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	<title>Thinking Americanist</title>
	
	<link>http://thoughtsandrantings.com</link>
	<description>Writings of a Political Independent in Detroit</description>
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		<title>IRS official to take the Fifth</title>
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		<comments>http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/21/irs-offical-to-take-the-fifth/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 03:59:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Americanist</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[politics]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Oh boy: WASHINGTON — A top IRS official in the division that reviews nonprofit groups will invoke the 5th Amendment and refuse to answer questions before a House committee investigating the agency’s improper screening of conservative nonprofit groups. Lois Lerner, the head of the exempt organizations division of the IRS, won’t answer questions about what she ...</p><p><a href="http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/21/irs-offical-to-take-the-fifth/" class="more-link">Continue reading &#8216;IRS official to take the Fifth&#8217; &#187;</a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>Oh boy</em>:</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>WASHINGTON — A top IRS official in the division that reviews nonprofit groups will invoke the 5th Amendment and refuse to answer questions before a House committee investigating the agency’s improper screening of conservative nonprofit groups.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Lois Lerner, the head of the exempt organizations division of the IRS, won’t answer questions about what she knew about the improper screening — or why she didn’t disclose it to Congress, according to a letter from her defense lawyer, William W. Taylor III. Lerner was scheduled to appear before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday.</strong></p>
<p><strong>“She has not committed any crime or made any misrepresentation but under the circumstances she has no choice but to take this course,” said a letter by Taylor to committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Vista). The letter, sent Monday, was obtained Tuesday by the Los Angeles Times.</strong></p>
<p><strong>via <a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-top-irs-official-fifth-amendment-20130521,0,6645565.story" target="_blank">Top IRS official will invoke 5th Amendment &#8211; latimes.com</a>.</strong></p></blockquote>
<p>She&#8217;s taking the fifth, but she didn&#8217;t do anything wrong. <em>Right</em>. <img src='http://thoughtsandrantings.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif' alt=':roll:' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>I dunno about you, but I am thinking that the fit is about to hit the shan &#8212;- <em>real quick</em>. Especially after <a href="http://hotair.com/archives/2013/05/21/new-whistleblowers-coming-forward-on-benghazi/" target="_blank">seeing this here</a>. Again, I say, <em>Oh boy, oooohhhhh boy&#8230;.</em> <img src='http://thoughtsandrantings.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_eek.gif' alt=':shock:' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>Others: <a style="color: #ffffff; background-color: #ff9999; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2013/05/a-crack-in-the-irs-dam.php" target="_blank">Power Line</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">, </span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/05/21/irs-official-lois-lerner-to-plead-the-fifth/" target="_blank">Post Politics</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">, </span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ff6666; text-decoration: none;" href="http://weaselzippers.us/2013/05/21/irs-official-at-heart-of-tea-party-scandal-lois-lerner-will-invoke-the-fifth-amendment-before-house-committee/" target="_blank">Weasel Zippers</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">, </span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffcccc; text-decoration: none;" href="http://urbangrounds.com/2013/05/lois-lerner/" target="_blank">UrbanGrounds</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">, </span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ff6666; text-decoration: none;" href="http://hotair.com/archives/2013/05/21/report-oversight-on-irs-targeting-came-from-washington-all-along/" target="_blank">Hot Air</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">, </span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ff9999; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.nationalreview.com/article/348983/oversight-washington-all-along-eliana-johnson" target="_blank">National Review</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">,</span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #aaaaff; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/22/us/politics/senate-testimony-irs-scandal.html?pagewanted=all" target="_blank">New York Times</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">, </span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffcccc; text-decoration: none;" href="http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2013/05/21/irs-official-to-plead-the-fifth-at-congressional-hearing/" target="_blank">CNN</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">, </span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ff9999; text-decoration: none;" href="http://scaredmonkeys.com/2013/05/21/top-irs-official-lois-lerner-will-invoke-5th-amendment-and-not-answer-house-committee-questions-on-irs-scandal/" target="_blank">Scared Monkeys</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">, </span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ff9999; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2013/05/lois_lerner_to_plead_the_fifth_wednesday_before_issa_committee.html" target="_blank">americanthinker.com</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">, </span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ff9999; text-decoration: none;" href="http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/216083.php" target="_blank">The Jawa Report</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">, </span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ccccff; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2013/05/irs-white-house-coverup-inspector-general.html?currentPage=all" target="_blank">News Desk</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">,</span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ff9999; text-decoration: none;" href="http://legalinsurrection.com/2013/05/irs-official-lois-lerner-to-plead-the-5th/" target="_blank">Le·gal In·sur·rec· tion</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">, </span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ff9999; text-decoration: none;" href="http://pjmedia.com/tatler/2013/05/21/irs-official-will-plead-the-fifth/" target="_blank">The PJ Tatler</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">, </span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2013/05/21/white-house-meltdown-a-truth-deficit/" target="_blank">Right Turn</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">, </span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ff9999; text-decoration: none;" href="http://dailycaller.com/2013/05/21/oversight-lerner-must-attend-hearing-even-if-she-does-not-testify/" target="_blank">The Daily Caller</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">, </span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffcccc; text-decoration: none;" href="http://pjmedia.com/richardfernandez/2013/05/21/a-circle-in-a-spiral/" target="_blank">Belmont Club</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">, </span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffcccc; text-decoration: none;" href="http://news.yahoo.com/irs-doesnt-know-hide-bad-news-202213103.html" target="_blank">Yahoo! News</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">, </span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ff9999; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2013/05/top-irs-official-lois-lerner-to-plead-the-fifth-in-front-of-congress/" target="_blank">The Gateway Pundit</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">, </span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ccccff; text-decoration: none;" href="http://thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/domestic-taxes/301069-report-irs-official-to-plead-the-fifth" target="_blank">The Hill</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">, </span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.motherjones.com/mojo/2013/05/senate-irs-tea-party-scandal-hearing" target="_blank">Dark Money</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">, </span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffcccc; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.mediaite.com/online/irs-official-lois-lerner-will-plead-the-fifth-in-testimony-before-house-committee/" target="_blank">Mediaite</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">, </span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffcccc; text-decoration: none;" href="http://spectator.org/blog/2013/05/21/lois-lerner-to-plead-the-5th" target="_blank">American Spectator</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">, </span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ccccff; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.businessinsider.com/irs-scandal-lois-lerner-plead-fifth-amendment-2013-5?op=1" target="_blank">Business Insider</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">, </span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: none;" href="http://firstread.