Failing Upwards

Politics from the outside

Ok, maybe not "the outside" but definitely not from an informed source. I've never really "gotten" politics I keep trying to become more informed and more active and more and more I just get frustrated with the hate, ignorance, pettiness, and agendas that I just stop caring. Mostly I've been of the mind that I know what I like, and what I don't and I'll debate with my friends; people who, by and large, are reasonable- hell even when we disagree we can find some common ground. A concept that mainstream U.S. Politics is sorely missing.

But, as it's election day and I stupidly let my registration lapse (Sorry, I forgot that voting is when counties matter, just because I'm still in the same state why should I be able to vote easily?)I thought I'd jot down some thoughts. If my political muscle can't be flexed at the polls let it be flexed in the global community, such as it is

PROP 19

I guess I'll begin with the least polarizing issue of my peer group California's proposition for the legalization of marijuana I'm all for this. I'm not a pothead, nor even a drug user but from the potophiles that I've known, and there are many, I see zero reason for this to be a drug any more than caffeine. And, with the amount of money people spend on the stuff, were it to be taxed and regulated the state might get some much needed money. California already has medical marijuana, and frankly it's too easy to get a medical card. I know many, MANY people with them and know for a fact that they have no ailments to speak of. In my opinion, these people are defrauding a program designed to help people and that's despicable. But, were marijuana legal, not only would there be no fraud to worry about, the people that do legitimately need the drug could obtain it easier.

There are problems of course, I don't think it's a good idea for people to be able to grow their own. As stated above, it would need to be regulated. It's also still Federally considered an illegal drug which would have to be reconciled in some way. But, really, it should be decriminalized. What's the worst thing pot has led to? Napping? Weight gain? I personally don't get why people are so up in arms over pot. It used to be called a gateway drug, but studies have recently shown that to be untrue and in fact in my own experience the drug users I know have by and large been all pot all the time. And, of those users I would say most of them have had worse problems with alcohol than any other substance.

GAY MARRIAGE

This should be a no-brainier but I'm for it. Honestly if you're not for it than you're basically for people being treated differently based on circumstances that they can't control. It's exactly the same as when interracial couples couldn't marry in the 1960s, and it's part of a larger agenda of fear-mongering. People claim that it will damage the institution of marriage or that so-called traditional marriage would be less sacred. I've even heard that it would lead to a slippery slope in which people could marry barnyard animals, furniture, vegetables, etc. All of these arguments are patently idiotic as between straight people with the 50+% divorce rates and the current fascination with multiple person marriages (Sister Wives, Big Love, et al) “traditional” marriage is diluted and less sacred already. Hell, if you can do it at a drive-thru, it's not sacred. As far as the slippery slope...laws apply to humans, shut up

OBAMA

What president has changed the world in his first 2 years? Obama had a lot stacked up against him when he took office quite honestly the constant in-fighting and party-centric circle jerking would stop anyone from making vast sweeping changes. Also, he's a man, not a God. People need to lighten up on the guy. That's not to say that I'm all for him. While he did have my vote in '08 I do think that's he's trying to hard to be everyone's friend and not fighting for what he believes in, and what all of his supporters believed in. I'm still waiting for my healthcare, while daily praying that I don't get sick, or fall, or get in anyway injured. For people, especially the rich, predominately white, citizenry in my area to be completely ok with the idea that if I get sick, I could die because, although I have a job and work my ASS off I still have no insurance so tough shit makes me sick to my stomach. I would GLADLY pay higher taxes if some of that money went to helping people get the medical treatment they need. And before you say “county medical”, please apply for it, and try to see a doctor. The we'll talk. Wanna opt-out and pay for your own insurance? Ok, from what I've seen the Obama-care plan allows for that. I'm literally red-faced about this issue above all else. I thought this was America, the land of opportunity. Little did I know it was the opportunity to die form an easily curable infection because I'm not on the list. Silly me

As for Don't ask don't tell, I thought it was offensive and ridiculous when it was enacted and still do. I hear there are strides to get it pulled but courts keep blocking it. Why? Scared right-wing white men who are afraid that their secret Latin boy toys will be exposed if they seem pro gay. Let's move on

As to the assertions of socialism/fascism. Enh, in a perfect world socialism has tenants that are in fact good. That the ideology has always historically been linked to meglomanical crazies I think is bad luck more than anything. However, socialism is pretty screwed by human nature which causes people to always want more. Fascism, by the definitions I've read appears to be something both parties are after to a large degree. Is Obama either? Maybe, but in this nation where everything must be voted through committees, and votes and endless debate even if he was it wouldn't amount to anything, this leads me to...

