The Ununited States of Capitalism

We’re seeing capitalism displace democracy as the fundamental principle guiding the country. 

Everything must generate a profit for a few men at the top of the consolidated monopolies. 

The rest of us work for them. 

A decedent Christmas song

 “Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? In the lane, snow is glistening A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight Walking in a winter wonderland 

Gone away is the bluebird Here to stay is a new bird He sings a love song, as we go along Walking in a winter wonderland 

In the meadow we can build a snowman And pretend that he is Parson Brown He'll say, "Are you married?" we’ll say, "No, man," but you can do the job when you're in town 

Later on we'll conspire As we dream by the fire And stroll on our sleigh ride Through the day, walking in a winter wonderland 

When it snows, isn't it thrilling? Though your nose gets a chilling We'll frolic and play, the Eskimo way Walking in a winter wonderland 

We'll have lots of fun with mister snowman Until the other kids knock him down When it snows, isn't it thrilling? Though your nose gets a chilling We'll frolic and play, the Eskimo way Walking in a winter wonderland”

This song, Winter Wonderland, was written in 1932. It’s been played in malls and sung by grade school choirs for decades.

But examine the lyrics. A couple is walking through town after a snowstorm. They build a snowman who they pretend is a minister. They imagine the snowman asking if they’re married.

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝗻𝗼.

They say he can perform the wedding when he gets “back in town”.

They admit they aren’t married, yet later they’re sitting around the fire, at the home they share presumably, where they conspire, frolic, and play the “Eskimo way”. 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘺?

This song clearly celebrates an unmarried couple living together. A sin, according to the church. I suspect this Christmas thing is just a cover for spreading messages encouraging sinful behavior. 

#seasonalsatire

Dog piles

 My attempt at baking dog biscuits today went sideways. 

I didn't use my usual recipe and paid for that with gooey dough that could only be formed into these "mounds" that look like something that comes out of the backend of a dog rather than something that goes into the front end. 

But I've noticed the dogs don't give a shit about what they look like. 

Articles for seniors

 Over the years I've saved articles that were of interest to me as I grew older. Now that I'm 71 they're speaking to me louder than before. I'd like to share them with you in hopes they may enlighten of comfort you.

"You're going to die; How to deal with it."

http://lifehacker.com/youre-going-to-die-heres-how-to-deal-with-it-1791498957

"Between Solitude and Loneliness"

http://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/double-solitude?utm_content=bufferb67c5&utm_medium=social&utm_source=plus.google.com&utm_campaign=buffer

"Why does time seem to move faster as we grow older"

http://bigthink.com/philip-perry/why-does-time-seem-to-move-faster-as-we-grow-older?utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook#link_time=1497641523

"How to die"

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/10/how-to-die/537906/

"‘Letter Project’ Makes End-of-Life Wishes Clear"

http://www.nextavenue.org/letter-project-end-of-life-wishes/?utm_content=buffer44531&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

"Depression Linked To Accelerated Cognitive Aging"

https://sciencebeta.com/depression-cognitive-aging/

"Memory issues for older people could be the result of 'clutter'"

https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/memory-issues-older-people-result-clutter-rcna15133?cid=sm_npd_nn_tw_ma

If you have suggestions for more, please leave them in the comments.

Idiocracy was never meant to be an inspiration

Last night a majority of Americans told the men and women in Arlington and cemetaries across the country that they died in vain. That their sacrifice wasn't necessary, that their lives don't matter. 

I've never been more ashamed of this country than I am now.

ChatGPT and an alternative DJT

 “Ladies and gentlemen, the greatest people in the world—I’m here to talk about something nobody’s ever thought of before, something so incredible, so amazing, only a true patriot could make it happen. I’m talking about something that will change the course of history, something that will make America prouder, stronger, and—dare I say—fluffier than ever before!

Now, listen up. I love dogs. Everybody loves dogs! They’re loyal, they’re brave, they’re always there for us, and, folks, let’s be real—they’re probably better judges of character than some people out there, if you know what I mean. The loyalty of a dog, folks, unmatched. And believe me, a lot of people have told me, ‘Sir, dogs are just fantastic Americans.’ And I said, ‘Well, why aren’t we treating them like it?’

So here’s what I’m pledging today: When I am re-elected, every dog in this great nation—yes, every good boy and girl—will become a full citizen of the United States of America! That’s right, they’re gonna have rights! They’re gonna have privileges! And get ready for this, folks, because you’ve never heard this before—they are going to have the right to vote!

I know, I know—some people will say it’s wild, that it’s crazy, that it’s too ambitious. But who would’ve thought a guy like me could become president in the first place? If we can make America great again, we can certainly give our canine friends a say in the future of our great country.

