I turned thirty. Wow. I dreaded this birthday and milked every bit of 29 and since turning thirty in January I have had my phone stolen (and with it all of my personal information, private family photos and classroom projects just to name a few things) had the flu, several tooth problems, sinus infection, and a strange neck/nerve disorder. Getting older sucks!
I will say that after a long and crazy school year last year, I am very excited to be teaching in gifted education. It has been a challenge balancing the curriculum and challenging and entertaining a variety of personalities and skills. It's a common misconception that gifted students or higher level thinkers are an easy group of well behaved children. They are mentally challenging and very egocentric when it comes to boundaries. However, they are amazing thinkers and possess such creative thoughts that the mental challenge is incredibly stimulating. I still have a few students that come from homes with little to no family support systems and one or two with anger issues and internal frustrations/low self esteem and self worth. These students need the challenge and mental stimulation even more so to help them gain the tools needed to overcome their environment and succeed. I hope whatever I can offer them stays with them and they continue to build on it. I am always surprised at the amazing conversations and discussions we have as a class. I'm so proud to help them grow and encourage free thought on a local and global level. They are all so diverse and amazing.
In other news-I do have great things to look forward to this year. I am looking forward to an upcoming trip with Faith to Colorado in March. It will be so good to see her and spend some quality time! It's so hard being far away! Thankfully we live an age where smartphones and webcams help. Also planning a vacation over the winter holidays with Curt and Carla.
Jeff and I went to Lowell observatory in Flagstaff this weekend and had an amazing time. Flagstaff is beautiful and if we could get jobs there and afford housing I'd love to live there. We learned about the discovery of Pluto and were able to view the research, slides and telescope used in the discovery. So interesting! Then we were able to view Jupiter, the moon and several star clusters and Orion's Belt through a variety of telescopes. Learning about the construction of the DCT was also incredibly fascinating. Can't wait to go back.
That's about it...thus far anyway.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Feb-2011 old blog somehow reposted: San Fran-the blog of my awful vacation luck and the good times withfriends
I did not proofread this so typos will follow. See the pics of my trip on Facebook. Some pretty good pictures. I got a few great ones in Alcatraz and of the bridge. Some other random stuff too from our trip. Looking at them makes me appreciate the trip more than I did while I was there, as you will read. It seems I had fun in the midst of bad luck and illness. :) Note: I use sarcasm heavily, I didn't really have the worst time ever, but for a vacation it was pretty awful.
So it started-my much awaited San Francisco vacation. We said good bye to the dog and my dad drove us to the airport.
So started the trouble.
Half way to the airport I realized I forgot my coat. Too late to turn around so onward and upward. At the airport we experienced flight delays due to the extreme fog and rain in SF. Had I known I could have turned around and retrieved my coat. The coat I would be missing dearly during our cold and wet stay. After four hours at the LV airport, we were finally off into the sky! Couldn't wait to see our friends from back home; we were meeting them there.
We arrived, retrieved our luggage and met up with our friends.
Did I mention I was diagnosed with swine flu at this time? Well I was. Sick, chest burning, wheezing, coughing, feverish and miserable. Thats OK, cause I was too excited to care! Oh wait, Carla was also diagnosed with swine flu in Ohio prior to our trip. Hm, this should get interesting. The boys were in good health. Yay for them.
Anyway, we took a 40$ cab ride to our hotel where we checked in and then set off to see the city sights and get some food. Well, when your grandparents say they walked up hill both ways to school in the snow you may want to ask them if they went to school in San Francisco. Chances are they did.
We walked up hill, steep steep hills, both ways to see the sights. With a burning chest this isn't exactly 'fun.' However, when we caught some great glimpses of the GG bridge and Alcatraz Island, it did bring that awesome vacation feeling to me. We stopped by a pastry shop to have dessert and coffee BEFORE dinner. :) Then had an amazing dinner at The Stinking Rose garlic restaurant. I LOVE GARLIC. It was great. We had garlic hummus, garlic fondue and then garlic portobello mushroom caps with garlic mashed potatoes. YUM.
Back at the room, I took my meds (as did Carla) and off to snoozeville I went. Sort of. Coughing ensued and sleep became semi-problematic. The next night I fixed this with heavier drug dosages.
Day 2: We woke up early and headed out on our long walk to shopping for groceries at Trader Joes. I also LOVE Trader Joes. After getting some food for our afternoon at the zoo and whale watching trip later this weekend we headed out on our bus ride to the SF zoo. We stopped at the Pacific Ocean to take some photos. Then we headed to the entrance. We bought our tickets and ponchos, for the steady yet light rain, and into the zoo we went. Giraffes were first, because they are the most awesome animal on the planet. After being thoroughly excited to see there was a program where you could feed the giraffes later that day, we went on to other exhibits. Most animals were in hiding. We saw a skinny dirty polar bear and some other misc. animals here and there. It was sad. What was more sad is that after an hour of being there a security employee told us they were asking everyone to leave and closing due to the rain. The rain that was no better or worse than it was when they took our money and let us in. No giraffe feeding, no refunds either. Although I did get to brush the goats and see some random farm animals. Yay. Carla did hump a sheep. That was exciting.
Well, Golden Gate bridge-here we come! The rain continued lightly, but still very steady. We took a bus to the GG bridge and my illness seemed to be getting worse. It became hard to breathe, but I stammered through it. The bridge would have been more exciting if it was not raining, but it was very neat to see and get photos of. We decided to walk across the bridge. Well as soon as we were safe and sound on the bridge a freak weather turn took us by surprise. Wind 50 mph+, hail and heavy rain pounded us as we trekked across the bridge. Wind so severe that it literally ripped Curt's poncho from his body as he walked. I was bitchy and miserable. It was loud from the rain, hail, wind and bridge traffic. The officer patrolling the bridge for jumpers stopped to pick us up, he felt bad for us, which was good since I was considering jumping at this time. As we piled into the back of his little car, thankful for him taking pity on us, we discovered he was a Brown's fan. We were all wearing some form of Steelers gear this day, so we were even more thankful he decided to pick us up. He was the best Brown's fan on the planet. He even congratulated us on our season.
As we were waiting for our next bus, to PF Changs for dinner, we stood for about 35 minutes in the cold rain. Skip forward past the rude bus driver-PF Chang's. YUM. Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps-unbelievable.
After dinner, we were given directions to the closest bus stop back into the city and to our hotel. we headed down the woodsy deserted trail that we nick named "rape alley" in hope of this bus stop we were told about. Seriously, the path looked like a crime scene from Law and Order SVU. After about 1.5 hours of walking, multiple bus stops and waiting in the cold rain, we finally found our way back to the city.
Drugs and sleep.
Day 3:
Fisherman's Wharf and Alcatraz day. I think we started this day with Coit Tower.
