The Edge of the Set

Well, it's Monday again...

In the world of politics, the new energy/green/snake oil bill has passed the House of Representatives and is heading to the Senate. I have to say that I am very disappointed by the passage of this bill, but am surprised that the vote was as close as it was. I watched a lot of the debate, or it was on as I did other things, and I am surprised that anyone with a mind at all could vote for this bill. This piece of, well let's just call it legislation, should be watched by all of us. This bill further sets us on a bad pathway. Not only is it a lousy bill in regards of what it accomplishes, or does not accomplish, but it can set a precedent as to government intervention in our lives, the direction of our economy, and the means by which we do business. Not to mention that it is just a bad bill! This is no time for partisan politics and party lines. The American people deserve more, and it is that important.

While on the subject of politics, do we need to know the details of Mark Sanford's Emails to his mistress? I for one, do not. Do we need to know if he abused the power of his office? The people of South Carolina certainly do. Do I think he should step down as governor? Well, if he misused his office, Yep! He does. Could I vote for him as governor of my state? Nope. He not only couldn't keep a commitment to his wife, but he lied time and again in the process. We all make mistakes, and his affair is between him and his family. But once, maybe twice, is a mistake. More than that is a character flaw. I do, personally, hope there is reconciliation, as I do in all marital problems. But I don't think he is trustworthy at this point. And that has nothing to do with his Emails or details of his sex life. And yes, I felt the same way about the Clinton sex scandal, or all three of them I should say. Mistakes can sometime be learning processes and strength builders, but sometimes just reveal a lack of character, as in Sanford's case. And really, this matters little to me in Missouri, but is a much larger issue for a South Carolinian.

While not a politician or a rock star, Billy Mays made quite a name for himself as a pitchman for household products. And while I have nothing against the man and have no knowledge of his character, he really got on my last nerve. And I say this with no remorse. And how can I say this with no guilt? Because I harbor no ill feelings towards Billy Mays, and I never did. He just got on my nerves with his commercials. I am saddened for his family because he has passed, and I do hope and pray that they can deal with their grief and that God will provide comfort. But none of that changes the fact that his commercials annoyed me. I have read and heard so many comments about "not liking him but didn't want him to die". That really should go without saying. Only a truly petty person can have much animosity towards someone over a commercial for Orange Glow. And some one's death doesn't change how they behaved while they were alive. It seems disrespectful to lump everyone in to the category of "saint and martyr" just because they die. One of my best friends died when we were younger, and he was a mommas boy. He also liked to try to boss me around at times. When he died, I was devastated. I loved him dearly! But he was still a mommas boy and a bossy fella. It didn't change how I felt nor did the truth become altered due to his death. I guess this kinda stuff has been on my mind since all of the celebrity deaths; and it is easier to deal with Billy Mays than Michael Jackson.

But it doesn't stop me from having some thoughts on MJ. I have seen people post horrible stuff about him on Facebook, and have heard people say horrible things about MJ in the wake of his death. I have also heard and seen people defend him based on his talent or his skin color. I think all of this, and the Billy Mays stuff as well, shows the complexity of being human and the difficulty humans have when it comes to holding seemingly opposing ideas on the same subject. What I mean is that so many people are totally for someone or something, or against the same person or thing, based on their bias, either preconceived or not, and feel that agreement is the source of love, understanding, and truth. Too many people look at people unrealistically. And acceptance and reconciliation are different things, just as it is possible to care and love without agreeing, contrary as to what the majority of the people believe. I loved MJs music and even more so loved his videos. He was a major pop icon during my lifetime and many of his songs and videos bring back good memories. He was one of the most talented people that has ever lived. But none of that changes the fact that he had issues. None of that changes the fact that he made some odd decisions and that he was basically a weird duck. We can say that he lost his way along the route to stardom or that the pressures of this or that drove him insane, and we may be certain of that. But none of that gives him an excuse or free pass on his actions and thoughts. None of that makes him an angel or a demon. MJ did many things to help unfortunate people, but singing and dancing we rent on that list. Hungry people cannot eat a song. He also has been accused of some of the more heinous acts towards innocent children, that one can think of, short of mutilation. And that is hard to get past. But it doesn't change the fact that he is talented. I think all of this exposes how complex a person, most any person, can be. I think it exposes some flaws in our thinking. I also think it reveals where we are arrogant enough to think that we are the judge and jury of all things moral both here and there; both physical and spiritual. My take on it is that Michael is in God's hands now and God will determine if MJ spends an eternity in Hell or an eternity in Heaven. We had the responsibility to judge and punish while on Earth, but that time has passed. And anyone who is glad that someone has died and gone to Hell doesn't understand much about anything; and needs to seek Jesus. Plain and simple.

