Political Incorrectness

I’m glad it’s Friday. I don’t think I could take one more day this week. A while back, I wrote a blog about the possibility of eight days a week. I’m recanting it. As well, the weather has created a fitting ambience for my stress level the last several days. Overcast, cold and dreary.

That being said, I will effectively end this week with one last rant. And then I’m determined to venture to the flipside of a negative mindset.

I haven’t talked about politics in a while, so today’s subject broaches a few more things with which I have some issues. Yeah yeah…I know you’re all surprised. It’s so unlike me to share my opinion.

Issue no. 1:  Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

A lot of agencies and businesses are closed Monday to celebrate his birthday, which is actually tomorrow (1/15).

Before you make assumptions or jump to any conclusions, let me just preface my explanation by telling you I don’t have any personal problem with the man, may he rest in peace. I don’t disagree that MLK was a notable figure in our history. He was an important influence and advocate for the civil rights movement, and encouraged America to embrace a color-blind approach to societal acceptance.

This is not about race. It is about respect and recognition for other great men (and women). I realize that if we adopted a “holiday” to celebrate the impact and significance of all of those who changed history, we’d be off year-round. Rather than embark on a timeline of events that I think are suitable mentions, I will tell you the most important date that comes to mind…

September 11, 2001.

This day in history marks a profound significance to my generation. Much like the Vietnam War did for my parents, and World War II did for my grandparents. September 11 and the events that followed set forth a series of actions and consequences that, at present, we are all witness to. It still burns me up when I read and hear the vitriol directed at former President Bush as a result of this. I think many of those people could stand to benefit from reading Decision Points (his autobiography). Read it, and then give me your opinion of President Bush. The insight into his mind and what he struggled with as a man facing adversity, humanizes him. Something all of us can relate to. I must take a deep breath, and remind myself that the people who so carelessly toss around insults rarely have the facts at hand before mouthing off. Nor do they care to be educated. It’s much easier to put up a mental block to hide behind, rather than be humbled by the realization of misinformed and false accusations. I think President Bush handled his time in office, specifically the events of September 11, with a caliber of class and Christian faith that our current administration can’t hold a candle to.

The service men and women who risked and lost their lives, and the countless thousands who perished in the wrath of terrorists, still brings tears to my eyes. Our armed forces, who face things daily that our worst imaginations can’t conjure up…their worried families, who can only hope that prayer surrounds them and the hand of God protects them…the emotional hardships the families of the victims have to endure…granting us the freedom to complain about our lives, our bills and what we’re owed. All of these things are trivial when compared with the value of a human life. That tragic day set the pace, now ten years later, for a war we are still fighting. A war to conquer genocide, tyranny, persecution, and terrorism. To name a few.

I think a holiday of reverence to tribute those affected by September 11 should be established. Just as MLK delivered insightful oration that impacted a nation, these men and women have bled for us – figurative and literally – and delivered a concept of peace that impacts the world. They should be honored.

Issue no. 2:  Blame-shifting

I touched on this a little in issue number one, so I won’t go into great detail. I think a quote by my friend, Jim Murphy, sums it up…

“…What is more dangerous, a lone gunman venting violence or those who instinctively place the blame at the feet of their political or ideological opponents?”

I couldn’t have said it better myself. And I couldn’t agree more.

Why are we so quick to point fingers? Every single person on the planet deals with their share of problems. We all go a little mental sometimes. The majority of us just have a better psychological handle on it than the other few. These few are the ones that open fire on a classroom full of innocent people, or sodomize a child, or get physically violent, or rape, or murder…I could go on. I don’t excuse these behaviors by any means of the word. It sickens me to the very breadth and depth of my soul. Being a Christian, I have to remember that God created these people, too. His reasons trump all of those we can’t begin to get a grasp on. No matter what these people have done, they are still someone’s son, or brother, or cousin. And most importantly, they are still a child of God.

