What Are You Still Doing Here?

I thought if I went away for a long enough time, folks would stop coming here. Then, I would reclaim my blog. So I come back, and the Gina/Hartal/Qua circle jerk is still in full swing. Seriously, you guys must have better things to do than to continually flog your own and each other's metaphorical meat. This can't be fun for you. It certainly isn't for me. If just one of you would go away, I would be happy to start posting again.

Gina, you get my vote. You've threatened/promised to leave before, but you never have. If you truly don't like to go where you're not wanted, why do you keep coming back here? You add nothing but lemon juice to the paper cut of life...

Anyway, flame away. I don't read the comments anymore - it's just toxic sludge in there nowadays. (Where do I get my application to become a Superfund site?)

The Brat is Back!!!

Hi all - I have news:

We are opening escrow on the house tomorrow!!! (I must be crazy!) However, the house is very old, so I am waiting to see what the pest & home inspectors have to say before I decide for sure to go ahead with the purchase. I don't mind putting some money into the house, but I don't want to buy a money pit... It's a big purchase, and I want to make sure I go into it with eyes wide open.

So, there you have....you can go back to bickering, now.

UPDATE: Well, the home inspection left a lot to be desired. Let's just say that I'm not all that keen on repairing the foundation, replacing the roof, fixing the plumbing, and removing the dry rot...bleah! The search begins anew!!!

See, You Don't Need Me

Wow, 150+ posts...you guys do just fine on your own. Good thing, too since I have been incredibly derelict in my duties.

I wish I had an excuse. Firstly, I was just getting a little burnt out by all of the bickering, but mostly I have been geeking out on "Doctor Who" and "Torchwood". Sorry, I wish I had a better reason for my absence, but there it is. I am a total Sci Fi nerd, and I make no apologies for that.

No news on the house, except that the seller's bank has assigned the file to someone, so I might be hearing something in the next few weeks...or not.

Here's a little something to get you going: Do you believe there are lifeforms that exist in the rest of the universe?

Big News, Everybody!

Well, only if you care about me as much as I do - which would be troubling...

Today, I put on offer on the cutest house ever in the entire world!!! A house - a whole house, with a yard, and a basement, and a porch, and fruit trees, and a roof, and things that I'll probably have to paint and repair and.....sorry, hyperventilated a bit there. It's a daunting idea, but the house is just perfect for me and my kitties! The seller has accepted my offer, but it's another short sale (I'm starting to wonder if there's any other kind), so it's up to the bank, now. That's cool, I still have to wrap my brain around owning a HOUSE instead of a condo...

So, keep your fingers crossed for me, please!

Okay, back to your regularly scheduled programming...

Where To Begin...

I am very sad today. Sad that majority rule can take away minority rights. Sad that the State Supreme court has said that some gays are more equal than others. Sad that the world is so full of hate and fear that they try to legislate love.

I don't expect you all to agree with me. And, I'll try not to call names if you don't. But, keep in mind that it was once illegal for folks of different races to marry, just as it was once legal to have 'separate but equal' schools for our children. Some folks don't agree that this is a civil rights issue, they still believe that homosexuality is a choice. With all of the hate directed towards gays in this country, who would willingly make such a choice?

Huh?!?!?

With only 21% (last I heard) of the US population willing to identify themselves as "Republicans", this is the best the RNC can come up with:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcNQuHsrxXY

Surely they are bereft of ideas, if this lame attempt at slamming Pelosi is any indication. I'm embarrassed for them...

Look Over There!!!

Well, Brushfires family, I have been derelict in my duties, once again. But, I have the semblance of a reason: I am so fucking angry with the GOP, the media and the Dems right now, I'm not sure I can finish this post without it deteriorating into an incoherent mess. (I know, how would that be any different...)

How many times do we have to witness the Repugs use the old 'bait and switch' play before we get wise to it? "What did Nancy Pelosi know, and when did she know it?" I call BULLSHIT!!! Anything Speaker Pelosi knew was AFTER John Yoo and Keith Bybee wrote legal briefs justifying torture, AFTER Dick Cheney told the CIA to take over the 'interrogations', AFTER men and women who are sworn to defend, protect, and uphold the Constitution tortured!!! That is the issue - people gave orders, others followed them. (Oh, and by the way, they briefed a few members of the House and Senate about what they may/might/possibly do/be doing to prisoners.)

Come on, folks! Please, please, please tell me we're not going to fall for this again. This is mis-direction and deflection of the highest caliber, but we've all seen it before, we know it's happening...will we allow the GOP to turn this into a referendum on Speaker Pelosi - and thereby an instrument to blunt the effectiveness of PrezBO - or are we going to keep the discussion where it belongs: Who ordered it, who did it - and what are WE going to do about it?

(Not too bad, a minimum of swearing...at least compared to what I wanted to type.)

Older, None the Wiser

First, I'd like to thank you all for the sweet birthday messages. I am pretty shameless about promoting the day, as I get excited just like a little kid as it approaches. I haven't told you every little bit about my life, but suffice to say, I'm pretty darned lucky to still be here today. Unlike so many of my friends, I love getting older - it sure beats the alternative!!!

