An Artist Protests Obamas Abuse of the Constitution (Video)
Author: Brian Bolduc
Artist & Narrator: Jon McNaughton
A man, crestfallen, is sitting on a bench in front of the White House, contemplating his countrys future. At his feet lie the causes of his distress: tattered dollars, representing a weak currency, and scraps of paper, symbolizing an abused Constitution. Behind and around him stand the 43 presidents of the United States, most of whom are outraged. One of them, James Madison, reaches pitifully for the ground, trying to collect the shards of American greatness. Unfortunately, he cant retrieve our founding document from the dust, for its beneath the foot of Barack Obama.
The title of this portrait is The Forgotten Man, and its creator is Jon McNaughton, a 42-year-old artist from Spanish Fork, Utah. McNaughton unveiled the piece last Tuesday with a video describing its origin and a website explaining its meaning. For a long time, I didnt know if I wanted to paint this picture, because I worried that it might be too controversial, McNaughton intones in the video. Now, however, hes courting controversy.
The Forgotten Man
A husband and father of six, McNaughton graduated in 1993 from Brigham Young University, where he studied art and design. Today, he runs the McNaughton Fine Art Company, which offers mostly landscapes and Biblical images for retail. McNaughton models his work after the French Barbizon Impressionists, artists in the mid19th century who painted scenes from the countryside in subtle shades. That said, theres nothing subtle about his latest creation.
McNaughton first conceived of the portrait after Obamacare became law in March. I was just frustrated with what was happening with Obama and the out-of-control spending, he tells NRO. As an artist, I thought this was a way to get my message out.
What is that message? I wondered, If the presidents of the past could speak to us today, what would they say to us? McNaughton explains. Clearly, they would oppose the unprecedented expansion of government. Yet the focus of the painting is the forgotten man the ordinary American. If that man doesnt get off his bench and try to change whats going on in our country . . . were on the verge of bankruptcy. That was the point I wanted to make, he says.
On McNaughtons website, you can move your cursor over the faces in the painting and read an idiosyncratic summation of each presidents tenure. Yes, each of them. For instance, George Washington, whos front and center, instituted the First Bank of the United States in 1791. But even Rutherford B. Hayes, whos in the nosebleed section, gets a blurb for increasing the governments supply of gold.
Working twelve-hour days, McNaughton spent five months researching the portrait, reading everything from Wikipedia to history books. I tried to focus on the fiscal spending of these different presidents and how it has to do with the devaluing of the dollar, he notes. I didnt go into civil rights or war.
His educational forays led him to some unconventional conclusions. For example, McNaughton criticizes the Founders for their fiscal profligacy. Our founding fathers werent adept at managing debt either, he writes on the website. In 1791, the national debt was a mere $75 million. But that is equivalent to $5.2 trillion in 2008 dollars. To be fair to the Founders, though, a revolutionary war is kind of expensive.
Despite McNaughtons good faith, the Left will censure him, and he knows it. He did his first overtly political portrait last October. Entitled One Nation under God, it shows Jesus Christ holding the Constitution while surrounded by figures from American history. The painting drove liberals bonkers. Comedian Bill Maher dubbed it Wheres Waldo for wing nuts.
I did go to the Huffington Post to see what they said, McNaughton reports. They reminded me of a junior-high-school locker room. They all want to outdo each other with the grossest comment they can think of.
Still, McNaughton thinks the opposition to this painting will be different. Whereas for the previous portrait, a viewer can accept Christs authority only on faith, in this one, the facts are the facts. The people who trash the painting say, Oh, its just another right-wing Republican. But I dont feel my position is very threatened. I feel that the truth is just behind me. If people object to the portrayal of Obama stepping on the Constitution, McNaughton reasons, hell tell them everything Obamas done to deserve being characterized that way.
McNaughton knows his political background makes him a target. A former state delegate for the Utah Republican party, he now considers himself an independent. He left the GOP because of George W. Bush, who ruined the Republican party. Accordingly, in the portrait, Bush eyes the suffering man from afar distant in location and in feeling.
But McNaughton also knows hes got a hit. Hes already sold several prints, and his video has racked up over 170,000 views on YouTube. His video for One Nation under God after spending almost a year online has garnered more than 3 million views. At the rate The Forgotten Man is going, he expects it to surpass its predecessor in popularity.
