I can't NOT chime in on this Supreme Court thing

So, it's no secret on this page that I am rapidly pro-life.  I don't beat around the bush on this topic. 

But, what you may not know is that I don't see it as a black and white issue. 

I believe in life.  I believe that life is the greatest gift bestowed upon us.  Whether by God, by nature, by accident, whatever.  We only get one chance to live.  I do not support robbing someone of that chance.  Period. And, when I say this, I am referring to the VAST majority of abortions.  Those done because two consenting adults had consensual sex and that consensual sex resulted in a viable fetus. 

Here's the rub. I am not so naïve to think that by banning abortion we will actually stop abortion.  If prostitution is the worlds oldest profession, the abortion is the worlds oldest sin.  For as long as women have been having babies, some of them have tried to not have babies. 

What's my point?  My point is that, if we want fewer abortions, we won't get them by outlawing abortion.  We will get them by making the choice to have an abortion less appealing than keeping and raising a child.  This is where I get in fights with many of my former Republican cohorts.  We want to educate people on how to NOT get pregnant.  We want to provide them with health care so that if they do get pregnant, both mother and baby are taken care of.  We need to support them after the child is born.  While I hate the term "anti-choice," I don't think "pro-birth" is far off for many right wingers.  They oppose abortion but they also oppose anything that makes carrying and raising a child easier.  

Parental leave.  School lunch programs.  Pre-school/daycare support.  All these things. 

OH, BUT SOCIALISM!!!!  

Fuck off.  What's worse?  Relevant social programs that promote health and stability for Americans?  Or more dead babies?  Give me some Socialism if it saves lives. 

Here's my other issue.  I have always admired the Supreme Court as a place where partisanship ends.  Where justices look at the law and make decisions based on only the law.  Not on how they voted at the ballot box.  Yes, I consider myself a Constitutionalist.  Meaning, I believe the Constitution should be enforced as written.  It was written to be changed.  So, if you don't like how it's written, then change it! 

HOWEVER!  It is absurdly hard to argue that this was not a partisan decision.  This concerns me because, if one side can do it, so can the other.  The decisions coming out this week on the hot topic items appear to be leaning VERY far right.  The public school football coach who made a spectacle of his praying after football games.  The NY gun restrictions (why are states' rights only important when it's pro-conservative?).  And Roe v Wade.  Definitely feels like there is an agenda.  An agenda that is particularly shitty given the circumstances of the last 3 justices.  

Finally, let's talk about the outrageous opinion by Clarence Thomas.  This guy wants to go gangbusters!  They are really making the case for Supreme Court term limits.  I have never supported these before.  But Thomas has single handedly changed my mind this week.  You can't just go around reversing every court decision you don't like!  That takes away any validity the court has.

Do I believe there is a constitutional right to abortion?  No.  I pretty much side with what was written in that sense.  But, I do believe there is a right to privacy that is STRONGLY implied.  I can see where the original decision came from based on this.  And, I think that Thomas is an idiot if he actually believes the government can tell consenting adults who they can or can't get jiggy with.  

Am I sad about the decision.  No.  But, I'm not really happy, either.  I think it creates more problems than it solves.  As I said, this won't end abortion.  I don't want dead babies.  Know what I want less?  Dead babies AND dead mothers.  

So, to my Pro-Life friends.  Time to put your money and your votes where your mouth is.  Time to support health care.  Time to support paid parental leave.  Time to support school lunch, free pre-school, sex education, etc, etc, etc.  THIS, hopefully, will lead to fewer abortions. 

To my Pro-Choice friends.  Not all Pro-Life people are simply Pro-Birth.  I can't say none of us are.  In fact, I unfortunately can't even say that most of us are.  But, many of us really truly want what's best for both mom and baby.  Is this where we can find common ground?  Guess we'll see.  

And that's all I have to say about that. 

Let's talk about Kyle What's-His-Face

Oh, boy...here we go with yet another demonstration in just how polarized our nation is right now.  

I'm just gonna lay out how I see this whole thing.  

I feel like Kyle Rittenhouse is a douche bag.  I feel like he should NOT have been at this riot to begin with.  He had absolutely no business being there.  His statements about going down to defend property is lame.  It wasn't his property.  He decided to put on his vigilante hat instead of staying him with his parents, which is what all kids in the area should have been doing. 

Let's not forget that he's not even from the area.  He went well out of his way, armed, to participate in an opposing riot.  

I feel like this kid deserves to be in trouble.  I feel like he deserves to be in jail.  I feel like he and George Zimmerman have a lot in common.  Assholes putting themselves in places they have no business being in and then playing the victim after they were the ones that killed someone.  I feel like the Rittenhouse parents also share blame for letting their kid be in this position. 

But, here's the thing.  My feelings aren't the law.  If the were, abortion and the death penalty would be illegal. 

To all of those that are SHOCKED that Kyle was acquitted did you follow the trial at all?  Did you hear the testimonies?  Or, did you just hear the parts that your Facebook bubble showed you?  Because, as I read it, there seemed to be a ton of evidence that he was shooting in self defense. And, whether we like it or not...while I don't think he should have been there, it was not illegal for him to be there.  And, while I think he's an asshole, when one of the prosecutions own witnesses, the only living victim, admits that he was only shot after he raised his gun at the shooter, it's hard to argue against self defense. Beyond a reasonable doubt is intentionally hard to achieve.  And, I can completely see how they achieved it. 

This is being painted as more proof that the legal system is stacked against black people.  I don't see that.  All of the victims were white.  People are mad that the jury was made up of mostly white people.  I can't find anywhere that can actually confirm this.  Maybe we'll learn more about the make up of the jury soon, now that the case is over.  Regardless...a person is supposed to be tried by a "jury of their peers."  

When a black man is on trial and people raise a stink that the jury is made up of mostly white people, they are 1000% in the right to complain about this.  Likewise, when a white man is on trial for killing white men, it does not feel wrong to me that his jury is made up of mostly white people.  

Now, what about the fact that the shootings happened during a Black Lives Matter protest?  Well...I disagree...at that point, these were riots.  Yes...many many of the Black Lives Matter gatherings were peaceful and legally sound.  But, many of them weren't.  And, everything points to Kenosha being a riot.  So...there you go.  I don't have much sympathy for the looters.  You will hear me support the peaceful protesters much of the time.  You will not hear me support riots.  

This whole thing is yet another tragedy.  Everything sucks here.  It's time for Kyle to thank God and go away. 

All these calls for Rittenhouse to take an internship are shameful.  Just because he got off doesn't mean he's innocent.  If he didn't take it upon himself to play Punisher, 2 people would be alive.  These GOP asshats all over Twitter singing his praises are just showing why they have lost voters like me.  What would Jesus do Matt Gaetz?  Think he's proud of you for cheering for the deaths of these people?  

Anyway, there you go.  My thoughts.  I will continue to pray that we figure out how to undivide ourselves.    

Poet Amanda Gorman reads 'The Hill We Climb'

It's a good day

 I've been trying to find the word that best sums up how I feel today.  It's been challenging. 

Happy isn't right. We still have so many challenges and I'm not really happy.  400k+ Americans dead, the recent insurrection still on our minds, the continued separation from loved ones and blocking of things that I love to do.  Happy isn't right. 

