mediacopp.blogspot.com

Obamanopoly

2012-01-26T19:05:00.000-08:00

I settled in to watch the President's State of the Union Address on Tuesday evening. I ran through the channels and settled on CNN (I don't know why). I logged on to Twitter, so I could comment. Almost immediately, I received a BlackBerry alert, informing me that I had a Facebook message. I checked and there it was... http://obamanopolythegame.com . Wow! Right when the President of the United States starts his State of the Union Address, some joker sends me an old (circulated) e-mail about the Monopoly game and how things would be if (thunder roar please) Obama's brand of socialism takes hold. How tired...

Anyway, the speech starts...here are my tweets (you figure 'em out):

* I want to play by the "same rules" as Congress and the White House...

* Hey, who's going the watch the watchers...and regulate the regulators...

* Wow, it's like he hasn't even been president the last three years...

* Ooh, it looks like John Kerry got hit by an ugly stick...or a big bottle of ketchup..

* That's it! Let's "give" people jobs...that'll do it...

* Why don't we first put a "cap" on the salaries of college professors and administrators...

* Comprehensive Immigration Reform? Where've you been the last three years?

* If each of us eats one fewer hot dog every day, we could save trillions over the next millennium.

* OMG! Another Bush mention...

* He'd score big points if he'd just fire the worst AG in American History...no, not Janet Reno.

* Finally, something we can all agree on...NO NUKES IN IRAN!

Then, I got bored (it wasn't one of his better speeches)...so I opened the Obamanopoly e-mail. It wasn't what I thought...actually it was a drinking game, listing all kinds of less than witty reasons to take a drink (i.e. if he mentions the word "children," etc.). I thought to myself, hey, I can come up with a better game...take a drink every time he says, "I," "me," "myself," etc. But true to form, my college roommate already invented that game. I got a call from his wife...he passed out about ten minutes into the speech...

Another Rant, Another Tuesday...

2012-01-17T06:48:00.000-08:00

Once again, one of my rants found it's way to the pages of our local newspaper, the Sacramento Bee. Yes, I know I've in the past referred to our daily as a "rag," or as the Scab-ramento Bee, all in fun of course. But, I love newspapers. I grew up delivering newspapers. I wrote and edited on the staffs of school newspapers. I did sports reporting for a number of local newspapers. But then it all went horribly, horribly wrong. I subsequently majored in and received a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism. Wrong, you say? Well, not "wrong," so much as "just not right."

Here's what I wrote:

ANOTHER (HO-HUM) DAY IN SAC TOWN

Re: "Report: Deputy under attack shoots man," Crime Reports, page B2 (January 16):

Really? Page B2? A Sheriff's Deputy in the thriving metropolis known as Sacramento, CA, shoots a "suspect," not once but twice after the suspect violently resists. There is a chase and a scuffle ensues, with the deputy firing his weapon wounding the suspect and most probably saving his own life...just another day in paradise, right?

Why is this not front page news? Oh sure, tougher welfare laws and (mayor) Kevin Johnson again seeking "strong mayor" status (ooh, and don't forget the Golden Globes) are all well and good, but come on! A Sheriff's Deputy has to shoot a citizen because he's under attack (in a disgusting sewer to boot) by a person with obviously no respect for the law...and THAT'S just another "crime report?"

Priorities people!! While the media is focused on which Republican candidate made the biggest gaff that particular day, the public is becoming increasingly restless. You know, it's just a matter of time before...well, let's just say the calm before the storm (drain) may be waning...

Now, the Bee's version:

SHOOTOUT DESERVED MORE INK

Re: "Report: Deputy under attack shoots man" (Page B2 Jan. 16): A Sacramento County sheriff's deputy shot a suspect, not once but twice, after the suspect fled. There was a chase and a scuffle ensued, with the deputy firing his weapon, wounding the suspect and most probably saving his own life.

Why was this not front-page news? Sure, tougher welfare rules and Mayor Kevin Johnson seeking strong mayor status, and don't forget the Golden Globes, are well and good. But a member of our Sheriff's Department has to shoot a citizen because the officer is under attack, in a disgusting sewer, and that's just another crime report.

Priorities, people.

...and there you have it...not to mention they will NOT publish my pen name, MediaCopp...but that's another story. Alas, it (editing) did not change the intent...much...but if homogenized prose is what you desire, well, the choice is clear...rant over...

2012...here we go again!!!

2012-01-13T07:40:00.000-08:00

Of course, it's the most important election of our lifetime...a Muslim communist vs. (any number of) heartless, corrupt, vulture-capitalist one percenters...and what a choice it is. Here's why:

* The rich will never, never, never, NEVER, pay their fair share of taxes. No amount of class warfare will change that fact. You want to see trickle down (or as I call it, trickle upon) economics at work, go ahead and tax the rich...heavily...you'll see...

* Roe v. Wade will NEVER be overturned. All the brouhaha about women losing their right to choose if Creepublicans ever get total control of Washington is hogwash...what part of, "it's all about the money," do you social moderates (and progressives) fail to understand?"

* NO ONE is going to take away your guns...if you have to "register" and/or account for every one of your weapons, so be it. Look around you...do you REALLY want every (other) idiot to have an unlimited number of firearms with zero restrictions? No you don't!!!

* The country will never become socialist...to become a socialist nation would quite frankly be an improvement over what we have today...so please, SHUT UP, right wing morons...enough with the scare tactics...

* Incrementalism is the "word of the day," (if that even IS a word) for BOTH sides...I have another word for you folks (and I'm talking about our leaders, but if the shoe fits...) and that word is Bi-polar...and believe me, there ain't enough Lithium in the world to stabilize these people...

* So it's NOT your "father's (or mother's) country," what did you think? Did you think ALL this friggin' technology would result in nothing but wonderful, Utopian, advances...get real!!!

* Speaking of real, William Glasser boiled down the three basic concerns of "Reality Therapy," as reality, responsibility and right & wrong...it's just as simple as that...the only part we have to get down...is collective responsibility vs individual responsibility. Yes, collective helps everyone, but penalizes the responsible...and individual is fair (to the responsible) but certainly doesn't benefit ALL...and while we DON'T have to (or shouldn't) do one or the other, we SHOULD decide which one IS primary and which is secondary...pretty please...

So, yes, this IS the most important election of our lifetime...unless of course it isn't...

Memo from Montana

2012-01-07T14:08:00.000-08:00

Alan Simpson, a former Republican Senator from Wyoming , and Co-Chair of the Deficit Commission, who inherited a soft-cushion career in politics from his father, calls senior citizens the Greediest Generation and compared "Social Security" to a Milk Cow with 310 million teats. This pithy straight forward rebuttal comes from a citizen of Montana (another desolate state), a feisty 63 year-old named Patty Myers:

"Hey Alan, let's get a few things straight. As a career politician, you have been on the public dole for FIFTY YEARS. I have been paying Social Security tax for 48 YEARS (since I was 15 years old. I am now 63). My Social Security payments, and those of millions of other Americans, were safely tucked away in an interest bearing account for decades until you political pukes decided to raid the account and give OUR money to a bunch of zero ambition losers in return for votes, thus bankrupting the system and turning Social Security into a Ponzi scheme that would have made Bernie Madoff proud. Recently, just like Lucy & Charlie Brown, you and your ilk pulled the proverbial football away from millions of American seniors nearing retirement and moved the goalposts for full retirement from age 65 to age 67.

NOW, you and your shill commission are proposing to move the goalposts YET AGAIN. I, and millions of other Americans, have been paying into Medicare from Day One, and now you morons propose to change the rules of the game. Why? Because you idiots mismanaged other parts of the economy to such an extent that you need to steal money from Medicare to pay the bills. I, and millions of other Americans, have been paying income taxes our entire lives, and now you propose to increase our taxes yet again. Why? Because you incompetent bastards spent our money so profligately that you just kept on spending even after you ran out of money. Now, you come to the American taxpayers and say you need more to pay off YOUR debt. To add insult to injury, you label us "greedy" for calling "bullshit" on your incompetence. Well, Captain
Bullshit, I have a few questions for YOU.

1. How much money have you earned from the American taxpayers during your pathetic 50-year political career?

2. At what age did you retire from your pathetic political career, and how much are you receiving in annual retirement benefits from the American taxpayers?

3. How much do you pay for YOUR government provided health insurance?

4. What cuts in YOUR retirement and healthcare benefits are you proposing in your disgusting deficit reduction proposal, or, as usual, have you exempted yourself and your political cronies?

It is you, Captain Bullshit, and your political co-conspirators called Congress who are the"greedy" ones. It is you and your fellow nutcases who have bankrupted America and stolen the American dream from millions of loyal, patriotic taxpayers. And for what? Votes. That's right, sir. You and yours have bankrupted America for the sole purpose of advancing your pathetic political careers. You know it, we know it, and you know that we know it. And you can take that to the bank, you miserable son of a bitch.

Life in Obama's America

2012-01-03T19:00:00.000-08:00

Myron arises at noon and prepares his afternoon tea. He fills his pot with good bottled Evian because it's being handed out at the co-op. He takes his medication, generic Xanax, smuggled in from Saskatchewan because it's distributed at the free clinic. Myron's meds are safe because they aren't manufactured by some big corporation and are naturally mixed with regurgitated goat feces. Myron's old COBRA insurance would only cover unsafe US pharmaceuticals because Congress gave them tax breaks to insure their participation in Obamacare. But, now that Myron is no longer counted as "unemployed," medicaid allows him the safer Canadian option.

Myron is hungry, but the food kitchen doesn't start serving until 3 p.m.; so, instead he takes his weekly shower. He reaches for his bottle of government-issued shampoo which is labeled with every ingredient. Unfortunately, he is unable to read the label because he went to public school in California. After air drying, Myron calls his mom to find out what he should wear that day. She is just getting home from workfare and advises him to dress warmly for the weekly protest at the State Capitol that evening.

After dressing, Myron climbs into his Government Motors (GM) vehicle. He appreciates the car allowance he receives for participating in the "driveshare" program. Just then, Myron's neighbor approaches and tells him that this is "his" day to drive and Myron must find another way. So, Myron walks over to the light rail station. He feels a sense of pride because he knows it was "his people" which forced the government to bail out the local transit district. He stops to buy a ticket and chuckles softly before bypassing the machine and jumping aboard. Although the train is empty he remains standing. "Hmm," he wonders, "why is ridership down? Don't these people appreciate all I went through to get them this convenience?"

He reaches the soup kitchen and the line is extremely long. Myron thought that most of the folks in line didn't really "need" the services there because after all, the stimulus had seen to creating (or saving) millions of jobs. "Oh well," he thought, they're probably just like me, and only there to offer support and understanding. He walks over to the "tip jar" and begins reaching into his pocket. Since his last extension, Myron still had 87 more weeks of federal unemployment. He pulled out a few bills and reaching further, found a quarter and tossed it into the jar. Just then, his BlackBerry alerted, telling him he only had a few minutes to get to his bank before closing time.

Since Bush ruined the economy, Myron has been forced to subsist on his unemployment check, worker's comp benefits, Section 8 housing, and food stamps. He did appreciate, however, that his money came directly to his EBT card so as not to further stigmatize him and his family. Myron's wife had recently received an $8,000 stipend so they could repurchase their 12 bedroom, 10 bathroom home which they previously lost because of Bush's incestuous relationship with the banking industry. The couple and their 11 children lived in the house for seven years, initially qualifying for it under the Community Revitalization Act of 1977, or 1979, or maybe it was 1985.

Leaving the bank, Myron headed for his father's home, inside a gated senior community, Happy Gardens. He didn't really like the "Gardens" because he thought it was just "more evidence of a lifelong hardworking citizen being forced into substandard housing by an uncaring government." Myron's father came to America for a better life, but felt the government never really welcomed him. He was never able, through the years, to hold a job because of Republican indifference and up to recently, was forced to survive on a meager $2,400 monthly SSI check. He was ready to give up before finally, Happy Gardens was taken over by HHS and the panel decided he could stay on with enhanced benefits.

Myron's father was sitting in his kitchenette, listening to NPR. He never listened to commercial talk radio because he knew every host was lying to him. "Oy," he gasped in Myron's direction, "now even NPR is giving Tim Tebow updates. It's unconstitutional, I tell ya." Then, he mumbled something about bailing out Air America and fell back asleep. Myron felt ashamed that the government had let his father down. After all the sacrifices, and even giving up his medical license in the "old country," Myron's father still demonstrated his allegiance by agreeing to see patients at the "Gardens" under a pilot Obamacare program.

Myron slipped out of his father's apartment and headed back to the light rail station. At that moment, his son drove up and offered a ride, adding "you on your way home, dad?" "Not yet," Myron replied. "Your mom and I have to get your brothers and sisters back first. But you can drop me off at the reporting center." Myron's son, a 22 year old former marine, college student, bartender, and amateur stand-up comedian grimaced, "don't go back there, dad. Nobody goes there. All my friends think you're crazy."

"Don't argue with me, damn it," counters Myron, "or we won't put you back on our insurance policy." Myron's son suddenly pulls the car over. "All right, Dad," he yells. "Get out! I don't need you. I'm a former marine. I'll get my own insurance. I'll show you. I'll just go over to the non-profit consortium and get my own." Myron shrugs his shoulders and hops out of the car, mumbling "suit yourself."

"Hey, wait a minute," Myron says looking back into the passenger window, "it's not 'your' day for this car, is it?" Just then, a police cruiser pulls up with red lights and siren. "Oh great, exclaims Myron, "and I'll bet this hybrid's hot too. Now, we're gonna get hassled by the man." Just then, the officer walks up and rhetorically asks, "do you know how fast you were going?" Myron knew his son had warrants, but they were all minor, just drugs, petty thefts, and non-residential burglaries. Still, he knew he had to act fast because his son also missed the last amnesty period for erasing those warrants. "Thank God you got here, officer," Myron panted grabbing his chest. The car wouldn't slow down. It was crazy. I think the accelerator was stuck."

The officer put his sunglasses on top of his head and stepping closer to the vehicle, stated "hmm, this isn't a GM car, is it? Is this one of them "Pree-us-ess?"

"Why yes, yes it is," answers Myron, confidently nodding his head.

"Oh, well, then" replies the officer, "you're free to go...and I DO mean free."

How do I hate the media?

2010-12-06T16:27:00.000-08:00

Let me count the ways...

1) The media whines non-stop about draconian sentencing laws (three strikes, death penalty, et al), but stories about cold blooded (non-glamorous) killers like Donald Carter, age 57, who...nah...

2) Small asides (in NEWS STORIES), like some on how President Obama has faced "two years of complete scorched-earth opposition," when he has had complete and utter control...nah...

3) Headline reporting "Obama drops plan for drilling in gulf and Atlantic." Again, is this done assuming that most readers are stupid? Drilling won't stop in the gulf, even in the Atlantic...nah...

Damn...this is weak...CLOSED FOR REPAIRS!!!

Post election hangover?

2010-11-19T11:40:00.000-08:00

* The demise of Prop 21, the $18 per vehicle fee, in exchange for free (yeah, right) entrance to California State Parks. Duuuuuuh, the pro-Prop 21 television spots' number one reason for passing this haphazard proposition was that "our state parks are revenue producers (they MAKE money)." Uh, then why do you need $18 bucks per vehicle?

* New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd, lamented her (not as intelligent?) brother for his conservative views. She mentioned his glee in seeing the "semi-chastened" (what?) Barack Obama's appearance at a press conference following the election...when Obama "conjured up images of the curtain opening in 'The Wizard of Oz'." Hey, she's been reading my blog.

* Here in California, there is still no winner (or loser) in the State Attorney General's race. L.A. District Attorney Steve Cooley and his S.F. counterpart, Kamala Harris, are still neck and neck in this hotly contested race. All right, so I guess I'll have to call it. I predict...it'll be the same as always...keep counting votes until the Dem wins...hmmm, Kamala Franken?

* One of the main reasons (and I guess we should be happy about this) for the people refusing to "talk to Meg (Whitman)," was undocumented "maid" Nicky Diaz Santillan's timely request for a few thousand dollars in back pay. Election over...Whitman settles...now, will Nicky be deported? No, but please,(is there) any possibility of sending Gloria Allred in her place?

* One of the "winners" in this month's elections would have to be Charles Rangel of New York. He easily won re-election (to his 20th two year term) in the House of Representatives. Uh-oh, just in time for a symbolic tongue lashing for (found true) 11 counts of "crimes," uh I'm sorry, ethics' violations, including tax fraud. A censure? Slap? Hey, you or I would be in prison...

* We here in California believe in progressive ideals. We look forward. We don't want to return to days of yore...what is this, the olden days? So, with that in mind...our new governor? Drum roll please...Jerry Brown, he of perpetual frugality and austerity. But, why are there no media types commenting on his "no new taxes (ideas) pledge? Beats me...

* Speaking of protests, students at UC San Francisco are angrily demonstrating the Regents who are once again raising tuition fees for all students. In a related story, the State Supreme Court ruled that children of illegal immigrants do not have to pay out of state tuition. Not a peep from the students. Fair enough...so it's obvious that it's not about the money...just so we're clear...

* Still vying for the spotlight, former President Bill Clinton shot a cameo for the sequel to "The Hangover." Despite a number of complaints from cast members, the cameo was shot while the president was in Thailand to speak at a "green energy" conference. Really? Oh, and no truth to the rumor that sequel star Bradley Cooper is allergic to Cubans (cigars)...

So much smack...so little time...

2010-11-12T08:03:00.000-08:00

As always, there is simply too much which requires comment and not enough time or space to document said comment. "What? What the hell are you talking about? I never know what your friggin' point is!!" Oh, hi Jack...good grammar by the way. That's right...you're a radio guy, so throw out rules of language...except when YOU want to enforce the rule.

I remember, on occasion, I've e-mailed Jack and Joe (of the, ehem, award winning syndicated Armstrong and Getty Radio Program) to offer comment. I know, it's a "radio" show, but I absolutely do not call in to these shows because I prefer not to have my comments taken out of context and subsequently dismissed by any of these "last word" hosts. Anyway, Armstrong and Getty have never responded or commented except for one time, Jack sent a "snarky" comment which must have taken him two seconds of thought (including hitting the "reply" button)...and yes, that, along with his nasally, high-pitched, whiny voice during diatribes has earned him "alter ego" status...but I digress...

But, you're right. I've thrown myself into this world and actually, I wouldn't have it any other way. I opt NOT to call into these shows because after all, it IS all about me, right? Well, actually, I believe I could go head to head with any of them...and I might someday...but at the moment, it's not to be, because I would want to hammer ALL sides...and that would take a lot of time, for sure. Since Air America left the airwaves, there's no ready place to go for far left revelry. Sure, it's ALL out there, but it's slim pickings for the liberal/progressive set (on radio anyway)...

Unfortunately, the right wingers are all over...even the "uber" right, like Michael Savage (yes, definitely a pseudonym for this syndicated radio host)...that's one guy I don't get. As smart as he is, you'd think he'd have some true interactive debate. However, he puts on these heavily edited single person "fake" calls and then when he DOES take an actual call, especially one from a listener with views contrary to his, he ends up screaming and hanging up...and then his "nation" calls in and says, "way to go, Michael." Way to go, what, would be my question? I can hang up on callers...

All right...so there's another purpose for this blog. Calling out both sides of the national media, both broadcast and print...AND infiltrate the fifth estate, via internet as well as radio and television. Of course, we can't forget stand-up...another area begging for astute political satire...not the usual, "oh, hey, Bush is stupid," or "man, that Pelosi sure is ugly." I mean, real humor...actual satire...what passes for satire today is nothing but mean spirited partisanship.

So, where do we go from here...now that all other children are growing up...sorry, Alan Parsons reference (to the Alan Parsons Project, a 1970-80's British progressive rock band). Alas, we are still a long way off and not much time to get there. But I will continue with the "smack talk," and being just a tad irreverent. Still...I don't care...what you do...I wouldn't want to be like you...hey, a second Alan Parsons reference...good one...

It was a huge, HUGE, victory!!!

2010-11-05T18:23:00.000-07:00

Sorry Bill...sorry Glenn...sorry Rush...so, so sorry John, Mitch, Rand...the "landslide" in Tuesday's election looked more like mud pies. Of course, the GOP and their minions remain clueless...and that's just sad. But it's not as if NOBODY knows. I mean, even the quote-unquote mainstream media knew...and played it up so much so that post-election, no matter what, they'd be able to say, "See? It wasn't that bad...just a few angry voters." But even they don't completely get it.

Yes, the Republicans picked up at least 60 seats in the House...and they pulled out a few governor gigs as well. But, all THAT will do is provide "cover and concealment" for the present administration...in that anything that goes wrong in the next two years, well, blame it on Mr. Sunlamp (John Boehner, soon to be speaker) in the House. Luckily, there ARE those who get it. One pundit opined, "How else could you (inferring, anyone) lose to Harry Reid (Senate Majority Leader)," aside from nominating weak candidates? The GOP did...and the pundit is absotively correct...

But, there are "minions" on both sides...MSNBC's lineup can't seem to get on the same page. As mentioned in this blog last week, host Keith Olbermann just last week went on a twenty minute tirade, regarding the inexperienced "whack jobs" put forth as candidates by the Republican party in the 2010 elections. Then, almost simultaneously, co-hostite, Rachel Maddow spent a good portion of her program mocking the GOP party as being the same old tired retreads (even mentioning, of course, George W.)...

