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September 17, 2005
Much Needed Rain and the Alarm Clock
I think we've sprung a leak...
This was the situation we awoke to at 12:00a.m. this morning. I had to jump up and run about the house slamming windows in the face of a deluge. Yes, it now seems quite silly in light of our southern friends' plight, but this morning it seemed quite serious (thunder and lightning included). The storm must have been somewhat localized, as there is no mention of heavy rainfall on the local weather sites. Is there a cloud over my head?
"Holy mother of all rain!" I exclaimed.
"What time is it?" was all Jesse could mumble.
"12a.m.... that is real time, not Drew time" I replied.
At some point in my teens (I do not remember when), I resorted to setting my alarm clock ahead by half an hour, in an effort to trick myself into not being so late in rising. Now, many years later, the habit continues despite my waking long before the thing tries to roust me. Conditioning has taught me to quickly calculate the half hour's difference when asked or checking the time; I don't even have to think about it. Having someone nearby to report "real time" to , causes me to examine the comedy in this.
Posted by capecodcyclist at 02:36 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
September 13, 2005
How Katrina Turned me Republican
The conduct of left wingers out there over the past couple of weeks has erased any lingering doubts in my mind as to why I have been leaning more toward the conservative side as each year passes. Any liberal ideas I share with the left (on the environment and energy conservation) will remain secondary to the belief that the Republicans are our only hope of maintaining everything that makes America great.
While people were just beginning to be plucked from roof tops in New Orleans, the anti-America, blame-government-first, Bush-haters were immediately on the hunt for a political spin they could put on this tragedy. A situation that boggled the mind, that left us all in horror at its magnitude, was immediately turned into an attack on our President and evidence for his impeachment. This has been the most disgusting form of muck raking we have ever witnessed in this country. Accusations were even floated about racism playing a part in the chaotic response to this catastrophe. Never mind that Louisiana has been primarily Democrat since the civil rights movement. Who cares that our system is set up in such a way that local and state authorities respond first, and that, to keep our federal government from having too much power, a state must officially request federal intervention. Forget about the Democrats broken promises to the people of Louisiana and utterly failing them. The liberals smelled blood, and seized the opportunity.
For anyone who still needs to know my justification for changing my status as a lifelong Independent, I would refer you to the information highway - the internet. The evidence is here, for us all to see. The vicious, mean-spirited, verbal attacks are forever recorded in blog posts, comments, articles and forums at each click of the mouse. Were I less inclined toward the patriotic view that America is worth every ounce of blood and protection we can afford, I might have been swayed by some of the initial arguments. I am willing and capable of admitting wrong. However, the bitter, nasty, combative attacks of more educated than, better informed than, holier than thou, liberals who swarmed to their keyboards would have been enough to forever repulse me from ever wanting to be identified with this kind of self-centered, hate. With fellow citizens like this, who needs enemies?
Originally, this post included examples of the attitudes and language used. A day later, I decided to remove these. Enough is enough. Having to preface the copied comments with apologies for the language used should have been enough for me to realize the comments weren't worthy of repeating. Should you choose to investigate the validity of my claims, there are personal attacks by the hundreds in articles, blogs, and forums across the web. I have read them, and I am sickened by them. This only magnifies my disgust at their having used this death, destruction and misery to further their own premeditated agendas.
A word to the wise (or the unwise in this instance): should you wish to convince people of your beliefs, it is advisable that you not belittle or verbally assault them. Most people don't respond to that sort of enticement, although the few that I was witness to handled it quite well. I was left with the perception that these people were so enthralled with their own wit, so convinced of their saintliness, that they had no equals.
This is not to say that there were not civil dialogues. There were those who, although they shared the same beliefs, were quick to chastise these blow hards for their hateful attacks. There are still civilized people out there, and there were agreements reached on failures, just not on their causes. Although willing to agree that partisan politics was robbing the American people of their due, no agreement could be reached as to a solution.
