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Stay Out of It
Author: BobR
Date: 05/04/2017 13:33:48
What is it with people who think they know better than someone who is living with - or has experienced - an actual situation or event? Doctors are discouraged from making long-distance diagnoses because they may be missing some of the intangibles by not being there. Yet people feel like they should know how someone living a completely different existence should feel and react and live based on how THEY feel and react and live. Long-distance advice is seldom welcome, and generally reflects the mindset of the person giving the advice, rather than the needs of those receiving it.
The horror of 9/11 is a good example. Cellphone video and TV cameras relayed and replayed footage of planes hitting the towers and their eventual collapse, until the American psyche was permanently scarred by it. Hatred and mistrust of anyone looking remotely Arabic became a stain on our history of America as a melting pot of many colors.
Meanwhile, back in NYC, the people most affected by the attack were busy getting back to their routines. They were not hating and mistrusting - they joined hands with their Muslim neighbors and left the past behind. They were not wearing tacky T-shirts with bald eagles and "never forget" on them. NYC never forgot either, but they weren't about to let this define them or change them - that would be letting "the enemy" win.
I happened to be there on that terrible day, and remember the chaos, the immensity, the smell. Yet, whenever I criticized the Dubya Administration's over-reaction, I'd invariably be asked "have you forgotten what happened on 9/11". I'd respond "of course not - I was there". Which generally reduced their fauxtrage to a "well then - you should know". I DO know - those in "America's Heartland" are the ones with no clue. They suffered nothing but the non-stop visual assault of media replaying the death porn. They could've turn it off anytime they wanted. For those in NYC, you can't turn off the smell weeks later, but you can choose how you react to it.
Sandy Hook was another one of those seminal moments in American history, where the very soul of the country took a direct hit. It was impossible to not be affected by the knowledge that so many innocent little lives were snuffed out. Those who suffered the worst - the parents and neighbors of all those murdered children - channeled their grief into action to try to change our nation's lax gun laws to help prevent this from ever happening again.
Out in - once again - America's Heartland (with a seeming lack of heart), they had a decidedly different solution: Arm the schools. In their mind, those who suffered did so only because there weren't enough guns, not that there are too many and too accessible. Had those teachers been packing heat, they could have taken out that little bastard, just like you see in the action movies. Because after all - inside of every grade school teacher is a Terminator just waiting to get out, right?
It's not just traumatic events that get this "prescription from afar" treatment. Consider the "illegal immigrant crisis". Those who pay attention know that this is NOT a "crisis", and undocumented immigrants from south of the border have actually been going back home as the Mexican economy continues to improve. Nonetheless, politics thrives on blaming someone else for it's problems, so we end up with pResident tRump, and a clamoring to "build that wall".
Once again though, the people most affected - those nearest the border - do not want a wall built. Consider this letter written by someone who lives next to our southern border:
The long-distance prescription from those least affected by the "cure" is seldom welcome and generally detrimental. People should learn to mind their own business and focus on their own backyards.
The horror of 9/11 is a good example. Cellphone video and TV cameras relayed and replayed footage of planes hitting the towers and their eventual collapse, until the American psyche was permanently scarred by it. Hatred and mistrust of anyone looking remotely Arabic became a stain on our history of America as a melting pot of many colors.
Meanwhile, back in NYC, the people most affected by the attack were busy getting back to their routines. They were not hating and mistrusting - they joined hands with their Muslim neighbors and left the past behind. They were not wearing tacky T-shirts with bald eagles and "never forget" on them. NYC never forgot either, but they weren't about to let this define them or change them - that would be letting "the enemy" win.
I happened to be there on that terrible day, and remember the chaos, the immensity, the smell. Yet, whenever I criticized the Dubya Administration's over-reaction, I'd invariably be asked "have you forgotten what happened on 9/11". I'd respond "of course not - I was there". Which generally reduced their fauxtrage to a "well then - you should know". I DO know - those in "America's Heartland" are the ones with no clue. They suffered nothing but the non-stop visual assault of media replaying the death porn. They could've turn it off anytime they wanted. For those in NYC, you can't turn off the smell weeks later, but you can choose how you react to it.
