tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218645378991461068.comments2023-04-14T09:29:12.914-04:00Random ThoughtsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10484292906524283953noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218645378991461068.post-66138717732916670412016-10-14T23:23:49.254-04:002016-10-14T23:23:49.254-04:00Miss Kate,
Believe me when I say I really appreci...Miss Kate,<br /><br />Believe me when I say I really appreciate and understand your views. For the most part, they are quite valid. I appreciate the dilemma you must find yourself in.<br /><br />I find myself facing a similar dilemma: How should I cast my vote?<br /><br />I could vote Libertarian, but the announced positions of its candidate are a bit too progressive on a number of issues for my taste, particularly court appointments.<br /><br />I could vote Green, but I haven't gone that far around the bend yet.<br /><br />I could vote the Constitutional Party, but what would that solve other than to ease my conscience a bit?<br /><br />I could vote for the Veteran Party, but again, to what end?<br /><br />You see, it comes down to - for me - a choice who is the lesser of two evils. The other candidates are not going to win, period; despite the hopes of people I know. A vote for the other candidates will accomplish nothing but get one of the two major party candidates elected. <br /><br />So the question above, then devolves down to who is worse? In that my choice is obvious: Hillary Clinton is clearly the candidate who poses the far greater clear and present danger to the United States, if not the world. That leaves Donald Trump.<br /><br />I agree, he probably is all the pejoratives that you label him with ... but, and this is the important caveat, his stated positions on a number of key issues (not knowing if his administration would adhere to them), like Supreme Court nominations (probably the most key for me), gun rights and the Second Amendment, support for the military and veterans, at least make him acceptable to a point.<br /><br />So, the question is: Do I vote for Hillary, who I see as posing clear and present danger to our liberty, or Trump, who may or may not?<br /><br />Am I willing to take the risk to leap into the unknown or accept the demise and disaster I see coming if we don't change the course that our "establishment" has set for us?<br /><br />And make no mistake, Hillary IS the Establishment, bought lock, stock and barrel.<br /><br />The one solace I take from seeing a Trump presidency is that I see the establishment battling him at every turn, and fighting tooth and nail to preserve the status quo, which - theoretically - could produce a measure of gridlock and check on any of the excesses you expect from his administration. <br /><br />Note that I have little faith that any such restraint would be put on Clinton, especially if the Democrats regain control of either house of Congress.<br /><br />Having said all this, I do so with no expectations to changer your, or any one else's mind. It merely is one old man's views of the world. If you like or agree, so be it. If you don't, so be it ... it is your right and privilege to do so.<br /><br />Rich B. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10484292906524283953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218645378991461068.post-72270490724147433242016-10-13T16:03:53.712-04:002016-10-13T16:03:53.712-04:00Hello Rich,
I was just wondering last week what y...Hello Rich,<br /><br />I was just wondering last week what your take is on Trump and his run for the presidency. Now I know and although I didn't expect you to change your party affiliation I am a bit surprised that you aren't more upset with Trump's latest shenanigans. First, let me make it clear that along with Trump, I am not voting for Hillary either. I thought about voting for myself but if I actually vote at all, I think I might have to vote for Obama again. :)<br /><br />I understand why you see hypocrites in the people bashing Trump but no matter what the Clintons have done, that doesn't clear Trump and his history with women. I have been following Trump since the 80s and knew all of his trash would eventually come back to bite him as he tries to win the presidency. Rich, he is scum and worse than that, he always seemed to be so proud of it. He is a shyster in his business dealings and a misogynist when it comes to his feelings about and his treatment of women. Doesn't that ever make you wonder how he views everyone else? Like men and especially men who aren't as successful as he is? <br /><br />I tried to give Trump a break because what the hell, we might as well try something new. I also have a family member who has lost his mind and believes Trump is the man for the job so I kept an open mind and waited to see what would happen. I tolerated the nude photos of his gold-digging trophy wife and didn't lose my shit over his numerous bankruptcies and his tax write-offs or his questionable command of the english language. I even tried to ignore his narcissism since most leaders of powerful countries are narcissists to some degree. But then the video was leaked, a video where everything I knew him to be was right there for me to hear in his own words. I got a sick feeling in my stomach which only got worse as the days passed leading up to the 2nd debate. Until then I had put everything else on ignore or the back burner with some stellar rationalizations but even using those, I couldn't ignore this one away.