But, both mentioned (trumpet sound please) the Tea Party, as being notoriously involved, with Olbermann citing their far, faaaaar out agenda...and Maddow harping on their striking similarity to core Republican values. Both, of course, are wrong. The Tea Party will be no more relevant in the next decade as Ross Perot (former reform party presidential candidate) has been since Dana Carvey of Saturday Night Live stopped doing impressions of him. "Now, now, that's just sad!"

We here in California, though, didn't (as the same pundit maintained) "buck a trend." Granted, we went Democrat all the way. Every executive office went true blue. Sure, a few out there (and by out there, I mean outlying area), legislative seats went red, but the rural areas, those outside the coastal/big city regions have always been in the minority. The urban areas, with former AND future governor Jerry Brown and Kamala Harris (far left DA from San Francisco and the new Attorney General), yes, THAT is California...AND the country. If we'd voted the OTHER way, then perhaps the "buck a trend," analogy would have (some) merit.

Speaking of S.F., yes, a big victory was had by all...and it only took 52 years...from Willie to Will, and Gaylord to Atlee, from Orlando to J.T. and Bobby to Barry...and ALL those who came before them...the 2010 SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS ARE THE WORLD CHAMPIONS!! THAT, my friends, is huge!!

Tears to the right of me, spittle to the left...

2010-10-29T06:01:00.000-07:00

Mental illness takes many forms...the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is a book published by the American Psychiatric Association and includes all currently recognized mental disorders. It organizes each psychiatric diagnosis into five levels (axes) relating to different aspects of a disorder or disability and is used by clinicians to subjectively rate clients.

Speaking of mental illness, Tuesday is election day...and boy, is it a big one. The other night, MSNBC's Keith Olbermann spent 20 minutes (no, not 5 or even 10, but 20 FULL MINUTES) on his show, Chokedown with Keith Olbermann, obsessively and compulsively documenting each and every oddball statement, by each and every fringe element of the quote-unquote Tea Party/Republican Party/enter your choice of "not Democrat Party" here. Boy, the MSNBC staff must have been busy all day googling, or wikipedia-ing every statement by every "enemy" of the current administration. Too bad he didn't have his interns (also) do a little historical research. He could have saved himself (and his four viewers) a lot of grief.

Never mind that the majority of the out-of-context statements were omissions, innuendo, or outright lies...even the correct quotes were mostly from far, FAR out fringe candidates without a prayer of winning. Olbermann's time would have been better spent wondering how "his" administration strayed so far from normalcy to warrant these sorts of responses. This certainly isn't the first time that public opinion has been hijacked by the "anything but" element of the electorate. Ever hear of Jesse Ventura, S.I. Hayakawa, even Al Franken or Arnold Schwarzenegger? We've done it before...and we'll do it again.

However, the foam coming from the mouth of Olbermann looked strangely familiar. Oh yeah, it looked just like the faux-tear drops coming from the eyes of Fox News' Glenn Beck during the 2008 elections. I rarely watch Beck (a former "morning zoo" deejay and now darling of the right) and Olbermann for just this reason. Their programs are full of generalizations, half truths, and hyperbole...presented under the mantle of "analysis." Reminds me of the Billy Crystal/Robert DeNiro movie, "Analyze This," in which Crystal plays a psychiatrist who counsels a mob boss (DeNiro) with panic disorder. Yeah.

If only we could walk out on "this" movie...and return on Wednesday...when the world will be the same...Olbermann will still be frothing, Beck will still be bawling...and unfortunately, the President will still be looking to advance his agenda and the opposition will still be obstructing or praying for gridlock...and the rest of us will be stuck in the middle with you...

Why bother...oh yeah...

2010-10-22T13:12:00.000-07:00

Some days I wonder, "why bother?" Then I realize, nobody else is saying this stuff...

* With the 2010 election season in full gear, MediaCopp believes now, MORE THAN EVER, we need to outlaw the use of ANY opponent's name or likeness or ideology from ANY campaign ad...

* Jon Stewart, of "fake" news fame, IS a bigot...that Rick Sanchez dude, who was fired from CNN, simply erred when referring to "jews," at the same time...it's NOT because Stewart is jewish...it IS because he is elitist...

* There is no truth to the rumor that while I was in Reno last weekend for the Vince Gill concert (I know, country, but what are you gonna do; he's a great guitarist)...no truth that I used an EBT card at the casino...

* Even though I am a San Francisco Giants fan (I remember watching Willie Mays play at Candlestick Park in the 60's), if we're going to be consistent, I don't believe ANY sort of performance enhancing drugs should be allowed...and that includes Ritalin...sorry Andres...

* With that in mind, I think that the baseball powers that be (which would include the media) should end the ruse that this is the "year of the pitcher." I believe it's more like year of the enlarged, inconsistent strike zone...

* Our local Fox affiliate here in Sacramento (Channel 40) has a pretty good morning news show. HOWEVER, please do something about Bethany Crouch...you know, there IS such a thing as over-enunciation...

* Simple solution to the CCPOA, Department of Corrections, et al, problems in California. We should BUILD MORE PRISONS..get real about crime...then, when the crime rate goes down (and it will), change the prisons into college campuses...case solved...

* If we elect a GOP congress, we don't give the current administration's policy a true opportunity to succeed or fail. Conversely, if we keep the Dems in power, the administration may erroneously feel we approve of Euro-lite policies...we're doomed...

* Oh yeah, NOW I remember why nobody is reading this blog...what a downer!!!

Uh-oh...we skipped last week...but that's okay...

2010-10-18T06:37:00.000-07:00

That's right! We here at MediaCopp took last week off. Why? No reason. The big question is, "did you miss us?" I didn't think so.

As you know, we are in the process of researching how to make this page better. Having taken note of the Best Blogs according to the Sacramento News & Review alternative newspaper, we DO know we have a long way to go. Or none at all.

"What? You're once again not making sense! What the hell is wrong with you anyway?" Well, one thing for sure, we're not getting rid of my altar ego. Whatever else happens to this slab, Jack (the reincarnation of Buck) will remain. He's probably about the only thing that sets us apart from the millions of other brain dead, one-handed, keyboard pounding, wanna-be writers out there...but I digress...

Do we change the format? Presentation? Content? Yes, yes, and a resounding NO!! The frame may change, but the song (will) remain the same!!! But, where do we go from here. Not sure...I WILL continue to write. I mean, it's gotta get better, huh? But the rest will follow...oh...I'm not sure exactly when. I mean, despite the groans I'm hearing, there won't be a "site closed" sign up on mediacopp.blogspot.com while I get this worked out.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhh" ...that's right...too bad. I'm still going to offer commentary. I'm also quite certain it will again be mostly ignored. But, that's okay....

We, the (RESPONSIBLE) people...

2010-10-08T09:51:00.000-07:00

Here we go again...THIS TIME, the feds (yes, HUD, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, with their sister and brother, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, ARE "the feds"), and they are giving away even MORE money for irresponsible behavior. Now, now, I know it's not fair to say...many people ARE underwater on their mortgages through no fault of their own, but still...why are "these programs" only for people who are "struggling," and/or "facing foreclosure." Why can't they also be for other (re: responsible) people?

"Well, because 'others' won't face the public repudiation or degradation of their self esteem...or being...or credit rating." Oh, thanks Jack (my alter ego, Jack Armstrong of the award winning Armstrong and Getty Radio Program, known for his nasally, high pitched, whiny voice)...but once again, you miss the point. I KNOW FOLKS NEED ASSISTANCE...I'M NOT SAYING "WE SHOULDN'T HELP THEM."

What I AM saying, however, is that this money is "going, going, gone." Oh sure, some of it will be paid back...and some of it will go to employees of these federal-backed intermediaries or "middle man companies," like NACA (Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America). But IT'S GONE!!! Even statistics have shown that a good percentage of those helped by these "programs" end up defaulting anyway...

But,with that said, the NACA will be here this weekend at Cal Expo in Sacramento, CA. They will be in town for FIVE days, 24 HOURS a day (having just come from a five day gig in So Cal), to promote many of their programs, including the Home Save Program, which reportedly helps (irresponsible?) homeowners restructure their existing mortgage by permanently reducing the interest rate to achieve an affordable mortgage payment.

That's right...if you're underwater (specifically) and meet a "whole bunch of other" criteria, you could qualify to have your mortgage interest rate reduced to 3.625%, 30 year fixed. You heard correctly, all you have to do is stop making your payments for a few months (on a home where your balance exceeds the assessed value) and praise the Lord, you could be in line for huge savings. But if you've always done the right thing...and refinanced through legitimate lenders (my own home's mortgage rate is a reasonable 5.5%), kept up on your payments, etc., well, best 'o luck...you're on your own...

"But, but, but, the economy is improving...why are you getting all worked up? You should have called for this two years ago...BEFORE all these people became 'in your words,' irresponsible!!" Hello again, Jack...but there you go again. I WAS calling for assistance for the responsible, or "pre-irresponsible," way back when the bottom first fell out of the housing market. Many, MANY folks knew it (the housing bubble) was about to burst.

So anyway, since 'I' am underwater (as are a considerable number of other people), I sent a request for evaluation with the NACA...haven't heard from them...not holding my breath. Now, wait a minute, Jack...before you jump on me for espousing all my "reality, responsibility, and right & wrong," rhetoric...only to then apply for a program designed for those 'irresponsible' homeowners? The height of hypocrisy, you say? Well, for a 3.625% 30 year fixed rate, I'll even change the name of this post to, "We, the (Hypocritical) people..."

This Blog is...wait for it...CRAP!!!

2010-10-02T08:59:00.000-07:00

One hundred and three episodes and what have we got? CRAP! Yep, just telling it like it is, I suppose...but having recently received a rather substantial wake-up call, well, looks like we at MediaCopp need to veer in a different direction. To say I am somewhat of a techno-novice (or would that be tech-no-vice) is an understatement. Again, let me 'splain...

I picked up a copy of our local alternative rag here in Scabraghetto (Sacramento, CA), the Sacto News and Review, a free newspaper distributed each Thursday. I enjoy the (usually) "fun" slant to the articles within, including letters to the editor (where MediaCopp has been featured several times) all the way through the numerous (and I DO mean numerous) advertisements for local cannabis clubs.

At any rate, this week featured the News & Review's annual "Best of Sacramento," edition. Oh sure, the lists are usually the same every year...you know, the artsy, the Bohemian, the Avant-garde, picking up all the ink...but I digress. However, one entry this year (I never noticed it in previous years) was the Readers' Choice Winners, specifically Best Blog. Hmmm, okay...I decided to check out the winners.

OMG! The top three "winners" were great!! The number one blog, "PWeekly," which can be found at http://pweekly.blogspot.com was genius. Quite naturally, the second and third place entries, "TwinSoup," at www.twinsoup.com and "Nanny Goats in Panties," another apparent "web site-type blog," found at www.nannygoatsinpanties.com ... were equally slick and well produced. My blog isn't worthy to be mentioned in the same breath.

So, am I quitting? Hah! I don't know the meaning of the word. No, actually...if not for Merrian-Webster Online, I wouldn't know the meaning...but again, I digress. Actually, I'm going to keep writing, at what pace I'm not sure. What I AM sure of, however, is that this slab (Blog) MUST evolve.

Yes, I'm looking for a webmaster...one who works cheap (read: free)...and certainly I'll begin devoting a good portion of my week to developing online skills in that regard. Plus, much like most Blogs nowadays, I will plagiarize...er, I mean produce interactive copy...thus encompassing the best of ALL contributors.

Don't worry...I'll still be, as our Chief Executive has stated...and stated...and stated...the ONE in charge. It will still be MediaCopp...I will continue to call out ALL entities, whether they be faux fair and balanced (FoxNews, MSNBC), faux mainstream (ABC, NBC, CBS) or just faux (The Daily Show with Jon Stewart)...when will this happen? Believe me, it's already started...

It's a thin line...

2010-09-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

...between love and hate.

...between steroids and prescription drugs like Ritalin.

...between comedy and tragedy.

...between losing or retaining control of both houses of congress.

...between misery and company.

...between the Tea party and the Republican party.

...between success and failure.

...between State control and State hospital.

...between sadness and glee.

...between a tax cut expiring and a tax hike.

...between a rock and a hard place.

...between dying in Iraq and dying in Afghanistan.

...between heaven and hell.

...between a Democrat and a Republican.

...between fact and opinion...on this page!

Luckiest Man in America

2010-09-18T12:26:00.000-07:00

According to news headlines today, the second luckiest man in America is advising President Obama to get out and "take his story to the American voters and make a more rigorous case for what his administration has accomplished and what they plan to do to spur economic development and job growth." That's sage advice...

That's right...Bill Clinton, during an interview with The Huffington Post, offered his analysis on how the administration has "done a better job than what they've got credit for, " but, "they shouldn't ask for credit because people can't give credit if they don't feel better." Sure, many are saying he's simply trying to create divisiveness and open the door for a 2014 Hillary run, but I think the Obama administration should heed the former president's advice.

I'd like to take it a step further however. I say, take Clinton's advice, but don't stop there. Since taking office, the Obama administration has "mostly gotten 'their' way." Sure, you can say the Republicans were being obstructionists, but for the most part, they have simply not had the power to stop anything. Use THAT to your advantage.

Explain how your policies WILL work. Use people like Robert Reich (former Labor Secretary) and Paul Krugman (noted Nobel Prize winning economist) to help voters really, really, REALLY understand your vision of demand side economics. Do not stoop to the old reliable "last eight years," or "previous administration," or worse still, that the fault lies with Mr. Sunlamp, John Boehner (the mostly ineffectual minority leader in the House). The folks will get it...

But, haven't I myself said I didn't feel those demand side/Euro-lite socialism tactics will ever work? Well sure, but what do I know...however, I'm definitely NOT being contradictory as the advice I'm giving is exactly the same as I gave to the other side...the right wingers, the tea party folk, etc. I directed them to make their case directly to the people and not to allow folks like moveon.org and their ilk to frame the debate.

So, listen to the man...even though he's only the second luckiest, he managed to keep the ship upright during the 90's, even with the government shut downs (which helped actually) and the numerous Republican manufactured scandals. "But, still only second luckiest?" Yep, until Kobe Bryant retires from the Lakers, that is. But then, Phil Jackson could always become head coach of Lebron James and the Miami Heat, in order to buy another NBA (basketball) championship, and continue to be the luckiest man in America!!!

.

I'm Bipolar, you're Bipolar, we're ALL Bipolar!!!!

2010-09-10T07:22:00.000-07:00

Well, that's obvious...at least when it comes to our government and the politicians we keep (re)electing. Not so obvious, however, is whether we're predominantly manic, or mostly depressed. I suppose it also makes a difference whether our last episode was one of energetic detachment from reality or a down-in-the-dumps type of doldrums. Yes, we are ALL stricken to one degree or another, with a Bipolar disorder, more commonly known as manic-depression.

The main question, though, is which phase is at the forefront at which particular time? Does a Democratic leadership equate to a hypomanic (a less severe form of mania) phase...or would the Republicans create that type of pseudo-euphoria? What about a full blown mania, like for instance during the Reagan years (and the massive military spending)...or perhaps, a Dysthmic period (a mild depression or recession) like during "W's" second term...or, as many are starting to assert, a full blown depressive episode, much like what we are currently experiencing?

Does the executive branch hold the dominant "Bipolar" gene? Not necessarily, however when they DO possess the dominant gene, and President Obama's administration surely does (though he himself probably does not), the disease would rise to the level of Bipolar I disorder, with full-blown manic episodes and only occasional depressed or dysthymic states. A Bipolar I Disorder would differ from a Bipolar II Disorder in that a "II" would have fewer and less severe hypomanic phases, however would be cycled with severe depressive episodes (think Jimmy Carter).

How about the legislative branch? The government shutdowns in the 90's, while part of the Clinton years, would be more indicative of a full-blown depressive state, would it not? In other words, the happy-go-lucky, head-in-the-sand 90's would probably have to be classified, Bipolar Disorder, NOS (not otherwise specified). What about the judicial branch? Although their make-up is dependent on the other two branches (i.e. nomination and confirmation), I would imagine the judicial branch is afflicted with Cyclothymia, a milder form of manic-depression whereby the moods swings are less often and less severe (much like the 5-4 nature of the court).

What is the prescribed treatment? Well, the good news is that medication is crucial to treatment of Bipolar Disorder. Lithium is the most commonly prescribed pharmacological treatment and is very effective. Anticonvulsant medications, mood stabilizers, and anti-depressants are also utilized, of course in conjunction with psychotherapy and medication monitoring. The bad news? It's not covered under Obamacare...

Post #100...ANOTHER answer!!

2010-09-02T11:21:00.000-07:00

This is it! This is post #100 for mediacopp.blogspot...and once again, I have "the answer." I believe this title is very appropriate in that my very first post was entitled, "The Answer." Since that first post, it appears our country has continued its downward spiral, economically...and once again, I have "THE ANSWER."

This answer does NOT seek to bolster either side's argument. I'll save that for another day. As I've previously mentioned, we are a chronically Bipolar society. I will document the numerous reasons for my opinion at a later date; however, at this time, I firmly believe a much more acute diagnosis and treatment are necessary.

We, as a country, have tried bailouts...bailouts of the banking industry, auto industry, mortgage and/or lending (Wall Street) institutions, and bailouts for individuals who became financially insolvent due to the quote-unquote housing crisis...and yes, ALL should receive credit or blame, depending on ideology, for these bailouts. Yes, for my "answer," partisans need not apply.

However, since we've bailed out the bankers, lenders, Wall Street-types, AND the homeowners, who bought houses from those lenders...well...it stands to reason that we also bailed out the irresponsible bankers, who preyed upon many innocent potential homeowners (EVEN ABOVE any government mandate)...AND yes, it stands to reason that we also bailed out the irresponsible homeowner who had neither the money nor the credentials to qualify for a home loan...without the aforementioned government coercion or lender greed.

So, we've either directly or indirectly (again, depending on your ideology) bailed out the irresponsible lender AND the irresponsible homeowner. My ANSWER is that we should NOW bail out the RESPONSIBLE homeowner. My answer involves lowering, by government mandate, the interest rates of ALL current homeowners who have NEVER missed a payment, NEVER been late on a payment, nor declared bankruptcy, or sought foreclosure, etc. It's just that simple.

Imagine what RESPONSIBLE people could do with ALL THAT EXTRA $$$ in their pockets each and every month...and for those of you on the other side, imagine all that extra money coming into the government coffers from taxpayers not being able to deduct as much mortgage interest. It's a win-win...AND another answer...courtesy of mediacopp.blogspot.com .

Good News...is Bad News...is Good News...

2010-08-27T08:07:00.001-07:00

My topic this week is, of course, the fall elections. I've already attempted to put your mind at ease; i.e. that all should be well (soon) in that the Republicreeps won't be making any significant gains in either house of congress. Yes, I have MORE good news...the master prognosticator (NOT!), he of the former Clinton war machine and (now) talking head on the Fox News channel, none other than Dick Morris, has predicted that the GOP will take over BOTH houses of congress after elections this fall. Whew!

Yes, I feel much better...not just because I have already predicted the opposite (i.e. that we Americans aren't quite tired of the stimulus just yet); that GOP gains will be minimal (if any), but also because President Clinton's former political advisor is wrong on just about every prediction he's made while profering his wares. I remember querying once whether he or (the eye of) Newt Gingrich was wrong more often. It's all good though...because they're both wrong a lot...

However, it's not all good news. I read Charles Krauthammer's newspaper column this morning. Krauthammer is a conservative pundit and psychiatrist (former Chief Resident of Massachusetts General Hospital). Krauthammer is part of the Washington Post Writers Group and has even won a Pulitzer Prize for commentary. Interesting to note, during his earlier writing career, the (now) conservative thinking Krauthammer was a speech writer for a liberal politician, Walter Mondale. But that's not the bad news...

The bad news is...that Krauthammer has also predicted a GOP takeover of both houses of congress, subsequent to the November elections. What?! Krauthammer's a smart guy. What's the deal? Rest easy, folks...the good doctor should be forgiven since he's on the right side of so many issues. However, he's not perfect...unlike many in the media who believe they are...ehem, Glenn? Keith? Are you listening?

Krauthammer's column erroneously travels into the land of public opinion, as if "public opinion" can never be wrong. He draws the parallel of congressional GOP takeover with his mistaken perception of the public view that the expansion of big government is bad (conversely, we still love freebies), or that illegal immigration is always wrong (we still love cheap labor), or that gay marriage is an abomination (even though it WILL be the law of the land...very soon), and that the people are against the "mosque" at Ground Zero (religious freedom will win out). Further, Fox pundit Bill O'Reilly has guaranteed the mosque won't be built, thus ensuring that it will...

Therefore, have no fear...if these pundits stay true to their records (and I'll give Krauthammer a pass on this one), we should have two more years to allow the Obama agenda to kick in...or to fail if that is your view. One thing is certain...if he loses his majorities in congress, he'll have cover in two (important) ways...for everything that might go wrong (those obstructionist Republicreeps) AND for everything that might go right (I'm so good, I succeed DESPITE the GOP). Good luck to us all...