So remember Michael before he weirded out or after; but have no guilt in liking the music or videos. Don't confound the issues that are simple and don't overlook the issues that should be considered larger than they are considered. Use Orange Glow and remember that the commercials drove you insane. That doesn't imply hatred. Watch Charlies Angels and enjoy it or poke fun at the outdated fashions, there's nothing personal to it. Remember a hard difficult fight against a horrible disease, but don't let that turn someone into a saint because of it. Admire courage for courage's sake. Emulate the good things we see in people. Pray for the families without condoning the past actions of those who have died. If you have lost a mommas boy in your life, be sad for a moment then remember the good times; but always remember he was a mommas boy...sit back on the edge of a the set and watch life unfold and yell, "Yes sir!" every now and again. We will all be the better for it.

R.I.P.

What a week for the celebrity deaths...Instead of a tribute or memorial, I propose that we forget about all of the bad traits and mistakes made by Farrah, Ed, and Michael; and just remember their good traits. We all make mistakes, and theirs are in the hands of God now. It's not up to us or our society any longer. So for the sake of the families and friends grieving, if we have nothing good to say, let's just remain silent...just remember the music and the films and the late-night television; and the good memories that they bring back to mind.

God Bless and have a good weekend!

For Lack of a Spiffy Title...

Well, it's Humpday...

...and I've finally made back some of my pretend losses from the fantasy stock market game that I play. And yes, I'm that competitive...and I am glad that I have made back some of my pretend losses, because I was about to have to get a pretend loan to float myself along; kind of like the government, but they don't play...

Yesterday, Steve Yzerman and Brett Hull were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, along with Luc Robataille and Brian Leetch. Yzerman and Hull were two of my favorite players, ever. Especially Hull. So many memories come to mind when I think of Brett Hull and that shot of his. I not only remember Hull and that era in St. Louis Blues hockey, but the era in my life; when everyone was still alive and healthy. I remember having hockey parties at my grandparents house and how no one could hear the games due to my uncle Kenny and I yelling, coaching, refereeing, and doing the general manager duties, all while stuffing our faces with huge deli sandwiches. Those were the good old days, and not just in sports...Brett Hull was the best player on the best team and that team was my St. Louis Blues! It just doesn't happen much for us Blues fans. Congratulations, Brett Hull and thanks for the memories...

...but I realize that many of you aren't hockey fans. So my two-cents on baseball. It really is an all American pastime. And it seems to run parallel to our culture. We lose focus on the good of the game by all of the scandals, negotiations, pop-culture coverage by ESPN and SI. When someone does well, we wonder if it was legally. There is little loyalty, money speaks loudest. Tradition is nice if it doesn't interfere with notoriety and fame. But every now and again we smell the grass and beer and brats while we see someone achieve true greatness as they display integrity and leadership. And those moments, like in our real lives, are what keep us going; those moments remind us of why we are great and what it takes to be great...

How about another stellar speech by our president? I sure hope that Iran isn't concerned that he used such harsh rhetoric. Unfortunately, rhetoric doesn't do much except tickle ears. but to be fair, our president has some big issues on our plate. North Korea and Iran will have to be dealt with. And alienating Israel will not help. We really do need to pray for guidance and strength for Obama, and pray that he doesn't wait too long and do too little. I realize that he hates foreign affairs and that may distract from his domestic policy and campaigning, but we cant talk these issues away. Polls will do us no good and campaigning for the next term will not keep us safe nor help the peoples of the world. We really do need to be praying, not for the president to behave the way we wish individually, but that he will make wise decisions for all of us.

And that is it for today. I've got things to do and I'm not getting them done by using a lot of words and ideas. I have to practice what I preach and get into action mode.

