Why the name Ranch Chimp? it was in humour because, science says that humans have similar DNA to a chimpanzee,so I felt some way related biologically to a chimpanzee. 2nd, everytime I was out of Texas on a vacation or for whatever reason I’m always asked things like, do I live on a ranch?,or have cattle? so I commonly call Dallas the Ranch. "Politically Depressed" was also humour inspired by the 1993- 2002 Bill Maher TV/ tele show "Politically Incorrect".
I wanted to open with the top video from Tony, he deserves it, and I know it took alot for him to come out with this, it was emotional for him ... and I give him so much credit for what he done here and all he has contributed to the Cowboys over the last 13 years ... Tony is throwing that long pass with a torch to Dak! Anyone who knows me around Dallas, knows how this been chewing at me now for a couple years, as far as us getting and grooming a new young quarterback ... earlier this year I was so excited of the possibility of getting Johnny Manziel or RG3 ... I was desperate hoping that the Cowboys would get someone for that position though, because of how critical it is to get a leader to lead and motivate a team ... dont get me wrong, I love Tony, but I seen all these injuries and surgeries, as well as now being 36 years old, and I was very concerned. Here comes Dak out of the blue ... I never even followed this guyz college career, he was not a hot pick, and we actually took this kid in as a 4th round draft pick ... how f'n lucky can we get?! What a performer this guy has been ... geeez ... he's the talk of the entire NFL today, Tony got injured again in the early pre- season, more surgery, more recovery time needed, and all we had was this rookie kid to connect with our veteran and new players ... Dak came in and kicked ass, and the team has really connected with him, he has sparked new life into our team, and works well with everyone. But it isnt just Dak, Cowboys right now going into week 11, have the best record in the NFL with 8 wins, 1 loss ... and that is "8 straight", which is difficult ... we have the best offense, and a tight defense too, and weapons on the offense right now, new blood and veteran weapons like Ezekiel Elliot, Cole Beasley, Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams, Jason Witten, just to name a few of this elite line- up. With a crew like this, I believe we have SuperBowl material, and can get in there again over the next few years.
I know it has been hard on owner/ manager Jerry Jones too, having 2 starters to have to choose (although Jerry described it as a good problem to have), for weeks having to look at his main quarterback sitting on the sidelines trying to recover from another surgery/ injury, who signed a $108 million dollar 6 year contract, $55 million guaranteed, $25 million signing bonus, and Tony has been like an adopted son to Jerry. Now it's time to step up after this season, and for Jerry to negotiate a new contract for Dak, who is proving himself ... like Tony said, football is a meritocracy (would be great if our politics were like that) ... he came in with lower starting 4th round pick rookie pay, and is proving himself, and the team loves him, the chemistry is right. Tony will be a backup quarterback now, Dak is the new starter, so Tony will have his back too, and have plenty to teach Dak as he leads the boys. The great thing is, Dak is 23 years old, yet very mature as far as leadership qualities, he has alot of good years ahead, his performance has been outstanding, even in college, he has an unbelievable passing arm and game, he moves well, can run and scramble well too. That is why it is no#1 importance, to jump his pay asap, you dont want to lose this kid ... I know there are NFL teams as I write this coast to coast, kicking themselves in the ass for not grabbing this kid in the draft! ... and it's been Dak's dream since childhood to become a Cowboy. Congratulations Dak ... we love you here in Dallas ... and Jerry will take care of you salary- wise, the weather's good and no state income tax, stick around awhile! I wont shut up, so below some video and newread ... I also wanted to post this last game highlights from last sunday up in Pittsburgh, which is the game that finalized it for Dak, and put us in first place in the NFL ... this game was awesome, it went back and forth, this is what great football is all about, and Pittsburgh really gave us a tough fight to the last 10 seconds of the game, I couldnt even sit I was so pumped up on this game!