Sandy Hook was another one of those seminal moments in American history, where the very soul of the country took a direct hit. It was impossible to not be affected by the knowledge that so many innocent little lives were snuffed out. Those who suffered the worst - the parents and neighbors of all those murdered children - channeled their grief into action to try to change our nation's lax gun laws to help prevent this from ever happening again.
Out in - once again - America's Heartland (with a seeming lack of heart), they had a decidedly different solution: Arm the schools. In their mind, those who suffered did so only because there weren't enough guns, not that there are too many and too accessible. Had those teachers been packing heat, they could have taken out that little bastard, just like you see in the action movies. Because after all - inside of every grade school teacher is a Terminator just waiting to get out, right?
It's not just traumatic events that get this "prescription from afar" treatment. Consider the "illegal immigrant crisis". Those who pay attention know that this is NOT a "crisis", and undocumented immigrants from south of the border have actually been going back home as the Mexican economy continues to improve. Nonetheless, politics thrives on blaming someone else for it's problems, so we end up with pResident tRump, and a clamoring to "build that wall".
Once again though, the people most affected - those nearest the border - do not want a wall built. Consider this letter written by someone who lives next to our southern border:
You would be hard-pressed to find anyone living here who wants it. The wall would turn our homes into prisons, with our children growing up in the shadow of a symbol of hatred for the Latino immigrants living here. It would not deter border crossers but would force them to traverse harsher terrain where many would die.
The wall would also steal our landowners’ property and wall off the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park and World Birding Center on which our local economy depends greatly. Both our precious ecology and our economy rely heavily upon our sister cities in Mexico, and we share with them a cultural heritage and landscape that, once severed, we would never regain. We want to see our community continue to benefit, as it has since its inception, from the synergy with our Mexican neighbors for generations to come, and that means we have no room for walls or fences.
The long-distance prescription from those least affected by the "cure" is seldom welcome and generally detrimental. People should learn to mind their own business and focus on their own backyards.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 05/04/2017 13:28:13
Mondobubba on 05/04/2017 13:28:13
Hey blog nerds, May the 4th Be With You.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 05/04/2017 13:30:49
wickedpam on 05/04/2017 13:30:49
Morning 
May the 4th Be With You :D
Long drive yesterday, so tired but back at work. Thank goodness its quiet today, everyone is out at a golf tournament
May the 4th Be With You :D
Long drive yesterday, so tired but back at work. Thank goodness its quiet today, everyone is out at a golf tournament
Comment by 
BobR on 05/04/2017 13:34:54
BobR on 05/04/2017 13:34:54
BLOG IS POSTED
Comment by 
Scoopster on 05/04/2017 13:38:11
Scoopster on 05/04/2017 13:38:11
Mornin' all 
Comment by 
Raine on 05/04/2017 13:38:52
Raine on 05/04/2017 13:38:52
HERE HERE!
Or perhaps they could start improving the lives of EVERYONE!
Or perhaps they could start improving the lives of EVERYONE!
Comment by Raine on 05/04/2017 13:39:12
How are you doing?
Raine on 05/04/2017 13:39:12
Quote by wickedpam:
Morning
May the 4th Be With You :D
Long drive yesterday, so tired but back at work. Thank goodness its quiet today, everyone is out at a golf tournament
Comment by Scoopster on 05/04/2017 13:51:13
Scoopster on 05/04/2017 13:51:13
Ugh... I don't even wanna think about how ridiculous the traffic is gonna be in NYC today.
Comment by Scoopster on 05/04/2017 13:52:00
Scoopster on 05/04/2017 13:52:00
Well yeah of course he is..
Is the Trump White House taking credit for border fence construction approved by previous presidents? https://t.co/RsBhRieS3f
— Anderson Cooper 360° (@AC360) May 4, 2017
Comment by Raine on 05/04/2017 13:53:47
Raine on 05/04/2017 13:53:47
Woah!