PARTIES

Not all Democrats are Liberals, nor are all Republicans Conservatives. And even those who associate with those labels move around the political spectrum wildly . So why is that people seem convinced that ALL Democrats think alike? They don't. Ironically, when someone goes against their party it's seen as a a huge betrayal even though vote you conscience is also a tenant of politics. A party is a set of core values, not a brainwashing organization. Honestly, the party system makes me sick, only in that people tend to affiliate with a group and then solely associate with that group. How are you to get new ideas when you're constantly in a homogenous environment? It's like genetics, spread the genes around and you create a well-formed society, keep the genes together (by, say, mating with a sibling) and you get defects, mutations and disease. This is hardly new news people.

Similarly, this Bill O'Reilley vs The View thing. What he said was dumb, but it's a dumb many people agree with. But let me say this: to say “Muslims killed us on 9/11” is ignorant and is lumping people into unfair groups. Much like the terrorists involved with 9/11 who seem to believe that all Americans are the same so it doesn't matter quite which ones you kill. Just because there are a lot of [INSERT RELIGION HERE] extremists, doesn't mean ALL of even the vast majority of practitioners are extremists.

THE TEA PARTY

The newest offshoot of the Republican party (they claim to be non-partisan, which may be true but they appear to be predominately Republican), The Tea Party has a anti-incumbent pro-traditionalism standpoint. Sarah Palin is their figurehead in many respects, although anyone who doesn't think that she's, as a side job perhaps, just trying to stay socially relevant until her new reality show premieres is seriously missing the boat, and they named themselves after a historical act of rebellion against tyranny. These things all sound good, but why does everyone politically associated with this organization seem to: have major skeletons in the closet, be stupid, be racist, or have nothing really going for them except being photogenic. Seriously:

• Sharron Angle (R-NV): Gained national attention when one or her ads against rival Harry Reid was aired on “The View.” The ad, about immigration, showed scared white people cowering over shots of terrifying, twisted Hispanic men in “gang” garb. Anti-abortion (it's “against God's plan”,) anti-gay, alleged Scientologist.
• Ken Buck (R-CO) Anti-abortion, and anti gay. Said of Homosexuality"I think birth has an influence over it, like alcoholism… but I think that basically you have a choice." Really Ken? When did you decide to be straight? Not a bigot, which in fact is a choice, but when did you consciously decide you liked women?
• Carl Palladino (R-NY) ...let the internet tell you: “He personally opposes same-sex marriage. He has spoken negatively of the concept of gay pride particularly the sexual demonstrations at gay pride parades, which he believes are unsuitable for children. Innnn a speech to a group of Hasidic Jews organized by Yehuda Levin on 10 October 2010, Paladino said, “I just think my children and your children would be much better off and much more successful getting married and raising a family, and I don’t want them brainwashed into thinking that homosexuality is an equally valid and successful option — it isn’t.”He later stated that he did not agree with the statement and had not fully proofread the speech before he read it” He has a 10-year daughter from an affair.
• Nikki Haley (R-SC) Multiple allegations of affairs, including with disgraced former SC governor Mark Sanford. In her favor though she is of Sikh heritage and has fought hard against racism.
• Christine O'Donnell (R-DE) Constant late-night joke, alleged former witch, anti-masturbation, recently alleged to have had a tacky drunken Halloween one-night stand, and doesn't believe that separation of Church and State is laid out in the Constitution, a document I doubt she's read. (POINT OF ORDER she claims she was pointing about that the words separation of church and state do not appear in the first amendment, which is true, it was a phrase codified by Thomas Jefferson in a note written during his presidency, but the idea is affirmed in the Constitution as anyone who even barely paid attention in 8^th grade social studies knows)

I'm not saying that they don't have a point to a degree, As I said earlier spreading the ideas around is a good idea and some incumbents may need to go. But should they be replaced with the stellar choices above? Doubt it.