Theyre quite the conversation pieces. People will have one hanging in their house and people will come in and theres so much to talk about, McNaughton says. In The Forgotten Man, McNaughton groups the presidents into two categories: those who oppose Obamas actions, such as Washington and Madison, and those who support them, such as Franklin Roosevelt and Bill Clinton. Viewers routinely object to the placement of their favorites in either category. Its fun to have people talk about it, he says.
He hopes to keep them talking. McNaughton just started a third portrait, which he plans to release by the end of the year. This one will be more religious in tone at least, more religious than The Forgotten Man though he hints that Ive got one painting [in mind] that might be affected depending on whether Obama runs for reelection.
Whether or not Obama runs, McNaughtons art has ensured that his message wont be ignored.
McNaughton first conceived of the portrait after Obamacare became law in March. I was just frustrated with what was happening with Obama and the out-of-control spending
Why do Christians hate sick people?
Jesus was a healer. Would He say "tough shit" to someone who needed health care? Would He state that people should be healed by any means necessary?
I really am sick to death of people wearing Christ on their sleeve while being so unwilling to have a modicum of compassion for the ill that would translate into assuring that they have access to medical care.
Jesus was a healer. Would He say "tough shit" to someone who needed health care?
Apparently, it's absolutely wrong, wrong, wrong that kids with pre-existing conditions can now get health coverage. It ain't fittin'...It just ain't fittin'
You really should educate yourself to the alternatives to BIG BROTHER stepping in and taking over Suzanne, no one, especially me, wants to see any child turned down for for healthcare, yourr argument sucks, and it's a lie.
"I really wanna care. I wanna feel somethin'. Let me dig a little deeper:. No, My give-a-damn's busted"~ Messina Jo Dee
Kids with pre-existing conditions were routinely turned down for coverage before health care reform; that was meant to stop this year with the phased-in approach to health care reform. However, the insurance companies are fighting hard and are saying that they are only forced to cover kids with pre-existing conditions if that child is already part of a family plan. The insurance companies are refusing to cover kids who are not part of a family plan. That's the truth.
Kids with pre-existing conditions were routinely turned down for coverage before health care reform; that was meant to stop this year with the phased-in approach to health care reform. However, the insurance companies are fighting hard and are saying that they are only forced to cover kids with pre-existing conditions if that child is already part of a family plan. The insurance companies are refusing to cover kids who are not part of a family plan. That's the truth.
You won't get an arguement out of me over that, they do suck, but the good part is, you have a CHOICE of whether you will take it, or not take it, and seek out another, but the feds WILL NOT give you a choice...except pay up or pay a fine, or even prison....
One of my sisters was terribly injured in the car accident that claimed the life of our mother, and unborn brother, she spent two years in a state charitable hospital, the feds had nothing to do with her healthcare...the state took care of their own.
"I really wanna care. I wanna feel somethin'. Let me dig a little deeper:. No, My give-a-damn's busted"~ Messina Jo Dee
You are such a lying, deliberately obfuscating asshole. I am really sick of assholes on the left deliberately misrepresenting Christ and communism. Thank God he'll put you and yours where you belong.
Well, [war's] got to do something for attention, his multiple personalities aren't speaking to him any more, and his imaginary friends keep finding excuses not to come over. (Murron)
but the good part is, you have a CHOICE of whether you will take it, or not take it, and seek out another,
I don't know how much "choice" insurance companies give you. If you have a pre- existing condition and aren't already part of a group plan, you've pretty much just joined the legions of the uninsurable. There are state risk pools for the uninsurable, but they're even costlier than private insurance. So, if you can't afford that, you're in trouble.
Ok say someone has a kid and the don't have healthcare. Say their kid gets sick and it costs a million dollars for coverage. Should they be able to go sign up for healthcare for 300 bucks a month or whatever. Then have the health care company take care of them?
Then have the health care company take care of them?
You're asking me a question, Stone? I think not. You wouldn't answer my question on a previous thread. After that, you lost the privilege of me answering your questions. It's equitable.
On the previous thread, you asked me a question and I answered it. Then I asked you a question and all you did was refuse to answer mine until I had, to your satisfaction, answered your "setting parameter" questions. It wasn't equitable and I refused to play. I'm not playing now, either.
"Were you ever in the music or song writing business?" ... e_type_jagoff to Mudboy lol ..... AND ....... "But his decent into vile absurdity is still actually kind of sad and pitiful really" .... mad doggie
If someone want someone wants to come here and participate in the discussions. That is fine. But when they are participating and they tell the host to basically fuck off they aren't good enough to get an answer. Then they get the reaction they get.
