Auto Rescue Plan

I will not continue to rant on the auto situation, but what I will add to my previous post is that I completely understand that there is waste in that industry and that there are people who are overpaid (and that the jobs bank needed to go!). I still stand by the need to help your neighbor by spending money locally whenever possible -- whether that locality is your town or your country. Either way, spending locally saves you in the long run because ultimately those who lose their jobs will be supported by your tax dollars.

I'd much rather support people who are working for a living :-)

Biopsies & Cars

Biopsy seems to be the word of the week. I got mine yesterday -- a sun damaged spot on my upper back / shoulder / neck area. I only had to have a small number of stitches (3 I think?) but it pulls quite a bit when I move my right arm. Ew. I went to the dermatologist and he thought it best to biopsy -- being fair of skin I know that I must follow up on these things. Usually he gives me really favorable odds of it being nothing... this time he gave me a 50/50 shot on basal carcinoma and asked for my cell phone number. If it is caner it was caught early but he will have to do more surgery on the site. Wear your sunscreen! Protect your kids!

My Dad's doctor has ordered another ultrasound and biopsy based on the latest PSA test. I think they are being extra cautious because of what happened to my mom. I am fine with that -- I'm all about the "better safe than sorry" attitude.

Hubby is still driving the Hoopty while we wait for the power steering to go out. He thinks we will have to take it in to the shop so I'm putting it off as long as possible... wouldn't it be fun if the Hoopty just healed herself? I know -- I'm a dreamer :-)

My state is greatly impacted by all of the auto industry bridge loan stuff. If you are not tuned in to this issue, please realize these auto makers have been doing a TON of restructuring over the last 10 years. The cuts have been brutal -- many friends work in the industry and I can not tell you how frustrating it is to watch. When I see the financial markets get a "bail out" and the auto executives (who have been cutting like butchers) get scolded by arrogant congressmen. Well, it frustrates me to no end. This same congress allowed the financial markets to have money with no strings attached. Now they want to run auto companies and to tell CEO's who have done a great deal to keep afloat to step down? Please.

Special kudos to Ford who is trying to go without the loan. They have produced greener vehicles. They have improved quality and safety. They provided cars that were in demand -- converting everything to compact didn't make sense when nobody would buy it a few years ago. Sure, the consumer woke up to fuel efficiency once it stabbed us in the pocket book, but prior to recent times people didn't care about how much fuel it took to fill their SUV. Have you all forgotten that the Humvee became a road vehicle because of consumer demand? I never got why, but that was quite the status symbol for a time. They could not make them fast enough.

I guess my reason for blogging on this is to say, hey AMERICA! Pay attention! Buying American made cars keeps your fellow citizens employed, tax dollars rolling in, profits within your own country and prosperity to continue. Sure, there WERE quality issues in years past, but this is NOW and the auto makers ARE putting out a good product -- superior in many regards. PLEASE think when you make your purchases. There are fuel efficient AMERICAN vehicles you can buy to support your neighbors.

It comes down to whether or not you want to support your neighbor. Taking pride in American made products and purchasing them is supporting your own community. Please contact your congressmen and tell them at a minimum to pull their heads out of their asses. To scold the CEOs who are trying to keep your country strong and economy moving is unpardonable. To paint them the way they are being painted is unconscionable. I'm not saying they are perfect, but the auto industry is not the giant waste factory you are hearing about. Yes, union contracts need to be reviewed, but be realistic -- wage is a drop in the bucket on being competitive. The foreign car makers are often subsidized by their governments. America's automakers are NOT on an even playing field -- if we bought American this would not even matter.

I'm ranting.... I'm sorry.... it is just the arrogance of the Congress bringing me down as I watch people lose their homes. Call me crazy, but I think this is when we band together vs. throw stones and lay blame. I know, I'm crazy :-)

YAY! I get to VOTE!

I can not wait to get my sticker tomorrow! It is like the night before Christmas... the night before school started when you were young and still loved school.. it is like these things and so much more. No matter which candidate wins, we are in for much needed change. I'm excited about exercising my right to vote. I'm excited about going to the polls and doing my part to make a difference in my world. I LOVE VOTING!

My family comes from a town that says you should "Vote early and vote often!" I will twist that from the previously corrupt meaning to say it is important to vote when you are a young 18 and to continue to vote as often as you are legally given the opportunity. Whether it is a national election or just the small town mayor, your vote makes a difference!

