Surviving the Circus

Dr. Ford is being truthful

2018-09-27T09:29:00.000-07:00

As a victim of sexual assault myself, the testimony of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford has triggered emotions that are not welcomed. However, I felt I had to hear her story so I would know without a doubt whether or not she was being truthful. I am convinced that Dr. Ford is being truthful.

The details of the event itself, as well as the emotional trauma expressed throughout her life since this assault, are beyond question. Those of us who have experienced sexual assaults are more than a little familiar with these lifelong effects.

Every accusation deserves a proper investigation. Period.

I am confused and disappointed by the number of women who have taken this opportunity to share memes and jokes at the expense of sexual assault victims. I can only assume that they are so brainwashed by their male republican counterparts that they can no longer react with objectivity, let alone with compassion.

I am not angry with them.

I feel sorry for them.

If you think this is funny, then unfriend me and don't bother to comment on this post, because I no longer have any respect for your opinion.

Surely we can find a more suitable candidate for our Supreme Court.

If you're going to claim that this is a setup, then I would remind you that the same thing did NOT happen to Neil McGill Gorsuch, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court (nominated by President Donald Trump to succeed Antonin Scalia), You can read that post here.

I believe Dr. Christine Blasey Ford.

She’s not asking for extraordinary measures; she’s asking for basic fairness.

I hope that every woman in America is paying close attention to what is happening in the U.S. Senate right now. pic.twitter.com/0CtqpAAvBf
— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) September 20, 2018

The following excerpt is from:

I stand with Dr. Christine Ford, do you?

From a psychological perspective, the danger for her (assuming she is protected from physical threats) is that the hearings will re-traumatize her to an extent that will cost her months or even years of suffering. Great national issues tend to casually crumble up and trash the people caught as symbols in their midst. (Monica Lewinsky has written and spoken poignantly on this subject.)

California professor says it was her ‘civic duty’ to come forward about Supreme Court nominee

Compare Gorsuch to Kavanaugh

2018-09-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

To those who claim that Liberals have somehow orchestrated these character attacks on Kavanaugh, let me remind you that Neil McGill Gorsuch, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court (nominated by President Donald Trump to succeed Antonin Scalia), had no such attacks.

Surely there is a more suitable candidate available.

Wake up.

#KavaNO

Julie Swetnick, Christine Blasey Ford and Deborah Ramirez all want the FBI to investigate their allegations. The GOP Boys Club just wants to “plow right through.” #KavaNO — The Daily Edge (@TheDailyEdge) September 26, 2018 Tweet

https://fb.me/IAmSearchingForTruth/

Gorsuch went to the same school and wasn't accused of being a sexual predator

America has become morally bankrupt

2018-05-02T11:47:00.000-07:00

While I am not the least bit surprised that Trump dictated his medical report which his doctor then signed, I am now more convinced than ever that America has become morally bankrupt.

When I was applying to college in the 70s, I had to have two people provide references. It was a popular Southern Baptist school in my state, and I guess they wanted to make sure I was an appropriate student for their dogma.

The letters had to be mailed by the writer of said letters.

At the end of my application process, I had to sign a document that stated everything I had submitted was true. If it were to be found out that I had lied, I would be subject to dismissal.

We were expected to be truthful and honorable in how we presented ourselves.

I guess we expected more from our university students in the seventies than we expect from our president today.

How sad.

Here's 4 reasons why Donald Trump faking a doctor's note actually matters.

Dr. Harold Bornstein needs to tell the truth about his patient.

He can start by answering the following questions.

Did the president lie?
Did the president exaggerate?
Did the president omit pertinent information?
Why did Dr. Bornstein agree to this "doctored" letter?

This doctor needs to submit a new, "undoctored" letter regarding the health of Trump.

Let's be truthful. No one believed for a second that a physician actually claimed that Trump would be the "healthiest president ever!" We all knew who spoke those words.

Now that it's been admitted, perhaps we can learn the truth.

Trump attacking Amazon

2018-04-25T09:47:00.000-07:00

It's been three weeks since I opined on Trump attacking Amazon.

This morning, while reading the news, I stumbled onto an article written on Fortune.com, in October of 2017, which explains everything.

It would appear that Trump may have a grudge against Bezos, or maybe he's just jealous.

Whatever the reason, the facts seem to add fodder to the fuel that many (or most) of Trump's actions as President, are of self-centered benefit to Trump, rather than being beneficial for the nation as a whole.

And I quote...

Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s CEO, took the number two spot on the Forbes list for the second straight year, with an $81.5 billion net worth.

Meanwhile, Trump moved from 156th on the list down to 248th.

Amazon Caused Donald Trump to Lose $400 Million in Net Worth, Says Forbes.

Trump’s real estate holdings, specifically those in New York City, have taken a big hit in the past year, as retail values are struggling in response to Amazon’s e-commerce gains.

