Revelations From Our Trip

Having just returned from an 11 day trip to Baltimore, New York and back to Baltimore, I have come to realize that I learned a bunch during that time.  Average temperature was way below freezing in both Baltimore and New York,  with wind chills during our 3 day stay in New York reaching the -20 degrees range.

Our trip started in Baltimore on the day of our grandson, Elie's 3rd  birthday.  I was all prepared with plenty of balloons to amaze and delight his friends with balloon animals at the party, but alas, the party was not to happen.  Elie's nearly 105 temperature sent him to the emergency room, but he was quick to recover from his viral infections, only to pass the germs along to his little brother and Saba and Coco.  So, revelation #1....preschools are another word for germ factories and if you go to preschool, you will come down with all sorts of things....and then it will be passed throughout the house.  So, we had a family only party with birthday cake, balloons, and presents.  Elie seemed to be okay with that setup which brings me to revelation #2 - At 3 years old, as long as there is the birthday cake and presents, it doesn't really matter if you have lots of people there or not.

Having to stay inside and keep Elie occupied during this time meant playing with all of his toys and stretching the limits of our IPads.  NetFlix is a great invention in that it carries most of what keeps a 3 year old toddler's interest - first and foremost in Elie's case is Jake and The Neverland Pirates.  And I learned that the secret words are YoHoHo and that we get to help Jake in all of his adventures while collecting gold dubloons that we have to count at the end of each episode.  That doesn't mean there is not any interest also in The Magic School Bus, Mickey Mouse, Curious George and others, but Jake is, by far, the favorite.  I am constantly amazed at the intuitiveness of a 3 year old mind in the operation of an IPad or IPhone - the ability to recognize favorite apps and games and then play those games is revelation #3.

Leaving Baltimore, Connie and I boarded Amtrak for our trip to New York.  I learned that it really is the best way to travel in the northeast corridor....no security lines, relatively on time schedules and a comfortable ride to Penn Station in NYC.  We stayed at The Mansfield Hotel - another bargain we got through HotWire.  I have used Hotwire on many occasions and am usually pleased with the results.  When you book a hotel through them, your rate is generally a fraction of the published rate - with one catch.  You don't know exactly which hotel you will be getting until AFTER you pay - and then you are stuck!  However, there are reviews and ratings for each property and they are USUALLY spot on.  Well, needless to say, the Mansfield, though well maintained and clean and in a great location on 44th St between 5th and 6th Ave. did not exactly deserve the 4 stars it was rated...the room was about 8'x12' and the bathroom was so small (it had to have been a closet at one time)we had to back into it to go to the toilet!  And the heat couldn't be controlled in the room, so we slept under piles of blankets and comforter.  So, revelation #4 is maybe Hotwire is not the best thing to use in New York.

And was it ever cold in the city.  We made our way down to Chelsea Market for lunch on Tuesday and while there, it started to snow quite heavily.  Revelation #5 - Snow = gridlock...stick to the subway and stay off the street.  Our cab ride from Chelsea market to midtown took over an hour and lots of cash.  Also, once it starts to snow in NY, the cabs all go home!  Anyway, we ate great food, saw terrific entertainment (The Jazz Standard for music , Kinky Boots on Broadway), wandered around MOMA, explored the shopping INSIDE the Rockefeller Center Concourse and tried to brave the frigid temps.  Revelation #6 - The pretty snow is not so pretty when the slush piles up and the wind is biting at your face....it makes a 6 block walk seem like 5 miles!  Heading back to Baltimore on Thursday, we had a weather delay at Penn Station and the crush of people there was at a factor of +1000 compared to Baltimore, but  we soon arrived in Baltimore and moved in with Brad, Claire and the boys.

Brad left on a scheduled trip the next day and we got the opportunity to spend quality time with Claire, Elie and Zev.  By this time, Elie was mostly recovered except for the constant sniffles and it was time for Zev to start feeling a little punk.  But we forged on and got to go to Elie's first soccer experience on Saturday morning followed by a make-up session at MyGym and then on to a complete 3 year old melt down.  Revelation #7 - When a head strong 3 year old doesn't get his way, a full meltdown is a pretty good bet.

My favorite part of staying at their house is the 6 AM wake-up courtesy of our Grandson.  "Good Morning Saba - Can I get in bed with you and watch a show on the IPad?"  Although not fully awake, we always get to watch at least one episode of Jake - part of which is viewed with the covers over our heads and the IPad.  On Sunday, we had a delightful brunch at a terrific restaurant, went for ice cream and came home to watch The Lorax movie.  Revelation #8 - Most kids' movies have nuances that can't possibly be understood by kids and are there for the adult's enjoyment.