Senior Washington figures believe the odds point towards President Donald Trump being impeached and, as reported in the New Yorker, Mark Warner, the vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee has reportedly put the odds at two to one against Trump completing his full term.
Comment by Raine on 05/04/2017 13:54:21
That is what I was thinking as I watched yesterdays presser.
Raine on 05/04/2017 13:54:21
Quote by Scoopster:
Well yeah of course he is..Is the Trump White House taking credit for border fence construction approved by previous presidents? https://t.co/RsBhRieS3f
— Anderson Cooper 360° (@AC360) May 4, 2017
That is what I was thinking as I watched yesterdays presser.
Comment by Raine on 05/04/2017 13:55:26
I eagerly await the protestations!
Raine on 05/04/2017 13:55:26
Quote by Scoopster:
Ugh... I don't even wanna think about how ridiculous the traffic is gonna be in NYC today.
I eagerly await the protestations!
Comment by Scoopster on 05/04/2017 14:00:02
Scoopster on 05/04/2017 14:00:02
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/04/2017 14:02:47
Mondobubba on 05/04/2017 14:02:47
I was talking to my brother, who getting SSI and Medicaid. He is scared that he is going to lose benefits due to cuts proposed by the Republicans. When I was speaking to him the other day he called them "mean." He's right they are mean people.
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/04/2017 14:03:50
Part of me is, well a stopped clock is right twice a day, but then he's also calling a spade a spade. I will stop using cliched metaphors now.
Mondobubba on 05/04/2017 14:03:50
Quote by Scoopster:
Credit where it's due - George Will is speaking out big time.
Part of me is, well a stopped clock is right twice a day, but then he's also calling a spade a spade. I will stop using cliched metaphors now.
Comment by Scoopster on 05/04/2017 14:05:01
Scoopster on 05/04/2017 14:05:01
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/04/2017 14:06:32
Mulavey is man in desperate need of a blowjob. Why so angry, dude?
Mondobubba on 05/04/2017 14:06:32
Quote by Scoopster:
Well yeah of course he is..Is the Trump White House taking credit for border fence construction approved by previous presidents? https://t.co/RsBhRieS3f
— Anderson Cooper 360° (@AC360) May 4, 2017
Mulavey is man in desperate need of a blowjob. Why so angry, dude?
Comment by Raine on 05/04/2017 14:21:52
Raine on 05/04/2017 14:21:52
Comment by wickedpam on 05/04/2017 14:25:05
Doing ok. Aunt Bev was one of the kindest, sweetest people I have ever know. Even when she was in the ALZ unit her nursing skills kicked in and she was there helping out and spreading just kindness and goodwill, until she couldn't anymore. And even then she had a smile on her face. She helped raise me. she is going to be missed horribly. But I know she is better off and at peace and without pain.
Step-grandmother aka Lois, can bite me however. Think I all said to her was hello.
Got to see 2 cousins I hadn't seen since I was, oh gosh, 15 I think. They added a lot of levity that was much appreciated :)
wickedpam on 05/04/2017 14:25:05
Quote by Raine:How are you doing?Quote by wickedpam:
Morning
May the 4th Be With You :D
Long drive yesterday, so tired but back at work. Thank goodness its quiet today, everyone is out at a golf tournament
Doing ok. Aunt Bev was one of the kindest, sweetest people I have ever know. Even when she was in the ALZ unit her nursing skills kicked in and she was there helping out and spreading just kindness and goodwill, until she couldn't anymore. And even then she had a smile on her face. She helped raise me. she is going to be missed horribly. But I know she is better off and at peace and without pain.
Step-grandmother aka Lois, can bite me however. Think I all said to her was hello.
Got to see 2 cousins I hadn't seen since I was, oh gosh, 15 I think. They added a lot of levity that was much appreciated :)
Comment by wickedpam on 05/04/2017 14:30:43
If Warner said that - that's pretty big. He's like overly cautious about everything.
wickedpam on 05/04/2017 14:30:43
Quote by Raine:
Woah!Senior Washington figures believe the odds point towards President Donald Trump being impeached and, as reported in the New Yorker, Mark Warner, the vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee has reportedly put the odds at two to one against Trump completing his full term.
