Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts

22 February 2023

Quotes About Texas ~ Kinky and Others

Rummaging through some of my old content and material and found this two quotes. Have a board on Pinterest that I maintain called "ALL THINGS TEXAS". Published this post and tacked on an image just so I could pin them. :)




Kinky Friedman contemplates a question from th...
Kinky Friedman contemplates a question from the audience at a campaign rally at the Bastrop High School, West Campus Gymnasium, Bastrop, Texas, United States. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 "The folks in Mississippi are saying, 'Thank God for Texas.' "   -Kinky Friedman.  (Richard S. "Kinky" Friedman (1944 - ), American singer, songwriter, novelist, humorist, politician and former columnist for Texas Monthly who styles himself in the mold of popular American satirists Will Rogers and Mark Twain.)


 "I want to be a Texan 24 hours a day." -James Dean  (James Byron Dean (1931 - 1955), American film actor and cultural icon, who died at age 24 in a tragic car accident.  Best embodied by the title of his most celebrated film, "Rebel Without a Cause" (1955). NOTE:  I've heard a lot about that movie.  But I don''t remember watching it.  I remember Mr. Dean from the movie "Giant" with Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor.)


Mr. Dean is pictured on the LIFE magazine cover sandwiched between Marilyn Monroe and Bruce Lee.

LIFE Gone too Soon
***


19 October 2022

American Presidents During My Lifetime: Bush Jr. and Obama

Final post in this series: 
 
POTUS Dots from Eisenhower to Kennedy to Johnson and Nixon to Ford and Carter to Reagan to Bush Sr. and Clinton


 
* * * 

43 rd POTUS, George Bush Jr. (2001 – 2009) 
 
Not being disrespectful but there are lines from a Disney animated film that sum up my thoughts about this administration. 
 
A young deer had received wise advice from his mother, but she had to remind him of her instructions by having him repeat what she had told him. 
 

  • Momma Deer: “Now Thumper! What did I tell you?” 

  • Young Deer named Thumper: (Heaves a huge sigh before speaking.) “If you can't nothing good … (Another huge sigh.) … don't say nothing at all.” 

 
* * * 

44 th POTUS, Barack Obama (2009 – Present) 
 
“Change has come to America.” Indeed. That “change” will be leaving come January 2017.  No doubt your intentions were honorable and the custodians of American history will likely make a special effort to ensure that the record accurately reflects the highlights of your administration – the good, the bad and the “questionable”. 
 
* * * 

So that's it! Presidential DOTs on my timeline from 1955 to 2016. Still proud to be an American; anchored by the belief and knowledge that this country must be standing because of the grace of God. 

 



glitter-graphics.com
* * *


My original content first published via Persona Paper, Jan 18, 2016, "POTUS Dots on My Timeline: Bush Jr. and Obama".

American Presidents During My Lifetime: George Bush Sr. and William "Bill" Clinton

POTUS Dots from Eisenhower to Kennedy to Johnson and Nixon to Ford and Carter to Reagan  …


* * *  



41st POTUS, George Bush Sr. (1989 – 1993)
 
Was working for the federal government in Washington, D.C., at the time. Bush Sr.'s years in office as POTUS – 1989 through 1993 - coincided with a time of personal crisis for my husband, my young children, and me. Because of our “present distress”, didn't really focus much on what was happening in the world of politics, except if it was a “Bush agenda item” that was in some way work-related. Do remember that the campaigning FOR the presidency took on a ruthless and vicious tone. Once elected, however, Bush Sr. said something about being glad it was over and moving toward “a kinder and gentler America” . You'll have to ask him directly where he was coming from with that statement. Recollections of that time period in my life are very blurry. 
 
* * * 

42nd POTUS, William Clinton (1993 – 2001)

 
People say things got much better for the general population during Clinton's years in the Oval Office. Sadly, only thing that pops out of my memory box is a brew ha ha about him getting a B.J. from a White House intern and cries for his impeachment. And … uuummm … ??? Oh yeah! Lots of Saturday Night Live comedy skits. 
 