On Monday, Claire decided to stay in with Zev, who by this time was in full viral infection mode and Connie and I took Elie on a day's adventure.  He set the itinerary:  Kiddie Caruso (an indoor play environment), Lunch and then to Barnes and Noble.  After 2 hours at play, we finally were able to get Elie to agree to go to lunch and we headed to his favorite, PALOCHE (Chipolte) for beans and rice, guacamole, corn tortillas and chips.  I figured that after a full morning and lunch, he would fall asleep in the car and forget about Barnes and Noble, but as usual, I was wrong!  Once in Barnes and Noble, we got to play and read books and (this is important to an in-training toddler) go to the bathroom....which resulted in a major reward for remembering to tell us when he had to go.  Yes, you guessed it, Elie picked out a Jake The Pirate Book and playset as his reward.  Which brings us to Revelation #9 - Once a 3 year old has something in mind, don't even think you can change the agreed on course of action!

Brad came home on Monday evening and we left for home on Tuesday.  Arriving home to 84 degree weather leads to these final revelations:

#10 - Eleven straight Days of sub-freezing weather is just too much!

#11 - Heavy coats, hats, gloves and scarves are a pain in the ass.

#12 - I really don't like wearing socks!

#13 - I really like wearing shorts,  t-shirts and flip flops  year-round.

#14 - But, for the opportunity to spend more time with our grandchildren, we will brave any conditions!

And The Journey continues............

MY DAD

A little over 42 years ago, my Dad was the best man at my wedding.  That was probably one of the easiest decisions I ever made, because, you see, my Dad was ALWAYS the Best Man.

We lost our Dad on Friday and while our family is mourning the loss, it is even more appropriate to celebrate his remarkable life.  The sheer number of people's lives that he touched over his nearly 90 years is astounding. His caring, kind manner was infectious and he instilled the values of family in all of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Because, THAT was the most important thing in his life...family.  Not just as he aged, but always.

My Dad was the most involved Dad of his generation. There was hardly anything his four sons were involved in that he wasn't totally invested in. From Little League to forming the high school football booster club to becoming the first president of the University of Georgia Parents Association, there was not much of anything he wouldn't do to support his "boys."  And that included teaching us the life lessons that helped make us the people we are today....there is no substitute for hard work; you do whatever you need to do to accomplish the objective; kindness; compassion, keeping a sense of humor.....in short, how to be a a mensch.

If being loved was currency, then my Dad was one of the wealthiest men on earth.  His four sons love for him was equaled or exceeded by his daughters in law who adored him. All of His eight grandchildren had special relationships with their Poppi and he had a unique ability to make each one feel special, conspiratorially professing to each grandchild that he or she was his "favorite."  And as hard as it is to do, each one was his favorite!  One of the first words his great grandchildren learned was "Poppi." During his final days, we were fortunate enough to include Poppi in his newest great grandson's Bris, via Skype, and the pride he exhibited will be remembered for eternity.

Dad had many dear friends and also had great affection for the friends of his sons. Over the years, he referred to several of our friends as his "fifth son" and they reciprocated the love and respect that he showed.  His grandchildren's friends even called him Poppi!

Dad's memory and sense of history is going to be missed. He was my go to resource on Atlanta history, Atlanta Jewish history and family history. His recall of events, people and tidbits of information was astounding. After all, he accumulated nearly 90 years of stored information and could retrieve it faster than Google.

I love the fact that Dad was the "coolest" Dad and Grandfather around. He couldn't be shocked!  It didn't matter to him if a son or grandchild was slightly unconventional or even screwed up royally.  His support and understanding was unwavering. And, he tried to keep up with the times....utilizing his computer for email, bill pay and Skype. There are not many octogenarians that make that kind of effort.

His support of his sons and grandchildren was unwavering. Our successes were his successes. Our triumphs, his triumphs.  And he even shared our bumps in the road. He was so proud of all of us in all of our endeavors.

His "never give up" attitude was exhibited in the last couple of months of his life as he got a new car, continued to buy new clothes and, although he was barely getting around with his walker, professing to a friend that he planned on getting back on the golf course soon.  We use to joke with him that it was amazing that such a bad golfer could love the game so much. He loved to play, watch and read about golf. But, I think golf was also a convenient way to be with friends and connect with his sons that play.

Dad loved to watch sports. Most every day you could find him in front of the television watching his Braves or Falcons.  Although he never went to college, he also became a big Georgia Bulldog fan.