It would appear that Amazon’s strategy of e-commerce over brick and mortar retail is winning, and that is having an effect on real estate values." Kerry Dolan, Forbes assistant managing editor.

I love it when the universe randomly provides explanations when you least expect it.

The timing wasn't my decision, but it's the thought that counts.

Good things come to those who read - facts - and learn from them.

Remember the Barbara Bush Foundation

2018-04-16T09:59:00.001-07:00

At a time when most Republicans want to make it harder to achieve higher education, it if refreshing to remember the Barbara Bush Foundation.

“The American Dream is about equal opportunity for everyone who works hard. If we don’t give everyone the ability to simply read and write, then we aren’t giving everyone an equal chance to succeed.” Mrs. Barbara Bush

https://www.barbarabush.org/our-story/

“At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, or a parent.” Barbara Bush

Love this photo of the Obamas with Barbara Bush.

Three great humans being fabulous.

“Cherish your human connections, your relationships with friends and family.”

Former first lady Barbara Bush said that she did not understand how women could vote for Donald Trump.

Neither did I. I also do not understand how women, and men for that matter, continue to support him in spite of his lying, his lack of character, and his obvious inability to lead this nation in a manner that is honorable, just, and admirable.

washingtontimes.com/news/2016/feb/5/barbara-bush...

Our thoughts and prayers are with our founder, Barbara Bush, and her family. She inspires us each day to continue working toward literacy for all. pic.twitter.com/ODaWVjH50D
— Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy (@BarbaraBushFdn) April 15, 2018

As I take a look at some of my favorite quotes of Barbara Bush, I am reminded that character is so much more important than political affiliation.

Blessings to you, Barbara Bush, a woman of unsurpassed dignity and elegance.

Leave Amazon Alone

2018-04-04T09:19:00.000-07:00

The argument that Trump makes against Amazon is ridiculous.

"In 2012, Amazon began collecting and paying state taxes in California. Since April 2017, Amazon has collected sales taxes in all states that levy one.

Additionally, in its latest annual report to the Securities and Exchange Commission, Amazon said it paid $957 million in income taxes in 2017."

Continue reading the main story at The NY Times.

If this is truly about government contracts and paying taxes, then what about Boeing?

"Boeing has managed to avoid paying even a dime of state income taxes nationwide on $35 billion in pretax U.S. profits. Nationwide, Boeing reported $96 million in net state income tax rebates over the 2003-2012 period."

Reference: Largest state tax subsidy in history...

As for Amazon taking advantage of the Post Office, that is partially true, due to the fact that the Postal Service has offered their services at bulk pricing (to everyone) in order to attract more business.

This Trump tirade over Amazon has nothing to do with taxes.

Here are a few reasons why Trump is attacking Amazon.

By the way, remember when Trump said he (Trump) avoided paying taxes because he was smart?

Mr. President, leave Amazon alone.

Amazon enables home bound people, as well as people without adequate transportation, to shop and have their purchases delivered to their doorstep. It's a win - win situation.

Cutting Ties With the NRA

2018-03-03T07:55:00.000-08:00

Amazement continues to wash over me almost daily as more corporations take a humane, moral, and common sense stance on gun control in America by cutting ties with the NRA.

*NOTE
Just to make things clear, the 2nd Amendment includes the words "well regulated" militia. No matter how one defines "well regulated," remember that when those words were written, the government was not as capable (pertaining to weapons) as they are today. There is literally no logical method by which individuals could successfully fight the government. Below is a photo offering a little proof of their superiority, taken in 1994. As for those who say they are aware of this fact, but at least they will go out in a flame of glory - you are part of the problem. Grow up. Stop letting the NRA put the fear of tyranny in you.

1994

Be careful what you fear, because people tend to attract their worst fears. Why? Because they spend so much time thinking about it, and it elicits a powerful emotional response.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Words of Paul from Philippians 4.8, NIV Bible)

Even though congress cannot seem to muster up the courage to go against the NRA's wishes, we can at least have hope for a safer future as we witness true change in the corporate world.

DELTA, for one example, has stopped offering discounts to members of the NRA. The state of Georgia is lucky to have Delta, as it is the largest private employer in Georgia.

However, some lawmakers seem to cherish their NRA money, more than they do their constituents,

Georgia lawmakers have ended tax breaks for DELTA, because in Georgia, guns are more important than jobs and life itself. apparently.

Here's a list of companies that have made their own rules pertaining to selling assault weapons and to raising the age limit for purchasing guns.

Dick's Sporting Goods (Field & Stream)
Kroger
Walmart
LL Bean

REI does not sell guns, but they have cut ties with Vista, a vendor that supports the NRA.