I have always tried to take my kids with me to vote so that they see the importance and responsibility to exercise this right. I expect long lines tomorrow so I'm letting them off the hook this once. They have been watching me vote since before they knew their own names. I brought them in my arms, in the stroller, hand in hand. I brought them.

They are interested in the election this year and I'm glad. For my 11 and 12 year olds to care makes me happy. I think getting their interest young is the way to ensure they vote when they are older. I am one of those people. I put out my lawn signs and research the issues. I print my sample ballot and ponder the entire ballot -- I know where I stand on the proposals and today I made final decisions on the judges.

I LOVE VOTING!

I will bring a book and my Ipod tomorrow. I may even bring a lawn chair... (the chair is the only thing I'm undecided about right now!). I'm expecting long lines. Chair or no chair... I'm VOTING!

Please get out and vote. (Even if you are canceling out MY vote!). Let your voice be heard! Pray on it, think about it, do it!

Please make a big deal about it with your kids.

Please let them see how much you care (and if you don't care, pretend you do for heaven's sake!). You are their model - your example will imprint in their memories. Get excited about voting!

May your lines be short and your poll workers cheerful!

I can't wait to get my "I voted" sticker! Be sure to get yours too!

Dream Ticket

I speculated here that an Obama / Palin ticket would be my preference. Back in February I declared my Obama hope. I even defended him when he called me bitter. I watched last week's and tonight's debates with great interest.

I could still be swayed because I'm not certain Obama is who I hope he is..... I don't trust McCain either.... I don't like Joe.... I do like Palin (I know Carrie... but you must admit she is likable?). I like a coalition of opposing views. I like a city council that disagrees and wrestles over my local issues. I like when they butt heads and then work it out. That is why I propose an Obama / Palin ticket. Two outsiders who disagree but who care about America....

If your fundamental intent is good and you can bring people together... well? Perhaps there is hope?

For now, the sign on my lawn is Obama (placed before tonight's debate -- I picked up an Obama / Biden sign and traded my brother -- he had an Obama sign without the Biden). Super Girl has asked me to go get a McCain / Palin sign. She is twelve and pro life following a 2 hour car ride discussion. She also wants a female in high office. I'll be picking up her sign tomorrow.... (She also agrees and Obama / Palin hybrid might be good....) I'm proud of her that she has a strong enough view to want a lawn sign... and that she challenged mine.

Agree or disagree -- I respect your rights to your opinions. I think I'm at the point where I believe either side can have good results... in an odd way it might be a win / win election.

Dream Ticket?

I have to give McCain credit... he may not be a spectacular orator (though he is pretty good), but he made a nifty VP choice. I like Sarah Palin. There, I've said it. She appeals to my desire for a strong woman in charge. She respects life and isn't perfect. She is spunky. She is a reformer. She can rally the crowd.... perhaps restore pride in America?

You know that is what I'm looking for.... someone who can spur us on just as Reagan did so long ago. That is what attracted me to Obama. Americans need to feel good about being Americans. We need to trust in our ability to innovate and we need to believe in OURSELVES. I want an inspirational leader. If we start to believe, our economy WILL bounce back. Fear and depression are not going to bounce us back. The rest of the policy crap may not matter so much as it matters how we feel. Call me what you want, but that is my gut feel. Maybe my dream ticket is Obama / Palin..... Maybe it is Palin / Obama........... I would rather that neither side accomplish all of their aims, but a combo? That might work.

Wouldn't it be ineteresting? What do you think?

Voting

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Okay, usually I can not stand this girl.... but I have to give her (or her handlers?) credit for a sense on humor -- especially after she was featured in McCain's attack ads. Your thoughts? I'm again at the juncture of voting for the less of the evils vs. the candidate who I'm excited about. So disappointed in both right now....

I did my duty and voted in the primary today. My local politicos had a laugh as I showed Wonder Boy the magic line -- that line the candidates may not cross when begging for votes or handing out literature. The candidates got a HUGE kick out of it when Wonder Boy and I leaped across the line and I told him "You are safe here!" The candidates loved us and thanked us as we left. I have to give them credit -- they are braver than I! I want to change the world, but I would never subject my family to the madness that is politics.

I love voting though!!!

Obama?

I'm still scared of Mr. McCain. I used to be wildly enthusiastic about Mr. Obama (like last February, and I had reasons too! Yeah, I listed some of them....). I worried for him; I supported him, and yes, at times I was bitter and even supported some limited bitterness.