Evil...EVIL...Wal*Mart

2010-08-19T16:19:00.000-07:00

Those corporate fat cats...ALL that is wrong with the country...the very reason we have such a trade imbalance...those "hedgehogs" from Arkansas, none other than behemoth retailer Wal*Mart. According to critics, Wal*Mart ships good paying jobs overseas while paying poverty wages at home, costs taxpayers billions of dollars to subsidize its workers, fights unions, hurts local businesses and is a major contributor to the dismantling of the manufacturing base and the disappearance of the middle class worker in America. True? Yes, yes it is...

I must agree, seriously, that Wal*Mart has done all those things. But, if not Wal*Mart, who? I know, President Obama could appoint another Czar...let's say, a Behemoth Czar? What the heck, there already IS a pay czar who reportedly tells, uh, I'm sorry, advises how much a (private) corporate executive can earn, etc., with very little oversight from anyone. Why not add the word "behemoth" to the title?

You think I'm not being serious? Look, I didn't start this "dumbing" down of our manufacturing base (i.e. the closure, dismantling, destruction, eradication of any "good" jobs in America). But since we've gone down that road...and decided that responsibility, respect, simple concepts such as "right" and "wrong" are becoming increasingly taboo in America today, well, I believe if you (the government) want to assume the responsibility, as Frank Costanza (portrayed by Jerry Stiller) of "Seinfeld" fame would say, "you want (a piece of me), you got it!"

Where have all the good jobs gone? Have they exited courtesy of greedy corporations and their willing accomplices on Capitol Hill, via NAFTA, etc.? Sure...but even IF those jobs HAD stayed, who would be filling them...the folks being educated in American schools, both public and private, even our colleges and trade schools? Hah! Perhaps relaxing our immigration standards (I know, I know, WHAT standards?) and allow more people to come and fill the jobs Americans won't do? I guess that's kind of what we're doing now...and it's NOT working...

It appears, rather than hold ourselves to higher standards...or at least halt the downward slide we are currently experiencing, we're going to expect even LESS of ourselves. I was recently AT a Wal*Mart store...now, now, it was to buy Don Francisco coffee, Meow Mix cat food, and Suave anti-perspirant, ALL products reportedly made in America, AND at a near HALF PRICE savings (over any supermarket chain)...I know, I know, loss leaders...like ALL STORES!! Anyway, as I was leaving the checkstand, the clerk yelled at me, "hey, you can't leave that cart there!!" Hmm, thank you for shopping at Wal*Mart, my ass."

When was THAT moment?

2010-08-13T13:58:00.000-07:00

There's been THAT moment for all of us...the moment when we knew we could not continue. We've all had one...well, maybe except for Brett Favre...but there have been moments for us all; the moment when we knew we could not continue what we had been doing. For some, it was a career whether an NFL career, or (like me) police work...for others, it could just be the moment we realized that doing what we were doing, was not getting us what we wanted.

Many of us have been able to handle it with class and dignity...many of us have not. I left my law enforcement profession with ease. On the other hand, I had to be dragged kicking and screaming away from the (open mic) stage. Similarly, many can retire gracefully, attending their respective luncheons, etc., never to be heard from (figuratively) again...while others, just seem to never go away...

I've got to hand it to "W" ... he's handled his "fall from grace" with much aplomb. I know, I know...he probably doesn't even know the meaning of the word, but I digress. Unlike his predecessor Clinton/Gore, the dimwitted Texan has not been heard from...perhaps because he has a book coming out in November, "Decision Points." But, perhaps...maybe, just maybe, he believes in tradition and understands that "former" presidents do not criticize current presidents. Oh well, one can dream, can't he?

Where am I going with this? No, I'm not wondering what Obama will do in 2013...oops, did I let that slip? Actually, the only way he won't be re-elected is if the Dems hold congress (by close to similar margins) after the upcoming 2010 elections. If the Reeps take over (or make significant gains), the President will receive the much needed cover which he appears to be coveting. I mean, why else would he do "so many things," which have caused the people (on BOTH sides) so much distress?

"What the hell?" Oh, hi Jack...I suppose you don't get it, but allow me to break it down for you. Whether you believe the economy (or Bush recession) was worse than we first thought...or that the actions being taken by the current administration (Obama depression) have brought on a near-double dip recession, let's face it; NO ONE believes the country is doing better. Here in California, incomes have DECLINED for the first time in 80 years!!!

Despite assurances from the powers-that-be, that the "stimulus" and "jobs bill" would create or save jobs (and guaranteeing that unemployment would not rise above 8.5 percent), they have had almost the opposite effect. Couple that with the inevitable increase in taxes...whether or not you believe your taxes will go up (heck, we're not quote-unquote rich)...THEY WILL...if not federal, it'll be state and local. Put it all together and what do you get? That's right...another moment...

Where have all the journalists gone?

2010-08-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

Remember "All the President's Men?" It was a pretty good movie. Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman as (Bob) Woodward and (Carl) Bernstein...the Watergate Hotel...Jason Robards as Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee. I think he even won an Oscar for that role. But it's just a movie, right? I don't think so.

The Watergate story was much, much more. The movie might have taken certain liberties, as Hollywood does in all ventures...you know, "any rebroadcast, retransmission, or account without the expressed written consent of Major League..." oops, wrong disclaimer...but you get my drift. Sure, it WAS Hollywood...but would it be different today?

Over the last 20-30 years, there have been investigations-a-plenty. From Watergate to Irangate, even "government induced" investigations like Abscam or "pseudo-frivolous" ones like Monicagate; they were all part of the recent past and considered attempts, although many quite lame, to hold our government officials accountable. But today? It's almost like the media is running scared...or worse yet, complicit...

I understand the immediate response is, "hey, we've got to (now) compete with 24 hour news channels...and internet services...and bloggers." Hold it, right there, Jack. Investigations, TRUE investigations, are probably the ONLY thing that CAN get you back in the game. That is, bring newspapers back from the gutter of tabloid journalism to what it once was--a prideful profession of reporting and documentation and mostly, communication and TRUST with readers.

But still, you (media) guys continue to sit on your hands...afraid of being labeled racist, elitist, or sycophantic. WE NEED YOU NOW MORE THAN EVER. Oh sure, you can SAY you're simply reporting, maintaining your objective slant (i.e. that congress, legislature, civil rights groups, et al, do the actual investigating)...but that's a copp-out (heh-heh, copp out, get it?)...

I see you recently reported that the stimulus bill contained mountains of pork. Yes, we know. It was reported back when the bill was "rammed" through. This time, you are trying to show your "complete" objectivity, by "reporting" that the Republicreeps are attempting to re-make it an issue. Ah-ha-ha, hundreds of thousands of dollars on monkeys using drugs, millions more for smoking cessation activities, tens of millions for tribal alcohol and substance abuse reduction (isn't that one of the reasons for all the casinos)...big deal, right? Come on...dig deeper!!!

What about the "shovel ready" projects!?!? I mean, the main four lane road which intersects the neighborhood where I reside, has been paved THREE TIMES in the last several years...AND THEY'RE NOW DOING IT AGAIN. Plus, there are two "bicycle" bridges spanning our nearby freeway...both are BEING REPLACED (they did NOT need replacing)...and these jobs are ALL being completed using the Union Wage Rule provision from the Davis-Bacon act, thus driving the price of all these jobs through the proverbial roof...

...THIS, THIS RIGHT HERE, is what real journalists are supposed to investigate. So, where are these journalists? Cowering in fear? Afraid of their own shadows? Attempting to maintain their objectivity? Pshaw!! I think they're all working for (or hope to work for) the government...but that's another story...which needs INVESTIGATION!!!!

Nobody...NOBODY else is writing this stuff!!!!

2010-07-30T22:47:00.000-07:00

Once again, it's up to yours truly to pen what others are thinking. No, not inappropriate thought...heaven knows there's enough of that going around, especially in the halls of Congress. But I'm talking about the November elections. Both sides are lobbing the same "grenades" and making the same assertions. However, BOTH are wrong!

The Democraps are at their fundraising best right now, and are "out earning" the competition (the Republicreeps) by significant amounts. The Dems have raked in big amounts this year, thanks to the fundraiser-in-chief. In fact, they have already spent nearly as much as the entire amount taken in by the Reeps...and the Dems still have a sizable bank even as we get closer to November. Does that mean the Reeps won't reap gains this mid term?

It certainly seems that way. But wait a minute...aren't all the pundits predicting huge gains for the GOP, many even predicting they will retake the House? Yes, the folks are predicting huge gains in both houses...but they are wrong! How can I be so sure? Well, Americans...particularly present day Americans love free stuff...and I don't think we're tired (just yet) of "getting" our fair share of the stimulus.

"What?!?! I'm not that way...and I don't know anyone else who is!!" Oh, hi Jack...well, I guess you'd better extend your circle of "friends," because the majority of Americans still approve of our president...despite all the "impartial" Fox News polls which say otherwise. Plus, those "polls" are easily negated by the non-partisan mainstream media which remains in lock-step fashion with the current administration. In a Detroit speech just the other day, the president reminded folks that he saved over a million jobs with the auto industry bailout...and not a peep...although I think I heard Henry Ford chuckle from the grave.

So, free stuff...and media duplicity...and...and...and...it's a four letter word...no, not Bush (although every time a Dem starts to lose a debate, they immediately reach for "W")...actually, the word is "race." Race still matters...and Americans still don't want to be labeled as "racist." The Reeps still (erroneously) think that we've "transcended" race. Uh, no...we haven't...as evidenced by media focus on such issues...whether it be Arizona...or Charles Rangel...or Maxine Waters...divide and conquer.

But, here's the main theme...AND what nobody else is saying. Yes, this is "an historic" election, more so than even 1994. We have a clear choice, this time, regarding just where we want this country to go. Do we want to continue to move away from free market, albeit a warped free market economy and continue this slide to a European-lite socialism? Do we want to make a statement one way or the other? But, we're so bi-polar, I doubt any such statement will surface.

Should it? I don't think so. This is NOT 1994. The year is 2010. The chasms are much wider. Are you sure this "new" slide into "warped socialism," won't work? I am...but MANY are not. If the administration is derailed at this early stage (as the Republicreeps are hoping), we will simply be giving them fresh talking points for the next two years. Vote Democrap this fall...it's our only hope.

This is Joe Baker for Farmer's Ford...

2010-07-23T11:52:00.000-07:00

As previously reported, I at one time fancied myself a political satirist, humorist, wanna-be stand up comedian...as far back as I can remember. When I stopped performing, I continued to write and produce comedy. Perhaps someday, I might return to the stage...but for now, I'm still trying to get my writer's hat back on...and it's not like I was never well versed in the art. On the contrary, my editorial "Dinner with the Average American Family," remains a cult classic. Even my send up on stand up, "Right on Ronnie Reagonowitz," received acclaim. But, one gem from the past remains one of my favorites. I wrote it back in the 70's, and no, it never saw the light of day on live radio (although I did produce it for campus radio play)...I'm talking about, of course, Farmer's Ford in Albatross.

I wrote this slab of satire as a tribute, well, sort of a back-handed tribute, to my college town's local Ford dealership. They had been receiving a lot of local bad press because of their lack of customer satisfaction...and it certainly didn't help matters when the "Edsel of the Decade," the Ford Pinto, began exploding indiscriminately. No, it definitely wasn't a good time to be a Ford dealer. And yes, it also made the piece much easier to write and compose because I, yes me, MediaCopp, was one of the idiots who actually bought a Ford Pinto during the 70's.

No, the car never exploded...although many times I wish it had...I remember it was a funny looking little car, and I also remember it had a proclivity for blowing head gaskets. So I went in, and complained, and wrote letters, and telephoned...then I even contacted Detroit, calling and sending numerous letters of complaint, all to no avail. Hence the birth of Joe Baker. Joe was the radio spokesperson/altar ego who represented Farmer's Ford, formerly Canary Ford. If I recall, the local Ford dealer was Eagle Ford, owned and operated by some guy named (John) Eagle. He, I suppose, got tired of the bad press and decided to do something about it. No, he didn't offer rebates, refunds, or special promotions. He hired/took on a professional golfer as a new business partner and changed the name of his dealership from "Eagle Ford" to "Fairway Ford." That's it!

So I wrote and produced this gem...and yes, there is a phantom copy (or two) of it out there somewhere, so hopefully, I might find a copy of it someday. With that said, here's the script:

"This is Joe Baker, for Farmer's Ford in Albatross...and are we dealing!! We
must get rid of all our old stock to make room for the new 1977 and a half
models. Farmer's Ford, formerly Canary Ford, has NOT ONLY changed our
name and kept our old staff to generate new business, but also to print new
stationary. Just take a look at these deals...

A 1974 Pinto Runabout in top shape...has all the extras such as seats,
dashboard, and bumpers...for only $4499.00...and look at this one...

A 1976 Granada with a vinyl top...WOW...only $8499.00...

Folks, come on into the new Farmer's Ford, the country dealer...don't let
all the law suits against the old Canary Ford chase you away...come on in
and let Mr. Canary prove that we are ALL NEW...cars subject to prior sale."

Like I said, the commercial was never aired...oh well, just as well. I don't think the world was quite ready for MediaCopp in those days. But now? Well, how about a campaign commercial for the ALL NEW Republicrat party...I mean, is it a tax...or a mandate? Is a "stimulus" only a "stimulus" if the money comes from us, via taxes or tax cuts? Come on in and let Mr. Obama prove that it's "either," or "neither,"...taxpayers subject to additional assessments...

Seriously?

2010-07-16T11:42:00.000-07:00

Got my water bill today...yep, they finally turned on those dreaded water meters. You know, gotta keep them damn suburbanites from wasting our most precious resource, right? What? There's plenty of water? Not if you live in So Cal...c'mon, share and share alike, you know? No problem...

Besides, they're only complying with Assembly Bill 2572. The bill, passed by the California state legislature and signed by the governor back in 2004, requires "urban water suppliers" to install, on or after January 1, 2005, or within 10 years after becoming an "urban water supplier," to install and then by January 1, 2010, begin to charge each customer that has a service connection, based on (the) actual volume of deliveries, as measured by a water meter. What? Oh yes, of course, with "certain exceptions," exceptions to what, I'm not sure...

Suffice it to say, your (our) rates are going up. But then, we knew that. However, rest assured the "urban water supplier" offers various free services to help each customer identify water saving opportunities for homes and businesses. Why, we are even able to receive free water efficiency packs with water-saving showerheads, faucet aerators and garden spray nozzles; that is, if we're not already showering at work, brushing our teeth in leftover rainwater, and/or simply allowing our lawns to properly "brown."

"Boo hoo...stop crying!! My God, you're lucky to have a home...many folks don't, you know?" Eek, where are my manners? Why of course, Jack, you're right. It's a roll of the dice that I'm not living in a "VAN DOWN BY THE RIVER." Please, get a friggin' clue. Yes, it can ALWAYS be worse...HOWEVER, is this not a FREE COUNTRY? When you go from paying 20 or 30 dollars a month a few short years ago to, with one swipe of the governor's pen...about 60 or 70 bucks a month...well, imagine if EVERY BILL you receive generates that sort of rate increase?

"Well, THEY DON'T...so shut the frick up!!" You're right...besides, if anyone has trouble paying their bill, there is always assistance from, trumpet sound, the government via the LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) or the H20 Help to Others, Low-Income Assistance Program. Don't qualify? Too rich? Incorporate, hire an accountant and get out of your rate increase that way. Neither rich OR poor? Well, I guess you'll just have to run a hose from one of the many foreclosed homes in your neighborhood...

Aw light...wuh baaaack!!!

2010-07-09T11:48:00.001-07:00

Yes, just as Hans and Franz of Saturday Night Live fame might say..."wuh baaaack." Or Jimmy Fallon (also from SNL), while doing his "deejay" impersonation, "wer baaaaaaaack." Or even, as our illustrious governor might say, "vait huer...all bee baaack." Now, I'm not a "girlie man," I just need to admit that I've come crawling "baaack" to California after 10 great days in Colorado.

It's not so much that the girls (my daughter's softball team) played great, overcoming injuries AND winning the majority of their games, (also) making it to the final weekend. Nor is it that the vast, VAST majority of people there were actually nice...and NOT just because they felt sorry for us being from California...and it wasn't even that on the way back (yes, I drove; the wife and daughter flew), that on the way back, it seemed that people got nastier and nastier the closer I got to California.

Nope, while in Colorado, my stomach felt great. My lungs felt great. My head felt great (well, except for one night at the Una Sombrero across the street from the hotel)...but yes, mood enhanced physical tranquility...what a blessing...however, since returning to California, well, I once again feel like crap. But since I'm a Glasser (William) devotee, more on that later, and believe in PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY, I definitely believe it's my own doing, whether or not this mood/feeling is psycho-somatic or environmentally enhanced.

Still, MediaCopp has (at least) two more years in California...AND even if I'm lucky enough to escape this rapidly-declining state...rapidly declining in that, what, the best we can do is Meg "buy me" Whitman or Jerry "I wish he was still Moonbeam" Brown. Oh man, we are screwed. I only say that because as soon as anyone espouses disappointment, neigh disgust, with the way the state of California handles affairs, they are immediately labeled racist, elitist, sexist, enter your choice of "accepted" stereotype here...

With that said, I will still attempt to help California right their wrongs, even if or when I finally do make my escape. Previously, I have offered my solutions to the state budget crises. I have also offered cogent advice to our leaders, of both government AND media, media in the way they can return to "reporting" rather than "forming" the news.

My next assignment, if I choose to accept it, is to find a solution, an acceptable solution, to California's prison crisis. Everybody, I mean EVERYBODY, is complaining about crime in the state of California. One side complains that we don't do enough for the poor, minority, and/or disenfranchised who unfortunately make up a disproportionate number of those detained in state-run facilities, opting instead to warehouse the vast majority under stringent, draconian sentencing laws...while the other claims we are too soft on crime and those who DO enter the justice system (here) realize what a joke it is...and "know" there's no way we can keep them (all) locked up.

I have a solution. Once again, this solution will address AND solve the problem. With that in mind, agreed, most of those in power will immediately ignore, discount or marginalize my solution because I believe neither side really wants the problem solved. I mean, problem solved is job lost, right? Still, stay tuned...now that "wer baaaaaaack!!!"

Colorado bound...

2010-06-19T20:44:00.000-07:00

This time next week, I'll be in Denver, Colorado...actually, Aurora, Colorado, to be more specific. My daughter's softball team will be participating in the Colorado Sparkler, a ten-day softball extravaganza, including tournaments, showcases, clinics, camps, even all-star games. What for? Well, for the "opportunity" to compete with thousands of other teenage girls for potential spots on college softball teams...and with that, perhaps financial assistance to go along with it.

"Hey, if you've got money for competitive softball (and all it entails), including traveling ALL the way to Colorado...geez, you must be rich." Wait a minute, is that you, Jack? Oh, it's Barack, well, I guess YOU might say I'm rich...but no, I'm not "rich." Simply because I choose to help keep my daughter motivated in her formative years, by way of supporting her in "her" choice of sport, activity, etc., doesn't mean it's all about the dollar bill...but again, I digress...

Speaking of sports, the Sacramento Kings NBA basketball team completed another blockbuster trade. Apparently, the Kings just moved a couple of lightweights, specifically 22-year old Spencer Hawes, a 7-1 center averaging 10 points, 6 rebounds and a little over a block a game and Andres Nocioni, a 30 year old 6-7 forward averaging less. In exchange, the Kings take on Philadelphia 76er problem child Samuel Dalembert, a 29 year old 6-11 center whose most redeeming quality appears to be that he wanted out of Philadelphia. Well, if trades from the recent past are any indication, this might work out well...for Hawes.

Speaking of Kings, former inmate, er, I mean, forward Ron Artest finally got his World Championship ring with the Los Angeles Lakers. Naturally, he thanked those responsible for his success, including (can you believe it?) his psychiatrist. Actually, considering his mental illness, that was probably a good call. But I sort of wish he would have thanked me...since word is that upon leaving the Sacramento area, he stuck area taxpayers with a short sale bill of over three quarter of a million dollars...yeah, I know, it's not personal...but I'm still "stuck" with MY house...

Yes, the Lakers won again...Kobe (and Tiger too) made deals with the devil, for sure...and NO, I'm not a Kings fan, per se...why is it that Lakers' fans automatically assume we must be Kings' fans. Why can't we just hate So Cal? They always have to say that we're just upset because of Robert Horry's last minute game winning shot in game 4 of the 2002 Western Conference finals. I have news for Laker fan...Robert Horry's shot didn't keep the Kings from a World Title...it only kept Jason Kidd and the New Jersey Nets from THEIR first championship...think about it...

Lastly, I was going to "pen" my first editorial cartoon...it would've been beautiful. I've heard about the hypocrisy of modern day cartoonist (uh, Garry Trudeau, are you listening?)...but then, I guess it's not different than Sean Hannity or Bill O'Reilly blaming the country's woes on the left wing media. Anyway, MY cartoon will have two frames, one with a "Mission Accomplished," banner in the background and two pundits (one dressed as Groucho Marx) saying, "oh my God...how arrogant!" Then, the next frame would have a presidential press conference setting, with the same two pundits present, the president saying, "hey, I can't dive down and plug the leak...or suck up the leak with a straw," with Groucho exclaiming, "oh my God...how poignant!"