If Warner said that - that's pretty big. He's like overly cautious about everything.
Comment by Raine on 05/04/2017 14:32:21
. I really am so sorry for your loss Mala. 
That she helped raise you-- one of the nicest people I know -- says all I need to know about your Aunt Bev.
Raine on 05/04/2017 14:32:21
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:How are you doing?Quote by wickedpam:
Morning
May the 4th Be With You :D
Long drive yesterday, so tired but back at work. Thank goodness its quiet today, everyone is out at a golf tournament
Doing ok. Aunt Bev was one of the kindest, sweetest people I have ever know. Even when she was in the ALZ unit her nursing skills kicked in and she was there helping out and spreading just kindness and goodwill, until she couldn't anymore. And even then she had a smile on her face. She helped raise me. she is going to be missed horribly. But I know she is better off and at peace and without pain.
Step-grandmother aka Lois, can bite me however. Think I all said to her was hello.
Got to see 2 cousins I hadn't seen since I was, oh gosh, 15 I think. They added a lot of levity that was much appreciated :)
That she helped raise you-- one of the nicest people I know -- says all I need to know about your Aunt Bev.
Comment by Raine on 05/04/2017 14:33:20
That was my first thought as well.
It just seems like things are closing in on the monsters and his team -- none too soon, IMO.
Raine on 05/04/2017 14:33:20
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Woah!Senior Washington figures believe the odds point towards President Donald Trump being impeached and, as reported in the New Yorker, Mark Warner, the vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee has reportedly put the odds at two to one against Trump completing his full term.
If Warner said that - that's pretty big. He's like overly cautious about everything.
It just seems like things are closing in on the monsters and his team -- none too soon, IMO.
Comment by Raine on 05/04/2017 14:56:14
Raine on 05/04/2017 14:56:14
Senate parliamentarian can't review AHCA without CBO score and that will likely take two more weeks. So we're looking at June at earliest.
— Paige W. Cunningham (@pw_cunningham) May 4, 2017
Comment by wickedpam on 05/04/2017 14:57:50
wickedpam on 05/04/2017 14:57:50
Quote by Raine:. I really am so sorry for your loss Mala.Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:How are you doing?Quote by wickedpam:
Morning
May the 4th Be With You :D
Long drive yesterday, so tired but back at work. Thank goodness its quiet today, everyone is out at a golf tournament
Doing ok. Aunt Bev was one of the kindest, sweetest people I have ever know. Even when she was in the ALZ unit her nursing skills kicked in and she was there helping out and spreading just kindness and goodwill, until she couldn't anymore. And even then she had a smile on her face. She helped raise me. she is going to be missed horribly. But I know she is better off and at peace and without pain.
Step-grandmother aka Lois, can bite me however. Think I all said to her was hello.
Got to see 2 cousins I hadn't seen since I was, oh gosh, 15 I think. They added a lot of levity that was much appreciated :)
That she helped raise you-- one of the nicest people I know -- says all I need to know about your Aunt Bev.
Comment by Scoopster on 05/04/2017 15:12:49
Scoopster on 05/04/2017 15:12:49
Comment by Raine on 05/04/2017 15:38:14
Raine on 05/04/2017 15:38:14
HOLY SHIT: Republican members of Congress run away from MSNBC reporter as he asks them IF THEY'VE READ THE BILL THEY'RE ABOUT TO VOTE ON!! pic.twitter.com/riNGLJeShI
— igorvolsky (@igorvolsky) May 4, 2017
Comment by Raine on 05/04/2017 15:39:08
This is all REALLY BAD.
I posted a story that it will take away funding for Special needs kids and caretakers in Schools.
Raine on 05/04/2017 15:39:08
This is all REALLY BAD.
I posted a story that it will take away funding for Special needs kids and caretakers in Schools.