Around about the same time, things did start getting better for my family and life was becoming less stressful and distressful. But the changes or improvements can not be attributed to whoever the leader of the nation was. It's the leader of the Fox family who gets full credit for turning things around. We weathered the storm with my husband at the ship's helm and he steered us through perilous and treacherous “waters”. 
 
We passed through and survived to meet and greet POTUS Number 43. Next! 
 

* * *


My original content first published via Persona Paper, Jan 18, 2016, "POTUS Dots on My Timeline: Bush Sr. and Clinton".


American Presidents During My Lifetime: Ronald Reagan

POTUS Dots from Eisenhower to Kennedy to Johnson and Nixon to Ford and Carter to … 


* * * 

40th POTUS, Ronald Reagan (1981 – 1988)

 

Mr. Reagan truly desired or aspired to be the president. He spent years trying to accomplish this objective. Finally. One day. It happened. He got himself elected. He was inaugurated on the very same day I started working for the United States Customs Service, now known as ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
He wasn't too keen on funding health, education and welfare or social programs like that. Just because Jesus said “The poor ye have always with you”, that doesn't mean those in poverty should be a priority budget item. 
 
He wanted to privatize functions like the postal service. 
 
He was really enthusiastic about space and defense programs. But when the Iran Contra Affair occurred, he told the American people he didn't know a thing about it. He has since departed this life but - if speaking honestly - I was never fully convinced he didn't know. Too late now to split hairs over it. 
 
All of America is glad - whether we agree with his decisions or not - that he survived an attempt on his life. The shooter wasn't even politically motivated. The idiot guy was just trying to impress a girl. A girl he didn't even know! God spared Mr. Reagan's life. Amen!

That's my recall/wrap-up of MY opinions and views of Reaganomics and his policies. 
 
* * *


My original content first published via Persona Paper, Jan 18, 2016, "POTUS Dots on My Timeline: Reagan".

American Presidents During My Lifetime: Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter

POTUS Dots from Eisenhower  to Kennedy  to Johnson and Nixon to …
  • Similar to my previous post, combining these next two POTUS Dots also.
* * *  

38th POTUS, Gerald Ford (1974 – 1977)

 
Served as Vice-President with Nixon and was then elected as President. He pardoned Nixon and some of US were not too happy about that. The overall sentiment went something like:
  • Dirty rotten crooked scoundrel politicians!! Q)Y*X}{@#!R{(TB# … Good old boys network! … (&_R #c ybB6T-!!& &% … etc.
 
Nothing else memorable to report about this administration. Either it was a quiet time or he was a quiet man. Not in the spotlight very often. (O.o) 
 
* * * 


39th POTUS, Jimmy Carter (1977 – 1981)

 
What with Watergate Scandal, Spiro WHO?, and Ford WHO?, and then a Presidential pardon after all of the uproar … the American people started asking a different type of “WHO” question: 
 
  • “WHO out there is an honest politician?”
 
Someone suggested:
  • “Well there is this peanut farmer who goes to church every Sunday.”
 
Americans are like: “Fine! Vote him in!”
 
After all, he can't be any worse than a dishonest politician. Right?
 
The mild-mannered Mr. Carter encouraged energy conservation; and he was (and still is) a principled man of peace who succeeded in getting two political leaders of countries – not known for being BFFs – Israel and Egypt - to actually shake hands and publicly agree on a peace accord. Regardless of what actually happened after that, he meant it for good .


* * *


My original content first published via Persona Paper, Jan 18, 2016, "POTUS Dots on My Timeline: Ford and Carter".

American Presidents During My Lifetime: Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon

POTUS Dots from Eisenhower to Kennedy to ...

  • Will have to combine these next two POTUS Dots. Not a lot to extract by way of recollection for one of them. 
* * * 


36th POTUS, Lyndon Johnson (1963 – 1969)

 
As Vice-President for John F. Kennedy, he had to step into the shoes of the slain President and pick up where he left off, continuing to move America forward. My memories of this administration are dominated by all the public protests against the Vietnam War , and by a lot of really good music during that time period containing song lyrics inspired by the various significant political issues of the day. Want to hear the songs of that generation just listen to the some of the background music for the movie Forrest Gump, which starred Tom Hanks.
 
