Mr. Pup Goes to Washington, Part 2

It was a painful first day as we had an all day meeting about the meeting the next 2 days. If there’s one thing I hate, it’s meeting to meet about other meetings. Seriously, that’s the biggest waste of time ever. Don’t wait till I get there to talk about what we’re going to meet on. Get it together way before I’m there people.

The day of the meeting came and it was as painful as the first. Even worst is that these are all executives. It can be easily seen that the bureaucratic disease has infected them all. The group discussed and harped on topics that they’re interested in, even if it’s not remotely relevant to the topic at hand. Everyone was afraid to make a decision and wanted to play nice (i.e., be political). When a decision was made, everyone had to say something about their support for it. Even if it's just saying exactly what the person before had said.

Here’s a hint for those of you looking to be executives. Being executives means making decisions, so when I’m in a meeting with you asking for decisions, make decisions. Don’t try to be political and make it sound all good with me. Just tell me the decision. I’ll tell you if it’s a stupid idea or a good idea. Unlike most people, in my book, the higher position you are, the more you have to work for me to give you credit and respect. I don't get star/executive struck.

I’ll stop harping on this as it’s boring.

After the 2nd day of meetings, I decided to go out for a stroll around the city. I was right in the middle of everything. The capital building was only 5 blocks from where I was so I started there.

Outside the building, there was a small group of protestors with signs to “Jail Bush” for war crimes. Being that I haven’t been in a protest in a while, I joined the group for a bit. Fun as it was philosophically, it was quite boring. Especially since there’s no one in congress right now, it wasn’t the most effective way to protest the president.

I move on and walked towards the mall. The actually space isn’t as nice as I imagined, but there was a lot going on. I think it was kick ball league night so there were about 4 games going on there. The mall is surrounded by gorgeous buildings filled with smart people stuff. I would've like to go in some of them, but as the sun is going down, I need to keep moving towards the Washington monument.

While the monument looked close when I was walking on the mall, it was in fact not so much. Luckily, I had my mp3 player so it was fun to see everything with a soundtrack. If the right song is on (Sexyback), watching people jogging can be hilarious. Life and everything you do, is much better with a soundtrack.

For some reason, when I got to the monument, it wasn’t as large as I thought it’d be either.

Seeing as there’s not much to do there, I took a right turn and headed for the White House. Maybe Bush'll be around for a chat and a beer.

To be continued…

Mr. Pup Goes to Washington

So I’m here in Washington DC. Here’s my story.

I was at the airport 2 hours early as usual. I generally like being at the airport early so I can catch up on my magazine reading. For this particular trip, I had to fly a low-cost airline based out of Atlanta. I had sweared I would never fly this airline for work, but as that they were $200 cheaper than anyone else, I had to book with them.

Generally, 2 hours would put you at the gate with about an hour of wait time, but no, not with this airline. Due to a million people flying this airline at all times, also with the added people checking in bags due to the stupid ass no liquid law, there was quite a bit of wait to check in my bag.

I waited an hour and 20 minutes to check in my bags. All because of my toothpaste, mousse, cologne, and Jack, cause you know, that Jack is dangerous. All those extremist that drinks Jack or all the different types of explosives you can make with Jack. So after 80 minutes in line, by the time I got to the counter, they informed me that it was too late to check in bags. The next flight was 8 hours later.

“What the fuck?” were my exact words. The employee informed me that I should’ve been there 2 hours early. “I was here 2 hours early jackass. It was the hour and 40 min wait in line that’s making me late”.

I know it’s not his fault, but still.

I stormed off from the counter, ran to security, and decided to take my chance with my liquid items.

To my surprise, they caught me with my liquids. Seeing those guys working the screening, I didn’t think they could find a disease in a whore house. I had to get rid of the toothpaste, mousse, face wash, and cologne. By the end of this search, I had 20 min. before the flight took off. Being that the next flight isn’t for another 8 hours, and this is a business trip, I had to leave my stuff.

Of course, my terminal was at the very end of the concourse. If you’ve ever been in Hartsfield, you know that’s fucking far. Much further than I’m in shape for to run with a luggage and a heavy ass computer bag.

I got there as they were about to close the plane. To add on to the frustration, someone was in my seat. It just keeps getting better.

Oh, I can’t wait till to see what DC brings me.