Dad's emotional side is legendary in our family. Not only did he tear up when the National Anthem is played at a ball game, we could always count on waterworks when the family gathered or when any
significant or even not so significant event occurred involving a family member.  He taught all of us that showing emotion is a good thing.

The incredible amount of respect and love toward my father was evident in the sheer number of people that attended his funeral and Shiva in Atlanta.  People from all aspects and time of his remarkable life came to give him the proper send off.  I saw people that I haven't seen in over 40 years...friends of ours from college and even childhood and high school friends.....all people that were touched by my Dad.

My Dad wasn't only my best man, he was my best friend.  And I will miss him every day.



And The Journey continues.................

UP, UP and Away!

When I was growing up in my comfortable, suburban, Jewish house in Atlanta, I was never exposed very much to the outdoor adventures of hiking, camping, hunting or fishing.  Our outdoor actiivities were more of the baseball, football, basketball, and bicycle riding variety.  Sure, we walked an awful lot...other than bike riding, it was the best way to get around.  If we wanted to go somewhere for fun, it was usually walk, bike or take the bus!  But hike for fun?  Other than moseying around the woods near our house foraging for wild blackberries, there was not much hiking!  Camping?  I think the only time I slept outdoors was the one year I went to sleep away camp.  Hunting?  Not on your life - that would mean I had to kill something.  Fishing?  Except for the few times on vacation, not so much, until I owned a boat a few years ago.

So, the rugged outdoor gene was not prevalent in our family.  Which begs the question....how did my daughter and son become such hiking and camping aficionados?  When Lisa was about 15 years old, she announced that she wanted to go on an Outward Bound Survival Course in Colorado.  Wait a minute...isn't that where they send juvenile delinquents as punishment?  But she went and hiked, camped, climbed her first 14,000 foot peak and survived!  Not only did she survive, but became enamored with the great outdoors.  After college, she moved to Aspen and continued her love affair with the mountains...A year in Africa ensued including a climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro.. and she moved back to Colorado and completed her goal of climbing all fifty-four 14,000 ft. Peaks in Colorado.  I won't even get into the 100 mile bike rides, half marathons and other assorted outdoor adventures.

AND she convinced her brother to also go on an Outward Bound Trip.  I think he was the only 15 year old on that Survival Course that wasn't ordered there by a Juvenile Court.  He told me it was one of the hardest things he ever did but that he was glad he did and found out just how far he could push himself.  And if that wasn't enough, when he graduated from college, he did a sea kayaking Outward Bound in Puget Sound.  Now, he has introduced my grandson to camping and hiking!

It is not enough that they love these endeavors, but somehow feel it is their responsibility to suck old Dad into the adventures.  Mom has also done numerous short hikes to picturesque spots in Colorado, but Lisa has always pushed me to do more!

 It started a few years back when Lisa suggested that we ride our Bikes from Boca Raton to Key West...its only a couple of hundred mile!  So, we started out early one morning and got to the beach just as the sun began peeking over the eastern horizon.  I knew that Lisa was a much faster cycler so I told her that I would always be on the road closest to the ocean as we pedaled south.  Before the first hour was over, Lisa was out of sight...I continued to pedal past Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and Fort Lauderdale Beach and still no sign of Lisa.  Now, this was before everybody had a cell phone, but even though I had one tucked into my backpack, I never checked it knowing that Lisa didn't have one. So, I continued on finally arriving in South Beach in Miami around noon.  It was then, sitting on the corner of US1 and Lincoln Road that I wearily sat down and found my cell phone deep in the backpack.  Lisa had left me 26 messages and she and Connie were going from hospital to hospital looking for me!  Oops!  So, they met me in South Beach, read me the riot act, had lunch and we continued our journey.  Well, we never made it to Key West.  Halfway through the second day we arrived in Key Largo, had lunch at the pool of the Marriott resort and I decided we had gone far enough.  Connie and Brad met us with the car's bike rack and we played in The Keys for a couple of days and drove home.

A few years later, Lisa talked me into climbing Mt. Princeton in Colorado.  A 14,000+ peak that she described as "easy."  We left from our comfy Hotel in Snowmass about 4:30 in the morning and arrived at the trail head before there were many cars in the lot.  Since I had been in Colorado for a few days and had even taken a few short hikes, I was somewhat acclimated to the altitude and the first part of the hike was pretty easy as it was mostly on a road.  I remember that I thought we were approaching the summit only to find out that there are many false summits before you actually can see the highest peak.  We travailed on switch backs and into a nasty boulder field.  By this time we had been hiking for some time and, of course, Lisa had gone off and left me again!  As I was struggling to summit and was about 200 feet from pay dirt, Lisa came running down the mountain to inform me that she had been waiting for over an hour at the top and she was headed back down because of the approaching clouds.  Clouds?  I don't see any friggin' clouds...but she was adamant, so I headed back down with her without actually reaching the summit.  Twelve hours round trip on the trail...and a feeling of futility!

