Reflections Through a Glass of Beer

Today I'm at Norm's Restaurant with a breakfast wonderfully tailored with a juicy grilled steak, smothered in onions, 2 eggs over easy, hash browns, rye toast and excellent coffee (no beer). Now, let's see what's up.

I'm sure you've seen those ads and various TV shows that promote clothing lines with the names of celebrities stitched on. They're nothing new. I remember long ago pro golfers and late-night talk show hosts hawking their "exclusive" duds. But aside from the name that increases the price outlandishly, isn't a pair of pants or a blouse or shoes or a blazer just that? Even underwear gets pitched! You wear them like any other clothing item. Who cares what name's on it (or in it)? Besides, that famous person didn't sit down and design the item, nor sew it together. They just gave the okay to use their name. And THAT is what makes the line famous and best-selling. And, oh, many clothes like that are made in low-paying sweatshops! Big name, high price but hardly high-end quality. Whoopee! If you have more $$$$ than brains, be my guest. The rich get richer and the dopes of the world get dumber...everyday.

Back in the old days, there was the DWI (driving while intoxicated)...period. Then some states came up with the new and improved DUI (driving under the influence) label. Now, I've seen the OWI (operating while intoxicated). For crying out loud states, settle on a term all ready! You don't need a fancy (or fancier or more politically correct) term for it. Drunk driving is drunk driving, whether you're intoxicated or under the influence! Drunk is drunk! There's no need to embroider it. How about DWB: driving while bombed?!

Years ago, various liquids for supplements were created specifically for the elderly or those who were terribly ill, like with cancer. These individuals weren't getting the nutrition they required because they often lacked any real appetite. Hence, high caloric, vitamin/mineral and protein drinks. Now, they are being hawked for those who haven't the time to wolf down even a tuna fish sandwich, potato chips and a container of milk! Gimme a break! Nobody should be in that big a hurry! Take your time! Have a meal (relaxing or not) but have some sort of a meal. Liquid nutrition...if you're healthy?! No way. One of our dogs years back was terribly sick and we tried one of those liquid supplements that humans always seem to enjoy. Our dog turned her nose up at it! Tell you something?

This is a true story. Some years ago I was working in an Army hospital. Patients were added to computer systems using the sponsor's (active duty or retired) Social Security Number and a family code. One day, a wife came to the window, giving us all of the correct info. HOWEVER, the system indicated there was a wife already using that SSN and spousal code. A check with Records indicated that there was, indeed, a previous wife (divorced). The soldier had to leave work to explain everything! The second wife knew nothing about the first one until that day! You could cut the anger/embarrassment (her) and embarrassment ( him) with a knife.We all tried to imagine what the night had to offer that poor, lowly soldier!

Well, that's all for now ladies and gentlemen. My friend Jim Gillis, retired Cunningham Aircraft employee, just arrived. He's in town for a few days, so we thought we'd catch up on family news and such. So, 'til next time, vaya con Dios.

Washington Needs a Lesson In Civics...Now!

Washington Needs a Lesson In Civics...Now! I just finished watching "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and I've come to the stark realization that every member of the US Congress needs to watch this excellent film, not once or twice, but several times to take hold and reaffirm what their oaths of office really mean and stand for. Paying close attention to the scene where Jefferson Smith takes his oath as the new senator from his state should jar a lot of consciences on Capitol Hill...and elsewhere in Washington DC, the seat of the most powerful nation on earth. And it probably wouldn't hurt anyone occupying the White House and manning the bench of the US Supreme Court to watch the film a few times either. A civics class refresher course never hurt anyone. While the film might seem fanciful and wonderfully nostalgic, with a superb script and story, James Stewart in the title role of Jefferson Smith and Frank Capra at the helm wielding a deft hand at direction, the core, the simple imagery of what our government is SUPPOSED to accomplish, what it is SUPPOSED to represent, for every man, woman and child in this country, is inescapable. In the now-famous filibuster scene, Jeff Smith lashes out, passionately condemning political and ethical corruption, along with greedy political machines, making his denunciation so profound for today's America. He vehemently condemns the corruption that comes at the expense of democracy. Jefferson Smith exhibits the idealism that every young member of Congress should be filled with, that idealism that all-to-often disappears when the power and influence and Beltway stardom all sink their long, bloody claws into mortal flesh, turning those commissioned to do their best for us, the citizens who elected them, into mere hand puppets and marionettes, living zombies, waiting for orders and directions, not from the people but from the political machines that really control the seats on Capitol Hill and the White House. Our elected "leaders" pay homage, not to the electorate, but to those who have the most money to throw around; to those hoping to get the biggest bang for each political buck spent. Colossal campaign donations with the expectancy of getting something in return, in conjunction with influence peddling lobbyists and their greedy clients, involve money in such quantities you'd think they printed it themselves. The "I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine" disease has becomes a terrible reality, the cure...elusive.The money isn't spent for the good of the people but for the benefit of special interests who fund our "leaders" with bankrolls that never dry up. Politicians and Corporate America end up being the big winners, while the men, women and children of this nation end up being yanked to the ground and pulled along by the chain of corporate power and money...and corrupted politics. Mr. Lincoln's "...of the people, by the people and for the people..." has disintegrated into Big Money's "...of the elite, by the elite and for the elite..." Capitol Hill and its environs can change all that by simply reflecting on the oaths taken, carefully noting the words and what they mean; on what America has stood for since 1776. Jefferson Smith laid it out plain and simple...in a 1939 movie. So, if they have the guts, the moxie, the gumption, each and every member of Congress, each Supreme Court Justice and every President, current and future, needs to reread their oaths of office. Those oaths are a sacred vow, a sworn promise to the Constitution and the people it protects. And with the exception of the president, that vow is made to God. It's time our "leaders" left the money-lined pockets of political machines and jumped into the empty pockets of the people who really matter...the people of the United States of America. The bottom line is our elected "leaders" need to get in step with this nation and her people; to pay heed to a young fictional senator's idealism and belief in a system meant to benefit everybody...not just a privileged few.