Fackin Truth Blog

Stop flushing my tax money, bruh.

I need $100. I need it right now. I want it right. now. There's at least $350 in my house jammed between seat cushions, tucked into my pockets, and stuffed inside the piggy bank that's so hard to open. How about I save myself the trouble and just rob the old lady living in 5a?

Sounds ridiculous? It is, but that seems to be the prevailing accounting model backing US government spending - the same government that rolled its eyes after the S&P downgraded the country's AAA credit rating. [If you don't have a life or want an excuse to stay on the internet, you can peep my recent gripe about bloated government spending here.]

According to reported figures, the state of Ohio spends a whopping $29,000 every minute on Medicaid. That's what happens when you instruct wealthy drug smugglers (who prostitute underage girls on the side) how to circumvent the system to receive benefits.

I wish I was kidding. My emerging hero, James O'Keefe (of ACORN scandal expose fame), decided to take on Medicaid and started with a hidden camera sting in an Ohio Medicaid office. Two citizen reporters posed as wealthy Russian drug dealers and walked-in to apply for aid. They openly shared their recent purchase of an impressive $800,000 McLaren F1 they had shipped to the US.

The processor went on to advise the men on how to beat the system, including: Listing their occupation as "babysitting," and using Planned Parenthood to get multiple free abortions for their underage prostitute sister as needed for her trade. Parts of the video roll like comedic satire, but the whole tragedy is real.

This level of waste and lack of accountability represents an epic FAIL when politicians feign bafflement over the gusher of money spewing our tax dollars into a black hole. The House and Senate debate over new ways to deal with spending and to raise tax revenues, while ignoring simple solutions such as reforming failing programs with a little old fashioned oversight. I may be asking a bit too much, but can we sprinkle in a little accountability so government workers would think to report underage prostitution instead of declaring, "We're not the police." Better yet, how about you stop throwing money at wealthy drug dealers before your propose a clever new way to tax my hard-earned dollars from a legit hustle?

I can't. I just can't. I need to step away and let the video speak for itself. For more information on James O'Keefe and his numerous projects, visit his site at Project Veritas.

On to the show...

 

Chronic bloat and fiscal liberals

So Standard and Poors (S&P) downgraded the US credit rating. I can't help but side-eye the folks, including the President, who are griping about this new development. I wish my personal "economy" could maintain a 800 credit score while in an obvious shambles.

I remain unimpressed with the President's response, although he gets points for staying true to his "tax and spend... and spend" philosophy of the government's bloated role in our lives:

"Last week, we reached an agreement that will make historic cuts to defense and domestic spending. But there’s not much further we can cut in either of those categories."

If you ever worked for the government, set foot in a government agency, or simply lived in this country for 10 minutes, you know FOR SURE the government has a lot of fat to trim off the loin. Failed programs. Paper pushers. Employment/contract "hookups." The basic iniability to fire non-performing employees. Don't tell me this shyt ain't rampant and in need of some serious soul searching. "Can't cut" is code word for all the reasons folk "won't cut."

This fella seems to agree with me, and highlights the exact kind of foolery I'm talking about.

New government job. Associate Administrator for Administration. (Is that like Associate Manager for Management? Associate Eater for Eating? WTH?? But I digress...) A glorified paper-pusher who will make bewtween $119K and $179K per year. I swear that position sounds like smoke and mirrors to employ somebody's couch potato neice/brother/sister/cousin/great aunt twice removed. Here's how the job offer starts:

"Come on board with us and take a journey that will challenge your mind and develop your career. The quality of our lives, the shape of our communities and the productivity of our Nation's economy depend on our transportation systems. We recognize and value the importance of our workforce and the diversity of backgrounds and ideas that each employee brings. The U.S. Department of Transportation: Careers in Motion." Journey to challenge your mind? Seriously???

Take a look at the Executive Core Qualifications this glorified assistant must possess:

ECQ 1 - LEADING CHANGE: This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals, as well as the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment. Am I the only one who envisions a change fairy flitting around the office sprinkling happy dust on employees who don't give a rat's azz? But I digress...

ECQ 5 - BUILDING COALITIONS: This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals. Schmooze much? This is the invitation to travel around the world on the government dime. Lavish hotels. World class dining. At least it would be for a cause, unlike these folks who traveled the world on tax dollars to stare at billboards. I want THAT job.

I'll never knock somebody's hustle to get work. I won't even knock the friends/relatives/assocates who provide these hookups on a regular basis. I just don't want to pay for it. 

I can admit I may be like one of those freshly saved church folks - so proud of their new-found love for Jesus that they turn into Bible-thumping idiots who you cross the street to avoid. But I'll also admit I believe wholeheartedly in the foundation of fiscal conservatism which holds dear that the government should have limited tentacles reached into our homes and our pocketbooks.