To be continued….

You Sir, Are Not Fit

I’ve been trying to think for days now on how to best write about this abomination that is in the White House. It’s so shocking and amazingly insane that it is difficult to put into words the rage that I feel.

This stance on torture that this administration is so adamant about enforcing is simply unacceptable. What is even more unacceptable is that the American people do not realize how this strikes at the very fabric of America more than ANY terrorist can ever hope to do.

Everything this country stands for. Every life that has been lost fighting terrorism. This is all based on the essence of this country. A country that is built on the freedoms to think, to defend against acts of cruelty, and most importantly, a country that is ruled by hope, not fear.

What you have done Mr. President, is pervert everything that this country stands for. You have isolated America from the rest of the world, made American fear everything around them, and began the push to deteriorate the freedoms that so many have fought and died for.

The founding fathers and all Americans, past and present, would and should be completely disgusted and outraged that a president would even slightly hint that it is tolerable to use torture as a way to combat anything.

Torture is never an acceptable form of behavior for anyone. One of the key points that this administration pointed out in going into Iraq was that Saddam used torture and torture chambers on its own people. Mr. President, are you now arguing that what Saddam was doing is acceptable? I believe he too was trying to get ‘information’ from these people that did not subscribe to his views and meant him harm.

How are you and Saddam different? Perhaps is it more acceptable, Mr. President, that it’s not our own people that we’re torturing. Is that your belief? Doesn’t your belief also include being a good Christian? How do you think your discussion will go when you try to convince Jesus that torture can be tolerated sometimes.

Mr. President, you have done nothing in your 6 years in office to build or strengthen this country. You have done nothing but push the agendas of the evangelical and the rich. What’s even worst, when we lost 3000 people on Sept. 11th, you wasted the one major opportunity in the 21st century to unite the world. You have not only squandered that opportunity to build something good around the world, but in turn you used it as a staging point to spread your hatred and poison around the world.

How dare you exploit Sept. 11th to use it to create even more hatred and deaths around the world. You disgrace the memory of all that have died or been harmed by this event.

Now it is not only Americans that are paying the price, but millions others all around the world will suffer because of our mistake in putting you in power. Those that are harm directly through the many battles throughout the middle east, and those that gets ignored (Africa, domestic problems), all suffer because you do not understand the concept of being a leader or even a moral person.

Somehow, you have gotten the idea that we must become and use tactics of the the terrorists and extremist such as torture to defeat them. You are wrong sir. Very wrong. It is unacceptable to even hint that the actions of the terrorist and extremist will be tolerated. By defending and pushing for torture, that is exactly what you are doing.

You say we are nothing like the terrorists and extremist, we should act different then.

You cannot defeat this problem only through force or becoming like them. That is the way and the thinking of a naive leader who was put in power not by his own merits, but through a political machine that has deceived the American public for too long.

George W. Bush, you’re not fit to be the President of the United States. You’re hardly fit to be an American.

Only WE should have a Faith-Based Government?

So this administration is out there trying to convince the world that Iran should not have nuclear weapons because they are a religious fundamentalist theocratic government.

What exactly does statements like this say about this administration, the NeoCons, and the people who support them?

“Still, some Southern women remain stalwart supporters of the president and the Republican Party. At a watermelon festival in Chickamauga, in the mountains of northwest Georgia, substitute teacher Clydeen Tomanio said she remains committed to the party she's called home for 43 years.

"There are some people, and I'm one of them, that believe George Bush was placed where he is by the Lord," Tomanio said. "I don't care how he governs, I will support him. I'm a Republican through and through."”

Blind faith is a dangerous thing. Especially when the faith is in someone who so carelessly and knowingly endanger the safety of the entire world for profit and a secret crusade.

You can’t go around saying that the US can have a theocratic government because its based on the Christian faith and that you believe that’s the only one true faith. Whereas you can’t tolerate the Iran government because they don’t have the same faith-based government simply because you don’t like their faith.

Before you accuse me of being anything other than someone who believes and remembers what this country was created for (i.e, land free from a government of tyanny). I’m not sticking up for the Iran government either because I think it’s horrible to govern based on faith. No matter the faith. Faith which is created by men. Men who are corrupted in their own desire for power and control. Christianity and Islam are both equally guilty in terms of bringing war and misery to the world.