However, it is no more the government’s fault than it is society’s that these catastrophic events occur. What should bond us to take stand against these brutalities is instead eroding the very moral fabric of humanity that allows us to feel compassion for our brothers. We turn a blind eye to it and close our hearts to reaching out. We instinctively place blame rather than take a good long look in the mirror to evaluate what we can change inside us. We don’t care or take responsibility for ourselves because we are too busy pointing fingers at others and demanding answers to impossible scenarios crafted by psychopaths and narcissists. If we start caring for our enemies, then it stands to venture that we broaden our capacity to love and accept unconditionally. And forgive. And progress. And stand united.

George Bernard Shaw said, “If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples, then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.”

The above concept applies to every aspect of the way we think. If we stopped butting heads and took time to recognize that trading one thing for another still only leaves us with one thing, and that sharing ideas and aspirations opens the door to endless possibilities of the mind, we might discover that we stand for the same things. Just based on different principles attained from our unique walks of life. Principles that shape who we are as human beings, and give us individuality and uniqueness, which makes us all precious. Regardless of political affiliation, culture, color or creed, we all survive with a beating heart and the blood flowing through our veins. Until we stop thinking of our opponents (whatever the circumstance may be) as a three-headed monster, we will never get beyond the boundaries of placing blame.

Issue no. 3:  Some simple concepts I’d like to see applied (not all of them are political)

I would love to throw the idea of political correctness out of the window. It is a direct contradiction to the First Amendment. ‘Oh, you have free speech, but don’t say anything that offends me. My mind and self-esteem are so fragile that I just might break into tiny little pieces. And I might sue you.’

Common sense should be rewarded. Although, is there really such a thing as “common sense”? Is it just “good sense”? Whatever it is, some people are lacking a great deal of it. I think a ‘Common Sense Course 101’ should be offered starting in junior high. I think people should have to pass a mandatory test on the subject at the end of each year to be able to advance to a higher grade.

People should have to retake their driver’s tests frequently. Like, every 10 years or so. There are a lot of people who don’t need a driver’s license. And there are a lot of people who should no longer be driving. Here is my idea: when a person reaches a certain “ripe old age” and the limitations of achieving that age start to hinder their driving abilities (and it is proven), then their driving privileges should be honorably revoked. They are a danger to themselves and to others. America’s unemployment rate is high. The states should gather up the unemployed, educate them in a rigorous course of driving skills, and assign them to a person who should no longer be driving. The salaries to compensate these “drivers” would cost less for the state than road repairs, clean up, etc., due to the accidents caused by our “vehicular operationally challenged”. (Hah! How do you like that for political correctness?)

Gossiping should be an arrestable offense. Extreme, I know. But most of it is hurtful and often unfounded.

Women, when you reach a certain age, I think some hairstyles are more appropriate than others. I know you’re attached to your long hair, but when it’s thin and straggly and hanging past your butt, it’s time for a style intervention. Likewise, if your hair can’t fit through a standard doorway, it’s time to fire your stylist. Or ask your friends to be brutally honest with you.

On that note… Men, the wife beater tank top and hairy potbelly do not equate sexiness. Especially when accompanied by a plumber’s crack. Nor does a toupee. Embrace your baldness, I say. Look at Bruce Willis and Vin Diesel. They own their baldness. Own yours. Confidence is much sexier than a bad comb-over.

Passing gas or picking your nose in public is unacceptable. Period.

So is the use of certain spices when cooking in a confined area.

The price of gas shouldn’t be based on supply and demand. Meaning, they supply it and then demand we pay the outlandish prices for it. It should be no more than $1.00 per gallon. This is possible. It is. All the oil resources we need are right here in America. We’re just too lazy to try and work for it.

I think every man in the world should experience one menstrual cycle in his lifetime. I know this is medically impossible. But the “myth” behind PMS would be forever debunked.

Certain patterns and color schemes do not go together. And one should never wear knee socks with flip-flops and shorts. Oh, and golfing attire should seriously be reconsidered.