"I really am sick to death of people wearing Christ on their sleeve while being so unwilling to have a modicum of compassion for the ill that would translate into assuring that they have access to medical care."
Exactly. Look at Stone's immature reaction to the HIV problem and his lack of compassion for sick - and mostly heterosexual people - in Africa.
He's quick to be judgmental and narrow minded. When he speaks, he sounds as intolerant and cruel as his stereotype he believes resembles the average Muslim in the world.
He talks the Christian line, but he does not walk the walk.
Traditionally, on these sites, the host isn't supposed to use their ability to ban to shape the discussion. You should have an admin name, and never discuss anything with that, and a discussion name. And then no one should know they are the same person.
Anyhoo, do whatever you like. It is amusing to me at least.
"Were you ever in the music or song writing business?" ... e_type_jagoff to Mudboy lol ..... AND ....... "But his decent into vile absurdity is still actually kind of sad and pitiful really" .... mad doggie
This world is full of religious intolerance, and the Christian contingent certainly has it's share of cultural jihadists.
Look at 'the Order,' a group of behind the scenes fundies that work to pass laws throwing people in prison or kill them if they are not Norman Rockwell portrait grade heterosexuals. Or the Ted Haggard sort of talk trash about gays and then get meth up the rear with the help of his male masseuse.
This is a world where it's not whether you are a decent person who believes into doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. To many people narrow minded about their faith, be it whatever major religion it is, the Golden Rule actually means,'he who has the gold makes the rules.'
This is sad. And I don't like extremists who are Muslims, Christians, Jews or whatever.
When they are wrong they need to be called on their B.S no matter who they are organizationally.
Stone the good 'Christian' deleted my truthful post about his Ziofundism and lack of following Jesus's teachings as shown by his behaviors. It's not like it's not here for everyone to see.
But when they are participating and they tell the host to basically fuck off they aren't good enough to get an answer. Then they get the reaction they get.
It sounded more like "what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander" to me.
Suzanne is one of the nicest persons on the internet. She tries to be friendly to all - even in the face of overwhelming stupidity.
And if the internet pisses you off this much, maybe you shouldn't be on it. IN no way, shape or form was #15 a smart ass answer. It's Suzanne giving you an evenly stated yet resounding slap in the manner in which YOU "debate".
#43. To: Skip Intro, AKA Stone, Brian S, mininggold, Ferret Mike, War, All (#41)
Stone keeps busy keeping the site "pure". Why not try posting articles with "nigger", "darkie", and "Obama" in the title? Those always pass the Stone test.
Stone, it appears the crybaby forum rejects need a hug!
Jesus was a healer. Would He say "tough shit" to someone who needed health care? Would He state that people should be healed by any means necessary?
Jesus said, Physician, heal yourself.
I really am sick to death of people wearing Christ on their sleeve while being so unwilling to have a modicum of compassion for the ill that would translate into assuring that they have access to medical care.
Oh ARE you now??
I'm sick to death of Atheist-Socialists claiming to be Bible scholars and willing to steal from others to "prove" their own "compassion."
You know NOTHING of "Christian Compassion" and charity you flaming phony jackass.
Now go open up your purse and donate 60% of your net wealth and back up your own personal "compassion," Santa Marx. No? Not willing to?? No sh*t.
Apparently, it's absolutely wrong, wrong, wrong that kids with pre-existing conditions can now get health coverage. It ain't fittin'...It just ain't fittin'
You really should educate yourself to the alternatives to BIG BROTHER stepping in and taking over Suzanne, no one, especially me, wants to see any child turned down for for healthcare, yourr argument sucks, and it's a lie.
Not much "fretting" on the part of socialists like you when the "solution" is THEFT.
Any "solution" besides theft, Santa Marx? (that is besides blaming Christians who oppose more confiscatory taxation, and of whom ALREADY provide MORE charity to any group in the world by Light Years)
Oh that's right...It's to STEAL from others...to pay for those (including Illegal Invaders) who already STEAL from American taxpayers. That's called DOUBLE-THEFT.
He's quick to be judgmental and narrow minded. When he speaks, he sounds as intolerant and cruel as his stereotype he believes resembles the average Muslim in the world.
He talks the Christian line, but he does not walk the walk.
He's had far more patience and "tolerance" than me.
The Leftist provocateurs, commies, and chronic liars have had plenty of opportunity to exchange ideas with honesty and courtesy. But they don't and won't. NOT seeing that, are you?