For all of you that believe that prayer is the answer. Guess what? It’s not.

It’s the problem.

Concerning a rebuttal to the President's speech last night.


Everything I’ve wanted to say

Olbermann: 'How dare you, Mr. President'

I May Need Some Sleep.....

The first thing I did after I paid my first ever gigantic mortgage bill was to tell Pup that he has to start smoking crack now cause we can’t afford the coke.

I then realize that I have so many other problems that the mortgage bill shouldn’t even really be a concern.

I mean come on, I have a stuffed bear that smokes crack.

Pup is Bringing SexyBack

Damn that song’s catchy.

So once again, I’m in the same TV situation as I was a few years ago. The only channels I get are religious channels and Spanish channels. One bonus channel that I get now is a religious Spanish channel. Fantastic.

Yes, I’m too cheap to get cable.

You know, I don’t know how families do this. I see single income families of 4 all the time with all this stuff. I have no idea how they do it. I can barely support me and Pup. Beside the booze and the occasional crack, Pup’s not that expensive to keep up with. To have a wife and 2 children all feeding off one salary? How does that work?

Besides the basic living costs, how do people afford cable? I think I do ok financially, and I have no idea how I’d pay $50 (at least) for cable a month. I’m stuck with my fizzy channels, but it’s ok though. This lets me catch up on a lot of religious and Spanish channels.

It doesn't help that I just moved out of a house that had every channel and I mean EVERY channel and a Tivo. Not that I have the channels to watch anything, but I have no idea when shows are on either. Serious withdraws…

Oh well, guess it’ll be more time for me to figure out how to bring the Sexyback.

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I Think

Another list of things in my head. Seriously busy here with working then going to the house to work some more late at night. I will hopefully be fully moved into my new house by this weekend!


I think painting your own house sounds like a good idea at first, but then you start doing the work and realize you’re not a very good painter.

I think if you come visit my house, you should pay no attention to the edges of the wall.

I think drinking while painting is a good idea until you take off the tape and realize you just painted on the trim cause you didn’t tape the right places.

I think I need to buy some Lowe’s stocks. I have spent so much money there recently.

I think Sam is a really sexy name for a girl.

Like having a kid or a pet, once you get a new house, that’s the only thing you talk about in conversations.

I think we’re ignoring some really important domestic issues that’s going to hurt the country badly in the long run.

I think everyone should be a little nicer. In other words, stop being such self-centered assholes.

I think the religious conservatives will outbreed the liberals.

I think that my house warming party will not include furniture. It will by BYOC. Bring your own chair.

It's all mine!

I closed on the house on Friday. I'm now an official home owner! Even though everything in the house is in great shape I still walk around saying, "yea, let's switch that out or that needs to go." All these hours of watching HGTV is finally going to pay off.

Oh, this will be fun. First things first. Who's up for some painting?

Reason # 14,763 why I can not have children

Due to some last minute change of plans in my last business trip, I had to try to get a car at the airport. For some reason, there were no cars left in Orange County except one.

One big ass, big as a whale, love shack-seats-about-20-super-mini-van. This was the only car they had left in all the rental places and since I needed a car, that’s what I got.

*Travel Tip of the day – If you have to rent a car last minute like this, tell them you have a corporate account. Say you work for someone like GE, Sprint, or pretty much any fortune 100 company. You’ll get a much better rate and the rental people doesn’t check any type of ID.

What I learned is that I can’t drive anything this big. Every turn was a 9 point turn. Parking is a nightmare. I thought about picking people up at the airport and acting as a taxi to make up for all this room I had in the car.

I don’t think I could possibly drive this thing and have screaming children in the back. If they did, they’re just gonna have to get the hell out and walk.

To top it all off, I had to fill up the tank before returning the van, I was filling a quarter of a tank. Do you know how much that was? $40. Yup. $40 for a quarter of a tank. I drove from the airport to the hotel and once out for dinner. You’re looking at maybe 30 miles tops total.

BTW, Lucy gets 49 mpg.

So in conclusion, no big ass vans for me so probably I’m not fit to have children. I know mini-vans are not a requirement for children, but that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

Oh How Nice of Those NeoCons…

In case you had any illusions about who the NeoCons serve, this is a great example. And no, it's not you that they're even remotely concerned with.

