Tax on Smokers Unfair

Whenever a governmental body needs money the first thing they do is raise taxes on cigarettes..to be fair..why not raise taxes on alcohol? Alcohol is far more injurious to ones'own health as well as the side effects on others.....such as domestic violence, time lost from work, property damage, DUIs and the list goes on.. Air pollutants are every where and to blame smokers is hypocrisy....but wine drinking has a certain snobbish charm appeal that is hard to fight with reason.. Drinking is considered to be more socially acceptable and sophisticated.....ergo,let the common folk/smokers bear the tax burden. That is unfair taxation! I protest! 

Racism in the Republican Party

Is former Congressman(R) Tancredo a Native American? Unless his ancestors were here to greet the Pilgrims, what language did his forefathers speak when they arrived on our shores?...and just how perfectly did they speak or write English? More appalling than Tancredo's remarks was the applause he got for making them! It is obvious that racist attitudes are still thriving in the Republican Party.

The Spirit of Christianity: Where the Hell is it?

Along with calling ourselves "the worlds richest nation" we also pat ourselves on the back for being a "Christian Nation". We make a big deal about our generousity to other countries when disaster strikes....but here at home it is a different story......one political party sees helping our fellow citizens as a "handout" that encourages lack of responsibility and fight tooth and nail to stymy any legislation that would improve their lot.....where the hell is the spirit of "Christianity" in that?

Bet on Health Care

 As unpleasant as taxes are they are a necessary part of life......no money in, no money out....this is how our government gets funds for projects that provide services and jobs..Sometimes it takes money to make money......you will never win the lottery if you never buy a ticket..We are a Nation of gamblers....whether it is space exploration, planting crops, having a family, buying a new car, playing the Stock Market,...it is all a risk that we take every day......so why not bet on health care? The odds of a universal health care system are in our favor over the long run....if we get rid of the Health Care monopolies, their lobbyists and Senators who are on the take.....level the playing field,so to speak.


~ Comments by Skazski

Tea Baggers, the Other Meaning

There is a lot of anger out here against those who have, time and again, been elected to represent us in the Federal Government and who have, year after year, served their own political interests/gains......and now there is a faction who has seized on this anger to build a political platform that goes far beyond all reason....the Tea Baggers. I wonder how many of them are aware of the other meaning of that phrase? The real issue is not too much government but the incompetence and corruption of those IN government.

~ Comments by Skazski

Sarah Palin: "You Cannot Be Serious!"

In the immortal words of Johnny Mac......." you cannot be serious!"....The very idea of S.Palin even being considered as a Presidental Candidate is enough to make us the laughing stock of the entire civilized, diplomatic community! Under that cutesy,"just plain folks" facade of "you betcha" and using "ya" instead of "you" lives an absolutely incompetent woman who has a certain amount of cleverness but no amount of intelligence or intellect..... if this is an example of the Tea Partie's ideology we are in deep trouble if they gain momentum!

Rush and Health Care: Get Real!

Health Care at its best!!! So Rush Limbaugh says that our health care system "is just fine" and that he wasn't given any special treatment...really? Not to belittle the health care in Hawaii, which is about as good as it gets in this country, but I worked as a health care professional in hospitals for many years and know how the system works...when a wealthy celebrity is admitted, for care, you can bet your bottom dollar that no time, or effort is spared seeing to his every needs.....and the fact that Limbaugh said he didn't get special treatment shows how delusional he is.....he didn't have to worry about seeking medical attention when he felt ill, because he knew he could afford it....unlike thousands of his fellow Americans who aren"t millionaires! Get real,Rush!

Dial It Back A Bit Rush

OMG!....just how far will that racist hate-monger, Rush Limbaugh, have to go before his GOP fan club says "tsk,tsk,maybe you should dial it back a bit"...but,of course, nary a word of reproach to their front man......but then, he isn't a Senator or the Speaker of the Senate. The very idea that our President is sending help to those in Haiti because he wants to influence black voters is so outrageous that it is an affront to every sane person in this country. Democrat, Republican, and Independent,alike.

