I am a big fan of Jim Morrison's writing and of The Doors music. Morrison's ability to create metaphoric imagery was beyond that of many (if not any) others in music (if not poetic) history. I truly believe that The Doors were one of the greatest Rock and Roll bands of all time.
Last weekend, on a beautiful desert evening, I took a drive, with the windows open and the stereo cranked. I put The Doors "L. A. Woman" into my CD player. On that album (side 2, first song if you have the vinyl) is an outrageously cool song called "L'America."
I've always thought of it as a neat story of a snake oil salesman, gypsies, voodoo, and the like. However... this is the first time I've listened to this song since the election of Barack Obama. Hmmm... neat story of a snake oil salesman...
I found a recording of this song on YouTube - so drop your acid, put the video on full-screen, watch the groovy visuals somebody put to the music - and then tell me if you don't think of Washington D.C., Obama, and Congress lately as you listen to Morrison chant and croon over the hypnotic march of John Densmore's drums, Robby Kreiger's eerie and methodical guitar, and Ray Manzarek's carnival-esque keyboards.
Lyrics transcribed below the video box for your convenience.
I took a trip down to L'America,
To trade some beads for a pint of gold.
I took a trip down to L'America,
To trade some beads for a pint of gold.
L'America, L'America, L'America.
L'America, L'America, L'America
C'mon people, don't ya look so down -
You know the rain man's comin' ta town!
He'll change the weather, change your luck -
And then he'll teach ya how to...
Find yourself.... L'America...
Friendly strangers came to town,
All the people put them down.
But, the women loved their ways -
Come again some other day...
Like the gentle rain....
Like the gentle rain... that falls...
I took a trip down to L'America,
To trade some beads for a pint of gold.
I took a trip down to L'America,
To trade some beads for a pint of gold.
L'America, L'America, L'America.
L'America, L'America, L'America
L'Ame - rica!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Something Is Different...
Eight years ago, on September 11. 2001, I awoke to the sound of my phone ringing at about 5:50 in the morning, Arizona time.
As I followed the advice of a friend who was calling to tell me to turn on the television, I couldn't believe what I was seeing.
I will never forget how quickly I awoke - truly wide awake, like a feeling I don't believe I had ever experienced...
We all felt that feeling, and while it was humanly unique to each of us, I know subconsciously we felt a common bond.
Fear, anguish, amazement, shock, astonishment, despair, concern... the emotions just ran through me as I watched the first tower smolder, and listened to the confused reporters talk to callers who witnessed what had happened just minutes before.
In an instant, the scene became extremely surreal. As United Flight 175 plowed into the side of the South Tower, it became overwhelmingly clear that America was under attack.
My first thoughts went to my parents. I called their house, they were both at work. My brother, my sister... "My God, what the Hell is happening?" I asked myself. I spoke with my sister, she was fine. Scared, but fine.
I left my brother a voicemail. Little did I know that about one hour later, he would hear United Flight 93 screaming overhead, followed by the sound of sirens in the distance. He was mountain biking in the hills of Pennsylvania and was within an incredibly short distance of the crash site.
To this day, he doesn't like to talk about it.
I spent the entire morning watching the most horrific events I had ever seen unfold right before my eyes. The fact that they hit The Pentagon... they actually caught us so off guard that they flew a jet plane into the side of our Military Headquarters...
I can not - I will not... ever understand the mindset that brings a person to act as those 19 evil persons did that day.
I went to work that evening. I was a manager of a Wendy's and it was business as usual, if having your clientele - each and every last one of them - thank you for being there. Just for making their hamburger and filling their drink... yet there was so much more to the words "thank you" that evening.
I spent the better part of my evening explaining to my young staff (two young ladies of Mexican descent and a high school boy) what I understood of what happened that morning. For the two young ladies, there was an extreme lack of ability to understand such hate. By nature these girls were both such kind people. The teenage boy seemed to have a better understanding; perhaps he had come from a military family, or maybe he just got it.
That is my recollection of September 11th, 2001.
About a week ago, I was searching YouTube for something generally unrelated, when I changed my search topic, and then ran across this video.
As intense as I know my feelings were that day, I sat with tears running down my face as I watched this homemade video, shot from just a handful of blocks away from Ground Zero. I can't begin to imagine witnessing those moments, literally within walking distance...
If you have the time, and the strength...
This year feels different. For the first time since that fateful day, I do not feel we are as safe as we were under the Presidency of George W. Bush.