Excited?  No...not really.  I mean, Democrats now control both the Executive and Legislative branches.  Despite popular belief, I am not a Democrat.  I am not at all excited about one party rule.  I suspect a lot of annoyance over the supposed mandate pushing through policies I don't like.  

Pride?  Maybe, but no.  While I am glad that voters chose America over Trump, 74 million still voted for Trump regardless of the shit of the last 4 years.  74 million Americans still selfishly picked a divider that agreed with them over a genuinely good man because he wants everyone to have health care and believes in racial justice. 

Relief...that's what it is.  It's relief.  

I am working really hard to NOT keep complaining about you-know-who.  He's no longer President.  No more obsessed tweeting.  No more worry about which dictators have the leader of the free world on a leash.  No more wondering who else will die or be orphaned because of one man's power trip. 

I tried to look ahead in 2016 when Trump was elected.  I said it is what it is and now it's time to be Americans and do what we do.  A couple weeks later, he tried to ban Muslims from entering the country.   

So, that's all the reflecting on him I want to do.  Now it's time to look forward. 

I am not naïve.  I know that half of the country voted for someone else and does not want a Biden presidency.  I've said it before, any other year, I would not have voted for Biden.  I voted for Biden for one reason.  He is not Trump.  I've been asked if that means I would have voted for Bernie.  I am not 100% sure, but probably.  I voted for an end to this division and an end to the permission that has been granted to people to be assholes and to think only about themselves.  Out of many, one.  Not, Out of many, mine.  

But, I would like to think that the majority of that half of the country still recognizes what America is.  America is a place where all are welcomed, regardless of background, regardless of race or religion or heritage. It's a place where disagreement is acceptable and peaceful.  It's all the things President Biden said in his speech this morning.  We can disagree without violence.  Without hatred.  

Here's the thing, though.  Disagreement is fine.  Debate is fine.  What is NOT fine is bullshit.  You can disagree with tax policy or immigration reform.  You can't continue to claim this election was rigged.  You can't continue to promote false evidence, exaggerated or often made up "evidence."  Because these are lies.  And these lies will destroy our Republic.  There has been NO factual evidence that supports the claim that there was widespread fraud in the election.  So, if this is your bag, then we have nothing to talk about.  Because you are wrong, the evidence proves that you are wrong, and experts have proven you are wrong, the courts have declared that you are wrong and our new President has been sworn in. So, either accept it or shut up.  We're going to have another election in 2 years.  Another Presidential election in 4 years.  And, the country is tired of angry white mobs trying to spread the lie that our Republic is broken because your Dear Leader didn't win.  

And, let's just acknowledge Vice President Harris.  After 240 years, we finally have a woman VP.  And, let's be real...chances are EXCELLENT that she will be President.  Politics aside, this makes me happy.  I was really frustrated when Hillary Clinton was running.  Because I did NOT want her to be the one to break that glass ceiling.  America has been ready for a woman to be President for a while now.  But, please not her.  Alas, it wasn't her.  Kamala Harris, on the other hand...very happy for her.  Republicans still have time to get their own woman on the ticket in 4 years.  But, dang...you all have a LOT of reconciliation to do before people like me trust you again. 

I'll wrap up with this paragraph from our new President.  It sums up my feelings pretty perfectly.  I thought the speech was pretty perfect, honestly.  Unity.  That was the theme.  

The answer is not to turn inward, to retreat into competing factions, distrusting those who don't look like look like you or worship the way you do, or don't get their news from the same sources you do. We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue, rural versus urban, rural versus urban, conservative versus liberal. We can do this if we open our souls instead of hardening our hearts. If we show a little tolerance and humility, and if we're willing to stand in the other person's shoes, as my mom would say, just for a moment, stand in their shoes. Because here's the thing about life. There's no accounting for what fate will deal you. Some days, when you need a hand. There are other days when we're called to lend a hand. That's how it has to be. That's what we do for one another. And if we are this way, our country will be stronger, more prosperous, more ready for the future. 

Let's get back on track! 

Things that make me smile - Haitian West Point Grad

 So...I saw this article float by by LinkedIn page.  Did a quick search to determine that it was legit and found the below story on the Washington Post.  Give it a read.  It's very heartwarming.  And, something that reminds us of the good in our country.  Something needed during 2020.  

tl;dr: From a Haitian slum, Alix Idrache first encountered American Soldiers when they were assisting Haiti after a devastating earthquake when he was a child.  He knew then that he would become an American Soldier.  And, he did.  Recently graduating with honors from West Point.  Now he is off to flight school where he will learn to fly Chinook Helicopters.  

School or no school

So...Covid sucks.  Let's just get that out of the way. 

It's August.  School starts for my kids just after Labor Day.  So, we have about a month left.  Last we heard from OLG is that they plan to be in school IN PERSON.  I love this idea!  And, I am terrified of this idea!  

The whole open schools or not arguement...this is the bloody Kobayashi Maru.  It's freakin' Sophie's Choice.  It's Trump vs Clinton.

In other words...it's a no-win situation. 

Kim and I are pretty realistic about this whole Covid thing.  We follow the rules.  When we were told to stay home, we stayed home.  When we were told we could go out but we should wear masks, we listened...we went out and we wore masks.  We're in a place where we like that things are opening up, but we really wish people would stop being stupid and selfish.  So much of this can be controlled if people would think less about themselves and start considering those around them.  Why do we feel this way?  Because the doctors and scientists have told us to and I accept that they are much smarter than me.  

Back to schools.  

When they first started saying they would open the schools, it looked like things were improving.  But, then summer hit.  And people went to the beach or to rallys or protests or parties.  IE: people were dumb.  And, Covid went back up.  So, schools are now talking about sticking to virual learning. 

Virtual Learning is absolutely NOT as good for most kids as in person learning.  Certainly not for my kid.  It's hard to keep him on task, he tends to distract me from the work I need to do, and I am a horrible teacher as I don't know how to do this stupid hippie math they teach, now.  I absulutely do NOT want to do what we did the last trimester of last year.  

So, send them to school, right???   Right????

Well, no...not necessarily.  

Because we are still in a pandemic. 

The average age of a teacher in the US is 42.  The median is 41.  This means that 50% of teachers are over 40.  Many are teaching in to their 60s.  And...kids are germ factories.  These little bastards are carrying every germ known to man and many that aren't.  They don't show symptoms like adults.  That doesn't mean they don't wipe their boogers on their hand and then wipe that hand on something that someone else will touch.  That doesn't mean they won't cough and send their spit flying 100 feet towards the teachers desk.   

I feel pretty confident that, at some point, I am going to catch Covid-19 (actually...want to know a secret?  I actually think I already had it.  In the very early days.  But, it was before we knew it was a thing in the US, so we weren't testing).  It's out.  It's coming.  But, I am being pretty safe and taking precautions to ensure I don't pass it on.  I am a loyal mask wearer.  I wash my hands.  I don't shake hands or hug (This is actually great for me because I don't like touching people).  But...if Desmond gets it and is sitting at school with 25 classmates talking about Fortnite and forgetting to distance...what if one of them catches it and takes it home to their family?  What if one of his friends gives it to Grandpa?  What if one of the teachers gets infected?  That would be absolutely tragic. 

Desmond is a smart kid...I think he can handle the mask and the social distancing.  But, he's also going into 6th grade.  How the heck do you get a Kindergarter to wear a mask all day????  Don't worry, I will answer that for you.  YOU DON'T!  Masks will be slingshots, projectiles, napkins.  They'll be everything but a protective shield to keep germs from spreading.  