After also hearing from members, Mountain Equipment Co-op, a Canadian outdoors equipment retailer akin to REI, said it would also stop ordering products from Vista, which in addition to firearms makes a range of products among its roughly 50 brands.

References:

CBSnews.com/news/delta-not-backing-off-nra

CBSnews.com/news/rei-halts-sales

Political Opportunists

2018-01-24T08:57:00.001-08:00

Two school shootings in Kentucky in two days.

After the massacre in Las Vegas, Kentucky's Governor, Matt Bevin, posted on Twitter, labeling those concerned about strengthening and enforcing our gun laws as "political opportunists."

Today, Gov. Bevin and the state of Kentucky are dealing with back to back school shootings that occurred Monday and Tuesday.

One can only hope that Governor Bevin does some deep soul searching. It is unconscionable to me, that he can call those of us who are alarmed, disheartened, and heartbroken over school shootings as "political opportunists."

Our stance on tightening the gun laws has nothing to do with politics, and everything to do with protecting our children.

Our state and local governments need to understand this. After all, isn't that one of the functions of government, to protect our citizens?

Image from Sonoma County, California, website.

‏Verified account @GovMattBevin

To all those political opportunists who are seizing on the tragedy in Las Vegas to call for more gun regs...You can't regulate evil...

7:38 AM - 2 Oct 2017

https://twitter.com/GovMattBevin/status/914862057614344193

Excuse me, Gov. Bevin, but regulating evil is exactly the purpose of creating and enforcing laws. We may not be able to eradicate evil, but we can certainly attempt to minimize the effects of evil doers.

(CNN) Another high school has turned into a scene of carnage, this time in western Kentucky. Sixteen people were wounded, two of them fatally, after a shooter opened fire Tuesday morning at Marshall County High School, authorities said. Four others sustained various injuries.

https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/23/us/kentucky-high-school-shooting/index.html

Practice turning people into trees

2018-01-14T08:45:00.001-08:00

Taking a lesson from nature as food for thought this Sunday.

I love this lesson from Ram Dass...

When you go out into the woods and you look at trees, you see all these different trees. And some of them are bent, and some of them are straight, and some of them are evergreens, and some of them are whatever. And you look at the tree and you allow it. You appreciate it. You see why it is the way it is. You sort of understand that it didn’t get enough light, and so it turned that way. And you don’t get all emotional about it. You just allow it. You appreciate the tree.

The minute you get near humans, you lose all that. And you are constantly saying “You’re too this, or I’m too this.” That judging mind comes in. And so I practice turning people into trees. Which means appreciating them just the way they are.

Regarding judging others... and even ourselves (in my own words).

I shall "practice turning people into trees."

Meaning I will have appreciation for them as they are...

Understanding and acknowledging that we are ALL victims of circumstances at times.

Remembering that circumstances can create an environment that is nurturing - or destructive.

Everyone gets through their circumstances the best way they know how.

----------

No one is perfect.

No one truly wants to be a "problem."

We are all just walking each other home.

It's time for a little empathy, compassion, and love.

Now from Ram Dass...

Reference:

RamDass.org

Medicare Caps on Therapy for 2018

2018-01-08T11:23:00.001-08:00

There are new Medicare caps on therapy for 2018.

Medicare 2018 Caps -

Outpatient therapy caps:

For occupational therapy, the cap is $2,010.

For physical therapy and speech-language pathology combined, it's also $2,010.

Details: Medicare.gov...

You can apply for extensions in some circumstances.

Living Blue in a Red State

2017-12-13T10:27:00.000-08:00

If you're a Democrat living in the south, your are most likely living Blue in a Red state. If you speak out about issues, values, and equality, you are quite often met with scowls, slurs, and vile insults - even from your family and friends.

I salute all of you who join me in this struggle to keep equal rights, justice, and acceptable moral values alive in this country.

Today, I especially want to thank the majority of voters in Alabama for voting their conscience and not their party.

Values matter.

Integrity matters.

Honesty matters.

Equality matters.

Thank you Alabama!

Why do white women support and vote for morally bankrupt men

2017-12-11T14:30:00.000-08:00

When I was young, I was warned to be particular about what I wore, because how I looked might trigger bad behavior from men.

When I was young, I was warned about whom I should trust, because boys and men were never to be trusted alone with members of the opposite sex.

When rape, sexual assault, or even harassment happened, it was mostly blamed on the female, because males apparently were not considered intelligent or mature enough to take responsibility for their own actions, regardless of their religion, level of education, or their age.

Enough of this nonsense. I am now 63 years old and it's time for this to change.

Men need to grow up, and women need to hold them accountable.

#MeToo

There is a huge difference between flirting and sexual harassment, and anyone who tells you it's similar is simply trying to excuse their own bad behavior, or the bad behavior of someone they care about. Hand them a dictionary marked at #flirting and #harassment.

