import or of status and that is just fine with me.

Now, being a person of some limited intelligence, I have come to grips with this situation and incorporate it into my daily business. I accept the fact that people will automatically distrust and oft times fear me right off. Actually because it is so predictable, I have been able to navigate some very dangerous situations indeed and on occasion turn them to my advantage.

This all leads me to my true point and the Title of this post…

Recently it seems people take great stock in who they are or better yet who they believe themselves to be. I put up the cases of Henry Lewis Gates Jr. and Maine State Rep. Richard Blanchard (D-Old Town) respectively to make my point. Both of these men were in confrontations involving the authorities over this past month. In each of these instances the officers involved were very professional and courteous, however Mr. Gates and Rep. Blanchard were anything but. I have linked the Police reports for you to read yourself.

Gates arrest report

Blanchard incident report

I examined each of these cases and came to realize that contrary to all the noise of Race or improper police behavior or even the implications of drunkenness, there was/is a constant underlying factor. A point from which, all the real trouble begins and makes the situation untenable. The starting and ending point lays in the attitude and thinking behind the statement “Do you know who I am?” Now to be fair neither of these two fine upstanding individuals actually asked that question, no they think themselves far too clever to turn such a mundane phrase. Instead Gates said “You don’t know who you are messing with” to a Cambridge police officer and Blanchard shouted “this is the last mistake you are going to make” to a Maine State Warden. They did manage to add some very nice curse words and personal insults to further their cause and Gates even went so far as to insult Officer Crowley’s mother.

So we must ask ourselves what exactly was the purpose and intent of those statements?

It is obvious to even one as common as I they are made to threaten and intimidate. The words chosen not so carefully are a crude attempt to force doubt upon the authorities during the confrontation. The idea is that the speaker is someone of importance and considerable influence and that the officers need to back away for their own good. The under lying threat is, though the Police are doing their duty as proscribed by the law, the person they are confronting is so powerful, that the laws do not apply to them and that they will bring that power to bear and destroy the officer’s career. The speaker is hopeful that the officer will bow to his wishes and back away in fear.

In both of these cases the accused tried to jeopardize the livelihoods of the authorities through a thinly veiled threat of retaliation. For all of the education and political contacts that these people have, one would think they would know how to exercise “power” effectively. Yet here we have two people who should know better acting the buffoon for all the world to see. I suppose they are not merely acting the part.

Evidently Higher Education does not provide courses to explain the fundamentals of power, for if it did these two dolts would not have found themselves in such a situation to begin with.

Let’s take Rep. Blanchard as an example. If he truly had the power through political connections to ruin the Warden’s career, why then announce it? Why bluster and bluff like an ape pulled from its tree? If the power existed then would it not have been more effective to quietly exercise that force by making the appropriate calls and not shouting out his name and title? Of course it would. Instead he capered about like a drunken fool besotted with self importance, so wrapped up in his own illusion he could not see reality. The reality being a threat made in such a public display proves that the actual force to carry out said threat is nonexistent. Even if the force was initially available, by loudly making the threat in earshot of witnesses he has negated the chance of pulling off any political skullduggery. Because now the witnesses know his intent and if anything was to happen to the recipient of the threat, an actual investigation would ensue. Any street tough understands this by age ten.

The same can be said of Gates in Cambridge. If he is such a close friend of our President then why not simply call him after the police left? I am sure his dear friend, who so quickly sided with him on National Television would have made the appropriate pressure come to bear on the Cambridge Police Department for having the temerity to investigate a possible burglary. What I really find interesting is that the cops were there in the Gates case to protect his property from possible robbery. Gates and Obama are so grateful that the police showed up they have been publicly condemning the Cambridge police since. So Gates actually had some power to play with it seems but it turns out it hurt the President more than it should have, and guess what?

For all of his efforts to cow Officer Crowley through foul language, threats and behavior that I personally would have broken his skull over, he failed. Jim Crowley is not intimidated in the least so the “threat” is wasted and unwarranted. So too is the power behind it. For again by making it such a public display, nothing bad can happen to the Cambridge Police Dept. without everyone thinking about the President’s friend.

Get it now you elitist morons?

I am now officially offering classes on this subject for all of our betters in the Academic and Political worlds in the hopes we can start to get back to something of a modicum of decency once again.

Sláinte
Blighter

Kentucky Deputy Tasers Defendant After Courtroom Threat

Courtroom video shows defendant Percy Phillips jumping up from his seat Thursday and knocking over the table in front of him. Phillips cursed at prosecutor John Balliet, called him a liar and then tried to get past a deputy.

Lt. Col. Carl Yates, a sheriff's department spokesman, told The Courier-Journal Thursday that Phillips "made an aggressive move in the direction" of Balliet.
That's when Deputy William Greer grabbed Phillips until Deputy George Thornton yelled "Taser," then Greer backed away and Thornton fired.

Yates said Phillips was subdued, but was not seriously injured.
Defense attorney Jay Lambert said he thought the situation was handled appropriately.

Source Fox News

You know, I find this story interesting in that it comes on the heels of the Henry Lewis Gates Jr. incident which had the President of the United States chastising a Cambridge police officer for acting "Stupidly".

So I am wondering, as I watch two White court officers subdue a Black man in a most violent manner, if President Obama will cry out in protest over their actions? It is obviously a case of "Racial Profiling" as explained by the President himself. I'm also quite certain that the officers in question are pure racists, how can they not be? They are from the south after all and they are law enforcement personnel, two doubly damning strikes against them. I'm surprised the officers didn't yell out " Get em agin Jim!" and fire off another blast of electricity into the suspect.

It really is disappointing, that the incident was carried out in a calm, professional manner and that the officers did their jobs properly.

Wait!!! that doesn't matter does it now?

All kidding aside, I am glad that no innocent was harmed and that all was put back in order.

So I have a question or two for Barack Obama concerning this, and I am being serious now.

Why does this person who was tasered by two white officers not deserve the same attention given to Professor Gates who was politely asked for ID?

Is it because the defendant was obviously wrong and threatening in his behavior, if so then what of Gates? It does not add up. Perhaps this hapless criminal is beneath the President's notice as he is but a poor black man and not a graduate of Harvard, nor is he a friend. That would be logical as an explanation but it also sets a bad example.

For if we are to allow those who the President calls "friends" to break the law and get away with it by the force of the office, then that is an over extension of executive privilege.

Sláinte

Blighter

The Herd.

It seems the “People” of this nation, being enamored and enthralled by entertainments, have come to be much like the Romans. For how else can one explain the over the top fascination with a dead, drug addicted pop star while their government begins to take control of every aspect of their lives? Cap and Trade passed the House Friday last and not so much as a word concerning it. No, all anyone wants to do is think about a creepy Pedophile and ignore the real dangers this Bill presents to the country.

Panem et circenses ( Bread and Circuses)

I remember reading a statement attributed to Alexander Hamilton in which he expressed his contempt for the general population. He labeled the common men and women of this nation “The Herd that walks on two legs.” I was really angered by the arrogance of that statement but more and more each day I am finding he was/is correct in his assessment.

Sláinte
Blighter

A step in the right Direction

A step in the right direction.

Usually when I read a bill proposal put forth by our legislators in Augusta, the not so subtle music of a circus begins to flow through my mind. Barnum and Bailey’s quick paced and chaotic theme which plays when the clowns race out to perform their acts of amusement, pounds away as I take in the words so carefully contrived to confuse by our leaders. In all actuality, the music helps me understand what is written and makes me smile as I come to grips with another form of mischief manufactured by the “best of our society”.

Sometimes, you just have to laugh.

