Campaigning for a Friend

Ten years ago, if you would of asked me if I'd ever be campaigning for a politician, let alone be friends with one, I would've laughed. Yet, today, there I was, back up in Fishers, doing just that.

David George, whom I worked with at Kite and got to know more since leaving Kite through some other friends, Tony and Jen, has been on the Town Council for years. With Fishers becoming a City next year, he actually has a district now, and actually has to campaign for his re-election (since he actually has an opponent). And, even though we don't live in Fishers, Eric and I go help our friend out.

We did it last spring, for the primaries, too. Before that, I had never campaigned before, though Eric had. Thankfully. I've never been one for answering random knocks on my door, let alone being the one doing the knocking. I was surprised at how friendly people usually are.

Of course, I learned the trickery to it... you only knock on doors of people registered with the party you're affiliated with. Which means no controversy. Since it's done on the weekend, though, people often aren't home. Or just choose not to answer (like I would).

This does not make me any more of a fan of politics. I'm just helping out a friend. Don't see myself ever doing this for a random politician... still not my thing. Still don't agree with the way politics have become in this country. But that's for another blog.

So the Kids are Back in School...

School started back here in Indiana last week... some, even, two weeks ago. My niece and nephew started back this week. And yet, I'm surprised to hear that there are some schools out there that still don't go back until after Labor Day. To that I say... WTH??

I don't remember EVER going to school AFTER Labor Day. Yet, up here people talk about kids going back to school before Labor Day like it's one of the ten deadly sins! And of course, they gripe, too, when kids are still in school AFTER Memorial Day in May. Where was I when those two holidays became the 'official' beginning and end of summer? I never heard of that until I moved to Indiana. I always went back to school in August, and got out the first week in June. And there were no snow days to blame it on - that's just the was it was.

It irks me even more when they claim that to be the 'official' beginning and end of summer as all the summer related services open and close then, too. Think community pools, ice cream shops, and the like. Again, WTH?? I was SO thankful when the Dairy Queen down the road from my house got new ownership that didn't see it that way. Granted, he still closes in the dead of winter (this is a really old school DQ, with just a walk-up window and no grill to speak of for burgers). But at least he gets that he can still make money well into fall and relatively early in the spring.

Take it for what it's worth, but Indiana is definitely a State that does not like change. I've seen it over and over, again, in all realms, from political stances to social antics... I never thought I'd consider where I grew up as being progressive, but compared to Indiana, it is. I guess it had to be, being 'The Space Coast' and all. But the argument about when school should being and end never ceases to amaze me. With 'balanced calendars' becoming so popular, too, I'm just waiting to start hearing those gripes about when the kids are (or aren't) in school. And we'll see how snow days affect it, too. For now, I just toll my eyes and shake my head. I know I don't have kids, so 'I don't get it' according to some... but I'm looking at it more from an outsiders perspective... as someone who never did it that way. That thought process seems very antiquated to me... bottom line, times change. If you don't change with them, you'll be left behind.

History in Indiana

Wow. I'm almost speechless. Almost.

Today, Indiana started to allow same-sex marriage. But, sadly, this wasn't by choice. Apparently, the quickest way to make same-sex marriage legal is to try to constitutionally ban it in your state. Then it gets ruled by the federal government as 'unconstitutional' and you have to then allow it. That's how Indiana got there, at least.

But I have to say I was quite happy to see all the local county clerks jump on board with actually issuing marriage licenses as soon as the ruling came across the wire. And even conducting ceremonies. They didn't hide behind the state government, that was quick to say it was going to appeal. They just started doing what was right all along. It surprised me, honestly, to see them so quickly jump on board with that - so much of Indiana has a habit of hiding behind the state government when it comes to stuff like this. I know in Marion County (which is where Indianapolis is), the clerk even pledge to stay open late to accommodate the line that was out the door for marriage licenses. Good for her!

Hard to believe that Indiana is still just part of a handful of states that it is allowed in (for the moment), still... you would think that after the umpteenth time the federal courts overruled a state ban that all the other states would just allow it at this point. And just let 'same-sex marriage' become 'marriage' everywhere - no need to distinguish it differently.

So thank you, Indiana, for not embarrassing me with your politics, for once. Not to say you won't again sometime soon, possibly even on this subject still. But for the moment, thank you.

Equality

So You've seen me rant and rave about politics on my blogs. But rarely have I truly gotten on my soapbox about a particular topic. Other than politics and government, in general, are broken. But this is different.