Btw, you are judging Stone and his Christian faith, Mike. Really. Nice touch with the Muslim "stereotype" crack.
This world is full of religious intolerance, and the Christian contingent certainly has it's share of cultural jihadists.
You've just accomplished "scary crazy" in a nanosecond.
What crap you people engage in.
Look at 'the Order,' a group of behind the scenes fundies that work to pass laws throwing people in prison or kill them if they are not Norman Rockwell portrait grade heterosexuals. Or the Ted Haggard sort of talk trash about gays and then get meth up the rear with the help of his male masseuse.
And that indicts Christians OR "Fundies," Michael? Or is it a two-fer for you? Geez, you're inner-whacko is in 6th gear.
When they are wrong they need to be called on their B.S no matter who they are organizationally.
I'm calling you out, pal. And I don't GAS if you're an "independently organized" lone wolf...(or lone weasel in your case.)
Romans 13:5-7 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Stone the good 'Christian' deleted my truthful post about his Ziofundism and lack of following Jesus's teachings as shown by his behaviors. It's not like it's not here for everyone to see.
Notice MiningGilbey's OCD with Christian posters, "ziofundism" (that a new one you loon?) and taking ANYONE to task while invoking the name of Jesus Christ?
Your sense of ethics stand on the watery residue a pile of fresh leftist-laid diarrhea.
YOU?? MININGGOLD of ALL people... calling ANYONE out on ethics....Bwaaahaaa!!!
If it's possible to rate the three lowest-rated unethical garbage here, YOU are on the very bottom warranting ZERO respect. far below even the reptilian War and dopey Abu.
YOU - as a Marxist - can subvert the context of the Bible to suit your weaselly needs ALL you want.
Do NOT dictate "honor", "respect," and "conscience" to ME or anyone else here. Your past and present moral standing and Leftist situational ethics gives you minimal credibility.
These types always need to have someone to beat up on. Always
Can't you find a forum that will welcome your Leftist drivel, "ziofundie" paranoia and hate, and Joo-sniping? What's that? 4um won't take your garbage either?
#64. To: All, mininggold, Ferret Mike, war, Brian S, Skip Inrto, Suzanne, Abu el Banat (#0)
"One of them, James Madison, reaches pitifully for the ground, trying to collect the shards of American greatness. Unfortunately, he cant retrieve our founding document from the dust, for its beneath the foot of Barack Obama".
******************************************
"Eighteen Pages": Jimmy Joe Lee
In the eighteenth century
That is when she came to be
Our Founder's cast their fate upon her
Then pledged their sacred honor
To create a country based on liberty
refrain
First they fought a revolution
Then wrote a Constitution
With the light of freedom burning bright within
There on only Eighteen Pages lies the wisdom of the ages
Treat it gently and defend it to the end
Some will point to slavery
Askin' how that's liberty
I'd say we fought a war to end it
And we're workin' hard to mend it
On the road to being what we're meant to be
Refrain:
Take a look at history
Freedom has no guarantee
Like they say if you don't use it
You're surely bound to lose it
Someone else will tell you how it's gonna be
Refrain
Now it's up to you and me
Will we give in ...or struggle free
Tell em' take their new world order
Leave it at the boarder
We don't want their statist mediocrity
Refrain
"I really wanna care. I wanna feel somethin'. Let me dig a little deeper:. No, My give-a-damn's busted"~ Messina Jo Dee
ALL OF THEM - cringe, hurl, or melt like the Wicked Witch of the West. Good! Then I did what I set out to do....
I'm on the verge of being banned (yeah, I'm a real danger to this site), but I will say, this: I'm NOT crigning at the verses.
Instead, I'm righteous angry at insurance companies who only want to insure healthy people and the hell with anyone else--and to the politicians who support this unsustainable system. I am righteous angry at companies (like Massey and BP) who cut corners on safety and cost people's lives, but who donate heavily to candidates who want regulations lowered or eliminated. I'm righteous angry at my country being controlled by corporate interests that still think "greed is good."
I'm on the verge of being banned (yeah, I'm a real danger to this site), but I will say, this: I'm NOT crigning at the verses.
Instead, I'm righteous angry at insurance companies who only want to insure healthy people and the hell with anyone else--and to the politicians who support this unsustainable system. I am righteous angry at companies (like Massey and BP) who cut corners on safety and cost people's lives, but who donate heavily to candidates who want regulations lowered or eliminated. I'm righteous angry at my country being controlled by corporate interests that still think "greed is good."