There were other attempts over the years...we went to hike Quandry Peak, another 14er, but after Lisa got us on the wrong trail for some time and I suffered back spasms, we aborted that climb.  There was the hike up Humboldt Peak, another14er where we got caught in a 2 hour hail storm and had to retreat.  We have had many successful smaller hikes to delightful places like Hanging Lake and

American Lake near Aspen, the Ute in Aspen, up Vail Mountain and many trips up and down Mt. Sanitas in Boulder, but my attempts of completing a major hike up a mountain had been futile.

 

So, when Lisa suggested we climb Mt. Washington in New Hampshire, I was certainly intrigued by the idea.  Our friends have a house on Lake Winnipesauke and had invited us for a long weekend, and I agreed that one day could be taken to attempt this climb.  Mt. Washington is the highest point in the Northeast US and is reputed to have the worse weather of any spot in the Continental United States.  To prepare myself, I undertook a regiment of 5 to 10 mile daily walks...until my back went out again, a mere 3 weeks before the climb.  But not to disappoint Lisa or myself, I rested and iced for 2 weeks and declared myself fit for the climb.  We woke at 4:30 on a beautiful Saturday morning to drive the one and a half hours to Mt. Washington.  Lisa had done the research and decided on the Jewell Path...a bit longer than other trails, but "gentler."  And it started at the Cog Railway station....so, if needed, I could always ride the Cog back down the mountain!  The beginning of the hike was beautiful...lush foliage and some of the most spectacular mushrooms I've ever seen.  It took me about 15 minutes to lose the long sleeve shirt and was sweat-soaked soon thereafter.  The weather was terrific and all of the clothes I was hauling in my backpack were totally unnecessary.  I trudged along pretty well and Lisa would get ahead of me and then, "surprise," she actually waited for the old man!  Once we reached above tree line and the terrain became all boulders, I really slowed down and Lisa became somewhat frustrated with me. But like the EverReady bunny, I just kept going and going and going (damn, am I ever going to get there - I've seen the top for over an hour!).  One last push and SUCCESS!  I FINALLY reached the summit with Lisa!  No, it wasn't a 14er, but our altitude gain was just as great as the altitude gain on many 14ers.  Yes, we took the Cog back down the mountain, but the feeling of reaching the summit was all I was hoping for!

So, in talking about the various adventures that Lisa has gotten me into, I have been asked if I ever considered that she is trying to kill me.  Nah, I don't think so, she only wants me to share in experiences that are most important to her......and for that, I am grateful!!  Let's do another one!!!

And The Journey continues..........

The World's Neediest Dog (Redux)

 

                                                      RIP Bella, the Dog, Cohen

My faithful, four legged companion, Bella, looked into my eyes this afternoon and let me know it was time.  Her battle against lymphoma and other assorted tumors had taken its toll and she no longer had the strength to go on.  So, we gave her the gift of peace this afternoon and she is now romping in Doggie Heaven with other great dogs we have known.

On January 12, 2011, I wrote a Blog about Bella, "The World's Neediest Dog"  and am reprinting it here....it is a fitting tribute to my Best-4-legged Friend !

The World's Neediest Dog

There have always been pets around. Growing up, we always had a dog in the family. My early childhood pet was Boots, a Heinz 57 variety mutt that might have been the coolest dog ever. In those days, the dog was only allowed in the house when the weather was absolutely dreadful. Otherwise, she slept outside by the back door. Boots was a tough old bitch. Because she was kept in the fenced-in backyard, chasing cars was just too inviting when she escaped her confines! Hit by cars numerous times, Boots survived albeit with only one eye and several operations. Although Mom always insisted that Boots was "the Boys" dog, we all knew that she was my Mom's dog. Unfortunately, Boots met her demise when, mostly blind, she ran between the front and back tires of a moving car in our driveway. She was followed by Yogi and Candy ....more mutts that considered Mom their master. In between those dogs, there was Jett, a head strong mean German Shepherd that was given away after he bit my younger brother.