BULLYING

I'm going to take a different track on this, maybe if the self-hating closet case lawmakers would own up to who they are and stop making anti-gay laws while secretly providing half of the gay ghettos of the US with hooker fodder maybe this country would lighten up on the bullying. I am so sick and tired of watching the news and hearing some combination of the following: Straight, white, Republican, Preacher, Married, vehemently anti-gay, or Senator immediately followed by sex-scandal, rent-boy, underage boys, men's room, hookers, etc.

• Mark Foley
• Larry Craig
• Ted Haggard
• George Rekers
• Roy Ashburn
• Eddie Long

And several parties are trying to forcibly out Senator Lindsey Graham. If these men, powerful in their professions, had the guts so many of us have and would come out and admit who they are, maybe laws and attitudes would begin to change. But no, they are viciously anti-gay and in many cases make laws that keep us down while secretly being AT LEAST BISEXUAL. Be honest with yourself, and the world and and own up to your own thoughts and ideas, to do anything else is a lie. Also, as was always told to me when I was being bullied in school “He who screams faggot the loudest, sucks the best d**k”

I said earlier that I'm not too well informed about this stuff, and I'm not. But, as my not-legal-but-in-all-other-ways Husband said this evening when he was young he learned to ask “why”. And, though he might never get a real answer to “why” he'll never stop asking. That's where I'm at. I know I'll never know enough to be a political powerhouse but I do hope to always question, always learn and grow and most of all, to spread my ideas around and gather information, thoughts and ideas, And rail against those who don't

Opening myself up like never before!

Well hello there!

Several people has been reading this thing I laughingly call a "blog" for years. Through many incarnations, hosts, and titles, droves of people (read: 2) have been following my life and media reviews in this space. It's always been a fairly "closed" group.

But, now Typepad offers the ability to post directly to Facebook and Twitter so I've decided to actually publish more stuff and tell people about it! If my goal in life is to really be a media commentator I need a readership. Yes I realize my stuff in the epitome of amateurish but the more I do, the better it gets. Well, that's the hope at least.

If you decide to stay, please comment, I want feedback (especially if you have some ideas on what to name this mess.)  The format as it is now is mostly media reviews and commentary (as it were) but personal stuff will be there too, hell read back a while and it gets SUPER personal back there. If you decide to leave, that's fine too, I still love you. I'm not expecting anyone to become a regular but you're welcome to visit whenever.

I should also mention, and longtime reader will vouch, I has a tendency to has looooooooooooooooooong stretches of nothing in this space. Maybe "the muse" has eluded me, maybe I'm lazy either way I disappear often. I find the "mini-blog" aspect of FB and Twitter more appealing on a day-to-day basis. But I love to write. I really adore it and the only way to get better is to A)do it and B) have others read it.

So, welcome, stay awhile. Read back in the archives (running themes include: movies, TV, random, boredom, hatred of life, job and massive depression) and remember, as with FB and Twitter this space is used, not just for commentary but it's also a space to vent and release the demons form my head and into the ether. It relieves stress.

Welcome to the blog!

I geek therefore I am

I realize that my posts here have been rather business-like lately. Reviews, commentaries, and only the sporadic inkling of personality. Well that's me.

No I'm kidding. But actually there are several reasons for the change in focus. Mostly it's on the advice of a teacher. See last semester I took a news production class and for 18 glorious weeks I was fully immersed in working in TV news. It was incredible. And, fleeting though it was, it gave me a taste of something I could see myself doing when I'm released from my wretched coffee-soaked hell. But, my instructor advised me to write more. And, not just the pithy treatises I used to belch out- articles. So, I sat down and thought about how to do that and I realized that actual hard news writing wasn't really for me. But entertainment commentaries, those were right up my alley. So I began writing more movie reviews and TV reviews- I even toyed with music reviews but deleted them before posting. All of this in a effort to keep writing something. Yes, the posts were few and far between (and judging by the level of comment-based discourse deeply uninteresting) but they were there and they were fun. And, there will be more because I love doing them. But, in the last month, something has happened that's stopped my writing. A war has broken out and I've been tasked with helping to stop it.