Well, good for you, we do have quite a bit in common, just not how we should go about getting it.
I just hope you understand someday Suzanne, that anything of yourself you give to the feds to control, you'll never get it back, you may not suffer, but your future generations will, and I'll just bet they'll not thank you for the chains they'll be wearin...
My ancestors didn't have gubmint handouts, free housing, special interest groups, food stamps...ect, they were dirt poor, and they survived without the feds messin in every aspect of their lives, from cradle to grave....and so can I, and I am possitive I am not alone.
"I really wanna care. I wanna feel somethin'. Let me dig a little deeper:. No, My give-a-damn's busted"~ Messina Jo Dee
YOU - as a Marxist - can subvert the context of the Bible to suit your weaselly needs ALL you want.
Isn't that exactly what you're doing?
Do NOT dictate "honor", "respect," and "conscience" to ME or anyone else here.
I quoted the Bible to you. Why does that get your panties all in a twist?
Next, the writer seems to think that the obligation Scripture imposes upon us to help each other is purely voluntary. Well, according to Ezekiel, the failure of Sodom to hear the cry of the needy was hardly treated by God as a thing to be taken as purely voluntary. Likewise, the Parable of the Barns shows God taking very seriously the farmers failure to see that his blessings were given to be a blessing to others. We have already noted the Great Judgment of Matthew 25, again, God seemed pretty judgmental to those unwilling to care for those on the margins. The writer's thesis about voluntarism simply will not pass biblical muster.
You are such a lying, deliberately obfuscating asshole. I am really sick of assholes on the left deliberately misrepresenting Christ and communism.
He misrepresents everything. His name tells you what he wants, on this forum.
war is a complete piece of shit. I wouldn't piss on his face, if he were on fire.
He'll get what's coming to him, sooner or later. As my mother-in-law says, "God watches."
Mad dog gets "calibrated..."
The current members of the "You're a worthless sack of shit" list includes WAR, calcon, e_type_jack-off, mad-dog (more like rabidly stupid), ibluafartsky and the fascism-shill no gnu taxes (aka 400 bucks, happyfunball, 50yardline, etc, etc.) If you're on the list, don't bother writing, 'cause you're a waste of flesh.
#74. To: Murron, war, Fred Mertz, liberator, Skip Intro, Ferret Mike, lucysmom, Abu el Banat, A K A Stone (#69)
I just hope you understand someday Suzanne, that anything of yourself you give to the feds to control, you'll never get it back, you may not suffer, but your future generations will, and I'll just bet they'll not thank you for the chains they'll be wearin...
My ancestors didn't have gubmint handouts, free housing, special interest groups, food stamps...ect, they were dirt poor, and they survived without the feds messin in every aspect of their lives, from cradle to grave....and so can I, and I am possitive I am not alone.
As I said, at any moment I will be banned; I have been told. If that happens, best wishes.
So, with my departure imminent, here goes: I went to college because of the GI Bill; that was a deal I struck with the feds and they didn't take it back and, goodness knows, they don't control my thoughts. Instead, it was a win-win. I now earn more money and pay more taxes than I would of if stuck in pink-collar hell. Oh, and, yeah, two years I even qualified for a Pell Grant (another government program; and I have repaid the amount of the Pell Grant over and over through taxes, and to this day, I remain grateful to that programand I like the changes that Obama has brought to that program [cutting out the middle man who simply tacked on fees]).
As for debt, generally I'm opposed to it. I want young people--starting from elementary school--to be taught how to make good choices with money and the evils of credit cards. (I want Ben Stein to teach this kind of class.) That being said, there are times when people have to go into debt. If the only thing standing between you and a job interview is an interview outfit, then I'd say "buy the damn suit" preferably from a consignment store (and, just in case Stone is monitoring, that's one of the very few times [if any] that I've used profanity on his site).
I don't like government debt much, either. I didn't like it that GWB waged two unfunded wars (debt to be repaid in the future). Combine that with simultaneous tax cuts and it's like an individual running up a huge credit card tab while donating lots to charity--or to a mistress. It doesn't add up.
