Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Miami a third world country???

Reportedly, Congressman Tom Tancredo made a statement saying that you could pick Miami up and drop it in any third world country... where it would fit in. I can't speak for Miami, as I've only been to Ft. Lauderdale. Miami is a city of immigrants, so I guess Tom has a thing about immigrants??? He's got to remember that a lot of Cuban Americans are Republicans. Or maybe he was talking about Haitians???

And what about Denver? It is a lot more direct of a path from Mexico to Denver. Via Juarez. I think it is a $40 bus ride. I'm not sure which city has a higher percentage of illegals, but I wouldn't count Denver out. Yes, Miami is probably more diverse, but Denver has plenty of racial diversity, trust me!

Also, I see a lot of upscale areas in photos of Miami. Heck, that neighborhood where Elian Gonzalez stayed wasn't that bad. Some areas of S.W. Denver, Commerce City and Aurora look just as bad or worse. I don't know what the "worst of the worst" areas are like... and probably don't want to know.

But yes, I would like to visit Miami some day. And as for Florida, the only people I really did not care for was crabby tourists from the Northeast...

Monday, November 27, 2006

So WHAT, exactly, is wrong with PEACE???


Man, that is some whacked out homeowner's association in Pagosa Springs! I didn't really understand why they are against it... Was it against the war in Iraq??? Some sort of satanic symbol??? Who knows? All I know is I'm glad I don't live in that developement!

US panel on Iraq to urge aggressive regional diplomacy: report

Duh! That's about the only way to get anything done... We need help!

Of course, my reasons for wanting talks are different. I want us to find a way to open up relations with Iran, so perhaps someday me and Ariyan can get together. I'm NOT looking for an immediate thaw in relations, by the way.

Both sides need to curtail harsh rhetoric. THAT would be a start!!! Don't start with the big stuff, just begin on small things that we can agree on.

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Hopefully the feed will work...

You will be able to read feeds from this blog on my Yahoo 360 Page. The purpose of that page is so I can link up with my friend in Iran...

Monday, November 20, 2006

Global Orgasm for Peace!

I like it! December 22n'd... I'll have to build up so that I have a big one! As they claim, there is to be a huge "surge" of collective energy and a feeling of peace and satisfaction that follows. It sounds great and I'm glad to do my small part... And at age 52, it is no small feat to accomplish this mission.... but we've tried everything else, with no results.

I wish, also, for my Muslim and Jewish friends in the Middle East to participate. A good healthy orgasm will help everybody chill out!

Here's their website:

http://www.globalorgasm.org/

The intent is that the participants concentrate any thoughts during and after orgasm on peace. The combination of high- energy orgasmic energy combined with mindful intention may have a much greater effect than previous mass meditations and prayers.

Top Democrat: Bring back draft.....

When pigs fly, they will! I don't think the idea of compulsory military service is a bad one, it's just that this idea would meet huge resistance. How about this idea: stop reckless engagement into foreign conflicts... NO MORE INVASIONS!!!

Also, this idea that the economically challenged or the undereducated are the only ones that join is nonsense. After 9/11, a lot of people joined out of simple patriotism. And John Kerry's botched joke was way off target... there are a lot of highly educated and skilled people in the service. If they happen to be "stuck in Iraq", it was because they chose to join. That said, there are a lot of reservists and national guard troops that certainly didn't plan on such long deployment for sure!

Now that Bush's wings have been effectively clipped, congress should work on passable legislation. Charlie Rangel's draft is probably a non-starter.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Many times it is a mute point....

Steve just got back Saturday from his recent round of hospitalization. Throughout it all, I was able to be by his side. In the St. Joe's E.R., Steve was able to relay much of his medical history and about all I did was help him undress and lower the gurney rail when he had to stand up to piss.

The point is that all of the doctors and nurses accepted my presence - though I am merely a friend. After he was transferred to Denver Health, the attending physician even asked me if I had any questions.

