I read an article in the NY Times today: Cost of Wars a Rising Issue as Obama Weighs Troop Levels
Right off the bat, the article hits upon the topic of most concern to me and I'm guess a whole lot of other American citizens right about now.
How can we justify cutting spending, increasing taxes or raising the debt ceiling when $120 billion is being spent in Afghanistan this year alone?
This is precisely the point I attempted to make via a sloppy, reactionary Twitter feed during the CNN GOP debate in New Hampshire a couple of weeks ago. There's a ton of talk about the struggling economy, the ever fluctuating stock market, the stagnant housing market, the job market, etc. These are the things that are affecting Americans the hardest and most noticeably. Job security is important, but it's not a luxury a lot of Americans enjoy. The cost of living is only going up. Federal cuts to higher education are causing enormous tuition increases across the nation. At the University of Washington, and expected 20% tuition increase is expected to take effect next year.
We're told money can't buy us happiness. Well, lack of money sure can cause a whole lot of strife.
The American military is doing too much. A country that's suffering economically can't try to revive an entire country that has no economy, infrastructure, or even stable government. We've got to get our troops moving out, get our money back into the U.S. and figure out how to save our citizens at home before we try to save the world.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
The Grand 'Ole Party
Here is the first 30 min. of last nights NH GOP debate:
If you're at all interested in politics and how the 2012 Presidential election could play out, this first GOP debate of many to come was an interesting first look at the field of candidates. Being ideologically liberal, I have very few (if any) opinions that align with the Republican party, but I want to give my reaction to how the candidates dealt with the questions posed. I'll reserve my political opinions for a future post. Information is my fuel, politics a hobby. Here's my reaction to the debate:
I was amused, horrified, confused and annoyed through a majority of the debate. I expected to watch Romney field criticisms from his competitors, Gingrich to spiral into an unimpressive, disappointing mess, and a lot of sucking up to those red blooded, God fearing Americans.
Well, there certainly was sucking up.
However, nobody laid a finger on Romney. Pawlenty even had the opportunity served to him on a silver platter, and he sheepishly refused to explain his "Obamney-care" statements from the weekend prior. Here's what I think happened. Romney is a front-runner. Maybe THE front-runner. He spent his time debating Obama rather than his fellow candidates. He's got that superhero-esque jaw, presidential hairline. He's charismatic.
And apparently perfected the ability to stare his competition into silence.
I'm guessing the other candidates looked at '08, saw that Biden was the only one to not piss off Obama and followed suit for a shot at the ticket. Let's play nice.
Blah, boring.
I was rather appalled at Gingrich drawing a loose comparison of Nazis, Communists and Muslims. I think I get what he was trying to get at, but it really just made him sound like a bigot. Same for you, Mr. Cain and your remark about the "Muslims who are trying to kill us."
Bachmann worked the crowd, garnering annoying applause at every turn. She's like a scarier, more competent version of Sarah Palin. And she successfully announced (twice I believe) her ability to raise more than two dozen children. An extremely important quality I want in my President.
(Does sarcasm translate to text?)
I was basically bored to death every time Pawlenty spoke. I couldn't take Santorum seriously, because there's something about his face that makes me want to punch it.
Ron Paul unleashed his Libertarian, socially liberal views to an unforgiving, stuffy crowd, interested in God, America and God.
Basically, I was entertained until I was outraged.
I've always had a hard time trying on the point of view of a Republican because my views are so different. My Twitter feed from the evening reflects my snarky, bitchy point of view peppered with my political ideals. I'll follow this bunch of GOPers until the election, just so I can know how badly Obama really needs to get re-elected.
Step into the year 2011, Republican candidates. Taxes are good. Gay marriage isn't a government issue. Neither is abortion. Energy security is important. Can't we just all be friends?
Well, there certainly was sucking up.
