The Definition Of Insanity

Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results.

-Albert Einstein

Question: Is John McCain insane or is he simply showing his true colors?

What is John McCain thinking? Aligning himself with this hateful woman, and the raciest Teabaggers who follow her around salivating? Is he trying to cash in on the popularity she enjoys with that particular group, or has is he experiencing some sort of dementia? Either way, I predict that John McCain will be losing big this year. If he manages to win his party's primary, I doubt he will see a victory this fall. The republican party has turned into a specter of fear and hate, oh and let's not forget BLATANT LIARS. When was the last time you heard a truly positive message from them? Of course I suppose "positive" might be a subjective thing. If you are into throwing rocks through windows, and leaving threatening messages on the answering machines of elected officials, if that is your... ahem... cup of tea... then I imagine you are proud of the republicans. So sad for you. So very sad.


Senator McCain...

Being the "Party of Hell No" is not something to be proud of. Indeed, someday you will look back on this and cringe, not just because you had chosen to put your pride before your service to your country, but because you SOLD OUT to fear. At one time I had respect for you and all you went through in Vietnam. I am sad to say, I have lost any little bit of that respect that I once had for you. Now sir, I pity you. I feel sorry for you, in that you have chosen to fall victim to your own party's fear mongering. You sir, have made yourself into a liar. You have aligned yourself with liars, such as Sarah Palin. You have aligned yourself with violence and hate. Tell me Sen. McCain, what are your values now? Still Pro-life? What kind of America are you asking these children to grow up in. One where they can have their health care cut off because of a pre-existing condition? America... the country where special interests trumps the general well-being of it's people. America... the country where big business trumps the well-being of it's people. America... the country where money stands between a sick child, and it's right to a healthy life. Shame on you.

Sen. McCain... you, sir, have jumped the shark! And I can't wait to see you fail this year! Welcome to the private sector. Check out Walmart, you would make a terrific greeter.

-Carly

What Would You Have Said To The Man From Great Britain?

"The very purpose of existence is to reconcile the glowing opinion we hold of ourselves with the appalling things that other people think about us."

-Quentin Crisp

The other day, while in Golden Gate Park, I had an extraordinary experience happen to me, one the solidifies my belief that once in a while, one must venture out into the world, rather then veg in front of the computer, because out in the world is where you find life, opinion, and experience. You see, the other day, I met a tourist, a world tourist really, who makes London his permanent home, but who is currently touring the world, and who just happened to be in San Francisco on the same day I was.

The British man with the brown shoes had an easy smile, and talked about how much he was enjoying America, but that he hadn't been fond of Monterey. He shared that he thought the Oregon coastline was stunning, and that he would like to see it in winter sometime. We talked about how lucky he was to be in the Bay Area, during a week when there was hardly any fog, a rarity really, and then we paused, as the conversation lulled a bit.

The British man broke the silence by asking me a question that I should have been able to answer without hesitation, but instead I answered with great embarrassment, "How do you feel about George Bush?" He asked. I was taken aback for so many reasons. First of all, I have never been asked that question by someone who lives outside the United States. In all the time I have spent in the city, and all the folks I have talked to with all the many languages, not one person has ever asked by opinion about Bush. In the moment I had to think about it, I considered apologizing for Bush's actions, I considered being offended by the smirk on the man's face, but in the end I merely muttered, "I am looking forward to him leaving office." It was as honest as I could be in that moment.

"Do you think he will leave office?" Asked the man. "Yes" I replied, "according to our Constitution he has to." The man simply widened his smirk and said, "But hasn't he pretty much made your Constitution into rubbish?" Sigh. I felt sad as I realized the man's opinion of the U. S. politics, the president, and of Americans as a whole. It made me sad, and a little defensive to think I had to somehow justify the mess we are in around the world to a total stranger in the park. "Well," I said, "he has taken some liberties I believe, but he will be leaving office soon, and then we can set about rebuilding America's reputation, hopefully." The man said nothing for a long time. "Well, what do you think about John McCain, and Sarah Palin? Asked the man after a moment. I simply smiled and said, "Actually, I am supporting Barack Obama, and Joe Biden." Again the man said nothing.

