Saw the vice presidential debate. Not earth shattering. Not game changing. Predictable. Somewhat...boring. As expected, Mr Biden brought out the class-warfare card and the now-famous 47% remark by Mitt Romney. Ho-hum. And, conversely, Mr Ryan reemphasized the dismal record of the current administration and laid out the five point plan (with the media's background refrain, "What are the specifics?!")
To be nice: On Joe's side, I was not dissatisfied with his emphasis that the Afghans need to carry their own water, and they won't do it if we hang around. On Mr Ryan's side: his pro-life stand was refreshing and a stark contrast to Mr Biden's "I'm a Catholic...but" remarks.
So...game changer? No. But the distinctions seem clear enough. Looking forward to the next Presidential debate.
Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs; but they could find no ground of accusation...Then these men said, "We shall not find any ground of accusation against this Daniel unless we find it against him with regard to the law of his God."
(Daniel 6:4,5)
Getting a bit cool in these parts. My annual "save a buck" mentality is slowing overcoming my procrastinative ways. Perhaps plastic on the windows and such. We'll see.
Speaking of cold. I did see the debate the other day (post production) and the President seemed a bit sluggish; perhaps numbed by the elements. Obviously his respectful adversary knew his stuff; and there was a lot of stuff...to know. And oh, how easy it was (back in '08) for the then fresh and phenomic Barak Obama to paint a picture of the coming bliss. Sadly, his dream had and has no foundation in fact and, as the experienced and almost eloquent (he's getting there) governor Romney kept boring us with statistics (kidding! I loved it), along with a flashing of his impressive resume from time to time; the President had that familiar to all expression (for who hasn't been there?) which said, "I can't wait for this to be over with!" (YANK! Rinse. Spit).
And, as I understandably watched and listened to the post-debate debates, one individual warned that the Obama camp would, no doubt, stop at nothing to abort the flight of the Romney/Ryan rocket, and that we should expect it. And I thought to myself, "Hmm, what in the Governor's life could they bring to light to dissuade and distract (after all, he's been under the microscope for a while)? Yes, what tawdry tidbit could they resurrect or redo...to undo? And one answer is, of course...his religion. Now, I've blogged about said "faith" before, and how I've gone beyond expecting the candidate to be the national pastor (see What I thunk), but it seems fairly obvious that the camp of O and B will try at some point to emphasize the "Not like many of us" beliefs of this follower of Joseph Smith's child. And, the reason? Because like Daniel of old (no, I'm not putting Mormonism on the same plane as the OT prophet); like that outstanding bureaucrat who got under his peers skin--so much so that they had to invent a crime in order to convict him--Mr Romney seems quite upstanding and outstanding in many ways. And so...into the lion's den with Mitt. However, said coming accusers need to read the rest of the story for, in the end, the lions dined not on the innocent...but on the guilty.
Under the heading of "Why not," here's another link to my video "Why I can't vote for Obama." Enjoy.
Ahh...Einstein's oft quoted definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Well, honestly, doesn't this little nugget of obviousness carry over into politics? Really, think about it; the Barak Obama we've been privileged to observe the last four years; the government expander, debt multiplier, for USA apologizer, abortion cheerleader, media and Hollywood schmoozer (and, ok, a fine family man); do we really think that reelecting "him" will take us a new direction? Insane.
What say you and I stop putting on the straightjacket and exit the asylum; at least lean towards the door.
Here's another Einstein quote...of note.
Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more
complex...
It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage to move in
the opposite direction.
And a link to more of Albert's nuggets:BrainyQuote
At the time most of my fellow humans were sleeping--perhaps dreaming of the urban myth that we hominids swallow eight spiders a year while dozing with mouth agape--I was doing that "job thing" and maintaining the minimum measure of alertness by ingesting steady quantities of java ala French Vanilla creamer. Oh, it wasn't a pour, quaff, repeat kind of thing (which you might expect when the sun is shining). No, it was more like, pour, sip, wait, reheat, top-off, quaff, repeat, kind of thing. Plenty of time for the fruit fly (I assume that 's what it was) to dive-bomb into my tepid brew. And, thankfully, though the area was devoid of constant illumination, there was just enough (plus a wayward glance) for me to observe the wiggling intruder in the bottom of my cup. And I wondered to myself, "How many of these things have I swallowed?"
In the news; aside from the horrible events in Libya, there's the trumpeted note (by some media) that Mr Romney has released some more income tax information. Really? This is that important to you? That maybe a smart business guy discovered a few ways to keep some of his dough out of the wasteful paws of Government? How about we ask the deceased ambassador what he thinks? Let's ask the multiplied millions of unemployed what they think. And while we're at it, let's ask the nearly 60 million aborted Americans what they think of the revelation (added, because Mr Obama is very pro-abortion).
It's a little over a month till the election and it appears the tilting press corp is taking its predictable path. I only hope many in the electorate, like me earlier, see the bug in the mug and DON'T swallow. It's not too late to avoid the unsavory addition. And having seen...to throw it out.
Here's a video you may not have seen. Hope you're not eating.