That is a tragic feeling, one that I hope I am able to overcome.
God Bless The United States of America. Never Forget.
As I followed the advice of a friend who was calling to tell me to turn on the television, I couldn't believe what I was seeing.
I will never forget how quickly I awoke - truly wide awake, like a feeling I don't believe I had ever experienced...
We all felt that feeling, and while it was humanly unique to each of us, I know subconsciously we felt a common bond.
Fear, anguish, amazement, shock, astonishment, despair, concern... the emotions just ran through me as I watched the first tower smolder, and listened to the confused reporters talk to callers who witnessed what had happened just minutes before.
In an instant, the scene became extremely surreal. As United Flight 175 plowed into the side of the South Tower, it became overwhelmingly clear that America was under attack.
My first thoughts went to my parents. I called their house, they were both at work. My brother, my sister... "My God, what the Hell is happening?" I asked myself. I spoke with my sister, she was fine. Scared, but fine.
I left my brother a voicemail. Little did I know that about one hour later, he would hear United Flight 93 screaming overhead, followed by the sound of sirens in the distance. He was mountain biking in the hills of Pennsylvania and was within an incredibly short distance of the crash site.
To this day, he doesn't like to talk about it.
I spent the entire morning watching the most horrific events I had ever seen unfold right before my eyes. The fact that they hit The Pentagon... they actually caught us so off guard that they flew a jet plane into the side of our Military Headquarters...
I can not - I will not... ever understand the mindset that brings a person to act as those 19 evil persons did that day.
I went to work that evening. I was a manager of a Wendy's and it was business as usual, if having your clientele - each and every last one of them - thank you for being there. Just for making their hamburger and filling their drink... yet there was so much more to the words "thank you" that evening.
I spent the better part of my evening explaining to my young staff (two young ladies of Mexican descent and a high school boy) what I understood of what happened that morning. For the two young ladies, there was an extreme lack of ability to understand such hate. By nature these girls were both such kind people. The teenage boy seemed to have a better understanding; perhaps he had come from a military family, or maybe he just got it.
That is my recollection of September 11th, 2001.
About a week ago, I was searching YouTube for something generally unrelated, when I changed my search topic, and then ran across this video.
As intense as I know my feelings were that day, I sat with tears running down my face as I watched this homemade video, shot from just a handful of blocks away from Ground Zero. I can't begin to imagine witnessing those moments, literally within walking distance...
If you have the time, and the strength...
This year feels different. For the first time since that fateful day, I do not feel we are as safe as we were under the Presidency of George W. Bush.
That is a tragic feeling, one that I hope I am able to overcome.
God Bless The United States of America. Never Forget.
Acorn Cracked
Today on his radio show and website, Glenn Beck discussed a breaking story about a Baltimore office of ACORN that was caught on video, offering tax evasion advise to a couple who presented themselves as a pimp and prostitute and were not certain about how to present their lack of legitimate income. Head on over to Left Coast Rebel's page and check out the two videos he's posted along with his summary of the situation, as well as some other links offering more information. Also check Glenn's site (linked above) for a transcript of the discussion Glenn and his radio crew had with the young lady who chose to play a role in this exposure of corrupt activity.As I came in from work and logged on, I found this story on The Drudge Report, which details the fact that two ACORN employees have now been fired as a result of the exposure of their corruption, which also ran on Fox News Channel. Megyn Kelly, while discussing this issue on The O'Reilly Factor, said that at this time she sees no illegal activity in the tape she has viewed.
In a statement, ACORN Maryland board member Margaret Williams said the video was an attempt to smear ACORN, and that undercover teams attempted similar setups in at least three other ACORN offices.
No sign of this story on Huffington Post, Daily Kos, or Talking Points Memo. MSNBC had a small link in its "Other Top Stories."
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The Better To Hear You With, Mr. President
Wednesday evening, America heard from The Big Bad Wolf.
Make no bones about it, President Obama is attempting to cloak himself under Grandmother's dress, ready to jump out and eat America for dinner, or at least turn her into the Marxist paradise he so desires.
Specifically, beginning at 7:26 into this video clip, pay close attention to his words.
First he says: "To My Progressive friends, I would remind you that for decades, the driving idea behind reform has been to end insurance company abuses and make coverage available to those without it."
Sounds innocent enough.
"The better to hear you with, my dear."