Once I was married, we adopted another mutt...Peanut. I say "we" but Peanut was really Connie's dog. Peanut died young and was followed by Sadie, the hero dog. Sadie is generally credited with saving our lives as she woke us up early one morning because our apartment building was on fire. Although we were rescued by firemen with ladders from our 3rd floor apartment, Sadie was nowhere to be found and presumed dead. Two days later, Sadie was found alive in an adjacent wooded area by neighborhood kids. She evidently escaped the fire through the front door and although slight charred, survived to accompany us to our new house in Atlanta, our 4 years in Boston and a few years in Boca Raton. Sadie was a Damn Good Dog whose Master was, again, Connie!

 

After Sadie's demise, Lisa prodded us into a cocker spaniel pup...Tootsie. After promises from Lisa that she would take care of the new puppy, Tootsie settled into also being Connie's dog! Tootsie lived to a ripe old age and we decided that she would be the last dog that we would own. So, dogless, we babysat Lisa's dog, Kota, for a year while Lisa was in Africa. Kota and I bonded and I was convinced that he had become MY dog and would want to stay with me once Lisa returned. How wrong I was! Lisa walked into our house after 11 months away and Kota immediately returned to her side as if I didn't even exist.

Eight and a half years ago (NOTE: Now over 11 years ago!), I was prodded by a friend to go look at a puppy at the animal Shelter in West Palm Beach (a kill shelter-the dogs are euthanized if homes cannot be found). A puppy would be a terrific Mother's Day present for Connie! After almost leaving without a dog, this little 7 week old Australian Shepherd/Black Lab fur ball rubbed against my leg, looked up at me with "take me home" eyes and crawled into my heart. Upon presentation to Connie as her Mother's Day gift, she announced that she didn't want a dog! Uh oh, I guessed that finally, I was the proud Master of a dog. Little did I know that Bella was going to actually be the Master of me.

Bella is the sweetest, smartest and most needy dog in the world. I am convinced that she understands everything I tell her and, in fact, understands hundreds of words. One of her problems is that she doesn't know that she is a dog. She sleeps in our bed and is positive that everybody that comes to the house is there to see her and to play with her. Nearly every morning we start the day together with a 2 to 3 mile walk and then she "rests" most of the afternoon. Bella would much rather interact with humans than with other dogs. In fact, she severely dislikes small dogs - especially those that incessantly yap! When we kept Brad and Claire's dog, Rudy, for the year they were in Israel, Bella loved having a playmate and was depressed when Rudy left. However, she got over that and became convinced that I, rather than other dogs, should be her play pal. She is always around - under my feet at my desk, next to my recliner while we watch TV, curled around my feet in bed, on my chest as my wake-up call, bringing me her ball to throw when I am trying to relax and sitting by the table during meals. If I go upstairs, she goes upstairs...if I go outside, she wants to go with me...and she always wants to go in the car - until we actually go in the car, then she cries the whole time!

Those that meet Bella instantly recognize her needy manner...always wanting to be the center of attention and never giving up easily. Bella is MY dog and I love her. And for that, her middle name is "the last one."

Postscript:  Bella passed away peacefully in my arms at the Vet's office today, July 3, 2013.  We will miss her!

And The Journey continues..............................

IT'S A CROCK!

It has been some time since my last blog post, but that doesn't mean I haven't been paying attention...I just haven't lately been motivated to write...but, SURPRISE!, I DO have some thoughts on what is going on in our Country today.

I use to love to tell a farcical tale about swiping an old bag lady's shopping bag.  The story prodded the listener to ask what was in the bag, which gave me the opportunity to deliver the punch line," a crock of s**t, just like this story."  And that's exactly what I think of our Congress and it's "sequester" drama.  It's all a crock of s**t. 

Robert Reich, former Secretary of Labor and currently Chancellor's Professor of Public Policy at The University of California recently wrote a blog titled "The Sequester and The Tea Party Plot."  His analysis started with:

Imagine a plot to undermine the government of the United States, to destroy much of its capacity to do the public's business, and to sow distrust among the population.

Imagine further that the plotters infiltrate Congress and state governments, reshape their districts to give them disproportionate influence in Washington, and use the media to spread big lies about the government.

Finally, imagine they not only paralyze the government but are on the verge of dismantling pieces of it.

 

Far-fetched? Perhaps. But take a look at what's been happening in Washington and many state capitals since Tea Party fanatics gained effective control of the Republican Party, and you'd be forgiven if you see parallels.

 

Tea Party Republicans are crowing about the "sequestration" cuts beginning today (Friday). "This will be the first significant tea party victory in that we got what we set out to do in changing Washington," says Rep. Tim Huelskamp (Kan.), a Tea Partier who was first elected in 2010.