Gay Rights. What the hell is up with some of these politicians out there?? Have we learned nothing from previous civil right fights based on gender or ethnicity??? What are they thinking? I am so ashamed to say that the State of Indiana (where I live) is trying to ban gay marriage in the State's Constitution. And this is despite seeing at least four other states pass laws, banning gay marriage, then have been challenged in Federal Court, where they lost and were told the law was unconstitutional. It's not civil rights... it's freaking human rights! It's about not discriminating!

Why can't people see this is about more than marriage? It about our neighbors being told that they don't have the right to be a family and can't act like a family with all the benefits AND tribulations of a 'legal' family. How is that going to end everything as we know it? It's not. They was to file taxes... together. They want the right to visit their loved one in the hospital... which often they can't do if they're not legally family. They want, and deserve, to be seen as equal in all realms as the person sitting next to them. They're not trying to prove a point. They just want to be treated the same as everyone else. It's about equal rights. That's it. Why is that so hard to understand?

Somehow, another state, Arizona, took the eyes off of Indiana's fight to BAN gay marriage by actually passing a bill that allows businesses to not serve gay people if it's against their belief to be gay? WTF??? Actually stripping away the rights because of beliefs?? That's a straight time machine transport to when Rosa Parks sat in the front of the bus. How can they possibly think that is okay?? Whichever politician even introduced this bill need to most certainly be taken out of office, because they apparently have never read a history book. And we all know, if you don't know your history, you're bound to repeat it.

But then, it seems every generation has to have some huge 'rights fight' about something. Not that it's a good thing to have to have virtually the same fight every generation... same fight, different reason.

Bottom line... wake up, America. Let's try to wrap this one up quickly by actually remembering our history lessons and acting like true civil beings for once. Lets not become the but of other countries' jokes. Let's do the right thing, and move on!

Guns and Media

With the shooting that happened at Purdue University this week (just a short 45 minutes NW of Indy), the media quickly started making speculations and reporting the 'news' as they read things on Twitter.

I'll let that sink in for a minute.

There has been gun violence for as long as there have been guns. I really question whether or not there truly is 'more' per capita then there was for me growing up. I think the media just overhypes things more. The first very distinctive thing that happened 'close to home' for me was when I was 10... William Cruse went on a shooting spree right there in my hometown of Palm Bay, killing six people and wounded even more. It made national news. Our little town of Palm Bay wasn't so unknown anymore. The next significant event (for me) occurred in junior high, when someone I had known for years, the 'class clown' that everyone knew, shot himself in the boys bathroom off of the common area in the center of the school. My dance team was right there practicing. What if he had decided to take out others with him? It took awhile for that one to sink in...

Both of these events were in the news... but after a press conference was held, and after something 'official' was issued to them. But then, social media didn't exist yet, so I'm sure that's why. But at least as we watched the news, we were getting facts. Now, the news changes as the social media gets updated. I get that news outlets want to be the first the 'break the news' to the world... but is it worth getting the public in a over-amped state of panic? As if we don't already have enough helicopter parents in this society that overreact to every damn thing that happens. Just because you have access to information doesn't mean it's accurate, or should be used in any capacity as 'news' to the public.

But back to the guns themselves. Why does Joe Public need to have access or the ability to by military/police grade weapons? And don't give me that Second Amendment BS. Do you really think our forefathers ever thought weapons would become so advanced that they could shoot multiple rounds a minute? No. I have no problem with people owning a gun for protection... but you just need something that can fire one round at a time - most people can't handle more, nor do they ever LEARN how to handle it. And hunters... why on earth do they need a semi-automatic weapon to kill a deer?? Doesn't that kind of take the sport out it? What happened to just using a shotgun?

I'm really not sure why it is legal for Joe and Jane Public to buy, or even own, anything automatic. There's no reason for it. And these 'collectors' out there? Let's make them register as collectors and pin some responsibility on them if their guns get stolen and used in a crime. Of course, we can't even pin that back on gun shops yet, so I know I'm dreaming big. I know amping up the laws won't completely fix things, but at least it gives the courts something to prosecute. Right now there are way too many loopholes.

Quite frankly, I'm tired of hearing about all the shootings. I'm numb to it. Each time one happens, I seem to care less and less. I could ramble on about 'kids these days' and blame political correctness and the ACLU for being idiotic in what they go after... but then this blog would turn into a short novel rather quickly.