Have a great day!

Random Stuff On A Monday

I would like to begin today by thanking everyone for their support and also to apologize for the "hit and miss" blogging lately. It's just been hectic lately. No worse than anyone, I'm certain, but hectic none the less. Thanks again for hanging in there.

And now for some random stuff:

There is little honor among people these days, and even fewer people know how to be a friend. I realize that I have been blessed with some great friends in the past, and I unfairly compare all my friends to a certain few, but friendships are that important to me and should be measured with important scales, even if the relationships aren't that important to others. Maybe we should all try all little better in the area concerning our friendships...

...and speaking of honor, we blame a lot of things on the "decline of capitalism and free enterprise" in our country, but we seldom think that much of the blame is the lack of honor and integrity. Freedoms need ethics and honor and principles to work best. Otherwise a bunch of rules have to be written to regulate our lousy habits. Morality cannot and should not be regulated, even in the area of economics. Maybe we should all try to do a little better here also...

...and to do better by our president, we really need to be praying for him. And not just the general, "be with our president even though I didn't vote for him and I don't really trust him but I know I should pray something for him" kind of prayer. We need to be specific. Pray for wisdom. Pray for guidance of the right kind. Pray for protection against negative influence. We are facing many crisis right now. Besides the issues and polarization in our own country, we have a lot of turmoil on the international level. And words and sanctions will do little to help. Pray for direction and clear answers that will lead to actions for our president...maybe most of you already do this, but I need to try to do little better in this area...

...people will take a pill for a hangnail, regardless of the many side affects and health warnings associated with the pill; but let one person get a little sick from the all-you-can-eat buffet and it's lawsuit time. Seems odd to me...

I wish I hadn't read "Atlas Shrugged". It's kinda spooking me these days...

Has anyone else noticed that the movie, "Overboard" is on every single Saturday?

Will the Blues draft well this weekend?

And for all those "Galactic Cowboys" fans, I understand that they are doing three "reunion" gigs in Texas. I will not be able to attend, but I have seen them in St. Louis and they are worth the price of admission. Not to mention that they are some pretty good guys with a real talent and it would be nice to see some good guys win one every now and then. So I encourage folks who can, to support 'em!

And finally, I want to thank my wife and kids for giving me a wonderful Father's Day; much better than I deserve some most of the time. And I want to make an official announcement that I really have the most wonderful wife around. She has really came through in a pinch for me lately. I can fuss about lack of honor and integrity, then think of her and realize that there is much good still left in people. Thanks Brandy, for all that you do!

And that's it. Not exactly the biting sarcasm and political analysis as usual, but it is a Monday; and a little difficult to get the week going. Be blessed and live well today!

Just Say "No" to Nationalised Health Care

Just a few quick, random thoughts on the health care issue:

We should all be against the proposed health care plan that President Obama is trying to rush through congress. The country does not have enough money to fund this program. And the tax hike that will be required to fund this health care mess will be large, and all will be taxed. Even the lower and middle class who have been "promised" tax breaks. This section of the "redistribution of wealth" could cripple our economy.

Secondly, socialized health care, and that is exactly what this is, doesn't work. Anywhere. Period. And those who believe that you can actually keep your doctors and your current health care plan are either Kool Aid drinkers or naive. There is no way that insurance companies can keep the rates affordable enough to compete with the nationalised plan. Especially when many, many people will drop their current coverage and opt for the Obama plan. Insurance companies have to raise rates to offset losses and those losses are passed on to the policy holders, like it or not. Such a rise in health care rates will potentially flow over into car insurance and homeowners rates. Your dollar will go for a lot less than it does now. Between taxes and higher rates otherwise, expect a significant portion of your income to fund these areas; all so you can redistribute your "wealth" into the hands of some of those who just line up for handout. Or into the hands of those who run to the emergency room every time they get a hang nail or the sniffles, further raising the costs of health insurance.