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/05/21/18403138-irs-official-to-invoke-fifth-amendment-at-hearing" target="_blank">First Read</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">,</span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: none;" href="http://riehlworldview.com/2013/05/gettin-fun-now-irs-lois-lerner-will-plead-the-fifth.html" target="_blank">Riehl World News</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">, </span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ff9999; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.therightscoop.com/irs-official-to-plead-the-fifth-before-congress/" target="_blank">The Right Scoop</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">, </span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffcccc; text-decoration: none;" href="http://conservatives4palin.com/2013/05/top-irs-official-using-5th-amendment.html" target="_blank">Conservatives4Palin</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;">, </span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ccccff; text-decoration: none;" href="http://hinterlandgazette.com/2013/05/irs-official-lois-lerner-pleads-fifth-amendment-refuses-testify-snooping-scandal.html" target="_blank">The Hinterland Gazette</a><span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;"> and </span><a style="color: #995577; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://freebeacon.com/paul-calls-for-independent-investigation-of-irs-scandal/" target="_blank">Washington Free Beacon</a> (Via <a href="http://www.memeorandum.com/130521/p75#a130521p75" target="_blank">Memeorandum</a>)</p>
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		<title>Howard Dean shows why he will never be President of the United States</title>
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		<comments>http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/21/howard-dean-shows-why-he-will-never-be-president-of-the-united-states/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 03:40:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Americanist</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Benghazi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Libya]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Military]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Obama]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[political activism]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Democrats]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[liberals]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[This is a disgrace and Howard Dean should be ignored into oblivion. The Video: (Via HotAir.com) Money quote from  the video: “Benghazi is a laughable joke.  Benghazi is a laughable joke … the blaming of the president for that is a ridiculous joke.” Take it away Gun Benson: What a sharp, compassionate take from the ...</p><p><a href="http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/21/howard-dean-shows-why-he-will-never-be-president-of-the-united-states/" class="more-link">Continue reading &#8216;Howard Dean shows why he will never be President of the United States&#8217; &#187;</a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This is a disgrace and Howard Dean should be ignored into oblivion.</p>
<p>The Video: (Via <a href="http://hotair.com/greenroom/archives/2013/05/21/howard-dean-benghazi-is-a-laughable-joke/" target="_blank">HotAir.com</a>)</p>
<p><span class='embed-youtube' style='text-align:center; display: block;'><iframe class='youtube-player' type='text/html' width='480' height='300' src='http://www.youtube.com/embed/uaA7RcYGUoM?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;fs=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;wmode=transparent' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></p>
<p>Money quote from  the video:</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>“Benghazi is a laughable joke.  Benghazi is a laughable joke … the blaming of the president for that is a ridiculous joke.”</strong></p></blockquote>
<p>Take it away Gun Benson:</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>What a sharp, compassionate take from the former DNC Chair and presidential candidate.  Throughout the segment, Dean analyzed the Benghazi massacre through a purely partisan prism, arguing that it has “no traction” (essentially, no one cares — perhaps with a few <a href="http://townhall.com/tipsheet/guybenson/2013/05/12/benghazi-victims-mother-on-hillary-she-has-her-child-i-dont-have-mine-because-of-her-n1593377">marginal exceptions</a>) and that Republicans’ persistence in investigating what happened is evidence of “overreach.”  Since he brought up the crude metric of public opinion, I’ll just point out that two new national polls demonstrate: (a)an <a href="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2013/images/05/19/rel6a.pdf">87/14 super-majority</a> of Americans view the Benghazi talking points as an important issue, (b) a <a href="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2013/images/05/19/rel6a.pdf">59/36 majority</a> now believes the attack could have been prevented, (c) a<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/page/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/05/21/National-Politics/Polling/question_11073.xml?uuid=ZB3G0sHLEeKapvwhroB6ig">57/32 majority</a> thinks the administration is still covering something up, and (d) a<a href="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2013/images/05/19/rel6a.pdf">59/37 majority</a> approves of Republicans’ handling of the controversy.  All that aside, no amount of polling can or should alter the moral correctness of seeking the truth about a terrorist attack that claimed four American lives.  Dean was also asked about the IRS and DOJ affairs.  His verdict: “To call all these things scandals is a little on the silly side.”  He instead harped on the House’s latest attempt to repeal Obamacare — which probably <a href="http://townhall.com/tipsheet/guybenson/2013/05/16/unreal-irs-official-who-oversaw-targeting-scandal-now-in-charge-of-obamacare-division-n1599015">sounds better than ever</a> to <a href="http://hotair.com/archives/2013/05/21/yet-another-union-boss-takes-umbrage-with-obamacare/">many Americans</a>.</strong></p></blockquote>
<p>I think the only thing is the joke is this Presidential Administration since about, oh, I&#8217;d say, about 2008. What&#8217;s worse is Howard Dean&#8217;s dismissive attitude about four Americans who died serving their Country. Never mind that it was a foreign policy disaster, never mind that they were not properly protected; <em>it&#8217;s a joke!</em> <img src='http://thoughtsandrantings.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif' alt=':roll:' class='wp-smiley' />  <em>Wow</em>. The chutzpah of Howard Dean, The Obama Administration and Democrats on the hill is vomit provoking. <img src='http://thoughtsandrantings.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_mad.gif' alt=':mad:' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>What&#8217;s more, this is the same people who almost became a parody of themselves, trying to stop the Iraq War claiming that they cared for the troops so much, that they were willing to make themselves look like fools.</p>
<p>Now, the line is, &#8220;It&#8217;s a laughable joke!&#8221; What gall! What elitist limousine liberal, snotty-nose, condescension! <img src='http://thoughtsandrantings.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_mad.gif' alt=':mad:' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>It is an outrage and if middle America is watching this or reading this blog posting; <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>THIS RIGHT HERE</strong></span> is the real Democratic Party! Because, my friends; let&#8217;s just be really about, <em>okay</em>? The Democratic Party simply <em>does not</em> give two flips about the people who actually <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #ff0000; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>DEFEND</strong></span> </span>the liberties that you and your sons have fought for anymore.  Oh, they will play the part of peaceniks to further a political agenda &#8212;- all in the name of caring for and supporting the troops. However, the very minute that it does not serve their political agenda to do so, the Military becomes the outhouse! (So to speak&#8230;.)</p>
<p>This, my friends, is why I stopped voting Democratic Party in 2008. Because, quite frankly, I saw the light and wised up. This is not to say that the Republican Party is perfect; <em>far, far from it.</em> But, at least they respect the Military and love this Country. Not to mention, let&#8217;s just be real &#8212; they are honest with the American people, they are not going to promise you any free stuff; unlike the Democrats &#8212; who promise the moon, all the while stabbing you in the back! Just ask the UAW how they really feel about Bill Clinton and NAFTA, believe me, you will get an ear full.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<enclosure url="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2013/images/05/19/rel6a.pdf" length="216515" type="application/pdf" /><media:content url="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2013/images/05/19/rel6a.pdf" fileSize="216515" type="application/pdf" /><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:subtitle>This is a disgrace and Howard Dean should be ignored into oblivion. The Video: (Via HotAir.com) Money quote from  the video: “Benghazi is a laughable joke.  Benghazi is a laughable joke … the blaming of the president for that is a ridiculous joke.” Take i</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary>This is a disgrace and Howard Dean should be ignored into oblivion. The Video: (Via HotAir.com) Money quote from  the video: “Benghazi is a laughable joke.  Benghazi is a laughable joke … the blaming of the president for that is a ridiculous joke.” Take it away Gun Benson: What a sharp, compassionate take from the ... Continue reading &amp;#8216;Howard Dean shows why he will never be President of the United States&amp;#8217; &amp;#187;</itunes:summary><itunes:keywords>Benghazi, Libya, Military, Obama, Opinion, political activism, politics, Democrats, liberals</itunes:keywords><feedburner:origLink>http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/21/howard-dean-shows-why-he-will-never-be-president-of-the-united-states/</feedburner:origLink></item>