However, nobody laid a finger on Romney. Pawlenty even had the opportunity served to him on a silver platter, and he sheepishly refused to explain his "Obamney-care" statements from the weekend prior. Here's what I think happened. Romney is a front-runner. Maybe THE front-runner. He spent his time debating Obama rather than his fellow candidates. He's got that superhero-esque jaw, presidential hairline. He's charismatic.
And apparently perfected the ability to stare his competition into silence.
I'm guessing the other candidates looked at '08, saw that Biden was the only one to not piss off Obama and followed suit for a shot at the ticket. Let's play nice.
Blah, boring.
I was rather appalled at Gingrich drawing a loose comparison of Nazis, Communists and Muslims. I think I get what he was trying to get at, but it really just made him sound like a bigot. Same for you, Mr. Cain and your remark about the "Muslims who are trying to kill us."
Bachmann worked the crowd, garnering annoying applause at every turn. She's like a scarier, more competent version of Sarah Palin. And she successfully announced (twice I believe) her ability to raise more than two dozen children. An extremely important quality I want in my President.
(Does sarcasm translate to text?)
I was basically bored to death every time Pawlenty spoke. I couldn't take Santorum seriously, because there's something about his face that makes me want to punch it.
Ron Paul unleashed his Libertarian, socially liberal views to an unforgiving, stuffy crowd, interested in God, America and God.
Basically, I was entertained until I was outraged.
I've always had a hard time trying on the point of view of a Republican because my views are so different. My Twitter feed from the evening reflects my snarky, bitchy point of view peppered with my political ideals. I'll follow this bunch of GOPers until the election, just so I can know how badly Obama really needs to get re-elected.
Step into the year 2011, Republican candidates. Taxes are good. Gay marriage isn't a government issue. Neither is abortion. Energy security is important. Can't we just all be friends?
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Anonymity is Toxic
I've been spending too much time on Twitter, the "dumpster of the internet" I once heard a certain @mr_pancakes put it. And it really does live up to that name, at times.
I use Twitter as an opportunity to share my take on the world through the lens of someone who finds humor in almost anything. I try to be upbeat, light and funny. I'm sure my constant barrage of Tweets gets annoying for some of my followers, but it keeps me entertained. And that's really what it's about, right? Entertainment... right?
I'm going to preface my point by stating that I'm a generally optimistic person. I choose to see the best in people. I tend to always assume everyone's intentions are basically good.
BUT...
Twitter, that impersonal, anonymous beast of social networking, has started to really bother me. People are crazy mean there. They're rude, hateful, ignorant, and looking to pick fights. A part of me is thankful nobody really gives me the time of day on Twitter. I don't really have to worry about "backlash" for anything I post. I tend to keep my opinions about politics and sensitive issues here. And probably for the better.
The anonymity of Twitter is toxic.
The capacity people have to be cruel is amplified when they don't have to be personally responsible for the consequences of their cruelty. Basically, you can be a horrible bastard on Twitter and it really doesn't matter.
Seeing too much of that evil only makes me cynical.
I choose to follow people who are entertaining. I like crude, obnoxious humor. I don't like crude, obnoxious people. There's a difference, people.
Blah, I've been drinking too much Jameson.
Also, I've just discovered Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie is on Netflix Instant. Do yourself a favor and watch that shit now.
#ff @pattonoswalt @Tony_Cala @mr_pancakes @zyoungs108 @DamonLindelof @AlecBaldwin
I use Twitter as an opportunity to share my take on the world through the lens of someone who finds humor in almost anything. I try to be upbeat, light and funny. I'm sure my constant barrage of Tweets gets annoying for some of my followers, but it keeps me entertained. And that's really what it's about, right? Entertainment... right?
I'm going to preface my point by stating that I'm a generally optimistic person. I choose to see the best in people. I tend to always assume everyone's intentions are basically good.
BUT...
Twitter, that impersonal, anonymous beast of social networking, has started to really bother me. People are crazy mean there. They're rude, hateful, ignorant, and looking to pick fights. A part of me is thankful nobody really gives me the time of day on Twitter. I don't really have to worry about "backlash" for anything I post. I tend to keep my opinions about politics and sensitive issues here. And probably for the better.