Time to Change The Way We War

Modern warfare has changed...why haven't we? Somehow the idea of using large armies to invade other countries in order to vanquish small, mobile terrorist groups seems like a waste of lives and funds. Wouldn't those resourses be better used by overhauling, and improving,"intelligence"? Establishing a world-wide network of "police forces" in one unified system, and maintaining smaller more mobile task forces whose sole agenda would be the eradication of terrorist cells all over the world rather than occuping sovereign nations seems more plausible....fight the terrorists with their own tactics.

~ Comments by Skazski

False Modesty vs. Safety

Making Air Travel Safer.....false modesty vs. safety? A child of 3 could answer that question in a flash! When standard "pat-downs" will not detect the type of device that the would-be underwear bomber was sporting and only a full body imaging is that capable....why such a hue and cry about "invasion of privacy"? After all the images are not going to be shown on a large, Multi-plex screen, complete with popcorn and a soda! What the hell is the problem...and why is it even being argued!

~ Comments by Skazski

Hawaii Is Not A "Foreign Place"

So President Obama was on vacation in a "foreign place" and did not respond immediately to the news of the would-be terrorist attack on Christmas Day.....so claim the GOP....never mind the fact that Hawaii is not only a part of the USA (but is actually a state) and the
birthplace of our Pres.....and like many other Americans, he went home for the holidays.....but he did address the issue in a matter of hours...not after 5 days, a la Bush! By the way, does anyone remember how many days, during his term of office, that Bush was away from Washington on vacation?



~ Comments by Skazski

GOP: Hypocritical Blusterings

As much as I am a firm believer in freedom of speech there comes a time when, for the good of the Country, a muzzle should be applied....case in point, the former Vice-President, Dick Cheney. Not only does he conveniently forget the massive failure of "intelligence" pertaining to the dreadful 9/11 attack (which occurred on his watch) but the false "intelligence" that led us into 2 wars....wars that have not made us safer but have increased anti-American feelings/actions in the Middle East and other Muslim countries. The Republicans have been quick to leap on the "It's Obama's Fault" band wagon....even though 1 Republican Senator has held up the appointment of a new head of the TSA for reasons that have nothing to do with national security. A New Years Wish...that the American public will see through these hypocritical blusterings and will realize just how far the GOP will go to undermine the Obama Administration. How very patriotic!

~ Comments by Skazski

Ice Skating in Hell: Health "Reform"

WTF!!....this is health care reform? No public option? Tax-payers support for the State of Nebraska? Mandatory requirement to buy insurance? No strict regulation of the health insurance companies? This present bill is a gift wrapped prize to those health care monopolies....and the politicos who are beholden to the lobbyists. Our politicians are saying that necessary changes can be made "over time".....not that I'm cynical, but when that happens we will all be ice skating in hell!






~ Comments by Skazski

A Mad Convention of Used Car Salesmen; Good for You Al!

The U.S.Senate.....aka "The Cuckoo's Nest" what a laughable institution it has become! From Sen. McCain's feigned indignation re the audacious Junior Sen. Franken's calling "time" on his bosom buddy,Sen.J.Lieberman (good on you,Al)...to the body of legislators who use bribery,pay-offs,and everything except armed robbery to achieve Party goals....Party, NOT the taxpayers. The majority of Senators (Reps.& Dems alike) behave like a mad convention of used-car salesmen with such a lack of conscience it would make a three-card-monte dealer blush with shame!



~ Comments by Skazski

War: Share the Experience
The die is cast....we are sending some additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan......at this rate, with many of our men and women already serving their 5th 6th and even 7th tour of duty,where are these troops coming from? How many will be here at home for defense? It seems only logical,and fair, to reimplement the draft....we cannot continue fighting endless wars without fresh bodies! The suicide rate is up among our troops,families are being devastated, not to mention the physical and mental maiming of survivors...so why not share this experience with everybody?