<br /><br />It's not about Hillary being as bad or worse than Trump, this is about a narcissistic bully who doesn't even know what he doesn't know about what it takes to be president. He is not educated enough, experienced enough, intelligent enough or emotionally mature enough to hold the office. While all politicians have some sociopathy in them, Trump has a certifiable, diagnosable personality disorder. No doubt in my mind on that one. And that one scares me. If you have ever known a malignant narcissist you will know why I am concerned. To put my thoughts into perspective, let's talk about W. You know I didn't care for his politics but that aside, I will always like him as <br />a person. I would have looked forward to having him over for a barbeque because he is charming and cute and probably tells great stories. I wouldn't invite Trump to a dumpster fire because he is a sleaze who makes my skin crawl. And because I would need to hire security to assure he keeps his slimy hands off of me; not because I am a beautiful model but simply because I am a woman. He doesn't hit on women because he finds them desirable, he hits on women to exert his power over them. It is nothing more than sport to him. He has zero respect for half of the world's population and has done nothing to hide how he feels. He allowed Howard Stern to refer to his daughter as a "piece of ass", for fuck's sake. He is a classless piece of scum and that is the last qualification I need in my president. <br /><br />I could go on and on about the danger we put ourselves in if he becomes president but will stop this for now. Just remember...he has the personal integrity of an alley cat. <br /><br />Kate Kennedynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218645378991461068.post-73654361925326801212013-12-06T04:05:37.587-05:002013-12-06T04:05:37.587-05:00He died in the blessed company of his family at ar...He died in the blessed company of his family at around 8:50pm, it was announced by South African President Jacob Zuma.<br /><br /><a href="http://maltezoslaw.com/" rel="nofollow">Personal Injury Attorney Tempa</a><br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09754076821970225541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218645378991461068.post-22126293766971947212013-11-19T19:27:51.488-05:002013-11-19T19:27:51.488-05:00THE EMPEROR HAS NO CLOTHES!!
Strange world we liv...THE EMPEROR HAS NO CLOTHES!!<br /><br />Strange world we live in where sweet words hold more sway than thuggish actions. Unprecedented.Michaelhttp://unofficialview.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218645378991461068.post-28689587012945447282013-11-19T15:00:45.517-05:002013-11-19T15:00:45.517-05:00Though I am inclined to agree in principle with Mo...Though I am inclined to agree in principle with Monsieur Descartes, I am not certain he followed his line of reasoning to its fullest extent. I believe the basic premise should actually be: I think I think, therefore, I think I am. <br /><br />Sounds like gobbledygook at first read, however, given that we rarely can ever be certain that we have enough information to make such declarative statements as "I am", personally, I am more comfortable with the out of allowing myself the option to be wrong when it comes to existence. Or, as Fonzie used to say: "I could be wr.. wr.. I might be mista.. wr... Well, you know what I mean."<br /><br />Looking forward to reading the balance of these essays, Rich.<br /><br />Michaelhttp://unofficialview.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218645378991461068.post-77125710623895830292013-11-19T14:40:14.684-05:002013-11-19T14:40:14.684-05:00hmmm... my name showed up as Anonymous. Must be my...hmmm... my name showed up as Anonymous. Must be my old eyes not looking at the right options.<br /><br />MichaelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218645378991461068.post-17345806810714633822013-11-19T14:38:36.690-05:002013-11-19T14:38:36.690-05:00Well said!Well said!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218645378991461068.post-84165527359323660662012-11-05T20:34:27.888-05:002012-11-05T20:34:27.888-05:00Well said, Mr. Rich. And I am of the opinion that ...Well said, Mr. Rich. And I am of the opinion that gridlock in the hallways, and chambers, and back rooms of the federal government is always safer for the American people as a whole.