I am reading this book called Crunch Cons. Basically, about those who don’t fit in either stereotypical left or right wing groups… generally morally and politically conservative but also think conservatism extends to environmental, social and economic matters as well that cause the typical right wingers to think you’re a liberal… or a hippie. I cannot wholly recommend it as I have not finished it but so far it seems like a good read whatever way you lean politically. Anyhoo, I got to looking around my house to see if I am truly conservative. I was delighted to realize that most everything in my house is recycled. All furniture is family, estate sale, antique store, craigslist or freecycle finds. The only new items I have are a few picture frames, kitchen utensils, bedding/linens and a piece of wall décor. Although I must admit that this happens for several reason beyond political conviction A)I am cheap but like things made of higher quality and B) I happen to like mid-century stuff which, of course, is old and must come used.
This home is made of 75% recycled materials August 26, 2008
A question of accountability June 24, 2008
I was listening to the radio this morning. They were playing clips of Don Imus. They played his “Well, there you go” comment from him talking about Adam “Pacman” Jones; an NFL player that has been arrested numerous times for beating strippers, spitting on people, causing riots that injure people, drug charges etc. He asked Warner Wolf participating in this radio show conversation, “What color is he?” When Wolf’s response was given that Jones is “African-American”, Imus said, “Well, there you go.” For most listening that would be interpreted as Imus saying that his (Jones’) “blackness” explains his criminal behavior. The clip I heard this morning was Imus explaining that his comment was “sarcastic” as to say (paraphrase) “here is this guy who has been arrested so many times for no other reason than because he is black.”
I think, from what I have heard, there is little doubt that this Jones fellow is guilty. So from where I stand it looks like Imus is trying to cover up his verbal boo boo. Understandable. But the only punishment Jones has endured for his crimes is a one year suspension from the NFL. I ask, if Jones cannot or will not be held accountable for his crimes then why is society up in arms over Imus’ comments? I really don’t know much about Imus or his character and I do not listen to his radio show. Call me crazy, but I happen to think assuming someone’s race is an explanation for criminal behavior (while deplorable) is still not nearly as bad as what Jones has been accused of. As long as you are famous and you can make other people a lot of money it really doesn’t matter what you do or say because you’ll never have to play or be judged by the rules that the rest of us civilized people must adhere to. If the NFL thinks Jones is still worthy to play football despite his many sins then I guess Imus is still worthy to be a controversial radio host? Where is this line of accountability being drawn and for whom?
MySpace sexual propositioning June 18, 2008
I got his on MySpace this morning. I responded for my own personal amusement. What the hell has happened to the world? I know there is nothing new under the sun but the fact that this crap is so commonplace really repulses me. Is there anyone left that cannot be categorized as “low character” anymore?!? Anybody? Hello?!?
My MySpace proposition:
So…I know this is probably a long shot or seem like I’m kidding, but I’m not. haha. Anyway, I’m just ready to do something fun this summer and want to find a girl that is clean, fun, and smart and is up for a DISCRETE, fun summer hook up. Nothing complicated or weird. Just fun for both of us, and no strings need be attached if that’s an issue for you.
Anyway, I’m 6′2″ 195 lbs, athletic build, dirty blonde hair, blue eyes, cute. I’m 26/m in Arlington, TX. I’m pretty easy going and like talking about just about anything. I’ve got a naughty side if you’re interested. 
But I don’t let that out very often.
You are definitely cute, so write me back if you’re interested and we can exchange some more pics and talk and see what we think. Hope to hear from you!
signed: name removed
My Response:
Hey, Name removed,
I would like to assume that you are joking, but incase this is a serious proposition; let me give you a few pieces of advice.
1) A girl that will hook up with you over MySpace will never be “clean” or “smart”
2) As you can see if you read my profile I am married so I have all the built-in, naughty, summer fun I could want.
3) If you’re advertising your “naughty side” to perfect strangers on MySpace then that cannot qualify as “I don’t let that out very often”
4) If you are “6′2″ 195 lbs, athletic build, dirty blonde hair, blue eyes, cute.” then you should have a perfectly fine time finding a “clean, smart, and fun” girl willing to listen to you “talk about just about anything” and you might even convince her to explore that naughty side you have. But as soon as she finds out you’re whoring yourself out over MySpace I would image if she is “clean” or smart” she will hit the road.
