http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com Rant::Rave::Write en Copyright 2008 Fri, 03 Oct 2008 08:27:00 -0700 Jim Bunning, Republican. Again, REPUBLICAN. Despite what their good book tells them, now the close-minded have another hero in the Senate. Perfectly willing to let politics take precedence over the needs of the people, Bunning has been able to do, what up until now, was the sole purview of Lieberma (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=191 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=191 Republican Senators, are you going to sit there and tell me that of the 243 nominations for posts that the President has put forward for confirmation only three have met your approval? According to the Congressional Resume (easy to find on senate.gov), in the month of January, the White House ha (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=190 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=190 In Portland, Oregon, the environment is king. We bike and recycle. We shop local and organic. It is an issue here in Ecotopia more so than in a lot of places. What is without debate, regardless of my hometown's slant, that our world is suffering from the effects from the waste created by burning (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=189 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=189 At the start of the new year, we all make resolutions, Here are some for you to make, and you can decide whether or not you need to work on these: Pull up your damned pants. Turn on your blinker to indicate your intention to come into my lane, not to indicate that you have already (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=188 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=188 I haven't paid attention to the feud between Murdock and Obama over Fox News much (except here). But Media Matters, a media watchdog, has exposed Fox many, many times. Most recently Media Matters has put together a year's worth (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=187 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=187 Dammit! Sarah Palin is back in the news, hitting the conservative talk show circuit with zeal. She is staying off of NPR and other liberal programing, of course, spending time preaching to the choir and piloting her shipwreck away from anyone who would call her out. Her intentions are obvious: the r (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=186 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=186 Here's a message to the young hipster parents that are in the coffee shop this morning. You really don't know anything about parenting for three important reasons. First, you abdicate your parenting to a daycare for a large percentage of your child's life. If you work from 8:00 until 5:00, not con (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=185 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=185 This is one of the first short stories that I wrote. It isn't very good, so attempts to get it published have failed. I still think that it is kind of a clever story, even though most SF magazine publishers don't. So, have fun, and be sure to leave a review. "What di (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=184 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=184 I just read an article on the Newsweak site in which Jason Weisberg chastises Fox news for its obvious right-wing slant. It is a well-known fact that Fox does not present the news as it is, but in context of how it thinks the world should be. This i (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=183 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=183 The N1H1 swine flu recently ran through my house, affecting both children (one of which is asthmatic) and my wife. The affects were no worse than the normal flu, but the fear experienced by my wife and I was palpable. Consequently, we were thrust into the position of filtering through all the cra (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=182 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=182 Many have claimed -- especially after Republican Joe Wilson 'hollered' at the President Obama on the floor of the House of Representatives -- that there is an overwhelming air of racism in the objections that Tea Baggers and the GOP have to the president's ideas. Lest we forget, these are the sam (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=181 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=181 When SC Republican senator Joe Wilson called the president a liar in Obama's recent address to the joint houses of Congress, I was absolutely astonished: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112719344&sc=fb&cc=fp This blog has been highly critical of the GOP and their former leade (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=180 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=180 I love the ads for Bing, Microsoft's new search engine. I can't help but adding my own soundtrack to the ads, thinking: Tired of search engine overload? Use Bing.com and see the world exactly the way Microsoft wants you to see it. (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=179 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=179 Interior Secretary Ken Salazar recently held hearings in Anchorage, Alaska over whether or not the Obama Administration should allow oil leases in northern Alaskan seas. Among those who gave testimony was Sarah Palin, former vice presidential candidate, former Mayor of Wasilla, former beauty queen (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=171 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=171 I have wondered why it is that our culture is plagued with so much unhappiness. There are some who would argue against my premise: that we are generally a happy people. To them I would say, look at the symptoms of our unhappiness all around you. Take obesity, for instance. There are some for whom th (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=169 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=169 Perhaps Rush Limbaugh is, in fact, the leader of the Republican Party -- after all they have taken to heart the 'hope Obama fails' strategy that he announced last March. For instance, Jim DeMint, a Republican for South Carolina said of the Obama healthcare effort in a recent conference at which h (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=178 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=178 There were some outstanding stories this week. It was the 40th anniversary of the landing on the moon, an event that has captivated me all of my life. I was eight at the time, and I remember the events of that night like it happened just the other day. This event brought up a lot of discussion (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=177 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=177 Sarah Palin is in the news again -- getting' 'er done on the op-ed page of the Washington Post: proof positive that she is an idiot and the Washington Post is desperate. First of all, she has virtua (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=176 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=176 The Palin sentiment in the GOP has finally lost steam. The doctrine, which comes from Carl Rove, allows GOP candidates to use hate, fear and other non-productive emotions to attempt to destroy the competition. This philosophy was seen in the G.W. Bush first run for president, when Cheney became the (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=175 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=175 Let's talk about the South Carolina's governor Mark Sanford, shall we. This is the guy that wandered away from his office for three days without telling anyone where he was going, answering phone calls or checking in with his Lieutenant Governor. When asked, his poor wife told everyone that he had g (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=174 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=174 Mountain top mining is again in the news since Daryl Hanna and several other high-profile activists were arrested, including were NASA scientist James Hansen and former Rep. Ken Hechler, for blocking State Route 3 near a Massey Energy subsidiary’s coal processing plant in Raleigh County. Mounta (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=173 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=173 First of all, join with me in tell Dick Cheney to shut his yap. Really. The man is on a rampage of press junkets, speeches and televised interviews to tell us all how frightened we should be. It was the same message that he held up when he was veep and now that he has become the de facto voice of (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=172 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=172 I recently got into a fight with my kid sister. She is a Republican: Actually a Palin-voting, gun-shooting, snowmobile-riding, moose-eating hockey mom living in Alaska. Her world is so far from mine that the differences between her and my views is almost a cliche. Our fight went something like th (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=170 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=170 I love the Media Matters web site. They do a great job of pointing out the false and misleading claims that so-called news journalists make. Here's an example: "Hannity misquoted Obama to falsely accuse him of breaking promise. Summary: On his Fox News program, Sean Hannity misquote (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=168 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=168 After being the single voice of Think Good Thoughts for several years, I would like to open the door for others to add their opinions and ideas to the blog. If you would like to be a part of this, please contact me (the contact link above) and let me know your idea. Thanks, Playmaker (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=167 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=167 Rush Limbaugh is in the news again. This self-proclaimed 'last man standing' in the Republican party, talk radio personality and former drug addict has caught the attention of the press yet again, proving once again my conviction that the Republican Party is the party of anger. Why shouldn't they (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=166 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=166 There are lots of other sources for Obama's February 24th speech to the joint houses of Congress. But I have included a link here for your listening pleasure. What we have is a president who is calling us to action -- calling the Congress to action. We (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=165 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=165 I guess that it is odd to be making a comment about a commentary. There should be very little doubt to anyone except the most ignorant, that with the rare exception news outlets are focusing on infotainment, not journalism. New outlets should let us bloggers skulk around in the shadows of commentar (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=164 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=164 I have been amazed before. I have seen the sun move along the horizon and never set. I have picked blueberries on the lap of the highest mountain in our land. I have flown across ground that never thaws and looked with gratitude into the eyes of the animal that sustained my body. I have helped a (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=163 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=163 Response to Daniel Shore's comment on the NPR website. Is Mr. Obama really the "deus ex machina" that will save our country? Can we simply rely on a man to rescue us from this train wreck? I think that it is important (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=160 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=160 What's left for Sarah Palin now that the campaign is over? Some say that she is the new voice of the Republican Party. Some say that the decision to make her McCain's running mate cost him the election and that she has no future on the national stage. But whether or she can make a run for the presid (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=154 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=154 How we got to this terrible state is a complicated story. So complicated, in fact, that Ben Bernanke, the Bush appointed chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank, begged off buying up the so called toxic assets saying that doing so would be far too complicated. This terrible crisis was created by a (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=155 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=155 YES WE CAN November 4th, 2008: The day we took our country back Hope poster created by Shepard Fairey and may be available at the (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=153 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=153 Within the next week, the decision will be made about who will lead our nation. This is arguably the most powerful political position in the world. I am not so naïve as to call it the president of the free world, as some have, but I do know that, even with Bush squandering our clout overseas, we a (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=152 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=152 There are so many sound bites with this election, especially now that the pitbull in lipstick, Palin, is pulling the