"Murphy was an optimist!"
Happy Independence Day! July 4, 2012 11:17 am
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Holiday, Independence Day, Politics, Touchy Subjects, United States
Today is July 4th. In the United States, this day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence which declared America’s independence from Great Britain. Today is supposed to be a patriotic holiday celebrating our country. People will celebrate by taking to the lakes for boating and swimming, and having cookouts and family gatherings.
As I ponder the meaning of this day, my thoughts drift to SOPA, ACTA, and CISPA, to AT&T and Comcast, to our youth who seem to be the most fearful generation, to our politicians who seem to have forgotten their role is to represent the people, and to the corporations who have usurped power from the people. Each of these threaten our liberties as we know them. September 11, 2001 terrorists attacked this country. Terrorism is a violent means to bring about change. We said we would not allow the terrorist to change us but they won. I have not known independence like I grew up with since September 11, 2001. Now, instead of being confident in our individual independence and freedoms allotted to the people, I feel we struggle each day to maintain those certain unalienable Rights referenced in the Declaration of Independence. And although I am at political odds with the Tea Party and the GOP, as I re-read the Declaration of Independence, I wonder if our government has not lost its way.
when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism
[Source, Archives.gov, The Declaration of Independence: A Transcription]
This brings to mind the Bush tax cuts, the corporate hold on Congress, and the one percenters. As the middle class is beat down, more power falls into few hands and we move more toward a Despotic nation. I feel my voice falls on deaf ears when I communicate with my elected officials. Wwhen your voice is not heard, and votes in legislation fall contrary to what the resounding public appear to favor, how can one feel the words of the Declaration of Independence reflect today’s society?
Today is a patriotic day. It is a day to be celebrated. It should also be a day of reflection. Re-read (or read for the first time), the Declaration of Independence. It won’t take long to read. Read it and reflect upon your life and your government. (And if you don’t want to do that, here are some pictures of women in American flag swimsuits.)
add a comment200+ page bill, 15 minutes to review, finally a politician speaks for his people May 31, 2012 6:49 am
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Politics, Touchy Subjects, United StatesThis is what happens when you give someone a 200+ page legal document and 15 minutes to make a yes or no decision on that document. More of our representatives need to stand up like this. It would have been nice if the vacuous husks around him, aside for the one lady, had shown any sign that his message was being heard.
add a commentThink your water is clean? May 21, 2012 9:47 am
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Environment, Of Interest, Touchy SubjectsCompare your rivers to this one in Bangladesh.
Oral Happiness May 9, 2012 2:18 pm
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Philosophy, Poetry, Touchy SubjectsStuck it in the mouth
And wiggled it about
Thrust back and forth
Then took it out
The stuff left behind
Was then spat out
Felt so good
Want to do it again
Brushing teeth
Leaves such a grin!
Connecticut Voting on Marijuana Legalization Today April 20, 2012 4:20 pm
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Activism, Of Interest, Touchy SubjectsSince they are voting on legalization on 4/20 is the outcome of the vote a bit predetermined?
Update 4/26/2012: Yup, it passed.
add a commentThe House of Representatives voted late Wednesday night to legalize marijuana for medical purposes for adults — despite a letter from the state’s top federal prosecutor saying that those growing marijuana would be violating federal law.
The vote was 96-51 in favor.
Patients would be required to receive a prescription from a physician to receive marijuana to relieve pain from illnesses such as cancer, glaucoma, HIV and multiple sclerosis. The bill would allow some producers to cultivate and grow the marijuana, and licensed pharmacists could provide the marijuana to patients. Patients would need to requalify every year in order to keep smoking medical marijuana.
[Source, Hartford Connecticut Courant, House Approves Legalization Of Medical Marijuana]
1984 – Like! March 29, 2012 3:08 pm
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Politics, Touchy Subjects
David Lovell’s Plan to Overthrown Tennessee March 29, 2012 9:44 am
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Local Politics, Politics, Regional Politics (SE), Touchy SubjectsReads a little too much like non-fiction.
add a commentDick Cheney Gets Heart Transplant March 25, 2012 4:05 pm
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Politics, Touchy Subjects, United StatesSurprisingly, a black heart was on the donor’s list.
add a commentThis kid is going to do alright! March 7, 2012 11:34 am
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Humor, Of Interest, Sex, Touchy SubjectsActually, he should be a teenager now and needs to make a current animated gif.
Don’t ever be afraid to address your city council March 6, 2012 2:36 pm
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Activism, Local Politics, Of Interest, Politics, Touchy SubjectsHave you ever stood before your city council? Have you ever expressed your ire with a law? Voiced your discontent with a resolution?
This is your First Amendment right demonstrated. Watch. Cringe. And follow James Inman‘s example.
1 comment so farCongress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
And so it ends December 19, 2011 5:55 pm
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Politics, Touchy Subjects, United States, War, World PoliticsToday is Bill of Rights Day December 15, 2011 10:58 am
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Politics, Touchy Subjects, United StatesToday is Bill of Rights Day
Today is Bill of Rights Day. To Americans, the Bill of Rights are key amendments to the U.S. Constitution, that protect our individual rights.
I find it without irony that the US Senate has passed a bill allowing the indefinite detention of US citizens and that the House of Representatives appears ready to pass the bill, and on this very day the House Judiciary Committee is ready to make a vote on SOPA which will dramatically alter the Internet and people’s rights on the Internet.
I like this quote:
It is a curious way to celebrate the 220th anniversary of the Bill of Rights.
See also:
- National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 on Thomas
- NDAA moving forward in Congress
- Stop Online Piracy Act
- Kill SOPA, save America’s Internet and American jobs: ACT NOW, bill goes to the House TOMORROW
Arizona/Mexico Border Wars – 1979 December 9, 2011 10:13 am
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Politics, Touchy Subjects, United States, War"If you win, you can cross over; if we win, you throw pot over the fence."
Look Out Astroglide! November 25, 2011 4:09 pm
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Daily Life, Sex, Touchy Subjects
So Astroglide, when are you going to start shipping in more reasonable sized containers?
2comments
Lawrence O’donnel on MSNBC on NYPD Police Brutality during Occupy Wall September 27, 2011 8:48 am
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Activism, Economy, Of Interest, Politics, Touchy SubjectsWow! Main stream media stood up! This is an excellent piece of journalism. Well worth the nine minutes.
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