A war in a world called Azeroth.

Yes, for about a month now I've been on the front lines in the cyber-war known as World of Warcraft (WoW). A fully immersive, role-playing online adventure (AKA MMORPG) where I join with other people from all over the world and...uh...well...blow shit up. Ok, it's not as high and mighty as curing cancer but it is really fun. And before you all start slinging Dungeons and Dragons jokes at me, hear me out. It all started, as evil usually does, at work. Several co-workers are players and would talk constantly about it. Knowing a bit about the RPG world I understood some but derided them as "geeks" and walked away. I like my games solitary- as God intended. I may suck at them, but at least I suck on my own! (Looking back, that was supposed to sound empowering, just missed the mark a bit there huh?) But I was intrigued. I got a trial subscription (yes, I pay money for this) and created a character ( a mage. Basically a wizard) and I was in.

The game basically plays as a long quest. You spend your time running around a fully interactive world killing, gathering, exploring, and learning. And dying. I'm really good at dying. Anyway, while there is a plot and objectives, they're a little oblique and "big picture" so you focus on smaller tasks (quests) that tell you to go somewhere and do something. Along the way, so can team up with other players, in some cases kill other players and transform your character from a weak level 1 (in nerd speak a n00b, or newbie) to a strong, powerful level 60.

The game is divided into about 100 servers ("realms") where the game runs 24/7 independently. You can't contact other servers so the things that happen in your game are only on your server. If you have friends on your server (especially higher level ones, like I'm lucky enough to have) they can help you out if you get stuck, that is when they're not in an instance (a specialized group quest or "raid" with more difficult objectives and bosses. Some require 40 players minimum) of their own.

Sure, I can hear you saying- and I agree- why can't you simply go out and interact with people in life? Well, I can-and do. But in my regular life I can't teleport, throw fireballs, cause a blizzard, kill ogres, slay dragons, sever a head or any of the thousands of things I can do daily in-game. It's a great stress reliever, a fun bonding device, and a marvel of technology.

You all know my obsessions with TV and film. Escapist entertainment avenues have ruled my life forever. This is just another facet of that part of the media I lock into. A chance to be someone new for a little while (NOTE: I do not role-play in the sense that speak like my character. That is a level of sad I will not lower to) while I do things that would be impossible in my life. So if you see this space lacking for updates, don't despair, simply say: WoW (Sorry, couldn't resist.)

I promise, something new (most likely and article of some form because I really love those) weekly. More if I can. I do have a life away from the computer too y'know. Oh, and how about that Lance Bass? was that the worst-kept secret in the history of ever or what?

Pain of the innocent

[Note: Serious is difficult for me. I tend to take a sarcastic bend on everything so when I need to be serious, well it's not my best writing. Just a warning]

On January 22, 2006 the Arizona House Health Committee passed a bill that requires women seeking an abortion after 20 weeks gestation to be told that at that stage the fetus has the structures necessary to experience pain.

I'll let that digest for a second.

Let's forget for a second my long held belief that those not in possession of a uterus should shut up when it comes to the abortion debate, and focus on this aspect of the whole problem. In my humble opinion this prospect seems unnecessarily cruel to the woman. They say it's so women could be more informed and choose to administer a secondary anesthetic but let's face it, hearing that news, anesthetic would not be your first reaction. Abject horror comes closest.

I don't claim to be an expert on this subject, or on medicine in general, but I have known 3 women who have had abortions. The decision to even go through with it was one of the most painful and heart wrenching things I've ever witnessed. The psychological, emotional, and physical recovery after the fact was excruciating- one of the women had the procedure almost 10 years ago and still suffers psychological scars- to add this new element to what is already a nightmarish experience seems monstrous. And, the bill states that doctors that don't comply with this bill will have their licenses suspended. Doesn't the Hippocratic Oath state "first do no harm"? So now we're punishing doctors for putting their extremely tense and scared patients' minds at ease?