The price of McDonald’s fries should go up to $50 a serving. I’m convinced obesity would rapidly decline if this were to be implemented.

A track of children’s laughter should be played periodically throughout each day. If that doesn’t make you smile, I don’t know what will.

Well, that’s about it for today. I feel much better forcing my views on you. If the world ran according to Kellie…well…it would certainly be an interesting place. Like Disneyland on steroids. Every ride would be operated by a Hugh Jackman look-alike (shirtless, of course), and Morgan Freeman and Anthony Hopkins would co-commentate all of the winning Aggie football games. Or they could just cite numbers from the phone book. Makes no difference to me.

And air would taste like chocolate when you breathe it in.

The Dating Game: Unwanted Attention

Being a woman is every bit a blessing as it sometimes is a curse.

There’s a quote from one of my favorite movies of all time, Sliding Doors: “We’re women. We don’t know what we want, but we reserve the right to be pissed off when we don’t get it.” As a woman, I can assure you there’s some truth to that statement. On the flip side, there are often several things we do not want. Specifically, unwanted male attention.

Now, don’t misunderstand, not all attention from the opposite sex is unwanted. I love attention from a tall handsome man whom I find attractive. That "like" stops short of the random, slobbering idiots who I’m convinced often expect us to tell them, “Oh, yes, please. Take me now.” Unfortunately, those men are likely the ones who are the most persistent, and their flock of admiration is quickly growing in numbers.

Luckily, most men only have enough blood to supply oxygen to one head at a time, but finding the opportune moment of lucidity to apply the right technique to dissuade their lust could, in fact, be difficult.

Let’s break it down…

The Macho Man
The Macho Man is very impressed with himself, his physique, and the fact that he can crush a beer can against his skull without putting a dent in his hair (if he hasn’t already shaved it off to appear more macho). The Macho Man is not below catcalls and whistles to gain the attention of the opposite sex. Sometimes he shows up in bars, sometimes he cruises around in his LPT (Little Penis Truck), and most times, you find him in the gym, grunting and struggling to take his muscles to a whole new level of macho. He likely enjoys the sight of himself having sex with you more than he actually enjoys sex. His narcissistic nature will not allow him to compliment anything about you (with the exception of body parts). Stroking his ego is his number one priority, so unless you have a high-tolerance for testosterone, beer and pizza, any long-term potential with The Macho Man is highly doubtful. Oh, and The Macho Man never cries.

The Lovesick Puppy
Chances are, The Lovesick Puppy was probably denied breast milk as a baby, and so his primary infatuation stems from all things mammary. This man can also be found in public places, usually at the bar or the video/book store. At the bar, he hovers around you with a nervous smile, just waiting for you to look over at him. He doesn’t care if you have a brain, or even arms and legs. At the video/book store, he is the one slowly creeping closer to you as you peruse the Romantic Angst section. When you smell a faint hint of corn chips and mothballs, he has triumphantly invaded your personal space. The Lovesick Puppy will build an entire relationship in his mind, based off of one look, and he will likely propose to you after he’s bought you a drink. He will tell you he loves you after the first date, and if you succumb to a moment of delusion and actually sleep with him, prepare to have a shadow for the rest of your life. The Lovesick Puppy often becomes The Stalker.

The Stalker
No matter how nice you are, or how many blatant hints you drop on this guy (short of knocking him upside the head with a sledgehammer), he doesn’t know when to leave you alone. Part of you is flattered by the attention, while the other part of you is seriously weirded out. Generally speaking, all bets are off with The Stalker. He is depraved enough to believe that you actually invite the attention, and no moral, ethical or personal boundaries are too contradictory for him to attempt to violate. Chances are, he has already cyber-stalked you, so what he doesn’t know about your online life, he will soon learn about your physical one – usually with binoculars and coincidental appearances in the places you frequent. The Stalker is usually harmless, for he lacks the assertiveness and social skills to actually confront you. If you ignore him, he will probably go away. At least, until the day of your wedding... He’ll be the guy no one recognizes, lurking in the background of every candid moment caught on camera.

