The Rabid Squirrel's Rant Page

Post Election Thoughts

2008-11-05T14:08:00.002-07:00

This will be short, as I'm still letting it all sink in. I am experiencing an amazing mix of emotions and have yet to figure out how to put it all into words. In short, I'm speechless. I can tell you I sobbed tears of joy last night, and have had a few more tears trickle down as I have watched the news today.

I'll write more in the coming days, as I come to terms with what our nation has actually done, and can put more thought into the proper words to express my elation.

President Barack Obama...has a nice ring to it, doesn't it.

Yes We Did!

A Big Fat Karma Sandwich

2008-10-04T00:03:00.002-06:00

13 years ago, today, I, along with most of America, wondered how in the hell that damn jury in LA voted 'not guilty'. We realized how inept Marcia Clark really was. And that if you have $10mil to drop on a "Dream Team" of legal-eagles, that you could basically buy your freedom. "If the glove doesn't fit, you must acquit!" (Johnny Cochran, RIP)

Not that it affects me in any way, but finally, he got what he deserved. I have some mixed feelings, though...the Browns and Goldmans finally get to see him behind bars (possibly for the rest of his life), but not for the death of their children. They will never see another dime of the money they won in the Wrongful Death suit. But his life as he knows it is over, and I hope that gives them some sense of karmic justice after all these years. On a completely different note...damn, that man was a hell of a running back.

Remember the old joke? "I'm changing my breakfast drink...'cause O.J. will kill ya."

Firefox 3.0

2008-06-17T17:40:00.002-06:00

Sweet Jeebus, I love the new Firefox. That's all, I just thought I'd let everyone know so they can upgrade, too. I cannot believe how much faster it is! Much easier to navigate, too.

If you aren't using Firefox, why not?

No, I'm not a shill for Mozilla. It's just rare that something gets upgraded and I'm actually happy with it. Usually, they get rid of the functional stuff in the previous versions and replace it with stuff that looks nicer, but doesn't make a lick of sense and requires multiple steps to do what could be done with one click.

The Link

2008-05-20T23:00:00.004-06:00

As the news of Ted Kennedy's brain tumor broke today, I realized I'm not ready to lose him. I'm young; I wasn't around during Camelot, or for RFK. So Teddy is my link to that time of hope and change. I'm not ready to give up that link. We need more Ted Kennedys - men and women who are unapologetically liberal and aren't afraid to take a stand, even when it isn't popular. I know he's had his problems (as have most people) but the good has far outweighed the bad.

Tonight, my thoughts are with Ted, the entire Kennedy family, and with our country, who needs this link to our past. May he live long, the Last Brother.

ZOMG!!! NKOTB!!!

2008-04-04T22:41:00.002-06:00

I feel like I'm 10 years old again! They're Back!!!!!!!

Donnie, Jordan, Jonathan, Danny and Joey!!!!!

Too bad I threw out all of that memorabilia about 15 years ago...thought I'd gotten too old for it. Heh.

The Last Straw - An Epiphany

2008-03-11T22:47:00.001-06:00

I honestly couldn’t decide who to support for the nomination after Chris Dodd dropped out. I really, really couldn’t. I was so proud to be part of the Democratic Party during this historic primary season. I was so completely unable to commit to either candidate that I couldn’t even bring myself to caucus for one or the other on Super Duper Monster Tuesday. I still hadn’t decided by last week.

But now, I’ve made up my mind. And with such conviction that I cannot believe it took me so long to pull my head out of my butt. What finally did it for me?

The claiming of 35 years of experience didn’t do it…
The SNL skit didn’t do it…
The Somalian picture didn’t do it…
The “Is Obama a Muslim?” answer didn’t do it…
The “3am” ad didn’t do it…
The offering of the #2 spot to the #1 candidate by the #2 candidate didn’t do it…
Even the Ferraro comments didn’t do it…

It was the moment today, right after work, when my brain connected all of these things together. I realized that Hillary has run a Republican campaign. She’s used every Rovian tactic in the book, and even a few things that would make the Swift Boaters blush. The math makes it nearly impossible for her to win with the support of the people, and she seems hellbent on taking the Democratic Party down with her when she finally falls. Rove must be so proud.

At the same time, it occurred to me that Obama represents a new kind of politics, even if I don’t fully agree with him and really wish he’d be more aggressive in his healthcare policies. He represents what the Netroots have been trying to do since Dean. He is truly people powered, and seems to have no emotional attachment to the Old Guard. Clinton represents politics-as-usual. For her, it’s all about winning…nothing else, nothing more. It’s not about what’s best for the party, or the country, but what’s best for her and her machine. She is stuck in the old smoky-room mentality where the party elders decide who’s going to be the nominee, and she can’t seem to handle being beat by the people. She’s determined to bring the party down with her when she goes.

After Iowa, I put some serious thought into who I wanted as a candidate. I landed in Hillary’s camp to begin with, for no other reason than I wanted a woman in the White House. I know I was being sexist, I admitted it then, and I admit it now. On all policy questions, I felt the two candidates balanced out; that both had shortcomings and both had strengths and that they were roughly equal in the big scheme, and that either was light-years ahead of anything the knuckle-draggers would pull out of their asses. But I couldn’t bring my self to caucus for her because I knew my reasons were impure. I loved Obama’s vitality and charisma, but knew that if I caucused for him, it wouldn’t be because I thought he was the better person, it would have been because I didn’t want to solidify my sexism by voting for the woman. (I had some regrets about my lack of caucus initially, but since Obama won my precinct by such a wide margin, one more vote for him wouldn’t have mattered.)

Now, I’m so set against Hillary and her tactics that I am actually disgusted with her. At first, when she began her scorched-earth campaign, I made excuses for her. I told people, and truly felt, that I was still all for her, but just didn’t like the people she was surrounding herself with. Then, today, in the midst of my epiphany, I realized these were the same people she’d surround herself with in the White House, and I just couldn’t handle it. Having Mark Penn on your campaign is a judgment call, and a bad one at that. And that’s her judgment.

I was truly, madly, deeply, and still am, in love with the thought of a woman in the White House…just not this woman. I am beginning to understand the people who say they won’t vote for her in the GE, even if it means McCain will win. I would never, ever, say or do that, but I understand how they’ve come to that drastic conclusion.

This isn’t meant to be a “your candidate sucks” post. I do not fault people who support Hillary. That’s the beauty of democracy. The purpose of this post is to chronicle the thoughts that crossed my mind before and since finally choosing my candidate.

So, FWIW, I hereby endorse Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination, and of course, the presidency.

The Story of My Life

2008-01-18T23:11:00.000-07:00

As many people know by now, I got rid of the Red Rocket about a month ago since it was pretty much useless all last winter, and this winter was shaping up to be about the same. I decided it was time to get a more sensible vehicle...an SUV. Well, the night I picked up my new 4X4, they were calling for snow, and of course none came. But here's the kicker...we've not gotten a snow storm large enough since then to justify the use of the 4 wheel drive.

I am opposed to SUV's in general, but determined that after the Hell that was last winter, I needed to suck it up and get one. So I chose a nice 08 Xterra with the Off Road package to replace the Altima, thinking that with the Off Road package we'd use it for camping and such, and it wouldn't be a Barbie Truck. But this is ridiculous. By the time I got the Xterra, there had already been a few days this winter when the Altima was doomed to the garage. But since then, the only time I've even had it in 4 wheel drive was to be a smart ass and park on top of a snow bank in the parking lot at work.

Last winter, beginning the week before Christmas and extending through February, we had about 6 major snow storms (with more than 6" of snow each), two of those were more than a foot, and another (the first one) was almost 2 1/2 feet. There was snow on the ground for 2 consecutive months, every day. The Altima was in the garage from December 21 to February 6. I couldn't get the damned thing out of the driveway because of the ice buildup on the street. (Of course, with my luck, the day that I finally got it out of the garage, some dipshit in a mini-van decided to pop a U-turn out of the right hand turn lane while I was beside her, and T-boned me. She might just be the biggest dumbass I've ever met.)

