August 31, 2004
The Cynical Bitch Within
During daylight hours, as I sit at this Post-it covered desk processing orders, collecting invoices and answering three lines, I seem to have fallen into the all-American habit of worshiping and hoarding every spare moment that I can steal for myself.
Therefore, I don't like to spend a lot of time on the phone unless I'm actually enjoying the conversation. But, hey, business is business. Sooo...for local repeat business, I am supa friendly, flirtaceous enough, and I give them just the right amount of hell to keep them coming back for more. (Yes, that would be my way of building business relationships.)
When the nationwide management companies call to bug the friggin crap outta me check on orders, I am cordial, in fact, usually I even muster some friendliness, as I tell the clueless customer service rep what she needs to enter into the system regarding the file.
When a telemarketer calls, I am cold as ice....if they're lucky. If I have the time, and I feel like being a pain in the ass, I listen to the spiel, dissect the sales pitch, then ask the guy if this is what he planned on doing with his life when he grew up.
While that's rude and even hypocritical, since I'm not exactly doing what I had aspired to become, I think the unsolicited intrusion - glazed with sugar-sweet concern for my existence should I continue to go on without their product - beyond rude.
So, just now the phone rang, I answered, and an incredibly friendly, and way too chipper voice sprang out of the receiver, "Good morning!" he sang, "How are you today?"
About to hang up on you I thought as I said, "Fine. And you?"
"Good, good! I'm doing great!"
Silence. What? Was I supposed to respond to that?
He continues, "Well, the reason I'm calling is because I've heard good things about your company, and I'd like to send over an order."
WHAT? He's sending me business? That's not the way it's supposed to work. If anyone ever in their life sounded as though they wanted to sell me something, this guy did.
"Sure," I replied, as I wondered if he appreciated the surprise in my voice. "Here's my fax number..."
"Thank you so very much!" (There are no words to describe the exuberance in the man's voice.)
....And that was that.
Now, am I cynical bitch or was that guy Canadian?
(I'm afraid it's the former. While the guy was definitely upbeat and polite, he didn't have the accent...)
Show Comments »
Did you get the order, eh?
posted by
Sam on August 31, 2004 06:13 PM
That was me on the phone. It was a...uhhh... CRANK CALL!!!
Get it????
That was a joke, Key. It really wasn't me. Honest. Put down that ashtray... you could KILL somebody if you hit them in the head with that thing. Key?? Key??? PUT DOWN THE ASHTRAY!!!
Aieeeeee!!!!!
posted by
Acidman on September 1, 2004 01:22 AM
I think you may need a vacation. A real vacation, away from work and away from the family so the only person you have to take care of is yourself.
posted by
Jack on September 1, 2004 06:59 AM
Jack, should I consider France?
posted by
Key on September 1, 2004 04:10 PM
This weekend at Disney World might be fun.
posted by
James Old Guy on September 1, 2004 06:07 PM
Well, if you come to France, I have a spare room!
posted by
Jack on September 1, 2004 08:18 PM
I wouldn't view you as a bitch, I thought you were quite nice when we met. ;o)
Then again, telemarketers do bring out the worst in most people !
posted by
siso on September 1, 2004 08:44 PM
I feel obliged, as a fellow Canadian, to point out that we don't all have the classic Canadian accent. (And I'm not even sure what that is.)
I say this having been mistaken for an American on countless ccasions. :)
posted by
Hazel on September 27, 2004 12:15 AM
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August 27, 2004
I'm Too Sexy for Bipartisanship
Well, that's what I used to think anyway.
It's gotten kind of ridiculous of late, though...to the point that I - in all my so-far-to-the-right-I-have-a-permanent-crick-in-my-neck glory - am feeling the urge to step in and play ref.
...and that feels really weird.
The whole Cleland thing got to me. I remember a time when I thought a lot of this guy, but what he did Wednesday was disgusting.
It's not even that he went; he's entitled to his opinion. But he was not Kerry, he was an emissary for Kerry. Well, likewise, Patterson was not Bush, but he was an emissary for Bush.
The fact that he refused to acknowledge Patterson is irritating. (The fact that that little tidbit is buried more than half-way down in the article is infuriating, but that's another matter.)
Cleland doesn't need to have his service time validated by anyone. I think that rather obvious. He's naturally going to be honored and respected for his contribution.
When he openly snubs someone from another party, just because the scenario wasn't exactly what he had in mind, that's a let down all the way around.
Patterson said in an interview that he had actually been looking forward to meeting Cleland, and was disappointed that he was not acknowledged.
No joke. I find that disappointing as well.
See, I'm allowed to be a partisan asshole. I'm not publicly speaking or voting on bills or cashing any government payroll checks.
I think people who are should make more of an effort. What is the point of catering strictly to half the country? So you have your leaning. Does it define you? It doesn't define me. Shit, given the opportunity, I could do a whole helluva lot of restructuring to the Republican side.
My grievance doesn't go one way. I have issues with Republicans as well.
For example, these freakish cults using the name of Christianity aren't doing the Republicans any favors with their cluelessness about Constitutional governing.
...And although I enjoy Coulter personally, I'll admit that her influence would be more useful were it less venomous.
But notice it's not just the political strategists anymore; anyone who can commandeer a microphone has an opinion to share about this election. I find myself screaming at the TV, "JUST SHUT YOUR PRETTY MOUTH AND GO BACK TO ACTING!" It hurts to find out that some of my favorite celebs are idiots, you know?
My buddy Kelley has a point about this election. Come November, our ears will be aching from the high-pitched wailing and gnashing of teeth, as the losing party prepares themselves for their version of hell.
Show Comments »
"It hurts to find out that some of my favorite celebs are idiots, you know?"
Yes, I know. My beloved Dave Grohl has joined the Darkside :(
posted by
DeAnna on August 27, 2004 10:08 PM
You call that playing ref? Just means you're a neocon rather than religious right or Bush right (Bush right is halfway between religious right and neocon).
posted by
David Weisman on August 28, 2004 01:20 AM
I NEVER had any respect for Max Cleland. He was nothing more than a Democrat hand-puppet from his first day in the Senate.
And Recondo still believes that Cleland was fragged.
posted by
Acidman on August 28, 2004 05:00 AM
I'm surprised the "Cleland thing" got to you. It's all a carefully calculated show on both sides. Just watch the Republican convention with the sound off. It will look remarkably like the Democratic convention did with the sound off, just as if you do an analysis of Coulter's and Moore's books on the basis of evidence and arguments presented, NOT on the positions taken, you find an amazing similarity in both the distortions and the histrionics.
Very, very few of the people in office have principled positions. It's all PR and image, photo ops and sound bites. I would say we deserve better than this, but given how few people in the US actually take their responsibilities as citizens seriously, perhaps we have indeed gotten what we deserved.
posted by
Jack on August 28, 2004 01:10 PM
I agree about the clebrities who give their 2 cents worth. I don't know how many I've banned myself from watching their movies or listening to their music after hearing the craptrap that comes out of their mouths.
posted by
siso on August 28, 2004 11:22 PM
Being a Vet doesn't make anyone smart. I am living proof. Getting the crap blown out of you only makes you a disabled Vet.
posted by
James Old Guy on September 1, 2004 06:10 PM
An especially bitter one if you blow the hell out of yourself to boot.