The Brooding Artist
Be it musician, writer, poet or painter, this guy has passion radiating out of every pore of his body. The Brooding Artist sees the world much differently than his other male accomplices. He is masculine, but in touch with his feminine side. He likes sports, but prefers to watch a foreign film instead of football. The Brooding Artist is well versed, articulate and has a smoldering gaze guaranteed to make you swoon. He is able to turn every aspect of his participation in the world into a philosophical approach to a deeper understanding of the elements in correlation with the soul. If you ever get the chance to sleep with The Brooding Artist, it will be an encounter beyond your most earth-moving fantasies. He is all about pleasing you and connecting with you on a higher plane of existence. Attention from The Brooding Artist is almost always welcomed. But, unfortunately, most long-term relationships with him are unattainable. He is in constant conflict with his inner self; he usually surrenders to self-absorption and reclusiveness in his efforts to express himself artistically.

The Pretty Boy
Usually spotted on the local country club golf course, or driving around in his Porsche Cayenne or BMW, The Pretty Boy has a palpable allure of arrogance, charm and perfectly highlighted locks. Whether J. Crew, or corporate Ralph Lauren, he is the very essence of attraction, with a twist of preppiness. He is often a repeating legacy of his father’s law firm, in politics, or the manager of a major financial company. If you receive attention from The Pretty Boy, then chances are you are quite the looker yourself. If you have any common sense – at all – you will turn and head in the opposite direction away from this guy. He could care less if you have the personality of a hairbrush, as long as your hair is blonde, your breasts are surgically enhanced, and your clothes are not off the rack. The Pretty Boy expects you to look just as good as he does (which, face it, is not remotely possible), while attending brunch at the club, posing for charity event photos, or mingling at the polo field. In the event that you do develop any long-standing commitment with The Pretty Boy, be prepared to have heated conflicts over vacationing in The Hamptons, “mother says…”, and keeping track of his weekly mani/pedis and hair appointments.

Of course, there are numerous classes with which to pigeonhole the male character – let’s not forget The Techie, The Clown, The Jock (similar to The Macho Man), The Cowboy, The Sailor, and The Dreamer – which are all pretty self-explanatory and fairly easy to handle. Though, based on my own experience, the previously-mentioned five are the most popular.

Here are a few tips I’ve come up with that should help successfully divert the unwanted attention:

1. Ask him if his back hair is thick and curly. Like yours!
2. Growl menacingly. Bonus points if you can foam at the mouth.
3. Tell him you’ve already picked out the names of your children. This will scare most guys away. Most.
4. Ask him his thoughts on a vasectomy as a means of birth control.
5. Have your journal with you. Offer to read it together.
6. Tell him you must consult your other personalities to get their approval before you can date him.
7. Tell him you think his receding hairline is kind of cute.
8. Vomit on his shirt. Unfortunate for him. Hugely gratifying for you.
9. Tell him you have a quiz in Cosmo that you want him to take…to see if the two of you are compatible of course!
10. Offer immediately to introduce him to your mother.
11. Offer immediately to organize his closet.
12. Stare incredulously at his nose and chin the entire time he’s talking to you, occasionally shaking your head in disgust.
13. Ask him, “Can you keep a secret?” Look from side to side, suspiciously, and then pull up your shirt to show him your superhero spandex. (Warning: doesn't work on the The Lovesick Puppy)
14. Offer to take him shopping. Now.
15. Tell him you’re a plastic surgeon, and you’ve been looking for a face like his to complete your pro bono hours.
16. Twitch. A lot. Tell him it’s a residual side-effect from a Radon leak at your former apartment.
17. Speak in tongues.
18. Tell him you’d like him to meet your little friend, and then pull out an action figure of Optimus Prime from your purse. Insist that he’s “more than meets the eye”.
19. Tell him you haven’t been off your meds long enough to really socialize with anyone.
20. Show him a picture of a guy friend, and tell him it’s you – before the operation.