What I found most comical about several of the more nasty individuals, was that when they were called out on their behavior, or repeatedly faced with opinions they did not want to hear, they "stomped" away, never to return. One such individual (who repeatedly used profanity in attacking those who diagreed with him), went so far as to disallow and close all comments on his blog. His justification for this was so conservatives could not "spread their propaganda." Okay, I can understand that. What I found most laughable was his complaining in his own blog posts that his comments were being deleted from other sites. So, let me get this straight. You don't allow comments on your own site, you viciously lash out at anyone who disagrees with you, and you are wondering why your comments are being deleted? It wouldn't have anything to do with your nasty disposition, would it?
There is another trend I have noticed in the blogosphere that I find amusing. When someone disagrees with a commenter, they will often criticize them for commenting anonymously. Well, "Mr.X" I find it interesting that you are criticizing someone for commenting anonymously when your comments are so clearly yours "Mr.X." This has occured on numerous occasions, on numerous sites, and they don't seem to see the hypocrisy in it. Unless the person is proud to stand behind their beliefs, how on earth are we to know whether the name on a comment is real or fictitious. Just for the record, I always include my full name with any comments on what I consider a serious issue.
Let me be the first to say that I am officially a Republican, and until we are free of people like this at the "moderate" center of the Democratic party, they may be surprised at the results of future elections. Until some alternative party comes along that is not so bent on their own chosen crusade that they ignore reality, I will be Republican. I have been moved to get more involved, and I am sure I am not the only one.
Posted by capecodcyclist at 07:49 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
WalMart Uses Katrina Response to Sway Public Opinion
Did anyone catch the article in the Boston Herald chastising U.S. Rep. Mike Capuano (D-Somerville) for urging parents not to do their back-to-school shopping at WalMart? It seems the article's author was swept away by WalMart's generosity in the wake of hurricane Katrina.
I will not argue that WalMart hasn't been helpful after this hurricane, but was it just a public relations move in an attempt to mop up from the storm of controversy over their treatment of employees? Regardless of WalMart's response, you can't ignore the way they mistreat people. There is fair and there is unfair, and I feel the way WalMart plays its suppliers, its employees and us, the taxpayers, is flagrantly abusive. I have never been a fan of the big box stores; I prefer giving the small, local guy my business when possible, but that is my choice. As long as they don't abuse their power, I have no beef with their business. When they start taking advantage of people and my tax dollars, I draw the line.
Feel free to check out the pdf report on WalMart prepared by the staff of Rep. George Miller (Calif.), the House Education and Workforce Committee's senior Democrat.
http://edworkforce.house.gov/democrats/WALMARTREPORT.pdf
Posted by capecodcyclist at 10:47 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
September 12, 2005
Faith and Hope
This is copied from my response to this posting on Boston Cod: An Open Letter To The President
Several times in comments to your posts, I have made clear that I feel our priorities as a country are totally out of whack. Were our focus where it should be: protecting our citizens from danger (foreign, domestic and natural), teaching our less fortunate to help themselves (rather than perpetuating the reliance on welfare), reducing our dependence on foreign oil (this starts at the local and individual level), fighting crime, reducing big government, and curbing the erosion of family values, we would be forging a good beginning. These are all constructive suggestions, and I question where those who are blaming government in this would stand. I question where monies in the state of Louisiana were being put to good use in any of these areas over the years... and that is no fault of the current administration, nor is it a political issue. Our priorities are completely messed and have been for some time!
Those leading the charge in making this tragedy a political issue, are those whose dream is a socialist Utopia - they are hellbent to see that capitalism fails. These are the same people who would have us believe that America and all it represents has been flawed back to Washington and Jefferson. They are convinced that capitalism is unfair and that somehow equality will be had when it has been destroyed. I disagree. The alternatives to democracy and capitalism are not the cure to our ills.
Some of us feel that the current administration was, and is, our best hope toward protecting our freedoms and our system of government. We are opposed to people who equate faith with the dark side, and a strong military with evil. Should we allow the blame-government-first crowd to forward their anti-America policies, the storm we would experience would be no natural disaster. God help us all.
