Rube

I have been called many things in my life, not all of them good to be sure. As I tend to be negative and contentious, I take name calling, and what I deem “Labeling”, in stride. Oh I may balk and or growl about a verbal slight, but usually I look at it from whence it comes and shrug it off. There are a few though, that cannot be dismissed so easily. There are certain words and phrases that just plain sting. However, I ask, how can a word or phrase actually cause a human being discomfort? For, in truth, words are but sounds, either articulated through speech or written down. We all know the answer, even those of us who have not spent their entire lives in the hallowed halls of our education system. It is the matter of intent and attitude. The old adage “Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” Really is not true, as words can do great harm, thus the rise in awareness over mental abuse along with physical domestic violence. Let me give an example, and yes I am leading up to something here.

A few years ago, my wife and I were invited to a wedding at the Harvard Club in Boston. As I was unable to attend an Ivy League College I was excited to go and walk the halls of such a famous institution. After a long train ride from Portland and a quick hop on the “T “, we found ourselves at the club and ready for the ceremony. For those of you who have been there I need not describe the beauty of the place. Wood paneled walls filled with books (my first love), a winding staircase up to the reading room/ library with large comfortable seats where I could envision myself sitting for hours pouring over the writings of Locke, Jefferson, Franklin, and Adams. The prestige and History of the place had me in awe, as I walked slowly about taking in the details of my surroundings.

After a beautiful ceremony in the Reading room and a small cocktail hour we all retired to a little dining room set up for the reception. Again, the room was inspiring with its woodwork, and tasteful décor. I was feeling very happy and pleased with my surroundings and the company I was keeping at the moment. The newly weds were both stunning and glowing with a happiness one sees not too often, and lively conversation was the rule of the day. And then….It all came crashing down with one word….

As our table went up to the buffet to get our meal I began looking at the bevy of dishes laid out before us. The table was groaning beneath the weight of it all. But for all that food, I was having trouble identifying what the dishes consisted off. It seems that people of Ivy League status need to make food look completely different from its original form at all costs. So as we stand in line, I ask my wife quietly “what is that?” as I point to a platter of cream sauce covered something right next to us. A nice woman in front of us explains it is some sort of vegetable dish that is very good and we thank her. Moving down the line I see some potatoes and say to my wife in hushed tones and a smile, “ahh there’s something I recognize.” That’s when a woman on the other side of the groaning table says to me very loudly, “Don’t be such a Rube.”

My reaction and rage was immediate.

Turning to my shocked wife I growl “That’s what I’ve been on about”. Meaning for the 10 years she has known me I have played the same tune over and over again. The tune is about Elitism and all its ugliness, and there it was right before our very eyes. It was not the word “rube” that stung but the attitude behind the word. An attitude of contempt, disgust and possibly hatred pointed directly at me. Now, there was no reason for such an attack. I had not the opportunity to drink too much, so I was not in my cups, I had been respectful and pleasant in my conversations and I had gone out of my way not to offend with my conservative views. My wife and I were dressed “to the Nines”, so no one could say we looked poorly etc. No this was an unprovoked attack by a person who not knowing me, my position, or background, simply categorized me as a Rube, for I was obviously beneath her station. Perhaps she so chose to label me as such for my place of residence, i.e. Maine. I suppose that being one of great stature requires more than an understanding of such things as warfare, politics and, economics. I guess one needs to be a culinary expert as well with no sense of humor. Needless to say, I did not linger in the halls of Harvard much longer. To save what was a perfectly beautiful day, until that moment, and to spare this lovely couple any drama on their wedding day, I chose to leave, instead of arguing and yes possibly beating, this snotty woman from New York.

Elitism has been a part of the American panorama throughout its illustrious history. Alexander Hamilton once deemed the general populace of the country as “The Herd that walks on two legs.”, and any native of Maine can tell you stories of summer tourist’s high handed ways. It is not new by a long shot, but it is becoming more commonplace.