Look, I see the point that they want women to know and therefore request the secondary anesthetic, I get it. But in my mind that should just be a given. Anesthesia blocks pain. If you're a doctor about to cause pain, you administer it. You don't ask first, this should be procedure no matter what. Taking the extra step and telling the woman who is already wrecked that you need her permission and why is absurd and frankly mean.

Now, I open it to you, especially the women in the audience, what are your thoughts? Besides, "Arizona is close to California, Nevada, and New Mexico where the doctors aren't sadists, go there for your abortion" or "get it done sooner than 20 weeks so this won't be a problem". I mean really. Do we believe this is a needed law (assuming it gets passed that is) or is it totally evil. Again, I'm a man- a gay man- this issue is totally alien to me on all levels, I'm simply reacting from an outside perspective in a horrified way. Am I justified? I'd like to know your thoughts, in comments or email.

Sign of the apocalypse

(Donny Osmond + Kathie Lee Gifford)An already fragile populace=The final nail in our collective coffins

Pre Geek-Out Link Dump

--How hot is 6-time Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phleps? In this ad for a new Speedo-brand underwear "Axcelerate". [Via]

--As VH1 is the best network ever, I watch it a lot. Some of their shows though are just wrong (See Strip Search and Kept. ) But because of them I'm learning tons about former child stars (DJ from "Roseanne" has two kids!). Oh and check out the cast of "Celebrity Fit Club 2", the casting director was obviously on some heavy drugs- much like Jani Lane.

--Firefox and email client Thunderbird are the best web use applications ever. They are totally customizable, unlike IE and the extensions that you can add are fantastic. For example, my computer hates Flash-with a boiling passion- so I got an extension that blocks all Flash on the web. I can choose which Flash I want to view and what not to.

--Yes, I bought the new Backstreet Boys album, "Never Gone". Am I sorry? Yeah I'm not sure yet. Probably. (Be careful, according to Amazon it's Copy Protected. Yeah guys, wouldn't want bootlegged BSB out there, that would be horrible)

--I'm having some serious and hideously annoying computer issues. I'll write more on that later but, does anyone have lots of of wireless mouse experience? Mine keeps jumping around randomly and pissing me the hell off.

--Off to see "Batman Begins". Christian Bale hotness! Jealous?

Meow!

Boy George is getting bitchy! Some people are way too sensitive, especially the prone-to-cattiness ones. Oh, and Kabbalah isn't anti-gay, it's just weird and "mystical". Scientology is the anti-gay one (as well as being the prototypical weird and "mystical" "religion")

(Private to Nick: I know you love her and all but damn is Rosie a terrible writer.)

Aaaaaaaaaaaand We're Back.

So I haven't written in a while, what of it? Frankly, with the comparative amount of blogging I've been doing this last month and a half I'm ahead for the year as it is.

No, really I was just busy getting kicked in the teeth by life. Between the two midterms (which I failed with flying colors thank you very much) and work (which... is a topic unto itself) I've been all kinds of stressed. And, I'm also poor. Alas life goes on.

Depending on who you listen to, Bush is either trouncing, beating, surpassing or marginally ahead of John Kerry in the election. There's still hope, but I think that America has spoken a clear and resounding "duh." Seriously people, what the hell? Coming into his presidency, we were doing pretty good by all accounts. Four amazingly long short years later we're:

• In a war
• Have a huge debt (expected to hit $477 billion by year's end)
• have a radically polarized electorate
• Have a giant unemployment rate (5.4% as of 9/04 vs. 3.9% 12/00)
• are hated by the vast majority or the known universe

and that's just off the top of my head. How can rational people really believe that Bush is the best choice (this in no way means that Kerry is by the way) to run this country? What am I missing (that can't be proved wrong, inaccurate, exaggerated, discounted,or totally falsified by a simple Google search) in this thing? I know I'm not that informed -frankly there's a hell of a lot that I just don't get- but from all available information (and I read a lot of different perspectives and sources. I'm a Communications major for God's sake. I know how the media works... to a degree) Bush is anything from a fascist, bible banging, narcissist to a close-minded, uneducated, Hitler-esque freak who's made more people mad and him and his country than... well Hitler. Please explain this to me, I just don't get it. Email or comments would be appreciated.