Remember, though, that one of the best skills this man has is his ability to deliver a prepared speech to a crowd. Listen next to how quickly he turns a benign statement like that into a truthful tale of Progressive idealism:
"The public option is only a means to that end, and we should remain open to other ideas that accomplish our ultimate goal."
This is the telltale line, his Progressive signature. When Progressives hear a sentence like that, they know there is no plan for capitulation in this man's heart. This sentence means full speed ahead.
"The better to see you with, my dear."
Then, as swiftly as the wolf jumped up out of the bed, he says:
"And to my Republican friends, I say that rather than making wild claims about a government takeover of health care, we should work together to address any legitimate concerns you may have."
This is an effort to completely disarm the Conservatives who do not understand his real intentions. "Trust me, I am exactly who I make myself appear to be" is the message this sentence puts forward to an unsuspecting Blue Dog or moderate Conservative who might be on the fence about his or her vote.
"The better to eat you with, my dear!"
We must make sure that we are the Woodsman, and save Little Red Riding Hood - and America - from the Big Bad Wolf.
Make no bones about it, President Obama is attempting to cloak himself under Grandmother's dress, ready to jump out and eat America for dinner, or at least turn her into the Marxist paradise he so desires.
Specifically, beginning at 7:26 into this video clip, pay close attention to his words.
First he says: "To My Progressive friends, I would remind you that for decades, the driving idea behind reform has been to end insurance company abuses and make coverage available to those without it."
Sounds innocent enough.
"The better to hear you with, my dear."
Remember, though, that one of the best skills this man has is his ability to deliver a prepared speech to a crowd. Listen next to how quickly he turns a benign statement like that into a truthful tale of Progressive idealism:
"The public option is only a means to that end, and we should remain open to other ideas that accomplish our ultimate goal."
This is the telltale line, his Progressive signature. When Progressives hear a sentence like that, they know there is no plan for capitulation in this man's heart. This sentence means full speed ahead.
"The better to see you with, my dear."
Then, as swiftly as the wolf jumped up out of the bed, he says:
"And to my Republican friends, I say that rather than making wild claims about a government takeover of health care, we should work together to address any legitimate concerns you may have."
This is an effort to completely disarm the Conservatives who do not understand his real intentions. "Trust me, I am exactly who I make myself appear to be" is the message this sentence puts forward to an unsuspecting Blue Dog or moderate Conservative who might be on the fence about his or her vote.
"The better to eat you with, my dear!"
We must make sure that we are the Woodsman, and save Little Red Riding Hood - and America - from the Big Bad Wolf.
My Take On Health Care Reform
I believe health care and insurance "reform" is a lot more simple than a 46 minute Presidential address before a Joint Session of Congress, in the 29th speech on the subject in the past 6 1/2 months.As an "Average Joe" (but not a plumber) I would like to present my simple outline for what I believe should be done in a logical reform of our health care and insurance system.
We should not require all Americans to purchase insurance. This is a free nation of free people, and any absolute such as this "requirement" would be a huge infringement upon individual liberties. Having said that - those who choose not to cover themselves would be held responsible for any and all expenses incurred due to medical need, emergency or otherwise, therefore creating a fair implication of personal responsibility.
We should all be more than willing to come together as a nation and reform health insurance. I am even open to the idea of offering a program subsidized by the government through tax deductions or vouchers, but those deductions or vouchers would be used to pay for a policy held with a private insurance company, thus avoiding any government "panels" or "death squads."
There would, of course, need to be stringent eligibility requirements placed on such a program. However, there is no reason any American should be without the opportunity to receive quality medical treatment at a fair price, but for the government to become involved there must be some need beyond personal budget mismanagement or irresponsibility. Loss of work through no fault of the individual, as an example, is one reason a voucher system would be a good idea.
Additionally, this government involvement should be considered possible ONLY after the government proves that it can fiscally manage the health insurance it already offers; Medicare and Medicaid, and The Veterans Administration. Until then, and while working out the poor management within the government systems, we should begin reform with deregulation, creating the allowance for interstate sale of medical insurance.
We should institute solid tort reform, including the ability for judges to impose court and legal fees on nuisance cases. Furthermore, government can impose stringent regulatory statutes over blatant profiteering.
Finally, we should absolutely break down the insurance companies' current stance on preexisting conditions. A person should not be denied care because of an illness over which they have no control, and the government subsidy system should not become a backstop for these situations. Corporations are indeed entitled to a profit, but there is an interest of good ethical and humane behavior to be considered.