Commitment to Mediocrity

2010-06-12T13:12:00.000-07:00

Get used to it...I am...you don't NEED to win everything, you know? Just be in the game, play a good game...and that should be good enough. "What the hell are you friggin' talkin' about?" Oh, hello Jack...thanks for chiming in...for those of you joining us late, "Jack" would be my new alter ego, Jack Armstrong of the award-winning radio program, "The Armstrong and Getty Show." I wasn't sure it was Jack initially...that is, until his voice cracked. Anyway, let me 'splain...

Yes, I decided to join the majority of the world...not the majority of the country, mind you, but the majority of the world...in watching the FIFA World Cup (Soccer for you Yanks who haven't a clue about anything outside your own borders)...game between England and the USA. Yes, that would be ninety (that's 90) fun-filled minutes (not counting extra time to make up for time outs, etc.) of action. Yes, this is what we've come (to)...but it's not that bad.

Except for a few brief naps, I watched the entire game. I kept wondering throughout, were the Americans playing with fewer players on the field...it appeared the Brits were simply toying with the Yanks. But, you know what? The game ended in a 1-1 tie. Now wait, don't get too excited. Like I said, it appeared England was just going through the motions (oh, I don't know, so as to maintain "Western interest" in the World Cup?).

"Oh, for crying out loud. What is your freakin' problem? It's just a lousy soccer game." Now, now, Jack...look at the bigger picture, just for a moment. Isn't this what we've been searching for? I mean, if we can keep this up...and ALL of us get on board, the world might start to like us again. Being the world's superpower had it's perks, sure, but along with it, came much, MUCH hatred, not to mention responsibility, both dirty words in present day America. Now, if we could all just get along...and tie (be equal)...the world would be a happier place.

The analogy being drawn, Jack (if you must know), is that we've always gotten along well in the soccer world...because we've been mediocre...nothing wrong with that...and I believe, the way to get along well in the real world...is to embrace mediocrity...and we're well on our way...hey, if it's good enough for England...and South Africa...and Greece...well, we're no better, right?

It's time to end politics as usual

2010-06-06T07:51:00.000-07:00

Yes, it took time to think of a topic this week...well, actually to "narrow down" a topic this week as there are SO many...I mean, ANOTHER perfect game in Major League Baseball (the last one "taken away" by a bad call), thus stirring up more calls for instant replay...but seriously, my last post, the Tower of Power "Only so much oil," is soon to become a classic and I wanted to give the masses a few more days to check it out. Yeah, right...

Anyway, it's election day on Tuesday and one of the Sheriff candidates here in Sacramento County has a slogan which says, "it's time to end politics as usual...vote for Scott Jones," uh, as endorsed by retiring Sheriff John McGuiness...who was "hand picked" for the job by former Sheriff Lou Blanas...who came on the heels of former Sheriff Duane Lowe...hell, even one term former Sheriff Robbie Waters (hick!) became a city councilman in Sacramento.

When are we gonna learn? We keep electing the same bozos...and then whine that things never change. We have an excellent candidate for Sheriff here in Sacto...Jim Cooper...who has 25 years of "actual" law enforcement experience...yeah, STREET experience...patrols, jails, gangs, drugs, undercover...does he have a chance? Not if history is any lesson...

During my (pathetic?) lifetime, we've been maintaining the status quo for so long...you know, the masses v. the elites...and neither the two shall meet. If you've been around long enough, you remember "Nixon's the one," or even "I like Ike." How about Ed Muskie breaking down in New Hampshire...or Thomas Eagleton, he of the "brief" 1972 George McGovern ticket, just plain breaking down and being replaced by Sargent Shriver...

...and don't get me started about Shriver, a member of the Kennedy clan, from Joe Kennedy on down to John (JKF) Kennedy, Bobby (RFK) Kennedy, and Edward (hick!) Kennedy to Patrick Kennedy, Bobby (Jr.) Kennedy, even Caroline (Schlossberg) Kennedy. You wanna talk about "All in the Family." Geez, Edith (Bunker)...where's meathead?

Even Hollywood and former actor Ronald Reagan had his George Bush (talk about government insider)...and Alexander Haig (thus lending more credence to the military/industrial complexion of the US government)...and Donald Rumsfeld (yes, even back then). "Outsider" Jimmy Carter had his own Walter Mondale and (Energy Secretary) James Schlessinger, uh, to get us "off" of foreign oil, and National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski...

It doesn't end there!! Never had there been more of an "insider's outsider" than Bill Clinton, he of Rhodes Scholar fame. Clinton surrounded himself with outsiders like Texan Lloyd Benson (Treasury), a four term US Senator who even ran for Veep alongside Michael Dukakis, as well as Bruce Babbitt (Interior), former Arizona governor, and Bill Richardson (Energy...again!), future (and current) New Mexico governor...

Please, don't get me started on the South...pseudo home (if you don't count Maine) of George W. Bush. Plus DICK CHENEY...need I say more? I mean, wow!! When it comes right down to it, they're ALL "insiders," and it's ALL politics as usual. Well, except now we DO have an outsider in the White House. We FINALLY did something right and elected a group from outside the beltway. Yes, Barack Hussein Obama!!

Hmmm...maybe we should vote for Scott Jones and politics as usual...

Tower of Power was wrong!?!?

2010-05-27T20:10:00.000-07:00

Mediacopp, before he entered the "real" work force, fancied himself a wannabe deejay, stand-up comedian, political satirist, overall media star...oh, sorry about the third person crap; that's always been so annoying (when people refer to themselves in the third person). Of course, maybe that's preferable to the narcissism inherent in first person (I, me, mine, Obama). But I digress...

Alas, I did fancy myself a rock and roll deejay back in the late 60's/early 70's. I remember listening to the old KJOY-1280 AM in Stockton, CA, back in grade school, even while I was delivering my morning newspaper route. Yeah, I know...what's a newspaper route? But, that's another story...

Like many others, I became a fan of the Bay Area's own, Tower of Power. They were one of the perennial rock groups of the 70's, blending R&B, jazz, funk...and they had a kick-ass horn section which, if I'm not mistaken, is still jamming to this very day. More than 60 musicians have been part of the 40+ year history of Tower of Power, including saxophonist Emilio Castillo, current Saturday Night Live musical director, Lenny Pickett, and Stephen "Doc" Kupka. Man, those guys could blow...no, they didn't "blow," they COULD blow...

I was/am a huge fan. As a matter of fact, I traveled to San Francisco, while still in high school, early one morning to be one of the first in line for the band's 1974 album, "Urban Renewal," from whence came their hit single, "Only So Much Oil In The Ground." I can still hear the lyrics, "there is only so much oil in the ground...sooner or later there won't be none around...tell that to your children while you're driving 'round downtown, that there's only so much oil in the ground..."

Well, tell it to the folks on the Louisiana coast, right? Now now, I'm not being cold...it's truly a tragedy...tens of thousands of gallons of oil per day, depending on to whom one's listening, lost and/or sent adrift, only to reach marshy shores. A true disaster. Even IF one is a conspiracy theorist...you know the type...the fact that the "explosion" happened on April 20 (Can you say Columbine? Sure...), that "it" occurred on Earth Day (Algore, can you hear me?), or even the right wingers gleefully pronouncing this "Obama's Katrina." I mean, that's weak...

But, let's talk reality. It's a tragedy. I mean, 11 people lost their lives...and at least 17 others were injured...and for what? So they can "drill" for oil a FRIGGIN' MILE BENEATH THE OCEAN? I mean, get a clue. And NO, I'm not saying we should stop drilling...but please, let's get sensible about it. Stop the madness!!!

Ever hear of slant drilling...what about Anwar? Ain't nuthin' up there...but no...we're such idiots. We're going to "do the right thing," and put a six month moratorium on new drilling or (even) exploration. What??!!?? NO, there will STILL be drilling...even by us...but ESPECIALLY by China, Russia, hell, even Vietnam is drilling in the gulf. Hello??!! It's INTERNATIONAL-friggin' waters. When will we get a clue? And our nation's leaders too...hell, we'd be better off if Tower of Power would just sing, "There's only so many Squib Cakes in the Ground."

Go Wolverines!!!

2010-05-21T07:28:00.000-07:00

This week, the blog MUST take a back seat...to the 2010 High School CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Softball Championships, more specifically Division II at the Sacramento Softball Complex (Watt Ave. and I-80). The Rosemont High School Wolverines (only around since 2004) will enter their third consecutive section playoffs and, hopefully as back-to-back champs of the Metro League, will be able to win their first round game for the SECOND YEAR IN A ROW!

That's right...tonight at 7:00 p.m. the Wolverines face off with Ponderosa High School of Shingle Springs and, since Ponderosa was the team that knocked Rosemont out of the playoffs last year, well, a victory would be extra sweet. A victory tonight (on "Fatal" Friday, or "one and done") will result in entrance to the big weekend tournament, commencing at 3:00 p.m. tomorrow (May22). So, rather than discuss more economic malaise...and/or the usual (political) indifference by our elected officials to the people's (or this blog's) will, I will be spending the remainder of my week involved in the spectacle of youth sports...and I simply could not be prouder of the "BACK-TO-BACK" champion Wolverines...

#1 Simone Heyward
#2 Cecilia Burkholder
#3 Brittney Devito
#4 Angela Santiago
#5 Aaliyah Oliver
#7 Kiersten Jackson
#8 Ashley Spears
#9 Ranaya Baugh
#10 Alesha Ayers
#13 Gennifer Romo
#14 Jennica Berry
#19 Jayla Berger-Gipson
#22 Melissa Mosqueda
#27 Taylor Vinluan
#36 Courtney Copp
Bat Girl Theresa Sabala

WHO ARRRRRRRRE THESE PEOPLE?

2010-05-14T08:22:00.000-07:00

I feel like Jerry Seinfeld, returning to stand-up...I mean, come on...who ARRRRRE these people?

* They say the economy is "recovering" nicely, right? The stock market is down, energy prices are up (even without cap and trade), unemployment is up, there is a question as to what, if any, effect has come from the stimuli. So, besides federal (and other represented government) employees, who is actually doing better...newspaper editors?

* Our glorious leaders, in lock-step fashion, are now running to "seek a 'permanent' West Coast drill ban." Excuse me...ever hear of slant drilling? Multi-national (foreign) companies? The ban won't stop drilling; it'll just stop any American from profiting from drilling (don't worry, you still get to pay the clean up spills/bills...you know, we ARE the "quicker picker-upper")...

* Why all the fuss to see who'll lose to Jerry Brown (for California governor)...Meg (don't call me Huffington) Whitman and Insurance Commish Steve Poison-er are both trying so hard to "distance" themselves from Arnold, well, Jerry's now so relaxed, he's even given up the ganja...

* Folks who count EVERY penny of EVERY correctional officers' pay...and EVERY penny of EVERY dollar spent at a correctional institution as the cost for EVERY prisoner or inmate? And...why don't those SAME people count the cost of EVERY single cop and EVERY single judge and EVERY single attorney and EVERY single victim, etc., etc., as the cost of "letting 'em out."

* Closer to home, with Sheriff John McGuinness retiring, three candidates to become "the new Sheriff in town," include Captains Jim Cooper and Scott Jones...and former deputy Bret Daniels...if we (voters) don't elect Cooper, something is SERIOUSLY WRONG with us...I mean, come on, Jones is a lawyer (what, the State Assembly's not good enough for you Scott?)...

* Closer still, the Armstrong and Getty Radio program (Talk 650, KSTE-AM) continue to provide this blog with fodder...Jack and Joe were pining (whining) this morning that, "hey, we don't live in Sacramento County, so we're not really following the (Sheriff's) race." Oh please! Seriously? Tell me you're joking...as you convincing called Captain Jones, "Bret Jones." Really?

* Lastly, yes Jack...YOU...YOU...Jack Armstrong...are now MediaCopp's new number one altar ego...man, when you get that high pitched, quasi-indignant, holier-than-thou, nasally voice revved up...well, t'ain't nothin' better...yeah, you'll keep me in line...

"DON'T TASE ME, AMIGO!!!"

2010-05-06T21:00:00.002-07:00

Deja vu, all over again? Seems like just yesterday at a speech by Senator John Kerry, University of Florida police officers used a taser to subdue an "unruly" questioner, a 21 year old graduate student, Andrew Meyer...from whence came the infamous quote, "Don't tase me, bro!" Just this past week though, a 17 year old Philly (fanatic?) at Citizens Bank Park was tased by a police officer after he stupidly ran out onto the field. In both cases, the usual suspects (who protest ANY sort of police brutality) remained silent...hmm...

Oh sure...in the latest incident, there were a few columnists who questioned the propriety of "shocking" a 17 year old kid...when in all actuality, he could have been easily corralled with anything less than a Keystone Kops-style pursuit. But for the most part, the talking heads at ESPN and other sports outlets weren't the slightest bit hesitant in their unending praise for the way "authorities" handled this extreme danger to public safety. Same with the national media.

Perfect...I believe this melding of sports and politics...not to mention sports commentary and political punditry...segues nicely into the Arizona story and the debate which focuses on the new immigration statute recently signed into law by the governor and how this law is racist in both intent and implementation...even though it has yet to be enacted...and it's actually similar to CURRENT federal law...but why let a few facts ruin a good argument, right?

Even the NBA has gotten into the act. That's right, Arizona's entry in the NBA Western Conference semi-finals, the Phoenix Suns, in a show of solidarity and (they say) respect to Mexican Americans, decided to wear jerseys which were changed to read, "Los Suns," rather than "The Suns." Now, let's put aside for a moment that the word "sun," actually translates to "sol," en Espanol (uh, in Spanish). Now, wouldn't calling themselves "Los" Suns actually be disrespectful? Moving on...

But, while Jesse, and Al...and others...are quick to denounce the "new" Arizona law and (even) offer support for innocuous actions like the "Los Suns" jerseys, they are mum on the tasering of the two individuals mentioned above. Both national and sports media, gaga over the "Los Suns," action, gave little if any notice to the use of excessive force at the Philadelphia Phillies baseball stadium. In fact, on the Dan Patrick Radio Show earlier this week, Dan and the fellas were dismissive of the incident in that, "hey, the kid was trespassing and he got what he deserved."

With that in mind, I have an idea...one that should keep both sides (of the immigration debate) completely satisfied. Simply, arm all Border Patrol agents with Tasers and without question, just "tase" anybody crossing the southern border without proper documentation. Whoa! Wait a minute...I'm not being discriminitory. I mean ALL Border Patrol agents, even (especially) along the Canadian border. Geez, I hope they get Steve Nash....go Spurs!!

Paul Revere and the Raiders Reunion Tour

2010-04-29T12:20:00.000-07:00

That's right...despite the recent passing of guitarist Drake Levin and the previous untimely departures of co-Raiders Mike "Smitty" Smith and Robert "Mooney" White, former Paul Revere and Raiders lead singer Mark Lindsay has announced the reformation of this iconic 60's rock band. Never part of the British Invasion, the Idaho-based Raiders topped the charts with such classic hits as "Indian Reservation (The Lament of the Cherokee Reservation Indian)," "Kicks," and "Hungry."

Why? The Raiders were well regarded in the industry as a "bunch of white-bread kids trying to sound black." Further, the Raiders believe, of all people, they should be the face of the opposition movement...a movement seeking to overturn new Arizona controversial immigration law SB1070. As a matter of fact, MediaCopp has just received confirmation of a 2010 worldwide tour for the Lindsay-led super group. In fact, I've received an advanced copy of Lindsay's solo hit, "Arizona."

We should be like San Francisco

That, or get outta the way

Protesting Governor Jan Brewer

Oh, we're gonna make her pay

We don't believe immigrants are the problem

And the issue isn't black and white

Now all you wanna do is racially profile

Well, brother, get ready to fight

Arizona, ready for Sharpton's boots

Arizona, let's all burn our green cards

My myyyy

Arizona, we'll boycott your friggin' state

Arizona, hey won'tcha go "bleep" off

Mmmm forget all your laws cuz we know better than you, how to protect

Your lives and personal prop-er-tyyyyy

Arizona, what makes you think you're exempt

Arizona, you need to suffer like all the rest

(Instrumental)

Follow me to the Mexican border

I will be your guide

We will carry the torch like Lady Liberty

But you will be paying the tab

Bring us your poor, your tired, your huddled masses, mmm mmm, yearning to be free

And I will find a place for ev'ry one of you

In the city by the bay-ay-ay

Arizona, forget more Super Bowls

Arizona, take a look at the Third World, my my

Arizona, ready for Sharpton's boot

Arizona, Glenn Beck would be worse

Hey, Arizona, open your windows 'n doors

Arizona, forget your Tea Party protests, my my

Arizona, get off your friggin' wallets

Arizona, hey won'tcha share your shit, my my

Come on, hey, Arizona, take off your pampers now

Yes, just a little taste of what's in store at the reunion tour for Paul Revere and the Raiders. Opening the shows will be Tina Fey and the Waybils, doing their chart topping single, "Sarah Sublime," sung to the tune of the Hall and Oates classic. Also, a Monkees tribute band leads off each evening with former keyboardist for the Raiders, Paul Revere, as their front man (sorry, Benedict Arnold had a previous commitment)...

Huh?

2010-04-20T11:05:00.000-07:00

*New York Times Nobel Prize winning columnist Paul Krugman was heard telling one of the talking heads at MSNBC that financial reform is necessary because, "we must put (provisions) in place so that nothing like this (bailouts) ever happens again...and when it does, we need to..."

*A letter writer to our local rag, the Scabramento Bee, pointed out that "sunsetting" of the Bush tax cuts is NOT, as Republicans have been saying, a tax "increase," but rather, it is simply the government keeping THEIR money...

*This blog's hero, Bill Clinton, has been pontificating recently about the impact that "words" can have in the public discourse...yes, the man even says that Rush Limbaugh is responsible for inciting acts of violence...well, depending what your definition of the word, "is," is...

*They're still running that "Head & Shoulders" commercial...you know, the one where the voice over announcer reports that using Head and Shoulders shampoo guarantees thicker, fuller hair, er, as opposed to unwashed hair...huh?

*Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has stated repeatedly that the country CAN NOT afford the Health Care plan submitted (and subsequently passed) by the Democrats...all the while admitting he hadn't read the bill...

*Similarly, our president has smugly, condescendingly, sarcastically (okay, put the thesaurus away) stated that ALL the folks who warned of the dire consequences of reform are alarmists in that, "hey, where are the death panels, etc, etc, etc...).

*Then, the McConnell bunch was quick to refer to the fact that major provisions don't go into effect until 2014 and beyond...but then, that's assuming he's since read the bill...

*Lastly, TODAY is 4/20...you know, National Weed Day...Cannabis Culture Day...Wikipedia entries report the 4/20 day originated at San Rafael (California) High School when a group of students would meet at 4:20 and smoke weed...ehhhhhhhhh!!! Wrong! 4/20 is April 20...and April 20 is Adolph Hitler's birthday...the slacker, stoners were just a bunch of Neo-Nazi's...

COMING DISTRACTIONS!!!

2010-04-12T11:42:00.000-07:00

Previously, this/last week's edition of deathless prose was to be devoted to the 2010 Masters Golf Tournament. As you may or may not know, the Masters represented the return of golfing icon Tiger Woods, he of the media-heightened sex scandal (of course, with apologies to Ben Roethlisberger). The nexus of my commentary would have been to "stick it," to all the naysayers (and Woods' haters) after he won the thing. Alas, that did not happen. What's worse...is that "Lefty," "Mr. Manboobs," "the man who folds to Tiger every tournament," Phil Mickelson, WON his third green jacket. Well, worse...if you're a horrible human being...Phil deserved it...great tournament all...

So, this/last week's edition is NOW going to be devoted to upcoming columns...better entitled, "Coming Distractions." They include...

* THE MediaCopp solution to California's public pension woes...geez, the Bee (local Sacramento newspaper) continues to foam at the mouth like a rabid dog...yet they offer very few cogent solutions or even ideas (THE definition of "whining").

*On a related note, California's budget woes continue...and MediaCopp will offer additional assistance in closing the ever expanding gap, both logically and also on a grander (though more tongue-in-cheek) scale.

*The announcing of my new Alter Ego...yes, Buck has been fired and his replacement is straight out of local (Sacramento) media. It's a great honor for this local pundit...but also a huge responsibility...and one that I hope this person takes with solemn reverence.

*SF Giant ace Tim Lincecum is now 2-0 in the relatively new 2010 MLB season. After a four hour rain delay yesterday, Lincecum went out and pitched his second gem of the year. He said, being from Seattle, the rain doesn't bother him. Hey Tim, tell that to my knees!!

*Speaking of my knees, they continue to ache (another definition of whining?), but I'm still lumped in with those dreaded public employees who are raping the public pension system. I DON'T THINK SO...

*Oh well, I can still walk (at least for a few more years, I guess)...and I'll be working bingo again tonight. That's right...charity bingo...you know, selling cards, papers, tabs, stuff like that. Hey, it's a wonderful way to earn some tax free, LEGAL income (since anything I earn will go straight to my daughter's softball fees, expenses, etc.)...

*Speaking of tax free income, the Bee had a "story" about local underground employment. HOWEVER, ne'er was there a mention of ALL the people on the Obama gravy train who are working those jobs while collecting the 99 weeks of unemployment (I know, I know, it's not ALL Obama's fault)...

