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The Paddle: Using Fear and Force in Public Schools
In an article for the Associated Press yesterday, contributed to by the Washington Post and published on the website chron.com (a Houston area online resource) Temple, Texas is reported to have reinstated corporal punishment.
19Apr2010 | bryan | Comments Off on The Paddle: Using Fear and Force in Public Schools | Continued
The Federal Government is BIG Because Locals Are Not Responsible
The big toot in the news today (and for the past forty year) has been anti-Big Government. Ronald Reagan swept the electorate on his charge that ‘Government is the problem.’ We have to ask why. Why has our Federal Government grown to such a behemoth? The answer is really quite simple – it is because […]
19Apr2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The Federal Government is BIG Because Locals Are Not Responsible | Continued
Regaining Respect for the Office of the Presidency.
We, in this country, have a proud history of respect for the office of the President. We rally around those who inspire us and lead us through troubled times. We have worked to separate the man from the office, and we have been successful in the past. There have always been jokes about the President, and comedians are supposed to push the envelope, to go where you don’t expect them to go. Something has changed, however, in the last decade. Where there was once reverence for the office and a certain degree of respect for the man in the White House, there is now complacency about the treatment of the Presidency. In previous generations, bad jokes about the President would have been met with a frown or, at best, a nervous chuckle. But today, the Presidency is the bread and butter of late night routines and gets only slightly better treatment in the mainstream media.
18Apr2010 | bryan | 3 comments | Continued
Patriotism in WWII Versus Today (Tea Party Patriotism)
How times have changed. After Japan bombed Pearl Harbor in late 1941 America shifted gears. People payed their taxes as a patriotic duty. Food was rationed, rubber was rationed, gasoline was rationed. Men volunteered for the military – women volunteered to work in factories. Everyone contributed. So what is different today? Did someone attack America […]
16Apr2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 5 comments | Continued
The Criminal Paradigm, Fiddling around on the Roof
We were watching the old Topol character in Fiddler on the Roof. He portrays a man who struggles with tradition, struggles with the idea of changing ideology, struggles with changing his cultural prejudices. The movie is so universally accepted because all people relate to changing times and changing cultures, and the gut wrenching emotion those […]
16Apr2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 8 comments | Continued
Personal Experience With Tea Bag Mentality
This is a sad post for me to write. I live in northwest Missouri – in the isolated world of simple people relishing ignorance. The reverse discrimination against education and professionalism permeates the culture. My sadness surrounds my family – a people proud of being in the lower economic class. Most of them are adamant […]
12Apr2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 32 comments | Continued
Offensive Redneck Jokes
Did you hear about the guy from Alabama who passed away and left his entire estate to his beloved widow, but she can’t touch it until she’s 14. Did you hear that they have raised the minimum drinking age in West Virginia to 32? It seems that they want to keep alcohol out of the […]
10Apr2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Offensive Redneck Jokes | Continued
Social Solidarity in a Troubled World
When people suffer anxiety and fear, whether from physical insecurity, economic strife, or terrorism, they form what Robert Muchembled calls social solidarities. These systems of survival come in a variety of forms. Many folks form loose confraternities around causes: Global Warming, Abortion, Guns, Political Parties, Civil Rights, Feminism, Gay-Lesbian Rights, and even around faith based […]
7Apr2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Social Solidarity in a Troubled World | Continued
The Many Hoods of Robin of Locksley
There has been a recent interest in the story of Robin and his merry men lately, and it is a telling piece of our modern culture to look at the ways that the story is approached through film as it developed and from the different sides of the Atlantic.
