Back in the USSA...

Healthcare reform passed yesterday, so....welcome to the United Socialist States of America. I cannot believe that people voted for it, and that some people actually think it is a good thing. Everything our government touches breaks. It's like the opposite of the Midas touch, instead of turning to gold, it just rusts away and pollutes everything around it. Now I'm not saying that everything in this bill is bad, and I do agree that there needs to be some reform. But a socialist, European-style health care system is not the solution. And since I don't feel like people should complain unless they have some sort of solution to propose here's what I would do.
I agree with the fact that insurances shouldn't be able to turn someone away for pre-existing medical conditions. And I'll even give into allowing children to stay on their parents insurance longer, but 24 should be the age limit. Nowadays a 4 year degree usually does take 5-6 years, but by 24 one should be able to provide for themself. And I even agree with getting rid of the lifetime maximums. Medical care these days is expensive, and one shouldn't have to go without care for a critical condition because they've reached the lifetime maximum. That being said, I would charge people who smoke higher premiums. Smoking is the worst thing one can do for their health, and people who don't smoke should not be paying for medical treatment for those who do. Quit smoking and not only do you improve your health, you pay less for healthcare. Its a win-win situation.
People come into the ER all the time with medi-cal (medic-aid in other states) for the stupidest things, a sore throat at 3am, or a fever that they haven't tried treating at home at all. Sometimes they come in twice in one day, or they'll come in day after day. These people pay absolutely no copay at all. If I go to the ER, I pay a $50 copay, for every visit. If I go twice in one day, thats two $50 copays. I would make medi-cal patients pay a copay. They walk into the ER, talking on their iPhones, with their name brand purses, or shoes, drinking Starbucks, but they want a prescription for Tylenol so medi-cal will pay for it and they don't have to shell out the three bucks. If they can afford all that, they can pay a ten or fifteen dollar copay, and I would increase the copay if they visit the ER more than, say 5 times in a month. Not only would paying a copay discourage visits for non-emergent conditions, that money could go to paying for more urgent care centers to take care of these issues. This would free up our ER's for truly emergent conditions. Another thing people come in for all the time is refills for pain medications prescriptions. These people are addicted to pain meds, and they run out of their Rx's and so they come into the ER asking for refills. I would allow ER's to say to these people, this is not an emergency, here is a list of urgent cares, you can go see one of them. Again, this frees up critical beds for patients that truly need it. I personally have had several patients come in asking for pregnancy tests, we legally cannot turn these people away. This is ridiculous, go to the store and buy a five dollar EPT and do it yourself. But we can't say that, and that needs to change.
I would also allow small businesses to pay the same as large corporations do for insurance. I know large companies get a discount because they have more employees contributing to the premiums, and I would allow small businesses to pay those lower prices as well.
These are just a few ideas, but to me they're just common sense, and we need more of that in our politicians! Wouldn't common sense be nice for a change?
By the way, the only good thing about this bill passing..Republicans will take control of Congress in the fall (and have no fear, they will. Americans are going to come out in force this November and those who voted yes for this bill better be looking for a new employer.) Anyway, the best part is Nancy Pelosi won't be speaker of the house anymore, and I won't have to see her overly-Botoxed face banging that stupid gavel ever again! That's cause for celebration!

Obsessed

I love to read, I mean really love to read. My books are special friends, and when I get into a good book, I really get into it. I'm right there with the characters, feeling what they feel, living what they are living. So I had decided recently to start the Twilight series. Yes, I know I'm late jumping on that bandwagon, but I just hadn't had time to read them. So anyway, I started book one, late Tuesday night and oh my goodness! I couldn't put it down. I read all 500 pages, in just about 4 and a half hours. And I totally get it now, I get what all those 14 year old girls were swooning over. Edward Cullen...wow, just wow!!! So in typical fashion, I'm officially obsessed. (This is why I cannot ever try drugs, I have a very addictive personality, I find something I like and I surround myself with it, every minute I can.) I went out and bought the movie, and the rest of the books. I haven't started New Moon yet, I'm not sure if I wanna read it right away, or wait until the happy glow from the first one subsides. Anyway, I'm gonna watch the movie tonight, I've heard it's not that great, but I'm sure it will be my new favorite movie for now. Or at least until New Moon comes out on DVD. Which by the way is March 20th. I already checked. And Eclipse comes out the day after my birthday, so guess who will be standing in line at midnight. :)

Just a thought...