Perhaps then, they will understand that there are #NoMoreExcuses.

This is the year of reckoning.

We are all human beings and we are all accountable for our behavior.

Why do white women support and vote for morally bankrupt men?

Religious dogma has brainwashed many women, especially those in the south, and especially those whom have never studied any subject since high school.

This group may also include women who feel they have too much to lose if they have an opinion that might insult their "man." They are happy with their circumstance and can't be bothered to help or defend their victimized sisters and brothers.

Here are some Biblical items to share with these women:

Passages copied from BibleGateway.com (words of Jesus in red).

Your God is neither male nor female, therefore males are not superior to females. See the words of Jesus in John 4:24 (KJV).

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

You are ALL created in the image of God. See your Bible, Genesis 1:27, King James Version (KJV)

So God created man (meaning mankind) in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

A man who oppresses people, is not a man of God, regardless of what he claims to believe. Matthew 7:21 King James Version (KJV).

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Actions speak louder than words. Matthew 7:20-22, King James Version (KJV).
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Luke 6:31, King James Version (KJV).

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

You reap what you sow. Galatians 6:7, King James Version (KJV).
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

"White women have thwarted the women’s rights movement from the 19th century onward."

NBC News: White Female Supporters of Roy Moore

One more Bible verse and discussion for good measure...

Who is your neighbor?

Would you agree that if a female (or male - as the case may be) is not your wife / girlfriend / betrothed, etc., that she then indeed belongs to someone else - if not yet, then in the future? Does the circumstance of not being married or engaged entitle your "male" government representatives, pastors, deacons, elders, partners, husbands, fathers, brothers, cousins, friends, and acquaintances, free will to harass, assault, attack and/or abuse her?

Then why do so many self proclaimed "godly" men believe it is not only okay, but indeed expected and accepted social behavior for them to not only covet said females (or males), but to act on their foolish physical whims and desires - without consequence?

Explain to me how anyone claiming to be righteous, or even claiming to believe in Jesus Christ and his teachings, can justify, applaud, endorse, and vote - for such a feeble excuse for a righteous man as Donald J. Trump or Roy Moore.

Deuteronomy 5:21, King James Version (KJV)

21 Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour's wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour's house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbour's.

As Marcie Blanco, managing editor of the Clayman Institute for Gender Research at Stanford University, so eloquently stated in her article at THINK on NBCNews.com:

There are some women—white women in particular—who would rather cleave onto abusive men rather than support other women.

I consider such women to be ignorant, which is to say that they are uninformed because they choose to be, which is vastly different from being stupid. However, in my opinion, choosing to remain in ignorant bliss is definitely not a sign of intelligence.

Learn about the Sisterhood Agenda.

Beware of any political party who seeks to limit access to higher education

2017-12-05T08:00:00.001-08:00

Beware of any political party who seeks to limit access to higher education...

Here's the headline and story, and actions that I am referring to:

"The GOP bill to reauthorize the Higher Education Act, introduced by Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) on Friday, would eliminate the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which erases student debt for those who work for qualifying employers after making payments for 10 years." (see link at end of article)

When I was living in Phoenix, I remember having a conversation with a young man, a young Christian man who was studying to be a church youth director. His opinion was one that shocked me to the core and provided further proof that our "religious" have been indoctrinated into a system that has little, if anything, to do with the teachings of their Jesus.

This young man said that it wasn't fair for people to get student loans and student grants, because it made his degree less relevant. Yes. He said that, and apparently, it's a popular opinion if the actions of Rep. Foxx are any indication.

In other words, the wealthy think that higher education should be reserved for them because they are the elite, and they want to keep it that way. It's part of what makes them "special."

Regardless of how they justify it, any limitations to higher education are the beginning of a landslide on a slippery slope.

As the apparent dumbing down of Americans continues...

The GOP wants to make it even harder to receive a university degree by crippling current pathways for repayment of college loans....

Only the wealthy should have access to universities... that is the apparent end result of new legislation limiting current help for student debt repayment.

Now if you're wondering if Rep. Virginia Foxx of N.C. considers herself a "Christian," she does. Certainly not by my standards or the standards of Jesus Christ, but definitely by today's standards as exemplified by popular evangelical leaders such as Franklin Graham.

Here's the link as proof of her (Rep. Virginia Foss) religious claims. If you read the book, remember her true colors are shining loud and clear by her actions, which certainly do not embrace the teachings, the life, or the heart of her Christ. patheos.com/gods-people-in-the-house

Say, or write, what you will.

Actions speak louder than words.

I've never seen such a "lost" group of people as we are witnessing today in the GOP. If they weren't claiming that their religion was at the top of their priority list, then their actions wouldn't be as disturbing. They would still be disgusting, but not as disturbing

"The GOP bill to reauthorize the Higher Education Act, introduced by Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) on Friday, would eliminate the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which erases student debt for those who work for qualifying employers after making payments for 10 years."