Barack Obama, recently got into hot water over his "Bitter" comment when speaking about the people of rural Pennsylvania. His audience, in San Francisco California, was a most comfortable setting for him to express his true feelings. It seems that the good people of Rural Pennsylvania, are bitter because they have no voice in government, or so says Barack, and they have turned to religion, guns, and bigotry as their answer. As the Senator from Illinois looked down upon these lost folks, or shall we say, “The Herd”, I was struck by the arrogance of his attitude. Not unlike my attacker, Barack feels some kind of superiority over a large part of the population. How? His statements prove that he knows nothing about the people of Pennsylvania or of any rural state for that matter. Allow me to piece this together some. The people of Pennsylvania have not turned to religion Mr. Obama, because they have no say in Government. They have been and always will be a religious community. I do believe the Quakers had a strong influence in early Pennsylvania, and there are always the Amish. What you are saying Senator is that those people who believe in God and go to Church are stupid because what they should really be doing is listening to you and the government you want to form.

Gun ownership, has been a part of the American persona that goes back way before the foundation of this country. Rural and agricultural communities needed a gun about not only to hunt for food, but also to defend against attacks from Indians, and later the oppressive forces of the British government. The Pennsylvania Long Rifle, a flintlock muzzleloader, is one of the most beautiful firearms ever produced. The people of Pennsylvania are not turning to Guns Senator, the guns have been there from the beginning, and are guaranteed under the second amendment of the Bill of Rights. I realize that we the general populace are too obtuse to understand such lofty documents as the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, but let’s just pretend the good people do for the sake of argument.

This arrogance and Elitist attitude expressed by the Senator from Illinois, is the real problem. Somehow, this upstart has the temerity to look down his nose at a portion of our population that has done so much for this nation. In his disdain and scorn for the hardworking people he claims to want to lead, he is blinded to the history rich culture that so Identifies these people. The very same people who faced the British muskets during the revolution and in 1812. Their forefathers, dressed up in Union Blue to help free the slaves in the civil war, and have fought in every war our nation has been in since. They built the city of Brotherly Love and welcomed immigrants to our shores and provided the Steel that built our modern world. What in comparison has the Senator from Illinois accomplished? How can he say that these patriotic, hard working citizens, the very backbone of America, are small minded and Bitter? If that is what a Rube is, and that is how all you Elitist Liberals see us common folks then so be it. I will proudly call myself a Rube. For if we are to really look at who I see as a better sort, an arrogant Senator and a snotty New York socialite, or the hard working people of Rural America, you can easily figure out with whom I cast my lot.

Slainte'
Blighter

Persistance pays off...I guess

Back in November I blogged about the proposed " Grocery bag fee" put forth by represenative Ted Koffman of Bar Harbor. When I wrote that little piece I recall feeling rather incensed. I saw it, and see it still, as one of the most frivolous pieces of Legislation to date. I thought that surely there were more important matters for our State Represenatives to be dealing with.

Evidently, I was wrong.

Yesterday the AP ran this little piece:

Maine asking shoppers to reuse grocery shopping bags
By Associated Press
March 27, 2008 10:34 AM
AUGUSTA, Maine - Maine lawmakers are urging shoppers to do their bit to help the environment by reusing shopping bags when they go to the grocery store.
The House passed a nonbinding order Wednesday and the Senate's expected to take it up Thursday. Sponsors say it's modeled after a request in New Hampshire.
Americans use billions of plastic shopping bags every year, but only about 5 percent are recycled. The order says 12 million barrels of oil are used in America each year making and transporting the bags, yet millions end up in landfills, lakes, streams and along roadsides.
Other states and cities have passed laws requiring stores to collect and recycle bags. Maine's order asks for a voluntary approach toward reaching a 50 percent goal of grocery store customers bring their own reusable shopping bags to the store.

After reading and re-reading this article several times, I started to marvel at the persistance of Bar Harbor's distinguished gentleman. I mean, if you think about it, the energy, effort, time and money used these past four months must have been a great strain on mr. Koffman and is staff. In pursuit of a bill, that he feels so passionate about, he never once faltered in his conviction that "Plastic bags" are one of the greatest problems we face here in Maine. How can I, a simple taxpayer fault one so powerful and illustrious as Represenative Ted Koffman? * Rhetorical*

I am sure that now this non-binding resolution is in place, we the people of Maine will all sleep more soundly. Perhaps, with the comforting knowledge that Augusta has our best interests at heart, the lack of a sustainable economy won't seem so bad.

