Can't Shake The Via Dolorosa

For some reason, tonight I just can't shake the Via Dolorosa. It holds me captive. I am humbled beyond words, yet words are my escape. So, she writes. Humanity has been redeemed by a single walk down the most sacred of roads. Imagine the Via Dolorosa. Imagine the soldiers holding back the pressing crowds. Imagine a "dead man walking", beaten and bleeding, wearing a crown of thorns upon his head, carrying his own method of execution. Imagine the Via Dolorosa. Imagine the crowds chanting and cheering for his death. Imagine the loneliness he must have felt. Imagine the despair his mother felt. Imagine the heavy weight of humanity. Imagine the split flesh on his back. Imagine the Via Dolorosa. Imagine the cross. Imagine the nails that pierced his human flesh. Imagine that this single walk held all of humanity (even those who cried out and cheered for his execution) on his wounded shoulders. Imagine the Via Dolorosa. Imagine the long walk all the way to Calvary. Imagine how near God was to Him. Imagine if anyone else felt his presence. Imagine a human sacrificial lamb. Imagine the cleansing blood. Imagine the Via Dolorosa. Imagine that he chose to walk this road alone, for me and you. Imagine the amazing grace of his love. Imagine the Via Dolorosa. I am in awe of the Via Dolorosa.

A Plausible Conjecture For How The Text Might Read: Part Deux

Would somebody please throw me a bone. Has it really come to this? Is this actually happening in America? This is telling to say the very least.
Wolf Blitzer is wondering if congress has the responsibility to read the bills sent to congress, or simply do as the president wishes. (CNN online poll) Where do I even begin. Is it not the duty of every single person who has had the honor to be chosen by the people, to represent the people, with facts under their belts. Have the minds of U.S. citizens become so vacuous, that they essentially wish for a monarchy? Instead of "hail to the chief", should we really be singing "god save the king"? Is this not precisely the reason that Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and John Adams, instituted a balance of power when drafting the outlines in order to form a more perfect union? Is the United States of America bound to become Obamanation?
Is everyone so blinded with feelings of good will and racial equality, that we no longer have to think for ourselves? I know we no longer have to take care of ourselves, (thank you, DFL) but apparently the great messiah is now going to take care of the thinking part; not only for our citizens, but also our congress leaders. Has the public become so complacent that this is even an issue? What happened to the public outcry? We certainly heard it during the Bush administration. Water boarding is torture. GITMO must close. The Patriot Act is essentially a free pass for racial profiling.
How about a little civil unrest. Stimulus packages that won't stimulate anything for the next few years, but we should hurry up and pass it any way. Or, our new leader may face the prospect of losing re-election. Return all detainees (terrorists) to the country of their origin, so that they can once again take up arms against those fighting for basic human rights. The right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The fairness act is a fair way to manipulate the airways. Limiting one sided political convictions to be more accepting to the current public policy. I could go on for days with more examples.
It has been said that ignorance is our most expensive commodity. If this is the case, than complacency, is surely next in line. Elected officials should not have to be told they must read the bills they are voting for or against. It is their duty. Those who do not understand this, do not deserve to hold the positions they are serving. This administration pumps more fear through my veins than anything has prior, including Islamic extremism. Most certainly because he seems to have a free reign, and virtually no opposition. Even the conservatives in congress are reluctant to question President Obama and his public policies.
His first television interview (on an Arab network) was very telling on his foreign policy regarding terror. If nothing else, the members of congress should delve into his proposals on Islamic policy with strong speculation. I am sure that there is a plausible conjecture for how the text may read, but what exactly is it. Does anyone even know, including those holding prestigious cabinet positions in his administration? Members elected to congress should, at the very least, be able to pontificate upon the legislature that crosses their desks. It is their job to be a watchdog. It is not only important, it is vital. We have a very inexperienced man holding the highest office in the land. Just as you would not leave a child unattended with a set of Ginsu knives, he can not be left alone to run our government. The three branches of government are a gift. Please use them.
Checks and balances are the very reason that this little experiment called democracy has been a success. Acquiescing to the president would put these very ideals in peril. I don't agree with the president on most issues. But, I have to believe that he believes in a balance of power. After all, it is these very checks and balances that afforded him the honor to the office of the presidency. Me, I'd rather be water boarding.