I didn't like it when the financial industry was deregulated (and both Democrats and Republicans are on the hook for that one--although the Republicans were really pushing it along). We were already in trouble and the housing bubble put us at the very brink. I still don't see Republicans and even Tea Partiers talking about how deregulation catapulted us toward disaster. Even Ben Stein has said that for decades now, Wall Street investors have behaved like wild, out of control fraternity boys drunk on money and power. Yet, I see many Tea Party candidates saying that we should end Social Security--just so we can trust those Wall Street frat boys with our precious retirement dollars.
The fact that we haven't fallen into a full-blown depression amazes me (although we're still fragile). And, if the Tea Party is so upset about fiscal irresponsibility, where was it when George W. went on a drunken sailor's spending spree? Where?
Am I content with everything that Obama has done? Certainly not, but I will say I think he's trying to keep us out of a depression. Are we going to be in debt a long time, YES. George W. started us on that path and we are going to be on it for a while, just like a person who has run up a credit card bill to insane amounts is going to face a long repayment period. Has Obama made it all better? Certainly not, but it's been such a short time. I am more than willing to consider other options if I heard actual IDEAS--not platitudes like "Do You Love Your Freedom." I want ideas...boring, dull, but meticulously thought-out ideas on these major issues. What is the Republican plan to bring back jobs, deal with what had been an unsustainable health care system, and end the war in Afghanistan? What is the Tea Party approach to these same topics? I want specifics!
Oh, and since I'm on the verge of banning, let me just say (because I know it will really make some people angry), my father belonged to a union. Because he belonged to a union, we got to live a few blocks away from a ghetto. I got a decent public school education and the ghetto kids got crap. And, for a final nail in my coffin, I never had an abortion because I got information and actual birth control (the pill) from PLANNED PARENTHOOD.
Can't you find a forum that will welcome your Leftist drivel, "ziofundie" paranoia and hate, and Joo-sniping? What's that? 4um won't take your garbage either?
Advice: DON'T bring your trash over to LP.
Why, has it become a CHRINO for Borderlines site too? LOLOL
I now earn more money and pay more taxes than I would of if stuck in pink-collar hell.
The owner of the shop where I take my car went through a program at the community college paid for with government money during the Carter administration. He not only pays taxes but employs 4 or 5 men who also pay taxes.
You can delete this 100,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 times,
It's not going to change the fact that you have NONE.
For all you posturing...for all your proclamations...for all your infantile arguments...the fact that you delete posts..delete threads..."ban" posters...it will never change the fact that you have an absolute zero sense of freedom.
My father and mother were divorced in 1978. No one would hire my mom. She went back to school thanks to CETA and at age 60 went back to work for 15 years.
We figured it out and she paid back what CETA spent on her....15x.
I am more than willing to consider other options if I heard actual IDEAS--not platitudes like "Do You Love Your Freedom." I want ideas...boring, dull, but meticulously thought-out ideas on these major issues. What is the Republican plan to bring back jobs, deal with what had been an unsustainable health care system, and end the war in Afghanistan? What is the Tea Party approach to these same topics? I want specifics!
The only way you will ever get answers to what it is you want is to first learn about the nation you live in, it's history, the men who fought, and died, for this nation, and why would they do such a thing...what was it they longed for so desperately that they'd give up every possession they had, their homes, their fortunes, and even their lives?
52 men signed the Declaration of Independence, the best way to understand what it is we fight for today, aquaint yourself with them. They knew, better than most, what was, and would be, in the minds of men like G.W.B and obama, and they did their best to warn us of these men, and women too.
These men were willing to, and all of them did, risked everything they had to help build a nation where men and women were free from the evil tyrany of kings and lords. Have you take a good look lately at what's wallowing at the trough of this government, do you think there is one royal pig among them that knows about or actually gives a rats ass about your homelife and desperate situations? I mean...puleeeze....
Today, if we were to come under some major attack that threatened to wipe out intire cities, there wouldn't be a one of those lazy, fat-cat cowards left in this country, because they are so fking wealthy they can call ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD their home....that means, they have no real loyaties here.
I believe that the only way we stand a chance to turn things around and put it right, is if we find people who put this nation and her people first, not who can accumulate the most un-godly amount of money, rip this nation apart, then run like hell with their booty.
Take a look at the men who actually did build this nation, then look what's at the helm today. Men like G.W. Bush and Obama, they'd be hangin from a yardarm if they talk the smack they do today, to these men....tar, feathers, the whole nine yards.
This nation isn't perfect, never was, never will be, and if you think loud mouthed community racketeers and their mafia extortionist can give this nation everything it wants...just remember this....