We walked to Ghiradelli and I thoroughly enjoyed some espresso in my hot cocoa while we stayed warm and dry inside. Jeff and Carla planned our path on the map and off we went. We checked out shops and piers. Typical tourist stuff. Had lunch at the wonderful rainforest cafe and tried to dry my knee high soaked pants. When the bill came I looked for my credit card. Of course I had lost it on our awful city trek the previous day. Later I found out that the waitress never returned it to me at PF Chang's. I had to sit on hold and answer 100 questions with the company. UGH!
Alcatraz Island was amazing. The history, the sights and the stories. The tour was great. Nothing bad to say about the tour.
Last full day: Up early for my much awaited whale watching tour. I had done a unit on whales with my 2nd graders and became quite knowledgeable about whales and whale behaviors and therefore super nerd like excited about this part of the trip. I was determined that this trip would turn around all of the bad luck we had been having. From delayed flights, getting lost, wet, swineflu, kicked out of the zoo, etc. This was the day I was going to see some of the most amazing animals and largest living creatures on the planet. Our tour guide looked like Shaggy from Scooby-Doo and I instantly wanted to be his friend. He was a whale nerd and I loved him for it. Off into the Pacific we went. We saw a harbour porpoise (one) and some orange jellyfish and continued our journey further out in search of whales. We circled slowly around the Farrallon Islands. No whales. We stopped and picked up some scientists that had been staying on the island studying birds. No whales. We were 45 miles out into the wavy ocean. My husband, Jeff, was puking over the side of the boat. Carla was ill and sleeping. Curt was absolutely fine and positive. I was gettin very upset, with slight nausea, about not seeing a whale yet. As we headed back toward the bay and I realized I would not see a whale, I was angry. Angry at Shaggy, angry at the scientists and secretly bitter with Curt who was still happy-go-lucky and drinking a beer. lol. Jeff slept and tried to refrain from puking again. I am now a firm believer that whales are mythical beings from fairy tales. OK not really, but damn was I upset.
Upon our arrival, Jeff took a bus back to the hotel alone, because he was still rocking and ill from the trip. Carla, Curt and I, walked the wharf some more and saw some sea lions, local crab catchers, and some break dancers in the street that thought they were the coolest thing since sliced bread. A few names of these dancers were Sexual Soy Sauce and Black Licorice. A child from the audience showed them up by interrupting their routine and running out and break dancing in the middle of the show. Haha for them. Good job kid. They were good, but egotistical. We took our picture with their ring leader and fed his ego more. I had to convince Carla not run off with him and ruin her marriage. Alright, that last part isn't exactly true. We went to the aquarium and were able to pet some sting rays, starfish and sea cucumbers. The aquairum was neat. I also saw a shark get pissed off and spray water from his mouth at probing children. I was still very upset about no whales. I did see some at the gift shop though. Plush whales.
As we were headed to the airport the next day the cab driver informed us that it rained a lot in SF. I replied with, "yeah, no f'ing kidding." Jeff hit me, gently. I was scolded for being rude. I explained his job was to drive, not to state the obvious. I didn't say this to the driver, I said it to Jeff. I later felt slightly bad for being a jerk. I had a slight chip on my ill shoulder. I thought that we were finally leaving this city of freak monsoons on bridges, and awful luck. Well we weren't gone yet. At the airport I noticed the security woman giving me a rude cold blatant stare down as we stood in line. I pointed it out to Jeff thinking I was surely mistaken. Jeff agreed that she was very rudely staring at me. We used the term, 'eye-fucking' which isn't exactly appropriate-sorry. She continued to give me the stare down. I thought, oh well I'm outta here soon. When we reached the metal detector she not so nicely asked me to step into the clear plastic holding cell behind her. She abruptly turned her back to me and did not answer when I asked her what I should do and why I was in there. She waited for ten minutes while I stood in the cell in the middle of security. I yelled over the plastic to Jeff, "See what I tell you?" The woman finally called to another woman and the other one opened the door and asked the rude security guard what she needed. She told her to give me the full body. As the new officer escorted me out of the cell to a mat, still in the middle of security, she asked me if I set off the sensor. I said no so she then told me it was strange that I was detained. I said the security woman had an attitude problem. The officer laughed. She then proceeded to feel me up, down and all around in front of the security line traffic. Apparently, I look like a terrorist.
Home at last! I get home and greet my adoring and most missed dog. I then open my suitcase to give my dad some salt water taffy as a thank you for watching my daughter dog. Silly me, I thought the horror was over. I was wrong. They searched my luggage in SF and didn't put things back correctly. My shampoo, conditioner and make-up products were now all over my entire suitcase of clothing. Smeared on everything.
I hate the city. I am sticking to the good San-San Diego.
That is my trip. It was great seeing Curt and Carla and without them there it would have been much worse. Thinking back on it, it still isn't a funny story. Alright, it is semi-amusing now that it is over and it was nice to get away with friends. I am still upset about the money spent on the trip from hell. Next time we will spend the money on the good San.
It has been good to be back. I was glad to see my class again and be back at work. I must add that I am very proud of my class and how well they scored on their ATI tests. I hold my students to a high behavior and working standard. They did well and I am proud of their hard work. :) I am also glad to be on Spring Break right now! Lots of gym time this week with Amanda and relaxing. Also going into the school to get some work done there and finish the report cards. Now to bed-Amanda will be waking me up at an early time to go to pilates. My abs hurt already! OUCH! :)
So it started-my much awaited San Francisco vacation. We said good bye to the dog and my dad drove us to the airport.
So started the trouble.
Half way to the airport I realized I forgot my coat. Too late to turn around so onward and upward. At the airport we experienced flight delays due to the extreme fog and rain in SF. Had I known I could have turned around and retrieved my coat. The coat I would be missing dearly during our cold and wet stay. After four hours at the LV airport, we were finally off into the sky! Couldn't wait to see our friends from back home; we were meeting them there.
We arrived, retrieved our luggage and met up with our friends.
Did I mention I was diagnosed with swine flu at this time? Well I was. Sick, chest burning, wheezing, coughing, feverish and miserable. Thats OK, cause I was too excited to care! Oh wait, Carla was also diagnosed with swine flu in Ohio prior to our trip. Hm, this should get interesting. The boys were in good health. Yay for them.
Anyway, we took a 40$ cab ride to our hotel where we checked in and then set off to see the city sights and get some food. Well, when your grandparents say they walked up hill both ways to school in the snow you may want to ask them if they went to school in San Francisco. Chances are they did.