Thirdly, the plan is vague. I have heard El Presidente, as well as numerous congressmen, speak of this health care plan, and no one has any answers as to how it will be funded or what the expenses are. There are no details as to how you can get on the plan or how you can keep your current plan. No details as to how long and if you can drop the Obama plan if it does not work for you and your best interests. Concessions to the AMA in the form of malpractice reform will be minimal, and a mere token gesture. Not to mention that many good doctors will opt for another career field rather than fight the bureaucracy. There are no real answers and too many people writing and pushing for this bill are being deceptively vague.

And get ready to have your Twinkies and Ho Hos taxed also. As well as higher taxes on tobacco and alcohol. And any other item that will lead to "unhealthy" lifestyles. This could mean butter, eggs, non organic vegetables, so on and so forth. I know this sounds crazy, but the writing is on the wall. A $7.50 cheeseburger will be common, and say goodbye to value menus and hello to more expense for the average consumer. Especially if the religion of green gets it's hands into the food service industry. Look at what it has done for the auto industry.

Maybe some information on the Obama Health Care Plan will come out that will cause me to change my mind; but it will have to be pretty amazing. I do not want to sacrifice any freedom, even in the area of health care.

Today's Rant, Comrades

I can't believe that I am typing about czars in The United States of America. I really can't. I never thought this issue would be a, well, issue. I had faith in our constitution and although filled with many dishonest people, I had some confidence in our government framework. I was taught that the system of checks and balances would keep an even kilter in Washington and that the people would always be represented in our government.

Call me naive, but I really thought that Americans loved their freedom. I knew that my Grandpa, and many, many other brave men fought, sacrificed, and died while defending these freedoms.

So why are we taking this Czar stuff lying down, so to speak? Talk about Tax-Day Tea Parties, we really should be out in the streets over this Czar stuff!

Maybe everyone isn't aware of the size and realm of the Czars. How many people know that there have been 16 Czars appointed by President Obama? Sixteen! And how many people know that one of them is a, "Great Lakes Czar"? And God Himself only knows what he does. But 16 Czars? This may create the 1.5 million jobs needed, but it certainly won't be beneficial to anyone. ACzar System never is.

And we have some kind of Health Reform Czar. Even though there is a Health Secretary on the Presidential Cabinet; as well as a Surgeon General. We have a Car Czar even though we have A Commerce Position and a Treasury Secretary, if you can listen to Tim Geitner and not giggle.

Why all of the overlapping positions?

Has anyone realized that the Czars are all appointed people, that they are unconfirmed, and unelected? Do you realize that if Obama wanted to appoint, for lack of a better word, a Religion Czar, or a Two-Cent Blog Czar, that he could do so in a matter of minutes? And remember, Cabinet members do not have a budget, Czars do.

And these Czars answer to no one. Neil Cavuto on Fox News has been trying to reach the Car Czar for weeks and cannot even find the man! Of course Neil may be looking for a person in the Auto Industry instead of the Phone Business, where this Steve Rattner came from. But that is beside the point; A Czar does not have to listen, answer, report to, or seek advice from anyone on the planet; with the exception of the President. And that scares me plenty. Not to mention it sounds like "Acorn Gone National".

Of course some of my friends who have drank the Kool Aid or have their heads in the sand think that I may be overreacting, as I am prone to do at times. They tell me that the Czar position is a "Figure Head" kind of deal and that there is no real power there; it's just an advisory kind of thing. Then answer me this, why does an advisory thing have nearly a trillion dollars at their disposal? Remember, Cabinet members have no budget. So why do 16 men have money that is close to the same figures as that of the national debt? Why would a figure head with no real power have that much money, 1 trillion dollars, to play with? I'm not a genius but I know that if you load a gun with bullets that you plan on shooting something...

And let's talk about the Car czar, who has no real power. For starters, President Obama has taken over a large sector of the Car Industry without a single Congressional vote. Not one single vote. Not only is this dangerous, it is unconstitutional. And he continues to get a free pass because so many are enamored by and smitten with him, or we are more concerned over money than our freedom; and all of the money in the world can't buy freedom. Anyway, does anyone really think that a Car Czar who has came to power by this method, will have much of a conscience or concern for the American people? Or that his dealings will be above the table? And not one person can do anything about it; except President Obama. This is too much power in one man's hands, whether you agree with his politics or not.

And what is the Car Czar's role? What is he trying to achieve?