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Man Charged for Having Compassion
How twisted our compassion for human life has become! A fellow has been charged for leaving jugs of water, in the desert, to prevent more people (illegal immigrants)from dying of thirst...and because he refused doing "community service" (removing those jugs) he faces jail time......yet the Coast Guard rescues foundering people (also illegal immigrants) from the sea to prevent them from drowning .....an argument is made about "THEM" taking jobs from Americans.....that is another story.....this is about saving lives and basic concern for the well-being of our fellow human beings......or it should be!

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Ashland, OR Scrooge
Bah!Humbug!....One family in Ashland, Oregon, has caused a school there to remove its Christmas Tree because it is "a religious symbol"! If the school had displayed a Cross,a Star of David or a Crescent and Star they would have a valid point...but the celebration around a decorated tree was, originally, a Pagan event. Over time the tree became a symbol of joy and good will among Christians and non-Christians alike. This tree was also a "giving"tree, meant for the more unfortunate children of the community.....makes me wonder what the hell is dancing in their heads....it sure ain't sugar plums!

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Defense of Torture Memos
Who is really running our country? Compare Pres. Obama's pre-election stated goals, i.e., closing Gitmo, rescinding "don't ask don't tell" and bringing our troops home to his recent decision on Afghanistan...and now, his Justice Department is defending the author of the Torture Memos! It seems that the military-terror cabal is the force that is really in charge of our country/destiny! Some conspiracy theorists might believe that in exchange for keeping the President "safe" he will accede to their demands......such as prolonging wars and maintaining the status quo re. keeping homosexuals out of the military.

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Our Multi-Tasking Congress
Our Congress at work!...one Congressman wanted to honor Tiger Woods with a medal (then had to back off when the present scandal broke) and another Congressman wanted to re-figure College Bowl games...such matters of importance! It is no wonder that public opinion of Congress is so low.....yet another Congressman said,in defense, "we can multi-task".....well, remember the old adage "jack of all trades but master of none"? Maybe the floor of Congress should be renamed to "stage for publicity hounds" or Trivia Pursuit.

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Senator Joe Lieberman: Feh!
Why do the Democrats still kow-tow to Sen.J.Lieberman?? He has proved, time and time again,that he is really a Republican who is indebted to the Insurance industry and that his "word" cannot be trusted. We ,the people( voters),need greater regulation of the insurance industry as well as health care that is affordable for all citizens. Joe Lieberman should be ashamed of himself....but unfortunately , he doesn't seem to have a conscience.

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Fund the War, Kill the Health Bill
The hypocrisy of our elected numbskulls in Congres is never ending......the Pro-Lifers' refusal to endorse any Health Care Bill that includes tax payer funds for abortions.....yet those same "Pro-Lifers" will, without question,vote to increase military spending(also tax funded) and troop redeployment. Where the hell is the logic in that?

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Obama, Where Are You?
To President Obama.....Why you will be a one term President. Altho you have a wide international fan base,and have improved this Country's image abroad....you have done very little to alleviate the problems ,here at home of those who actually elected you. The campaign speeches that you made inspired us all and gave us hope....yet they have come to naught. Your desire for a bi-partisan government was admirable but sadly misguided.......there will always be a segment of our populace who dislike you,your ideals and everything that you stand for,no matter what you do....but by acceding to them you appear to be weak and indecisive.Instead of being remembered as a "Champion of the People",your legacy will be that of a "Great Orator"......what a pity!.




~ Comments by Skazski

Obama Swayed by Military Cabal?

God, help us for we know not what we do......Pres.Obama says that we are "going to finish the job on Afghanistan" and he also says that we are going to "prevent Al Queda from ever attacking us again"....has he forgotten that Al Queda is not just in Afghanistan they are also in the Philippines, Africa, Indonesia and the Middle East? Has he been swayed by the Military Cabal? Is he unaware of the history of other "invaders" in that country? There is a mention of imposing a surtax to help pay for this war...brilliant!....maybe with a tax on this war some will think twice about expanding this futile operation.

Excluding Abortions

Lord love a duck!.....according to the news on the Health Care mish-mash....there is a movement afoot to exclude abortions (which are still legal medical procedures in this country) from any, and all, insurance plans that include taxpayer dollars....it is one thing to impose a group's religious beliefs on all people, but the ProLifers are not the only people who pay those tax monies.....that makes this issue twice as discriminatory against women!! By the way, aren't those people the same ones who decry "government interference" when it comes to health care.....or anything else? Just wondering.