In case you didn't know, Massachusetts elected a Republican Senator yesterday. This is big news around here. Anyway all the talk of how this now takes away the Democrat's filibuster proof majority and makes the health care reform bill harder to pass got me to thinking. I think every state should have to elect one Republican and one Democrat senator. Ok, before you write this off, hear me out. If there was no majority, they would have to work together. If the Republicans or Democrats wanted to pass something, they'd have to compromise, and work out something that makes both parties happy. Seems like this way, the majority of Americans would be happy. I mean really, who is 100% Republican or Democrat, both parties have things going for them, and most people, I believe, align with Democrats on some issues, and Republicans on others. No one should vote for or against an issue, just because the party they identify with says they should. And if there is no majority in the Senate, everyone would have to work together.
In addition to forcing compromise, this would ensure every voter in every state has a say. For example, here in CA, there are two Democrat senators who've been in the senate for many terms. Every election I vote for whoever the Republican Senator is, but it's a waste, because no matter who it is, the Democrat is going to win. If there had to be one Republican at least there would be a choice for us too.
So, one Democrat and one Republican from every state, compromise is the name of the game, and every voter gets a voice. Sounds like a good idea to me...

Operation Love the Children of Haiti

My cousin (well technically its my mom's first cousin, but that still makes him my cousin) runs an orphanage in Haiti with his wife and son. From what I understand the orphanage survived the earthquake but it's the only house on their street still left standing. They cannot go into the house because of aftershocks, but they are all doing well. They have supplies, but need prayers. Please keep them in your prayers, that they may use this tragedy to witness for Christ's love. For their website go here (although even in good times it is hard to keep up to date). Go here for their facebook group. Here is a video of a man who was volunteering in the orphanage when the earthquake struck. Watch the video and hear about how God kept them safe. Again, what they need most is prayers, so please include them in your prayers for Haiti. Thanks!

ps...the pics are from their facebook group page. there are also more on the website.

Veteran's Day

In 1918, on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month of the year, WWI came to an end. November 11th, was proclaimed Armistice Day in honor of the returning soldiers. It was later renamed to Veterans Day to honor soldiers from all wars. Today, we thank our American Soldiers. We cannot be thankful enough for the sacrifices they have made, and continue to make. They are a rare bunch, and make me proud to be an American. No matter where I am, when I see a soldier in uniform, I feel a surge of pride.

And today, I had an idea. Just bear with me here. So I blame alot of today's problems on two things, 1. the failure of the nuclear family. Children today are raised without fathers, and boys don't have strong men to set examples for them. The men my age and younger today, are no better than the boys they were 15 years ago. Seems like they reach age 13 and don't mature any further, and that I blame on the collapse of families today. The other thing that I believe leads to society's problems today,  is an overwhelming attitude of entitlement. People today believe that society owes them something just for being. People don't want to work for anything, they want it handed to them. They think that just because they were born poor, or a minority, that they are deserving of more. And its not just the poor and minorities. I have friends that have been blessed with many things in life, who think their parents should work hard and buy them things. They don't want to go out and work hard on their own. They want a fancy house, fancy cars, fancy clothes, the best new cell phone, all things they can't afford. And they are not grateful for the things they do have, such as a roof over their head, food on the table, and warm clothes when it is cold.
So here's my solution to these problems... mandatory military service. Call me crazy, but it could work. I'm sure if young men had to spend a year in the military, with strong examples set for them on how to behave and act like a man, things would improve. If they had to sleep in the dirt, and eat MREs for dinner, I'm sure they would be grateful for their beds, and mom's homecooking.
I'm sure you noticed that I said young men right? And you're asking why not women too. Well, I'm old fashioned. And really, I think having strong men, who stay with their family, and raise strong, self-confident sons, and especially daughters, will make a huge difference in this world.
It's just an idea, and I know it would never happen here in America, but really think about it, and I'm sure you will think it would work too.

20 years ago...

Twenty years ago today, the Berlin Wall, and communism, fell and all the news channels were replaying President Reagan's famous line, "Mr Gorbachev, tear down this wall."

And I couldn't help but wonder, what would this world be like now if Mr. Hope and Change was president then. You know, the one who is pulling troops out, cutting military spending. Would the Berlin Wall have fallen if America hadn't pressured the USSR so much. Would communism in Eastern Europe remain? Thankfully, we had a real president then and we don't have to wonder. But I wonder what the world will look like 20 years from now, when we're living in the aftermath of Hope and Change.

Me, in front of the Berlin Wall, May 2007

What has it cost you?

