It's About Living Within Our Own Right Thing

Dear America,

don't you just love people -- especially people for the ethical treatment of animals -- also known as PETA.


Now I am an animal lover.  Big time.  I would save every animal I could -- be it from bondage, cruelty, starvation, you name it, I would save it. But this lawsuit?  seriously?

Papers are expected to be filed, today, in San Diego, claiming that five Orcas -- and listed by name: Tilikum and Katina based at SeaWorld in Orlando, Fla., and Corky, Kasatka and Ulises based in San Diego -- are subject to the same rights as humans and thereby protected under the 13th Amendment (for, if you haven't read it lately, the amendment does not limit it's protections to just people).  


"By any definition, these orcas are slaves—kidnapped from their homes, kept confined, denied everything that's natural to them and forced to perform tricks for SeaWorld's profit..." according to Jeff Kerr, PETA's general counsel -- who also happens to have a team of five lawyers under retainer to fight for the orca five (and having already spent 18 months preparing for the case!)     
       hmmmmmmm wonder how PETA donors feel about this use of funds?

So this must be just about getting some free press, or donations, or something?  Whatduhya think?

I mean, c'mon, isn't this what we have done with every family pet in the world?


While considering the season and all, I have a confession.  There have been times -- not every time, mind you -- but if we are gonna be honest here -- there have been times when I have made my dog do a trick without getting a treat....he got nothing, nada, zippo....at best, an "attaboy".  Please.  I beg of you.  Please don't tell BooBoo that this lawsuit lives in San Diego.


And -- if we go there -- which I guess it's where PETA is begging for us to go -- then every farm animal known to man should be jumping on this chuck wagon in only a matter of time.  And then we've got circus animals to address...pet shops...and actually, even the safari adventures in Africa need to have a talking to -- calling upon them to immediately cease profiting off of the wild animals and offer vacations on the savannah for free.  

And why just the orcas?  Are not the dolphins and walrus' people, too?  

And why just Sea World?  Why not attach every zoo in the nation, if not the entire world?




But for the record, "under prevailing U.S. legal doctrine, animals under human control are considered property, not entities with legal standing of their own. They are afforded some protections through animal-cruelty laws, endangered-species regulations and the federal Animal Welfare Act, but are not endowed with a distinct set of rights."  and feel free, you can read more about all this stuff here.

Kerr addresses the involuntary servitude issue against history by adding this -- "The historical context is undeniable, but that's not what this case is about. It's about the orcas in their own right, not whether they are or aren't similar to humans." 

It's all about the orcas "in their own right."   

okay, fine. 
so again, what about dogs -- being "in their own right," right? 

Would not this very condition and experience  -- looking much like a life anchored in being "in their own right" -- pretty much allow them to be born free and live free and die hard without any human care and intervention of any kind?  Wouldn't our world literally look like, and feel like, it has gone to the dogs?  And what gives one animal, like the orca, more rights than another?

 wow.  he ain't heavy, he's my orca, dude.

Be it Tilikum, Katina, Corky, Kasatka and Ulises...from circus elephants to the pet pooch....let's be clear -- they are all animals.

And because humans care, and think deeply about the welfare of others -- including but not limited to all animals -- we do our best to live and work and play with animals with care.  Besides the evidence on film via Whale Wars, there was a time when whales were hunted openly -- and without a second thought or a conscience limiting this avenue stream for profit at all.

Matter of fact, much of the education supporting  the proper welfare of animals from the sea, have come directly from programs and outreach through businesses like Sea World.  Through rehabilitation efforts, and actions in the protection of endangered species, the general welfare of animals by Sea World (and many other community aquariums and facilities) -- especially the orcas -- speaks for itself.  [and how about the back story of that new Hollywood movie, Dolphin Tale...is that profiting off of somebody profiting off of a broken tail? and did they have to go to Morgan Freeman for this? what was Winter's cut?]

"The lawsuit details the distinctive traits of orcas, the largest species within the dolphin family, including their sophisticated problem-solving and communicative abilities and their formation of complex communities."

Is that so...then just why haven't they 'communicated there was a problem' like thirty or forty years ago? 