The anonymity of Twitter is toxic.
The capacity people have to be cruel is amplified when they don't have to be personally responsible for the consequences of their cruelty. Basically, you can be a horrible bastard on Twitter and it really doesn't matter.
Seeing too much of that evil only makes me cynical.
I choose to follow people who are entertaining. I like crude, obnoxious humor. I don't like crude, obnoxious people. There's a difference, people.
Blah, I've been drinking too much Jameson.
Also, I've just discovered Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie is on Netflix Instant. Do yourself a favor and watch that shit now.
#ff @pattonoswalt @Tony_Cala @mr_pancakes @zyoungs108 @DamonLindelof @AlecBaldwin
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
America's Broken
And now its gone.
This particular story rings especially true for myself. About two years ago, my brother and I received an inheritance. I chose to pay for college, my brother invested his money to open up a business with our step-dad. It was his dream to own and operate a LAN center (a place to play video games), so he started collaborating. A long, drawn out two years later, the guys opened their doors.
It was his dream.
Shortly thereafter, my brother discovered the time and effort that goes into a new business was beyond what he could deal with. He was away from his girlfriend. He was broke and he wasn't making money. So he left. He left our-step dad to deal with the whole thing on his own. At this point, the business was already struggling, and his departure made things worse. Long story short, we're looking for a buyer.
Financially, the business was a bust for all involved. My mom's roped into the mess just as much as the boys. Personally, I find it difficult to remove the emotions I have regarding the business. I should feel lucky though, I have no money tied up in a failing business. I sympathize, but at the same time, feel that familiar, ugly "I-told-you-so" voice in the back of my mind.
Without going too much into the situation (so not worth it anyway), I guess the point I'm trying to make is the economy is tough. This isn't new, you say. True, but for me, the realization about how tough it really is just hit me.
It actually baffles me.
I see so many knowledgable, intelligent, well-grounded people with policy ideas and improvements. But how can radical policy change take place in such a static, unalterable system? No matter the promises politicians make, how can the follow through in a political landscape filled with extreme partisanship?
Cynicism at its finest, front and center.
The first step on the road to change has got to be structural from within. If the system doesn't change, policy won't change. Before structural change is even possible, we must be willing to accept the reality that the way the government has been operating doesn't work. Accept this, and be willing to step into the idea that altering our system may leave us with something fundamentally un-American.I really appreciated the way Alec Baldwin put it via Twitter:
Raise taxes and certain fees. Trouble is, when we're done, that country may not look like America any more.
We face one great fact, in my opinion. And that is that once we address that debt, cut the necessary spending
US debt is $63 trillion, according to today's USA Today. Over half a mill per citizen.
"Trouble is, when we're done, that country may not look like America anymore"
The real fear for Americans lies in a truth that's been ignored by many. We're slipping behind. If you're reading this and you're an American, you've enjoyed living in a country that is globally influential and relevant, a world power. But the world is changing. And it seems to me our remedy is ignorance.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
The Fall of the State Park
While browsing the New York Times online, I stumbled across a familiar picture, Deception Pass, a State Park in my fair state of Washington. I was excited to see our beautiful park featured on the Times, but then I began reading the article:
In State Parks, the Sharpest Ax Is the Budget’s
 |
| Tillamook State Park, OR |
In Washington state, the government has been able to keep our state parks free and open to the public for visit. However in a majority of states across the country, it costs a fee to be able to enter parks. It looks like Washington's state parks have held out as long as they could. Starting July 1st, it'll cost $10 for a daily visit, or $30 for an annual pass.
Another victim of budget cuts. Blah.
First of all, I despise the phrase budget cuts. Being a student at the University of Washington has made me all the more aware of how reckless government spending, overly beefed-up defense spending, and tax cuts cause suffering to the most important sectors of our country, like higher education.
I suppose in the grand scheme of things, state parks don't have the same clout as higher education. However, state parks are important nonetheless.