Secondly, I need to apologize for neglecting the blog. Between feeling like I'm in a holding pattern regarding the condo (fingers crossed!) and feeling sorry for myself about my boss quitting (last Friday was his last day), I've been decidedly uninterested in thinking hard enough to even do another b.s. photo caption post. I appreciate your patience, and have noticed that no one has complained about the lack of a new post - except, perhaps, by their absence. ;-)

However, I still got nothing...what's going on with you?

In honor of...well, me! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVLrA0yCtP4

Who Didn't See This Coming?

Yet another crack appears in the facade of the GOP. As I've said, I just don't see the Republican Party surviving intact for very much longer. For folks like Arlen Specter, Olivia Snowe and Susan Collins the truth is too large to ignore: There is no place in the GOP for moderates. I don't know what death wish has driven the party to strive toward fringedom, but - as Randi Rhodes once put it - every Republican sounds like Foghorn Leghorn. When not even 25% of the people will admit to being a Republican, it's time to proclaim the truth that is self-evident: The GOP is a white, Southern party with extremist views regarding social issues. As such, it cannot be considered an opposition party, so much as an impediment to progress.

So, what is a moderate supposed to do? When you are threatened with a primary challenge by the powers that be, just for supporting a spending bill designed to keep the country from falling into a Depression? When any hint of bi-partisanship is shown, you are labeled a "RINO" (Republican In Name Only)? If you're not willing to fall into lockstep with party leadership, and you truly feel you can continue to serve the public - you go where you see the rest of the country is going. Pragmatic? Sure. Cynical? Maybe. Smart? You betcha!!!

Book Chat

With everything going on in our lives - and the world at large - it can be difficult to find the time to read for pleasure. Given the level of discourse here at Brushfires - a source of pride for your humble host - I imagine there a more than a few readers here. So, what sorts of things do you read? When is your favorite time to read? What are you reading right now?

I am currently reading "Eats, Shoots and Leaves" which is a hilarious book about punctuation. No, you read that right, a funny book about apostrophes, commas, etc. Being more than a bit of a grammar nerd, this book appeals to me in many different ways. If you know the difference between "its" and "it's", and enjoy humorous writing, I highly recommend this book.

Lazy Post Saturday

It's time again to play "You Write the Caption" in which we take a photo of a recent event and - hopefully - mock it mercilessly. Have at it:

The New Economics

I was wondering about something. People are talking about how they are being affected by the recession, and changes they are making in their personal spending. Now, in the 3-plus years since I left the bank, I have experienced a 50% increase in my salary, so I am doing better financially then ever in my working career. Heck, I'm thinking of buying a house, which - while a definite change in spending - isn't exactly the sort of thing meant by the talking heads.

Has the economic downturn affected you negatively? Has it curtailed your spending? Are you worried about losing your job? House? Do you think that what President Obama is attempting to do will work, or will it make things worse?

Flame On...

Seriously, just get it out of your systems. I have no intention of reading any of the comments on this post, so say the most vile hateful things you can think of about me and each other.

If there aren't 200 comments on this post, I will be very disappointed. In fact, I'm sorely tempted to leave it up until there are...

UPDATE: Only 66 posts? Plus, I heard that you guys were actually discussing things!!! See, even when I give you permission to be mean, you folks just don't take direction. ;-)

I think that in the future, when things start getting really ugly, I'll just throw one of these up and let everyone get it out of their systems... (I didn't read any of the posts, was there any really juicy stuff?)

Dear President Obama - WTF?!?!?!?!?

For some reason, I can't find this in the written media. I'm probably not trying hard enough. It's worth checking out Keith Olbermann's report (4/7) on the warrantless wiretapping under Bush, and the discouraging, disappointing and disgusting response by the Obama administration.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/vp/30116228#30096316

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/vp/30116228#30096358

If it was a bad thing when Bush was doing it, it's even worse under the new administration. Tyranny is not Change. And Despotism is still evil, know matter how benevolent it may appear.

Doing one really shitty thing after a whole bunch of good things doesn't make it smell any less vile. Clean up your act, President Obama!!!

(Here's Olbermann's continuation of the report tonight (4/8): http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/vp/30116228#30116228)

UPDATE: I have asked that you all police yourselves, so that I do not have to. After reading the last few comments on the last post, I fear I may have been asking too much. I have three options - turn on the comment monitoring, delete offensive posts (who decides?), or discontinue the blog. While the third option makes me sad to even consider, the first two are total and complete pains in the ass and will quickly lead to number three out of sheer annoyance. Please, please, please (did I say 'please'?) act like the grown-ups I know you can be. If you don't like what someone posts, make a strong argument in favor of your point of view - don't let the conversation devolve into perceived personalities. This experience has been way more positive than not - but lately...

Hope Springs Eternal

When we began our little adventure here at Brushfires, there seemed to be a general consensus that this not be a sports blog. I have adhered to that desire, but with the new baseball season about to commence, I wanted to take an opportunity to express why this baseball fan (Giants fanatic) feels such love for the game.