And clearly, most people today appreciate the efforts made, including the general welfare provided, through business ventures/education/outreach like that of Sea World -- than not.  Otherwise, Sea World would be out of business. 



You know what I'm thinking -- giving where America has been heading these days -- if this lawsuit wins, orcas will potentially have more rights than some of us humans living in America.  say what, G?

Hear my cry -- it kinda sounds like a baby beluga -- but if these creatures all of a sudden become "in their own right" in the midst of many Americans losing their "in their own right," then what does that really say? 

Humans in America were given certain unalienable rights  [by God, mind you] and subsequently documented in our Constitution and Declaration of Independence.  These documents protected us equally under the law; not that we would all be guaranteed an equal outcome, but merely guaranteeing equal opportunity; and then, being fully "in our own right" to live, work and play and hopefully, make enough money to actually profit, or at the very least pay for the bare necessities like food and shelter, and thereby granting the freedom to create a life -- accruing property, wealth, and growing a family and maybe even getting a dog -- to be made available in equal portion for us all.  

Redistribution of wealth/property against America's will is unconstitutional.  So, you all [PETA people] wanna talk about slavery?  ...let's roll and I'll throw in a high jump out of the water for free.


The thing is -- the problem is within this growing and incredible resurgence of the hand picking of special preferences and treatment [much like all government regulations, really...like, take for example, subsidies specific to green energy determined better than oil/gas...or, affirmative action extended to one group of citizens over another....or, orcas deemed eligible for human rights but not dolphins....]   Government does a lousy job playing God for everyone and everything under heaven, just sayin'

But back to the new black -- orcas being enslaved by the profiteering land/aquarium owners, no less...

Let's just hope it goes no further than entertainment and perhaps PETA reeling in a few extra bucks for their efforts. 

And Godspeed to Tilikum, Katina, Corky, Kasatka and Ulises...hope you have some kind of deep pockets helping you all out.


Make it a Good Day, G

It's a Know Your History Thing

Dear America,


I'll admit it; I do not know my history the way I should.  But at nearly a half century old, I do believe there is still hope for me.  And I can tell you this, the more I begin to know, the more I want to know; the deeper I get into it, the deeper I want to go.  It's as if uncovering America's true birth, with all the ages in between, completes a part of me I never knew existed.

The truth is, our history is not just a story like out of the movies or as told by book or by Nook  -- it is real life, real people, countrymen we have descended from, in one way or another, who remarkably live on only in our memory.  When we forget the stories, when we stop telling them, we will lose that which binds.

SO the good news this happy monday morn... now that Sarah Palin has caused such a stir (again) having made crazy claims about Paul Revere and the British and all....having the audacity to go a step further and claim Revere was also alerting the Brits who were here and living among us, as they say (because they were), to not even try -- is that, rest assured, she did it again!

She made us all think about our past; while, she just might have, caused a few of us to crack open a book to get the facts straight -- if only in our own little heads -- or to write a commentary on the HuffPo or Politico; she made us give pause, long enough to give the ride deeper thought, in hopes of trying to understand what we have all grown up to pass off as just a man, and his horse, running through town, yelling and screaming, 'the British are coming, the British are coming.'

Funny -- as they were already here. and in force!

The British were forcing upon the colonies such servitude to the King and beyond, we had to rise up and take arms against the crown; the whole reason of coming to the new world, fleeing religious persecution in the name of religious freedoms, was to get as far away from tyranny as possible, and it would have been in vain if we did nothing.

In the middle of Patrick Henry's speech before the Virginia House of Burgesses, March 23, 1775 -- you know, the famous one where he ends it with the often repeated cry...."but for me, give me liberty or give me death!" --  he gave us this:

"They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary.  But when shall we be stronger?  Will it be next week, or the next year?  Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house?  Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction?  Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our back and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?  Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power.  The millions of people, armed in holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us.  Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone.  There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us.   The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave...There is no retreat but in submission and slavery?"

What will it take, he says, until a "British guard shall be stationed in every house?"  This had become customary, our homes were not our homes; our lives were not our lives -- British rule surrounded us and made us subjects of British rule, even though an ocean separated us, even while a brand new ideology was beginning to shape us.