So our dysfunctional politicians just need to get their heads out of their asses and stop trying to protect everyone's feelings, and just do what's right for once. Turn down that bribe from that lobbyist, and actually vote the way your constituents would want you to vote. Leave your own agenda at the door for once, and actually focus on the bigger issues in this country. Is that really too much to ask? Is your bank account really not big enough yet? Because I read most of you are millionaires now. Maybe learn to feed your ego in some other way.

I digress.

And Just Like That, It's Done

So my title is a bit of a teaser. You're probably thinking I'm going to write a blog about the end of the government shutdown. Yes... it has come to an end. And somehow, it cost us a lot of money to end. How did having the government closed cost more money than if it stayed open? And it was even less impactful, since they plan on giving all the furloughed employees their back pay - which is a good thing, don't get me wrong. But I know I'm scratching my head trying to figure out what the point really was, other that to thoroughly piss off the American People. Which I must admit, mission accomplished.

I go back to my previous blog... lesson learned - vote every single senator and congressman out of office at the end of their term. I don't care how long they've been in office. Obviously, it's been too long to have something like this drag out.

No... what my blog is really about it the end of our I-65/I-70 South Split road construction! Can you believe that was the top story on our newspaper's website?? Not the government 're-opening' and coming to terms... but about the fact that trucks can drive through downtown again. And I, for one, couldn't be happier! It opened two weeks early!! No more trucks throwing on their engine brakes and they go through my quiet little residential area at 1am. No more lines of traffic out my front door. No more complete lack of preparation from INDOT on a project they already had practice on when they 'fixed it' the first time.

As I sit here tonight, in the normal quietness I've become used to (granted, still not as quiet as the suburbs), it's a nice quiet to listen to. If nothing else, the construction project made me appreciate what silence I do get downtown. Also, next time they plan on shutting the interstate down near my home, you can guarantee I'll be at any public hearing, making sure I see their FULL maintenance of traffic plan.

Government Shut Down

Wow.  So our government is shut down now. What exactly is this going to accomplish?

I say nothing. Sure, there will be some debates and eventually it'll re-open. Well, I guess it is just a partial. But then, how much of our government really works anymore, anyway? The part they 'shut down' is solely the part that affects the public. Like websites. For work, I often have to pull up soils maps, something that hasn't changed in CENTURIES! Yet, on Day 2 of the shutdown, when I went to the website, it was down. And right on the page, it said it was because of the shutdown. All because the is a division of the USDA, I couldn't go to the GIS map and find soil types.

The other big component of this shut down? US Parks and Monuments. Again, only affecting the public. I get not being able to go inside something and tour it, but I can't walk up the steps of the Lincoln Memorial? Really??

Now I'm not going to point my finger at one party or another... I still say the whole party system us broke, but no one is will to give up their cush job to do anything about it. It needs to be 100% revamped because these damn politicians no longer know how to be there for the people... they're just puppets for their party. I really despise what our political system has become.  All parties are to blame for this one.

Maybe these politicians will have accomplished something. Maybe they will wake the people of this nation up with this charade and maybe the people will vote out every single congressman and senator at the end of their current terms. Every one of them should be taken out of office after this. Because none of what this shutdown is doing is for the people. It's just the two main parties, of what we call a democracy, too full of themselves to work together on anything that will be good for the people.

The damn system is broke, people. Am I really the only one that sees this so clearly?

Coffee and Common Sense

Eric and I had a pretty cool opportunity this morning. US Senator Joe Donnelly hosted a "Coffee and Common Sense" open house for regular Joans and Joes to come voice their concerns. Pretty cool, we thought.

Going into it, we weren't sure what to expect. We honestly thought it might just be a town hall style approach, where anyone could just ask questions. Basically, just an open forum where the senator would actually be there. But to our surprise when we got there, everyone was actually given a number and you got a few minutes, one on one, with the senator. How cool is that??

So to start, you write all your information out on a questionnaire, and then wrote your question(s) out on the back of it. Then you gave your sheet to an aide to keep things in order. Of course there were numerous aides on hand - Eric even knew one of them. But you talked face-to-face with Senator Donnelly. The paper just gave him a chance to read the question and not get blindsided, which is understandable.

They weren't expecting quite he turnout they got, so they ended up having to keep the face-to-face time down to just a few minutes. But in that few minutes, if felt like he was really there listening. Eric had the upper hand on me in that he could talk non-profit with him, and even invite him to something where federal dollars were used. But I think at the end of it all, this is probably something that some good will come out of. They might even do it again, sometime.