Many people are familiar with the iconic film of Carlton Fisk coaxing his ball fair in the 1975 World Series (http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200807313224115 - hang out for about a minute and you'll see it). That is the exact moment that I fell in love with baseball. Watching the games was a way for me to spend time with my father. He left for his job in San Francisco before we got up in the morning, got home took his shower, ate dinner and allowed himself some down time before he hit the sack to do it all again the next day. His treat was to watch a ball game. Back in the 70's there wasn't as much televised baseball as there is today. (Heck, the Giants exhibition game against the A's is on tv right now.) Mostly, it was the A's or the Giants - if they were playing the hated Dodgers. Anyway, that's how I happened to be watching baseball on October 12, 1975 and saw a man, by sheer force of will, make a foul ball go fair. And, the unabashed joy that he showed when the ball hit the foul pole was the impetus for a crush on Carlton Fisk that lasted for years.

For me, baseball isn't just about men getting paid ridiculous sums of money to play a game for a living. It isn't about feeding some unfulfilled need to feel successful by living vicariously through the accomplishments of others. It's about community, shared history - and hope. I can talk to any baseball fan and find common ground with people with whom I may have nothing else in common.

Hope - on Opening Day, all teams have the same record, and anything is possible. Now, obviously some teams have a better chance coming out of the gate than others. But every so often, baseball - just like life - can provide the most delightful surprises. Just think of the 1969 Miracle Mets, or the 2008 Tampa Bay Rays!

Is there something in your life - an external event or experience - that provides a special thrill, an opportunity for fellowship, such as I have described here?

Exemplifying Irony

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uprjmoSMJ-o

So, the country often credited with the invention of the enhanced interrogation method known as 'waterboarding', is now readying the case against such former Bush Administration figures as Alberto Gonzalez, Doug Feith, and John Yoo. (http://tinyurl.com/cdflbm)

Does the current administration have to be shamed into appointing a Special Prosecutor empowered to investigate the alleged crimes committed at Guantanamo (and god knows where else)? Doesn't our National honor cry out for justice - sought after and enacted by us in our name?

President Obama, your silence on this issue is deafening, your inaction - shameful.

Well, It's A Start...

Now, this is more like it: http://www.sfpromise.org/

This should be our nation's promise to our young. If you do the work, get the grades and your parents sign on as partners - you are guaranteed a college education in your local state college. You'd rather pursue a trade? Okay, we'll take care of that for you, too.

I believe that it is in Sweden - but don't quote me on that - where every citizen has their college education completely subsidized by the state. Not just undergraduate, but all the way to a doctorate if that is your path. Not only that, but they also pay a stipend to offset living expenses. Now, Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church notwithstanding (http://www.godhatessweden.com/), I don't want to be behind Sweden in education anymore. (It's nothing personal, Sweden - honest!)

Now, if the President really believes that we can lead the world in college graduates by 2020 (?), this is the bold kind of action to which he must commit today.

Old Fart Alert!!!

Do you remember a kinder, gentler time? A time when there was some sense of propriety in society? Do you long for the days when they didn't say words like 'groin', 'hemorrhoid', and 'period' in commercials? I just saw a commercial tonight that, while it made me laugh for a full 30 seconds after it aired, was actually rather offensive. I'll try to conjure the images for you:

A young woman, leaves her house and passes a scraggly shrub - which upon her passing, is miraculously trimmed. Two women stroll past a store, with two more scraggly shrubs, that are similarly neatened up upon their passing. Two more times, young women walk past shrubs, sorely in need of a trim, a - voila! - all nice a tidy. (What on earth could they be selling???) Finally, a woman emerges from the shower and we find out that the product is the new Schick Quattro for women - with the new "Trim" feature. (Shrub = bush, get it?!?!)

If this had been an SNL commercial parody, it would be damned funny, but instead it just seems more than a little tacky? Aren't there any standards, societal strictures in place that tell us when we've crossed a line? I don't think we need commercials discussing ways to deal with 'bikini lines'. (Hello, we are talking about pubic hair, here!)

I guess I'm turning into a grumpy old lady, but I preferred the days when people used a little discretion when discussing personal hygiene - especially when it's in my living room!!!

Dude! Where's My Stimulus?

I was wondering how folks feel about the legalization of marijuana? Not as a criminal reform, but to stimulate the economy... If the state legalizes and licenses marijuana, so you can buy it at the local Qwik-E-Mart - with proper i.d., of course - are we just creating a new 'sin' that we can tax? Will it increase marijuana abuse? What about DWIs?

Now, don't get me wrong. I personally don't think that marijuana is as bad as alcohol when it comes to the damage it does to lives and societies. You don't see a lot of stoners getting into knife fights, not if it means getting off the couch. Marijuana has long been considered a gateway drug, and I tend to agree with that, in so much as once you use one illegal drug, it makes it that much easier to take the next one - not that smoking a joint on Monday guarantees you'll be shooting smack by Friday. So, if we remove the illegality, does that remove the gateway?