6Apr2010 | bryan | Comments Off on The Many Hoods of Robin of Locksley | Continued
The Church, Social Justice, And Hiding A Scandal
Does the Christian faith promote ‘social justice?’ The Pope of the Roman Catholic Church (is there another Pope?) verbally promotes social justice. Liberation Theology found it’s roots in the Catholic Church. Glen Beck made an issue out of the term ‘social justice’ when he suggested that it means socialism, communism, Nazism, Obamaism, and Liberalism. Beck […]
3Apr2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The Church, Social Justice, And Hiding A Scandal | Continued
Racists and Birthers Are Not Just Dim-Witted Rednecks
In 1776 immigration was unchecked in the American colonies. The people living here decided to form their own government and bypass the King’s tax man. Those folks wrote some rules that defined our form of Government and who was eligible to hold office. The President had to be a natural born citizen – meaning that […]
1Apr2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Racists and Birthers Are Not Just Dim-Witted Rednecks | Continued
Tiger Woods Treated For Texting Addiction
With denial protecting the psyche celebrities are falling victim to the addiction of texting. Tiger Woods has done the public a service by admitting his addiction and receiving specific treatment for his malady. Evidence now shows that texting addiction leads to moral degradation. With information from known associates of Mr. Woods we learn that the […]
1Apr2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Tiger Woods Treated For Texting Addiction | Continued
Obama, Oil, And Rational Leadership
I wanted a new car – but I didn’t have the money. I wanted to go skiing at Aspen – but I didn’t have the money. I bought a good used car for cash and drove it to the local Missouri ski slopes. I am relaxing today with my feet immersed in hot salt water […]
31Mar2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Obama, Oil, And Rational Leadership | Continued
The Dark Art of Rovian Politics – Flavored With Threats of Violence
The campaign for Party control of our country has entered a troubling time. The GOP Camp is stirring the pot, adding the spice of violent threats, flavoring with acidic language, hoping for a secret potion. The stew is beginning to boil, steam is wafting, dark clouds forming, and the warlock is pleased. The dark arts […]
30Mar2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 3 comments | Continued
Joaquin Phoenix, Exotic Animals, And Conservation
Joaquin Pheonix, that masterful actor, has taken up the cause of PETA and their crusade to end the brutal killing of exotic animals for their skins. The skins are used to make shoes, purses, ties, belts, and other ornaments for the pleasure of humanity. Caution readers – this video is graphic. In this advertisement for […]
26Mar2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Why Fear Matters
Al Quaeda, the terrorist organization founded and run by Osama Bin Laden, has set the standard of values for many of the radical right wing in America. Do unto others as they have done unto you seems the common refrain – a refrain based in fear. This is a remarkable mentality given two precepts […]
25Mar2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 7 comments | Continued
Limbaugh Republican Political Strategy Fails
One year has passed. Barack Obama is President. The Patron Saint of Republicans is Rush Limbaugh – and Rush Limbaugh called for the failure of the new President. The strategy was simple minded – block every legislative effort, force failure, then recapture the Congress in 2010, then the Presidency in 2012. The passage of the […]
23Mar2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Health Care … A More Perfect 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 […]
22Mar2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
The Redemption of Tiger Woods
The redemption of Tiger Woods did not happen with blubbering confessions of sin, orchestrated by treatment programs based solely on anecdote. The redemption of Tiger Woods can only happen with consistent trustworthy behavior over time.
22Mar2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The Redemption of Tiger Woods | Continued
Marching for Health Reform
THE P R E S I D E N T ’ S P L AN F O R HE A L T H R E F O RM “At this moment, we are being called upon to fulfill our duty to the citizens of this nation and to future generations… I don’t […]
18Mar2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Marching for Health Reform | Continued
The Problem Really is the Heterosexuals in the Military
There is a culture which surrounds all Military bases – both from the nature of a military and from the parasites that promote wanton behavior. The Department of Defense has let our soldiers down. Preparing a soldier for combat is not the only responsibility of the DOD – preparing the soldier for all aspects of life seems appropriate.
14Mar2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The Problem Really is the Heterosexuals in the Military | Continued
Children of War – The 20th Century Bleeds into the 21st.
The sins punished for generations are War, Poverty, Hunger, Ignorance, Physical Illness, and a general disregard of others by society. These sins compound daily – the accruing interest to be paid by succeeding generations.
12Mar2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Children of War – The 20th Century Bleeds into the 21st. | Continued
Toyota Should Hire A Redneck
Toyota should hire a Redneck – that is the advice from the General Store in Punkin Center, Missouri. We were talking the other day about fixing old cars when Billy Ray said straight out that someone needs to do some fixin on new cars. Billy Ray claims that just about any old Redneck could have […]
11Mar2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Toyota Should Hire A Redneck | Continued
The First Family – Obama’s are Marital Inspiration
President Obama and First Lady Michelle are celebrating Women’s History Month. The kicked off the month with a White House gathering of women from the Girl Scouts to local Georgetown groups. We find their intriguing presentation more than the typical political theater – the Obama’s are an inspiration to harmony in marriage. Check this out: […]
9Mar2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The First Family – Obama’s are Marital Inspiration | Continued
Dick Cheney’s Pre-Existing Condition
To say that a snow storm in Washington D. C. proves there is no global warming is like saying that Dick Cheney received good health care proves there is no need for health care reform. Cheney has had five heart attacks – the first when he was in his late thirties. He has changed jobs […]
25Feb2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Dick Cheney’s Pre-Existing Condition | Continued
Brainwashing Tiger Woods – Failures of Addiction Therapy
Future psychologists will look back on this era of addiction treatment in much the same manner that they presently look back on 19th century mental asylums. The real sadness is that progressives in the present mental health community already recognize the deplorably foolish tactics of many addiction treatment centers.