The words faith, God and America are words that these people would prefer we eliminate from our vocabulary. Some of us still have some amount of faith and hope in democracy - and the courage to protect the American way of life. Courage is something these people would know nothing about. I am not saying you are one of these people, but in echoing their arguments you are playing right into their hands.
Posted by capecodcyclist at 08:22 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 09, 2005
No Accountability for Alt-News Weeklies
I once had hopes that alt-news weeklies would be the wave of the future for news on the internet. The perspectives you find outside mainstream media are sometimes more revealing and fresh. However, recent events have proven that this alternative view may come at a price. While mainstream media outlets are held somewhat accountable for their reporting, alt-weeklies seem to feel they have free license to embellish the truth. Plagiarism, distortion of facts and outright story telling seem to be standard fair for hurricane Katrina articles. Stories about President Bush's supposed ethnic cleansing policy and nasty diatribes against faith-based charities are just a few of the themes being spewed in some of the most irresponsible journalism I have ever read. Take, for example, this piece in the Boston Phoenix:
...when the White House initially posted a list of relief charities for a public frantic to help, its first instinct was to prioritize faith-based programs. Bush’s ghastly insensitivity — flying out to San Diego to compare himself with FDR and yukking it up with reporters about looking forward to sitting on Trent Lott’s reconstructed porch as poor black people were dying in the watery hell of New Orleans — combined with his transparently forced show of compassion were truly villainous.
When did it become okay to ridicule faith or religion in America? Is there something wrong with faith-based programs? Am I missing something here? Without faith, I don't think many would have made it through this catastrophe. The vilification of these charities and faith-based ideals seems to play a large role in this “alt-subculture.” They are anti-religion even to the point of using “G*d” instead of the word “God” in their articles and posts. The answers to what is wrong in America today may be easily found in a culture that equates faith with the dark side. These fear mongers seem intent on seeing Bush from office, as his openly expressed faith in God offends them, and they still feel his elections were "stolen."
Much of what these fools are spouting off about could not possibly be blamed on any one human being, political party, or even several terms as President, yet they seem to be of the conviction that this storm has miraculously exposed conservative prejudices, injustice, and evil, corporate greed. The socialist Utopians among them have even pointed to this storm's aftermath as glaring evidence of a growing lower class in this country. Had they any sense of their own, and were they not so intent on forwarding their blame-government-first, anti-America agenda, they might recognize just how preposterous these claims are. The destitute of the world would do anything to come to America, where even many of our poor are obese! This may seem callous, but it is true. The poorest among us have more wealth and opportunity than those in some countries will ever see in a lifetime. I am not saying there are not those among us who need our help and support, but this is not third world poverty. Lack of transportation was definitely a major factor in this tragedy, but does this mean every citizen should have a vehicle? Is this the answer, or was poor evacuation planning by local authorities to blame?
It may seem harsh to the feel-gooders out there, but the reality of poverty is that many of these people are simply incapable of living up to the same responsibilities that the average citizen meets each day. Mental illness, poor health habits, the resulting physical ailments, along with addiction and habitual laziness make some of the most poor among us their own worst enemies. We can do so much to help them, but they must be responsible for themselves and be willing to change first. There are simply people out there that have no wish to change, and these individuals are the authors of their own problems. This is hard for some to accept, but seeing the truth in this is the first step toward being able to honestly help. The only help we can offer many of these people is to teach them to help themselves.
In this atmosphere, it is difficult to avoid falling into the trap of politics. At a time when we should be most concerned with the rescue efforts in progress, we are sucked into an empty debate. Yet, defending America and our ideals seems worthy enough cause for me. Once people have time to put energy back into politics, the perpetrators of this attack on our government will soon realize the results of their lack of judgement in this. The backlash against these haters of America will soon show them that their misplaced anger was not shared by many of those they claim to be championing. Trying to incite a race war, when prejudice had nothing whatsoever to do with this, is the most irresponsible abuse of journalism I have witnessed in my lifetime.