*Last but not least, an update about MediaCopp's return to the stage...that's right...if the knees hold up, I'll be returning to stand-up. Details to follow...stay tuned...

It's the MEDIA that is RACIST...

2010-04-01T14:00:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to figure out their next move...their game, if you will...but, it just seemed all too neat. I mean, health care shot through with barely a whimper. Before that, banking and auto manufacturing (now, energy via EPA, bypassing Congress)...yep, hardly a problem. Oh sure, the right wing media did their best to provide some semblance of token, though inept opposition, but nope...the American people continue to "approve" of our current, albeit incremental slide toward (warped) socialism.

Who am I talking about? Why, the media, of course!! You know, I was a little worried that the media would make a sharp U-turn back to the 90's and we'd begin seeing those "shining happy headlines," telling us all is well. But to date, that hasn't happened. The media continues to act as if their party isn't in charge...and we all know the party to which I refer. At first, it was, "oh well, I'm sure it's simply the media attempting to portray themselves as impartial." But now, it has become clear...it is RACISM!!

The media can't stand inclusion...or cooperation...heck, if there isn't controversy, well, they just go ahead and create controversy...and there are many who willingly aid and abet...even USA Today has gotten into the act. The lead editorial on March 31 was "almost gleeful," in tone. The editorial was entitled, "Militia arrests show there's no stereotyping terrorism." The piece went on to document how right wing extremists have turned to "homegrown terrorism" in alarming numbers. Oh, never mind that these groups have ALWAYS existed and WILL ALWAYS exist.

The slant of the editorial was, as stated earlier, almost gleeful in tone. No, not because local law enforcement and even military forces would be doing their job; that is, to go after ALL extremist groups (i.e. terrorists)...and not to now make it "even more O.K." to demonize anyone who might racially profile...BUT to create even MORE dissension and/or divisiveness among the masses. Are there more right wing extremist/militia groups today? Sure...BUT, I submit that far more of these groups are worried about first, second, even fourth amendment rights...than are even slightly concerned with our current president being half Kenyan.

Are there racist groups among them? Sure...there are stupid people EVERYWHERE. As I've always maintained, "stupid" is NOT a minority. But with all the problems facing the country today...and these problems appear to be getting worse with each and every government intervention, I wondered the purpose of such an editorial. But, seeing as the media appears to be carving out a powerful niche in our country's new (warped) form of government, well, I believe it has to be RACISM, pure and simple.

Buuuuuuck!!! You're......Fired!!!

2010-03-25T19:34:00.000-07:00

That's right...he's outta here. For those of you unfamiliar, Buck "used to be" my number one alter ego. Yeah, yeah, I know...he was just one of many, but still...he WAS number one. He was the part of my psyche that would call me on my shortcomings, even when they didn't exist. As I told you in an earlier post, he was sort of a cross between John Wayne (former famous movie star) and my ex father-in-law, George...you know, a man of few words, but useful words nonetheless. He quite often, would keep me from sticking my foot in my mouth.

Alas, I had to give him his walking papers. Yep, he let me down. I spent almost an hour and a half writing a "rebuttal" the other night...and it should never have seen the light of day. No, not because it was substandard; more because it caused a certain population considerable distress. Let me 'splain...I have always received numerous "forwarded" e-mails, the majority of them from right wing friends...and for the most part, I read them (if they're not too dumb) and delete. Recently, I have also been receiving "forwards" from several friends on the left.

There's not much difference between the two. You know, it's either Nancy Pelosi on a broom, or George W. Bush falling off a horse...you know...lame, but benign. However, one came across my mail box which made a case for prosecuting the aforementioned Bush, not for war crimes (as per the norm), but for premeditated murder. Okay, okay, not a problem...I mean, hang around Dick Cheney long enough and they're bound to "pin" a body or two on ya...

But, several of the folks on the "e-train" responded, one even submitting a monologue about Bob, a clueless American (Republican) who with one hand will use all the services provided by the federal government...and with the other, shake his finger at others who do...and the e-mail pointed out the hypocrisy and, sure, it was funny, rather sublime, and quite thought provoking. The e-mail was well-written and gave clear examples of a guy (Bob) who complained constantly about the government, but took for granted the good things government provides, like clean water, fresh air, inspected food, etc.

So, anyway, I thought I'd join the fray and take things a step further...I changed the main character's name to Myron and his party affiliation to Democrat...I then gave (what I thought were) examples of government incompetence. You know, the usual...bail outs, stimulus bills, even Bush blaming...I tried to show the folly of absolutes on BOTH sides of the aisle...and I also thought I was well short of being mean-spirited. I mean, hey, Buck woulda told me, right?

Wrong! I sent it off...and I received five responses, all indicating that they were sick and tired of all the divisiveness and each one asking to "disembark" from the e-train. Now I KNOW there were folks from both political spectra among the mailing list. However, I don't recall anyone on the right requesting removal...and here I thought the "left" were the tolerant ones...hmm...

Anyway, Buck...you're outta here...it was your job to "reel me in," when I climb a little too far out on the limb. But, guess what? I've already found his replacement...and right here in good ol' Sacramento, CA, from where this blog originates. Sorry, I can't introduce him just yet...he might not allow me to send THIS post. Til next time, peace...

Maybe I've been looking at this all wrong...

2010-03-19T09:20:00.000-07:00

Since Health Care reform WILL pass, you know, maybe I've been looking at this all wrong...

...maybe health care SHOULD be a right...heck, public education is a right...isn't it?

...maybe responsible people WILL receive better assistance than the irresponsible.

...maybe politicians will demand to LEAD the way (ALL OF THEM) by enrolling in Medicaid.

...maybe the second decade of reform will save EVEN more than the first, uh, six years...

...maybe Republicans WON'T say it's a failure no matter what success might come about...

...maybe Democrats WILL finally admit there might still be big, BIG problems to overcome.

...maybe Republicans will admit we ARE already paying for the irresponsible anyway...

...maybe Democrats will admit that we SHOULD stigmatize the irresponsible.

...maybe both sides should just END THE CHARADE and pass it already.

...maybe we should all SHUT our collective mouths and live with it...

...maybe I (that's right, "I") should get in line for a subsidy (even though I won't qualify)...

...maybe I (and we) shouldn't begrudge those who DO qualify.

...maybe my stepson will be one to finally receive the coverage he DOES deserve...

...maybe he won't be LAID OFF by his boss because of the employer mandate.

...maybe the individual mandate will work; even IF Keith Olbermann ends up in prison...

...maybe I should stop WHINING about consequences for others and just help myself.

...maybe I could...maybe I...naaaaahhhhhh...

Three Strikes doesn't go far enough!!!

2010-03-09T09:52:00.001-08:00

Every few weeks, months, etc., media outlets in the less than great state of California, will post their blanket editorials calling for the "repeal," or "roll back," or "lessening of," the dreaded Three Strikes Law (i.e. the statute which mandates a 25-life sentence for any felony conviction which is subsequent to TWO plead and proven serious or violent felony convictions. That's the gist of it...

"Oh, my God...it's sooooo unfair. It targets the poor and disenfranchised. It's draconian. It's just filling up our already overcrowded prisons. It's not doing what it was intended to do. The people (voters) were hoodwinked. They didn't vote for locking up 80 year old pizza thieves." And the whining continues, ad nauseam...

By the way...I'm ALL FOR the Three Strikes Law, and even "stacking," (full term, consecutive sentencing). In my career, I had an intimate knowledge of hundreds of strike cases and I can honestly say that not one, NOT ONE, of those sentenced under the law...was unfairly sentenced. As a matter of fact, most of these folks deserved more time...I remember a co-worker of mine, upon hearing an inmate tell him, "365 years!!?? I can't do 365 years!!!"...to that, my co-worker simply responded, "just do what you can, son." But I digress...

As a matter of fact, I'd like to propose that we EXPAND the law...to include DUI offenders. No, not a three strikes, two strikes, or even one strike variety...whereby, if the drunk driver injures another...blah, blah, blah. Nope, my proposal is much simpler, much cleaner, much fairer. Simply put, if you have been convicted of driving under the influence to ANY extent whereby you are placed on any sort of probation or parole...and you commit a SECOND driving under the influence offense (or ANY collaterally related offense)...25-life...yep...25-life...AND if you EVER get out...and commit a THIRD, that's it...Life, LWOP, Life without Parole...for good...

This past Saturday, here in Sacramento, a scumbag name Omar Carrasco, age 25, was driving a vehicle which was involved in a collision which killed three young men--Gregory Valenzuela, age 22, Raoul Perez, age 23, and Manuel Ruiz, age 24--the three were burned to death (a fourth was taken to the hospital and expected to survive). Carrasco was ON PROBATION for DUI and had his license reinstated just two days before the crash. Also, his license had been suspended on FIVE separate occasions since his first suspension in April 2007.

Was he DUI again? Most likely...that's why I included the "collaterally related offense," rider. Because, you see, the scumbag fled the scene and was not apprehended until a few hours later when he sought treatment at the Kaiser Permanente South Medical Center. IT WAS STILL A COLLATERALLY RELATED OFFENSE!!

Three Strikes IS draconian...it IS harsh...it IS at times unfair...is there anecdotal evidence to support those claims? Certainly...HOWEVER, there is much, much, MUCH, more statistical significance to claims of the law ACTUALLY doing what it purports to do...MAKE US SAFER. All the posturing (and whining) that it costs "sooooo much" to incarcerate these offenders, blah, blah, blah...all the while no one, NO ONE, computes the total, TOTAL cost of allowing these offenders to remain on the street...

Hey, nobody ever factors in, law enforcement time, corrections time, court time, victim(s) time, insurance company time, etc., etc., and if you really want to get anecdotal about it, doctor time, coroner time, AND mortuary time...like my former co-worker would tell Mr. Carrasco..."just do what you can, son." Unfortunately, he CAN'T say the same thing to the three victims...

Responsibility (or lack thereof) IS the word...

2010-03-05T12:52:00.001-08:00

Once again...ONCE AGAIN...no one is saying it...regarding the Health Care bill meandering its way through the White House, Blair House, both houses of Congress...no one is saying it, SO I WILL...the bill will only benefit the irresponsible...people, entities, consumers, et al. What?!?! That's right...the winners will NOT be the "responsible" people...people who I believe SHOULD be the beneficiaries of any type of reform...and that's a shame...

And really, there is not much of a difference between the status quo and any kind of reform, as fronted by either the Dems or the Reeps. Sure, the GOP has their own "incremental-ism" i.e. health care reform enacted one step at a time...and the Dems have their so-called nuclear options (pronounced nuke-u-lar...if you're Jimmy or "W") whereby we throw an "s" load of money at the wall (money we don't have, by the way), using budgetary trickery in order to make it "look" doable. Nope, there is really not much difference, EXCEPT responsible people WILL suffer under the reform being fronted by present day politicos...

Both parties say, if only for posturing purposes, that the status quo is unacceptable. They are wrong...and I'll say it...because NO ONE, NO ONE else is...the status quo is, IS preferable to what is now being offered...in that under the current system, RESPONSIBLE people aren't "mandated" to take a "back seat" to the IRRESPONSIBLE. Wait...don't label me racist, or elitist, or a hater...I NEVER SAID the irresponsible should not be helped. They should be. HOWEVER, they should NOT be assisted with ANY SORT OF PREFERENCE (legislative preference) over those who ARE responsible.

What do I mean? Well, certainly...responsible people can and do suffer at times under the status quo. People get sick...lose their jobs...have their coverages cut and/or denied...YES, at times, the current system can be very unfair. But why, WHY do we want to "legislate" MORE unfairness? And that is what health care reform, as presented by the two major parties, is unfortunately designed to do...

Whether you "blanket" cover ALL pre-existing conditions (come on...something like obesity IS AND SHOULD BE treated differently than, say, juvenile diabetes)...or if you "mandate" that everyone purchase coverage (yeah, right), you will NOT be helping any of the people who are responsible in the first place...I mean, the folks who DO take care of business, even WITHOUT the mandate(s).

Why bring this up now? Because...BECAUSE...regardless of the type of health care reform, it WILL NOT make any difference. The poor will still suffer. The rich will still get preference. The middle class will still pay for everything...and it appears we WILL have some sort of health care reform. It is inevitable. HOWEVER, the only...ONLY way things will ever improve...is if we inject the word, "responsibility" into the equation.

Bullet-boy strikes again!!!

2010-02-27T10:10:00.000-08:00

Rather than wax-poetic about the Health Care Summit this past week, I've decided to lighten the mood and offer my insight to "airings-of-late" in media today...

* What part of the word "any" does Subway (the sandwich chain) not understand? The five-dollar footlong jingle, followed by insipid echoing of "any, any, any." So, $5 for any sub? Well, yes, (except for quietly adding, "premium subs excluded,"). Say what?!?

* But THEY are not the worst...what's the deal with Head and Shoulders shampoo? Their latest commercial could NOT be a bigger insult to ANY consumer. During the ad, the Head and Shoulders' spokesperson says (loudly) that shampooing with Head and Shoulders "guarantees (you) cleaner, fuller hair"...then adds (quietly) "compared to unwashed hair." Oh really...

* USA Today, has a decent "puzzles" half page in every issue...you know, like Sodoku, the Crossword...a game called Quick Cross and "Up & Down Words"...well, in one game, the clue referred to 60's cartoon icon George Jetson's wife's name (Jane)...they erroneously listed it as "Judy," and Judy is, in fact, the daughter...you know, "his son, Elroy...daughter Judy..." oh well...

* Tiger Woods lost another sponsor...this time, Gatorade...wow...that's a big one...and then I saw the other day, that Tiger is "back in rehab," but not for sex addiction...rather for addiction to Vicodin and Ambien...oh, and there's no truth to the rumor the facility also specializes in treatment for dependence on HGH...

* It's time for political commercials to flood our airwaves...move over print media. It looks like you'll have competition for your anti-Meg Whitman ads (CA governor's race)...I even heard one commercial bashing her (she may or may not deserve it)...but the (quiet) tag line was "this ad is not paid for by any particular candidate or party." Again...SAY WHAT??!!??

* Speaking of political ads, there is absolutely no truth to the rumor that MSNBC anchor Chris Matthews is going to be the new spokesperson for a brand of Atropine sulfate tablets (anti-drooling medication)...however, staffers have been ordered to remove all photos of President Obama from the set...

* ...and last but not least, I still miss the AT&T rollover minutes mom...

Forget "Decade," let's go for "Era" of Responsibility

2010-02-19T09:55:00.000-08:00

If y'all haven't figured it out by now, I'm an "individual responsibility" protagonist, to say the least. Certainly, there's room for collective responsibility, but for a society to be "free," the individual "mandate" should take precedence. I've written several posts, calling for a more bifurcated style of governance--one line for the "responsible," and one for the "irresponsible." I've more recently called for a "Decade of Responsibility," (and we're definitely off to a shaky start). However, strike that...because NOW we need to strive for a new "Era of Responsibility."

First, we have the tragic case of Joe Stack, the "whack job" who flew an airplane into an Austin, Texas-based IRS center because of what could be described as a paranoid schizophrenic Alice in Wonderland. The idiot flew a single engine, fixed-wing Piper PA-28-236 aircraft (registered to HIM, by the way) into a crowded office building (around 10:00 a.m. on a Thursday!!)...despite reports by those who knew him that, "he was just trying to hit the IRS, not people," well, that obviously rings hollow because the bastard KNEW the place would be full of employees. His "manifesto" said much the same (i.e. "nothing changes unless there is a body count").

That's right...manifesto...and yes, I read the "manifesto," which was sent to me by a concerned reader. I guess my rantings have given some cause for concern...but, I don't think so...Stack, and those of his ilk, are the antithesis of all that I believe (in). I DID read his verbiage...the rambling, nonsensical language was lunacy at best and irresponsibility to the core...he blamed EVERYONE but himself. Multiple times during the "story," he mentioned "my retirement," or "my retirement plans back to zero." He didn't mentioned his assets...obviously an airplane (along with flying lessons, etc) or his musical career (apparently he was an amateur guitarist)...and he barely touched upon his marriages, properties, divorce settlements, etc. He "decided" not to file taxes one year because he had no quote-unquote income. Is he naive, stupid, or narcissistic? I opt for the latter.

Let's contrast that with another current national story...Tiger Woods. Now, I'm not a huge Tiger Woods fan. I'm from the Tom Watson school (Watson has called Woods on his past "disrespect" for the game by swearing, throwing clubs, acting "off-putting" toward fans, etc) and while I appreciate Tiger's skills and abilities, I'm not like the "hero worshippers" in the media who collectively turned their backs on his indiscretions (and we all know what those "indiscretions" included). As I've commented previously, Woods could be golf's own "Mark McGuire/Sammy Sosa," in that the media has apparently been willing to "turn a blind eye," to Woods' behavior, including boorishness, infidelity and yes, steroids...so as not to quash the game's new found prominence.

That being said, I listened to Tiger's "manifesto," this morning...and not once, NOT ONCE, did he blame anyone other than himself for what he and his family are currently experiencing. THAT, my friends, is a breath of fresh air...and while I found myself watching "less" golf when Tiger played (in the past), I will now increase my efforts substantially to follow his game and progress. Previously, I was put off by his dominance, well, not so much his dominance, but his ability to intimidate other golfers. I used to think, oh my God, if you're a PROFESSIONAL golfer, wouldn't you DEDICATE yourself to beating him? However, it appeared many would raise the white flag just "hearing" that Tiger was in the field. Oh well...

Bifurcate this! Which path are you going to take...a manifesto by a spoiled, pampered narcissist, looking to blame everyone and everything but yourself...or a staid, forthright, and earnest verbal statement by a celebrity athlete, perhaps equally narcissistic, who without question takes responsibility for problems of his own making? I know which way I'm going.

Racism, thy name is "Tea Party"

2010-02-16T18:28:00.000-08:00

Yes! Once again, I have been vindicated. MSNBC's Keith Olbermann confirmed it...that is, the "Tea Party" movement is based on fear due to racism...NOT due to a liberal agenda (i.e. higher taxes, bigger and unresponsive government). Nope, according to Olbermann, it IS racism, pure and simple...thanks Keith...

Yours truly, however, was the first to note that one "couldn't be seen," at a Tea Party sponsored event without earning the label of "racist." And now, Olbermann has given credence to my point of view. Yes, I was the one who warned Fox News to STAY AWAY from the Tea Party events, EXCEPT as an impartial observer. Did they listen? No...and now look at 'em...

I was the one who first mentioned the glaring (or rather, the 'blinding") similarities of all the folks attending the Tea Party rallies. Oh sure, Chris Matthews, and other commentators made mention of it; however, they did it to mock rivals at Fox, whereas I was offering constructive advice...advice that the movement should "open their arms, tents, wallets, whatever," in order to diversify their membership. But did THEY listen? No...and now look at 'em...

Oh sure, they remain popular...in their own demographic...but are INSTANTLY marginalized, even vilified in everyday America...and that's a shame. Like I've written previously, I can agree with their premise...limited, RESPONSIBLE government...that is a good thing...but NOT with the way the message has been delivered. When you rip liberals, you KNOW your going to be immediately discounted...

The tea party folks should "make it clear, spell it out, say it again AND again," that you DO NOT begrudge helping people...and YES, say it...again and AGAIN...that you want to help the poor, the disenfranchised, those who have been harmed or held back by both the left AND the right side of our government. Again, why? Why do you need to keep hammering this point home?

Well, Olbermann's rant explains it all...you're racist! If you listen to Rush Limbaugh, or watch Bill O'Reilly, or have EVER voted Republican, you are racist. If you believe in lower taxes, even as a (simple) pervasive argument...you are racist. If you believe in personal responsibility (over collective responsibility), you are racist. You can't help it.

HOWEVER, if you listen to NPR, watch MSNBC, disavow traitors like Ward Connerly, Walter Williams, and Clarence Thomas...well, you're still a racist, but you're Keith Olbermann's kind of racist. Wait a minute...Keith Olbermann? But, HE'S a racist too. Hey Keith, herbal tea okay for you?

Coming Soon: My new book, "Keith Olbermann is a big, fat, Groucho Marx-looking idiot."

It's gotta be tough being Jon Stewart...

2010-02-09T11:42:00.000-08:00

Now, I must admit...when Jon Stewart first replaced Craig Kilborn on The Daily Show back in 1999, I wanted to hate him. I mean, the Craig-ster was my guy...Kilborn left ESPN (a Sports Center gig...yes, my dream job, but that's another story) and he was the first host of The Daily Show on Comedy Central back in 1996. When he left, I swore that I was done with The Daily Show. I mean, Jon Stewart? Comedian? MTV reject? Puh-leeze!

But, I admit it...I was wrong. Stewart's show didn't miss a beat. As a matter of fact, he has surpassed Kilborn's show in both audience AND relevance. Yes, I've previously mentioned his softball skewering of lefties while at the same time almost bashing the skulls of folks on the right with whom he might disagree. But overall, it appeared to be in the name of comedy...and I'm all for that.

Stewart, himself a avowed liberal, soon became a hero of all things left...from UC Berkeley to Boston College...from NPR to Talk Radio...his show became the ultimate combination of Weekend Update (from Saturday Night Live), National Lampoon, and the CBS Evening News. He became the perfect antidote for self-important talking heads and political hacks. When Stewart found himself being mentioned in the same breath with those he parodied, he was able to deflect it all with a "fake news" wink.