Much to my surprise, the last bill that came to me arrived without the expected music. A complete and utter silence surrounded each paragraph as I read along through LD 290 "An Act to Allow Maine Residents to Purchase Health Insurance from Out-of-state Insurers."

Confusion washed over me as I studied the common sense approach to health insurance costs put forth by Rep. McKane of Newport. Confusion, because I have become accustomed to reading bills whose contents either do nothing at all, except flatter the vanity of the sponsors, or which further burden the Maine taxpayers by making them fund another useless program. It is refreshing, to say the least, to finally find a bill in which I find neither vanity nor devilry.

Allowing Maine residents and small businesses to go out of state to purchase polices would be of great benefit to thousands of citizens. They would receive coverage at a reduced rate thus premiums would so too go down. This in turn would make insurance more affordable for the individual. However, I believe that the projected savings will not be huge, for the cost of health care in Maine still ranks very high in the nation. If the cost of administration is higher here in Maine than, let’s say Massachusetts, the insurer will have to take that into consideration when assessing the risk. They will be forced to roll that figure into their rates and pass that on to the consumer. So the idea that our new fought freedoms would produce savings of up to 50%, as some have suggested, cannot be sustained. I would surmise it will be more like 10-15%, if that. Of course, a savings of 10-15% is nothing to sneeze at, especially during these trying economic times.

Circumventing the virtual monopoly of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in the individual and small group market, LD 290 will force that company and its affiliates to either abandon the market all together like it did in New Hampshire in 2005, or change its rates to compete and retain its market share. Conceivably they just may spend hundreds of thousands of dollars lobbying the State legislature for a bail out, which seems likely considering the mania for bail out programs these days. Rest assured, Anthem will not favor this bill one bit, nor will those legislators who receive campaign contributions from the insurance giant.

We all know what a terrible mess Maine’s insurance market is. Guaranteed issue, Community Rating, Guaranteed renewal, and outrageous mandates have all combined to drive rates and premiums through the roof. The individual and small group market has essentially been destroyed by these laws and insurance carriers have been forced to leave the state because of them. We are in a quagmire, of well intentioned folly which has strangled the citizens of this state far too long.

In 2005, to correct the problems surrounding the failed polices of guaranteed issue and community rating, Maine introduced the Dirigo health plan instead of deregulating the state insurance industry. This too has failed though it is well intentioned like all such programs; it was based upon the very same theories that caused the insurance industry collapse to begin with i.e. guaranteed issue and community rating. So the Dirigo fix to the fix sits in the corner not fulfilling even a tenth of its promise to insure 130,000 people whilst our legislature keeps throwing money into the burning heap hoping that somehow this will quell the flames.


LD 290 does not address the issues of community rating, mandates, or guaranteed issue.

It by passes these issues cleverly, and would ultimately bring some relief to many Maine citizens. It is “a step in the right direction” on the road to rebuilding an equitable deregulated insurance market in our state. By opening the door to competition, and delivering unto the Maine people the opportunity to save some money, it will also stimulate our economy. The saved premium dollars for individuals will be spent in their communities, and for businesses those dollars will be reinvested in their companies, possibly saving if not creating jobs. There is no down side to this bill which I can see, and I hope with all my heart that this passes committee and then becomes law.

Slainte'

Blighter

Bill would make road rage a crime in Maine

Bill would make road rage a crime in Maine

Drivers tempted to slow down -- or even tap their brakes once or twice -- when a vehicle behind them is tailgating, might want to think again.
If either a tailgater or a driver of a vehicle being tailgated is deemed to be driving to endanger, that person could lose his or her driver's license. The same goes for a driver who commits an assault in connection with a driving dispute. Source…

Road rage! What a great term.

It sums up, or is supposed to sum up, all the various feelings of frustration that some drivers experience. It also places a label upon the actions of those drivers who, when feeling wronged, act out in a way some perceive as offensive. I am sure there are people out there who do feel rage behind the wheel on a consistent basis. Individuals whose contempt for their fellow human beings know no bounds, and they lash out by honking their horns and displaying a middle finger or two. How frightful!!!!

Yet, I believe that the majority of the populace is not so mentally deranged that they feel the need to physically assault someone for being “Cut Off” or “tailgated”.

But shall we be honest? WE ALL THINK ABOUT IT!

Can you with real conviction say that not once have you ever wanted beat the brains out of the driver before you because they could not maintain a speed? Fluctuating between 20 and 40 mph every 13-30 seconds for miles on end does not do well for the patience. Try not tailgating in that situation…. I personally endure this aggravation 2-3 times a week as some inconsiderate weenie in a Subaru (It’s always Subaru’s) lolly gags along at various speeds while I’m trying to make my way home. I have even tried to take another route to avoid the idiots, but sure enough, I get behind another Git, and another Subaru wagon no matter which way I go.

My rage, legendary and entertaining as it may be, is a natural inclination, it is part of my very being and no law or statute will disperse or diminish that. You cannot legislate nature and as not all human beings are happy go lucky dolts driving around in Subaru wagons, you cannot presume to know what all the other drivers out there are feeling and thinking. Maybe some people feel aggrieved when they are forced to obey the rules of the road while others are not? Perhaps inconsiderate behaviors such as, cutting people off, failing to pass in the passing lane, and not yielding at yield signs, are contributing factors in certain cases of “Road rage”. Just a wild guess on my part but I’m betting this to be the case.

What this Piece of legislation does is:

1. It allows the inconsiderate drivers out there who are the cause of so much discomfort to continue on their merry way.
2. It criminalizes the actions of certain citizens while ignoring the criminal activities of others ( Not Yielding is an offence but lets write the ticket for the guy who protests and gets angry)
3. It removes any and all personal responsibility on the part of the complaintant.
4. Lastly, this Bill allows our Legislature to avoid addressing the real issues such as economic development.

If this Bill passes, I will most assuredly be losing my license to drive at some point. As I said before I am forced to tailgate by the inattentive and poor driving of the other commuters on my route and through no fault of theirs (for how could they be wrong?) I will become angry.

While we have begun the process of Legislating Emotions and Personality types, why not take it to another level and start denying those who are deemed A Type personality the right to drive? Let’s revoke the licenses of all who show any type of emotion, no matter that being happiness, depression, or rage. Better yet, for the crime of being a free thinking human perhaps we could add a small stretch in a labor/re-education camp as a condition of renewal? That would subdue many a citizen into compliance with the State’s wishes.

I guess I’m going to be angry driving home tonight, maybe you should be too.

Slainte’
Blighter.

Christmas Shopping

There are many duties we all face in our lives that in one degree or another we find distasteful. A trip to the Dentist, for most normal people, is not something looked forward too with happy anticipation. Unless of course you are a masochist, and enjoy having sharp metal picks piercing your gums, most do not like going, but go they must. For without the Dentist, painful as it is, we would all look like Austin Powers and his British Peers. So we endure the waiting, poking and form filling, to obtain the benefits of oral health and hygiene.

We suffer for gain, not for the sake of it. When the perceived benefit of a duty is not equal to, or greater than, the suffering and pain we face then most abstain from engaging in the duty or task.

Most people would rather enjoy a good book or movie than clean their house, but the advantage of a clean home i.e. the pleasure and pride derived from clean surroundings, outweighs the time and energy used to complete the chores. If one receives no satisfaction from said clean living space then the motivation to use ones time and energy to take care of the home is negated, and more than likely the task will not be done. This is applied to everything in life we do.