Well, my friends, there you have it. All is fair in love and war, and the little mystery in the game of life known as ‘dating’. And remember to be respectful of the laws of attraction. God made us women irresistible for a reason.

So take pride in all of those quirky, unwanted advances from men. Today you might call them irritating. Tomorrow, you might call them ‘husband’.

Politics, In My Opinion...

I’m going to go out on a limb and talk about the big “P”.

Politics.

Before I begin, I would like to reflect on one of my all time favorite Calvin and Hobbes quotes, from the mind of the creative epic genius, Bill Watterson:

Calvin: “Hobbes, why do you think people can think so much faster than they speak?”
Hobbes: “Probably so they can think twice.”

Throwing all reservations to the wind, there are a few things I would like to say regarding the subject at hand. I’ve thought about them. A lot. If your concern is being politically correct, or you are easily offended, then stop reading now. Seriously.

You’ve been warned.

First, I would like to say that I am a proud, Texas Conservative. I have no shame in standing up for what I believe. I am also a God-fearing Christian. Recently, I’ve heard endless debates as to whether or not our Constitution (and our nation) was founded on Christian principles.

To quote Tex Browing: “The intent of the First Amendment was well understood during the founding of our country. The First Amendment was not written to keep religion out of government. It was to keep Government from establishing a 'National Denomination’ (like the Church of England). As early as 1799 a court declared: "By our form of government the Christian religion is the established religion; and all sects and denominations of Christians are placed on the same equal footing." Even in the letter that Thomas Jefferson wrote to the Baptists of Danbury Connecticut (from which we derive the term "separation of Church and State") he made it quite clear that the wall of separation was to insure that Government would never interfere with religious activities because religious freedom came from God, not from Government.”

“Granted, God is not mentioned in the Constitution, but He is mentioned in every major document leading up to the final wording of the Constitution. For example, Connecticut is still known as the "Constitution State" because its colonial constitution was used as a model for the United States Constitution. Its first words were: "For as much as it has pleased the almighty God by the wise disposition of His Divine Providence…"

“Most of the fifty-five Founding Fathers who worked on the Constitution were members of orthodox Christian churches and many were even evangelical Christians. The first official act in the First Continental Congress was to open in Christian prayer, which ended in these words: "...the merits of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Savior. Amen". Sounds Christian to me.”

Based on my Christian morals and beliefs, I stand behind the following, with valor and unrelenting stubbornness:

Point number 1: Same-sex marriage

I believe in Creation, not the Theory of Evolution. I do not, have not, and will not ever believe that my species began as a one-celled organism, developed lungs, grew legs, swung from trees and then learned to use tools. I believe that God created man and woman (see Bible: Genesis – great explanation there).

Continuing on that note, I believe in Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. I think God designed the human bodies of a man and a woman to fit together with corresponding beauty. Add into the mix a diverse array of personalities and appearances that grace this earth, and I consider the human race to be blessed to have such a wonderful variety from which to select our potential partners in life. I have friends that choose a homosexual lifestyle. I do not condemn them for it. As a Christian, God forbids my judgment on others, lest I judge myself first and foremost. However, I do not condone their choice either. That is between them and their own religious beliefs.

I do not believe it is a chemical/hormonal imbalance. It is a choice. Period. I choose to be heterosexual. I have a healthy respect for attraction, and I’m secure enough in my own sexuality that I can find another woman to be achingly beautiful without lusting for her. Personally, I prefer strong arms and hands, and a deep voice. It’s just how I’m designed.