same smear tactics that Cheney pulled, taken right out of Carl Rove's book. Well here are some sound bites that I wish I had heard Obama say. "Look: for the lion's share (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=151 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=151 There was a woman who adopted a child out of the foster care system. It is difficult to be the parent of an at-risk child, and the woman was faced with numerous challenges. She often wondered if other adoptive parents were experiencing the same trials as she. One day, this woman saw a 60 Minutes (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=150 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=150 For the better part if eight years the Republican Party has had control of both the Whitehouse and Congress. With a wave of neo-conservative justices being installed, one could even argue that the GOP has enjoyed the lion's share of control over all three branches of government during the last eight (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=149 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=149 The news outlets are squirming about Sarah Palin, McCain's presumptive running mate. Not only is her pregnant 17-year-old daughter a product of abstinence-only education, but ethics probes against her and other Alaskan politicians are moving forward. Her selection as GOP veep candidate has not stop (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=148 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=148 First, let me just say that I am not pro-abortion. I used to be, and then when I had my children, my opinion changed. I hate the thought of it, and advocate against abortion. But I am also a Democrat. In his recent letter to Democrats (http://foxforum.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/09/01/frj_0901) Fathe (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=147 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=147 The veep choice that McCain made on Friday was a doozie. The man is mad. Insane. First of all, we all like to think of Alaska as just another state in the union, but in reality it isn't. It is huge with a dinky population. The state's entire economy is based on raping the land... timber, coal, f (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=145 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=145 Note: I came across this press release that has been subsequently taken down from the Alaska State Governor's website. I am placing it here to preserve its existence. Palin Pleased with Obama's Energy Plan Includes Alaska's Natural Gas Reserves No. 08-135 August 4, 2008, Fairbanks, Alask (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=146 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=146 Check out the Times article (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/29/us/29florida.html). This is making a little bit of news, the bit that Canady is named to the Fla. supreme court. For those you who were bubbling a bong during the Clinton impeachment boondoggle, this Neanderthal was one of the playe (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=144 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=144 My last post was over a month ago. Why? Camping. My wife and I love to spend time in the out-of-doors, and much of our summer is dedicated to that activity. So, as we approach the winter months expect more, but for now, things will be sparse. I do have a "good thought" or two. First, (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=143 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=143 If you are a reader of this blog, you know that postings of the sort that chastise the media for being either idiotic or untruthful are not uncommon. The reason, mostly, is that I am smarter than most of the press. See my posting abou (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=142 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=142 As has been in the new recently, the Supreme Court decided that Guantanamo detainees have the right to habeas corpus, a right guarantied by the Constitution. This decision has had many reactions from liberal and conservatives alike. The reaction that has struck me the most is the argument, first (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=141 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=141 The laws and Constitution are designed to survive, and remain in force, in extraordinary times. Liberty and security can be reconciled; and in our system they are reconciled within the framework of the law. --Justice Anthony Kennedy The Supreme Court finally said what we h (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=140 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=140 Scott McClellan's new book is sure raising some hairs around the White House. Understandably so, as he points fingers at everyone: Bush, Rove, Libby and even himself. What should not be surprising is the way the press is reacting. In all honesty, it cannot be said that they are reacting. Most ou (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=139 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=139 I read an opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal, online today regarding Obama and the Values Question. The author, Douglas E. Schoen, asserted that Obama needs to present the electorate with a clear p (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=138 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=138 David Brown was the biggest kid in school. He was in fourth grade and I was in third. The year was 1968 and the whole world was at war, or so it seemed. It was the year of the Tet Offensive, the Chicago Democratic Convention, and the year that Nixon was nominated. (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=135 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=135 George Stephanopolous needs to shut the hell up. ABC is reporting that he said that top aids in the Clinton camp are telling Hillary to hook up with Obama and run together in November. Let us remember back in 1993. George fell out of love with the Clintons when they fired him as Press Secretary. As (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=137 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=137 It should be no secret to the reader that my relationship with my father is somewhat strained. It should also be no surprise that I am an aspiring, as yet unpublished, writer. It may surprise the reader, however, to learn that my father is a book publisher. So why has my father never published o (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=136 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=136 I get nasty comments all the time. Most go like this: "You are such a fucking hypocrite. How can you name