RANDOM THOUGHTS

I probably should blog more often. Practice and all that. I remember Mother telling me, every uttering does not have to be O'Henry worthy. Well when you're anal of course it does.

I remember writing to my nephew Nic when he went to college. I would just sit and write nonsense about everyday things and he said there was a certain (warped) audience who would query on whether he heard from his crazy Aunt Sheila lately so they could hear the letters. I'm sure dramatic flair was utilized to emphasis my more outrageous ravings. An occasional check would also be enclosed which of course added to the interest level but I do think he enjoyed the letters too. There may be a market in writing nonsense that I should probably research. No worse than the "pap" that goes for news these days.

Isn't it interesting that multi-billion dollar corporations (read oil)are making the case that they need their tax incentives to continue their, oh I don't know, billion dollar quarterly profits or prices will go up (further) and jobs will be lost. Huh? Isn't business profit supposed to be used to increase product, fund new technology, expand the business etc? When did a work ethic and plowing your profits back into the business turn into government subsidies to make money? Yet certain groups want to condemn the poor and disenfranchised who are looking for some assistance as well from circumstances that were, in most cases, beyond their control? Odd that.

Middle east spring may be turning into the middle east winter Ben Stein says. Remember what happens to any of my brothers and sisters wherever they are happens to us all. Like it or not we are one world and too many petty, self-centered interests are battling for supremacy. If you ask most people they just want to live, love and thrive without espousing one radical cause or another. Unfortunately the ones who passionately care about dominating others seem to be winning.

And when did we ask those we elected to cram social and religious agendas down our collective throats. I believe you all ran on jobs, jobs and more jobs. Where the heck are the jobs, regulations against those who drove us into this economic nightmare and the help for America you promised? Hopefully our memories are long.

A young man who admittedly through his own fault, loses the ability to walk in a tragic accident, becomes an inspiration to an engineering professor and students at his university. He "walks" to his graduation and accepts his diploma. That's what its all about.

AT WHAT COST?

Well joyous news I guess. The State budget will be approved early and way ahead of deadline. I will admit that is an improvement. However how transparent a budget can it be when there are only two bills? One for Education and one for everything else. Interesting.

Though I realize I am not an expert I have to wonder. Doesn't that mean you can move funding all over without oversight, without debate, without interference? Appears "less than transparent". And since the chairs are stacked with questionable beings (lobbyists, old cronies from 8-10 yrs ago) and you know, favors must be paid back, do you think the "people" most affected will have any say or influence? Not "bloody" likely.

Let the games begin.

IS IT SPRING YET?

Hey I love Michigan and all its seasons, just not in the same week!!! It's crazy carrying an ice scraper, umbrella and sunglasses everywhere. Anyway been bugging the Burt man to get my hummer (hummingbird) feeder up to see if my buddy Humvee makes an appearance. Hmmm bugging about a bird feeder. I guess it's related. I could say badgering but then that introduces another species.

Anyway despite our best efforts to destroy the environment, my daffodils have come up for the record 29th year and the tulips are cautiously expanding and furiously retreating as the temperature plays havoc with their colorful destiny. The boat has made it from storage to the garage, but hitting the lake is a whole other story. The grass is lush except where the moles have made merry.

I believe we are heading directly into summer - do not pass GO - do not collect spring dollars. But darn it, we don't care what the thermometer says, shorts and sandals are in evidence everywhere. Now the young people I get, they wear them all winter. But the chick I saw today was over 65 unless I miss my guess. Funny how the older I get the more age I have to put on it to describe an "older" person. LOL. At any rate, ewwwwhhh.

JUST SAYIN'

What a joyous week. Michigan House passed a budget that taxes seniors and the poor, takes from schools, does away with property tax and charitable credits while giving big business a huge tax break. Now I know it's been since the early 70's since I took college econ, but I do believe I remember the old supply and demand scenario described by Professor MendelScleck. When you tax the crap out of the widget buyers, they don't buy widgets. Instead tax breaks allow huge bonuses and large salaries for short-time CEO's who do nothing to improve the bottom line. But apparently it's all the fault of the workers or the pensioners or the poor. It had nothing to do with Wall Street and the Banks greedily absconding with all the money (which funded the pensions btw) or large businesses run into the ground by inept management. Again basic economics says the company deserves to go under if it is not run efficiently. New economics apparently is strip the company of its assets, pay the top couple of folks and blame the workers. Sad part is, "we the people" are buying into it that it's all our fault and hating on each other. Hmmmmm

For 40 years the r's have been saying cutting taxes will lead to jobs. Uh duhh, definition of stupidity "keep doing the same thing and expect different results". I'm no genius, but I do think cutting entitlements to special interests and lobbyists that benefit a few, chasing fraud and waste rather than assuming "everyone" is on the "take" and taxing services would be palatable and would involve "all of us" to participate in the cure. Oops too logical I guess.

LOVE & OTHER MUSINGS

Mother told me when I first got engaged. Love is easy to find. Staying in love is hard. Being in the throes of exciting romantic love I did not fully understand what she meant.

Now 40 years later I think I am beginning to understand.

JUST SHOOT ME

Opinion this week on the legislation presented this week on doing away with "no gun zones" - churches, schools, sporting venues, etc.

"Carrying to a sporting event, a street festival or school without incident appears overly optimistic. Police are highly schooled on when to draw their weapon and even they make mistakes. With sports fans threatening referees on a decision and parents physically attaching other parents at their children's events, I have to think there will be times when good judgment will probably not prevail."

NO APOLOGY

Heard something today that underlines what I have been thinking for quite awhile. I am so tired of our constant "glamorizing of ignorance" and putting down education and intellectual abilities. We truly need the best of us, the most intelligent, the most educated to help solve the problems of this world. And we need to quit putting down compassion and offering a hand up as un-American.

Are you listening SP and others of your ilk? Notoriety does not give you the right to have a worthwhile opinion on matters that are clearly above your level of intelligence and experience. Those getting the press are merely loud entertainment. Meanwhile the worthwhile people of the world are quietly going about their business making it better for us all. Thank you.