I believe that the sanctimony of marriage should only be between a man and woman. I understand the viewpoint with regards to obtaining the same rights as a “traditional” married couple. I personally believe that the separation of church and state is profoundly necessary regarding this issue. If the foundation of marriage is to be recognized as a spiritual connection with the unity of God, church and partnership, then the government should have no opinion in how to dictate that union. What a blatant contradiction; one that is repeatedly ignored and painted with a coat of blasé . I think that entire argument should be entirely discredited and trashed. I don’t think someone should have to be related by blood, or a legal document, to demonstrate the capacity of love or concern for another, especially when it comes to extreme circumstances. If those stipulations were non-existent, then I doubt I would continue to write this portion of my blog. On a similar note, I fail to recognize where a legal court document will convince you, or others, that you are in a committed, loving relationship. I think there are a lot more serious laws to consider passing; such as the prevention of domestic violence, child abuse, hunger prevention, etc.

Point number 2: Illegal immigration

If you believe there is not a legitimate problem with illegal immigration in this country then I can’t wait for Mars to build a subdivision, because you belong there.

I need identification to do almost everything in life – drive a car, get a job, open a checking account, get a membership at the gym…the list could go on. It astounds me that the same people who are ranting and raving about Arizona’s law haven’t even bothered to read the facts before mouthing off. Here, I’ll provide you with the specifics:

Excerpt from Senate Bill 1070

B. FOR ANY LAWFUL CONTACT MADE BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL OR AGENCY OF THIS STATE OR A COUNTY, CITY, TOWN OR OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THIS STATE WHERE REASONABLE SUSPICION EXISTS THAT THE PERSON IS AN ALIEN WHO IS UNLAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES, A REASONABLE ATTEMPT SHALL BE MADE, WHEN PRACTICABLE, TO DETERMINE THE IMMIGRATION STATUS OF THE PERSON. THE PERSON'S IMMIGRATION STATUS SHALL BE VERIFIED WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PURSUANT TO 8 UNITED STATES CODE SECTION 1373(c).
C. IF AN ALIEN WHO IS UNLAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES IS CONVICTED OF A VIOLATION OF STATE OR LOCAL LAW, ON DISCHARGE FROM IMPRISONMENT OR ASSESSMENT OF ANY FINE THAT IS IMPOSED, THE ALIEN SHALL BE TRANSFERRED IMMEDIATELY TO THE CUSTODY OF THE UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT OR THE UNITED STATES CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION.
D. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER LAW, A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY MAY SECURELY TRANSPORT AN ALIEN WHO IS UNLAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES AND WHO IS IN THE AGENCY'S CUSTODY TO A FEDERAL FACILITY IN THIS STATE OR TO ANY OTHER POINT OF TRANSFER INTO FEDERAL CUSTODY THAT IS OUTSIDE THE JURISDICTION OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.
E. A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, WITHOUT A WARRANT, MAY ARREST A PERSON IF THE OFFICER HAS PROBABLE CAUSE TO BELIEVE THAT THE PERSON HAS COMMITTED ANY PUBLIC OFFENSE THAT MAKES THE PERSON REMOVABLE FROM THE UNITED STATES.

See the phrase in Section E that states, “…has probable cause to believe that the person has committed any public offense…”? Contrary to debate, that means that an officer of the law cannot single out an individual simply for kicks and grins. They must have reasonable suspicion. It is not racial profiling, or discrimination, to ask someone to provide proof of identity/citizenship. And, if you’re running away from just having robbed a convenient store, or stealing a car, or harming another person, then the police have a right to shoot your sorry ass on the spot.

I am looking forward to the day when this law is passed in Texas.

I am beyond blessed to have been born in America, so perhaps I cannot understand the desperation some feel to be a part of a democracy (I use the word loosely nowadays). But, it is not my responsibility to pay for medical care, education, or the livelihood of those who are here illegally. I feel immensely for the children of such circumstances. My heart goes out to them. But, there are numerous other ways to obtain legal citizenship. Some just take a little longer than others.

I have infinite issues with this, which would naturally lead into my next topic: health care. But, I do not have the time or patience to tackle that issue today. I’m a little like a bull in a China shop with that debate. I go barging in and leave lots of broken pieces in my wake.

