A direct quote from Senator Lindsey Graham (R) South Carolina referencing the recent Senate confirmation hearings for Judge Brett Kavanaugh>
"The roles were reversed: Kavanaugh was the slut whore drunk."
If the roles were indeed reversed, in the opinion of Graham, then Graham tags Christine Blasey Ford as "a slutty drunken whore."
Once again, being victorious (confirming Kavanaugh) was not enough for this Senator but he felt a personal need to characterize a woman with a vulgar description.
Evangelicals will speak out about abortion and gays but will remain silent once again when a man demeans a woman, i.e. Trump and now Graham.
Monday, October 8, 2018
Fail to Own It; Fail to Change It
I was recently pondering the obnoxious behavior that has become commonplace in our society. From the subtleties to the vulgarities we've become a rather crude society embracing tastelessness.
Through the years, we laughed at the comedic shticks but my, my how those laugh-triggers changed. Once upon a time the twisting play on language between Abbott & Costello and the zany antics of Martin & Lewis caused us belly-busting laughter. Along came 'Animal House' with rough language, disrespectful and abusive behavior and that was our new comedy-humor standard, which would later cause us to really believe a woman taking a douche in a sink and a man placing testicles on drums was hilarious! We had to watch 'Step Brothers' again and again.
If we think for a moment that society can departmentalized this kind of humor and the gory violent murders and sexual encounters depicted on the big screen from our pretend puritanical Christian boasts, then we are either stupid or bullheaded. A society slowly but surely becomes that which they embrace!
Today, I hear the 'F' word in public frequently. I notice more body-flesh displayed than ever before. The vulgar slang expression of a woman's vagina became a big topic in our national political conversation because it was used by a political candidate and it's okay! Young women disappear from college campuses victimized by sexual perverts while the lack of respect for authority and life is played out in real time before our eyes as we watch our law enforcement ambushed and many trigger happy officers killing minorities. Sitting at school desks, in a theater or at a concert is no longer safety-given. In a moment's notice, young and old are slaughtered by fellow crazy citizens who can order a gun like we once ordered Sears & Rebuck overalls.
Today, even our sports' heroes must taunt their opponent after defeating that rival. Seemingly it's not enough to enjoy success with humbleness but in this new norm of obnoxiousness we must humiliate others to be gratified.
We have become the new 'Vikings.'
Through the years, we laughed at the comedic shticks but my, my how those laugh-triggers changed. Once upon a time the twisting play on language between Abbott & Costello and the zany antics of Martin & Lewis caused us belly-busting laughter. Along came 'Animal House' with rough language, disrespectful and abusive behavior and that was our new comedy-humor standard, which would later cause us to really believe a woman taking a douche in a sink and a man placing testicles on drums was hilarious! We had to watch 'Step Brothers' again and again.
If we think for a moment that society can departmentalized this kind of humor and the gory violent murders and sexual encounters depicted on the big screen from our pretend puritanical Christian boasts, then we are either stupid or bullheaded. A society slowly but surely becomes that which they embrace!
Today, I hear the 'F' word in public frequently. I notice more body-flesh displayed than ever before. The vulgar slang expression of a woman's vagina became a big topic in our national political conversation because it was used by a political candidate and it's okay! Young women disappear from college campuses victimized by sexual perverts while the lack of respect for authority and life is played out in real time before our eyes as we watch our law enforcement ambushed and many trigger happy officers killing minorities. Sitting at school desks, in a theater or at a concert is no longer safety-given. In a moment's notice, young and old are slaughtered by fellow crazy citizens who can order a gun like we once ordered Sears & Rebuck overalls.
Today, even our sports' heroes must taunt their opponent after defeating that rival. Seemingly it's not enough to enjoy success with humbleness but in this new norm of obnoxiousness we must humiliate others to be gratified.
We have become the new 'Vikings.'