See...no win.  

What's the solution?  I have know f**king clue.  I'm a recruiter.  I hire software engineers.  This is why I look to the professionals and I choose to trust.  I trust the doctors and scientists to tell us what they know and offer suggestions.  And, I trust my kids' principals and teachers to have the best interests of the kids and staff at heart.  If that means we have to go all virtual, then (MOTHER EFFING SON OF A BERCHING ASS BUTT STUPID FACE) we will do all virtual.  If it means all in person, great...we will be ready with masks and sanitiser and anything needed to keep people as safe as possible.  If it's a hybrid, ok...we'll figure that out too.  None of this is normal. All of this is new.  And, we're all in in together.  

2020 sucks balls.  Sign me up for that vaccine trial! 

Maybe if we all have Principals like Dr. Lee here, we'll be good to go!  

Black Lives Matter

There's a ton going on at the moment. I have a couple posts that have been sitting in draft. The one about quarantine. The one about my wife losing her job, recently. But, I haven't posted them yet because, each time I write one, something else happens and makes the previous thing seem so minor.

So, I am going to take this spot in my blog to talk about Black Lives Matter and everything happening in our world after the murder of George Floyd. Now, this is my blog, so I am going to be upfront about it, like I normally am. And, like I normally am, I am probably going to wallow somewhere in the middle of the two extremes. The place where neither side thinks I am taking the right stand. Oh well...such is the life of a true Centerist, I guess.

I'll start with George. Did you watch the video? If you didn't, you need to. It's hard. But, especially for those that are talking about how "he was on drugs" or "he shouldn't have been breaking the law," go watch the video. Because, you know what...I don't give a shit about anything else. He did not deserve to die. Full stop right there. He did not deserve to die. He was unarmed and he was cooperating. He was handcuffed behind his back while being held to the ground on his stomach. The man was restrained. There is no way to argue this point...George Floyd was murdered. Did you watch the video, yet? Did you watch the part where he calls for his mother? Maybe your heart wasn't touched when he begged for water or told the cop he couldn't breathe. But, then, as he's dying, he cries for his mother. If you are a parent and that doesn't move you, I question your humanity. No, really.

Now, before I get into the protests, let's pause for a moment. George was the catalyst. For everyone talking about how he's not a hero or how you don't "support" George Floyd. Let's not forget the other murders that have happened in the last few months. Breonna Taylor was shot by police while sleeping in her own apartment. Turns out they served a warrant on the wrong home. Let's also remember Ahmaud Arbery, shot by 3 rednecks while going for a jog.

And now, people are protesting. I am going to split this part up into 2 seconds. I'll start with the protests, then I will talk about the riots. Because...they are most definitely 2 different things.

The protests.

Protesting is not my bag. I don't really like crowds, so I don't typically go to protests. But, let's get one thing clear...the right to peaceful assembly is guaranteed in the 1st Amendment. It's right up there with Speech and Religion and it comes BEFORE the beloved 2nd Amendment Republicans are always crying about. And yet, for the last 2 weeks, we have seen peaceful protests broken up by police in riot gear, shooting tear gas and rubber bullets and arresting people for simply being there. This isn't a media narrative, folks. Watch the videos from people on the ground. Jump onto YouTube or Reddit. This stuff is raw and real. Crowds are chanting, yelling, waving signs...doing nothing violent. Then...BAM...flash grenade. BAM...tear gas. Now, we're hearing calls for "Defund the Police!" I'll get to that in a second. But, it's easy to understand when we see what is being done to Americans practicing their Constitutional rights.

Now...the riots.

Riots suck. And, the riots are being led by fringe groups, not the protesters. And, I know this is hard for a lot of people to hear, but most of the riots are being started by white people. Whether it's Antifa or White Supremacists doesn't really matter. What it comes down to is that they are not being started by the same people that are leading these protests.  Then, we all jump on our social media pages to tell protesters they are doing it wrong.

Let me quickly touch on Defund the Police. This is a horrible motto. I get it. In no way to I support Defunding the Police. In the last couple of days, I have learned that Defund the Police doesn't actually mean abolish police departments (although, granted...nutjobs like AOC say it does). Defund the Police is about reallocating funds. So, instead of buying a new tank for the PD, maybe invest in mental health or community organization. Instead of 100 more AR-15s, maybe hire some more social workers to check in on our lower income, more at risk communities. Defund the Police is the wrong term and they need to stop using it. Because, DEFUND means...well, Defund. It doesn't mean, Keep Funding, but spread the money around differently. So, I am not onboard with Defunding the Police. But, I will keep listening to this conversation. Because, I don't think the PD needs another armored vehicle.

Here's where I have been impacted personally in all this. I have always said, "It's not people like me that are the problem." I've tried my best to take a step back and really examine where I fit in all this. Granted, I would not consider myself racist and I suspect (hope?) my friends wouldn't, either. But, I have come to acknowledge White Privilege. I hate this phrase. Even today. But, 4 weeks ago I hated it because my ancestors never had slaves. I have never stood in the way of a black person reaching their goals. Yes...I've told some black jokes here and there, but only the tasteful ones! After all, as I learned from Avenue Q, "Everyone's a Little Bit Racist."

But, today, I hate it for a different reason.  Because I had a come to Jesus moment and realized it's real.  Maybe I haven't directly affected the life of a person of color in a racist way. Maybe. But, I have come to acknowledge that I have not had to face the same hurdles as my neighbors of color. I've been pulled over 4 times in my lifetime. I heard the story of a friend who was pulled over 15 times in one year. I have never been in the back of a police car. Recently, a friend shared a story of how her black son was put in one when he was 10 for throwing rocks across the street from his house. A 10 year old boy put in the back of a police car without his parents around. I don't get watched by security in the store.  I can walk down the street in a hoodie at night.  My parents and their parents and their parents chose their lives and the lives of their children.  Can the same be said for my black friends?  How far back do they have to go to find an ancestor who was kidnapped?

I watched the video of Philando Castile's girlfriend and 4 year old daughter in the back of a police car after Philando was shot by police. The girlfriend is crying and screaming and her daughter, 4 years old, says to her, "Momma, please stop cussing and screaming...I don't want you to get shooted." 4...Fucking...Years old. Seriously...I am tearing up as I remember this.

Look...I am not anti-cop. Not even a little bit. There seems to be this notion that support of BLM makes one anti-cop. I'm not. You have to be a truly special person to be a police officer. You put your life on the line every day. You don't know what might come from a traffic stop or a domestic violence call or anything on any given day. However, it also takes a special person to know that killing people should almost NEVER been an option. We're training our cops to learn how to live with the taking of a life. We're training them on how to do this long before they have to pull their gun on someone. We're sending them into unknown circumstances, putting an enormous amount of stress on them, and then given them no resources to cope with this stress. Is it really surprising that 40% of police families experience domestic violence? Going back to the poorly labeled "Defund the Police," maybe it is time to spend less money on guns and more money on a precinct shrink that all officers are required to visit on a monthly (or more) basis.  And, if there are cops that are saying, "I don't need a shrink!" well...maybe these are the cops that should consider a different profession.  Because, I feel like anyone that is legally allowed to pull their gun on another human being should be mentally competent to do so.  Perhaps, instead of 100k more new cops, we train the ones we have to be excellent humans, excellent de-escalators and make sure they are VERY well supported.  As well as held accountable.