Now if I could only get over the socially conservative tendency to judge folk, thump Bibles, and... Nah. That's never gonna happen.

Going Galt over Big Government

There was a time, long long ago, when my party-loyal Democrat parents led me to believe that Republicans were the greedy, racist, blood hungry folks from Washington who lived under my bed when the Boogey Monster was on vacation. For years, I stayed away from understanding politics since I already knew the Repubs were the devil's spawn and everybody was too dayum emotional about it. Naturally, when I turned 18, my voter registration card read "Democrat." That was easy. When voting, I found the right column, pressed all the buttons, and smiled that my civic duty was complete.

As I entered into my career, I found myself surrounded by intelligent and trusted coworkers who also stood as vocal conservatives. Their consistent and persistent positions caught my interest. Ron Paul further ignited my interest in party politics with his sometimes-radical positions, such as abolishing the Federal Reserve. I found myself agreeing with this quirky male whose party affiliation began with the "R" word.

I'll never forget the day, several years ago, when a close friend (a registered Rebublican) graced me with the first logical personal assessment of Democrats (Liberals) vs. Republicans (Conservatives). Without an iota of the misplaced emotion that plagued my old understanding of the parties, she indicated her agreement with Conservative fiscal policies and her disagreement with Conservative views on social issues (and the way those social views sometimes spilled into policymaking). I was hooked on expanding my understanding, and I discovered something important about my personal views:

I'm a freakin' fiscal conservative. My aversion to Bible-thumping, homophobic, often-hypocritical social conservatives kept me from associating myself with anything in the conservative bucket.

As a general rule, fiscal conservatives believe in limiting the government's reach into your pocketbook, descreased government spending, and increased business (which means more employers leading to more jobs).

On the other hand, fiscal liberals believe in big government spending for more government programs - most of which don't work and tax us into funding causes we'd otherwise like to opt-out of.

My latest foray into all things political led me to the term "Going Galt." The term is linked to the book "Atlas Shrugged," where the character John Galt encourages innovative movers and shakers to go on strike against socialist idealism, which breeds mediocrity. Today's use of the term Going Galt applies to entrepeneurs who give up on operating a business in America based on the reality and the potential for huge economic losses caused by governmental red tape.

David McElroy witnessed this phenomenon when a coal miner in Alabama declared defeat in starting a business that would employ 125 people desperate for jobs:

I got a permit to open up an underground coal mine that would employ probably 125 people. They’d be paid wages from $50,000 to $150,000 a year. We would consume probably $50 million to $60 million in consumables a year, putting more men to work. And my only idea today is to go home. What’s the use? I don’t know. I mean, I see these guys — I see them with tears in their eyes — looking for work. And if there’s so much opposition to these guys making a living, I feel like there’s no need in me putting out the effort to provide work for them. So as I stood against the wall here today, basically what I’ve decided is not to open the mine. I’m just quitting. Thank you.

Comments to that article, and to this additional short article, feature real-life stories of people walking away from self-employment and business ownership after getting regulated out of the deal.

I don't believe I'll ever be a party loyalist, because none of the major parties have it all right. I don't hold a single fantasy that any party is free of players who spend too much time serving corporate interests, climb into bed with lobbyists, and conveniently forget their campaign promises to actually help the public as public servants.

This is a good time to question your old beliefs to understand the logic beneath. This is the worst time to rely on party loyalty in exchange for truly understanding the foundation of our choices. My eye is on the fiscal conservatives who just might be able to lure Galt employers back into the game. We need those employers. Mortgages don't pay themselves.

Because some news stories fade and die before we see them...

Chicago Man Arrested for Allegedly Targeting Obama With HIV-Infected Blood

"A man from President Obama's hometown of Chicago has been arrested for allegedly sending Obama and his staff envelopes containing HIV-infected blood, in the hopes of killing or harming them.

It's only the second time ever that HIV-infected blood has been sent with malicious intent through the U.S. mail system, a spokesman for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service said." [Full Fox News story here]

I wanted to believe this was some redneck backwoods bubba who didn't get the memo that we're supposed to be living in a post-racial America (cough::bullshit::cough). But alas, it turns out to be an Ethiopian refugee named Saad Hussein. And according to his priors, he's just a little insane in the membrane touched.

Yeah yeah. I know I just breezed in here with an odd news story waaaaaaay after I promised to update more often. I've been busy. Fo'real. I have projects going on every-frickin-where -- from web jobs to the anonymous blog that the Mr. and I finally started.

But I love to talk. And I love to write. And although I may take down my badly neglected health/cleansing blog, Fackin Truth is the first love I just can't stand to part with.

So don't be a ninny and just check back soon to make sure I'm keepin it fresh with ma first love.