I got sandbagged on Cleland on my town forum and called on Denny Wilson to help out. You can read about his contribution on GOC. Cleland's a crybaby and thats the name of that tune.
posted by
Jesse on September 1, 2004 09:20 PM
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August 24, 2004
Co-Ed Prisons
Great idea, no?
Okay, hear me out.
First of all, it's ridiculous to separate by sex with the intention of preventing sexual activity. This only prevents heterosexual activity.
So, why should we put them together and let 'em have a good time? Because there might just be something in it for us...
Basic requirements for transfer into co-ed prison:
1. No one who has been found guilty of murder or sex crimes is eligible.
2. All transferees must work for a minimum of forty hours per week in order to offset prison expenses. (Accommodations are a little nicer here.)
3. Although measures will be taken in an attempt to prevent such occurrences, all transferees must sign a disclosure statement acknowledging risks of rape or brutality. This provides immunity only for the prison, not the violator, who will be banned from co-ed Eden.
4. All transferees must become permanently, surgically sterilized. No exceptions. There will be no babies conceived in this prison, nor will prisoners be procreating once released, unless they are responsible enough to secure the funds or the insurance necessary, either for a reversal or for an in-vitro procedure.
Okay! Let's put this plan into play, and lemme see the prison stats twenty years from now. ...bet they drop.
My inference is just wrong, isn't it? I mean, just because mom & dad are losers, that doesn't mean Jr. will be...
True.
I still bet the stats will be lower in the next generation. And I don't wanna hear any selective breeding crap. Given that this is voluntary surrender of procreating rights, any controversy would imply that these people are too stupid to make decisions for themselves.
Now who's being wrong?
Bottom line is I've seen too many children bounce in an out of foster care, then back in again because mom and dad can't stay out of prison. I say sterilize mom and dad, put them in the same cell, and let them live happily ever after.
Yeah, we'd be paying the bulk of their room, board and medical expenses, but we wouldn't be paying for Junior's!
Call it what you will. I call it thinking ahead.
Show Comments »
I could never figure out while they didn't just dope the prisoners in their food to prevent erections, but I think it's because prison administrators use rape as a control device. As for the ACLU, is there a civil right to a woodie?
posted by
Velociman on August 25, 2004 12:26 AM
I don't know, Key - the problem I see is that a lot of those guys in prison have children by multiple women.
There are still many more men in jails than women, and the women in jail tend to be there because they have done violence against people.
The guys in jail, who have committed non-violent crimes have enough problems - throw jealousy over women into the mix, and they might become violent. I would prefer they not be given that temptation.
Maybe it's because I live in "Prison City, USA" (Leavenworth, Kansas), but I just don't think it's a very good idea.
posted by
Beth on August 25, 2004 01:14 AM
Oh, it'd be a clusterfuck! I just wonder if it would be worth it in the long run, since these guys wouldn't be fathering any more children with multiple women...they wouldn't be fathering any more children at all...
ever.
posted by
Key on August 25, 2004 03:15 PM
The problem with creative ideas for uncreative situations is that the guidelines you require (sterilization, non-murderous felons, etc.) always get diluted or eliminated over the long run.
Income taxes, social security, and pile of other disasterous "fixes" were originated with a pile of requirements that don't exist today.
Also, the biggest threat to the women wouldn't be the hard cases but their former bitch punks who'd be out in the cold with the arrival of "front bum" prisoners.
posted by
johnnyknuckles on August 26, 2004 05:37 AM
Dear Key:
You don't go far enough.
Procreation: It's not just for prison anymore. The reality is that we are, as a society, supporting a LOT of marginally-useful people who have no more concern for society or themselves than the Great Unwashed of the middle ages.
Statistics:
-- There are 6B (that's 'billion'; with EIGHT zeroes) people on the planet.
-- The uneducated breed at a higher rate than The Rest Of Us.
-- The Third World breed at a faster rate than that.
-- North Americans use 300% MORE resources than their Third World counterparts.
Conclusion: Breeding, in order to prevent the inevitable, should be BY LICENSE ONLY. The Chinese have the problem figured out -- their methods are Draconian - however; we'll have to implement a similar system worldwide if we're going to prevent catastrophe.
One child until the problem solves itself through attrition. Otherwise, we're knee-deep in people by 2040.
Sleep well!
Best,
-Will
posted by
Will on August 26, 2004 04:19 PM
I'm telling you this could work!
It would still be prison. I'm not talking about mobs of nekkid inmates piling up for an orgy!
There would be designated recreation time. Room time would have to be signed for and earned. Meaning 1) work before play and 2)if both parties sign for a room, it must be consensual.
Procreation by license only will never fly in a free society, BUT people who are irresponsible usually land themselves in prison at some point... For the price of a little snip-snip, they can go to a co-ed country club prison. (We know this person is irresponsible and doesn't consider the consequences of his actions, so whatdya think he's gonna do?)
This could possibly eliminate the need for any other control methods anyway.
I'm telling you, EVERY child that has come through my house as a foster child has had at least one parent who was incarcerated at some point. ...One "mom" was pregnant in jail.
Wouldn't it be nice if these situations could be prevented?
posted by
Key on August 26, 2004 06:46 PM
i don't get your solution to the problem you state. (i do agree with beth,though)
the problem is the children getting bounced around. the problem is you think that because junior is exposed to the life of an ex con there are to become a con?
aren't the co-ed prisoners still going to get paroled and/or serve their time and be back in juniors life? no matter how much you improve or modify prisons it is still prison.
are you basically advocating for a return to eugenics? what am i missing?
posted by
lynne on August 26, 2004 08:14 PM
One problem: The vast majority of Federal prisoners are married or in a common-law marriage. I don't think this "promotion" of incarcerated sexuality would do much for their family relationships and obligations back home.
posted by
Timbre on September 5, 2004 05:09 PM
...in co-ed prison they would get a little more quality time with the spouse.
Reminder: It's not a disorganized orgy. (The when, where and with whom would be carefully orchestrated.)
posted by
Key on September 7, 2004 03:13 PM
Hmmmmm....3 to 5 years locked in a 10x10 cell with my wife.
(shivers)
Christmas, you are a sick, cruel woman.
posted by
Anton on September 8, 2004 01:22 PM
My comment on this is that I am looking for a prison that is co-ed for a project I am doing for class at sacamento city college and it is a corrections class we have to do a prison from the ground up. So the ideas that some people have of being cut may be a little extreme.