If you've gotten this far in my post, you're committed!  So, I would like to offer up a challenge to those of you (you know who you are) who still prefer to post about the white guy that died in a similar manner to George Floyd (what about him???) or about black on black crime or "All Lives Matter" or some other "What about us," stuff.  Here's my challenge.  Learn about our shared history.  Truly learn about it.  You don't have to read "White Fragility."  I'm not reading it.  Not because I don't think there's probably a lot of great info in there.  But, because I suck at reading non-fiction.  But, there are so many other things you can do.  Watch 13th on Netflix.  It's eye opening.  Learn about our American heritage outside of "Abe Lincoln freed the slaves."  Because there is so so much more.  Heck, even this episode of "Last Week Tonight" is enlightening.  Especially the woman at the end.  Don't write her off as just another "angry black woman."  Her last line took my breath away.  And, I mean literally.  Because, when you truly think about how we, as a nation, have treated our citizens of color...my dear God, we deserve what's happening.  I'm not pointing to you or you or you.  I am pointing to us...The United States of America.  Land of the Free...ish. 

I'll leave with a couple final thoughts that I had, recently.  Did you know that, only a month ago, a woman named Irene Triplett died.  She was the last person still collecting a Civil War pension check from the US Government.  The Civil War happened a million years ago...or did it?  It's much closer to us than we realize.  Martin Luther King, Jr was assassinated in 1968, within our parents' lifetimes.  Rodney King was beaten in 1991, in our life time.

Oh, and only a few weeks ago, a black man was killed while taking a jog.

I'm taking a break from Facebook

I think it's pretty safe to say that I am a Facebook addict.  Have been for a long time.  Most of it is probably narcissism.  But, I also use it to keep tabs on the people I care most about.  You see, I have never been good at staying in touch.  Ever.  I don't text.  I rarely call.  I use Facebook.

But, I can't take it anymore.  Facebook is no longer a good tool for watching my friends' kids be all cute and stuff.  Now, it's a place full of hatred and ignorance.

And, I can hear my bubble now!  "I'm not ignorant!  I closely follow the news and I know what's going on!"

Maybe.  But, you are still ignorant to the thoughts of others.  I know that it's at a particularly low point when I find myself feeling the urge to defend Trump.  I effing despise Trump.  But, there have been multiple times when I have come very close to saying, "That's not what he actually said," or "you took that out of context" or "Let's dispense with the hyperbole, here." 

I still don't like Trump.  He's still an ass.  He's still a horrible person. 

But, the amount of vitriol that comes from my friends on the Left Coast has gotten to be too much for me. 

Nobody actually debates, anymore.  All anyone does is attack and insult.

Remember all the "I Stand With Planned Parenthood" profile pics?  I am avidly anti-abortion.  Imagine if I put up a profile pic that said, "I DON'T Stand With Planned Parenthood."  Who would be the first person to call me sexist? 

I saw someone call John McCain a coward because he voted to move forward with a vote on Health Care.  Forget that he voted (twice now) to uphold beloved Obamacare.  He's apparently a coward for insisting that Congress do it's job and actually vote on something.  He, a man who suffered years of torture for his country, is a coward for daring to do something the Left disagreed with.  Because if we disagree, it shouldn't even be brought to the floor.

I've seen people called sexist for refusing to vote for Hillary.  Or racist because they didn't support Obamacare.  Yet, only a handful call for the (allegedly) child raping mayor of Seattle to be removed from office.  Total silence from the left.  I ask why and the response is "Well, look at this Republican that did something similar." 

And now there is this NFL thing. 

I understand why the players are sitting/kneeling/hiding for the national anthem.  I sympathize with their goals.  I acknowledge that there is a significant problem.  I also understand how it could be considered disrespectful. I won't boycott the NFL.  I enjoy football too much.  Someone else's expression won't drive me from that enjoyment.  But, it doesn't mean that it's irrational for a person to dislike the protest.   The players know they are causing as stir and, I suspect, it's their goal to do just that.  Create a conversation around the topic. 

The problem is...we're not having a conversation.  We're yelling at each other and calling each other names.  And then justifying our name calling because FUCK NAZIS! 

When did we become such assholes?  When did we stop caring about dissenting opinions?  When did we get to the point that only our opinion matters? 

Russia is winning this war.  What a brilliant piece of espionage that we've all fallen for.  Facebook has become a tool to close our minds.  And, I hate to tell this to all my, supposedly enlightened, liberal friends...but, you are just as much a part of this problem.  Russia got you, too!  You've stopped discussing and debating.  You've simply started spewing.  And, I'm fed up.

I'm taking myself out of this pool of incestuous opinion.  I will continue to follow the news and make up my own mind.  Perhaps I'll even find some friends to have a beer and a philosophical discussion with.  If you're interested, send me a note!  Perhaps some of you will even change my mind or maybe I'll change your mind on something.  Perhaps not.  But, at least we'll talk. 

Debate is healthy.  It's American!  This Facebook crap that's going on...not so much.  I'm out.  Peace!

Jimmy Kimmel Tells a Story...

Last night, Jimmy Kimmel told the story of his newborn son's birth and heart disease.  It was a touching story.  He clarifies at the beginning that the story has a happy ending, so hang in there.  But, it's certainly a tear jerker.

I consider us blessed that Desmond was born perfectly healthy.  And, I pray every night that the same will be the case with Owen.  While I have never been through anything so terrifying as a parent, I can feel the emotions as Jimmy shares what they went through.

Rain, Rain...go the Eff away!

This year has been tough, weather wise.

I was talking to a coworker, not that long ago.  Both of us have been in Seattle for a long time.  I forget how long for her.  But, I've been here 17 years.  We were discussing our general feeling of "blah-ness" lately.

Like, seriously...I have been down, dude.  Just generally bummed out most of the time.  She was in a similar place.

I said I thought it had something to do with the weather.  It's been dreary a lot, lately.  She says, no...we've lived here long enough.  We should be used to this annual darkness.

I disagreed...I feel like this year is worse than past years.

Turns out, I am right.

We have broken a 122 year record for rain this year.

I don't dispute the fact that Seattle is gloomy in the fall and winter months.  But, it's tolerable.  Even with my Arizona blood, I have acclimated enough to take in the regular sun breaks and eat up the amazing spring and summer weather to be able to push through the gloomy times.

Not this year.

This year, we didn't get sun breaks.  This year, there were 3 "mild and sunny" days between October and March.  And, I ain't gonna lie...it has sucked.

The sun is finally starting to pop out again.  We had a nice weekend, this past weekend.  The sunshine was broken up by spots of rain, so no day was perfect.  But, it was much more tolerable.

But, I am all done with the rain!  All done!  Go away!  Come back in November when you're invited!

Extroverted Introvert...THAT'S ME!!!

Saw this article recently.  You can find the original posted here on Stuff.

For a long time, I've never really known where I land on the Extrovert/Introvert spectrum.  I am always told how good I am with people.  As a recruiter, I used to get great feedback on how I could work the room or engage with potential candidates.  I enjoy good feedback, so I would try to put myself in position to do this.

But, I always dreaded it!  And, when it's over, I am ready for bed. I don't want to go hang out after.  I want to go sit in my room and be by myself.