In Henry's opening statement, he sets up the audience saying:

"for my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in  proportion to this magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate.  It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, to fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country.  Should I keep back my opinions at such time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards country, and of an act of disloyalty town the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings."

Sarah Palin is a living example of a Paul Revere, a Patrick Henry -- going right smack up against the rising tide, set forth by rudimentary standards, enforced by the clear and present narrow-mindedness of mainstream media and left wing pundits.  They feast upon her so-called gaffes; they profit from every move she makes, whether by bus or by fuss.  And through it all, she fears not of giving offense.

Like any battle, victory goes to the "vigilant, the active, the brave."

For me, I love Henry's second paragraph, when he gives us this:

"Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope.[isn't that just stellar]  We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts.  Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty?  Are we  disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation?  For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it."

continuing,

"...And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received?  Trust it not, sir, it will prove a snare to your feet.  Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss..."

continuing,

"There is no longer any room for hope.  If we wish to be free -- if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending -- if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained -- we must fight!   I repeat it, sir, we must fight!  An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us!"

Every facet of the truth is essential; it is a way to expand our understanding and grow a deeper connection, not only with each other through story, but forging our path forward, knowing everything there is to know, having been thoroughly bathed in our shadow.  Shining light upon our history, even through our most darkest hours, is what gives relevance and meaning to each new generation that comes.

Sure, maybe a Palin does not speak for everyone -- just as a George Schwartz (now Soros) does not speak for me.  But no matter which side you fall, Palin is making us get it -- you know, a history lesson or two along the way; we are delving deeper into our past more now than we have been for years, generally speaking.  We are talking about Paul Revere in the town square -- can it be any more self-evident than that?

And how about that Alec Baldwin, telling us if he thinks Mitt is our man.  Or, how about anyone on the left telling the right how we should think about the long list of able bodied, patriotic Americans willing to throw their hat into the ring and become the next President of the United States of America.

Are you kidding me? and how did Patrick Henry put it...

"They tell us, sir, that we are weak; 

unable to cope with so formidable an adversary..." 

Who are you to tell any of us how to think -- considering, you are basically speaking for all the rest of us who happen to fall just right of center, and sit as a majority in these here colonies now standing united? Hey, FYI, only about 20% of Americans buy into the whole hard core social justice fundamental transformation mania thing...and only about another 20% are best described as left tilt...the rest -- ah, how do you say -- and the rest is history.  It is that 60% you need to look out for -- the "vigilant, the active, the brave"  -- a band of citizenry respective of our past, knowing full well what is at stake -- who will make a history that changes everything.

ah details...as "our brethren are already in the field!   why stand we here idle?  what is it that gentlemen wish? what would they have?  is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?

Forbid it, Almighty God!  

I know not what course others may take; 

but for me, 

give me liberty, or give me death!"

the thing is, today,  in spirit  -- I piggy-bareback with the man and his horse taking a midnight ride... alongside the man who said "there is no longer any room for hope"...and not to be left out, or outdone, sitting alongside that girl riding the bus somewhere in New England this morning...God only knows what she will say today.  And amen to that.

Make it a Good Day, G

To really dig deep into the psyche of her adversaries -- especially the media trying to keep up with her, in hopes of making sense out of her every move -- my thoughts tell me she should make it as uncomfortable as possible for them; something Palin might use, to add to her ensemble, is a Snaps Cup (only Legally Blonde aficionados will enjoy that); every time she pops open the door she could have a 'snaps for Americana' just itching to be told and attacked with eyeball rolls, deep rooted indignation, and intolerance a plenty.  one man's annoyance might just be another girl's bliss.  it happens everyday. even here.  with a little pink lipstick, it really brings the whole look together.

It's an NFL Entitlement Thing

Dear America,

"Having been a slave to the influence of opinions early acquired, and distinctions generally received, I am ever inclined not to despise but pity those who are yet in darkness. But to the eye of reason what can be more clear, than that all men have an equal right to happiness? Nature made no other distinction than that of higher or lower degrees of power of mind and body. But what mysterious distribution of character has the craft of statesmen, more fatal than priestcraft, introduced?