We walked up hill, steep steep hills, both ways to see the sights. With a burning chest this isn't exactly 'fun.' However, when we caught some great glimpses of the GG bridge and Alcatraz Island, it did bring that awesome vacation feeling to me. We stopped by a pastry shop to have dessert and coffee BEFORE dinner. :) Then had an amazing dinner at The Stinking Rose garlic restaurant. I LOVE GARLIC. It was great. We had garlic hummus, garlic fondue and then garlic portobello mushroom caps with garlic mashed potatoes. YUM.
Back at the room, I took my meds (as did Carla) and off to snoozeville I went. Sort of. Coughing ensued and sleep became semi-problematic. The next night I fixed this with heavier drug dosages.
Day 2: We woke up early and headed out on our long walk to shopping for groceries at Trader Joes. I also LOVE Trader Joes. After getting some food for our afternoon at the zoo and whale watching trip later this weekend we headed out on our bus ride to the SF zoo. We stopped at the Pacific Ocean to take some photos. Then we headed to the entrance. We bought our tickets and ponchos, for the steady yet light rain, and into the zoo we went. Giraffes were first, because they are the most awesome animal on the planet. After being thoroughly excited to see there was a program where you could feed the giraffes later that day, we went on to other exhibits. Most animals were in hiding. We saw a skinny dirty polar bear and some other misc. animals here and there. It was sad. What was more sad is that after an hour of being there a security employee told us they were asking everyone to leave and closing due to the rain. The rain that was no better or worse than it was when they took our money and let us in. No giraffe feeding, no refunds either. Although I did get to brush the goats and see some random farm animals. Yay. Carla did hump a sheep. That was exciting.
Well, Golden Gate bridge-here we come! The rain continued lightly, but still very steady. We took a bus to the GG bridge and my illness seemed to be getting worse. It became hard to breathe, but I stammered through it. The bridge would have been more exciting if it was not raining, but it was very neat to see and get photos of. We decided to walk across the bridge. Well as soon as we were safe and sound on the bridge a freak weather turn took us by surprise. Wind 50 mph+, hail and heavy rain pounded us as we trekked across the bridge. Wind so severe that it literally ripped Curt's poncho from his body as he walked. I was bitchy and miserable. It was loud from the rain, hail, wind and bridge traffic. The officer patrolling the bridge for jumpers stopped to pick us up, he felt bad for us, which was good since I was considering jumping at this time. As we piled into the back of his little car, thankful for him taking pity on us, we discovered he was a Brown's fan. We were all wearing some form of Steelers gear this day, so we were even more thankful he decided to pick us up. He was the best Brown's fan on the planet. He even congratulated us on our season.
As we were waiting for our next bus, to PF Changs for dinner, we stood for about 35 minutes in the cold rain. Skip forward past the rude bus driver-PF Chang's. YUM. Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps-unbelievable.
After dinner, we were given directions to the closest bus stop back into the city and to our hotel. we headed down the woodsy deserted trail that we nick named "rape alley" in hope of this bus stop we were told about. Seriously, the path looked like a crime scene from Law and Order SVU. After about 1.5 hours of walking, multiple bus stops and waiting in the cold rain, we finally found our way back to the city.
Drugs and sleep.
Day 3:
Fisherman's Wharf and Alcatraz day. I think we started this day with Coit Tower.
We walked to Ghiradelli and I thoroughly enjoyed some espresso in my hot cocoa while we stayed warm and dry inside. Jeff and Carla planned our path on the map and off we went. We checked out shops and piers. Typical tourist stuff. Had lunch at the wonderful rainforest cafe and tried to dry my knee high soaked pants. When the bill came I looked for my credit card. Of course I had lost it on our awful city trek the previous day. Later I found out that the waitress never returned it to me at PF Chang's. I had to sit on hold and answer 100 questions with the company. UGH!
Alcatraz Island was amazing. The history, the sights and the stories. The tour was great. Nothing bad to say about the tour.
Last full day: Up early for my much awaited whale watching tour. I had done a unit on whales with my 2nd graders and became quite knowledgeable about whales and whale behaviors and therefore super nerd like excited about this part of the trip. I was determined that this trip would turn around all of the bad luck we had been having. From delayed flights, getting lost, wet, swineflu, kicked out of the zoo, etc. This was the day I was going to see some of the most amazing animals and largest living creatures on the planet. Our tour guide looked like Shaggy from Scooby-Doo and I instantly wanted to be his friend. He was a whale nerd and I loved him for it. Off into the Pacific we went. We saw a harbour porpoise (one) and some orange jellyfish and continued our journey further out in search of whales. We circled slowly around the Farrallon Islands. No whales. We stopped and picked up some scientists that had been staying on the island studying birds. No whales. We were 45 miles out into the wavy ocean. My husband, Jeff, was puking over the side of the boat. Carla was ill and sleeping. Curt was absolutely fine and positive. I was gettin very upset, with slight nausea, about not seeing a whale yet. As we headed back toward the bay and I realized I would not see a whale, I was angry. Angry at Shaggy, angry at the scientists and secretly bitter with Curt who was still happy-go-lucky and drinking a beer. lol. Jeff slept and tried to refrain from puking again. I am now a firm believer that whales are mythical beings from fairy tales. OK not really, but damn was I upset.
Upon our arrival, Jeff took a bus back to the hotel alone, because he was still rocking and ill from the trip. Carla, Curt and I, walked the wharf some more and saw some sea lions, local crab catchers, and some break dancers in the street that thought they were the coolest thing since sliced bread. A few names of these dancers were Sexual Soy Sauce and Black Licorice. A child from the audience showed them up by interrupting their routine and running out and break dancing in the middle of the show. Haha for them. Good job kid. They were good, but egotistical. We took our picture with their ring leader and fed his ego more. I had to convince Carla not run off with him and ruin her marriage. Alright, that last part isn't exactly true. We went to the aquarium and were able to pet some sting rays, starfish and sea cucumbers. The aquairum was neat. I also saw a shark get pissed off and spray water from his mouth at probing children. I was still very upset about no whales. I did see some at the gift shop though. Plush whales.
As we were headed to the airport the next day the cab driver informed us that it rained a lot in SF. I replied with, "yeah, no f'ing kidding." Jeff hit me, gently. I was scolded for being rude. I explained his job was to drive, not to state the obvious. I didn't say this to the driver, I said it to Jeff. I later felt slightly bad for being a jerk. I had a slight chip on my ill shoulder. I thought that we were finally leaving this city of freak monsoons on bridges, and awful luck. Well we weren't gone yet. At the airport I noticed the security woman giving me a rude cold blatant stare down as we stood in line. I pointed it out to Jeff thinking I was surely mistaken. Jeff agreed that she was very rudely staring at me. We used the term, 'eye-fucking' which isn't exactly appropriate-sorry. She continued to give me the stare down. I thought, oh well I'm outta here soon. When we reached the metal detector she not so nicely asked me to step into the clear plastic holding cell behind her. She abruptly turned her back to me and did not answer when I asked her what I should do and why I was in there. She waited for ten minutes while I stood in the cell in the middle of security. I yelled over the plastic to Jeff, "See what I tell you?" The woman finally called to another woman and the other one opened the door and asked the rude security guard what she needed. She told her to give me the full body. As the new officer escorted me out of the cell to a mat, still in the middle of security, she asked me if I set off the sensor. I said no so she then told me it was strange that I was detained. I said the security woman had an attitude problem. The officer laughed. She then proceeded to feel me up, down and all around in front of the security line traffic. Apparently, I look like a terrorist.