I'm sure you've heard Christians called every name in the book. I get so mad when I hear us referred to as naive, or ignorant, or simple-minded. Why is it that when I stand up for my beliefs I'm being ignorant, or prejudiced, but when other people stand up for theirs's, it's all about "equality"? What makes my beliefs less valid than your's? I don't think they are, and that's why it bothers me that Christianity is looked down on so much. I've had discussions with people and as soon as I say that I am a Christian, they totally disregard my opinions and such. It's like I'm a whack job. And I always wondered why that was.
At church on Sunday, the pastor said something that really made sense to me. "Christianity that costs you nothing, is worth nothing."
Jesus said " If any man come after me, let him take up his cross and follow me. For whosoever will save his life, shall lose it. And whosoever shall lose his life for my sake, shall find it. For what is a man profited if he shall gain the world and lose his own soul." --Matthew 16:24-26
Jesus gave His life for us, why should we not be willing to give up ours for him?
I believe that these situations are tests, are we willing to stand up for Him, or do we hide our true beliefs? I once had a guy that I really liked say that he couldn't date me anymore because "he wasn't the church type." In my naivete, I believed that he could change, and I questioned God why can't I be with him? Why can't I find someone who wants to be with me? I should have been asking myself, why would I want to be with someone who isn't "the church type."
If this is what Christianity costs me, a few taunts, a few names being called, even if it means I don't find someone to marry, then I still am blessed. Because Christ gave His life for ME. And if all He asks of me in return is to stand up for Him, and defend His name, then I bear that cross with gladness, and gratitude.
The pastor told the story of the movie Glory. I had seen this movie in jr high, but not since then, and really don't remember it at all. It is the story of the only all african-american regiment fighting in the civil war. The night before they were to go into battle as the front line, and were facing certain death, and one character said to another, "Let it be told to our families that we went down standing up."
And thats the attitude we should have for Christ, if someone is going to take me down for being a Christian, it won't be easy, because I'm going down standing up!

I'm so excited

The Angels are going to the ALCS. Yippee! It's very exciting around here. They swept the Sox which no one expected them to do. I didn't get to go to any of the games, because I was in pain all week. (See post below) But I'm hoping to go to one game this series. Hopefully they can kick the Yankees a$$e$. I can't stand the Yankees. Go Angels!!!


My favorite current Angel, Mike Napoli :)

What in the world...

...is going on with the world these days? On the news right now is the story of another shooting, this one at a Korean Christian retreat. The gunman killed one person and injured 3 more. In the last month 58 people have been killed in mass shootings. 58 PEOPLE!!!!! So imagine the loved ones left behind. How many more lives have been affected by the loss of these people? How many parents, spouses, children, friends are now without their loved one?
What in the world is going on in our society that people are resorting to this? What is going on that these people feel so angry that they think this is the only resort? Why are they so hopeless that they think its better to be dead? And why do they think its better to take people out with them? I don't think we will ever find the answers to these questions, but perhaps, not coincidentally, I read an article today from Newsweek, on how more and more people were disassociating themselves with religion. The article stated that fewer people call themselves Christian and more say they don't believe in a particular religion. The author of this article seemed to think this was a good thing, that this country needed to get away from Christianity and Christian values, especially in politics. Last time I checked "Thou shalt not kill" was one of the ten commandments in the Bible. Maybe its time we get back to Christian values...

America Haters

So I'm sure everyone knows about the Oakland police officers that were killed this week in the line of duty. Well yesterday there was a protest in Oakland in support of the man who shot them down in cold blood. (Read the article here) They accused the police officers of genocide. I'm absolutely appalled that this happens. I'm certain that there are corrupt police officers who take their power to seriously, but the majority of officers are out there to protect and serve. They risk their lives everyday to make sure that we sleep safe at night. It is not a job that I would want and I respect them for doing it.
A couple weeks ago, I got pulled over for speeding home from work. I was ticketed and just got the fine which is $284. Am I upset? Yeah. Do I not want to pay the fine? Yeah, I'm sure I can find something better to do with the money. Was I speeding? Yup, sure was. Do I deserve the ticket? Again yes. I speed pretty much everytime I drive, I also tailgate, change lanes without signaling, roll thru stop signs, you name it. So yeah I deserved the ticket. I don't blame the officer, he's just doing his job. Which is what those officers were doing. They made a routine traffic stop and then were killed!
These men are young and have families that will never see them again. And people are supporting the man who killed them. I'm absolutely outraged that happened. They say that it is a race issue, but that really is an insult to the millions of African-Americans who work hard and are upstanding citizens. And what of African-American officers? Are they racist, too? (Totally off the subject, but does the race card really still work when we have an African-American president?) Bill O'Reilly called these people "America Haters" and I totally agree with him. And yet this protest can only happen because they live in America, so I say lets ship them back to Africa and see how they like it there. Maybe they'd like to go live in the Sudan or Darfur and see what genocide really looks like.