High Speed Rails for the Holidays
With the Holidays rapidly approaching,and all the hassles of getting from point A to point B,it would seem that this would be the perfect time to push for the development of high-speed rail. The airlines are raising rates while cutting down on services,and flying is more at the mercy of the elements than going by rail..Many of the "developed" countries of the world have such systems,why can"t we? Aren't we supposed to be the leaders in technology? (Ha!)Just think of all the jobs such a program would create and resources saved..

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Military Industrial Complex; Meet the Terror Industrial Complex
Does anyone else remember former General,and President,Dwight D.Eisenhower's warning about the"military-industrial complex"?...and now,another General(ret.) has warned us of the updated version..."the terror-industrial complex".It seems the new Big Business/Bugaboo is Terror...with the military Brass urging the Prez. to send thousands more troops into Afghanistan to fight the terrorists....never mind that for years we have been pouring billions of dollars into an unstable and corrupt government with nothing to show for it but the loss of lives......all to destroy a backward,religious sect( that has little credence or backing in the rest of the Muslim world...and the small group of cave dwelling fanatics who were responsible for the 9/11 attacks.Since traditional tactics of war-fare haven't been very effective so far why not try a different approach?

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Increase Drones
The different approach....there has been quite an argument,lately,about the use of Drones in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Many complain that the drones kill civilians as well as the enemy...but didn't the bombings, by the Axis powers and the Allies, do the same in WW II? That was during the time of war...as is this. As long as we engage in wars innocent people are going to be killed. If we can utilize these drones,in a region where it would be suicidal to send in our troops then there should be no question about that use. Suicide bombs kill hundreds of civilians so isn't it ironic that Afghanistan and Pakistan are against the use of Drones? Instead of sending more troops into that treacherous region isn't it smarter to increase the use of Drones!?

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Blockades
I'm curious....how do those mountain dwelling "terrorists" get their supplies? You know,things like food, arms,and medical supplies? With Winter coming on would it be possible to Blockade those passes that come down from the mountains.....no one in,no one out. The terrain seems to be unfit for agriculture so they must be getting their food from somewhere.....or somebody.

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The 50 Year Plan
This is mind blowing!! Has anyone else(civilian) heard of the Pentagon's plan for a 50 year "Long War" of counterinsurgency for ,not only Iraq,Afghanistan and Pakistan,but fot the Philippines and the Horn of Africa? "experts" included in the making of this plan are a former advisor to Gen.Petreus and a current aide to Gen.McChrystal. The cost is staggering....an estimated price tag of an ADDITIONAL $2 Billion per MONTH on topof the current cost of $4 billion per month in Afghanistan! Remember the stated strategy of Al Qaeda to exhaust the U.S. militarily as well as economically?Where will these troops be coming from....will the Draft be reinstated?This is a plan that will increase antagonism against us for generations to come....meanwhile,while our home-grown terrorists seem to be growing in number,and when natural disasters strike our National Guard,and funds, are stretched thin....where is the sanity in such a scheme.....another example in the new "terror-industrial" mind set..God help us all !



~ Comments by Skazski

To that blathering bufoon, Rush. . .

To that blathering bufoon, Rush, and his ilk....how in the world do you equate losing the Olympics to Rio as a loss to our Prez.? To hear you cheer and gloat it seems to me that you are more than just a little anti-american ....former heads of state have also campaigned for their countries to be awarded that lucrative prize...but then, facts and the truth have never been your strong suit..

~ Comments by Skazski

The Greed of Health Insurers, the Thin Skin of the Gop

re....Congressman Alan Grayson's comments on the GOP and Health Care....Bully for him Isn't amazing how thin-skinned the GOP becomes when the Dems answer back to their own dirty tactics......true, the word "holocaust" was ill-used due to recent usage...but originally it meant "great or total destruction". This new Bill that is proposed will further enrich the Health Insurance companies and leave our citizens out in the cold, without a Public Option....I can only hope that we, as voters, remember the names of those who have so royally screwed us when election time rolls around!