Now, I personally find the task of shopping very aggravating and distasteful. Going to the Grocery store is not only something I loathe and despise, but something I avoid at all costs until I have no choice but to go. I am forced every couple of weeks, by my empty cupboards, to push a rickety cart up and down aisles of products while listening to the most horrible canned music. I get jostled by other shoppers who are wandering about oblivious to their surroundings and my head aches from the screaming of children. I get assaulted at least once every trip by a rather strange odor, that wafts up, as I pass some unfortunate soul who is looking with longing and despair at the empty Ho-Ho rack.

Yet I push on, for I know that if I do not, then I will not eat; the scientific outcome of not eating is well known. So in this too, though hated, the benefit out weighs the discomfort.

However, the idea that advantage outweighs suffering, in the decisions we make is negated somewhat by the task I hate most of all, that being the act of Christmas shopping.

At Christmas each year the exchange of gifts becomes a very important aspect of the holiday. The exchange has become so important and commercialized that it dwarfs all other parts of Christmas itself. You know; those pesky and foolish notions like “Peace on earth” and “good will to all men”. Who needs good will when you can express your heartfelt adoration and gratitude towards a loved one with a Chia-Pet for $15.95? Or your undying thanks to the creator, as you purchase a Vegi-Matic for your dear aged aunt, who you haven’t seen all year?

As the Holiday has been hijacked by gift giving, so in turn has it become one of overspending, stress, and yes the ever feared, Christmas shopping task. For we all feel the need to purchase that special gift for our loved ones, and so we rush about searching store after store for the “One”. That “Uber gift” which will bring a moment of appreciation and joy to the recipient. We all want to believe; that by making the effort to obtain the proper material good or future possession for our target we are in turn rewarded with their happiness.

I, for one, say that the joy of the recipient is rarely, if ever, just compensation for the misery endured by the giver. A simple trip to any Shopping Mall in America during the Christmas season will give evidence to my argument. From start to end even the most wary and prepared of souls, are subjected to any number of cruelties, most of which can be attributed to their fellow man.

Let me elaborate a bit; after driving around the massive parking lot adjacent to the mall for 30 minutes looking for a space, you spy a car backing out. You pull up, wait and breathe a sigh of relief that your search is at its end. Just as the former resident pulls away and you begin to pull forward, a small Volkswagen Jetta whips around the corner and parks in what you thought was your spot. With nary a glance in your direction the driver of the offending vehicle gets out whilst chatting on a cell phone and walks towards the building as if you were not even there. The Driver in fact did see you, and they chose to ignore your existence. Primal rage bubbles up and you begin to swear curses at them as you pound the steering wheel, passers by shy away from your car whilst you rave. Short of chasing the spot thief down and beating their head against the curb, you are left with little recourse but to continue your search again.

Three more passes around the lot and two more stolen parking spaces you finally find yourself a half mile out in the back lot wedged between two vehicles that look as if they were used in a demolition derby. Braving the icy wind you set forth on your trek to the entrance wondering if you will freeze to death before the distance is covered.

Upon walking through the doors the welcome warmth of the structure hits you in the face. With a quick shiver as the cold begins to dissipate, you start to take in your surroundings. To the left are tall displays of women’s clothing, much of which you could never imagine seeing a living being wear. There is a knot of rotund “Weebles” pawing over the ugly dresses and sweaters chatting about the beauty of the items and you wonder from what planet the “weebles” are originally from? As one of the aliens holds up a rather hideous red polyester pantsuit with a distorted Santa print on the chest she screams in delight and you realize that you were staring. Quickly you avert your eyes so as not to catch their attention. A matter of safety really, as the Weeble’s girth belies their love of consumption and you wish not to become their possible next meal.

The warmth that embraced you upon arrival now becomes oppressive burning heat and you try to remove layers of clothing. Small beads of sweat form on your recently frozen brow and you curse the designers of the heating system along with the throngs of other shoppers who through their collective body heat have raised the temperature to roasting. The mass of humanity packed into the confines of the mall is staggering to behold. Persons from all walks of life intermingle as they make their ways down the corridors searching, searching for that prefabricated item that will win the heart of their loved ones.

The senses start to be overwhelmed as you join the sea of humanity for the bright lights, noise and yes smells assault your being from all directions. As you follow along behind a family of 10 who are in no particular hurry, you realize that not everyone in the 21st century washes every day. Quickly you try to skirt around the pack but each attempt is thwarted as every time you try there is another pack of aromatic wanderers coming in the other direction. You are stuck, moving at a snails pace as the wall before you is solid and unmovable. It is then that one of the most cruel tortures known to mankind is brought to your attention and you cringe visibly.

The sometimes subtle but usually not so subtle background noise of Christmas music is everywhere. The mind numbing tunes “Holly Jolly Christmas” and “Rudolph the red nosed reindeer” are repeated over and over until you are brain washed into memorizing the lyrics. A searing pain begins to form behind your right eye as you hear for the hundredth time “Winter Wonderland” belt out across the building. The pain magnifies quickly to cover your entire skull. Using your one good eye you espy a haze coming off the unwashed wall off humanity before you and you realize they are fumes of some sort which is magnifying the pain from the inane terrible music.

Why are you here again? Oh yeah that’s right, Christmas is the time of happiness and joy…..

After what seems like a lifetime part of the wall before you begins to break up, two of the soap deprived family are distracted and they start to wander off to the right. Here is your chance! You push through the slight opening with speed and brass, you will undoubtedly brush against one of your blockers, but it cannot be avoided, you must escape at all costs. Holding your breath you graze the greasy coat of what you believe to be the father as you burst through, and you make a mental note that your coat will now probably need to be burned. Free at last!!!! It’s a Christmas miracle.

The store you have been seeking finally comes to view and with a sigh you enter. Now unlike most persons, you know exactly what you are there for. No need to look at every item on every shelf in the hopes that some grand idea will strike you. No indeed, you are prepared and thankfully so, for if you had to look at everything and then wait in the 20 person line to cash out your short time on this planet would be at an end. You grab the gift you desire and queue up and hope the line moves in a swift manner. The pain in your head has become a dull ache as your body adjusts to the environment, and you regain the sight in your right eye. Without the fumes from the blockers burning a hole in your retina you begin to feel somewhat normal again, though your coat most definitely needs to be burned as your nose detects a sickly sweet smell from the exact spot where you brushed against one of them.

With nothing to do but wait you peruse the shop and its patrons. You have chosen wisely and the shop you are in is neat clean, and orderly. The infernal song “ Rockin around the Christmas tree” is playing and though it creates images of murder and mayhem in your overtaxed mind you resign yourself to the wait and refrain from lashing out. Another person behind you ques up and they bump you with all of their previously bought packages. You turn to look at them and they mumble “excuse me.”

The line, like everything else this day moves ever so slowly, and what little patience you had left begins to wax and wane. The moron behind you continues bump into you whilst muttering halfhearted apologies and the cashiers’ process each transaction like it was a corporate takeover being done through their registers. You clench and unclench your fist and catch a scowling reflection of yourself from a near by mirror. “Bump”.

The cashiers are both young but any youthful excitement and exuberance for the Holiday has long been ripped out of them. Mechanically they process the purchases with as few looks at the customers as possible. They never smile and the only sign that they are human at all is when they sigh with impatience or scowl at the customer before them. “Bump”.

The tormentor behind you is now talking on her cell phone about nothing so she no longer feels the need to apologize for invading your personal space and being rude.

Giving up you focus on the semi android clerks ahead and hope that you can leave this hell on earth soon. Of the two you hope that the young lady is the one who will have the pleasure of taking your money, for the young man looks as if his future holds a nice long prison sentence. Mentally naming him Butch, you note the dark eyeliner around his eyes and the steel post through his nose. The store must have been very desperate to hire people to offer this soon to be homicidal maniac a job.

