Some Advise For The Arkansas State Legislature

A motion to adjourn is always in order.

President Obama Uses a Sledgehammer Against Dissent | Common Dreams

President Obama Uses a Sledgehammer Against Dissent | Common Dreams

Peever Law #81

People who live behind closed gates are generally fearful of life.

Quote of the Day

“It must happen to us all…We pack up what we’ve learned so far and leave the familiar behind. No fun, that shearing separation, but somewhere within, we must dimly know that saying goodbye to safety brings the only security we’ll ever know.”
Richard Bach, Running from Safety: An Adventure of the Spirit

THE PEARLY GATES

Update both gates, particularly the east one, and forget it. They both need to be reasonable entrances, but not particularly eloquent. A good first impression never hurts. Do it, and let's get on with more important things, like getting rid of the gates.

They Missed This One

“One of the great things about books is sometimes there are some fantastic pictures.”
George W. Bush

Sadly, Bachmann Outta Here Without Waiting for God To Repeal Obamacare or Close the Internment Camps | Common Dreams

Sadly, Bachmann Outta Here Without Waiting for God To Repeal Obamacare or Close the Internment Camps | Common Dreams

Republicans are cleaning out the dumb.

Quote of the Day

"He had delusions of adequacy."  Walter Kerr

Radical Kleptocrats Anxious to Stop Disclosure of Corporate Money in Elections | Common Dreams

Radical Kleptocrats Anxious to Stop Disclosure of Corporate Money in Elections | Common Dreams

Quote of the Day

“The optimist sees the donut, the pessimist sees the hole.”  

Oscar Wilde

SOME DONUT SHOPPE WISDOM

* If it looks like a donut, smells like a donut, feels like a donut, and tastes like a donut, don't let a cop see it.

* The older you get, the more likely it is you'll forget to pay.

* A hole in the center of a donut is clearly not for the customer's benefit.

* Republicans never eat donuts with sprinkles on top. Way too risky.

* Never buy a paper until you see if someone else did.

* Never discuss same sex marriages.

* The men love to talk about sex. The women love to talk about anything else.

* Donuts have no redeeming qualities, which is probably why they taste so good. Remember, "A donut a day keeps the oatmeal away."

* It doesn't get any better than that first cup of coffee in the morning, with a group of friends who you can rely on to disagree with just about everything you say.

Quote of the Day

"This is the rule of most perfect Christianity, its most exact definition, its highest point, namely, the seeking of the common good...for nothing can so make a person an imitator of Christ as caring for his neighbors."
John Chrysostom (ca. 347-407)

SUNDAY MORNING

SHOOT A TERRORIST FOR CHRIST:  I'm surprised I haven't seen that message on some of our church bulletin boards. That's how bad it's getting. Having been in the ministry, I'm pretty much embarrassed by what I see being pawned off as Christianity nowadays. The Church has steadily grown irrelevant as our need for spirituality has become greater. Just about every recent war has been about religion, one thinking theirs is bigger and better than the others. I suppose it wouldn't be so bad if they just killed one another, but they got to drag the rest of us into it. Frankly, I think we are all the sons and daughters of God, and as such, have no business killing one another. When we do, we are destroying the divine. And I got a notion that's not good.

FRIGHTENING

I figured out I'm allergic to most ministers, almost all attorneys, and a majority of politicians. Whenever I hear or see one, I have to take a pill. The whole thing is very annoying. It's like a tic attaching itself to your scrotum. All they want to do is suck the life out of you.

Come Gather 'Round People | Common Dreams

Come Gather 'Round People | Common Dreams

In Drone Speech, Obama Gets Slippery on Killing US Citizens | Common Dreams

In Drone Speech, Obama Gets Slippery on Killing US Citizens | Common Dreams

Obama has not closed Gitmo. This was a campaign promise. It is a disgrace to humanity.

SAMENESS

Suppose we were all the same: We worry about differences. Immigrants are unwanted in our communities. We don't trust Muslims, we get miffed at same-sex marriages, we're scared of people with mental illness, and different colors freak us out. So what if we were all the same? We all want the same jobs. We want to live in the same place, in the same houses, all painted the same color. We all eat the same food and dress the same way, drink the same beer and have the same hair-do's. We drive the same cars, vacation in the same places, play the same music, and watch the same movies. We laugh at the same jokes and cry at the same dramas. You can't tell one of us from the other. Now, isn't this fun?

