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A Lax Regulatory Culture
Law, regulation, rules, structure, order, justice, fairness, equality – whatever we call the excretion of government – some of us will agree and some will not. From the Code of Hammurabi to the speed limits in Punkin Center, Missouri, rules have given structure and order to the culture of mankind. Hammurabi, as noted in the […]
23Apr2011 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Birther Bullstuff, Obama, Trump
Donald Trump with Meridith Vieira – This episode is a tragedy of American Journalism. Vieira let Trump ramble around without challenge. NBC should step up, as a network that claims professional journalism, and correct this travesty of justice. It is a travesty because millions of people get their world view from the NBC Today Show […]
7Apr2011 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Treachery On The Trail To The Presidency
Every four years scores of people venture out on the trail to the Presidency. Ultimately only one will finish the journey – will reach the goal. There is danger at every turn. One false step and the candidacy can be doomed. Some recover from a slip or a slide – some perish, dashed on the […]
26Mar2011 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Treachery On The Trail To The Presidency | Continued
The Obama Doctrine – Think, Feel, Act
There is a new sheriff in town. He has decided to round up the rascals in Lybia. President Obama is not inclined to act on feelings of insecurity – as we witnessed in the immediate past Administration. Presidential Doctrine has been a subject of debate for about as long as there have been Presidents. We […]
20Mar2011 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
Japan 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami (Video)
Tragedy is unfolding as we type. The fifth largest earthquake ever recorded, 8.9 on Richter Scale, struck Japan about eight hours ago. Youtube has become a conduit for video information. Here are several examples of the results of the Japan quake. Tsunami: More Tsunami: Another view: The following video may be the most comprehensive: The […]
11Mar2011 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Japan 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami (Video) | Continued
AA and Addiction Treatment Have Failed Charlie Sheen
Charlie Sheen is in the news – again – and his choice of words directly reflects the misguided efforts of contemporary addition treatment. These efforts do not address psychological health – but rather demand conformity to some loosely defined notion of ‘proper society’ or of ‘Christian values’ or of something called ‘spiritual health’. This addiction […]
2Mar2011 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
Let The Wild Man Out
I don’t mean to be chauvinistic – but this post is about men in particular. More specifically, how do boys become men? There are many ideas – participate in sports, become an Eagle Scout, join the military, go to college, get a job and get married and have children – these events will make men […]
28Feb2011 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Let The Wild Man Out | Continued
From Egypt To Wisconsin – Protests Were Inevitable
Form the earliest times of humans organizing into tribes the leaders were aware of simple realities: Throw a few crumbs to the masses – enough to feed their children – and you could stay in power. Deny the masses and suffer protest and eventual stripping of power. Government leaders across the globe – from Egypt […]
20Feb2011 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Finding Meaning in the National Debate About Debt
We have had a major crisis in our house recently that started with a heated conversation about our budget, and I thought that I would share the events that led to our household meltdown so that we might learn from my mistakes and apply those lessons to our national debate about money. It was budget […]
18Feb2011 | bryan | Comments Off on Finding Meaning in the National Debate About Debt | Continued
A View From Egypt
The firesidepost.com has no concrete position on the present happenings in Egypt – Only because we do not have enough information or insight into the present day problems. We are happy however to present information from others that we find reasonable and thoughtful: This post was taken from islamreview.com. Written by Tawfik Hamid I was […]
30Jan2011 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on A View From Egypt | Continued
Investing Our Self In A Cause
When we completely invest ourselves in any cause we risk our sanity. From religion to politics to civil rights to social justice – to being employed in a noble profession – any cause can be consuming. Problems come when we identify ourselves in the context of the cause. We risk losing touch with social norms. […]