GOP bill would eliminate student loan forgiveness for public service

BY JACQUELINE THOMSEN - 12/04/17 03:55 PM EST

TheHill.com/gop-bill-would-eliminate-student-loan-forgiveness

Here's what it says on the 74 year old Rep. Foxx's government website:

The nonpartisan magazine National Journal has consistently ranked Foxx as one of the most conservative members of the North Carolina Congressional Delegation. She also has a lifetime 96 percent approval rating from the American Conservative Union.

Sad, isn't it? But conservatives think this is a good thing.

It's time for progressives to speak out, and we do that by showing up to vote on election day.

SMH at the elitist, conservative, idiocy spreading like the plague in our country.

May the force be with us.

Trump and Foxx (Hard core elitists)

Beware of any political party

who seeks to limit access to higher education

by reserving said access for the ~~elitists~~ wealthiest.

Trump Blames Schumer for Diversity Visa Program

2017-11-01T13:46:00.001-07:00

Are politicians and the media truly surprised and uninformed (or misinformed) about the Diversity Visa Program? Or are they feigning surprise to further the drama surrounding the story they wish to tell?

I, a voting citizen, NOT a politician or elected official, knew about the Diversity Visa Program prior to yesterday. I also know that these people were indeed, being vetted.

The amazement spilling from some of these politicians and journalists is disturbing.

I am beyond tired of ignorance, or feigned ignorance, which is even more shameful in my opinion.

Apparently, if people (the media, the president, the citizens) act shocked by the facts that you (the politician) were already aware of, then it's okay to pretend that you (the elected representative) knew nothing about the subject / law / incident.

The problem with that should be obvious.

If you are an elected official, and you claim to know nothing about the Diversity Visa Program, then you should resign - it's that simple. There is no excuse for your ignorance.

Unlike Trump, you cannot get away with blaming one solitary politician for a bill!

Trump blames Schumer for Diversity Visa Program.

This makes about as much sense as blaming Hillary Clinton for Benghazi.

In other words, it's idiotic.

It's a ploy to divert attention from one person to another, regardless of the cost - and I, for one, am disgusted by this behavior.

But I digress...

I guess it's no surprise that our president is ill-informed on past events (and current ones for that matter) in Washington DC.

While Senator Schumer did sponsor the original bill that included the lottery program, it was voted on and passed by Republicans as well as Democrats.

Schumer and the "gang of eight" attempted to end the program in 2013 with the Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill.

They were not successful.

Is diversity visa program a 'Schumer beauty,' as Donald Trump says?

Gang of Eight from Wikipedia:

In the context of proposed immigration reform, the Gang of Eight consists of the following four Democratic and four Republican senators:^[4]

Wall Street Wins Again

2017-10-25T10:13:00.000-07:00

Vice President Mike Pence cast the tie-breaking vote Tuesday night to repeal a rule that made it easier for Americans to sue their banks and credit card companies.

Senators passed the measure by a vote of 51-50, handing Wall Street its first major win since President Donald Trump took office in January.

Fox2Now.com,,,senate-kills-rule-that-made-it-easier-to-sue-banks

Wall Street Wins - Again

I totally agree with Elizabeth Warren -

"This bill is a giant wet kiss to Wall Street."

Mad at God - Me Too

2017-10-24T14:48:00.005-07:00

Interesting.

Bill O'Reilly is 'mad at God' about all of those pesky sexual misconduct allegations.

Well Bill, we're mad at God too, for allowing sexual misconduct.

Mad at god - Me Too.

O'Reilly blames this recent problem on his assumption of his success.

I didn't know anything about his online show or his book.

This man's arrogance continues to amaze me.

Does he really believe that anyone will consider him a victim?

O'Reilly said Monday that the success of his web series and his latest book, "Killing England," as well as a recent appearance on Sean Hannity's Fox News program, prompted the Times to declare, "You know, we didn't kill him, so we've got to kill him again."

http://money.cnn.com/.../bill-oreilly-misconduct-allegations/

#MeToo

Sessions Has Questionable Opinions

2017-10-24T10:34:00.000-07:00

As reported by Patheos.com in January of 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions believes that "separation of church and state" is unconstitutional. Furthermore, he believes it is a recent doctrine.

It's kind of funny, just looking at Sessions you (or I) come away with the feeling that he is probably harmless... but we all know looks can be deceiving. Unfortunately, Sessions is providing more and more proof of that as time goes by.

Here are just a few of the issues with Attorney General Sessions...