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218645378991461068.post-85982830783549508822012-10-12T03:16:00.349-04:002012-10-12T03:16:00.349-04:00Love your blog, in fact arrived by checking yahoo ...Love your blog, in fact arrived by checking yahoo and google for a comparable issue to this post. Which means this might be a late post nevertheless keep up the great work.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218645378991461068.post-63478848808161394252012-10-06T13:17:02.480-04:002012-10-06T13:17:02.480-04:00If it wasn't aimed at me I had to, at least, b...If it wasn't aimed at me I had to, at least, been your muse for that piece. It was the "lying bastard" part that makes me think I might have been on your mind when you wrote the post. I know I said that because I stopped for a few seconds before I posted thinking maybe I should tone it down. But that's ok, I don't mind being a writer's muse. My pleasure. :)Kate Kennedynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218645378991461068.post-25892014836392921352012-10-06T11:05:57.805-04:002012-10-06T11:05:57.805-04:00One should always watch what one says, but I think...One should always watch what one says, but I think it would be false to assume that this was aimed at you, Miss Kate.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10484292906524283953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218645378991461068.post-48585559237104881212012-10-06T03:17:56.090-04:002012-10-06T03:17:56.090-04:00I am really going to have to watch what I say from...I am really going to have to watch what I say from now on.Kate Kennedynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218645378991461068.post-60115350455037093082012-09-19T21:57:33.838-04:002012-09-19T21:57:33.838-04:00" The President at least is observing the let..." The President at least is observing the letter of the law this time..."<br /><br />Smart play in an election year. Especially when that election is only a few weeks away and because of the recent, obvious blowups of his policies in that part of the world there are more of the voting public tuned in to what's going on.<br /><br />Cynical? Who... me?Michael Raymondhttp://ww.facebook.com/pages/Unofficial-View/405945046w113208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218645378991461068.post-79419378188006056522012-09-13T23:16:25.166-04:002012-09-13T23:16:25.166-04:00Good call, Mr. Rich. HHS Secretary does indeed qua...Good call, Mr. Rich. HHS Secretary does indeed qualify as exempted based on being a Cabinet level position specifically described in your quoted portion of the Hatch Act. <br /><br />RIP Research ... I knew ye well. J. Michael Raymondhttp://unofficialview.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218645378991461068.post-57446486793048233292012-08-30T18:18:58.333-04:002012-08-30T18:18:58.333-04:00Disagree ... they were going to screw up and get c...Disagree ... they were going to screw up and get caught before they would be any threat to the nation (they were a threat to a few people, who unfortunately died). And they did, and they were, and now they will find out how the justice system works.<br /><br />The polarization and racial tension must be somewhere else than my very racially integrated neighborhood. I am not saying there isn't any. I am just saying it is not something to start manning the barricades over.<br /><br />I spent 30 years living in the Deep South ... and the hype was always overblown. Yes, there are bigots ... black, white, red, yellow, tan ... but there is far less strife than you get from the "national" media. <br /><br />Someday, I should tell you the tale of the Redneck Shop in South Carolina ... interesting story.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10484292906524283953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218645378991461068.post-81350963831570934672012-08-30T17:40:25.538-04:002012-08-30T17:40:25.538-04:00Reminds me of the time my buddy, the local AP corr...Reminds me of the time my buddy, the local AP correspondent, called to tell me he'd been assigned to cover the So. Oregon Militia. He called back a couple of weeks later to report we had nothing to worry about: they were all over 60, beer-drinkers, and probably couldn't walk a mile let alone run any distance. But in this case, the perps were young, political and actively accumulating arms. It is clear they intended to act on their planning. Given the current polarization and racial tension in the country, this is a matter of some concern.Charlie McHenryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03827707808739139343noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218645378991461068.post-49621390979397834482012-08-09T12:07:06.164-04:002012-08-09T12:07:06.164-04:00"Untied States" - LOL!
Methinks the edi..."Untied States" - LOL!<br /><br />Methinks the editor may be chaffing just a tad against the informal constraints of retirement and would like "another go", at least on this current horse race.Michael Raymondhttp://unofficialview.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218645378991461068.post-58823608751636105742012-07-26T23:34:29.390-04:002012-07-26T23:34:29.390-04:00Well said!
