A Dark Day in the United States

It has been quite a day in the United States, as the capitol building came under attack from a mob of protestors, who entered the building as congress was set to finalize the election of Joe Biden as the country's next president.

I am confused by the actions of these few who seem to have been encouraged by lame duck president Donald Trump.  I think what bothers me most is that a US citizen died at the hands of a law enforcement officer who shot her.  I was a junior in high school when the Kent State shootings took place in May 1970.  The outrage at the time divided this country much as today's actions have split this nation.  To be fair it is too early to form an opinion on today's shooting.  But, why were Capitol Police shooting at protestors?  Why weren't alternatives such as tasers or bean bags used instead of handguns.  I also would like to know why the National Guard wasn't on call when the possibility of trouble was known well ahead of time.

I will write of this more as details become available.  But, for now I have to say I am embarrassed by the "journalism" I have seen on the commercial networks today.  From talking head reporters to network announcers, including Savannah Guthrie and Lester Holt of NBC, the reporters have for the most part editorialized whenever they've felt like it.  This is not journalism.  This is reporters taking liberty with their reporting to reflect their personal opinions or insert themselves in the story.  As an example, the crowd was initially called "protestors".  But, as the day wore on the talking heads changed their description of the protestors to "rioters" or a mob.  This was due to pack journalism.  Rather than be left behind, all of the networks I watched, decided to change that designation to rioters.  I have no doubt there were a number of people at the capitol today who wanted to damage the building and raise hell in the halls of congress.  But, my guess is many more were just out to express their frustration with the system.

There were a number of things that happened today that need to be explained properly by the media.  I look forward to learning more and will write as that info becomes available.

Very Sad to See

While watching one of the big three network nightly news broadcasts this evening I saw something that I really don't like.  I observed the Speaker of the US House of Representatives behave like a two year old.  Nancy Pelosi took what I am told was an advance copy of President Donald Trump's State of the Union speech and tore it in half.

Have the so called "leaders" of this country really sunk to this level that they blatantly act like children?  I see the name calling and imaturity more and more frequently from both sides of the aisle.  And I don't like it one little bit.  The lack of respect for members of the other party and lack of cooperation is no longer acceptable to what I really believe is most Americans.

We have two three year old children in our family and if either one of them tore up papers or deliberately destroyed something, they would be in trouble and probably get a time out if not a good spanking.

It's time for members of Congress to start acting with respect for each other.  Most aren't near to being the leaders they profess.  And many aren't representing our interests on the federal level.  If you had employees like these they wouldn't last in their jobs very long.  So, here it is; this is a call from an old guy in the middle of the US, who doesn't care two bits about the politics inside the Beltway and could care less about what most of these wannabes think of each other.  Start acting like adults, start playing nice with each other and start representing us instead of your party and its big buck donors and lobbyists.  It's time for term limits and to get rid of those who for some reason think longevity equates to infallibility on Capitol Hill.

Someone in DC needs to inform Mrs.Pelosi she can no longer act like a spoiled Kindergartner.  Just like our three year olds she needs to be taken to the woodshed and taught a lesson.

Is Anyone Happy with this Government?

Does anyone really like the job that the US government is doing for them? I have not talked to anyone who is really happy with the way this nation is headed. Oh sure, we all think OUR congressman is doing a good job, but when you query your friends and families no one else seems to be satisfied with Congress, the Executive branch or the Judicial branch.

President Barack Obama's rating continues to slip as he advocates increased spending to bring the country out of a recession. But, at what cost? Why should our children, grand children and great-grand children be burdened with our lack of self restraint?

Now the Supreme Court rules corporations can not be restrained in contributing to campaigns because to do otherwise would be a violation of free speech rights in the constitution. WTF? Since when did corporations receive the rights of individuals? The last time I read it the phrasing was government OF the people, BY the people, FOR the people. I sure didn't see the word "corporation" in there.

I am proud to be a citizen of the United States and love this country as much if not more than you. But, it is time for change. The people I speak to; friends, families, neighbors and co-workers to a person are fed up with the lack of responsibility from our federally elected officials. We are angry, confused and frustrated. Congress doesn't get it, Obama doesn't get it and the Supreme Court is out of touch with reality.

When people expressed anger last spring in town hall meetings, members of the House and Senate blew it off as just a bunch of over-active crackpots. The media also perceived it that way. And the national media and popular press continue to portray the "Tea Party" as a bunch of kooks. These are people who are outraged with our government. My perception is they are truly trying to change things and get the United States back on the right track. But, the Tea Party is fighting an uphill battle.

I really think what we are seeing is the beginning of a major change in the way this nation is governed. If all three branches of our government aren't going to take their job seriously then the people who go to work, pay their taxes and vote will make changes. And I fear this change may not end up pretty.

To borrow from the Brewer and Shipley song of the '70s: "It says right there in the constitution it's really A-OK to have a revolution when the leaders that you made Just don't make the grade. Oh, mommy, I ain't no commie But I hate to bust your bubble Cause there's gonna be some trouble soon".

I know this post is getting way to long and I appreciate your indulging my rambling. But, go read the US Constitution and pay particular attention to the Preamble. The very reason the United States was established was to get rid of a government that was imposing heavy taxes on the founding fathers and not paying a lick of attention to their needs. Taxes were collected for a few who benefited royally but no services were provided. Sounds all too familiar doesn't it?

Happy New Year!

We are two days into the new decade as I write but here's hoping that you and yours have a healthy, peaceful and prosperous New Year!

God knows 2009 was not among the best I have experienced. And I am not sorry to see it go. But, as this year begins I am mildly optimistic that it will be a good one.

Hopefully, the US congress will get it's collective head out of it's rear end and pass a meaningful piece of legislation to reform health care. As I see it now the current piece of garbage being looked at by a House - Senate negotiating committee needs to be taken out with the trash before the lawmakers return to DC.

I have not been able to read it all, but from what I see it is poorly written, laden with pork and fat, and really doesn't solve much of anything. As a friend of mine put it..."the bill was written by special interest lobbyists, and put together by congressional staff members. The members of each chamber have no clue what is in it and they will not have to live with it since they have their own health care plan". But, for the rest of us, let's hope Congress and the President come to their senses.