You get Butch.

He takes your money like with all the others and growls “Happy Holidays”, as you walk away you somehow feel used but your relief at being free of Bumpy and Butch out weighs any misgivings and you leave the place promptly.

The screaming of distressed children scratches across your skull as you shoulder your way out of the building. With a dry mouth, pounding head and aching feet you push on as quickly as the mass of humanity before you will allow and as you depart the icy cold you feared earlier is welcome. The sweat on your face and neck freezes but you no longer care, as you march towards your car and freedom.

Lastly as you speed up the highway headed for the sanctum of your home and coherent thought begins to return…… you realize that you forgot that Chia-pet and half a dozen other gifts you were going to buy.

No my friends, the benefit most definitely does not justify the cost when it comes to Christmas, nor do I think it ever will. With that I will wish you a Merry Christmas and be on my way.

Nollaig Shona!

Blighter

Carpet Bombing

Carpet Bombing.

When I was a boy I watched on the CBS evening news, with Walter Cronkite, the carpet bombing campaigns in Cambodia. The color footage from the bomber’s aerial perspective was not just amazing but frightening. Huge swaths of jungle were torn asunder with trees being thrown high from the blast. Blooming fireballs appeared with each explosion as the aircraft made its way over the landscape, leaving only craters and death in its wake. I was mesmerized by the sheer power of this act and as the bombs walked along through the jungle in perfect two step form, the subdued “Thud” sound from impact beat their way into my mind along with the images of havoc. To this day I see it still, and though I have become more callous and cold with age, the thought of those images still brings me a mixture of both fascination and dread like fear.

For even as a young lad, I understood that far below the plane, on the earth’s surface, life was being destroyed. In an effort to reach as many targets as possible, the military decided to blanket areas with bombs in the hopes of weakening and destroying the enemy. This indiscriminate strategy, though terrible in its execution does have its merits, as proved by the bombing campaigns of the Allies of WWII.

So, why the History lesson and recollections of a young boy?
Well, the term Carpet Bombing came up today while I was researching what someone called “Political Marketing”.

As I am sure all of you are aware the Big Three automakers are asking for a financial bailout from the federal government. It seems that through mismanagement, poor planning and lack of ingenuity, the automobile makers are in a bit of a fix. Not that this situation is new or novel. They have been losing millions of dollars in revenue for months, but I suppose now that the precedent has been set by our government through the bailout packages for Wall Street, the time was right to ask. The entire bailout affair is, in the most simple of terms, an “act of villainy of the greatest of proportions”. However, be that as it may, what really caught my attention was not the audacity of this attempt to foist the bill upon the American taxpayer for the automakers failures; no it is the Carpet Bombing campaign of ads and news.

As the decision rests with Congress whether or not to approve thirty four billion dollars in taxpayer funds to help the automobile companies, the matter of public opinion is important. For, though our Representatives like to forget the fact, the Congressmen and women in Washington are hired and fired by the public. The constituents, of their respective states, have been quite vocal in their negative opinion of a bail out plan for Detroit. Thousands of calls and e-mails have flooded the offices of Representatives from across the nation and all those messages cannot be ignored. So to combat the shortsightedness of the foolish uneducated plebeians who dare to stand up and say no, the Political Carpet Bombing campaign is begun.

Using radio, television and the news media, the Big Three have started to inundate us with their message, a message not of inspiration or logic, but one of fear. We are told that millions of people will become unemployed and that the burden on unemployment insurance will destroy the nation. “Thud”, we are informed that one in ten of America’s work force depends on the auto industry (i.e. your neighbor). “Thud”, and we are now fully aware that the next great depression will be upon us by Christmas if the Government doesn’t come through, “Thud”. So, please call your Senators and give us your money.

The fascinating fact about political marketing Carpet Bombing is that in no way does the information need to reflect fact, truth, or reality. Its purpose is to reach as many targets as possible in as short a time as possible, and much like their actual military predecessors, they are quite effective. We as a society have become accustomed to getting what we want very quickly. We demand faster service from already fast food, we microwave hot dogs, use E-Zpass on the highway and download movies from the net.

This proclivity for fast everything, has a definite bearing on the effectiveness of marketing campaigns whether political or not. For, if we are attuned to quick, easy solutions or explanations of every problem, then he who proposes the easiest will garner the most popular support. Regardless as to whether the solution or explanation is correct or factual. A fine example of how this is rings true can be found in the TABOR (Tax Payer Bill of Rights) proposition a couple of years back here in Maine.

When TABOR was on the ballot, the bombs were falling thick and heavy from the opponents of the measure. There were signs up all over the State that read “Save our Schools” and “People will die.” Television ads blasted the populace with horror stories of houses burning down because the fire departments would have no funding, and people wouldn’t be safe in their homes because the police had no money to patrol. Schools would shut down, and bridges would collapse. You would think Armageddon was going to come about if the measure passed. All this came from asking for the State Legislature to be fiscally responsible. When faced with the logical argument that no sane city or town council would sacrifice the three most important needs of the community i.e. schools, safety, and infrastructure, the Bombers had no response and no defense, yet they continued their campaign and were successful. Inundated with messages of fear, many voters made decisions based upon the inflammatory ads placed before them for months. I am sure some really believed that the horrible events portrayed on television would be in their future if they had not voted against the measure. The problem is, the voters who cast their ballots against the measure because of that fear opted for a quick and easy answer, rather than try to work out the logic. I am not saying all did thus, for many folks actually do try to research the facts and merits of the issues they are voting on, this is but a good example of how Carpet Bomb Marketing can be successful.

I believe that, if we as citizens are so easily manipulated by marketing strategies and media campaigns that are designed to influence our opinions, ideas and yes our COUNTRY, then we are soon to fall.

The Bombs of the Big Three campaign will have a much greater impact upon our society than those of TABOR. The message they send is one of fear, of destruction, and chaos. It is a false message designed not for the benefit of you the taxpayer, or the millions of “Workers” who will be affected by the inept handling of the companies; nay it is for their own.

I am asking you as a citizen to “Think” then act, not the other way around.

Slainte’
Blighter

Our Unpatriotic members of society.

Joe Biden really put his foot in it yesterday on Good Morning America when he said, and I quote:

“it’s time to be patriotic...time to jump in, time to be part of the deal, time to help get America out of the rut” by forcing Americans who make over 250 thousand a year to pay higher taxes.”

The implication of this statement is that those persons who make in excess of $250,000 per year are not being patriotic to their country and it is now high time they Pony up. I for one feel that “Uncle Joe Biden” is a bit off the mark here and that not only is his statement completely inappropriate but is not based in any kind of reality. So for my own sanity and for the betterment of my fellow Americans, I feel the need to point out how oh so very wrong Uncle Joe is and the policy he is promoting as well.

First off, let’s look at what the persons of the $250,000 per anum income bracket currently contribute to this nation. I need not go into how much in Tax revenue they throw into the government coffers for that is a given. No what I’m talking about are the intangibles, contributions immeasurable as they bring far greater wealth to this nation than mere dollars.

The persons Uncle Joe feels are unpatriotic are the investors in the Stock markets which have been beaten all to hell as of late through the SEC not doing its job. They are the business owners both large and small; they are mangers, brokers, bankers, and entrepreneurs. These are the unpatriotic souls of our country. These are the very people who have ruined America, or so Uncle Joe wants us to believe.