Friday, October 5, 2018
Think Before Answering
It was obvious that Supreme Court Justice nominee, Brett Kavanaugh was beside himself with tearful outrage and anger at the Senate hearing where alleged sexual assault victim, Dr. Ford and alleged attacker, Kavanaugh testified. The Democrats are claiming Kavanaugh's temperament is unfit for a Supreme Court Justice...what else would you expect from the Dems? The Republicans are claiming that nobody in the history of Supreme Court confirmation process has there been a nominee treated so poorly and thus Kavanaugh was justified yelling, crying and claiming liberal revenge on behalf of the Clinton's.
Kavanaugh wrote an oped in the Washington Post yesterday suggesting that in the moment he was NOT a candidate for the Supreme Court but instead "a son, husband and father."
Let me ask you readers a simple question: Had Kavanaugh's angry, tearful and shouting conspiracy claims been DELIVERED by a WOMAN SUPREME COURT NOMINEE would the debate be different today? Would the woman be confirmed for the Supreme Court Justice position? You tell me.
In our American culture can a woman be pissed off like Kavanaugh was and express herself in the exact same manner and expect the same society reaction?
Kavanaugh wrote an oped in the Washington Post yesterday suggesting that in the moment he was NOT a candidate for the Supreme Court but instead "a son, husband and father."
Let me ask you readers a simple question: Had Kavanaugh's angry, tearful and shouting conspiracy claims been DELIVERED by a WOMAN SUPREME COURT NOMINEE would the debate be different today? Would the woman be confirmed for the Supreme Court Justice position? You tell me.
In our American culture can a woman be pissed off like Kavanaugh was and express herself in the exact same manner and expect the same society reaction?
Thursday, October 4, 2018
Process As You Will
A few days ago, I spent the morning removing 'exhausted' tomato and pepper plants from our garden; they yielded the best ever. Hope I can remember next spring what I did right this past planting spring.
After a bit, I sat a spell on a backyard bench with a Toy Poodle, Yodie. Those moments usually have me pondering the ways of others. It was different this day as I found myself pondering 'my own ways.' That exercise can be rather depressing if you're truly objective in your pondering-evaluation of 'self.' I gradually realized how others could be weary of me if not downright disgusted with me.
Why the audacity of me to write a daily blog giving opinions and/or advice! I thought about how my three children and their spouses have been so respectful and tolerant of my oft times know-it-all comments. I should acknowledge that to them sometime. Then there are those folks who spar and banter with me regarding my blogs and Facebook responses. I'm convinced many of them have had their fill of 'Roustio Rants.' Of course, I am aware that some folks agree with my expressions and prop me up with 'Go get'm Mel' responses.
As I tried to analyze my own behavior, I did come to one conclusion: It's a challenge to step back from giving advice to your adult children. I believe of my desire to give advice is prompted by worry. How in tarnation does one suppress worry. Sometimes your adult children want your advice and sometimes they don't. You gotta figure out when to speak and when to stifle. Even when you think the advice-light is 'green' it's best to proceed with subtle caution. I'll keep trying to hone those advice-giving skills. I might get it right before the train pulls into the station.
Regarding my offering advice or opinions as I write and post my blog? I've decided I'm not going to stop. Why? In honor of my late dear friend, Jon Luckett who once gave me a friendship card, which read, "Those of you who think you know it all... aggravate the hell out of those who do."
Now don't get in a dither over that last sentence. Lighten up! That comment might be a joke and then again...you may need to hone your deciphering abilities. Ponder it!
PS. 'Tarnation' is a good word. My grandpa, E.V. Bennett used it often...it's a euphemism for the word
'Damnation.'
After a bit, I sat a spell on a backyard bench with a Toy Poodle, Yodie. Those moments usually have me pondering the ways of others. It was different this day as I found myself pondering 'my own ways.' That exercise can be rather depressing if you're truly objective in your pondering-evaluation of 'self.' I gradually realized how others could be weary of me if not downright disgusted with me.
