Notice I've Been Slamming Conservatives?

I don't really mean to. I absolutely don't favor one party over the other. Rather I'm absolutely committed to common sense values and the things I strongly believe in. I myself personally don't associate my beliefs with either party.

I will now list a few of my thoughts and leave it for others to decide whether I'm Red or Blue. Something I abhor because nothing in this life is either that black or white when it comes to either party. Although most of my beliefs align somewhat with liberal ideology when it comes to words versus actions the Democratic party is as full of shit as anybody* Allentown's NIZ- Redistribution of wealth: Instead of trickle down, it's trickle up. Whether taxpayer money is used to line pockets of the idle or the rich is flat out wrong. I don't believe in redistribution. Taxpayer money should be used to provide basic public services and not for investment for either the poor or wealthy.

* Social Security and Medicare is not a government handout nor redistribution. Workers pay into these funds which are separate from the federal income tax which is targeted for the federal budget (or should be) just like the Post Office's budget. Instead the government is bitching about paying back the IOU's owed because of it's overspending by dipping into funds never intended for the purposes in which they were created.

* As long as we can spend $600 billion and another 200 or 300 billion more via in so called discretionary spending (off the book-over the budget) EVERY YEAR on the military, we can afford to take care things for basic needs of the people like infrastructure, education, promised pensions, etc. It's not a matter of not having the money. Rather it's this government's priority to take care of itself first before the needs people who's labor goes to support it.

* Who the hell cares whether Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Egypt or other nations peoples can get their act together or not. Why spill American blood and/or pour money into them? See above-- that's why we pour vast sums of money to a "DEFENSE" department to protect us from them. I have this 'mind your own business' policy when it comes to those who are not now or likely not to be a direct threat to us. Humanitarian aid is all fine and dandy, but how the hell can anyone decide who deserves the aid? In most cases the opposition ends up (once in charge) to be very much like the government before them.

* Who the hell cares whether gay people marry or not? When any government gets to decide what goes on in the bedroom, the outcome is never good. When any governments' law is based on religion doctrines, no good ever comes of it. Never did. Never will. No matter which religion ones believes in they think their God can kick the ass of the other. It's my belief that any almighty God that is supposed to be all knowing powerful, who created the universe and peoples' who's fate lies in his hands doesn't need any help. I'm sure he can handle things just fine if he wanted to. Mankind needs to get over themselves!

* I also believe we live like goldfish in this aquarium we call Earth. If we mucky up our waters and air just like goldfish, we're gonna die. What does one speck (like Earth) matter to the universe? I have no problem with screwing up this planet's air and water if we had someplace to go. Unfortunately we're as helpless as goldfish when it comes to our little fish bowl we call Earth. Think God will save us.. good luck with that!

* Wars are stupid. Throughout the history of mankind we've killed ourselves time and again for the very same lands that exist today. Millions have died needlessly in the name of their governments throughout time. Defense is one thing to protect our families, but almost in all cases people died because one form of government or another wanted to expand itself into other nations. If nobody showed up when politicians ordered them to millions would be alive today. Therefore I'm wary of any bullshitting politician (who almost never will ever pick up a weapon him or herself) telling me I should go kill a bunch of people. I'll take the example of Vietnam in my era. I didn't even know where the hell it was or who these people were. I'm still totally confused why I should have been drafted, dropped off in a jungle and start shooting them dead. I still absolutely have no idea how in the hell they were a threat to either me and my family. Yeah I could understand Germany trying to take over the world and me taking part in that, but what the hell is with all these others since then?

* Government regulation. Hell yeah I believe in it. Who's bigger or more powerful then the United States government to tell corporations they can't charge fees or use their battery of lawyers to run willy-nilly doing whatever the hell they please? Free market my ass. Consumers without government regulation and protection could destroy this nation in a heartbeat. Can you imagine insurance companies, bankers, utility companies, drillers, medical/pharmaceutical providers, food manufactures and real estate investors doing whatever the hell they want?These are only a few of my beliefs and concerns. Now if you think I'm a supporter of either Democrats or Republicans that's your problem.

I will go with either party that most likely will align with my way of thinking. Right now from all indications the Democrats are not a party to be followed blindly, but Republicans sure as hell seem to stand for all the things I'm most against. If you care little about the environment, social security's stability, reasonable healthcare for all Americans (no matter how imperfect Obamacare is), reigning in out of control corporations, food regulations, environmental threats or generally speaking letting the government take a hands off policy... then the Republican party is for you.