A long quiet rested between us, and after a little while I got up to leave. I wished the man a safe journey. He smiled a polite smile, and shook my hand. "Good luck with your elections," he said. I just smiled and then I turned and walked away a little shell shocked. Why hadn't I told him that I think John McCain would bring nothing but further humiliation to America? Why hadn't I mentioned how embarrassed I was by Sarah Palin's speech the other night? How can the GOP on one hand be touting change, when their speeches were filled with the same belittling rhetoric that they have been spouting for years? How can they on the one hand, call young people to think about serving something greater then themselves, and on the other hand, mock Obama for his community service and leadership? But then again, how would I explain that to a total stranger, from another country, when I don't understand it myself?

So tell me, if you had met the man from Great Britain, what would you have said?

-OndineMonet
"The Man From Great Britain With The Brown Shoes"
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California
September 4, 2008
Afternoon

Sarah Who?

"We believe that the decision to list the polar bear was not based on the best scientific and commercial data available."

-Alaska Governor, Sarah Palin

If you heard some strange distant laughter yesterday, well, that was me! You see, I heard very early in the morning that GOP presidential hopeful John McCain had chosen Alaska Governor, Sarah Palin, as his running mate, and I couldn't stop laughing! Tee Hee Hee Hee. Is McCain thinking straight? Did Bush tell him to do it? Did he lose a bet? Or could it be that he is pandering to disgruntled female democrats, who are still feeling the sting of losing Hillary Clinton? If it is the latter, well, let me make it clear for him... NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS MCCAIN!!

As a woman who fits into the demographic McCain is seeking to appease, 40 somethings of the middle class, I wouldn't see myself voting for a woman who is by all indication the Anti-Hillary, in a million years! She is Anti-Roe v Wade, Anti-Environment, and Pro-War. She embraces every ideal to the exact opposite of Hillary Clinton, so why would John McCain believe for even a moment that I am so devastated after watching Hillary Clinton lose the nomination to Barack Obama that I would simply give up on my lifelong ideals to vote for just any woman on a presidential ticket? Is that what the right thinks about women such as myself? Is that the regard they have for us?If so, isn't that sad?

My reservations about voting for Obama never had anything to to with gender, they had to do with the man's policies, and his attempts of late, to establish himself as more of a centrist figure, rather then the true democratic liberal we need to fix the mess caused by the Bush administration. I have felt let down by him for most of this summer, and I have even toyed with the thought of removing him from my sidebar, but I decided to wait until the Democratic Convention, and until after I heard who his running mate would be. I am glad I waited. I more then approve of his running mate, I applaud it.

I am now, in fact, renewed in my hope that a democrat will indeed be elected to the White House. Senator Joe Biden is a strong man, with all the experience needed to do well in that office. I have always considered him a bit to the left of Hillary Clinton, which is what we need right now. In fact, while I was supporting Hillary Clinton for president, I could see Joe Biden as her running mate, although I have been very impressed with Tim Kaine, since he delivered the democratic response to the State of the Union in 2006. He would have been a good choice as well.

Anyway, I suppose that McCain chose Sarah Palin without my demographic in mind at all, instead finding someone who would appeal to republican women. I have heard a lot of republican women who are ready to see a woman in the White House. I suppose that is a possibility, but the question I have to ask those women is, do you really believe this woman is qualified to be Vice President? Really? She hasn't even been the Governor of Alaska for two years, and before that she was a member of the Wasilla, Alaska, City Counsel. That is the extent of her political career. Is that who you want as Vice President?

If so, consider the under qualified men and women that George Bush put into various offices, and the damage caused by doing so. Now, knowing that, letting experience guide you, do you really see yourself voting for that ticket? If McCain really wanted a woman for his running mate, wouldn't someone like Carly Fiorina have been a stronger choice? John McCain has learned nothing from the mistakes of George Bush. He has learned nothing about what America wants or needs. That makes him not just the worst choice for president, that makes him the most dangerous choice as well.