Point number 3: Affirmative Action

Years ago, when I was a naïve 20-year-old, I worked for the Minority Division in the Office of Graduate Studies at my hometown college. Boy, were my eyes opened! I don’t admit to being thick-skinned, and I often wear my feelings on my shoulders. I cried on a nearly daily basis while I worked there. No amount of convincing, arm-twisting, or sob stories I’ve been privy to (past, present and future), will change my mind or make me feel any differently about the issues I was exposed to. The victim mentality that was embraced in that position will forever sit sour in my stomach.

I parlay a huge risk by saying this aloud, but I believe Affirmative Action is an obvious form of reverse discrimination. Especially from an educational standpoint. You are not a victim. You were not a slave. Your grandparents were probably not even slaves. My ancestors crucified Jews, but I don’t see anyone holding that against me. And I’m not walking around with any delusional assumptions that a Nazi persona lies deep inside me. I am sick sick sick of people playing the race card to obtain benefits, scholarships, higher pay, medical privileges, food stamps, welfare and/or handicapped parking. And I am furious beyond words that I continue to bust my rear to make an honest living, only to see it taxed and divided up so that it can be handed to someone who chooses to sit on their couch, watch soap operas and eat Cheetohs all day. Shame. On. You.

Tangent. Back on course…

I was unaware that the color of your skin determined your level of intelligence. If anything, I might be offended if I was offered a leg up because someone didn’t think I had enough ambition or savvy to strive to do something on my own. But, alas, we are what we create. Society, and the people in it, have created the I'm owed something attitude, and the gimme expectations that encourage us to behave in a fashion of entitlement. And don’t give me that crap about not having the opportunity. You have more opportunities than I will ever see in my lifetime, because you are a “minority”. The census has estimated that by the end of the year 2010, the Hispanic population will outnumber the Caucasion population by twenty to one. In Texas alone! I’m not that great at math, but it seems the term “minority” is a bit misleading.

Case in point. Why was President Obama elected? I can name a handful of car salesman off the top of my head that would be better suited to the job. Before you call me a racist, let me just tell you that I don’t care what color his skin is, or what his religious beliefs are. He could have purple and green polka dots and a third eye. If he’s the best man for the job, then I have no qualms about voting him into office. But, did America vote for him because he’s the most highly-qualified candidate, or has the best agenda for leading this nation? No. He was voted into office because he is a "minority". People crawled out of the woodwork to vote during this last election. What does that say about how far we’ve come to silence racism over the last several decades? Nothing. We’ve managed to throw all progress to the wind and further perpetuate the very issue we fought so hard to overcome.

I long for a day that people will stop labeling each other in America. We all put our pants on the same way. We all have the same heart beating inside us. We all bleed. We all have hopes and dreams, fears and passions. When will we start seeing each other as human beings and not as colors?

Point number 4: Just a few more things I have a problem with…

I am pro-life. All the way. God doesn’t make mistakes. Every child, no matter how brief his life may be, was created by His hand, and we do not have the right to interfere with that. No matter the circumstances. Consider adoption. And next time, keep in mind that a $3.00 contraception will likely squelch the need to resort to a $300+ operation.

Nicely shifting into my next subject, how can you believe in abortion, but oppose capital punishment? Do you realize how much of a hypocrite you are? Wake up! People that commit crimes heinous enough to land them on death row are not owed, nor do they deserve, basic human rights. And they most certainly do not deserve to eat three square meals a day, flat screen televisions, a college education and a paying job while behind bars…all funded by my tax dollars.

I know it’s up to God, but I hope there’s no room in heaven for murderers, rapists, pedophiles, child abusers, violent offenders or animal abusers.

I think the welfare system should be abolished. I think a few more people should be pulling their weight.