Quote of the Day

SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE

“We had to struggle with the old enemies of peace—business and financial monopoly, speculation, reckless banking, class antagonism, sectionalism, war profiteering.

They had begun to consider the Government of the United States as a mere appendage to their own affairs. We know now that Government by organized money is just as dangerous as Government by organized mob.

Never before in all our history have these forces been so united against one candidate as they stand today. They are unanimous in their hate for me—and I welcome their hatred.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt

'Tremendous Victory' in Growing Rebuke of Citizens United | Common Dreams

'Tremendous Victory' in Growing Rebuke of Citizens United | Common Dreams

Here we come.

Rallying Cry: Citizens Worldwide to Unite in 'March Against Monsanto' | Common Dreams

Rallying Cry: Citizens Worldwide to Unite in 'March Against Monsanto' | Common Dreams

SHIP OF FOOLS

   * Why would we continue to believe that war would ever result in peace and harmony? War only produces hatred, misery and resentfulness.

 * Justice is not much more than a money making scheme for the state and counties. Money speaks, the poor do time. Justice is one of life's finer purchases, not unlike a good bottle of wine, or a luxury car.

   * The Earth is not warming, it’s all just a liberal plot. For what exact purpose, I’m not entirely sure. But, even if the Earth were not warming due to our stupidity, I would still support the contention, if for no other reason than to aggravate all the right-wing knuckleheads. 

 * Everyone should own and carry a gun. This will cause criminals to behave themselves. Actually, the criminals will end up being the people carrying the guns. 

 * Why should women have control over their own bodies? The argument seems obvious: if a man impregnates a woman, she should be the last one to say what should happen. On the Ship of Fools, women have no rights.

  There are no easy answers. There are no easy problems. Everything seems connected to everything else. The web of life has been woven tightly and reverberates with every move. To focus on a single problem with hopes of solving it is a distant memory. The complexity of our world requires problem solvers to look beyond singular solutions and envision multiple answers to complex problems, any one of which may need to be brought forward  only after it has been discussed how it will affect our great-great-great grandchildren. Most of our problem solving takes into account only us. We are not visionaries. We tend to be reactionaries. Ethanol is a good example of our short-sightedness. So, far that matter, is our insistence that war can bring about a peaceful world, or that guns can make us safer, or that drugs will go away if we put everyone in jail. All are elementary miscalculations made by short-sighted thinkers who have jumped on board the Ship of Fools.

Quote of the Day

"I cried out to my fellow employees, 'Just how long are you going to put up with the bullshit being spread around here'? It wasn't long after I had to wear my hip-boots to work."
(from Heaven Is Paved With a Lot of Bull, by The Peever)

HAPPINESS

• IS A LIFE WELL LIVED.
• HAS TO DO WITH OUR CAPACITY TO GIVE AND THE SENSE OF SELF WE GET IN DOING SO.
• DOES NOT COME FROM MONEY OR POSSESSIONS.
• HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH SEX, BUT HAS EVERYTHING TO DO WITH THE INTIMATE DANCE PLAYED OUT AROUND IT.
• IS WEARING A HAT THAT FITS YOU AND SOCKS THAT MATCH.
• MEANS NEVER HAVING TO SAY, I'M GUILTY.
• SOME DAYS HAPPINESS IS JUST WAKING UP AND DRINKING THAT FIRST CUP OF COFFEE.

The Globalization of Hypocrisy | Common Dreams

The Globalization of Hypocrisy | Common Dreams

Quote of the Day

"Televangelists are the pro-wrestlers of religion."
The Peever

My Take on the Bible

If there's a passage that diverts our attention away from charity and compassion, it was placed in the Bible by mistake and should be removed. The same holds true for the Koran and Torah. It is recorded that Confucius said, "Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself." Five centuries later, Christ taught the Golden Rule with similar words. That is the whole of it. Of the Abrahamic religions, not much more matters than the nurturing of compassion. Compassion is what brings you to God, not endless words, doctrines, creeds, or hatred.

SUNDAY MORNING

Reasons to start your own church:

• You're not only a member, but you can be the Supreme Being.
• The government is dumb enough to call you a non-profit.
• I would make a few more commandments, like having to say "bless you" when someone sneezes, or endorsing same-sex marriages.
• The government will give you money to do charitable work, like trips to Paris or Italy. 
• The T-shirt concession alone would be worth it.

House GOP: No Free Lunch for 200,000 Poor Kids | Common Dreams

House GOP: No Free Lunch for 200,000 Poor Kids | Common Dreams

I'd love to see these guys out on the street so the public can deal with them.