I will say it again... we just don't get it! Turning tragedy into politics and sowing confrontation when we most need cooperation is both unpatriotic and disgusting.
Posted by capecodcyclist at 08:49 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
September 08, 2005
Only in America
You people just don't get it
Of that, there is no doubt
So many dead and dying
Entire cities just wiped out.
This storm wrought devastation
And chaos in its wake
As heroes rushed in silently
With courage not to shake.
So write your spiteful satire
Analyze the aftermath like a game
Spinning tragedy into politics
Pointing fingers, laying blame.
There is no political party
That would not turn back time
To suggest otherwise is merely evidence
Of your cruel, uncaring crime.
So remember at the next election
When you are shaking your heads in doubt
We will not forget that you blamed America
And what this country is all about.
America is the land of opportunity
The pursuit of happiness for all
We protect and value our freedom
And help neighbors when they call.
A patriot is man or woman
Who waves their flag with pride
Defending our American way of life
Casting differences aside.
Storms may shake our foundations
Yet they will all hold strong
For the underpinnings of our society
Have been true so long.
There is no point to this debate
The damage has been done
What people need is a helping hand
With kindness in each one.
So forget the words of wisdom
They do no justice to the pain
The only voices that should be heard
From victims of this hurricane.
Posted by capecodcyclist at 06:56 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 07, 2005
Questioning the Intentions
I am happy that we have found housing for 2,500 guests from the gulf coast, but I am concerned that some seem to be thinking this will be a permanent move for them. Who would choose Cape Cod as a place to start a new life? Were I not already established here, I certainly wouldn't. Lets take these people to one of the most expensive, traffic congested, air-polluted places to live in the United States! This is not a condemnation of these people or this move, it is an indictment of the place I call home. Our most educated young people escape over the bridges at their earliest opportunity, and this reveals their true intelligence. Suggesting that these people should make a go of it here, in this economic climate, going into the off-season, just makes no sense.
Was this move lobbied for by someone interested in keeping the base open? One has to wonder. Don't get me wrong, I grew up with Otis in my back yard and felt safe knowing our military was being housed and trained here. I have been a dedicated supporter of the base being used for the betterment of our military. The not-in-my-back-yard crowd has gotten their wish with the base being slated for closure. What use is a base to the military when it is surrounded by folks that have made it impossible for them to even train there properly? Personally, I will miss the military presence here. If housing these people on the base will give cause to keep our military active here, then maybe the move is worth it - just not for the people being used as pawns in this game.
Posted by capecodcyclist at 06:59 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
September 06, 2005
Using Tragedy for Politics
These comments were made in response to the following article: An Open Letter From Cape Cod to the President
Your post would have been more appropriately titled, “Ignorant of the Real Problems, a Letter From Left Field.” I think you will be surprised at the backlash that will result from the politicizing of this catastrophe. Untold in your Presidential popularity polls is the anger many of us harbor toward the “blame America and the government first” crowd. These are the same people who blamed September eleventh on America and our government. Now, they have jumped on this tragedy in another attempt to encourage confrontation at a time when we should most be focused on cooperation.
This storm's destruction is unlike any we have ever seen. What purpose is there in laying blame or pointing fingers? Would the response have been different under a different administration at a different time? I think not! There was nothing political about this storm or its results. Disasters like this must be reacted to on a situational basis, and one would have to agree this is an extreme situation. Have there been errors and oversights? There certainly have, but the lack of preparedness and levy improvement monies are a matter of our priorities being screwed up as a country, not a reflection on our current administration.