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		<title>Video: World’s toughest Schnauzer</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thoughtsandrantings/aheP/~3/knOT7Bhw_dA/</link>
		<comments>http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/21/video-worlds-toughest-schnauzer/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 17:07:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Americanist</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[video]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Animals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Oklahoma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Oklahoma Tornado]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Schnauzer]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Get a hankie ready, this one is top-grade boo hoo material! This comes via Being Christian: God Bless that poor woman and the dog.]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Get a hankie ready, this one is top-grade boo hoo material!</p>
<p>This comes via <a href="http://beingchristian.co/tornado-survivor-finds-lost-dog-during-interview/" target="_blank">Being Christian</a>:</p>
<p><span class='embed-youtube' style='text-align:center; display: block;'><iframe class='youtube-player' type='text/html' width='480' height='300' src='http://www.youtube.com/embed/dxaM1codWRs?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;fs=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;wmode=transparent' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></p>
<p>God Bless that poor woman and the dog. <img src='http://thoughtsandrantings.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_sad.gif' alt=':(' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/thoughtsandrantings/aheP/~4/knOT7Bhw_dA" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Best thing I’ve read in the New York Post in a long time</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thoughtsandrantings/aheP/~3/TakkxOk5CKg/</link>
		<comments>http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/21/best-thing-ive-read-in-the-new-york-post-in-a-long-time/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 16:47:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Americanist</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Foreign Policy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bush]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Iran]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Iraq]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Libya]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york post]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Obama]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ralph Peters]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Syria]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wilsonian Foreign Policy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thoughtsandrantings.com/?p=8013</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I hate to say it, but I happen to like this blunt, frank, assessment of the middle east.  It is the best one that I have seen in a very long time. Quoting Ralph Peters in The New York Post: The Arab Spring has unleashed the Arab Collapse. Everybody still standing in the region is ...</p><p><a href="http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/21/best-thing-ive-read-in-the-new-york-post-in-a-long-time/" class="more-link">Continue reading &#8216;Best thing I&#8217;ve read in the New York Post in a long time&#8217; &#187;</a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I hate to say it, but I happen to like this blunt, frank, assessment of the middle east.  It is the best one that I have seen in a very long time.</p>
<p>Quoting Ralph Peters in <a href="http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/opedcolumnists/the_arab_collapse_tfjo7W92EreoUHdxdQq1DN" target="_blank">The New York Post:</a></p>
<blockquote><p><strong>The Arab Spring has unleashed the Arab Collapse. Everybody still standing in the region is picking the flesh of the helpless. The Islamist cancer proved more virulent than Arabs themselves expected, while dying regimes behave with unrestrained ruthlessness.</strong></p>
<p><strong>And our diplomats <i>still</i> think everyone can be cajoled into harmony.</strong></p>
<p><strong>We’re witnessing a titanic event, the crack-up of a long-tottering civilization. Arab societies grew so corrupt and stagnant that violent upheaval became inevitable. That’s what we’re seeing in Syria and Iraq — two names, one struggle — and will find elsewhere tomorrow.</strong></p>
<div id="intext_area_middle">
<div><strong>The next country to go: Rescuers working at the site of a car bomb in Kirkuk, Iraq, last week. Violence is rising rapidly across the country.</strong></div>
</div>
<p><strong>We can’t stop it, we can’t fix it, and we don’t understand it. But we <i>can </i>stay out of it.</strong></p>
<p><strong>[....]</strong></p>
<p><strong>The Saudi position is <i>always</i> “You and him fight!” As long ago as Desert Storm, Saudis joked about renting the American army and our bumpkin gullibility. (Try to find one US officer who’s worked with the Saudis and doesn’t hate their guts. . .) Now they want Washington to spend our blood and treasure to open the mosques of Damascus to their Wahhabi cult.</strong></p>
<p><strong>[....]</strong></p>
<p><strong>Iraq was carved out for British interests, while Syria was France’s consolation prize. Now Syria’s collapsing in a too-many-factions-to-count civil war. And Iraq’s in the early stages of its own dissolution; even a would-be dictator — another of our one-time “friends,” Nouri al-Maliki — can’t keep the “country” together.</strong></p>
<p><strong>We don’t even know how many new states will emerge from the old order’s wreckage. But the Scramble for the Sand is on, with Iran, Turkey, treacherous Arab oil sheikdoms and terrorists Sunni and Shia alike all determined to dictate the future, no matter the cost in other people’s blood.</strong></p>
<p><strong>We had our chance to extend the peace and keep both Iran and Wahhabi crazies at bay after we defeated Iraq’s insurgencies. But a new American president, elevating politics over strategy, walked away from Baghdad, handing Iraq to Iran. Now it’s too late. If George W. Bush helped trigger the Arab Spring, Barack Obama made this Arab Winter inevitable.</strong></p>
<p><strong>We must not be lured into the current fighting — centered, for now, on Syria — by cries of humanitarian necessity. The local powers could step in to stop the killing. But they won’t. Once again, they want us to pay the bill. (It’s time for the Saudis, especially, to give their own blood.)</strong></p>
<p><strong>We’ve paid enough. Rhetoric and red lines notwithstanding, we need to back off from Syria, if for no other reason than a strategist’s golden rule: If you don’t understand what a fight’s about, stay out.</strong></p></blockquote>
<p>I can tell you that if back in during the heyday of the Bush Administration someone had written something like this about the middle east and Iraq; they would have been ran out of Murdoch&#8217;s owned company on a rail!  This shows me, that the chickenhawk right has become a very small minority now and is being replaced by people who simply want common sense in foreign policy on the right.  This is a very positive step in the right direction.</p>
<p>Honestly, this really sounds like something from the American Conservative and, as far as this writer is concerned, Pat Buchanan and Ron Paul; and the rest those who said Iraq was a bad idea &#8212;- <em>were very much right</em>.</p>
<p>Others: <a href="http://pjmedia.com/vodkapundit/2013/05/21/the-not-so-shocking-conclusion/" target="_blank">VodkaPundit</a></p>
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		<title>Disaster Exploitation Redux</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thoughtsandrantings/aheP/~3/gwYW6zkb5mE/</link>
		<comments>http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/21/disaster-exploitation-redux/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 14:17:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Americanist</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Democrats]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Idiots]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Republicans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stupidity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Oklahoma]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thoughtsandrantings.com/?p=8008</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[First it was the Republicans and now the Democrats are getting into the act. The Video: The Story via the Daily Caller: While many Americans were tuned into news coverage of the massive damage from tornadoes ravaging the state of Oklahoma, Rhode Island Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse took to the Senate floor to rail against ...</p><p><a href="http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/21/disaster-exploitation-redux/" class="more-link">Continue reading &#8216;Disaster Exploitation Redux&#8217; &#187;</a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>First it was <a href="http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/21/a-perfect-example-of-how-not-to-give-the-republican-party-a-good-image-to-the-rest-of-the-country/" target="_blank">the Republicans</a> and now the Democrats are getting into the act.</p>