According to their doctrine, the offspring of perhaps the lewd embraces of a successful invader, shall, from generation to generation, arrogate the right of lavishing on their pleasures a proportion of the fruits of the earth, more than sufficient to supply the wants of thousands of their fellow-creatures: claim authority to manage them like beasts of burden, and without superior industry, capacity, or virtue, nay, though disgraceful to humanity by their ignorance, intemperance, and brutality, shall be deemed best calculated to frame laws, and to consult for the welfare of society.

Were the talents and virtues, which Heaven has bestowed on men, given merely to make then more obedient drudges, to be sacrificed to the follies and ambition of a few? or, were not the noble gifts so equally dispensed with a divine purpose and law, that they should as nearly as possible be equally exerted, and the blessings of Providence be equally enjoyed by all? Away then, with those absurd systems, which, to gratify the pride of a few, debase the greatest part of our species below the order of men. What an affront to the King of the universe, to maintain that the happiness of a monster, sunk in debauchery and spreading desolation and murder among men, of a Caligula, a Nero, or a Charles, is more precious in his sight than that of millions of his suppliant creatures, who do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with their God! No! in the judgment of Heaven there is no other superiority among men, than a superiority in wisdom and virtue. And can we have a safer model in forming ours?"

 yes. it is the same Sam from yesterday.  why the repeat?  because I like it...and hey, it's my party and I can do what I want to.

The Free Market -- the American/Western/Capitalist system, based purely on the feats of supply and demand, proven principles steeped in generations of bringing to market what the market wants or needs; taking into account, what the market will bear; added to that, what the market -- in equal portion -- naturally elevates, linking the ever abundant supply with a constant demand.

The Free Market -- that which combines, and honors, our inherent talent together with our experiences, education and application; while personal ambition and motivation -- which, again, is in abundant supply and made tangible by the building blocks of our own self-reliance -- buoys our inclinations and intentions...  That is, if we so choose to accept our duty to respond and interact and do our due diligence respective of the burden of such a task, and fully realizing, of course, any prospective benefit is not guaranteed.  ergo, equal opportunity does not make equal outcome.

The whole point of a free market is to let is run free:  unregulated (but not without guidelines, expectations, laws), without manipulation (as in, within the private sector, without force, stipulation, censorship, moratorium, subsidy, of a heavy hand of government), and win or lose  (as in, whether bull or bear, in sickness and in health, for rich or for poor).  TO be totally free, it comes with a pearl of great price.

This is what our founders recognized in the new world.   They knew, as long as we remained good, and virtuous, and law abiding, and compassionate towards our fellow man, and fair, and noble, and honest, yadi yadi yadda, we would not only survive -- we would thrive.  It was all about creating a blessed, rich, environment to grow our own abundance, in every way possible.

And yet, the evolution of such a dynamic has taken it's toll, indeed.

Not only have we lived to see a day when the free market is made a mockery, so misunderstood -- the so called "limited" government we inherited from our founders is now in short supply; it's "un-limitedness" is not only a current day thorn in our side, "but what mysterious distribution of character has the craft of statesmen, more fatal than priestcraft, introduced?"

In a perfect world, this would be our lot: "...or, were not the noble gifts so equally dispensed with a divine purpose and law, that they should as nearly as possible be equally exerted, and the blessings of Providence be equally enjoyed by all?"

Only, scratch that, reverse it: "Were the talents and virtues, which Heaven has bestowed on men, given merely to make then more obedient drudges, to be sacrificed to the follies and ambition of a few? 
 

Sam would be so sad to see us now.


So it is really funny listening to the ways of the free market with regards to football.


Given that floating the subject of slavery and football has been long considered taboo -- with neither the utterance, or the inference,  in the same sentence ever allowed without serious infractions or repercussions-- all of a sudden, and without a two-minute warning, we have reached the age of this very idea being thrown around more than the football, and hardly by the dis-enfranchised:

"We're business-minded, also. It's not just fun and games. A lot of football players, whether it's Sunday or Monday night — we're out there on the field, competing, hitting each other. But people don't see everything else behind it. It's a job for us, too — every day of the week. We're in different states, sometimes thousands of miles away from our families and kids... But how the players look at it … the players are getting robbed. They are. The owners are making so much money off of us to begin with. I don't know that I want to quote myself on that…

...It's modern-day slavery, you know? People kind of laugh at that, but there are people working at regular jobs who get treated the same way, too. With all the money … the owners are trying to get a different percentage, and bring in more money. I understand that; these are business-minded people. Of course this is what they are going to want to do. I understand that; it's how they got to where they are now. But as players, we have to stand our ground and say, 'Hey — without us, there's no football.' There are so many different perspectives from different players, and obviously we're not all on the same page..."