What do you think? Will legalization of marijuana create more societal cost than economic gain? Would you be more likely to smoke marijuana if it were legal? Should we all invest in Hostess and Doritos?

Educashun - Is Our Childrens Learning?

Wow - this is the plan? This is how we're going to compete in a global economy? Merit pay for teachers and charter schools?!? This deserves to be spelled out - What The Fuck?!?!?!?!? (http://tinyurl.com/b99zt6)

Day 50 - President Obama is downgraded to a C- by this blogger. Yuck - who stepped in the GOP plan for creating another generation of automatons???

What do you think of the President's craptacular plan? (Seriously, what a piece of shit!!!)

So, What Do We Think?

Since it would appear that it is de rigueur to have up-to-the-minute polls on the new President's job performance, I feel that I have been somewhat remiss in waiting a whole 46 days to ask: How Do You Like Him So Far?

Pick a couple of things you really like, and couple of things you really don't, give a grade & explain. Easy, right? (Not for this crowd...)

As an experiment, how about if your first comment on this topic is about the topic and not another's comment, hmmmm? Think we can do that? There will be plenty of time for bickering later - god help us. (Don't make me turn this blog around!!!)

I'll update with my opinion - I wanted to post this, and I need time to do a little research and make sure that I have all of my facts right. (If I don't, I know I'll hear about it later...)

UPDATE: I decided to forget about research...I'm entitled to the same half-assed and hare-brained opinions as the rest of you!

Cheers: Hilda Solis for Labor Secty, Recovery.gov & FinancialStability.gov websites (transparency in government?), Hillary Clinton for Secty of State, putting war costs in budget, health care for the masses, setting a date for the end of the Occupation in Iraq

Jeers: Siding with the previous administration on warrantless wiretapping (WTF?!?!?!?)

TBD: Geithner as Treasury Secty, Gates as Defense Secty, Afghanistan policy

That's it, off the top of my head. As usual, I'll probably think of more as soon as I post this.

Overall: B-. The grade is weighed down by that one negative, plus the down side of the 'TBDs'.

Dear Republicans - WTF!?!?!?

For quite a while now, I have been predicting the downfall of the Republican Party. It seems to me there are three factions of the party: The "True" Republicans (small government/fiscal conservatives), The Religious Right (man's law should be rewritten to match God's law), and the Neo-Cons (bring back the Aristocracy!). I don't see how the three can maintain their delicate partnership.

True Republicans are disturbed by the power that has been given to the Religious Right, and have ceded a lot of power in recent years to the Neo-Cons, the members of which have become the 'face' of the party. Richard Viguerie (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Viguerie) was on Ed Schultz' radio show today, talking about the pathetic behavior (my phrase) of RNC Chairman Michael Steele in kowtowing (me again) to Rush Limbaugh. Asked by Schultz if Limbaugh was the head of the Republican Party, Viguerie stated that Limbaugh was the head of the Conservative Movement, speaking with almost disdain of the RNC. (Honestly, even I was embarrassed when Steele apologized to Limbaugh...)

See the thing is, when someone like Rush Limbaugh has his show broadcast on 600 stations (in some areas he is on opposite himself), they have the forum to espouse their particular point of view - to A LOT of people. Because of the power vacuum in the Republican Party, this has become the face of the Party:

I realize we have practically nobody on the right visiting us here at Brushfires, but if you know a Republican, ask them if they are happy about that. Ask them if they 'want the President to fail'. If you think they are True Republicans, ask them what they are going to do to take their party back. After two disastrous (for them) election cycles, how can they hope to bring moderates and independents back into the fold, if they think that the Republicans are the party of Rush.

As someone who can count the times she's voted for a Republican on both hands, you'd think I'd be happy about the disarray in the GOP. But, nothing could be further from the truth - I think that a democracy works best when we have more choices, not less. How many times have you had to choose between the lesser of two evils, stuck with the candidates who appealed to the lowest common denominator instead of our highest ideals. Only through loyal opposition (loyal to the country, not their party), can our public servants in government be pushed to perform at their best.

A Deafening Silence

The blog has been quiet. I'm not sure if it's just the weekend, and people aren't around their computers or you're all on your best behavior on the last post. Whatever the reason, Bring Da Noise!!!

Try to be nice to each other, but have at it: Anything you want to talk about - politics, sports, movies, rain (yay!!!).

But, with freedom comes responsibility - no bickering, please. It gives me a headache in my eye...

On Mothers and Motherhood

The Oracle said...
Why don't you put your money and love towards adopting a child, ferret, instead of a cat? ...I might have more respect for you and your lame opinions. Which, in the grand scheme of things, are meaningless.
February 25, 2009 9:14 AM

Oracle, I thought I would address your comment in a special post. This is not about politics, and it will be a little personal, but it's something about which I feel driven to write. The thing about writing a blog that is read by about 10 people, 2 or 3 who know me, is that you are expecting people to take you at face value. All that most of you know about me is what I share here, or on SFGate if you have encountered me there. My motivations, ambitions, dreams, flaws, failures are only known to you if I choose to expose them to you. It is a power we all have, which makes this a pretty democratic forum. In writing about politics (mostly), I have been able to retain certain items for just myself. If you'll forgive me, I'm going to pull back the curtain a bit...