Quote of the Day

“If the road is easy, you're likely going the wrong way.”
Terry Goodkind

TEN TWISTED TRUTHS

TEN TWISTED TRUTHS

1. That capitalism is good, or even compatible, with democracy.
2. That the Garden of Eden is a real-life backyard garden someplace.
3. That someday you'll be rewarded for your hard work.
4. That you can win an election with fewer votes than your opponent.
5. That killing someone represents something noble.
6. That the government knows what's best for you.
7. That the company will take care of its employees.
8. That sending jobs away helps those that stay.
9. That a flag is worth dying for.
10. That judges can make judgments without regard to religious belief or political ideology.

Rebranding Abercrombie, Which Would Rather Burn Clothes Than Give Them to Poor People, Thanks | Common Dreams

Rebranding Abercrombie, Which Would Rather Burn Clothes Than Give Them to Poor People, Thanks | Common Dreams
A lot of companies throw things out rather than give them to the poor. Same happens with food. It's capitalist crap bound in a sweet song and waving flag.

Quote of the Day

“I've learned that life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.”
 Andy Rooney

Bitter Truths You Can't Avoid

• When someone is crying, of course, the noble thing to do is to comfort them. But if someone is trying to hide their tears, it may also be noble to pretend you do not notice them, so they will not be embarrassed.
• Love can change a person the way a parent can change a baby--awkwardly, and often with a great deal of mess.
• In love, as in life, one misheard word can be tremendously important. If you tell someone you love them, for instance, you must be absolutely certain that they have replied "I love you back: and not "I love your back" before you continue the conversation.
• There are many difficult things in this world to hide, but a secret is not one of them.
• Normally it is not polite to go into somebody's room without knocking, but you can make an exception if the person is dead, or pretending to be dead.
• If is difficult, when faced with a situation you cannot control, to admit that you can do nothing.

How Much Did It Cost to Block a Gun Control Bill That 91% of Americans Support? This Much. | Common Dreams

How Much Did It Cost to Block a Gun Control Bill That 91% of Americans Support? This Much. | Common Dreams

Some Under The Table Wisdom

• They say men and women were meant to be together. I say then why was golf invented?
• For every problem there is a bureaucrat somewhere who is getting paid the money it would take to solve it.
• It's good if you can admit being a Republican. That's the first step toward recovery.
• I always thought I'd make a great psychiatrist, but I'm way too sane.
• I had a lady ask me why men just want to take her to bed and nothing else. She had on  skin-tight stretch pants and a low cut blouse, with everything pushed up. I handed her a mirror. 
• At what point is it that government becomes too much government? I think I've pinpointed the exact moment, which just happens to coincide with the times Congress is in session.
• Racquetball is an alright game, if you like being locked in a small room with someone who is trying to kill you.
• I drive defensively. I don't trust the other guy. I just kick back and wait to see what kind of stupid move he or she is going to make. They seldom disappoint me.

Quote of the Day

“Through their donations and work for voluntary organizations, the charitable rich exert enormous influence in society. As philanthropists, they acquire status within and outside of their class. Although private wealth is the basis of the hegemony of this group, philanthropy is essential to the maintenance and perpetuation of the upper class in the United States. In this sense, nonprofit activities are the nexus of a modern power elite.”
Teresa Odendahl, Charity Begins at Home: Generosity and Self-Interest Among the Philanthropic Elite

A POTPOURRI OF USEFUL INFORMATION

• Right-wing, Republican, Christian Crusaders. This is a really bright group. This is a group that doesn't want females to have abortions, does like to fry people for their past sins, would like to see everyone carry a gun, loves wars, and seems to prefer white over black. or for that matter, white over any color. I am particularly awestruck be their interpretation of the Bible, which pretty much coincides with how I interpret their behavior-stupid. Still, we have a right to believe what we will, and who among us knows what is right? Outside of maybe me.
• Signs, signs, everywhere there's signs. People put up signs for everything. There are signs on highways, signs on sidewalks, signs in stores, signs on the lawn, signs on the golf course. I generally don't pay much attention to signs, but one of the golf course does get my attention- Warning: Snakes. Do Not Enter. I've lost many a golf ball over that sign.
• One of the greatest dangers in the world is over-population. I think this is because there are so many Catholics. Catholics like to screw a lot. Baptists, on the other hand, are kind of shy. If I had to apply this to my own experience, it would pretty much hold true.
• Anyone is public service who violates the public trust by stealing, or sexual misconduct, or faking a five day workweek, should have to forfeit their retirement. This would be considered the rich man's "capital" punishment.
• Justice for a long time has favored the rich, as do many of life's finer purchases. 
• So many peeving predicaments. My most pressing concern lately has been with underwear. It used to be underwear would last forever, or until the dog ate the crotch out. Now you wash the things three times and they fall apart. I guess it's a sign of the times. It gets harder and harder to cover your ass.
• Anyone who is 85 years old or so has sure seen a lot of changes. I cannot really imagine how they must feel or how they manage to interpret or deal with all the things they have seen. They have my admiration and I stand in awe at their endurance and adaptability. And would you please give up driving?