Needless to say, I didn't want to go through that crap again, especially since this year, we no longer have the 'spare' 4Runner that we had last year (having sold it when Dill got his new truck), so we only had enough vehicles for each of us to have one available. Dill was also worried that me and the Altima would end up in the ditch, and not necessarily because of the snow. But now, I have a 4 wheel drive that is usable in any weather, but can no longer spin the tires all the way through 3rd gear. I guess it's a trade-off. I got safety, security, off road capabilities and 31" Bridgestone All Terrains instead of speed, handling, gas mileage, and 18" low profile speed rated Yokohama summer tires.

I'm not gonna lie, I miss the Altima. I had a blast in that car, it just wasn't made for year round driving in Colorado. I made it through 3 winters with the previous Maxima with snow tires on the stock 17" rims, but the brakes were too big on the Altima to put 17" rims and snow tires on, and they don't make 18" snow tires under $1K a set.

I love my new truck, it's got tons of room, it's not slow (ironically, it has the same horsepower as the Altima, but is a good 1.5 seconds slower to 60), it looks great, has a kick-ass Rockford Fosgate stereo with iPod interface, and is quite possibly the most utilitarian SUV ever built. I think I'll be happy with it for a long time. It'll be great if we do as planned, and take it to Moab this summer. But, dammit, I bought it because I needed something to get around in the snow, and the damned snow won't come. I want to play in the snow!!! I want to be able to get around in the snow while other people are stuck!!! I want to roll my eyes at people who bought cars that are a bad idea for this area!!!

Once again, I try to think something through and fate comes back and laughs her ass off at me.

...And that's the story of my life.

A Novel Idea...

2007-11-02T12:20:00.000-06:00

Why can't the Democratic Presidential candidates spend half as much time and energy attacking the Republicans as they do each other? Instead, they'd much rather tar and feather each other, making it that much harder to win the general election, than to go after who the real political enemy is. It just doesn't make any sense.

I just received a forwarded e-mail from one Dem candidate's state chairmen that was a joke (not the least bit funny, by the way) about another of the Dem candidates. I'm ready to rip his head off and sink their campaign because of it.

Aarrgh!!!

Good Riddance

2007-05-15T23:51:00.000-06:00

I have been told my entire life that one is not to speak badly of the dead, as they can no longer defend themselves. I have determined in the course of the last several hours that piece of wisdom is a crock of shit. I will not apologize for what I am about to say, nor will I sugar coat it for fear of someone getting the vapors. If you can't handle brutal honesty, stop reading right here.

Jerry Falwell died today, and I feel the world is a better place because of it. The man was a horrible specimen of the human race, and we are a better people now that he is gone. The man made his life about hate. Nothing more. Just hate. Hate for women, Jews, homosexuals, blacks, and generally everyone that didn't fit his narrow, misguided ideal of "White Anglo-Saxon Protestants". Evangelical Protestants to be exact.

The man was a pimple on humanity's ass. He preyed upon the ignorant and uninformed. He was a sexist, racist, bigoted Bastard. He used lies and smears to further his political goals...all in the name of God.

Some may say that I am being crude, callous, or even evil, but guess what...That's what he was in life, and therefore is what he deserves in death. He spent his entire existence demonizing others. The man does not even deserve a mere "rest in peace". He hurt too many people in too many ways to ever receive one iota of remorse from me. He was a monster. The only condolences I feel I can express is that I'm sorry Earth was 'graced' with his presence for so long. I guess only the good die young.

So, good riddance, Mr. Moral Majority. You darkened this world for too long. May you rot in Hell.

*For once in my life, I truly hope that there is an afterlife. Because if there is, then Falwell has just had a very rude awakening.
**I know speaking of him in this tone and with this invective may lower me to his level. But, there is no other way to honestly eulogize the man. My other option was to simply say nothing at all, but those of you who know me, know that was never really an option.

So it goes...

2007-04-11T22:01:00.000-06:00

Sometimes the pool-pah exceeds the power of humans to comment. -Bokonon (Cat's Cradle)

Kurt's up in Heaven now.

Rest in peace Mr. Vonnegut

1922-2007

Merry Fitzmas to One and All!!!

2007-03-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

That's all that really needs to be said. Short, sweet, and to the point...

MERRY FITZMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have a confession to make...

2007-01-24T20:31:00.000-07:00

I don't know how to say this other than to just come out and say it. So, here goes...

I'm a closeted Hillary fan. There, I said it. Yes, you heard me right, I want Hillary to be President of the United States of America. Every time I think of the possibility of a woman in the Oval Office, I get a lump in my throat. I'm not saying that she's the best woman for the job, but she's the most viable woman we've ever had enter the race, and dammit, I want her to win. I don't plan to work for her in the primaries, because I'm a huge John Edwards fan, but I can't help but want her to win. For all women everywhere, for me, for future generations, for all the feminists that fought for equality (and still are). I want to prove that this is not a man's world after all, and that a woman can be the leader of the free world. I think she'd do a great job, especially relative to anything the knuckle-draggers can pull out of their wing-nut asses. Is she the most in-line with my beliefs? No, but dammit, for purely selfish reasons, I want a woman to win, and this appears to be our chance. I just want to hear the phrase "Madam President" as she enters a room.

As a side note, if she were to win, would protocol dictate that she and the Big Dawg be called "The Presidents Clinton"?

As for my post the other day about people on the left who immediately started saying why they wouldn't vote for her in the general election, that was before I came to this realization that I want her to win. I had an epiphany of sorts since then. I still maintain that anyone who doesn't vote for whoever the candidate ultimately is, is in essence voting for the Republican. My feelings on that matter will never change. My reasoning behind this is simple, see: Nader, Ralph. I will vote for whomever the Democrats put on the ticket...even if it's "The Last Honest Man". (Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go throw up, the thought of voting for Lieberman is more than my upchuck reflex can handle.)

On Hillary Hating...

2007-01-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

So, Hillary announced her ’08 candidacy today. And now, just hours later, the blogs are full of people screaming that they will never vote for her, even if she gets the nomination. Well, I’ve got something to say to those people. I’m going to say it very slowly and clearly so that everyone can get it through their self-involved, ego-laden, holier-than-thou brains…

IF HILLARY GETS THE NOMINATION, YOU WILL VOTE FOR HER. WHY? BECAUSE IF YOU DON’T VOTE AT ALL OR YOU VOTE THIRD PARTY, THEN YOU ARE VOTING FOR THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE. NO MATTER HOW BAD YOU THINK HILLARY IS, SHE IS STILL BETTER THAN A REPUBLICAN. SO SIT DOWN, SHUT THE FUCK UP, AND ON ELECTION DAY 2008, CAST YOUR VOTE FOR HER OR LOSE YOUR FUCKING RIGHT TO SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THE STATE OF THIS COUNTRY.

It’s as simple as that. I’m so sick and tired of this mentality in the progressive activism circles. Because no matter how bad you think she is…she’s still a better choice than St. McCain, Guiliani, Brownback, Romney, or whoever else the knuckledraggers can pull out of their ass for 2008.

So, get over yourself. If you don’t like her, work against her in the primaries. But if, and it’s a long shot, she gets the nomination, you WILL support her. To do otherwise is treasonous to your causes.

It’s not “all about you”. Remember, we are all in this together, and a center-left candidate is always better than a far-right wing nut.

I can't write on demand...

2007-01-17T22:21:00.000-07:00

I've determined that the main reason I am incapable of keeping this blog up to date is that I can't write on demand. I have to have a reason to blog and a post forming in my head before I can even manage to get a few words typed. I've tried and tried to do daily updates, but I just can't manage it. I always manage to start a post, but since I haven't really been inspired by its contents, I cannot finish it.