I told the young man, "You need to understand; I don't even like this paper!" I said this as I was giving my card for the swipe and reaching for the pen to authorize the debit.
He was all of nineteen but something about his presentation was affable, endearing, disarming; and, since it was a deal after all, I took the bait. However, upon reflection I finally realized that I, in that impulsive moment, had made all sorts of positive assumptions about this talented fellow without knowing him in the least. Yes, I dearly hope he is all that I at first imagined; however, there was no time for the telling. No time for the tested...truth.
And so, a week later I finally started to watch the video of our President as he began his remarks at the Democratic National Convention and, after the briefest of times...I just couldn't do it. Yes, I recognize him as my president; admire him for his family ties; but I just couldn't listen to the talented talk that means, in the end...nothing. I just couldn't listen because the actions of the last four years mean the present presentation is, most likely, beautiful balderdash.
And so, I stopped the viewing, reached for the phone, and cancelled my subscription. Buyer's Remorse had risen to the level...or reason. The ultimate sales-pitch...connected with the lesser...and I wised up. And now, as the glow of the Convention lessens, I can only hope that the many interested, like me, refocus to see that the victory we all desire is not found in the old playbook, but in another direction.
The song, once again, to boost and embolden...believers.
Well, the democratic convention is in full swing. The party faithful are crooning and swooning. The all time favorite, Bill Clinton, has been trotted out for that old good time feelin'. And...I don't really give a rip. Why? Because talk and words are cheap (this blog included.) It truly does come down to actions.
Now, granted, I've only heard a snippet or two. One was by a "choicer" who equated "woman's healthcare" with the ability to end a baby's life (see poem below). The other had a class warfare flavor (Oh, those evil rich folk!). Other than that I haven't tuned in (do plan to record the President's speech). And, as for the eloquent Mr Clinton, I remember when my eldest boy (then 11) cried when Mr C won his first presidential election. Why? Because the lad understood that an anti-baby, anti-life, person would be in the White House. And, after all the A-plus performances by Bill, Mr Obama, and any other polished orator they put in front of the teleprompter; after all is said and done; the Democratic party is the party of infanticide. And, just as "slavery" was a litmus test for many in 1860, even so there are those (me included) whose starting line (as to acceptability) includes the rudimentary ability to discern good...and evil. Ok, enough of that.
Now, as to the poem above. Every now and then I see a commercial aimed towards the "energy voter." And, dear reader, if I was none concerned about abortion, healthcare, national defense, Israel, and on and on; this one area might cause me to choose one candidate over the other. Why? Because I'm tired of filling up my mini-van with the equivalent of half a shopping cart of groceries. And, since we all know that beneath our native soil (dry and wet) there is more than enough potential energy to distance us from our Arabian masters; and that of the two candidates only one seems willing to head in that direction; my choice would have to be...Mitt. And, understanding this, if I was the Romney campaign I'd buy up all the add space in every gas station, coast to coast. I'd have a nice mug-shot of Mr R., and say something like, "Tired of paying too much at the pump? I'll fix that."
President Obama promised to begin to slow the rise of the oceans and heal the planet.
My promise is to help you and your family.
As President I'll protect the sanctity of life;
I'll honor the institution of marriage
And I'll guarantee America's first liberty; the freedom of religion.
(excerpts from Mitt Romney's Acceptance speech
at the Republican National Convention 2012)
Well, it took me a few days to hear the whole thing. No, I wasn't bored, just drained from my self-inflicted work schedule ("self-inflicted" as in: if you don't like your schedule...get another job). Anyway, with remote in hand, reclining against the pile of pillows (hmm, maybe this is part of the problem?), I finally watched it all. And, my conclusion...I really like this guy (Mitt Romney). What I found most endearing was his reference to family, community, faith...the places where true joy is found. It seemed, overall, that the words were as a soothing tonic, deliberately devoid of too much acid or arsenic; more like a healing balm on the skinned knee of the child who found out that the promised thrill of rollerskating down Dead Man's Hill instead resulted in the loss of skin, blood, and pride. "There, there; I can see why it would seem like fun, but now that you've learned the truth, I'll take you somewhere that's safe...and fun."
The Poem: As the final words of the offering were spent and the balloons and confetti began to fall, I contemplated the journey...of change. You see, I've liked Mr Romney for a while. I happened upon him years before his run in 2008 (via the tube) and liked what I heard. However, I must admit, his "religion" was a barrier I wasn't prepared to let down. You see, my "classical" Christianity has little place for variances of any significant magnitude. Yes, I liked what he said, but I was wary of his inner...compass.
Now, enter President Barak Obama...and time. He, a professing Christian, has shown by his actions (abortion, marriage, Israel) that "his" religion is something quite mutated from that which I hold very dear. And so...I have decided to remove the label of "Pastor" from the Chief Executive and embrace, with open arms, a man who believes in God...and by his actions...proves it. And I will simply do what most of us do concerning the many we associate with on a daily basis: I will look at the job performance, and not worry so much about whether prayers are said in the kneeling position or not.
At the end; as family members showed themselves and balloons bounced and confetti still flew; Archbishop Dolan delivered the benediction. I liked it very much. Below is a youtube link.