14Jan2011 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Investing Our Self In A Cause | Continued
Respecting Farmer John, And Others With Whom We Disagree
The political climate in 2010 America makes for tough friendships. Actually, the problem rests with widespread, instantaneous information that is neither accurate nor useful. We at thefiresidepost.com write opinion. We are right up front about our process. We do not uncover secret plots by Muslims breeding like rabbits and take over the world by shear […]
14Oct2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Respecting Farmer John, And Others With Whom We Disagree | Continued
President Obama Teaches Kindergarten
President Obama is like a Kindergarten teacher – patiently bringing his pupils along. We the pupils are not so patient. This reminds me of a story about one of my grandchildren. Jubilum is one of the younger children in my growing family. She is as sharp as a whip, quick as a snap, curious as […]
27Sep2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 4 comments | Continued
Islam’s Double Standard
Bias statement: Most people think of me as a liberal. And if I had to categorize myself I would agree. But this post probably would not be held in high esteem by the liberal elite. Why? Because this post is all about the bias of the main stream media (MSM for the radical right). The […]
11Sep2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 3 comments | Continued
Inside The Minds of Rednecks – And Consequences
I recently had breakfast and invested my Saturday morning with a Redneck. It was not his idea. My truck needed repair and I wanted a sure fix. A sure fix that did not cost me a bundle of anxiety and an empty pocket book. (Pocket Book is a funny term). I’ll call my Redneck friend […]
24Aug2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 32 comments | Continued
Youth Violence – Not Just Fight or Flight
Mark Twain used youth violence as a humorous anecdote necessary to the maturing process of young boys. In The Adventures of Tom Sawyer two boys (one is Tom) confront each other on the street; they taunt, tease, dare, and then scuffle. Tom is victorious when the other boy cries ’nuff!’ Not one sociologist at the time raised a stink about Twain’s portrayal of youth violence.
22Aug2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 3 comments | Continued
Searching for Honesty and Integrity in Nationally Known Politicians
Sometimes I just write satire, or just sarcasm. The folly of national politics seems somehow unworthy of serious commentary. But however foolish the politicians seem – the business of our government is serious. Real people are directly and immediately impacted by political decisions. Real wars are fought. Real soldiers die. Real debt is incurred. Generations […]
16Aug2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
Hello, My Name is John Boehner And I Am An Addicted Politician
Oh! My! GOD! I said it. I actually accepted responsibility for my atrocious public service. I am an addicted politician. Like many others I thought I could control myself. My hopes for the future of my golf game depended on my control over my tan – but again, vanity won and here I am. I […]
9Aug2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 10 comments | Continued
Religious Tolerance Is An Oxy-Moron, Let The Spitting Begin
It seems the very definition of religion would deny tolerance. What are some words that are synonymous with religion? Superstition? Superhuman? Faith? Grace? Devotion? Ritual? Or phrases: Fundamental set of beliefs? A Particular set of beliefs? Ritual observance of faith? Strict faithfulness? Deep conviction? Which of these words or phrases represent tolerance? None! The inherent […]
4Aug2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Religious Tolerance Is An Oxy-Moron, Let The Spitting Begin | Continued
A Soldier’s Funeral, A Sour War
We Americans should never forget the cost of War. And the death of a soldier warrants more than an incremental ticker on Page Two B
22Jul2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
Mel Gibson to Lead Tea Party
Actor, Director, Producer Mel Gibson is negotiating terms to take over leadership of the Tea Party in America. Every candidate must demonstrate proper character traits consistent with Tea Party advocates. Candidates must be willing to demonstrate these character traits in a very public manner – there should be no sense of shame or fear of […]
14Jul2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Education Reform Must Include Helping Abused Children
From Ohg Rea Tone: The downturn in the world economy has resulted in lost revenues for many government bodies – including drastic cuts to local education. Most school districts are forced to evaluate their processes, to cut waste, to redefine their mission – essentially reforming old methods of education. The most important asset of any […]