Neighborhood Congress

Our neighborhood does something interesting, something I've never heard of or seen before. They have a 'congress' three times a year, where the residents get to meet and vote on quality of life initiatives. They call it the 'Neighborhood Congress', and it started through the CDC (Community Development Corporation) for the area, SEND (SouthEast Neighborhood Development).

A little background. I had never heard of CDC's before, but at least in Indy, they essentially help the urban areas grow and develop. At least that's their mission. It's much more that an HOA or Neighborhood Association, as it pursues commercial growth, as well as general economic health. Eric has served on other CDC boards, and is currently on SEND's board. He digs these kind of non-profits.

So anyway, we had our first neighborhood congress of the year earlier tonight. It's interesting how they are run, since the point of these is NOT to solve problems or stir debate. In fact, the only point it to brings issues to the forefront to be discussed outside of the congress in a separate committee, and vote on items previous committees have resolved or written language for as an initiative to go into our quality of life standards (a document, so to speak, that tracks the area's goals). There's nothing really shattering or outlandish at these meetings, and sometimes it's hard not to start debate - some people just sound like idiots when they get up there and seem to have no clue. But more than anything, it interesting to see what other parts of the SE side has concerns with.

Eric and I are lucky with where we live. We really don't have a lot or problems with anything, as our neighborhood is essentially a gateway into downtown, as well as located at the front steps of three major company headquarters. So we're pretty well taken care of as far as what we have around us. But these meetings keep us a little more in check with reality - sidewalks are falling apart in other areas, and they have neighbors that don't care about how their yard looks. We have awesome neighbors around us who want the neighborhood to look as good as we do, so we all try to make that effort apparent.

Now, I'm not sure how effective these congresses truly are and what they really accomplish, long term. Not sure if, in general, these quality of life initiatives go anywhere beyond the document. But then I guess that's the point of the CDC - the take this and prioritize their focus areas and actions. But it's a good idea, if it works. If nothing else, it makes the neighborhoods feel like they have some say in their future. Which will generally bring more pride to the neighborhoods and maybe set off a chain reaction of 'care' for the neighborhoods' own individual initiatives. But maybe that's just me living in my own little world, not accepting reality. But I'd like to think things pay forward that easily.

State of the Union

So I actually watched the State of the Union tonight. I don't normally have the attention span to watch these types of things, but I did actually watch most of it, and the little bit I did miss, I was still within ear shot. Yay me!

First off, I have to ask something... is it just me, or is this just like a big pep rally??? It's like a game to to see if you can get both sides to stand up and cheer at the same time. And, you have to admit, there is some fluff thrown in there to do just that!

That being said, I think President Obama is a great speaker. I don't care what side of the aisle you're on, he just draws you in when he speaks... he know what to hit and when and just how to deliver it. Sure, there are speech writers involved, but you can tell that he has the final say. It's definitely his words. I can say that after just the brief meeting he had years back - there's a genuineness about him and how he speaks.

So on to the beef of the speech. He started out with what I thought was a bang... in essence, he said that Americans just want the government to cooperate and make make thinks better and we (Americans) don't care about party affiliations. I think he was right on about things, even if he did leave a few things open-ended, a bit. But at least the idea got put out there. Love the idea of pre-school for all - finally follow the lead of some States out there that have successfully started such programs. Our troops are coming home next year and comprehensive immigration reform is on the horizon. And that includes both legal and illegal. And clean energy... I'm sorry, but if you're not on board with the idea of clean energy and getting away from oil (foreign of not), then you really need to wake up! If not because of it's limited supply, or the horror it does to the environment, then the fact that it's just moving forward!! There are countries decades ahead of us in this - when will we try to catch up before being completely left behind??

As far as taxes and the economy go... until I see some proof from one side or another that 'their plan' will work, I'm not sure what to think. I don't think the answer is to cut from military, medicare, or education. But then additional taxes suck, too. Personally, I think once you're in a certain tax bracket, you should also be capped on the amount of deductions you can take. Of any sort. It seems the more income you have, the more loopholes there are for you to find. You have to love when some rich guy makes a huge donation to a 'charity' that in turn, somehow benefits him. You know you've seen that happen. But it's a tax write off for him! The economy is slowly improving. You can't convince someone who's been out of work that, but it is. Sadly, it's just going to take time.

He smartly left gun control for the end, and he didn't say anything new that he hasn't already said. Stricter background checks and getting rid of automatic weapons (the kind that outgun local law enforcement). But the brilliance came with pointing out who all the recent violence has really affects, including one of their own and the family of a girl from his neighborhood in Chicago. But beyond what he believes should happen, he simply put, all these people who've been affected by gun violence... they deserve a vote in congress.