In today's world, I really have no idea how many people really make a point to visit state parks. To me, being in nature, removed from the city, cut off from technology, cooking dinner on a fire, sleeping outside, is simplest form of happiness. I know camping isn't what a lot of people consider fun, but I think everyone could benefit from reconnecting with nature once in a while.
 |
| Mt. Rainer Nat'l Park, WA |
At the risk of sounding like a raging hippie (trust me, I'm not, I just live in Seattle), a no technology allowed camping trip could make the country a happier place. Learn to enjoy nature for what it is, void of the constant stimulation of our computer screens and cell phones. State parks are the perfect catalyst.
Now that Washington state parks are going to charge for entrance, I foresee a greater decline in their usage. That makes me sad.
All I'm saying is, go camping. Support your state parks. I promise, if you give it a chance, you'll leave a happier person.
Should Rep. Weiner Resign?
My turn to weigh in:
I suppose I could use my blog as a way to share my opinions about things that effect other people and not just me. I suppose that'd make sense. Seeing as the biggest headline in the papers probably being printed as I type this will be about Rep. Weiner's admission of guilt surrounding inappropriate online exchanges with women, here's my opinion on the matter.
Admittedly, I knew little about Rep. Weiner before the story broke in late May about a "suggestive" photo sent via Twitter to a college student in Seattle from his account. He's a New York politician. I'm a student in Seattle. The disconnect is clear. However, my opinion is based on the question whether or not he should resign.
In my ideal political machine, the constituency that is represented by a particular politician should have the right to elect said representative and also have the right to "un-elect" him. When I vote, I chose someone who I think will best represent my voice on the political, legislative level. My representatives represent me and what I have to say. Therefore, if a representative's ability to represent are compromised, by say a tabloid scandal or questionable ethics, then I feel I should have the right to voice my opinion on the matter. If enough of my fellow constituents are unhappy, with sufficient evidence, I think a resignation might be in order.
So that would never really happen.
There are far too many flaws with pulling this off and basically every politician would be in question just because of the ugly nature of partisanship.
So in the real world, should Rep. Weiner resign?
No.
It's an unfortunate fact that public figures' private lives are often put on trial rather than their ability to do their actual job. What Rep. Weiner did was a completely private (perhaps inappropriate) matter. His having had online relationships with other women clearly did not effect his ability to carry out the responsibilities of representing his constituency, he was an up and comer, a favorite for a future New York mayoral bid. He's a completely capable, if not brilliant politician.
But, ugly tabloid attention, rampant internet rumors and countless jokes made at his expense could (and probably have) profoundly marred his confidence, fearlessness, and drive to do what he was elected to do.
I don't agree with his private actions, but who am I to judge someone I don't privately know?
I sympathize with his situation. You see these things over an over again, with the media the way it is, the instant movement of information from one side of the globe to the other. It makes it practically impossible to have a private life, no matter who you are.
Privacy is a commodity of the past, we all live in public.
In the end, I don't see a necessarily bright future for Rep. Weiner. The flak he's bound to receive from Republicans and Democrats alike will undoubtedly be his downfall. He's good at what he does and it's a shame that a "sex scandal" has undoubtedly destroyed his once promising career.
I suppose I could use my blog as a way to share my opinions about things that effect other people and not just me. I suppose that'd make sense. Seeing as the biggest headline in the papers probably being printed as I type this will be about Rep. Weiner's admission of guilt surrounding inappropriate online exchanges with women, here's my opinion on the matter.
Admittedly, I knew little about Rep. Weiner before the story broke in late May about a "suggestive" photo sent via Twitter to a college student in Seattle from his account. He's a New York politician. I'm a student in Seattle. The disconnect is clear. However, my opinion is based on the question whether or not he should resign.