"A government big enough to give you what you want, is also big enough to take it all away"
sorry for the rant! This thing is an octopus, it's too big for one person to try and explain, and I'm not very good at it...but I do care.
"I really wanna care. I wanna feel somethin'. Let me dig a little deeper:. No, My give-a-damn's busted"~ Messina Jo Dee
Why don't you go back to that one thread. And answer the question. Then I will finish answering yours. You will get an answer.
I have answered your question on the other thread just today. Look at #233...
Stone, I think I know where you are on the abortion issue. Why I questioned it was because Murron thought that you and she were on the same page and that abortion in cases of rape or incest were understandable "exemptions" to the anti-abortion stance. But, as she noted, Stone should speak for himself. And I asked you to do just that. You didn't. You went into a fencing match with me instead, deciding that you had to set parameters before you would answer. It was all about setting me up for a fall, and I don't play those games. I simply wanted a non-dramatic discussion and since Murron thought that the two of you were on the same page, I wanted to see confirmation, because I doubted it.
From what I remember from previous, unrelated posts, Stone, you believe that abortion, in any instance, is wrong--even in cases of rape or incest. I know there's a philosophical battle here--whose rights should be supreme...the rape/incest victim's or the cells that will quickly form into a human life. It's a fencing match. I believe you would base yours on "absolutes" (a sperm has hit egg) and I would base mine on "conditions" (has the egg implanted into the uterus [which is the standard definition of pregnancy since many fertilized eggs pass out of a woman's system]...how far along is the development, etc.).
Abortion is a tough subject and, if we're insightful enough it makes us look at our own underpinnings and compassion. How many of us have really had honest "sex" talks with our kids? Do we know what they're doing and thinking about? Do we listen or do we just offer up "lectures"? How many of us have adopted kids from pregnant teenagers? How many of us have adopted kids from pregnant teenagers who were raped by a family member? How many of us have adopted kids from girls who thought so little of themselves that they became addicted to substances--and so did their babies? These, too, are tough questions. Where are the answers?
Stone, I'm so grateful to the people who taught me about personal responsibility and self-esteem (thinking well enough of myself that I didn't fall for some horny guy's line) and for access to birth control when I made the decision to become sexually active. I do make a contribution in that arena--as best I can.
So, here we are, Stone. I haven't exactly answered your question and you haven't exactly answered mine. You can ban will or whatever; it's your choice, it's your site. I think I have a "reasonable" point of view to be considered, but perhaps you do not. It's your choice.
In total, I respect your right as the owner of this site, and I honor my own right to free speech. As a parting note, I will say that I have been reasonably respectful (I am a Southern lass) along the way.
I'm sorry, Murron, since I mentioned you I meant to include you in the posting list. It wasn't a slight (since, geez, I didn't post anymore else, either), but simply the ferocity of typing. Please forgive me.
I'm sorry, Murron, since I mentioned you I meant to include you in the posting list. It wasn't a slight (since, geez, I didn't post anymore else, either), but simply the ferocity of typing. Please forgive me.
Think nothin of it...I didn't think that at all, but you owe me a drink...&;-)
"I really wanna care. I wanna feel somethin'. Let me dig a little deeper:. No, My give-a-damn's busted"~ Messina Jo Dee
I don't want to...but it may be forced upon me. And, golly, I so would like to share reviews with you about "Secretariat" the movie. I still think that anyone who is going through a bad day--or bad stretch--should watch Secretariat in the Belmont. It has to make you think that "all things are possible."
I still think that anyone who is going through a bad day--or bad stretch--should watch Secretariat in the Belmont
I can't get to the races like I used to, but we have OTB here...but my everyday joy is to go outside and watch the 5 horses, two (awesome) mules, and a colt (stallion), from my front porch....a little piece of heaven.
"I really wanna care. I wanna feel somethin'. Let me dig a little deeper:. No, My give-a-damn's busted"~ Messina Jo Dee
I still think that anyone who is going through a bad day--or bad stretch--should watch Secretariat in the Belmont. It has to make you think that "all things are possible."
Secretariat had a big heart, literally. So did Native Diver.
Brian this is for stone, going to use this posting scar to address him. Ping him of you would please, thank you.
I just read a letter from Neil at 4UM. I asked if you, Stone could of killed the posting screen and caused that disgusting pop-up, he said no, so I have to give you the benefit of doubt on this point. He noted spyware could cause this, and though I'm careful; that certainly might be the case.
Suffice it to say though, the deletions and bullying; your total lake of empathy and consideration for anyone not of your political stripe breeds this distrust and dislike.