I believe that I have mentioned that I was adopted at birth. The people who adopted me were, I suspect, attempting to save their marriage with a baby. Like most of those attempts, it failed. They divorced, and each took new spouses. When I was four, my adopted mother committed suicide. While I didn't actually see her body, I did discover her...a moment that is still crystal clear in my mind.

Since my adopted father still had custody of me, I went to live with him and his new family. It was incredibly disfunctional, and I suffered all sorts of abuse. My step-mother was especially fond of using a switch cut from the peach tree in our yard to discipline us.

When I was 9, I was removed from that home and placed in foster care. That is when I met the people that I consider to be my family - which they officially became when they adopted me two years later. My mother was unable to have children - having had cancer in her early 20's - and fostering was her only way to fulfill what I believe to be her purpose here on earth. If anyone was meant to be a parent, she was that person - generosity of spirit, unconditional in her love, supportive and empowering, those are the gifts with which she was blessed. And I was blessed to know her.

Unfortunately, I knew her for a painfully short amount of time. Twenty-seven years ago today, eight years and one week after I moved in with her, my mother was killed by a drunk driver. She was already gone when I found out, so I didn't have a real chance to say good-bye. Her loss was devastating, and I believe that my inability to properly grieve for her marked the beginning of a long, slow descent into a crippling depression. With a lot of hard work, therapy and support from my wonderful family (a gift from my mother), I found my way back to become the (reasonably) well-adjusted person you see before you.

So, Oracle, I have had four different women fill the role of mother - if you count the girl/woman that gave birth to me. My experiences have been 'difficult', for lack of a better word. Obviously, when I was nine I finally found my real mother - meaning the woman who was intended to be my mother. However, given the examples of the first nine years of my life, and the short time I was given with my mother - well, you'll forgive me if I'm just not sure I'm up to the job of being a mother myself. I have no doubt that I have love to spare, and a nurturing spirit - but it's a serious task, and it's so crucial to not fuck it up.

I've thought of fostering, as there are so many children who need a loving home. But, thus far, I am taking this journey alone, and most foster children have special emotional and/or physical needs that I'm not sure that I could do it all myself. So, while you may think that I'm selfish, I will confess to a greater defect - fear. Fear of failing a child. I know what that feels like, and I couldn't stand it if I did it to someone else.



Margie - I know you are watching over me, and I miss you every day. Thank you for all that you gave me, and the world, in your short time with us.

We Are Not Quitters!

UPDATE: We are once again open for business... Or we would have been if I had remembered to turn off the moderation. Sorry!!!

Okay, this is completely inappropriate, but my limited vocabulary restricts my response: Our President ROCKS!!!!!! That speech was incredible - a tightrope walk between crisis and opportunity, right and left, war and peace. If the squiggly lines at the bottom of MSNBC's screen were any indication, folks that voted for Obama and the ones the voted for McCain agreed - top of the chart for the entire speech.

Energy. Health Care. Education. You know what my pet cause is (to refresh your memories: I think education is good). I actually started crying when he said "And dropping out of high school is no longer an option. It's not just quitting on yourself, it's quitting on your country — and this country needs and values the talents of every American." From preschool to college, a commitment to educate our youth, the recognition that the only path to the return to greatness that this nation has experienced is through education. It is my personal belief that there can be no greater investment, no more worthy use of our tax dollars than the goal of preparing our children and grandchildren for the world at large, and the world to come. (Especially if we expect them to pay for this pork-filled spending bill. This message brought to you by Right-Wing Talking Points Generator.)

BTW - I'm watching MSNBC, and after the Republican response by Gov. Jindal of LA, Chris Mathews was talking about how they had to go outside of Congress to find someone who could talk about wasteful spending, etc. since the Republicans in Congress were all part of that past. Given Gov. Jindal's ethnicity, was it just my immaturity that thought that it was poor wording by Chris to say that the Republicans had "outsourced the response"?

I could go on, and on - I've never felt so good about the potential onset of a depression.

(xootie - our new President is a touchy-feely. I can relate.)

And now, because that's how things work around here, it's your turn... (In case you didn't catch it all: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/obama_text)

Forgive Me If You've Heard This One

Got Milk?

Michael Steele, the new RNC chair, is a piece of work. He of the infamous "Oreo Cookie Incident" (I shit you not: http://tinyurl.com/dgec2j), has decided that the RNC has to expand it's perceived borders - Or, as Keith Olbermann put it tonight: Notorious G.O.P. :

"There was underlying concerns we had become too regionalized and the party needed to reach beyond our comfort” zones, he said, citing defeats in such states as Virginia and North Carolina. “We need messengers to really capture that region - young, Hispanic, black, a cross section ... We want to convey that the modern-day GOP looks like the conservative party that stands on principles. But we want to apply them to urban-surburban hip-hop settings.”