your blog 'Think Good Thoughts' and then talk so nasty?" The people who ask this have no sense of irony. I gave the blog this name because people often say exactly the opposite of what they (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=134 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=134 I had a conversation with my dad last night. It was actually a continuation of a conversation that we started more than 30 years ago. My point was that, Mormon or not, he was still my dad and should act like it. His point was that I was born and raised Mormon and I should start acting like it. (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=133 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=133 Ok… now this really is funny. Really funny. There is no doubt that I am a Democrat. I have been a registered member of the party since I was 18: almost 40 years. If you are a reader, you already know that. However, I get a voice mail message today from the “ (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=129 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=129 Obama is taking a lot of heat for his connections to Rev. Wright. It is a connection to a religious leader, or to a religion, that has dogged many presidential candidates since Kennedy had to fight off attacks for being Catholic. I have participated in this discussion myself, wondering how the Mit (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=132 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=132 The New York Times is reporting that Gov. Richardson of New Mexico has endorse Barack Obama. I have been saying for a long time that this would be the ultimate team to beat McCain in November. (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=131 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=131 The principal of our children’s elementary school puts together a weekly newsletter and sends it home with the kids every Friday without fail. Most principals don’t take the time to communicate with families, and I really appreciate it. The “Friday Flier,” as it is known, is usually only (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=130 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=130 Depending on what news outlet you are reading (or listening to), it appears that there are mixed feelings and messages about whether or not Florida should be allowed to have a revote. As has been reported, the DNC has offered to pay for a mail-in ballot for registered Democrats. However, Republic (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=128 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=128 I am tired of being afraid. I have said this many times to my friends and my wife. Perhaps it is time that I describe what I mean. Ever since Bush took office and 9/11 happened, the country has been sent into a tailspin of fear. Fear of the terrorists. Fear of germs. Fear of sexual predators. Fe (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=126 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=126 I received a link to an Amazon.com page the other day. The person who sent it said that the product mentioned on the page had to be a joke, perhaps akin to the (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=125 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=125 This picture was found on the Reuters news service in the (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=124 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=124 The guys over at redblueamerica.com asked me to write a review of their site, sort of a due payment for getting a reciprocal link. Sure, I thought, why not spend a few minutes going over their site and using a small amount of bandwidth to get their message out (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=123 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=123 I got an email from my kid's principal today that just really got to me. I have included it below, but have changed the names: To: Playmaker From: Principal Subject: Table Talk Dear Playmaker, Hope all is well as I didn't see you at the PTA meeti (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=122 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=122 Here's my pitch. Again. Gov. Richardson is the only candidate who has experience with foreign affairs. As former UN Ambassador, he is the only – repeat – only candidate in the field, both Republican and Democrat with any foreign policy experience. It should be embarrassing to the mainstream (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=121 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=121 Governor Bill Richardson's Prepared Remarks for Thursday, January 10, 2008 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Thank you all for coming today. I want to begin today by speaking directly to those who have supported my campaign for president from the very beginning, those who joined us along the way, those (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=120 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=120 In this election, which has been the longest on record, there are a few standouts that we on the extreme ends of the left and the right see as our heroes. On the left, is Kucinich and on the right, Ron Paul. Then, as more moderate voices chime in, favors move along the spectrum to the front-runn (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=119 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=119 In a vain attempt to ease up a little, I was going to try to stay out of the presidential race until at least summer time. However, I think that it is time to speak up a little and say something that I have been thinking for a long time. First, I really think we democrats should keep Hillary from (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=118 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=118 I admire Paul McCartney. At least at one point in my life I did. On many occasions, I found my beliefs and life goals in parallel with his. And during the time before his wife, Linda, died, I found myself checking in with Paul to see how I was doing. When I considered my vegetarianism, it was nic (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=117 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=117 "Eat an organic pear." That's what she said over and over again. Sometimes she said it with an expletive in the middle. And then she would take a slurpy, sucking bite, and say it again. I watched her for several minutes, my mouth agape. Her message was lost in the sheer craziness of they way it was (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=116 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=116 Mitt Romney is a Mormon. In this country, you are free to practice any religion and worship any way you wish. One