2016 Politics; Is It Almost Over?

I have quite a few opinions about issues that have arisen over the past 18 months that I've grown tired of, and I'm going to share them with you today. People being offended by EVERYTHING, Black Lives Matter, and White Privilege are the main topics. However, Trump, Clinton, and even this Evan McMullin guy will be discussed.  Many of you won't agree with me, and that's fine because people today seem to have forgotten this:

This is going to be a VERY LONG and VERY OPINIONATED POST.  Where to begin, where to begin?  Well, here we go...

When we were young, we were taught that "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me".  It was called teasing, and sometimes even considered bullying.  Older siblings have been doing it to their younger siblings for centuries.  I was bullied in elementary school.  I believe that we all grew thicker skin because of this. What is going on with people today?  Every time you turn around someone is offended about something someone else has said. Words and phrases that have been used since the dawn of time are suddenly causing mass hysteria.  And why, you ask? Because....FEEEELINGS!

Under the First Amendment, we are given the right of free speech. These days, there are more and more words that are being added to an ever-growing "no-no" list. There are many words that I choose not to use, because I don't believe they are the most proper, but enough with trying to make people stop saying them, or feel guilty when we do. Many of us were taught to "use our words", however, these days when we do someone gets offended. Hypocrisy at it's finest.

This ridiculous "word policing" has just gone too far, and I'm so fed up with it.  I'm not encouraging people to run around and start calling people horrible names while at the grocery store, or at school, but instead, to not be so sensitive about what other people say.  Each day more and more "offensive" words are added to this list.  It's time all the women in the world put on their big girl panties, and for all the men to simply grow a pair. Oops, did I just offend you?  Oh well, I'm not apologizing for it!!

OK.  Overly sensitive, easily offended people spoken about?  Check.  Now, on to the next issue.

I can't believe how many people in the country have turned against law enforcement since this Black Lives Matter movement began.  Where I believe that the intentions of this group are, for the most part, good; police officers are men and women who go out EVERY DAY not knowing if they will come back home that night. They put their lives in danger while they protect us on a daily basis.  They run into the unknown that we are often running away from.  Are there a few law enforcement officers who are shady?  Yes, I'm sure there are. Are there a few million people in the country who are shady?  YES.  Of that I am certain.  I'm not upset about what problems Black Lives Matter is trying to expose, but rather, HOW THEY ARE DOING IT, and how they jump to conclusions before the FACTS of the case have been made clear.

The narrative is often the same.  A black man is shot by a white police officer, apparently for no reason, according to BLM protesters. Someone was there and caught the encounter on their camera.  Everyone ASSUMES it was the Police Officers fault, that he shot the person BECAUSE HE IS BLACK, not taking into account any information that was given about the suspect. or even WHAT THE SUSPECT WAS DOING!!  I'd like to think that Police Officers don't enjoy shooting people, and that they only do it if they feel their lives, or the lives of those around them, are in jeopardy.  Apparently Black Lives Matter doesn't agree because even before a few hours have been given to let law enforcement figure out what the facts of the matter are, (like the race of those involved, which shouldn't matter anymore, but unfortunately now does) violence is erupting in the city the shooting has just taken place in.

Often what the rioters don't take into account is that it's not always a white cop who kills a black man. Black officers also shoot black men, and more often than not, the person who has been shot has a lengthy criminal record, maybe the gun being used was stolen, and they chose to not follow the orders of the Police Officers! I don't believe that Police Officers don't identify themselves and I'm sure they ask multiple times for the person they are trying to arrest to follow their orders.  Instead, hatred and violence come out of many ill-informed people.

When the race riots begin, more and more INNOCENT people, and properties, who had NOTHING TO DO WITH THE CRIME are harmed.  We've gone from relatively peaceful protests years ago, to watching people try to "one up" each other regarding just how much damage can be done.

Many of the rioters are believed to be part of the Black Lives Matter movement, because they wear their shirts.  I do believe that many people with the Black Lives Matter movement have good intentions, however, this isn't just a problem that affects black people.  Every color of people out there are victims of some form of police brutality.  And where is the uproar when it comes to black-on-black crime, which is a real problem in cities like Chicago?  That seems to go unnoticed by the Black Lives Matter movement.  It seems like the only black lives that matter to them are those who are taken by police officers.  

I believe the only way to change this behavior and help our country come together instead of continuing to racially divide is for people to unite.  It's not a contest of who's suffering from the most oppression, or who's is more important.  We're all just human beings, and unity is the way out of this mess.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr once said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.  Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."  Enough is enough.