A Plausible Conjecture For How The Text Might Read

An A++title that I feared would escape me in my sweet dreams. Much to be elaborated upon. Until tomorrow...

Seacrest, Out!

Government Doesn't "Get It"

Maybe I am naive. Perhaps I just don't understand why anyone in their right (sane) mind would electively choose to have any sort of government agency preform duties that the private sector could easily and readily handle. Government typically is hyper managed, expensive, and typically very slow to reform or act. In the latest "golden parachute" proposal working its way through both houses of congress, the national mall is about to get a spruce up. Don't get me wrong, the mall probably does need to be re-landscaped. I say lets do it! However, the proposed spending for this "pet project" is roughly 1.5 million dollars, to re-sod the park, alone. Seriously, you must be joking, mistaken, or have previously been employed by Mr. Madoff. I am aware of the price of sod. I purchased some last summer. I grossly over ordered (miscalculation of my part) and purchased enough to cover 1/4 acre. My entire bill came to roughly $480.00. The entire area of the national mall is roughly 1 acre. This means, that the sod could probably be purchased for around $2k. Lets say that kentucky blue grass has suddenly become scarce, and has driven the price up exponentially. I am willing to bet that you could re-sod the entire thing for under $20K. Figure in labor costs, and I am willing to bet it could be done for roughly around $30K.

This is the fundamental problem with big government. I guarantee you that if you got quotes from outside agencies and contractors, and hired them to re-furbish the national mall, it would be far more economical, and done in a timely manner. Take the 35W bridge that collapsed in Minneapolis as an example. 35W is the corroted artery of the Minneapolis/St. Paul freeway system. The most pressing issue was time. After all, time IS money! The project was contracted out through the private sector. The winning bid was announced. The company worked on the bridge around the clock. The Minnesota Dept. of Transportation offered a "bonus" for every single day the bridge was completed ahead of schedule. The contractor's saw this as an opportunity and ran with it. They ran so far and so fast, that they finished the bridge roughly three months ahead of schedule, and under budget. A government success story!

Government is not the enemy. We need government. We just need less of it. Bueracracies have become broad reaching, undermining the true sense of smart business. Plain and simple: Too many chef's spoil the soup. Why not "take a chance" on citizens to better their community. I cannot think of a better way to maintain a high level of accountability and responsibility. People take pride in their work. It is in effect, their signature. When someone signs their name to something, they agree with it. They try. They succeed. Unfortunately, this is not true for governmental agencies. These seem to be a safe place to "dance through life" and blame the other guy. Job security and financial consequences are simply not an issue. Call it government oversight. Outsource the work, and success is far more probable. Just outsource to the private sector, and not to India or China, please.

Praying For Abby

Dana sent me an email today regarding this little girl
I see sick little kids all the time. I have become in some ways numb to the sadness that surrounds a child's illness. However, Abby reminded me that it is not "normal" for kids to be sick. Especially with cancer. Abby has a very aggressive form of Leukemia. She also has a rare genetic disorder that magnifies the disease that is wracking her little baby body. Her chances of survival are not great... about 20-30%. However, her family has great hope that she will be healed. She is currently undergoing the most aggressive and difficult part of her treatment plan. I asked Dr. Vicki what this treatment was like, she responded, "awful. dangerous. hell." Please keep Abby in your prayers. I have never met Abby. Dana and her family are close personal friends with the Riggs clan. She speaks of them in the highest regard, calling them inspirational. Keep this sweet girl and her family in your prayers.

A RIDDLE...

One of these kids is doing their own thing...





Hands down... and the answer ~
My most favorite "Blagoism" of the day...

FIrst runner-up...
He hasn't pondered or entertained the thought of going to prison.

*** Somewhere I gathered that this is not the answer to the riddle... aaahhhhh I heart Chicago politics!!

Validation.