I've got tons of drafts saved, but they aren't complete. Nor will they ever be. So, I've decided to just write whenever my creative juices flow, and not try to force it. This works very well, considering most of my posts are "rants" and they seem to do better as a 'stream of consciousness' type thing. So, when ever I manage to be inspired to write, I will. Otherwise, it may be weeks or even months between posts.

I guess I just can't force creativity.

Live Blogging a Customer Service/Tech Support Call

2007-01-16T23:19:00.000-07:00

So, I had to call my ISP tech support/customer service regarding my DSL modem. It has decided to be a total pain in my ass the last few days. Apparently, it likes to change all of it’s settings anytime you try to do anything with it. I waited til late in the evening to make the call, like 10pm, with hopes that there wouldn’t be much of a wait time. There wasn’t hardly any wait at all. That is the only thing that went my way though.

First of all, I obviously got someone who is not based in the US, to put it mildly. I had to have her repeat everything numerous times because her accent was so thick. I’m used to this level of customer “unservice” by now, but good Lord, this is ridiculous.

The real problems started when she asked what Operating System I am using. I told her Mac OS 10. She got silent and asked why I had switched from Windows XP. I flatly told her it was because I had gotten a new computer. This is where the real fun began…

She was nice enough to inform me that she didn’t know anything about the Mac OS. Then casually asked if it was a laptop or desktop. I told her desktop and she seemed even more confused. Then I was put on hold for what seemed like forever while she tried to find someone who knows anything about Mac. This is where I began to get pissed. The problem is in the modem. It has absolutely nothing to do with the computer’s settings. The modem is just randomly disconnecting itself from the internet. If she would have listened, or been able to understand basic English, I could have been off the phone 15 minutes ago. But, no, she heard Mac, and commenced to freak out. When she finally came back on the line, she told me they couldn’t help me because they don’t do Mac support. I had to explain to her very slowly and clearly that the problem that I’m having has nothing to do with the computer; the problem is in the modem. The computer is doing what it is supposed to do.

After several more minutes of trying to explain this to her, she told me she was going to transfer me to a different department to address my concerns. At this point I’m getting very pissed and I can feel my blood pressure beginning to rise. It is not good for customer service agents when my blood pressure begins to rise. I used to work in customer service and I understand what they have to go through, but there is no excuse for incompetence. Nor is there any excuse for having agents who can’t speak the language they are supposed to communicate in. Not only must they communicate, but they must be able to speak in technical terms. This girl can’t. That’s for damn sure. I’ve called this ISP before and gotten someone overseas. But in those cases, the person spoke better English, and at least knew something about the subject matter. I’ve never had problems with this company like this.

Basically she heard “Wireless” and “Mac” and freaked out, so she never actually heard the real problem. The problem is the modem has disconnected itself from the DSL. (Luckily, our city-wide WiFi is about to launch so I can drop these fools and pick up the KiteNet service from the city. (For about ½ as much as this ISP). Unfortunately, I’m stuck with these fools for at least another month, or until the WiFi goes live. )

As a side note, (while I’m on hold), I cannot believe that my little Podunk city is actually going to have city-wide WiFi.) It’s one hell of a set up. They say that the monthly service will be about $20, and you may have to have a modem to boost the signal in some areas, but holy crap, it’s freakin’ city-wide WiFi. In Longmont, of all places. Boulder doesn’t even have city-wide, and they are a hell of a lot more progressive than this town.

So, she comes back on the line and is still hung up on the whole wireless thing. I’ve now asked her to transfer me to someone who can actually understand the issue and do something about it. She’s checking with her “team leader.” Now, she wants to send me a new modem, she thinks the modem is bad. Funny thing is, that is always their response. Every single time I’ve called them over the last 1 ½ years (since I’ve had this service) they’ve tried to say the modem was bad. Every single time they have been wrong. They just don’t want to deal with it, so they think it’s easier to tell me it’s the modem, send me a new one, and punt it to the next poor rep that gets my call when the new modem has the same problem as the first. BECAUSE THE PROBLEM ISN’T A BAD MODEM, THE PROBLEM ISN’T MY COMPUTER, THE PROBLEM ISN’T THE WIRELESS, THE PROBLEM ISN’T MAC OS 10, THE PROBLEM IS THE FREAKING SETTINGS ON THE MODEM, AND SOMETHING WITHIN IT THAT WON’T LET IT RESET WITHOUT GOING BACK TO DEFAULT. AAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!

Still on hold…still on hold… still on hold… still on hold… still on hold… still on hold…
She’s back…still obsessed with the wireless. I told her for the fifteenth time that I’m not having a problem with the wireless. The computer can connect to the modem wirelessly. Not a single freakin’ problem there. The problem is that when I reset the modem to enable the security settings, the modem itself no longer recognizes the DSL connection. Now, I’m on hold AGAIN while she tries to get in touch with some other department. Every single time that I have tried to explain the problem to her, she has pulled this same shit.

On hold…still on hold…still on hold…still on hold…still on hold…I think I may hang up and call back to try to get someone with a better understanding of English and technical matters. You better damn well believe that this ISP is going to hear from me about this.

I guess this has turned into some weird live-blog. Oddly, it’s very calming to write what is happening in real time. It’s helping me get through the really freakin’ long holds without losing my mind. Maybe I should have done this the week of Christmas when I was fighting with Best Buy and UPS. Speaking of those two…don’t ever use either one. Their customer service sucks and they couldn’t care less about their customers. On the 3rd day that I contacted Best Buy, I spent 2 ½ hrs on hold before I finally got a human being. At one point, someone actually picked up the line then hung up. But that is a whole other saga.

Well, we finally got it resolved. Somehow, someway, the password for the ISP in the DSL modem settings had reverted to all lowercase letters. God only knows why. She, of course, wasn’t able to tell me why or how that had happened, considering that I hadn’t been in that part of the setup when I did the wireless connection. All of that to find out that I was right the entire time (as always). I’m kind of pissed because on of the first things she had me do was verify that stupid password according to what was in setup. She said it was fine then. Before I could get off the phone with her, she had to “recap” our conversation including all the steps that we took to correct the problem. I HATE dealing with tech support!!!

Tune in next time…I just sent off for a rebate…I’m sure there will be many fireworks involved in that transaction. (There has been every other time I’ve ever submitted a rebate. I actually consider it a bonus if I actually get the damn thing).

The Blizzard and the Boss

2006-12-21T00:37:00.000-07:00

As I sit here tonight, I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. My little shoulders. No, it's not even because of Bush this time. This time the problem is snow. Lots and lots of snow. And all that it seems to represent.

I'm gonna ramble, I'm gonna complain, but ultimately, I hope to make my point.

In the middle of the "Holiday Blizzard 2006", as the news channels are calling it, (they are apparently required to name every storm that produces more than a dusting of snow) I've come to realize all that snow represents. Let me begin by explaining how my awakening happened...

This morning, when my fantastic boss finally let us leave work, two hours after we should have been allowed to, I drove home at a whopping 15mph in white-out conditions, in a front wheel drive sports-car with good, but not 'snow' tires. After sliding several times and worrying about the jackasses around me, I made it to my street. Unfortunately, I live at the top of a nice little incline, and so had to park my car at the bottom of the hill and walk the last 1/2 mile. In a blizzard. Gusting wind. Snow, ankle deep. In high heels. I did quite a bit of thinking on that 10 minute walk. Mostly to keep my mind off of the fact that I couldn't feel my feet, except for the ice that was forming in my arches.