And the same with the Pay Czar. And yes, you read it correctly, that is Pay Czar. He is to oversee the salary and wages used by TARP money; but it will not and does not stop there. It also is reported that the Pay Czar "may" look into the salary and wages of those in the private sector as well. And if you don't think "may" doesn't mean "will" then look back at the presidential campaign and remember Obama promising a redistribution of wealth. And then remember how people like me were called fanatics and fear mongers because we were concerned about what that meant. Think back to how many people didn't really believe that Obama would redistribute wealth and that the "extreme right" was making this worse than it really was; besides no one can circumvent the powers of checks and balances, and only the extreme leftists would approve of such measures.

Well look again! Redistribution is here. What started out as an Acorn, pun intended, has turned into a mighty oak of illegal, socialist, and unAmerican political fascism. And maybe I didn't phrase that correctly, but I'm on a roll...and you get the picture...

The Pay Czar is said not to be concerned with salaries, but raises, bonuses, and compensation. Huh? Yeah, read that again...and what is your salary made up of? What do raises, bonuses, and compensation come under? Maybe salary? But it's ok if you don't like these words, you can listen to another channel or another politician say that the Pay Czar will not be concerned with private compensation, just with bonuses, salaries, and pay raises. Now try to figure it out...

And now to try to wrap up today's rant: The Czar system is crazy! It opposes all things American. No one is sure how it is funded. The Czars are not elected nor confirmed. They are not accountable to the citizens. They have unlimited power. They will infringe upon our freedoms more and more. Be afraid, be very afraid!

Phew! I have to calm down. I feel even more jaded and distrusting than usual. I think I will walk away from this mess for a few minutes and watch some t.v. No news though; maybe History Channel is showing something more realistic and hopeful, like UFO Hunters...

The Prayer Revolution

I really don't have much of a blog to write today. The stock market is down, congress is trying to decide how to waste more taxpayer money, most of the news is negative, biased, and depressing. Our President is finally getting a little negative press for one of the worst speeches in the modern history of our presidency;while still gaining respect in other circles, although both sides heard the same words. And the Red Wings can wrap up the Stanley Cup finals tonight with a win. Not much to get excited about.

So I suggest that we all turn off the television and radios and take a minute to pray. But don't pray for ourselves, but spend a few minutes praying for those around us. Pray specifically for one or two coworkers, a spouse, a child, a leader, so on and so forth. And don't be concerned about praying for anything large or Earth shattering; even a simple prayer that someone across the room from you will have a better day than you, or that a specific friend experiences unexplainable peace and joy today. Keep it simple. And don't tell the person that you prayed for them, but ask God to answer the prayer so that the person will KNOW that someone prayed for them. Then watch and try to notice the difference that prayer has made in some one's life; even if only for a moment or a day.

We see the effects of the news on peoples behaviour. We can pick up on the habits of people's speech and actions that are influenced by pop culture and cable t.v. But can we see the aftermath of prayer in people's lives? Do we ever look for answered prayers in others lives?

This is not a test of God's power or a contest; but this could turn into a revolution. If we would all practice this prayer exercise more frequently than we do, we could see a real change in our community.

So I suggest that we go to the restroom and sneak a few minutes of prayer in; for the sake of those around us, not for any gain of our own. I think we will find that we may benefit from this practice more than we ever thought that we could and that we CAN make a difference in someones life; and that beats the opinion's of a two-cent blogger every day.

An Unedited Rant Intended to Declutter

TGIF...

I'm attempting to reduce the clutter from my desk and clear my mind of a few thoughts today:


I have come across a note with the words,"sensible conscience clause" scribbled down, and a brief explanation that this clause is a stipulation in "abortion reform" that would allow health care providers the right to refuse to perform an abortion. I remember thinking that this is vague and leaves an awful lot of gray area; wiggle room for legislation and execution of the "reform". I also remember thinking that there is little wiggle room on this issue, and no means by which to bridge the gap between those who view abortion as murder and those who view abortion as a choice. I wish that Americans weren't so polarized, but there is no gray area here. And in my opinion, choices do not take life, but abortions do. There is no tap dancing around the issue, despite the rhetoric...

Here's a definition of terms for you: Diversity- the right to become just like me or be considered close-minded, backwards, or hateful...we really shouldn't use words if we don't know what they mean...

