Feedback that I’ve received on my first time attempts at journalism has almost always been along the line - “I agree with you and I’m glad someone is saying something about (fill in the blank) BUT (fill in the blank) is more important”
My response to this critique is:
Fine, OK - so get off the couch and you get your concerns out there yourself.
Ain’t my job or anybody else’s to speak your thoughts.
What is lacking is knowledgeable discourse between neighbors, relatives, and co-workers about the direction of our federal, state and local governmental bodies. If you cannot put current events up there with the latest NASCAR rankings, you will indeed reap what you’ve sown. Get involved.
For example…
Did you know the 2008 federal budget included $403,902 for a grant to the New York Psychiatric Institute which is associated with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism which is a division of the National Institutes of Health. And that this grant is to study the interactions of drinking, homosexuals, and “risky” behavior in bars in Argentina (that’s in South America for you Alabamians - just kidding)) for the purpose of optimizing HIV prevention. Now you might think that “risky” would logically follow “alcohol” and “gay bar”. But, apparently this is not so obvious to folks up in N.Y. so they need to explore further. And this study of bars in Buenos Aires will continue through August 2010.
Ya know what?
As an occasionally alcohol challenged ex-party animal, 400 serious big ones for a free ride in teeny bikini town for two years sure sounds like a party to me. I’d preference the biker and hetro bars myself but I could be wrong - it could be science - ya, right - what a hoot. Makes me wish I’d thought of this scam long time ago. Not quite as good as Al Gore’s gig but it does show creativity.
Don’t you think…
People in your neighborhood, workplace, church should render an opinion on something as blatantly bizarre as this? And $400,000 is chump change in the federal budget. But ya know, once anyone in your circle starts looking, you will be well and truly surprised what you are getting for your tax dollars. And I doubt any of you would be pleased…
It’s commonly said that time is money. OK - try this…..
You pay about 39 percent in dollar-type taxes if you include fed, state, local, sales, property, ad velorem, use and hidden(tire and battery recycling etc.)taxes.
So how does it feel to give up about 9 and a half hours of your day to your government? Hey! If you’re getting a return on this investment that satisfies you, great.
I’m willing to bet you’d rather have some of those hours back so you could spend it your way and not their way.
Do you have any idea…
Who represents you?
When was the last time you saw your representative’s or senator’s name? (Hint - think campaign signs)
You probably provide a good or service that someone is willing to pay for. What good or service is your government providing? The Constitution mandates only a very few - justice, domestic tranquility, common defense, the general welfare, and the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. This is what “We The People” declared.
Isn’t it about time you claimed the right to voice your opinion?
Dan Kodl can be contacted at bossmechanic@charter.net
I’ve had my money confiscated from me. I’m on the hook to pay it back. My child is on the hook to pay it back. My future grandkids are on the hook to pay it back. I don’t know where it’s gone. And now I have to play Inspector Clouseau, too? Now I have to be the investigative reporter? Now the citizen has got to get out there and track what Obama said he was going to track with a fine-tonged fist.
Where have our senators gone?
Teri Neely Roberts