Time Magazine Names Barack Obama"Person of the Year 2008"

I can't say Time Magazine is good with suspense and surprises. Did we expect anybody else to win Person of the Year 2008? Back on December 9, I wrote a post at Michelle Obama Watch reporting that Obama had over 500K reader poll votes while the second place candidate stood at a paltry 24K. Unlike the primary and general election polls, that ish ain't even close.

During his follow-up interview with Time Magazine, Obama reminded me of the palpable hope I have in him to become one of the best Presidents this country ever had the honor to elect. He clearly embraces his accountability to the American people, an expectation I dropped like a rock a long time ago. Keeping on that theme, Obama offers a checklist for voters to use in judging his performance two years from now:

"Have we helped this economy recover from what is the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression? Have we instituted financial regulations and rules of the road that assure this kind of crisis doesn't occur again? Have we created jobs that pay well and allow families to support themselves? Have we made significant progress on reducing the cost of health care and expanding coverage? Have we begun what will probably be a decade-long project to shift America to a new energy economy? Have we begun what may be an even longer project of revitalizing our public-school systems?"

He continues the agenda with issues of international concern:

"Have we closed down Guantánamo in a responsible way, put a clear end to torture and restored a balance between the demands of our security and our Constitution? Have we rebuilt alliances around the world effectively? Have I drawn down U.S. troops out of Iraq, and have we strengthened our approach in Afghanistan — not just militarily but also diplomatically and in terms of development? And have we been able to reinvigorate international institutions to deal with transnational threats, like climate change, that we can't solve on our own?"

And he wouldn't be Barack Obama if he didn't include concerns about his performance that resonate with Americans at a personal level:

"Outside of specific policy measures, two years from now, I want the American people to be able to say, 'Government's not perfect; there are some things Obama does that get on my nerves. But you know what? I feel like the government's working for me. I feel like it's accountable. I feel like it's transparent. I feel that I am well informed about what government actions are being taken. I feel that this is a President and an Administration that admits when it makes mistakes and adapts itself to new information.'"

Congratulations Obama. Read the entire Time piece here, including a slideshow of Obama's college years rockin' the low fro.

Catty Teenage Girls Aren't the Only Ones With Childish Cliques

During the Presidential campaign, Obama was heavily criticized (by some) for admitting that diplomacy should reign, and the United States should engage in diplomatic conversations with our enemies.

I was actually surprised by the amount of criticism he received for a few reasons:

1. The United States is not blameless in these broken relationships. I don't believe our foreign enemies are simply annoying little countries that need to find a hobby besides picking on us.

2. Even if our government is blameless, wouldn't a conversation help equalize any misunderstandings?

3. Time can heal wounds. Have you ever made-up with a friend after time made an old argument outdated? Sometimes a kissy-kissy makeup is only a phone call away.

4. Who in all fuggin carnation died and left the US in charge of establishing a snooty clique, with a turned-up nose, that waves a pompous hand and decides which other leaders are too beneath us to deserve the respect of a conversation?

Wait. Do you hear that sound? Listen closely... Doesn't that sound very similar to the Far Right Christian Conservative idea that homosexuals and minorities don't deserve respect on their own soil? That same mentality is directed towards "others" here at home.

Folks, it's called xenophobia, and it's an ugly disease that can only maim and kill.

I enjoyed Bob King's commentary regarding negative reaction to Obama's honorable definition of diplomacy. Bob starts with this:

"This whole "we don't talk to people we don't like" foreign policy has struck me as being on a level with seventh graders deciding who gets to sit at what table at lunch. And - clearly - our leaders do not choose to be seen in public with the auto-shop boys, the "smoker's corner" crowd or anyone from "the wrong side of the tracks."

As field negro always says, the Christian Right is neither [Christian or right]. If I remember correctly, Jesus was regularly criticized by the uber-religious Pharisees for His regular conversations with "undesirables." Anybody who ever read a Bible knows how the Pharisees were spiritually stunted.

Bob King ends his assessment with this:

"And let us remember that despite being genuinely likable and good with people, George Bush's leadership style has never led him to deal with difficult issues in any substantive way. I honestly cannot think of a single situation that has been improved by George Bush's involvement, or indeed, improved on the basis of the Bush leadership philosophy. It's been a government of, by and for the "popular kids" - and we are reminded why student governments have grownup advisers."

Read the rest here.

The Magical Power of Concession

If you recall, during the primary elections, Obama supporters throughout the blogosphere were angry with our now-President-elect because he refused to get down and dirty with Hillary Clinton.

You're gonna let Billary get away with that? Where are your brass nuggets, man? We're growing afraid you're just a wimp.

Oh how short our memories were after Obama won the Democratic primaries and jumped into the ring with McCain.

WHAT? You're going to let that man incite the racist nuts in this country, and you're going to be gracious to him during debates? We're really starting to wonder if you have what it takes to be President, Mr. Obama.