Rant on that over.  Moving on...

I'm so very tired of being accused of having some kind of advantages in life because I'm white.  I'd love to know just when in my life I've had any more privileges than anybody else.  I've been working since right after I graduated from high school.  I didn't receive any kind of college scholarship like those that are available for minorities.  I had to take out a rather large student loan that I am still paying for, and will be for years to come so that I could go to college.  I worked the ENTIRE time I went to college to pay my way through life.  I fought VERY HARD to graduate from college, due to my health issues, and worked even harder to make sure that I was employable because of said issues.  NOTHING has been handed to me on a silver platter.  20 years out of high school and I'm driving the car that I PAID FOR and have had for the past 11 years. The only thing automatic about it is the transmission.  There are no fancy bells and whistles.  Brandon thinks that all cars have windows that roll up manually, and any kids who've ever been in the car have NO IDEA how to get the windows to go down, or even how to lock the doors!! 

I continue to fight to keep myself inside the field that I worked so hard, and accrued so much debt, to graduate from college to do. And after all this time who would've ever thought that I'd be living in a small apartment instead of renting, or even OWNING my own home. Many young people today believe that EVERYTHING should be handed to them FOR FREE, simply because of the color of their skin.  Get out of my face. I am grateful for all that I have.  I realize that I do have more than some people, but I worked my butt off  to get to this point. Before you go accusing me of having been given all that I have because of the color of my skin, remember one thing:

This is the last, and biggest issue in life right now:

Is it November 8th yet?

This has been the WORST presidential election cycle since I was old enough to vote for the first time...maybe even the worst in history. Mind you, they're always uncomfortable and mean, but with social media so important to our culture today, and the media becoming less and less impartial and no longer reporting the news about EACH AND EVERY candidate EQUALLY, this election has taken on a life of its own...and I'm SO TIRED OF IT!

After 8 years of President Obama, I understand why millions of people are eager for a DRASTIC change in the leadership of our country.  I've never cared for Obama.  Since I'm conservative, his policies have rubbed me wrong since day one.  ENORMOUS steps backward have been taken when it comes to issues such as race and law enforcement, as I've already discussed. We've also witnessed the general decline of people in this country being able to use the brain that God gave them, and make decision for themselves, instead of basing them on what other people in the country do and think.  All of this has happened while under Obama's watch. What I have seen the past 8 years makes me wonder what has happened to our once proud, thriving country. Did it all start with Obama?  No, not all of it.  However, has it gotten worse under his leadership?  I absolutely believe it has.

When the primaries began almost 2 years ago, there were FAR TOO MANY Republicans seeking the office of the President.  There were around 17 people who duked it out for MONTHS, taking part in screaming matches that were called debates, until there was just one man left standing for the GOP.  Have I ever been happy about who became that last person?  OH, NO WAY!  I was always a fan of Ted Cruz.  I hope that he runs again in four years because I believe he would be a fabulous president. I'll admit that at one time I was intrigued by Donald Trump.  He said what many of the angry, frustrated people wanted to hear.  Where most politicians have always been more concerned about being politically correct, and worried about being re-elected, Trump told it like it was and many people ate it up.

The CONSTANT primary GOP debates made it difficult to stay interested in all of the candidates. There really seemed to be a debate every week.  I think that Trump fed off of this.  Instead of debates being a time for the candidates to voice their ideas and opinions, they became "must see TV", and it began to feel like we were watching a soap opera!  As the debates continued, I quickly grew tired of Trump's continued interrupting and yelling.  Many of the candidates made jabs at each other, which is normal, but they managed to do it politely, for the most part. Trump started to look like the school yard bully, and not very presidential. Unfortunately, enough people in the country didn't agree with me and he became the GOP candidate.  As my two only choices were now between Trump and Clinton, this is how I have felt ever since then:

I don't like, or trust either of them. Between Benghazi and the email server, Clinton should be in jail.  Trump is arrogant, new to politics, has many ideas that probably won't work, and doesn't play well with anyone. However, when I break down where each of them sit on issues that are important, like the 2nd Amendment, abortion, and national security, I side more with Trump.

The question plaguing most people is which one of these people do we vote for to run our country?  Many are now talking about voting for what their conscience says is best, and it's leading them away from the two most likely people who will this election.

This brings me to a former member of the CIA from Utah who is now running for president: Evan McMullin.