I applaud mr. Koffman and his efforts. His contribution to the political History of man will forever be on par with Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin. I can see accolades from the globe wide coming his way for this monumental bit of work. Throngs of pilgrims will flock to his door to seek his wisdom. The Nobel Peace prize is his for sure. Step aside John Hume, your work in Northern Ireland was nothing compared to the Bag Man of Bar Harbor. I bet that his constituents are planning a celebration and perhaps a statue dedication to him right now.

Persistance pays off, I guess, for without dedication, and determination, we the people of Maine would not be hearing about this. Without great effort and resources, which I am sure we are all happy to pay for, this bill would have died in November of last year. Whew....I am so glad we have someone in Augusta who knows how to spend, not only his time, but taxpayer dollars, on issues of such great import. Rising above the " Issues of the day" such as budget deficts, and tax burdens, Represenative Koffman went right to the heart of the Maine citizen's " real" problem.

Paper or Plastic.

Slainte'
Blighter

I'm back

So it has been over a month since last I have written anything, for which I apologize to those who have been frequenting this blog. The dreariness of this most cruel winter finally wore me down, and it dulled my passion and energy. As many of you know, I reside in the state of Maine. That in itself should explain the suffering I've endured this past month.

As the constant storms of snow and ice blasted this state, I could not but help wonder how anyone could believe in the Global Warming theory. Looking out upon the frozen tundra that once was my yard I laugh at the insanity of it all. Al Gore has spoon fed the loons so well, that even after seeing the evidence before them, in their yards, driveways, and on the terrible roads, citizens of Maine still take up his mantra with gusto. The next Hippie who trys to sell me this Gore aid is most definately going to get a pasting. I've never been much for Kool Aid to begin with.

In any event, it has been a harsh season to say the least. Couple the nasty weather with the "Storms" out of our capitol and you cannot help but forgive my lack of enthusiasm. It seems with each new inch of snow, we gained a few million dollars to the Deficit. The soloutions put forth by our Represenatives have been weak and full of such deception they have made me physically ill at times.

For example: The legislature required all government agencies to make cuts so the budget could be balanced. The first thing we saw was The Senate Leader from Freeport saying that " We have cut to the bone" and that "taxes need to be raised." When the Govenor said " Try again" and "No new taxes", the reaction was typical. The Democrats dragged up to the state house every hard luck case they could find and paraded them before the legislature. The affect was to be expected and our Reps bent against this display. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to see anyone suffer needlessly. I am pretty callous but not cruel. What I object to is that instead of making the appropriate cuts to their agencies, the Department heads, in the hopes of avoiding cuts altogether, played upon the sympathies of the people with this disgusting " Protest". They used the very people they are supposed to be helping in a very demeaning fashion, simply to protect their small fiefdom of supposed power.

So this last month has been a tough one for me, thus my lack of writing.

On a good note though John Frary got the requisite number of signatures to get his name on the ballot for the US Congressional 2nd District seat. Good job that.

I'm back though, so expect more ravings from a madman soon.

Slainte'
Blighter

What a " Silly Season"

Last nights Democratic Primary Debate in Texas was, in my humble opinion, one of great import for the Nation. Admittedly, I did not watch it live, as my temper gets up too easily when I see the two candidates individually, let alone on the same stage. Perhaps it is because I feel that, when applying for one of the most important jobs on this planet, a person should produce more than rhetoric, hype, and sycophantic behavior. However, I have read many of the news reports of this debate, and find that true to form, both candidates can not help but insult the intelligence of even the average voter.

As I have written before, on Barack Obama's lack of substance, I'll not go too much further into a tirade on the empty responses and platitudes that the Senator from Illinois used in the Debate last night. However, as the empty wind from behind his teeth, again reinforces my views, I cannot help myself , and must address a few here.

