Posts
We know we are all dying.
The smart, the rich, the beautiful.
We know where this trail leads.
The dumb, the poor, the ugly.
And yet moments of clarity come.
One true God among the stars.
The sun warms us.
The breeze cools us.
The sick. The tired. The steady.
March on.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Pigs Rule!
Sometimes I get stuck on an idea, and I'll let it float around awhile until it becomes too big and ridiculous to sustain itself. For example, imagine there was only one type of tax. A sales tax. No property taxes or government fees of any sort. No income taxes. Just a sales tax. One flat tax. It's not really even an original idea, but follow me.
The tax could change from town to town, state to state, but from local governments on up the only legal form of taxation would be a sales tax. That's right, imagine no FICA. You'd have to outlaw exemptions to be fair. No tax breaks for anyone. No incentives, either. Not for the St. Louis Cardinals or Wal-Mart or James River Assembly. Not for anyone.
Any increase in taxes would have to be approved by voters. Legislators could decrease taxes, but only if they decreased them for everyone equally. Stick with me.
Here's the fun part: aside from the stuff we really want government for: national defense; the three branches of government; roads; and education, the government would provide basic needs for everyone. That's a lot you might say, but that's all. No postal service or social security or other stuff we don't need.
If you were poor or out of work or otherwise unable or unwilling (I know you don't want to, but you've got to include unwilling) to work you could have basic needs met such as food rations (three squares a day, and it doesn't have to be pretty as long as it sustains life), a basic home (something like the government housing projects we know and love), and health care (this can be good, but 3 free hospital visits per year, so make 'em count). That's it. If you don't want to work, you don't have to. But, you won't have money.
The government basics then-- as well as the other stuff-- would be provided by anyone who spends money. Or, in other words, people who worked. The people who work, even if they are poor, can buy what they can with their resources and know they're contributing to the larger national safety net.
Capitalism would still reign, but the wealth of the government would forever be tied to sales taxes. Who cares if the tax is 30 percent or more? Our basics are there if we need them, and the system would treat everyone the same. Have your freedom, and be as greedy as you want; it's good for the country.
Oh, and you'd have to be a citizen to get the government basics.
Under this fair, simple, and transparent system, trust would be restored to politicians, which would make them popular and well-liked by all.
Then we could let our leaders live in the big house. If they give a few special privileges to their friends every once in awhile, well, what would that hurt? When the leaders want or need to change the rules they can post a sign on the door for us workers to read.
Dang it! See, I always take it too far.
The tax could change from town to town, state to state, but from local governments on up the only legal form of taxation would be a sales tax. That's right, imagine no FICA. You'd have to outlaw exemptions to be fair. No tax breaks for anyone. No incentives, either. Not for the St. Louis Cardinals or Wal-Mart or James River Assembly. Not for anyone.
Any increase in taxes would have to be approved by voters. Legislators could decrease taxes, but only if they decreased them for everyone equally. Stick with me.
Here's the fun part: aside from the stuff we really want government for: national defense; the three branches of government; roads; and education, the government would provide basic needs for everyone. That's a lot you might say, but that's all. No postal service or social security or other stuff we don't need.
If you were poor or out of work or otherwise unable or unwilling (I know you don't want to, but you've got to include unwilling) to work you could have basic needs met such as food rations (three squares a day, and it doesn't have to be pretty as long as it sustains life), a basic home (something like the government housing projects we know and love), and health care (this can be good, but 3 free hospital visits per year, so make 'em count). That's it. If you don't want to work, you don't have to. But, you won't have money.
The government basics then-- as well as the other stuff-- would be provided by anyone who spends money. Or, in other words, people who worked. The people who work, even if they are poor, can buy what they can with their resources and know they're contributing to the larger national safety net.
Capitalism would still reign, but the wealth of the government would forever be tied to sales taxes. Who cares if the tax is 30 percent or more? Our basics are there if we need them, and the system would treat everyone the same. Have your freedom, and be as greedy as you want; it's good for the country.
Oh, and you'd have to be a citizen to get the government basics.
Under this fair, simple, and transparent system, trust would be restored to politicians, which would make them popular and well-liked by all.
Then we could let our leaders live in the big house. If they give a few special privileges to their friends every once in awhile, well, what would that hurt? When the leaders want or need to change the rules they can post a sign on the door for us workers to read.
Dang it! See, I always take it too far.
New CFP
The Aug. 26 issue of CFP is "chock-full" of good stuff. The "Seen and Heard" section turned out really well, I think. Kelsey Garman's story about Dr. Bill Hathaway was good. Lyle Foster, health care, MMA: there is something for everyone.