Home at last! I get home and greet my adoring and most missed dog. I then open my suitcase to give my dad some salt water taffy as a thank you for watching my daughter dog. Silly me, I thought the horror was over. I was wrong. They searched my luggage in SF and didn't put things back correctly. My shampoo, conditioner and make-up products were now all over my entire suitcase of clothing. Smeared on everything.
I hate the city. I am sticking to the good San-San Diego.
That is my trip. It was great seeing Curt and Carla and without them there it would have been much worse. Thinking back on it, it still isn't a funny story. Alright, it is semi-amusing now that it is over and it was nice to get away with friends. I am still upset about the money spent on the trip from hell. Next time we will spend the money on the good San.
It has been good to be back. I was glad to see my class again and be back at work. I must add that I am very proud of my class and how well they scored on their ATI tests. I hold my students to a high behavior and working standard. They did well and I am proud of their hard work. :) I am also glad to be on Spring Break right now! Lots of gym time this week with Amanda and relaxing. Also going into the school to get some work done there and finish the report cards. Now to bed-Amanda will be waking me up at an early time to go to pilates. My abs hurt already! OUCH! :)
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Politics, again. Controversy ahead.
I posted this as a link to my blog so that you can choose to click or disregard. You don't have to agree with my opinions. The bills at the bottom-not opinions. This is not meant to offend anyone and I realize and respect that my friends and family may not completely agree. I love that about this country-we are free to have and express our opinions and hopefully, those of us that are educated, can remain friends at the end of the day. I believe we all ultimately want the same thing as good human beings-a safe and secure world.
It is my opinion that there is no such thing as a fiscal conservative and a social democrat. These things are not separate. You chose fiscal over social you can't say I am ok with the gays and women's rights and then vote for people that will rip apart these issues for the religious right. Saying you are a fiscal conservative but a social democrat is a cop out. Yeah, I said it. I feel strongly about social issues, because they affect my friends and family members that identify themselves as gay, transgender, female, single, unemployed (not due to laziness), educated and struggling.
I don't agree with absolutely every democratic view and I don't disagree with every republican view. I just believe more democratic views are better for the majority of Americans and children.
That's my opinion and I understand and accept it may not be yours-whoever you are.
I enjoyed living in a swing state...at least my vote counted and I was able to truly hear both candidates and make more informed decisions. Electoral college-blah. That being said,
debates...
Candidate Romney, well spoken, but confusing as ever...pick a stance you can't please everyone as you stated in your now so popular 47%speech. When you say you are for 100% of the people that is surely the 100% of the 53% left after you deducted the lazy freeloaders? How Obama was not able to fight him on this debate is beyond me-he needs to start waking up and explaining to people the things he has done. Too many look at the things they read in a forwarded email or FB group post (I did this once-I was horrified at my lack of responsibility, but it won't happen again) and think Truth-I hate Obama! Yay! Winning! Go team other guys!
...
Candidate Ryan should come to second grade and I can teach him the difference between fiction and non-fiction. He obviously enjoys make believe pretend time. I lose respect for people that pretend they are going to help the middle class people when in reality they have a history of voting the opposite. Also, I respect your faith, but it does not belong in my government policy. I respect your faith, please respect science, which is not life at conception, and my choices. This is just ridiculous. Biden could not have been more well spoken on this issue amongst the others. Oh, and the car accident story to prove Romney bought a guy's college tuition (and his vote) -what a dick move. Did he know about Biden's wife and child? I believe so, but I'd like to hope not. I truly wish Biden would've run for president four years ago. He is amazing, educated and lives in reality. Also, vote for men that want to cut education? No thanks. Men that support a voucher type system that will destroy public schools (with the exception of charter schools-which is another topic for me entirely. I have several friends that work at charter schools in different states and I love them dearly, but charter schools are not a real picture of public school systems and have access to more perks and loopholes) Say what you will...
Democrats aren't perfect-no party is. This being said I truly believe middle class (majority) Americans and those that believe in human rights strongly as well as education and community including women's health, need to truly look deeper into the difference between republicans and democrats.
Republican blocked or attempted blocks on bills and bill amendments since Obama took office: in other words-republicans in congress did not want these bills:
Tax on Companies that ship jobs overseas- A bill that would have eliminated a tax break that companies get when they ship jobs overseas. Republicans blocked this, allowing companies to keep the tax break they receive when they ship jobs to other countries.
The Small Business Jobs Act -would give LOCAL, community banks access to billions of dollars to loan to small businesses. Republicans blocked this, then attempted to block it a second time and failed.
The DREAM Act- Gives immigrant youth who were brought here as children a path to citizenship by earning a college degree or serving the military for 2 years. Republicans blocked this.
Repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”- Would have repealed the law that forces gay and lesbian services members to lie about their sexuality and gives the military the right to discharge soldiers based on their sexuality. Republicans blocked this many times and Democrats were finally able to pass it with the support of just 2 Republicans.
Veteran's jobs bill-blocked by republicans-(only five R voted in favor)
Student loans-Senate Republicans blocked a bill that would have frozen student loan interest rates before they are set to double on July 1.
Paycheck Fairness Act –this bill would have mandated pay fairness and prohibited pay discrimination based on sex this would have created fair workplace system with regard to pay. In other words, Republicans voted in favor of paying women less money for the same job.
- Melanie Blocker Stokes Mom’s Opportunity to Access Health, Education, Research, and Support for Postpartum Depression Act – This bill would have provided for research into women’s health issues, specifically regarding post-partum health. - this bill was finally passed as an add on the Pres. Obamas health care bill.
Elder Abuse Victims Act – This bill would address legal issues regarding the elderly, and establish policies and procedures designed to minimize the negative effects of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Wounded Veteran Job Security Act
To amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit discrimination and acts of reprisal against persons who receive treatment for illnesses, injuries, and disabilities incurred in or aggravated by service in the uniformed services.
Radioactive Import Deterrence Act –this bill would prohibit the issuance of licenses to import of low-level nuclear material and waste to this country. It specifically exempts nuclear waste belonging to the United States, and it allows the president to make exceptions where necessary. Land of the free and radioactive?