Now I'm leery and nervous. Worry creeps in at this stage. Infatuation wears off and you wonder if the candidate you desired it the real deal. I was NEVER a Hilary Clinton fan, but.... Is Obama who I hope he is?

It is interesting that at this time of candidate angst Mr. McCain decided to go negative. Please.... are you serious John? Do you expect me to buy what you are selling with this "funny" video for your supporters too?

Crazy me, I've actually blogged on politics again.... What are your thoughts? This November will be interesting... the media loves him, is he the real deal? Does he deserve my vote? McCain's decided turn to the negative makes me doubt him even more. You are losing me even more now John...

Obama is right, I'm bitter.

Was it his most articulate moment? No. Was Obama uttering a truth? Yes. If not bitter, try the word disappointed. Try disenfranchised. Try skeptical. Try another word if it makes you feel better, but I'll admit to some bitterness here....

I don't think it is wrong or elitist to say that we are bitter in mid western states that are steeped in recession (oh, just call it a depression already). What the heck? Wouldn't you be a little bitter if your husband worked his butt off 6 days a week most weeks and 12-14 hour days in the summer time while you also worked full time to afford a house in a good neighborhood near your family? Wouldn't you be a little bitter if all that yielded you was an overextended home equity line of credit that puts your home at risk? Wouldn't you be bitter if your taxes were going up and your income was going down? Wouldn't you be bitter if you were watching friends lose their jobs and leave the state? Wouldn't you be bitter if your husband and his father had NOTHING to show but debt for a construction business that had once thrived?

Wouldn't you be clinging to your faith and hope? Did he articulate my bitterness well? Nope. But is he right? Hell yes. McCain and Clinton are kidding themselves if they think we are not bitter out here in the flyover states.

We are bitter. But we keep marching on. March on Barak Obama. I'm still on your team -- me and many of my bitter friends :-) I still agree with the "Yes We Can!" outlook.

I still believe that you have to believe. I want to believe in Obama. I see his as someone who can unify us. I'm disappointed in the other candidates. I wonder if I'm just clinging to hope? Where are we if we don't have hope? No other candidate is selling me hope.

/ Most days I'm not bitter, but once in a while.... it is there. Admit it and move on. There is nothing unnatural about being bitter when you have done your best and still failed. The key is rising up and marching on. I'm marching on. The past is the past... now is the time to save our future.

Barack Obama - "Yes, We Can!"

Here is what I like so far about Barack Obama:

- He does not get ruffled. I like that in a president.

- He is calm, we need that in a president. Like Reagen, he can make us feel good -- there is value in that with these economic times. Confidence = spending = economy stimulated.

- He appears to be a man of conviction. Too rare in politicians these days.

- He appears to be able to work with people on both sides of the aisle. Most politicians are so partisan these days, it seems like Barack can rise above that.

- He has the charisma to be a "healing" president. He can make us feel good about America again vs. Hilary who believes we are all evil. I want Americans to be proud to be American again. I want to see patriotism that isn't centered around militarism. We need to celebrate the freedom we enjoy. We need to teach appreciation of our freedom and American ideals to our kids in schools and not be afraid to say the pledge in high schools. We live in a wonderful country, we need to be proud and appreciate it. We need to fix things, but we also need to be proud. I think Barack can help us get there.

- We need to be mindful of world opinion. I think Barack is mindful. I think he can do a world of good in foreign policy for the simple fact that he seems to lack arrogance. Not all Americans are arrogant like the Clinton and Bush's. It would be nice if the world didn't view us as arrogant.

- He values education -- need I say more?

Many white people won't admit their fear of electing Obama. The big fear is assassination. There are many black people who say they won't vote for him because they know if he is elected he will be assassinated. I'm not one to be a conspiracy theorist, but I understand the fear. We live in a crazy world. We can not let fear paralyze us.

I hope with all of my heart that Barack Obama comes out ahead of Hilary. If she is the nominee from the Democrats, I will be forced to toss my vote over to the Republican side. Hilary frightens me even more than the other options. I'd love to see a woman president, but she is not the one.

So, today I go on the record with my support of Barack Obama. I rarely blog political, but it you are in a voting state on super Tuesday, please consider my logic. I am a typical woman voter who in the past has leaned conservative and moderate in the voting booth. If you Democrats want my vote this year, I just explained to you how to get it. Please realize, if you get my vote you will get many more. I am not alone in my thinking. I will vote anyone but Hilary.

PLEASE nominate someone I feel okay about voting for!!!! I'm sick of voting for the less of the evils. Go Barack! I believe you can unite us and bring progress domestically and internationally. GOOD LUCK and God's speed! I want to believe. I want to be inspired.