I've seen a rise in his popularity on Facebook as of late, and I want to express my views on him.  This man jumped into the race AFTER the primaries once he was unhappy with who the GOP candidate was.  He didn't go through the GRUELING process that all other candidates participated in.  I don't doubt his motives, but if he really wanted to be president, he should've participated in this process.  I feel like he did a HUGE disservice to the people who don't like either contending candidate by not allowing himself to be seen by the ENTIRE COUNTRY.

The majority of the country doesn't know who he is, or what his platform is.  We've never seen him in a debate, and had he participated then MILLIONS of people would've been introduced to him, seen him in action, and we might have had a LEGITIMATE alternative to Dumb and Dumber!  From the little I know about him, he is the candidate that my values and beliefs align with the most, however, there is a snowball's chance in hell that he will win.  People argue that if you vote for McMullin you aren't voting for Hilary. I completely disagree.  Like I said, the odds of him winning are slim to none. There are SO MANY different scenarios that would have to come into play before he'd even come close to the White House. Below is a link I found that explains how the stars would have to align, and what would have to happen for McMullin to become President.

Can McMullin really win the Presidency?

I fear for our country. The next president will have many difficult choices to make that have the potential to completely change the way our country has worked since its inception. Either of the main candidates pose reasons for us to be concerned.  In the end, this is how I feel:

If I could pick someone to be our president, this is the man I'd vote for...

If you've made it to the end of this post, I congratulate you.  These issues have been on my mind for quite some time.  There are so many other things I could continue to discuss, but I'd probably be writing for the next month straight, so I'll leave those for another time!

30 Days of July, 2014: Day 4

If You Could Rid The World of One Thing, What Would It Be?

It's fitting that this is the topic on the 4th of July.  And this was not a difficult decision.  Some people would say "famine", "war", or any number of issues that plague the world.  If I could rid the world of one thing, it would be...

POLITICIANS

Many of you know my political affiliation, but I'm going to try to stay as bi-partisan as possible during this post!

Why politicians?  I think that politicians ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ISLE need to be replaced.  I would love nothing more than to flush them all out and start over. The majority of them are corrupt, and put their own interests above those of the American people. They are more worried about keeping their job then actually DOING their job! I believe that if politicians would LISTEN to the people and EACH OTHER, and put their own partisianship aside, many problems could be solved.

I would love to see term limits for all politicians.  We have them for the office of the President, why not everywhere else? Get "new blood" in there after so many years, and avoid people like Mitch McConnell (R) and Harry Reid (D) running the show, and letting the power of their position take over because THE PEOPLE won't vote them out. We need new people, with new ideas in Washington to help keep things moving; no matter what direction you think they should be going.

Let's face it; we can't rely on the people to vote out the politicians that have overstayed their visit, or made bad choices while in office.  A perfect example of this is our current President.  (oops, I tried, really I did!)   Heck, we can't rely on people to even vote...which is so very sad considering what people in our country went through so that everyone could vote!

Okay, I've been about as bi-partisan as I can be when talking about politics!  I've been watching the TV show The West Wing on Netflix over the past 2 weeks.

I loved this show when it was originally running, but I wasn't engaged enough in politics to really understand the politics behind the show.  Watching it now, this show gives me much more respect for the different positions on the President's staff, like White House Press Secretary...even if I think the person who is in that job is slimy (Jay Carney!!) Where this show makes me crazy is the fact that it follows a Democratic President, and I'm anything but a Democrat.

Notice I didn't say Republican.  I disagree with A LOT of what Republican's believe.  I disagree with the MAJORITY of what Democrats believe.  What do I believe in?

- I believe in small government.  Get out of my life and stop spying on me. Leave me alone to make decisions for myself and my family.

- I believe in the 1st amendment.  The beauty of freedom of speech is that it's really there to protect the speech you DON'T like.  I have a high school friend who has completely different political views from me. The great part is that she and I can have civil, if not heated conversations about our differences and still be friends when we're done! Wouldn't it be great if the people running the country could do the same thing?

- I believe in the 2nd amendment.  I am allowed to protect myself, and my family. If you take my gun, how do I protect myself from you in the event that government tries to COMPLETELY take over?

- I believe that marriage is between one man and one woman. My Christian beliefs have taught me this.  This doesn't mean I hate you, or think less of you if you believe differently, because I don't.

- I am pro-life.  It begins at conception. If you don't want the child you've conceived, be completely selfless and give the child to a family who can't have children.

- I am NOT a racist, or a bigot. We may have different views, but we are both fighting for what we believe is right.  Name calling won't help the situation.