A Touchy Subject Part 2

Here is a conversation that took place on facebook yesterday. E is an old coworker from Disneyland, J is me, and V is a friend of E's that I dont know.

E: is wondering if same sex marrige can be taken away, who is next? Athiests Jewish? Blue Eyed People? Canadians? Irish? And are Men going to Own Woman again. 12:04pm

J at 12:14pm March 6:
ok you keep posting this so you must want comments on it...so I'll bite. and I'm prepared for the backlash I'm sure to get. I think the issue boils down to this...Christians, in general, and myself included, believe that homosexuality is a choice. and that is what makes the difference with the other cases you pointed out. A person can't choose to be blue eyed, or canadian, or Irish, but a person can choose to be homosexual. and the Bible does not condone homosexuality. that being said...I dont condone violence or hatred toward gays. They are no different than me. We are all sinners. Their sin is just a different sin than mine. No better, no worse.

E at 12:25pm March 6:
Actually, I have changed it a couple time.... Did you choose to be straight?

J at 12:47pm March 6:
No, but being straight is not sin. Being straight is what God created. He created Eve for Adam. He did not create another man for Adam or another woman for Eve.

V at 1:15pm March 6:
I understand that viewpoint, I spent wayyyyy too many years in the Catholic Cult...but those kind of views is exactly why religion is loosing it's "followers" ... How black and white... how judgemental. And the one reference to homosexuality in the Bible can be interpreted, just like every friggin other item, many different ways. I'm so sick of rights of people being imposed upon in the name of God. Who the hell are we (christians, and I do include myself in that bucket, just no longer at mass, but a more liberal ideology) to say someone has to do without LEGAL rights? Ban them from attending church, not being legally protected even if it is a CHOICE ... who the hell cares what someone else does in their private choices? My God, I certainly don't want to be examined that way ;) But I am still a damn good person.

E at 1:28pm March 6:
Leave it to Jen to open a can of worms... LOL, Jen and I have always had a mutual respect to agree to disagree on numerous issue. That is why I do respect her so much, cause she is fun to debate with.....Whit that said, and being raised in a Christian environment, I couldn't agree more that the bible states that. But I do believe the bible being written in the words of the deciples and that is the interpretation of their word of God, and not God's actual word. But all that aside.. The state of California has taken then religious sanction of marriage and made it law. Due to the constitutional right of the separation of church and state, the state cannot uphold the religious beliefs in law. Legally anyone should be able to marry any human being they wish to under that law, but I do believe the Church has every right to deny them marriage in the eyes of god

J at 4:18pm March 6:
1. I disagree that Christianity is losing its “followers” (your word not mine). My church is full every week as are the churches of friends and family. But that’s not really the point here. 2. There are several references to homosexuality in the Bible. Here’s a few to get you started…Leviticus 18:22; Leviticus 20:13; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Genesis 19:1-13. If you don’t have a Bible let me know and I can post the text for ya.

J at 4:18pm March 6:
3. As far as rights being imposed upon, Christians have had their rights imposed upon for years, and who is standing up for our rights. What about the rights of the football coach who now cannot bow his head while his team is praying? He is not leading the prayer, he is not saying a word, the student athletes are the ones doing the praying. He is simply bowing his head as a sign of respect and the court said he can no longer do that. What about the rights of the Christian photographer in New Mexico who was sued for discrimination because she would not photograph a lesbian wedding? It went against her beliefs, but no one stood up for her rights. And the doctor who was sued for refusing to inseminate a lesbian couple, the judge told him to find a different profession, what about his rights? Or the church that had to stop holding weddings on their property because they were sued for refusing to allow a gay wedding at their facility? Who is standing up for these people’s rights?