POSITIVISMS FOR HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE

*We need fewer rules and more common sense.
*We need economic development based on quality of life issues.  People will do business with us if it looks good and feels right. We need to appeal to people who can do their work from home. We need a good internet system. We need some additional meeting places that are relaxing and informal. The Baby Boomers are coming. How about trying to appeal to musicians, artists, writers, candlestick makers.
* We have a huge senior citizen population. How about some bingo parlors with big pay-outs, better transportation system, and maybe a Saggies strip club.
* We should be able to capitalize on the low cost of living in this area. Don't tell anyone about the state personal property tax, and don't let them know about Cranford's.
*Diversity is paramount to the growth and vitalization of a community. Forget this area. We are white, Christian, right-wing, Republicans. Anyone not meeting that criteria will feel oddly out of place.
*We could kick all the right-wing Republicans out of the Village, but I and a couple of other people would be the only one's left.
*We need a local beer. Having been a substance abuse counselor, I probably shouldn't make this suggestion, but a home brewed beer can do wonders for a community. And plenty of people drink around here.
*We are in the heart of a golfing mecca. While our prices are a bit steep, particularly as compared to other courses in the area, we are blessed with plenty of product. I think one of the courses should be devoted to nude golfing, but that's probably not a good idea. For a lot of reasons.And we could feature our locally made beer, peddled by young collage girls in shorts and tank tops.
*We have water galore. Lakes all over the place. Fishing, boating, swimming. You can't beat it. If we only had someone that could walk on water, that would be something. I've met several people who thought they could.
*We do need to spruce up our governance. The POA is a little shaky. That's Property Owners Association. We are not a municipality. We are a whatever. We go by whatever rules they think up. We elect seven people to lead us. I don't know where these people come from, but it must be someplace weird. They like rules and order. I'm guessing most of them are ex-military. When you ask them a question, they either tell you to shut-up or tell you their rank. The last two elections, no one was re-elected. Hopefully this helps.
*We have so many things to do. We have a Bridge Club. Bridge seems to be a card game that only rich people play. I never saw anyone playing Bridge at the tavern I grew up in. A Civil War club. I bet I know what side they are pushing for. If I joined the Democratic Club, I would probably always get my way cause I'd probably be he only one there. The Village Skeptics has a certain ring to it, but I doubt they talk about anything but Obama. Then there's the Coin Club, the Cloggers Club, the Crochet Club, the Dulcimer Club, the Horseshoe Club. The Polish Heritage Club, the Irish Club, and a club for people who belong to too many clubs.
*We live in a gated community. This makes us feel safe and less fearful. Of course, cows, pigs, sheep,and  prisoners. also live behind closed gates, so I'm not sure we should use this as a positive.

Jim Hightower | Politicking by corporate cowards

Jim Hightower | Politicking by corporate cowards

Quote of the Day

"The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but
shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more,
but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and
smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees
but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more
problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little,
drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too
little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our
possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and
hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to
life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but
have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer
space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom,
but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but
accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more
computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we
communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small
character, steep profits and shallow relationships.

These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but
broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway
morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything
from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the
showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can
bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share
this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember, to spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not
going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks
up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave
your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the
only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most
of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from
deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person might
not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to
share the precious thoughts in your mind.”
Bob Moorehead

So It Goes: Enron Perp Will Get Out of Jail (Almost) Free By Buying Himself Out | Common Dreams

So It Goes: Enron Perp Will Get Out of Jail (Almost) Free By Buying Himself Out | Common Dreams

Justice. One of life's finer purchases.