Relating this back to Referendum I; it basically means that the "hospital visitation" provision for same-sex couples, really only means something when the patient is unconscious or being loaded into an ambulance. I'm not sure how easily the "Durable Medical Power of Attorney" or "Living Will" will buy you admission to the ambulance, ICU or E.R. if the patient can't speak for themselves. But my advice is to have several copies of that yellow form "Your Right To Make Healthcare Decisions", which contains both. Keep one in your car, one at home and maybe one at work.

Steve made it through his hospitalization, I'm glad to say, though all that came out of it was a prescription for a home oxygen machine. He seemed to really want to be put on dialysis to remove the extra water. Having seen the patients go through the misery and all the side-effects of dialysis, I don't believe Steve really knew what he was asking for!!!! He lost about 20 pounds, though it's hard to say how much of that is water. Anyway, at this point it doesn't look like he's in end stage renal failure....

Perhaps if hospitals all linked together an online registry of living wills/power of attorneys, as well as other health information, a lot of problems could be avoided. I'm beginning to believe the worst problems intended to be solved by domestic partnerships can be handled individually in other ways...

Sunday, November 12, 2006

All I want for Christmas...

Is for my friend Steve to survive. That's all. Of course I'd love it if he wouldn't have to go on dialysis perminently, but if he does, this is better than nothing!!! Gawd, I wish they'd get him started and take some water off. And what is up with this business of getting admitted through the E.R.??? Why can't they just set up an appointment to put in a central line and then dialyze him???

All this drives home a point about our public healthcare system... Not good!

Quiet Time!

The election is past and there's not too much going on. No use speculating on how the new blue crew will do; we'll see!

Friday, November 10, 2006

Barking Moonbat? Moi?

I got a reply to a comment I left on truthmonger's blog calling me a "barking moonbat"... The definition of "barking moonbat" is rather vague on wikipedia, so I can't really tell you what it means. I guess it is because I'm not some kind of radical leftist urging the immediate destruction of Israel and because I'm always trying to present both sides of an issue: I'm a Moonbat... Do I praise conservatives when I agree with them. You bet!

Speaking of moonbats, check out the Barking Moonbat blog... It features an imagined letter from Ronald Reagan apologizing for the actions of so-called conservatives over the last few years. I couldn't agree more:

http://www.barking-moonbat.com/index.php/weblog/2006/11/P50/

Editor's Note: you have to scroll down the page past "Free Rummy" to the Reagan letter...

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

How Wall Street reacts...

O.k., it really means nothing. Wall Street shrugged off it's fears and showed a bit of optimism. I don't think this current run will last, however. But maybe Wall Street knew this was coming, anyway. I think the DOW was up about 19 points. I only made a few hundred bucks, but hey... Below is my watch list:


BJBIX
43.97
+0.38
DD
46.45
+0.69
XOM
74.13
+1.60
PRBLX
26.98
+0.08
MFC
33.63
+0.22
RBS
25.77
+0.02
ABN+G
24.83
+0.03
WHR
87.51
+0.20
As of 16:01:59 ET, 11/08/2006

I should post comments to one of my guests...

I keep my Blog moderate. I have no problem with some people with strong opinions, but I am not a hater... I have a dear friend who is Muslim, but I also have neighbors (friends) who are Jewish. I don't believe all Muslims are terrorists and all Jews radical Zionists. Yes, I would like the U.S. to show better neutrality on the MidEast conflict. But, if you are one of those who wants to "wipe Israel off the map", forget it. I won't buy it... "But when you want money for people with minds that hate ..." "all I can tell you brother, you'll have to wait..." John Lennon

The silly look says it all...

Photo from 9News Website...

AM Edition.... This time it really was about Bush...

YAAAWN; excuse me!

