Posted by Frankly Francis on January 30, 2010 under Social Issues/Politics | 
I watched only a small portion of President Obama’s State of the Union Address.
It was as if I had a socially allergic reaction to all of the camaraderie amongst the “politicos” in the pre-address portion. Apparently, the Club of the Nobility had assembled. They looked rather pleased with themselves. A veritable wing-ding on the Hill.
You see, I just don’t get that kind of behavior, especially in these times.
I’m more interested in seeing a serious, somber understanding that they have real obligations to the people they represent kind of attitude amongst the gang at the political soiree.
Very early on in the Address, the President got a big hearty laugh from everyone when he mentioned the politics of the bail-out. Everyone had a smile on their face, happiness throughout the room. Now that’s bi-partisanship! That was it for me…all done.
Same Old, Same Old
There are 535 elected federal officials who legislate what happens in this country. What we are facing, in any regard, cannot happen without their blessing or at worst, their lack of action. And it seems to me that they need to do a much better job.
On the other hand, the apathy of the American people is a wonder in itself. So, if I think that through…So, maybe they don’t really need to do a better job…And, they are bright enough to understand that…And – Hey, wait a minute…
Obama is politically positioning himself to have two terms of office and use the Machiavellian technique of handing out good in bits over time.
Here’s my thought:
When government does something it will be half as good at twice the price.
Even better, here’s a thought from C.S. Lewis:
“Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience. “
But don’t blame government. Something is what something is. Government is government. It’s just the way that it is. The Founding Fathers knew that and did their best to contain that beast. So if we do need blame – the comfortably numb, the people get my vote.
Look, I’m not getting any younger. I do not want my descendents to look back upon me and say that I was part of the generation that gave America away. I have to believe that you don’t want that to be said of you either.
Frankly,
Francis
Posted by Frankly Francis on March 13, 2009 under Personal, Social Issues/Politics |
This is a potpourri of personal thoughts on topics that have occupied me recently. I reserve the right to expand upon any of these in the future, but for now, consider this:
If ever I should go missing, and if anyone should care to find me, start the search in New Orleans.
How come the sin/crime of “Rape” is not enumerated as one of the Ten Commandments?
We should re-look at the unbelievable benefit to life and the ecology by encouraging the growing of hemp.
Television ads I would like to never see again: girls gone stupid, males being enhanced, phone chat, how to become a real estate millionaire with less than a dollar, etc.
Obama is not the first black president. Being bi-racial, he is no more white than black. Who knows if he is the first bi-racial president? He is the first African-American president however, as his father was African and his mother was American. How literal can you get?
I do not like to be around people that advertise that they have no fear. I think fear is one of our best natural attributes and to deny it means that you are too willing to become extinct.
Frankly,
Francis
Posted by Frankly Francis on March 4, 2009 under Social Issues/Politics |
DISCLAIMER: I published the following tongue-in-cheek essay before the presidential election, but think it has more value now. By the way, don’t think this is a condemnation of only the Democrats…the Republicans have done just as good of a job of giving away my America, and yours as well.
“Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone, they paved paradise, and put up a parking lot” – Joni Mitchell
By mistake, I received the following letter and think it bears sharing:
Dear Comrade,
Greetings in the name of the Socialist Movement. It is a pleasure to update you on our activities. There is much success to report, but I will try to keep this as brief as possible.
Let me start off by saying that the socialization of America is proving to be our most noteworthy accomplishment. Ah, the irony of the United States savoring its supposed defeat of our communist brothers in Russia, while in actuality succumbing to the wonderful allure of our socialist agenda and more importantly not even realizing it! How true the words of Premier Khrushchev when he said, “We will bury you.” The American oafs still do not know how much they lost compared to the little sacrificed by the USSR.
Of course the process has been slow, tedious and plodding. It really started when the American stock market crashed back in 1929, which led to The Great Depression. Through our subtle influence and the Roosevelt Administration, we were able to convince the American people that it’s successful capitalist free enterprise structure was actually bad for them, and that the government was capable of looking out for them much better than they could look out for themselves. Of course, as we all know, the government’s meddling with the free market actually made the depression worse and made it last longer than it needed to…what laughs we still have when we reminisce at party meetings!
Of all the socialist programs created back then, our favorite is Social Security. They had the audacity to call it Social Security – perhaps they even could have gotten away with calling it Socialist Security. But I digress…
Since then, with the advent of unemployment benefits, welfare, Medicare/Medicaid, and too many other government programs to list, we have made brilliant strides. In fact, the American people no longer feel responsible for themselves or for their own actions. No need for self-reliance when Mother Government has her loving and caring arms around you.
The present day is more wonderful than even Comrade Marx could have hoped for when you consider that the federal government is the single largest employer in America! The American people (or Sheeple as we like to think of them) are now glad to be told how much water their toilets may flush or whether or not they can smoke a cigarette while enjoying their vodka in a tavern.
And we have instilled our mantra of “Let each give according to their ability and take according to their need” through the use of the progressive tax system. The most productive and valuable workers are given the special opportunity to pay additional taxes for their success. Any semblance of equality has been done away with.
Now, Americans realize that they have a right to the fruits of other people’s labor. What a glorious time indeed! The people are so much happier and more satisfied by receiving what the government gives to them because they, of course, realize that the government knows what is best for them.
With the continued nationalization of the banking sector and the Bailout of the financial markets, we believe that our efforts to fully socialize America are nearly complete.
Although we must say that we were a little concerned that over 70% of the American people opposed the government legislation, at least the Americans are so fat, dumb and happy that they did not take any action.
The American people know that the rich (primarily our party brothers) are getting richer while the poor are getting poorer and yet they do nothing about it – more apathy than even we could have expected, and proof that we are succeeding!
Next, we anticipate another major victory. Though American medical care is nearly completely controlled by the government, soon we may actually be able to report the formal implementation of socialized medicine. What a day that will be for our cause!
The corrupt and bourgeoisie Beatles sang about being “Back in the USSR” and soon the Americans will create their new national anthem about living in the USSA where it will no longer be the land of the free or the home of the brave.
In the Name of Socialism,
Your Comrade,
(Name omitted to protect the Movement)
Posted by Frankly Francis on January 13, 2009 under Social Issues/Politics |
President-Elect Obama
For the record, I voted Libertarian. For the record, I am cynical and jaded. For the record, I have heard all of the rhetoric and campaign promises before. For the record, I am skeptical when it comes to expecting change from politicos.
In spite of the foregoing, I fully support our president-elect. I am going to give him a chance and I sincerely hope you will do so as well.
I am looking forward to the reign of President Obama. This is a unique alignment of the stars. It could lead to some long overdue and much needed change.
In my opinion, America needs to legitimately feel good about itself once again. We would do well to get over the polarizing differences that seem to divide this country.
Obama’s election is that much more special, in that it certainly appears to represent a paradigm shift in politics.
Obama will be the first president in my lifetime younger than I am! I was old enough to be aware of the peace and love mantra of the hippies back in the 60′s. Look what those awe inspiring idealists have become – the biggest group of unbridled materialists America has ever seen. As Vonnegut would say, “So it goes…”
Nonetheless, I do have a few concerns, most notably that Obama will have difficulty getting politicians to enact the will of the people as was expressed in their vote. I hope there has been enough of a shift that we can move from partisan to non-partisan politics quickly. I can dream, can’t I?
So if Mr. Obama can be as eloquent a leader as he is a speaker, America is going to get much needed change. And it would be about time.
Frankly,
Francis