My possible future candidacy has now officially been validated. Senator Winfrey? Seriously... American (ahem... Chicago) politics (ahemm... Blago) is nothing short of amazing. Back to my regular scheduled programming to catch up on more of his latest. LOVE IT!

Go Shorty Its Your Birthday!

This blog needs more structure. Must be the designer in me. Mondays will cover basically everything I need to cover to "cover my buns". This is probably the most interesting post of the week for those not affiliated with the "Horton Hears A Who" party.

Memo: WEEKEND UPDATE: 1
Birthday-
Well, actually yesterday was my birthday. I know all of those who were unable to attend the festivities gifts are currently on a fedex truck en route. I am donating your party favors to the poor kids at Sharing and Caring Hands, so unfortunately I don't even have a leftover piece of red velvet cake for you. Mark your calendar sooner next year to ensure favors,cake, and well, me.

Apparently some District 287 (Edina) All-Stars won the annual Pond Hockey Tourney in Minne last weekend. Congrats to all of you. I can't think of a more enjoyable way to spend a weekend... -15 degrees outside, 15 hockey games on a frozen lake, crowds of Northern Minnesota's finest, All for the glory of a golden shovel. I could have picked one up for y'all at Jerry's hardware and spray painted it shiny gold. It would have saved a lot of time... but then again I couldn't have gotten you the 15 seconds of fame. I will ponder this one.

I am a horrible bowler. I have yet to break 100. Most games I don't break 50. I reached a new low on Friday when I officially bowled a 39. Did I at least beat our president? Pathetic. Freddie Prince may want me to enroll in lessons before our "March Madness" couples league starts up. Practice night went well, really bad.

I am leaving for Florida on Thursday. I should probably have scheduled at the very least a spray tan and a pedicure. Never mind the fact that I should have handcuffed myself to the elliptical.

I did buckle and pick up a new cell phone. Once again, I hope to become a texting maching... who never ever checks her voicemail.

Vicki took me shopping. The sales girl at Bloomingdales says (one I don't know at all)... says to me "I remember you and your mom. Must be nice to get everything you ever wanted." I responded that my hopes, dreams, and aspirations reached far beyond the Theory department. May have been a little mean... whoops. Sorry sales lady at bloomingdales. I am actually pretty nice if you catch me on a good day.

I just learned that my nanny has annual family craft night. wtf... You have worked in my house since I was in kindergarten... and this is the first I hear about this?? What about an invitation? I am sure JCT and I could find some sort of way to monopolize the spotlight, charm everyone in attendance, and leave them all feeling breathless and not quite sure what just hit them. I am just saying... geez.

My sweet labrador, Diddy, obviously has a severely deviated septum. It is always apparent that he could really use some gas-x. Good work, buddy!

Molly is MIA. I am assuming she is lost somewhere wandering aimlessly in the skyway system. If found, please return her. Maybe that John is holding her hostage.

Does anyone think Neil Cavuto could use lap band surgery? I am just saying. Cannot be good for his heart.

Weekend Update: One, CHECK! Until next Monday!!