But alas, Stewart is now facing a "liberal conundrum." Sarah Palin...that's right, THAT Sarah Palin...Stewart (and frankly, most political "satirists") love to skewer the one-time (and extremely failed) Vice Presidential candidate. The media and late night comedians have continued to hammer the former Alaskan governor. That's both good AND bad for Stewart. On the one hand, this is good stuff...it's tailor made for comedy. On the other...

Should Stewart continue the Palin bashing (it's just so easy), risking overexposure and quite possibly the nation turning from her to a more solid Republican candidate...a candidate who might be able to send his own President packing? Or does he back off...sort of...hoping that she'll be able to "hoodwink" enough Republicans into being their 2012 "Stepford candidate," or better still, split the vote by going "Tea Party." What to do?

Yep, it's tough being Jon Stewart...well, if tough is making $14 million a year and living in a $5.8 million penthouse in downtown Manhattan...

Why bother...

2010-02-04T09:57:00.000-08:00

Not why bother? But, simply, why bother...I have heard a lot recently (i.e. "why do you 'have to' give your opinion?" or "nobody wants to know what you think," and "why don't you try 'listening' once in awhile rather than talk all the time") and it DOES make me sad...that so many people don't care or at least feign indifference...why bother? Here's why:

* Did you know that last year here in California, the state legislature passed (and the governor signed) a law which changed custody credits (good time credits for "local" convicts) from 1/3 to 1/2...in other words a one year sentence is now 6 months rather than 8 months...

* Did you know that the "government" (i.e. Obama administration) halted the ingress of injured Haitians to U.S. hospitals because they didn't want to overburden South Florida hospitals at the same time the NFL was holding their annual Super Bowl (there)? And here I thought it was Bush who hated black people...

* Did you know that during my recent monitoring of the tripe offered by MSNBC (yes, as equally abhorrent as the crap on Fox), I heard the talking heads use verbiage which included 'words" like, "extractalatable," effectatious," and "incentivize." Which one is an actual word?

* I hear commentators bemoan exorbitant player salaries in professional sports...much of it deserved...HOWEVER, when "sports" comes across a 'vastly' underpaid player (2-time Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum of the SF Giants) who NEVER whined even once about his previous low pay, well, ne'er a word was mentioned...but then, he might've been stoned...

* I have no horse in this race...but what gives with the government (motors) going "on and on," about the Toyota recall efforts...sounds to me like Toyota is trying to do the right thing...but then again, I guess the "government" (motors) DOES have a stake in the outcome...gee...um...

* The Christmas bomber, they say, is talking once again...and NOW providing (some) critical information...according to Spokesperson Monty Hall, defendant Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab advised that al Qaeda operatives were preparing to attack during New Year's celebrations, but changed their minds...

* Word is the National "Tea Party" Convention starts today in Nashville...hmm, wonder how long it'll be before Chris Matthews (or another MSNBC'er) makes a "comment" about "all the white people." If the folks at Fox have any brains, they'll steer clear...but with their new talking head, Sarah Palin, slated as keynote speaker, oops, too late...Fair and Balanced, my ass...

* Much has been made, of late, regarding White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel's use of the term "f-ing retard." Now, aside from the fact that he uttered this LAST AUGUST, the disingenuous indignation coming from right wing whackos (Rush Limbaugh, et al) is only superseded by equally inane pseudo-outrage pointed back at the right by left wing loonies...

* Yep, that last entry solidifies it..."why bother," might just be the way to go...late...

Befuddled, Bemused, Bewildered

2010-01-29T09:11:00.000-08:00

As a college buddy of mine once surmised before class one morning (after a late night playing "quarters"), "dazed, bewildered, lost in a world without sound." I don't know...that statement was probably taken from some movie or something, but it fits perfectly here. Needless to say, if nothing else, the president's speech was not expected...even by his most ardent supporters...

But after hearing his disciples at MSNBC hardly able to control their glee (or simultaneously, their disdain for "any" Republican response), he must've hit a home run...that is, if you believe that government is the one and only answer to the country's woes. They (the responses) were mostly as expected, but I would like to ask NBC pundit, Chris Matthews, if "it moved" while he was watching the speech...

Needless to say, the president did not come within a country mile of any of the five criteria I outlined in my last post. Oh well, I wasn't all that sure he'd turn his back on what he'd been doing up to now. I mean, the narcissism inherent in most politicians, especially national ones, pretty much prevents any "real" admitting to mistakes or errors in judgment. Mr. Obama, many on the left would say, fessed up quite well. On the contrary, the right-wingers were quick to label any show of contrition as disingenuous.

Where to from here? Well, the president made it pretty clear...what he has been doing IS getting him pretty much what he wants...ergo the message he intends to go forward full speed ahead. Folks on the right (mainly Fox junkies) are aghast...i.e. how, after Virginia, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, could he in good conscience, feel that he's moving in the right direction. They feign indignation that he "hasn't seen the light." If they actually believe that, then they (Republicans) are even more stupid than I thought.

What is even more clear, however, is that THIS (bewilderment, et al) is EXACTLY what the country needs. Do we really want to go down the "government is the answer," route? Or do we want to adopt more individual (and even collective) responsibility as a goal in which to strive? I believe last Wednesday's speech laid it out pretty succinctly. It appears that you/we will more than likely have a clear cut distinction and/or choice in the upcoming 2010 elections. Which way the country votes in November (and it must be "more so," one way or the other, than in the standard mid-term elections)...but yes, which way WE vote in November, will speak volumes as to just where we as a society want to go. THIS is good. Befuddling...but good...

Mr. President...here's all you need to do...

2010-01-26T15:14:00.000-08:00

On January 27, 2010, the President will give his first State of the Union Address...THIS is a big one...he has a monumental task ahead...and according to preliminary reports, he will call for a three year spending freeze (except for Military Spending, Homeland Security, entitlements like Medicare/Medicaid, Social Security, and "some" foreign aid programs), further recommend additional child care credits and also ask for an expansion of tax credits to match retirement savings, specifically for "middle class workers" only. What?!?!

Oh, yes...and they've already passed "another" jobs bill to the tune of $154 billion...and it's been reported that they will add $1.35 billion on top of that to "improve student test scores." That's right...simply more government money (adding to the deficit) to "nickel and dime," problems which WILL require MORE THAN JUST PHONY MONEY. None of this will work; however all is not lost. Here's all President Obama needs to do:

1.) Freeze all discretionary spending indefinitely (look into non-discretionary as well)...and run, don't walk, but RUN...away from former Clinton Labor Secretary (and current UC Berkeley professor) Robert Reich's suggestion that rather than freeze spending, the country needs a THIRD stimulus. Yeah, he actually recommends that...and TELL the people you are RUNNING AWAY from such an inane suggestion!!!

2.) Contrary to former Secretary Reich's suggestion that people aren't spending because they don't have jobs...and the only way to create jobs, is to fund additional government programs, HE'S WRONG...just tell the people "we (government) will get out of your way." Simply say, "we tried bail outs, stimulus spending, infrastructure building AND for one reason or another (sure, go ahead and blame the Republicans if you'd like), it's NOT WORKING.

3.) Assure us that we (government) WILL NOT saddle you/us with additional debt. Also, all unspent stimulus $$...all REPAID...other funding (like what the banks are "paying back,"...KEEP IT...from THIS DAY FORWARD, we will unleash the American spirit and say "go forth and prosper." WE will get out of your way (the REASON, Secretary Reich, that people aren't spending is because THEY DON'T KNOW their future tax liability)...I don't care if you call it fees/fines/surcharges/tolls/levies/tariffs...whatever you want...BUT THE PEOPLE DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE PLANNING!! Tell them/us that we "WILL KNOW our liability (i.e. what's expected of you/us)."

4.) With that in mind, health care...though not dead, WILL take a back seat to jobs and yes, "it's the economy, stupid!" Say "yes, we WILL work to enact reforms on which we can agree." Perhaps, what has already been bartered with the insurance companies (i.e. no denial for pre-existing conditions, tort reform, the ability to purchase insurance "nationally," rather than regionally); HOWEVER, report there will be NO MASSIVE GOVERNMENT TAKEOVER!!!

5.) Lastly, and most IMPORTANTLY, take SOME RESPONSIBILITY...REMEMBER, the "last eight years" includes one full year of complete Democratic rule...and THREE years of complete legislative rule by the Democrats...and if you must go back and hammer Bush (yes, he's a buffoon AND an easy target), include EVERYBODY in your blanket condemnation, OTHER folks who helped create the sub-prime fiasco, and the dot com bubble, etc., etc., people like Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, the Clinton Administration, even the Carter and Reagan Administrations.

Mr. President...that's all you need to do...make this the "Decade of Responsibility." I'm not asking that you enact more tax cuts...I'm not even asking for you to apologize or do a "mea culpa," for your contribution to the country's problems. You can STILL keep your head high...simply make it CRYSTAL CLEAR that you and your administration will do EVERYTHING in your power to assist, aid, AND fund...those who are...RESPONSIBLE!!! Like how 'bout folks who ARE NOT behind on their mortgage payments...those (of us) who have ALWAYS paid on time...IMMEDIATELY CUT their/our (mortgage) interest rates in HALF!!! That's a good start. But more on that (and the MediaCopp Decade of Responsibility) later...

I was wr...I was wro...I was...wr, wro....

2010-01-20T08:53:00.000-08:00

Okay, okay, I failed to call the Massachusetts Senate race...so now the Republicans are all gleeful about their 41st vote...well, at least my errant call (again!) might elevate me in punditry to Dick Morris or Newt Gingrich...do those guys ever make the right call?

Of course, the White House is scrambling...scrambling to look disaffected (ho-hum)...but I suppose they can rest their hat on the country's continued vitriol pointed in the direction of the (trumpet sound please) Bush/Cheney administration...

Sure, as Eugene Robinson of the Washington Post, said in his column today, Obama is failing to win the "message war," i.e. the Tea Party folks and other angry Republicans are making the most noise and Obama has had so many tough decisions (because of the...again, trumpet sound please...Bush/Cheney administration), he hasn't been able to "motivate" his liberal base...

But wait, it doesn't stop there...I mean, according to Robinson, administration spokespeople, and other (NBC) political pundits, the tried and true message that "we inherited these problems," needs to be highlighted...

Even funnier, the lead spokesperson for this viewpoint is none other than Bill Clinton himself. I mean, it's bad enough that (Martha) Coakley and (Scott) Brown were in a virtual dead heat before Bill...and later the President himself...made sojourns into Massachusetts...and afterward, the polls reflected a double digit Brown lead prior to the election (Brown won by 4-5 percent)...

Maybe President Obama should hire me to be his new press secretary ...is there anyone quite as lame as Robert Gibbs? The first thing I would do is, much like the "War on Terror," immediately insist my administration STOP with the "last eight years," or "Bush/Cheney," or "inherited problem," crap...take it OUT of their playbook...

Was Bush to blame? Hell yes! However, the Democrats in congress (assisted by the duplicitous lobbyist-loving Republicans) and most certainly the Clinton Administration were EQUALLY culpable...every time I hear Bill snivel and whine that he "had nothing to do with these (current) financial problems," well, disingenuous is the kindest word that pops to mind...

So what happens now? Does the House pass the Senate version (unamended) in order to avoid potential filibuster? Do Senate Democrats circle the wagons and "lobby" (read: bribe) one of the formerly wavering Republicans, including (I hear) Brown himself. Do they go the reconciliation route (I would explain the term, but I'm not sure I understand it)?

I don't know...HOWEVER, what I DO know is that the Republicans WILL be blamed if there is no health care reform...and YES, they will eee-ventually pay for it at the ballot box...therefore, they MUST come up with a comprehensive plan...I know, I know, I'm wr...I'm wro...I'm wr, wro, so often, I should probably go to work for Fox News...

Republicans are sooooo stupid!!

2010-01-17T11:18:00.000-08:00

Wouldn't that be an oxymoron? Well, it's redundant nonetheless...but yes, they ARE stupid. They STILL think we don't want health care reform, at least the version being fronted by the current crop of Democrats. They are wrong. As I heard a centrist pundit say the other day, "the American people like entitlements." We do...well, at least present day Americans do...

So now, the dwindling Republican voices are saying the Massachusetts's special election to fill Ted Kennedy's Senate seat is crucial to halting the "takeover of one-sixth of the U.S. economy." Yes, they're still throwing out that trite expression. Come on...if we've been taught anything by the new administration, we at least know they're not afraid of electoral threats...I mean, not anymore...

After the Bush-Gore debacle of 2000, (most) Democrats stopped taking for granted the votes of the disenfranchised. Granted, one wonders how they underestimated the masses during the '04 "Kerrymandering," but I digress. Both Democrats and Republicans, however, say that the Massachusetts's race between Attorney General Martha Coakley and state representative Scott Brown is critical. It isn't.

Coakley, the Democrat in the race has said that if she loses, every Democratic seat in the upcoming November elections will be in jeopardy. Brown, the Republican, has a (equally) singular campaign theme--to be the 41st Senate vote, thus allowing his party to filibuster and prevent passage of the Obamacare bill. Both couldn't be more inane, but Brown is wrong...and Coakley is just underestimating the intelligence of Massachusetts voters.

First, Coakley will win the seat...easily. Massachusetts is three to one in Democrat v. Republican voter registration. Second, even IF she was to lose, there is a majority in both houses and (also) in the friggin' country. We want, WE NEED, health care reform. Just like we NEEDED a change from the Bush-Clinton monopoly in the White House, and voted for Hope and Change...we will opt for (this) reform too.

Hey Republicans...what are you worried about? Sounds to me like your afraid it's going to work. If it DOES work, we all win...if it doesn't, you will regain power soon enough. I'm not worried, because past actions have proven you don't have the stomach...i.e. the ability to handle adversity like the Democrats. The Health care bill WILL pass. If it doesn't, you WILL be blamed. If it does, well, we still have hope.

If this was Jeopardy, the category would be "potpourri"

2010-01-13T13:50:00.000-08:00

* Fox News has lost all semblance of impartiality...they've hired none other than Sarah Palin as a "correspondent"...who's next? The ghost of Ronald Reagan?

* Mark McGuire has come clean (re: his use of steroids)...when will the media step up and come clean about their part in the proliferation of performance enhancing drugs in major league sports?

* So Bill Clinton and Harry Reid have made racially insensitive remarks...is anyone surprised they receive a pass from the media...right wingers trying to make it an issue are just sad.

* Speaking of right wingers, they whine and snivel that the left in Washington assume that we (the masses) are stupid...hey, we ARE!! Calm down...by "we," I'm going heavy on the "me."

* Not so fast there, Southpaws...all the while we (the masses) are up in arms about terrorists receiving constitutional rights, you try and re-frame the issue as a vast right wing conspiracy.

* That's right...MSNBC spent all their time talking about a fictional story that the Christmas bomber was "overlooked" by disgruntled intelligentsia (read: Bush leftovers)...

* Speaking of a waste of time and money (i.e. criminal trials for terrorists in NY), how stupid is California...ELIMINATE THE WORD "MARRIAGE" FROM GOVERNMENT LANGUAGE!!!

* Prop. 8, which attempts to eliminate gay marriage, is going down one way or another...it appears to be about the "word" marriage...so just say no...no "marriage" for ANYONE! Case solved!

* Luke Wilson's a nice enough guy...and AT&T probably HAS to counter the negative ads put out by Verizon, but I still miss the AT&T commercials with the hot "rollover minutes" mom...

* Tom Campbell-R (who?) has dropped out of the CA gubernatorial race to concentrate on losing to Babs Boxer-D for US Senate...come on, Boxer could only lose to two people--Arnold or me!!!

* ...and I'm not even that sure about Arnold...

A New Year...and a New Plan

2010-01-03T08:57:00.000-08:00

So, here it is...2010...new possibilities, new hope, new change...WHAT? Well, I remember asking several months ago...is this really where we want to go? I understand...we fired Bush (HE WAS A DISASTER)...and voted for hope and change...and so far, President Obama has performed about as expected. Congress? Well, that's another story.

Again...is this really where we want to go? Slip-sliding into a warped form of socialism? One need look no further than today's front page of my hometown newspaper, The Sacramento Bee. The top headline..."Hundreds of day care sites close," and down below in a smaller story, "Growing number of food stamp users have no cash income."

Of course, both stories were written from the angle of how unemployment affects everyone and everything...and how the housing bubble caused many to lose their jobs and their homes (and need for day care)...and how the "government" safety net has worked (or hasn't). WHAT? Yes, both stories attempted to present both those viewpoints...did the "government" provide enough? Or not enough? However, never was there anything in EITHER story about possible solutions...or cures...except for more "government." Of course, there was no mention of how many new "government" day care sites were created or saved by the "stimulus."

Again, is that really where we want to go? A warped form of socialism? Yeah, if there truly ARE so many people with zero income, aside from food stamps (and subsidized housing...and "national" health care...and "government" answers)...it IS socialism, warped though it may be...and I believe ALL sides of our government want us there...

I have a plan. It's simple...but at the same time, it will require considerable courage...well, a lot of courage...and some patience. HOWEVER, it WILL work. Here's all we need to do...beginning this year (or we may have to wait for 2012 to get all on board)...but, beginning TODAY...we simply do not vote for anyone in any legislative body (in the entire country) who has "D" after their name...

Hold on a second...I'm talking about legislative bodies...NOT the executive or judicial branches. Why? Well, because I believe activist Democrats can hurt us significantly more than activist Republicans. Democrats have proven they are masters of sabotage...well, sabotage in order to advance their agenda. Republicans, on the other hand, are inept. They can't hurt us...just look at those inane "Tea Parties."

It WILL work...you don't HAVE to vote for an "R." Heck, voting 'em all out would be a double win...however, at the very least, we need to remove from the American psyche any inkling of voting for a legislator with a "D" after his/her name. Everyone knows Republicans and their big business buddies would thwart any early attempts at eradicating "R" from the legislative lexicon. But if we start with a grass roots effort to eliminate the "D's," the "R's" would follow. It could, would, and WILL work.

The Mediocre of MediaCopp, "09"

2009-12-30T12:03:00.000-08:00

Sure, I was going to do a Top Ten or "Best of" list...but upon perusing the MediaCopp archives, well, let's just call these the "Mediocre of 09."

1). The Odd Commentators (from April 28)...the sad story of a right wing talk show host (Fox News' Sean Hannity) who let his mouth write checks that his courage (or lack thereof) couldn't cash. A delightful side note, however, his counterpart, left winger Keith Olbermann of MSNBC has boldly announced he "will go to jail," rather than be forced to purchase health care from an insurance company...and well, stay tuned for our next episode live from Leavenworth.

2). The Sarah Chronicles (from November 20)...I wrote this slab of deathless prose after hearing "Hardball" host Chris Matthews of MSNBC, calling out all the "white people" attending those Sarah Palin book signings. Right away, I thought, "not that there's anything wrong with that," (like on Seinfeld)...because Matthews was holding a sort of "round table" discussion...and both he AND his guests were reveling in their, harumph, superiority over those people...much like the mean spirited (though lovable) characters on Seinfeld.

3). No, uh-uh, I wasn't there...not me, no... (from April 17)...okay, I know it was tax time, but why...OH WHY...did the "anti-tax" crowd (of whom I have considerable regard) have to go out and hold these Tea Parties...and why...OH WHY...did the entire Fox News Network (of whom I HAD previously given the benefit of the doubt...at least over NPR, PBS, and the entire bloc of slanted NBC news programming)...why...OH WHY, did Fox have to seemingly "sanction" this quote-unquote news event. Talk about stupid...well, naive, to be less Seinfeld-ian about it...

4). We're off to see the Wizard (from January 29)...want more political satire? Yes, please...a whole cast of characters from today's headlines discover they're not in D.C. anymore. Dorothy (Hillary Clinton) just wanted to go home...and she meets danger, intrigue, and hilarity (heh-heh, get it?) along the way...

5). Project this!!!! (from May 19)...closer to home, MediaCopp comments on the inane special election held in Californica...the election, I guess, was to help guide our clueless politicians in how to solve our state's budget crisis. What was patently obvious, however...was that THIS time, the big shots in Sacramento (much like D.C.) didn't even attempt to hide their disdain for the voters and that OUR VOTES would REALLY not matter either way...

Okay, that's it for now...stay tuned for MediaCopp 2010...I promise...we're JUST getting started!

The more things change, the more they stay the same

2009-12-24T08:42:00.000-08:00

Woo-hoo!! Health care is now free...every American will now have health coverage!! It's about time...what? It's not? What do you mean, "it's just the Senate vote?" You're kidding...

Reports indicate, however, that under the Senate version, up to 30 million additional Americans will have health care...but wait...weren't previous reports more like 45-48 million uninsured?

How are they proposing to cover the "up to" folks? Oh, expansion of medicaid? States pick up the additional costs? Huh? Individual mandate? What? Oh, unless you're quote-unquote poor...

Oh well, at least there's a public option...and folks can buy into medicare as early as age 55. What? They can't? Those provisions were taken out of the bill?

Okay, okay...but at least we're all agreed on how we get to health care (for all)...what? What do you mean obstructionist Republicans? We were never going to get their votes anyway...