I especially like your exeunt.Well said!<br /><br />I especially like your exeunt.Michael Raymondhttp://michaelraymond.namenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218645378991461068.post-31801723546881244682012-07-26T20:04:55.095-04:002012-07-26T20:04:55.095-04:00Wow! 30 years too late for this old man to volunte...Wow! 30 years too late for this old man to volunteer. Exciting times. And dangerous, sobering ...<br /><br />As the first of its kind, this venture may well be a suicide in the making, but you are correct, sir, there will be others followed by additional excursions. Failures and successes in varying amounts. But, as you said... "This is what we as humans do." <br /><br />All I can say is, be sure to take a video camera so the rest of us earthbound, no-longer adventuring types can participate vicariously! Best of luck to these pioneers.Michael Raymondhttp://michaelraymond.namenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218645378991461068.post-75192291106032122162012-07-24T19:45:16.683-04:002012-07-24T19:45:16.683-04:00Please see my post - Islam: A continuing dialoguePlease see my post - Islam: A continuing dialogueAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10484292906524283953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218645378991461068.post-66487342767447251742012-07-24T02:10:53.294-04:002012-07-24T02:10:53.294-04:00As a Muslim---I am aware of the many areas that we...As a Muslim---I am aware of the many areas that we Muslims can improve on---and there are also many practices and ideas that must be discarded....this ongoing struggle for betterment is also expressed in the Talmud<br />"Do not be daunted by the enormity of the worlds grief.<br />Do Justly now,<br />Love mercy now,<br />walk humbly now,<br />You are not obligated to complete the work, <br />but neither are you free to abandon it."<br /><br />Without criticism we cannot improve. The way forward is for all of us to help each other in pointing out areas of improvement---while also realizing we need to look at ourselves critically.<br /><br />I thank you for this conversation and I am indeed with you in wishing for peace in the world.<br /><br />Salamalaikum.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218645378991461068.post-76051348279738628562012-07-24T02:10:39.540-04:002012-07-24T02:10:39.540-04:00Tolerance, universalism, compassion and mercy are ...Tolerance, universalism, compassion and mercy are strong themes of the Quran. How we understand these themes depends on our level of intelligence and spirituality. Because God has created us in diversity, all of us will not have the same degree of understanding--but that is ok, because our diversity helps us grow in compassion and tolerance. <br /><br />fighting---In Surah 2, the Quran explains that though we may find fighting distasteful, it may have good in it---then it goes on to explain that oppression is worse than slaughter and it can become necessary to fight those who insist on oppression. However, the Quran also makes clear that there is no compulsion in religion (some examples---2:256, 3: 20, 10:99...and others)<br />---to struggle for liberty and fight against oppression is not uniquely "Islamic" as the struggle has been played out in Western history as well----however, for the West to forget this universal desire and align themselves with the oppressive powers is really shortsighted and counterproductive. The Europeans have done this through colonialism and the Americans do this through their blind foreign policy.<br /><br />"West" as "supremacist"---Is actually a "Western" narrative, in my opinion......(see "White man's burden"--Europe and "manifest destiny"--U.S. to get an idea of what I am saying) .....though I agree with you that "supremacy" of one kind or another is a general human flaw.<br /> <br />However, any Western policies that promote luxury and liberties as their "right" at the expense of "others" whom they consider unworthy of either luxury or liberty--- can feed into the "supremacist" narrative. (The BRICS alignment arose out of this perception)<br /><br />Instead, if all peoples were to acknowledge that God-given natural resources are for all humanity to be shared fairly and justly for the equal benefit of all---this would change human interaction by reducing unneccessary tensions arising out of unfair, unjust policies.<br /><br />"They look at the free exchange of goods and ideas and attack those that are different"----What may seem "free exchange" to a Westerner, may not be the reality of an non-Westerner. For example---it may seem a free exchange of goods to a Westerner when their oil companies explore and extract oil from foreign soil---it may not seem that way to the citizens of the country under whose feet the oil/gas is, if they do not enjoy any of the benefits of the profits---(see latin America and the nationalization of their oil and gas ) I am not trying to judge any policy---only pointing out that perceptions may be different.<br /> <br />Likewise---"free-exchange of ideas" should be practiced---but it is not actually either in the West or the East. For example, when American news media tried to air tapes of Bin Laden---those that outlined his views---that the U.S. should remove their bases from Saudi Arabia,...etc, the U.S. government did not allow it. There was also a time when American citizens of a Muslim background were investigated because they were thought to hold views that the government did not approve. Others were not allowed to enter the U.S. because of their views ---I think that a "free exchange of ideas" is an important principle that all countries need to improve on particularly in the East but also the West.<br /><br />....continued....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218645378991461068.post-34729312380912014682012-07-22T11:17:04.850-04:002012-07-22T11:17:04.850-04:00We, indeed, are “brothers under the skin” as the s...We, indeed, are “brothers under the skin” as the saying goes. The battle against intolerance is something we share on all fronts. I agree that the best weapon against intolerance is to stand up and expose it. I would point out, from a Western perspective, it becomes difficult for Westerners, when Jihadis – under whatever influence we want to call it – generalize the West, Christianity, Judaism as evil or supremacist. They look at the free exchange of goods and ideas and attack those that are different from the worldview they hold. This, much as it makes Muslims distrustful of “Westerners”, makes Westerners distrustful of Muslims.