Virginia Democrat James Moran apparently feels there is a problem in Congress. They don't get paid enough. According to him "a lot of members can't even afford to live decently in Washington." Add to that the horror that their pay has been froze for the last three years and this poor guy must be just barely scraping by. <insert sarcasm and eye roll here>
Congressmen make $174,000 a year.
Here are my thoughts and suggestions for Congressman Moran to help him in his plight of poverty.
1. Congress is so out of touch with its constituency it's sickening and you are the new poster child for this.
2. If you can't live "decently" on $174,000 a year maybe you need to take a cold hard look at your lifestyle. Maybe you need to pare it back a bit and learn to live within your means. Maybe, just maybe, your perception of what is "decent" living is a bit skewed........or disgustingly distorted. Seriously, as a federal employee I make significantly less than you do. I don't live in a mansion or drive a fancy car. I'm not above shopping at a thrift store or picking up something free off Craigslist. I consider my lifestyle decent though. And that's even with you freezing my pay for the last three years.
3. No one is forced to run for Congress. If you don't like the job or the pay associated with it, go find a different one. (Moran has actually announced his retirement. The poor man is going to have to start living on a fixed income of at least $174,000 a year. Makes your heart break for the poor guy, doesn't it.)
4. If you are finding that measly $174,000 a year simply isn't covering your needs you could do what a lot of your fellow Americans have had to do....get a second job. 7-11 is always hiring.
The arrogance of this guy is sickening and just one more reason we need to completely clean house in this year's election.
Monday, April 7, 2014
Monday, February 3, 2014
Post Superbowl Thoughts
No, I didn't watch the game. I don't care who won or lost so my post game thoughts really have nothing to do with the Superbowl. They have to do with a certain Coke ad.
First off, I've not seen the ad that's generating so much buzz, both good and bad. From what I've been reading in FB posts and various comments to articles the issue isn't the ad. The issue is viewpoints.
Let me talk towards those who seem to be very offended by the ad to begin with. I have a HUGE issue with two things I keep seeing people say and post. Golden rule to being outraged about something is to make you know what you're being outraged about.
The other side isn't off the hook though. A great thing about this country is our right to have our own opinions and to express them. That is an absolute in my world. I may be diametrically opposed to your view and may heatedly argue against it but there are two things you can be sure of.
First off, I've not seen the ad that's generating so much buzz, both good and bad. From what I've been reading in FB posts and various comments to articles the issue isn't the ad. The issue is viewpoints.
Let me talk towards those who seem to be very offended by the ad to begin with. I have a HUGE issue with two things I keep seeing people say and post. Golden rule to being outraged about something is to make you know what you're being outraged about.
- America the Beautiful is NOT our national anthem. Sorry folks. Personally, the fact that so many 'outraged' Americans don't know this is extremely sad to me. Not to mention how offensive such ignorance is.
- English is NOT our official language. In fact, the United States doesn't have an official language. Whether it should or not is a totally different debate.
The other side isn't off the hook though. A great thing about this country is our right to have our own opinions and to express them. That is an absolute in my world. I may be diametrically opposed to your view and may heatedly argue against it but there are two things you can be sure of.
- No matter how wrong I think you are I will vehemently defend your right to your views.
- While I may argue with you about what you believe I will never put you down personally.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Good bye 2013
I have to admit, you really won't be missed. Not to say the year was totally bad but it seemed to have more than its fair share of suckage. I didn't have any cabbage New Years Day so I blame myself for the crappy year. Won't make that mistake again.
So, on to 2014.
This is where a lot of people pen their new year's resolutions. Not me. I gave up doing that a long time ago. That doesn't mean I don't have goals. My goal for 2014 is to complete a goal I started a couple years ago. My Fit by 50 (Fx50) goal comes to an end in 2014. September 21, 2014 to be exact. This is largely a weight-loss goal based in a desire to simply be healthier. I've never said how much weight I wanted to lose before but now seems like a good time as any for a couple reasons.
1. I need to change my focus from being embarrassed by what I weighed to being proud of how far I've come and looking toward the end goal.
2. I'm at a point where I need a cheering section and people to help me stayed focused. I'm at the point I've always failed before and that's a huge mental stumbling block to get past.
My goal was to lose 150 pounds. I've lost 80 of them so I'm a little more than half way there.
Instead of resolutions for the new year I'm planning my strategy for reaching my goal.
So, on to 2014.
This is where a lot of people pen their new year's resolutions. Not me. I gave up doing that a long time ago. That doesn't mean I don't have goals. My goal for 2014 is to complete a goal I started a couple years ago. My Fit by 50 (Fx50) goal comes to an end in 2014. September 21, 2014 to be exact. This is largely a weight-loss goal based in a desire to simply be healthier. I've never said how much weight I wanted to lose before but now seems like a good time as any for a couple reasons.
1. I need to change my focus from being embarrassed by what I weighed to being proud of how far I've come and looking toward the end goal.
2. I'm at a point where I need a cheering section and people to help me stayed focused. I'm at the point I've always failed before and that's a huge mental stumbling block to get past.