For more on this interview with Adrian Peterson, go to Yahoo! Sports, and see Shutdown Corner, by Doug Ferrar.  And for a free market response, by Ralph Alter, for The American Thinker, (and a guy who happens to love the very same Colts as this girl) go here (it's really good too).

Which came first, the owner -- putting up the expense, the risk (with absolutely NO guarantees -- see also SD Chargers...) possibly building a stadium, or putting together a limited partnership with the city, a board, a group of fellow believers and money guys...piecing together every living breathing detail of making a home team happen...and keeping it going, from day one, with rookies, who MIGHT grow up to be stars one day (see also football in the 60's and 70's)  OR the players (using the term "playa" if the cleat fits)?  huh?  huh?

SO with starting salaries in the hundreds of thousands, with averages hitting the million dollar mark, with benefits, rights, a union to back you up -- advertising deals up the wazoo, if you are just that good at playing the game (and yes, it is a game) -- you, like every other pro-sport athlete, are paid well worth your time and effort....you know, given it's not rocket science, you are not finding the cure for cancer, and you only play 16 games (yes, that being also up in the air at the moment, whatever) -- unless you guys are really good, and make it to the playoff season.

Hey Adrian, it's a free market!  Get out, if you don't like it...pretty sure another guy would be happy to take your place.  Or better yet, start your own team, and be the star if you want to, how about make yourself the mascot while you're at, maybe have your face painted on every jersey.


This football franchise business hasn't always been rolling in the dough, now has it?  Not every team, to this day, rolls in it -- you know, the dough -- like, say, the New England Patriots.  And earth to Adrian, it is a supply and demand and rich guy game right from the start, not simply during four quarters of the game, but day in and day out, and year after year, like a well oiled machine, almost like a business of sorts. 

For isn't that the way for all business?

Honestly.  It takes a team of lawyers to save OJ Simpson's a$$; it takes a team of scientists to invent the next cancer drug, or, scratch that, make that the next steroid as the case may be; it takes a team of journalists, to crank out a waste of a paper like the New York Times; it takes a team of teachers to graduate kids, whether they are smart enough to get into college without an athletic scholarship or not; it takes a team of press secretaries to make a president look good; it takes a team of facebook players to keep facebook running, so that stars like an Adrian Peterson can be 'liked' and admired by all; it takes a team, to create a village, to birth a business, to grow abundance no matter what capacity, no matter what level, no matter what game.

The thing is, somebody steps up with the risk, the investment, the first thought, to make the dream a reality; the dough merges with dreams and even though it may be equal opportunity among friends, neighbors and countrymen, it most certainly is not equal outcome (just ask franchises who fail  -- and not just football...soccer, basketball, baseball, hockey...).  It only takes one owner, maybe a family, to do that -- while, to do it well is a whole nother story, isn't it?  isn't it?

You guys who happen to be playing in the 21st century have it so good.  spare me about this whole cry me a river with slavery.  pul leeze.   But hey,  Adrian, if you so choose to go there, then shouldn't we all consider ourselves a slave to our jobs -- if we're lucky enough to have one, that is?  seriously?  How hard can it be, being  a brand spanking new player for the Indianapolis Colts making 300 grand a year along side Peyton Manning?  Sign me up.

I wonder how long the list of expenses for an average team... needing a fresh supply of doctors, physical therapists, water boys, cheerleaders, Gatorade, transportation, hotel stays, food, INSURANCE, a place to play, security, lights on, grass mowed (weather permitting), seasonal work flow, payroll, ticket sales, website, lawyers, advertising and marketing, college recruitment needing both time and money, oh yeah, and paying the players a pretty decent wage immediately following the snap.