Another scenario...after the school auction this year, I was invited out by one of the other parents.  A guy who I like, but who I don't know well.  But, I want to get to know him better.  I was reluctant, but I said "Sure!"  So, I headed out to meet him.  Turns out the restaurant we were meeting at was wall to wall crowded and the folks he was meeting that night weren't other school parents...it was a bunch of people I didn't know.  So, what did I do?  I snuck out. Didn't say goodbye.  Just left.  Yeah, rude...I know.  But, he was chatting and I didn't even think he would notice.

He noticed.  Not only that, but some of my good friends actually were there with him.  But, I didn't wait long enough to find that out.

If you are one of my besties, I love hanging out with you!  If you are someone I want to get to know, I can hang out in a limited capacity until I get to know you better.  If I don't know you...well, I probably have to go wash my hair.

So...I very much enjoyed this article.  There are clearly other people out there just like me!!!

__________________________________________

12 signs you're an extroverted introvert

Do you have a love/hate relationship with other people in general? You might be an extroverted introvert. 

Online quizzes and HR personality indicators like to put us into clear, easy-to-read boxes.

People think you must be either an "extrovert"; i.e. somebody that thrives being around others, or an "introvert", somebody who is best left alone. But not both.

Extroverted introverts know that the way you prefer to interact with the world isn't fixed. It's a sliding scale, which you'll understand if the following 12 things resonate with you. 

1. YOU'RE GREAT WITH PEOPLE

As an extroverted introvert, you know how to work a party.

You can be charming and funny, and most people around you think you're a genuine extrovert; one who simply gets along with everybody.

2. UNTIL YOU'RE NOT

Extroverted introverts reach a point in any social situation where they've had enough.

While they may have been initially energised by the buzz of human interaction, a couple of hours of it and they're completely drained.

They want only to be alone, not talking, so they can recharge.

3. YOU PREFER ONE-ON-ONE

Communication with another person one-on-one is usually the favourite type of interaction for an extroverted introvert.

While they are great with people, they don't really like small talk – something they find too prominent in group situations.

Extroverted introverts prefer to spend time with people they are really interested in and can have meaningful conversations with.

4. YOU HAVE SOCIAL ANXIETY

No matter how many times an extroverted introvert makes a great impression in a social situation, social anxiety always rears its head in the hours (or days) before the next time you're required to be "on" for a crowd.

They know they'll enjoy it once they get there, but think about cancelling many times before they leave the house.

Sometimes they even go out with friends not because they want to, but because they don't want to disappoint them. 

5. YOU LOVE BEING ALONE

Extroverted introverts don't understand anyone who is uncomfortable being alone. 

Sometimes an extroverted introvert will go an entire day without speaking to another human being and not think twice about it.

They love being by themselves, and find being alone reading a book, watching a movie, or partaking in any other solitary pastime, extremely invigorating.

6. BUT STILL GET LONELY

Just because you're good on your own, doesn't mean it's always good for you.

Extroverted introverts still get lonely when they cross the fine line between loving their alone time, and needing social interaction.

It's often hard to know that you're lonely because you're so comfortable in your own space that you don't want to leave it.

7. YOU CAN MEET ANYBODY

Extroverted introverts are good at meeting others' parents, partners, girlfriends and boyfriends, bosses, you name it. They could even meet the Duchess of Cambridge and probably make her laugh.

They're good at asking questions because they don't really like talking about themselves, but still manage to walk away knowing the person they were talking to thought they were the interesting one.

8. YOU FIND FRIENDSHIPS THAT NEED MAINTENANCE EXHAUSTING 

The ideal friend for an extroverted introvert is one that isn't demanding. 

Friendships that require work, like the kind that need constant attention and communication otherwise that friend gets needy, don't usually last long. 

Extroverted introverts are happier seeing each of their friends sporadically, and if months (or even years) go by between hang-outs, it's no big deal... you'll have more to catch up on anyway. 

9. SOMETIMES YOU'RE BAD AT MESSAGING 

On any given day, an extroverted introvert might feel like complete solitude. That means no replying to messages and texts, and they'll only pick up the phone if they think it's important. 

Extroverted introverts can be bad at messaging, not because they don't want to talk to you, but because they don't want to talk to anyone. 

10. YOU DON'T LIKE COMPLIMENTS

Sure, extroverted introverts like making a good impression and want to be noticed.

But when somebody actually gives them a compliment to affirm them, they get completely bashful and feel very uncomfortable.

It's a strange oxymoron: like you want people both to look at you, and not look at you, at the same time.

11. YOU'RE HAPPIEST IN CAFES

An extroverted introvert loves being around people, but not necessarily engaging with them.

Cafes are the prime spot for this: you can look around and see the hustle and bustle of life, and at the same time be removed from it.

The result is one of those great situations whereby they feel like they're part of something, but there's no pressure.

12. YOU LIKE GOING OUT, BUT THEN YOU WANT TO GHOST

Extroverted introverts do enjoy going out with friends and being social.

Take them out drinking and dancing and they'll thrive on it, but there will come a point – and it'll happen like the switch of a light – where they'll just want to go home.

Not because they're not having fun anymore, simply because they feel it's time to be silent.

Naturally, their inclination is to ghost from these situations, because goodbyes leave them riddled with guilt.

Jason's view on Trump's Supreme Court Pick

Since I know you all are totally wondering!

Ok...first of all, how do I feel about the nomination of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court?

As a nomination, I don't have any problem with it.  I am a Constitutionalist in that I don't believe in the "living, breathing document" point of view that many liberals hold.  I maintain that the Constitution was drafted in a way that makes it changeable.  Therefore, if you don't like something, change it.  The amendment process isn't easy.  Nor should it be.  But it is possible and it has been done when circumstances warrant.  With the limited info that I have read on this guy, so far...it seems like he's someone I can get behind.

Hobby Lobby is a significant case in his portfolio.  I support his decision.  I don't think there is a fundamental right to birth control.  I don't oppose birth control.  I don't agree with the Catholic Church's position on it. If you want to use it, use it.  I have.  But, I don't support mandating that someone pay for you to purchase something that they fundamentally disagree with.  If you are that unhappy that you can't get birth control, go work at Michael's.  There is nothing in the Constitution that says your employer MUST provide your birth control.  If you want this to be required, amend the Constitution

Anyway...with all that said, let's discuss the actual issue being talked about now regarding Neil Gorsuch.  Should the Democrats filibuster because the Republicans blocked President Obama's nominee.

No.

But, wait, Jason...the Republicans were obstructionists.  They were the Party of No.

I agree.  Republicans have been stupid for a while.  The epitome of which is the election of Donald Trump.

But, here's the thing.  They played politics.  And I promise you that if the party roles were reversed (Lame duck president of the party not in the majority) the Democrats would have done the same thing.  Do I agree with their decision?  Not necessarily.  But, when I really think about it, my reason for that is that Merrick Garland was a moderate.  If he were in the vane of Ruth Bader Ginsburg or Steven Breyer, I probably would have sided with Mitch McConnel, if I am being honest.

But, Jason...Neil Gorsuch is super conservative!

Is he?  Maybe he is.  I don't know yet.  People say he's a lot like Scalia.  I, personally, think that's a good thing.