I began to think about my amazing boss, and how at 9:30 this morning, when one of our project managers, who was on the interstate, called and said we had to leave right then or it was going to be too dangerous, he just shrugged it off. Then, 20 minutes later, when one of our foremen called and said the same thing, he still shrugged it off and said we could stick it out until 2:00. Finally, he was overruled by our Op Mgr, who at 10:30 said "Shut it down". When I called back into the shop, to let my brilliant boss know that yes, I'd made it home, and thanks for nothing since I had to hike in a blizzard to get home, he actually had the gonads to ask if I thought I'd be able to make it in tomorrow, and if not, could I get a ride in with someone. I laughed and informed him that no one is going anywhere tomorrow morning. He said he'd be in, cause his big ass' gas-guzzlin', over-sized, "Bush-Cheney" bumper-stickered, SUV could get through anything. I hope he gets stuck.

I'll stop rambling and get to my point. The mere fact that anyone seems to think that the accounting office of a construction company needs to be open during a blizzard is a stunning example of how far this country has slid down hill. That bosses are actually expecting people to risk life, limb, and property to make sure that a deposit gets posted or an invoice gets mailed befuddles me. When did I give my soul to that company, or any company. All that matters is the bottom line. To hell with the snow, screw CDOT, they don't know what they're doing when the shut down the interstate. How dare they say we peons can't go into work in 26" of snow.

The fact is, everything is being reduced to the bottom line. No matter how a company gets there, how dangerous their methods, how warped their motives, nor how psycho their demands, they are just racing to the bottom. All ends justify their means, according to them. I already work longer hours than I used to, with more (many more) duties, and come next week, I'll get a nice little pat on the back, an "atta-girl" and a raise that will equal about 1/2 of a cost of living increase. And I will act gracious. For this, I was expected to risk my well-being to go into work? I don't think so.

Maybe you'll say I have a bad attitude, but I'm sick and tired of being treated as a mere pawn in some screwed up Titans-of-Industry game. I'm sick and tired of knowing that I am making less now than I was in 2000. I'm tired of seeing my middle-class status slip from my fingers helplessly. Yeah, sure I could get a second job, but the point is, I shouldn't have to. No one should have to. My husband is already working his ass off traveling 75% of the time just so we can make enough money to live a decent life. But, when he is bouncing around the country at the whim of a boss with too much money and too much spare time, how are we supposed to enjoy that life.

If this is middle-class, I don't want to even think about what the less fortunate have to deal with. This country didn't use to be like this. It was never equal, it was never fair, but at least everyone had a chance, however small it may be. Now, we are all slowly sinking to the bottom, with no one to pull us out. And no ropes or ladders to help ourselves.

If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, but if you teach him to fish, you feed him for life. That's all fine and dandy, but it'd be nice if you provided him with a rod, some bait, and maybe even a fish to feed him till he gets the hang of it.

If we require anything of our leaders, it should be a safety net, workplace protections, and labor-friendly policies. Because without workers out there busting butt everyday, there would not be a United States. There wouldn't be anything, except maybe the snow. Piling up, smothering us all, slowly and surely.

We Did It!

2006-11-08T23:05:00.000-07:00

Well, we did it. We actually did it. We took the House, the Senate, the Governorships, and the State Legislatures. We worked our asses off, and we did it.

We troll rated Bush and the GOP last night into oblivion. We took their Mojo, and their TU status and barely left them enough to avoid the Autoban from getting them. We rendered them irrelevant and told them where they could shove it.

We flung recipes for economic uplift, national security, and universal healthcare. We threw pie in their faces. Then we woke up this morning with smiles on our faces and forced them to eat crow.

We did it, all of us, the grassroots, the netroots, the activists, and the Dem leadership. We came together(for the most part) and we did it.

To quote Howard Dean from The Daily Show tonight…
…”Boo-Ya!!!”

ELECTION NIGHT VICTORY PARTY

2006-11-04T19:35:00.000-07:00

November 7, 2006 (Election Day)
7:30pm-11:00pm at the Boulder Broker.
555 30th Street
Boulder CO 80303
Map & Directions

We'll be Live-blogging the event on the Boulder County Democrats Website. We'll also be following the coverage on various liberal blogs, such as DailyKos, SquareState, and any others which have good coverage, discussions, and analysis of the elections.

Bloggers scheduled for the night include, WeatherDem, Squirrel2634, msobel, and billythegeek.

There will be a cash bar, free food, videos, election results, wi-fi access, and music.

So, come on down and celebrate (hopefully) when we take our country back.

The Republicans That Must Be Defeated

2006-10-24T11:11:00.000-06:00

An attempt by the Netroots to influence the elections with technology. The Goopers did it in 2004. Now, it's our turn.

For background and more information see here, here, and here.

--AZ-Sen: Jon Kyl

--AZ-01: Rick Renzi

--AZ-05: J.D. Hayworth

--CA-04: John Doolittle

--CA-11: Richard Pombo

--CA-50: Brian Bilbray

--CO-04: Marilyn Musgrave

--CO-05: Doug Lamborn

--CO-07: Rick O'Donnell

--CT-04: Christopher Shays

--FL-13: Vernon Buchanan

--FL-16: Joe Negron

--FL-22: Clay Shaw

--ID-01: Bill Sali

--IL-06: Peter Roskam

--IL-10: Mark Kirk

--IL-14: Dennis Hastert

--IN-02: Chris Chocola

--IN-08: John Hostettler

--IA-01: Mike Whalen

--KS-02: Jim Ryun

--KY-03: Anne Northup

--KY-04: Geoff Davis

--MD-Sen: Michael Steele

--MN-01: Gil Gutknecht

--MN-06: Michele Bachmann

--MO-Sen: Jim Talent

--MT-Sen: Conrad Burns

--NV-03: Jon Porter

--NH-02: Charlie Bass

--NJ-07: Mike Ferguson

--NM-01: Heather Wilson

--NY-03: Peter King

--NY-20: John Sweeney

--NY-26: Tom Reynolds

--NY-29: Randy Kuhl

--NC-08: Robin Hayes

--NC-11: Charles Taylor

--OH-01: Steve Chabot

--OH-02: Jean Schmidt

--OH-15: Deborah Pryce

--OH-18: Joy Padgett

--PA-04: Melissa Hart

--PA-07: Curt Weldon

--PA-08: Mike Fitzpatrick

--PA-10: Don Sherwood

--RI-Sen: Lincoln Chafee

--TN-Sen: Bob Corker

--VA-Sen: George Allen

--VA-10: Frank Wolf

--WA-Sen: Mike McGavick

--WA-08: Dave Reichert

On Work, Stress, and Writing

2006-08-26T23:39:00.000-06:00

So, it’s been something like 6 months since I’ve posted on here. I’ve not had much time to do anything other than eat, sleep, and work.

Of course, it doesn’t help that I’m in some kind of funk, could even be called mild depression.

You see, in March my husband had to accept a job out of state for economic reasons. (It was either take the job, or dive head first into financial ruin)  The job was expected to last until late June or early July. Needless to say, the job is still going, and looks like it will for at least another month or two.  I’ve only seen him for a couple of days every 4-6 weeks since he’s been gone. The whole time, the question of whether or not we would be relocating has been hanging over our heads.  The damned question has still not been answered.

To pile things on even further, I’ve been swamped at work with no relief in sight.  There are other stress factors involved in that, including, but not limited to, the fact that I’ve determined through market research that I am approximately 50% underpaid for what I do. I love my job though, and love most of the people I work with, with about 3 exceptions.  I’m also learning that a boob-job can get you paid more and advance you further than good old-fashioned brains. I have to wonder how large of implants I’d have to get in order to get the raise I deserve.  Of course, none of this matters if we have to relocate. If we don’t have to relocate, then I may have some leverage to get the money I deserve. I’ve found out over the last few weeks that I have a couple of very strong advocates for my gripes.

I hope you can understand why I’ve not been updating this like I should.  I’ve got several long posts started that I have yet to finish. And I’ve got a ‘manifesto’ that deals with my beliefs that is in progress, and I’m quite proud of what is done so far.

Please bear with me, I hope to get up-to-date in the next week or so.