I fully expect a gasoline tax as soon as Chrysler, GM, or The United States Motor Company produce a more fuel efficient car. Not only will this help the religion of Green, but be an effective means to manipulate the sales of fuel efficient cars. And while I am not against fuel efficiency, I do like vehicles that can pass slow-moving vehicles on the highway, or pull a trailer full of limbs to the city compost site, both while managing to reach a speed of 30 mph in less than three minutes. But more importantly, taxes are not meant to punish, manipulate, or reward. Taxes are to be used for basic infrastructure. We really need to focus on the principle of the issues, not the outcome of legislation...

Where are the jobs that the "hurry up and rush this most important bill" of the stimulus package? And why did unemployment RISE from 8.9% in April to 9.2% in May? I thought time was of the essence when the bailouts and stimulus packages were passed. And how is it that only now, this problem may take some time to be resolved? My guess is that it is the difference between rhetoric of an election year and the pragmatical words of the reality of running the country...

I find it interesting that I find myself to be most like Christ in that I would rather spend time with outcasts, drunks, and those of ill repute than to spend much time with a "church crowd". Don't get me wrong, I have some very good Christian friends who are not "churchy" and who sincerely care about others in our community; and I enjoy their company and friendship more than any other people that come to mind. And I find that the verse in the Bible that tells us not to forsake our fellowship with our Christian brothers and sisters to be very, very important. But I still have to say that there is more Jesus in the bars and on the streets than in our church houses. Not exclusively but generally speaking. And I imagine Jesus' day was similar or He would have hung around the temple more often instead of spending time with a motley crew of men he called His disciples...

I think our society has become enslaved by money. I also think that this philosophy that we have adopted, whether cognitively or not, will lead to the end of our freedoms; first we lose Federal and State rights, then we lose more individual rights. And it began, for the most part, with the apathetic want of a dollar...

I have noticed that there is more more scrutiny in dealing with the Bible than in dealing with science. If an individual would apply a balance of attention and detail to both, the truth would become much easier to see...

I have tried very hard not to get into President Obama's Cairo speech this week. I have to calm down before I write about the speech. But I want to end with a few thoughts/questions I have, that arose from Carter's, I mean Obama's speech: For starters, why does no one realize that the Palestinians do not want a two-state existence with Israel? They have had opportunities in the past to develop an economy, a culture, infrastructure, etc. but the Palestinians always place bombing and the destruction od Israel above the advancement of their own culture and people. So applying pressure to Israel is not going to help in the peace process; at least not pressure of a two-state existence.

Next Section of Clutter Reduction: Why give a speech about peaceful resolve in Egypt? They have no freedoms, little acceptance of anything other than what they deem important or worthy. They are ruled by a merciless tyrant and oppress many people. They receive the second most American aid than any other nation, and we send a president who will not use any leverage, but talks out of both sides of his mouth about the evils of religious polarization; all while remaining arrogant while apologizing for all of the aid and military help that we have given many nations, especially Egypt; who is almost exactly opposite of our ideals, or at least how our ideals were at one time. The Cult of Personality that is our president is amazing to me, but not for any reason that I find honorable or impressive. And I STILL wonder who is pulling his strings...

Lastly: If Obama were a real Christian, he would know that a Christian and a Muslim do NOT worship the same God. I'm not trying to question the cult of personality's personal faith, that is God's call. But I do know that when I see someone claim to be a born again Christian that they cannot still consider there to be one universal, humanist god. All roads do not lead to Rome when it comes to salvation. There is only one God in Heaven, and none of the rhetoric, policy, ideals, or issues in the universe can change that. There are not many ways to God; only one pathway, through Jesus Christ via His sacrifice on the cross...and anyway, why do we try so hard to remove Christianity, I mean religion, from all things governmental, then allow our "leader" to go and freely cater to one religious denomination. And not just cater, but pander. Beg. Kiss up. Why was Obama given a free pass on this? Maybe we don't want separation of state and church, just distance between God and government...

Dazed and Confused

Have you ever woke up in the morning, looked around at the world, and found yourself being very disoriented?

This could describe a Sunday morning after a long night at the bars or it could be a description of how I really feel this morning.