It occurs that our paper often has an unusual mix of stories. I like that we have Kelsey's more conservative columns and features balanced with a heavy dose of what's happening in the local arts' community.
I should note too, that it is sad for me to see Kara Hartfield leaving the paper. I guess she is still going to do some stuff from home every once in awhile, but I'm going to miss her throwing paper clips at me. It is a small cubicle, and Fines has some big shoes to fill. I mean sandals. :[
It occurs that our paper often has an unusual mix of stories. I like that we have Kelsey's more conservative columns and features balanced with a heavy dose of what's happening in the local arts' community.
I should note too, that it is sad for me to see Kara Hartfield leaving the paper. I guess she is still going to do some stuff from home every once in awhile, but I'm going to miss her throwing paper clips at me. It is a small cubicle, and Fines has some big shoes to fill. I mean sandals. :[
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
cool stuff
I know I've mentioned it before, but Stumbleupon is, in my opinion, a really neat website. For those who don't know, it is like a personalized google search engine for things you might think are cool on the Internet.
I decided to put a link up to my favorites page: www.donutb.stumbleupon.com. My "favorites" is a collection of sites that I marked as "I like it" for one reason or another. Even if you don't like me-- though I can't imagine why you'd be at my blog if you didn't, but whatever-- you might find some of the web pages funny or informative or entertaining. Anyway, check it out.
I decided to put a link up to my favorites page: www.donutb.stumbleupon.com. My "favorites" is a collection of sites that I marked as "I like it" for one reason or another. Even if you don't like me-- though I can't imagine why you'd be at my blog if you didn't, but whatever-- you might find some of the web pages funny or informative or entertaining. Anyway, check it out.
Monday, August 24, 2009
What's New in the 'Hood
New Editor
The Community Free Press has hired a new managing editor: Dale McCurry. McCurry, who is from Eureka Springs, Ark., officially took over for Chris Wrinkle on Aug. 14.
I personally feel bad for Mr. Wrinkle. In his short time at CFP, he proved himself to be a very level-headed and knowledgeable newsman and editor. He's a good guy, too. I hope he lands on his feet somewhere soon, and really anyone would be lucky to hire him.
It appears McCurry was on a short list of choices for M.E. after Mert Seaton left in December. McCurry has a background in producing special publications, something it seems CFP wants to do more of in the future.
While transitions like this are always kind of weird, McCurry seems to be a really cool guy and handling the situation very well, which has made things easier. He's written an introduction on the Viewpoints page of the upcoming issue and is already distinguishing himself as an inventive, creative and talented writer.
The Community Free Press has hired a new managing editor: Dale McCurry. McCurry, who is from Eureka Springs, Ark., officially took over for Chris Wrinkle on Aug. 14.
I personally feel bad for Mr. Wrinkle. In his short time at CFP, he proved himself to be a very level-headed and knowledgeable newsman and editor. He's a good guy, too. I hope he lands on his feet somewhere soon, and really anyone would be lucky to hire him.
It appears McCurry was on a short list of choices for M.E. after Mert Seaton left in December. McCurry has a background in producing special publications, something it seems CFP wants to do more of in the future.
While transitions like this are always kind of weird, McCurry seems to be a really cool guy and handling the situation very well, which has made things easier. He's written an introduction on the Viewpoints page of the upcoming issue and is already distinguishing himself as an inventive, creative and talented writer.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Heal Yo' Self Fool
I found a site that has folk remedies for all that stuff that's wrong with you. Check out Earthclinic.com. I recommend playing around on the Remedies and Ailments tabs.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Public Option, Co-ops, and All the Mess
Now is a really good time for people who want to learn more about healthcare to be getting their information from a variety of sources. There is a lot of confusion out there, and it can be hard to know what information you can trust.
Kaiser Health News, which is run by the non-partisan Kaiser Family Foundation, is one great resource. This story, which they ran yesterday, has links to several articles from major newspapers about the debate over the public option, as well as information about healthcare co-operatives.
Kaiser Health News, which is run by the non-partisan Kaiser Family Foundation, is one great resource. This story, which they ran yesterday, has links to several articles from major newspapers about the debate over the public option, as well as information about healthcare co-operatives.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Public Option Dying
It appears the president has backed off on healthcare. In a move that appears to be a signal to Republicans that he wants to work together, President Obama is now using language to suggest that lowering costs and competition is the key to reform. That likely means the public option, a government-run competitor, is dead when the House and Senate reconvene in September. Check out Politico.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
A Poem
P.O.E.
The problem of evil is what to do with it.
If you could manage to capture it, then what do you do?
Do you seal it away and bury it in a safe?