I vaguely remembered my original concerns regarding Sessions' qualifications after watching his responses last week during a congressional hearing (on Russian interference), at which time I realized that this man is not intelligent enough to be serving his nation in such an important job. His physical demeanor (hesitation and strange smiles at awkward moments) was also quite telling, if not indicating he was lying, certainly and at the very least indicating his consideration of how to best answer the question and keep himself out of the "hot seat."

Apparently, Sessions has no qualms about voicing controversial opinions, unless it's during a congressional hearing.

In 2015, Sessions expressed his opposition to the removal of Confederate statues, as if that action could somehow erase history. Unfortunately, many people jumped on this bandwagon excuse, because obviously, we would know nothing about the Civil War if it wasn't for the Confederate statues.

Sessions is proud of his ancestors who participated in the Civil War. I also have ancestors who fought as Confederates. While I have complete understanding and compassion for their misguided opinions, I could never say that I am proud of them for their participation.

Let us not forget that the Confederates were US traitors - by definition. You can color it any way you want to, it will not change the facts.

There are several more issues on which Sessions has questionable opinions. You can read more about those issues in the Huffington Post article: What People Don't Criticize About Sessions but Should.

Here is a snippet regarding separation of church and state from the Patheos article.

"The actual phrase “separation of church and state” is derived from a letter written by President Thomas Jefferson in 1802 to Baptists from Danbury, Connecticut, and published in a Massachusetts newspaper soon thereafter. The following is an excerpt from Jefferson’s famous Letter to the Danbury Baptist Association:"

I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should “make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” thus building a wall of separation between Church & State.

Question everything.

Challenge ignorance.

Support justice and equality for all.

Consider all aspects of a political candidate before casting a vote. Just because they see things "your" way, doesn't mean that they are intelligent or capable of serving this country.

It is time we expect and demand that all of our public servants are committed, educated, and dedicated to serving for America's highest good.

Contrived Rituals of Patriotism

2017-09-30T20:19:00.000-07:00

Are you angry about the NFL players kneeling during the national anthem?

Make sure you fill your regular pew this Sunday morning. Just be careful not to attend a service where they say things like "Love they neighbor as thyself," because you might feel a tad uncomfortable.

NO. Stay far away from those who speak the true teachings of Jesus from their pulpits, none of which included contrived rituals of patriotism, such as standing for a song.

God forbid you would begin to care more about human beings than a red, white and blue piece of cloth that serves as a symbol.

And save some time to show your outrage against those who kneel by burning your NFL fan gear. That's a great way to spend an afternoon. Or, you could choose to do something that matters, something that might help your fellow Americans. You could express to your senators and congressional representatives that you care about our people.

You could demand justice.

You could demand help for Puerto Rico.

The outrage should be against wrongful deaths and needless suffering, not against people kneeling.

Take action:

Learn how to get in touch with your federal, state, and local elected leaders.

https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials

Critical Thinking:

Thinking NFL players are protesting the flag is like thinking Rosa Parks was protesting public transportation.

Further reading:

Learn how and when football games started playing the national anthem.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/...

#LoveThyNeighbor

Kushner Blames Assistant

2017-07-16T16:54:00.002-07:00

Scapegoating in the White House is apparently contagious.

New headline:

Kushner blames his assistant for hitting the "send" button too soon.

Hmm. There's a problem or two with that scenario.

Kushner's comment makes no sense - at all - because...

1) you would not be filling out a form via email, therefore no "send" button.

2) If you're filling out a security clearance form online (I doubt seriously it would be done that way), then you would have a "submit" button, not a send button.

3) If you're literally filling out a form on your computer, it would probably be saved as a pdf file and then emailed as an attachment, or printed out and faxed.

Even if we give Kushner the benefit of the doubt by saying he is confused about the "send" or "submit" button, we still have the fact that he did not amend or correct the form.

References

Kushner Blames Assistant

Scapegoating

Scapegoating

2017-07-11T09:13:00.002-07:00

When I was a freshman in high school, I had the opportunity to take Psychology 101, which rocked my world. Finally, I was able to make sense out of the behavior of more than a few people that simply boggled my mind.

The lack of accountability, morals, truth, and simple kindness, was a lack that actually troubled me in my day to day high school existence. I simply did not understand it.

As is the case with most perplexing thoughts, education shed light on the situation.

Today, I'm no longer bothered by the "lack" of the common people, because it is a given, but I am bothered by this "lack" in our President and his administration, which is literally in our faces every single day - and it is NOT acceptable.

I expect better.

We deserve better.

Surely I am not the only one who is tired of the constant scapegoating exhibited daily by any and everyone associated with the Trump administration.

Matter of fact, scapegoating may be one of the few things that these people are really good at.

Sooner or later though, each of them will be held accountable for what they say / said, and what they do / did.

The free press will see to it.