That's my two cents. I'm not a politician, but I know what I think is right, and that's just my opinion. But then, that's all politics are... a bunch of people with different opinions.

Stuff in the News

It's been awhile since I did one of these... my thoughts on current topics of interest (of mine, at least) and things in the news...I'm not looking to get into a debate or ruffle anyone else's feathers... I just gotta get it out.

First topic - Lance Armstrong. Yes, he did steroids during his amazing reign over the Tour de France. But guess what.. a lot of athletes were doping up in the late 80's and 90's. It was kind of the thing to do, then. His doing steroids is a blip on the radar. I would be willing to bet some of the people racing against his were, too, but since they didn't win, they have been long forgotten about. At the end of it all, he became famous for winning a race (multiple times). Lets not look at how he got there, but what he did with his fame. He started an amazing charity that helps cancer patients and their families. That should be his legacy, not that he took steroids to win a race. He didn't something good with his fame. He didn't go the route of other famous athletes... he didn't cheat on his wife or run a dog fighting ring. He didn't fade away into he rest of the world because he spent all of his money and, in general, became washed up. No... he took his fame and his very public cancer battle and started something to help many others.

Next, gun control. Or more specifically, a ban on automatic of semi-automatic guns. People are up in arms about this! It's not a ban on a hunting rifle or a basic handgun used for personal protection. It's on weapons that can shoot multiple rounds within seconds! Why does anyone, not in the military or law enforcement, need one of these? You can't tell me it's for hunting - where's the sport in that?? I think when our Forefathers spoke of the Right to Bear Arms, they never imagined a weapon that could discharge multiple rounds quickly. They still had to hand pack each round in their guns. I don't think they'd want these automatic weapons in households.

Oh, and the thought that strong/more consistent background checks will solve the issue we have. Um, no. The Colorado shooter had multiple checks run as he bought multiple guns. No issues for him because he had no questionable history. And the guy in Connecticut - he took his mom's guns! You look through most of the mass shootings, and one of those two things are usually the case... it's never someone you'd expect. It's someone that's never shown any signs of doing something like this.

Those are the two big ones, right now. I could ramble on about a few other topics, but I won't. This time. I could definitely complain about the weather for awhile... I hate the cold weather. But I'll spare you for now.

Election Day

So the day has finally come. After months of horrible, mud-slinging, negative ads, Election Day is here. Thank goodness!!

At the end of the day, there will be winners and losers. But what's sad is that whomever wins the presidency, this country will still be divided and full of spite. Our party system has gone so far to the left and right, and they've taken so many constituents with them, that the subject of politics is essentially fubared from conversation. It's become so focused on being a red state or a blue state that they've forgotten about what's right. Politicians no longer know how to reach across the aisle and come to a compromise that's good for the people.

Even worse, there's no end of this one side view anywhere in the near future. Both parties are guilty of it, and any other party that tries to break into the system doesn't have enough money to make their voice heard. Some of them actually have the right ideas, too - it's amazing what you learn when you do a little research. But of course, some are even further out of whack that the two parties we've all come to despise around elections (damn ads).

Democrats and Republicans have become so wrapped up in what their 'party' believes that they forgot about why many of them got into politics to begin with - to make things right for the people. They're so busy pointing fingers and the other one, pointing out what they did 'wrong' because it's not what their party believes. And so much of the nation has been sucked into the debate that they, themselves, find themselves taking one side or another, and driving a bigger wedge into this nation.

I, for one, have never voted a straight party ticket. Ever. I don't think there should even be an option to fill in one bubble and vote straight party. In fact, I don't think the party affiliation should even be listed next to the candidates. First off, that would force people to do some research before going to the polls. Secondly, it would take the party system out of the actual polling places on election day. Sure, they'd still throw a ton of money towards their candidate in the form of advertising (if only we could ban negative ads). But it sure would make for a better outcome, I think - keep people from voting for someone just because of their party affiliation. How do they even know if that person really stands for what they want? What's keeping someone from crossing over just to get elected?

As we sit here and watch the results come in tonight, I can only wonder how much more this country can handle going down this road... a road with nothing but bickering and one-sided politics that will never actually make people happy. A road to forever gridlock. I've said it before, and I'll say it again... our political party system needs to be scrapped, as it works now, and we need to start from scratch. Because right now, democracy is NOT working.

My Last Political Vent... This Year... Maybe...