And it's hard to put into words. But if I were to find just one word, it would be disbelief.

I find it hard to believe that I went to dinner with my wife last night and our babysitter was my "niece" who was only born a year or two ago, but has somehow managed to become a beautiful, responsible teenager. And today, the oldest child that she cared for as we dined last evening, was just dropped off at the kindergarten, where his scholastic career officially begins today. And how they can accept "babies" at school theses days? My little boy cannot be a little man already. he certainly is mature enough, but chronologically I can't believe that it is time for him to move into the world and begin to make his mark already.

And to make matters worse, my little girl was dropped off at daycare today. She can't be old enough already, can't be ready for daycare yet. Shes still daddy's baby girl. I have no fear of her being well taken care of, but she just can't be ready for this step. In two years and a couple months, we have not spent but maybe, and I mean maybe, three pieces of a day away from daddy. How did the time get here so quickly? I wasn't ready for this; I haven't prepared...

So in my attempt to cope with the new found absence of my children and this suddenly quiet house, I get on the Internet to see what is going on in the rest of the world. I try to escape my temporary sorrow until I better adjust, and I need a distraction. And nothing fits that bill as the Internet does.

But I find that my "escape" has turned out to have the quality of the tilt-a-whirl at the carnival; further causing vertigo and inducing nausea. Instead of helping me to find a barometer to measure reality or a compass on which to right my spinning head, I find myself even more confused and now wondering which direction is up and if my left hand is still on the left side of my body. Is up really up and is red still red? As I read the headlines and grow more confused, I look around to see if I am alone; for at this point I fully expect Rod Serling to walk into the room, smoking a cigarette, and describe my setting and how I have now entered the realm of the Twilight Zone.

The headlines and stories in the news destroy my concept of logic. Just as my children and their sudden arrival to their current stage in life has destroyed my concept of time and all things chronological.

My head reels as I read of someone killing someone because they oppose of their victim's killing of someone else. The logic seems to escape me. And lost in the story is that murder is only murder in certain cases, and those cases depend on legislation instead of morality. Otherwise murder is a choice if found within the confines of the law; so murder may or may not be a depraved moral or ethic.

Then I read that the citizens tax dollars are being further used to "bail out" a struggling auto maker, bringing the total to $50 billion in aid; and that the company that received the aid has now filed bankruptcy. From what I remember and understand, receiving money helps fight bankruptcy, not hurry along the process. I thought that lack of funds caused bankruptcy, not an increase. And I read now that a "private" company will now have the U.S. as 60% owner, Canada as 12% owner, a union health trust(whatever that is) will be 17.5% owner, and the bond holders will own 10%. I'm not told who owns the remaining.5% but I assume that is what is left of the "private" sector.

But is it the "private" sector? I thought that I spoke and read English, and that we haven't converted to Spanish or Chinese, yet; but for some reason I find myself not understanding the terms. Now my sense of communication is distorted. Private sector? Private? Sector? And if government interferes with one or two companies, or five or six banks, is it still private? Or is only part of the private sector personally owned or do we need to redefine the temrms? But any redefinition of terms implies political implications and leads to bias for or against an official entity that is supposedly impartial and judicially sound. But that cannot be certain if there is partial interferefcne to a sector that is privately owned; even if the private owners are the public government. So what is private? And I need to know; I just sent a kid to kindergarten telling him that a certain area on his body is referred to as "privates" because we keep the area and all language dealing with said area, to ourselves. It's not a bad area, just an personal area. Should we call that region of our anatomy our "mixed sector" now? According to cable t.v. it isn't very private anymore anyway.

So now being thoroughly confused, I decide to finish my blog and go to the gym. Maybe a good workout will take my mind of of all that troubles me and help me to clear my head. I only hope that when I do my bench press exercise that it will work out my arms and chest and not my legs; for at least that is how the language and application of force once worked on the human body.

But I am pretty dizzy still yet, and a little too nauseous to walk. Maybe this man standing in the corner of my room, in the dark suit and the uni brow, will be kind enough to drop me off at the YMCA when he steps out to get a fresh pack of smokes. If not, I may just call for the men in the white suits to come and give me a lift.