Work is killing me but we'll cover that later. I'm going to indulge in my favorite hobby that I've been missing out on lately: Sleep

Unfit to think logically

I hate people. I suppose this isn't a new idea, but it just becomes more and more true every day.

The latest bit of hate is directed at the irrational psychosis that many members of the ultra right-wing seem to suffer from. There's this book called "Unfit for Command" which is one of the few anti-John Kerry books to come out and subsequently it has received copious media references. The book, written by Swift-boat Vets (of which Kerry is one) alleges that Kerry's military record, specifically his vaunted 3 purple-hearts, are suspect at best.

Fine, sure no big deal right? Wrong. You see, the books originally had a September release date, but received so much media attention that the publisher rushed it out. Sadly, they hadn't actually finished printing it yet and were therefore only able to send out a limited number of copies until printing could catch up. It's relatively simple reverse economics: demand equals supply.

Well, you'd think that this book talks about Kerry's malicious rape of underage goats while burning the flag after shooting up and fisting Jesus fucking Christ for all the flak it caused (NOTE: if the above image offended you, step the fuck off, I'm in a bad mood. Besides, it was merely an illustrative device, grow up). Conservatives were voracious to get their mitts on this book. But, we didn't have it. The "new" release date, in quotes because the official line was "as soon as you get it- sell it," had elapsed by 3 days before we received our first 18 copies. Yeah, that's it. Of the 6 million or whatever printed, the share for my store was 18. During that time we were screamed at by ultra-right-wing conspiracy theorists, egged on by Rush Limbaugh and his ilk, that we did indeed have it and were "hiding" it to bury the truth and prop up the liberal agenda that we support. So, we haven't received a book and we're tools of the left? What?

Even after we sold out, this continued. in fact our fist receive date was three weeks ago and this book is still causing us all issues. We simply can't get enough copies to even cover the (kind, amiable, benevolent, just, incredible) people that placed reserve holds let alone the (whacked-out, lunatic, good-ol'-boy, "Lone Gunmen" wannabe) rest. And, we've sold out 5 times!! Still, despite that, the conspiracy continues.

Customer: Excuse me, do you have "Unfit for Duty?"

Me: Do you mean "Unfit for Command?"

Customer: Y'know, the one that tells the truth about how Kerry is a fuck up

Me: (Ass. 'Truth' is subjective... ask Bush. Ok, keeping my beliefs out) It's called "Unfit for Command" and no we're currently sold out. I'd be happy to reserve one for you so you'll get a call when it comes in, but I should warn you that the list is rather long

Customer: Hm. Well, have you ever had it?

Me: Yes, we're just sold out

Customer: How many have you had?

Me: Uh, I don't have the figures here, but we've gotten three shipments of 18 and one of 10 so...(checks calculator. Shut up) 64 or so. Would you like to place a-

Customer: And, you've sold them all huh? Why don't you have more in now? Why only 18? Something you're not telling me about your company's agenda?

Me: What? No, see (relates the odyssey of this book) so that's why we don't have it. We are expecting more, and if you'd like to place a reserve-

Customer: (angrily) I already have it! Read it too. I just find it interesting that you don't have it. What? Are you Commies waiting for The Kaiser to put it on the banned list and you're hiding it for him? Costco has it. They've had it since day one  and they keep getting replenished. I find that veerryyy interesting, don't you?

Me: Not particularly no. Big warehouse stores go through totally different people than we do, so that says nothing. Look, the simple matter is there isn't enough supply to meet the overwhelming demand. The publisher assures us that they're being printed as fast as possible. If you want another copy please reserve one, but I can't help your conspiracy theories. They're baseless.