Dak Prescott Responds to Tony Romo's Statement on Cowboys & Quarterback Situation | NFL ... Thanx to NFL **** you will have to click as will be instructed below to watch on YouTube (NFL policy on their videos)
This posting will serve as Part 11 of the "Political Corruption & Ethics" series of this journal/ blog, which I will also explain why I chose to include it in this series as well. I wanted to open with the top video from Farron Cousins, because Farron is just straight common sense and reality, with no bullshit ... let's face it, even though the Democrats/ Clinton got the popular vote, you rank low as far as performance and strategies, and are losers as a result ... you can blame it on the Russians, the polls, the right wing fundamoralists, electoral vote, Martians, the Devil, the weather, etc. ... but it is what it is, and ya'll are what ya'll are in the establishment and DNC, eh? I never planned on doing a post elections follow up on this blog, because I was disappointed in the results (not angry at all though), I mean ... I'm an independent who supports and votes Democrat is why (a Bernie Sanders supporter in the primaries), so I felt no victory or joy, this is just a spontaneous reaction because of the peoples response, that dont want Trump. I wasnt even watching the elections as it was going down election night ... why? ... because I just assumed from all the media, polling, pundits, big money spent, etc ... that this would be a slam dunk win for Clinton and Democratic Party ... so I was totally wrong in my assumption. At the same time, despite my disappointment, this also shows that there is still a certain amount of actual democracy left in this country, not just the power of multimillionaires and billionaires ... which is a positive. I received a text message from my daughter election night, probably around 10:30pm (CST) saying "... Hey dad, you watching this election? ... it's crazy ...", so I got to a tele and turned on PBS network, and I believe that it had Trump at about 240+ or so, and Clinton about 215, with the news folks covering, looking worried, and coming up with all these twisted scenarios and strategies on ... this state may do this, or swing this way, or asking for recounts, and other nonsense ... I simply just threw my hands up and said "... that's it ... fuck it, the Republicans got this ...", before the elections even got finished, turned off the tele, texted my daughter back and told her the Republicans got this, and went to bed. My wife was in the bedroom sound asleep from a long busy day, and I sure as Hell was not going to wake her and tell her, because I know when she finds out, she will be sad or whatever ... being she was so excited to see a woman/ Clinton get the nomination, and she despises Trump, she told me a few months back when we were watching the news on the tele ... "I dont care if she lies, they all lie, I want a woman President! ...".
Abby Martin: A New Resistance Born Out of Trump ... Thanx to teleSUR English
As far as Trump being our new President come 2017 ... it was not so much Trump as President that concerned me, as much as it was the Republicans having such a stronghold in the Congress and Senate, because most people will vote straight party, and not only on Capitalism Hill (Capitol Hill), but this growing strength state to state, I mean, the Democratic Party is the only strong enough party to challenge them, the Green or Libertarian Party cant. The talk about Trump being evil, scary, reincarnation of Hitler, wanting to put women in shackles/ bondage and rape them, or shit on people of colour and muslims, etc ... he does business with anyone, whether they're gay, muslim, christian, latino, women or whatever, he's a fast thinking hustler out of NYC ... not a politician giving speeches for 100's of thousands of dollars a pop, expecting corporations to pay his way, eh? I had no evidence to believe that he is the monster he's being painted as ... I need evidence, not just million dollar election propaganda via media, and bad mouthing from Trump to think that, which is about as useless to me as a preacher on sunday and religious garbage. Trump had to sell a product (himself), and is a good salesman and hustler, he was going for the crowd of people that were sick and bloody tired of political establishment insiders ... he was saying the shit that many people are saying among themselves, the concerns of Americans, like Bernie Sanders did ... while Clinton was looking more like a smiling robot of political establishment correctness, who also carried a rep with alot of baggage, as well as her husband. I think that Trump is one that "can" be moderate as well, he is a negotiator when it comes to the business game, and knows how to negotiate, but that is up to him, and how he deals with Washington and his party. The concern I have is the Republican Party and establishment, because he doesnt know Washington, and will depend on them for alot to learn from and for advice ... and I know how persuasive people like Paul Ryan can be, Ryan can politically hustle the shirt off your back, and you wont see him coming, with his cute all American puppy dog look and sales pitch ... Ryan is a real leader type, then you have this Mike Pence at his side, more bad news. The Republicans didnt even want him, but they are fair to their base voters, and dont use superdelegates, well, at least not officially, or how the Democrats delegate system seems to work (used in the Democratic Party) to override their peoples choice, they wanted to distance themselves from him, many didnt want to endorse him, or be affiliated with him, like Democrats didnt want Sanders, but they stuck with Trump, and now they should be kissing his ass, because the Republicans were in the shitter too, if it wasnt for Trump, same as Democrats would be in the shitter even worse, if it wasnt for Sanders, because Sanders is what fired up the Democrats this year, the only other thing you had going for ya'll, was a female candidate, without Bernie jumping in, ya'll wouldnt have known whether to laugh, cry, take a shit, or wind your watch by election day ... both these parties establishment are pretty much worthless leftovers, and about as much needed as tits on a bull.