Of course, my memories include the Civil Rights Movement . It's a perfect day to mention this important milestone in America's history because the date of this post - January 18, 2016 - is also being celebrated as MLK Day, the birthday of Martin Luther King, notable Civil Rights activist. 



 




* * *

37th POTUS, Richard Nixon (1969 – 1974)

 
The Watergate Scandal and Spiro WHO? Remember people saying that about the man Nixon chose to serve with him as Vice-President. Spiro T. Agnew. One would think that with a name like that a person would try to do something more memorable than avoid paying their income taxes. At any rate, Gerald Ford was chosen to take Agnew's place as VEEP and still people kept asking: WHO?? Seems nobody knew him either! (O.o) 

See related and more detailed blog post on Nixon.

Nixon Dots on My Timeline (An Opinion Piece)

 

* * *


My original content first published via Persona Paper, Jan 18, 2016, "POTUS Dots on My Timeline: Johnson and Nixon".

American Presidents During My Lifetime: John F. Kennedy

Continuing to follow the dots on my timeline which started with Eisenhower
 
* * *  
 
35th POTUS, John F. Kennedy (1961 – 1963) - What do I recall? 
 
 

The grown folks around me sure thought he was a good POTUS. Didn't know much but saw no reason to disagree with them. Have always believed that this man would have been one of the best presidents. But we will never know as he was cut down by an assassin's bullet or bullets. To this day, the identity of his murderer or murderers have never been confirmed. But the day he was shot is etched in my memory forever. People – the adults, that is, in my neighborhood were showing a range of emotions: sorrow, shock, despair, anger, dread. My older sister made a scrapbook of newspaper clippings – everything she could find about JFK. Sadly, don't know what happened to it. Wish I had kept it. Its historical value would have been priceless. 
 
Kennedy's assassination completely changed my understanding of this thing called “politics” in America, and in the world. Politics is dangerous! Not only dangerous but confusing. To want to get rid of a bad leader – like a ruthless dictator or a really cruel monarch - that's understandable. Not saying that's the right thing to do. But to kill a good leader? That is so clearly and obviously wrong. WHY?? Does this mean the good really do die young?? (O.o) 
 
Thoughts from a child's heart.

 
Next two POTUS Dots:  Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard M. Nixon

* * *

My original content first published via Persona Paper, Jan 18, 2016, "POTUS Dots on My Timeline: Kennedy".

American Presidents During My Lifetime: Dwight D. Eisenhower

It's 2016. Another election year in the United States of America. Thought this might be a good time to look back. For those who may be unfamiliar with the process, American presidents are voted in by the people. Although if you believe in the gospel according to Senator Bernie Sanders, that's a myth. Big Money runs this country. It runs the campaign process. It runs the Congress. This is not America. This is the Roman Empire.

But let's just say - for purposes of my posts - the ideal democracy does exist and the real power does rest with the GAP (general American public) and the people do elect their leaders in America. Here's how it works. Leaders are elected. They get to serve for no more than two terms, 4 years each, 8 years top. Then they leave and they can't come back! Most citizens, like me, are OK with this arrangement. Additionally, most citizens, like me, will probably live through about 8 to 10 presidents in their lifetime. 

This is my intro to a series of posts that will be published where I take a look back at the presidential DOTS on my timeline. Won't be drawing from what is written about these fearless leaders in the history books. Just going to try to see what can be drawn from my memory. 

* * *



Beginning with the 34th POTUS, Dwight D. Eisenhower, who served from 1953 to 1961. You could say my DOT is on his timeline since, my birth occurred during his time of service, close to the end of the year 1955. 

Only thing in my memory about this administration was that his daughter got married. No. That's not a political act. It's not politics at all. But … back in my time, children were taught not to speak when grown folks were talking and only thing I can recall grown folks talking about was the fact that his daughter was getting married. 

Guess that's an indicator that times during 1953 to 1961 weren't too too bad. (???) 