I sure do enjoy hearing people complain how rich people are so discriminated against by taxes just because they’re rich. Most of time, this argument is from people who doesn’t have that much wealth themselves. They argue even though they can’t comprehend how much money these elites have.

Please note, when I’m talking rich here, I’m not talking about the guy making 100K or 200K a year. No, I’m talking about the uber rich. The group that’s .01% of the population that holds about 80% of the country’s wealth. Also, I’m not saying all of the .01% people are not good people or who would necessarily disagree with me.

So many people have been brainwashed to think that the rich are really benevolent people who will somehow send your broke ass a check because they’re nice people. I’m not saying that rich people are not nice. However, there’s a reason they’re rich and they stay rich for a reason. It’s not really about the people that I’m really against (most of the time), it’s the width of the wealth gap and the continuation of this government to perpetuate it that I’m unhappy with.

As I said in the beginning, most of the people that you hear complaining about taxes on the uber rich do not fall into that .01% of the population. The most prevailing thing I see is that many people live under the illusion that if they worked hard, they can be just as well off as these people, and WHEN they become this wealthy, they don’t want all these taxes put on them.

To that, I say slow down. Let’s take this thing one at a time.

I’m not saying that joining the ranks of the .01% is not possible in one lifetime. A lot of people got to where they are in one lifetime, but there are many more that are of family/old money. The chances of being that wealthy, especially in one generation, are very unlikely. Probably as good as me making the NBA playing center.

So before you concern yourself with taxes for this group, wait till you get there then worry about it.

Many of you give this argument that the rich are nice people, and if we tax them in any way, they will seek revenge by firing all of us. Let's talk about how contradictory this is for a moment.

You think the rich are nice, and if they’re nice, they would be ok with paying a little more taxes. Believe me, at the end of the day, it doesn’t affect them at all. They argue on principle, not because it really matters to them financially.

Similarly, the case is made that if the minimum wage is increased, all these restaurants and other hospitality industry that pays minimum wage will not be able to sustain their profits and hence will have to fire people.

Once again, if the rich are so nice, they would understand and not punish these companies when their profits drop a little to help out its employees. As we all know, this is not the case. No matter the cause, if profits fall or come under some arbitrary profit targets, the company is seriously punished by this faceless creature called “share-holders” that everyone bows down to.

There’s a point when you can’t blindly say that profits are the only thing we care about at all costs. To work so hard at a job and yet still live in extreme poverty is not the American dream. These people will never dig themselves out of the hole. If you are truly concerned with these workers as so many of you Neocons claim you are, try to help them for once instead of just your wallets.

Let’s say for a moment that I’m entirely wrong about my reasons to increase the minimum wage and that you are right. Why don’t you explain to me what your Neocons are doing.

The Republican has a package on the floor that would increase the wage from $5.15 to $7.25 per hour, phased in over the next three years.

HOWEVER, in exchange for this benevolence to the low income population, the Neocons also included in the bill that would exempt $5 million of an individual's estate, and $10 million of a couple's, from estate taxes by 2015. Estates worth up to $25 million would be taxed at capital gains rates, currently 15 percent and scheduled to rise to 20 percent. Tax rates on the remainder of larger estates would fall to 30 percent by 2015.

So basically they’re saying, we’ll give you your $2.10/ hour, but we’re going to want to keep an estimated $268 billion (by some figures) over the next 10 years for that.01% of the population.

Think about this long and hard. For once, don’t just think short term and just about your surroundings. Think about the big picture and how this will harm our society by continuing to further the wealth gap. Not to mention, the Neocons has created a $300 billion dollar budget deficit. This is not the time to give the rich a nice little present.

Do you think these people are really THAT hard up or concerned if they don’t get this money? Sure it’s nice to be getting billions of dollars, but listen, they’re not going to be starving. That I can guarantee you. They’ll be just fine. However, not having this money for the government will cut desperately needed programs that everyone in the country can benefit from, programs that I guarantee the rich will not help pay for.

I’ve never said that we shouldn’t have a gap between the wealthy and the not. However, the gap of .01% of the population controlling 80% of the wealth is a problem.

If the rich are going to fire so many people because they can’t afford them due to the high wages, what the fuck is the $268 Billion dollars all about? If the wages are increased, they’re still going to fire all those people AND keep their nice little bonus. That's the reality people.