of Mormonism's foundational beliefs is that Joseph Smith found some ancient artifacts buried in a stone box, on a hillside near his New York home. He said that an angel appeared and (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=115 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=115 One of the most common arguments against the practice of vegetarianism comes from the Bible. Those who argue the virtues of eating flesh often recite Genesis 1:26 where, at the creation of the Earth, God is to have said: 26: Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let t (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=113 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=113 She was only two, for Christ's sake. And her mom died too. Have you no decency? How is it that it is ok with you to use the death of this woman and her child as an instrument to further your religious agenda? How can this be showing any kind of respect for their memory by telling me that unless I fo (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=114 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=114 Three saints? Hardly. Great men of the ancient past? Biblical heroes? No. David, Timothy and Michael were friends of mine from my past whose only similarity with biblical figures is their names. And that they are all dead. David did, come to think of it, face a Goliath on his own personal (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=111 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=111 Inside the Walter Reed Medical Center complex is the Mologne House. With 180 rooms or suites, some as large as 700 square feet, it caters to the families of our war wounded. The building is quite beautiful and well appointed, and even the smallest rooms are clean and well kept. Loved ones can slip i (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=109 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=109 When I became a stay-at-home dad, a couple of issues came up that my wife and I had never considered. Although some admired our "pluck," many wondered whether or not it was the best choice for our children. Staying at Home is Still A Woman's World Being a stay-at-home dad does not mean that yo (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=108 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=108 "Friend or Foe," he cried. "I stand as a Friend," I shouted. "Open the gate." "What is the password?" "Snigglebottomwatchacallit," I said. "Enter, Sire." I crawled under the card table. It was covered with one of my mother's old quilts, a tie-died sheet and a bath towel. In the darkness, my s (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=107 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=107 I have started many conversations with this phrase and have met many expatriate Mormons who have, like me, decided for a variety of reasons to leave the church. When in college, I spent a great deal of time talking about Mormonism to parishioners of other churches. At some point in those conversati (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=105 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=105 Keith Oberman gets a little too full of himself at times, but this video really had me a' hootin. (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=104 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=104 More and more of these Democrats are getting into the field; it suddenly occurred to me that there are quite a few good candidates. First, let's not pretend that Dennis Kucinich or Tom Vilsack has a chance of being elected President. Not because they are bad people or would make bad Presidents -- (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=101 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=101 I have a good friend who is a minister in a local Christian church. Fantastic guy. His flock, however is a bunch of Bush-loving, flag-waving, SUV-driving, magnetic ribbon-sporting, really right-wing Christians. For instance, he took me to his church to watch the Super Bowl -- yeah, a whole other s (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=38 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=38 This is one of the funniest videos that I have seen for a long time. (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=96 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=96 This is a letter that was sent to me from a friend. What is so remarkable about this story is that this boy will never be mentioned by the news. In other words, we count only the fallen, not the wounded. And even though this fellow's life has been needlessly taken, as long as he is still breathing, (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=106 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=106 Now the situation between Bush and Rummy is starting to be exposed. Be a good little boy and you will get to stay in power, but cross the bastard and you will get the boot. This is exactly what I believe happened. Two days before Rummy resigned, he wrote this memo to the Pres. about what should be d (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=99 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=99 While nursing on the glass teat last night it occurred to me how weird are some of the glittering phrases marketeers use... so I thought of one of my own: [cue music] Film of sporty car going fast along the back roads of Generica. [cue commentator] "Somewhere between where you were and where y (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=35 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=35 There was a great article in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer recapping the Valerie Plame scandal and identifying the players. I had been getting confused about the situation, and was grateful for the PI ar (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=53 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=53 First Rummy now Bolton! Life is freaking good! There really is not a better time to be a Democrat. I am talking of course of Bolton's recent resignation from his post as Ambassador to the U.N. Mr. Bolton has not represented this country in the style that we wanted. And now that our party is pu (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=100 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=100 So I have been reading in the news about Newt and his comments regarding freedom of speech. In case you can't remember who Newt Gingrich is -- he is the former Republican do-da who got drummed out of congress for ethics violations years and years ago. In fact, he is often credited with the start o (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=98 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=98 Is the democratic party off it's nut? Rangle (D-NY) wants to reinstate the draft! I thought that we were a party in favor of a smaller military with a defensive posture. This is really embarassing. It is no wonder we lost in 2000 (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=97 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=97 This buddy of mine sent me this e-mail. Part of the "No Child Left Behind" act requires schools that accept federal funds to submit names, social security numbers, and phone numbers of military-service-age students. This is in the fine print. The cynical me thinks "No Cannon Fodder (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=55 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=55 I am including some of Iceman's comments with this posting as a reference for anyone, besides spammers, who may be following the discussion. I have not corrected his spelling or grammar. Please do not speak for me. None of what you say is true about me. You lie, distort the trurth, whateve (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=95 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=95 In that recent discussion with 'Iceman' -- especially since I know him and we are related -- I thought it prudent to stop and examine what it is to Think Good Thoughts. Many people take a religious m (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=94 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=94 The news is being dominated with the immigration debate, Belarus and the economy. Don't ever forget that we are still engaged in an illegal war in Iraq. The sons and daughters of freedom are loyally executing a war and are dying every day. There is a growing sense in this country that hope is fa (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=93 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=93 March 22. District of Columbia Court of Appeals. Article One, Section 9 of the Constitution of The United States of America. The Article: ...The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=92 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=92 The Chicago Tribune is reporting that changes are due at Abu Ghraib. This is a great example of how the press lies without really lying. (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=91 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=91 The New York Times is reporting that among the worst violators of human rights -- you know countries like China and Cuba -- is Iraq. Let me say this again, Iraq. In case you have been out in Alaska's outback studying the affect of drilling in ANWR I'll brief you on the whole Iraq situation. (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=90 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=90 The LA Times is reporting that the GOP, the Greedy Ol' Party, is raising quite a stink over this Dubai ports deal. They have introduced a bill that will prohibit the deal. I (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=89 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=89 I appreciate all the furor over the Dubai ports deal. Now it seems that political pressure has forced the Treasury Department to take up an investigation. It is great that at least this part of the system is working and that all of us progressive bloggers are making an impact. However, if you (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=87 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=87 "It's unbelievably tone-deaf politically at this point in our history, four years after 9/11, to entertain the idea of turning port security over to a company based in the UAE, who avows to destroy Israel." That was what Senator Lindsey Graham said on "Fox News Sunday." He's a Republican from Sou (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=86 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=86 According to Reuters, the President has approved the $6.8 billion sale of British company P&O, which handles management of many of the mos (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=85 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=85 I just read today, while getting my free coffee from the bank, that the Rotary Club wants to raise money for a giant granite statue of a bear (something like half a million) to put in Jamison Park and is asking for contributions. Do you think the Rotary w (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=84 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=84 Can the NRA now take this man seriously. Guns don't shoot people, vice presidents do. Really, after the screw ups with the biggest weapon of them all, the US military, I just don't think that it is prudent to let another person in the White House hold so much as a Swiss Army Knife. This is (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=83 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=83 Does it not say in the Declaration of Independence "That to secure these rights [life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness], governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." By OUR consent. Not by the consent of Haliburton or big oil. We need to (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=82 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=82 I watched the State of the Union address last night.. among the incredible stuff that spilled out the that liars mouth was the one about the wiretaps. In April of 2004, a full two years after he ordered wiretapping American's telephone calls without a FISA court order, he stated: " Now, by the (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=81 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=81 I thought that I would send out something that is a little off track. When I was growing up, we always trimmed our Christmas tree on my birthday. It was a sunny day, just before Christmas. The snow, like diamonds in the Macy's window, sparked and sparkled. Cold to the core -- below 20 mayb (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=80 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=80 This story just isn't going away. Both Slate and The National Review are preparing their readers for the coming indictment of Karl Rove over the Valerie Plame scandal. And now it app (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=79 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=79 There has been a lot of talk in the press about Mrs. Clinton getting ready to tangle with a Republican opponent in '08. The GOP has recently asked Jeanine Pirro not to run against Mrs. Clinton, knowing that there is very little hope of beating the once First Lady. This action has made the press sta (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=78 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=78 Just when I thought that the corruption and dishonesty