Think of the possibilities: dogs voting on laws that matter to them—on better parks, on more treats, on protection of their freedoms. It’s time we take care of the dogs that have taken care of us. And you can trust they’ll be voting for the right side of history. They won’t be swayed by fake news, folks. They see right through it! The dogs are sharp—they know who’s got their best interests at heart.

So let’s make this happen. Let’s make every dog an American, let’s get them to the polls, and let’s show the world that in America, loyalty is rewarded, citizenship is honored, and everyone—even our four-legged friends—has a voice! Thank you, God bless you, and God bless our American dogs!”

It's my body

Having recently listened to a video non-debate between Matt Dillahunty and Destiny, I've revised my opinion on abortions. 

I no longer think abortions should be the all-in-all argument.

It's bodily autonomy. 

No one can do anything to another person that deprives that person of their bodily autonomy. Your body is your own. You decide what you do with it. 

There are arguments to be made for exceptions to bodily autonomy. To defend that position does cause one to hold some very radical views. 

Even so, I think the position is worth defending. We do need to cooperate with others in order to preserve a society. But that can be done while respecting our bodily autonomy.

Reminiscing

In my 70 years I have:

• lived as a blond-haired, blue-eyed, left-handed bisexual
• been a competitive roller skater in junior high
• published a radical left "underground" newsletter in high school
• sat in a dark office with a gun aimed at a door for 12 hours overnight in my first security job. 
• pulled an elderly couple out of their burning apartment on that same job
• met numerous celebrities as a security guard at Sheraton Island Hotel
• met even more celebrities working at Sam Goody
• 
  
  
  
• ridden shotgun in a police car at 134mph on the Coronado Strand 
• ridden from San Diego to Los Angeles in an armored car with $4 million in bearer bonds
• experienced both sides of handcuffs
• worked only the graveyard shift on a freight crew in Idaho for 13 years
• driven from Idaho to Texas twice, Idaho to San Diego once, and across the country once
• have fostered a female gray wolf for Idaho F&G
• raised a number of non-venomous snakes
• been rear-ended by a construction F-250 resulting in a broken neck
• banked $86,000 in a settlement with their insurance company
• worked on help desks for Gateway computers and D-Link
• been blogging since 2003
• outlived my best friend, my best dog, and at least one former girlfriend
• spent the last 48 years as a celibate, no regrets
• wondered how much longer this journey will last

NIMBY

We have a problem in this country that keeps us from enacting reforms that would make us safer and the planet more healthy. 

NIMBY 

No one is concerned about regulations on industries unless they're in those industries, then all of a sudden the government becomes Big Brother and the Deep State is after our freedoms. A minority of Americans don't care about the First Amendment but refuse to allow modifications to the Second. Self-interest combined with greed. 

Reforms require sacrifice. 

Confession

 I have had many regrets in my life. 

If there was a road that had two paths, I'd take the one leading toward disaster. When it came to bad decisions I was a pro. 

Times I don't regret were times that other people kept me on the right track. Left to my own devices I could be counted on to fuck up, sometimes in very exciting ways. And yet, despite all that, or possibly due to that, I made it to my 70th birthday this year, and might even squeeze out a few more.

I always knew the person inside me wasn't much like the person outside. I grew up in the 50s, when the role of a man was well defined. I took on all the clićhe trappings of a "real man". I smoked, I drank, I didn't cry and never backed down from a fight. Got my ass well kicked a few times but never backed down. Only my sense of humor kept me sane at times.

The person inside was an animal lover, a romantic, someone who, as a Catholic, aspired to be like Saint Francis. Inside I was soft, inside I wanted cooperation instead of confrontation. But because of that early indoctrination, I could never let that person out.

Now I'm at an age where I don't give a damn what people think about me. I'm a bisexual atheist who avoids conflict and chaos.

I was afraid to expose my fear. I've always been, or tried to be, an intellectual. I've been blessed with a critical approach to everything. And I've always loved a particular style of humor one that's hard to explain. I once wrote stories and screenplays that were fun, crazy, and madcap. 

And the greatest regret of my life is that I didn't let the inner me out ages ago. It could have saved me so much grief. 

Now it's too late to enjoy the life I could have lead. It's too late to find a loving partner, an outlet for my writing, any expectation except knowing that I'm going to die in the near future. I don't know what will kill me, but it has to be something. And I hope it's something weird. My best friend died a few years ago riding his bike in Provincetown, struck by a car. 

I'm only writing this (not very humorous) confession is in hope that someone who reads it might need to know they aren't alone, that to live their authentic life is the greatest joy they'll ever know. I don't have kids, so I'm giving my fatherly advice to anyone who needs to hear it.

Laugh often, love every day, keep your child-like sense of wonder. Don't let the outside world cause you to hide the real you. And I hope you all reach my age or beyond with no regrets at all.

Jack

May I?

