When this country was founded, of the three branches of government, Congress was held in the highest esteem. The top of the Capitol building is higher than any other building in DC. It - and particularly the House of Representatives - is considered to be the "people's House". The Representatives are meant to represent the desires of their constituents in the nation's government. The current crop of Representatives, though, seem to be curiously tone deaf to the desires of the electorate, and bull-headedly determined to impose the ideology of their party and their corporate benefactors on the country.
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90 comments (Latest Comment: 04/30/2011 04:05:31 by livingonli)

There is a certain attitude towards government (generally fostered by those that hate government) that government is NOT of the people, by the people, nor for the people, but instead some nefarious "Them". In the minds of these people, the government is the enemy. For some, this mindset is promoted as a rationale for privitizing government functions. Ultimately, our government suffers. Most people in public service (whether elected or hired) do good work, and take pride in helping the country. Those with law degrees in particular could make much more money in the private sector than they do serving their country in the halls of government.

This is why it is so important that those elected to office do their work transparently, and are open to dialogue with those they represent. Like most jobs in customer service, the people you hear from are not those that are happy, but those that have problems. For those in these positions, trying to avoid their voices (or silence them) will make you look bad, and those seeking your ear even more angry and determined.
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117 comments (Latest Comment: 04/28/2011 02:21:31 by livingonli)

I am more and more convinced that a certain alleged billionaire is not going to run for office. There are myriads of reasons why. I'd rather not take the time to discuss them on the pages of this blog. So, I suspect you are asking, 'Then why are you, Raine?' Heres why: Even if he isn't running, he is doing the damage. It's a psychic damage. I'm not talking about clairvoyency, I am talking about inner personal psyches that collectively add up and produce added negativity.
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28 comments (Latest Comment: 04/26/2011 00:43:21 by Raine)

Good Morning!

Well, if it's an early Saturday blog, that can only mean one thing...I'm off to donate platelets! If you're a whole-blood donor already, why not take the next step? (Ooh, and Christian angle today; "This is the bag of my blood...the sign of a new and everlasting commitment. It will be shed for you and for all so that transfusions may be given...")
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4 comments (Latest Comment: 04/24/2011 01:03:35 by BobR)

I don't give a damn 'Bout my reputation
I've never been afraid of any deviation
An' I don't really care If ya think I'm strange
I ain't gonna change
An' I'm never gonna care 'Bout my bad reputation
- Joan Jett


There's as certain human emotion known as "shame" that is common among most people. It is that sheepish apologetic feeling one gets when they know they've done something wrong. This is typically manifested in actions like self-punishment and giving back. For some strange reason, this is an emotion that seems strangely devoid in Republican politicians.

This is brought to light yet again by the recent announcement of John Ensign's (R-NV) plans to resign. Is it because he had an affair with a staffer's wife? Is it because he tried to pay off the staffer and wife by having his parents write them a series of checks that just fell under the amount they would have to report as income? Is it because he "forgot" to report $500K in assets on his taxes? Is it because he was added to the list of the 15 most corrupt politicians in America?
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50 comments (Latest Comment: 04/22/2011 21:12:09 by livingonli)