J at 4:19pm March 6:
4. Christians do believe that the Bible is the written word of God. Not the disciples, or anyone else’s, interpretation of His words. Galatians 1:11-12; Revelation 22:18-19; Deuteronomy 4:2; 5. Separation of church and state…..this phrase never actually appears in the constitution. It was first used by Thomas Jefferson in a letter to the Danbury Baptist Church. The phrase as it is used today is grossly misinterpreted….. “The "wall of separation between church and State" is a metaphor based on bad history, a metaphor which has proved useless as a guide to judging. It should be frankly and explicitly abandoned.” – Chief Justice William Rehnquist

E at 5:07pm March 6:
Jen, You know how to stick to your guns... and I have always admired you for it. I may have been mistaken when I quoted from the constitution about the separation of church and state, but it has been a legal presidence set forth by the court for years. I will have to say that the ultimate argument here is the deformation for the term marriage if a same sex couples are aloud to marry, but what it comes down to is that in the eyes of God, I feel marriage should be between a man and a woman, but in the eyes of the state it shouldn't. I know that the last thing the LGBT community wants it to smear the name if religious marriage, therefor leaving it intact. What we are seaking is the same legal right. I agree with a lot of what you say which is why it is very difficult for me. I am still a very strong believer in the Christian word, and am forced to either lie to everyone around me and myself about who I am.... or sin. Its a lesser of two evils.

E at 5:09pm March 6:
This isn't a life I chose, who would choose a life of ridicule and outcast? Especially when they are Christian? As a gay man, I just want to be married legally, If that is not in Gods plan for me then so be it, and things will work out the way they do. But whether or not the gets overturned,

E at 5:12pm March 6:
And as for standing up for the rights of the Christian people, I am ashamed to hear that the Christian people have not stood behind those who have been violated as the LGBT community stands behind those who have been. Maybe as Christians we need to be more vigilant in how we are treated, but I do not feel that the legal standing of this matter, hurts the Christian church. It does not force anyone to accept it, except for the state of California's legal system.

J at 6:39pm March 6:
Evan, I respect your opinion and am glad that we can have this discussion without turning it into some childish, name-calling argument as so often happens when talking about such personal things. I disagree with you on your final point. I think this does hurt the Christian church. Re-read my point #3. I know that my church, which does about 100 weddings a year in our chapel, is concerned that we may have to limit it solely to members of our church for fear that if we refuse to allow a gay/lesbian wedding we would be sued for discrimination. I know pastors are concerned about the same thing (being required to perform weddings for same sex couples). Homosexuality goes against our beliefs, whether or not you believe it is not the point in this arguement, it is against our beliefs. Why is upholding our beliefs not just as important as upholding the beliefs of the gay community?

J at 6:44pm March 6:
My other issue with the whole taking it before the supreme court thing is this... the people of CA have voted twice to ban same sex marriage.It is obviously what the majority want at this time. If it is overturned...that is just saying to the people that what we want doesnt matter. Why bother holding elections at all then? The people have expressed their wishes, why not wait til the next election and put it up for a vote again? Again, I respect you, and hope you know that this has nothing to do with you personally. I think you're a nice guy, I had fun working with you at D-land, I don't care if you are gay, I don't think it makes you a better or worse person than me, I just don't want my rights being infringed on either. =)

A Touchy Subject

I am sure that if people actually read this blog, I would probably take alot of flak for my next post. It is a very controversial subject these days, but one that I feel strongly about. The supreme court yesterday heard arguments for and against overturning proposition 8. In case you've been living under a rock lately, prop 8 is the one that made gay marriage illegal. I voted for prop 8, as did the majority of California voters. Actually California voters essentially voted for this proposition twice, a similar proposition passed a few years ago, but was overturned by the CA Supreme Court.
I want to make this clear from the beginning, I am not for violence or hatred towards homosexuals. I do believe that homosexuality is a sin, but that it is no worse than any other sin (except, of course, the one unforgivable sin and that is denying Christ as the Son of God). I believe that homosexuality is a choice, not a biological thing. I believe this is the root of all the conflict, if homosexuality is a choice then it can be a sin. If it is not a choice, it is purely biological (like race or gender) then one cannot be punished for being homosexual. But I believe it is a choice. And I believe it is a sin. Here is my proof that it is a sin, here is what the Bible says about homosexuality...

Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it [is] abomination.
Leviticus 18:22

If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood [shall be] upon them.
Leviticus 20:13

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
Romans 1:26-27

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Some people say that we should just let gay marriage be allowed because it does not affect us, but I disagree. Christians are affected by this. If Prop 8 is overturned, churches that do not hold gay weddings can be sued for discrimination. This is already happening. A Christian photographer in New Mexico that refused to photograph a gay wedding was sued for discrimination. A Christian doctor that refused to artificially inseminate a lesbian couple, but referred them to a doctor that would and did perform the procedure successfully, was also sued for discrimination. The judge told him to find a different profession.
Again, I just want to make clear that I am not condoning violence or hatred towards homosexuals. I do not believe they are evil people. I believe that they are sinners, just like me, their sin is just different than mine. But I believe that as Christians we must stand up for what we believe. If Prop 8 passes, my rights, and my church's rights, will be infringed on. And that, I believe, is worth fighting for. So I hope the Supreme Court listens to the voice of the people of California and upholds Prop 8.