As Frank Lockwood from the Democrat-Gazette queried Sarah Huckaby Sanders:

“At what point is the president going to put Hillary Clinton, Chelsea Clinton, Bill Clinton in the rear-view mirror?” he asked. “He won the election.” Washingtonpost.com/

Indeed. The next time you want to point the finger, look in the mirror and look at your watch.

Live in the present, and plan for a better future - PLEASE.

If you're not familiar with the practice of scapegoating, here are a few definitions:

According to the Old Testament, on the Day of Atonement, a priest would confess all the sins of the Israelites over the head of a goat and then drive it into the wilderness, symbolically bearing their sins away. www.dictionary.com/browse/scapegoat
Scapegoating. Description: Unfairly blaming an unpopular person or group of people for a problem or a person or group that is an easy target for such blame. https://www.logicallyfallacious.com/tools/lp/Bo/LogicalFallacies/158/Scapegoating
When a person is being scapegoated, he or she is usually the target of blame for something he or she is not responsible for. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/scapegoat

The Disrespect of Senator Kamala Harris

2017-06-16T12:03:00.000-07:00

The disrespect of Senator Kamala Harris during hearings in recent days reminds us that we are not as civilized a society as some would like to believe. This type of disrespect, especially to someone with such an impressive background, simply wreaks of prejudice and entitlement. If that were not the case, then you would see white male senators and congressmen disrespecting each other. What we see, are male members disrespecting their female counterparts - their equals - and it's time for this to end.

There is no human being alive that is not equal to any other human being by divine right.

If you are of the Judaeo-Christian system, remember that in Acts 10.34, the writer said that God is no respecter of persons.

Just so we're clear, that means that males are not superior, and neither are white people.

Acts 10:34-43 King James Version (KJV) 34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons

Then again in Galatians...

Galatians 3:28King James Version (KJV)28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Religiously speaking, you Bible thumpers, evangelicals, and conservative rule makers who are trying to legislate your religion to all, are actually disrespecting your Lord every time you disrespect women and minorities. Your sin is much worse than the sins you get all worked up over.

Take the log out of your own eye. Or continue in your insane prejudices...

You shall reap what you sow.

Hallelujah!

STOP with the insanity already.

You do what you do because of your personal prejudices,

NOT because of your devotion to God or Jesus, or country.

OWN it.

During Sen. Kamala D. Harris’s 25-year career in law enforcement, she has established herself as a formidable presence in the courtroom, on the campaign trail and ultimately in government.

Sen. Harris at a recent hearing.

The following excerpts are from The Washington Post.

Here's what happened:

At that moment, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) cut in and appealed to the committee chairman, Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.)
“The witness should be allowed to answer the question,” McCain said.
“Senators will allow the chair to control the hearing,” Burr said, pointing to McCain. “Senator Harris, let him answer.”
Sessions then went on to describe the principle, at length.
Before Harris got her “yes or no” answer, Burr cut her off and said her time had expired.

That was the second instance of the disrespect of Senator Kamala Harris.

Here are some of the comments from the first hearing and notice that Sen. McCain is involved - again. Once again, McCain has lost my respect. The Maverick has lost his kick.

You can read the whole article at the Washington Post, see link at the end of this post.

Here's what happened:

Harris continued interrogating the deputy attorney general, again pressing him to give a “yes or no” answer.

Then Burr interjected.
“Will the senator suspend?” Burr interjected. “The chair is going to exercise its right to allow the witnesses to answer the question, and the committee is on notice to provide the witnesses the courtesy, which has not been extended all the way across, extend the courtesy for questions to get answered.”

As with Sessions, Harris never got her answer before time expired.

Is this simply another case of the disrespect of Senator Kamala Harris?

Or is it dangerously close to obstructing justice by not allowing the proper questioning of witnesses by a member of the Senate intelligence committee?

As if this lack of respect for women as equals isn't bad enough (see article discussing how female supreme court justices speak less than their male counterparts, and yet are interrupted three times as much, by their male counterparts.), we now have the propaganda Trumpeteers whining that Sen. Harris was "hysterical."

Give me a break!

The Washington Post article continues...

Harris’s treatment has not gone unnoticed.

The admonishments from men have in fact elevated Harris’s profile, prompting comparisons of her and fellow female Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass), who was censured during Sessions’s confirmation hearing earlier this year and inspired the rallying cry, “Nevertheless, she persisted.”

CNN's Vega on Sen. Harris. Raise your hand...

Sen. Warren supports Sen. Harris on Twitter.

References:

Bible passages https://www.biblegateway.com/

Washington Post Article

Live Science Supreme Court Justice Females article
Excerpt:In other instances, male justices interrupted female justices to "mansplain," the researchers wrote. That is, the men either unnecessarily explained something to a female justice or explained to a third party what a woman was "trying to say," the study said.