 It's pretty common for people to ignore those Terms of Service that run on and on. It's easier to just click "Agree" and get on with your life. 

But when you get an app from the app store you may look and how much it costs or if there are in app purchases. Do you ever pay attention to the permissions the app requires? Most of us don't. 

But when you download TikTok, you may want to. 

What happened?

 How is it that so many folks of my generation are unfamiliar with computers? 

Our generation invented the home computer, the Internet, the Web, graphical interfaces, laptops, cell phones... I think you had to be willfully ignorant to not see what was going on all around you. 

We were also the generation of the 60s. We wanted a revolution, we wanted a fair and just society. The Internet promised that, but too many sat back and let the capitalists and scammers gain control. It's a shame.

The way I hoped life would turn out

It didn’t .

Saying the quiet part out loud

 We knew this is their plan. Project 2025 makes that clear. But if you harbor any doubt, here it is from the horse’s ass own mouth. 

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-tells-christians-they-wont-have-vote-after-this-election-2024-07-27/

Jefferson knew what we need to do

 That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness… it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

Thomas Jefferson

Possible side effects may include...

 I miss the Colbert Show. I miss Prescott Pharmaceuticals.

Here’s a list of some of the best side effects. And below, some of the funnier “Cheating Death” segments (starting with the first one where Colbert can’t keep a straight face, a rarity for him):

Hepatitis C++
Phantom Hand Syndrome
Vivid dreams of self-cannibalism
An inability to breathe on weekends
Bad humors
Chicken fingers
Oxford coma
Ukraine in the membrane
Atomic fireballs
Sleep waltzing
Night terriers
Creamed corneas
Stubble vision
Idris elbow
Male pattern Baldwin
Search and seizures
Hipster dysplasia
Highballs
Bud Light lime disease
Mathlete’s foot
Involuntary jowel movements
Abra cadaver
Brain whistle
Ice-splosions
Capillary yogurt
Abdominal salad shooters
REO Speedlung
Nostril inversion
Pituitary ferns
Skeletal xylophoning
Teriyaki lung
Elevated heart weight
Chinese firebones
Restless torso syndrome
Mild Hulk-ism
Minor heart explosions
Late-onset albinism

I Stand With...

 I see so many "I stand with..." almost always followed by a country. Well, and I say this as a veteran, I don't stand with any country. 

I will stand with the people, people everywhere. All humans belong to the same family. Beyond the influence of politics, nationalities, or religions, all humans are the same. We all want to live, to eat, to be healthy, to care for others. 

I stand with humanity. Fuck ideologies and political parties and the corporations.

The value of objectivity

“The decay and disintegration of this culture is astonishingly amusing if you are emotionally detached from it. I have always viewed it from a safe distance, knowing I don't belong; it doesn't include me, and it never has. no matter how you care to define it, I do not identify with the local group. Planet, species, race, nation, state, religion, party, union, club, association, neighborhood improvement committee; I have no interest in any of it. I love and treasure individuals as I meet them, I loathe and despise the groups they identify with and belong to.”

― George Carlin, Brain Droppings 

It’s fashionable to claim to have hope in the future of America. All my liberal friends are rightfully concerned that that fat orange fuck might get reelected. If he does, game over. 

We’re already witnessing the end game of capitalism. It’s indisputable that everything on this planet has become a for-profit venture. Even our government is for sale. With every ten senators you buy, you get a Supreme Court justice at half price. Buy more and save. God is being ignored while money has taken his place. 

One advantage of having turned 70 this year is the realization that I have no stake in the future of this country or the world. I’ve done my part, I can’t do much more, and I don’t have a whole hell of a lot of time even if I could. I have no family to be concerned about. I have no vested interest in the future.

So like Mr. Carlin, I can objectively watch the end of capitalism, the end of democracy, the end of the human race, and feel no regret. We brought it on ourselves and we’ve spent thousands of years trying to avoid the consequences of our actions. I don’t hope for a positive outcome because I believe we deserve whatever happens. Good, bad, or neutral, we own it.

War of savages

In the world right now we have an example of war as fought in the 1940s and war as fought in 1 CE. They aren’t all that different. Atrocities, civilians as collateral damage, completedestruction of buildings and homes. 

It’s been said that while we can’t predict what sorts of weapons will be used in WWlll, we can be sure WWlV with be fought with stone spears.

Humans are a savage race. We’ve had to invent gods or elect despots to keep us from killing each other daily. Unless we continue to evolve mentally we will always be like this. Of course it’s not likely we’ll survive long enough to overcome our base tendencies. 

Who are the Americans?

Even though I use the terminology myself, lacking an accepted alternative, isn’t it time to stop calling people Native Americans and simply call them Americans? The rest of us are European Americans, African Americans, or South Americans. 

But the only people with a right to the un-hyphenated name Americans are those who were here before the colonization of the continent.