In the debate Hillary brought forth the accusation of plagiarism against Barack for his use of phrases and statements in speeches recently, that have been shown to be the words of Duval Patrick, Govenor of Massachusetts. She actually came up with a clever line to sum up it up. “If your candidacy is going to be about words then they should be your own words,” she said. “…Lifting whole passages from someone else’s speeches is not change you can believe in, it’s change you can Xerox.”Good quip Mrs. Clinton, I rarely give her credit for anything, but in this she is dead on.

Seantor Obama's response? "What we shouldn't be spending time doing is tearing each other down. We should be spending time lifting the country up."

Ah, yes of course, don't address the accusation Barack, slide by with a blanket statement that everyone would naturally agree with.

What is important about this small exchange is the audience's response. When Hillary made this quip, they booed loudly. When Barack came back with his empty response they cheered. So what this says to me is that, even when serious allegations of wrongdoing are in front of the Democratic party voters, they deliberately ignore the facts, and side with nonsense. No new News there, but I am beginning to wonder if I am the only one to notice such ignorant behavior. This is in of itself is a statement to the world that we as a People really haven't a clue. But let me take this one step further.

Fox news reported that Obama said the entire controversy was evidence of a “silly season” that the public finds dispiriting.

SILLY SEASON? What the Christ kind of response to a very serious allegation is that? So Senator Obama, the campaign season is a " Silly Season" is it? When any topic of substance or of value is brought up we, the American people, are to ignore it for campaigns really are but a product of this silly season eh? I don't know about anyone else, for my friends as we can see, a goodly portion of our populace is filled with ignoramuses, but for me this " Silly Season" is to much to bear. There are many different and strong reasons that the allegation of Plagiarism should be taken seriously. The one that stands out most in my mind is that as President of the United States you will be dealing with the heads of state from other nations. You will need to make hard decisions sometimes very quickly. If as President, you steal the ideas, words or thoughts of someone, without giving credit, you show to the world that you personally are weak intellectually. As well as deceitful, and not to be trusted. Dismiss, this behavior as a product of a Silly Season to the Taoiseach ( Prime Minister) of Ireland and see how far you get.

Barack Obama, simply put, dodged the issue with rhetoric, and the people bought it. Very sad indeed.

But that is not the worst of it for our Democratic citizens, For Hillary failed to press the attack and hold strong. She acquiesced by saying... "And, you know, no matter what happens in this contest … I am honored to be here with Barack Obama. I am absolutely honored,” Clinton said in her closing, before reaching over to accept a handshake from him. “Whatever happens, we’re going to be fine. You know, we have strong support from our families and our friends. I just hope that we’ll be able to say the same thing about the American people, and that’s what this election should be about.”

Can you guess how I perceive this last action? I bet you can. It is weakness personified, henceforth, next to the words, watery, weak, cowardly and most important, Stupid, will be the Picture of Mrs. Hillary Clinton. Many things I have thought of the former First Lady, and not all good, but to be sure I thought such a sycophantic display beneath her station.

Last Night showed me many things about the Liberal agenda and Mindset. It proved to me that for many Americans being a person of Character is not of value when choosing a Presidential nominee, the candidate merely has to look good. If that criteria is met, then no policies, or agendas need be discussed. The candidate can stand at each rally and scream about nothing, and occasionally, when someone actually asks a real question, pull out a puppet, wave it off to their left and say " Look at the Monkey" like in that famous South park episode. This seems to be working for the Obama Campaign, and as long as the New York Times, Washington Post, and the rest of the Liberal media keep the Kool aid flowing in his favor He can very well take the nomination, along with his puppet. Maybe Mrs. Obama would be Proud of her country then.

The other important point is, Neither one of these wishy washy say nothings can possibly be an effective Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. If they are so afraid of the crowds reaction to a few words during a debate that they switch gears to find the "sweet spot" how can they be trusted to stand strong in the face of dictators and tyrants? I can just imagine how Osama Bin Laden would deal with the likes of Hillary. We would all be wearing turbans within an hour of them meeting.

Maybe you are right Senator Obama, maybe this is a " Silly Season". That just might explain the lack of substance that you represent and the lack of will Senator Clinton displayed last night. Maybe like in the Autumn when the leaves fall from the trees, and are blown to the wayside, so to will you and your mindless followers pass. I simply pray you harm not this nation before that time comes.

Slainte'
Blighter