My goal was to lose 150 pounds. I've lost 80 of them so I'm a little more than half way there.
Instead of resolutions for the new year I'm planning my strategy for reaching my goal.
- I need to refocus on how much I'm eating. Kinda lost that over the last 3 months which I'm sure is part of why I'm stalled out on the weight-loss front.
- I need to start adding some exercise into my life, even if its just going for walks on a regular basis. I'm still contemplating trying the Couch to 5K program again. I think adding the exercise will help me get past this wall I'm up against now.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
A Cornucopia of Consciousness........aka a brain dump of drivel
Lots of little things running around in my head right now.
I'm having a hard time breaking past the 80lbs point with the weight loss. Wondering how much of that is mind games though. I'm in the 20 pound range that always seems to be the point I quit/give up/stop losing. Or am I at the point where just eating less isn't enough. Maybe my body is telling me it's time to start adding in some exercise. I'm toying with the idea of trying the C25K program again. My knees gave out on me at the fourth week last time I tried but I also weighted at least 40 pounds more then. All I know for sure is the weight I'm at now always seems to be my Waterloo. I'm determined to change that this time.
It has really bothered me to see the hateful comments directed toward Nelson Mandela this last week. I understand he was a polarizing figure. Everyone has their opinion about him...hero or villain...and there's nothing wrong with that. I guess I just think someone's death isn't the time to be hateful. Regardless of what you thought about the man politically he still left behind family and friends who loved him and are hurting right now. Just doesn't seem like the appropriate time to bash someone.
Seeing a lot of anti-Salvation Army going on right now because of their stance on gays. If you don't like their beliefs, don't donate to them. It's that simple. But really, is a FB smear campaign necessary? They're a religious organization who is upfront about their religious beliefs. Is their position on gays really all that surprising? At least they're out there trying to help people...all people, even those who's sexual orientation they don't believe in. I don't see any other church standing out in the cold for hours on end trying to help the way they do.
On the up side, seeing a lot less of the whole "Happy Holidays/Merry Christmas" nonsense this year.
This Saturday is the Army/Navy game. So I expect everyone to put on blue and gold and cheer Navy on to another victory. And thus is the only sporting event you will ever hear me express any interest in.
Speaking of sports though, I'm really tired of hearing about the Redskins and whatever the soap opera drama is they have going on. With the money they are all making they have nothing to create drama about. Seriously, get over yourselves.
Which leads to a closing thought. Step outside of yourself this month and do something for someone else. A random act of kindness may be the only present someone gets this month.
I'm having a hard time breaking past the 80lbs point with the weight loss. Wondering how much of that is mind games though. I'm in the 20 pound range that always seems to be the point I quit/give up/stop losing. Or am I at the point where just eating less isn't enough. Maybe my body is telling me it's time to start adding in some exercise. I'm toying with the idea of trying the C25K program again. My knees gave out on me at the fourth week last time I tried but I also weighted at least 40 pounds more then. All I know for sure is the weight I'm at now always seems to be my Waterloo. I'm determined to change that this time.
It has really bothered me to see the hateful comments directed toward Nelson Mandela this last week. I understand he was a polarizing figure. Everyone has their opinion about him...hero or villain...and there's nothing wrong with that. I guess I just think someone's death isn't the time to be hateful. Regardless of what you thought about the man politically he still left behind family and friends who loved him and are hurting right now. Just doesn't seem like the appropriate time to bash someone.
Seeing a lot of anti-Salvation Army going on right now because of their stance on gays. If you don't like their beliefs, don't donate to them. It's that simple. But really, is a FB smear campaign necessary? They're a religious organization who is upfront about their religious beliefs. Is their position on gays really all that surprising? At least they're out there trying to help people...all people, even those who's sexual orientation they don't believe in. I don't see any other church standing out in the cold for hours on end trying to help the way they do.
On the up side, seeing a lot less of the whole "Happy Holidays/Merry Christmas" nonsense this year.
This Saturday is the Army/Navy game. So I expect everyone to put on blue and gold and cheer Navy on to another victory. And thus is the only sporting event you will ever hear me express any interest in.
Speaking of sports though, I'm really tired of hearing about the Redskins and whatever the soap opera drama is they have going on. With the money they are all making they have nothing to create drama about. Seriously, get over yourselves.
Which leads to a closing thought. Step outside of yourself this month and do something for someone else. A random act of kindness may be the only present someone gets this month.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Let's talk
I ran across an article a friend posted on FB. To be honest, I'm still not sure how I feel about it but I can definitely say it is thought-provoking. Some of of what is said makes me uncomfortable but I'm not sure that's a bad thing. One statement though really struck a cord with me.
"...people sick of being belittled as not Christian enough for the right or too Jesus-y for the left."
Yeah, I can definitely relate to that feeling.
So I'm curious to hear others thought on this pastor and her vision of church and Christianity. I don't care what you believe....or don't believe. What do you think about this?