Vision Care for Kids Act – Of course, this would provide eyesight screening for children who do not have insurance that covers this, and help provide them with glasses.
Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act – This bill would allow federal employees to substitute any available paid leave for any unpaid leave for “either the: (1) birth of a child; or (2) placement of a child with the employee for either adoption or foster care. Makes available (subject to specified requirements) for any of the 12 weeks of leave an employee is entitled to for such purposes: (1) four administrative weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth or placement involved; and (2) any accumulated annual or sick leave. it allows federal money to take money they are already entitled to sooner than perhaps they originally planned. The actual net cost to the federal government would essentially be zero dollars above what they would already pay.
Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act – This bill would actually improve oversight and prevent child abuse in group homes.
Alien Smuggling and Terrorism Prevention Act- The intent of this bill is to crack down on aIien smuggling and provide for better border enforcement and stiffer penalties for violators. In other words, it does many of the things Jan Brewer is pıssed off about in Arizona.
- Veterans Retraining Act – This bill would provide for assistance to help veterans who are currently unemployed with their expenses while retraining for the current job market.
It is my opinion that there is no such thing as a fiscal conservative and a social democrat. These things are not separate. You chose fiscal over social you can't say I am ok with the gays and women's rights and then vote for people that will rip apart these issues for the religious right. Saying you are a fiscal conservative but a social democrat is a cop out. Yeah, I said it. I feel strongly about social issues, because they affect my friends and family members that identify themselves as gay, transgender, female, single, unemployed (not due to laziness), educated and struggling.
I don't agree with absolutely every democratic view and I don't disagree with every republican view. I just believe more democratic views are better for the majority of Americans and children.
That's my opinion and I understand and accept it may not be yours-whoever you are.
I enjoyed living in a swing state...at least my vote counted and I was able to truly hear both candidates and make more informed decisions. Electoral college-blah. That being said,
debates...
Candidate Romney, well spoken, but confusing as ever...pick a stance you can't please everyone as you stated in your now so popular 47%speech. When you say you are for 100% of the people that is surely the 100% of the 53% left after you deducted the lazy freeloaders? How Obama was not able to fight him on this debate is beyond me-he needs to start waking up and explaining to people the things he has done. Too many look at the things they read in a forwarded email or FB group post (I did this once-I was horrified at my lack of responsibility, but it won't happen again) and think Truth-I hate Obama! Yay! Winning! Go team other guys!
...
Candidate Ryan should come to second grade and I can teach him the difference between fiction and non-fiction. He obviously enjoys make believe pretend time. I lose respect for people that pretend they are going to help the middle class people when in reality they have a history of voting the opposite. Also, I respect your faith, but it does not belong in my government policy. I respect your faith, please respect science, which is not life at conception, and my choices. This is just ridiculous. Biden could not have been more well spoken on this issue amongst the others. Oh, and the car accident story to prove Romney bought a guy's college tuition (and his vote) -what a dick move. Did he know about Biden's wife and child? I believe so, but I'd like to hope not. I truly wish Biden would've run for president four years ago. He is amazing, educated and lives in reality. Also, vote for men that want to cut education? No thanks. Men that support a voucher type system that will destroy public schools (with the exception of charter schools-which is another topic for me entirely. I have several friends that work at charter schools in different states and I love them dearly, but charter schools are not a real picture of public school systems and have access to more perks and loopholes) Say what you will...
Democrats aren't perfect-no party is. This being said I truly believe middle class (majority) Americans and those that believe in human rights strongly as well as education and community including women's health, need to truly look deeper into the difference between republicans and democrats.
Republican blocked or attempted blocks on bills and bill amendments since Obama took office: in other words-republicans in congress did not want these bills:
Tax on Companies that ship jobs overseas- A bill that would have eliminated a tax break that companies get when they ship jobs overseas. Republicans blocked this, allowing companies to keep the tax break they receive when they ship jobs to other countries.
The Small Business Jobs Act -would give LOCAL, community banks access to billions of dollars to loan to small businesses. Republicans blocked this, then attempted to block it a second time and failed.
The DREAM Act- Gives immigrant youth who were brought here as children a path to citizenship by earning a college degree or serving the military for 2 years. Republicans blocked this.
Repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”- Would have repealed the law that forces gay and lesbian services members to lie about their sexuality and gives the military the right to discharge soldiers based on their sexuality. Republicans blocked this many times and Democrats were finally able to pass it with the support of just 2 Republicans.
Veteran's jobs bill-blocked by republicans-(only five R voted in favor)
Student loans-Senate Republicans blocked a bill that would have frozen student loan interest rates before they are set to double on July 1.
Paycheck Fairness Act –this bill would have mandated pay fairness and prohibited pay discrimination based on sex this would have created fair workplace system with regard to pay. In other words, Republicans voted in favor of paying women less money for the same job.
- Melanie Blocker Stokes Mom’s Opportunity to Access Health, Education, Research, and Support for Postpartum Depression Act – This bill would have provided for research into women’s health issues, specifically regarding post-partum health. - this bill was finally passed as an add on the Pres. Obamas health care bill.
Elder Abuse Victims Act – This bill would address legal issues regarding the elderly, and establish policies and procedures designed to minimize the negative effects of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Wounded Veteran Job Security Act
To amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit discrimination and acts of reprisal against persons who receive treatment for illnesses, injuries, and disabilities incurred in or aggravated by service in the uniformed services.
Radioactive Import Deterrence Act –this bill would prohibit the issuance of licenses to import of low-level nuclear material and waste to this country. It specifically exempts nuclear waste belonging to the United States, and it allows the president to make exceptions where necessary. Land of the free and radioactive?
Vision Care for Kids Act – Of course, this would provide eyesight screening for children who do not have insurance that covers this, and help provide them with glasses.
Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act – This bill would allow federal employees to substitute any available paid leave for any unpaid leave for “either the: (1) birth of a child; or (2) placement of a child with the employee for either adoption or foster care. Makes available (subject to specified requirements) for any of the 12 weeks of leave an employee is entitled to for such purposes: (1) four administrative weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth or placement involved; and (2) any accumulated annual or sick leave. it allows federal money to take money they are already entitled to sooner than perhaps they originally planned. The actual net cost to the federal government would essentially be zero dollars above what they would already pay.
Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act – This bill would actually improve oversight and prevent child abuse in group homes.
Alien Smuggling and Terrorism Prevention Act- The intent of this bill is to crack down on aIien smuggling and provide for better border enforcement and stiffer penalties for violators. In other words, it does many of the things Jan Brewer is pıssed off about in Arizona.
- Veterans Retraining Act – This bill would provide for assistance to help veterans who are currently unemployed with their expenses while retraining for the current job market.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
29
I have had a very interesting school year. Yes, that is how I chose to start this long postponed blog. Interesting.