But, he elaborated with a laugh, “we need to uptick our image with everyone, including one-armed midgets.”

With this guy leading the party, and Sarah Palin being touted as a serious candidate in 2012, (Politically incorrect alert!) sometimes I wonder what that "R" next to their names really stands for! Which leads us to...

My Daddy is Stooopid!

"Possibly the most ignorant motherfucker to ever walk the halls of the Senate..." (thank you, Wonkette), Senator "Man-on-Dog" Rick Santorum (http://tinyurl.com/cdbwjl), is back! These people never really go away. Flush and flush and flush, folks like Rick Santorum refuse to stop circling the basin: http://tinyurl.com/aoeos8. Perhaps if we had had more interpreters who spoke Islam, we would have been successful in Iraq. Classic!

Gina & TooSense's Make out Room

Enter at your own risk!!!

Thursday Musings

1. Judd Gregg is a douche: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/02/12/national/w131931S60.DTL


2. Can I just say, once again: Congress, Do Something!!!!! The house should have voted on the GD bill today! WTF???

3. Okay, partial credit: Hilda Solis will most likely be confirmed as Labory Secty tomorrow.

4. If you don't say 'Awwwww', your heart may be two sizes too small:

5. That is so his real hair!

6. What movie should I see this weekend: "Frozen River", "Frost/Nixon", or...?

Suza's Wedding Thread

Okay, since every bride- or groom-to-be I have ever known has been drowned by the well-meaning advice of every Tom, Dick, and Ferret they know, why should our dear Suza be spared? So, with love and the best wishes of your humble host, let's all put in our two cents for mr suza & suzagoob's wedding, sponsored in part by Brushfires of Freedom...

Colors, honeymoon, songs, food, wedding night lingerie - no topic is off topic. One rule only: BE NICE or BE DELETED!!!

Wow - Again!

I just saw "Milk" today, and I am blown away. Not just by Sean Penn's performance (omg!), but by how perfectly timed the film's arrival is. I'm not talking about the civil rights struggle that the marriage equality movement is undertaking, and how it is reflected in the film. No, the reflection is the message that is conveyed by Harvey Milk in one word: Hope.

I believe that our nation is undergoing a struggle of epic proportions, not just for certain parts of our society, but for our survival. If we descend into another depression, we will be faced with the same choice that both America and Germany faced in the 1930's - what path do we take toward recovery? When things get bad, when people feel cornered by overwhelming burdens, it's easy for dark influences to take hold. After the last 8 years, we stand on the precipice. There's only one way out - and that's down. But, I believe we get to influence how far we fall, and where we land. As one who believes in the innate goodness of people, and has a rather naive vision of our nation and what we are capable of, I trust that the pain of the landing can be cushioned by that goodness.

Dear Congress: DO SOMETHING!!! http://my.barackobama.com/recoveryvideo


Just because I love it (RIP James Whitmore): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TjyR_3mUsM&feature=related

Russian Roulette - Republican Style

Okay, I understand the Republicans and Democrats are different. I get that Conservatives and Liberals see the government's role in vastly differing ways. What I don't get, what I will probably never understand, is how you can call yourself a public servant, and put party politics and loyalty above the good of the nation! How else do you explain that not one single House Republican supported the stimulus bill? They claim principle, that the bill was too expensive, that they have a better plan... Uh, why didn't they suggest their better plan before? Why did the Boner (aka John Boehner, R-OH) ask for 100% opposition before the President even went to visit with Republican leaders?

I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that the people who gladly took it up the behind for Bush would be just as eager to screw the American people if it made Obama look bad. However, they obviously learned nothing from 2006 & 2008 - the American people are tired of obstructionist behavior by the Republicans. The nation can't afford to have it's elected officials playing politics, there is too much at stake. These folks think that their seats are safe, that they are in districts that are so conservative they have nothing to fear. However, if things don't get better, even their constituents are going to start feeling the pain of the coming depression. It's time to make sure that the Boner and his gang feel our pain, in the only way they understand it - vote 'em out in 2010!!!

Now They Have Standards?!?!?

So, I'm sure you all have been chomping at the bit for an update on my journey towards home ownership. (Humor me here, okay?) Well, I made the offer on the condo, and things were looking pretty good. From a personal standpoint, my credit is spectacular and there didn't seem to be any worries on that front. The only stumbling point (or so we thought) was that it was a short sale, so the seller's bank was going to have to approve the sale - not a sure thing, but I was okay with some things being out of my control.

Turns out, that the nice folks at the FHA don't like it if there are too many condos in a complex that are rentals. I'm not sure what the preferred Owner Occupied ratio is, but apparently it is not 22%, which just happens to be the ratio of the complex where my target condo is. Okay, we may have to go a more conventional route, which would mean a down payment of 5% instead of 3% - still very doable. Any more surprises? Oh, yes.