Thanks,
Squirrel

Bush Not Leaving Office in 2009?

2006-02-20T19:04:00.000-07:00

If we allow the current defense of the illegal wiretaps to stand, who is to say that the preznit won't decide he has other inherent powers vested in him by Article II of the Constitution?

Let's play a little imagination game...

It's October 18, 2008, the Democratic Presidential Candidate (whoever it may be) is leading the Republican Candidate by about 30 points in the latest Zogby poll. The Neocons are freaking out because they are about to be permanently removed from power. Bushie and Turd Blossom decide that they can't allow the destruction of America to stop, so they elevate the terror alert level to 'Mushroom Cloud-Communist Red'. They talk of an orchestrated attack on polling places in various parts of the country. So in the name of protecting America, they decide to postpone the election until the plan can be shut down. November 4 rolls around with no elections and no terror attacks. Bush has saved the day!!!

On Fox News that night, he says the following:
"It is my duty as the President to protect the American people at ALL costs. Today, we thwarted a major terrorist attack that would have killed or injured MILLIONS of Americans. British intelligence has learned that the method of attack can be easily modified to fit with any election day setup. In light of this development, it will be in the best interest of the American people if we continue to postpone the presidential election until we are able to find and punish those responsible for this plan. To have the elections at this point in time would give aid and comfort to the enemy. I have ordered all elections to cease until further notice by this administration. Thank you, and God Bless Amurika."

Immediately, the left blogosphere erupts. This is not a pretty sight. When people like Kos, Atrios, Aravosis, Greenwald, and Digby get fired up, you better watch out. (At the same time, AssRocket, Malkin, and their type are breaking open the Franzia) Since this is 2008 and not 2006, people no longer go to the MSM for their news. They have learned that the MSM is hopelessly skewed to the right and no longer trust a word anybody other than Keith Olbermann and Jon Stewart say. After the bloggers get fired up, the American People become enraged at this horrid display of fear-mongering by the administration. They stand up and demand elections.

After the initial frenzy, the now Democrat-led House begins impeachment proceedings (finally). Bush immediately signs executive order No. 6660666 stating 'the President, in time of war with a noun, may simply discard the opinions and convictions of the United States Congress as he sees fit." Alberto Gonzalez confers.

On December 2, 2008 after massive worldwide protests, the Administration agrees to hold an election, but with mail balloting only. So, the ballots go out. When I receive mine, I notice immediately the return address is the home office of the RNC. Fortunately, I am not the only one who realizes this. Hunter also realizes this and finally blows a vein. He then sets into motion what will become known as the "Hunter Revolt". After screaming and yelling at anyone and everyone he can get close to, the Administration finally says "Aw, to hell with it, you can have your damned elections” (just to shut him up).  And so we do. Everything goes smoothly (since Diebold was decertified in every state except Utah).

When the votes are counted, there is a steal-proof majority in 49 states giving the election to the Democrat. Ann Coulter jumps off Library Tower, and Bill O'Reilly drowns himself in San Francisco Bay.

January 20, 2009 rolls around. Then the Shit really really hits the fan. On what should be the most joyous day in the USA since Coca-Cola was first bottled, all hell breaks loose. Bomb threats are called in on every major building in DC. One 911 operator said the voice sounded very Texan and oddly familiar. Immediately, King George decides that it is too risky to hand national security over to the pansy flip-floppy liberals and calls off the inauguration.

He immediately jumps on Fox again saying “If I step aside and allow a peaceful changing of President, the terrorists will have won. This is what they want, you see. If I am not in power, they will be able to bring the fight here instead of over there. I have decided as Commander in Chief that I will not rest until these evil-doers are brought to justice once and for all.  I cannot fight the terrorists if I am not the King. Oops, I mean President. Thank you, and God Bless Amurika.”

The riots continue for weeks, then weeks turn into months, and months into years, all to no avail.  Bush has declared himself permanent ruler.  He will only leave office upon his death. The order of Presidential Succession includes Jeb, Neil, Barbie, and Jenna.

Our economy collapses, the country is bankrupt. The number of people in poverty reaches 75%. We have lost all allies, and are being threatened with invasion by Canada. All hope is lost.

But hey, on the bright side, at least we no longer have to listen to Coulter and O’Reilly.

Meme of Four

2005-12-24T21:02:00.000-07:00

Four jobs you’ve had in your life: Restaurant hostess, sign electrician, HVAC Service Manager, Contract Administrator
Four movies you could watch over and over: Steel Magnolias, The Shawshank Redemption, A River Runs Through It, An Affair to Remember
Four places you’ve lived: Orlando, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Denver
Four TV shows you love to watch: The Daily Show, Countdown W/ Kieth Olberman, The West Wing, Meet the Press
Four places you’ve been on vacation: Daytona Beach, Gatlinburg TN, Aspen CO, San Antonio TX.
Four websites you visit daily: DailyKos, Crooks and Liars, AmericaBlog, DemocraticUnderground
Four of your favorite foods: Prime Rib, Blackberry Cobbler, Collard Greens, My grandmother's Chicken Casserole.
Four places you’d rather be: Venice, Maui, New York, London

Feel free to fill in your own answers in the comments or post it on your own blog.

Polls are False Hope?

2005-11-12T21:34:00.000-07:00

I will be the first to admit that I have been on Cloud 9 for a few weeks now.  First there was Brownie, then Fitzmas, Harriet Miers, Delay got hammered, Frist’s trust wasn’t so blind, Cheney openly begging for torture to be allowed, Harry Reid grew a spine and may have even developed balls.  We also got ANWR off the table, the budget cuts were axed, and the additional tax cuts for the uber-rich couldn’t get out of committee.  Now, there is the investigation into the lies that got us into Iraq, and Falafel Head has finally gone off the deep end.

However, there is one thing that worries me…the polls.  I’ve been dancing for weeks because Bush’s numbers are in the toilet. But, then I got to thinking about the past.  There was one time in our history that proved polls couldn’t always be trusted.

Let me take you back, back to the mid-term elections of 1994…All of the public opinion polls were swinging high for the Dems, they all appeared to say that we would keep both houses, though we may lose a few seats.  Losing some seats would be expected since historically the president’s party almost always lost seats in the midterms.  Even with everything looking rosy, Hillary and Bill felt that something just wasn’t right.  So they, to the dismay of many, hired Dick Morris (yes, that Dick Morris) to kinda ‘take the pulse’ of the electorate.  The Clintons had been all over the country and just didn’t feel that the polls were reflecting the true feelings of the voters.  The problem being that typical polls aren’t a good gauge of the intensity of the electorate.  Nor is it a good gauge of why people aren’t happy.  Well, Morris did his own polling and determined that the Clinton’s were right.  Their opposition’s intensity was much greater than their proponent’s intensity.  Since people who are more involved tend to take more action, this translated into the “Year of the Angry White Man”.  Morris, as much as I hate him, was right.  He said the GOP would take both houses, and they did.  The other polls weren’t wrong, they just weren’t asking the right questions.

This brings me to why I’m beginning to be worried about the polls.  Has anyone asked why they don’t approve of Bush?  Have they asked the question ‘Is Bush too Liberal for your taste?’, what about, ‘Do you disapprove of the way he is handling Iraq because he hasn’t dropped nukes on Baghdad?’  I think if these questions were asked, we might find that there is a significant minority who actually think this guy is too far to the left.  My guess is in the neighborhood of 10% believe this.

If this is the case, and I really hope I’m wrong on this, then that means that if he becomes even more of a stubborn hard-ass then he could very well be back in the 50% approval range.  This also means that the far right nutjobs in the House and Senate may very well be re-elected by large margins, and they may even pick up even more seats.

Sure, its all great to see that he’s not trusted, and that Iraq was a mistake, but do these people feel strongly enough about this stuff for it to change their minds?

I don’t want to rain on everyone’s parade, but I just don’t know if we are in the clear yet.