So why have you come up with the idea of being cut when there is a simple way of doing this you can still have a co-ed prison but this is a low security prison and the prisoners are low risk offenders no murders is good and the idea of no sex offenders is even better. But what about the prisoners who have been but there because they cheated of taxes do they still get cut and are deprived of there sex life with there wife or girlfriend do you think that would be fair for them if they still wanted to have children. Why not just give them something in the food that stops them from even wanting sex while they are there.
The idea of stopping sex all together is going to be hard but you can put a stop to it by having them in diffrent areas and diffrent times for activitys and rec activitys and have diffrent areas for this kind of thing to take place like diffrent floors that prisoners are housed.
lets look at diffrent ways to have a co-ed prison and I have read through the responces to this and I think that you are on to something for the scum of socity but there are ways to do things and a right way and a wrong way to handle this kind of thing so lets do something about this kind of thing but lets come up with something that would work for a free socity.
Thanks for listening to me about this and I would like to hear more views of this please help me with other views and what you feel on what I have said. Because I have a midterm due on the 16th of march 2005 and need some ideas fast of stats of gurads needed and staffing issues this is a california prison and it is a low security prison holding 6 cell blocks of 60 prisoners each per block it has a 1 to 6 ratio on correctional officers to inmates and it also has staffing but I am not sure what staffing issues I should have I know a medical staff but I am not sure if I should have gounds staff or have the inmates do most of the work like cooking staff and all that kind of stuff.
Please send me your views on this
drkngl@yahoo.com
posted by
drkngl on March 9, 2005 07:46 PM
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August 20, 2004
Too Lazy
Too brain-fried, too bored, too ADD, too something...
I just can't get motivated to write anything.
This is my last weekend "off" so to speak, for a while. Starting Monday, I'll be coaching soccer for the Rec. Dept.
I'm afraid I no longer have a social calendar. I thought I did, but no...no, I don't. That would be Miss Priss who has a life.
Yesterday was horseback riding lessons and Chucke Cheese birthday party for a friend. Tomorrow, movies with another friend, and next week soccer practice begins. Fortunately for me, I happen to enjoy playing like a kid!
(So if you see a little less of me for the next few months, you'll know why.)
Show Comments »
Good for you Key! Live life first. These are the things your daughter will remember and the stuff of which childhood memories are made.
However, I'll keep checking for posts...
posted by
CSW on August 20, 2004 10:34 PM
Some of us envy you.
posted by
Jack on August 21, 2004 08:19 AM
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Comments (2)
August 19, 2004
Quick Question...
Did anyone see the website of self-published author and ex-wife of John Kerry featured on Fox News this morning?
(It could be, and probably is, shit, but they refused to give out the url, which only makes me that much more determined to find it!)
Show Comments »
Uhmmm, I saw the ex-lover of of Kerry who is a self publisher's website. Are you sure it was an ex-wife and not an ex-girlfriend? If I recall correctly her name was Lee.
posted by
Adam on August 19, 2004 08:26 PM
I think she was his fling...but her site is down.
From the BBC.
Lee Whitnum, an aspiring novelist writing under the surname Roystone, said she had received 500 hate e-mails from Democrats and Republicans.
She said she had hoped it might help her sell her novels, but realised it was an "experiment that did not work".
No Shit!!!
posted by
Sam on August 19, 2004 10:39 PM
Here ya go. From my lame-o post here, the Google cache of the site.
posted by
Chap on August 21, 2004 03:26 AM
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August 18, 2004
News Getting Repetitive
Of all of the stories in the news this morning, why did I find Oprah's jury duty to be the most interesting?
I must be burned out on politics. Enough with the stupid celeb concerts and protester accommodations.
This was the story a month ago, but now, Bloomberg is offering incentives to well-behaved protesters. (Incentives include coupons for area restaurants and hotels among other things.)
Hmmm...
That sounds like something I've done before with the foster kids! I was taking them somewhere formal, and they hadn't been raised to behave in a manner respectful of their surroundings, so if I didn't want a scene, I was forced to bribe them.
Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. It's just somewhat difficult to reason with the unreasonable.
Good luck Mayor Bloomberg.
Show Comments »
Dear Key:
So Bloomberg is offering incentives? Does he know that negotiating with terrorists (or misbehaved children) is rather fruitless? (LOL!)
BTW -- saw your comment on Sam's story about the apartment fire. I suffered a housefire in 2000, with the loss of everything but the frame. I'll distill everything to this: Ensure you have an escape plan (in this case it was just me, so no worries there - although I spent a dicey five minutes hanging from my upstairs office roof-skirt yelling for help), and REVIEW YOUR INSURANCE yearly!!!! You need actual replacement cost (not current-value) - and you NEED ALE (Alternate Living Expenses) -- I had both of these -- which made it possible for me to be philosophical. You can't be without insurance --but you can't be without a LIFE, either.
Best to you,
-Will
posted by
Will on August 18, 2004 06:53 PM
Hey Will,
You are exactly right...everyone needs multiple plans...everyone!
posted by
Sam on August 18, 2004 09:22 PM
I've found myself not above offering bribes to my kids in return for cooperation and extra good behavior. Probably worked 50% of the time, but that's 50% less threats of having to mow the entire neighborhood's lawn after being tarred and feathered and going to bed with no supper. Actually, going to be with no supper isn't very effective either, but that tar and feather line gets their attention (Bloomberg, you listening?).
posted by
Sgt Hook on August 19, 2004 04:07 AM
I used reverse bribery on Quinton. I just threatened to kill him if he didn't behave and he believed me.
posted by
Acidman on August 19, 2004 09:58 PM
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August 17, 2004
...boring
So, my attention span has been that of a gnat lately.
I'm having difficulty focusing on blogworld, realworld and everything in between.
Suffering from a lack of inspiration, I was momentarily tempted to copy and complete one of those personal favorite questionnaires, but I couldn't find one that didn't suck.
Now, don't get offended. I'm sure there's a decent one out there; I just didn't find it.
Here's what my inquiring mind would like to know:
1. What's the most expensive thing you've ever stolen?
2. Have you ever run from the police?
3. Have you ever gone to church hung over?
4. What is the most embarrassing thing you can admit to having done?
5. And the one you can't admit to?
Yeah, I want the dirt.
Hey, blogmeet coming up...I need live ammo.
Show Comments »
You're gonna need more than ammo. Bring a BIG GUN or edible panties. I like to play with both.
posted by
Acidman on August 18, 2004 12:35 AM
1. What's the most expensive thing you've ever stolen?
**Five Dollar Bill
2. Have you ever run from the police?
**No
3. Have you ever gone to church hung over?
**No
4. What is the most embarrassing thing you can admit to having done?
**I rear ended a police bomb squad truck.
5. And the one you can't admit to?
**Can't think of any :)
posted by
Desert Raspberry on August 18, 2004 12:36 AM
.. no more talk of spanking, though... please.. I'm just now starting to push the whole episode to the back of my mind...
posted by
Eric on August 18, 2004 01:28 AM
1. A kiss.
2. Yes.
3. Yes, and I've also attended drunk, midnight mass, Christmas eve, home from college.
4. Caught at the office with my pants down (literally) in the throws of passion with my gf at the time.
5. I still can't admit to it, maybe in another ten years.
posted by
Sgt Hook on August 18, 2004 08:33 AM
1. A $20 bill - a guy I didn't much like dropped it on the ground. I didn't say a word. After he turned the corner, I snagged it and spent it, in a low dive with evil companions.
