2008: unRest In Hell

The few remaining hours of a shitty year grip the calendar with bloody claws. It's almost like watching justice being processed; yet, you don't know what the face waiting for you in the hall has in store. That face being 2009.

I think this year has been marked, at least for me, as one of horrible financial decisions. I made a few intelligent ones, but none are really helping me out of the hole. They just seem to slow my digging. If I can keep my nose at the surface of the water, I'll only breathe in the waves I splash at myself from frantically trying to keep afloat.

Such is the way, I suspect, of typical Americans. It happens when you live in a hub. Take time to consider that we are just that - a hub, an import-export gateway. Leaning much more toward importation. It's easy to be in this type environment and think that money is easily attainable. So we spend, and we spend in credit. (I'm guilty as hell of that, so don't think I'm on my soapbox.) When we buy, we go for whatever is cheapest - typically foreign products. How many true American brands exist and profit anymore? They're few and far between. We rely on the outsiders. We sacrifice ourselves and our economy to save money. Seems ironic... But because of greed - or because wage increases have not equalled cost of living increases - we send our products and our services elsewhere. And we stand slack-jawed in fear and bewilderment as a recession blankets the country.

On a national level, 2008 was a kick to the American crotch. With pointy toes. It's my belief that the government fell under the spotlight during extensive opportunities to prove itself; and was found wanting. I'm sure I can speak for hundreds or even thousands of others when I say that I've been left with precarious faith in Uncle Sam and the minds that move his limbs. Be it bailouts, economic policies, or the ridiculous election race, I could do nothing but shake my head. Amazing that I'm not in a neck brace.

What floors me just as much, if not more, than the insanity happening within the country is our complacency. We see these things happening, we do not agree with it, and it hurts. But we let it continue. Unless I'm mistaken, I was under the impression that America existed for its people. Not to be dominated by tyranny. To have a voice. To organize and function to balance for the good of the nation. The very first step in that process is to have a passionate response to a condition. Which we all know we have. The next step - and possibily the easiest - is to get pissed off and talk about it. I'm hooked on talk radio, so I'm happy to say that I do hear people on a daily basis making their thoughts heard. However, I suspect that many of us stay tight-lipped for fear of consequence. Understandable; but it is more of a responsibility to speak up, in my opinion, than it is to vote in a shitty presidential election.

So, please, I urge you....get pissed off at something and talk about it. There are plenty of things wrong with the "American Way." Find one and rip it apart. Maybe someday soon, after purging the animosity, we'll have a presentable solution. A way to fix the broken spine of America.

Preface

Have to say that I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read my ramblings. The first issuance of gratitude goes out to Nick & Ashley.

Mkay, now...I feel compelled to forewarn again that this blog might step on some toes. Nick & Ash, you both know me and you know that I'm an open-minded individual. This whole notice thing I'm doing is like a disclaimer. Because I'm going to talk about religion...about politics...about race & racisms. Political correctness and just about any other ridiculous, controversial topic that slaps me in the face. And I have to say now - so I can say that it's been said - to any newcomers to my blog: sorry if I offend you, but these are my opinions to which I'm entitled.

The next post will actually be a post, and not a waste of your time. Thanks!

The Beginning?

Yes yes, here I am on a REAL blog site because Myspace's blog capability SUCKS the stinky hairs of donkey crack. Alright, welp....I just spent 1.5 hours on a great blog I was really proud of, only to have it completely deleted by Myspace before I could even post it. Suck it Tom!

Alright, to those of you who will be reading this, I forewarn you that I may offend you. Sooner or later. Sorry. But I welcome CONSTRUCTIVE criticisms and open communication. If writing never sparked emotion, would there be any reason to do it?

More as it develops...