<p>The Video:</p>
<p><script src="http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?deepLinkEmbedCode=p2MnhyYjp6_kiQGslJxKjKiuLc15sYsY&#038;width=613&#038;height=344&#038;embedCode=p2MnhyYjp6_kiQGslJxKjKiuLc15sYsY&#038;video_pcode=k4Nmw6Cri746xA2OsoSlngyrIudg"></script></p>
<p>The Story via <a href="http://dailycaller.com/2013/05/20/democratic-senator-goes-on-anti-gop-rant-over-climate-change-as-tornadoes-hit-oklahoma/" target="_blank">the Daily Caller</a>:<br />
<strong><br />
<blockquote><strong>While many Americans were tuned into news coverage of the massive damage from tornadoes ravaging the state of Oklahoma, Rhode Island Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse took to the Senate floor to rail against his Republican colleagues for denying the theory of anthropogenic global warming.</strong></p>
<p>Whitehouse spent 15 minutes chastising GOP senators and justified his remarks by alluding to states that seek federal assistance in the wake of natural disasters.</p>
<p>“So, you may have a question for me,” Whitehouse said. “Why do you care? Why do you, Sheldon Whitehouse, Democrat of Rhode Island, care if we Republicans run off the climate cliff like a bunch of proverbial lemmings and disgrace ourselves? I’ll tell you why. We’re stuck in this together. We are stuck in this together. When cyclones tear up Oklahoma and hurricanes swamp Alabama and wildfires scorch Texas, you come to us, the rest of the country, for billions of dollars to recover. And the damage that your polluters and deniers are doing doesn’t just hit Oklahoma and Alabama and Texas. It hits Rhode Island with floods and storms. It hits Oregon with acidified seas, it hits Montana with dying forests. So, like it or not, we’re in this together.”</p></blockquote>
<p></strong></p>
<p>Unlike some bloggers who claim to be Independent, I point out when both sides do stupid stuff like this; because it is sick and wrong to exploit a tragic event like this for one&#8217;s political agenda. For the record, I do not totally deny climate change; I just happen to think that the science in incomplete and that the whole climate change movement became radically politicized, which I believe personally is harmful. I believe that science is a great thing; but science with a political agenda is dangerous, like unto Nazi propaganda or Soviet propaganda.   </p>
<p>Others:&nbsp;<a href="http://weaselzippers.us/2013/05/20/dem-sen-sheldon-whitehouse-blames-deadly-oklahoma-tornado-on-republicans-for-not-believing-in-global-warming/" target="_blank">Weasel Zippers</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2013/05/outrageous-democratic-senator-uses-moore-ok-massacre-to-berate-republicans-on-global-warming/" target="_blank">The Gateway Pundit</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2013/05/as_conservative_children_died_liberals_politicized_but_didnt_cry.html" target="_blank">americanthinker.com</a>,<a href="http://legalinsurrection.com/2013/05/sheldon-whitehouse-doesnt-let-a-tornado-disaster-go-to-waste/" target="_blank">Le·gal In·sur·rec· tion</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rightwingnews.com/democrats/democrat-senator-sheldon-whitehouse-republicans-caused-the-oklahoma-tornado-by-not-believing-in-global-warming/" target="_blank">Right Wing News</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rumproast.com/index.php/site/comments/conservatives_decry_ruthless_effort_to_pimp_effect_as_result_of_cause/" target="_blank">Rumproast</a></p>
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		<title>UPDATED – A perfect example of how not to give the Republican Party a good image to the rest of the Country.</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thoughtsandrantings/aheP/~3/LnqzrXR8vZY/</link>
		<comments>http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/21/a-perfect-example-of-how-not-to-give-the-republican-party-a-good-image-to-the-rest-of-the-country/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 04:42:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Americanist</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Idiots]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stupidity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Oklahoma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Oklahoma Tornado]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Republican Party]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stupid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tom Coburn]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thoughtsandrantings.com/?p=7998</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This is weapons grade stupidity: The tornado damage near Oklahoma City is still being assessed and the death toll is expected to rise, but already Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., says he will insist that any federal disaster aid be paid for with cuts elsewhere. CQ Roll Call reporter Jennifer Scholtes wrote for CQ.com Monday evening ...</p><p><a href="http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/21/a-perfect-example-of-how-not-to-give-the-republican-party-a-good-image-to-the-rest-of-the-country/" class="more-link">Continue reading &#8216;<b><font color = red>UPDATED</b></font> &#8211; A perfect example of how <i>not</i> to give the Republican Party a good image to the rest of the Country.&#8217; &#187;</a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This is weapons grade stupidity:</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>The tornado damage near Oklahoma City is still being assessed and the death toll is expected to rise, but already Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., says he will insist that any federal disaster aid be paid for with cuts elsewhere.</strong></p>
<p><strong>CQ Roll Call reporter Jennifer Scholtes wrote for CQ.com Monday evening that Coburn said he would “absolutely” demand offsets for any federal aid that Congress provides.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Coburn added, Scholtes wrote, that it is too early to guess at a damage toll but that he knows for certain he will fight to make sure disaster funding that the federal government contributes is paid for. It’s a position he has taken repeatedly during his career when Congress debates emergency funding for disaster aid.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Scholtes points out that Coburn was one of 36 Republican senators who voted against disaster funding for Superstorm Sandy in January.</strong></p>
<p><strong>via <a href="http://blogs.rollcall.com/wgdb/coburn-wants-tornado-disaster-aid-to-be-offset/" target="_blank">Coburn Wants Tornado Disaster Aid to Be Offset | The World&#8217;s Greatest Deliberative Body</a>.</strong></p></blockquote>
<p>There are <em>no words</em>. <img src='http://thoughtsandrantings.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_mad.gif' alt=':mad:' class='wp-smiley' />  None that I choose to print, that is. <img src='http://thoughtsandrantings.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_mad.gif' alt=':mad:' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>Also too, <a href="http://www.memeorandum.com/130520/p103#a130520p103" target="_blank">This right here</a> is seriously bad. Prayers for all involved. <img src='http://thoughtsandrantings.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_sad.gif' alt=':(' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: #ff0000;"><strong>Update</strong></span>: <a href="http://hotair.com/archives/2013/05/20/videos-tornado-rips-through-oklahoma-flattening-school-homes-businesses/" target="_blank">HotAir</a> has some excellent video of the tornado that hit down in Oklahoma.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: #ff0000;"><strong>Update #2</strong></span>: <a href="http://americanglob.com/2013/05/20/images-massive-tornado-destruction-in-oklahoma/" target="_blank">American Glob</a> has sad photos from the affected area.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: #ff0000;"><strong>Update #3:</strong></span> Two bloggers that have something to say about this and rightfully so, are <a href="http://the-reaction.blogspot.com/2013/05/am-headlines_21.html" target="_blank">The Reaction</a> and <a href="http://www.balloon-juice.com/2013/05/21/responsible-fiscal-conservatives/" target="_blank">Balloon Juice</a></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: #ff0000;"><strong>Update # 4</strong></span>: This is now a huge <a href="http://www.memeorandum.com/130520/p106#a130520p106" target="_blank">Memeorandum thread</a>.</p>
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		<title>Movie: “Choice”</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thoughtsandrantings/aheP/~3/uIvSJDqAndA/</link>
		<comments>http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/20/movie-choice/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2013 22:18:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Americanist</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Clif White]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[conservative]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Goldwater]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Republican]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[video]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thoughtsandrantings.com/?p=7993</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This is from 1964: Daniel McCarthy explains: I’d heard a lot about “Choice,” the campaign film Clif White instigated for Goldwater in 1964 but that the candidate ultimately vetoed. Until it appeared on YouTube, however, I hadn’t seen the program in full. It’s a doozy: fast cars, fast women, John Wayne. And more problematically, scenes ...</p><p><a href="http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/20/movie-choice/" class="more-link">Continue reading &#8216;Movie: &#8220;Choice&#8221;&#8217; &#187;</a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This is from 1964:</p>