Sequestration is only the start. What they set out to do was not simply change Washington but eviscerate the U.S. government -- "drown it in the bathtub," in the words of their guru Grover Norquist -- slashing Social Security and Medicare, ending worker protections we've had since the 1930s, eroding civil rights and voting rights, terminating programs that have helped the poor for generations, and making it impossible for the government to invest in our future.

 

Sequestration grew out of a strategy hatched soon after they took over the House in 2011, to achieve their goals by holding hostage the full faith and credit of the United States -- notwithstanding the Constitution's instruction that the public debt of the United States "not be questioned."
To avoid default on the public debt, the White House and House Republicans agreed to harsh and arbitrary "sequestered" spending cuts if they couldn't come up with a more reasonable deal in the interim. But the Tea Partiers had no intention of agreeing to anything more reasonable. They knew the only way to dismember the federal government was through large spending cuts without tax increases.

Nor do they seem to mind the higher unemployment their strategy will almost certainly bring about. Sequestration combined with January's fiscal cliff deal is expected to slow economic growth by 1.5 percentage points this year - dangerous for an economy now crawling at about 2 percent. It will be even worse if the Tea Partiers refuse to extend the government's spending authority, which expires March 27.

A conspiracy theorist might think they welcome more joblessness because they want Americans to be even more fearful and angry. Tea Partiers use fear and anger in their war against the government -- blaming the anemic recovery on government deficits and the government's size, and selling a poisonous snake-oil of austerity economics and trickle-down economics as the remedy.
They likewise use the disruption and paralysis they've sown in Washington to persuade Americans government is necessarily dysfunctional, and politics inherently bad. Their continuing showdowns and standoffs are, in this sense, part of the plot.

I did some research on government spending:

We are projected to spend LESS in 2013 (in inflation adjusted dollars AND as a % of GDP) than we did in 2009! And we DID spend less in both 2010 and 2011 (again, in inflation adjusted dollars AND as a % of GDP) than we did in 2009!  And that's with unfunded wars started under false pretenses by George and Dick!

So, “conservatives”, just STOP with this crock about how our spending is out of control.  Can we cut MORE?  Absolutely yes!  But we've already capped discretionary spending and, as the economic recovery strengthens, we'll automatically cut tens if not hundreds of billions per year in "social safety net" spending that was automatically triggered by the Great Recession. Not to mention the hundreds of billions in additional revenues we'll generate due to a growing, strengthening economy.

Now, for the important facts: The last three years, the feds have taken in an average of just 15.4% of GDP in revenue.   Since the end of WWII, the average has been 18.1% (and over 19% under Clinton). If we'd been collecting that 18.1% over the last three years, our debt/deficits would be $1.2 trillion smaller... I think we have a revenue problem but until the Republicans stop letting Grover Norquist run this Country, we will not change our tax structure and set a course for full recovery.

Wake up America....there are those in our government that are not interested in finding a solution...their only objective is to sow fear and anger and ultimately get reelected!  Sad!  Very, very sad!

And The Journey continues!

Things I Don't Understand....

Rightfully or not, I like to think of myself as a somewhat intelligent being with the ability to grasp simple concepts, ideas and varying opinions.  Nonetheless, there are a number of things going on in the world, our nation and in everyday life that baffle me!  Additionally, I can't believe there aren't others that aren't as equally confused.

Today, I read about the Supreme Court AGAIN having to tell a pro-life group in Oklahoma that the "Personhood" amendment that they want on the ballot is unconstitutional.  Now, that is not what is so confusing...What baffles me is the notion that The Republican Party professes to want "smaller government" and "Religious freedom" but wants to legislate against those that don't agree with their religious slant on abortions, contraception and the right to love whomever you want.  Where is it written in our Constitution that we have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as long as that pursuit agrees with the moral convictions of the evangelical right or the Catholic Church?  It was bad enough that we have grossly discriminated based on the color of one's skin, but we are still discriminating based on beliefs and a moral code dictated by the majority's religion. What baffles me is the notion that government should interfere with a woman's fundamental right to make decisions about her own body and about who a person can marry, yet we shouldn't legislate against those that have ripped us off and caused our economy to tank!  Let's make a deal - I promise to not force you or your family members to have an abortion or use contraception or marry your gay lover but you must not interfere in anyone else's  right to do any of those things.

And while I am at it......if pro-life is your stance, then how come you are FOR the Death Penalty, Guns for Everyone, the repeal of the assault rifle ban and the notion that the only way to solve our world's conflicts is to go to war first and ask questions later.  Pro-Life?  I don't think so!