Stayed up late last night. I don't know why, there's now enough Democrats... I won't have a problem with it if Senate control stays Republican. We'll see! Anyway, the referendum was about Bush and the war in Iraq! Do I have concerns? Sure! I don't want us to leave there like we did Vietnam... But it seems likely that a change of course is coming! And, hopefully Bush will see the writing on the wall and fire Rumsfeld... Also, I hope Pelosi will roll up her sleeves and try and pass bills that the Republicans can sign. I have a bit of skepticism.

As for Colorado, it pretty much went as expected. I wish that guy in the Springs, the Iraq veteran, had come closer... But that's a hard thing to get done down there. I also had visions of the two BITCHES, Marilyn and Angie, settling their election by mud wrestling. If anything, Colorado is a tad bit too Blue, maybe Purple is better.... But, I hope Ritter will learn from Richardson in New Mexico and be a good guv. I'm afraid Beauprez was just too tied to Bush to win. He's a nice guy, but his timing just wasn't right...

As for the marriage stuff, (YAAAWN).....(excuse me)... The electorate is the place to decide that and I hope it will just sit the way it is for a while. Unfortunately, there are always those court challenges, but I can hope they'll just let it lie. I agree with Cheney: the states are the place to decide these questions. As for all those dysfunctional marriages I hear about at work, NOTHING will change.... and if the religio-cons are still reading this blog, I seriously doubt anything changes with your marriages. No sour grapes from this author.

Ref. I, now that I think about it, did have some flaws: it would have been better to keep the "same-sex" out of it and just make a general catagory for people who take care of one another and don't fit the criteria of marriage. At least we don't have to worry about Ref. I getting challenged in the court... I think Ritter will be a good gay-friendly guv, but ultimately he'd better govern from the center. Owens did fairly well on that, by the way, except he screwed up auto insurance. His legacy is cooperating on Ref. C of the last election AND his help with organizing the Republicans' successful convention in '04.

O.k. (YAAAWN), I'm late for work and time to go listen to the bimbos whine about their husbands!!!



Tuesday, November 07, 2006

I think I voted....

Not today, of course. I voted WAY early. But whichever method you use, how can you be sure it counts??? All this talk of glitches and irregularities??? I have to say I lucked out in early voting. I had a young person and an old person start my machine. In fact, it was actually the elderly person who figured out the machine. See, not all elderly are inept at computers! It went smoothly and the paper ribbon matched my vote - good thing, I'm not sure what they do if it does not.

That STILL does not guarantee the vote went through. Nor with my friend's absentee ballot. With all the close races in this country, there's bound to be some sour grapes. I'd rather just delude myself and think: "of course the vote counted!" And then there comes the confusion over the ballot initiatives and candidates records... Hopefully, people will ignore those stupid attack ads on both sides. Look at the candidates records and positions. Yikes, I have to say that none of us will be getting what we want this year!!!

Monday, November 06, 2006

I hope this isn't blasphemy, but...

This would be my vision of Christ (Peace be upon him) and the Anti-Christ... Any how, perhaps I err by putting these picturs up and I don't want to offend anyone. But this is my vision...

Christ:






















(Ahmad Batebi) (Cover picture from The Economist, 7/1999)
Note: He already got jailed for this photo, I wouldn't put it up if he hadn't>>>



The Anti-Christ:


















(Mahmoud Ahmadinejad) (Photo from globalsecurity.org)





Sorry, but I don't envision Bush as the Anti-Christ. I say that because I don't think Laura would marry him if he was... And also, perhaps it may be good to do like the Muslims do and forbid images of Christ.

Response to comment in last post...

Re: Pulling the troops out of Iraq to defend the border(s).

Dani, I have no problem with "defending" the border, however I have the feeling that they will still try to come, as long as Mexico remains a corrupt and poor third world country. I did notice something interesting, however: our local McD's now has a different crew. There are still some Mexican kids (who knows if they were born here or not), but also some others who clearly WERE born here. Maybe they are checking documents better and scared off the illegals? Also, why is Mexico so poor??? They are the second largest importer of oil to the United States after Canada.