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/04/2017 15:48:56
The odious Rep.Tom Cole (R-OK) was being interviewed on Morning Edition. One of his comments, like this is a good thing, was the Trumpcare bill is short, unlike the ACA which is 2,400 pages. Hey, dumbass, the ACA is long because health care's complicated.
Mondobubba on 05/04/2017 15:48:56
Quote by Raine:HOLY SHIT: Republican members of Congress run away from MSNBC reporter as he asks them IF THEY'VE READ THE BILL THEY'RE ABOUT TO VOTE ON!! pic.twitter.com/riNGLJeShI
— igorvolsky (@igorvolsky) May 4, 2017
The odious Rep.Tom Cole (R-OK) was being interviewed on Morning Edition. One of his comments, like this is a good thing, was the Trumpcare bill is short, unlike the ACA which is 2,400 pages. Hey, dumbass, the ACA is long because health care's complicated.
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/04/2017 15:51:28
Mondobubba on 05/04/2017 15:51:28
Has anybody else seen the new Congressional website? You literally can't contact a congress critter outside your own district. They vet by zipcodes.
Comment by Scoopster on 05/04/2017 16:28:09
Scoopster on 05/04/2017 16:28:09
Looks like a good crowd standing outside the Capitol Building.
The crowd on the hill urging the House to #VoteNo on Trumpcare and #KillTheBill. pic.twitter.com/v4C1L3lCEY
— CAP Action (@CAPAction) May 4, 2017
Comment by Scoopster on 05/04/2017 16:29:52
Scoopster on 05/04/2017 16:29:52
Mike Coffman (R-CO) is now a confirmed no. That makes 18 GOP No's per WaPo count.
Comment by Scoopster on 05/04/2017 16:41:34
Scoopster on 05/04/2017 16:41:34
Kevin McCarthy on CNN: "We're actually solving the problem. And if it doesn't work, it's because of Obamacare."
— digby (@digby56) May 4, 2017
Comment by Raine on 05/04/2017 17:04:25
Fingers crossed!
I just back from the store --
Raine on 05/04/2017 17:04:25
Quote by Scoopster:
Mike Coffman (R-CO) is now a confirmed no. That makes 18 GOP No's per WaPo count.
I just back from the store --
Comment by wickedpam on 05/04/2017 17:08:47
any word on if Wittman went back to no?
wickedpam on 05/04/2017 17:08:47
Quote by Raine:Fingers crossed!Quote by Scoopster:
Mike Coffman (R-CO) is now a confirmed no. That makes 18 GOP No's per WaPo count.
I just back from the store --
any word on if Wittman went back to no?
Comment by Raine on 05/04/2017 17:12:16
This guy is putting (and has been) his reputation on the line -- this sounds like pretty big stuff.
Raine on 05/04/2017 17:12:16
From a reliable source in the legal community "There have been sealed COMPLAINTS against Manafort and four others for several months".
— Claude Taylor (@TrueFactsStated) May 4, 2017
This guy is putting (and has been) his reputation on the line -- this sounds like pretty big stuff.
Comment by BobR on 05/04/2017 17:21:00
Wish I could've swung by there at lunch
BobR on 05/04/2017 17:21:00
Quote by Scoopster:
Looks like a good crowd standing outside the Capitol Building.The crowd on the hill urging the House to #VoteNo on Trumpcare and #KillTheBill. pic.twitter.com/v4C1L3lCEY
— CAP Action (@CAPAction) May 4, 2017
Wish I could've swung by there at lunch
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/04/2017 17:23:08
Mondobubba on 05/04/2017 17:23:08
Because we need to lighten the mood.
Bombay Sapphire gin recalled across Canada for containing too much alcohol
Road trip before it is all off the shelves!
Bombay Sapphire gin recalled across Canada for containing too much alcohol
Road trip before it is all off the shelves!
Comment by Scoopster on 05/04/2017 17:26:10
I approve of this, and will gladly join you.
Scoopster on 05/04/2017 17:26:10
Quote by Mondobubba:
Because we need to lighten the mood.
Bombay Sapphire gin recalled across Canada for containing too much alcohol
Road trip before it is all off the shelves!
I approve of this, and will gladly join you.