I’m sure the Neocons will use this well by saying that Democrats are against raising the minimum wage come election time, and I’m sad to say that I’m sure the majority of the American population will fall for it. Wise up and wake up people.

The rich are rich for a reason, and they also stay rich for a reason. None of the reasons include looking out for anyone else but themselves.

Yes, it is ALL YOUR FAULT

Don’t rationalizing it. Don’t make excuses for yourself. Don’t think eventually history will show you any gratitude. Don’t say that others would’ve been just as bad. Take some responsibility for once. You are the cause for these problems and it is all because of your irrational self-serving actions.

When this country was attacked on 9/11, we had the single best opportunity since WWII to unite the world. To have one common stance against a common enemy. To once again show how when we all work together, what great achievements we can make.

What you did was squandered that opportunity. I don’t care why you did it. For revenge, for money, for oil, for a doomsday welcome-Jesus-back scenario that you seem to want to bring to the world, or for whatever reason.

I don’t care what your reason is. You’ve screwed not just the US, but the world.

Under the disguise of finding WMDs, then liberating a group of people not looking to be liberated, and unknowingly destroying a barrier that was keeping the region in balance, and all the meanwhile irritating the most volatile region in the world. You have caused more death and destruction than that region would have caused itself in decades time.

Don't just count the American Deaths, the death of all the civilans are all on your hands.

While you're busy on your crusade, the real people that needed help (and still do), mostly in Africa, are still dying by the thousands each DAY from diseases, famine, and genocide every day. A situation that is begging for help, but constantly being ignored because YOU aren’t really interested in helping people are you? If your main interest is helping people, what is your excuse for not helping the people of Africa?

Not enough oil in that region for you? Not cool to crusade in Africa?

Are you all really that self centered that you only care about yourselves? That as long as we're safe, it's fine for thousands of others to die. Do you only care about your wallets when you go to the pump? Being that the dying people in Africa would never attack us or our religion so who cares right?

You should be ashamed to call yourself an American.

Not only was this opportunity to unite the world squandered, you’ve managed to turn the world against us. There is no respect for us in the international community. Our leaders are laughed at or painted as war mongers and greedy self serving colonialist.

And no, they are not wrong for doing so. This administration's actions justifies everything.

Do NOT think for a second that since we are the most powerful country and therefore everyone should bow down to us. That is exactly the mentality of this administration and like a narcissistic little boy, it gets you nowhere in the real world. We’ve become isolated and our ideals about democracy, liberty and freedom crumble a bit each day.

This hyper-patriotism towards country or religion is the cause for all our problems. This is the dark side of esteem not just in the people, but in the culture. Everyone (and every culture)would like to think they’re special, and that they’re irreplaceable. In your small world, this is probably true. However, in the grand scheme of things, very few things are significant and/or unique.

The sooner everyone starts thinking that way, the sooner we will realize that the little petty things doesn’t matter. It’s the big picture that we’re working towards.

You may think I’m just some left-wing nut and that this is just another political bashing of the right-wing Neocons. To tell you the truth, I could care less about the left or the right. I care about the human state in general. I care about saving the specie, not any country or group of people.

Never have I had so little hope or optimism for humans.

Last Night I had a Dream

Last night I had a dream. I dreamed that I was studying to take a very important test. I can’t remember what it was for, but I knew the fate of the free world depended on it. I studied and studied about every possible subject. I dreamed that I studied for months. Possibily years.

The day finally came for the big test.

I was handed the test, and I saw that it was a bunch of lyrics.

After looking at it a bit more carefully, it was lyrics of Cher songs. That's right, Cher.

I had to write in which Cher song corresponded with the lyrics.

Go on, try to analyze that!

I should probably not have pizza so late at night.

My Lucy's Back...

My lucy's back, and you're gonna be in trouble
When you see her comin', better cut on the double
(Hey la, hey la, my Lucy's back)

You've been spreadin' lies that I was untrue
So look out now, 'cause she's comin' after you (Hey la, hey la, my Lucy's back)

Hey, she knows that you've been tryin' And she knows that you've been lyin'
She's been gone for such a long time
(Hey la, hey la, my Lucy's back)

Now, she's back, and things will be fine
You're gonna be sorry you were ever born
(Hey la, hey la, my Lucy's back)


Not only is Lucy back, she now has a new protector. Meet Gloomy.

