Cynical Musings

The proposed mosque and Islamic center in downtown Manhattan- near ground zero- has sparked controversy throughout America.  I think this is ridiculous.

First of all, aren't we allowed to practice religious freedom in this country?  Or we only allowed to practice it when others decide it is all right? 

Secondly, since when do we blame an entire people for the actions of a few? 

Even if you find this "insensitive" in some way- get over it.  I bet you don't want your kid's teachers using red pens, either- after all, knowing they had the wrong answer might hurt your kid's feelings.

I'm a Catholic.  For many years during the early times in our country, there were outrageous rules on where Catholics could build churches and they were discriminated against.  Hell, I guess with the sexual abuse scandals that rocked the Church in recent years, I shouldn't be allowed to be Catholic.  After all, it's so insensitive to anyone who suffered. 

Oh, hell, I just remembered.  The AP reported that the rate of sexual abuse is actually HIGHER in protestant churches.  I guess no one can be protestant either. 

And you can't be white  (remember slavery?).  Or black (remember the black panther members who were threatening voters?).  Or Japanese or German (WWII).  Or Chinese (human rights abuses occurring today).   

If we want to give proper honor to those who died on 9/11, we should do it by standing by the American values and religious freedom that they were killed for. 
Not by renouncing those beliefs.  By renouncing the rights of others to practice their religion, we're siding with the radical jihadists.  We're saying that we have the right to decide what religion(s) should be allowed and where. 

Muslim, Catholic, Jewish, Protestant, black, white, and- my personal favorite- Vulcans, should be allowed to live in America and share the same rights.  

I've been holding out on buying a Nook for awhile.  For a few reasons...I'm fond of books.  I already own over 500....I'm not looking forward to re-buying them for my Nook. 

I'm a writer.  While I haven't gotten a book published, I know a lot of writer's are complaining that e-books and such are ruining the industry.  Having bought a couple of e-books now, though, they're priced very close to print books.  I can't see people switching over to e-books instead of print hurting the industry in the long term.  In fact, I think the ability to buy any book you want as long as you have an internet connection would actually INCREASE purchases. 

Anyway....any of you own a Nook (or similar device)?

Do you like it? 

I have to tell you, blog browsing occasionally depresses me. 

I'm not putting the link here- because I refuse to send traffic to this site- but I ran across a blog that used the following argument:
I hate Glenn Beck.
Here are a bunch of details about Nazis.
Conclusion: Isn't it funny that Glenn Beck is hiding how much he is like the Nazis. 

Huh?  They didn't list a single thing that Glenn Beck had ever said that agreed with the Nazi ideology that they were describing.  What type of argument is that?  I left a comment on their blog pointing out the lack of coherent argument (and their misspellings...and the fact they can't write).  I'm kind a bitch sometimes.  Anyway, I went back to visit today to see if they left a response.  They had disabled all commenting on their site...hey, at least I had an effect.  (ha-ha)

I, obviously, don't agree with every blog I run across.  But if they've done their research- and can actually write- I'm always willing to stop, read, and consider their views. 
But when I run across rabid- whether right, left, purple, Vulcan- blogs with no intelligence, I seriously worry about the future of the U.S. 

Anyway, on a lighter note, another blogger published one of the funniest jokes I've read in a long time.  Out of respect for the blogger, here is the link to the joke on their blog: "A Disgruntled Republican: a little comic relief"
Seriously, go check it out. 

Note: Due to a reader comment the other day, I need to point out that a cartoon does prove one side of an argument correct.  It is not a source of scientific data.  Cartoon = funny does not mean cartoon= scientifically correct.  Can I make that any clearer?     

I was browsing blogs the other day, and found an article on the Sparkpeople blog (a health and fitness website).  It announced that a current health threat is people using re-usable bags, but not cleaning them.  Apparently, there are dangerous levels of e-coli on many bags, not to mention other germs. 

Uh, this is not a health threat.  This is a common sense threat.  If people are stupid enough to:
a) put meat in cloth bags without first having them double-wrap it in plastic    -and-      b) not wash their bags     -and-      c) manage to transfer the stuff on the bag to the food their eat (or put their hands in their mouths),
I call that Darwinism at work. 


I am so tired of companies touting their green credentials.   I'm dubious that 1) not only is global warming occurring, but that 2) we did it, and that 3) we can change it, and that 4) methods such as re-usable bags and e-mailed credit card statements are an effective method.  I might buy into one (or even two) of them, but not all four. 
Almost every company I deal with on a regular basis  now has an entire department dedicated to show how green they are.  Not to mention commercials. 

I feel like starting an anti-green movement.  A group of people who refuse to do business with companies that are bragging about how green they are.  A group of people who buy REGULAR toilet paper and paper towels without feeling guilty.  Hell, let's not glare at people when they use plastic bags at the grocery store. 
Or, even better yet, let's start making people more aware that the green activist flying a private jet around is doing more damage than using the occasional plastic bag. 