A poll came out Wednesday I believe, showing just how upset people in the country are with who's in charge, and how it's going.  Click here for the story, and listen to the second statistic, which FLOORED me!

In the end, this is true:

Anyway, we will all never agree.  And in the spirit of bi-partisian politics, here are 2 YouTube clips that make fun of both sides!  The first is full of political gaffes, and the second is politicians getting a laugh at the expense of the press.

The State of Our Union....

If you know me,  you know that I am not a fan of our current President AT ALL.  I said that I wasn't going to listen to the State of the Union because, let's face it:  the sound of his voice makes me want to poke my eyes out with a fork.  All many people in this country hear are lies whenever this man opens his mouth.  

That being said, I did listen to the commentary about it the next morning, since I knew only the highlights would be covered.  He is still claiming that he will close Gitmo, a promise he made 6 years ago.  Frankly, I believe it should be kept open, so I'm fine with that lie.  There were many other topics that were covered by commentators that I can't remember, and have no desire to look up on the internet. However, when I heard the following statement from him, I almost choked on my cereal:

“America does not stand still – and neither will I. So wherever and whenever I can take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for more American families, that’s what I’m going to do.” 

Excuse me?  Did our President just say that he plans on becoming the first Dictator in America?  I was under the impression that the Founding Father's created the 3 branches of Government to be used as a checks and balances system to keep people from obtaining all the power and control and doing whatever they wanted.

Despite not wanting to hear it, I found the clip.  By 1:20 he's done with his "ultimate power" statement.



Notice how everyone clapped at the end of this statement.  Seriously?  He just said he's going to go around ALL THE PEOPLE IN THAT ROOM WHENEVER HE WANTS.  That means all the people in that room who are clapping for this INCREDIBLY ALARMING STATEMENT are out of jobs too.  Yet, they clap....idiots.

The morning after the SOTU, Glenn Beck was talking about this and made a very interesting comparison.  Being the Star Wars fan that I am, listening to Beck call Obama Emperor Palpatine made me think of this clip:



Glenn was right.  He's speaking like he plans on becoming an Emperor.  Why aren't those in a position to stop this not doing something about it?

I saw a Facebook post that said:  "Nixon wiretapped a hotel room and was impeached.  Obama has wiretapped the entire country and no one is doing a thing to stop him."  It is very scary.

I'll give George Lucas this:  Padme's line is right on.  "So this is how liberty dies....with thunderous applause".

The world would by no means be perfect, but I truly believe that we would be A LOT BETTER OFF, and that the Constitution of the United States wouldn't be in jeopardy, along with all of our freedoms.

I Am NOT a Bigot!!

WARNING:  I am so FIRED UP RIGHT NOW, it's a little ridiculous.

I was reading a post on Facebook this morning from the Protection of Marriage Coalition group (AKA prop 8).  Stupid me, I chose to read the comments.  I was STUNNED by how mean, cruel, and down-right vicious people were in what they were saying.  People from BOTH sides of the issue were showing their complete intolerance for each other.  It made me very upset.

A lot of the comments from those who've been against Prop 8, and for the legalization of all marriages, were calling those who stand with Prop 8 bigots.  I've heard this horrible adjective A LOT this week as the media, and people on Facebook have described those who stand with Prop 8.

According to Wikipedia:

Bigotry is the state of mind of a bigot: someone who, as a result of their prejudices, treats other people with hatred, contempt, and intolerance on the basis of a person's ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or other characteristics.

I may believe differently than you on this issue.  I may believe that marriage should be between ONE MAN and ONE WOMAN, but that DOES NOT MEAN that I am a bigot!  I don't treat those who  choose to live their life different than mine with hatred or contempt.  It's called agency...and it's something that everyone on this planet has.  I have friends and relatives who are gay.  Do I agree with their life choices?  No.  Do I treat them any differently than my friends and relatives who are straight?  NO!!

I'm not intolerant.  Everyone is allowed to have their own opinions and to express them.  We don't have to agree with each other either.  It's when the name calling begins that I have a problem.  Those who choose to name call show that they are the intolerant people.  There's no reason for people to have to lower their standards and be cruel.  It NEVER helps a situation, and often makes things even worse.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I've been taught, and believe in ways of life that may not agree with how you choose to live your life.  THAT'S FINE!  They released a statement about this court decision.  It was simple, humble, and well said.  You can read it here.