While the bank would love to give me buckets of money toward buying a condo, apparently it is impossible to get mortgage insurance for a condo in a complex with an OO ratio that is lower than, say...50%!!! But, not to worry - if I just put down a little bit more, I won't have to get mortgage insurance. How much more, you ask (I sure did)? Instead of 5%, a measly 20% down will do!!!!!!! (Yeah, like I have that kind of scratch in my couch cushions!)

I'm concerned my writing may be too subtle here, so I will be very clear - I am frustrated, annoyed, and seriously pissed off!!! I didn't go for the cheap money several years ago, when I could very easily have gotten a loan that I couldn't afford while substantially overpaying for the condo. But, I was responsible, and waited until I was making a good salary, and had minimal (my car loan) debt. So, because the banks gave loans to anyone who had a pulse - maybe even some folks who didn't - Now they have standards!!! And, they are punishing the folks who tried to be responsible and play by the rules. The rules as they should have been, not the free-for-all they were all too happy to participate in two years ago. If I had just played along, I too could be facing foreclosure today, instead of having trouble buying a frickin' home. Seriously, does this make sense to any of you folks?

Political Yogurt

Since it's movie awards season, I thought we might have a semi-polite (HA!) discussion regarding political movies. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Bullworth - Warren Beatty as the last honest politician.
2. Primary Colors - John Travolta does a better Clinton than Bubba.
3. Bob Roberts - Tim Robbins as a guitar-strumming fascist.
4. Mr. Smith Goes To Washington - James Stewart as a lamb among wolves.
5. Meet John Doe - Gary Cooper as the little guy who won't be chewed up by the political machine.

Has anyone seen "Frost/Nixon" or "Milk" yet?

You Guys Rock!!!

UPDATE: This blog has been temporarily declared a sanity-free zone. Twinfan/Michael & Yogi/Yankee/SOAB have some issues they are working out. Control of the blog will be returned to your host, momentarily.

And I mean all of you! Thanks for the input, and the new ideas. I was going to go with Yogi's suggestion of more culture, but frankly I don't know enough about yogurt to fill a whole blog. (These are the jokes, folks.)

I have come up with a semi-solution for the initial comments - not today's, but in the future. I can set the parameters so that I have to 'approve' the comments before they post on the thread. So, when I first publish a post, I will set that up. You won't get to see your comments right away, but at least the first few will pertain to the post, and not the comments. After that, I will just let you all have at it. Basically, no indecency or sales pitches (not a problem thus far - anonymity has it's benefits!)

And, per Suza's request, I will attempt to post more than twice a week...though that may require a broader mission than just politics - but isn't everything political, in some way??? (Maybe, if I try really hard, and you squint your eyes...?)

Somebody Call the Waaaambulance!

I'm going to ask you all to indulge me for a minute. I am feeling a little disheartened by my efforts here at Brushfires. I was very proud of what I wrote in anticipation of the inauguration. Whether justified, or not, I felt that I had written something both thoughtful and thought-provoking, and I went to bed Monday night looking forward to hearing what you all felt about the historic nature of the next day's events. Imagine, then, my disappointment at reading the first two comments. Name calling, nasty comments that had nothing to do with the post. Even someone who didn't vote for, or doesn't like, Obama should at least be able to recognize with wonder, that once again we have managed a peaceful transition of power. When George Washington willingly left office, all those years ago, ceding power to the next President - that was a truly REVOLUTIONARY act! And, that we've continued that for ALL of these years is something in which I think we should all be proud.

So, when I read those comments, I was sorely tempted to delete them. I knew that those comments would set the tone for the thread to come, and more people would be reacting to the negative tone of the comments, than the positive feelings I was hoping the post would engender. I resisted the temptation. As I have said before, I do not wish to be Commissar de Comments. And read, with increasing regret, the discussion that followed. A lot of you tried to stay on message, but it's hard to maintain your composure in the face of one who is determined to spoil it.

I won't beat around the bush: Gina, I have welcomed you with open arms. Not that I consider myself a trendsetter, I did try to bring your blog to the attention of others, and I was sincere in that, because I really believe that your photographs are not only beautiful, but artful. However, the sensitivity you express through your camera lens is absent when you come to Brushfires. I asked you the other day if you had anything positive to add to the discussion. I don't mean that you have to post happy-time, up-with-people comments, but something constructive rather than destructive. From day to day, I'm not sure which Gina will show up, but lately it seems that it's the troll version, rather than the voice of opposition you were in the beginning. Perhaps, always being in the minority gets frustrating for you, and I can understand that. Perhaps, I haven't been as diligent in discouraging impolite 'cross-talk' in the threads. But, you have a tendency to hi-jack a thread, and lead it to a really unpleasant place. Maybe that's your goal, some people seem to enjoy being thought of as 'trolls', which I think is rather sad. I guess for some, negative attention is better than none...