You people say that you just want the President held accountable. Unfortunately, your anger is misdirected. The only indictment here should be on you and I. We have allowed our representatives (on both sides of the aisle) to become so embroiled in this petty partisan cold war, that little of importance to the American people can be accomplished. We have elected officials so concerned about special interests, bringing home the bacon in pork barrel spending, and how to finance their next campaign, that we have all been “thrown under the bus.” Priority number one should be protecting the American public from disaster, disease, crime and terrorism (foreign and domestic). Where have our priorities been? At least Bush has stayed true in the war on terrorism, but what of the other issues I mentioned and additional crises of important to us? Much of the monies that might be put to use in the remainder of these is squandered away on feel-good programs that accomplish little but creating more dependence on a government monster grown too big to handle. Pork barrel spending and a bureaucracy run-wild suck the coffers dry. The two sides are too divided and self-serving to work together at much of anything... unless it benefits them.
I have yet to see another party take up the challenge and unify behind a true message of progress. Were there some party of compromise, willing to tackle the issues based on public desire rather than their own personal crusades, they would garner my support. For now, however, my lifelong status as an Independent remains, and my support goes to the party that seems most concerned with protecting our lives and liberties. All of my concerns are secondary to the belief that America is great and should be protected at all cost.
We are all horrified at this disaster and its aftermath, but this does not blind us from the disgust that we feel toward people spinning this into a political attack. An honest analysis would tell us that the President is doing everything in his power to help the people affected by this storm. To suggest otherwise reeks of the worst kind of muck raking. Your popularity polls will not be with us in the voting booth when we are remembering this disgusting use of peoples' trauma as political ammunition.
Posted by capecodcyclist at 09:49 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Fuel Economy
I know, it seems petty to be worrying about fuel economy with all of the tragedy in the world, but I was concerned before Katrina roared ashore. Here is my current m.p.g. data, for more visit my Commute-a-Blog.
Posted by capecodcyclist at 06:28 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 04, 2005
Why Do Americans Hate Politics?
"No wonder Americans hate politics when, year in and year out, they hear politicians make promises that won't come true because they don't even mean them - campaign fantasies that win elections but don't get nations moving again."Bill Clinton, Detroit Economic Club, August 21, 1992
42nd president of the United States (1946 - )
This week's events are a perfect example of why Americans have come to hate politics. When the nation should be unified and focused on the task at hand, our attention is diverted by those who seek to use this tragedy as political ammunition. We are hearing a lot of negativity from the Bush and America haters out there... a whole lot of mean-spirited talk that won't help to get the nation moving again. After September eleventh, everyone was focused on rescue, helping the families of those who lost loved ones and celebrating the heroes who sacrificed their lives in their efforts to rescue those in harms way. Where are the stories of the heroes after hurricane Katrina? There are hundreds, if not thousands. Their stories will be told in time. Unfortunately, today we must endure the politics, muck raking and blame game that has ensued since this catastrophe. Who wants to be part of a process that has become so self-serving that something so terrible is spun into a political debate?
Do you know me? Do you think you know my political affiliations? Yes, many of my views are conservative, but I have many concerns considered liberal. I have been registered Independent (and have voted that way) for all of my eighteen voting years. Just because I think anger at this disaster is being misdirected, does not mean I don't share many views with you. If I didn't attend your church, would that mean I was going to hell? That is the attitude, venomously spit out by some of those who have convicted our President in all of this. Expressing the contrary opinion that our President is not to blame, but our priorities as a country are at fault, I have been called a "scumbag" and an "ass ****." It is no wonder that many people hate politics.
Too many of us are more focused on confrontation and blame placing than we are on contributing to the solution. Anyone touched by this situation is going to be left feeling that the response has been inadequate. However, had the entire country been lined up at these state's borders, waiting for the storm to pass, we would have been left with the same scenario. This storm was devastating, and those closest to it are understandably emotionally spent and looking for answers. We all are. We must move on from this and focus on being part of the positive force that holds us together as a nation.
Posted by capecodcyclist at 09:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 03, 2005
Playing the Blame Game
We should all take a lesson from the situation down south, but the conclusions being drawn by some are way out in left field. Had there been a category five hurricane barreling toward Cape Cod last Thursday, would there have been a different response because of our population's ethnic make up or economic status? The simple and honest answer is no! To twist this into a political, racial or social issue is just plain ignorant.