Don't get me wrong Democrats (when it comes tick for tac) are little better, but when it comes to a outright supporting a free for all government looking out for itself and the rich/powerful, Republicans tend to come down on that side of the fence.

There are no heroes in either party in my book. Both are self serving. I guess you could say I'm loyal to neither party nor a government that doesn't place it's peoples' interests before it's own. Historically speaking I'm not sure that's ever happened nor happening today. If some still want to label me in some way.. screw ya. I don't care what one thinks. I'm about more in my ideology then being categorized and being defined in some way by someone who won't discuss or refine one of the things I stated above.

Failing to communicate with me elaborating your differences on my these views speaks more about your prejudices then it does about me. So-Be-It.

Texas: Being Gay Is A Matter Of Choice

Here's Lionel's thought's ...
Let's Make Friday Switcheroo Day


So OK, who wants to go first?
:)

Allentown Homeless Be Shelterless This Winter?

Rev. Richard Baumann is resigning from Allentown's St. Paul's Lutheran Church over differences with the congregation. He indicated they had differences over the way he did his "community-based ministry". No doubt the biggest bugaboo was his staunch support of the church's homeless shelter during the winter months called 'Safe Haven'. Critics didn't like the way it was run.

One thing can be said however. No one was turned away. That may not be the case this winter if 'Safe Haven' no longer exist. You see there are those who believe either you run things the right way or not at all. Here's the problem with that. "Not at all" is not an acceptable option for the 275 homeless who had no place other to go in the cold last winter (2013-2014).

Doing things the "right way" could end up costing as much as five times more then Rev. Baumann did it for. Critics may complain about overcrowding, having to sleep on floors or having little to no supervision, but hell at least they were indoors. Something that won't happen for these 275+ homeless if "doing things the right way" can't get the funding they estimated will be needed.

So the question boils down to this that only the homeless should answer. Would they rather have what some call a crappy place to sleep indoors. Or few to none, if sponsors can't find the needed funding? This could leave many more of them to fend for themselves then last year.

Under Rev Baumann's ministry St. Paul's adapted to the needs of the poor and minorities in center city Allentown. St. Paul's is the last of the grand a glorious churches that were among several in downtown Allentown in it's better days. It didn't shutdown shop or move to the suburbs like several other churches which abandoned downtown Allentown seeking a more lucrative congregation.

I'm not sure what direction this church intends to go, but with the news of Rev. Richard Baumann resignation it doesn't bode well for Allentown's most vulnerable. I certainly have no way of knowing if this is their intent but perhaps the congregation wants to gentrify itself with a bit of the new promised wealth the NIZ is expected to bring downtown, eh? Time will tell. We shall see.. shalln't we?

Kind of a no brainer question...
What would Jesus want them to do?

Red Sovine- "If Jesus Came To Your House"



UPDATED
(10/07/2014)
WFMZ is reporting, "A homeless shelter that can accommodate at least 50 people will open in the middle of Allentown on Nov. 1"

FOX News Believes In Public Hangings

FOX news has really gone to town on Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl and his father. Anyone who has ever done jury duty has probably been convinced 100% a person is guilty after the prosecution attorney spoke. That is until defense introduced counter arguments. Such is not the case when FOX conducts it's trial by public execution of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl.

I don't know about you, but I would say and do what ever it would take necessary to keep myself alive if held captive. There's no point in being a dead hero just to appease a few assholes at FOX news. You see in this country we are suppose to be allowed (by trial) to explain ourselves.

FOX news has interviewed a bunch of unverified supposed ex-soldiers comrades who were assumed to part of his infantry unit, but not all were actually part of his platoon. A bunch of guys who only had second hand gossip-like information. What FOX news is doing is giving Bergdahl a unfair grilling before they hang him by a bunch of couch potatoes who have no first hand knowledge.

I said it before and I will say it again, FOX News is more dangerous then 'Tokyo Rose', Nazi or the Russian propaganda news organizations could have ever been to undermine America and it's president. They've already tried and hung Bergdah in the court of public opinion before having heard his or is father's side.

Aside from that, regarding the release of Taliban prisoners.. How many Taliban fighters were involved in 911?
      NONE!!!

Yes the Taliban are asshole terrorists, but only a threat to the Afghan people. Their interests lie within Afghanistan. Not the USA. And yes these were the same idiots the United States supplied with weapons and support to fight the Russians when they occupied Afghanistan. in armed conflict. If these 5 prisoners released are a threat to Americans, it is only to those American soldiers who still occupy Afghanistan.