Really now? Let me ask this: If the investors of the stock markets, which allow business’ to grow and expand, the entrepreneurs, that use creativity and ingenuity to develop new markets and technology, and the business owners who create jobs are unpatriotic, then might I ask what Uncle Joe’s definition of the word is?.

Without these people, jobs would not exist, commerce would wither and die, and we all would be living in a barter economy much like pre-Revolutionary Colonial America. In which we would be dependant on the markets of foreign nations the consequence of which is that they would dictate our economic success or failure. Today, as evidenced by the world markets reaction to the recent crisis, we control not only our markets but also affect directly those of the EU, Asia, and Russia.
The contributions of the targeted part of our society, through the acts of commerce (which generates billions in tax revenue), help keep each and everyone of us safe and secure. The day after 9/11 a man of limited education but great common sense made comment to a small crowd of us stunned citizens. Many were asking what can we do? Some were going to enlist, some volunteer to go help the victims of the attack but many could not make such sacrifices for a variety of reasons such as age and personal resources. It was then that I heard these words;

“The best thing you can do to help your country right now is to work at your jobs. It is the strength of our commerce that will help us defeat our attackers. If we give up in shock then they win for that is just the reaction the Terrorists want.”

He is right, for every foot soldier, sailor, or Airman in the field; there are 30 more in support of that front line combatant. The ammunition, food, clothing, equipment is made by American hands and ingenuity. And the trail need not stop there, for I contend that though the bookseller and the insurance corporation may not have directly distributed hard goods to the military effort, they did so indirectly. That being the taxes generated by the profits of the corporation or business and the personal income taxes of its employees. The monies obtained thereby, can then be used to fuel the tanks, and planes of our brave men and women over seas.

And who runs those businesses’ that have so helped each and every one of us enjoy a standard of living only dreamed of elsewhere? Well according to “Uncle Joe” it’s the most unpatriotic portion of our populace, and they just don’t care about our nation at all.
Perhaps Senator Biden should read a book or two about the economics of WW II and the importance the U.S. economy played in that time period. He just might be surprised at the level of Patriotism exhibited by this most unpatriotic group of evil businessmen.

So what we can conclude is that though Uncle Joe and Commissar Obama want you to believe that patriotism is based upon ones revenue and tax we can see quite easily that this assertion is not only false but completely inane. However I am not surprised at all by this little attack by the “Red Star Duo” for I have seen this type of political ploy before. I read it in the Joseph Stalin Handbook “how to destroy an economy and have the masses thank you.”

By attacking those who’s income seems out of reach for many and by saying that “we are going to tax them and give you a break”, Uncle Joe is creating a class differential one that can be used and exploited not for benefit the millions of Middle Class Americans but for the sole purpose of getting elected.

Add the Capital gains tax plan of these two geniuses, to the mix, and you get quite a mess indeed.

Slainte’
Blighter

the Photo is Uncle Joe Biden's Harvard Graduation Portrait.

Sarah Palin Action figure?

September 10, 2008

WASHINGTON: Online action figure purveyor Herobuilders, which has a line of popular dolls modelled on politicians of note, has unveiled its latest creation - a 30cm plastic doll of Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Source

My darling wife called me today during my lunch break to tell me about this crazy story and I just had to go look for myself. It seems that for $29.95 one can not only buy a Sarah Palin doll, dressed up in one of three outfits, ( my favorite is the photo above) but also of Barack Obama at the beach and John McCain wearing a Tee shirt. Herobuilder's is currently trying to get the Joe Biden doll up and working but they are having trouble with his hair line.

The Action figure in no way does justice to Govenor Palin, who is, by any one's standards, attractive, Though the outfits are amusing.

I find it interesting that anyone would actually pony up $30.00 for such an item, and once purchased what then? What do you do with a 30 cm doll as an adult? To each his own I guess, I'll not pass judgment on anyone who so chooses to part with their money for such an item.

Why I'll even link you the site to buy your very own Sarah Palin Doll, if you are so inclined.

http://www.herobuilders.com/08.htm

As I've said many a time, "people are nuts" and this goes to prove my point.

Slainte'

Blighter

It's the Money Stupid....

For some time now I have been contemplating the issues surrounding the Main Stream Media's coverage of not only the Presidential election but also of the latest Primaries. It has been evident throughout these past 18 months that the large news organizations prefer Senator Barack Obama above all others. Through their very powerful forums, ABC, NBC, and CBS along with their newspaper affiliates have committed about every act of journalistic bias that could possibly be conceived. If you do not know this already my friends, I suggest you turn on the news a few nights this week and take a look at the coverage afforded to the Democrat candidate and compare it to that of the Republican.

What you will find is a disproportionate amount of time is spent on Barack Obama, sometimes as much as twenty minutes in a half hour broadcast, and about 2-3 minutes on Senator John McCain. Along with this slant, you may also notice that the video, still photo's, and sound is in stark contrast and again that it favors the Democrat over the Republican. I will not go into great detail over the unethical nature of this type of reporting, or of the frightening revelation that our news agencies have become mere Propaganda machines, as that is for another time. I wish simply to address two one word questions.

Why? and How?

Now some people believe that the current media bias is a product of liberal colleges and institutions and that those who now are in charge of the networks are of the mindset fostered while they attended those schools and colleges. This has some fact to it, however it is not the whole truth for it takes not into consideration a few factors that must be looked at, such as personal growth, Individual beliefs, values etc. All of us, no matter the school we attended, continue to grow and learn as we age. This growth is fostered through a myriad of ways not the least of which is honest discourse and debate. People discuss topics they find of interest, read up on them and form their own opinions accordingly. With the advent of the Internet the search for information and ideas is but a keystroke away. As each of us gathers more information about a subject we then form our individual beliefs based upon that data. This is important in that it leads to the heart of media bias as a crime. For, if denied varying points of view and ideas, the information by which beliefs are formed is tainted thus lessening the integrity of the decision based upon the slanted view. I digress.

To believe that the network moguls of the "Big Three"(ABC,NBC,CBS) are somehow all of the same mindset, that they have not grown since college and that they wish to further the liberal agendas of the sixties radicals, is hard to swallow. These executives must have great power indeed if they are able to control their tens of thousands of employees with such an iron fist that no dissent ever is heard. They must be men and women of outstanding charisma to convince all of their employees to follow the path of liberalism regardless of that employee's personal beliefs. Look around your workplace and ask yourself this; Do I agree with the politics of everyone in my building? Of course you don't, I bet there are four out of ten people right off the bat that you can think of who vex you with their political outlook. So how is it that the news media organizations with their vast amount of employees have managed to gather up all liberals and radicals? Was there a test? Simply put, the scenario that Americans would work for such places is out of touch with reality. Yes there is a predominance of liberals in journalism today, but the idea that somehow the conspiracy of the current bias stems from a political philosophy is rather weak. I realize that most Journalists are mere cardboard cuts outs sent hither and yon with no thoughts in their head but let's be honest, many are not, and those reporters have ideas, thoughts and beliefs of their own.

So, a core belief in Liberalism, may play a small part in what we are experiencing in the news coverage today, but it cannot be realistically labelled as the main factor.

Here is the "why" of it.

It's the Money stupid.

Lest we forget, the media outlets in this country are business'. They make decisions based upon revenue like every other business in the world and it is their responsibility to make a profit for their stockholders. Simply put.... Barack Obama is good for their business.

How so? well lets look at how the media generates revenue. Newspapers collect a little from readership i.e. those who actually buy a newspaper, but the bulk comes from advertising. The readership is measuring stick by which advertisers decide to spend their budgets with certain papers. The higher the subscription and sales of a newspaper the greater the audience an advertiser has in which to try to sell his/her goods and services. The same goes for television only they base their advertising fees on what is commonly called "Ratings". These ratings are the life's blood of the television and news agencies. High ratings mean they can charge more for advertising time on air, high readership causes rates to go up in newspapers.