Pay someone to keep an eye on it
On the other side of the County line?
Do you hunt for more?
Do you take a nap, drift and float in the breeze of
A cool fan? Close your eyes.
Ignore the pacing feet at the door.
Shine a light and look, watch how it runs.
Hope that it runs.
The problem of evil is confronting it.
To touch it is to lose.
Dirty men without shirts walking bold
Begging for a reason to be free, to attack.
Scaring soft girls. Hungry.
It’s a problem.
The problem of evil is what to do with it.
If you could manage to capture it, then what do you do?
Do you seal it away and bury it in a safe?
Pay someone to keep an eye on it
On the other side of the County line?
Do you hunt for more?
Do you take a nap, drift and float in the breeze of
A cool fan? Close your eyes.
Ignore the pacing feet at the door.
Shine a light and look, watch how it runs.
Hope that it runs.
The problem of evil is confronting it.
To touch it is to lose.
Dirty men without shirts walking bold
Begging for a reason to be free, to attack.
Scaring soft girls. Hungry.
It’s a problem.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Big Brother, Uncle Sam Part III
There are two things that I have learned that I think others should know about health care reform: 1) there are several proposals floating around in the U.S. House and Senate, and 2) the early leader appears to be H.R. 3200, also known as the America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009.
That bill is the 1000+ page proposal you might have heard about. The big dog that couldn't be rushed through before the summer break. This measure, or any other, could change substantially before being voted on. The legislative process has a lot of potential twists and turns. At the moment, House DEMS are preparing the AAHCA to go to the floor in September. The bill has made it through three committees, or as House Majority Leader's Web site says, "the farthest comprehensive health reform effort has ever gotten."
The Kaiser Family Foundation, a non-partisan group that studies healthcare reform, has a side-by-side comparison of the major proposals and drafts introduced this year on its Web site. This is a particularly valuable tool for anyone wanting some basic information about the major proposals.
I recommend generating a more general comparison between the Senate Finance Committee's policy options, the Senate HELP plan, H.R. 3200 and Obama's 8 principals for reform. This will give you a sort of broad idea of what members of Congress are working on. But, you can be as specific as you want to be.
One thing that seems clear to me is that any comprehensive reform is likely to require all individuals to have health insurance. This will upset many, but will likely please those who are hard-pressed to find coverage.
Please feel free to use the links in this post as a reference tool, and share them with anyone who wants to learn more about health care reform.
That bill is the 1000+ page proposal you might have heard about. The big dog that couldn't be rushed through before the summer break. This measure, or any other, could change substantially before being voted on. The legislative process has a lot of potential twists and turns. At the moment, House DEMS are preparing the AAHCA to go to the floor in September. The bill has made it through three committees, or as House Majority Leader's Web site says, "the farthest comprehensive health reform effort has ever gotten."
The Kaiser Family Foundation, a non-partisan group that studies healthcare reform, has a side-by-side comparison of the major proposals and drafts introduced this year on its Web site. This is a particularly valuable tool for anyone wanting some basic information about the major proposals.
I recommend generating a more general comparison between the Senate Finance Committee's policy options, the Senate HELP plan, H.R. 3200 and Obama's 8 principals for reform. This will give you a sort of broad idea of what members of Congress are working on. But, you can be as specific as you want to be.
One thing that seems clear to me is that any comprehensive reform is likely to require all individuals to have health insurance. This will upset many, but will likely please those who are hard-pressed to find coverage.
Please feel free to use the links in this post as a reference tool, and share them with anyone who wants to learn more about health care reform.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
What is Normal?
I found Warrior of Light's "Inventory of Normality" thanks to StumbleUpon. I thought it was interesting enough that I wanted to share it. Check it out.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Big Brother, Uncle Sam Part II
I'm on my lunchbreak at work, and I thought I'd post some information I found compiled by the National Coalition on Health Care. I'm putting together a story for CFP that looks at both sides of the Healthcare reform bills in Washington, and I am trying to learn everything I can.
I've been seeking non-partisan information, and, as you might imagine, that can be tricky. NCHC claims to be "rigorously non-partisan." I'm not sure if it is, but I do like that its honorary co-chairmen are former presidents George Bush and Jimmy Carter.
Here is what the group says about health insurance coverage.
Here is what it says about health insurance costs.
The long and the short is that many people are uninsured and healthcare costs are rising. What I like is that references are available, and I can double-check any information I'd use for the story. Many sites make claims, but don't back them up with sources.
Anyway, I thought I'd try to share what I was learning as I was learning it.