In closing, any reform being considered does not have to happen in one swift step. There is a responsible way to reform the system we have. Each step taken in the process should be analyzed carefully. This would help to ensure that each next step is a growth upon the previous changes.
As always, comments are welcome.
In The Interest Of Fair And Balanced
In his introduction of fellow host Rachel Maddow, and giving a synopsis of the President's address to the Joint Session of Congress, Keith Olbermann on MSNBC just said :
"Is this enough to sell it to the left, and is it not too much to sell it to the middle?"
"Is this enough to sell it to the left, and is it not too much to sell it to the middle?"
**** UPDATE****
As promised - the video. My point in posting this is the fact that there seems to be absolutely zero concern in his statement about where the political right stands on this issue. To further my point, every pundit and politician I've seen speak about tonight's speech has stated that President Obama clearly pandered to the base, offering not much more than sarcastic jabs to anyone who is not in lockstep with his agenda.
Without further adieu... comment as discussed begins around 4:40 with pure partisanship immediately following the Republican response to Obama's sales pitch, continuing to at least the 6:10 mark.
As promised - the video. My point in posting this is the fact that there seems to be absolutely zero concern in his statement about where the political right stands on this issue. To further my point, every pundit and politician I've seen speak about tonight's speech has stated that President Obama clearly pandered to the base, offering not much more than sarcastic jabs to anyone who is not in lockstep with his agenda.
Without further adieu... comment as discussed begins around 4:40 with pure partisanship immediately following the Republican response to Obama's sales pitch, continuing to at least the 6:10 mark.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
A Great Waste of Ten Minutes
Well... actually not, but then again...
Alright, I've watched almost ten minutes of Keith Olbermann and now, as you can probably tell, I'm becoming schizophrenic. It happens.
Help yourself to mind-numbing partisanship woven around a ridiculous rant about racism and what is clearly a warped version of reality, Liberal Progressive style.
About 1.3 million people a night (2 million, if you count the second run) get their fill of lunatic fringe from this hopeless case of a "infotainment jock" and his parade of moderately educated if not completely partisan guests.
Now see... I'm falling into his trap. The game of the left is to mock and name call to the point that you expect your audience will buy into your attempted dismissal and - without so much as the lift of an investigative finger - parrot the points put forward during your diabolical diatribe.
Quick to play the race card is Olbermann, and he is equally prepared to present Glenn Beck as a warrior in a duel; whereas to listen to Beck and truly understand his motives, this is not for individual gain or celebration.
Rather, this is to Beck something far more important, therefore incredibly difficult for a former sports jockey turned liberal teleprompter reader to comprehend. This is about Love of Country.
This is about Freedom, and the preservation of the Greatest Social and Political Experiment in the history of Mankind. Ratings are no concern, and advertisers can flee like rats from a sinking ship. Dollars be damned, there will be no trophy on a mantle, or mounted on a wall in the home of Glenn Beck.
Ultimately, I believe his wish is my wish, and I believe it to be yours as well.
Stars and Stripes Forever, and the preservation of the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave.
Alright, I've watched almost ten minutes of Keith Olbermann and now, as you can probably tell, I'm becoming schizophrenic. It happens.
Help yourself to mind-numbing partisanship woven around a ridiculous rant about racism and what is clearly a warped version of reality, Liberal Progressive style.
About 1.3 million people a night (2 million, if you count the second run) get their fill of lunatic fringe from this hopeless case of a "infotainment jock" and his parade of moderately educated if not completely partisan guests.
Now see... I'm falling into his trap. The game of the left is to mock and name call to the point that you expect your audience will buy into your attempted dismissal and - without so much as the lift of an investigative finger - parrot the points put forward during your diabolical diatribe.
Quick to play the race card is Olbermann, and he is equally prepared to present Glenn Beck as a warrior in a duel; whereas to listen to Beck and truly understand his motives, this is not for individual gain or celebration.
Rather, this is to Beck something far more important, therefore incredibly difficult for a former sports jockey turned liberal teleprompter reader to comprehend. This is about Love of Country.
This is about Freedom, and the preservation of the Greatest Social and Political Experiment in the history of Mankind. Ratings are no concern, and advertisers can flee like rats from a sinking ship. Dollars be damned, there will be no trophy on a mantle, or mounted on a wall in the home of Glenn Beck.
Ultimately, I believe his wish is my wish, and I believe it to be yours as well.
Stars and Stripes Forever, and the preservation of the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave.
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