So, ultimately the goal of the business side of the media outlets is to either get you to read or watch their shows so that you can help them sell the goods and services of their advertising customers. Up until recently, newspapers have been a great source for advertising dollars, but the Internet, cable news broadcasting and a loss of interest in the printed word overall has caused the decline in readership and so too revenue. The evening news broadcasts are feeling the same pinch in that more and more people are tuning them out and searching the net for their news.

How does Barack change this backward slide? Well, he brings readers and ratings, but not for the reasons that he should.

Barack Obama if elected President would be the first African American (Black) man elected to that high office. Every action he took, be it walking in the rose garden, or speaking with other heads of state, would be historical firsts. People will want to view history in the making and so they will turn on their television sets or buy such rags as the NY Times, or Boston Globe, to get a glimpse of events unfolded never yet to be seen. This means what to the media? Readership, Ratings, and ultimately money. It is in the media's best financial interest to see this man become president so they can ride the commercial wave that will come their way. But at what cost?

The media has chosen the Democrat candidate for the 2008 election through gross propaganda tactics and misinformation. All in the hopes that by electing this man to the Presidency they will fill their coffers and line their pockets. Would that it was Liberal political bias that motivates their prostitution of the journalists trade. For if it was a political philosophy that caused them to deceive America, then at least it would be not so a shameless crime. A crime it is though, for it says to us that no more does merit, integrity or love of country matter, nay, Elections are now about ratings and revenue, and henceforth the media shall decide our fate.

Slainte'
Blighter

The Hooting

Main Entry:
1hoot
Pronunciation:
\ˈhüt\
Function:
verb
Etymology:
Middle English houten, of imitative origin
Date:
13th century
intransitive verb
1 : to shout or laugh usually derisively
2 : to make the natural throat noise of an owl or a similar cry
3 : to make a loud clamorous mechanical sound
transitive verb
1 : to assail or drive out by hooting
2 : to express or utter with hoots


Last week, I was taken aback and amazed at the amount and magnitude of what I call “The Hooting”.
It seems that the Fourth of July, with its Fireworks and various celebrations, has such a hold some people that they must simply Yell, Scream, Holler, and yes Hoot. The amount of noise that boomed out across the landscape of my little village, from the throats of people, was really quite scary. The primitive outbursts were almost continuous for the four days I had off.

So I have begun to ask myself, “From where does this come, this need to yell and shout?” I personally cannot recall ever Hooting out “WHOOO HOOO” at the top of my lungs nor can I say I have witnessed any of my friends or associates doing so either. So I am perplexed as to what causes one to “Hoot”.

Being inquisitive, I began to ask various people, at random, “do they personally Hoot?”, and if so “what is the catalyst that causes them to lose control and assault the world with their noise?” My finding’s were enlightening and I feel the need to pass on this most valuable knowledge to my fellow man, in the manner of friendship and understanding that I am so well known for.

Well, of the ten persons asked only two admitted to ever Hooting. This I found strange in that the amount of sound coming from the lake below my mountainside home told of a far greater proportion of screamers than just 20%. When asked why they shouted out so, the answers where interesting. One person said they found the sight of a man’s backside exciting enough to Hoot, the other proclaimed that they Hooted when witnessing someone fall into a mud puddle. As both of those particular incidents, are rather mundane for, how many male backsides do you see in a day? And how many trips and falls has a person witnessed in their life? I found it odd that one would feel the need to Hoot over them.

So I asked the next question; what were you “The Hooter” doing at the time that you hooted?

Drinking……..

Alcohol seemed to be the underlying lynch pin in the release of hoots upon the world. Even those who have never hooted themselves can invariably trace back to a witnessed hoot, the consumption of alcohol of some sort. If I was to venture a guess, the drink of choice would be Budweiser or perhaps Allen’s Coffee Brandy for the ladies.

But this none too startling revelation answers not the question, for along with my kind, caring and understanding demeanor, I have also been known to have a Pint or two, or three, or four etc. And during my peak times whilst I swilled fifth’s of Bushmill’s and Stoly’s on a daily basis nary a Hoot did I or my mates let out. So it seems that, though alcohol, is partly responsible for the existence of Hoots (the sound) and Hooters (those who make said sound), it is obviously not the main factor. So what is?

If we look at a particular Hooter or two, such as the pair mentioned above, we can see that some sort of event was going on and that through the use of alcohol, the Hooters felt comfortable enough to let themselves free for the entire world to enjoy. Once Anheiser Bush removes the need to compose one’s self in a civilized manner, Hooters begin their primitive screaming. Reaching down, probably not too far, into their inner being and embracing the savage nature that is man, they hoot out in delight over the simplest things. The formation of words or even common gestures of approval for an act or sight is no longer needed as their primordial instincts kick in. Having not the pleasure of embracing that savage inner self, outside of a murderous impulse on occasion, I have become fascinated with these Hooters and their ways.

As I have ascertained, Hooters are probably about 20% of our population. That means 20% of all people feel closer to their primitive selves and have the ability to embrace it through minor stimuli and alcohol consumption. I believe, that the Hooters themselves, are unaware of how close they are to our cousins the apes who make loud outbursts as well as in savage fury or joy, but I feel they would benefit greatly by this small bit of knowledge. For through understanding we grow, do we not?

Though, I doubt if I would confront a Hooter with this bit of knowledge whilst they are in the midst of their boisterous noise making. This could prove dangerous for, the very same inner being and lack of inhibition, that causes Hooters to exist in the first place, lays very closely to the savage nature of man’s true self, and if said Hooter feels no restraint in joy, I am sure they more than likely feel no restraint in violence either. So to no good end could one address this point at such a time.

Perhaps the following day is best while their small ape like brains are suffering from lack of hydration (hangover).

I also found that Hooters and Hoots only appear and occur in groups. What I mean by that is, one rarely if ever hears a Whoo Hoo unless there are at least 4-5 people gathered together along with the other criteria established earlier, i.e. Alcohol, minor stimuli, and knuckle dragging personalities. If, by chance, one was to witness a hoot where the other criteria were not met, then one could only conclude that the Hooter was insane. Think of a person walking along a sidewalk mid day in any town in the world, and said person begins to Whoo Hoo. What would you think?

Exactly.

We cannot help but conclude that Hooters, (those that Hoot not the other kind) are much more easily influenced and controlled through stimuli, though the other type is as well, and that they are more than likely persons of lesser intellect and development. I daresay it is the duty of us all, to bring these souls up from their savage state and into civilized society through research and education, for the betterment of mankind. I urge you all, to examine Hoots and especially Hooters, very closely and do your part for our species by helping them to grow.

Slainte’
Blighter

The Crying Game

It seems every time I turn on the Tele these days I cannot help but run across some person actually weeping before the Nation. It is almost a required prerequisite prior to going on any live show or news cast. We see it on talk shows and reality TV, we watch patiently as the young mother tries to catch her breath, and hold back the tears as she talks about welfare “Rights” and needed services. We take in the hard luck story of how little Joey’s Dad didn’t come to his ball game, relayed by his dear old’ Ma, as she testifies as to why her son had to murder three people in cold blood, with tears in her eyes. We hear the apologies and watch the waterworks as the convicted rapist apologizes to the family he destroyed.

With all this crying going on you would think that we as a society accept and condone such displays. Maybe we do……. I however, do not and cannot understand this.