In my ideal political machine, the constituency that is represented by a particular politician should have the right to elect said representative and also have the right to "un-elect" him. When I vote, I chose someone who I think will best represent my voice on the political, legislative level. My representatives represent me and what I have to say. Therefore, if a representative's ability to represent are compromised, by say a tabloid scandal or questionable ethics, then I feel I should have the right to voice my opinion on the matter. If enough of my fellow constituents are unhappy, with sufficient evidence, I think a resignation might be in order.
So that would never really happen.
There are far too many flaws with pulling this off and basically every politician would be in question just because of the ugly nature of partisanship.
So in the real world, should Rep. Weiner resign?
No.
It's an unfortunate fact that public figures' private lives are often put on trial rather than their ability to do their actual job. What Rep. Weiner did was a completely private (perhaps inappropriate) matter. His having had online relationships with other women clearly did not effect his ability to carry out the responsibilities of representing his constituency, he was an up and comer, a favorite for a future New York mayoral bid. He's a completely capable, if not brilliant politician.
But, ugly tabloid attention, rampant internet rumors and countless jokes made at his expense could (and probably have) profoundly marred his confidence, fearlessness, and drive to do what he was elected to do.
I don't agree with his private actions, but who am I to judge someone I don't privately know?
I sympathize with his situation. You see these things over an over again, with the media the way it is, the instant movement of information from one side of the globe to the other. It makes it practically impossible to have a private life, no matter who you are.
Privacy is a commodity of the past, we all live in public.
In the end, I don't see a necessarily bright future for Rep. Weiner. The flak he's bound to receive from Republicans and Democrats alike will undoubtedly be his downfall. He's good at what he does and it's a shame that a "sex scandal" has undoubtedly destroyed his once promising career.
A Remote Viewer
Another night where sleep eludes me.
I've been thinking about the future a lot these days. And by a lot I mean about every waking moment I'm not stuck inside some TV show or making small talk at work. Maybe because most of my friends are graduating in a few short days. Maybe it's because of the spectacular fizzle of my family's new business. Maybe it's because of the miserable state I can't help but to view the world in.
Maybe it's a lack of sleep.
Whatever it is, I've found myself more than preoccupied with thinking about what to do rather than doing the things that are most important right now. I'm not just talking about term papers and homework, but things like keeping alive my social relationships, having meaningful conversation, making human connection. Human to human contact is what makes me tick, and I've been glued to this computer screen for far too long. It doesn't help that my Blackberry allows for a constant wired connection, plugged into social networking, the New York Times, and email every moment of my day.
It seems self-centered.
Preoccupied with my stuff, all day, every day. I might be missing out on the world.
I've been thinking about the future a lot these days. And by a lot I mean about every waking moment I'm not stuck inside some TV show or making small talk at work. Maybe because most of my friends are graduating in a few short days. Maybe it's because of the spectacular fizzle of my family's new business. Maybe it's because of the miserable state I can't help but to view the world in.
Maybe it's a lack of sleep.
Whatever it is, I've found myself more than preoccupied with thinking about what to do rather than doing the things that are most important right now. I'm not just talking about term papers and homework, but things like keeping alive my social relationships, having meaningful conversation, making human connection. Human to human contact is what makes me tick, and I've been glued to this computer screen for far too long. It doesn't help that my Blackberry allows for a constant wired connection, plugged into social networking, the New York Times, and email every moment of my day.
It seems self-centered.
Preoccupied with my stuff, all day, every day. I might be missing out on the world.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Account Disabled?
Finally, after a tense 72 hours, my blog was lifted of its suspension.
On Friday, I decided to delete an old Blogger account that contained a few blogs I write, including this one. I wanted to transfer them to my Google account associated with my gmail account, thereby making it easier for me to access on a day to day basis (hopefully making me more inclined to actually write). After exporting my blogs to my computer for future upload, I deleted my old account. From there, I uploaded my blogs to my new Blogger account, and boom! I received the timely and friendly message that my account had been "disabled, suspended or deleted."
SUCK IT!