2. Nope - can't outrun Motorola.
3. I've gone everywhere hung over.
4. Managed to fall off my ship into the harbor while in the throws of #3 above. The XO was not amused. My alleged friends had a bad case of whooping laugh.
5. I absolutely do not admit to ever supporting, approving, or voting for an actively practicing midget tri-sexual Democrat. Honest.
posted by
Ward Gerlach on August 18, 2004 12:10 PM
Maybe I'll elaborate at some point, but here are my nutshell answers:
1. $60 swimsuit from Rich's, age 15 (shamefully, my friends and I were repeat offenders.)
2. Yes, on foot, also age 15
3. Again, shamefully, that would be an affirmative, age 16...pretty much that whole year.
4. So many to choose from...The most recent being at my class reunion. I kept trying to set my girlfriend up with a guy who everyone else knew was gay. (I wondered why I kept getting nervous smiles; shit, I thought he'd just moved to New York and bought a turtle-neck.)
5. Too embarrassing, can't tell. (Maybe later.)
posted by
Key on August 18, 2004 05:44 PM
1. Couple grand on the street.
2. Yes, on several occasions.
3. Many times
4. Rule #1 - Never, ever, put that in writing.
5. See #4
posted by
Sam on August 18, 2004 06:24 PM
Dayum Sayum!
posted by
Key on August 18, 2004 07:05 PM
1. Not sure how much does an M60 machine gun cost?
2. Nope, too lazy.
3. Of course, and to my own wedding.
4. Naked outside my first wifes trailer.
5. I was drunk and hope it was just a bad dream.
posted by
James Old Guy on August 18, 2004 07:51 PM
Alright, I'll play.
1. Someone's wife.
2. Run?! Hell, I could barely walk.
3. Doesacoonwalkalog? Oh, I mean, yeah.
4. Getting pulled over by a cop who saw me making water on some bushes behind a closed gas station.
5. This one time, at band camp...
Disclaimer: I cannout vouch for the veacity of these answers. I cannot because I was inebriated. Or wished I was.
posted by
Adam on August 18, 2004 10:10 PM
1. My ex husbands truck
2. yes
3. I not only attended, but I was the featured singer at a revival. I had to practically lay on the pulpit to keep from falling over.
4. Dallas, karaoke disco bar, 2 best friends, many shots of gold. Sang Killing me Softly (badly) only to discover much later that the entire upper management of Wal-Mart (my customer @ the time) were sitting in the back corner of the bar. The next morning they all came up to our booth at the show singing a sappy version of same song. I still hear about it.
5. Not ready to tell those (yes, more than one) yet.
posted by
Tammi on August 19, 2004 04:55 AM
1. The *other* battalion commander's jeep.
2. Nope. I *was* the police.
3. Church? Since I quit going at 14, and didn't start drinking 'til I met SWWBO (related, but not the way you're thinking), well, it just ain't happened.
4. Told a print journalist sports writer about my 'lucky shorts' while a high school wrestler. (Hey, I still won the state championship - prolly 'cuz everybody was laughing at me)
5. See Hook. Probably for similar reasons.
posted by
John of Argghhh! on August 20, 2004 10:13 PM
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August 14, 2004
Still with the Seven Minute Madness?
It's reaching, desperate, and already getting to be an aged whine. Let it go.
So Bush is under attack for waiting seven minutes to respond to the 9-11 attacks. (He actually took a minute to finish up with the kids...that bastard!)
A few nights ago on Hannity and Colmes I learned Kerry admitted that he sat stunned for forty minutes following news of the attacks and wasn't able to think.
Hmmm...
I don't know, tough call!
Look, maybe if President Bush had it to do over, he'd hop up. Maybe not. Does it matter?
I just have this to say:
If I have to choke down a mouthful of more government because too many of my fellow Americans bought into the seven minute, WMD, unheard of conspiracies media smokescreen, I'm gonna be REALLY FRIGGIN IRRITATED with some of my fellow Americans.
That is all.
No, it isn't...It's a sales pitch for swamp land.
Don't buy it.
(Do I have any liberal readers? If so, I'd really like to know one thing: Can you think of one way that a Democratic administration can personally benefit you without hurting me as a taxpayer? Seriously, I can't make sense of it.)
Show Comments »
I was an upper-level manager in a chemical plant for much of my life. Anybody who believes that Bush should have jumped up from that classroom and run the the rescue of his country knows NOTHING about leadership. A good leader has people in charge of things that THEY are supposed to handle when the shit hits the fan. That's why they are there. That's what they get paid to do.
If you pick the right people, you don't have to scramble out of a classroom to take charge of whatever is happening at the time. You know that the right people will handle the crisis and inform you about it later. You make the final decisions, but you DON'T call all the shots.
That's leadership.
The opposite is MICROMANAGMENT, which appears to be what leftists want today. Jimmy Carter tried that tactic and fell flat on his ass. Ronald Reagan had the right idea. "Just drive the car where I tell you to go and wake me when we get there."
He didn't drive the car himself. He hired a good driver and slept in the back seat, knowing that the car was going in the right direction.
That's leadership.
posted by
Acidman on August 14, 2004 01:00 AM
Key, if you already know how you're going to vote, I'd suggest for the benefit of your blood pressure that you ignore the political news fow a while. I'd really hate for you to bust a gasket, and it's only going to get worse from now until November.
:-)
posted by
Jack on August 14, 2004 02:59 AM
Key, Acidman's comments are true. I've been a Plant Manager since 1979 and a leader must stay cool under pressure. You pick your people to be in-charge very carefully so that when the shit hits the fan -- everything happens smoothly, and most importantly, you as the leader act calmly and decisively. To do otherwise only incites panic.
posted by
jmb on August 15, 2004 02:06 AM
It's so easy for these norons to say what they would have done had they been president on 911.
Nobody can honestly say what they would have done.
Anybody who says otherwise is full of crap.
posted by
Desert Raspberry on August 17, 2004 08:36 PM
Attention all dumbshits: that 7 minutes was the time it took to secure the route from the school to Air Force 1.
posted by
Tim on August 20, 2004 03:49 AM
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posted by Key on
12:21 AM
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Comments (5)
August 13, 2004
Sympathy Hits
Oh, come on. We all do it.
The blog sucks, but we like the blogger, so we deliver the "sympathy hit."
We smile, having done our good deed of the day, then we panic, stop and smell the metaphorical pits...
Oh shit! Is someone sympathy hitting me??
That would suck.
Thankfully, I'm not exactly alone in this realization.
Show Comments »
Hi Key! Well, as I commented over at Dax's place:
While some blogs in other people's Blogrolls may indeed be "sympathy blogs," that ain’t the case with mine!