It's a guess from a person who was between the ages of: Newborn to 6 years. (O.o) 

That's it! Not much extracted. Next post? Next POTUS DOT?  John F. Kennedy

* * *



My original content first published via Persona Paper, Jan 18, 2016, "POTUS Dots on My Timeline: Eisenhower".

26 August 2022

“The Dangers of Being Too Political on Social Media” ~ Can We Talk? Or At Least Think.

The following thoughts were provoked by an article published by a person in my Google Plus circles, MikeAllton. He's a social media consultant and was given the opportunity to publish his content at MarketingProfs.com which he titled: “The Dangers of Being Too Political on Social Media”.


Let's face facts people. Social media is here to stay. 

I might also add: 

  • Social media is no different from Mars Hill, except that the reach of the debate and the discussions is worldwide, and you don't have to be deemed “one of the great minds” in order to add your two cents into the babbling cauldron.
😉



I love a spirited discussion and debate. Especially with my husband. Who usually always wins because he tires me out. It's not that he persuades me. I just run out of wind.

Regards friends in my social networks, I am careful to choose who to discuss really in-depth serious matters with, whether it be politics, religion or other really “tough stuff”. But if I am deeply concerned about an adverse impact of a decision, friend or no friend, I think it would wrong for me to not say anything and I feel compelled to be willing to sacrifice my “comfort zone” for the greater good. Even if I run the risk of losing a friend (or get yelled at by a total stranger who doesn't know me at all).

Some matters are worth taking the risk of losing a friend. 
But you have to decide that.

Some matters are worth taking the risk of losing your job. 
But you have to decide that.

Would you rather not say anything just to remain friends, only years later to have that “adverse impact” of a political decision manifest itself and then speak up? Only to have your friend look at you and ask: “Why didn't you say something then??! I thought I was your friend!” 

Would you rather choose to keep a job only to find that, in reality, you relinquished your freedom?

I never think in terms of “dangers” of expressing my views on matters that impact humanity because the disagreement might cause a divide or severe a relationship or make people so angry they turn into the Incredible Hulk.

 




As insignificant as my thoughts are to the grand scheme of things and the survival of the human race, I think of whether it would be “dangerous”  to NOT express myself.




By Source, Fair use, Incredible Hulk Comic Book Character


07 January 2020

Happy 2020! Will There Be a World War 3? Let's Discuss.

Ever since mankind realized that they were supposed to be counting wars ... people are on the edge because they are rightfully concerned about the possibility and regularly ask this question:

Will there be a World War 3?




There are lively discussions going in many online communities.  I donated my "two cents" to a discussion in a forum.  This is what I said:

* * *
"NOSTRADAMUS predictions for 2018 have foretold one of the worst years in global history with a string of natural disasters, the fall of the economy, and the start of World War 3."
Nostradamus 2018 predictions: World War 3 and disaster BUT survivors could live to 200
Eh! I never believed anything attributed to Nostradamus. Frankly I don't think there will be a 3rd world war because, although the countries possess nuclear weapons, nobody in their right mind really wants to use them. In a nuclear-to-nuclear showdown there are NO WINNERS. The fallout from the use of nuclear weapons is unimaginable. The earth - the land, the oceans and the sky - will be ruined FOR EVERYBODY!!
North Korea warns of nuclear showdown, ...

* * *
I made the statements above on May 25, 2018, and searched for related links on the web (see below).

:yawn: It's January 2020 and wouldn't you know it? We're having this discussion. ... AGAIN! :crazy:

WW3 latest news today: Is World War 3 happening right now? | World | News | Express.co.uk  



23 September 2019

Should Churches be Tax-Exempt? | HUBpages Contributor Catherine Giordano

It seems the U.S. laws regarding tax exemptions for churches, other religious institutions, and non-profit organizations is a carryover from the days of Emperor Constantine. 

But is it really a good idea?


This matter being discussed thoroughly at an article written by HUBPages Contributor Catherine Giordano.  

Should Churches beTax-Exempt?