I was brought up to believe that the shedding of tears is a private matter. If one feels grief that necessitates the release of saline then that person should do so away from the public eye. Dignity demands that those not known to the afflicted, avert their eyes and give said person a bit of time and room to compose themselves. To cry in public, unabashedly, is a display of weakness. It reflects badly on the individual and it disrespects ones family and name. I have no patience for the whiners and criers on television for they embody the moral decay of our culture and society as a whole.

I would no more let my emotions show in public, than I would cut my member off to prove my manhood. Both actions emasculate you. As a boy I would of course, cry at times, but in public? Never. It was unheard of, and if a child in our neighborhood was in pain or upset, off to the side they went, perhaps with a good friend or sibling to wipe away their tears. If a parent was about they would console the injured party, and admonish the rest of us heathens for our recklessness. However, to stand before your peers and weep with no attempt to hide said pain, or to try and compose oneself, would have been doom. Anyone foolish enough to do so would have been ridiculed and picked on mercilessly.

It comes down to acceptable forms of behavior.

As I stated above it was not, and still is not, acceptable to weep in public. We all know that grief is a private affair that is best kept on a personal familial level. Our parents taught us this most basic of lessons early on, perhaps when we first scraped our knee on the sidewalk, or were bitten by the neighbor’s dog. We also learn this as we go through life and we attend funerals. Ask yourself, when was the last time you attended a Funeral where there was wailing and keening? The survivors of a lost loved one have more of a right than anyone to weep yet, most compose themselves with dignity and strength through the ceremony. Even if they do not, generally the person so afflicted with sorrow, is quietly walked out of the public eye so they may not be stared at in their moment of despair. It is just right and proper is it not?

I’m guessing not, as evidenced by programs like Oprah, Montel, and even the News. I can almost predict at what point anyone of the hapless souls to be videotaped will begin to cry. You can see them working themselves up sitting before the show’s host and the entire world, waiting for the final question that breaks their composure. Unlike those who have suffered real tragedy such as lost comrades on the field of battle, or a Fireman perishing in the flames, These folks suffer the burden of greater sorrow over such topics as, being over weight, failing to pay their credit card debt, and my personal favorite their poor childhood. These morons cry so you the people of America can feel sympathy for them. The problem with that is that it is wasted effort. Why should I allow some 300 lb person with no self control, to attempt to high jack my emotions so that they can simply feel better about themselves? Piss on em, if they really wanted to feel better about themselves then they would get up off arse and go work in the yard, stop whining and crying.


It is almost as if the whole thing is an act. But I don’t think so, for it happens far too often for all of the various incidents to be staged. No, it has become acceptable to demean ones self in public, in fact, it almost required.

Being “Old fashioned”, as I am oft times described, I cannot but cringe and growl at the lack of self respect shown on the “Boob Tube” everyday. I am sickened and agitated every time some man is interviewed for the news and he cries tears as he explains that his Da hit him. SO WHAT? Every person in my neighborhood got the belt when they were out of line, you don’t see us all crying about it do you? The producers, I suppose, want the viewers to “Feel” something for their subject. In that they have been successful for I have much feeling for them indeed, but I’m betting is not the feeling’s they were looking for.

Essentially what I am saying is that, we as a society have allowed this kind of behavior to become acceptable. In so doing we undermine the strength of not only the individual but society as a whole. It saddens me that we have actually come to this.

Slainte’
Blighter

Hippies

Right, last evening on my way home from work, I got stuck behind this little red Subaru wagon with several bumper stickers on the back of it. As we all know Subaru's are the car of choice ( next to VW buses ) for hippies, something about global warming and fuel economy etc. etc. In any event, as I start to get closer I have no choice but to read the various stickers because the driver, who was about 45 with glasses and short hair could not maintain a speed to save his ass. I am sure we would have been at least doing the speed limit if his dope was on fire at home, but this must not have been the case. Evidently, there is a 10-15 MPH variance when considering speed limits on sunny bright days. I am really glad I know that now.

So I am reading these very liberal bumper slogans and getting angrier by the second, and I thought " Maybe I should try to understand what these people are all about? "

For those of you who know me in real life, you understand what a huge leap this is. For those who don't know me let me just say that my utter contempt and hatred of the Hippie Sub Culture knows no bounds. Nothing enrages me more than Tie dye, unwashed, relics of an age long since past trying to tell me to love my neighbor etc. Like I am going to love someone who fails in the personal hygiene dept. " the Great Unwashed" Anyway, I looked up what a Hippie is supposed to really be and have included the article here for you all to peruse. I have to say that when I began reading this I was thinking it some kind of joke but it seems the author is in earnest, sad.

Oh yeah, I have made a few notes to the text.

The Way of the Hippy from "Hippies From A to Z
by Skip Stone

maybe it’s the time of year. Yes, and maybe it’s the time of man. And I don’t know who I am. But life is for learning. Joni Mitchell/CS&N (Woodstock) 1970

What’s a hippie? What’s the difference between an old hippie and a new hippie? Once a hippie, always a hippie? These and similar questions are the source of much debate today. New subcategories like web-hippies, cyber-hippies, even zippies have become fashionable. But what is a hippie and are you one? To answer this question, let’s see what defines a hippie. Some say it’s the way people dress, and behave, a lifestyle. Others classify drug users and rock 'n' roll fans or those with certain radical political views as hippies. The dictionary defines a hippie as one who doesn’t conform to society’s standards and advocates a liberal attitude and lifestyle. Can all these definitions be right? It seems to me that these definitions miss the point. By focusing on the most visible behavioral traits these limited descriptions fail to reveal what lies in the hippie heart that motivates such behavior. To understand The Way of the Hippy, we must look at those circumstances that preceded the birth of the hippy movement, the important events that changed our lives, our resulting frustration with society, and the philosophy that developed from our spiritual maturation.

So where is the Follow up? as usual blanket statements without any facts. If you are going to "look at those circumstances that preceded the birth of the hippy movement" then at least reference the social mores of the 50s and 60s that you find so heinous.

Hippy is an establishment label for a profound, invisible, underground, evolutionary process. For every visible hippy, barefoot, beflowered, beaded, there are a thousand invisible members of the turned-on underground. Persons whose lives are tuned in to their inner vision, who are dropping out of the TV comedy of American Life. Timothy Leary (The Politics of Ecstasy) 1967

Frightening to say the least, it is these invisible members of the Hippies culture that frighten me the most, as they tend to do the most damage. They look all normal, but in reality they have black viscous fluid running through their dope weakened veins, and all they desire is to destroy the health and strength of normal society. I call this Hillary Syndrome.

My view is that being a hippie is a matter of accepting a universal belief system that transcends the social, political, and moral norms of any established structure, be it a class, church, or government. Each of these powerful institutions has it’s own agenda for controlling, even enslaving people. Each has to defend itself when threatened by real or imagined enemies. So we see though history a parade of endless conflicts with country vs. country, religion vs. religion, class vs. class. After millennia of war and strife, in which uncounted millions have suffered, we have yet to rise above our petty differences.

There is truth to this, however, what this does not take into account is the simple fact that humans " Covet". It also doesn't address that in wars and conflicts there are two sides at the least. If a country is invaded then someone must defend that country from the invaders.

The way of the hippie is antithetical to all repressive hierarchical power structures since these are adverse to the hippie goals of peace, love and freedom. This is why the “Establishment” feared and suppressed the hippie movement of the ’60s, as it was a revolution against the established order. It is also the reason why the hippies were unable to unite and overthrow the system since they refused to build their own power base. Hippies don’t impose their beliefs on others. Instead, hippies seek to change the world through reason and by living what they believe.