Every one of the blogs in Linkage and Blogroll sections are Grade-A, Prime, 100%-Certified GOOD BLOGS. Trust me.
Damn straight I'll defend my blog-buddies! Uh, and my judgment, too... :-)
posted by
david on August 13, 2004 09:11 PM
Not really sympathy, but gratitude and loyalty. I've got a friend who blogs roughly every month and a half. But he's my old friend and was the very first person to link to me. He stays as long as both of us have a blog.
posted by
Juliette on August 13, 2004 09:47 PM
Oh, great... ANOTHER thing to get a complex about. Now I'll wonder why I'm on people's blogrolls.
:-P
I'm like David, I only link to blogs I read.
posted by
Jack on August 13, 2004 09:52 PM
Yes, I like my blogroll too! I didn't mean to give anyone a complex!
The number of unbearably boring are actually few and far between in these parts, but I have been there.
BTW, if you think you might suck, you don't. Those who do have no clue...
And to be objective, I must admit "one man's trash, another's treasure."
Hey, rice cakes might be bland IMHO, but somebody's buying them.
posted by
Key on August 13, 2004 10:09 PM
They can be fine blogs but if they have 8 point text on a black background forget it I'm not even goinna give'm a sympathy hit.
posted by
Jesse on August 16, 2004 08:30 PM
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posted by Key on
09:00 PM
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Comments (5)
August 12, 2004
Giving out the URL
For a while, I was known in Blogworld as the "secret URL girl." I just didn't freely give it out.
I've gotten over that (obviously), but I still have a problem with mixing my real and virtual worlds. To me, they're just water and oil; they don't seem to mix well....or perhaps I'm ridiculously private.
A few real life people have been around as I blogged. For example, my husband and an ex-employee may occasionally lurk, but neither have taken an avid interest.
The first real live friend that I allowed into my virtual abode was Young Dave, my occasional artistic contributor. But his clever wit and caustic sarcasm are wasted here because he is actually more private than I am, and although I've tried torturing him, he's not talking. (And I know he's tempted to comment, if nothing else, to make me aware of my grammatical errors...)
Yesterday, yes bad day yesterday, I was caught with my defenses down, and I did it again. I gave it out to another too intelligent and overly educated freak of nature. Literally. John is an alien.
I have proof. Tons of it actually, but the most compelling being that he's 742 years old, yet looks 40, and that he is a published sci-fi writer, who writes so vividly as though he's been there, seen that...because he has. (About the age. Talk to him. Without a microchip, nobody could cram that much information into one brain in forty years time. I figure he's 742 if he's a day.)
So, there you have it. I gave out my URL again.
Somewhere over the years, I believe my personality has undergone a transformation. Fifteen years ago, I gave out my phone number to any relatively good-looking male specimen who would hold still long enough for me to scrawl my number on their arm with eye liner.
(Is my daughter going to be that unbelievably stupid?)
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posted by Key on
11:17 PM
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»
She Who Will Be Obeyed! links with:
http://www.thedonovan.com/beth/archives/cat_.html#002460
»
She Who Will Be Obeyed! links with:
Blogger gossip
August 11, 2004
Bad Day
I don't know what the planets are up to, but people are being weird. Work sucks, somebody wrote me a 4 figure bad check, and Jack said I was snarky.
I need a cuddle party!
(Disclaimer: Please do not contact me for information as to the whereabouts of the cuddle party. I do not actually care to attend or host such an event. Nor do I blame my good buddy Jack for my crappy day; his sensitivity is rather charming...and yes I did have it coming.)
Show Comments »
Well, things could have been worse, you know. You might have been at the top of today's zap list.
posted by
Zongo the Ruthless on August 11, 2004 09:45 PM
This is true, Zongo. Thank you for sparing me from your ruthlessness. ; )
posted by
Key on August 11, 2004 10:17 PM
Jack thinks I'm snarky lots of time, but I still like him.
Consider yourself hugged by John and I and all our critters -
Hate those work sucks days!
posted by
Beth on August 12, 2004 01:32 AM
I have hot Wesson oil and a vibrating massage glove. Want to come cuddle with me?
You KNOW I lust after your exquisite body, Key. Give up the fight. I'll wear you down eventually.
Heh...Heh... I WILL NOT be denied....
posted by
Acidman on August 12, 2004 01:52 AM
LOVE cuddle parties,,,well, only been to the ones where only two people were invited, but hey, they were good! Sometimes just 'spoonin' on a big comfy bed, talking about the day, tomorrow and yesterday is just what the doctor ordered!
posted by
Michele on August 12, 2004 04:50 AM
Beth, I've never, ever called you snarky!!!
:-P
I can't even remember if I've ever though that...
posted by
Jack on August 12, 2004 06:04 AM
Bad checks can make someone more than snarky. Acidman and Key with Hot Wesson oil and a fresh battery charger, I need a drink.
posted by
James Old Guy on August 12, 2004 04:46 PM
...maybe Rob needs to host a cuddle party. ; )
And, yeah, the bad check thing IS PISSIN ME OFF!
posted by
Key on August 12, 2004 05:57 PM
well, I am snarky. A lot.
posted by
Beth on August 13, 2004 01:15 AM
I always get left out! I never get invited to cuddle -- I take a bath everyday, use only the best of personal hygiene products -- so what's wrong with me??? I'm ready to cuddle anytime!!
posted by
john on August 13, 2004 01:18 AM
John, most guys don't like when they hear, "Can't we just cuddle??"
; )
posted by
Key on August 13, 2004 08:51 PM
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August 10, 2004
Arghh!
Methinks me readers lost their marbles after me last post... A saint they be callin' me, maties!
Actually, I thank you guys for your kind words. Understand, of course, I am far from sainthood!
I am actually very discriminate with my compassion.
Notice I reserve very little of said commodity for worthless adults and the idiot adults who enable their worthlessness with their idiocy.
But the children are different. They have no control over what household they are born into. Despite that, if they choose to become worthless as adults, I hold them accountable for that failure.
See? I'm no coddler.
But I foster children for many reasons. Here are some that I can come up with off the top of my head:
1) Regretfully, character is something I didn't appreciate (in its entirety) until I was an adult. If I can infuse some of this valuable commodity into a few younger models, maybe I can prevent future worthlessness to some degree.
2) Although I'm always in favor of private funding over state, this system could actually be worse. If there were county homes (similar to orphanages) staffed by state payroll, that would be worse. I appreciate that the private sector is picking up the bulk of the responsibility here, and I'd like to do my part to keep it that way.
3) I like big families.
4) I need a justification for my favorite hobbies: movies, putt-putt, little league games, soccer, day trips, basically any activity that gets me out of the house.
This little guy may be our last foster child. After three years of fostering and six long-term placements, we are on the verge of burnout.
Of course, I'm always campaigning. Those of you who say you can't do it because you wouldn't be able to handle it when they leave...try again.