Repeating The Fifth Grade: The Social Promotion Dillema

Minnesota watershed and charter schools are failing. At least this is what the Star Tribune, and the Minnesota legislature says. According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, students enrolled in charter schools have fallen behind their peers attending traditional public school. The kids just are not "making the grade". The department of education is anticipating a major overhaul of the charter school program. All 153 watershed schools will be affected. More stringent regulations on alternative teaching styles, regulation of fundraising through the private sector, and overall education reform will more than likely be the proposed course of action to fix the "failing" institutions.
Government burecracies will in turn run the schools from a more centralized locale. While this looks good on paper, it is an educational nightmare waiting to happen. When a central office assumes the role of superintendent, schools and districts are left without any local control. Failure to align responsibility, accountability, and authority at the municipal level, breeds an atmosphere of excuses, not success. Blame the central office. Individual schools need flexibility and authority to promote measurable goals based upon rudementary skills and vital knowledge. If the education system becomes essentially a monopoly, who really knows what is working and what is not. Statistically, all monopolies (government) are slow to reform. With the bureocrats debating over what avenue of improvement the state should implement for best results, the kids lose.
From my experience, I see charter schools as innovative and creative environments that encourage alternative learning methods. Education is not one-size-fits-all. Charter schools consistently challenge the status quo of public education. Challenging traditional practices, at the very least, looks at different avenues to achieve success for each individual student.
The problem has less to do with the failure of charter schools, and a whole lot more with the ideals behind social promotion. Just because a child is eleven years old does not grant them the passage into the sixth grade. By promoting students to the next grade level that are not succeeding at their current level, hurts the individual student, the class, and the fabric of the U.S. educational system. Some argue that it is detramental to a child's self esteem to repeat a grade while his classmates go on to the next level. I disagree. I find it much more harmful for a child to slip through the cracks. Self esteem is not learned, it is earned. When a child masters skills, their confidence soars. Social promotion is essentially a filter of failure for kids who simply are not making the grade. Why set them up for failure from the starting gates. It is our job as citizens to ensure that each and every child has the opportunity to succeed in the classroom. Parents need to be held responsible. Teachers need to be held responsible. Schools need to be held responsible. The community needs to be held accountable. If the kids are "slipping through the cracks", measures must be implemented to foster an environment of success. Without the fundamental building blocks of education, hope dissepates. The child, in return, begins to lose faith in their abilities. Their tiny asperations and dreams become smaller. Education must be held to a first rate standard. There are no second rate children. In America, the land of opportunity, there are no second rate dreams.
aaahhhhh... I digress!

Blago Friday Part 1: Pearl Harbor, Jury Pools and Due Process

Structure. Architects, engineers, school teachers, rambunctious kids all relish in it. Everyone and everything needs a little "structure" to function at the highest level of efficiency. This blog, albeit brand new, is evolving almost minute by minute. Until further notice, Friday's post will be now known as "Blago Friday". A little structure is a good thing. This guy is just too good not to cover on a weekly basis.
Earlier this week, "Blago" compared his current indictment to the likes of the attack on Pearl Harbor. He exclaimed that he was "caught completely off guard, it was a complete surprise, but he will prevail just like America did in World War II." He further complained that he was not being given a "fair" trial much like rogue cowboys in old western movies. The old "getting a fair trial before you are hanged" adage. Are you kidding me? This guy apparently flew over the cuckoo's nest one too many times. He is a certifiable nut job. You, Mr. Blagojevich, have hung yourself with the telephone wires that you begged law enforcement to tap only one day prior to your arrest. Much to your chagrin, this was already happening. Bold.
This week's antics get better. Earlier today, he held a news conference (ironically was not covered by any Chicago news outlet) whining and complaining that he was not allowed to call the witnesses he wanted to, and so he is essentially not going to participate in his pending impeachment trial. However, all sense of reality has not escaped him. He did spend the better part of his press conference spouting off a "list of good deeds" to a potential jury pool. He begged that reputable news outlets like the Chicago Tribune editorial staff write of these injustices. The irony is nothing short of spectacular.
His trial is scheduled to begin next week. Let the games begin Gov. Blagojevich. I think you are painfully aware of where this is headed. Statesville. This guy is on his way out, everyone knows it.
The larger issue with this week's developments are not so much whether or not Governor Rod has made a complete mockery of Chicago politics, and politics in general, but with due process. Every U.S. citizen is guaranteed the right of being presumed innocent unless found guilty of the charges he/she is accused of. It is evident that "Blago" at the very least is a scum bag who tried to sell President Obama's senate seat, shake down a children's hospital, and blackmail an outfit of the free press. However, if we afford Khalid Sheik Muhammad due process, than Governor Blagojevich deserves the same courtesy. Le him call his witnesses, put forth his flimsy defense, and question those who are set to testify against him. No matter the crimes he has committed, he is a U.S. citizen. He has constitutional rights. It is imperative that we as U.S. citizens uphold his constitutional rights to ensure that our rights will be preserved. The kangaroo court will be in full effect starting Monday. We cannot allow the very inalienable rights that we are guaranteed to be made as much of a sham as his governance. Let the structure of our government that was brilliantly laid out by our forefathers run its course. The outcome of Gov. Rod's impeachment is not at risk, our citizenry rights of due process, unfortunately, is under scrutiny and in serious jeopardy.