I think smoking should be considered a felony. Of course, that will never happen. The almighty dollar still has the control. But, I have a big fat problem with litigious suits against tobacco companies because you chose to smoke two packs a day for the last ten/twenty years. If you want to drag around an iron lung, be my guest. But, I have a right not to be subjected to your cancer-laden secondhand smoke because you can’t give up your disgusting habit.

I think there should be a limit on how many cats one person can own. If I ever have more than two cats, please shoot me. Really.

I don’t believe in global warming. Until people start spontaneously combusting in plain sight, I won’t be convinced. I live in Texas. It’s hot here. But over the last 800 or so years, the temperature has only increased by a degree. Hmm.

I think English should be the required, and primary, spoken language in America.

I think deodorant should be mandatory.

George Bush was no more responsible for hurricane Katrina than Barrack Obama is for the oil spill. Do presidents control the elements? What’d I miss?

If you have a problem with my God, then don’t spend American money. “In God We Trust” is still evident on the bill.

I think people shouldn’t be eligible to vote until they pass a fairly extensive test regarding the specifics and functionality of government and politics, and the history of the United States of America.

I don’t think tires on a truck should be level with the head of the person driving it (when they’re standing next to it).

I am horribly offended at the idea of a Mosque being constructed at Ground Zero. That place is sacred. You wouldn’t build Atlantis on Titanic’s gravesite would you?

Fair warning if you ever try to take my gun, my land, my flag or harm my family…I know lots of places to hide a body.

Well, that’s it for today, folks. I feel a little better after releasing some pent up frustrations about politics and life in general. Of course, I could go on all day and never actually achieve any purpose or point to my arguments. It would be sublime to get paid for my ranting and raving. Maybe I should pursue a career in politics after all.

Public Displays of Affection

For those of you out there who never learned what is deemed to be an appropriate amount of public displays of affection (PDA), I will be more than happy to share my opinion with you.

As I'm typing this, I'm distracted by a couple in my peripheral vision who needs to learn the rules. They are practically procreating on a couch in the coffee house that has become my second home for writing my book. It's like a car wreck. Can't. Look. Away. I'm both appalled, and slightly intrigued by their obvious affection for each other. I'm having a hard time concentrating. I may even have to smoke a cigarette after it's all said and done. And I don't smoke. Ever.

Based on their present involvement with each other, I can only deduce the following:

1. They haven't seen each other for quite some time, thus failing to resist the urge to publicly express their desires. Maybe they're just showing off. If this is the case, surely they could've have been more creative in their venue selection. Geez, you two. Time to come up for air!

2. They are European. Everyone knows that Europeans are the masters of romance and passion. That is indisputable. I think it's in the water over there. Nevertheless, if they are European, perhaps they aren't aware of the rules.

3. They are newly in love. Now, I'm not knocking the euphoric feeling of longing or lusting after another while in the process of falling head over heels. It is a wonderful feeling. Just feel it behind closed doors. I don't want the scent of your pheromones interfering with the aroma of my latte.

4. They are blind. And they have no regard for others. Obviously, this is not the case, as there are no seeing eye dogs anywhere on the premises, and if there were, the mood would have them amorously humping the legs of innocent bystanders. In a place that serves food and beverages, this would be highly unsanitary. Unless we were in Europe.

5. I'm being featured on a hidden camera. I have a feeling this must be the most likely scenario, because right about now my face resembles a tomato with hair from the humiliation. I can still hear their lips smacking and the tiny little moans emanating from between them. I've craftily given the illusion that I'm absorbed in my music with my earbuds plugged in, but find myself getting caught up in the atmosphere. Sneaky.

So, in light of the above motives for making out in public, I leave you with the rules. They are simple to follow, as there are only a couple. They are:

1. If it's anything more than a nice hug, holding hands, or a quick peck, don't do it.
2. There is no other rule.

*Note: the operative word in rule #1 being "nice". If you have any questions as to what "nice" implies, then you are probably a repeat PDA offender.

Simple enough, right? Seems they've finally slowed down. Oh, wait, they've stopped. I feel like applauding. Anyone have a light?