<p><span class='embed-youtube' style='text-align:center; display: block;'><iframe class='youtube-player' type='text/html' width='480' height='300' src='http://www.youtube.com/embed/xniUoMiHm8g?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;fs=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;wmode=transparent' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></p>
<p>Daniel McCarthy explains:</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>I’d heard a lot about “Choice,” the campaign film Clif White instigated for Goldwater in 1964 but that the candidate ultimately vetoed. Until it appeared on YouTube, however, I hadn’t seen the program in full. It’s a doozy: fast cars, fast women, John Wayne. And more problematically, scenes of riots and civil rights protests portrayed in a way that led Goldwater to call it “a racist film” and demand that “Choice” not be shown on his behalf.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Clif White had been indispensable in helping Goldwater win the Republican nomination, but after that the candidate entrusted his campaign to others. Getting to make “Choice” was something of a consolation prize—but as Rick Perlstein writes in Before the Storm, in giving White permission to do a film on the “morality issue,” Goldwater “didn’t realize he had just become Truman giving MacArthur what the general thought was a green light to cross the Yalu.” The film wasn’t an official campaign product, but the campaign got the blame—both for the film itself and, from right-wing activists, for canceling it.</strong></p>
<p><strong>via <a href="http://www.theamericanconservative.com/barry-goldwater-vs-the-swinging-60s-the-choice-film/comment-page-1/#comment-1979083" target="_blank">Barry Goldwater vs. the Swinging ’60s: The ‘Choice’ Film | The American Conservative</a>.</strong></p></blockquote>
<p>I think that movie was vetoed, because it told the truth <em>a little too well</em>.</p>
<p>&#8230;.and you know what? We&#8217;re seeing the fruits of that truth today.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>It depends on one’s definition of “Juicy”</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thoughtsandrantings/aheP/~3/Ef694NS_hss/</link>
		<comments>http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/20/it-depends-on-ones-definition-of-juicy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2013 18:21:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Americanist</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Mitt Romney]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Election 2012]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[politics]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thoughtsandrantings.com/?p=7989</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Some pretty pedestrian stuff at the link, but interesting nonetheless. See via Buzzfeed: 7 Juicy Claims From A Romney Campaign Insider&#8217;s New Book. To be honest, it sounds a bit like Hillary&#8217;s campaign. &#160;]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Some pretty pedestrian stuff at the link, but interesting nonetheless.</p>
<p>See via Buzzfeed: <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/jacobfischler/7-juicy-claims-from-a-romney-campaign-insiders-new-book">7 Juicy Claims From A Romney Campaign Insider&#8217;s New Book</a>.</p>
<p>To be honest, it sounds a bit like Hillary&#8217;s campaign.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Study: Childhood ADHD tied to obesity decades later</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thoughtsandrantings/aheP/~3/rTSFw1fzcPI/</link>
		<comments>http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/20/study-childhood-adhd-tied-to-obesity-decades-later/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2013 14:45:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Americanist</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[ADHD]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ADD]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thoughtsandrantings.com/?p=7987</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I can vouch for this study, I have ADHD and I am under a Doctor&#8217;s care for it and Yes, I do take medication for it. I also did have weight gain, when I started into my early teens. The Story: Boys who are diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in elementary school are more likely ...</p><p><a href="http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/20/study-childhood-adhd-tied-to-obesity-decades-later/" class="more-link">Continue reading &#8216;Study: Childhood ADHD tied to obesity decades later&#8217; &#187;</a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I can vouch for this study, I have ADHD and I am under a Doctor&#8217;s care for it and Yes, I do take medication for it. I also did have weight gain, when I started into my early teens.</p>
<p>The Story:</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Boys who are diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in elementary school are more likely to grow up to be obese adults than those who don&#8217;t have the condition, a new study suggests.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Researchers surveyed two groups of 41-year-old men and found those with a history of ADHD were 19 pounds heavier than their non-ADHD counterparts, on average.</strong></p>
<p><strong>The findings are consistent with past studies that looked only at children or only at adults and linked ADHD to extra pounds, researchers said.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&#8220;There&#8217;s definitely been enough research now where it does appear there is some connection between these two disorders,&#8221; said Sherry Pagoto, who has studied ADHD and obesity at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester.</strong></p>
<p><strong>via <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/20/childhood-adhd-tied-to-obesity-decades-later/" target="_blank">Childhood ADHD tied to obesity decades later | Fox News</a>.</strong></p></blockquote>
<p>I always did suspect that this was the case for my weight gain, although, I figured it was due to my family relation as my parents are both overweight and I figured I was just taking after my parents. It is interesting how ADHD might have played into all of that.  I also should mention that my ADHD is a bit better than it used to be, when I was around 19, I had a very short temper, and I did not have the patience to do anything that involved any sort concentration. Nowadays, I am able to keep my cool and finish a project that I start without any sort of problems. My temperament is a bit better as well, I have a long fuse, but I still am known to lose my cool at times.</p>
<p>Here as of late however, I had noticed that the littlest thing was setting me off and when it did, I felt like a pressure cook that was about to blow its top!  <a title="Health issues preventing me from going back to work" href="http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/17/health-issues-preventing-me-from-going-back-to-work/" target="_blank">I recently found out why</a>, I have high blood pressure and most likely diabetes. So, I am going to the doctor here on Wednesday and am going to let them tell me what I already know; that I am diabetic and have high blood pressure and need to start taking pills to treat it. Diet helps too, I already know that; but I much rather let modern medicine do its job. I will not do any of that alternative medicine stuff; I have seen people do that, and I happen to know that stuff is a one-way ticket to the graveyard.</p>
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		<title>Benghazi and IRS scandal facts are irrelevant according to Obama flack Dan Pfeiffer</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thoughtsandrantings/aheP/~3/OC-KyIUCiy0/</link>
		<comments>http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/19/benghazi-and-irs-scandal-facts-are-irrelevant-according-to-obama-flack-dan-pfeiffer/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 19 May 2013 19:57:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Americanist</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Obama]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Benghazi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dan Pfeiffer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Democrats]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IRS scandal]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thoughtsandrantings.com/?p=7976</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This here my friends &#8212;&#8211; is called digging your own hole, with your own shovel. However, in this case, I would call it &#8220;your own backhoe.&#8221; It is, as the Three Stooges short was called, &#8220;Dutiful, But Dumb.&#8221; I simply cannot believe that I actually was stupid enough to give these stupid son-of-a-bitches the benefit of ...</p><p><a href="http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/19/benghazi-and-irs-scandal-facts-are-irrelevant-according-to-obama-flack-dan-pfeiffer/" class="more-link">Continue reading &#8216;Benghazi and IRS scandal facts are irrelevant according to Obama flack Dan Pfeiffer&#8217; &#187;</a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This here my friends &#8212;&#8211; is called <em>digging your own hole,</em> with your own shovel. However, in this case, I would call it &#8220;your own backhoe.&#8221; It is, as the Three Stooges short was called, &#8220;<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iOD9PeqaGo" target="_blank">Dutiful, But Dumb</a>.&#8221;</p>
