What I believe in (and what I don't)

This is not an exhaustive set of topics, but it's a good overview... I believe: 1) In a woman's right to choose - although I'd defer to the individual states as prescribed by the second item 2) In states rights (and by association the rights of the individuals collectively within the states). I think the most incendiary issue of this type is gay marriage. I believe it belongs with the states. I'm personally quite ambivalent about it; I certainly have no problem with it, but I wouldn't take my time to vote in a referendum on the topic. However, I believe that the people have a right to vote in such a referendum. If the majority does not approve in one state, I'm sure that there are others (Vermont ?) where such a right might ultimately (currently) be in place. People who feel strongly about it can move there. I can't help but take a moment to rail against Massachusetts' and their political gyrations to keep this issue off a special election (referendum, whatever). If the people of MA are goverened in a truly representative fashion, the liberal views of the governing body (and by association those of the people), would clearly defeat any proposals that threaten gay rights. Point is, the people should be allowed a vote. 3) In competition. Gotta flame against the type of thinking that rewards kids "just for playing". It's not the real world, and it is definitely not how I grew up. There are winners and losers. Get used to it. 4) In school choice. Have to since I believe in competition. But I would in any case; it's fair and is right. 5) In limited government - the government that governs best, governs least. 6) In low taxes. 7) Tax credits/deductions for college educations 8) Partial privatization of Social Security What I do NOT believe in: 1) The redistribution/transfer of wealth by government. I grew up middle class. My parents were teachers. We didn't have a ton of money and certainly weren't wealthy. I went to school at Marshall University in Huntington, WV and got a degree in Computer Science. I went on to do fairly well. By any standard, my wife and I are comfortable. But, I pay enough in taxes. I know better about what to do with my money, my healthcare, my retirement, than any government does. I think there should be an additional line on the tax form that would allow wealthy liberal taxpayers to add additional monies to the govenment. If they feel we need more taxes, let 'em pay it - voluntarily. 2) The Bush administration. As a registered Republican with libertarian, fiscal conservative roots, I cannot stand by a president who has: trampled individual rights, and squandered an opportunity to institute (fiscal) change on an incredible scale by bogging us down in Iraq. I have no doubt that we would have passed Social Security reform legislation if we had not been fighting an incompetent and unpopular war in Iraq. That's just one example; there are probably countless others; we'll never know because we've (they) fucked things up so badly. 3) Socialized healthcare.

Confessions of a bibliophile...

OK, I admit it, I have a problem. An addiction if you will. I buy books. Lots and lots and lots of books. My house is overrun with them. My wife is openly hostile towards them. I find myself having to routinely purge some books (some of which I haven't even read) by donating them to our local library just to make room for new ones that arrive almost weekly. Hell, almost daily. Last time I walked into a Barnes and Noble, I walked out $217.00 lighter, but with two bags full of marvelous books. I can't help it. I have no other vices (nothing major or illegal in any case), but I grew up loving to read. It was something my entire family did. My parents were both teachers, and they instilled a love of books into my impressionable soul at a very early age. As I grew older, and my income grew, I was able to indulge my passion more readily. As few as 10 years ago I would go into a bookstore, and drop $100 or so dollars every month or so. I had the time, and would generally stay on top of my reading. Don't get me wrong, I always had another book to move to when I finished the current one, but I didn't have a hoard of books that I hadn't read. Then, about 1996, came the internet explosion, and with it the greatest thing that ever happened (my wife would argue this point) to me: Amazon.com. From the first time I logged in I knew I had found nirvana. When Amazon offered the prime shipping deal ($79/year gets free 2-day shipping), I jumped at it! I've got stuff (not just books anymore) coming from Amazon almost daily. Over the last 10 years I've probably expanded my book collection 10-fold. I'm guessing that I now have 3000 or so books, not to mention 200+ DVDs; almost all of them purchased from (the satanic) Amazon.com. In any case, as long as I can afford it, I don't see myself changing too much. I love books. Like God's rod and staff, they comfort me. The fact that I'll probably never get around to reading them all doesn't faze me; I just love being able to go to my basement, browse through my library, and pick out something new that is perfect for the mood I'm in that day. Another new adventure starts! Here's some of my collection viewable on LibraryThing.

Cable battle in Mass?

So, I've been watching these commercials from Massachusetts TV stations from "concerned citizens" about keeping "local control" of cable and how that is somehow as good for the citizens as apple pie and the Star Spangled Banner. So the (same) local control that we've always had is good? For whom? This is the system that provides a monopoly to a single company for some set of municipalities. When was the last time you had any choice for cable programming? The current system benefits the cable companies, and the municipalities, but not the customer. The cable company gets a captive market, an effective geographic monopoly. The municipality allows competitive bidding for which company will service the area, and chooses the winner based on who will provide the best franchise fees to the local cable board. The one party that does not "win" is the consumer. They're left a single choice, and before you start throwing out the satellite card, forget it. I've been there. Direct TV is the only company I know with customer service that's worse than the airlines. So, when you see ads that cry out for retaining "local control" of cable, understand that the sponsors of those ads are probably the cable companies themselves; it sure as hell ain't the customers that are being served... Hell I don't know - I may be wrong - feel free to correct me! Until next time...