Okay, so I voted. I am lucky enough to live in a state that has early voting (yay for that!). Yesterday morning, Eric and I walked over to the courthouse, waited in a really short line, and voted. Glad that's over with... now can the politcal ads go away??

I know they can't. So many millions of people have not voted yet, and won't until next week. Less than 10 days, now, and all the craziness and mud slinging will be over. And what will have to show for it? A still very divided country. And why are they divided? Because this stupid, outdated, two-party system we call democracy divides a majority of the county. Bottom line - it's broke. And no one can seem to step up and actually fix it because that would mean going against the system, which means going against the money. Cause isn't that what is seems to be boiling down to - he who has the most money wins?

That doesn't seem right, does it? Yet, daily, instead of seeing the comparison of the different candidtae views on actual issues, we see who has raised more money to date. And that matters why? Bacuase more money equals more negative ads against the other candidate. Oh, and only in the so-called swing states for federal offices. We'll just write off a majority of the states as not needing to know anything. But that won't stop them from bombarding you with ads at the local/state level.

Wow. Sure makes you feel like your vote counts, doesn't it?

I think politcal ads needs to be against eleaction rules. Or at least all content must first be approved by some non-biased governing board and not allow anything about the other candidate - only speak to what your the candiate can and will (try to) do. This even goes for all those ads put out by lobbiest. Negative ads should be banned.

I'm going to do my best to tune out all the ads over the next week since I know they will actually be ramping up this week. But I already voted. They don't change my vote.

Just Another Political Vent

So this one will be short, but not sweet. But as the election nears, it just gets worse and I just get more riled up.

This blogs topic... the damn ads! I'd like to see a political ad where the politician tells me what he's going to do for me and how he's going to make things better, not what's wrong with the other candidate! That's not going to get my vote. It fact, that makes me want to vote for you less!

I also don't care who supports you and your campaign. Again, that does not tell me what I want... no, what I NEED to know! You have a better chance of losing my vote if the wrong person supports you.

Finally, I don't give a crap about which candidate raised more money! It doesn't matter! again, it doesn't hep in enlightening me, or anyone else, on what will be better when you are in office.

Honestly, I'd love for political ads to go away all together. They're biased and tell us nothing. Lets go back to the old school way... hobnobbing and a good, straight forward, bio in the paper as the election gets near. Not that I want politicians knocking on my door, but do us all a favor and just get on your soapbox about YOU, and not your opponent.

Is it November Yet?

It's not even September yet, and I am SO ready for this election to be over! Politics, in general, are becoming worse and worse with each election. If there's any doubt about why this country is torn about the answer is simple... POLITICS!

So for this post (vent), I am going to take a minute to reiterate my stance on the fact that we REALLY need to do away with the party system. I won't go into the details of how it works like I have in the past, but I will say this... a democracy will survive just fine with out parties.

I took a survey recently that really pointed out how much politician DON'T listen to their constituents and just play by the party rules. Some of today's 'hot topics',like the healthcare overhaul and gun control (in light of recent events) are part of the questionnaire you take, which can be as short or as long as yo want it to be. Politician's really lead you to believe that what their party thinks is what the entire US population thinks - they're manipulative that way. For example, I was really starting to think lot of people really did disagree with the Affordable Healthcare Act. But looking at the survey results, an overwhelming majority think it was the right thing to do and should stay in place!

Now before you get on your high horse and assume I took a poll sent to me via email by one of the parties, making it a one sided pole, that's not how it happened. I stumbled across this site that was put together by some media outlets to help the everyday voter actually side with the candidates that had the same beliefs they did. Novel concept, I know... but check it out for yourself. It's called ElectNext.com and it helps you learn your own stance on things better, if nothing else.

But back to the fact that the election is still over two months away... why must we throw mud?? I think, honestly, the each elected official should be REQUIRED to poll their constituents on big issues, and maybe a smaller make-up of their districts for other issues and actually vote base off those responses. I know - another crazy idea! My City Councilman does that, and it is so awesome that he does! He sends out an email, gets opinions, then chooses to vote based off of the responses and what he thinks is right, even if it's against party lines! I love this guy! He's actually in politics for the right reason and treating his position as it should be - a representative of his district and, essentially, his neighborhood. If only other politicians would get the hint.

Oh well... maybe one day we can get back to where our forefathers meant for us to be...

What Have I Told You About Politics??

Our Primary Election was yesterday. It further proved how corrupt our politics are and what a joke it has all become.

But on the positive side, I'm starting to see more people voice their frustration about politics... a frustration I've been long venting about. Since college, in fact. Almost as if I saw it coming.