I've been seeking non-partisan information, and, as you might imagine, that can be tricky. NCHC claims to be "rigorously non-partisan." I'm not sure if it is, but I do like that its honorary co-chairmen are former presidents George Bush and Jimmy Carter.
Here is what the group says about health insurance coverage.
Here is what it says about health insurance costs.
The long and the short is that many people are uninsured and healthcare costs are rising. What I like is that references are available, and I can double-check any information I'd use for the story. Many sites make claims, but don't back them up with sources.
Anyway, I thought I'd try to share what I was learning as I was learning it.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
My Big Brother, Uncle Sam Part I
There are two political issues I want to learn a lot more about: government healthcare and corporate bailouts.
Like most people, I have my own feelings on the subjects, but I don't know a lot about either one.
For example, I am in favor of some type of government-run healthcare for the poor, children, elderly, and the uninsurable. I want to see a plan that reduces costs for everyone because if you have been to the hospital in the last ten years you know just how rediculously expensive it can be.
In a country run by "we the people," it seems like we ought to be able to work together on this to create a system that works for "we." I worry that partisan bickering in Washington will keep any meaningful change from happening.
It is my hope that our country's millions of compassionate Christians don't work so hard to defeat the plans floating around in the Senate and House without addressing the very real need of the working poor and uninsured.
I've heard that the two best ways to reduce costs is to increase competition among careproviders and put a cap limits on medical lawsuits, otherwise known as tort reform. This makes sense to me. But, I need to learn more.
As for corporate bailouts, I don't like them. I recently read Matthew Taibbi's "The Great American Bubble Machine," and I am hungry to learn more background. If you have an extra hour, you should read it for yourself; it's very well-written, and seems to have an appropriate level of moral outrage. If you have another extra hour, you should read the Columbia Journalism Review's "Don't Dismiss Taibbi." I've read both, and if you read them too, you'll understand why I am interested.
As I learn more, I'll try to post links here, so "we" can learn together. If you find things on your own, please feel free to send me links and I'll try to share them here. It will be just like school, only we'll care.
Keep an eye out for Part II.
Like most people, I have my own feelings on the subjects, but I don't know a lot about either one.
For example, I am in favor of some type of government-run healthcare for the poor, children, elderly, and the uninsurable. I want to see a plan that reduces costs for everyone because if you have been to the hospital in the last ten years you know just how rediculously expensive it can be.
In a country run by "we the people," it seems like we ought to be able to work together on this to create a system that works for "we." I worry that partisan bickering in Washington will keep any meaningful change from happening.
It is my hope that our country's millions of compassionate Christians don't work so hard to defeat the plans floating around in the Senate and House without addressing the very real need of the working poor and uninsured.
I've heard that the two best ways to reduce costs is to increase competition among careproviders and put a cap limits on medical lawsuits, otherwise known as tort reform. This makes sense to me. But, I need to learn more.
As for corporate bailouts, I don't like them. I recently read Matthew Taibbi's "The Great American Bubble Machine," and I am hungry to learn more background. If you have an extra hour, you should read it for yourself; it's very well-written, and seems to have an appropriate level of moral outrage. If you have another extra hour, you should read the Columbia Journalism Review's "Don't Dismiss Taibbi." I've read both, and if you read them too, you'll understand why I am interested.
As I learn more, I'll try to post links here, so "we" can learn together. If you find things on your own, please feel free to send me links and I'll try to share them here. It will be just like school, only we'll care.
Keep an eye out for Part II.
Monday, August 10, 2009
political profile
I recently took a political profile quiz on Facebook, and it reminded me of a quiz I took when I was still a student at Missouri State. I found that old quiz on my former professor's Web site: Rhetorica.
While I had some issues with both quizzes-- a few times I said to myself, "well, it depends"-- the results of both surveys were almost identical. Turns out, I lean heavily libertarian (vs. an authoritarian govt. structure) and slightly liberal (vs. conservative). This is what I mean.
Click here to take the quiz for yourself. You might have thought you were a Republican or a Democrat all of your life, but never actually tested yourself on the issues. You may be surprised by your results.
The only downside to all of this is you might come away wondering why we are so dependant on either the REPS or DEMS. Then again, maybe you ought to wonder.
While I had some issues with both quizzes-- a few times I said to myself, "well, it depends"-- the results of both surveys were almost identical. Turns out, I lean heavily libertarian (vs. an authoritarian govt. structure) and slightly liberal (vs. conservative). This is what I mean.
Click here to take the quiz for yourself. You might have thought you were a Republican or a Democrat all of your life, but never actually tested yourself on the issues. You may be surprised by your results.