Historical Myths

America has always been the land of the rich and the home of the haves. From its very inception, America has been build on a pile of myths and historical half-truths, if not out and out lies. The Constitution was never designed for the poor. Most of the founding fathers were rich, white men, intend on getting richer. Numerous of them owned slaves, not the least of which was Jefferson. They gave absolutely no rights to women, other that to cook, clean, and have babies. Every man, created equal, was a fanciful notion that they gave only lip service to. Every war that has been fought since has been fought by the poor, to make the rich richer and their money safer. Money, power, and greed have outweighed any altruistic notions of peace, freedom, and democracy. We are a nation locked into sickening half-truths and dishonest historical reporting. Worst of all, we believe most of it. We have fallen and we can't seem to get it right.

New Infringements On Our Rights

• A new 5 minute waiting period before you can purchase a missile launcher.
• Cab drivers have a right to ask you to frisk them.
• Free speech now costs 99 cents a minute.
• If you are not prone to follow, you are suspect.
• Silicone has been added to the "dangerous chemical" list. A lot fewer women are flying.
• There is no longer a free press. It has been bought by corporate America.
• No need for further elections. Corporations pay to have people represent them in Congress.
• "We are all created equal" has been removed from the Bill of Rights. It was believed to have been a proof-reading error.
• Freedom of religion now means free to be Christian. Preferably right-wing.
• Women can no longer control their own bodies. This of course is not new. It is just being reaffirmed.
• You have a right to a speedy trial is no more. 
• Innocent until proven guilty is now guilty until proven innocent.
• You can no longer pee behind a tree. Someone will see it on a camera.

Quote of the Day

“You know what's weird? Day by day, nothing seems to change, but pretty soon...everything's different.”
Bill Watterson

New GM

The new general manager should be getting here in June. I don't envy him. I keep getting the feeling this is The Twilight Zone. Everything I once thought was reasonable isn't. And everything I thought was unreasonable is. I think there were too many right turns to get here. I wish him well.

Obama in Plunderland: Down the Corporate Rabbit Hole | Common Dreams

Obama in Plunderland: Down the Corporate Rabbit Hole | Common Dreams

He apparently has forgotten the promises he made to us.

Quote of the Day

“Be crazy! But learn how to be crazy without being the center of attention. Be brave enough to live different.”
Paulo Coelho, Veronika Decides to Die

CRAZY IS:

• working 60 hours a week at a job you hate.
• never saying you are sorry.
• getting married to that guy who already beat you once.
• not divorcing him when he beats you again.
• thinking you can kill terrorism.
• wanting to look 30 when you're 60.
• thinking revenge will make you feel better.
• locking yourself up in your house because you are afraid to live.
• thinking you're not going to die.
• believing pharmaceuticals will cure our souls.

Bleeding Obama Zombies, Conceal Carry Bras and Other Wonders of the NRA | Common Dreams

Bleeding Obama Zombies, Conceal Carry Bras and Other Wonders of the NRA | Common Dreams

Austerity Will Leave Us Crying ’96 Tears’ | Common Dreams

Austerity Will Leave Us Crying ’96 Tears’ | Common Dreams

Quote of the Day

Some people think they are worth a lot because they have money. They deceive themselves.
The Peever

$125 Worth of Advice For Free

* Trying is lying.

* Never look for an excuse. Admit it if you are wrong.

* Don't get too down on yourself. That's what you have friends for.

* Never go to a counselor that has more problems than you.

* Medications can help, but it will cost you in the long run.

* Talking is way over-rated. Try listening.

* The best bull-shitters make terrible spouses.

* Never marry for love. It won't work.

* Fear is the worst crippler. It incapacitates many a person. It requires getting over the worst thing that could possibly happen to you: death. Once you get to there, nothing can scare you.

BORN AGAIN

I been spending too much time down South. A lot of talk about being born again. I don't know, I guess it's alright. Most the people I hear tell of being born again really needed it. They usually screwed up pretty bad. I suppose the notion of being able to clean your slate is not a bad one, although I think it would be a better idea to clean up your messes in this realm, not the next. Apologize, change your behavior, do better. I wonder how many times you're allowed to be born again?

Quote of the Day

“Once a government is committed to the principle of silencing the voice of opposition, it has only one way to go, and that is down the path of increasingly repressive measures, until it becomes a source of terror to all its citizens and creates a country where everyone lives in fear.”
Harry S. Truman

That Is What People Are Eating: Charges Dropped in First Ag-Gag Case | Common Dreams

That Is What People Are Eating: Charges Dropped in First Ag-Gag Case | Common Dreams

Makes for a poor appetite.