<br />“Westerners” are a very diverse category of people, just as I suspect people are in your, what I am guessing is, Southeast Asian home. There are enough intolerant people on all sides to make the task of seeking brotherhood daunting. This is not to say that it is not a worthy goal, for it is. But the realist must accept humanity, in all its shapes and colors and mindsets, as it is and for most people, unfortunately, tolerance is not a virtue they tolerate very well.<br />You, kind sir, I would say that you are among those for whom an “Enlightenment” (using the metaphor of the European-Judeo-Christian period of Enlightenment as a reference) already is underway. You, and those like you, are reexamining the words of the Quran and of the Prophet, with an emphasis on tolerance and brotherhood rather than forcing or coercing non-believers to accept the Prophet as the last and only true spokesman of Allah/God or believers to follow a particular view of Islam. You may take offense at what I say, or perceive it as being condescending, but that if far from my intent.<br />I want to thank you for your willingness to engage in a conversation and an exchange in ideas. I only wish more around the world were willing to do the same instead of taking up arms.<br />It is not that I am opposed to taking up arms, mind you. I was a soldier, but from a soldier’s perspective I know what an obscenity war is. It is not something that should be taken up lightly but there are things that are worth defending: Our lives, our freedom to think and believe and be different, and our families.<br />I hope my random thoughts help you discuss with your family, friends and neighbors these issues in that the thoughts we share can be spread.<br />To this I will say a phrase I learned in Latin so long ago: Pax vobiscum.<br />Or in English: Peace be with you.<br />Or in Arabic, the mother tongue of Islam: السلام يكون معكم.<br />Or, what I suspect is your native tongue: ความสงบไปด้วยAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10484292906524283953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218645378991461068.post-43322336544203668312012-07-22T02:07:49.112-04:002012-07-22T02:07:49.112-04:00Thankyou for your kindness.
"I only wish mor...Thankyou for your kindness.<br /><br />"I only wish more people around the world, who profess to be Muslims (as I also wish those of all religions), would be more open to according respect and dignity to those with whom they disagree."<br /><br />---John F Kennedy said "Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others"<br /><br />The Quran also speaks about tolerance....<br />Surah 49, v 13<br />"O mankind, We created you from a single (pair) of male and female and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (Not that you may despise each other)."<br /><br />....Yet,in my opinion, to forcibly supress intolerant views---IS being intolerant and oppressive. Therefore, the only other way is for good people to stand up against intolerance by exposing prejudice for what it is and emphasising our shared brotherhood in humanity. However, this becomes twice as difficult when Westerners, under the influence of Islamophobia, generalize Islam as backward, evil, or supremacist and some groups within Islam counter the globalization and modernism/post-modernism through an intolerant, strict, simplistic brand of Islam.<br /><br />So, a Muslim is left fighting on two fronts---from outside as well as from within. Instead if Good people stood together to fight all types of intolerance---we would all succeed and be better off for it.<br /><br />Surah 3 verse 104<br />"Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity." <br /><br />....and as John McCain recently said about intolerance "...it defames the spirit of our nation and we all grow poorer because of it"<br /><br />May God give us guidance and courage.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218645378991461068.post-14733796214126435112012-07-21T13:35:47.080-04:002012-07-21T13:35:47.080-04:00Mr. Anonymous Muslim:
Your apology is most humbly ...Mr. Anonymous Muslim:<br />Your apology is most humbly accepted, enshallah, and I find hope and agreement that what you are saying.<br />I suggest that a lot of the conflict is due to the differences in perspective and an unwillingness to accommodate those differences in others.<br />I am not as blind so as to be unable to see that in my country and among those who call themselves Christians that we have those who refuse to allow others the right/dignity to practice their religion in the way that they wish. <br />Yes, it is a conflict. Yes, it is difficult, especially to reconcile the different practices, the differing views of morality, the differing ethics.<br />Yet I am one who was taught to believe and accept that people are different and have a right to be different. They have the right to see God/Allah/Jehovah/Vishnu/Buddha … (I know I am leaving out a host of deities, but I ask forgiveness) … in their own way and accepting one or more as their vision of the “truth”. <br />Please, kind sir, understand that I respect your views, however I may disagree with them. I only wish more people around the world, who profess to be Muslims (as I also wish those of all religions), would be more open to according respect and dignity to those with whom they disagree. <br />I find pleasure and value in our conversation here. Hope, as well, that you also find it welcome.<br />As “true believers” in our respective faiths, it is natural (and right) that we believe our view is the truth and the correct one. However, in my humble view, only God, or Allah, knows the truth. We humans merely have perspectives of it. As the Greek philosopher Plato described it: We only see the truth as shadows on a wall.<br />I agree that we must fight evil, and hope that we share some of those concepts of what is evil. I also hope that even though I may never meet you in person, that you would accept my hand in an offer of friendship, respect and dignity despite how our perspectives on the world may differ. May God (and Allah) be with you.<br /><br />rhbAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10484292906524283953noreply@blogger.com