As of today, I refuse to listen to another word about any health threats or green companies.  I'm adopting common sense and going to drive five extra miles every day. 
(That way, when everyone NOT making carbon becomes a problem, I'm already a part of the solution). 

Part of the "agreement" made to get the votes for passage of the health care bill was that federal dollars would not go to provide abortions. 

In fact, Pres. Obama even signed an executive order to that effect. 

Is anyone really surprised that they lied?   If they were honest about not wanting federal dollars to cover abortion, it would have taken exactly one line in the already 2,000 page plus health care bill. 

-Federal dollars will be going to cover Pennsylvania's "high risk" pool (see government health care tab for more on how the federal health care bill works).  Technically, "elective abortions" will not be covered. 
This means that:
1) "non-elective" abortions will be covered.  Don't even get me started on that term.  If a woman gets an abortion, she elected to do it.  Nobody is holding her down forcing her. 
2) those wanting elective abortions simply need a doctor's note saying there is some possible health benefit to getting the abortion.  Let me give you a hint, go to Planned Parenthood.  Getting this note is not going to be a problem. 

-Similar circumstances exist in New Mexico.  As it has become clear that the executive order denying federal abortion dollars is a joke and will not be enforced, other states are following the Penn and NM example, and re-wording their coverage standards. 

On one last note, Planned Parenthood had been receiving state and federal support for years.  While the money is earmarked for non-abortion use, let's get realistic. 
For example, an organization gets $50 in federal funding to help pay office bills.  They can use that $50 for office bills.  Fine.  But they can now use $50 in personal donations that they would have had to use for office expenses to provide abortions. 

It's a simple fact of life.  Just like when you provide money to St. Judes, a church, or other non-profit, you have to realize a certain percentage is going to be used for administration and further requests for donations.  In fact, most non-profits include the % right in their appeal letters! 

Please forgive my not posting for a few days.  My husband was in an accident (in Norfolk, where he's at for temporary duty).  I got the call yesterday (in Summerville, SC- 8 hours away, where we live).
I'm now in Norfolk...they've released him, but he's on convalescent leave.  I'm staying to help take care of him for a few days. 
Thanks for your understanding,
Jennie

p.s. Things I dislike about navy life- #137- having to drive 8 hours before finding out how bad my husband is hurt after an accident. 
p.s. #2: Thank you, God, for Navy medical.  I cannot imagine what the hospital bill would have been

Well, I was talking to another writer, and she suggested that I try to break into the magazine market since I already write non-fiction articles. 

So, here is a list of my latest "online" articles....there won't be any for awhile.  Keep your fingers crossed for me!  Magazines, here I come!

"Pre-dynastic Egypt: 5500 b.c.-3100 b.c." (A.C. June 25, 2010). Link.
"First Dynasty Egypt: 3100 b.c.-2813 b.c." (A.C. July 16, 2010). Link.
"Second Dynasty Egypt: 2813 b.c.-2663 b.c." (A.C. July 16, 2010). Link.

"Madeleine Sophie Barat, Saint" (Suite101. June 30, 2010). Link.
"Barbara, Saint,  Legendary Virgin and Martyr" (Suite101. June 30, 2010). Link.
"Barnabas, Saint, Apostle and Martyr." (Suite101. June 30, 2010). Link.

Charleston, SC:
"A Stroll Along Rainbow Row- The Battery, Whitepoint Gardens, and Waterfront Park." (Examiner. July 10, 2010). Link.
"Edmondston-Alston House on Rainbow Row." (Examiner. July 10, 2010). Link.

"How to Reach Your Goals" (A.C. July 13, 2010). Link.

There are many things about being "married to the military" that are interesting. After much thought, debate, and laughing, I came up with...drumroll, please...

"The Top Ten Most Annoying Things About the Military"
For a recap, we've already done 3-10:
#10: Military Clocks Run in a Different Universe than Regular Clocks
#9: Your "Worth as a Person" is Defined by Your Husband's Rank
#8: The Uniforms
#7: It's Impossible to Get a Damn Vacation (aka "Leave")
#6: If Something Goes Wrong, It's Always Someone Else's Fault
#5: Military Health Care
#4: Being Required to Give Your Significant Other "Special Treatment"
#3: The "Men" in the Military Don't Grow Up

and....for today, #2: They "Field Day", but can't put their socks away

"Field Day" is the Navy's term for cleaning up the ship.

For those of you who haven't been in the Navy, it will be hard to explain. Cleanliness is an obsession. Between the crews, we literally spend 24 hours straight cleaning the boat. Nothing is this dirty- not even an engine room. As students, the favorite job to claim was to stand in front of the feed pumps. They leaked about ten drops of water a minute. You could stand there and wipe the pumps. Rub the floor...stand back up, and wipe the water. Trust me, this was a good job. There was actually something to clean up. Even the damn bilges (which collect water and oil) were spotless. This boat didn't have a single mote of dust that collect.