Many people are in the streets coast to coast daily, protesting against this new President and the elections results, and for good reason too ... they feel let down, so it is healthy in a therapeutic way, mentally and physically to have this ritual of retaliation, as far as any anger or violence is concerned, it comes with the territory, and is the roots of what this democracy has been and should be about, while exercising our Constitutional rights. The people have been let down tremendously year after year, decade after decade, by this conservative, neocon, and neoliberalism vermin, that has contaminated democracy and our political structure ... a clear result of the money in politics, which led to the legalized/ legislated bribery and political corruption, a deterioration of balanced ethics, and the disintegration of our democracy. But this resistance is the only way to deal with these people, and by means other than just holding up a sign, praying/ hoping while lovingly holding hands, etc ... you deal with them by raising Hell and force as well, closing down freeways, disrupting business, etc, etc ... as far as those politicians in their bubbles in Washington like President Obama, Secretary Clinton and others saying "we want a peaceful transition" (which they have to say, because they know protests will break out) ... what the people want and what ya'll want in Washington is 2 different things, eh? ... ya'll speak for yourselves, you sure as Hell dont speak for these frustrated people. President elect Trump has been quick as well to talk since the election, he said he definitely wants to select pro- life nominees for the Supreme Court, but I also think he would consider moderates for the high court, just because one is personally pro- life, doesnt necessarily mean, they will try to overturn the right for a woman to choose, making balanced acceptable law and ones personal choice while on the bench, is 2 different things and jobs ... when you go to work, you leave your personal life at home, we all know, including those in Washington, how importante abortion rights are, as much as marriage equality, whether we agree with it or not. Trump said now, after the elections, that he is open to renegotiating a wall vs. fencing as well on the Mexico/ U.S. border, and only looking to deport illegal aliens with criminal backgrounds (which is a little tricky, because any low level offense these dayz can give you a criminal record), he is also in support of some of ObamaCare/ ACA, he is calling for term limits in Congress, he is saying that the money is contaminating politics and he wants it out and limited, not deporting muslims, but vetting some immigrants more closely, cut this outrageous war spending, which he says now, that the amount we spent, could have rebuilt our own infrastructure 2 times over, he now says that he will keep only a dollar of his paycheck as President, and give the rest to charity (watch Trump on that one though, he's a hustler, and if he can write it off on taxes, he will ... heh, heh, heh, heh, heh {:-), he wants to "negotiate" better deals on healthcare costs, and our loose foreign spending (something Congress never even attempted as a whole), opposes TPP, and wants to renegotiate past trade agreements such as NAFTA (and Canada and Mexico said they're open to renegotiation), so it wouldnt surprise me if he is not as hardcore and evil as he's being painted as is my point.
If he is all for what he has been saying publicly since he won the election, his opposition may be from his own party, without even need for Democrats to oppose him, because what he is saying now, many establishment Republicans are not going to go along with easily ... only time will tell, what Trump will actually do, and really how strong he will be at standing firm ... Obama for instance didnt stand firm enough against Congress who relentlessly obstructed everything he proposed. And just Supreme Court nominees is not the only issue, there will be over 100 additional judicial nominations for Trump to make to lower federal courts (NPR/ KERA), so that is a very big issue. If Trump is anything like what he is looking like right now, I think the Republicans will be first to challenge him. I also want to point out though, before the elections he said he wanted to cut up to 80% of all regulations and oversight, which is a huge negative for consumers, business, health and safety, and the environment, and he also in pre- election, refused to acknowledge the scientific evidence, that global warming is human caused (at least drastically by a hundred fold accelerated in my view by human activity, despite the scientific/ paleoclimatologist evidence of the Earth's warming and cooling trends), this is also a huge negative, science and common sense sayz otherwise ... our activity over the last century, can no way NOT effect the air, water and land. The other problem is, because of his lack of political experience, the Republicans are going to pressure him big time on what to do and who to pick for advisers and cabinet choices, Stephen Bannon for example was a lousy pick/ appointment to be chief strategist and senior counselor to Trump ... he already has several Wall Street types in view, and he wants them to deal with Wall Street, because as a businessman, he looks at those types as the kind that actually know Wall Street ... the trick is ... trying to get them to change things ... this is something that Clinton would be good at, since she was in bed with Wall Street and knows how to politically move them, but business wise Trump is a good hustler, so if he's sincere about wanting to tighten them up, he will deal with his advisers as a strong businessman, and stand for what he wants to accomplish too, like he does in the non- political world ... otherwise they will fuck you big time Mr.Trump, especially Wall Street, in a New York minute, and you know it ... so you better be as damn strong as you say you are. As far as the Democrats opposing him, that is their job, I just hope that what the Democrats do oppose, will be the peoples and nation's needs, not just the party's and corporations needs, there are already enough Republicans to do that. I agree with Farron at the top video, where he sayz that the DNC needs to be flushed out, cleaned up, etc ... and no, choosing Donna Brazile to lead the party is not wise, or even Howard Dean, you dont get rid of an asshole in last minute desperation like Debbie Wasserman Schultz ... and replace them with more assholes and incompetent losers, unless ya'll wish to remain losers. A closing video below I wanted to add, of opinions of people on the street protesting Trump in Berlin and NYC.