I have students with very big troubles this year-and since I am not technically allowed to go into details, I'll just say the law has been involved and I have about 4 students with major internal issues on topics that usually don't get addressed until highschool.
It's been tough. However, I have some amazing students as well. Amazing doesn't always mean intelligent. It means wonderful, caring and loving students. These are the ones that keep me there this year. I have always been known to attach to my troubled students, this year my troubled students are very detached and much more than typical troubled. If I had to handle only them, I'd be great, but unfortunately that is not the way our school system works. This semester I have vowed to start over with them and give them my 100% best. So far January has been a little better. I think I needed the break as much or more than they did.
As for my life outside of work-I cannot continue to shout how much I have been blessed in my personal life. I have never felt happier and more confident in my personal life. I have created some strong relationships with amazing people and I don't know what I would do without any of them! It is so nice to be accepted and not judged for my thoughts, fears, views and loves. Especially after being judged so much growing up. I must say, my late twenties have been amazing and I hope this last year is even better. 30 is one short year away and I am not sure how I will handle it. I do know that no matter what I have people around me to help me out and support me and steer me back on the right path in life. When I question my own choices and motives they are there to listen and offer guidance.
Without that guidance, I may be in a very different place right now. ha-ha. :) That's for you fab-5! Perhaps, you could say I'd be in a foreign land? Love!
I have missed some amazing things too, which makes me a little sad. The birth of my rock of a best friend's daughter Elyse. I have lost touch along the way with another dear friend Anne and hope to renew that friendship-I don't blame her for being out of touch, I too have responsibility in this. That is why I must also make a renewed effort. She has also given birth to a beautiful little girl-only hours before my brithday! I feel that certain family members have lost touch with me and it makes me sad, but when things are out of your hands you can't change them. I am thankful for webcams and video mail-I get all the updates from my brother and his family constantly. I also get to see and hear Elyse, Faith's daughter. I guess when you put distance between you, you find out who cares the most to make time and who lets life become an excuse to get in the way. Sometimes, as stated above, it is both parties that let go, but I have come to see that in most cases it has been a very one sided effort of phone calls and text messages etc. and when it is a one sided effort-there isn't much you can do. It hurts, but it's life. In life I choose to move on and be thankful for the amazing people I do have in my life. LOVE!
Kingman is not an exciting town. It is small and lacks diversity in every aspect. However, it is close to interesting things and I have family and friends here as well as a job that I truly do love. I am learning that it is not where you are, but who you surround yourself with that makes for a happy experience.
I am very excited to see my extended family back in PA in June for my cousin's wedding. It will be so nice to see all of my Dagres family again. Loud, disruptive and full of love.
I am also very excited to head up to northern Cali in less than one month to visit Amanda! A nice long weekend of wine, conversation and visiting with her amazing family. :) can't wait!
I guess the real reason I chose to blog today was because I cannot talk. I have been plagued with some kind of chest/sinus sickness that has made my voice disappear and replaced it with a pubescent boy's voice mixed with a chain smoking old man.
I have students with very big troubles this year-and since I am not technically allowed to go into details, I'll just say the law has been involved and I have about 4 students with major internal issues on topics that usually don't get addressed until highschool.
It's been tough. However, I have some amazing students as well. Amazing doesn't always mean intelligent. It means wonderful, caring and loving students. These are the ones that keep me there this year. I have always been known to attach to my troubled students, this year my troubled students are very detached and much more than typical troubled. If I had to handle only them, I'd be great, but unfortunately that is not the way our school system works. This semester I have vowed to start over with them and give them my 100% best. So far January has been a little better. I think I needed the break as much or more than they did.
As for my life outside of work-I cannot continue to shout how much I have been blessed in my personal life. I have never felt happier and more confident in my personal life. I have created some strong relationships with amazing people and I don't know what I would do without any of them! It is so nice to be accepted and not judged for my thoughts, fears, views and loves. Especially after being judged so much growing up. I must say, my late twenties have been amazing and I hope this last year is even better. 30 is one short year away and I am not sure how I will handle it. I do know that no matter what I have people around me to help me out and support me and steer me back on the right path in life. When I question my own choices and motives they are there to listen and offer guidance.
Without that guidance, I may be in a very different place right now. ha-ha. :) That's for you fab-5! Perhaps, you could say I'd be in a foreign land? Love!
I have missed some amazing things too, which makes me a little sad. The birth of my rock of a best friend's daughter Elyse. I have lost touch along the way with another dear friend Anne and hope to renew that friendship-I don't blame her for being out of touch, I too have responsibility in this. That is why I must also make a renewed effort. She has also given birth to a beautiful little girl-only hours before my brithday! I feel that certain family members have lost touch with me and it makes me sad, but when things are out of your hands you can't change them. I am thankful for webcams and video mail-I get all the updates from my brother and his family constantly. I also get to see and hear Elyse, Faith's daughter. I guess when you put distance between you, you find out who cares the most to make time and who lets life become an excuse to get in the way. Sometimes, as stated above, it is both parties that let go, but I have come to see that in most cases it has been a very one sided effort of phone calls and text messages etc. and when it is a one sided effort-there isn't much you can do. It hurts, but it's life. In life I choose to move on and be thankful for the amazing people I do have in my life. LOVE!
Kingman is not an exciting town. It is small and lacks diversity in every aspect. However, it is close to interesting things and I have family and friends here as well as a job that I truly do love. I am learning that it is not where you are, but who you surround yourself with that makes for a happy experience.
I am very excited to see my extended family back in PA in June for my cousin's wedding. It will be so nice to see all of my Dagres family again. Loud, disruptive and full of love.
I am also very excited to head up to northern Cali in less than one month to visit Amanda! A nice long weekend of wine, conversation and visiting with her amazing family. :) can't wait!
I guess the real reason I chose to blog today was because I cannot talk. I have been plagued with some kind of chest/sinus sickness that has made my voice disappear and replaced it with a pubescent boy's voice mixed with a chain smoking old man.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
judgement
Over the past few days I have had several thought provoking conversations with varying degrees of importance. These are those stories...DUN-DUN. :)
Judgement.
No one wants to be judged poorly. I have been judged unfairly multiple times throughout my life by the way I dressed, spoke, my beliefs and the people I chose to associate with. I hated that people judged me by such outside observations. I spent a great deal of my life as a somewhat depressed and very insecure person. As I reached adulthood I embraced my alternative, liberal views and decided to associate with people that accepted me for the uniquely loud, fiesty, angsty, liberal, classy, woman that says fuck a lot. Somewhere along the way I may have forgot how strength is gained from experience and support systems that you build in your life. Strength is not something that everyone possesses; it isn't granted like a wish and not everyone walks away from their life's experiences with strength. As some very strong, and each uniquely beautiful, women recently discussed with me: everyone has a story.