20Feb2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 6 comments | Continued
Tiger Woods Statement (Video)
Tiger has spoken – now the analysis begins. What did he say? What did he mean? Is he in denial? Is Tiger covering something? Has Tiger been completely honest? We have our own thoughts on these matters – but we will wait for an opportunity to speak responsibly on the subject of Tiger Woods, Tiger’s […]
19Feb2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Tiger Woods Statement (Video) | Continued
Angry Electorate Kicks the Family Dog
Many are ready to condemn the President. People are hurt – and are responding with anger. Any good anger management program teaches how to best focus or direct the anger. The classic story concerns the frustrated employee who comes home at night and kicks the family dog.
17Feb2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
How to Lose a Political Majority in Ten Months
This past decade should have taught the politicians in Washington D. C. a thing or two about how to lose a majority in Congress. The shenanigans on the hill are just not well tolerated by the voting public. Each of the two dominant political parties have won and lost majorities by foolish political wrangling. Did […]
15Feb2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on How to Lose a Political Majority in Ten Months | Continued
Political Party Custom and Nature
World War Two in Europe was winding down. There was talk of an armistice – a mutually agreeable peace treaty. The allies, Soviet, English, and American, called for an unconditional surrender – there would be no armistice. Some criticized ‘unconditional’ as too severe. These terms seem to apply to the current atmosphere in Washington D. […]
13Feb2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Political Party Custom and Nature | Continued
“Democracy is no Harlot…”
The 2010 Tea Party shenanigans are dangerous. They use the name “Tea Party” to denote an affiliation with the historical Boston Tea Party that preceded the American Revolution. The Boston Tea Party was a direct revolt against King George’s tax on imported tea – taxation without representation. This modern version bears little resemblance to the […]
12Feb2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
Angry At Government – Or Just Angry
The word ‘angry’ is being thrown around with loose abandon. Editorials across the free press note the ‘anger of the voters.’ There is legitimate anger. But there is also illegitimate anger. Does legitimacy make any difference? Is anger the same whether legitimate or not? Is an angry voter a rational voter? The essence of anger […]
12Feb2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Angry At Government – Or Just Angry | Continued
Steven Colbert, FOX, and Global Warming
It is February – in North America. It is snowing, and the temperature hovers around freezing. In two months it will be April, the average daily temperature will hover around 55-60 degrees. What can this possibly mean? Can this mean that North America’s climate is seasonal – or does this mean the global weather is […]
11Feb2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
The Army of God, Scott Roeder, and the Right Side of History
Scott Roeder shot and killed late term abortion Doctor George Tiller May, 31, 2009. No one disputes this fact. Roeder proudly admitted to the shooting while on trial for murder in Kansas. Roeder was convicted of murder by a jury of his peers. Peers, in this case, means twelve people who lived in the county […]
4Feb2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
Obama meets House Republican Conference 1/29/10
President Obama is a very unusual man. He has a striking intelligence – nothing really special about this – there are a lot of smart people. There are lawyers and Medical Doctors and PH.D’s in the House and Senate. Our Government is well populated with intelligence. What strikes us about Obama is his phenomenal patience.
30Jan2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Obama meets House Republican Conference 1/29/10 | Continued
Is A Partisan America About to Lose The Future?
Petty squabbling is consuming The United States Government. There is gridlock on Capital Hill. It appears that most people in Congress are running for reelection in 2010 and their message is to blame the other party. Is this leadership? Is this the solution to the mounting problems of America? We need only to look back […]
29Jan2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
Partisanship – Conflicting Opinions or Theological Hatred?
Churchill negotiated a settlement in a Catholic/Protestant Ireland in the 1920’s. He later said that he knew he had been fair because neither party was happy with the results. It seems to us that we can know President Obama has been fair and non-partisan because both the left and the right are protesting his policies.