Word Out ....
Protesting Trump's America: Nationwide Demos Continue Against Racism, Xenophobia & Islamophobia ... Thanx to DEMOCRACY NOW
This posting will be Part 46 of the "Veterans Spotlight" series for this journal/ blog ... and to honour and highlight our veterans for "Veterans Day", which is importante to me, as one can see throughout this journal/ series. It's hard to imagine for folks like myself, who never been in combat or the military, to clearly understand the impact of war, but I had many familia, friends that served. We also dont think much about where we would be without strong defense in the world we have, so these folks are part of what I consider as the elite as far as defense, the best trained in the world in my opinion as well. But at the same time, I am disappointed in how our government does not work in the best interests of our troops and the American people, and instead, treats them as disposable ... while to me, the ones who are disposable and worthless to us, is the candy- ass multinational corporate/ banking/ Saudi ass- sucking political puppet network we have in Washington .... which in my opinion, wouldnt disappoint me a bit, if our own military laid down the law and dealt with these bastards in Washington and take more control ... I'll just leave it there though. But, I wanted to add some experiences of veterans below in their own words at least here, of this ongoing battle it seems we have in Afghanistan and Iraq (yes, I have friends and familia that served and serving in both, and multiple tours). I also wanted to add some video and newsread below, of the "burn pits" in Iraq and Afghanistan, and how it is harming not only the citizens and environment of these countries, but 10's of 1000's of our veterans. I wanted to add that, because it is something that was conveniently swept under the rug fast, of course, this is also why I have criticized our invasion and methods of intervention since day one, the first red flag for me, going up in 2003 ... because I knew that Cheney and his friends were fixin to milk us on contract awards, it could financially bankrupt us as well, and it would go on and on and on ... but many people didnt understand that at the time, and veterans (our finest) would end up with the shit end of the stick basically. Thank You to our military defense, veterans, for their strength under pressure, integrity, will and persistence to get the job done that they are ordered to ... more below ... Word Out ....
"Lone Survivor" SEAL recounts deadly battle ... Thanx to CBS THIS MORNING
A Marine Squad's Lone Survivor- Iraq War Stories ... Thanx to WALL STREET JOURNAL
This will be Part 10 of "The End Must Be Near" series of this journal/ blog ... for a little light humour. But what inspires this posting is also about how many Americans are under so much stress because of this election year, that I been reading in the news (NPR/ KERA) ... the choices, the endless yapping, the bitch fights, the lies/ bullshit ... and the medias playing you like yo-yo's, up and down and all around, with the polls and pundits 24/ 7 ... and Thank Goodness this bloody damn thing is ending in a couple dayz, heh, heh, heh, heh, heh {:-) As far as the Presidential part of this election, that gets the bulk of the atencion, this is nothing but like a wrestling bout of words and bullshit between multimillionaires and billionaires, who have a evident past of close friendship. So do yourself a favour (since many in Washington are unlikely to do shit for you {:-), DON'T let this stress you out, DON'T turn on your familia, friends, neighbours because of this nonsense, lose sleep, or wake up wednesday morning with the red- ass (angry). I have talked to folks around Dallas, that say they're confused on how to vote ... I told them ... "dont worry yourself, there will be other elections, if you cant decide, just flip a coin or pull straws, leave it there and forget it ... it's not worth it to you mentally" ... and trust me, I been playing this game for 4 decades. It's enough as it is all the stress American's feel, you dont need this. My first pick for a Presidential candidate, Bernie Sanders, didnt make it, but I'm sure not gonna lose sleep over it, for me, the House and Senate are more importante who gets in and who gets the boot ... but even if it dont come out the way I like, no problemo, just stay on their asses, voting, boycotting, signing petitions, social media, and holding them accountable ... cause they sure as Hell aint gonna hold themselves accountable, and many wouldnt give the average American the time of day if you met them on the street. But I been hearing/ reading as well about how this has divided families and friends ... which is also not cool ... let them in Washington fight and bitch with each other, they're getting paid big $$Bux$$ to, you're not getting a paycheck, dont let it effect your relationships. I shook hands and even befriended many from both sides and the extreme on both sides over the years, just because I vote Democrat, doesnt mean I dislike you if you're a Republican voter, we have more in common as middle and working class American's, than in common with some of this overpaid and over- praised crowd in Washington, their campaign talk only is meaningful to us as Americans, if they show through their actions, they will try to do what they say in campaigns, even if they dont make it, but at least "try", that's enough for me. A little video below to close out with I found on YouTube ... Enjoy!