Comment by Raine on 05/04/2017 17:32:21
Via Wapo: still undecided/Unclear
Raine on 05/04/2017 17:32:21
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Fingers crossed!Quote by Scoopster:
Mike Coffman (R-CO) is now a confirmed no. That makes 18 GOP No's per WaPo count.
I just back from the store --
any word on if Wittman went back to no?
Via Wapo: still undecided/Unclear
Comment by Scoopster on 05/04/2017 17:36:57
Asshole.
Scoopster on 05/04/2017 17:36:57
"At this stage I want to keep you guys guessing," Florida Rep. Mario Diaz Balart said on his vote.
Asshole.
Comment by 
livingonli on 05/04/2017 17:40:13
livingonli on 05/04/2017 17:40:13
I think mama was right when I hear all the comments on Trumpcare and the attacks on Kimmel for what he said about Healthcare is that this country does have a mean streak, and it shows in the people who support Trump. If any of this shit passes, I should consider moving to a country that has a National Healthcare system, because I might be fucked here as a diabetic.
Comment by Raine on 05/04/2017 17:40:59
Major dick move.
Raine on 05/04/2017 17:40:59
Quote by Scoopster:"At this stage I want to keep you guys guessing," Florida Rep. Mario Diaz Balart said on his vote.
Asshole.
Comment by Raine on 05/04/2017 17:41:42
Get your passport ASAP if you don;t have it yet.
Raine on 05/04/2017 17:41:42
Quote by livingonli:
I think mama was right when I hear all the comments on Trumpcare and the attacks on Kimmel for what he said about Healthcare is that this country does have a mean streak, and it shows in the people who support Trump. If any of this shit passes, I should consider moving to a country that has a National Healthcare system, because I might be fucked here as a diabetic.
Get your passport ASAP if you don;t have it yet.
Comment by Scoopster on 05/04/2017 17:43:24
Scoopster on 05/04/2017 17:43:24
I'm fucking in love with Nancy Pelosi right now. 
Comment by Scoopster on 05/04/2017 17:46:29
Scoopster on 05/04/2017 17:46:29
JFC.. Ryan gets up and the first thing out of his mouth is to praise Trump, and all of the idiots cheered.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 05/04/2017 17:48:06
Mala, I am so sorry for the loss of your Aunt Bev. I will say her name for the Mourner's Kaddish tomorrow night.
Will in Chicago on 05/04/2017 17:48:06
Quote by Raine:. I really am so sorry for your loss Mala.Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:How are you doing?Quote by wickedpam:
Morning
May the 4th Be With You :D
Long drive yesterday, so tired but back at work. Thank goodness its quiet today, everyone is out at a golf tournament
Doing ok. Aunt Bev was one of the kindest, sweetest people I have ever know. Even when she was in the ALZ unit her nursing skills kicked in and she was there helping out and spreading just kindness and goodwill, until she couldn't anymore. And even then she had a smile on her face. She helped raise me. she is going to be missed horribly. But I know she is better off and at peace and without pain.
Step-grandmother aka Lois, can bite me however. Think I all said to her was hello.
Got to see 2 cousins I hadn't seen since I was, oh gosh, 15 I think. They added a lot of levity that was much appreciated :)
That she helped raise you-- one of the nicest people I know -- says all I need to know about your Aunt Bev.
Mala, I am so sorry for the loss of your Aunt Bev. I will say her name for the Mourner's Kaddish tomorrow night.
Comment by Scoopster on 05/04/2017 17:48:09
Scoopster on 05/04/2017 17:48:09
Read the full text of the "religious liberty" executive order President Trump just signed https://t.co/1Ou98xenqb pic.twitter.com/WDI9X8pdoH
— CNN (@CNN) May 4, 2017
Comment by livingonli on 05/04/2017 17:49:16
Seig Heil, y'all.
livingonli on 05/04/2017 17:49:16
Quote by Scoopster:
JFC.. Ryan gets up and the first thing out of his mouth is to praise Trump, and all of the idiots cheered.
Seig Heil, y'all.