<p>I simply<em> cannot believe</em> that I actually was <em>stupid enough</em> to give these stupid son-of-a-bitches <a title="UPDATED – It’s official: The Obama Administration is in deep trouble and I am done defending them" href="http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/14/its-official-the-obama-administration-is-in-deep-trouble-and-i-am-done-defending-them/" target="_blank">the benefit of the doubt</a>. <img src='http://thoughtsandrantings.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif' alt=':roll:' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>Video #1 via <a href="http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/obama-aide-irrelevant-fact-where-president-was-during-benghazi-attacks_724882.html?nopager=1" target="_blank">Weekly Standard</a>:</p>
<p><span class='embed-youtube' style='text-align:center; display: block;'><iframe class='youtube-player' type='text/html' width='480' height='300' src='http://www.youtube.com/embed/JEHHeQuQXOw?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;fs=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;wmode=transparent' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></p>
<p>Video #2 also via <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&amp;v=uqo6bbetcek#action=share" target="_blank">Weekly Standard</a>:</p>
<p><span class='embed-youtube' style='text-align:center; display: block;'><iframe class='youtube-player' type='text/html' width='480' height='300' src='http://www.youtube.com/embed/uqo6bbetcek?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;fs=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;wmode=transparent' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></p>
<p>The general rule is, when you&#8217;re in the hole, like this Presidential Administration; <em>you&#8230;..stop&#8230;.digging&#8230;. </em> So, somebody needs to tell Pfeiffer to shut off that Cat® and take the keys away from him &#8212; <em>before he ends in China!</em>  (or worse! <img src='http://thoughtsandrantings.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_eek.gif' alt=':shock:' class='wp-smiley' />  <img src='http://thoughtsandrantings.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif' alt=':D' class='wp-smiley' />  )</p>
<p>Related:</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 13px;"><cite>Benjamin Bell / <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics" target="_blank">ABCNEWS</a>:</cite>  <strong><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2013/05/dan-pfeiffer-legality-of-irs-targeting-of-conservative-groups-irrelevant/" target="_blank">Dan Pfeiffer: IRS Behavior ‘Inexcusable’ Whether or Not Illegal</a></strong><br />
</span></li>
<li><cite>Meghashyam Mali / <a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news" target="_blank">The Hill</a>:</cite> <strong><a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/300591-pfeiffer-white-house-will-ensure-irs-scandal-never-happens-again" target="_blank">Pfeiffer defends White House handling of IRS targeting scandal</a></strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Blogger Reactions: <a href="http://proteinwisdom.com/?p=49295" target="_blank">protein wisdom</a>, <a href="http://pjmedia.com/tatler/2013/05/19/obama-aide-irrelevant-where-the-president-was-during-benghazi-attack/" target="_blank">The PJ Tatler</a>, <a href="http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2013/05/analyze-this-8.php" target="_blank">Power Line</a>, <a href="http://theothermccain.com/2013/05/19/shorter-dan-pfeiffer-your-partisan-questions-are-so-largely-irrelevant-and-offensive-im-not-going-to-answer-them/" target="_blank">The Other McCain</a>, <a href="http://conservatives4palin.com/2013/05/obama-flack-to-chris-wallace-im-offended-youd-ask-what-obama-was-doing-during-benghazi-attack.html" target="_blank">Conservatives4Palin</a>,<a href="http://riehlworldview.com/2013/05/empty-chair-dan-pfeiffer-irrelevant-where-barry-was-during-benghazi-offensive-to-even-ask.html" target="_blank">Riehl World News</a>, <a href="http://legalinsurrection.com/2013/05/on-benghazi-question-may-be-what-did-obama-do-and-when-did-he-do-it/" target="_blank">Le·gal In·sur·rec· tion</a>,  <a href="http://althouse.blogspot.com/2013/05/look-i-cant-speak-to-law-here-law-is.html" target="_blank">Althouse</a>, <a href="http://dailycaller.com/2013/05/19/white-house-aide-obamas-whereabouts-during-benghazi-attack-irrelevant-video/" target="_blank">The Daily Caller</a>, <a href="http://conservatives4palin.com/2013/05/pfeiffer-to-stephanopoulos-the-law-is-irrelevant.html" target="_blank">Conservatives4Palin</a>, <a href="http://lonelyconservative.com/2013/05/white-house-adviser-legality-of-irs-behavior-is-irrelevant-gop-should-apologize-to-rice/" target="_blank">The Lonely Conservative</a>, <a href="http://www.politico.com/blogs/politico-live/2013/05/pfeiffer-defends-handling-of-irs-scandal-164308.html" target="_blank">Politico</a> and <a href="http://pjmedia.com/tatler/2013/05/19/obama-aide-irs-abuse-is-not-an-actual-real-scandal/" target="_blank">The PJ Tatler</a></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: #ff0000;"><strong>Update</strong></span>: From reader Judith:</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Later this  month barry and michelle are hosting a concert in the WH featuring greats like Carol King, Billy Joel and others.  I hope Billy Joel dedicates this song to our fearless leader.</strong></p></blockquote>
<p>Here&#8217;s the song that she is referring to:</p>

<p>Wishful thinking there Judith. But, quite funny. <img src='http://thoughtsandrantings.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' />  <img src='http://thoughtsandrantings.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif' alt=':D' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
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<enclosure url="http://thoughtsandrantings.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Billy-Joel-Honesty.mp3" length="3715650" type="audio/mpeg" />
		<media:content url="http://thoughtsandrantings.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Billy-Joel-Honesty.mp3" fileSize="3715650" type="audio/mpeg" /><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:subtitle>This here my friends &amp;#8212;&amp;#8211; is called digging your own hole, with your own shovel. However, in this case, I would call it &amp;#8220;your own backhoe.&amp;#8221; It is, as the Three Stooges short was called, &amp;#8220;Dutiful, But Dumb.&amp;#8221; I simply canno</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary>This here my friends &amp;#8212;&amp;#8211; is called digging your own hole, with your own shovel. However, in this case, I would call it &amp;#8220;your own backhoe.&amp;#8221; It is, as the Three Stooges short was called, &amp;#8220;Dutiful, But Dumb.&amp;#8221; I simply cannot believe that I actually was stupid enough to give these stupid son-of-a-bitches the benefit of ... Continue reading &amp;#8216;Benghazi and IRS scandal facts are irrelevant according to Obama flack Dan Pfeiffer&amp;#8217; &amp;#187;</itunes:summary><itunes:keywords>Obama, Opinion, politics, Benghazi, Dan Pfeiffer, Democrats, IRS scandal</itunes:keywords><feedburner:origLink>http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/19/benghazi-and-irs-scandal-facts-are-irrelevant-according-to-obama-flack-dan-pfeiffer/</feedburner:origLink></item>
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		<title>Because it does not fit the narrative</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thoughtsandrantings/aheP/~3/aFB-xGujcKg/</link>
		<comments>http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/19/because-it-does-not-fit-the-narrative/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 19 May 2013 14:27:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Americanist</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Media Bias]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Media Narrative]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[politics]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thoughtsandrantings.com/?p=7968</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Dan Riehl notes the following about a shooting that happened up in New York: Tragic to be sure. But in researching the item – other than this early NY Post item the media fails to mention that the perp is apparently an Hispanic male. Even the NYT’s seems to have decided that tidbit of news is somehow not fit to print. I wonder why? &#160; &#160; ...</p><p><a href="http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/19/because-it-does-not-fit-the-narrative/" class="more-link">Continue reading &#8216;Because it does not fit the narrative&#8217; &#187;</a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://riehlworldview.com/2013/05/gay-man-marc-carson-shot-dead-by-hispanic-in-nyc-hate-attack.html" target="_blank">Dan Riehl</a> notes the following about <a href="http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/year_old_gunned_down_on_greenwich_ibxt48UqusJvK6w4wOHaXN" target="_blank">a shooting that happened up in New York</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p><strong><img class="alignleft" alt="" src="http://www.nypost.com/rw/nypost/2013/05/18/news/web_photos/shooting--300x300.jpg" width="210" height="210" />Tragic to be sure. But in researching the item – other than <a href="http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/year_old_gunned_down_on_greenwich_ibxt48UqusJvK6w4wOHaXN">this early <em>NY Post</em> item</a> the media fails to mention that the perp is apparently an Hispanic male.<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/19/nyregion/killing-in-greenwich-village-looks-like-hate-crime-police-say.html?_r=0"> Even the NYT’s</a> seems to have decided that tidbit o</strong><strong>f news is somehow not fit to print. I wonder why?</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p></blockquote>