We had a long time senator get ousted by his party in this recent primary. Sadly, it was a 'ratman' that ousted him. He seriously looks like a rat and I trust him about as far as I can throw him. He even had the nerve to say he "believes in bipartisan politics, so long as it's the other side that crosses the aisle and agrees with him." Wow... that's bold. Sounds like you'll be getting a lot done for your constituents IF you make it to Washington. I hope, above all other hope, that he gets defeated in November. Anyone would be better than him.

But it all goes back to an essay I wrote a long time ago... get rid of the freaking party system!! It's failing us! We didn't have it in place for the first 100 years of our Nation, and it's time to get rid of it again. Sure, you'll always have people who claim to be part of a 'party', just like they list a religion when asked. But get rid of the division once you're in the government system. Our house should not start divided... let that come as debates happen and sides are taken. But get rid of the 'party agenda' that seems to take precedence, especially in Washington. It happens at all levels, but it's most notorious at the national level.

Sadly, I don't see the party system ever going away because it, in fact, the reason why it stays. Have the party system allows more money to flow and, after all, isn't that what politics are all about?? Wait. No. It's supposed to be about the people. They're supposed to be a voice for us. Yet, when was the last time you voiced your concern to you local or national politician? Better yet, when was the last time they reached out to you in some way?? In this day and age, it's easier than ever! Yet, a large majority of people couldn't even tell you who was representing them.

Sad. Politics are sad. The way all governments have been corrupted and are now run is sad. And honestly, I think other countries look in our direction and think the good ol' USA is becoming a sad story.

Political Vent

Okay. So I laid it right out in the title. It's time for a political vent. I'll try to keep it short.

I will never vote for someone who was 'bred, born, and raised here, and now raising my own family here' type of politician. Unless they have some decent stint where they did not live here. Nothing is wrong with never leaving you're hometown... unless you're a politician.

The arguement of 'they know best for their consituents since they've lived here' is BS. How can you know what's best if you don't even know what else is out there? That's just called living with blinders on. If you haven't lived soemwhere other than where you live now, how can you possibly know something won't work better? Taking trips to see things in other communities/states/countries doesn't cut it because, quite frankly, you have to live it!

And while it's hard, if not impossible to do, the same goes with taxing people and health care and the like. Very few people have llived on the both the low end and high income sides of the tax bracket to really know how the other side fairs. So I can't expect someone to have experience on both side there. But healthcare? Don't bash a nationwide healthcare plan unless you've had bad (or NO) insurance! I see these ads with politicians, many of which are lifetime politicians who've had some amazing healthcare, saying they want to 'repeal obamacare' as one of their main platforms. Well of course you don't think it's fair and want it repealed - you've never had to deal with a crappy plan that covers nothing or complete lack of plan! While it may not be perfect, it's a start! Don't repeal it, work with it! We NEED something like that because healthcare has gone crazy in this country!

Okay... I'm done. For now. I just see more and more stupid pilical ads on TV... stupid politicians.

Empowerment

So I've have quite a few meetings with various City/Government officials (from different cities) in the past month. Most of them for work, but there's been some personal requests/meetings in, as well. Going into at least half of them(probably more), I felt like I was going into a fight. I'd get all amped up and ready to throw it all on the table. I get there, staying calm, and whoever I'm meeting pretty much rolls over.

It's giving me an ego! These meetings aren't supposed to go this smoothly!

A few have been in a City notorious for their use of the word "No!" The last one with them I fully expected to have to fight for our client because of one of the comments in their review letter. Once we got face to face, the reviewer essentially said, "that's okay if you can't do that. We just like to ask."

WTH??

Most recently was a personal mission for me (and my neighbors... but mainly me). We're (I'm) trying to get residential parking only on my block due to the increased levels of, let's call it business patron traffic, parking in our neighborhood, leaving those of us who live here no place to park. This does not make me a happy girl when I have to park way down the street. I have this thing where I like to see my car from my house. (Crazy! I know!!) So I had a meeting with the guy who initially said 'no' to our petition (because that's what they're supposed to do, apparently - push back) and another official who's been trying to help me along the way. He was amazingly open minded and ultimately appreciative of our need for this! He stopped just short of saying "done deal"... of course, he doesn't have final say, and that may be why he was so open to it all - he's still just the middle guy. But it was really an easy meeting!

These meetings are making me feel empowered... like I can take on any government official that likes to say 'no!'

But ultimately, all these meetings are intermediate meetings. The final say on all of them are down the road. So my ego may be deflated a bit yet. But it'd be nice to get some stuff done for once without that nasty little two letter word at the end of it all!