28Jan2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Partisanship – Conflicting Opinions or Theological Hatred? | Continued
Make Hay While The Sun Shines
The Democrats thought the sun was shining. The election of 2008 swept the Democrats back into power in Washington D.C. – or so they thought. It now appears that Washington is not so different than Punkin Center, Missouri. Here in Punkin Center we live and die by old sayings. The relevant saying aptly applied to […]
26Jan2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Make Hay While The Sun Shines | Continued
Really Tired of Liberal Complaining
It is just me – or has the left wing of the liberal loonies gone completely Rovian. You surely remember Karl Rove – the master of negative Rovian Politics (RP’s). Liberal wackos like Arianna Huffington and Ed Shultz are taking their cues from Mr. Rove. In rural Missouri parlance it is called: Bitch! Bitch! Bitch! […]
28Dec2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
The Humble Process of a Confident Barack Obama
President Obama is a confident man, a humble man who does not always have to be right. President Obama easily accepts the input of others – he seeks the input of others.
23Dec2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The Humble Process of a Confident Barack Obama | Continued
“the shifting sands of charity… the firm bedrock of law”
Winston Churchill was a young man of twenty two when he gave his first political speech. He referenced the Government’s Workmen’s Compensation Bill before the Parliament in England. “He said the bill, ‘removed the question from the shifting sands of charity and placed it on the firm bedrock of law‘.” (Churchill: A Life, by Gilbert, […]
10Dec2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on “the shifting sands of charity… the firm bedrock of law” | Continued
Obama Holds U. S. Military Accountable
President Obama announced a few days ago that he was sending 30,000 more America troops to Afghanistan. They will be supplemented with around 10,000 NATO troops. That meets the leaked request from the military. But the President gave the Generals some goals to meet. That is very appropriate. A bunch of blowhard senators (John McCain […]
3Dec2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Obama Holds U. S. Military Accountable | Continued
The Necessity of a Public Trail For Terrorists
Five terrorists are being brought to New York from Gitmo to be tried for masterminding the assault on the World Trade Center in on 911. This trial must not only happen – it must be very public. Court sanctioned evidence must be presented and tested. Guilty or innocent – the trial must go on. The […]
23Nov2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The Necessity of a Public Trail For Terrorists | Continued
Nobel Prize for Audacity of Hope
President Barack Obama has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Some ask why. What has he done. He has been the President for a mere nine months. Wars continue. The economy struggles. The Middle East continues to defy peace. What has President Obama done? President Obama has inspired a future of hope, a future of […]
9Oct2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
President Obama Is Not Like Other Liberals
President Obama is not in the same league, the same class, the same stratus as the rest of us liberal thinkers. The rest of us enjoy a good old fashioned fight. President Obama seems to steer clear of roughhousing. Who does he think he is – the President? Keith Olberman loves a food fight. If […]
6Oct2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on President Obama Is Not Like Other Liberals | Continued
Jon Stewart – We Need A Public Option
Jon Stewart demonstrates again why the Daily Show garners more Emmy wins than the other shows in their category. The writing is brilliant and Stewart pulls off the theatrics. The health care debate happening in our Congress has degenerated into a lame excuse for legislative action. Polls show that 65% of the population want a […]
1Oct2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Delonte West, Bi-Polar Cavalier Carries Guns
Dimemag.com has an interesting and misleading story about Delonte West, that wacko white guy playing basketball for the Cavaliers. West claims problems with Bi-Polar disorder. Here is the deal, there are millions of people with Bi-Polar and they never carry guns. The story begins with this: On Friday when the news broke that Delonte West […]
22Sep2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 7 comments | Continued
GOP McCarthyism in 2009
Here is a montage of video clips comparing the rhetoric of 2009 right wing proponents with Senator Joe McCarthy. This is a must see for those who continue to support the far right.
21Sep2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on GOP McCarthyism in 2009 | Continued
America Deserves Truth About “Tea Parties”
Tea Party leader Mark Williams was on CNN on September 14, 2009. He is nuts and anyone who follows him is nuts too. Anderson Cooper hosts a respectable program with balanced perspective. His regular guests include Reagan insider David Gergen and Clinton insider James Carville. Here is an excerpt from the interview with Mark Williams: […]
15Sep2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on America Deserves Truth About “Tea Parties” | Continued
A Personal Reflection On Ted Kennedy
In 1988 I was serving on the Professional Consultation Committee (PCC) of a local hospital. The PCC was a citizen advisory board to the Department of Spiritual Health with a staff of Clinical Pastoral Educators. More simply put, our committee assisted the hospital chaplains. 1988 was the year Michael Dukakis ran as the Democratic nominee […]
26Aug2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on A Personal Reflection On Ted Kennedy | Continued