Opinions, opinions. Tell me what you think. Are you happy with the Democratic ticket? How about the Republican ticket? Are you even planning to vote in November? Who would your dream ticket have been? Would you vote for a woman just because she is a woman? Would you ever consider jumping ship from your political party because of race or gender? Speak your mind, lets get to know each other better! :)


Interesting Reading...

Alaska To Sue To Block Polar Bear Listing (Reuters)

OndineMonet

To Drill Or Not To Drill

"For 200 years we've been conquering Nature. Now we are beating it to death."

-Tom McMillian

Offshore oil drilling. First John McCain was against it, now he is for it. At one time Barack Obama was against it, now he is for it. Isn't it funny how the lines blur when a vote is at stake? Damn the truth and the environment, lets give the people what they want. Fools.

Now, I will admit up front I am completely partial when it comes to the subject of offshore drilling. I am now and forever against it in any form. I am a California girl, through and through, and I love, and at times, live for the natural beauty of the California coastline. Have you see it for yourself, other then in pictures? The beauty of the Pacific ocean, in itself is a little like glimpsing Heaven I expect. Add to it the sea birds, wildflowers and the shoreline and it beccomes heaven on earth, at least to me. I can't imagine my life without it.

In November of 2007, we in the Bay Area got a wake-up call, when the containment ship, the Costco Busan struck the Bay Bridge, which resulted in a whole in the side of the ship and the emptying of 58,000 gallons of dirty oil into the San Francisco Bay. Four days after the spill occurred, I took a ride along the shoreline in Berkeley, Emeryville, and Point Richmond. As I walked along the water's edge, I could see the sheen in the water, and large clumps of crude oil as it came to rest on the sand and rocks.

I waited for weeks, as shoreline, after shoreline was closed due to the contaminate, and I followed along on the news as it reported on the deaths of sea birds and other marine creatures, which had either ingested the oil or in some cases completely covered in it. The environmental impact was significant. Not only did the spill harm the natural life of the bay, but it took money from the pockets of crab fisherman, who were now banned from their occupation, due to the toxin that was now in the bay. And that was the result of a 58,000 gallon spill.

I have done my research, and I am sorry, but it simply isn't the answer to the problem. If the ban on drilling in protected areas was lifted tomorrow, we wouldn't see any lower gas prices for at least 19 years. 10 years! But that isn't what politicians would have you believe. Recent polls indicate that more and more Americans would be open to the idea of offshore drilling, if it would show us all some relief at the gas pump. The plain truth is... it won't. It's a fact.

But what would happen if we vote for offshore drilling would do is give Obama and McCain the power to make it look good. To make it appear as if they were doing everything they could to break us free from these outrageous gas prices. Everything except maybe, possibly, holding the oil companies responsible for their record windfall gains. It's a fact the oil prices have been artificially driven up in recent months by everything from our relationships in the middle east, to Bush's inability to deal with Saudi Arabia with any backbone what-so-ever, and market speculation. What needs to happen is we need to hold the oil companies, and the politicians that pander to them accountable.

There I said it, how about some good old fashioned accountability? Remember that? Sure you do. Think real hard. That is that thing that forced Bill Clinton to take responsibility for the blow job heard round the world. Since that time accountability has been forgotten, but it can come around again, if you and I refuse to be taken in by all the election year noise. That's right accountability can be the new "got away with it" if we send a clear message, and then mean it, that we are finished with "promise you anything" politics. I don't know about you, but I am damned tired of this crap. I am tired of the band-aids America puts on its problems. It is what has led us to where we are right now. Willing to once again, take the short cut, if it will bring us anything resembling relief. There is a gun to our head, and we are willing to let them pull the trigger, as long as the pain stops. But that's just my opinion, so, now I want to hear from you.

Opinions, Opinions...

Why does America continue to subsidize big oil companies? Are you in favor of offshore drilling? What do you believe is our best course for relief from these outrageous gas prices? What would your plan be? Do you believe that technology has made offshore drilling safe enough for the environment? Where do your concerns lie?

Interesting Reading On The Subject...

Subsidizing Big Oil (Union of Concerned Scientists)

Worth The Risk? ( USA Today )

The Facts About Offshore Drilling (Jay Bookman, Atlanta Journal Constitution)

-OndineMonet

Photo Series Taken In November 2007

Aftermath of the Cosco Busan spill in San Francisco Bay

Emeryville, Berkeley, Point Richmond, California

Surreal Moments

"Tough times are there so you can have a good time later on and really appreciate it."

-Unknown

Saying Thank You...

First of all, I want to tell everyone I am sorry for the delay in thanking all of you for the many comments and emails I have received. I want to say an especially big thank you to Connie, who authors the blog, "Thoughts On My Life And Other Mindless Chatter," and her readers, who have been especially supportive to me in the last 48 hours. Connie has been my good friend, through good times and bad, for so long, I can't even remember when we first met, but I do know that she was brightening my life when I was still in the early days of AOL Journals.

I also want to thank Steven and Karen for their continued support. They have also been with me since the wee old days, and their friendship means a lot to me. As you probably know, they are also my teammates for the Round Robin Challenges. Things are so up in the air for me right now, it is good to know that both of them are willing to fill in for me should I have to go offline. Giving up the Internet as a whole won't particularly devastate me, what will be sad is the loss of creativity I see all around me. The RR Challenges mean a lot to me, it is a project I hold very dear as I have watched it grow and blossom over time. It might sound silly, but I really do look forward to every other Saturday, and what the Robins will come up with next. I have given them the go ahead to replace me, if need be. I don't expect them to pull up my slack indefinitely, and I will be much happier knowing it's in good hands. One less thing to worry about.

Options...

Dr. B was all set to give Elvis his chemotherapy the other day, when we got a call telling us that Elvis's blood level was not where it should be. That is a normal occurrence with chemotherapy, sometimes the chemo is done every 3 weeks, and sometimes it is every 4. In this case, Elvis will be, more then likely, be able to have his chemo next week, which probably buys us another week or so with him. We are literally taking things on a week by week basis. The best news for right now is that he isn't in any pain, no facial distortions are taking place and because of the additional medication Dr. B gave him the other day he is sounding a lot better, and is able to purr again. I can actually hear him purr. It's music to my ears. Lovely music. So, with some fingers crossed, I might have as much as 3 more weeks with him. The miracles continue to happen, thanks to a lot of prayers from some really special people. Including Dr. B.

Dr. B is an extraordinary man. He has done everything, just everything he could possibly do to make it all easier. He has counselled us, and told us everything we needed to know upfront. He has cut corners for us, and then cut even more corners for us. So much so that really he should be made a saint. Truly. He is so good to Elvis. I know, I know, he is a veterinarian, so why wouldn't he be? Well, to be honest, I have met one or two vets over the years who really shouldn't have chosen that as their life's work. Dr. B was born to be a veterinarian. We have that important agreement still in place, the one that says it is now time to say goodbye. He will tell us when it is time, but something he said one time leaves me with some hope... "We won't lose this cat to time or money." So there's hope.

What About The Budget?...

As of this morning, the executive order had not been signed. It may take place later today. If and when it happens, I will post a special entry to let everyone know what's going on. Back during the Wilson administration, there was a budget fiasco which resulted in Alan working for no pay, while the politicians duked it out. He was eventually paid his salary, but let me tell you, working for no pay was a difficult time for us. At that time we had some money saved, so we rode it out, but I can only imagine what it was like for folks with children to feed.

Alan and I know several people who have no idea what to do. Gas prices at an all time high, and little mouths to feed at $6.55 per hour. So while things are dire for us, please also consider the folks who have children and elderly to care for. Also disturbing to me is the vendors who haven't been paid since July 1st. The Sacramento Bee has one such story about the, Superior Produce Company, which supplies fresh fruit and vegetables to the California Prison system. Fresh fruit and vegetables are a necessity to life, not a luxury, so to deny it is in my opinion a crime in itself. The men and women in the California prison system could use your prayers and good thoughts as well.

Get A Room...