10Jul2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
U. S. Postal Stamp Price Increase – Who Suffers?
This past week the United States Postal Service announced plans to raise the price of a postage stamp by $.02. What is two cents? Two Cents is virtually nothing to most of us. But to those who depend on the Postal Service that two cents can be an increasing burden on an already difficult life. […]
9Jul2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on U. S. Postal Stamp Price Increase – Who Suffers? | Continued
Of Wars and Politics – Patraeus and Obama
War is a mystic business. Mystic because there seems some supernatural quality required for agreement on strategy. September 11, 2001, defined a moment – a moment of political cohesion. Pearl Harbor served that role in WWII. The Lusitania was the protagonist in WWI. The battleship Maine served the focal point of the Spanish American War […]
7Jul2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
The Short End of The Regulation Stick
The hard earned emotions of our life influence our thoughts. They distract us from our initial purpose. I often begin a post and when finished I have to change the title to reflect the actual post – the burr under my saddle led me off course. Many of us have burrs under our saddles that […]
5Jul2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Seichel – The Fourth Dimension
Seichel – a Yiddish word with a variety of meanings, a variety of definitions – but essentially implying wisdom. That may not help much in understanding seichel because the word “Wisdom” is not universally understood. My take is this: Wisdom is a state of being, a state of being that adds the fourth dimension to […]
15Jun2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Summer Camp For Grandchildren
Folks, readers of thefiresidepost.com, I am busy. Three of my grandchildren are coming every day for two weeks. I am relearning some things, and learning some things for the first time, about raising children. One thing is certain – I am busy and have little time to think grand thoughts and write witty posts – […]
8Jun2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 6 comments | Continued
Problems With Oil Leaks – Call A Redneck
From the AP (Anything Possible), Punkin Center, Missouri. Most every morning the boys meet at the General Store to solve the world problems. No problem is too big for a certified Redneck. And the General Store gang is composed of certified Rednecks. The Store has a garage out back – some call it a shade […]
5Jun2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Problems With Oil Leaks – Call A Redneck | Continued
The Cold Blooded, Calculated, Leadership of President Obama
President Obama is a surprise to almost everyone. From his emotionally charged dynamic election speeches to his staggering military assault on terrorist supporters in Afghanistan – Barack Obama has proven that he can and will make tough decisions. His decisions are not based on emotion, not based on Democratic Party platforms, and not based on […]
2Jun2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
Ron and Rand Paul are Dead Wrong
Son, Ron Paul brings an interesting perspective to the political conversation. He is wrong, Dead Wrong. Ron Paul does not understand the process of government. He does understand that there are serious problems with the manner in which our present Federal Government is being run. But that alone does not make him correct. I think […]
2Jun2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 9 comments | Continued
Please Don’t Profile My Pit Bull
Profiling is an act of discrimination. Discrimination is the act of stereotyping, of generalizing, of lumping all the coal in one bucket. There are laws in America against discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender, ethnicity, physical ability, mental ability, height, weight, and color of eyes. Anywhere discrimination exists the Federal Government is there to […]
28May2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Please Don’t Profile My Pit Bull | Continued
Confusing Borders, Boundaries, and the American Comfort Level
From Ohg Rea Tone: People sometimes drift into my personal space. I generally enjoy people so my personal space does not extend as far as the reach of my arm. When I shake hands I am likely to pull the other person close, look them in the eye, and measure their sincerity. The enigma of […]
26May2010 | bryan | 10 comments | Continued
Writing as a tool of personal development
My son and I began this magazine almost three years past. I have personally written over eleven hundred (1,100) posts. That is more than one a day. Why would anyone do such a goofy thing? I write because I am compelled to write. Every thought that crosses my mind must be written – and examined. […]
22May2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Writing as a tool of personal development | Continued
Sins of Our Father – and Other Life Prejudices
At some point in each or our lives we have to ask ourselves – who am I? Social order forces the question. We cannot live a complete life without someone challenging at least one of our belief systems – and often our entire concept of proper culture. Prejudices must be examined and rethought – for […]
22May2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Sins of Our Father – and Other Life Prejudices | Continued
Obama Derangement Syndrome Leads to Politicians Anonymous
America started down the path of deranged politics about twenty years before the United States Constitution was baptized as a non-religious document. With independence declared and a new country emerging the political debate began. Some wanted the new CEO of The United States to be a monarch – an official King. Some said Emperor. Reason […]
20May2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
New Congressional By-laws To Change Government Process
Just about everyone in the United States agrees that there is a problem in Washington, D. C. Some blame the Democrats, some the Republicans. Some blame liberals, some conservatives. Anyone placing this sort of blame is a part of the problem. What the partisans fail to realize is that we are all on the same […]
19May2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
The Gulf Oil Spill is the Dust Bowl of the Gulf States
Another catastrophe of man made destruction has struck the Gulf of Mexico – threatening the coastal region with chaos. Chaos to both nature and human economics. One goofy GOP Congressman stated that nature would absorb the oil – not to worry. The Dust Bowl of the 1930’s ravaged the Midwest but nature eventually reclaimed the […]
10May2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 3 comments | Continued
The Right to Privacy In America
With the imminent retirement of Justice Stevens another Justice will be appointed – by the President with advice and consent of the Senate. The Supreme Court is the third branch of government, charged with looking over the other two to insure the boundaries of the Constitution are not violated. This is no simple task in […]
9May2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The Right to Privacy In America | Continued
Obama’s American Revolution – 2010
We are ready. We are ready for change. We are ready for a Revolution. The American people have already demonstrated a powerful desire for revolution. Witness the elections of 2006 and 2008. Democrats have registered to vote in historic numbers. Barack Obama – a relative unknown – won because he represented the best chance […]
9May2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Obama’s American Revolution – 2010 | Continued
America is the Definition of Cosmopolitan
Everything about America that is considered great and wonderful is the result of the melding of cultural ideals brought here by immigrants. People across this country enjoy Mexican Restaurants – as long as there are no actual Mexicans in the place.