STRAIGHT OUTTA OPTIONS (UNCENSORED) ... Thanx to ROSS EVERETT
This posting for the music/ arts honour roll society of this journal, is one I been intending to get in here for some time, to highlight "Little Richard" (wikipedia) out of the music capital of Georgia, Macon. Little Richard contributed so much to form the rock and roll music of America in the 1950's, driving the charts and pumping up audiences during intense shows ... it was my mom that turned me on to Little Richard in the early 1960's, she was a big fan of his singing in particular. Little Richard is a trademark vocalist as well, that had so much influence on so many, in particular, he personally taught vocal work and his music to Paul McCartney, and The Beatles at a time in their first start were thrilled to be brought into the scene as an opening act for Little Richard, Jimi Hendrix got a big start playing for Little Richard ... and influencing many noted artists, from Otis Redding to James Brown to Michael Jackson to Bon Scott (AC/ DC), and many others. This era and foundation of rock and roll at the time, was exclusively American, which is mainly what inspired rock bands to form and multiply during the British invasion of the newer amplified blues, hard rock, metal, and gave new dimensions to R&B music. Little Richard played on so many labels, with so many artists, many awards/ honours, spiced up many popular covers he done, as well as his own, and was a pretty good pianist of that genre of the 1950's, starting out from beating on kitchen pots and pans to being influenced by noted gospel singers in shaping his vocal work and powerful voice, started doing vocals as a kid in church and played sax, and just continued to move up, and what a life this guy had, which you can view in the Wikipedia above. Thank You to Richard for his contributions and influence, and the great classic pieces ... more below ... Enjoy!
Little Richard- Live- Ready Teddy- 1966 ... Thanx to CHILSON SIRE
Little Richard -- Long Tall Sally -- Tutti Frutti ... Thanx to Orvil Morris
This posting will serve as Part 45 of the "Veterans Spotlight" series of this journal/ blog. It is to focus on the bonuses pay back issue that is at top of this posting in opening CNN video ... also there is a petition to our loved ones in Washington above to sign. The good news is, that Secretary of Defense Ash Carter already ordered the Pentagon to stop clawing back excessive recruiting bonuses paid to California National Guardsmen (USA Today) ... but understand, many have already been milked, and this I assume will only be to roll this matter over till 2017, much having to do with these elections ... I mean, there is going to be a thorough investigation on who's at fault or not, which I expect to go on for some time, it is way past due, because Congress already knew so much, but failed to act (an old familiar tune), so pressure needs to continue to be applied. But first I wanted to start with some news background on this linked below, and after a video interview with former Iraq War Veteran Mike Prysner ... then after below, I wanted to add my two cents.
This is a perfect example too, of how loose defense spending is in this country and lack of oversight, this should NOT be difficult to avoid with proper oversight, and is an incredible blemish on how things are done in such a so called efficient world leading country ... I mean ... it's shameful, more of our "American exceptionalism" I reckon. Good that this came up during a critical election time, to at least force it to be addressed ... but sad, being at a time, when we have a Presidential candidate (Donald Trump), who has a mission day one going into office of eliminating 80% of all regulations and oversight in the country, so you think were in tough shape now, imagine how food, drug and environmental safety neglect, fraud, corruption and crime would run wild under his vision in these times, eh? You have a small handful of people in the military recruitment ranks that orchestrated this, under pressure as well to do this recruiting, the majority of those who received these bonuses and other incentives, done so with no criminal intent, they were made an offer, many tight on funds trying to earn a living and support themselves and families, you do a job and expect to get paid what's promised, that's business, after all, we pride ourselves as capitalists, eh? ... well then. Yet those who served are under siege by the Pentagon, many already paying back with interest by the month, and barely able to make ends meet in civilian life after their services rendered, so promised payment/ compensation was due ... Washington fucked up on this, not our veterans. Military bad apples like Master Sgt. Toni Jaffe, is already convicted and serving her 30 months federal prison sentence for her part (as well as ordered to pay back $15 million), and some others will be charged I'm sure, who will also pay something and some time, and have tax liens or wage garnishments on them for life, anyone else is innocent until proven guilty in our democracy, bottom line. Also understand that this is just focused right now on California, can you imagine how long and deep this will be when all states are investigated, and the costs? ... bottom line for me ... forgive the debt overall, like you would on any loss, and simply charge those who committed criminal offenses, and tighten up existing oversight, it's already done ... dont cry over spilt milk.