I tend to be very empathetic with children that come from poverty and abuse since I see it in my job all the time. For some of these children, I am there only positive, safe and stable support. Due to the fact that they cannot truly defend themselves against the huge waves of emotions they are attempting to process stemming from a variety of abusive situations, I tend to not judge them, but to comfort them. I haven't been giving adults the same courtesy. I feel like they should know better, or be able to have the strength to overcome their past and present and create their own future. Unfortunately, many people were never given the tools to survive and overcome the negativity that emcompasses their lives. Restating: strength is not given freely and everyone has a story. Some people are bitter, jeaous, negative, self-loathing, spiteful, vindictive, hateful, insecure and just looking for someone to give them the tools needed to climb their way out. While I have never been a people person per say, I am going to try to remember not to judge those people I encounter in my everyday life, but remember that everyone has their own private battles that they endure.
By the way-Amanda, get me some dates for your visit! :)
My partner in life:
Jeff amazes me-he is a truly happy and social being. He has overcome so many personal struggles and accomplished so much. He is not quick to pass judgement and he enjoys the little things in life. He had some very big obstacles in his past that he has overcome, and he helps me with my insecurities and my social issues by showing support and encouragement. Inspiring.
As always Faith-without her I wouldn't be who I am. She has always ALWAYS been there for me in my life. I miss her everyday being so far away, but no distance can interfere with our friendship. She is a huge part of the reason I am still a sane human being. Mostly sane anyway.
Judgement.
No one wants to be judged poorly. I have been judged unfairly multiple times throughout my life by the way I dressed, spoke, my beliefs and the people I chose to associate with. I hated that people judged me by such outside observations. I spent a great deal of my life as a somewhat depressed and very insecure person. As I reached adulthood I embraced my alternative, liberal views and decided to associate with people that accepted me for the uniquely loud, fiesty, angsty, liberal, classy, woman that says fuck a lot. Somewhere along the way I may have forgot how strength is gained from experience and support systems that you build in your life. Strength is not something that everyone possesses; it isn't granted like a wish and not everyone walks away from their life's experiences with strength. As some very strong, and each uniquely beautiful, women recently discussed with me: everyone has a story.
I tend to be very empathetic with children that come from poverty and abuse since I see it in my job all the time. For some of these children, I am there only positive, safe and stable support. Due to the fact that they cannot truly defend themselves against the huge waves of emotions they are attempting to process stemming from a variety of abusive situations, I tend to not judge them, but to comfort them. I haven't been giving adults the same courtesy. I feel like they should know better, or be able to have the strength to overcome their past and present and create their own future. Unfortunately, many people were never given the tools to survive and overcome the negativity that emcompasses their lives. Restating: strength is not given freely and everyone has a story. Some people are bitter, jeaous, negative, self-loathing, spiteful, vindictive, hateful, insecure and just looking for someone to give them the tools needed to climb their way out. While I have never been a people person per say, I am going to try to remember not to judge those people I encounter in my everyday life, but remember that everyone has their own private battles that they endure.
This does not mean I am giving everyone a free pass to be a douche bag or a stuck up bitch. Some people are just bad news and continually make bad chocies and crave negative attention and take everyone around them down with them. Some people don't want to change and will not change. Those people are sad and sick.
By the way-Amanda, get me some dates for your visit! :)
My partner in life:
Jeff amazes me-he is a truly happy and social being. He has overcome so many personal struggles and accomplished so much. He is not quick to pass judgement and he enjoys the little things in life. He had some very big obstacles in his past that he has overcome, and he helps me with my insecurities and my social issues by showing support and encouragement. Inspiring.
As always Faith-without her I wouldn't be who I am. She has always ALWAYS been there for me in my life. I miss her everyday being so far away, but no distance can interfere with our friendship. She is a huge part of the reason I am still a sane human being. Mostly sane anyway.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Love Completely
I have an AMAZING husband. I was watching him sleep (he finally fell asleep after tossing and turning) and thinking, I am truly lucky in love.
It's true-He isn't the easiest to live with (neither am I) he has his little ticks that make me crazy and we bicker and argue often. We have had huge-knock-down-drag-out-life-altering conflicts, and we have had tiny little annoying bickers.
HOWEVER-I love our little bickering, I hate his habits, but would hate it more if they weren't around to drive me crazy. I miss him when he is gone. He understands my emotions and the way I think. He respects and supports my decisions and finds ways to make me happy when I am not feeling so well. He is encouraging and comforting.
When we moved to Kingman I went through a great depression; not the down-economic-kind of great depression, the kind you go through when you remove yourself from best friends and close family and familiarity and move across the country to no friends, little family and unfamiliar people and places. I went to work, drove home, and went to bed. That was my life. I gained weight, became unmotivated and lazy and an all around miserable person. He held me when I cried, he lied with me when I wouldn't leave my bed and most importantly he told me to snap out of it and live life or stop whining! :)
He has been supportive of me during my nine years of college education, he has put up with my anxiety, he has encouraged me to go out and live and be happy.
He loves me with my physical and emotional flaws. He chose to stick by me through rough times when life wasn't easy and decisions were effecting our lives in different ways. He has sacrificed for me-and I get overwhelmed sometimes, because I don't know how to react.
I am thankful to have him and can't imagine my life without him. I just hope he is as happy with me as I am with him. I love him completely. When everyone else is gone-I have him.
I hope that everyone finds that kind of love and holds it tight, because I couldn't imagine what I would do if it got away.
It's true-He isn't the easiest to live with (neither am I) he has his little ticks that make me crazy and we bicker and argue often. We have had huge-knock-down-drag-out-life-altering conflicts, and we have had tiny little annoying bickers.
HOWEVER-I love our little bickering, I hate his habits, but would hate it more if they weren't around to drive me crazy. I miss him when he is gone. He understands my emotions and the way I think. He respects and supports my decisions and finds ways to make me happy when I am not feeling so well. He is encouraging and comforting.
When we moved to Kingman I went through a great depression; not the down-economic-kind of great depression, the kind you go through when you remove yourself from best friends and close family and familiarity and move across the country to no friends, little family and unfamiliar people and places. I went to work, drove home, and went to bed. That was my life. I gained weight, became unmotivated and lazy and an all around miserable person. He held me when I cried, he lied with me when I wouldn't leave my bed and most importantly he told me to snap out of it and live life or stop whining! :)
He has been supportive of me during my nine years of college education, he has put up with my anxiety, he has encouraged me to go out and live and be happy.