8May2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on America is the Definition of Cosmopolitan | Continued
Nashville 2010: The Day the Music Died
A long, long time ago… I can still remember How that music used to make me smile. And I knew if I had my chance That I could make those people dance And, maybe, they’d be happy for a while. I don’t have cable. My family does not value the television enough to pay that […]
7May2010 | bryan | Comments Off on Nashville 2010: The Day the Music Died | Continued
Learning About Jesus in Chemistry Class
I am a slow learner. I graduated from college when I was 46 years old. Education was not a value of my family system; education was seen as job training. This seems to be a predominant ideal in America. And to reinforce the idea – it is nice to have a job that one enjoys. […]
7May2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
How Do We Characterize A Person As A Terrorist?
The recent bombing attempt in Times Square, in the middle of Manhattan, was a near miss for the United States. (And certainly for Saturday evening theater goers in New York). The bomb failed to discharge, an alert street vendor alerted police, a hastened search led to Faisal Shahzad, a 30-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen from Pakistan. […]
4May2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on How Do We Characterize A Person As A Terrorist? | Continued
Dead Body Found in Woods
I am cleaning my office. Stacks of paper, piles of books, new book shelves – there is not enough room. So I am compelled to throw something away. This ritual is not done arbitrarily – I have to look at everything and rethink the value. I came across an old news clipping. It has no […]
4May2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Dead Body Found in Woods | Continued
Rednecks Talk Intelligent Design
I stopped in the General Store this morning. When I walked through the door I was wondering, why does Billy Ray call this store ‘General.’ I know he was from the South and his relatives fought in the war with the North – maybe one of them was a General or something. Anyway, before I […]
3May2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Rednecks Talk Intelligent Design | Continued
The Threat of Fascism in 21st Century America
Fascism – a scary word. Most of us do not know what fascism means – we just feel certain it has something to do with a bad method of government or of economic systems. Fascism is a word like Communism or Socialism or Marxism – we don’t feel the need to understand the exact meaning […]
3May2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Immigration – A Self Correcting Union
“We the People of the United States of America, in order to form a more perfect union…. ” The preamble to the Constitution of the United States does not claim perfection – but rather seeks a government format that can progress toward a more perfect union. The political label ‘progressive’ has been dissed for many […]
28Apr2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Immigration – A Self Correcting Union | Continued
The Problem With Liberals 1965 – 2010
After the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964 the liberals of both parties felt emboldened. They were ready to challenge the fertile ground of poverty, aging, war, college education, and woman’s rights. These were and are noble issues. By some definitions the liberal movement of that era was quite successful. But there were some […]
26Apr2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The Problem With Liberals 1965 – 2010 | Continued
Is Immigrant Synonymous with Criminal?
The solutions to the problem of immigration can only be effective if we understand the phenomenon for what it is. Immigration is a result of human trauma, of human oppression, of human rights violations, and of how people treat their neighbors.
24Apr2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 4 comments | Continued
Sense Of Inadequacy Follows Us All The Days Of Our Lives
Any self concept, any value, any perspective, learned in youth – through osmosis – follows us all the days of our lives. We often have a sense of right and wrong, which we sometimes call this our conscience, based on prejudiced childhood learning.
21Apr2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Sense Of Inadequacy Follows Us All The Days Of Our Lives | Continued