Character or Color?

There are a lot of deplorable things that go on in Hollywood. Unexplainable things happen almost daily in the political arena. Every once in a while, they collide. Don't get me wrong, I do in no way shape or form hold President Obama responsible for the disgusting rant that Jay-Z spewed on Monday. (However, I do believe that Team Obama should have revoked his V.I.P. pass to the following day's festivities.) That does not make it any less significant or admissible. Mr. Jay-Z, I am afraid you have more than a little "dirt on your shoulder", and have an awful lot of "mud on your face". You are a disgrace to Liberals, Hollywood, Men, The African American race, and the United States. Don't you ever forget that those fighting for you in Iraq are fighting and dying for your right to verbally defecate at will. You owe the nation an apology. More importantly, you owe the former Commander in Chief an apology. You also owe President Obama an apology. Most importantly, you owe the troops fighting for your "right" to a cushy lifestyle an apology. The Hollywood elite is out of control. This at will attitude of doing whatever the Fu*k I want when ever the Fu*k I wanna do it is not only proposterous, its embarassing. Your beat-box shouting of "My President is Black" perpetuates racism. It does not cross bridges that have yet to be crossed. It proves that President Obama was elected for the color of his skin, not the content of his character. Martin's dream has yet to be reached. One day, probably very, very far away, a man or woman will be elected to the U.S. Presidency without mention of his ethnic background. That is the day that true equality will be reached. To refer to the President-Elect as a "nig*a" is shameful. I do not care if it is part of the black culture. The African American community is in dire need of role models beyond the athletic field and recording studio. Thankfully, they have to look no further than CSPAN, CNN, and FOXNEWS to see a well educated man, dedicated to his family, dedicated to his country, dedicated to a better tomorrow.
I did not vote for President Obama, but he has my staunch support. I hold the office of President in the highest regard. He is MY president. While I will, at times, question his policies, I will always treat MY president (and the office) with respect. I want President Obama to succeed. My future depends upon it. He has won the honor to serve as our nation's leader for the next four years. I respect that. I wish him the best.
This is what is fundamentally wrong with today's society. People have lost all respect for themselves and others. When did it become acceptable to tell anyone to Fu*k off, let alone the person elected for the people, by the people, to hold the highest office in the land? Exactly who decided that it was a forward thinking move for black American's to take back and own the most offensive racial slur as their own. When is the last time you heard a highly educated, successful black man refer to his best friend as a "nig*a"? Seriously, as if the German's all of a sudden started calling each other Nazi's, or women started referring to each other as "broads". It is the same mentality. It is self degrading, and needs to stop NOW! It shows how little respect these individuals hold for themselves, as a race, as a society, as U.S. citizens. We, as a society, need to stop glorifying thugs, who consistently display a lack of respect for all, including themselves, and start honoring those who deserve it. President Obama, and President Bush deserve to be respected, and so do I, as well as you.

Welcome to my new blog!

I have decided that I am much too important to waste my time with the small potatoes of Edina municipal politics, and have fixed my eyes upon the U.S. House of Representatives Minnesota district #2 seat.  Yes, that is correct, I am unofficially announcing my possible candidacy.  (how is that for a politician's answer?)  Edina City Council, Mary Brindle, you crazy, liberal, secular progressive, wanna be; you may have one the battle, but you have not won the war.  I see your city council seat and raise you.  Do you have what it takes?  I know I do!  (notice the finesse used while slamming and provoking my former opponent.)  While the days go by, this blog will be a place for me to react to national and local issues that are currently shaping the U.S. political landscape.  It will also be a place where I share the occasional poignant story about my sweet Yellow Labrador, Dakota.  Enjoy my soap box... I don't plan on getting off any time soon!