Lemme know what you think.

Time is of the Essence

2005-11-10T22:20:00.000-07:00

Wow, there has been so much going on lately and I haven’t had time to touch on any of it. I plan to get caught up on “The Great Republican Meltdown” this weekend.

I hate that I’ve been away from my blog for such a time, but I have been too damned busy to do much of anything. I also had quite a bit of reading to catch up on.

Anyways, I’ll rant away this weekend. I’ve got a few lengthy rants in the draft stage that need to be edited then I’ll post them.

See y’all soon!!!!

Advice to the Holy Rollers

2005-10-19T22:24:00.000-06:00

How is it that the far right neo-cons have managed to be the “party of values?” They are on the whole the most un-Christian group I’ve ever seen. I’m a pseudo-atheist and I have more values and morals than they do.

First of all, you can’t claim to be pro-life when you believe in the death penalty, pre-emptive war, and anti-gun control. What really appalls me is these people insist that a couple of cells in a petrie dish are more important than the real humans they could help. If they are so damned against using stem cells, (which, by the way, would otherwise be thrown away) then they don’t have to be treated with the cures they eventually create. Same thing with abortions…if you think they are so wrong, then don’t have one. Otherwise, stay the hell out of other people’s lives. Maybe if they spent half as much time worrying about how they were living their own life as they do worrying about everyone else they could actually be taken seriously.

Here is my advice to the fundamentalist evangelicals out there:

Stop trying to outlaw what other people are doing in the privacy of their own home. As long as it involves consenting adults, it is none of your damned business.
As I said above, if you actually believe an abortion ends life, then don’t have one. Simple as that. It’s a choice to be left up to each woman, not to you and your holy-roller friends.
Repeat this to yourself everyday…A cluster of cells in a lab are NOT a human, but Michael J Fox IS a human and he could really use those cells.
Stop trying to convert me and everyone else. I don’t need your crutch, I get along just fine. I don’t feel the need to have a greater purpose.
Do something Christian for a change…like oh, how about protest the death penalty. Or even donate to the poor. Do something to seem more Christ-like just once. You’ll feel better about yourself, and I’ll feel better about our co-existence.
Stop spewing hatred for those who don’t share your beliefs. There are thousands of religions in this world. What makes you so damned sure that yours is right?
No matter what you think, God did not choose you or anyone else. And he sure as hell hasn’t blessed this country. Nor will he ever. Get over it.
Realize that the hurricanes are not caused because of decadence. They are because you and your damned “compassionate conservatives” aren’t willing to admit that global warming exists and so you keep pumping more and more pollutants into our air.
Admit that Darwin was right, and that the Earth is 4+ billion years old. You look so stupid when you try to say it is 6000 years old.
Stop talking about 'the flood'. It makes you seem more stupid than when you talk about the Earth being 6000 years old.
Get to know a homosexual, without trying to convert him/her. You will soon realize that their life is not a choice. You will also realize they tend to live their life with better morals and values than you do.
Keep your God out of my schools, courts, and government offices. He’s not my god nor is he the god of nearly 30% of the American population.

I know this is hard advice to swallow for many, and I don’t expect any of these arrogant assholes to follow one single word of it. In fact, I’m sure I’ll receive a fair response of hate mail because of this. I don’t care though. It’s is high time that reason and compassion win out over vitriol and hate based in fear, unfamiliarity, and racism.

Oh, what's the use, I'll never change anyone's mind. I guess a squirrel can always have a dream though, can't she?

ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!!!

2005-10-15T22:55:00.000-06:00

I'm gonna stray from politics tonight and give a shameless plug to the boys in Tuscaloosa...Roll Tide!!!!!!!!

I'm a huge 'Bama fan and have been since I was born. So as the saying goes...

If you wanna go to Heaven
And walk the streets of gold,
You must know the password...
ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!

Am I Good, or What?

2005-10-13T17:03:00.000-06:00

On October 12 (yesterday), I posted "Are Bushy Boy and Al Qaeda on the Same Page?". Then lo and behold, today Reuters ran a story that says the memo I discussed has been refuted by Al Qaeda in Iraq, and that our own government has said that there are credibility issues with the document because it included things that Zawahri wouldn't have said, knowing it could be intercepted. This isn't the first time I've predicted something with this administration and ended up being right. I predicted Iraq II the day that the Supreme Court handed the Presidency to Bush, Jr. My former boss will verify. Maybe they are just easy to read, maybe I'm cynical to a fault. I don't know, but I LOVE being right!

Final Update on "Wrong Writers"

2005-10-13T11:34:00.000-06:00

BEFORE READING THIS POST, YOU WILL NEED TO READ THE PREVIOUS 2 "WRONG WRITERS" POSTS, Part I can be found here and Part II can be found here

Last Thursday, I sent my final reply to the e-mail bigot. He has not yet replied. Here are the last few exchanges...

Received: Monday, October 3, 2005 10:19 PM
From: Him
To: Me

whatever you say master

Sent: Tuesday, October 4, 2005 1:15 AM
To: Him
From: Me

You’re kidding me right? What are you, twelve years old? “Master”? Huh?Seriously, if you can’t carry on an adult debate, then you really shouldn’t be writing editorials for an adult newspaper. But thanks for all the laughs.

My blog hits have gone up by about 15% since I've been posting our little exchange. You are quite popular among us liberals right now.

Received: Tuesday, October 4, 2005 8:15 PM
From: Him
To: Me

sweetie you can laugh all you want.
The fact still remains, you guys lost in 2000 and you cant' stand that fact.
Thanks for writing back cause i really enjoy the debate.

Sent: Tuesday, October 4, 2005 9:29 PM
To: Him
From: Me

You call this a debate? This is mindless banter. A debate would be much more involved. I really don't think you could handle a REAL debate.
Also, I'm OK with Bush taking the electoral college in 2000. Heck, I'm even OK with 2004. You know why? Because it will have given the GOP long enough in power that they will destroy themselves. Not, only that, but by January 20, 2009, this country will be so fed up with Bush & Co that it'll be 20 yrs before the Republicans can even begin to recover politically. Don't believe me? Look at Bush's poll numbers, the Delay indictments, the Frist investigation, the Valerie Plame Affair, the debacle that is/was Michael Brown and FEMA, Halliburton, the record deficit, the war in Iraq, no-bids on Katrina rebuilding and suspension of Davis-Bacon wages, the rampant cronyism including Harriet Miers, Bill Bennett's racism, Pat Robertson's homocidal rantings, the price of gas, our new "energy policy", tax cuts for the wealthy, pork barrel spending, the rising cost of healthcare, the rising rates of poverty, and last but not least, the fact that we are no safer now than we were 4 years ago (we might even be in worse shape).

You wanna debate? Then let's debate. You tell me in at least 50 words why you think I'm wrong. I will not accept your little short declarative snarlings. Otherwise don't call this a debate...it's insulting. I didn't spend 4 years on the debate team so that you could call your childish outbursts a debate.

Oh, and don't call me sweetie.

Received: Wednesday, October 5, 2005 3:11 AM
From: Him
To: Me

Why debate a liberal when they will come up with 50 words that totally misconstrue everything that you say? I know better. In those great words of Rush Limbaugh...HA HA HA.

Sent: Thursday, October 6, 2005 5:45 PM
To: Him
From: Me

Admit it, you are afraid of me. You know if you debate me, you'll get eaten alive. That's right, I, a pinko-commie-liberal will shame you. Then, to make matters worse for you, I will post every word on the web for the whole world to see. I've already posted all of the e-mails that we've swapped, I won't have a problem posting the final showdown.

So, if you think you can play with the big girls, let's debate. Otherwise, if you can't stand up for what you believe in, one on one, I highly recommend you stop posting your blathering on the net. It is such a cowardly thing to do, opine about a topic you know NOTHING about, then hide behind a computer screen. But then again, isn't that what cowards do? They throw stones from behind the wall and cower
down when those same stones get thrown back.

