Just A Thought That's All .com

Just A Thought That's All .com is moving

2008-06-16T04:54:00.003-05:00

JustAThoughtThatsAll.com is no longer being updated. The site is being moved to SteveEverettRandomThoughts.com. No big reason for the change except having my name in the website name has seemed to make it easier for people to find other websites I have that have my name in them and hopefully that will be the case with this site. Thanks to all who have been reading and subscribing. Please delete from your reader and I hope you will subscribe to the new site. I will probably have about one notice a week for the next few weeks about the site moving so as mentioned just delete the JustAThoughtThatsAll.com subscription so you will not keep receiving the moving notices. Again thanks for all who have been reading and subscribing and subscriptions are now available at the new site.

Prostitution, time to legalize? Or not?

2008-05-03T19:19:00.008-05:00

Quite a bit of the subject of prostitution in the news in recent months and again today in the news with the apparent suicide of the so called D.C. Madam. She had recently been convicted and was awaiting sentencing.

Just doesn't seem to make a lot of sense to me. I know many will disagree and I respect that but from my point of view she was only brokering a deal between two consenting adults with little if any effect on anyone else. I see no crime in that.

With our nation now over $9 trillion in debt and desperately needed new revenue is it time to rethink our prostitution laws? There would undoubtedly be an enormous amount of tax collected from the sector. There could also be a public health benefit by regulating it.

As is often said, it's the oldest profession in the world and currently legal in some parts of the country and in many places throughout the world. It was accepted as a part of everyday life in many ancient cultures such as Greece.

Some will disagree on religious basis. Some for other reasons but I really believe this issue will not go away and in the future, as in ancient cultures, it will likely again at some point be accepted commerce in -- what we like to think is -- our modern society. Of course our descendants in centuries to come will likely view our lifestyles and society as very primitive in much the same way as we view those who came and lived centuries before us.

-- Cross posted at Daily Kos
-- Published in the print and online editions of the Clarksville Leaf Chronicle

2008-04-22T06:09:00.001-05:00

DAILY QUOTE:

History is our compass for the future. by Al Smith, Comment on Kentucky.

Health care in America -- something HAS to be done

2008-04-20T01:55:00.009-05:00

No, I don't think I have the answer... but over the next months, perhaps years, I will be making a few suggestions. Perhaps with enough suggestions from citizens all across America that during the next President's first term something CAN be done.

I got my attention brought to this topic last night by a PBS Frontline documentary on how health care is providing in other countries.

(Statistic) Japan has one of the healthiest populations in the world yet they spend less than half per capita than we do in the U.S.

I am absolutely convinced, as one of our politicians running for president has said, that we must put more focus on disease prevention rather than relying so much on disease care.

Statistic: In Switzerland the administrative costs for health care are less than 6%. In the United States administrative costs for health care are around 22%.

Needless to say something has to be done to bring down administrative health care costs in America. How that is to be done I don't know but I do know it HAS to be done.

My top ten solutions for improving the health care system in the United States. I don't have a complete list but will add to the list later. The list is not necessarily in order of importance.

Reduce administrative costs
Single payer system will likely be more efficient
Without question there will have to be government oversight on medical procedure pricing
Everyone, EVERYONE, must be covered throughout their lifetimes. Losing a job must NOT translate into losing health care.
Preventative care made available and promoted.
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DETAILS ON EACH SUGGESTION IN THE TOP TEN LIST:

"History will judge us." Yeah right.

2008-04-11T01:47:00.006-05:00

This fellow Bush and his disciples continue to speak about they'll have to wait and see how history judges their invasion and destruction of Iraq. It's understandable that they would say that... at this point, history is their last hope of being judge kindly by almost anyone.

I kind of have the feeling that historians will critic this administration in much the same way that most of the citizens of the United States and the world now judge them. History may perhaps even be harsher as it's doubtful that anywhere near what they have done is known at this point.

Somehow I have a feeling that most of the acts they have committed, hidden from Congress and the American people, will in time be uncovered because as a wise man once said, “The arch of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”

-- Published in the print an online editions of the Clarksville Leaf Chronicle and the Kentucky New Era.

Gore Launches $300 Million Climate Change Initiative

2008-03-31T03:40:00.000-05:00

WeCanSolveIt.org

AliveInBaghdad.org; Don't forget about these guys

2008-02-26T01:01:00.001-06:00

Most of us in America really can't comprehend what the everyday citizens in Iraq have gone through since 2003 when draft dodgers King George and Prince Cheney ordered the beginning of Operation Iraqi Destruction and Operation Iraqi Free Money.