in our government could go no deeper, now comes all the stories of the US military paying the Iraqi press to spin their message. This is just so close to the same propagada crap that the Soviets and the Nazis pulled. I just can't be (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=77 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=77 Sorry about slacking on the opinion the last few days. Too stuffed from Thanksgiving to think, I guess. Back on track I was listening to commentary about the guest worker program that our failing President has suggested. Instead of coming clean about Iraq, illegal activities inside the Whitehou (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=75 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=75 The house narrowly passed the Con's budget. You've heard about this in the news. They are taking money -- AGAIN -- from the most vulnerable Americans. Cuts in food stamps, student loans, Medicare, and on and on. The Cons are claiming that these really aren't cuts. They are just decreasing th (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=74 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=74 Harold Meyerson's Op-Ed piece in the Washington Post points again to Alito's attitude and opinion. Not only is he yet another 'Meyersian' pawn in the ever-waning game of 'Capture America' that Bush is (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=73 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=73 Today, Bush was in my home town attempting to bust the Dems chops over their criticism that he misled them about the reasons for going to war in Iraq. This to follow up from Friday's (Veterans Day) speech where he rolled out t (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=72 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=72 Hundreds of tables Over 1000 trains Fantasy play area where all kids can be engineers A riding train for your kids These were just a few of the promises made in the Great Western and Atlantic Train Show, November 12 & 13 at the Cl (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=71 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=71 President Bush hands us yet another gem for the Supreme Court. Bloomberg is reporting that Alito is says that he never violated ethics when he judged cases dealing with companies with whom he had investm (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=69 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=69 This letter was sent to the Presidet yesterday by Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV), Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Sen. Chuck Schu (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=67 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=67 Talk about the political hot potato. The Cons in the House have seen the light, when they abandoned their attempt to push through the measure on the appropriations bill that would open the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve (ANWAR) to oil exploration. Having been born in Alaska I couldn't be happi (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=64 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=64 I was watching The News Hour with Jim Lehrer last night. Margaret Warner moderated a very confrontational interview with Sens. Christopher Bond, R-Mo. and Richard Durbin, D-Ill regarding whether or not the US should allow the CIA to be exempt from a prohibition on torture. This is all over the news (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=60 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=60 The deal is, Simon, when someone like you hear of person, even a relative, being killed in the war, you, and many like you, go into, "they died for their country," "a hero", " Keeping America safe" mode. Recently, I emailed someone to tell them I was attending the reading and vigil of the 2000 (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=59 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=59 So, I got transplanted, through no fault of my own, from a small town back to the city and got put into the only place I could afford to be; a new, low income high rise, Station Place Tower, smack dab in the middle of the Pearl District (the PURL as the trendy bastards like to say). Everyone here is (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=57 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=57 We don't allow toy guns in our house. We don't allow toy knives in our house. No army men. No swords, sword carriers, no clubs or weapons of any kind. We don't allow our children to be exposed to violent movies or books. We don't subscribe to a newspaper or magazine that might bring violent imagery (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=54 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=54 The other day I was thinking about a friend of mine. He is alone and single, living with his cats (see this), working a dead-end job and spending far too much on eBay. He has filed for (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=52 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=52 While listening to tapes this morning, (yes tapes, cassettes, those little strips of celluloid wrapped in plastic that some of us really do still have) I got to thinking about John Sabastian. It was sixty something in Sausilito and a big house in the hills. I was sitting in the yard watching t (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=51 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=51 Was thinking today about Mike. The last time I saw him alive was in the summer of 1985. He was standing, bare-chested, holding his naked son, and almost tearfully smelling his toddler-son's hair. He couldn't cry, of course, because of the chemotherapy that he took to kill the softball sized t (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=49 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=49 I know this has appeared on several blogs and as been repeated around the net. But this part of Bill Maher's September 9th closing comments needs to sink in. "NOW, I KID, but seriously Mr. President, this job can't be fun for you anymore. There's no more money to spend -- you used up all of th (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=48 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=48 As I was walking out of the school after dropping my kids off, I heard two elementary girls talking. One said to the other, "well I think that sugar is good for breakfast." She was right. Sugar is good for breakfast. Who among us has not enjoyed a donut along with a cuppa-joe to kick start the (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=47 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=47 I am listening to a found CD. It contains five songs from a