He loves me with my physical and emotional flaws. He chose to stick by me through rough times when life wasn't easy and decisions were effecting our lives in different ways. He has sacrificed for me-and I get overwhelmed sometimes, because I don't know how to react.
I am thankful to have him and can't imagine my life without him. I just hope he is as happy with me as I am with him. I love him completely. When everyone else is gone-I have him.
I hope that everyone finds that kind of love and holds it tight, because I couldn't imagine what I would do if it got away.
Monday, May 2, 2011
politics-ugh.
Warning: Political Rant-not meant to offend
political rants lead to arguments and disrespect-I mean none. Truly.
I shouldn't be shocked, I mean American civilians don't have the best reputation for being intelligent. We over indulge ourselves into diseases, supersize, lie, cheat and eat up every fear tactic we see on fox news. I feel most Americans would believe an Afghani is a crocheted blanket from their grandmother. Sad. We typically believe whatever we are told by our news station of choice without truly researching any information.
It is NO secret I was never a George W. Bush supporter. The man ran several companies into the ground in a drunken stupor and hid behind the political successes of his father and brother. He created big stories based on maybes and scared a country into panic mode and into war. The war in Iraq is/was not the same as the war on terror (Afghanistan). They are two separate entities-fact. He somehow blended them into one being and bamboozled Americans into believing false claims of weapons of mass destruction. He flew a banner during his run for re-election stating "mission accomplished" when nothing was getting accomplished, other than oil prices rising and war erupting. He had infromation on the 9/11 attacks before they happened which had been handed to him by Clinton's admin. He did nothing-I wonder if it is because he honestly couldn't read it, but then again he had people to read it to him, so why did nothing come of this information. He was sloppy, careless, and reckless. A shameful president that gave us the Patriot Act. Wow-if you wanted to be a joke to all nations of the world and history books-"mission accomplished".
I am also no supporter of Obama (I did vote for him, but he was not my primary choice). I think Obama is quick to cave and back down when it comes to legislation in hopes to be 'bi-partisan' and it is unsuccessful and just pisses both parties off. I don't blame him for soaring oil prices. I blame riots in Egypt and the former admin for handing him a big mess. I don't think he has done much for education, which I was hoping he would, but like I said-I'm not a big fan. I do think he is highly educated and is learning every step of the way.
Bin Laden: really...? This is where I get really disappointed in Americans for being stubborn simply because they don't like Obama. Yes, we all realize Obama didn't kill Bin Laden, he did however use incredibly accurate military intel organized within the last few years (of which he was in office, not Bush) to sit down with officials and make educated and careful decisions based on intelligence from our amazing troops and CIA. He actively pursued this intel to be sure it was accurate so that no one would be senselessly killed in combat gone bad. He was careful and thorough and it paid off. He, as commander in chief, gave the order based on strong military intelligence to go in and sweep out Bin Laden. It was succesful. I still don't care for Obama-I respect him more, but still not my first choice in the democratic primary. I will not, however, take anything away from him. He did take down Bin Laden by listening to educated professionals in their fields and analyzing intel. A president's job is to do this, not to go out guns blazing. Obviously he didn't actually pull the trigger, but this was his success and he should own it. Well done Sir. "Mission Accomplished." He shares this success with his employees, his admin and the US military services. Just as a CEO shares his success in business with the employees that help with the leg work and perform the actions handed down to them by the head of the company and his intelligence staff. Blame, blame, blame, but no credit for the good. Typical. Stubborn and typical.
Unfortunately, there is another hate monger waiting to rise up and take Bin Laden's place. Alqaeda is a network of terrorism, not one man. Our troops will remain in place and continue working hard to gather more intel and take the network down piece by piece. Thank you to them for this sacrifice.
political rants lead to arguments and disrespect-I mean none. Truly.
I shouldn't be shocked, I mean American civilians don't have the best reputation for being intelligent. We over indulge ourselves into diseases, supersize, lie, cheat and eat up every fear tactic we see on fox news. I feel most Americans would believe an Afghani is a crocheted blanket from their grandmother. Sad. We typically believe whatever we are told by our news station of choice without truly researching any information.
It is NO secret I was never a George W. Bush supporter. The man ran several companies into the ground in a drunken stupor and hid behind the political successes of his father and brother. He created big stories based on maybes and scared a country into panic mode and into war. The war in Iraq is/was not the same as the war on terror (Afghanistan). They are two separate entities-fact. He somehow blended them into one being and bamboozled Americans into believing false claims of weapons of mass destruction. He flew a banner during his run for re-election stating "mission accomplished" when nothing was getting accomplished, other than oil prices rising and war erupting. He had infromation on the 9/11 attacks before they happened which had been handed to him by Clinton's admin. He did nothing-I wonder if it is because he honestly couldn't read it, but then again he had people to read it to him, so why did nothing come of this information. He was sloppy, careless, and reckless. A shameful president that gave us the Patriot Act. Wow-if you wanted to be a joke to all nations of the world and history books-"mission accomplished".
I am also no supporter of Obama (I did vote for him, but he was not my primary choice). I think Obama is quick to cave and back down when it comes to legislation in hopes to be 'bi-partisan' and it is unsuccessful and just pisses both parties off. I don't blame him for soaring oil prices. I blame riots in Egypt and the former admin for handing him a big mess. I don't think he has done much for education, which I was hoping he would, but like I said-I'm not a big fan. I do think he is highly educated and is learning every step of the way.
Bin Laden: really...? This is where I get really disappointed in Americans for being stubborn simply because they don't like Obama. Yes, we all realize Obama didn't kill Bin Laden, he did however use incredibly accurate military intel organized within the last few years (of which he was in office, not Bush) to sit down with officials and make educated and careful decisions based on intelligence from our amazing troops and CIA. He actively pursued this intel to be sure it was accurate so that no one would be senselessly killed in combat gone bad. He was careful and thorough and it paid off. He, as commander in chief, gave the order based on strong military intelligence to go in and sweep out Bin Laden. It was succesful. I still don't care for Obama-I respect him more, but still not my first choice in the democratic primary. I will not, however, take anything away from him. He did take down Bin Laden by listening to educated professionals in their fields and analyzing intel. A president's job is to do this, not to go out guns blazing. Obviously he didn't actually pull the trigger, but this was his success and he should own it. Well done Sir. "Mission Accomplished." He shares this success with his employees, his admin and the US military services. Just as a CEO shares his success in business with the employees that help with the leg work and perform the actions handed down to them by the head of the company and his intelligence staff. Blame, blame, blame, but no credit for the good. Typical. Stubborn and typical.
Unfortunately, there is another hate monger waiting to rise up and take Bin Laden's place. Alqaeda is a network of terrorism, not one man. Our troops will remain in place and continue working hard to gather more intel and take the network down piece by piece. Thank you to them for this sacrifice.
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