Start Treaty

Can someone explain to me why the Republicans are against the Start Treaty. I know that the GOP doesn't want to do anything that might help Obama get something done.  But really, who doesn't want to see fewer nuclear bombs. Is it so important that Obama must fail, that you risk the future of civilization?  Maybe we should promise every Republican a bribe for every bomb taken out of circulation -- seems like money is their only motivator. When I am King, I'll pardon Jack Abramoff  and let him handle the bribes -- he knows how to talk their language.

Happy Thanksgiving

One of my first bosses told me a little story that I'd like to share.  He said "Mike, if everyone put their troubles on a big shelf, and they took time to look at other peoples problems, they would probably go and take back their own troubles."  That boss was a very wise man. 

Sometime when I am a little low and feeling sorry for myself, I reflect on those people suffering in hospitals, or being shot at in a foreign country, or just don't know how to feed their family tonight -- suddenly I realize how good I have it and would gladly take my troubles back.

I've lived a wonderful life.  I have a loving wife, three super kids, two fantastic grandchildren and a lot of dear friends.  Thanksgiving is truly a time to reflect on your blessings.  On this great day, have some turkey, watch some football, but best of all take time out to enjoy those you love.  If you can't be with them, give them a hug anyway, they'll know.  The King wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

TSA Pat Downs

I am so sick of hearing about the TSA pat downs.  Do people really have that short of memories.  I know how to end this security problem.  Starting tomorrow everyone will fly naked.  That should speed up boarding times.

The Girl Effect

Two of the best books I've ever read were "Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace...One School at a Time" and "Stones to School: Promoting Peace with Books, Not Bombs, in Afghanistan and Pakistan."  If you haven't read them, put them on your Christmas wish list.  Or - just go out and buy them right now.

The books recount  the adventures of Greg Morrison in building schools, especially schools for girls, in the poorest and most remote areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan.  Why the special emphasis on girl schools?  Because Morrison realizes that adolescent girls are uniquely qualified to improve the standard of living in the developing world. For more information, The King orders you to follow this link. If you didn't follow my order, go back and do it.

I hope you're inspired, now that you have a better understanding of why girl schools are so important in poor countries.  If you are looking for that last minute tax deduction, please consider the Central Asia Institute. If nothing else, buy the books.  You'll be glad you did.  Not only will you have the pleasure of reading two great  books, but all the proceeds go to building new schools. You'll be promoting The Girl Effect.

Hate Shopping

I really hate to go shopping.  Generally speaking, I really never go shopping.  I buy.  I know what I want, go to the store and find it.  Pay for it and go home.  My wife, on the other hand really likes to shop.  She goes to numerous stores, checks all the prices, and usually gets a great deal.  Me, I avoid the whole process when ever possible.

However, sometimes you just have to go shopping.  Case in point, we need a new dryer.  So on this rare occasion, my wife and I go shopping together.  It is amazing how many different ways a product can be marketed.  At one store, we're told the dryer we want will be on sale next week and we'll get free delivery.  Can't wait.  Next store has the dryer on sale, but wants $70 for delivery. The third store has a great price, but can't deliver until two weeks from now.  Finally, we found one for a reasonable price that could  be delivered in two days .  But what a pain in the ass waste of time.

When I am King, I'll stay home and have the Queen do all the shopping.

Automated Phone Service

I don't know about you, but I really hate automated phone service.  I am tired of having an automated voice say - "If you want English, please press 1, all other languages press 2.  If you would like to hear a list of products you could care less about, press 1.  If you are calling to sign up for shitty service, press 2.  If you would like like to sign up for our ultimate shitty service, press 3.  If you would simply like to tell the automated voice to go fuck himself, please hang up and try again when you have calmed down." If you do finally make a selection, you get put on hold and every now and then, an automated voice comes back to tell you he's sorry for the delay, but your call is very important, so please stay on the line for the next two hours.  If it's that damn important, answer the fucking phone.

When I am King, I am going to find out who invented this technology and have him or her beheaded.

Check out this link, Why I'd rather be punched in the testicles than call customer service., that was recommended by Jochem Atteveld. You'll get a good laugh.

