Thanksgiving Irony

Thanksgiving -- supposedly a day meaning just what is says, to give thanks. In reality, though, a day to eat too much; check the ads so we can spend too much tomorrow; and let's not forget football (even if we would like to).

But, back to the first of those -- a day to eat too much. We are reminded too rarely, in these days of obesity-obsession, that there are many even in this country who do not have this option. 11 million people in the United States cannot always feed themselves adequately.

We used to call this "hunger." You know, like that feeling in your stomach when you're on your latest diet, or too far from the nearest Mickey D's? But for the rest of us, it's only temporary.

Not for those 11 million. And really, isn't that depressing? We can spend $1 million on a single missile, waste billions on a no-excuse war, have pretty parades, wait with bated breath to see what extravaganzas will be in this year's Nieman Marcus catalog -- while 11 million sometimes go hungry.

But lo! What is this on the horizon? Good news -- be depressed no more!! According to the 2006 USDA report, released last week, we no longer have hunger in America. Isn't that great?

No, thanks to this wonderful Republican administration, those 11 million are not hungry.

Yes, I'm serious. They are not hungry.

They experience "very low food security."

Countdown

In a little over four weeks we have one of the most important mid-term elections in American history. You cannot sit this one out.
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This country was founded by people who disagreed with the policies and actions of their government. Read their words:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

These are the words of the Founding Fathers, those we all call heroes.

And now, 200+ years later . . .

Now, if you disagree with the policies and actions of our government, you are called an appeaser. You are called unpatriotic. You are told you aren't quite smart enough to understand the issues.
Your personal records can be searched without a subpoena. You can be thrown into jail without warrant, without representation, without trial, merely on an accusation offered without proof.

If you value this country, the ideals upon which it was founded, and what it was meant to be, send a clear message to the party of corruption, cover-up, and facism:

Vote for change.

Vote for the vision of Jefferson, Adams, Washington.

Vote for the freedom for which generations of soldiers have sacrificed their lives.

Vote for the Constitution.

Vote against every Republican on your ballot.

Backwards and in high heels

One of my heroes died yesterday.

Most of you non-Texans who knew Ann Richards at all, knew her for her remarks about George H. W. Bush at the 1988 Democratic Convention:
"Poor George. He can't help it. He was born with a silver foot in his mouth."

But she was so much more. She grew up during the Depression, fortunate enough to have a father who told her she could be anything she wanted to be. With that in mind, she joined a debate club. And the rest, as they say, is history.

A honeymoon campaigning for a Democratic candidate. Raised 4 children. Travis county commissioner. Recovered alcoholic. State treasurer. Most famously, only the second-ever female governor of Texas. A favorite of the press corps, who loved covering her because they never knew what might happen (like taking up a Harley when she was almost 60). Her favorite comment about the difficulties of being a woman in politics: "Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did. She just did it backwards and in high heels."

She was a classic Texas lady -- a heart as big as the state, and at the same time, tough as nails.

Vaya con Dios, Governor. Heaven's a little brighter now, and Texas a little darker.

July 4th Trivia

(come to think of it, not so trivial)

Did you know that one of the reasons given, in the Declaration of Independence, for the break with King George, was "for depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury"?

["King George" -- coincidence? I think not.]

And good night to all you wonderful folks at the NSA.

A (Very) Short Review of Minnesota Baseball

• Lewwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• The St. Paul Saints ROCK
• The Metrodome looks much bigger on TV than in does in person.

And last, but not least:

• Train.

State of the Union Address - a comment

If I had just 1% of that b.s. to spread around my rosebushes, I'd be a shoo-in for the blue ribbon at the State Fair.

Stupid Evangelical Tricks, Jan. '06

He's baaaaack!!
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Robertson says Sharon's stroke is God's punishment

The Reverend Pat Robertson says Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's massive stroke could be God's punishment for giving up Israeli territory. The founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network told viewers of "The 700 Club" that Sharon was "dividing God's land," even though the Bible says doing so invites "God's enmity." Robertson added, "I would say woe to any prime minister of Israel who takes a similar course." He noted that former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated. Robertson said God's message is, "This land belongs to me. You'd better leave it alone."
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Q: When Mr. Robertson goes to his Just Reward, what will we do for comedic relief?