I am damn tired of the latest political bantering of John McCain and Barack Obama. Shut up. Deal with real issues. As things stand right now, I don't see myself voting for my democratic nominee, and you already know that for me, John McCain was NEVER an option, although I was willing to listen. No more. Barack Obama has all but lost me. It's really likely that I won't vote this coming November. And before you say that if I don't vote, I can't complain. Yes I can. Freedom of Speech gives me the right to complain. I will not vote for the lessor of two evils. I will give it another month, or until I am forced to leave the Internet before I decide what I will do in November. Barack Obama is on my sidebar for now, but there is a good chance he won't be their for long. Hey guys, GET A ROOM!

Well, that's about it for now. Stay tuned. Things are getting interesting!

-OndineMonet
"Surreal Moments"
Palace Of Fine Arts
San Francisco, California
Spring, 2008

In About 100 Days Or So...

"Politics, it seems to me, for years, or all too long, has been concerned with right or left, instead of right or wrong."

-Richard Armour

Can you believe that we are finally down to the last 100 days of the race to the White House? It has seemed at times, that time was standing still and we really weren't moving forward at all. Things will be picking up speed now, and if you haven't really been paying attention all this time, or if you were paying attention, but decided to give yourself a break from all the endless political fussing, well now is the time to start listening again. It is your future after all, but more importantly, it's my future as well!

Let's face it, about this time, every four years, we Americans get a little selfish with our decision making. When we step into those tidy little voting booths or sit down to cast our absentee ballots, we put ourselves first. Which candidate will serve me best? There's nothing wrong with that, it is your future, and mine, and the guy next to me. LOL. That would be Alan. LOL. But don't think for a moment, that he and I have always agreed on a political candidate over the years, not at all, as you probably know, he was a republican when I met him. I take credit for helping him see the light, lol, but he will tell you he wised up all on his own. Well, yeah, that's partially true, but I think we have both changed our minds about certain things over the years, as we matured in our relationship. I think it's one of the best things about us as a couple, we can still talk to each other intelligently after nearly 18 years of marriage!

The other day, Alan and I were commiserating with each other about how we would take back the vote, we both cast, for Arnold Schwarzenegger for governor. The change of heart came with the last straw either one of us could handle regarding politics either nationally or for the state of California. That straw being that Schwarzenegger has proposed cutting the pay of over 200,000 state workers, in order to balance the budget. Can you imagine trying to take care of your family on $6.35 an hour? And that is not the end of the fun, colleges and universities will be affected as well, and there will be layoffs and hiring freezes in place when all is said and done. What's particularly despicably about the governor's plan is the fact that California's state minimum wage is $8.00 an hour!

California was one of the hardest hit states in the mortgage meltdown. Stockton, leads the list nationally, with the most foreclosures, and the figures continue to rise. I find it insulting that both candidates, McCain, and Obama are have nothing to say, about Governor's Schwarzenegger's threat. I know, I know, Obama was in Europe and Iraq last week, demonstrating his foreign affairs prowess, and McCain was ready with the jabs, about how inept Obama apparently is, and how if we vote for Obama, all hell will break loose. Wake up McCain... ALL HELL HAS BROKEN LOOSE! Now what are we ( you and I) going to do about it?

Well, I can tell you one thing, a vote for McCain would be like cutting our own collective throats. Tell me, do you really need another object lesson when it comes to the way republicans do things? Bush sat back, and nearly bankrupt this nation fighting a war that had no merit. A war based on, if you believe it, faulty intelligence. A year ago, most Americans considered the war in Iraq to be their number one concern, today, it's the economy. My gawd... how convenient for the republican party, that we are concerned mostly about our own pocket books. Go figure. Sometimes the war seems a million miles away at times... doesn't it? Can you believe that there are still folks who hold steady the belief that Saddam Hussein had something to do with the events of 9/11? Every time I hear that, I shake my head and wonder who these people are, and then I remember, they are the ones who have admitted they will be voting for John McCain.