Gloomy

Don't let their soft fuzzy bodies and big eyes fool you.. gloomy bears are killers. Just take a look at those claws!

I should be Working in the White House

The National Journal published a list of salaries for the 403 White House staffers. Here are some good jobs that I would love to have:

Ethics Advisor $114,688
The ethics advisor position must be quite easy. The administration can save over $100K/advisor/year by simply eliminating these 2 positions and replace it with a copy of the bible.

Director for Lessons Learned $106,641
Yes, there is a White House Director for Lessons Learned. It’s like getting paid to be a “yea, you shoulda done that” person. What kind of qualifications does this job require? Let me know so I can apply next time it’s open. I’m very good at tell people what they should have done after the fact.

Supervisor of Search and File $92,820
$92K for search and file? I can definitly supervise other people to go search and file stuff for $92K/year.

Director of Radio $55,200
In the morning it’s smooth Jazz. The afternoon we’ll go all 80s!

Director of Rapid Response $45,000
Director of Fact Checking $46,500
Funny that the Director of Rapid Response and Fact Checking are among the lowest paid positions in this administration.

Mid-Season Tournment

This last weekend was the mid-season summer league ultimate tournament. Unlike other tournments I've been to lately, this was a 2 day tournment. 2 days of pain. After a harsh 9 hour running around day on Saturday, Sunday started quite painful. It was difficult to get out of bed, everything was aching, and I was limping around. I don’t see why people want to prolong their life. This certainly isn’t worth it if this is a preview of old age.

As luck would have it. Our first game was against a group of high school kids. Fantastic. They all seem so young. They of course felt no pain that us old people feel after running for a day. Our chant for the game became “we’re older than your parent.. we’re older than your parents!”

Luckily, even with all the running, they weren’t that great of a team so we managed to beat them pretty easily.

On to the Semi-finals!

We were surprised as we met the opposing team. Most have been drinking a lot already. They explained that they’ve lost some people to injury and some to the World Cup so they just don't have the motivation to play a regular ultimate game. Instead, they challenged us to a different type of game.

In the first game, before you could substitute, you would have to do a shot. The shot consisted of you lying on the ground, and they pour apple juice, vodka, and whipped cream in your mouth. I don’t think the game actually happened, but good times were had by all.

A second game that didn’t really happen was beer-ti-mate. Basically, holding a beer the entire time you’re playing.

So we moved on to the finals for our bracket championship.

Much to our surprise, the team (who is famous for being drunk during the game) was totally sober and focused on winning. When drunk this team is very good. We were quite afraid of the sober version. It wasn’t good that half our team was drunk when we started the game.

It turned out to be a very good and intense game. It was a game to 11. We were tied at 10 and they had the disc. They score and they win. We ended up making a huge defensive stand and then scoring to win the game.

Yay for us!! We win another water bottle!! I think there was a side wager of pitchers of Margaritas and porn, but I haven’t seen either of those prizes yet.

Ultimate is the best sport ever because it’s the only sport where people playing the sport out drinks the spectators.

Movin' on up

Well we're movin on up, To the east side.

To a deluxe house that’s painted like the sky.

Movin on up, To the east side.

We finally got a place that’s all mine.

Fish don't fry in the kitchen;

Beans don't burn on the grill.

Took a whole lotta tryin' Just to get up that hill.
Now we're up in the big leagues

Gettin' our turn at bat.

As long as we live, it's Pup and me baby

There ain't nothin wrong with that.

Well we're movin on up, To the east side.

I think...

Let me explain some things about what I think. This is after all, a blog about what I think.

I think that ideally, socialism and even communism are ideal societal models. However, humans are not capable of living in such a world because the majority of humans are still innately just simple animals who are greedy, lazy, self-preserving, and incapable of self sacrifice or lacks the understanding of the meaning of the greater good. Humans are also incapable of running such a government without becoming corrputed. Basically, humans are the broken ones, not the model.

I think that there is something wrong with our society when entertainers and CEO makes millions of dollars while teachers barely make minimum wage.