Here's a great article about "Originalism."  The view that the Constitution should be interpreted as written.  I share this view, as I mentioned above.  If you don't like what the Constitution says, change it.  Don't create a bunch of grey areas.  Originalism doesn't necessarily equal super conservative.  When justices go outside of this Originalism idea (saying that gay marriage is illegal, for example, when the constitution doesn't talk about this at all), it's hypocrisy.  Not Originalism.

My point doesn't have to do with how conservative he is, however.  It has to do with the Democrats being stupid.

"If Republicans jumped off a bridge, would you jump, too?"  That's what I want to say to Patty Murray and the other Dems who want to block this because the Republicans blocked Garland.

There will be many times much more important than this one when blocking may legitimately be needed.  A Muslim registry, anyone???  This is small potatoes.  I don't care how conservative you think this guy is.  Trump has 4 years.  Is the plan to block every nominee for 4 years?  That's a lot of blocking.  And, as bad as the Republicans looked, it will make the Democrats look worse.  Because, this can be one of those "coming together" moments.  Doesn't seem like this guy has much to complain about.  The Supreme Court was a major issue for people and a significant part of why Trump won.  He could have nominated someone much much worse.

Trump won.  To think he wouldn't nominate someone "conservative" is foolish.  And, it's probably time to admit that the overall country likes a conservative leaning court.  Rowe vs Wade isn't going anywhere.  So, stop with the fear mongering.

Now...it's still early.  Maybe the confirmation hearings will happen and something will come out that makes this guy look horrible.  (They're already trying to say he founded a Fascist org in High School due to a tongue-in-cheek comment he made in the yearbook).  I'm not saying you must support him under all circumstances.  But, this early talk of filibustering is frustrating.  You're not going to help us come together.  In fact, you will only further mobilize the right.

My bottom line point...this isn't worth it.  Be the bigger party here, Democrats.  You have a great opportunity here.  This is a prime chance to show all those centrists you lost that that you're actually listening.

#NeverTrump - Jason tells all you Republicans why you shouldn't be voting for Trump.

I really should start posting more about my kid and junk.  But, I simply can't downplay how annoyed I am at this Trump thing.  Just how completely dumbfounded I am that he has gotten this far.  And, even worse...PEOPLE ARE ACTUALLY GOING TO VOTE FOR HIM!
I remain baffled.  Absolutely baffled.  I have been a lifelong Republican.  And, here I sit.  Wondering how the heck the party I have belonged to for thirty *mumble mumble* years has become what it is today.

I mean...it's true there have been signs.  Starting with the uprising of the tea party, the elections of the likes of people such as Ted Cruz and Michelle Bachman and the continuous venom against anything remotely resembling an LGBT issue.  But...through it all, I would always remember: Republicanism is about less government, lower taxes, a strong defense, states rights and individual freedoms.

Well, that no longer remains true.  At least, not for anyone who isn't white and straight.

I am here, right now, to tell all my Republican friends why you should NOT vote for Trump.  I will try to tackle as many of the reasons I hear that people are voting for Trump.  But, ultimately, no matter what your pet issue, voting for Trump is worse than the alternative.

1)  The Supreme Court - I have heard this one a few times, including from a member of my family.  Yes, it's true that there will be multiple Supreme Court vacancies to fill, including the one that remains empty after Justice Scalia's death.  People don't want Hillary filling the seat because it will shift the ideology of the court from Conservative to Liberal.
      - Maybe.  It's true that Hillary will most likely replace retiring Justices with new ones who will lean left.  But, I have three responses.  First...there is nothing to say that Trump won't do the same thing.  Remember...the guy was a Democrat before he was a Republican.  He wasn't a Republican until he started talking about running for President.  Second, what issues are you worried about right now?  Are you worried abortion will become legal?  News flash...it already is.  Are you worried they will outlaw the 2nd amendment?  They can't!  The 2nd Amendment can only be eliminated by amending the Constitution which requires 2/3 of the states to approve.  Finally...even if he goes conservative, it will be Trump conservative.  Trump has already talked about how he plans to "go after" the Washington Post because they've been so mean to him.  Do you really want justices picked by someone who doesn't like what the press has to say if it is against him.  Nations without free press look like Russia, China and North Korea.
      If you vote for Trump, you are gambling on getting something worse that a liberal leaning court.  You may end up with a Fascist court.

2)  Hillary is a liar and can't be trusted.
      -You know...I agree with this one.  BUT...so is Trump!!!!  Granted, Hillary can lie a bit more eloquently.  But, with Trump, it's goes more like this.

Reporter: "Mr. Trump, do you like bananas?"

Trump:  "No, I can't stand bananas."

Different Reporter:  "Mr. Trump, do you like bananas?"

Trump: "Yes, I love bananas.  I have the best bananas.  I know more about bananas than the monkeys."

Reporter: "But, last week, you said you hated bananas."

Trump:  "Excuse me.  Excuse me.  No I didn't.  I never said that."

Trump on Twitter:  "Dishonest reporter making up stories again.  No wonder nobody watches his channel."

If you vote for Trump, you are voting for a proven liar.

3)  The Gold Star Family Incident
     -  This is the one that has me most irked at some of my right leaning brethren.  There is ZERO excuse for this behavior.  Much like his insult of John McCain ("I like people who weren't captured.") this should have outraged anyone who pretends to support our troops.  If this didn't piss you off, I hereby revoke your right to say you "Support our Troops."  Because supporting our troops does not simply mean the white ones who agree with you all the time.  Support our Troops means gratitude and support for all of those who put on the uniform and served honorably.  And, it ESPECIALLY means supporting the families they left behind.
      If a gold star parent wants to insult you, you say, "I obviously disagree, but I am very grateful for their sacrifices for our country" and you walk away.
     Go ahead...defend this behavior.  I have yet to hear anyone do it successfully.
     If you vote for Trump, you're not in support of our Troops.

4)  He speaks his mind/He's not politically correct.
      -  Ok, let's talk about political correctness for a second.  Being politically correct means saying Asian American instead of Oriental.  Or preventing someone from saying, "You really killed it today!" because it implies violence.
     Saying "Blood coming out of her wherever" or "I always wanted a Purple Heart" isn't simply not being politically correct...it's being a douche bag!  I heard someone once say, and I have been using this analogy, if you wouldn't want your kid to hear it or say it, why is it okay for a presidential candidate to say it?
      If you vote for Trump, you are choosing Douche Bag over Political Correctness.

5)  He is an unabashed Islamaphobe.
      - This is another area where I am surprised at just how open people are about accepting his blatent racism and prejudice.  When someone comes out and says that they will refuse anyone admittance to the country if they practice a particular (non Judeo/Christian) religion, the outcry should be instantaneous!  Absolutely not!  We are a country of Immigrants.  A country of religious freedom!  This is a direct violation of our Constitution and the very being of who we are.  It's like if we had a Pope that said, "Eh...Communion really isn't all that."
      If you vote for Trump, you are saying Freedom of Religion is not important.

6)  Oh...and a racist!!!
      - I'm sure I don't have to remind you about all the things he has said about Mexicans.  I know there are many who are passionate about immigration policy.  But, seriously...his plan is impossible.  Build a wall and make Mexico pay for it?  Uh huh.  Cuz, Mexico is just gonna say, "Sure, bruh!  We got this!"
      And, his comments about rapists and murderers, not to mention his insults of the Hispanic judge working the Trump University case.  Seriously????  This isn't lack of political correctness.  This is lack of self restraint.  If these are the comments he makes in public, imagine the ones he makes in private.
      If you vote for Trump, you really need to look in the mirror and ask yourself what your racist tendencies are.