FOX News (via Megan Kelly, Fox & Friends and Sean Hannity) have placed both he, his family and supporters in danger (the likes of public lynching) who now have come under death threats.

I don't know whether Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl is a victim of innocence or guilt, but apparently FOX News has appointed themselves the judge and jury which could result in some nut job executing either or both him and his father for the things they have said taken out of context.

I surely don't know all the facts, but that sure as hell didn't stop FOX News. This isn't a game. There are real people and their lives are involved. If anything happens FOX News should be held fully accountable to not only the family but what damage they have caused internationally between the United States and the foreign relations between the two countries.

None of the FOX News mouthpieces have been appointed nor elected to speak for either the United States, our state department nor the Afghan people. I don't know who the hell they think they are, but they need to shut the hell up and confine themselves to report only on those that have first hand knowledge and are directly involved. Appointing themselves judge and jury is beyond disingenuous, it's downright despicable if not (at the least) undermining everything the country stands for.

Guns, Guns And More Guns

Idiots from the NRA and other gun supporters would have us believe the more guns there are, the better.

Well I decided to Google just the shootings that took place over this past week alone. I gave up. There were far too many to list. Here's only a few!!!'Suspicious' hole in house wall leads to discovery of bullet, Upper Macungie Township
Tennessee Man Accidentally Shoots, Kills Self While Driving
3 Houston men shot during bar fight
5-year-old shot in Jersey City in stable condition after surgery
13 shot in 9 bloody hours in NYC
Elderly Woman Shot During Home Invasion Robbery in Beverly Hills
Ex-con kills Virginia teen, police officer before being shot dead
Gas station clerk shot on Indianapolis' southwest side
Grandfather shot by teen dies Delaware's fourth homicide in just over a week
Man shot after going to wrong house in northwest Las Vegas
New Orleans- Man shot in back in 7th Ward
Atlanta- Forsyth deputy shot, suspect dead, courthouse evacuated
NYC- Shot Yards Away From Police Station, a Teenager Collapses and Dies
Phila- Son of Abortion Doctor Shot by Law-Abiding Gun Owner During Home Invasion
Chicago- Strip mall attack wounds 6 as city shootings leave 11 hurt
Suspect shot by Norfolk officer dies
Teen dies after being shot in north Minneapolis
Three shot at Seattle Pacific University
Teen arrested in Jersey City in shooting of 5-year-old boy
10 Shot in 4 Hours in Chicago
Abilene woman fatally shot as she clutched newborn
Albuquerque woman shot in face while driving
Athens, Ga. teen shot and killed
Boulder police: CU student shot by officers drew pellet gun
Orlando- Homeless man shot outside 7-Eleven on Lee Road
Louisiana- Employee, 23, shot, killed at auto body shop Saturday
Texas- Grand Prairie officer shot serving warrant
Erie- Grandmother shot on beach at Chapman Dam
Texas- Humble-area gas station clerk fatally shot while on the job
Investigators determine Raleigh, N.C. officer shot comrade
Texas- Man Found Shot in Crashed Mercedes Dies
Texas- Man shot and killed in his Old East Dallas apartment
Man shot and killed in south Charlotte
LA (Calif) Man Shot And Killed Outside Of Silver Lake Del Taco
Man shot multiple times, killed in Madisonville, Ohio
INDIANAPOLIS- Police identify gas station shooting victim
Glen Falls, New York- Man shot in the face with a shotgun outside Route 9 Wal-Mart
Chicago- Six shot at South Shore laundromat
Kansas City, Mo- Victim found in cemetery had been repeatedly shot
Florida- Wellington clerk fatally shot during robbery was new to the job
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama- Woman shot in chest at west Birmingham retirement community; estranged boyfriend/suspect dead in apparent suicide
The United States Is Gun Nuts!

Not only should we change the way guns are regulated but we should rewrite the constitution. Here's why...

When the constitution was written it was intended that guns be used to form a "well regulated militia". I don't give a flying fig what the supreme court says.. they are wrong. If the supreme court screwed this up then legislators (and we) need to re-write the 2nd amendment clarifying and improving on this 200 year old doctrine as soon as possible!