<p>I can answer that question Dan and I am sure many other people can too. The truth is that this story does not fit the liberal narrative, that the only people who go around shooting Homosexuals are legally licensed gun hoarding, Christian, White Americans. Which is an absolute lie, the majority of violence against gays is usually carried about by minorities who are carrying illegally owned guns. Again, this does not fit the narrative.</p>
<p>Trust me, I know all about narratives: In 1994, my cousin, <a title="UPDATED: In defense of John Derbyshire" href="http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2012/04/06/in-defense-of-john-derbyshire/" target="_blank">Michael</a> <a title="UPDATED: Follow up: Why I wrote what I wrote" href="http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2012/04/07/follow-up-why-i-wrote-what-i-wrote/" target="_blank">Landon</a> <a title="Audio: Hard Words from Cornel West" href="http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2012/12/22/audio-hard-words-from-cornel-west/" target="_blank">Hill</a> was brutally murdered by two black and one latino corrupt Detroit police officers. If my cousin had been black, he would have some sort of memorial in southwest Detroit. But, because he was a white man and his killers black and Latino, the only kind of memorial he has is this one here:</p>
<p><img class="alignleft" alt="" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/246714_10150262976665027_4741347_n.jpg" width="540" height="720" /></p>
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		<title>This is what is wrong with the Church today</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thoughtsandrantings/aheP/~3/3jzzDD3JIi4/</link>
		<comments>http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/19/this-is-what-is-wrong-with-the-church-today/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 19 May 2013 12:40:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Americanist</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Baptists]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bible]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Christian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Christianity]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Religion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Baptist]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Contemplative Spirituality]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[KJV]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thoughtsandrantings.com/?p=7964</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One of the biggest things that is wrong with the Church today is apostasy. A classic example is this below, this was written some woman who had some sort of &#8220;spiritual crisis.&#8221;: 4. Contemplative Spirituality Okay, here’s where I get in trouble. One of the contemporary church’s problems is its rejection of Christianity’s contemplative heritage. As ...</p><p><a href="http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/19/this-is-what-is-wrong-with-the-church-today/" class="more-link">Continue reading &#8216;This is what is wrong with the Church today&#8217; &#187;</a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>One of the biggest things that is wrong with the Church today is apostasy. A classic example is this below, this was written some woman who had some sort of &#8220;spiritual crisis.&#8221;:</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>4. Contemplative Spirituality</strong></p>
<p><strong>Okay, here’s where I get in trouble.</strong></p>
<p><strong>One of the contemporary church’s problems is its rejection of Christianity’s contemplative heritage. As vital as a rich intellectual life and the study of theology are to our faith, information alone cannot yield produce transformation. Fortunately, our tradition brims with the wisdom of contemplatives and, dare I say mystics, who wrote about the why’s and how’s of spiritual union with God.  </strong></p>
<p><strong>Francis, a mystic himself, would advise the present-day church to revisit the practices and teachings of John Cassian, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Thomas Merton, Brother Lawrence, Jean Pierre de Caussade, Simone Weil and Evelyn Underhill, among others. People are hungry not only for good biblical teaching but for rich experiential encounters with the living God. Are we ready to lay aside our prejudice against the teachings of our contemplative mothers and fathers?</strong></p>
<p><strong>via <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2013/05/17/who-is-most-incredible-christian-ever/" target="_blank">Who is the most incredible Christian ever? | Fox News</a>.</strong></p></blockquote>
<p>Sorry, but the only person that I try to pattern my life after is Jesus Christ. He and he alone is the basis of my faith. Furthermore, anyone that wants to have an honest discussion about this heretical nonsense, I would recommend them to start <a href="http://www.wayoflife.org/sphider/search.php?query=Contemplative+Spirituality&amp;search=1" target="_blank">RIGHT HERE</a>.</p>
<p>If people want to know why society is on the downturn, and shootings are on the rise; this is a good place to start. Churches today do not preach the Word of God, they preach garbage and this is a good example of that.</p>
<p>I leave you with the Bible:</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:1-15 KJV)</strong></p></blockquote>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>I think it goes without saying: This dude is going to jail</title>
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		<pubDate>Sat, 18 May 2013 03:29:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Americanist</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[racism]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Idiots]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stupidity]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thoughtsandrantings.com/?p=7956</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This here is just damn wrong and very much crazy.  Others:  Mock, Paper, Scissors]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This <a href="http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/radio-host-frequented-gun-activists-calls-shooting-bush-family-obama-sexual-violence-against" target="_blank">here is just damn wrong and very much crazy.  </a></p>
<p>Others:  <a href="http://www.mockpaperscissors.com/2013/05/17/happy-hour-news-briefs-453/" target="_blank">Mock, Paper, Scissors</a></p>
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		<title>Health issues preventing me from going back to work</title>
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		<comments>http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/17/health-issues-preventing-me-from-going-back-to-work/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 18 May 2013 02:50:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Americanist</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[announcements]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thoughtsandrantings.com/?p=7948</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Believe it not&#8230;. As I wrote awhile back, I have wanted to go back into driving truck for a living. Well, I went today for my DOT physical and I got a bit of a surprise. I had sugar in my urine. So, I had to stab my finger and check my blood. My blood sugar was 275, DOT ...</p><p><a href="http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/17/health-issues-preventing-me-from-going-back-to-work/" class="more-link">Continue reading &#8216;Health issues preventing me from going back to work&#8217; &#187;</a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Believe it not&#8230;.</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 250px"><img class=" " alt="" src="http://healthclop.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/high_blood-_sugar_and_blood_vessels_illustration.jpg" width="240" height="156" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Yes, I had to do this today&#8230;.</p></div>
<p>As <a title="apologies for silence" href="http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/03/10/apologies-for-silence/" target="_blank">I wrote awhile back</a>, I have wanted to go back into driving truck for a living. Well, I went today for my DOT physical and I got a bit of a surprise. I had sugar in my urine. So, I had to stab my finger and check my blood. My blood sugar was 275, DOT rules say nothing over 200. My Blood pressure was 160 over 100. For DOT regs, it must be no more than 140/90.</p>
<p>I was wondering why I was having headaches here as of late. I found my answer &#8212;- <em>blood pressure</em>. <img src='http://thoughtsandrantings.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif' alt=':roll:' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>Needless to say, I have a doctor&#8217;s appointment coming up next Wednesday at 2:00pm. As I have to see what on earth is going on here. I guess sitting around for 10 years doing nothing but writing has taken its toll on the ol&#8217; body here. One thing I will mention, Diabetes does run on both sides of my family. I was hoping it would skip over me; I guess it is what they say, <em>hope floats</em>. <img src='http://thoughtsandrantings.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif' alt=':roll:' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>So, my DOT thing is on hold, till I can either get this under control or something.</p>
<p>Also too, full disclosure with me here: I went online today and applied for <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>STATE</strong></span> medical insurance help.  I won&#8217;t take federal, unless I absolutely <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>HAVE TO</strong> </span>do it. But, now; I will be blunt with everyone: This sugar in the blood and high blood pressure stuff is <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>NOT</strong></span> anything to play around with and I am not getting any younger.</p>