5) Please understand that your sexual fantasies will NEVER EVER, EVER happen in real life the way they play out in your head. The world just doesn’t work that way.
Good luck in your romantic pursuits!
Ask NOT what your country can do… May 15, 2008
Lately we have had a lot of political debate. Hillary, Obama, McCain, Ron Paul and so on. I think my biggest problem is that it seems that we are all sitting around waiting on our government to do for us what we are unwilling to do for ourselves; but to quote John F. Kennedy, “ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” And this from a democrat, no less. However, it would benefit us greatly to live by this famous command. America is still the greatest country; we still offer endless opportunity for better life. People across the oceans and borders are still trying to improve their life’s quality by coming here. Still, I am constantly burdened by the bellyaching of my fellow countrymen.
We, as of today, are not technically in a recession and yet people talk as though it is the second Great Depression. I had a lady tell me that her daughter thinks it is so bad here that she plans on moving to Mexico. Mexico! I think the fact that we have 13 million people crossing the border to come HERE illegally (and work for less than minimum wage) should make it apparent that moving to Mexico to improve your financial situation is plain idiotic. In the next sentence she made the point that “we could buy smaller, more economical cars to help with rising gas prices, but who wants to do that?” Then please tell me why you are complaining. Oh, becasue it is easier just to blame George Bush. ultimately what you are telling me is that you don’t want to change your lifestyle? Well, I guess the folks at Exxon don’t want to change theirs either, or that of their employees. So when crude prices rise then, naturally, so does your gas bill. If you cannot make the sacrifice then why would you expect the corporations to do it for you?
Universal healthcare is the next big complaint. It is so terrible that the average person cannot afford healthcare so you tell me that my tax dollars should go to take care of those unfortunate people. Are Americans healthy? Not usually. Is it the lack of healthcare coverage? I happen to think not. Americans are FAT! Americans eat cheap, low quality food stripped of nutrients. We spend time hurried and stressed and then only break to spend hours with our beloved electronic devices. Is it any wonder we are ill? And instead of considering a change of lifestyle, we run to the latest prescription drug that costs money we don’t have. I resent the fact that the only proposed solution to this healthcare issue is taking money from MY paycheck to pay for healthcare costs that are the result of others not taking responsibility for their own health. Again, if you’re not going to make the sacrifice, why should I?
Abortion, the environment, social programs, etc, etc. All of these issues really go back to one thing; personal responsibility. When you have a country that embraces convenience before health, temporal pleasure over morality, personal victimization over ethics and hard work then you have…well, exactly what we have now. As a nation we have to stop expecting help from the government or anyone else. We have to take total responsibility for every aspect of our own lives and go out of our way to help our fellow man (and I don’t mean with government funded programs. I mean WE have to help). We have to acknowledge and accept responsibility for our own choices. And we MUST, we MUST, realize how tremendously blessed and truly rich we actually are. So please ask yourself what YOU can do for your country. At the very least, ask what you can do for yourself.
no one owes you anything! April 5, 2008
Recently, with all the polarized politics in the world, I have taken a step back to see why I believe what I do. Why do I vote one way and not the other? It comes down to these few thoughts:
personal responsibility-all I have is my own initiative. I am responsible for my own choices. I am responsible for the consequences of those choices. Everything is a choice.
no one owes me anything- all I have is my own initiative. I live in America where I have the greatest opportunity to be what I want to be. I have the right to live free and that is enough to survive in the world.
Lately I am reading a lot of political postings about “the rich.” But who are the rich? According to the post I read the rich are these evil elite who live in mini-mansions and get huge salaries. Take a look around you! Do you have a car? Food? Shelter and clothes? Then YOU are rich! If you see a need in the world it is just as much your responsibility to help as it is those who make six figures.
My generation can be such a bunch of titty babies who complain when they don’t get something for nothing…or when others don’t get something for nothing. Why should you? You have a chance. Thank God you have it and then work hard for whatever it is you want. Why should some corporate CEO and his salary bother you? Do you go hungry because of their salary? I doubt it. So mind your own business and be thankful for what you have. Quit envying the rich….or should I say the mega rich. Be thankful that if you want to work hard enough you can be the mega rich too.
The only person you can be responsible for is you!
