JULY MUSINGS

Ever notice how at a certain level of money, income, etc. people suddenly become more miserly? I am not sure at what level that is-I'm apparently not there yet. But at some point a fear arises that someone is going to take it from them and a conservative philosophy takes over. It's mine-mine-mine. No one else should have it. Yet, charity begins at home and those who have the most can also give the most.

I know I don't understand why we continue to give handouts to people and countries who hate us and laugh at us behind our backs but feel such loathing and, lets call it what it is, fear of those at home in our own backyards who we are afraid are going to take what we have. They haven't earned it, it's mine.

One friend put it this way-people still believe they can be part of the rich and elite and as long as they think that, they are willing to trample others to get there. The sad truth is, yes, there is that possibility through much hard work and a probably a lot of luck, but most of us will just be what we are reliant on our jobs and savings to see us through. Yet we continue to idolize the 1% who, trust me, are laughing at us poor saps who continue to defend "their" lifestyles in hopes of achieving the same.

Put it another way. What did you do with your tax break? Spent it on necessities and paying off some bills. What did the 1% do? Another yacht or off shore account. Not condemning just observing. We need to understand this and start standing up for those who have no voice and influence. There's a lot of us in that 99% if we only understood our power.

LEADERS et al

I'm just one opinion. But don't we want leaders who ultimately make the decisions and carry the responsibility? From the President to the business owner, to the coach to the first line supervisor I believe that is what we get paid for. Yes, take other opinions, do your research, trust your gut, then make a decision. And be prepared to sit back and take the criticism from the 20-20 hindsight armchair quarterbacks who don't have the ability, or possibly the guts, to make any decision. At least not one where they bear the sole responsibility. Hang together so no one can say you alone did that. I believe that's called courage whether it be in the workplace, on a camping trip, in a crisis, privately or on a worldwide stage.

Dithering doesn't get the job done or the battle won. Sometimes even when the decision is to do nothing.

SUMMERTIME & THE LIVING IS BREEZY

June, one of the prime boating months and the Burt man gets a jury summons for the entire month! The Court eager to start ruining his summer right away, calls him in June 7.

We were pushing for him to wear his totally patriotic red, white & blue Tabasco American flag shirt, but he opted for quiet brown plaid instead. Apparently every form of dress is acceptable right up to the dude who was 30 minutes late wearing yellow and white beach gear and flip flops.

The "instructions" indicated proper garb as being casual-something you would wear to an interview or church. Huh? Now that's like receiving a wedding invite that specifies guest wear semi-dressy casual cocktail bathing attire.

Anyway he won the lottery right away and has an invite to a party on July 26. One day-no muss, no fuss, do not pass go and do not collect $200. Not sure if I can reveal his "voir dire" (look it up!)until after the trial so stay tuned. Needless to say no one in the courtroom laughed but I found it priceless!

MAY DAY MAY DAY

That's a prophetic title. Love things that have two different meanings.

Yes, the budget was done in record time. First time in 50 years. Two thoughts.

1) What will they do all summer now that their main work is done this highly effective full-time paid legislature- damage control I imagine.

2) Budget can be done in record time if you balance it on the backs who have the most to lose and the smallest ability to be heard. Plus graveling down or refusing to hear any opposition positions. This is democracy? But by golly, the promises were kept for business. Kudos

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.