<p>So, honestly, I do not give two flips where it is coming from. I want to live and be healthy. So, at the point, politics is not in my realm of view at the moment. Sorry, but I am not dying young, just so I can say, &#8220;Screw the Government!&#8221; Why I see it, if the Republicans think that my dying young is somehow or another preserving some sort of freedom, then they can just go jump in the lake and I will call myself a Democrat again. I did not like Obama, for many reasons. His wanting to help people, like me, be taken care of, was <em>not</em> one of them. I am not much into &#8220;Mob Rule&#8221; at all, but I am not dying so some wealthy Republican can feel good about himself. If you know what I mean and I think you do! <img src='http://thoughtsandrantings.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif' alt=':D' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>Anyhow, I will everyone posted on this. Needless to say, this was a huge shock to me. The <em>last</em> time I took a DOT physical, I passed with flying colors &#8212;- this was in 2003, 10 years later and now this; it sickens me <em> a bit</em>. For years, I was the <em>epitome</em> of health and now&#8230;.<em>this</em>. <img src='http://thoughtsandrantings.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_sad.gif' alt=':(' class='wp-smiley' />  It was not the way I thought my life would turn out, that is for sure.</p>
<p><span id="more-7948"></span></p>
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 276px"><img class=" " alt="" src="http://www.blackhealthzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/high-blood-pressure-check.jpg" width="266" height="180" /><p class="wp-caption-text">&#8230;.and this&#8230;.</p></div>
<p>I was <em>not</em> ready to turn 30, <em>much less 4o years old</em> and now my body is turning on me. It is, however, my fault. I don&#8217;t exercise enough and my eating habits are not the greatest. The plan was to exercise more out on the road, when I was not driving. I mean, driving truck does entail more than just&#8230;.<em>driving</em>. You do have open your trailer doors, walk to and from the truck stop, and to the dock of the locations of which I would be delivering freight.</p>
<p>I said this <a href="http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2012/12/23/do-unto-others-as-you-would-have-them-do-unto-you/" target="_blank">before</a>, <a href="http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2012/10/25/conservative-blogger-dan-riehl-is-deathly-sick/" target="_blank">twice</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>This is the difference between true Christianity and Godless secularism. Christianity says “Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.” This is done with the hope and prayer that one day; when the chips are down and you find yourself at death’s door, that someone would do the same to you.</strong></p></blockquote>
<p>Well folks, I am now basically going to end up there earlier than I thought, if I really do not watch out for myself.</p>
<p>So, I am asking for your help.</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: #ff0000;"><strong>WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP&#8230;&#8230;</strong></span></h1>
<ol>
<li><span style="line-height: 13px;">If you are a Christian: </span><span style="line-height: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Pray for me, without ceasing!</strong> </span><span style="line-height: 13px;">- Pray that the Lord would guide the hands (</span><strong style="line-height: 13px;">and minds!</strong><span style="line-height: 13px;">) of these doctors that they would find out the reason why my sugar is ending up in my urine</span><span style="line-height: 13px;">.  Pray that they, through use of modern medicine, get my blood pressure and blood sugar at or under DOT Requirements. </span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 13px;">If you are not a Christian: <b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Good thoughts, vibes, JUJU are all needed righ</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">t now</span>.</b>  I will take any sort of good wishes or whatever no matter where it is coming from or who is doing it. Heck, at this point, I will take a decent Jewish or Muslim Prayer too! </span></li>
<li><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Donate</strong></span>: Needless to say, I am going to have some serious medical bills coming. My parents, as always, have said, &#8220;We&#8217;ll pay for it!&#8221; Well, I really HATE having to let them pay for it. It would be so nice to tell my parents, that my blog readers paid for everything and that they do not have to put a dime for my care at all. I know times are tough &#8212;- <em>believe me, do I ever know</em>&#8230;.. <img src='http://thoughtsandrantings.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif' alt=':roll:' class='wp-smiley' />  But, I know that other bloggers have raised funds and from what I see, <a href="http://hotair.com/greenroom/archives/2013/05/17/new-liberal-idea-lets-raise-660-million-online-in-a-month-to-buy-the-la-times-before-the-koch-brothers-can/" target="_blank">Liberals are raising money for more idiotic causes!</a> So, what&#8217;s the hurt in a guy like me; who actually believes in Christian American values getting a little help here? Besides that, I would really hate to have to even take State assistance. So, here&#8217;s that bleg: Buddy can you spare a little? The buttons are below:</li>
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<p>In closing: Thanks in advance for your donations and prayers and I promise you &#8212; I will keep you all posted as to what is going on here.</p>
<p>Thanks! <img src='http://thoughtsandrantings.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif' alt=':D' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
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Owner<br />
The Thinking Americanist</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: #ff0000;"><strong>UPDATE</strong></span>: In the outside chance someone thinks I am lying.  Here is my &#8220;you cannot drive a DOT vehicle&#8221; paper from the doctor:</p>
<p><a href="http://thoughtsandrantings.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/photo.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7958" alt="photo" src="http://thoughtsandrantings.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/photo.jpg" width="640" height="853" /></a></p>
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		<title>I guess we can put Dana Milbank in the non-Obama left corner too</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thoughtsandrantings/aheP/~3/qWumWZJIr2w/</link>
		<comments>http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/15/i-guess-we-can-put-dana-milbank-in-the-non-obama-left-corner-too/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 14:14:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Americanist</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Media Bias]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Obama]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[politics]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thoughtsandrantings.com/?p=7940</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Ouch! Quote: NPR’s Ari Shapiro asked Carney to square Obama’s belief in an unfettered press with the fact that he has prosecuted twice as many leakers as all previous administrations combined. Carney said Obama’s love of press freedom “is backed up by his support for a media shield law.” This would be the shield law ...</p><p><a href="http://thoughtsandrantings.com/2013/05/15/i-guess-we-can-put-dana-milbank-in-the-non-obama-left-corner-too/" class="more-link">Continue reading &#8216;I guess we can put Dana Milbank in the non-Obama left corner too&#8217; &#187;</a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Ouch! <img src='http://thoughtsandrantings.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_eek.gif' alt=':shock:' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>Quote:</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>NPR’s Ari Shapiro asked Carney to square Obama’s belief in an unfettered press with the fact that he has prosecuted twice as many leakers as all previous administrations combined.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Carney said Obama’s love of press freedom “is backed up by his support for a media shield law.” This would be the shield law that died in Congress in 2010 because of Obama’s objections.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Alexis Simendinger, from RealClearPolitics, challenged Carney to harmonize his refusal to meddle in an “ongoing investigation” with Obama’s comments on the Trayvon Martin case last year, when a Justice Department investigation was ongoing.</strong></p>
<p><strong>“Come on,” Carney replied with scorn, repeating the excuse that “we have no knowledge” of the phone snooping “beyond the press reports that we’ve read.”</strong></p>
<p><strong>And that’s just the problem.</strong></p>
<p><strong>via <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/dana-milbank-obama-the-uninterested-president/2013/05/14/da1c982a-bcd7-11e2-9b09-1638acc3942e_story.html?hpid=z2" target="_blank">Dana Milbank: Obama, the uninterested president &#8211; The Washington Post</a>.</strong></p></blockquote>
<p>Yeah, I pretty much think that Obama bit the very hand that elected him; and I believe you are going to see a press driven beltway turning against Obama.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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