I am done with you here. I of course will hound and eviscerate you at 4UM, but you asked for it, pal.
There is no chance for any thing less then this as things stand with your total lack of consideration and bully tactics. I hope you eventually grow up. Good luck and health to you and yours anyway. I just give as good as I get, I am sorry you went too far this time. But that is how it goes.
Brian this is for stone, going to use this posting scar to address him. Ping him of you would please, thank you.
I just read a letter from Neil at 4UM. I asked if you, Stone could of killed the posting screen and caused that disgusting pop-up, he said no, so I have to give you the benefit of doubt on this point. He noted spyware could cause this, and though I'm careful; that certainly might be the case.
Suffice it to say though, the deletions and bullying; your total lake of empathy and consideration for anyone not of your political stripe breeds this distrust and dislike.
I am done with you here. I of course will hound and eviscerate you at 4UM, but you asked for it, pal.
There is no chance for any thing less then this as things stand with your total lack of consideration and bully tactics. I hope you eventually grow up. Good luck and health to you and yours anyway. I just give as good as I get, I am sorry you went too far this time. But that is how it goes.
A request was made to ping you, stone, to this message.
Never swear "allegiance" to anything other than the 'right to change your mind'!
(I believe the number 5 is good luck in Japanese culture, right, Meguro?)
More so in Chinese culture than Japanese, really. The luckiness is associated with the five elements (water, wood, fire, earth and metal) in Chinese philosophy, and in turn was historically associated with the Emperor of China. For example, the Tiananmen gate, being the main thoroughfare to the Forbidden City, has five arches.
But a lot of what exists in Japanese culture today originated in China, so I'm sure some of the older, more traditional Japanese may consider 5 a lucky number too. For example, the five elements appear in the Japanese days of the week from Tuesday - Saturday. Tue (fire day/79;32;85;), Wed (water day/00;32;85;), Thu (wood day/08;32;85;), Fri (metal day/u29;32;85;), Sat (earth day/ß03;32;85;)
But a lot of what exists in Japanese culture today originated in China, so I'm sure some of the older, more traditional Japanese may consider 5 a lucky number too.
More than anything, it was good to hear from you.
I do thank you for the information. I went to college with someone who was of Japanese lineage. We and some mutual friends would get together (pool our starving college student dollars) and make a traditional Japanese meal--about once a year (geez, we were poor). I remember something about how there must be five ingredients in the nori rolled sushi. (I really like nori.)
His family had been here for a long time before WWII, yet his grandmother spent time incarcerated in a horse stall at a California racetrack before they took her off to an internment camp. It took him a long time before he felt comfortable talking to our small circle of friends about this saga. I was shocked. Somehow, that bit of history got left out of our history books.
Anyway, I hope you're fine and I'm so sorry about DADT. I hope for the future.
His family had been here for a long time before WWII, yet his grandmother spent time incarcerated in a horse stall at a California racetrack before they took her off to an internment camp.
I saw something about that on one of the horse racing channels in the past year. I don't remember which race track they were highlighting. I found this:
The WCCA [Wartime Civil Control Agency] Assembly Centers were temporary facilities that were first set up in horse racing tracks, fairgrounds and other large public meeting places to assemble and organize internees before they were transported to WRA Relocation Centers by truck, bus or train.
Anyway, I hope you're fine and I'm so sorry about DADT. I hope for the future.
Doing fine, thanks. Don't worry about DADT. We will prevail in the end. At any rate, I have no intention of ever joining the military, so it doesn't matter too much to me. :-)
Well, [war's] got to do something for attention, his multiple personalities aren't speaking to him any more, and his imaginary friends keep finding excuses not to come over. (Murron)
Doing fine, thanks. Don't worry about DADT. We will prevail in the end. At any rate, I have no intention of ever joining the military, so it doesn't matter too much to me. :-)
I like your optimism; I strive for the same. Frankly, I am struggling at the moment. The death of Tyler Clementi has affected me--just as the murder of Matthew Shepard did. I won't go into great detail, but when I was younger and more vulnerable (and living in an alcoholic family), I reached a sort of pivotal point...a breaking point. But two people, peers, reached out to me and pulled me back.
Later I learned that they were both gay. So what? To me now, it's like saying they were both brunettes. What matters is their heart, their willingness to be a "mensch."
I hope and pray that, at some point, empathy and compassion will be the norm and not the exception.