So, what else don't I understand?  I don't understand why we need 2 years to have an election.  200 years ago, it made sense to have a long period of campaigning since the candidates had to go from state to state by horseback or, at best, trains.  Today, we have all of this technology that delivers news, ideas, images and as many lies as one can tell instantly.  Let's shorten the entire campaign to one month and take the billions that are currently being spent on elections and use the money for more productive things.  Mr. Adelson is spending $100 million to help elect Mr. Romney - I am baffled as to how that helps the economy.  If he took the same $100 million and hired more workers for his casinos and other businesses, it would probably help his businesses as well as those he hired.

And while I am at it...how in the world can we still have undecided voters at this juncture of the campaign?  If you understand what your core beliefs are and which issues are important to you, then it is a simple process to go directly to the candidate's websites and READ their positions.  Quit listening to the spinmeisters, TV talking heads and the thousands of so-called pundits polluting our daily lives - if you need the newspapers or TV analyst to TELL you who to vote for then you don't deserve the privilege of voting.  And if a crazed, sign-wielding partisan at the polling site can change your mind then please stay at home.

I don't understand why the American public puts so much credence in the opinions and goings on of celebrities and faux-celebrities.  Who cares what Madonna or Kid Rock or George Clooney thinks about the political questions before us?  They might make decent music and good movies, but I seriously doubt they are any smarter than most of us.  And exactly why do people like the Kardashians, Paris Hilton, Donald Trump, Honey BooBoo and the like fascinate us so?  They have no talent to offer as entertainment and certainly don't bring any intelligent conversation to the party, so it baffles me as to why anybody even pays any attention to them

I am confused as to why the American public stands by and lets our politicians bring our government to a standstill by blocking legislation, implementing filibusters and the like.  During the last 4 years, Republican Senators have filibustered more times that the total number of filibusters over the previous 12 years.  Why?  So, that they could fulfill their leader's assertion that his number one priority was to make sure Mr. Obama was a one term President.  His priority was not to do what he was sent to Washington to do....represent his constituents and improve our Country.  So, I am confused as to why we don't fire him?  Better yet, why don't we demand that term limits be put in place for our Senators and Congressmen?  If term limits are right for the Executive Branch of Government, then why not have term limits for The Legislative AND the Judicial Branches?

It baffles me that my State of Florida let a man who was CEO of a Company that was convicted of the largest Medicare Fraud in the History of our Country run for Governor - and then elected him to boot!  (Not to mention the fact that he took The 5th Amendment over 70 times in depositions relating to the fraud).  He has been a complete failure as a Governor, and now his approval rating is on the rise to nearly 50% all because he has an "R" by his name.  Shame on ALL of us for allowing this to happen.  I don't understand why more people aren't outraged about the hypocrisy. 

I don't understand why people have to hate!  There are a number of issues I don't agree with Mitt Romney on.  However, I don't hate him---in fact, if he is elected, I will support him as our President and try through the legislative process to make my voice heard.  But, in the end, I will support him.  I have heard many people predict doomsday if President Obama is reelected...in fact, a Mitt Romney approved TV ad does just that.  I don't understand how that attitude moves us forward or helps our nation's causes in any way.  Whatever happened to the notion that once the election is over, it is time for ALL to get to work, find common ground, compromise and move our Country forward?  It is a notion that seems to be dead.  And that is the main thing I don't understand!


And The Journey continues........................

In My Opinion.......

A month or so ago, I re-posted a chart on Facebook that contrasted facts about our country when President Obama took office to the present day.  The information contained irrefutable facts and was not intended to slam the previous administration but merely to show the progress that has been made in the last three and a half years.  Sadly, a "friend" that I haven't seen nor talked to in years decided to go ballistic and berate me for being "ignorant, stupid and out of touch with reality."  Now, this person didn't debate the facts that I posted, but took great exception that I would dare to appear to support our President in his reelection effort.  I tried to point out that I would be more than happy to intelligently discuss the issues and my core beliefs and how they lined up with each candidate.  I also expressed my respect for his right to have a different opinion than mine, but asked for that same respect in return  However, he continued to post angry, hateful rants against me and anyone like me that would not agree with him.  Finally, I asked him to remove my name as his Facebook friend....and he gladly did so!   How sad that the inability for mutual respect of opinions has disappeared from our national conversation.