The only downside to all of this is you might come away wondering why we are so dependant on either the REPS or DEMS. Then again, maybe you ought to wonder.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Sorry About Your Weight
Years ago, I used to run the drive-thru at Hardee's. I used to do a little bit of everything at Hardee's. Cook. Run the front counter. Well, okay-- there was only so much you could do.
Despite what some may think, it wasn't a terrible job. I met my wife there.
I must have waited on thousands of people in my time on the drive-thru. I worked there for about three years starting at the end of August in 1994. Some 12 to 15 years later, one of the only customers I remember was this lady who yelled at me for taking too long.
On that particular day, we were short-handed. As I remember we had two people call in, and nobody to replace them. As we all know, mostly teenagers work those jobs. Instead of a crew of about six, we had four. The customers came anyway.
The yelling lady just happened to be behind this guy who had a $25 order. This was when combos were $3 to $4 a piece. It was a big order. And we were slammed.
She cussed me out. She had been in that lane for 15 minutes, and it was "ridiculous." I don't think I ever said anything to her. Her verbal assault was so impressive it stunned me into silence. I think she drove away before I has a chance to explain. Looking back, silence was the best response I could have come up with.
I hate long lines, myself. I've often thought it's a shame we have to spend so much of our lives waiting in one line or another. Like the one at the DMV. Or any line at a public restroom. And Christmas-time is no fun at Wal-Mart. Or Target. Or anywhere.
And I forgot amusement parks. In my opinion, no ride is worth a 45 minute wait.
Often, when a long-awaited movie or concert comes to town, fans will wait hours for the coveted tickets. Haven't we all seen the story on the news about the crazy Star Trek fans who waited 11 hours in line. That aint nothin'. I found an article in the Seattle Times about two sister who waited 11 days for the final Harry Potter book. Pride had something to do with it-- they wanted to beat someone else to the punch.
I was talking to my mom the other day about lines. She said she couldn't think of anything she'd wait in a long line for. She'd just leave, she said. Age has a way of not allowing us to put up with too much b.s.
When I worked at Hardee's, as a rule, if I felt someone had waited too long in line, I'd always apologize. I would say, "sorry about your wait." One day a really large lady was about to receive that phrase, but I bit my tongue.
Sometimes now when I wait in the drive-thru at McDonald's or Wendy's a teenager will say to me, "sorry about your wait." I'll laugh to myself, but I don't make a joke of it-- 'what am I, too fat?'
I'll just smile. "Don't worry about it. Have a good day." I'm really patient in drive-thrus.
Despite what some may think, it wasn't a terrible job. I met my wife there.
I must have waited on thousands of people in my time on the drive-thru. I worked there for about three years starting at the end of August in 1994. Some 12 to 15 years later, one of the only customers I remember was this lady who yelled at me for taking too long.
On that particular day, we were short-handed. As I remember we had two people call in, and nobody to replace them. As we all know, mostly teenagers work those jobs. Instead of a crew of about six, we had four. The customers came anyway.
The yelling lady just happened to be behind this guy who had a $25 order. This was when combos were $3 to $4 a piece. It was a big order. And we were slammed.
She cussed me out. She had been in that lane for 15 minutes, and it was "ridiculous." I don't think I ever said anything to her. Her verbal assault was so impressive it stunned me into silence. I think she drove away before I has a chance to explain. Looking back, silence was the best response I could have come up with.
I hate long lines, myself. I've often thought it's a shame we have to spend so much of our lives waiting in one line or another. Like the one at the DMV. Or any line at a public restroom. And Christmas-time is no fun at Wal-Mart. Or Target. Or anywhere.
And I forgot amusement parks. In my opinion, no ride is worth a 45 minute wait.
Often, when a long-awaited movie or concert comes to town, fans will wait hours for the coveted tickets. Haven't we all seen the story on the news about the crazy Star Trek fans who waited 11 hours in line. That aint nothin'. I found an article in the Seattle Times about two sister who waited 11 days for the final Harry Potter book. Pride had something to do with it-- they wanted to beat someone else to the punch.
I was talking to my mom the other day about lines. She said she couldn't think of anything she'd wait in a long line for. She'd just leave, she said. Age has a way of not allowing us to put up with too much b.s.
When I worked at Hardee's, as a rule, if I felt someone had waited too long in line, I'd always apologize. I would say, "sorry about your wait." One day a really large lady was about to receive that phrase, but I bit my tongue.
Sometimes now when I wait in the drive-thru at McDonald's or Wendy's a teenager will say to me, "sorry about your wait." I'll laugh to myself, but I don't make a joke of it-- 'what am I, too fat?'
I'll just smile. "Don't worry about it. Have a good day." I'm really patient in drive-thrus.
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