That excuse didn't work for me, and therefore it's not going to work on me. I, myself, delivered that line to a friend and mentor prior to becoming a foster parent.
She said simply, "Let me tell you something, if it doesn't absolutely rip your heart out of your chest every time a child walks out of your door, you're not cut out for this anyway."
Well, that shut me up. You have to have a heart in order to lose it.
Show Comments »
I love your last sentence.
Compassion and pity are not the same thing, and they are often confused. I agree with what you say above about feeling compassion for those who are too young to have responsibility for their lives, so I still say you're compassionate.
And I still like you, despite you being snarky in my comments...
:-P
posted by
Jack on August 10, 2004 10:33 PM
I SAID I WAS KIDDING!!!!!!
(I had to do it. It was too beautifully set up. : D )
posted by
Key on August 11, 2004 04:00 PM
I know you were kidding! You wouldn't have gotten the " :-P " if I thought you weren't
;-)
posted by
Jack on August 12, 2004 06:08 AM
Dear Key:
You're still a saint, in my book. 'Nough said on that note.
Still in all - it's a shame that adults (for which I, also, have NO sympathy or compassion for the worthless variety) don't learn a basic fact: If you can't feed 'em; don't breed 'em.
The world would be a better place overall if that were so.
Best,
-Will
posted by
Will on August 12, 2004 11:10 PM
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posted by Key on
09:42 PM
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Comments (4)
August 09, 2004
It's Called a Family Conference and Multidisciplinary Team Meeting
That is where I was Friday at 2:00pm.
We were in the board room of the local DFCS office. Those in attendance were the caseworker, his supervisor, me (foster mom), the birth parents, and two independent agents, one working on behalf of my foster son, the other working with the birth parents.
So, we worked our way around the table, each stating opinions, observations, suggestions. I realized that I was the only one NOT on state payroll, and therefore the only one NOT subjected to any particular rules governing what I was or was not allowed to say.
I would take advantage of this fact. But I would gather information first.
I listened as the first worker described the filth and the roach infestation problem in the old trailer where my foster son formerly resided. Her description combined with the appearance of the natural parents was all I needed to gather more of a visual than I actually cared for.
The mother was younger than I am, which I wouldn't have known had I not been told. The drugs have aged her. She's too thin, has no teeth, her eyes were sad and desperate, and her two-toned frizzy hair was pulled back in a ponytail.
To her credit, she didn't look at me with the same loathsome disgust that her husband did. I was told he was twenty years her senior, but he easily looked sixty, which doesn't add up. His hair had been combed, but it was so greasy that I don't think hurricane winds could have loosened a strand, every mark from the comb's teeth apparent in its matted state.
I was wondering why anyone with indoor plumbing wouldn't shower before such an occasion, when I realized it was my turn. I was told to describe the progress my four-year-old foster son has made in the two months that I've had him. Because I'm aware of dwindling attention spans here in Blogworld, I'll sum up by saying that he went from a thin, pale, UNpotty-trained little boy who had never heard of the ABCs and had no social skills... to the boy they had interviewed earlier in the week. (All of these things have been rectified and then some. He's happy, healthy, and amazingly, not developmentally delayed in the least.)
I expressed that my main concerns are obviously a regression in any of these areas, the most immediate concern being the exposure to smoke. I have no doubt he's been exposed to it in heaping doses since conception, if his constant cough and congestion are any indication. It's getting better, as it does with most foster children once their lungs are allowed to heal. (I've only had one whose lungs were too badly damaged to bounce back completely; she was diagnosed with asthma.)
Finally, the next worker spoke up, and she ran the disclaimer that she was there on behalf of my foster son. Period. She wasn't there to send him home if that wasn't the best thing for him. This got both foster mom's and birth mom's attention as I applauded the idea, while she sniffled and teared up.
She started by validating my point about the smoke, (for which I was grateful.) "According to your child's medical records, the smoke has been cited on more than one occasion as the reason for his chronic congestion. You do need to remember whose habit it is, and whose habit it isn't."
She then went on to deliver the biggest recommendation. She insisted in her report that both parents receive inpatient treatment for their addiction. This was the first sign of discord. The mother was completely agreeable initially.
The father had a problem with it. He was worried about losing his disability check THAT THEY ARE BOTH LIVING OFF OF, SINCE NEITHER OF THEM HAS A FRIGGIN JOB.
This is when I became ill.
Read More "It's Called a Family Conference and Multidisciplinary Team Meeting" »
I was waiting for one of the others to jump his lazy ass, but of course they weren't going to. They've been conditioned not to. Rather, one suggested that the state could hold his check while he was institutionalized, and the other volunteered that she thought the hospital could actually receive the check and save the money for him.
Am I hearing this? I was boiling, yet I waited.
Picking up on her husband's agitation, the mother decided to get irritated. She remembered that the last time she went to rehab, they tried to get her to leave her husband. (I wanted to applaud that sentiment, but managed to refrain.)
My foster son's worker explained to her that if she went through rehab, and her husband refused, her going back to him afterwards made her recovery completely pointless.
Okay, that was good, I woulda had to say it if she hadn't. But aren't we still missing something?
They let it go. I knew they would. I couldn't.
"If we could go back to the disability issue for a moment, I have a question." I was given the floor, so I looked at the father. "May I ask why you receive disability?"
His (predictable) response: "I was in a bad car wreck a while back and I got a bad back. That's why I take the medication too."
I clipped off the last word as I snapped, "Half the country has a bad back. Mine is severe, and no one's ever offered me oxycontin, nor have I applied for disability." Moments earlier, the man had been walking down the hall carrying his forty pound son (after their bi-monthly visit.) I let that go, but went on to say, "Wouldn't you two be better off financially if you both had jobs?"
Shock. The idea! Have I forgotten that the country owes them something? Shit, I must have. How politically incorrect of me.
The silence finally dissipated, and the ballsiest of the workers decided to seize the moment. "I was going to ask you how you plan to support yourselves and a child bringing in only $800 a month."
No answer. She softened the blow, obviously feeling some sympathy for the mother (who had unfortunately married a scumbag), when she added, "I understand that you have had some issues with depression."
Ya think?
I had to excuse myself. It was time to pick up my daughter from school, but I had to give the mother some parting words. I wanted to tell her that she needed to suck it up and develop a life outside of her husband. Instead I said, "You really should consider some sort of outlet. A job would be ideal, because you'd get out of the house and have an additional source of income. I'd be depressed too if I had nowhere to go all day and only one person to talk to."
That was it. That's all I could say. I can't beat them over the head and tell them to grow a brain. I can't scold the government that bought them drugs with my tax money. But I do what I can.
I do what I can on a personal level. It's not a government's job to be compassionate...and frankly, they suck at it anyway.
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Show Comments »
Key, Bless you for doing what you do. The world is lucky there are families like yours with enough love to take in a few who need it.
I don't know how you do it.