Basically it all boils down to this..."If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen."

Well, I haven't heard back from him. I guess he decided the heat was too much for him. He was really beginning to get on my nerves. I'm kinda glad he finally gave up.

E-mail me if you want a transcript of the entire e-mail, in order, it might be easier to read as one continuous thread. Squirrel2634@yahoo.com

Are Bushy Boy and Al Qaeda on the Same Page?

2005-10-12T21:45:00.000-06:00

Exactly how many “Number 2” Al Qaeda guys are there? Didn’t we kill #2 last week? And the week before? And the week before that? And a couple of weeks before that? I don’t think we’ve even gotten close to getting the real #2…

The reason I mention this is that US intelligence just “intercepted” a memo from Al Qaeda’s “real” #2, Ayman al-Zawahri, (as noted in the 9/11 Commission report) saying that if they wait us out we’ll run and leave like in Vietnam. Then they can take over the entire Middle East and turn it into an Islamic Theocracy.

Am I the only one that finds this hilarious? Isn’t it a little bit more than odd that at the same time Bushy Boy is saying we can’t give a time table for pulling out of Iraq because it would give aid and comfort to the enemy, Zawahri is saying “Hey hang on guys, they’ll leave before long?” I do not believe for one second that we intercepted a memo of any sort, and even if we did, I highly doubt that it would have used Bush’s talking points. Maybe I’m being overly cynical, but I’ve yet to hear anything true come from this administration’s lips.

I take that back, Bush did say something true once…”Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we.” –August 8, 2004 - The Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2005 bill signing in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

Gun Nuts

2005-10-10T20:21:00.000-06:00

I'm going to briefly touch on a topic that is very dear to me...Gun Control. Now, I do not have issues with people legally hunting game with rifles and shot guns. Nor, do I have any problems with reasonable people who can pass an extensive background check owning firearms. My problem is with guns that have no practical purpose other than to kill other humans.

I know what you are thinking..."Guns don't kill people, people kill people." And to that I say "horseshit." When was the last time you heard of a drive-by stabbing, or of two disgruntled teenagers walking into a high school and killing 13 people with a hunting knife? Guns make it easier to kill people.

I find it hard to believe that the 2nd amendment was meant to be all encompassing. Considering that when the Constitution was written, our founding fathers thought muzzle loaders were pretty high tech. They could not have foreseen the advent of the Uzi, the AK-47, the 50mm rifle, 14 round semi auto handguns, the Desert Eagle, the fully automatic anything, or even the Tommy Gun. If they had known how deadly and potent guns would become, I think they would've put more thought into how it was worded. These men were brilliant, they were able to create a document so great that our country is still using it today. Do you really expect me to believe that these same men felt that any gun of any type should be allowed in anyone's possession at anytime? Oh, for crying out loud, get over it already.

People like guns because they make them feel powerful. Well, you know what, I think guns make you a wuss that is making up for other shortcomings.

Why can't we do like Britain and other developed nations? We can create gun laws that state if you are caught with an illegal weapon, or possess a gun during the commission of a crime, that you are gone to the big house for many, many years. Where will we find the room in the prisons? you ask. Make petty drug possession a cause for rehab, not prison. Those people need help, not a 6x9 cell.

I guess that's it for now. I just needed to get that off of my chest. Oh, and one more thing...Can I be the one to pry the gun from Charlton Heston's "cold dead hands"?

Kick 'em While They're Down

2005-10-08T20:37:00.000-06:00

I don’t really like speculating on the Valerie Plame Affair, but I really am beginning to think that something big is about to happen. First off, Rove is going back before the grand jury for the fourth time, and Fitzgerald is going to interview Miller this week away from the grand jury. Could this be what we’ve all been waiting for? Is this an early Christmas present to the huddled masses?

I have to admit the events of the last couple of weeks have been better than I ever could have dreamed. I mean, we’ve all had dreams of the downfall of the neo-cons, but did anyone ever think it would happen with such gusto? Frist is going down for insider trading, Delay is going down for money laundering, and now we may also see the demise of Rove, Libby, Fleischer, and/or others for outing an operative. We also have the uproar over the no-bids for Katrina rebuilding, the Miers nomination is being bashed by the far-right, the anti-war movement is only getting larger, and W’s approval rating is in the toilet.

Now, if we can just get the Dem’s off their rears and get them to actually do something with this opportunity…If the Repugnicans are willing to kick us when we’re down, I say we give them a taste of their own medicine. It’s time we call the shots. We need a plan that shows America that we are the common man’s party. The Repugnicans came up with their “Contract on America” in 1994 and they’ve had Congress ever since. We need a flashy catch phrase that shows what is wrong in this country and what we’ll do to fix it.(Our citizens don’t have the attention span for more than a jingle.) We need to come out swinging and show the voters that our party does, in fact, have a spine. We’ve got the better ideas, we’ve got the better morals, and we’ve even got more fiscal responsibility. It’s time we step up and show America there is a better way and we can lead them to it.

The campaigning for ’06 has already begun. Chances are, even with all the legal woes of the GOP right now, most of it will have already blown over by election time. The time for the Democrats is now!!! If we don’t start kicking ass and taking names RIGHT NOW, we aren’t gonna get either house back. If we don’t make a VERY good showing in ‘06, then ‘08 is shot. So, lets get out there and beat the neo-cons at their own game. Let’s be the ones that set the tone for the election, instead of being reactionary. We know they will go negative, so let’s hit them with the first shot. Let’s make sure the country knows that the “party of God” isn’t so Godly after all. It’ll take grassroots, advertising, PAC’s, and rallies, but it can be done. It must start NOW, people!!!

If we can get our act together now, I predict we’ll be popping the corks on the night of November 7, 2006. America is getting fed up with the current administration and Congress, and they are ready for change. Let’s give it to ‘em. Let’s take back this country and restore it to the glory of being the greatest place on Earth. A place where dissent is welcomed, where civil liberties rank above all else, where the forests are green and the skies are blue. A place where education and healthcare are more important than “pre-emptive” war. A place where the little man is the #1 priority and not the corporation that wants to outsource his job. We must strike while the iron is hot...the time for regime change is now.

Update: The e-mail idiot from the “Wrong Writers” posts and I have swapped a couple more notes. The last one to him was on Thursday, and he hasn’t responded yet. I’ll give it a couple more days to see if he does, then I’ll post what I’ve got. I am particularly fond of my last note to him. I’m sure he’s still trying to get the last word in though, so I’ll wait him out.

Delay Got Hammered...AGAIN!!!!!

2005-10-03T19:17:00.000-06:00

Did you hear that his lawyer tried to get the conspiracy charge dropped. His argument is that if the indictment wasn't political, then they should drop the charges so Delay can reverse the political damage. Huh? Let me get this straight...The grand jury heard the evidence, decided there was enough evidence to indict, handed down the indictment, Ronnie Earle delivered the indictment, stated time and time again that it wasn't political, and Delay's lawyers think that since they(the prosecutor's office) say the whole process wasn't political, they should drop the charges? Does this make sense to any living soul out there? If it does, please let me know. I have never heard such a frivilous defense. If this works, every goon in this country will try to use this to get out of trouble. Hell, if I'm ever indicted, I might try it. I AM planning on running for city council as soon as my ward councilman is up for election, there could be political damage that needs to be reversed. Hey, what's good for the goose must be good for the gander.

Update on "Wrong Writers"

2005-10-03T18:58:00.000-06:00

NOTE: YOU MUST READ THE PREVIOUS POST "WRONG WRITERS" BEFORE READING THIS...OTHERWISE, IT WON'T MAKE ANY SENSE. IT CAN BE FOUND HERE.

Well, my ol' e-mail buddy finally replied today. Here is his e-mail and my response...