Yet once again, the general election proved that a steady head, backed by strong character (and a better set of policies to save this nation) can, did, and should always win.

I noticed something interesting when both Hillary Clinton and John McCain were forced to concede to Barack Obama.  Both concessions contained a mix of humility, sincerity, respect and calm that magically disappeared during their ambitious, self-serving campaigns.

In fact, McCain's concession gave me the first twinge of "like" that I ever felt for McCain. And no, it wasn't because I was elated that McCain lost. It was because I sensed a hint of the "great man" so many claim that McCain used to be. For the first time in the campaign, I saw McCain raise his hands to squash the "booing" of Obama from the audience. I even saw a glimmer of respect for Obama flash across McCain's face, instead of the "shouldn't you be shining my shoes, boy?"

In fact, John McCain and Hillary Clinton's concession speeches were more like exorcisms... banishing evidence of evil alter egos from their bodies.

Even though Obama supporters often went blood-thirsty during the campaign, our President-elect maintained his character in the hottest pits. And there are only two possible reasons why Hillary Clinton and John McCain couldn't hold it together:

They were either blinded by ambition and lost themselves in the process... or the process brought out their true character. To me, neither reason inspires me to trust either of them with the Presidency.

By the way, did I mention how utterly off-the-chart giddy-happy-nervous-surprised-excited-relieved that Barack Obama is the next President?

How can you not love the one who didn't require Exorcism via Concession?

Still Speechless... So Accept this Picture...

Sometimes a picture does a much better job than the clumsy words of a crazy-elated woman:

I lifted this great pic from Jack and Jill Politics.

And the Wicked Witch Award Goes To...

... SHIRLEY NAGEL OF GROSSE POINTE FARMS, MICHIGAN!

This award could not have gone to a better nominee. Nagel sent children crying from her home on Halloween after enforcing the following posted sign:

"No handouts for Obama supporters,
liars, tricksters or kids of supporters."

Nagel offered this deep analysis of her decision to WJBK-TV:

"Obama's scary."

Not to be persuaded that withholding treats from crying children, while giving treats to others, was a bad game plan, Nagel solidified her position with:

"Oh well. Everybody has a choice."

This is the kind of bullsh*t that makes me wonder what kind of country I live in. While some fortunate youth of the Ron Clark Academy learned that "you can vote however you like," Witch Haggatha von Nagel taught Michigan youth that sometimes there's a price for participating in our pseudo-Democratic election system.

Then I am reminded of what kind of country I live in as Witch Hazel's neighbor, Gregory Bowens saves the day. He counter-posted signs "Obama for Peace" and "candy for all."

My dear Nagel, your bogus lesson flopped. Not just flopped, but died and turned over twice. You see, as a McCain supporter, you mirrored the extreme-right in your party. You know, the "Imma Christian" xenophobes who get hard-ons while rejecting and mistreating anybody who doesn't look like them.

Your unkindness represents the sinking feeling I get in my stomach when I look into McCain's seedy little eyes. And Bowen, an Obama supporter, represents the beautifully unifying "come all" that resounded throughout Obama's campaign - and apparently throughout his entire life. I'll go for the Good Samaritan over the Wicked Witch any day. I'm sure McCain is eternally thankful and infinitely proud of the way you expressed your support for him - by turning away innocent children from your home.

You're absolutely right. Everybody has a choice. And you made the best decision that your ignorant a** could make.

PS: You included "liars and tricksters" on the list of those banned from the treats. With all those McCain supporters knocking on the door, how in the world did you find anybody worthy of your precious candy?

What Kind of Man Can't Shake a Competitor's Hand?

Obama and McCain faced-off in their second debate last night. For the most part, the debate was a sleeper. But today's buzz centers around some key points that speak to the character and integrity of the candidates:

1. McCain never looked Obama in the eye or addressed him with any respect.

2. McCain never looked the Blacks in the Town Hall audience in the eye or addressed their questions with the same care and attention as the Whites.

3. And even if those views might, just might, be a matter of perception, how about... In a major blunder that blares like neon lights, McCain called Obama "That One" during the debate. I do believe Obama called McCain either "John" or "Senator McCain" the entire night.

4. Obama and the Mrs. stayed to talk to the Town Hall audience. McCain and the Mrs. ran from the building like the place was on fire.

5. And finally... the handshake. That d*mned handshake. The handshake that never happened. McCain tapped Obama on the back as he ran away, and refused to shake Obama's hand. [see video evidence Exhibit A below]

So even if you agree with McCain on the issues (which I don't), how do you reconcile his character and integrity when choosing him? I mean, I have even gotten into the push-polling and election day scare tactics. I haven't even gotten to the "kill Obama" sentiments screamed at the Palin rallies that Palin hasn't taken time to address. The Republican ticket is a Hot. Mess. I'm curious to hear from McCain/Palin supporters, because I just don't get it.