I think the wealth gap is one of the biggest problems society faces today. Here’s a very insightful article. It’s great to think that the American dream is still true. That you can work hard and be rich. Well, you can work hard and be ok. The way our society is shaping up, the rich will take care of their own, and they’re not really looking for new members.

I think that the wealth gap problem will not be solved because the people with the money have all the power and the people without money have been taught that this is ok.

I think people don’t see the real problems in the world because they’re too consumed in their own lives and that they would be scared if they knew.

I think we can give a lot more than we do. By pure numbers I’m sure the United States gives more than anyone else. Fractionally, it’s very insignificant. It’s like Bill Gates giving someone $100 vs. a guy making $40K/yr. making a $100 donation. Please don't say that it's the same thing.

I think there are a lot of organizations that do good but has an agenda behind it. What better audience to convert into your way of thinking than coming in and acting like a saint. Think of it as product marketing.

I think everyone needs to work. If everyone worked 10 hours a day, there would be a lot less bad things going on. Everyone would be too tired. The only thing people would want to do after work is getting a beer, not think about protesting or planning to blow up stuff.

I think people need to dance more. Especially in our society. Somehow dancing has become a bad thing in our society. People have no idea how to celebrate. We have lost our way even in knowing how to celebrate and that’s sad.

I think it’s funny that the topic of gay marriage only comes up during election time.

I think if it really does hurt the poor when you tax the rich, then the rich really aren’t the benevolent people that you think they are if they in turn punish the poor.

I think if we don’t start being concern with the real issues of this country like the lack of education the children are getting, it will rot this country from the inside out. It will be much more detrimental than any terrorist attack.

I think people need to know that all wars from now on will be fought for resources (oil, water, etc.). People can hide it behind religion or democracy, or any nice ideals like that, but at the end of the day, it is about a resource that someone wants.

I think if you think there’s nothing wrong with the environment, then by all means, move to the coast, have some kids, and let them run around in the sun for a while. See how that works out for you.

I think another beer will do me good.

Wise up America

As I’m driving around here in LA, I see that gas prices are about $3.51 in some areas. As much as I do enjoy seeing that being a conservationist, I know that it only hurts the poor while rich either benefits or could care less. This I cannot stand.

In the news last week, I heard that the CEO of Shell is going on a tour to assure consumers that they are not benefiting from the high gas prices. This seems a little contradictory as they continue to make record profits. Their argument on the high gas prices is that it is simply a matter of supply and demand.

When Former Exxon CEO retired, he received a benefits package valued at around $400 million dollars. There are a lot of countries that doesn’t make that much in a year. This is not including the $3.6 million bonus last year plus salary and other benefits.

Exxon defends Raymond's compensation, pointing out that during the 12 years he ran the company, Exxon became the largest oil company in the world and that the stock price went up 500 percent.

So, here’s the point. Which one is it? Why did an oil company like Exxon make over $36 billion dollars last year.

Is it purely a supply and demand that’s driving the prices of the gas up so high and inadvertently giving the oil companies such a high profit margin? If so, why are you giving the CEO such a large benefits package and bonus? After all, he didn’t have anything to do with it right? It’s the mysterious market forces that are doing all the work. Why give him such a big bonus when he didn't have anything to do with your profits?

If the CEO deserved the bonus and the insanely large benefits package, this would mean that they did have control over what’s going on. Hence they are the reason and/or had the ability to control the gas prices. This would also mean that they lie to congress and in your face on a daily basis.

So which one is it? You can’t have it both ways.

People, think about what these corporate types are saying. They are lying to your face. Don’t accept things as just how it is. Question things for once.

Sadly, the oil company CEOs can wear shirts that says “Fuck you, I’ve got your money”, and you would still buy their gas cause you just gotta look cool in your Escalade or H2. Of course, all of you need your horsepower so that you can go 5mph being stuck traffic everyday.

What the hell is wrong with you people? You don't need any car that gets under 20MPG.

Of course, this government is just so powerless to do anything about it because they’re so tied up in listening to your mundane phone conversations, fighting a war to get the oil companies more oil to make more money at the expense of our lives, fighting science so that other countries can be way ahead of the US in embryonic research, and of course, the most important topic for our government today, fighting to keep gay couples as second class citizens without equal rights.

Yup, the “Gay agenda” is definitely what’s destroying this country and need this government's #1 focus.

Good job everyone!