But there is a history as well in this country of screwing veterans on pay/ benefits time after time, back in 1924, when President Calvin Coolidge vetoed a bill to grant owed bonuses to World War 1 veterans, he said that "patriotism is not bought and paid for" ... then, dont offer what you dont intend or expect to pay, it's that simple, perhaps President Coolidge should have forfeited his pay check, eh? ... President John Kennedy kept a dollar of his paycheck and gave the rest to charity ... that's patriotic, eh? ... maybe some of our multimillionaire Congress members and their corporations should sacrifice some pay ... maybe G.W.Bush and Dick Cheney should chip in, they made a bundle on these wars! I support our veterans 110% as you can see in this journal/ blog, what I dont support is some of our intervention and missions that our vets are sent into by Washington ... when we are not under attack, I dont see any reason to attack, if we are under attack, attack back with tremendous strength ... regardless of it being in the interests of multinational corporations based in America, but wanting our financial and military support abroad for their endeavors, yet not wanting to be American when it comes time to pay taxes, I know alot of people would disagree with me ... but I would tell those folks, to dip into their deep wealthy pockets and pay some of their own way ... they're sure as Hell not strapped for cash! With all the interest, tax liens and wage garnishments on veterans, it is also like getting double the cash issued out back if/ when all are paid up ... like one of those cheesy too big to fail bank tele commercials you see in prime time programming, that are aimed to screw bank customers through a gimmick. What has been done is done, and just milking these vets is not a smart solution, or the least expensive way to deal with this, which can cost more in the long run if too lengthy, since they talk about getting back the taxpayers money. For the amount that these bonuses costs, you could pay this off simply by donating the cost of an F-35 fighter jet ... leave it all right there and costs settled, simple ... not spending several years and millions trying to squeeze blood out of turnips, eh? The DoD and related Washington budget and expenditures is enormous, the waste on things like inoperable multimillion dollar gas stations in a place like Afghanistan or whatever, the loss of billions in shrink wrapped U.S. currency on skids that just mysteriously vanished from Iraq, or any of the over-bloated infrastructure money we spend to rebuild what we first destroy from bombing, etc, in these places, that cant even be properly maintained and utilized by the citizens in those countries ... this is what really needs to be tightened, regulated and cracked down on more.
This posting will serve as Part 6 of "America's Vote Boat" series of this journal/ blog ... to highlight just the first day or 2 of early voting here in Texas, and they say that now is the time to get out to vote, because next week, the lines will even be heavier ... and as my wife Rosalie said this morning ... "don't vote, don't bitch" (meaning, if you do not vote ... you have no reason to bitch about the politics) ... which inspired part of the posting title, so get your asses out to vote. It's not just in Texas with this big turnout, I been reading this all over the country, I'm just highlighting Texas, cause I live here, and we have a decent amount of voters registered in Texas at 15,015,700. I just got back from voting here in Northwest Dallas, and it is the heaviest amount of voters I ever seen here in the first couple dayz of early voting, it usually isnt heavy until the actual voting day, we had a line about a block long, and there are many places to vote around Dallas- Fort Worth. The new voter ID law was no issue for me, I simply flashed my drivers license, didnt even take it out of my wallet, nor did they look at it hard ... they say you can also bring a utility bill, water, electric, cable tele, or whatever, if you dont have any ID, or if you have none of that, you can simply sign your name on a sheet saying you are legit, so there shouldnt be much issue with that.
As far as how I voted ... that was a toss up ... in fact this morning while at Starbucks in Addison with my daughter, I told her I wanted to vote for Jill Stein and the Green Party today, while waiting in line at the voting polls in Northwest Dallas later, I changed my mind after giving it some thought, I voted for Hillary Clinton and straight Democrat. But, I didnt vote this way out of fear, in other words, Trump doesnt scare me a bit, unlike many. While in line, I was thinking about how hard Senators like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren fought ... as well as those progressives that are sincerely trying to make change in the Democratic Party, I been reading about so much concerning pharma pricing control, to social security strengthening, to making adjustments to ObamaCare/ ACA, to affordable higher education, to ending Citizens United and so on, that Democrats been talking heavy on ... so I said ... "what the Hell, at least give them the benefit of the doubt". No, I have been skeptical about Hillary Clinton, and she certainly wasnt my first choice of a candidate, voting in the primaries for Sanders, and I have reason as I point out in related series in this journal. However ... I thought that I should at least give Hillary Clinton also that benefit of doubt, she has the experience, she said she wants to make good, and I would hope that she wants to heal some past mistakes ... so I believe just in fairness and giving folks a chance, as hard as she worked, even working the campaign circuit while sick with a case of pneumonia weeks back, trying her hardest to talk to crowds while having a bad cough ... to give her a chance ... she worked hard. I was also interested in getting back a Democrat majority in the House of Representatives and Senate ... if they regain power, and with help of progressive Dem's try to do as much possible, of what they say they want to, it will be a relief from anything that the Republicans want to impose ... if the Democrats and Clinton screw around too much ... I will probably not vote for them again in 2018/ 2020, I'll go third party ... I just feel to give them a chance. Some newsread/ video below.