The reality is that these states were just slammed full-force by a nightmare storm. The humanitarian efforts afterward have not come close to meeting the needs of the victims or this situation. Do you honestly think that President Bush and everyone concerned is not trying there damnedest to remedy this? To suggest otherwise reeks of nothing but politics.
Now is a time for coming together to do whatever we can to help those in need. We must get our priorities straight! It is unfortunate that it takes these disastrous wake up calls to bring us together. The irresponsible finger pointing and politicizing of this tragedy shows that the concept of unity and support during these difficulties has been lost on some.
Posted by capecodcyclist at 04:02 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
September 02, 2005
A Fine Example of Perversion
If politics are your thing, I would suggest checking out what the "progressive" take is on the tragedy down south. I am astounded at the preposterous accusations flowing from those who are latching onto this horror show and spinning it into political propaganda. For an example, I would suggest this ignorant tirade. If you are already fed up with the way this tragedy is being made into a media circus, I would suggest just doing your part to help those in need and avoid these morons completely.
Posted by capecodcyclist at 06:55 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Rising Fuel Prices Change Habits
Quickly rising fuel prices are already changing people's habits. While tempers flare and reports of assaults on gas station owners and attendants are on the rise, many are simply bypassing unnecessary trips. My boss tells me of a neighbor who has loaded his dog into the truck for a morning drive every morning for years (perhaps going to make a deposit on someone else's property?). Yesterday was the first in memory that the truck sat idle, and the owner was seen walking the dog down the street. Summer's tourist season is winding down, but streets and parking lots seem less crowded than even off-season levels. The President has asked us to conserve and not fill up unnecessarily.
Maybe this is the wake up call we all needed. I can only hope that people don't fall back into their old habits should prices drop.
Posted by capecodcyclist at 06:43 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 01, 2005
Update: my Sister Polly
Like many looking for answers about loved ones, I became the victim of misinformation regarding my sister's escape from New Orleans after the horrors of the disaster down south. A family member incorrectly told me that Polly was already back in D.C. and interviewing to get her old job back, when in reality she was still trying to get away from it all. The good news is, she finished a fifteen hour trip to South Carolina today and is safe at a friend's house. Apparently, extended gas station visits slowed the trip tremendously. I can't imagine facing such a mess. Thank goodness she got out when she did.
To show how people come together at times like this, the guys at work started collecting money to send her. I was touched, and I am sure she will appreciate it as well... whatever the amount.
Posted by capecodcyclist at 09:12 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Insurgents Become Target in New Orleans
While the news and government officials keep referring to the mobs in New Orleans as "looters," I think labeling them insurgents would be better suited. Insurgents are defined as loose groups of people who take part in armed rebellion against a constituted authority. The description fits much of what is going on in New Orleans. At this point, we are not talking about the have-nots trying to take advantage of the haves (not that this would be an excuse). These are criminally minded people that are taking advantage of what they see as opportunity. They would be happy to be stealing any day of the week were nobody watching. It is the welfare mentality; the world owes these people something. With no fear of punishment, violence is an acceptable means of carrying out these raids on the property of others. I say, unless they are in a quick mart or super market, shoot on sight. Disaster or no, these people are animals... only they deserve less respect. Our military should break this insurgency now.
On the flip side of this coin, there is another type of person remaining in New Orleans - the caring individuals that have come from near and far to help in search and rescue efforts. These people are heroes, and every effort should be made to recognize them as such afterward. These people are wonderful examples of humanity. Without them, hundreds more would have been lost.
On a personal note: my sister had recently relocated from D.C. back to the hometown of her alma mater, Tulane. She escaped New Orleans with some clothes and her puppy and is back in D.C. making an attempt to start over. Her home, like that of thousands is under 12 feet of water. We are just happy she is safe. Thank god for the early warnings given by weather forecasters and government officials. It is hard to imagine the death toll had there not been warning.
Posted by capecodcyclist at 06:58 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack