The six rules

“The six rules of life.
1. Don't like something just because you think other people will like it, because they won't.
2. What you think is important isnt. What you think is unimportant is.
3. Lean into it.
4. Don't make a mess of where you eat.
5. Most doors are closed so if you want them to open you need a cool knock.
6. Don't associate with people who have more problems than you do.”

Give me a break! I am now convinced the Tea Party is promoting a return to the Dark Ages

They are so obtuse it makes me want to cry.

How true

"If the Lord can turn water into wine, surely he can turn debt into wine -- which is good, because we're gonna need a drink." -- Stephen Colbert

A Return to Juan Crow

I am here in San Carlos – Guaymas Sonora working with a client. I have been coming here for the last ten years on business. To say it is difficult to get to many places here is an understatement, but when you travel 100% of the time for your work. It is one of the blessings you get, a gorgeous change of scenery and a completely different perspective on how America’s role affects our neighbors to the south. A Mexican friend, I have many, once told me that when the USA sneezes, Mexico catches a cold. I hope this works in reverse this time.
Anti - Mexican and Racist; that is what the newspaper’s here quote the countries leaders when asked about Arizona HB 1070. (La Voz del Puerto 27 April 2010) This profiling law allows law enforcement to focus upon suspected Illegal’s in Az. I understand the pressures leading to the passage of the law, the increased burdens on the state budget, and the now subsiding drug war in the four northern states of Mexico (something our media has largely ignored as we as Americans don’t seem to want to care about it unless it ruins our vacations).
I have worked in Mexico a great deal, in the past 10 years I have spent about 10% of my time here work wise. It has given me a true representation of the country, culture and socio – political – economic climate of the country. I have worked in 21 of the 31 states here. I like to think that I have been blessed to experienced more places and people in Mexico than most Mexicans have.
I have seen Mexico’s good side and their bad side. From the amazing cathedrals and rich cultural traditions during dia muertes (day of the dead) in Zacatecas to the traffic jams in Mexico City, Tijuana and Nuevo Laredo. I watch people with little going for them educationally and fiscally figure out ways to make their lives better and earn a living as there is very little public welfare here. It never ceases to amaze me that Mexicans have the ability to smile after what they have to deal with; From the Drug Gangs (Or Narcos), Inconsistent and Corrupt Government (where is President Salinas now?), Poor infrastructure, Mismanagement of their natural resources (PEMEX), The ever Declining Peso and they get to suffer from the fact that they are our neighbor and honestly, I have to say that we are not a very good neighbor at that. Recent events have made our bad neighborhood status more glaring.
Now I saw a photo in one of the Mexican Daily papers, (Yes, I read the language better than I speak it) and I saw a sign I thought I would never see outside of a history book or documentary, posted in the open again in reference to Jim Crow. The Sign said “Juan Crow”. I felt ashamed and disappointed at my countrymen. I thought we had moved past this type of behavior but the sign says it all. We are going towards the days of Jim Crow and we seem to be focusing upon one group of people who have done nothing but work their tails off for everything they have in America. I also could not help but note that in the Mexican Press that the government in Mexico City called for their people to avoid and boycott Arizona tourism and trade. I for one hope it has an effect.
I guess time will tell, but to my fellow Americans, remember this much. Those illegal’s in question; run our restaurants and build our houses, mow and manicure our lawns, possibly watch our kids and clean our houses. When the fruits of those labors are gone, who is going to do it? Are we willing to pay the price financially for citizens to do it? I think not! So to the ultra conservative right who like to try and boondoggle guilt upon the rest of us moderates. Why are we targeting the people who make our economy move? I don’t hear anyone complaining about Illegal Canadians, Asians or Europeans very often. Many of them have educations and or other skills and we tend to over look them. Many of the people in Mexico don’t have those advantages but they do have one thing I admire; heart and perseverance. Cut them a break please this is not a fair bill.

Its amazing how sunshine brings ones mind to a positive state.

I cannot tell you how low I feel when its overcast as it is in the midwest during the winter. But now its spring time and those damn leaves are abound in my yard. It helps that I was able to swing a once a week housekeeper. Its nice to come home to a clean house.
I do miss my dogs how ever Its kind of lonely with out them.

Somali Pirate response?

want to know when was the last time we saw an Ireali vessel pirated? Maybe we should take lessons?

Further proof why children should rule the world

My nephew has it MADE! He is a precocious six years old and is the first grandchild to three Grandmothers’ or me maws as he calls them, who absolutely adore him.
He plays the part very well and it never ceases to amaze me the things that come out of his mouth. The combination innocence and logic really makes me think there is hope for the future. My youngest sister is one of the few items my older sister I agree on is that she is the best of all four of us.
Now to set the table for this story I need to tell you that my older sister lives an alternative lifestyle. She has a great partner and has many friends with whom she frequently holds parties.
This past Christmas, she had the great cookie exchange, where every one came and brought five plates of cookies. My nephew and my youngest sister were there, there was another boy there who was seven, and two women are raising him. I am not going to say that is wrong because there are many traditional parents out there who have no business having children and this is a kid who is being raised in a loving caring home. That is all that matters currently.
The two boys went down to the basement and were playing while we adults were upstairs talking. When the cookie exchange started, the boys came upstairs. My nephew has never been a shy kid walked up to my sisters friend Jay and asked him; “Are you “A’s” daddy?” Jay who used to have a drag queen act told my nephew; “No I am A’s Aunty Jay.” Un phased by this remark my nephew started looking around the room for a man who would fit the bill for the dad role when the other boy “A” stated very proudly and matter of factly; “I have two mommies.”
My nephew, not to be out done but very matter of fact stated; “I have three Me maw’s” The two boys then shrugged their shoulders and went back downstairs to play. The rest of us upstairs were somewhat stunned but smiling about the exchange and went on to enjoy the rest of our time together.
As time has passed I thought; “what a wonderful thing, that a disagreement can be settled not by how much money or property you have but how much love you are getting from the mothers in your life, which in this case would be pretty much even.

Assume the Position

You may have to subscribe to the above web site but its free. Watch Assume the Position 201 for a history of the Bush family you may not have known before. Its a good laugh and a great take on American History and Pop Culture.

Freedom of Speech

Freedom of speech in the United States is protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and by many state constitutions and state and federal laws. Criticism of the government and advocacy of unpopular ideas that people may find distasteful or against public policy, such as racism, are generally permitted. There are exceptions to the general protection of speech, however, including the Miller test for obscenity, child pornography laws, and regulation of commercial speech such as advertising. Other limitations on free speech often balance rights to free speech and other rights, such as property rights for authors and inventors (copyright), interests in "fair" political campaigns (Campaign finance laws), protection from imminent or potential violence against particular persons (restrictions on Hate speech or fighting words), or the use of untruths to harm others (slander). Distinctions are often made between speech and other acts which may have symbolic significance. Efforts have been made to ban flag desecration, for example, though currently that act remains protected speech.

In No way am I using any hateful or torrid messages pointed at anyone. I took an oath to defend the constitution of the USA. I adhere to it still. If you dont like what I have to say then don't read it.

Race in the Age of Obama

"Is Barack Obama African-American? Is he mixed race? Will having Obama in office change America's perspective on race?

I think I have heard him state he is mixed race and African American. So I am confused as to where his identities lie. I do think it shows that race is no longer the barrier it used to be.
I do think that if you utilize your talents and abilities you will be rewarded. His work in Chicago shows it.
In business, if you act like you are supposed to be a token you will be treated as a token, if you perform in this day and age you will advance. The days of the boys club are dying with big 3.
I am Caucasian and I agree there are a few places I have seen in my 11 years of auditing hundreds of North American Corporations that a pedigree may get your foot in the door but if the guy underneath you shines a heck of a lot brighter than you do, no matter what their color or creed, a GOOD firm will promote that person. The bad firm will lose that person and will eventually slump to mediocrity.