Why the audacity of me to write a daily blog giving opinions and/or advice! I thought about how my three children and their spouses have been so respectful and tolerant of my oft times know-it-all comments. I should acknowledge that to them sometime. Then there are those folks who spar and banter with me regarding my blogs and Facebook responses. I'm convinced many of them have had their fill of 'Roustio Rants.' Of course, I am aware that some folks agree with my expressions and prop me up with 'Go get'm Mel' responses.
As I tried to analyze my own behavior, I did come to one conclusion: It's a challenge to step back from giving advice to your adult children. I believe of my desire to give advice is prompted by worry. How in tarnation does one suppress worry. Sometimes your adult children want your advice and sometimes they don't. You gotta figure out when to speak and when to stifle. Even when you think the advice-light is 'green' it's best to proceed with subtle caution. I'll keep trying to hone those advice-giving skills. I might get it right before the train pulls into the station.
Regarding my offering advice or opinions as I write and post my blog? I've decided I'm not going to stop. Why? In honor of my late dear friend, Jon Luckett who once gave me a friendship card, which read, "Those of you who think you know it all... aggravate the hell out of those who do."
Now don't get in a dither over that last sentence. Lighten up! That comment might be a joke and then again...you may need to hone your deciphering abilities. Ponder it!
PS. 'Tarnation' is a good word. My grandpa, E.V. Bennett used it often...it's a euphemism for the word
'Damnation.'
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
In Front of Our Eyes
We should not be so narrow-minded or blinded by our own self-perception that we cannot admit that our American history has not always been a journey of formal politeness and courtesy in behavior and speech. We do have a documented past of rudeness and bad manners. Over time, we developed as a nation of people who became more mindful of gallantry, considerations and regard. Our rough frontier adventurousness served us well in the Westward movement but we slowly became a bit more sophisticated in our social settings as we embraced respect, politeness and affability.
Whatever our past and whatever our future, I believe it's fair to state that our 'present' is nothing short of regrettable. Our lives are filled with hateful, finger-pointing ugliness. We are bitterly split between political philosophies and we see a renewal of racial hatred and division. Greater suspicion towards people who look and worship differently is common among us. Recently, we have even witnessed an escalation of anger and mistrust between men and women. We Americans are living in a fractured society and our civility is in disrepair.
Few are happy; most are frustrated if not downright angry. What a way to live!
Whatever our past and whatever our future, I believe it's fair to state that our 'present' is nothing short of regrettable. Our lives are filled with hateful, finger-pointing ugliness. We are bitterly split between political philosophies and we see a renewal of racial hatred and division. Greater suspicion towards people who look and worship differently is common among us. Recently, we have even witnessed an escalation of anger and mistrust between men and women. We Americans are living in a fractured society and our civility is in disrepair.
Few are happy; most are frustrated if not downright angry. What a way to live!
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Do We Want Truth?
I couldn't help but chuckle when I first heard the idea to delay the nomination process for Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh for 'one week' for an FBI investigation into alleged sexual assault and out-of-control drinking by Kavanaugh during his high school and college years. I would think that if seeking the truth has great value, why limit that investigation to seven days? Then as the investigation began to unfold, we learn that the not only is there a time limit to this 'truth' seeking exercise but it is also constrained in its scope and under the oversight of the President. Umm, Don nominates Brett and the FBI is told to investigate Don's 'boy's' possible bad behavior but The investigators are 'puppets' controlled by Don. So much for process integrity and wanting the truth.
It becomes confusing. Our leader 'speaks with a forked-tongue.' When he talks to reporters he says all the right things about a transparent investigation and then shares a different tone later the same day at one of his 'all white pep rallies.'
Whatever happened to the great American modus operandi calling for 'all hands on deck?' How about 'leaving no stone unturned.' For the sake of fairness and the good of the order, do we not subscribe to finding truth, finishing the job and going the distance in our quests to excel? Sure we do. We are a flag waving nation of self-proclaimed people of God embracing all those wonderful American characteristics. If that's really who we are then shall we not 'hog-tie' truth seekers? What do we fear?