Years ago, I was a social worker for the state of Missouri. I had a foster care caseload. It was unbelievably horrible - the juvenile justice system in Missouri would want the kids back with mom and dad no matter how many years the kids had been away from them. Oh, gosh, I get nightmares just thinking about it all.
posted by
Beth on August 9, 2004 01:03 AM
Vote for John Kerry. He'll fix all that shit. See, you don't understand. GOVERNMENT created the problem, so the only solution is MORE GOVERNMENT.
posted by
Acidman on August 9, 2004 07:31 AM
Bravo! There a many, many kids out there who need protection from their own parents who are too stupid and lazy to give a damn. I don't argue that fact with you one minute!
posted by
Michele on August 9, 2004 10:02 AM
Once again I am reminded that there is not one qualification to become a parent.
posted by
James Old Guy on August 9, 2004 01:02 PM
Oh, Key. It's got to be so rewarding yet so depressing to face this down every day... Still praying for you; holding you up to our Lord so that you have the strength you need to do what you do for the kids...
posted by
pam on August 10, 2004 03:02 PM
Dear Key:
There are volumes to write here (and my attention was held firmly by your tale); but I'll refrain.
You are a saint.
That's all that need be said.
(That, and a rousing agreement with James, who has an equally good point -- there are NO requirements for parenthood. Sad.)
Best,
-Will
posted by
Will on August 10, 2004 04:34 PM
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posted by Key on
12:37 AM
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Comments (6)
August 06, 2004
Got some snail mail here...
Would you open a letter from the "Social Empowerment Center"?
I normally wouldn't, but I thought it might have something to do with my involvement as a foster parent.
It did.
I am formally invited to voice my opinion and observances at a meeting today at 2:00 regarding the placement of my foster son.
That's nice.
They'll piss on my opinions, but I'll be there with bells on.
Show Comments »
I'm whistling for you!!!
Let me know how it goes.
posted by
sam on August 6, 2004 06:02 PM
Heh...at first, I read your statement as "I'll be there with BALLS on."
Hey, if the balls fit, Key...!
posted by
david on August 8, 2004 02:44 AM
Good luck key! I know we've discussed this before, but my grandson is still in foster care and i so desperately would like to see him. We live on opposite sides of the country so it is very difficult for me to even get any info on how he is doing.
posted by
Michele on August 8, 2004 11:45 AM
David, I thought about re-editing the post to put the word "balls" in there instead. It's probably more suited to me. ; )
Michele - It is such a shame that you are so far away from him. Caseworkers usually make every effort to place within the family, only using foster homes as a last resort. It may be a longshot, but it'd be worth a phonecall if you'd be willing to accept him into your home.
If you offer, and long-term placement is needed, they have to consider you.
posted by
Key on August 8, 2004 09:58 PM
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posted by Key on
04:27 PM
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Comments (4)
Any policemen out there?
I have never been close friends with anyone in law enforcement, so I'll admit that I know very little about the whole set-up.
But I just saw a forty-ish petite blonde with eighties hair (and dressed in cutoffs and a tank) drive away in the Sherriff's police car.
So I wonder, is any old friend or acquaintance of the Sherriff allowed to drive around town in government property?
Just curious. It looked odd.
Show Comments »
It is not unusual for police cars to be driven off duty and in civilian clothes. The object is to have visibility of the police. Not sure about the blonde, she might be a cop.
posted by
James Old Guy on August 6, 2004 04:04 PM
Possible, but doubtful...looked pretty rough! And I know she's not the sherriff...
maybe a girlfriend. ; )
posted by
Key on August 6, 2004 04:22 PM
Maybe doing a little "undercover" work...so to speak.
posted by
Sam on August 6, 2004 06:04 PM
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posted by Key on
02:31 PM
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Comments (3)
August 05, 2004
Quick Question
Where have I been? I had no idea that I was publicly traded. I've never even registered to play...
Show Comments »
Same thing happened to me. Don't know how my blog got on there, either.
posted by
Jack on August 5, 2004 10:35 PM
me too! My silly blog has worth?
What an odd idea!
posted by
Beth on August 5, 2004 11:32 PM
Damn...$6,558.78 that ain't bad (although you're worth much more than that to me)
posted by
john on August 6, 2004 01:24 AM
I thought blogshares.com went belly-up months ago. Thanks fer letting me know they're back in biz!
posted by
Tuning Spork on August 6, 2004 01:59 AM
Wow!
There are shares of Key available?
Well!
Since I'm respectable, I won't bid on any of those Shares of Key. But, I'll put in a reservation on behalf of Rob The Acidman for your toe nails, if you'll paint them red!
posted by
Ward Gerlach on August 6, 2004 05:13 AM
Aaaaw, thanks John. I do appreciate the sentiment, but if you send me a check for $6558.78, this blog is yours!
Ward, Rob and I have already debated the whole toenail thing. We have different interpretations of the color red. I call his red "whore red," and he calls my red "coagulated blood red." Although, in all honesty, we could probably debate the color of the sky as well. ; )
posted by
Key on August 6, 2004 02:25 PM
I suspect the list of things that you and Rob would NOT debate is about as long as the list of unopinionated bloggers...
:-P
posted by
Jack on August 6, 2004 04:18 PM
My preference, if I had one, which I don't 'cause I'm respectable, would be Fire Engine Red. Not quite "whore red", but close.
If I liked painted toe-nails, that is.
Which, being respectable, I don't.
Of course....
Much....
Did I mention that I was respectable?
posted by
Ward Gerlach on August 7, 2004 04:08 AM
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posted by Key on
10:19 PM
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Comments (8)
When World Domination Envy
...meets greasy food envy, this and this are the manifested results. (Scroll down for pics.)
Bastards.
Show Comments »
Hmmm...
I don't necessarily think the ad campaign was in very good taste (no pun intended), but that wouldn't be the first time advertisers screwed up big time. I think it's a bit of an exaggeration to say as they do in one of the stories "It's clearly a takeoff on the 9/11 terror attacks on the World Trade Center". I thought of it as a takeoff of a Godzilla movie, the ones with the man in the rubber Godzilla suit and bad special effects (not the incredibly bad remake with Matthew Broderick).
Who is "the Center for Individual Freedom" anyway??? Sounds rather Orwellian. Time for me to do some digging.
posted by
Jack on August 5, 2004 06:18 PM
Fascinating...
The mission statement for the "Center for Individual Freedom" can be found here. It is:
Founded in 1998, the Center for Individual Freedom is a non-partisan, non-profit organization with the mission to protect and defend individual freedoms and individual rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.
Not saying that I particularly like the Subway ads in Germany, but it seems that they would fall under "free speech", even if they are offensive.
So, why is the Center for Individual Freedom making so much hay in this case AGAINST the ads? Something doesn't smell right here...
Sorry, Key, since I first asked the question here, I thought I'd post what I'd found so far. I'll put the rest of this up on Random Fate.
posted by
Jack on August 5, 2004 06:35 PM
They're German, Jack. I don't question their RIGHT to be assholes; I just thought I'd point it out.