(As always, please keep discussion respectful)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/bolz-webers-liberal-foulmouthed-articulation-of-christianity-speaks-to-fed-up-believers/2013/11/03/7139dc24-3cd3-11e3-a94f-b58017bfee6c_story.html
"...people sick of being belittled as not Christian enough for the right or too Jesus-y for the left."
Yeah, I can definitely relate to that feeling.
So I'm curious to hear others thought on this pastor and her vision of church and Christianity. I don't care what you believe....or don't believe. What do you think about this?
(As always, please keep discussion respectful)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/bolz-webers-liberal-foulmouthed-articulation-of-christianity-speaks-to-fed-up-believers/2013/11/03/7139dc24-3cd3-11e3-a94f-b58017bfee6c_story.html
Friday, October 11, 2013
The Gauntlet
Here it is, flat out.
I have a number of friends who support the government shutdown. Consider it a good thing or at the very least "not as bad as we thought". Keep in mind, to the best of my knowledge none of these people are directly impacted by the shutdown...ie, they're still getting a paycheck.
They do spend a lot of time pontificating in blogs and Facebook about the righteousness of their cause and passing along FB memes that support their view....even if the memes aren't completely accurate. And, they all apparently decided I was to be their sacrificial lamb in this latest political game. A role I didn't ask for, volunteer for or even believe in.
You know what? I'm tired of being their ball to kick around. So I'm making a challenge, throwing down the gauntlet so to speak.
For all of you who wanted this shutdown, who consider those of us furloughed to be acceptable losses in your war, who still believe their side is looking out for the greater good; it's time to put your money where your mouth is. Sitting behind a computer and typing out your opinions is easy. What are you willing to actually sacrifice for your cause?
What are you willing to give up, sell, do without? One of you told me you would gladly give up everything you own to win this political war. Were those just words to make you feel 'patriotic'? I'm waiting to see some action......you can start shipping your belongings to me so I have things I can sell to live on because, quite frankly, I don't feel I should suffer for your cause if you're not. A few of you have told me your principles are more important than my paycheck. To that I say if your principles are so valuable then you sacrifice to keep them. Making me pay for your principles is a pretty hollow act.
I didn't and still don't believe in this war. I don't believe your pet politicians care about you or me in the long run. And I don't believe I should have to pay so you can get your way.
So I ask again, when are you going to just stop talking a good game? What sacrifice are you willing to make?
I have a number of friends who support the government shutdown. Consider it a good thing or at the very least "not as bad as we thought". Keep in mind, to the best of my knowledge none of these people are directly impacted by the shutdown...ie, they're still getting a paycheck.
They do spend a lot of time pontificating in blogs and Facebook about the righteousness of their cause and passing along FB memes that support their view....even if the memes aren't completely accurate. And, they all apparently decided I was to be their sacrificial lamb in this latest political game. A role I didn't ask for, volunteer for or even believe in.
You know what? I'm tired of being their ball to kick around. So I'm making a challenge, throwing down the gauntlet so to speak.
For all of you who wanted this shutdown, who consider those of us furloughed to be acceptable losses in your war, who still believe their side is looking out for the greater good; it's time to put your money where your mouth is. Sitting behind a computer and typing out your opinions is easy. What are you willing to actually sacrifice for your cause?
What are you willing to give up, sell, do without? One of you told me you would gladly give up everything you own to win this political war. Were those just words to make you feel 'patriotic'? I'm waiting to see some action......you can start shipping your belongings to me so I have things I can sell to live on because, quite frankly, I don't feel I should suffer for your cause if you're not. A few of you have told me your principles are more important than my paycheck. To that I say if your principles are so valuable then you sacrifice to keep them. Making me pay for your principles is a pretty hollow act.
I didn't and still don't believe in this war. I don't believe your pet politicians care about you or me in the long run. And I don't believe I should have to pay so you can get your way.
So I ask again, when are you going to just stop talking a good game? What sacrifice are you willing to make?
Friday, September 27, 2013
An Open Letter to the American Public
Since I wrote a letter telling Congress (http://sxydork.blogspot.com/2013/09/an-open-letter-to-congress.html) what I thought of their job performance it seems only fitting I let everyone else know what I think about the current budget fight and very vocal viewpoints.
*WARNING* This will not be nice. Some people may will be offended *WARNING*
Dear Fellow American,
It's nice to see so many involved and interested in what is going on currently with our government. Wish it were like this all year.
A number of you are very vocal about shutting the government down. You've expressed how it would be a good thing, how it wouldn't have that big an impact on people, and how everyone should be for a shutdown because it would be good for the country.
Here's my response to this.
What arrogance! I apparently missed the memo naming you God, able to determine for a large segment of the population that it's ok to take away their livelihood in the name of the greater good of the country. Last time I checked I didn't elect any of you to represent me. So who the hell do you think you are to decide what I can and can not afford to deal with financially? Who the hell are you to decide it's no big hardship to take away my paycheck, especially those of you who aren't losing yours.
Tell you what, since you don't feel paychecks are important I'll make you a deal. For each day of pay I lose from a shutdown you send me a day of your pay. Seems only fair.
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