(Touch)
Truth
It becomes confusing. Our leader 'speaks with a forked-tongue.' When he talks to reporters he says all the right things about a transparent investigation and then shares a different tone later the same day at one of his 'all white pep rallies.'
Whatever happened to the great American modus operandi calling for 'all hands on deck?' How about 'leaving no stone unturned.' For the sake of fairness and the good of the order, do we not subscribe to finding truth, finishing the job and going the distance in our quests to excel? Sure we do. We are a flag waving nation of self-proclaimed people of God embracing all those wonderful American characteristics. If that's really who we are then shall we not 'hog-tie' truth seekers? What do we fear?
(Touch)
Truth
Monday, October 1, 2018
Your Thoughts This Morning?
The 2018 Major League Baseball regular season ended yesterday not withstanding a needed playoff game due to a season ending tie requiring such a game to determine post season playoff berths. As a St. Louis Cardiamals' fan it has been yet another frustrating year characterized by great offensive inconsistency, major league leading errors and far too many strike outs (8 per game).
Those reading today's blog who may be fans of the Cardinals, Cubs or Brewers might wish to 'play along.' Those years I coached basketball, I was faced with a task of picking all-conference teams and my own teams' most valuable player. I never found that to be difficult. Stop and think of the process this way: You are back in elementary school and you are one of two kids asked to pick players for a recess softball game. If you have first pick then whomever you choose first is your 'most valuable player.' Just for the fun of it, let's suppose you get to pick all eight position players first. Ready? PICK!
Cardinals. Cubs. Brewers.
1b. Carpenter. 1b. Rizzo. 1b. Aguilar
2b. Wong. 2b. Murphy. 2b. School
3b. Gyroko. 3b. Bryant. 3b. Moustakas.
SS. DeJong. SS. Baez. SS. Perez
LF. Ozuna. LF. Schwarber. LF. Braun
CF. Bader. CF. Heyward. LF. Cain
RF. Martinez. RF. Zobrist. RF. Yelich
C. Molina. C. Contrares. C. Kratz
You may wish to list different picked teams: One team compared against the field of all three teams and then one team each against each of the other teams.....a total of three teams. After the picks you might offer opinions.
For those of you who are NOT baseball fans you can tell me what you believe will be the outcome of the Supreme Court Nominee 'Dog & Pony Show,' which is delayed while the FBI investigates Judge Brett Kavanaugh's alcohol consumption and sexual aggression behavior in his past.
Those reading today's blog who may be fans of the Cardinals, Cubs or Brewers might wish to 'play along.' Those years I coached basketball, I was faced with a task of picking all-conference teams and my own teams' most valuable player. I never found that to be difficult. Stop and think of the process this way: You are back in elementary school and you are one of two kids asked to pick players for a recess softball game. If you have first pick then whomever you choose first is your 'most valuable player.' Just for the fun of it, let's suppose you get to pick all eight position players first. Ready? PICK!
Cardinals. Cubs. Brewers.
1b. Carpenter. 1b. Rizzo. 1b. Aguilar
2b. Wong. 2b. Murphy. 2b. School
3b. Gyroko. 3b. Bryant. 3b. Moustakas.
SS. DeJong. SS. Baez. SS. Perez
LF. Ozuna. LF. Schwarber. LF. Braun
CF. Bader. CF. Heyward. LF. Cain
RF. Martinez. RF. Zobrist. RF. Yelich
C. Molina. C. Contrares. C. Kratz
You may wish to list different picked teams: One team compared against the field of all three teams and then one team each against each of the other teams.....a total of three teams. After the picks you might offer opinions.
For those of you who are NOT baseball fans you can tell me what you believe will be the outcome of the Supreme Court Nominee 'Dog & Pony Show,' which is delayed while the FBI investigates Judge Brett Kavanaugh's alcohol consumption and sexual aggression behavior in his past.
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