I could keep going, but I will stop there, for now.  Feel free to comment if you have others and I will address those, too.

But, before I wrap, some of you may be saying, "How can you call us Racist or Islamaphobes?  We just want a Republican in office."

Well, you see...I can see Zero reason to vote for Trump given what he has displayed.  We are picking the most POWERFUL PERSON IN THE WORLD.  A person who will be able to launch a nuke in minutes.  A person who's feelings are hurt when you mention how small his hands are.  A person who uses insults instead of answers.

You know how the runners are disqualified from the Olympics for stepping over a lane line?  Well, Trump has disqualified himself from being President by his many oversteps.  We are a better country than this!  I don't like Hillary either.  I don't want Hillary to be president either.  And, I won't use this post to defend her because I honestly, with all my heart, don't think she should be president.  But, this year, we are truly picking the lesser of two evils.  Because, while I don't like Hillary's policies, I think she lies, I think she's corrupt and I am genuinely nervous about where we will be 4 years from now...Trump scares me more.  Trump has the potential to truly be evil.  He's already praised Putin and even Kim Jong Un.

With Hillary, we could get liberal justices.  With Trump, we could lose our soul.

Please don't vote for Trump.  Because, as much as I have always respected people with different political beliefs than myself (one has to when one leans right in a city like Seattle), I just can't do it in this case.  Because I see no reason to vote for Trump without admitting that you are voting for a racist, narcissistic, bigoted blowhard.  And, I just can't respect that.

#NeverTrump

Time to vent...Gender Identity and Bathrooms

I need to vent for a few minutes. 

I am feeling a bit offended.  Offended and misunderstood.  It's often hard to be a Republican in a time when the Republican Party is falling apart and about to nominate a complete douche bag to be their nominee for president.  But, this isn't about Trump or the presidential race.

This is about legal permission to use the restroom of the sex you identify with rather than the sex you actually may be.  Or...as I see it...the ability to, without question, go into any restroom or locker room you want.

Now...here is where many people will immediately write me off as a bigot.  Oh, he's a Republican.  He hates LQBT folk.  He wants them all to burn in hell.

Well, if you think that, you don't know me.  Heck...you haven't even read my blog.

I am a supporter of LGBT issues.  My philosophy on most issues of rights can be boiled down to this: If it doesn't hurt someone or infringe upon the rights of others, I don't care.  And, as such, I am much more likely than not to support the issues of others because I believe in individual freedoms.  I want to remain free to tell my theatre friends that Shakespeare isn't all that.  Therefore, I will support others in their quests for rights.

In fact...let's assume you are a woman that feels a penis is really more your style.  Let's assume you walk into the bathroom while I am there.  I would treat you EXACTLY the same as I would a dude.  That is to say, I would completely ignore you and pretend that you weren't there.  If I were already in a stall, I would remain as quiet as possible in the hopes that you won't know that another is in the room.  This is because I hate public bathrooms and I hate sharing my pooping space with anyone!

In summary...I support a transgendered person's desire to use the bathroom of their choice, assuming they are as respectful as anyone else taking a wiz.  Get in, wiz, get out.  Don't mingle, don't stare, don't be a perv.

However...I don't support this controversial law I keep hearing about. 

Disclaimer: I haven't read it.  Nor do I intend to.  It's not my state.  It has no baring on me.  I know only what I have read, on both sides, on the internets.

So, why don't I support this law?  Well, here's an example of why, from Seattle:  http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/02/17/transgender-rule-washington-state-man-undresses-locker-room/80501904/

You see, there is currently nothing in place to determine who is actually someone who identifies with the opposite sex vs someone who is just a creep.  Supporters of the bill will say this isn't a legitimate concern.  It's by far the minority that would take advantage of the law.

Well, there is no data to support this.  I would offer different non-scientific data.  There are more perverts in the world inclined to take advantage of such a rule than there are transsexuals who would be offended that they *might* have to use the bathroom opposite of the sex the identify with.  (I say might because I stand by my thought that, unless they are weird about it, it won't be questioned more than it will.)

Obviously, none of what I said has any basis in fact.  It's all subject to our own opinions and experience.

So, here is my opinion.  I acknowledge that there are those that will be upset/uncomfortable/offended/other to be forced to use a bathroom that reflects a gender they feel trapped in.  I am sympathetic to this.  BUT...I am more sympathetic to young children and women who may find themselves victims of pedophiles and voyeurs.   

And, that's it.

If you are reading this and feeling like accusing me of saying that transsexuals are pedophiles, then please never talk to anyone because you are so closed minded that you just made up words that I didn't say.

I am saying pedophiles are pedophiles.  And, I am also saying that this is an opening for them to freely practice their pedophilia without recourse. 

Find a way around this and then come talk to me.  Until then...if you have a penis, you use the penis room.  OR...at the very least, simply act like the gender you identify with and use the bathroom you want!  If someone complains, oh well.  Use the other restroom this time.  Sucks, but it's a small price to pay to keep perverts from watching little girls undress. 

Teachers and stuff

It's September and you know what that means!  It's time for the annual Teacher Strike!

This time, it looks like there are 2 districts striking.  Pasco and my home town of Seattle.

This is a real hot button issue for me.  I frequently disagree with my liberal friends and neighbors in the area.  Also, I know quite a few teachers who have strong opinions on this.  When you hear me vent about striking teachers, I can understand how you might think I am "anti-teacher."

But, that couldn't be further from the truth.  I am VERY VERY pro teacher. 

So, I felt moved to write a post to my blog because that's what I do when I have something I want to say. :-)

Here are the fundamental reasons why I oppose teacher strikes:

1. Teachers are public employees. 
2. Teachers are salaried professionals.  Why do they even have a union?  They're not machinists or plumbers.
3. NOBODY is hurt by teacher strikes except the parents and students.  Districts are given their money from the state.  Teachers will still get paid.  Districts will still get paid.  In the meantime, parents need to struggle to find and pay for child care and the kids get to go even longer without their education.
4. On average, teachers make good money and receive good benefits for 9 months of work.

Ok...I hear people yelling at me already, particularly on the 9 months of work and the good money part.  But, I want to point out that I said, "on average." 

You see, here is the thing that pisses me off most. 

There are some amazing teachers out there.  AMAZING!  These teachers are not paid enough. 

There are also some crappy teachers out there.  These teachers are paid too much. 

How do we determine good teachers from bad teachers?  I don't know because teachers don't want to be evaluated in meaningful ways.

See...my problem ultimately comes down to the union, not the teachers.  Because of the union, no meaningful criteria can be used to evaluate a teacher.  Therefore, there is no real way to determine who is an excellent teacher and who sucks.  Also, because of the union, so much focus is put on seniority over talent.  I don't care if a teacher has been teaching for 30 years.  If that teacher is not as good as this younger teacher who has only been teacher for 5 or 10, they should not be making as much money.

Why can't we run education more like a business?  If there is a teacher in Minnesota who has received multiple awards and has lead 100% of their students to passing grades and is largely seen to be amazing, why can't we offer this person $100k/year? 

On the flip side, why can't we fire the English teacher who plays movies in class every day? 

