Are we really the greatest country?

As one might see on here under my interests, I'm a huge Boston Red Sox fan and hate the New York Yankees. Compare the two. Games at Fenway Park are sold out throughout the season. The team does more for charity than perhaps all major league baseball teams combined. It's a way of life in New England. Now, let's look at the Yankees' business model.

When attending a game at Yankee Stadium, vendors sell only Yankee paraphenalia. The seats on the front row during this very difficult economic time range from a thousand on upward. This is why you don't see the stadium filled up, unless the Red Sox are in town. The team has to conform to a strict physical appearance code -- no long hair. Basically, this is a microcosm of your typical workplace; once you enter the office doors, you lose your democratic rights.

Every time Michael Moore has done a documentary, nothing changes. In fact, conditions seem to worsen. He's demonized by the monopolized radio medium and for his new one, "Capitalism: A Love Story," I'm waiting to hear the first person say he favors Socialism. Time and time again, I keep saying capitalism is great for those earning more than $250,000. If you don't, well, you can consider yourself working under a feudalist system. People who watch his documentaries are enamored by his hard-hitting list of facts, quick wit, and personal stories that affect anyone with a conscience. But once the film is over, it's back to business as usual.

Robin came in town last week and just arrived in Augusta last night. We spent the weekend in Helen for Oktoberfest. We had a blast and she reminded me of all the different cutural events, castles, history, and recreation Germany has to offer. "If you visited there, you wouldn't want to come back," she told me. She has a point. Politicians say we live in the greatest country to get elected and we've always had this strong nationalism pushed down our throats. Let's look at recent statistics.

We shun immigrants who come to this country. Naturally, you don't see immigrants from Europe yearning to come here. And why should they? The poor and poverty stricken aren't living in squalor there. They have a health system that far surpasses ours. They aren't obsessed with carrying firearms and killing off each other like we are. They truly value family and as a result, spend more time away from work. They aren't stricken with obesity and offer plentiful recreation facilities for kids. Add walking and mass transit systems instead of personal motor vehicles to a healthier lifestyle. This is just for starters without going into education.

Robin had already seen "District 9" and strongly recommended it. I'm strongly doing the same for anyone who reads this. It's a documentary film style with great cinematography and what I expected by seeing a brief preview. Yes, there is sympathy shown for an unlikely character. The film begins a tad slow but picks up quickly.

Change you don't believe in

What the hell is going on inside people's heads these days? I've seen the health insurance industry led protests at these town halls and am literally sickened by how disgusting these people are. What the hell goes on inside their heads? You see swastikas, images comparing Obama to Hitler (No individual in history can be compared to the biggest mass murderer. The insurance companies are catching up though), and the other greatest lie, "No to Socialism." We don't even have strong, organized unions in more than half this country. What data do you have suggesting this country remotely is overrun by Socialism? Here's a little stat: Less than 1 percent, yes, 1 percent of this country is run by socialism. I know the Glenn Becks and other prostitutes for the insurance industry might want to check out early at one of those death panels if forced to report that fact. And quite frankly, it would serve us better as a whole if the so-called Greatest Generation moves on to the death panels with the Glenn Becks of the world. They're the ones holding everyone else back. I'm obviously being facitious here, but this illustrates just how stupid the average self-absorbed, apathetic American is. And the rhetorical question you hear from these people whining, "What about what will be left for our children and grandchildren?" Give me a break. They could care less.

If I sound cold-hearted here, you're damn right. I don't tolerate seeing people denied their basic right to care and my immediate family is no exception. Where are all those people who organized for Obama in '08? That was easy. Now, you actually have to do something. Lyndon Johnson said he wouldn't pass Civil Rights legislation until people demanded he did so. Well? Where are you people? Why these nuts who shout with ignorance and blind stupidity aren't silenced is beyond comprehension?

Peaceful protests are an order here. We should attend these Republicans' town halls and simply ask this, "Do you like your government-run insurance plan?" If they try to divert, ask them to specifically list what they don't like about their insurance as a member of Congress. You will see more and more tongue tied; I promise you that.

Spread the message to clergy leaders, friends, and family why a public option will save, yes, save everyone in the long-term. Continue following what transpires. Don't let the interests of a powerful few defeat the majority of us as a whole.

The 3 D's -- Disrupt, Distract, Defeat

Look below the title of this blog and read it. Over the course of the 20th and 21st centuries, it should come as no surprise what we see transpiring. Older white people who want to stay the course are using the age-old, "I'm fine. Don't tread on me," argument. That is until these people lose their jobs or personally affected when it comes to health care reform.

Here is what I would like to see from Democrats and the White House, besides growing a spine. Explain in detail how a public option will save money in the long term. Republicans do have a legitimate argument when not shouting about the accumulating deficit. Assure us how this competitive addition will benefit everyone on a public or private plan. This way, we can avoid the corporate slaves who are eternally indebted to the likes of Milton Friedman.

You've been birthirized

I've been puzzled over the last six months over the controversy of whether President Barack Obama is a naturalized citizen. A few days ago, I knew the charge was bogus. Here on this planet, we were introduced to Orly Taitz, a missing link from the Haley's Comet cult. Her face and gravity don't go together and her hairstyle is a cutout from the 50s.

The birther movement produced a forged and phony birth certificate. You would think these people would be more cunning. A notary was named after a laundry detergent? Come on. Then, these people said he was born in the Republic of Kenya when it didn't become one until December of that year. Let's hope we can put this to rest and return to what's really important -- jobs and true health care reform.

Changing of the guard

I haven't posted in awhile. This new job I've taken on comes with high pressure, stress, and profound humility. There's never a dull moment for the 8, 9, and occasional, 10 hour work day. Paper work mounts on my new desk. Purchase orders come in like clockwork. Continous contact with our distributors, major accounts, shipping department, and colleagues is daily routine. Now, I leave what was comfortable and controllable.

My good friends and family are at a distance despite daily phone calls on our days during the evenings. The Motel 6 stay (no, I didn't want to place a huge burden on my company's expenditures) now turns to a new apartment. This place is still foreign. I'm confident this will work out with a great boss and hopefully, new friends along the way.

Praise our country's blessings and continue fighting for progress

Watching Saving Private Ryan several years ago, tears streamed down my face. American troops stormed the beaches of Normandy and confronted fierce resistance. Many didn't return home, and my grandfather was carried to a camp by one of his fellow soldiers after a piece of shrapnel sliced through his leg. Precious minutes determined his fate.

My grandfather returned to a camp with an article of his clothing used to apply pressure to the open wound. He began praying, and he saw a priest walking by the camp. He asked the priest to read him his Last Rites, but the priest coldly responded, "I'm sorry. I only have time for the living."
Read more at examiner.com under Religion & Spirituality.

Moving on up to the northwest side

I've been offered an attractive management position outside Atlanta. This has been a very exciting time and look forward to working with another outstanding group of people. So, au revoir Augusta. I 'm also freelance writing for a great online publication, examiner.com. Feel free to visit and you'll find me under Augusta Liberal Christian Examiner. After the first article, you won't see the preachy tone; don't worry. It's more of an outlet to expand my love for writing on here and although it might be minimal pay, I'm very grateful to work for a publication that has so much to offer. Visit examiner.com and you'll understand what I'm talking about.