This posting will be Part 9 of the "American Trade" series for this journal/ blog, which will focus on TiSA ... something that I wanted to include to this series. This is another issue that isnt getting mainstream media atencion ... yet, it is VERY importante to be aware of this, and to challenge it while we more easily can ... and either way we go, were gonna take a beating ... understand, it is coming. I wanted to open at top with President Obama ... because what he sayz here, is very true too ... as I have pointed out since the beginning of these related series and journal ... what our loved ones in Washington are not sharing, is the situation that we are in as far as our country and the global economies ... the bottom line ... they are worried, just like the President is ... and they are in private negotiations as I write this. I also below that, included the video from WikiLeaks channel, I was searching for someone to try to explain on YouTube in plain english what is happening and why ... I thought these folks summed it up perfectly and kept it simple ... and reason for that, is that I talked to many folks locally over the last few years, who heard of these trade deals, but have no bloody idea what is going on as far as what they consist of, alot of folks just dont have time for much research, and these mega- corporate entities like it that way. This has been alot of work for these corporate/ finance entities and government's (particularly ours) that been going on for decades, to try to enforce a 'one size fits all' standard globalization of our economies ... in recent years, these deals have all been on the 'fast track' (they 'get' while the gettins good, after all, they're hustlers) ... again, these corporate entities and 'too big to fail' financial institutions, are becoming less and less needed as we evolve in technologies and science ... they are positioning themselves to BE NEEDED and depended on ... and right now they have our government's in places like the U.S. and European countries weakened, in a submissive desperate position, after years of milking us financially. They are the ones that created this mess intentionally ... we would and will globalize naturally over time and integrate with trade and everything else ... but those at the top cant wait, and they especially dont want to lose strength. This TiSA deal is lousy, because it will tear down GATS (General Agreement on Trade in Services) too, killing it.
As far as the U.S. ... for years we have made too many mistakes, we have also let our political leadership become too dependent on these institutions, and gave out too many favours to them ... now, we are looking for an economic saviour, as well as thinking, they're going to save democracy, but letting them chip away any democracy we do have. We are depending on the same institutions that are responsible for taking us to where we are, to get us out of the rut they put us in with our help and generosity. I'm not saying that these large corporations and financial institutions didnt do nothing (yet we give them far too much welfare in my opinion ... after all ... they're not helpless, disabled or in poverty, they're drowning in profits and wealth as it is) ... they have contributed as well to much progress, but there is a flip- side to everything, we been on a one way street through this. We have handed out too many favours and been way to generous with these folks, and way to generous babysitting the middle east with spending on wars, intervention and the rest. While in the U.S., we are increasing in poverty, and damn near doing nothing for ourselves ... China at the same time is a world leader in eliminating their poverty, bringing 2/3rds of a billion of their people out of extreme poverty ... investing in health, education, infrastructure, and other developing countries building them up ... that is why I called China the "sleeping giant" earlier in this journal. Many of us criticize China being a communist government, yet we fail to see, that we live under what I look at as 'corporate communism', and losing our peoples power on everything, in the name of 'mass privatization' ... thinking we are free market, but being played for fools, and regulated to the gills, while legislatively 'deregulating' these huge entities ... who are only wanting to get so huge, because smaller competition in a real system of free market and capitalism, would devour them ... making them 'obsolete'. These entities also worry about China to an extent ... why? ... because you have a stronger government in China, that does not let these multinationals 'own them' ... China actually makes decisions for their best interests as far as their people, infrastructure, education or whatever is needed ... while our government bends over and drops to their knees whenever corporate banking entities bark and demand ... let's face it, we havent had hardly any great leadership in decades in this country ... they are passive and weak in that area, and now even depend on these entities to run our elections, and write damn near all our legislation.