Bitter Old Woman

It hit me, today, as all the various stories popped up on the political front... I'm going to be one of those cynical, bitter, old women that complains about how everything is in the world and constantly tell stories of "how good it used to be before..."

*yikes*

As much as I'd love to say it's just politics that trigger my ramblings and venting, it's not. It's kids these days, the education system (and I don't even have kids yet!), the unwillingness of people to change (probably always an issue), and, of course, the idiot politicians, themselves. I just can't get over how much of a finger pointing, he said/she said, blame game politics have become. Disgusting.

Shoot... I already seem to be a very cynical person. Just waiting for the 'old and bitter' part to hit.

But seriously... is it just me, or has politics really hit rock bottom?? or do they still have more to go before they hit rock bottom?? Either way, they are definitely NOT on the up and up. And I blame today's politicians for all the problems I seemed to get amped up on... they are failing to address the real issues at hand. Who cares about the fact the the Hollywood and Music industries are being 'hurt' by people sharing movies and music 'illegally' through the internet. Is it really that different than when we used to hit the record button on a tape player when a song came on the radio, or when we'd record a movie during free HBO preview weekend on cable? They claim they lose money, yet they seem to be the only industry in America thriving during this down economy. Yet, this is the big topic up for debate in congress today... not the fact that our education system has become such an embarrassment as other countries fly past a majority of kids in this nation with their knowledge.

Priorities, people... the government really needs to get them straight!

I blame the political party system for it all, too. It's become all about party verses party... politicians are no longer in office for the people. It's ridiculous. And a lot of that is because of the type of politicians we have in office... I read somewhere that there are very few in office that ever served their country in the military, which used to practically be a prerequisite to get into office. It meant they saw more of life and the world than those who never get out of their little bubble of a world. Just because your mother or father was in congress didn't give you an automatic bid to be 'qualified' for that office. Just because you had your party's backing didn't make you qualified, either... you had to earn the people's support to be qualified.

So, yeah... today's politicians and the way politics are today are the cause for all of the country's problems... the wrong people get put into office because of certain 'qualifications' they have that aren't truly qualifications; and then they only work their party's agenda, not the people's, which means the things that really matter (education reform, health care reform, etc) never get addressed properly; which means they don't change, which leads to our kids not getting a proper educations, or health care being run by insurance companies with no regard to what people really can afford, or even need; which leads to kids not knowing anything and not able to get jobs to even create their own worth; which leads to these 'kids' having no respect for anyone else or anything else; which leads to lack of caring; which leads to doing a crappy job, no matter what it is, which leads to companies getting upset and not thinking these employees are worth their pay; which leads to layoff and/or that company moving out of the State/Country.

Maybe a little of my logic is off, but you get the gist. Watch out for me when I get old.

Political Season

I will be so glad when tomorrow has passed.  This was my first 'big' election living in Marion County (verses Hamilton County) and quite frankly, it's political overload before an election here!

The big debate is over the mayor... do we select the incumbent or his challenger?  The Mayor started out clean... but his challenger immediately attacked him, and the mud slinging began.  I hate that about politics... don't dog on the other guy, just tell me what you're going to do without bashing what they've done.  I'm SO sick of the TV commercials!  I will give both of them credit - they're not pushing their party affiliations, at least.

On a more local front, there was someone in our neighborhood running for our district's city council spot.  Eric befriended him before the campaigning began and actually got involved in the door-to-door campaigning.  He loved it!  Not something I'd want to do, necessarily, but it definitely gave a new perspective to what goes into a campaign as someone new comes into the game... LOTS of time!  I won't go into details, but at least there wasn't mudslinging at this level.  At least by him.

But the mailings, on the other hand, sent out by the party headquarters... there was mudslinging there, at least towards the incumbent since he apparently made some 'bad votes' on some 'critical' items of interest for the city.  Oh, the mailings... so many mailings!  We had one day of mail that was nothing but political adds from all parties for all positions... there was about 10 total, I think. Is that really necessary??  I don't think so.

For the record, I already voted.  I love that they allow early voting here... makes life easier to not have to deal with trying to get to the polls on election day.  Do it at your convenience on your schedule.  Plus, I get to avoid the barrage of last minute campaigning outside the polling locations.  "Leave me alone - I already know who I'm voting for!"  Seriously... why would I already be coming to the polls if I hadn't already made up my mind?

Oh well... here's to the end of the politcal season!  Yay!