Received: Monday, October 3, 2005 6:05 PM
From: Him
To: Me

You know your words truly speak for the person you are.
And by the way, I do stand corrected and thank you so much. The word Levee is actually derived from the word levy.
Thanks and have a great evening,

Sent: Monday, October 2, 2005 7:00 PM
From: Me
To: Him

Not to sound crass, but technically, both “levee” and “levy” are derivatives of Old French “levér”-which means “to raise”. Neither of the words came from the other, but both do have the same origin. I have to admit that is probably closer than many would’ve gotten. Maybe there is some hope afterall.
As for my words, I try my very best to convey who I really am. However, the person I think I am, and the person you think I am will never be reconciled. It is a fundamental difference between the far left and the far right. You think I am a “liberal elite” and I think you are a “neo-con zealot.” Neither of us will ever change the other’s mind, so maybe we should just leave it at that.

Have a wonderful evening, and thanks for the fodder for my Blog!!!

Well, I guess he decided that he wanted the last word. Too bad his "facts" were wrong again. My best guess is that he just tried grabbing at straws and got a little bit lucky on the origins of the two words. Close...but no cigar.

I am not completely thrilled with my reply to this last e-mail, however, I have a headache like you cannot imagine and wasn't able to think of anything more subtle or caustic. I figure he'll write back again, still trying to get the last word. Obviously he doesn't know me well, or he would know that is a futile effort.

One more thing, I find it interesting that in this last e-mail, he actually signed off with his name. He has not done that before. A peace offering? Maybe. I am more apt to believe he is acting like he is taking the high-road. I guess I'm OK with that if it helps him sleep better at night. At least he conceded some measure of being wrong. It's probably as close to vindication as I will come...I can live with that.

For the final update on this, go here.

Wrong Writers

2005-10-01T02:31:00.000-06:00

Thursday, I ran across an opinion piece on a southern news website...it blamed all of the Hurricane Katrina response fiasco on Blanco and Nagin. (This posting is not about the content of said article, it is instead about the events which followed.) Anyway, the article ruffled my feathers quite a bit. So, what did I do? I e-mailed the author about it...Below is text of exchange...I have deleted all references to the name of the article, the name of the publication, and the author (Lest I give him more attention than what he is worth. He didn't say anything new, he just regurgitated what Rush, Malkin, Hannity, O'Reilly, Coulter, and the other flatulent ones have said). If you want to read the piece, I will e-mail you the text of it. One note: The online newspaper which printed this is from a mid-sized city in the southeast. I grew up in that area, and occasionally check the headlines to see what's going on. The city is VERY conservative to say the least, but this article was extremely partisan even for them.

Anyway, I am posting this to show what happens when you catch a neo-con in the act of lying. I was hoping for a heated debate, but alas, it was not to be. As you will see, instead of answering my charges, he attempted to insult me to get me to back down. Me being quite the Rabid Squirrel, that was not about to happen. After the initial e-mail and following 2 exchanges happened in pretty quick succession, it has now been a day since I sent the last e-mail. Guess What? He chickened out and hasn't replied, nor do I expect him to. I'm guessing since the final e-mail backed him into a corner (I'd called him on his errors, and his responses) his only reply could have been to respond by admitting he was incorrect in the first place. Of course, we all know the neo-cons are infallible and therefore must never admit they are wrong. He did the next best thing...he crawled back into the redneck cave from which he came and cowered like the yellow bellied Bush worshipper that he is. I have never been prouder.

I am sending him one final message after I post this regarding his spelling, punctuation, and grammar. I have included it at the bottom of the message.

(A little background on the article: his last line in the article was "Now tell me who is to blame. Before you decide to run your mouth please get your facts straight.") (Notice the punctuation and grammar)

Here's the text of the e-mail:

Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2005 5:30 PM
From: Me
To: Him

Before YOU start running YOUR mouth, maybe YOU should get YOUR facts straight...
It was FEMA who turned the Red Cross away, NOT the mayor or the governor. That's right, it was our federal government...you know, your "compassionate conservatives". Also, the money given for "levee work" was actually for a Army Corp study to determine what it would take to strengthen them to category 5 protection. That study started in 2003, it is not complete yet. Why don't you ask the President and Congress what took so long.

I suggest that you sit down and shut up because you obviously don't know the facts.

Received: Thursday, September 29, 2005 6:25 PM
From: Him
To: Me

It's really funny what comes out of libs mouths.

Sent:Thursday, September 29, 2005 7:32 PM
From: Me
To: Him

How exactly is that funny? Isn't it interesting that there were over 200 deaths in Mississippi, in a much less populated area and people like you aren't questioning the actions of Haley Barbour? He followed the exact same pattern of evacuations and asking/declining federal help as Blanco. But none of the righties are giving him hell...Why? Because he's a republican.

Oh, and you say "lib" like it's a bad thing. Well, if it's a bad thing to
put citizens before corporations, believe in civil liberties, and think that all humans are created equal no matter how much money they make, then I guess us "libs" are just horrible. I am proud to be a liberal and proud to say that you, Sir, are a fool.

Received: Friday, September 30, 2005 6:11 AM
From: Him
To: Me

YOU LOST. GET USED TO IT.

Sent: Friday, September 30, 2005 7:23 AM
From: Me
To: Him

Is that all you've got? You can spew hatred and vitriol when it's just you, putting your thoughts out to the world, but when someone challenges you, you are reduced to short declarative sentences. If you really believe what you write, then back it up. Otherwise, you have no business writing, because you obviously don't care about the truth.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but not their own facts." - Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan

Sent: Saturday, October 01, 2005 1:21 AM
From: Me
To: Him

Oh yeah, one last thing. While I was updating my blog tonight, I looked back over your article and noticed something very peculiar...You rambled and spat about the education system, yet in the second paragraph you misspelled "levee", you spelled it "levy" (which means a tax or to tax. A Freudian Slip perhaps?). Also, your punctuation is atrocious, as is your grammar. I suggest you go back to school and learn the 3 R's before making such an idiot of yourself again. It is people like you who make Neo-Cons so easy to hate. You almost make Sean Hannity palatable. (Go look it up if you don't know what it means. You do know what a dictionary is, don't you?)

I guess I'll just have to wait and see if he replies, or if he will continue to cower down. I'll keep updating as the story unfolds.

For Part II of this story, click here.

DeLay got Hammered!!!!!

2005-09-28T22:23:00.000-06:00

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well, Well, Well, looks like ol' Tommy Boy went and got himself indicted!!!! HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh happy days....

Welcome to my Blog!!!

2005-09-22T23:07:00.000-06:00

After 2 years of procrastination, I finally got DSL, and now have the time to put my thoughts out there for the world.

I intend for this blog to by my way of ranting and raving about current events and politics. I'm sure I'll steer off course occasionally, but don't we all? I don't know how often I'll update my postings. I'll try for every few days, but can't promise anything at this point. Of course, some current events will cause my blood pressure to rise to the point that I may update several times a day. I get riled pretty easily (hence the name "Rabid Squirrel"). Given that I am only 25, I probably shouldn't get as worked up about politics. However, I often feel that this country and world is sinking and there is nothing I can do about it. Hopefully, this blog will allow me to dispell some of those feelings. I know that my views are not shared by everyone, and I LOVE a good debate. The only thing that I ask is that we all stick to the proven facts. This means if your facts are questioned, be ready to provide documentation. I do NOT consider facts to be anything that ANY pundit, whether Liberal or Conservative, says to be true. Usually if someone has to say "and that's a fact"...it isn't. If anyone on talk radio, other blogs, discussion panels, political news broadcasts, or politicians themselves state something as fact, and you use them as your source, I ask that you provide at least one independent source (preferably 2) to back them up. There is too much spin in today's media for much to be taken as face value.

Anywho, read...enjoy (or not, depending on your political views), and y'all come back now...ya hear?!?!

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but not their own facts." Sen. Patrick Moynihan