I have mixed emotions on this as I have a good friend who is Mexican-American (grew up right next to Mexico, but was born in Texas) and I generally love the Mexican people, however we both feel they should not just be allowed to stream across the border uncontrolled - along with the OTM's (other than Mexicans).

My other friend is Vietnamese and got naturalized a year and a half ago. He went through the '75 collapse of Saigon and lived under communism for several years until escaping from VN. Even HE is saying we should get out of Iraq - I personally think we should try our best to stabilize it, yet we are probably making more terrorists in the process.

Note to Dani: Bush is our elected President and I think we both need to pray for him to get guidance from above. He got steered the wrong way by some people and REALLY needs guidance! And no, I don't know how to fix Iraq!

Sunday, November 05, 2006

Top three steps on immigration.

1. Seperate border security from dealing with the people already here.

2. Get down to business with social security number verification, employer checks and if necessary, sanctions. Then, some of the 12 or so million will filter back where they came from.

3. Fences where they work, but more patrols also.

Then, you can consider those of the 12 + million here who have been here a significant amount of time. I favor a humane solution. We probably should deport some of them, but I think it's not practical to throw everybody out. Evaluate each case and allow those who want to pay the fine and learn english to stay. I don't consider a $2000 fine a slap on the wrist for a poor person.

We should also consider reaching out to Mexico to try and end poverty.

AuH20

Goldwater, that is... Barry Goldwater! I have to admit that I was a little too young to really know what he stood for. Yet now hearing what he was about, I give him a total thumbs up!!! His brand of conservatism has faded, but I look forward to it get resurrected.

I was also "electrified" by Ronald Reagan, when he first came on the scene. The guy was a real cut-up and he made me laugh with his little jokes. I still get misty-eyed when I hear: "Mr. Gorbachev, TEAR DOWN THAT WALL! " Yes, after eight years, we were getting a little burned out on him, but not enough to see Dukakis elected...

"Well, there you go again!"

Saddam to hang!

Gee whiz, I thought it would never happen! To me, it's just something to get out of the way and then move on. Yes, it reflects justice and if you view it as such, a milestone. The "milestone" I really want to see is the end to secetarian violence and when we really can agree that the troops will come home...

Shift of focus...



O.k., I've voted and gotten whomever I could to the polls. Guess what? All this pales in comparison to the human rights fears my dear friend Ariyan faces in Tehran. Yet the gay youth persist and I am haunted by their beautiful faces on their Blogs. These young people risk a lot to communicate with the West, yet I have the feeling if the Ayatollahs pulled the plug on the Internet (or at least private ISP's), there would be widespread rioting in Tehran.

Persia will rise again, but not under the current regieme. They are a great people, who have given so much to civilization.

The thing is that those with antiproxy software (the Internet is boring without it there), get all the news. Ariyan had a lot of questions about the elections, gay marriage and the likes. Frankly, I'm more interested in their life there. I can tell you , though their government is probably in that catagory, the people, like Ariyan, are NOT part any "axis of evil".



Hanging of Gay Iranian youth for the "crime" of homosexuality.

Saturday, November 04, 2006

Zim's Rants policy statement...

Coming out of the isolation this Blog has been in, I solicited a comment from a person named Dani. It was a gracious, respectful reply, that gently disagreed. Note: I read her profile and her life with her husband and it is far from my life.... No problem. Going outside to the Denver Post, an open forum, I have to expect to get some differing points of view. I think we both felt a sense of disappointment in this happening (the Pastor scandal), but agree that it was bound to happen. Note to Dani, I don't think any less of you for the Pastor's problem, or those with whom you share spiritual leanings. I realize that there are good people on both sides of the issues. (well, most of the issues, anyway}.

The key here is respect. I respect everyone who is true to their beliefs. You folks know me, I can speak my mind in the written format... Well, admittedly it needs some grooming, but I'm getting there. Yes, ultimately, I control the comments, but I'm not going to be like O'Reilly and cut the mic or lecture my guests. I also like to look inside and ponder counter-points which are raised. There was some truth in what she said and I could see some things on her profile that I have disagreements.