~ Comments by Skazski

The SSA's Piggy banks

They say that Social Security is in financial trouble...ergo,it being a government run program that proves how incompetent any government health care bill would be...perhaps if other government agencies/departments would stop using the SSA as their piggy bank we wouldn't be in this fix.There should be laws to protect the SSA funds from such pillaging...then,maybe, they could afford the Cost Of Living increase that is now going to be cut.

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Insomnia is my name And, on the subject of Health Care Reform.....any Senator,or Congressman ,who received more than $500. either personally or for his/her campaign from any health insurance company, should be prohibited from any involvement in the formulating or drafting of all health care bills.This whole issue is getting to be so ridiculous that "insomnia" is now my name! If I could afford going to the doctor and getting sleeping pills I would be the drug companies' best customer...hmmm....could that be their plan?sorry,lack of sleep is catching up to me. Water on the Moon

One of the more disturbing things on the news.....the discovery of water on the moon.With that announcement came the statement that"we could build factories there to extract that water and then could use the Moon as a base to further our efforts to reach other planets"Apparently it is not enough that mankind has despoiled this planet....we now have our sights set on the ruination of the Universe.

Talk with the Russians. . . The Military Brass wants more troops in Afghanistan...have they considered talking with the Russians about such a strategy? I don't believe that " conventional" war fare tactics and troops will ever "win" there....just look back to history. Any success there will depend on new thinking and strategies. perhaps by rebuilding the infrastructure and aiding the people....rather than bombing them to hell...might be a start in the right direction.. Funding Wars

Once again our elected representatives have put their own interests before the wishes/needs of their constituents....citing the prohibitive costs of Health Care reform and the Public Option,they voted NO.Democrats and Republicans alike...who received millions of $$$ in bribes, excuse me, in "contributions" from the Insurance and pharmaceutical companies will vote to increase funding for wars but will not vote to save lives at home......they are still in office why???

~ Comments by Skazski

Where is Decorum in Politics?

Among the many things our society has lost in the last generation is the sense of decorum, of politeness and of decency. The latest example being that outstanding member of Congress, J.Wilson. of S.Carolina.....I can't help but wonder if the Congressman would have behaved in such a rude manner if it was anyone else rather than Pres. Obama? Would he have called Pres. Bush a liar in such an inappropriate way?



~ Comments by Skazski

Jellyfish Politicians and Health Care

"Politics is a nasty business".....we elect people to Congress to represent our views/wishes...to work for the needs of those who elected them....yet all too often all of that flies out the window once they get to Washington. Obama was elected to office mainly because the nation saw a great need for health care reform and the voters thought that he was the one who could bring this about..For over forty years the health care industries,lobbyists,and the GOP have blocked any changes....so what do our elected ones do now?...they waver,become jellyfish.....what the hell is so toxic in Washington D.C.??? is it in the water? the air?? the Kool-ade??





~ Comments by Skazski

TV a Mirror of our Society. . .

TV....a mirror of our society. On a current "reality" network program we are shown how a morally challenged young person, who, by deceit (and out and out lying) stands to win a half million dollars....and is applauded for "playing a good game "!!!....we should not be surprised by this blatant dishonesty...take a look around. We have TV and Radio personalities who, on a daily basis, distort the truth to fit their own agendas, government officials who cheat the taxpayers and their families....all for personal gain. The sad truth is that we have become a nation of hypocritical fools....and where honesty, and fair play are no longer virtues, but are considered to be handicaps.


~ Comments by Skazski

Racist Citizens: Get Over It!

Never,in all my born days(which are many) have I heard/seen such nonsense about the President of our country giving an address to our school children, or having his speech pre-examined by anyone...this is not some wild-eyed soap box orator....this is our elected leader of this country! Reagan did it as did Bush...so the ONLY inference that can be drawn is .... he is suspect due to being African American! Shame on us!!!He won the election,by a whopping majority so to all those sore losers out there...get over it and get with the program!

~ Comments by Skazski