I have to admit, I am not sure what my biggest concern is right now. I know that if Schwarzenegger has his way, and he cuts the pay to state workers, it will affect this state in all kinds of negative ways, that it doesn't really matter if you are a state worker or not. Foreclosure rates will take on a whole new momentum. Again education will be affected to the core, and we won't even discuss morale. Every single industry will be affected. One month of that kind of oppression would be devastating, but Schwarzenegger is poised to do just that, as early as tomorrow morning. State treasurer, John Chiang has said that he will override the governor and cut the checks at the usual pay, but that will be a fight that will be hard to fight. I appreciate the gesture, but I don't count on it.

One thing is for sure, this close to November, the state of California will be keeping this move in mind when voting for a presidential candidate. At the same time, it might serve McCain and Obama to watch what happens with California very closely, and be standing ready to address the possible catastrophe waiting to happen. I am really tired of the two of them playing to each other, and forgetting about what we hold dear. I will be watching both candidates, but I won't be holding my breath waiting for a political solution.


State Workers Upset Over Proposed Pay Cut (ABC 7)

Governor's Pay Cuts Could Affect Colleges (ABC 7)

Correction: The federal minimum wage is $6.55 per hour.

-OndineMonet

Let Me Know When You Are Done Holding Your Breath

"We must stop thinking of the individual and start thinking about what is best for society."

-Hillary Clinton

Certain ideas escape me. In a recent poll here in the Bay Area, a staggering number of supporters of both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama said that if their candidate failed to win the nomination, they would then most certainly cast their vote for John McCain. HUH? Are you kidding me? You would vote for another 8 years of business as usual, because you didn't get your way? I suppose if you don't mind eventually paying $10.00 a gallon for gas, and the failing economy doesn't concern you, and it's ok that we have now passed the grim statistic of 4000 American soldiers killed in Iraq, with no end to the conflict in sight, you could be quite satisfied with voting in John MCCain. But wouldn't it make more sense to maybe expand your horizons a bit and maybe consider what life would be like with the other democrat in office?

I am supporting Hillary Clinton for president. I really believe she is the best hope for America, but if she doesn't win the nomination, I will have a choice to make. Vote for Obama, vote for McCain or not voting at all. I don't like missing my chance to vote, so it is highly likely I will vote for Obama, if I truly believe he is what will be best for this country. I like John McCain as a man, but I can't get behind his approach to things, such as his lack of interest in the problems with the housing market. His views on Iraq are nothing more then business as usual, and, well, you can pretty much figure out how I feel about the rest of the issues. I am a democrat, so for the most part, I disagree with how he would handle most issues.

I could simply not vote a all. Again, not my first choice. It is a perfectly valid choice if one has zero faith in the candidates who are running. Not voting makes a loud statement. It's so funny, I have always heard that if you don't vote, you can't complain. Well, yes I can. It's called freedom of speech. Nowhere does it say I have to divulge whether or not I voted, but somehow that seems a little lazy to me. While not voting might say, "I don't believe in the candidates," it also says, "I'm too lazy to do any homework on the other candidates, so who cares?" There is just a lose/lose in that way of doing things I think.

So, if Hillary Clinton isn't nominated, what's a girl to do? Well, since she already knows things will be close, she decides to get to know Obama better. She begins listening to statements and speeches and maybe even visits his web site to know more about the man. She already knows why she is hoping Clinton will make it to the White House, so, is there room to include the other guy in what she hopes for? Can she reconcile the mistrust she feels right now? Who knows? One thing is for sure, if she doesn't even try to find the ray of hope in the other guy, she dooms herself to being dissatisfied for a long time. After all, the vote we cast in November had better set the stage for the next 8 years and beyond. It will take at least that long to fix what George Bush, Dick Cheney and their band of cronies have done to us. Let the Republicans hold their breath, and turn blue until they get their way. We have work to do.

Hillary Clinton For President

Barack Obama For President

John McCain For President

Have some fun! Take the ABC News Match O Matic Quiz to see who your presidential candidate should be.

I scored Mike Gravel, Dennis Kucinch, and Ron Paul.

Take the quiz and tell me what you came up with!

-OndineMonet