It might have been fine 200 years ago, but it is now outdated. At the time, gun owners had to take gunpowder out of a horn. Then measure and pack it. Then load a shot into the barrel using a ramrod. Finally one had to make sure they had working flint to fire their weapon. All of this took time and there were many that misfired. Today's (unmodified) semi-automatic guns can fire at least 10 rounds from a clip in far less time then a minute. In fact another multi round clip can be fired and reloaded several times less then it would take just one lead shot in those days a long time ago when the constitution was written. This is why soldiers used bayonets way back then. The best they could hope for (if they were lucky) was to get one poorly aimed shot against their enemy.

It simply astounds me that here in the United States we scream, holler, spend billions of dollars and are paranoid over foreign terrorists, when in all likelihood we more likely to get killed by a homeowner, gang member, trigger happy cop, jealous lover, a pissed off neighbor or some unstable individual getting a hold of a gun because of a outdated 200 year old doctrine.

Am I supposed to feel safer when a bunch of ass clowns walk into a store toting guns OR a paranoid gun toting angry individual (or cop) feels threatened, offended or misinterpreted something I said or done?
     WELL.. I DON'T


The more guns out there,
the more likely someone's going to get shot dead...
PERIOD!

Forbes: Obama EPA Issues Coal-Killing Rules

FORBES: Obama EPA Issues Coal-Killing Rules To Cut Carbon Emissions 30 Percent

COMMENTARYConservative Republicans in Congress went bonkers when they heard this and are planning future legislation to block it. First off when do we reach the point of no return tipping point on global warming and become like the planet Venus?

The Earth's lungs are it's greenery. Earth's vegetation absorbs CO2 (green house gases). Someone may say well we'll just plant a bunch of trees if the Earth's climate reaches that tipping point. WRONG. Droughts and extended heating and bitter cold conditions would kill off the trees and other vegetation (including the food we eat). In short we'd be screwed. The time to act is now.

Others call bullshit on global warming (fools that they are). Climatologists aren't religious leaders. They aren't politicians. Neither are they invested in the fossil fuel industry. So why would anyone take the word of those who have selfishly everything to gain with their denials over scientific proof that says otherwise when it comes to the continued burning of fossil fuels?

Still there are other conservatives lashing out about how carbon reduction regulation will kill jobs. Hey jackass... how many ships today are hiring sail riggers? How many firemen are still shoveling coal down in the boiler rooms of cruise and cargo ships or on rail locomotives? None you say! Yeah they moved on to the next technology. That's how things work out. Should the USA have continued to stagnate while the world moved on just to save jobs? Wouldn't that be stupid!

Yeah I have empathy for coal miners, oil drillers and their families, but only an imbecile would encourage workers to risk their lives when it's no longer necessary. Only fools would place the value of gold over scientific progress and the perpetuation of the human race.

Hey I and my offspring got to live here too. Given the right balance, CO2 keeps us from cooking or freezing to death. This isn't a religious principle or a political belief.. it's scientific fact.

If the Earth were to get too cold we know that we could easily introduce to CO2 to the atmosphere (by burning fossil fuels) to avoid another ice age by trapping heat. However once Earth's climate goes too far the other way we can't simply plant vegetation to reverse droughts and extreme heat that would prevent plant growth.

     WHAT'S SO FREAKING HARD TO UNDERSTAND !

Best Campaign Strategy For Democrats

Over the last few days the Secretary for the VA resigned. So did Whitehouse spokesman Jay Carney. . Here's an idea...Give em' what they want!

I suggest Barack Obama resign along with Joe Biden. That would leave John Boehner (speaker of the House) in charge. Can you only imagine what would happen!

That would leave Republicans with about a year and a half to show the country what they're made of. Wouldn't that be a hoot!

Call it a preview of how Republicans would handle things. I figure it this way, how bad could Boehner screw things up in a year and a half?

Remember the Democrats control the Senate and could keep him in check. See how it goes when the shoe's on the other foot.

Imagine how John Boehner's attitude would change after he was briefed on security, economic and other issues that only the President is privy to. It's one thing to shoot off your mouth on FOX news and as a congressional member on the sidelines. It's entirely another matter when your they guy sitting behind the desk in the oval office. The guy that's held accountable for every thing that 2,724,000 federal employees may say or do. Hell's sake, you'd have to have an all seeing eye!

Damn, I'd give a month's of my income just to watch President John Boehner run the country till the 2016 elections. It would be so worth it to give up power for just 1.5 years already knowing that it would be Boehner's worst nightmare. It also would be a great way for putting a cork on Boehner cockiness.

Ted Cruz you're next!