Urban Dictionary - Trumpeteers

Beck and Call

2017-06-11T18:15:00.000-07:00

No doubt we all run into little mistakes every day. It always seems that when I've had a particularly stressful or even a slightly trying day, that some mistakes stand out more than others.

I don't get particularly annoyed by them, but I do wonder why we tend to just accept certain sayings without ever attempting to discover any logic behind them.

For instance, all my life I have heard the phrase "beck and call." Being an avid reader, I have known exactly how to spell the "beck and." However, when I was younger, I did prefer to say beckoned, which was the past tense of beck, which is also correctly worded. But, the popular phrase, used correctly today, is typically beck and call.

While browsing beck and call, I came across a wonderful image aptly portraying the meaning of the phrase, which also happens to be an album cover, for a great group known as Paul Cook & the Chronicles. Click on the cover to hear some of their music. They're good!

beckon call

This is a fine example of what linguists call “popular etymology.” People don’t understand the origins of a word or expression and make one up based on what seems logical to them. “Beck” is just an old shortened version of “beckon.”

If you are at people’s beck and call it means they can summon you whenever they want: either by gesture (beck) or speech (call).

https://brians.wsu.edu/2016/05/19/beckon-call/

...And then there's the word beck.

beck

beck1 /bɛk/ noun

1. a nod, wave, or other gesture or signal
2. at someone's beck and call, ready to obey someone's orders instantly; subject to someone's slightest whim

Word Origin: short for becnen to beckon

http://www.dictionary.com/browse/beck

... And finally, the word beckon, which is actually related to the word beacon.

beck·on (as found on Google)

bekən/ verb

make a gesture with the hand, arm, or head to encourage someone to come nearer or follow.

"Miranda beckoned to Adam"

synonyms: gesture, signal, wave, gesticulate, motion
"the guard beckoned to Benny"
attract the attention of or summon someone by making a gesture with the hand, arm, or head.

"he beckoned Christopher over"
seem to be appealing or inviting.

"the going is tough, and soft options beckon"

synonyms: entice, invite, tempt, coax, lure, charm, attract, draw, call
"the countryside beckons you"

(Links go back to Google.)

Waldo finds himself

2017-06-02T13:19:00.001-07:00

HoeflerText font alert

2017-05-28T10:59:00.000-07:00

Have you seen it?

The HoeflerText font alert is a scam that is associated with a Facebook ad that I clicked on today. I never trust ads because they are so easy for hackers to mess with. Unfortunately, one cannot tell if the actual person that placed the ad is the "bad guy," or if their site was hacked and they actually have no knowledge of it.

On Chrome, it looks like this:

Hoefler Text font not found alert on Chrome

Warning: Regardless of who is at fault...

Do NOT install the font.

Be smart online.

Whenever you have a pop-up or alert, always open a new browser tab and enter words from the alert into a search engine (I prefer Google), and find out what is really going on BEFORE you download anything.

Do NOT click OK on such pop-ups.

X out of them.

Close that window.

If that doesn't work, try the ESC button in the top left corner of your keyboard.

If all else fails, reboot your computer. Pressing the windows key should bring up access to your power options.

Be safe.

This alert states that your version of Chrome or Firefox does not have the HoeflerText font installed and then prompts you to download a fake "Chrome Font Pack" or "Mozilla Font Pack" in order to install the HoeflerText font and see the page properly. The names of the downloads that have been distributed by this attack include Chrome_Font.exe, Mozilla_Font_v7.87.zip, and Chrome_Font_v7.87.zip. The downloaded file, though, is actually a malware installer that will install malware.

Get the full story plus instructions on virus removal at
BleepingComputer.com

Alexa by Invitation Only

2017-05-03T11:45:00.000-07:00

Alexa, a virtual personal assistant marketed by Amazon, is proudly announcing some new features with Echo Look.

I think the new features are brilliant!

Yes. Brilliant, but also a little bit creepy.

See for yourself...

"Alexa, take a video."

Alexa, you are brilliant.

Yes, brilliant. Especially if your toddler is dancing, or you want to see how you look in a 360 video - and who doesn't?

Sew a Cover

Hopefully, the security features are such that no one can ever take control of the camera.

Easy fix - cover it up when you aren't using it... like you would cover a bird cage at night time.

Then, of course, you will have the added inconvenience of removing the cover before you can use it, but it's a small price to pay for privacy.

Would I buy one?

If my girls were still young children?

Absolutely!

If I were dressing to kill every day of the week?

Absolutely!

Who am I kidding?

If I were dressing to kill one day a month!

Absolutely!

Alexa also has some quite useful features that are helpful. Home automation and answering questions such as "What's the weather?" and "How long is my morning commute?" make her an appealing little gadget to add to our arsenal of technology goodies.

Alexa by Invitation Only.

If you want one, you need to request an invitation from Amazon.

Learn more about Alexa at Tom's Guide.

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