Peace, love,and, freedom? LMAO I daresay this Nation guarantees more freedoms than any other in the world. I am assuming what this line means is freedom to do whatever you want regardless of the consequences. Like not working, washing or contributing to society as a whole. Feared? I don't think so.

Hippies don’t impose their beliefs on others. Instead, hippies seek to change the world through reason and by living what they believe.

Excuse me? has this guy watched the news as of late?

Imagine no possessions, I wonder if you can, No need for greed or hunger, A brotherhood of man. Imagine all the people sharing all the world. John Lennon (Imagine)

If you don't know that this simple song was about Communism I suggest you go back to school. It sounds nice, but ask yourself how did Communism work out for the Soviets eh? North Korea? " Sharing all the world" breaks down to Karl Marx's statement " From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs". Nice, so I am an able bodied man who works hard each day and this hippie is a useless slug, my abilities would feed his uselessness. Works out for them though, they can keep spewing forth bullshit and eating for free.

To be a hippie you must believe in peace as the way to resolve differences among peoples, ideologies and religions. The way to peace is through love and tolerance. Loving means accepting others as they are, giving them freedom to express themselves and not judging them based on appearances. This is the core of the hippie philosophy.

Unless of course you are a Republican then all bets are off.

…see the whole thing is a world full of rucksack wanderers, Dharma Bums refusing to subscribe to the general demand that they consume production and therefore have to work for the privilege of consuming, all that crap they didn’t really want anyway such as refrigerators, TV sets, cars, …all of them imprisoned in a system of work, produce, consume, work, produce, consume, I see a vision of a great rucksack revolution thousands or even millions of young Americans wandering around with rucksacks, going up to mountains to pray, making children laugh and old men glad, making young girls happy and old girls happier, all of ‘em Zen Lunatics who go about writing poems that happen to appear in their heads for no reason and also by being kind and also by strange unexpected acts keep giving visions of eternal freedom to everybody and to all living creatures. Jack Kerouac (The Dharma Bums) 1958

Yes. Yes I see it now, refrigeration is evil, throw off the shackles of frozen peas and enlighten your fellow man to the fact that cold storage is anathema to one's zen like happiness.

The hippy movement erected signposts for all to see. Some warn us of impending danger, others direct us towards richer, more fulfilling lives, but most show us the road to freedom. Freedom is the paramount virtue in this system. Freedom to do as one pleases, go where the flow takes you, and to be open to new experiences. This engenders an attitude that allows for maximum personal growth.

The road to freedom eh? Who says I am not free already? Oh that's right I forgot. I am free to do pretty much as I please because I worked hard and built a life for myself. I want for nothing, though I confess I do Covet. It would have been so much better if I didn't have to work and it was just handed to me, and lets not forget my lovely new refrigerator, what was I thinking?

If you want to be free, be free, because there’s a million things to be. Cat Stevens (If You Want to Sing Out)

Cat Stevens, enough said, France likes him so let him stay there.

Our society only permits you one or two weeks a year of freedom to pursue your own agenda. The rest of the time we are slaves to the system. Hippies reject the 9 to 5 lifestyle and therefore are objects of ridicule by those whose lives run by the clock. Programmed people are jealous and resent the freedom we possess. The unmitigated freedom that hippies represent is the greatest threat to any system in which control equals power.

Ahh that's it, I am a jealous Programmed robot that resents the fact that hippies can do as they please. This is far from the truth, I resent hippies as they are so full of shit they are weakening the ozone with their smell. Peace love and care? Where was that " Way of life" when my Uncle came home from Vietnam? Tolerant? when was the last time you saw a Hippie tolerant of a Republican? Free? really? so never knowing where your next meal is coming from is freedom? I've been there mate and there is a lot of stress that goes along with that scene. If you don't know how you are gonna feed yourself you have a multitude of decisions to make, you are " Chained" to the goal. The only decision I have to make when hungry is " Chicken or Ribs or Both".

I like ideas about the breaking away or overthrowing of established order. I am interested in anything about revolt, disorder, chaos, especially activity that seems to have no meaning. It seems to me to be the road towards freedom - external freedom is a way to bring about internal freedom. Jim Morrison

Too bad Mr. Morrison had to die of an overdose of drugs before the world could be thrown into the state of chaos he advocated.

With all this freedom comes a lot of responsibility. The system does not make it easy for us to survive without sacrificing our values. Therefore we must discover alternative ways to make a living without being a drag on our planet’s resources and our fellow humans. Hippies have pioneered numerous lifestyles and alternative businesses including communes, cooperatives, holistic medicine and health food. We focused every one's concern on the environment to highlight our responsibilities to our planet and to future generations.

Holistic medicine and health food, isn't that nice. However, aren't these two industries suspect as to their actual benefits? What I see here is Hippies, taking advantage of hippies pure and simple. " Dude, you have to eat this all natural Plains grass to clean out your spirit as well as your bowels". " Oh yeah, that will be $49.95 Dude. I'd love to give it away but the MAN just wont let it be."

I’ve been smiling lately, dreaming about the world as one. And I believe it could be, someday it’s going to come. Cat Stevens (Peace Train)

This guy isn't dead yet?

Other beliefs that spring from our core philosophy are: an earthy spirituality such as a belief in Gaia (the earth as an organism), the Greens movement (political activism), even shamanism and vegetarianism. These philosophical and political views reflect a respect for nature and the planet as a whole, something lacking in our capitalistic and materialistic societies. The world needs hippies to point out alternatives to the entrenched system and warn of the impending disasters that await us if we don’t change our lifestyles. The goal is not to make everyone a hippie (what would we have to protest?). Rather we can try to influence others by example, through tolerance and love and teaching the virtues of the hippie way.

Again the Tolerance card, which is false and misleading to say the least. There is some honesty in here though with the statement " What would we have to protest?" You see, they really don't want change, just to protest. Evidently there is no concept of victory in their philosophy. Peace love and care my ass!

You create your own reality. Seth (Seth Speaks)

You can....That's why mental wards have a booming business with crazies. I bet whoever Seth is, his doctor is taking good care of him now.

So being a hippie is not a matter of dress, behavior, economic status, or social milieu. It is a philosophical approach to life that emphasizes freedom, peace, love and a respect for others and the earth. The way of the hippie never died. There have always been hippies from the first time society laid down rules, to Jesus, to Henry David Thoreau, to John Lennon, to you and me. I believe there’s a little hippy in all of us. It’s just been repressed by our socialization process. We need to find it and cultivate our hippie within. Only then can we reach our true potential.

As hippies age they come to terms with the same situations all humans must face. Wiser than before, let’s help the younger hippies find a way to save the earth and achieve more freedom than exists in our wildest dreams. Let’s find our common ground, build a worldwide community, and once again let our freak flags fly and become all we are destined to be.

I agree, let your freak flags fly high and proud, somewhere else. I hear Vermont is nice, and it seems they like this sort of thing.

In conclusion, my thoughts and beliefs as concerns Hippies and their hypocritical ideals haven't changed one bit. I did try to see what it's all about but came up short. What it boils down to is that Hippies want to do whatever they want whenever they want, and damnation to those who don't agree with them. They want the rest of us to support and tolerate them even though they contribute nothing to society and despise our very way of life. It is too bad that so many people fall into the trap the hippies have laid out. Drop outs and drug addicts, are their leaders and Idols. Nope it's confirmed, Hippies suck and always will. Too bad we have a few of the invisible ones in government now.

Slainte'
Blighter

Óró, Sé do Bheatha 'Bhaile
Óró, you are welcome home!