Now, I'm faced with a dilemma. I created the blog because I wanted to start a dialogue between Democrats and Republicans, seeking to find the common ground from which we could start bridging the gap between the two schools of thought. Not that I expected to bring healing to the nation - I'm not that delusional! - but I was disappointed by the way every political discussion on SFGate devolved into "I know you are, but what am I?" And, here we are... While I hate to give too much power to the blog vampires, they have managed to suck the joy out of blogging for me. I was humbled that any of you bothered to come check out Brushfires, and continue to be amazed that you keep coming back, and participating. I don't want to give up blogging, but right now I'm just not sure how to continue. Any suggestions?

01/20/09

Years from now, when we recall the inauguration of the 44th President, what will we tell those that weren't here, or were too young to remember? What emotions will we describe, how best to explain the significance of the event?

On this night, before the inauguration of Barack Obama, I get choked up by what I believe it means for our country. There were times when I truly believed I would not live to see the election of an African-American President. (Though, I always knew it would happen before a woman was elected.) Ironically, the nation's capital wasn't built by the sweat of the ancestors of Mr. Obama, but of his wife, Michelle. I find it interesting, that while 'black' - as defined by so many in our nation - Barack Obama is not descended from slaves. So, while he has experienced the ill effects of our national shame, his connection is tenuous. Odd how things work out...

For so long, I have been grieving for the nation that I love so dearly, the danger I felt the Republic was facing, that I can't help but feel hopeful by what Barack Obama represents. He is the epitome of poise, grace and dignity. I can tell you quite honestly, if it were John McCain that were being sworn in tomorrow, in this economy, I most certainly would not be contemplating buying a condo right now. (I'd be stuffing all of my cash into my mattress, and buying gold!) Is Barack the saviour? I'm not hoping for the second coming, I'd just like us to have a good President. One that doesn't make me ashamed for my country, how far it has fallen from it's promise. Someone who has studied the Constitution, and a man who, I believe, will mean it when he swears to 'defend and protect' it.

Right now, I truly believe that Barack Obama is the perfect man for our country, in this troubled time. Not so much for who he is, but for who he believes We The People to be. When the shit hits the fan, we will not be told to go shopping, but to roll up our sleeves, put on some gloves, and start wiping off the walls. The success or failure of his Presidency rests in our willingness to do just that. It's as true in 2009 as it was in 1936 when FDR said: "There is a mysterious cycle in human events. To some generations much is given. Of other generations much is expected. This generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny."

We will be called upon to be the saviours of our Republic. What happens depends on if we answer that call...

Leap of Faith...

...or Insane Plunge? I'm on the brink of starting the process of owning my first home. I have made an offer for a condo, which makes me a little scared just thinking about it. I have a good job, my only debt is my car loan, and the mortgage payments will only be about $150 more than my current rent. However, there is no guarantee that I will keep my job, as so many around me are losing theirs...

So, here's a question for you all: In this economy, am I out of my frickin' mind?!?!?

Wow!

I saw an incredible film today. "The Wrestler" with Mickey Rourke. I know this isn't a movie blog...though, exactly what it has become, post-election, I'm not quite sure. That said, I can't recommend you see this film enough. I'm watching the Golden Globes, and the song from the film won...when they played the excerpt, I started crying - that's how deeply I felt this film.

Have you seen anything recently that has struck a chord, that has seemed so true that it stayed with you for days, or weeks?

Morality Play

I watched "Dark Knight" last night, and it made me think of something that I also ran into watching "Burn Notice" on hulu.tv. (If you're not familiar with it, "Burn Notice" is the story of a spy who is cut loose from the government and is trying to figure out why. Nice mix of humor and action...but I digress.) The question that occurred to me is this: Which is worse - doing a bad thing for a good reason, or doing a good thing for a bad reason?

In "Dark Knight", Batman breaks some pretty serious rules, in order to stop the bad guy. It's the whole 'do the ends justify the means' question. But, that got me to thinking also about the flip side - if you do something good, for the wrong reasons, does it detract from the good?

If there is a really bad guy in your neighborhood, preying on the weak (mugging elderly, dealing drugs to kids, etc.) and you just can't get the police to do anything about it, to what lengths would you go to remove this scourge from your neighborhood? Would you try to drive him out, using an escalating plan of action - spiking his tires, threatening him with violence, firebombing his empty house? Or, maybe you frame him by planting a large quantity of drugs in his car? If you succeed, you've definitely improved the lot of your neighborhood, but can you really say that you've accomplished good by doing bad things?

Conversely, say I have a relative who is in severely declining health. This person is not long for the world, but wishes to live out their remaining days at home, surrounded by familiar things. So, I take a leave of absence from my job, move in with this person - reading to them, feeding them, bathing and caring for their most basic needs. On call, 24 hours a day - wiping chins, changing diapers, sincerely trying to make their last days as comfortable as possible. Now, the sincerity is key here - this is being done without a grudging thought at all. However, the only reason I am doing this is that this relative has A LOT of money, and I figure that if I do this, I will be generously rewarded in their will. This act of kindness is not done out of love, or charity but for personal gain. So, does the good that is done, the care and consideration given to this dying person any less good if the motives are selfish?

So, do the ends justify the means? Are bad motives redeemed by good actions?

(UPDATE: Apropos of nothing...http://tinyurl.com/9azomt)