I spent way too much time trying to figure out what the issue was. Funny, I go through these long, drawn out spells of not posting, but as soon as I'm actually unable to post, I have a hundred and a half things to write about. I wrote Google in excess in order to rectify the issue. Days went by. No response from Google, though I suppose I wasn't really expecting a response since they tell you they won't. But finally, just a few short moments ago, I attempt once again to access my dashboard, tears of frustration collecting in the corners of my eyes, and presto!
Access granted.
Welp, I did some digging and it looks like the actual reason my account was disabled is due to the spam algorithms Google runs in order to find spam blogs (is that what they're called?). I've been using Blogger as a host for my recent experiment in podcasting. This involves me linking my posts to another site that hosts the audio file. Apparently, Google's algorithms detect for blogs that link to one address as a hallmark of spamming.
Lesson learned, Google.
Looks like now I can finally get this sudden urge to write out of my system and these words out of my head. Apologies for any readers who are lost at my sudden movement to a different URL. Hopefully you'll find me once again.
On Friday, I decided to delete an old Blogger account that contained a few blogs I write, including this one. I wanted to transfer them to my Google account associated with my gmail account, thereby making it easier for me to access on a day to day basis (hopefully making me more inclined to actually write). After exporting my blogs to my computer for future upload, I deleted my old account. From there, I uploaded my blogs to my new Blogger account, and boom! I received the timely and friendly message that my account had been "disabled, suspended or deleted."
SUCK IT!
I spent way too much time trying to figure out what the issue was. Funny, I go through these long, drawn out spells of not posting, but as soon as I'm actually unable to post, I have a hundred and a half things to write about. I wrote Google in excess in order to rectify the issue. Days went by. No response from Google, though I suppose I wasn't really expecting a response since they tell you they won't. But finally, just a few short moments ago, I attempt once again to access my dashboard, tears of frustration collecting in the corners of my eyes, and presto!
Access granted.
Welp, I did some digging and it looks like the actual reason my account was disabled is due to the spam algorithms Google runs in order to find spam blogs (is that what they're called?). I've been using Blogger as a host for my recent experiment in podcasting. This involves me linking my posts to another site that hosts the audio file. Apparently, Google's algorithms detect for blogs that link to one address as a hallmark of spamming.
Lesson learned, Google.
Looks like now I can finally get this sudden urge to write out of my system and these words out of my head. Apologies for any readers who are lost at my sudden movement to a different URL. Hopefully you'll find me once again.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Five Months?
Howdy.
As usual a cool, what, five months have passes? Well, whatever it is, it's been a while. I've imported my previous blog to a new email address for my sake. I had this blog under a different email address other than my gmail account. Now everything is where it belongs. I'm hoping the move will help keep me more on the ball about writing. Lostophile's blogs put mine to shame.
Anywho, long story short, I'm gonna start writing again. We're in the final days of Spring quarter at the U, so I'm guessing the Summer will bring ample writing time.
Oh, and I just had the realization that I lost my entire list of Dave songs on my last computer. Most people who are gonna read this probably didn't know my last Mac (may she rest in peace) died of drowning. But now that I've got my shiny new Mac up and running, the words are flowing freely. I'll probably just stop my Dave posts and start writing about whatever comes from my tiny little brain.
Thanks, and don't forget to follow me.
As usual a cool, what, five months have passes? Well, whatever it is, it's been a while. I've imported my previous blog to a new email address for my sake. I had this blog under a different email address other than my gmail account. Now everything is where it belongs. I'm hoping the move will help keep me more on the ball about writing. Lostophile's blogs put mine to shame.
Anywho, long story short, I'm gonna start writing again. We're in the final days of Spring quarter at the U, so I'm guessing the Summer will bring ample writing time.
Oh, and I just had the realization that I lost my entire list of Dave songs on my last computer. Most people who are gonna read this probably didn't know my last Mac (may she rest in peace) died of drowning. But now that I've got my shiny new Mac up and running, the words are flowing freely. I'll probably just stop my Dave posts and start writing about whatever comes from my tiny little brain.
Thanks, and don't forget to follow me.
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