I have seen no better outlet providing what is really going on there than AliveInBaghdad.org. Brian Conley is the sites founder and they normally try to get out at least one video a week from Iraq. A podcast subscription is available and they also have a youtube channel.

I have no direct affiliation with the site, so with that disclosure I would like to note that the AliveInBaghdad.org gets it monetary support from readers. There's a paypal donate button on the site.

Brian, thank you for what you have done. Through your work and website I can at least feel I have some idea of how the lives are going for regular citizens in Iraq. Hopefully someday your site will not be needed or be necessary, a sentiment I think you probably also share and a sentiment that probably the good people of Iraq, whose stories you have found a way to bring to us, also share.

--

Cross posted by Steve Everett at Daily Kos

George Washington quote from 1796 farewell address

2007-11-16T00:29:00.000-06:00

"Hence, likewise, they will avoid the necessity of those overgrown military establishments, which, under any form of government, are inauspicious to liberty, and which are to be regarded as particularly hostile to Republican Liberty." -- George Washington farewell address September 17th, 1796. This statement was one of several in Washington's farewell statement meant to be a suggestion to future leaders.

Read Washington's full farewell address

Torture. Short term investment?

2007-11-04T07:22:00.000-06:00

The argument for torturing an enemy combatant, (a.k.a. prisoner of war) is often that, well he or she may know something that could prevent an attack and we should do anything possible to get information from the prisoner. I suppose that is a possible situation that could occur. In the short term torture could prevent something from occurring.

Another scenario. A disillusioned young person in another country sees Americans torturing folks, maybe someone from his or her own country and a seed of hatred is planted in that person who then becomes dedicated to revenge on America. Five, ten or fifteen years later when that seed of hatred becomes fully grown he or she initiates or participates in an attack on America. It seems to me the possibility of either scenario is about the same and I would submit that if we as a country are to err then to err on the side of civility and within existing international and domestic law.

Fired U.S. Attorney McKay says Alberto Gonzales (and others, Rove?) likely to face criminal charges as early as next month

2007-10-21T18:18:00.001-05:00

Concerning the ongoing investigation of the Office of the Inspector General McKay was quoted yesterday in the Spokane Spokesman Review as saying, “My best guess is it will be released sometime next month,’’ and likely will include recommendations for criminal prosecutions of Gonzales and maybe others." McKay was interviewed for 8 hours during the investigation.

McKay was quoted as saying “The chief law enforcement officer for the United States should not lie under oath."

McKay also said he thought that he and the seven other U.S. attorneys were likely fired for political reasons with the strings possibly being pulled by Karl Christian Rove.

Chris Dodd says telecoms will be granted immunity over my cold, dead, filibuster!

2007-10-19T18:39:00.000-05:00

He didn't quite say it that way, of course I'm kind of paraphrasing Mr. Heston's comments a few years back. Whether you back Dodd for president or not, which I don't, Americans across the country who believe in the rule of law should go to Dodd's website and show their support, or show their support in any other way and encourage Chris not to back down. If these telecoms broke the law and are allowed a get out of jail free card -- ah Scooty Libby -- then it will only encourage more of that type of behavior in the future should another scoundrel be elected President.

Dean Martin, 1956, That's Amore

2007-10-13T05:30:00.000-05:00

Ran across another Dean Martin video on youtube, 1956, That's Amore. They just don't writer 'em or sing 'em like this anymore, and that's sad.

Jimmy Carter Youtube clip: Does Bush torture? "I don't think it, I know it"

2007-10-12T20:28:00.000-05:00

I think Carter is almost certainly right on this one but I do disagree with a statement he made later in the interview in which he said charges probably shouldn't be brought. Was he just being politically correct or is that how he really felt? I'm not sure what the answer is but how is American ever going to get any respect back from the international community if the citizens in effect harbor criminals who committed torture?

Brooke Astor

2007-08-18T03:01:00.000-05:00

New York City will never again be quite the same with the recent passing of who many called the first lady of the city, 105 year old Brooke Astor. Astor spent the last several decades of her life dedicated to philanthropy giving away tens of millions of dollars throughout the city's five boroughs. In the New York Times death notice they included lyrics from the great Sinatra hit Young At Heart.