Fixing the Budget

It seems everyone has an idea on how to fix the federal budget.  Some want to cut spending -- others want to raise taxes -- and a few realize you have to do both.  Well, let's see how well you can solve this problem.  The New York Times has an interactive page that will allow you to try and balance the budget for the short term (2015) and long term (2030).

It can be done --  I did it -- but it's not easy.  When you're done, try to imagine that you have to sell your solution to the American public.  That could get ugly.  It's not so bad if your the King, because he doesn't have to explain anything.

Bush is a Cheat.

President Bush has broken his silence.  It seems that our former president has written a book, Decision Points. This comes as a shock to most people because they didn't even know he could read. Well, as it turns out, President Bush is not all that into writing either.  It appears that a great deal of his book is plagiarized. But, what did you expect from a man who lied about weapons of mass destruction in order to justify going to war with a country that never attached us.  The man should be tried as a war criminal.  When I am King, I am going to put his sorry ass is jail.  Hey Dick, Condi, and Donald -- get ready, you're next.

Health Care

On Face the Nation today, Republican leaders started laying out their future legislative plans.  Basically they plan to defund the Health Care Law and then do everything in their power to make sure they win the 2012 election.  At that time they will bring out their own plan (wow, only four years late) and pass it. The only thing they hate more than ObamaCare, is Obama.

This caused a flash back for me.  About five years ago, I had to go help my mother file for bankruptcy.  My mom was raised during the depression and lived on ration stamps during WW II.  She hardly ever spent a dime on herself.  She raised four children and managed to put two through college. But, my step father died after a lengthy hospital stay.  He left her very little money and one huge hospital bill.  For over twenty years my mom tried to make payments.  But, eventually she was living in an assisted living home, on social security, and it became impossible to continue payments.

When we went in front of the judge, her lawyer (I paid his bill) had already told her the questions the judge would ask.  Basically all she had to do was say yes twice and no once.  I was holding her hand when the judge started asking the questions.  I noticed immediately she started to squeeze my hand harder.  I could see her lip start to tremble.  But mom was a proud woman and she was not about to break down and cry in front of the judge or total strangers. The whole ordeal was over in less than 10 minutes.  As soon as we left the court room she broke down in tears.  She was glad I was there to give her support, but she felt she was a failure.  She wasn't.  My mother passed away a few years later, and thanks to a government run health program, Medicare, she didn't leave a huge debt to her children

No one should have to declare bankruptcy in order to get health care. Not my mom, not anyone.

Dangerous Man

Well, the people have spoken.  A nation of frustrated unemployed workers think the Democrats haven't done enough to fix the economy that George Bush and his ilk broke.  Fair enough, but what will the new guys in town do to bring about a recovery.  Well, probably about what they did before the election --NOTHING.

Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader of the Senate, wants to put the United States in default. .  This would be accomplished by refusing to increase the nation's debt ceiling.  This would cause a global economic panic which could plunge our country into another recession or depression.  His goal is to black mail President Obama into defunding Health Care reform in exchange for increasing the nation's debt ceiling.

Of course, what do you expect from a man who said his primary goal is to make sure Obama is a one term president.  Shouldn't your primary goal be to help the American public?  The most frighting thing is the new guys are so far right of McConnell, we might think he's a liberal by this time next year.  Even a King can't make idiots into thoughtful leaders.  Hang on for a rough ride.

Great Day

November 2nd - what a great day.  First and foremost, it's my daughter's birthday. She's 23 today and far away.  But, I close my eyes and she's right next to me.  I am so proud of her.  I gave her a hug and kiss today - I hope she felt it. Love you baby.  Happy Birthday.

The second reason for being a great day is it's election day.  We still live in the greatest country ever and should be proud of the liberties we have.  We need talented people to represent us.  These people are charged with providing all laws necessary and proper to promote the general welfare (Hey Sarah - that's in the Constitution in case you didn't recognize it).  Your task is to pick the people.  Most people in the world don't get this opportunity.  We should take this right seriously.  It's a disgrace that only 30% of the people will vote today.  Please take time to vote and remember:

No Vote, No Bitching.