Army Times to call for Rumsfeld's resignation????

What??? Not Rumsfeld??? How could the ultra patriotic Army Times do such a thing???

Well, o.k., he doesn't help the republican cause, so let's keep him on through the election. Like I say: Rumsfeld = McNamera... Nice beurocrats, but that's about all. Bush needs help!!! He's stuck as our President for two more years. But I don't think he will have the brains to pick some intelligent people who can solve problems. We're in trouble!!!

Friday, November 03, 2006

Some relief....

I find some relief in the Pastor of New Life Church confessing to some of the accusations against him. I don't like ANYBODY to be falsely accused! Still, I think it was a cheap stunt for Mr. Jones to out this information. Do I dislike all those Conservative Evangelicals in Colorado Springs??? You bet! But it is as simple as this: we are all sinners and no human is perfect. I just say, Trust In the Lord!!! Yes, you can like your pastor and put some trust in them... Just realize that they are human, like you. With my sordid life, I am certainly in NO position to judge!

Now, back to the election. Of course, me and all my friends have all voted and this is a mute point for the election, as far as our efforts are concerned. The "escort" might end up in a monogamous relationship someday and benefit from Ref. I, but right now it just shows the side of Gays who have multiple sex partners. And that is not what Ref. I was meant for!

It was obvious from the 9 News comparisons of various interviews with Pastor (make that Ex Pastor) Haggert, that he got caught up in several lies. The more the guy confesses and stops lying, the more his conscience will ease. Maybe he'll leave that Church and join a more liberal one like the United Church of Christ? He might stay in his marriage and he might not. If not, he might decide he is gay and settle down with a partner. Then, he would fight FOR gay rights. O.k., I'm just fantasizing here, and he'll probably just get counseling and ask his wife for forgiveness and be forgiven. I know, if he listens to him, the Lord will forgive him, whichever path he leads!

Thursday, November 02, 2006

Colorado Springs Pastor denies gay relationship....

O.k., I'll wait for the dust to settle. Supposedly a former gay escort has come forth with allegations about the affair and says he has voicemails and a letter. Whoopie doo. I don't really think stuff like this belongs in the debate over gay marriage or Referendum I. It wasn't a monagomous relationship, if it happened at all, just some horney dude paying for sex. So what! Are there some hypocrites in the faith-based conservative community? Sure. But not all of them. Some of those people are very dedicated and practice what they preach. I may have disagreements with them, but this just brings sleaze into an important debate... And I don't think there is time to prove anything, anyway.

Now, I have run into people from all over who come to Denver to cavort around in the gay community. Who knows, perhaps in my hayday I might have fooled around with a preacher or two. So what???

Even if the "hustler" is made out to be a liar and this is just a stunt, I have already voted for Ref. I and would do so even if that was so. If allegations hold, well it has little to do with the stable relationships. I do think it is good from time to time for people who preach high and mighty morals to be brought down to earth, however I don't discourage anybody from following that path. Just don't be dishonest to yourself and live a lie!

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

And yes, Rumsfeld and Bush owe an apology too...

I will have to be fair here... A botched joke is one thing. And I'm not going to back up on what I said about Kerry. However!!!!! Just praising the troops as patriots and not planning properly, is not justified by Kerry's mistake. The troops are patriots, trying to do their best under difficult circumstances, for sure. I also believe a lot of our soldiers in Vietnam were also trying to do the same. But mismanagement and poor decisions by the likes of Rumsfeld and McNamera and the jerks that committed the troops (both from Texas), are not excused either. My comments on Kerry in the previous post stand on their own and this is a completely different matter...

Kerry and his idiotic comments...

He should have appologized MUCH more quickly. These remarks should stain any further consideration of Kerry of a candidate... Criticizing the poor conduct of war planning by the Administration is fine, but criticizing the caliber of our troops is flat WRONG!