If anything, I'm betting they're violating their franchise agreement with Subway.
(Screw the Center for Individual Freedom. Probably just another organization running their mouths and begging for money.)
posted by
Key on August 5, 2004 06:54 PM
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posted by Key on
05:48 PM
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Comments (3)
August 03, 2004
Too Much Information, Over-stimulation
America is either thinking too much or not enough; but oddly enough, I think the former is true right about now.
As far as the Ann Coulter link a couple of posts below, I believe I've set a record...
I believe that's the most comments I've gotten on a post made up of a dozen words or less.
Jack and I eventually abandoned the comment box in order to engage in a lengthy email debate, in which I think each of us was reasonably convinced that we could "convert" the other. (Must be that cursed blogger's arrogance...)
The reason I fear too much information is because it clouds the real issue. Issues. Issues. Issues... Abortion, guns, religion, gay rights, poverty, education, taxes, freedom, wars...
Everybody has one, and many are so passionate about their adopted causes that they lose sight of what makes us special.
Freedom.
Not just to say whatever you feel like saying. Yeah, that's nice, and I appreciate it, but in another fifty years, I'm only going to get so much satisfaction out of saying, "Told you so...told you this country was moving toward socialism. Now look at us. No one wants to go to med school since doctor's salaries are capped off, no such thing as private health insurance, three years to get in for a fucking pap smear (and what's the point; if they find something, I'll die of cancer before I get a referral out of this government bullshit), education is standardized across the nation (now it sucks everywhere), and there are more bums than ever because it doesn't pay to get a fucking job when taxes are at 60%. You can work your ass off and live fairly well, or live off the government and live fairly well. What's the difference? We are no longer a feared nation. Our defenses are down, and Switzerland could whip our asses if they put their minds to it."
Now. Before everyone gets pissy, I only picked the fifty year mark because after that, I'll be too dead to be exercising my right to free speech.
Do I really think it will get that bad? No. Thankfully, there are enough people holding offices who see the dangers of big government to hold off the worst of it. But it creeps. People want immediate gratification. Fix my NOW problem. There are "Sure! I'll fix your NOW problem" candidates, and they don't give a flying fuck about long term repercussions.
The answer HAS to be, "No. You live in a free world. Fix your own problems, and I'll take less out of your paycheck so you can do it."
Freedom. We have the least amount of government. That's what makes us special. That's it. Take it away, and we're not special. Period.
I don't care which issue you think is most important to you. This isn't about being partisan. Neither party is being fiscally conservative enough to reduce government to my liking. But you go with lesser of two evils. If you appreciate what makes our country special, then you go with less government.
When you get a check in the mail from a seedy lender for $5000, why don't you cash it? I'm betting it's because it bothers you that the interest rate on it is 24%. You exercise discipline because it's just not worth it in the long run.
We must do the same.
15% of our checks should be going home with us, but because of a "more government" decision, which ended up being permanent, it doesn't.
Jack pointed out to me that if there was no social security, the irresponsible would not save for retirement, and they'd end up living off of the taxpayers anyway.
I agree. Make them pay SS. But let anyone who can prove that they are putting 15% into an IRA opt out. After all, this is a free country, right? Yeah. Sure. It just has socialist tendencies. Social security is one of them.
It can't happen again.
Grow some balls and get some discipline. Think it's easy for me? No. I have more financial bad luck than I care to mention. I have a Z-shaped backbone, an X-ray and a doctor's note that qualifies me for disability, but rather I work 40 hours a week in our small business (and my husband twice that). That would be the same small business that government treasures (because it employs 80% of the workforce), but taxes the hell out of.
So it sucks. Tough it out.
You don't groom people to become dependent upon government. That's not freedom.
Don't cash the check.
Show Comments »
Great post, Key. Too bad you put it up at almost midnight my time!
What you say about personal responsibilty is something I agree with, which I already knew from prior email conversations with you, and is why I said we're not that far apart in what we believe. While we can never control completely what occurs in our lives (your spine, another blogger's MS, a third bloggers incipient MS, the list of personal tragedies is immense), we CAN control how we react to these occurences, and that is where personal responsibility kicks in.
It is not the role of government to "make things right", because no human entity or institution could ever hope to make things right. However, we're stuck with the institutions left to us by our predecessors, and we have to make the best of that legacy and the culture they created. What we should do now is find a reasonable balance between hard-headed sensibility and heartfelt compassion. Like everything else, that balance is hard to achieve and even harder to maintain, but that does not mean we should not try.
posted by
Jack on August 3, 2004 11:00 PM
Key, I have met you in person. You are a beautiful woman. Everybody who saw you at the blog-meet in Dahlonega said the same thing. Remember when you stepped over me to find a seat at the restaurant table? Hell, I fell in love right then and there. Don't give me any shit about your "Z-shaped back." I would be happy to examine it more closely anytime you want me to.
Okay, enough dirty talk.
I disagree with Jack. We are not "stuck" with institutions that don't work work unless we throw up our hands and declare that once government fucks up, there's just nothing we can do about it. I don't buy that philosophy. Too many people do. We can CHANGE IT if enough people want to.
People need to make up their minds. Are we sheeple, hearded by government, or do WE call the shots? Hell, you know how I think about that issue. I just don't believe that enough people think that way anymore.
posted by
Acidman on August 4, 2004 02:47 AM
I believe we're thinking too much. Gotta link it. Good Job!!
posted by
Sam on August 4, 2004 03:50 AM
I think Rob may have misunderstood what I meant when I said we are "stuck with the institutions left to us by our predecessors". What I should have said is "we have to deal with the legacy of our predecessors". I was not trying to say we should throw up our hands and say we can do nothing. What I am saying is that we can't just flick a switch and make things the way we think they should be. It would be nice if we could, but the world doesn't work that way. There are consequences of the legacy we have received, and we have to deal with those consequences, just as the generation that fought World War II had to deal with the consequences of the outcome of World War I.
I'm all for telling government what to do instead of the other way around; I've said exactly that on Random Fate; government is here to serve the people, not to nursemaid or parent the people.
posted by
Jack on August 4, 2004 08:41 AM
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posted by Key on
10:46 PM
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The Brier Patch links with:
Thinking Too Much
August 02, 2004
Great Idea
Pro-lifers would send a much more powerful message if they simply stood calmly and quietly in front of the clinics, handing these out to people - men and women alike - on their way in or out.
No judging, no preaching, just a way for pro-lifers to assist them in their quest to show the world that they have personally supported their right to choose, and they are not ashamed.
Finally, a way for lifers and choosers to come together.
Hat tip: Gordon
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Amen to that. The best way to get a point across is ain a calm quiet manner.
posted by
Desert Raspberry on August 3, 2004 12:44 AM
This still amazes me.
I've always thought that abortion should be shamed out of existance, rather than made into a political issue...I just never thought pro-choicers would contribute to that process!
posted by
Key on August 6, 2004 03:03 PM
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HammerHead
