Archive for April, 2009
Political Candidates as Supreme Court Justices
Justice David Souter is rumored to be retiring from the Supreme Court. Appointed by President George H. W. Bush, Souter has surprised everyone with his more liberal perspective on the constitution. There will be pressure on President Obama to appoint a woman or a Hispanic – political pressure is always present. President Bush the First […]
30Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Political Candidates as Supreme Court Justices | ContinuedThe Concept of “Small Business” in 2009
When I was a child growing up in an Ozzie and Harriet neighborhood we had neighborhood grocery stores, hardware stores, gas stations with neighborhood mechanics, and a small bakery. All of these businesses were mom and pop operations. All were a joy to visit. There was always a friendly face and a genuine desire to help the customer. The environment of that time was one of mutual respect and support. As Joe DiMaggio might say, “Nostalgia is not what it used to be.” America has changed – and the mega corporations drive the economy.
30Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The Concept of “Small Business” in 2009 | ContinuedThe Conservative Manifesto For American Bloodshed
The deceptive elements of evil are alive and well within the right wing conservative movement. These people worship at the alter of false Reaganism. They quote Reagan as an opponent of government, when the obvious fact is that Ronald Reagan was the head of the government. The right wing of the early 21st Century distorts the words of President Reagan to serve their own evil purpose. Ronald Reagan NEVER advocated an armed revolution against the United States of America.
29Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The Conservative Manifesto For American Bloodshed | ContinuedArlen Spector Switches Political Parties
Senator Arlen Spector, a long time Republican from Pennsylvania, is reported to be poised to switch political parties. Senator Spector has always been his own man, not necessarily following party lines. (Don’t we all wish there were more of these types of politicians). The powerful punch of this news rests in the power structure of […]
28Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | ContinuedRadical Fanatics Are A Threat To America’s Safety
There is not a nickel’s worth of difference between the Left Wing Radicals of the 1960’s and contemporary Right Wing Radical fanatics. Both groups talk of revolution. Both groups oppose the government of The United States of America. Both groups have representatives who intentionally terrorize America. Both groups are responsible for the fear and hate and divisiveness that grips our country in troubled times.
27Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 7 comments | ContinuedJohn Denver on Global Warming
John Denver was one of the most popular folk singers of the late 20th Century. He had the capacity to resonate with each of us – even folks in the big cities loved his music. Denver spoke to a harmony with nature, to the love of nature, to respect for nature. What would John Denver […]
27Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on John Denver on Global Warming | ContinuedThe Two-Edged Sword of Justice
President Obama demonstrates his wisdom. He is reluctant to pursue charges against Bush administration officials for possible war crimes conducted during their ‘war on terror.’ Justice is a funny thing – and the Constitutional Lawyer in Barack Obama speaks to him of justice – but his maturity speaks to him of the bitterness of vengeance.
23Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | ContinuedWhen The Bully Runs The School
Abusive bureaucrats ultimately lead to an angry, embittered, skeptical, and frustrated populace. The current issue hitting the Supreme Court is a case where a thirteen year old girl was strip-searched by school authorities. This is exactly the sort of case that gets all of the attention – it is great headline news – and the […]
22Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 4 comments | ContinuedFinding a Voice With Music
Dad, I am one of those lovers of music that has no musical background. I wasn’t in band in high school; I never sang in a choir, I never even managed a successful stretch of lessons that allowed me to learn an instrument. I toyed with the idea of learning the violin, but I am […]
21Apr2009 | bryan | Comments Off on Finding a Voice With Music | ContinuedObama and Nixon – Greeting Nasty People
President Barack Obama recently attended the Summit of the Americas. While there he met that Venezuela wacko President Chavez. President Obama has been criticized by the conservative media for his graciousness in the face of evil. We do not dispute the atrocious behavior of Chavez – but we would remind all that diplomacy is not always easy – and being gracious in the face of nasty people is difficult. Here are a few examples in recent history.
20Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 5 comments | ContinuedPaper Roses – Marie Osmond, Loretta Lynn, Anita Bryant
Here is a wonderful song sung by three very popular singers. You can judge for yourself which is best. I have a favorite and am curious about reader’s (listener’s) choices:
20Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Paper Roses – Marie Osmond, Loretta Lynn, Anita Bryant | ContinuedFeral Children – Raised by Republicans
New opportunities for scientific research into nature and nurture continue to present themselves. At issue today, after thirty years of degenerate evolution of the Republican Party, is the social and intellectual skills of feral children raised by Republicans.
There are common traits now understood by anthropologists. The commonality originates in a nurturing environment of isolation, confinement, and strict conformity toharsh rule.
Warning to Readers – this post shifts from humor to very serious and graphic depictions of human behavior.
19Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Feral Children – Raised by Republicans | ContinuedThe Stormy Marriage of Jesus
Arranged marriages are common in some cultures. And why not? We adults know what is best for our children. We tell ourselves we are only being responsible when arranging their life. The practice is highlighted in books and movies. Perhaps the best known, or perhaps most entertaining, is “Fiddler on the Roof.” After all, traditions […]
18Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 4 comments | ContinuedMiddle School Social Regulation, Part II
As noted in a previous post I have been assigned the job of head chauffeur for my grand daughter in middle school. Her parents moved out of State and she stayed behind to finish the school year. She lives with her grandmother. Enough of that – I pick her up every day from school and […]
17Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Middle School Social Regulation, Part II | ContinuedThe NRA Supports Mexican Drug Cartels
It is the law of unintended consequences at its most maddening extreme. In their asinine attempt to keep all forms of arms available, with the least regulation or restriction, the Nation Rifle Association has made heavy weapons available to the Mexican Drug Cartels. We don’t have enough James Bonds around to control the bad guys. […]
16Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | ContinuedIndicting George Bush for War Crimes
This writer is convinced that our former President, George W. Bush, committed war crimes. Specifically, the President authorized torture by water boarding and other means of interrogation – in violation of the Geneva Convention. Our country is a country of law. Situational justifying the breaking of law is a common defense in the lower courts. It does not work there – and it should not work for the President. But our life is more complicated in 2009.
16Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 8 comments | ContinuedCredit Card Potential Becomes Liability for Banks
Credit Cards – a nasty phrase of doom or the potential for happiness? That depends on whether you are a bank or a consumer. And it also depends on the economic climate. I have held about fifteen credits cards at any one time for many years. I don’t carry any balances – I don’t owe […]
12Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Credit Card Potential Becomes Liability for Banks | ContinuedKevin Spacey Impersonations
Every now and then a real talent comes along. Kevin Spacey is one such talent. Check out this video where Spacey spontaneously impersonates Jimmy Stewart, Johnny Carson, Katherine Hepburn, Clint Eastwood and several others… [wp_youtube]O8JmN_-oudY[/wp_youtube] This guy has phenomenal powers of observation – and is able to translate his observations into superb acting. But Spacey […]
12Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Kevin Spacey Impersonations | ContinuedFact, Fiction, Science, and the Story of God
Understanding science and the way that we interact with our world is valuable information, and speculating on the specifics of the stories if the Bible are valuable to a deeper understanding of their significance. We have to admit, however, that there will always be an element that we cannot explain, and that we have a choice every day whether or not we accept that unexplained part as the mystery and power of the story, or shrug it off as a delusion of the minds of men.
9Apr2009 | bryan | Comments Off on Fact, Fiction, Science, and the Story of God | ContinuedThe Road to Tyranny – and other ludicrous ideas
The correct place for Shawn Hannity and Michelle Bachman is on Comedy Central. These folks are breaking down with psychotic episodes of paranoia. Fortunately for people like me, Stewart and Colbert help keep this insanity in perspective. We have ranted and blustered at the conservative right wing. Particularly during the election cycle. I am afraid […]
8Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The Road to Tyranny – and other ludicrous ideas | ContinuedThe Phenomenon of Modern Guns
My age is classified in the category of Senior. Does that by itself suggest anything about my understanding of modern guns? No, it does not. Just checking for any preconceived bias. By chance I have owned guns in one form or another for about 35 years. In 1976 I shot Marksman on a police combat course with a four inch stainless steel Ruger Security Six 357 Magnum. That was a mouthful, but it points out that modern guns are very different than the arms defined in the 2nd Amendment. And that was 35 years ago. Modern guns of the 21st Century are just plain scary.
7Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 24 comments | ContinuedMr. Gates Goes to Washington (Again)
Yesterday, Secretary Gates took his place in the new administration as an agent for change and an advocate for a more responsible approach to our defense budget. Strangely enough, the supposed champions of fiscal responsibility have been the first to cry foul.
7Apr2009 | bryan | Comments Off on Mr. Gates Goes to Washington (Again) | ContinuedDoes Our Economic Attitude Matter? A Hole in the Bucket.
Well, they (whoever they is) measure consumer confidence. What do you suppose that is about? Consumer confidence is a measurement of the confidence people have about their ability to sustain their life style – in a manner of speaking. The consequence of positive attitude is that people will spend their money because they have confidence that more is coming. Negative consumer confidence implies that people will not spend their money. Attitude does matter. Gratitude rhymes with attitude for a reason.
7Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Does Our Economic Attitude Matter? A Hole in the Bucket. | ContinuedSunday Is For Religion, Tuesday Is For Politics
We obviously have a system that promotes a separation of Church and State. The week begins with Sunday at Church – then we take a day to cool off and return to a mentality of sanity, so we can go vote. Most elections are held on the first Tuesday of November or April. Church is always on Sunday, no matter which month. And that is how America works – faithfully keeping religion separate from politics.
5Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 3 comments | ContinuedMichelle Obama, The New Princess Di
President Obama and the First Lady, Michelle Obama, have taken the stage in Europe. While the G-20 Summit frames the visit by the American President, Michelle Obama has become an iconic presence. Like Princess Diana of Great Britain, Mrs. Obama is known for her compassion, style, charisma – and her high profile marriage. The public […]
3Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 5 comments | ContinuedThe Big Disconnect Between Haves and Have-Nots
A really fascinating dichotomy occurs when community leaders have to go to the public for support on tax initiatives. Our example is of a microcosm of modern America – the town of St. Joseph, Missouri. We live in rural northwest Missouri, just outside of Punkin Center, and we watch the local economy. The St. Joseph […]
2Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The Big Disconnect Between Haves and Have-Nots | Continued