IS IT OVER YET? SUMMER THAT IS.

So many things to rant about. Stock market continues to bounce as traders take quick profits. Love how they toy with our futures like that. No real progress on the "jobs, jobs, jobs" agenda the "r's" ran campaigns on. Ahh not happening boys and girls. Though the crackpots that keep climbing out of the primordial slime to throw their prospective chapeaus in the ring are amusing, if not downright scary! So I have an idea, let's vote for them again. Definition of insanity I believe.

There is such a frenzy on putting a negative spin on everything they want to pick on the prez for going on vacation??? Ahh the bushman took a month at a time, since I suppose technically he wasn't running anything anyway. That kind of proves it I think. If you still don't believe go back and watch the tape of him reading to the kiddies when all "hell" broke loose in New York and he just sat there because he really didn't know what to do-a show of being in charge would have been nice. And hello, (don't you hate valley girl slang) do you really think the prez isn't connected six ways from Friday no matter where he/she is-this ain't horse and buggy days folks. Geez.

Now let's start passing laws on "social issues", huh? Jobs, jobs, jobs remember and stay the hockey puck out of my bedroom and doctor's office. Independents, older people, young people and women do vote don't you know. Though the new rules on showing six pieces of ID, stating your "party" to vote and not allowing students access to voting in their college town smacks of a conspiracy of fear the "r's" have of losing their power grab status. Everybody needs to start showing some respect for the intelligence of the people they represent instead of telling us what is good for us. Two ears and one mouth for a reason folks. Whew-that rant was cathartic. I feel better.

I AM NOT AMUSED SAYETH THE JUDGE

Well the Burt-man had his day in court as jury member number 4.(you're always number 1 with me!). Anyway a simple domestic abuse charge-though I suppose you can never call that simple, managed to last all day until after 6 o'clock. What is amusing or tragic depending upon your point of view, the jury was out 20 minutes, did one paper vote and came back in "guilty". Apparently that could have been decided several hours earlier.

The first 3 hours were spent reviewing 7 medical records by prosecutor, defense and one witness. Couldn't you have stipulated those pieces of evidence before you tied everybody up all morning? As I told the boy when he left, remember justice is swift. Especially since I was waiting for him to get home to go to an event with me. His take on the whole thing was pretty much everyone appeared to be lying except the cop. As each witness did their utmost to destroy any previously submitted testimony it became "circus-like".

He enjoyed the judge who liked to cut to the chase when the defense went into long-winded hash and rehash of every question. At one point the judge said "you're going to ask her this" "her answer is that" move on. WTF? Was the lawyer getting paid by the hour? Oh yeah, he was. LOL.

NOT SO AMUSING

This picture illustrates why universal health care is needed. This is an actual picture from our break room at work on behalf of a student intern with no benefits. It is asking fellow workers to drop in their change to help a child fighting cancer. Working parents should not have to rely on charity to save their daughter's life.

JULY AMUSING

Busy July makes you wonder what is so horny about October when all these were conceived? July 16 is the paternal unit's 87th. In descending order - Saint Burt and Dr Mark attained Social Security status while young Jamie is only 9 months shy of terrorizing the neighborhood when he gets his learner's permit. That's just on the Sweet side with a couple more on the Ide side as well.

The occasion(s) will be suitably noted by our usual mix of potent libations, liar's poker and general hilarity marked by nasty and extremely judgmental (though witty) comments on old age. Works for us with paybacks both brutal and expected.

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!