Many of the comments were telling those for Prop 8 to "give it up", and "let it go".  Let me ask those people something:  back in 2008 when the MAJORITY OF CALIFORNIANS voted for Prop 8, did you "give it up", and "let it go"?  NO, YOU KEPT FIGHTING FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVED IN!  That's all we who believe in Prop 8 continue to do.  We fight for what we believe the same way that you fight for what you believe.

Here's where another sad issue arises.  How come when we fight, or we don't agree with you, we are considered bigots, but when you fight, or don't agree with us you aren't given the same label?  It's a horrible sign of hypocrisy in this country.  But I digress.

My only hope and prayer is that somehow we can find a way to disagree peacefully.  Whichever way this finally ends, someone will be upset.  Oh well, that's life.  But rubbing noses into it by name calling, no matter WHO IS DOING THE NAME CALLING, won't help.

Wordless Wednesday (Well, Sort Of)

From Glenn Beck on Facebook:

How are you celebrating Osama bin Laden's death?

Somber moment of silence recognizing the sanctity of all life

Singing God Bless America with a group of close friends and family members

Bake Sale

Over the top singing and dancing featuring a full marching band

Party in front of the White House

Other

"Too Much Money"...what money?

Usually tax season is the most wonderful time of the year.  The government gives us back some of the money that they took from us throughout the previous year, and it often comes at a time when it's needed the most.  It's a time to "get ahead" on bills, or to simply put some money away for a "rainy" day. 

This year it looks like tax season is not going to do much for us, which really bums me out, makes me sad, and stresses me out.  We've looked at different ways to file that will give us the most money back, and at one point it looked like we'd be getting quite a bit back....it was read wrong; if we file that way we would OWE, not RECEIVE, so that way was thrown out.  After going through them last night, it looks like we will hardly get any money back at all. 

I don't do my own taxes.  I don't understand the process, the termonology, any of it.  I've been lucky enough to have people around me who understand it and do it for me.  When I asked Nick why we would hardly be getting any money back he told me that we are making too much money and are apparently in a higher tax bracket which means we don't get as much back.  I heard this phrase earlier in the week when I was asking about child care assistance for Brandon.  We make too much money.  I've heard this so much throughout the week that I think I'm going to throw up with disgust if I hear it again.

Where is this "too much money" that we make?  Last time I looked we struggle to pay the bills just like a lot of people in this country.  We aren't swimming in extra money.  We don't have cable, or all the latest technology gadgets like iphones, ipads, or ipods.  We don't spend money frivolously because we don't have it to spend.  There are weeks when we can barely buy a little food and gas to get us through each week.  So someone, please tell me, WHERE IS THIS "TOO MUCH MONEY"?

I believe there is more money out there for us to receive; that we're missing something, somewhere.  So we're going to take our tax information to someone (who doesn't charge much) and have them look at it for a second opinion.  I've never done this before, but the return amount is SO RIDICULOUS that I just refuse to believe that's all we will get back.

Ten On Tuesday

Ten (well, 8) News Stories/Celebrities You're Tired Of (not in order)

The "Birthers"

Is Obama a natural-born citizen?  LET IT GO.  Worry about the fact that he is doing a horrible job as president instead!

Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt

I'm thrilled that they are happy, but we don't need to know every time they go on vacation with only half of their children!  Plus, I'm still getting over the fact that he left Jennifer Aniston....so unforgiveable! 

Lady GaGa

I just don't understand the obsession with her; she is a weird person.  After wearing this meat "costume" did the FDA have to test her for Salmonella Poisioning?!?

Glenn Beck and Fox News Channel

I'm not tired of Glenn or Fox, I'm tired of how they are treated.  Stop blaming Glenn Beck and Fox News Channel for everything that is wrong in this country.  He's one man who is expressing his opinion, and one news channel that actually provides the whole story!

The entire cast of Jersey Shore

I've never even seen an episode, and you couldn't pay me enough money to watch one, but I'm tired of them!

Bret Michaels
Now, I enjoyed him on Celebrity Apprentice, I enjoy his music, and I'm thrilled that he is now healthy after some scary moments, but his personal life is something I am just SO TIRED of hearing about!  From all the stupid VH1 "reality" shows about finding love, to actually finding love, enough already!

Keith Olbermann
I don't think this needs any real explanation.  Maybe MSNBC is coming to their senses.  He's off the air (for now), again, LET IT GO!

Joy Behar

Why does ABC allow her to remain on the air when she says the most ridiculous things?  Besides saying stupid things, her actions are horrible.  Remember walking out when Bill O'Reilly was on the program?

I realize this is only 8 stories/celebrities, but this list was harder than I thought it was going to be!