Grateful Dead cover band, a very hot Grateful Dead cover band. Specifically Bird Song and Uncle Johns Band are amazing. These are every bit as good as the Zen Tricksters, Dark Star Orchestra or other Dead cross-over group. These cuts were (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=46 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=46 Black Sheep Son Writes Mother (1982) I know this will make you cry, But the again, You were always one, heart opened, To use the wet eye method To read letters from World away sons. White, septic room on a White, septic day, Crush-white snow in December, Sang with a baby's cr (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=44 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=44 Who are you That boldly down the cobblestone You step each word surprising? Who are you, When night passes into morning, Blushed and yawning, And leather schoolgirl shoes on tile My heart sounds? It is such, Like hooves on silver Or light hummmm then shout. You trap (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=45 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=45 The Bush Administration will announce tomorrow that it will change the official emblem of The United States Of America from an Eagle to a condom. "The condom more accurately reflects this administration's political position," a senior White House source said yesterday. "The condom allows for (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=43 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=43 I have an occasion to volunteer for several charities or non-profit organizations. It is always a pleasure, especially when, from time to time, one receives the unexpected gift of appreciation. Last year, we received a gift certificate to Crater Lake Lodge, and we just returned from visiting ther (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=41 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=41 Our new house is actually very old. Built in 1911, it required some amount of renovation prior to its sale. The person from whom we purchased it did a great job, but was stingy in the weirdest places. He installed very expensive, well made, custom wooden cabinets in the kitchen but did not put a f (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=42 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=42 First of all, I am a well known cat hater. Hate me for hating cats. I know it is unreasonable and irrational, but I can't help myself. Next door, the woman has to work two jobs to support the virtual farm of cats she owns. I think the they number well into double digits. If a person owned t (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=40 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=40 I was driving the other day and saw a car with a couple of bumper stickers side-by-side. Both were cool... of course until the bell went off. The first as a KPOJ sticker... you know our local Air America station. Hartmann, Franken, Schultz, Garofalo (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=39 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=39 As we sat talking, my wife and I started to linger over the children and marvel at their growth. It is like time progresses at a speed relative to the length of time one has lived. When one is young, time passes at a rate more slowly because the amount of living one has done is smaller, and is the (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=36 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=36 We all know that ever since Kroger took over Fred Meyer the place went to the dogs. They are now using their muscle to keep their prices high. We stopped shopping at Fred Meyer and save almost $300 per month -- not kidding. We cut our grocery bill in half buy shopping at Winco and Trader Joes. (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=34 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=34 If you need more reasons to break your animal flesh addiction.... from the International Herald Tribune. 'A second potential case of mad cow disease in the United States cast doubt on whether the Bush administration could regain crucial Asian markets that have shunned U.S. beef.' (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=33 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=33 This person has finally taken over my work crew. My work crew is just a bunch of volunteers working to help on a local event. This person is also a volunteer, but has always wanted (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=32 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=32 The White House on Wednesday defended the actions of one of its key staffers who's publicly accused of editing government reports to downplay the link between "greenhouse" gases and global warming. (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=28 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=28 OK.. There are containers in my cupboard and lids. What the hell am I supposed to do with the lids. If I store them with the containers then the containers won't fit together and the lids get separated and lost in the back. I think that there is some sort indoctrination that women, at a young (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=27 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=27 Sitting around the dinner table with my adorable family, I ran head-on into a very intrusive thought. Having been a theatre major in college, it was my privilege to say boldly, in front of a crowd of complete strangers the following line: "...reamed up the rectum with a radish." I'll take t (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=26 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=26 So..... I'm in the park watching my kids and playing a little git-fiddle with a friend of mine. I think we were just about to re-explore the meaning of Hunter's Dark Star when I looked o (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=22 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=22 You came down stairs With your shirt all out, Tried to bring on tears. Wanted me to cry like a little kid. You tore into my blackness With the Christian tools Like fear and guilt And straight and narrow. And Christ on a cross, Flaunted in my face, Or tearful mother out of bed at (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=25 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=25 For my Grandfather, 1912-1993. I saw you last night And felt the solid Grip Of your Solid Iron Farmers hands. Lucid dream you called To join your hands with mine. Talons of iron To bend leather into saddle Or push needle through white cloth Or to lay on my head with oil and p (...) http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=24 http://www.thinkgoodthoughts.com/expand.php?ID=24