Well, our majority party took care of business, right? Lieberman was kept in line...and Landrieu, and Nelson too...and it only took several hundred million dollars...at least their states scored...

Boxer and Feinstein...here in the (less-than) great state of California...also reaped huge rewards for their support...we received...uh...well...it's free, right? I DID say it was free...

Anyway, it's a victory, right...WE finally did something...instead of status quo, we are making changes....unless of course, it's more of the same...

Ye-e-e-e-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-h!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-17T15:00:00.000-08:00

That's the sound of Roger Daltrey of The Who...or for those less informed, the opening to the insipid television series, CSI: Miami, and the over-acting, ever-emoting (not!) David Caruso...

But actually, that's just me, MediaCopp, hoping that our illustrious media will NOT lap up all the current DC shenanigans, much like they did in the 90's...when they (we) foolishly assumed all was well because our wallets were bulging...oops...

Let me just say, "I" won't be fooled again...well, not that I was fooled last time...BUT, I feel much to blame because I didn't say anything...except vote for Ross Perot...which only gave us eight (8) years of the "Wienie Wagger," and subsequently, that dolt from Texas...

On a lighter note, well, a vindicated note anyway...check the MediaCopp archives...I previously made mention of Tiger Woods as a "prime" candidate for steroid use...someone from whom the media would turn the other way...no, I'm not saying Viagra is a performance enhancing drug (well, it is...but it's not illegal)...and to those of you who claim illegal performance enhancing drugs wouldn't help golfers, what planet are you from?

Hey, I'm starting to enjoy The Rachel Maddow Show, weeknights on MSNBC...it's nice to see that there are buffoons on both sides...I mean, Fox DOES have Glenn Beck...you know, I'd really like to see a debate between those two...and no, I'm not being sarcastic...although just mentioning either one of their names makes me gag...

Speaking of MSNBC...I've been consistently watching the big three, Maddow, Chris Matthews, and (trumpet sound please) Keith Olbermann the last week or so...first, Maddow is a joke, much like the aforementioned Beck...second Matthews seems almost lost, I mean, trying to do a legitimate show between those two bozos...and Olbermann? Oh please, what is he...the lefts answer to Rush Limbaugh?

After the Demoncraps pulled the public option and the Medicare expansion out of the Senate Health bill, Olbermann "went off." He blamed EVERYBODY! Of course, mostly Republicans and the insurance industry, but he also called (Connecticut Senator) Joe Lieberman a criminal and referred to the President as weak...

He also said that he would NOT pay for mandatory health care through a private insurer...he said he "didn't care," and they could "fine" him and (even) "jail" him if he was forced to buy health insurance and there was no "public option," or "medicare buy-in." I guess he's trying to "one-up" Sean Hannity (of Fox fame) who volunteered to be waterboarded to prove it wasn't torture...too bad...I'd like to see Olbermann navigate his way through Leavenworth...hey, makes for good reality TV...

Word has it that Venezuela head man, er I mean, hench man, Hugo Chavez, gave a lengthy rant of his own at the Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen...a lengthy rant bemoaning the evils of capitalism...to THUNDERING APPLAUSE AND STANDING OVATIONS!! Maybe the aforementioned Matthews should have called the Copenhagen summit, "enemy territory."

So, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke is Time Magazine's Man of the Year...because his guidance helped our country avert a financial disaster and lessened the severity of the Bush recession. Hmm, wasn't he APPOINTED by Bush?? Hmm?

Closer to home, one of my former employers, the Sacramento County Probation Department, has settled the law suit filed against them by the infamous Prison Law Center...the suit alleged among other charges that probation staff routinely (both) verbally and physically abused youths in their care...not enough room here to point out all the holes in their case, and the unethical manner in which they (PLC) pursued their version of justice, but...oh yeah, the settlement was for $1.8 million...of which the attorneys received over $700,000...yeah, it was for the kids, sure...hey, is that Pete Townsend, I hear?

What the hell is "Niebuhrian modesty?"

2009-12-09T14:07:00.000-08:00

Before I comment on the Global Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen (THAT will happen upon the President's arrival next week and will be predicated upon his reception there...will (the press) be icy or relatively rabid or perhaps just lukewarm)...anyway, before that, I must MUST ask exactly WHAT is "Niebuhrian modesty?" "What the hell?" Well, thank you, Buck...let me explain...

I have received numerous critiques of my postings and aside from the usual, "well, it's just a blog," or "I don't read political stuff," or "you suck," the major complaint is that it's difficult to follow my theme(s). I plead guilty by reasons of ignorance to those indictments (I'm still learning), however, after reading newspaper column after column after column, I KNOW it," ain't cuz I use big woids."

David Brooks of the New York Times wrote a column yesterday which for the most part was favorable to the President...not so much for anything "glowing," but for the usual (more or less) fact that he wasn't George W. Bush. There wasn't much earth shattering...much like my posts...except that Brooks has a few more readers than me.

What jumped out at me, from reading the column (which was entitled "Afghanistan strategy reveals complexity of Obama's leadership), was when Brooks described Obama's style as "cloaked in what you might call Niebuhrian modesty." WHAT??!!?? No, that wasn't Buck; that was me this time...and I don't think I would EVER call ANYTHING "Niebuhrian."

Other newshounds (I hesitate to call them journalists), made similar comments following the President's speech at West Point in which he called for additional troops to be sent to Afghanistan. However, none of them used the term "Niebuhrian modesty." Hey, maybe it'll become the new "gravitas," (the term which came in vogue after it was used by EVERY news organization as they tried to describe what Bush lacked in his presidency).

But Brooks didn't stop there, he went on to, of course, make sure his readers did not misinterpret his use of the term as indicating that President Obama was ambivalent...even though, to be fair, don't you think he had the right...I mean, placating the right while tossing a bone to the left so as not to be abandoned...NOT that the left would ever abandon him)...

Fast forward to the last two sentences of his column...no, it wasn't "I love Obama," or "Obama rules." The sentences read quite simply, for us to "embrace the complexity," and "learn to live with the dispassion." How does that relate to "Niebuhrian modesty?" Well, I would advise, ala Laugh-in (for those of you who remember Rowan and Martin), you to "look it up in your Funk and Wagnalls," but you'll probably have to (just) do like I did...and google it...

He said it again, so I'll say it again...

2009-12-02T08:14:00.000-08:00

Of course I watched the President's speech on Afghanistan last night...admittedly, I was late getting home because my daughter's softball team's workout went "over" by about an hour, but hey, we've gotta have priorities, right?

Anyway, I caught just enough toward the end...as well, I caught commentary on (both) Fox AND MSNBC...so I got the right wing and left wing viewpoints. There was one bit of commonality; that there was really no new information. In other words, we already knew the speech; it had all been leaked by the Pentagon or other sources (MSNBC) or it was information that we already knew several months prior (Fox). Thus, we have all sides, right? NO WE DON'T!

We don't have the MediaCopp side which I believe fits more with mainstream America than anything Keith, Rachel, Bill, Bret, or any tired, former, military "contributor," would have to say. Last night, I heard the president use the same tired mantra...that "we were united," on September 12...or we had the "world's support," etc.; however, it was all "frittered" away by partisan politics or the standard, well-worn, "last eight years" crap...

I'm not going to be trite and suggest (maybe) the President introduce himself to Kubler-Ross (uh, I'm sorry, Elisabeth Kubler-Ross is the noted Swiss-born psychiatrist who wrote the groundbreaking book, "Of Death and Dying," outlining the five stages of grief); however, what I WILL say, is that the country was not necessarily "united," but rather in a stage of "grieving."

Similarly, the WORLD was not "in our corner," or "behind us," or "lending us their full support," It was PITY, pure and simple. We didn't have their "respect," as many of the pundits on one side would claim. They were expressing pity...not so much in the "too bad, so sad," mode; but rather in more of a "chickens coming home to roost," slant ala Reverend Wright...but I digress...

Admittedly, respect is a double-edged sword. Respect can be earned, depending on how one is perceived and our president will have an extremely difficult job, no doubt, as he attempts to "earn" or "re-earn" respect...placating his left with another "apology" tour...or catering to the moderates, even the right, with his "finish the job," speech last night.

The common thread however, in garnering, earning, maintaining respect is consistency. Can Obama be consistent? Or can anyone be consistent in a country so bi-polar that we can't even agree on health care...or on how to pronounce the name, "Pakistan." And yes, I know the President uses the correct pronunciation...what I find hilarious is that Hilary Clinton NOW uses the same pronunciation...hmmmm...

Thank you, thank you, thank you

2009-11-28T13:17:00.000-08:00

This year, I'm thankful...

...TMZ is looking out for me by photographing Arnie and Maria committing (ooh) infractions...

...Saturday Night Live is skewering President Obama much like they did Bush...NOT!!

...for health care reform and how 30 million uninsured, uh, a third of 'em, will now be insured...

...congress will participate in the SAME program as you and me...again, NOT!!

...fantasy football continues to suck and I won't be tempted to play again next year...

...the media has finally admitted their part in the proliferation of steroids in pro sports...hah...

...for my readers and their many responses/contributions to this blog...

...and the resulting lack of pressure to write more "real" investigative reportage...

...the majority of folks are not being "sucked in," by all the Sarah Palin pandemonium...

...the Daily Show's Jon Stewart continues to skewer BOTH sides...ehem...double NOT!!

...that Jethro Bodine remains our ONLY double knot spy...what?

...that this blog becomes increasingly relevant with each passing day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Sarah Chronicles

2009-11-20T09:37:00.000-08:00

"Coming this spring...to the MSNBC line-up...a sit-com to end all sit-coms...featuring ALL your prime time favorites"...fade in to coffee shop booth where the cast is assembled...

"I can't believe YOU thought she wouldn't be back," exclaimed Jerry (played by Countdown Host Keith Olbermann)...

"Me? I told you she'd be back," mutters George (played by Hardball's Chris Matthews). "It was Elaine. SHE thought that woman would never be back."

"Hey! Who are you looking at, four eyes!" shouts Elaine (played by Rachel Maddow of The Rachel Maddow Show) almost rhetorically. "And stop looking at my breasts!"

"I'm not wearing glasses," retorts George, "and say it, don't spray it!"

"Stop it, you two," interjects Jerry. "We have bigger problems. For instance, we HAVE to make fun of ALL things with which we disagree...I mean, that's our way. Now, how do we placate our core audience without looking mean spirited and at the same time, keep our air of superiority?"

"Well," Elaine agrees, "we COULD point out all the factual inaccuracies within her obviously ghostwritten book...or play up her lack of sophistication...or her inexperience...or any number of real problems this woman has relating to 'real' America."

"Sure, Elaine...and while we're at it, why don't we list our criteria for political success and then show how she comes up short in each category. What are you trying to do? Put our audience to sleep?" asks Jerry in his high pitched, quasi-facetious manner.

"Wait," counters George, "look at the television over the counter. It shows one of her 'book' signings. Man, look at all them white folks."

"Yeah," Elaine adds,"what is that, a KKK rally? I don't see Robert Byrd."

"Now, now, even THAT'S too mean for us," says Jerry, "remember what happened to my (one named) neighbor after he used the "W" word."

"Who? Schultz? The "W" word?" asks Elaine.

"Yeah, he started screaming about "whitey," and it backfired on him...but only because he used to be a Republican...then, once he fully renounced all things Republicans and join the proud liberal team...well...he was mostly forgiven," says Jerry, just as Schultz crashes through the cafe door.

"Hel-looo Schultz," chimes all three. "We're watching the chosen one's book signing."

"Oh, her?" shouts Schultz (played by the late John Banner), looking up at the TV screen. "Hey, look at that crowd. What a bunch of toothless, cousin lovin', inbred, hayseeds. Man, who can..."

"Shhhhhh, Schultz," interrupts George, "you know it, we know it, the American people know it...but YOU should say...nothing...NOTHING!"

"Hey," Jerry grabs George's shoulder, "stop switching sit coms. What are we going to do about all the white folks...I mean, WE'RE white...NOT that there's anything wrong with that."

"NOT that there's anything wrong with that," the rest chime in...

Cue the exit music..."bern-dert, DA-der-na, Dert-Dert, Da-der-na, Dert-Dert...pa-tew!"

Subsidize this!!!

2009-11-17T07:12:00.000-08:00

Many "experts" predict that the cost of the "universal" health care could easily top $1.5, $1.7, or even $2 TRILLION over the next (first) ten years. How does that work? They (politicians and their accomplices in the media) always "say" WHERE the money will come from (higher taxes, savings in Medicare and Medicaid, creating sin taxes, etc,), but they NEVER SAY where the money will "actually" go. Is it a matter of "build it and they will come?" Are they factoring in that even MORE jobs will disappear and even MORE people will need government health care...or what?

I mean, if it's just a matter of covering the uninsured, how could it POSSIBLY cost THAT much? Is it going to be like energy costs here in California, from where this blog originates? Ever hear of LIHEAP? The "Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program," is (ahem) a federal program, actually a consortium of programs, which provides financial assistance to everyone...whether they work or not...as long as they're "poor." No prerequisites, nothing, nada...just expand the cap, right?

But $2 trillion for health care? That is one huge subsidy. Is that money going to go to the "poor" whether they contribute (work) or not...whether they conform to ANY sort of established criteria or not...or whether they smoke or drink...or eat at McDonald's...or Burger King...or not? Will it go to bloated bureaucracy...or HMO (mis)management? Man, that's a lot of scratch...

Many would say the initial outlay is simply to get the program in place and thereafter rein in the ever rising cost of medical care in this country. But have no fear, they say, polls show that "we" are okay with the "rich" paying for this...but as I've said before, the rich will never, never, never, never, pay their fair share of taxes...it will ALWAYS be passed down to us, the ever shrinking middle class (the true meaning of trickle-down economics)...and hey, isn't the infrastructure already in place?

Still, I don't get it...sure, the pieces are in place...even the areas targeted for additional reform have been identified (I could link any number of articles on the subject at this moment). But to me, it doesn't add up? I haven't seen specifics. I've written to President Obama on a number of occasions and yes, on a number of topics, including health care...I have yet to receive a response. However, it sounds to me like, in this case, they're trying to have their cake and eat it too. What's next? Subsidize Betty Crocker?

Media? Thy name is IDIOCY!!

2009-11-09T10:35:00.000-08:00

Overall...the media are a bunch of cowards...but this IS the good ol' SS of A (Socialist States of America)...don't they realize, the more monolithic they become, the sooner their voice WILL actually be (just) one? I guess not.

What's this with all the, "oh, we're sorry Bluto (excuse the Animal House reference)...but we can't make mention of rooting out Islamic Extremism (PLEASE NOTE THAT I SAID "EXTREMISM") in the US Military...nooo, we need to make sure we remain vigilant for possible unjust assaults on innocent Muslims in the military who might be unfairly targeted." Why? Because...we're a bunch of bigoted, vengeful, sheeple who immediately seek refuge in our God, guns, and religion. Yeah, where have I heard that before?

But HEY, kudos (and I DO mean serious kudos) to AP writers Angela K. Brown and Pamela Hess. Their article was posted on Yahoo.com:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_fort_hood_shooting

The article presented simple facts. It did not, as Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey did on all the weekend talk shows, simply regurgitate talking points from the PC brass that we (the clueless American masses) need to "cool our heels." Hey, I don't recall our (the masses) putting anyone in a concentration camp. Wasn't that their (media) hero Franklin Delano Roosevelt?

I understand that we need to be smart (whatever that means)...but this seems very insulting. Still, what we need now, I believe, is more reporting like this (attached) AP story and less over-simplification from the mainstream (and cable, and internet, and talk radio, etc) media. Sure, I get it...the last person who called a terrorist a terrorist...was called an idiot (he was, but for other reasons) and drummed out of office...but, come on, have some stones...

Can you imagine if roles were reversed? That is, if the shooter was a "big, dumb, white guy,"
and the victims were innocent Muslim soldiers simply engaged in peaceful observance of their religion? The media would go nuts (as well they should). Well, they should go a little nuts right now...and stop the idiocy!!

Hypocrisy! Thy name is MediaCopp!!

2009-11-03T08:34:00.000-08:00

Yes, I DID send our illustrious Governor Schwarzenegger a request for consideration as Lt. Gov. John Garamendi's replacement after the 10th Congressional district race is decided. I would indeed be willing to fill the remaining eight (8) months of Garamendi's term, no problem...

Is that hypocritical? After all, I AM a big, dumb white guy. Au contraire, Jean-Paul breath...I DID in fact state that I believe government should have "zero" elected officials of Euro-Anglo origins. I still believe that. HOWEVER, I DO want to remain true to my statement that this be done in an "inclusive," and not "exclusive" manner...in other words...we don't kick everyone out who does not fit the criteria; we simply move them to support positions...you know, in order to IMPROVISE, ADAPT, and OVERCOME...

I would fill the Lt. Gov. slot until such time as we can pass a law which forbids me (and my ilk) from holding elective office. I would then be fully supportive of my replacement and truly excited about continuing to contribute in a subordinate position. It's the perfect solution! It is inclusive...we would have MORE people invested in the process...and the "responsible" would continue to survive...while the irresponsible would either modify their recalcitrant ways...or be offered a free ticket home to Western Europe...but more on that later...

It's election day!! What's this I hear about these three (3) relatively notorious races (Governors' races in Virginia and New Jersey, and a congressional district in upper New York)...being a referendum on our (relatively) new president's policies...WHAT POLICIES? He's basically doing what his predecessor was doing...with the exception of health care...and then what? He's putting together a public/private partnership? Hello? We have that NOW...the only difference this time is the poor will be subsidized in a more overt (transparent) fashion...the middle class will STILL pay more. The REAL problem, I believe, is cap and trade (tax)...but more on that later...

Speaking of elections, SF mayor Gavin Newsome has dropped out of the California governor's race...not so fast with your celebratory movements there, Newt...ANYTHING can happen between now and next year....HOWEVER, yes...I AM three for three (in my predictions) or zero for three, depending how you look at it...but more on that (also) later...

One last item...Sheila Jackson Lee, congresswoman from Tennessee...she of the "Rush Limbo" attempting to buy into the National Football League (NFL) fame...many of you (okay, both of you) wrote and scolded me for calling her Sheila Lee (and thus omitting the surname Jackson). You thought I was being disrespectful because she apparently purposefully mispronounced the rotund one's last name. Boy, you guys are tough...

Anyway, now her cohort, Maxine Waters, congresswoman from California weighed in, indicating that she believes the NFL should lose their antitrust exemption. This statement was during the congressional hearings regarding players and their propensity for receiving concussions in the somewhat brutal game...and how teams should have "independent" panels to clear these injured players to return to the field (another long story). I AGREE! Why should a bunch of rich old white guys continue to reap the benefits of this type of "monopoly?" One question though...does Ms. Waters have a hyphenated name?

THE ANSWER(S)

2009-10-29T15:36:00.000-07:00

Well, folks...one year into this charade...er, I mean, endeavor, and I STILL have the answer. As a matter of fact, my very first post was entitled, "The Answer," and dealt with the California budget crisis. Naturally, I was ignored...which is fine...since I haven't built much credibility yet...I'm not from the (new) school that believes you should "receive," regardless of whether you have ever "given," (think SSI, GA, AFDC, TANF, your choice of government giveaway acronym here)...

HOWEVER, there ARE numerous issues overwhelming our nation as we speak...and what kind of "wannabe pundit," would I be if I didn't believe I have the answers. Yes, I DO believe I have the answer(s)...and given the fact I have toyed with the idea of running for public office, it would be disingenuous were I not to offer "my" views. So, let's get right to the issues, shall we?

First...National Health Care...the only thing dumber than the status quo...would be to have a public/private partnership (or option or consortia...whatever)...we HAVE public schools! Let's bite the bullet and have "public health care." This way, at least we'll be honest about what we ourselves (as a country...or congress...or administration) are purporting to do...

Second...Afghanistan...one side says,"hey, make a decision," and the other says, "hey, let's not be hasty," and of course the fringe is saying, "hey, pull out." The Answer? Let's stay home...we HAVE the technology! We can accomplish EVERY THING we want to do without sacrificing MORE innocent lives. GET REAL! And get smart...surround the bee hive; don't walk into a sting...

Third...Immigration...come one, come all...EVERYONE is welcome...to contribute! If you don't "contribute," you don't stay...it's just that simple. Two lines...just as I've always maintained for EVERYTHING, but most recently for health care. Two lines...one for the "responsible...and the other for the "irresponsible." There WILL be very simple, established criteria. If you can comply with the criteria, you stay in the responsible line...otherwise, simply access the irresponsible line.

Fourth...and finally...if you are of European or Anglo descent, you CAN NOT hold public office...you've (we've) done ENOUGH damage to this country. It's time to let new ideas take us forward...I thought we were on the way when we elected President Obama; HOWEVER, even though he surrounded himself with some friends (and new blood), he mostly stuck with the same old Clinton/Bush warhorses. One need look no further than the plethora of health care proposals circling Washington, DC. Each and every one of the "proposals," have been penned, authored, sanctioned, propagated by the same old, tired, guard...and thus doomed to failure...