I have written several blogs about politics and more specifically about Mitt Romney.  I have stated my respect for Mitt as a businessman, as well as his intelligence and integrity.  I have even, believe it or not, considered casting my vote for Mitt....how cool to be able to say that I personally know The President of The United States!  I even wrote an open letter to Mitt outlining what he needed to do to get my vote. (See my blog of April, 2012).  But, in the final analysis, it really comes down to the issues and how my core beliefs line up with each candidate and party.  So, I have done what less that one-tenth of one percent of the voting public has done....I have gone to each candidate's web site and read their positions as well as scanned the hundreds of pages of each party's platform.  I quit listening to the television advertisements as they are all slanted propaganda (We watch everything except sports on the DVR so we can skip the ads!).   I don't ask that you agree with me, because your core beliefs might be different than mine or you might place more importance on certain issues than I do...but it you are interested in what I have to say, read on.......

Mitt Romney's web site outlines each issue....the biggest problem for me, is that he leads with a discussion of "Obama's failures" rather than his own plans....nonetheless, I have sifted through the rhetoric to try to understand his positions.His economic policies center on reducing taxes, eliminating the controls that have been passed, like Sarbanes-Oxley, Dodd-Frank and of course "ObamaCare" and return to the failed policies that have gotten us into this economic maelstrom.  Sorry, Mitt, but I can't support "trickle-down" economics when no one can site any time in our history where that has worked!  We must have a balanced attack to reduce our deficit and that includes tax increases.  Unfortunately, we started 2 wars that were not funded and never even mentioned in any budgets as well as other programs such as Medicare Part D that were passed with no funding apparatus.  It is now past time to pay for these mistakes and tax reform as well as increases have to be a part of the equation...as President Clinton said:  "It is simple arithmetic!"

Healthcare is another major issue that I have studied.  While I don't believe the Affordable Care Act is the full solution to our healthcare issues, it was a step in the right direction.  It baffles me that Mitt wants to ditch a plan that nearly mirrors the exact plan he passed for Massachusetts.  Yes, I understand the argument for States rather than the Federal government having that responsibility. I just don't buy it.  And neither do the Republicans of 10 years ago since the Affordable Care Act is made up of those ideals that the Republicans first surfaced themselves.  Medicare is another subject into itself but I can't support Mr. Ryan's plan that creates a voucher system that every bipartisan think tank says will raise premiums several times over and provide less coverage. 

But, I have found an area I actually agree with Mitt on...Social Security. 

First, for future generations of seniors, Mitt believes that the retirement age should be slowly increased to account for increases in longevity.

Second, for future generations of seniors, Mitt believes that benefits should continue to grow but that the growth rate should be lower for those with higher incomes.

I agree!!!!

However, on Social issues, The Republican Party is further away from my core beliefs than possible.  I believe in a woman's right to chose...they want to repeal Roe v. Wade and outlaw abortions.  I believe in equal rights for all...including the right to marry whomever you want...The Republicans want to legislate love.  I believe in a woman's right to equal pay...they have voted several times against that concept. 

Finally, to all of my Jewish friends that insist on making Israel the central talking point in their support of "Anyone but Obama."  Mr. Netenyahu recently stated on Meet The Press, that The United State's support of Israel is a NON PARTISAN issue.  And I couldn't agree with him more.  We, as a country are going to support Israel regardless of who the President is at any given moment.  Even if you want to believe that Obama doesn't support Israel (which is unadulterated bullshit!), our support of Israel is unwavering and should not even be a consideration in who to vote for.  Nonetheless, there is ample evidence that Obama supports Israel as well as any President in recent history.

My final note contains a bit of sad realization....and that is that whichever candidate gets elected, it really doesn't matter a whole lot.  Why???  Simply because we have a broken legislature....if Romney gets elected, the Senate will block most of his initiative (I am assuming, of course, that the Dems keep control of the Senate) and if Obama gets reelected then the House will block ALL of his initiatives.  Until we get rid of obstructionist like Eric Cantor and Michelle Bachman and Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell, we will keep spinning the wheels and get virtually nowhere.  We must figure out a way to instill term limits!

So that brings me to one of the most overriding reasons that I am voting for Barack Obama.  Whoever is elected to serve over the next four years will probably get to appoint at least 2 Supreme Court Justices.  I cannot bear the thought of this Court becoming anymore Right Wing Conservative than it already is....it already has irreparably harmed this Country by some of its decisions of the last few years.

Now, I fully recognize that there are many people that don't agree with me and my assessments...and that is okay.  Just recognize and respect the fact that I have  the right to my opinions as well as you do.   As a wise man once said to me:  "Opinions are like assholes - everybody has one!"

And The Journey continues........................