But, then the men come home. And there are socks on the floor. How hard is it to throw the socks in the laundry basket?

And dishes....they just stick them in the sink. Don't even rinse them off. How hard is it to rinse off a plate? And maybe, just maybe, stick it in the dishwasher?

And the idea of doing anything that hints at actual "cleaning" (such as vacuuming, dusting, scrubbing windows, scrubbing floors) is beyond their imagination. 

Is this a military thing or a guy thing?

The post below this one has an overview of the Federal Regulation Bill, including what it does and what it doesn't do.  Please vote and let me know what you think of it! 
I'll share the results in a few days.

Well, so much for today being an off-day.  I just caught the address by Pres. Obama (still looking for the video online- not posted at CNN or White House yet).  The Financial Regulation Bill has passed both houses of Congress and is awaiting Pres. Obama’s signature.  The bill is 2,300 pages long.

 This is a long post, but I broke it into three section, so feel free to go to the section that interests you.  Part 1 is “What Does this Bill Do?; part 2 is “What Does the Bill Not Do?; and part 3 is “The Effect on the Average American.” 

Part 1: What does this bill do? 

1) Creates a council of high-level federal officials led by the Treasury secretary.  They have the ability to seize and shut down financial institutes that are on the verge of collapse.  They also can pass rules to detect and prevent dangers to the financial system.  It is already stated that they will define how much cash banks must have on hand and that they will develop set procedures for the above-mentioned shut-downs.  

2) Creates a “Consumer Financial Protection Bureau” within the Federal Reserve.  They can write and enforce regulations covering mortgages, credit cards, etc.  This protection of consumers from abusive practices is one of the major assets of the bill.  This bureau is to strengthen regulation of hedge funds and credit rating agencies.

3) Includes the Volcker rule.  This restricts banks from investing and trading for their own accounts (which was a serious problem).  Banks can still put up to 3% of their capital in hedge funds or private equity funds.  The Volcker rule also makes an extensive framework for dealing with derivatives.  (As you should know, derivatives were THE major cause of the collapse according to most sources).  In helping to determine the actual value of these derivatives, most derivatives will be “forced” into exchanges.  A middleman is also inserted into the process in hopes of preventing the incestuous inter-connections that also led to the financial collapse.

Part 2: What does the bill not do?

Fannie and Freddie are mostly ignored in the bill.  As you should also know, Fannie and Freddie were part of the reason the financial collapse spread to the housing sector.  Their lending practices were also fundamental in the formation of derivatives that were basically worthless.

The bill does not lay out exactly how the specific directions given in the bill should be carried out.  Regulators have broad goals and no instructions.  Even with the best of intentions, this is a recipe for failure, incompetence, and an ever-expanding government.  A study of the bill by the United States Chamber of Commerce found that at least 316 different regulations and rules would have to be set and enforced (70 federal through CFPB,  11 through FDIC, 30 via the Federal Reserve, and 205 through S.E.C.).

Automobile dealerships are exempt from the restrictions that will apply to other lenders.  Huh?  I guess you can still go and sign a loan to buy a car with $99 down. 


Part 3: The Effect on the Average American

There will be new rules and restrictions on mortgage lenders.  There will be limits to the types of mortgages they can write plus they cannot be rewarded for steering borrowers to higher cost loans.  

As a borrower, you will be protected from hidden fees and abusive terms. 

As a borrower, you will have to provide evidence you can repay your loans!  (Yes, I love this!  I still feel that irresponsible Americans were IN PART responsible for the financial collapse). 

As a borrower, your auto lenders will NOT be affected by this regulation.  Get your auto loans through your bank, not one recommended by the dealership. 

Your community bank (if you use one) is exempt from the harsher oversight of the CPBU and gets a reduction on the insurance required.  This could either result in your local community bank being better or worse, depending upon your view of the legislation.  Keep in mind that you still have a choice!

The Federal Reserve is going to set new pricing for interchange fees charged by debit card issuers.  These changes will trickle down to the customers. 

The hardest to determine is the effect on you, as an average American, via the effects on businesses.  Contrary to popular belief, derivatives aren’t a foreign concept that only affects bankers.  All sectors of the economy use derivatives- most as a way to hedge against the changing prices of raw materials, the changes in gas and oil prices, and changes due to foreign exchange rates.  Even farmers use derivatives to hedge against changes in the value of their crops.  The effect of these changes can only be guessed at.


Sources:

Fox News (2010, July 15). "Congress OKs Wall Street Crackdown in burst of financial regulation unseen since Depression."  Link to article.

Fox News. (2010, July 15). "Congress Sends Obama Sweeping Financial Overhaul Bill."  Link to article.

Herszenhorn, David M. (2010, July 15).  "Congress Passes Financial Regulation Bill."  NY Times.  Link to article.

Liberto, Jennifer. (2010, July 15). "Wall Street Reform: On to Obama."  CNN Money Online.  Link to article.