The road to socialism...

I recently discovered Glenn Beck, a newscaster on Fox News. I think the guy makes alot of sense. So I went to check out some of his past videos. I thought this one was totally appropriate for the news of today. The white house is trying strongly to nationalize our banks. They are starting on universal healthcare. They have capped salaries for business people. We truly are going down the road to socialism. And like Glenn Beck says in the video...the road to socialism leads one way...to communism. We'd better get our acts together as a country and start speaking out against this. We need to hold our government, and our fellow citizens, responsible for their actions.

Thanks Mr. Prez.

So our fine president passed the stimulus bill today. Yippee. He obviously didn't watch the above video. I wonder how much further in debt with China this bill is gonna put us. What? You didn't know we were borrowing this money from China for the stimulus package? Well newsflash, we've been borrowing money from China for years. Hope they don't come looking for their money anytime soon. But I'm looking forward to my extra $13 a week in my paycheck. That'll help pay the extra taxes I get to pay because I live in California. An extra 12 cents per gallon of gas, and an extra cent sales tax. Oh and don't forget increased vehicle registration fees. Oh and the 5% income surcharge. Yup that extra 13 bucks a week should just about pay for that. Thanks.

If I were a cartoon, I'd have a lightbulb over my head

So I watched the ABC news program about children living in poverty in Appalachia and couldn't believe that people are living like that today, in America. It really made me think about something that I could do to help. I'm working on an idea. It really is just a little seed of an idea at this point but I think I'm really gonna try to make it work. Stay tuned for details....

By the way, go here to watch the whole program. I urge you to watch, its very interesting.

Things that make you go hmmm...

So I was watching the news this morning while eating my Lucky Charms and a few stories caught my attention and made me wonder. So I thought I'd share them here...

1. The House passed the stimulus bill. The official bill was still being written last night. The final draft is 1000 pages long and 8 inches thick... how did anyone read this to know what they are voting for? How do they know that something that they are against didn't get stuck in there at the last minute? How do we know that we are not paying a million dollars a day to relocate endangered ants or some other stupid thing like that?

2. What happened to Obama's campaign promise to put all bills that cross his desk on the White House website for the people to view for 5 days before he signs anything? This bill is not on the website, and the child healthcare reform bill was not on the website either. He's been in office for a few weeks and he's already breaking campaign promises.

3. The state of California is going to vote on its budget this weekend. Which means maybe I'll finally get back the money I've been loaning the state in the form of overpaid income taxes. But anyway... they say that taxes will be raised and programs will be cut. So if I'm paying more money and people are getting less services, where is the extra money going? More money is coming in in the form of taxes, and less is going out in the form of government programs so somebody must be stashing alot of money under their mattress for our collective "rainy day", right?

4. One of the increased taxes in the California budget is a 12 cent gas tax increase. Oil by the barrel is at the cheapest its been in YEARS. Down over a $100 a barrel from last summers high price, so why am I paying more a gallon than I was last month, or the month before (50cents more a gallon than I paid in December). Shouldn't gas prices be the lowest they've been in years as well? I'm thinking we should be paying around a buck a gallon, not more than 2 bucks. And now OPEC is gonna have a meeting and slow down production? What the hell? If they can produce that much oil then why not produce it? Why cut production, just to raise prices? Ridiculous

5. So the doctor that implanted embryos in the Octo-mom is under fire for implanting 7 embryos in another lady who is now pregnant with quadruplets at age 49. The woman is in the hospital now on bedrest. This one is employed but doesn't have health insurance. So how did she pay for the implantation? And yeah maybe she didn't want quads, but she had to know that was a possiblilty implanting 7 embyos. And how was she planning on paying for the delivery and care of the one kid without insurance? Now not only are Californians paying for the Octo-moms kids, we are also gonna be paying for this lady's kids, who having a 49 year old mom, and being quads are gonna be at huge risk for developmental delays and probably need lots of healthcare. Ridiculous.

Anyway just a few thoughts for today. Hope someone has the answers...