Customer: COMMIE!! You're hiding the truth! Suppressing Freedom of Speech is punishable by death! Let me into your back room, I'll find those books and liberate the people! FREEDOM!!! BUSH '04!!!!! FOUR MORE YEARS! FOUR MORE YEARS!

Or something like that. Fuckers.

Look, the book has been roundly criticized by everyone in the know, including The President (The Kaiser too for all I know. Although The Rye throughly believed every word. The Bagel was "meh") and every aspect of it has been called into question making the demand even bigger. This is a small publisher and they can't take it. They're doing the best they can but there's only so many that can be printed at once. STOP YELLING!!!

I have no agenda at work. I couldn't possibly care less what you buy, think, feel or believe. I just want to get paid. That payment comes from you buying your book, magazine, CD, DVD, or coffee. If you don't buy, I don't eat. So, If I have the book, I'll sell it. If not, I won't. Simple as that. If that pushes any agenda at all it's capitalism. Greed is good.

So, buy "Unfit for Command" (I hear an Airport in Arizona has stacks) if you can find it. Read and buy whatever without interference from me. Liberal, conservative, esoteric, common, vanilla, or the sickest most fucked up deranged shit you can imagine. But don't whine that your rights are being trounced if you can't find what tickles your fancy or what suits your personal belief system. The idea of a vast conspiracy to keep you down is laughable at best, aim for logic. "Midget Goat-Fuckers Monthly" had some kick ass articles this month. Or so I've heard. I bet it's just sold out. And don't yell at your book salesperson. For the amount they pay us, their agenda propping (which PS, doesn't exist. Look around you, we have a bit of everything) can kiss my ass

Happy Freaking Fourth

Yes today is independence day, and that's the day that we-as proud Americans-celebrate who we are and what we do as a country. But, this year I have to say that I have absolutely no idea what the hell I'm supposed to be "proud" of.

As far as I can tell, from all available information that I've seen, this country is pretty screwed up. From our government (if you can call it that) to our deranged/ morally reprehensible citizenry we are some of the most hated beings on the planet at the moment and we're to be proud of this?

No, I'm not "anti-American" or anything, I actually like this country, but some of the things that "we" do sicken me to my very core. Our government, again- if you can call it that, have committed a slew of disgusting acts throughout their tenure and still they tell anyone who will listen that their doing the right thing. When evidence (a mounting, never-ending pile of it) appears they ignore it or bury so far beneath irrelevant policy discussions that no one can remember what they were pissed off at to begin with.

I've studied history, and I know what has come before and how things played out. History, you may have noticed, is written by the victors. I really fear what will happen when we write this out. How will it spin to make it so that we are actually not hideous? Other countries will have to follow our lead in this otherwise they'll be labeled "The Axis of Evil" and our missiles will be leveled at them.

I'm not the most political person in the world and one could say that I'm not the most informed, so my information may be wrong. But, I watch the news (Local, National, and International in various countries) and I can see the spin. The things that U.S. news leaves out is staggering. The things that FOX News focuses on versus the truth is horrifying. CNN is even biased as hell but not nearly as bad as everyone and everything else.

So as you watch those explosions in the sky tonight, think about all of the people that are seeing the same thing at the same time internationally and feeling far less festive. Think about what the government that you are supposed to trust is doing in your name and ask yourself if that's the country you used to love and cherish. Ask yourself if they're really fulfilling the job the we (didn't) elect them to perform.

See the movie. Read all of the books. And, for the love of God, INFORM YOURSELF AND MAKE A DAMNED CHOICE! The world depends on it. If you say that you don't care" then you're an idiot because if you're human you need to care.

It's all about choice, and I will not stand for this garbage any more. And if I have to: a depressed, disillusioned, angry homosexual with strong opinions and the ability to write, not to mention a communications degree is not something y'all want to deal with.

Whether you agree with me or not, I don't frankly care. As long as you have thoughts and opinions and can back them up. Want to debate me? Let's go. Have nothing to say? Get fucking educated or get off the ride, your time has passed.