These are only partial comments submitted by me and approved by the author.  Completed comments are a bit "windy".  :)
Fair? Unfair? Tax? No tax? Interesting discussion but for the faithful, it's just “much ado about nothing”. Speaking with respect to Christians. Can't speak for the mission of other religious organizations and non-profits, but the mission of the body of Christ is clearly spelled out in Matthew 28: 19 – 20 (and other scriptures). If you don't tax the church, we'll carry out the mission. If you tax the church, we'll carry out the mission. Jesus left the example. He didn't argue about paying taxes. He paid the tax and carried on with His work. (Matthew 22: 21) So the question has already been answered. Whatever the government in any country decides to do ... i.e. taxing, imprisonment, etc, ... the “laborers” will continue God's work until “The Harvest”. Christians don't need government support or approval to know and to do what is right.

You will find many HUBpages article links shared via this blog.  HUBPages is a spirited community where one can usually find intelligent conversation and interesting reading material on all kinds of subjects; not just religion and politics and history, which are usually my interests.  It gives me great pleasure to direct readers to pages penned by my fellow freelance writers.  Why should I have all the fun?  :)

Would you like to join the discussion?

Create a HubPages Network account.  It's free to join.




http://amzn.to/26uPLpM

“… the fruit of 16 years of research in Talmudic, gnostic, cabalistic, apocalyptic, patristic, and legendary texts. …”

03 September 2019

US History: Presidential Trivia: Teddy Called Them Muckrakers

The term "muckraker" was used by America's 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt. 

In the United States, muckrakers was the name for writers whose aim was expose corruption: i.e. to search for and expose misconduct in public life.



In chronological order:  
  • 1908 - Ray Stannard Baker "Following the Color Line" written to expose racial discrimination.  

Worthy of honorable mention: 
  • Ida Minvera Tarbell (1857 - 1944), U.S. journalist, known for "muckraking" exposés of political and corporate corruption; also a biographer, notably of Abraham Lincoln; and the only lady in the bunch!
Ida M. Tarbell, American "muckraker" author. 
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

***

More Presidential Trivia:

  • American presidents, (Thomas) Woodrow Wilson and Theodore Roosevelt, were Nobel Prize winners. 1906, Roosevelt received the award for being a mediator and arbitrating an end to the Russo-Japanese conflict; there was a dispute over +Manchuria and +Korea. Wilson received the prize in 1919, for establishing the League of Nations after World War I (1914 - 1918).








  • The "teddy bear" is named after Roosevelt's nickname Teddy because he went hunting and didn't want to shoot a baby cub.  Many people think a teddy bear with roses is an irresistible gift for Valentines Day?  



  • Kindle eBooks - Biographies & Memoirs of Presidents & Heads of State






    * * *

    04 February 2018

    American Presidents | Representing The Whigs

    The Whig was a U.S. Political party that was in existence from 1834 to 1856. Four of the active and influential members of the party served as the President of the United States.




    No More Whigs

    The Whig was a U.S. Political party that was in existence from 1834 to 1856. It was formed in opposition to the Democratic party. They favored higher tariffs and a liberal interpretation of the Constitution. The members eventually united with the Republicans and their party, as we know of it in history, was no more.

    It was formed in opposition to the Democratic party. They favored higher tariffs and a liberal interpretation of the Constitution. The members eventually united with the Republicans and their party, as we know of it in history, was no more.

    - William Henry Harrison (1841) -
    We will never of he would have served our country well because he died one month after taking office of pneumonia.

    - John Tyler (1841 – 1845) -
    Tyler opened up trade with China and signed bills admitting Florida and Texas to the Union.

    - Zachary Taylor (1849 – 1850) -
    Respected as a war hero. “Old Rough and Ready” was his nickname. Before he could implement his policies concerning the exclusion of slavery from newly acquired lands, he died.

    - Millard Fillmore (1850 – 1853) -
    Fillmore delayed the debate over slavery by agreeing to The Compromise of 1850 which gave each newly acquired territory the “liberty” to decide, on their own, whether they would be a slave-state or a free-state. We of course know that the final decision was settled by the American Civil War.