Oboma's message inspiring? Yes. Check this out. We are not as divided as our politics suggest.



/Yes, my internet is still down on the home PC so I apologize for fewer blog updates. It is making me insane that I don't have the funds for repairs at the moment!!

Huckabee -- STOP stalking me!!!!

Ring! Ring!

"Hello?"

/pause, listen

"Ugh! You again. Just stop calling me!!!!"

Mike Huckabee, please stop stalking me! You call me more than my husband. Your posse is fierce in their support. They pepper me with their punk surveys. Don't try to trap me with your trash talk, I am not so easily owned!!! I am NOT a radical conservative. I'm independent and moderate. Seriously. Just because I've voted in your party's primary in the past DOES NOT mean you own me. Back off dude. Your constant phone calls are starting to freak me out.

By the way... why are the rest of you not calling? Republicans? Democrats? Libertarians? Where are you? Do you not want my vote? Is my state unimportant to you????? What the heck? Is Huckabee the only one who cares about me...?????

I still don't know who I'm voting for.....

Day of Outrage!

It happened.

I'm still kind of stunned.

Once in a while you hear a voice of reason that you just can not ignore. You hear the message and your agree whole heartedly. You hear certain words and are filled with the zeal of the converted. I agree! I agree! But would I have ever thought I'd agree with AL SHARPTON???? Um... no, I didn't think so...

Until today....

Rev. Al came up with an idea this past April. He decided to stand up to the foul language and degrading words in music. Rev. Al stood up and took the unpopular view. "Freedom of Speech!" is the argument he heard back. This is not a matter of our nation's sacred freedom of speech. This is about values. This is about who we are as a society. This is about being able to take my kids on a bike ride in the park and without hearing the F-bomb blaring from someone else's loud speakers.
I don't care if you swear. I do too (in the car mostly, when the kids are no where near me). I can cuss like a sailor. That doesn't mean I should. It doesn't mean that I should write songs that can't be put on a kid's i-pod or get played on the radio.

Don't tell me the clean cut versions (where the words are bleeped or blurred) are good enough. It isn't good enough. My 10 and 11 year old's know what you are saying, PINK and Avril. How dare you market to them and not write songs that I can feel good about letting them listen to -- without my explanations and alternative lyric choices? Wonder Boy listens to your lyrics ladies, you should be ashamed.

I'm all for freedom of expression, but I still love Wil Smith's take on this issue many years ago. He said his grandmother told him he was too intelligent to communicate with curses. I'm never proud of myself when I curse. I enjoy it at the time, but it wouldn't make me proud to see myself on TV or in front of my kids that way. I wish musicians would flex their intellectual muscles vs. their freedom of speech. There are so many amazing songs out there... musicians should stop taking the easy way out. They are talented.

As for the general rap thing and the degradation, explicit language/content, and such.... all I can say is.... Do you kiss your mother with that mouth? Those people who blast your music so loud that it can't be escaped by an innocent family trying to enjoy a bike ride... do those blasters make you proud? If I wanted my kids to listen to that, I'd buy it for them. Have a touch of courtesy Mr. Mega Bass at the intersection!!

When I was a rebellious teen listening to the Violent Femmes singing "Add it Up," I had the decency to keep it at a level that was below the radar of my parents and the general public. Is this too much to ask in 2007? Could you have some sensitivity out there already?

Off my soap box. I'm not a prude, I just wish people would listen to my new friend Rev. Al Sharpton. Al, you have a new fan here. I appreciate you taking on this topic and will put my faith in you that you can bring the issue to light. Go Al! You are the best! Thank you for leading the nationwide Day of Outrage.

For what it's worth Al, I'm with you on this one!!
Say what you want about Al, I support his decency initiative!

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Other Updates in our Grim :-) Reality:
- The kids have a new project and are a little less stir crazy -- yippee!
- The hubby is exploring options for employment and education -- pray for him!
- The mother inlaw is home from the hospital and recuperating.... she is more feisty all the time. This is a good sign.
- The father inlaw is trying to rope Hubby back into the family business -- he is resisting, pray please -- must resist this financial drain!
- The trifecta of new nieces are all doing well -- thanks for the prayers!
- My brother has a new love. He wasn't looking for love after the heartbreak... pray for him if you think of it! He has adapted well to the life without a motor vehicle.
- 3 weeks until student teaching starts!
- How the heck did I end up agreeing with Al Sharpton?