We have failed our teachers.  Our good teachers.  We have failed them because we let the system get to this point.  I know it's not PC to say, but when you have a job that pays you $60k a year, gives you 3 months off in the summer, 2 weeks for Christmas, 1 week for min-winter break and another for Spring break while offering you incredible job security, it's really not that hard to attract people. 

"But, teachers teach because they have been called to!"  Yes...some of them have.  But, many of them haven't.  Many of them like the easy paycheck and 3 months plus of vacation time.  And frankly...many of them weren't smart enough to be engineers.  This was my problem when I was studying to be a teacher.  We have lowered our standards for teachers and because of this, talent is going down. 

The teachers at Desmond's school have been called to teach!  They teach in a small private school where I am willing to bet they make less than a public school teacher.  They seem happy to be there every single day.  They are not striking today.  They are in class teaching. 

Seattle teachers are on strike.  Skipping out on their responsibilities to their students.  Already talking about how they don't earn a "living wage" and how they will likely ignore the courts if they are ordered back to work, trying to lump it under civil disobedience.  You know, like the civil rights and anti-war movements.

I fully support the raise that the Seattle teachers are looking for.  But, only for those that deserve it.  Show us who those are and I will gripe less.  Find other ways to get your point across besides these illegal and annoying strikes and I will be first in line to support you.  In the meantime, I will complain like I do every single year.

Bottom line from me: Great teachers deserve great salaries.  Bad teachers deserve to be fired.

Why I Won't Vote for Donald Trump

Um...because he's Donald Trump.  Do I really need another reason? 

Dress codes

There have been a lot of articles in my Facebook feed recently about children being sent home from school or from prom for dress code violations.  One even involved sending a 6 year old girl home for wearing spaghetti straps to school on a warm day.

Well, I have a few opinions on this.

1. School uniforms are AWESOME!  This is one of the reasons I love the school my son attends.  He has to wear a uniform.  He often complains about it.  But, so what.  I enjoy not having to spend hundreds of dollars on the new fashion trends.
2. Some dress code rules are obvious: no clothing depicting drugs or alcohol, no bad words, nothing offensive (IE: racist, homophobic, insulting, etc), you get the picture.
3. No white after labor day.

But, what seems to be happening a lot lately is annoying. 

First of all, it is only happening to girls.  I have yet to see an article about a boy being sent home (unless they're wearing a pic with a confederate flag or something...see point #2). 

Next, it seems to be happening around things that are very subjective.  The idea is that a student shouldn't wear anything provocative.  And, by student, I mean the girls. 

But, what's provocative?  Are spaghetti straps on a 6 year old provocative?  Maybe they are to someone.  If so, I suggest that someone consider counseling. 

What about this girls dress?

She was sent home for revealing too much midriff.

I don't get it.  I try not to get on a soap box on my blog...wait a second...that's not true.  This blog IS my soapbox!

What the hell, people!  What the hell, Principals!  What is wrong with you?  I am not going to dispute that we have a hyper sexualized society, nowadays.  Kids are having sex at 14.  Monogamy is out.  Sex is plastered all over TV and movies. 

But, a pretty prom dress that shows a little back isn't going to get her knocked up. 

A 6 year old in a rainbow sundress is not going to have classmates drooling. 

Short shorts are short, but not as short as John Stockton's! 

 

And I don't see anyone salivating over him!  Except maybe Mrs. Stockton. 

 

Anyway...this is yet another thing that should be in the hands of the parents.  Dear parents...please make sure your kids aren't going out looking like hoochies.  Dear Principals...lighten up!

Mom of the Year!

In case you missed it, there is rioting in Baltimore.  Yet another young black man has died at the hands of police. 

Regardless of how you feel about the incident, I would suspect that most people would agree that rioting and looting is a horrible way to address the situation.  The owners of the stores you are demolishing didn't do anything.  The citizens didn't do anything.

Did you see the video of the jerk poking a hole in a fire hose while firefighters were trying to save a burning building?  I have high hopes for that kid's future.

Anyway...maybe you've seen this video already, maybe you haven't.  When these riots happen, I often wonder where the adults are.  Most of the people you see in videos appear to be younger.  15-19 or so.  Maybe early 20s.

Well...it's hard to tell how old this particular kid is because he's hiding his face in a ski mask.  That didn't stop his mom from finding him!!!

Check it out!


I don't think he'll be rioting again anytime soon!!

Are people really not vaccinating? Seriously???

I am always hearing about not vaccinating your kids.  However, I am usually hearing it from people who are getting mad about others saying you shouldn't vaccinate.  I know there are some famous-ish people who have talked about how we should not vaccinate.  But, honestly...the last time I listened to Jenny McCarthy...well, I have never listened to Jenny McCarthy.  I'm not even sure I would recognize Jenny McCarthy if you showed me a picture of her with clothes on.

I don't usually get into the vaccination debate because I don't hang out with people who are stupid.  If I wanted to post something about why it's so important to vaccinate your kids, I feel like it's the same as telling a hippie that they don't need to shower.

So...here is an official statement from me so nobody wonders what my views are on vaccinations.

Vaccinate your kids!  If you don't...you're dumb.  Enjoy the measles.



Now...you really have no reason to listen to me.  So...instead, listen to my good friend Jimmy Kimmel.

Post by Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Republicans should support gay marriage!

I've said this before, many times.  Maybe even on this blog.  But, here I go again. 

I consider myself a Republican.  Despite my complete disagreement with the party stance on gay marriage.  Because, to me...supporting gay marriage actually IS a Republican value.

What?  What do you say?  That makes no sense, Jason!  God hates the gays!  Oh, wait...I mean, God loves the gays...he just hates the act of being gay.  Pray out the gay, boys!  Pray out the gay!!!

Well, the topic of gay marriage is once again in the news with the knucklehead judges of the mediocre state of ALABAMA decide they are going to ignore their Federal superiors and NOT grant marriage licenses to gay couples. 

Ok.  Here's where I jump on my soapbox.

Many of the people in ALABAMA are Republicans.  These ALABAMA Republicans, as well as many other Republicans like many of their federal counterparts, oppose gay marriage?  Why, you may ask.  Well, simple.  Because God.

Let's discuss what it means to be Republican, for a minute.  You know, Republican like Lincoln thought of Republican.  Or Jefferson, or Goldwater, etc, etc.

Republican means low taxes.  Strong military.  States rights.  And...most important to this conversation LESS GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE!!!!

Since when did Republican equal "We should tell you who you can or can't get married to?"  Now, it is coming so far that judges are stepping in.  We get mad when Ruth Bader Ginsburg or Stephen Breyer "legislate from the bench." But when a nobody judge for ALABAMA wants to directly violate an order from the Supreme Court (called Supreme because that's as high as the court goes...it doesn't stop in ALABAMA) Republicans seem to think that's okie dokie.  WTF?

To my Christian brothers and sisters...particularly those that say you are Republicans.  I have this request.

GET OVER IT!!!!

Being gay doesn't hurt you.  Getting married to a same sex partner doesn't hurt you.  "Oh," you say..."it hurts the children?"  Prove it?  Cuz, all the research I've read says it doesn't.  And, I don't want to see any "research" done by Jesus Camp.

Ugh!  So annoying!  You guys seriously make it hard to convince people to vote Republican.

Oh...in case you're wondering why I keep shouting ALABAMA! It's because, whenever I say ALAMABA...I say it like Forrest Gump.