No Labels

The inception of the NoLabels.org group (or, movement) may just be the perfect antithesis to the so-called "Tea Party Movement," which simply polarizes the American landscape even further, thus leaving the overriding national spirit in very hateful mood.  Although it remains to be seen exactly how this group will use its influence to yield any "real" positive changes, it sure is nice to see someone trying to mend society, as opposed to dividing (and subsequently conquering) it.

With the official lauch date of December 13, 2010,  this new-wave groups intends to "unite Republicans, Democrats and Independents with a simple, single idea -- our leaders need to work together to do what government was intended to do: solve problems.  No Labels is not a political party nor aspires to be one, our focus is on building a broad citizen movement, not running any one individual for office."  The purpose of this group just feels a lot better than the aforementioned Tea Party, which had ulterior motives oozing from its stubborn, conservative pores.

NoLabels.org claims to be merely asking conservatives, liberals, democrats, and republicans, not to abandon their core ideologies, but to merely put them aside in order to work together and find practical solutions to our nation's problems. Sounds good to me and as the 10,851st person to sign up in support of this group, I hope they mean what they claim.

My bottom line is that, we the people need to stop allowing ourselves to be lumped into these ridiculous socio-political categories by groups that care very little about change, but more about gaining power, influence, and of course money.

Men Be Careful...PLEASE!!!

"Homosexuality Will Ruin the Military???"

"If open homosexuals are allowed to serve in the U.S. military, it will harm recruitment, retention, and readiness and will without question weaken our national defense. Repeal is bad for the military and bad for the United States."  This is the bottom line statement the "American Family Association" asserts on its website. 

REALLY??!!

They are, of course, talking about the "DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL" debate currently ensuing on floor the U.S. House of Representatives.  Currently, a stand-alone bill repealing the 1993 legislation barring openly gay men and women from serving in the military is undergoing heated debate in the House and Senate.  Does any average citizen really care two-cents about this issue?  Is it (really) a burning topic of discussion across kitchen tables throughout America?  Let's see, are people more worried about the sexual habits of soldiers or rather the soldier(s) are well-trained; and, how are we going to pay this rent?  Being one of those average Americans that politicians so often speak of, I'll say that our major concern is for the latter debate.  Rent.

The American Family Association cite statistics and make broad statements, such as:

-at least 30% of active service members believe the repeal is problematic

-24% of active duty personnel indicated that they either would resign or would consider resigning from the military if open homosexuals are allowed to serve

-it is clear that allowing open homosexuals to serve will have the opposite effect. It will weaken rather than strengthen our military

-Repeal will mean the end of careers for conservative Christian chaplains, who have deeply held moral and spiritual objections to the normalization of homosexuality. This will bring to an end a tradition of conservative Christian chaplains that goes all the way back to our first commander-in-chief, George Washington, who made the appointing of such chaplains one of his first orders of business. General Washington knew that military success depended upon the spiritual strength of the military

-Repeal will be the end of careers for conservative officers. They will be forced to publicly affirm the normalcy of homosexual behavior

(http://capwiz.com/afanet/callalert/index.tt?alertid=20024566)

The aforementioned statements (by the AFA) are obviously the opinions of a few pseudo-conservative tight-a$$es spending far too much time bible thumping and less time actually living the principles of the GOOD BOOK.  Dont' get me wrong, I carry a few conservative principles myself.  For instance, I feel that the FCC has lowered its standards to very dangerous levels.  The loosening of our core cultural standards is leading our civilization down a slippery slope of destruction.  However, to profess that homosexuality will ruin the military is a gross over-statement.

I am a straight man, who has never had the privilege to serve in the military.  As such, I deeply appreciate any man or woman willing to place his or her life on the line for my freedom, regardless of that person's sexuality.  In stead harassing these soldiers, it would be nice if the AFA simply said, "thank you."

Instead of pretending the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" legislation is a major concern for us average Americans thus garnering a lion share of their attention by our congress, congress needs to have a very real discussion about the "Omnibus Bill."  Last time I checked, everyone was against earmarks --- right?

What Does Christmas Really Mean?

'tis the season for what reason? 

Christmas time can bring forth wonderful joy and memorable times...like the first bicycle you received or that GI Joe, with the kung fu grip :-), or the reuniting with long-lost family and friends, the slow-quiet evenings of great expectations and the melting away of all of one's troubles....(if only for a moment). 

But, what exactly does Xmas represent today?  Honestly.  Is it the birth of The King?  Does it represent the beginning of the winter solstice?  Does it truly represent an appreciation of God's gift to mankind?  Does it?  NO!!  In fact, the insinuation of God existence, in this holiday, is shunned and replaced with the glorification of "Black Friday," and "Xmas Specials" sales. Heaven forbid, one does have the means to purchase expensive gifts for one's family and friends...not only is s/he shunned by society, but that poor soul is made to feel like some sort of inferior ingrate.

Although it is not my place to place judgment on how anyone prioritizes this season, I will only ask that you take a moment to truly thank the creator, and try to give the greatest gift one can give....and that is 'of yourself.'  Shake a strangers hand or greet them with a smile, hold the door open for someone, give a holiday greetings card to a fellow public transit rider, remember to tell your mother what she means to you and thank God for her, really embrace the kindred spirit which connects mankind, shed a tear (as you shed away your past hurts), and laugh as hard as you can in order to invite positivity to plant its flag in your world.