"And if you should survive to 105,
Look at all you'll derive out of being alive.
Then here is the best part,
You'll have a head start,
If you are among the very young at heart."

Beijing on schedule

2007-08-10T01:45:00.000-05:00

The 2008 Beijing Olympics is now under a year away and it appears China is on schedule and ready to shock the world with what it's going to offer. The country of China and its economy in recent years have begun undergoing an amazing transformation while the United States sadly seems to be going in the wrong direction socially and economically. To put it in athletic terms if the U.S. doesn't get it's act together the country seems to be becoming something of an aging, slumping veteran while China appears to be an up and coming rookie.

On the lighter side -- a little belly dancing never hurt anyone

2007-08-05T02:00:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder of what the middle east can be, doesn't have to be all bombs and the like. I remember as a kid watching many great films on the middle east (Lawrence of Arabia, etc) and it seemed to be so rich in culture (their music, attire, rituals, etc) and such a romantic place. Maybe it will be again one day.

Steroids in golf? Hall of Famer Gary Player say YES!

2007-07-20T09:19:00.000-05:00

I suppose I'm a bit cynical by nature but the thought of the possibility of steroid use on the PGA Tour has crossed my mind before. Hall of Fame golfer Gary Player recently stated that he knows for a fact that some golfers are using performance enhancers and Player is calling for testing to be done.

I believe in innocent until proven guilty but after recently doing a google search of one of golf's top players and seeing a photo of him about ten years ago and a photo now there is certainly quite a difference. Of course we all change and it may just be due to a good diet and some time at the gym.

I'll have to admit if I was competing in a professional sport and could get and extra 20 or 30 yards out of my driver simply but rubbing in a little cream from time to time it would be very tempting. Getting an unfair advantage is certainly not anything to be admired but the real issue here the way I see it is that some of these enhancers are said to cause serious and even fatal health issues later in life so for that reason I'm in the camp that says some action must be taken not only to protect the integrity of the game but to also protect the health of the players, in any sport -- even golf.

A kiss is just a kiss (see video below)

2007-07-20T03:22:00.000-05:00

Lyrics from the song "As Time Goes By" from the 1942 movie Casablanca

You must remember this
A kiss is just a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh.
The fundamental things apply
As time goes by.

2007-07-18T09:24:00.000-05:00

Japanese practical joke

Hidden camera splash

2007-06-28T07:47:00.000-05:00

Enough with politics. Take a quick look at this hidden camera practical joke from youtube.

2007-06-18T05:24:00.001-05:00

"Diplomacy and defense are not substitutes for one another. Either alone will fail." by John Kennedy, campaign speech, 1-6-1960.

Look at who profited most from the war

2007-05-31T07:04:00.001-05:00

Do you want to know why this Dick Cheney-George Bush/Iraq war was started. Just take a look at who has benefited the most financially and you will get your answer. I'll give you a few clues to get your research started, Exxon Mobile and other oil companies, Haliburton and their subsidiaries (Blackwater etc.), and other industries involved in the production of products used in the war -- the military-industrial complex that Eisenhower warned about.

Most all criminal activity, when one gets to the bottom of it, is usually, primarily, simply about making a buck.

-- Published in the print and online editions of the Clarksville Leaf Chronicle.

Saddam Hussein vs George Bush on pay-per-view?

2007-05-29T00:38:00.000-05:00

I know, I know, hindsight is 20-20 but wouldn't it have been a much better idea instead of the Iraq war to have just put George Bush and Saddam Hussein in a boxing ring and let them go head to head in a pay-per-view match. The hundreds of millions of likely proceeds could have been cut, let say, three ways. One third going to finance the capture of this guy Bin Laden who orchestrated the murder of over 3000 innocent people, another third to a college education fund for the children of those killed in the World Trade Centers and the final third to help improve the health care and nutrition needs of innocent Iraqi children suffering and dying from sanctions imposed on their country throughout the 1990's (the United Nations Children's Emergency Fund, UNICEF, estimates around 500,000, yes five---hundred---thousand Iraqi children died as a result of the sanctions from lack of medical supplies, malnutrition and diseases caused by lack of clean water). Interesting world we live in, huh?

2007-05-26T05:56:00.000-05:00

"In America the law is king." -- written by Thomas Paine in the pamphlet Common Sense, published 1776.

Quote:

2007-05-19T07:23:00.000-05:00

Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself. -- by George Bernard Shaw