Now admittedly, given my intent was to throw out a general list, simply to fall within the scope and framework of an average blog margin -- it is hardly complete; but suffice it to say, me thinks it is still plenty long enough to sail over the head of the average receiver, if not a certain Minnesota running back, who apparently, doesn't have a clue.

And for you, Mr. Adrian Peterson (a better name for a girl, by the way) -- all you have to do is show up and do what you do best.  Play the game.

Of course, a free market does require it to be a win-win for all parties involved, there is that.  And usually, that part of the equation works itself out without interference from outside parties, legalities, misreads, or misunderstandings.  In a free market, when free to create and build and function and profit properly, all the moving parts operate gladly under a virtual agreement to be fair, honest, and just between all transactions, pertaining to all parties.

But when we say Houston we got a problem, it has nothing to do with outer space, the Oilers (scratch that, make that the Texans), or the pigskin itself -- it has everything to do with how we have evolved in the free market today.  Everywhere and often, the free market is at play.

You know what happens when we cease understanding and respecting and invigorating a true free market to do what it does best?  THIS.  A football lockout; disenfranchised team players; frustrated owners; and fed up fans.   When we stop respecting the principles of the free market, the true nature of supply and demand gets emasculated and reduced to fits of greed, manipulation, stipulation and boycott; we wind up with a big bunch of poor sports, clamoring for their say, side, security all the way around -- turning every posturing advantage into their own monopoly of sorts, calling for exclusive rights over another, slaving away and using every negotiating tool in the playbook.


In a way, what started out as a simple everyday sport, a thing to love to watch, to love to play, to love every which way to Sunday, and again on Monday night, has become a burden to us all.  Somehow, we have all  arrived back to the age of the Neanderthal --  or worse, we have grown to carry the weight of the lockout like a cross, as if, this is what happens when we know not what we do.

Just where is Betty White belting out 'get over it' when you need her?

we've seen it happen time and time again -- within our government, within industry, within education, within the marketplace...and now football!  Corruption leads the day.  it is a sad sad day in America.

Football is no different than our own government, currently running without a budget going on two years now -- unheard of in days of yore; not operating the American franchise within our debt limit -- going above and beyond year after year, operating with deficits now numbering into the trillions of dollars each year.  It cannot go on like this for much longer.  any other business, sports franchise, drug company, newspaper, gets this dynamic.  matter of fact, they are acutely aware of it at all times.   and that is just the truth.

The entitlement era has reached it's fate, having seeped into every facet of our life -- no, scratch that, acting more like a deluge of neon yellow Gatorade splashed down the backside of society.  It's modern day slavery, you know...

we need to wise up and realize we can't have it both ways. it simply doesn't work that way.

we are either free, or we are not;

we open up the free market and live by the free market, or we do not;

we either reap what we sow and sow what we reap, or we do not.

This budding sense of entitlement throughout the land is not free, there is a cost; and with regards to entitlements themselves -- after years of growing as unfunded liabilities, after years where government robs Peter to pay Paul -- they become nothing more than give-a-ways which grow, morph, and fester like an old wound, or an old knee injury, generation after generation.  In order to save them, every entitlement must be reformed and returned to operational solvency in order to save the entitlement itself -- or we will lose it forever.

What can we expect, though, from a nation who places on the pedestal all the benefits of free trade, million dollar earnings, and rookie to national stardom over a span of 16 games and a season or two, along with maybe a trophy and a Super Bowl ring -- especially in an environment where the true labor of being a team player gets lost in the details. But this is the new America, upon this first day of June, in the year of our Lord, two thousand and eleven.

now where are my diamond studs, I got a meeting with the union boss and my attorney in an hour..gotta stick it to the man, you know... can't play without the playas, you know what I'm saying?  ain't nothing but a g thang baby...

yo, red white and blue, let us revel in the free market today...for it is a dying creed.

yes indeed, a jaded G lives on to see another day...can't say I didn't warn you.  just the way the blog bounces sometimes...gonna be here all week...

Make it a Good Day, G


and boy does this girl love her football.  get it together guys so we can get our football freak flag flying again soon... please.  i will even throw in a pretty please with sugar on top.

AND for more on how  Debt is Not a Game, go to the Heritage Foundation here.