So, what is the reason for the season?  You tell me....

Seasons Greetings!!!

Short Cutting Your Way to Failure...Sen. Jeff Smith Returns from Prison

Released from federal prison to a half-way house in August (2010) and from a half-way house...to ultimate freedom November 18th, convicted MO State Senator Jeff Smith now says that he regrets the actions which led him to prison and to hopes to rebuild himself by giving back to the community.

If you remember, Sen. Smith was a young, political fireball who was sentenced to federal prison in connection with a 2004 political cover-up, in which he'd lied to federal investigators about a negative political flyer.  He was later convicted of two counts of obstruction of justice.  The 36 year old holds a PH.D from Washington University (St. Louis) and earned his political stripes by narrowly loosing the race for retired congressman Dick Gephardt's congressional seat in the 2004 Democratic Congressional primary. 

In order to achieve so much career success, at such a young age, one must have the focus of a lion preying on its meal.  But, as a lion, one wrong move or misstep can render you hungry, homeless, and eventually captured by poachers.  Dr. Smith owned that feline-like focus until he decided to take an ill-advised shortcut.  He lied. 

And, that's is exactly what a lie is....it's a short cut.  Too many of us want only to take shortcuts to success.  We do this by either selling drugs to avoid real work, steal goods/merchandise to avoid earning money to pay for them, we sell our bodies to avoid developing our true gifts to the world, we lie to ourselves to avoid the truth about who we've become.  Dr. Smith spent a year and a day in prison because he lost sight of his true path (if only for a moment).  This momentary lapse, invariably, cost him his career and political future.

My point is: don't shortcut yourself to failure...stay the course.  The road to success can be a long, arduous journey.  It can be a journey that knocks you down more times than it'll left you.  But the righteous journey charters down a lighted path towards honor, respect, integrity, and true-everlasting happiness.  Speak to a family member or friend who's ever had the dishonor of serving real time in prison.  They all will tell you that they wish they would've simply done things the righteous way.  Prison is harsh and lonely.  According to Dr. Smith,  "you're no longer Dr. Smith, you're no longer Senator Smith or Professor Smith, you're number 36607044.... it's a difficult thing to come to grips with."

Keep the righteous path because at the end of it stands God waiting to embrace you.

Female Employee Shots Teen Shopper in the Buttocks and Gets Away with It

KSDK news (St. Louis) is reporting that a teenager, at approximately 1:00 pm 11/23/10, is shot in the buttocks while trying to steal a bag of potato chips.  Apparently, the young man and two of his buddies entered Myrt's Northland Market, on 2814 North Kingshighway and attempted to steal a bag of potato chips when the 50 year old lady-employee noticed the act.  Upon confronting the guys, they gave her the chips back.  Now, according to the lady-employee, one of the three teenage boys pulled out a gun.  In response, she states that she then shot him in the buttocks. 

REALLY?! 

The injured child is in the hospital recovering from the wound, while the second is being charged with petty theft, and the third hopped on the bus and got away.  Meanwhile, no weapon was found.  OK, back to the lady-employee's statement.

While police say she is very shaken-up by the incident and was treated by EMT, they all seem to be totally buying her story.  Now, I'm no detective, but allow me to point out a few inconsistencies (if you will). 




First:  She asked for the stolen chips back and they returned the item with no argument

Second:  Out of nowhere, one kid pulls out a gun (for some chips?)

Third:  She shoots the kid in the buttocks.

OK, if the kid returned the chips with NO argue, why would he pull out a gun?  What's his motive?  Also, how did a gun magically appear in her hands?  It didn't.  She must've approached these kids with the gun out already.  Then, she shoots him in the buttocks?  How would the bullet magically go towards the kid, then make a wicked 180 degree turn to hit him in the rear?  It wouldn't.  Apparently, the kid was running away.  In addition to all this, the police never found a weapon? 

REALLY?!

Now, I'm all for justice but c'mon, man.  Is this where the system is now....where a woman can shoot a kid, cry, blame the kid (with zero evidence), and be seen as a hero?  I'm just saying....if the she were a he, I'd have a whole different outcome to report.

Breaking News!!! Hit and Run... Mother and two Babies Run Over...

According to KMOV.com (St. Louis, MO), a mother and two infant children are currently in critical condition after being run down by an impatient driver.  The incident happened around 5:30pm, as the mother was crossing N. Kingshighway near Raymond.  Apparently, other motorist yielded for the young family to cross when an impatient moron said, "screw it, I'm going anyway," and ran through these innocent pedestrians.  They are currently being monitored at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

RUSH, RUSH, RUSH!!!  You see it, I see, we all see it everyday.  Every one's in such a damn rush that many forgo all common decency in order to get where they are going or what they think they need. 

SLOW THE HELL DOWN!!!   You cannot tell me that your business can't wait long enough for a mom and her babies to cross the damn street.  Now, before you simply nod your head at this moron's criminal actions, check yourself.  Are you moving too damn fast to take caution?  Think about it and please be careful because you are driving a two-thousand pound bullet....

Now, to the real point....  the assailant sped off and got away, but was driving this car:





If you see it, call the police....