We get snowballed into thinking we are doing the 'right thing' ... we are world leaders, exceptional, etc, etc ... what we are great and exceptional at, is losing our asses too, while kissing too much ass. No, I wouldnt support any unfair trade deals like these, any more than I would go along with invading some country to exploit their resources and people, or would have bailed out these banks without a stronger commitment and agreement from them ... I'm pro- capitalism like them, businesses come and go, boom and bust ... you take the risks and fuck up ... you accept the consequences ... that's REAL capitalism, and fair trade is not monopolies with no competition all in the interests of a few. Trade in services? ... this is contaminating to services and the consumers of such, it shortchanges the customer, countries and citizens, it destroys our ability to negotiate, hold anyone accountable for bad products or destruction of the environment, to our individual economic situations, that are uniquely different depending on the region/ country, and destroys democracy, sure as Hell not spreading democracy. President Obama sayz above, that any progressive wants to try to make higher standards in those regions that are lacking, as far as for workers and the environment ... yeah, people do ... but putting a noose around our own neck, and foot in a trap giving up what little democracy we do have, doesnt help either ... that's just catchy sales talk/ pitch. You cant tell us that healthy multinational trade deals cant be made without giving those largest financial and corporate entities 'absolute power' ... even trade history proves otherwise. Many European countries DONT want to have to reduce their standards to be more like the U.S., can you blame them?, they didnt spend decades and centuries building what they have, to throw it away. We in the U.S. shouldnt have any reason to reduce our standards either, to please a small amount at the top, that want to have a monopoly and control over all us ... for what? fear of China's power? ... we made China what they are, we went to them years ago ... now we worry? We may not be No.#1 alwayz ... and what's wrong with that? When we all accept this nonsensical institutionalized idea of equality, without our rights and balanced opportunity, presented by the few on top, and competing for their benefit only instead of ours, while cutting wages to enhance their growth and prosperity only ... we degenerate our quality of living, standards, and much more, only to make those few at the top No.#1. Below, some read from WikiLeaks on TiSA, and from an expert on trade and democratic global governance, Deborah James.
This posting will serve as Part 6 of the "American Jobs" series of this journal/ blog, which I wanted in this series because it is such a great job by these Minneapolis- St.Paul area janitorial workers, and is genuinely what they call "multitasking", after all ... that's what we expect today more than ever, eh? ... these folks got the job done in more wayz than one. This backfired on the contractors that were ripping off workers, as well as shortchanging in a sense, their clients that bought the contractors services, to keep it 'on the cheap', even resulting in $1 million in back pay and damages to the workers. This is a case where the workers/ janitors exposed them all in one shot too, with pressure on these big retailers like Target, Best Buy, and Macy's ... who were so sick of the pressure, embarrassment, and exposure, they started to sit down and bargain with these workers, while at the same time 'dumping' the contractors, reducing these shady contractors from 20 companies to 4, heh, heh, heh, heh, heh {:-) ... contractors that even had employees clocking in as a 'ghost employee' over 40 hours, to avoid overtime, and other gimmicks they screwed workers on, and in violation of multiple laws. It's right on time, because of this wages, benefits, and rights 'race to the bottom' that has once again been growing strong, which we havent had this level of, that I recall, since the pre- Great Depression dayz. Many of these workers are immigrants too, they dont have expertise in labour organizing, they are kept isolated, language barriers, nor have law degrees, or politicians in their pockets ... but with strength, persistence and determination ... they managed to do for themselves, what companies wont do for them ... and demand basic rights and bargaining power ... while too many in todayz society casually say things like "... this is the new normal, we cant change things, this is HOW IT IS..." etc, etc, again, those people have no backbone or determination, and their words and ideas will get you nowhere. Target for example paying unionized corporate office janitors, twice as much as those in their retail stores? ... that's NOT good business, your customers in retail should come first on the service they receive, and compensating employees fairly is part of good business, employees that also spend part of those earnings in your businesses ... which strengthens your businesses and the economy, eh? Contracting and third party entities to run our work forces is more popular than ever by companies, in this era of no one wanting to be held accountable or responsible in their business operations ... yet expect it from their workers. Congratulations to these workers and their new union, which took time and wasnt easy, but it paid off ... still you must stay vigilant, and hold those responsible that need to be ... this should also spread and inspire other workers to act in the same manner, to get what you deserve, in a time when profits are at an all time high, running off the charts. More below ...
It's that time of the year again ... and that ole Halloween spirit is in the air! Here in my North Dallas neighbourhood, decorations went up the last week of September ... so I feel I'm running a tad late ... heh, heh, heh, heh, heh {:-) But for this Part 8 of the "Halloween" series of this journal/ blog ... I wanted to highlight and compile some of the vintage Halloween from past decades ... I been sorting through much over the last week or so, and there is alot of great stuff to view, so it was difficult just selecting a few ... but some really nice stuff that these folks have below, and Thanx to them! Today, Halloween is very commercialized too, some folks just rent costumes, and there are many accessories to do your own, films and art are much more elaborate, etc. But even back decades ago, without all you have now ... people were very creative, and had alot of fun, with much less to work with ... and really even made some great Halloween outfits from scratch, some great classic film and music ... some that bring me back to childhood memories ... and credit to those too! This posting will also be included in the "RCJ MUSIC/ ARTS HONOUR ROLL SOCIETY". Anywayz ... HAPPY HALLOWEEN to the reader/ viewer ... more below ... Enjoy!
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