    Image credit: By N. Currier (firm), New York [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons




    Presidents’ Day is celebrated every third Monday in February in the USA. Almost everyone knows all about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Just sharing a few tidbits about some of our less talked-about American presidents.



    Content above first appeared at TreasurePen.com, Feb 13 2014.
    




    U.S. History Timeline: From Washington to Tyler

    Jackson and Monroe were not the only ones who made time for romance. All of the others had romantic involvements that resulted in marriages. The first names of the First Ladies from Washington to Tyler are as follows (with husband's initals and the wedding date): Martha (G.W. - January 6, 1759); Abigail (J.A.

    U.S. History Timeline: After Lincoln, Before Coolidge

    by cmoneyspinner The Republican party was formed in 1854 by antislavery groups. Members of the Whigs, Free-Soilers and Know-Nothing parties merged their ideals of freedom with others in this new party that opposed slavery.

    Presidents Who Served First as Vice-Presidents

    What do American Presidents John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Martin Van Buren, John Tyler, Millard Fillmore, Andrew Johnson, Chester A. Arthur, Theodore Roosevelt, and Calvin Coolidge all have in common with each other? Two things. These nine men served as Vice-Presidents before becoming Presidents; and they are no longer with US.

    04 January 2018

    History Markers : Terror From the Right: 1995 - 2014 | splc.org

    Below is a concise summary of stories of plots, conspiracies and racist rampages, 1995 to 2014. Target? Democratic America. The number in parentheses is the count of how many events actually occurred.


    First event was July 28, 1995: Anti-government extremist Charles Ray Polk indicted by federal grand jury for plotting to blow up the Internal Revenue Service building in Austin, Texas.


    Last event dated June 8, 2014: Jerad Miller, 31, and his wife, Amanda, 22, shoot two police officers. The Millers perceived law enforcement as "oppressors" and reportedly told neighbors about their plans.



    Terror From the Right: Plots, Conspiracies and Racist Rampages Since Oklahoma City
    | Southern Poverty Law Center


    * * NOTE: SPLC has updated this list AFTER 2014.  Events below ones I think should be mentioned.  

    2015 San Bernadino, California Attack.

    2017 Mass Shooting at a country-music show at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas 

    Sadly, there continue to be additions to the list.  No point splitting hairs over what constitutes a "terrorist act".

    Some plots are aimed at the government.  
    Some people just aim at anything! Reason unknown.  (O.o)


    1995 (4)

    1996 (9)

    1997 (9)

    1998 (7)

    1999 (8)

    2000 (2)

    2001 (4)

    2002 (5)

    2003 (7)

    2004 (4)

    2005 (2)

    2006 (1)

    2007 (1)

    2008 (5)

    2009 (8)

    2010 (8)

    2011 (8)

    2012 (6)

    2013 (2)

    2014 (3)




    Report: Department Of Justice, Homeland Security Must Go On Offensive Against Growing Right-Wing Threat





    Study: Greatest Terrorism Threat In America Not Al Qaeda, It's Right-Wing Sovereign Citizens





    DHS Warns of "Domestic Violent Extremists" Targeting Government Officials, Law Enforcement









    18 July 2017

    What is Religion? (It's a Straight Forward Question with a Straight Forward Answer.)

    Two topics they say people should never discuss because it will likely always end in a heated argument: politics and religion



    - Hard not to discuss politics. The media does a good job of keeping it in your face.

    - Hard not to discuss religion. It's close to one's heart. Atheists, wiccans, devout believers all have convictions. The media helps a little. Didn't you hear all those reports about pope Francis?

    When it comes to religion, there is a definition that everybody can agree with and should not cause controversy.

    “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (James 1: 27)

    How hard can it be to follow this guideline?



    Content first shared at myLot.com, Sept 2015.

    * * *
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    Restore Our Religious Freedom (Say what now?)

    One World - Multiple Space Colonies 

    Who Got Da Power? 

    Yeah but … Religion and Refusal both start with the letter 'R' 

    Is Turning the Other Cheek Really a Practical Solution? 

    Difference Between Politics and Religion









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