This may sound drastic, I know...but I wouldn't stop THERE! I believe all Fortune 500 companies should be minority owned. Please stop and think about this for a second...I'm talking about INCLUSION...not EXCLUSION...nobody need lose their job or their wealth...we simply need to (as a government) demand more fairness and equality. If you are STRONG enough to allow others to govern, manage, etc., then you are part of the solution. If you can not improvise, adapt, and overcome (and instead turn to whining or some other such waste of time), then you are part of the problem and should probably look to your origins (Western Europe)...

Thank you...that is all...for now...

D'jever? A Tribute to Andy Rooney

2009-10-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

I've often wondered...

...what late, great comedian George Carlin would think about the Obama administration.

...how California can be in a "drought" if the polar ice caps are melting due to global warming.

...why news outlets "run" with an item they know is false just to be "first."

...if there will ever be enough cable news or sports stations...

...why I didn't add "weather" to the above entry.

...if Neville Chamberlain ever won a Nobel prize...

...why people seriously worry about having their 2nd Amendment rights taken away...and...

...conversely, why people ever worry about access to clean, safe, AND legal abortions...

...and why one ever confuses constitutionally protected issues.

...if the Axis of Evil now encompasses our own country.

...if the feds do such a good job running the military, why can't we nationalize Health Care...

...if the military is so bad, why do we want the same folks (feds) running Health Care...

...since Wilson had Taft and Roosevelt had Hoover...hmmm...I feel sorry for Obama...

...if anyone out there will start taking MediaCopp seriously...and well, they should.

The above post is dedicated to the late, great An...what? He is? Oh, never mind...

Stuck in the middle with you...

2009-10-14T14:41:00.000-07:00

Quick...name the act who wrote and performed that song...come on, you've heard it..."Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, here I am, stuck in the middle with you." Sure, you've heard it on the local golden oldies radio station...that's right, Stealers Wheel...a blast from the past...where am I going with this?

Well, I sort of feel like Gerry Rafferty (who sings the song)...only I would change the lyrics, Ala Weird Al Yankovic...and offer that there are "hypocrites to the left of me, and hypocrites to the right." But for some reason, I feel kind of alone (in the middle)...

"Again, where the hell you going?"

Oh, hi Buck...I think I've introduced you all to Buck...my altar ego...the guy who attempts to keep me from straying too far from my thesis. Anyway, yes Buck, I am once again reminded that I am truly in the midst of hypocrites...I mean, with all the "unwarranted" hoopla about talking head Rush Limbo (as Congress person Sheila Lee calls him) trying to buy the St Louis Rams of the National Football League.

Hey, all you right wing, dittoheaded sheeple who are whining about some big name folks bringing into question whether the rotund one should be allowed to become a partial owner of an NFL franchise...STOP CRYING...you guys are always the ones talking about owners being able to do what THEY want with THEIR stuff, right? It's a free country, right?

You can turn it into a "race" thing if you want...being that it's Al and Jesse and the folks raising the questions...BUT HEY, it's true...the bombastic, conservative talk show host has said a lot (and I mean "A LOT") of things throughout the years...things which haven't exactly promoted unity...what did he think was going to happen? Hey, not so fast there, southpaws...I don't recall you being all that upset about the words uttered by Bill Ayers, Van Jones, and Reverend Wright.

So, anyway, I say..."NO," no football for you! (apologies to the Soup Nazi)...the NFL...it's a "private" corporation, no? I mean, I hope the owners DO go ahead and approve the sale...so hopefully, we can then boycott all things ovine...heh-heh, get it? Rams, ovine, oh, never mind! While we're at it, let's boycott the entire NFL...and Fantasy Football too! Man, does Fantasy Football suck or what? Talk about clowns and jokers...

Anyway, sorry about the fragmented column today...quick...one more trivia question...Rafferty, the lead singer of Stealers Wheel had another top ten hit later in the 70's...as a solo artist...I think the song made it to #2...can you name it? Send your answers to mediacopp@yahoo.com ... winner receives a free regulation one-quarter inch above the scalp haircut. Toodles...

Stop blaming the President!!!

2009-10-09T10:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay...so I'm zero for one (0 for 1) with my pick for the 2016 Olympic Host City (I thought that Chicago had it in the bag)...oooh, my bad. But hey, that's all right, because we saw St Louis Cardinal left fielder Matt Holliday, just last night, drop that relatively routine fly ball in the bottom of the ninth inning, thus allowing the, ahem, Los Angeles Dodgers (whom I've picked to win the whole thing) to take a commanding 2-0 lead in their National League Division Series (NLDS). Hey, we can't get 'em all right...

Anyway, the Prez is now one for two (1 for 2) because he lost the Olympics, but picked up the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in trying to mend his predecessor's evil ways (and I'm not just talking Santana). But here's the point...STOP blaming our President, all you right wing wackos, for what I hear you say are his attempts at bringing us to full blown socialism...

Look around you!!! IT'S ALREADY HERE!!! I don't think Obama was in office when the federal government started getting their grimy paws into areas where they didn't belong...heck, last year's "bailout," and all the way back to FDR and even beyond. THEY HAD TO!!!! The American people, and yes that would include me, are becoming increasingly stupid and were it not for the federal government sticking their proverbial noses into the many varied crevices, well, many folks would "wither away on the vine." And we can't have that...or can we?

I've been seeing those commercials on television (yeah, I know...television...what a colossal waste of time, right?)...but all those public service ads, I guess produced by some government agency, where they advise folks (parents) to "talk to their child (baby), because it's a teaching moment." HELLO! Now, we need the feds to tell us to "talk to our kids," while they're young so the children will be more easily able to learn how to, what, be human beings? Oh man...

And don't say it's because they (we) want to "help" people learn the culture, assimilate, etc. I mean, after all, we ARE a melting pot, right? However, these commercials show just your normal everyday yuppie (oops, a passe term)...actually, egad, talking to their child. You've heard them, right? The putz talking to his daughter about whatever...you know..."can you say," sure...oh, how cute?

What's this have to do with the right wing wackos blaming President Obama for our country's seemingly rapid transformation into a socialist state? He's not the one...he's simply being more honest about it. Look around you people...prices keep going up, but there's no inflation? People keep coming into this country, granted some illegally, but nonetheless, our population continues to increase and yet we are LESS productive?? What are we? Morons? Well yes, I guess we are.

Predictions!

2009-10-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

Occasionally, I like to make predictions...mainly because I feel I have that type of connection with my readers...AND I sincerely believe what I say, despite naysayers...PLUS I admit when I'm wrong (though it's not often) and like to remind folks when I'm right (which is, ehem, most of the time)...and yes, it pisses my wife off, but I love her nonetheless...

First off, the Health Care debacle WILL continue to be a debacle...the only thing worse than status quo...would be to enact the public/private partnership which they're planning...and will eventually enact. I mean, what is this? Chinese Food? Hey, this is one combo plate I don't want...even without MSG...

Next, Chicago WILL get the 2016 Olympics...well, we'd better get 'em anyway...I mean, now that the world can see that we are their friend...and they like us, they REALLY like us...

The next governator of the state of California will be San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsome. Oh sure, Jerry Brown will give him a run in the primaries, but barring a huge, and I mean HUGE scandal (I mean, come on, he's been surrounded by scandal and is STILL the front runner), he will win...and I wish him luck...

Just as I predicted earlier this year, the Los Angeles Lakers WILL win another NBA title this coming season. Heck, while we're at it, I'm gonna go ahead and predict the LA Dodgers will win the 2009 World Series. Yankees? Oh please...BUT, I WILL be happy to be wrong on this one...

Despite the struggling economy, gas prices will continue to "steadily" rise...not so much because of the strife in the Middle East, but because the world powers-that-be feel prices need to more or less reflect their desired (European) standards...

And finally...RELAX! I'm not ALWAYS right...like every host on talk radio...NOR am I always wrong...like most of the commentators on Fox News, CNN, or MSNBC...hey, that doesn't make sense...think about it...

Credibility...Gone!

2009-09-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

Many folks...okay two, two folks...have come to me and said, "hey, do you like Obama or hate Obama? What is it? Your posts don't make any sense." Okay, they didn't say that last part...but they are confused nonetheless...and NO, I do not either "like"...nor do I hate President Obama. Yes, I voted for him, but that was mostly because I didn't want eight more years of a Clinton or a Bush. Am I afraid of his agenda? Sure, parts...just like I was afraid of parts of Clinton's...or Bush's agenda...I am only here to challenge the media...not take sides...

Another reader told me he thought that I might be leaning toward just becoming another Sean Hannity or Rush Limbaugh or, egad, Glen Beck (see a theme there?) out there in right wing blogosphere. I answer "hogwash," to that offering. Granted, I DID previously pen that there was no one "relevant" who was hoping that Obama failed...and I still believe that to be true. Yes, there are many hoping he will fail, but I think (and hope) they are just part of the right wing fringe...just as I had previously hoped the Bush detractors were "mostly" from the left wing fringe...I want us ALL to support our president!

But, what's this I hear about Fox news playing a "key role" in the production of those infamous (now) videos of ACORN staffers offering "illegal" help to a couple of conservative wanna-be thespians? Does ANYONE out there think those two were ACTUALLY pimp and whore...I didn't think so. First, the fair and balanced network "holds those tea parties" all over the nation with their "reporters,"...you know, Beck, Hannity, Neil Cavuto, etc. (again, see a theme there?). Now, they (Fox) are complicit in "manufactured" news...just like others whom they've criticized?

I would no more give a pass to MSNBC...or even CNN...if they pulled a stunt like that. WE GET IT, FOX! You don't like past inequities in network and cable news coverage...so you want to provide, what, equal time, right? However, you are doing EXACTLY what you complain about!! Pointing out hypocrisy (bad behavior)...by being hypocritical yourselves (more bad behavior). DON'T YOU GET IT!! I guess not...We report, You decide? Crap! Fair and Balanced? Crap! Credibility? Gone!

This is it!!!

2009-09-23T08:37:00.000-07:00

Oh man...sorry...that sounds like a Kenny Loggins song, right? How 'bout "There! Right there!!" ...which would be reminiscent of Howard Cosell from his heyday on Monday Night Football back in the 70's...or "it's in the hole," that utterance from the Bill Murray groundskeeper role in the movie, "Caddyshack." I guess it could be worse...I could have said, "that's what she said," courtesy of Michael Scott (played by Steve Carell) from "The Office" television series. WHAT THE HELL AM I TALKING ABOUT?

The headline from the AP this morning, "Obama to world: Don't expect America to fix it all." I LOVE IT!! Can you imagine if Bush had "inferred" something like that? Well, okay...he did...he was a dummy, we all know that...but, man, the media would've had a cow. "Ooh, there he goes again, alienating the world...we had the entire world's support on September 12, 2001...and Bush gave it all away." First of all...NO WE DIDN'T!! We had the world's pity...but we were far, FAR from ever having "support," or respect. But that's another story...AGAIN, I digress...

What I LOVE is THIS...THIS RIGHT HERE...is where voting for Obama is a good thing. Put aside (for now) what you think about (incremental) socialized medicine...or nationalizing the banking industry...or bailing out corporations "TOO BIG" (as deemed by whom?) to fail. Just put that aside for a tad...this is where Obama's intellect and "gift of glib" can benefit us greatly. Do you think "the world" would sit by and let a Republican (or ANY old school politician...hell, even Ross Perot) "talk" like this...NO WAY JOSE, IVAN, ACHBAR, GUIDO...well, you get the idea...

This just in...dateline Sep 22, 2009...UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon convened a high level summit on Climate Change ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Convention (COP 15) in Copenhagen this December. According to the Secretary General, "failure to reach broad agreement in Copenhagen would be morally inexcusable, economically short-sighted and politically unwise." Good stuff? You bet! Who doesn't want to "save" the planet?

But of course, the UN wants America to "take the lead" by, yes "reducing emissions," etc. with a baseline of 1990 rather than a more current date , such as 2005 (so as to negate ALL the technological advances this great country has made during the 90's and beyond)...of course, Obama himself pegged the 1990 date during his campaign for the presidency (can you imagine if Bush had a 15 year memory lapse...the media would go nuts). Regardless, the UN's expectations are well above what any person, rational or otherwise, would consider a "fair share,"...

Well, unless of course, that person was George W. Bush. BUT NOW, with Obama in charge...the UN will NOT be able to push us around...Bush could never tell the UN that we won't "do" the rest of the world's share (in addition to our own)...BUT Obama can...yes (h)e can...and I say, "BRAVO!!" C'mon, it could be worse...hey, I could have ended this column with the 'Top Gun' theme...HELLO...a Kenny Loggins reference...that's funny, right there...oh well, toodles...

Racism IS issue #1

2009-09-15T09:05:00.000-07:00

Agh! Joe Wilson, Kanye West, Michael Jordan, agh! Uncle! Uncle! Okay, you got me...we ARE a racist nation (actually, I've always believed it though I thought modern racism was just simple human nature, i.e. fear of the unknown, of other cultures, etc.)...I have always tried to look for the best in the majority of people...and give most folks the benefit of the doubt (let's not get into "institutional" racism here)...but now thanks to Maureen Dowd, a writer (and I use the term loosely) for the New York Times AND the epitome of the word "hater"), I now know better.

Her column this morning (I'm sure you can find it) was nothing less than a diatribe against ALL THINGS that disagree with her idea of social engineering. She tosses around labels like they're going out of style...foreigner, socialist, Marxist, racist, Commie, Nazi, even "liar," etc....only she maintains her side does NONE of the name calling. It is all the "other" side. She gets away with it...because of idiots like Wilson, former failed Senator Trent Lott, Dick Cheney, et al. DON'T YOU GUYS GET IT? Race is an issue when THEY want it to be an issue; NOT when YOU want it to be an issue. Unfair, you say?

Too bad. Get over it. I'll once again, go back to my tried and true mantra, IMPROVISE, ADAPT, and OVERCOME. If YOUR way is the best way, it will e-ventually come to fruition. Right now, it's the Dems turn. You HAD eight whole years (well, less when you consider that you almost immediately frittered away your majority in Congress)...and you BLEW it!! IF, as you say, the Obama way will fail...HEY, here's a clue...LET HIM HAVE HIS WAY. You can't stop it anyway. The Dems control everything...it IS their turn. Even if you make a good case, haters like Dowd will ALWAYS re-frame the debate.

HOWEVER, just as Obama and the Democrats, I believe, don't really want to fix health care (it IS all about power)...or the economy...or any other "issue," hey, NEITHER DO YOU!! Psst...have a clue...if it DOES work, we all prosper, we all win, we share the gain...and on the other hand, if it doesn't work, you will have even MORE power...isn't that a WIN-WIN? Geez, get a clue...you RACISTS!!

Bold and Specific?

2009-09-09T09:55:00.000-07:00

Dear President Obama,

I've heard the health care reform speech you are giving this evening to a joint session of Congress is supposed to be "bold and specific." I sure hope so. Considering what I've read thus far, however, I fear it will disappoint (the media will love it though). But, I am still on your side Mr. President. I am different from any other (of your) advisers, though, in that I truly believe this is a simple, SIMPLE endeavor.

First, Americans are simple. Yes, we are simple. However, even simple people don't like being told we are simple...or stupid...or dishonest. We don't mind paying our own way, even more (the majority of us); we simply want it fair. Hauling out victim after (anecdotal) victim of the current system to tug at our heart strings will continue to be a waste of time. Calling health insurance companies dishonest...or people who simply disagree with you as being manipulated...is similarly a waste of time.

Here is ALL YOU NEED TO DO:

1. Be honest...people won't mind paying more, if it's FAIR...

2. Call it what it is...single payer? Yes, that works...IF EVERYBODY IS THE SAME...

3. Joe Six Pack, Joe Skid Row, even Joe Blow, go to the SAME Doctor as Joe Biden...

4. Two lines--one for RESPONSIBLE FOLK, one for IRRESPONSIBLE FOLK...

5. The above bifurcated program will have very clear, concise, simple criteria...

6. It's simple...just like school (everyone goes); want more? "Private school!"

7. Don't want public, go private...BUT you still pay (just like school)...

8. Remember...we voted for YOU to lead...not allow Pelosi and Reid to lead...

For more specifics, go to http://www.mediacopp.blogspot. com
or http://www.facebook.com/mediacopp

Or e-mail me @ mediacopp@yahoo.com or call me @ (916) 712-1063

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Richard "Media" Copp

Uh-oh...NOW you went and done it...

2009-09-04T07:17:00.000-07:00

Well, this is it...I'm throwing my hat in the ring...entering the foray, as it were...jumping into the political mosh pit...

I hereby announce my intention to...wait for it...put my name into the mix for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Barbara Boxer here in the less than great (but soon to be greater than great) state of California.

Why? Especially when I appear to be "down on everything California?" Well, that's just it...California was once the best state in the nation...and it COULD BE AGAIN. However, changes need to be made...and I'm just the MediaCopp to do it...

But what about big party politics? And lawyers? And lobbyists? You (I) could never work with those people, right? Wrong, Obama breath...if our new team in Washington has proven anything, it has shown that the people yearn for change...and not just rhetoric...we ARE undergoing change...and I'm just the person to "keep the ball rolling locally."

Hey, wait a minute (you might say)...aren't you a registered Republican? Yes, I never got around to "officially" changing to "Independent." But that SHOULD matter not, right? I mean, if it's good enough for Arlen Specter. Heck, I'll register for both...

So that's it...Republican or Democrat...Independent or Libertarian...it doesn't matter to me...we need new blood...someone NOT beholden to big business...or big labor...or big media...or (even) big politics.

VOTE FOR MEDIACOPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Something smells...media?

2009-08-28T08:33:00.000-07:00

Well, they're all lined up outside the "Phillip Garrido compound" in Antioch, CA...and it's starting to reek. Yep, THERE they are...the local and national wanna-be pundits and provocateurs, each offering their own opinion of the shock and devastation of the 18 YEAR KIDNAPPING of Jaycee Lee Dugard, the (then) 11 year old El Dorado County (Lake Tahoe area) girl who was kidnapped from her neighborhood bus stop by Garrido (and his wife) in 1991. She was "reportedly" then held captive and over the years gave birth to two children (now ages 15 & 11), both reportedly fathered by convicted sex offender, Garrido.

Sure, they can blame the "authorities," ... and believe me, they'll get around to it. But for now, they're talking "just the facts," etc., occasionally tossing in a "Stockholm Syndrome" reference (the Stockholm Syndrome attempts to explain how a "captive" might begin to sympathize with or show signs of loyalty to their "captors" and not try to escape, etc.). All of the "on the scene" reporters are already beginning to offer their mini-editorials, taking great measure however, to remain "sensitive" to the victim (and family). But, come on, no sightings...doctors, hospitals, schools, or even things in the neighborhood, "trick or treating," etc.

But, speaking of "authorities," I'm still wondering why the media is just letting things go when they hear little tidbits like, "the subject (Garrido) is on lifetime parole and had been supervised by federal authorities from 1988 through 1999 when he was transferred to California State Parole." Now, I've worked with Parole Agents...agents who supervise convicted sex offenders. The officers I know would never have done only "three knock and talks" (home visits) a month...and not been suspicious of a backyard "compound."

Still, no questions from the media? I know, I know...they'll get around to it. HOWEVER, they are printing (and reporting) these statements, etc., AS FACT. My friends (in the media)...you can still be "compassionate," and NOT print every word or sentence you are given. How about just a little bit of investigation...remember "All the President's Men?" You know, Woodward and Bernstein would seek to verify reports utilizing multiple sources? They wouldn't simply throw "everything" at the wall (or page) and wait to see what sticks.

Many would say, hey, you're getting ahead of yourself...you're as bad as the media. Au contraire, Ben Bradley-breath!! I've been on both sides of these situations--media AND law enforcement. I understand that much of the information is not (AND CAN NOT be) released to the jackals in the media...and I also understand that law enforcement (like ALL civil servants) can make mistakes, even though much is beyond their control (again, blame the lawyers?)...still, the smell might go away with a little Listerine...or some ethics...

Is it just me?

2009-08-20T07:48:00.000-07:00

Am I the only one...

...who actually thinks we should only have TWO LINES for health care in this country--the responsible line AND the irresponsible line...

...who noticed after the tragedy of 9/11 that one side of our government stated, "you are either WITH us or AGAINST us," and the other said, "you are either WITH us or you are NOT." Very interesting...

...who believes Cincinnati Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo is a breath of fresh air...AND wonders when a member of the media will step up and admit THEIR PART in the proliferation of steroids in Major League Baseball (and sports in general)...

...who thinks the mom on the "AT&T rollover minutes" commercial is hot...

...who didn't "do well" in the 90's...

...who believes that single payer health care is the ONLY thing that could EVER pass...AND even have the slightest chance for success in our fragmented country...

...who also knows that it will never happen because of the lawyers...

...and who also knows that while many also blame insurance companies, all single payer would do is turn them into government employees...which they wouldn't fight (because there's STILL plenty of room for "fraud and corruption")...

...who wonders why a smart guy like President Obama would pull us out of a certainly winnable war in Iraq to get us stuck in the quagmire known as Afghanistan, the "true Vietnam" (come on, the mighty Soviets, who NEVER played by the rules, couldn't win there)...

...who is tired of the hypocrisy of the "right to life" arguments from BOTH sides...

AND LASTLY...

...who thinks bloggers are a complete and utter waste of time and talent...I didn't think so...

What is WRONG with you people?

2009-08-10T15:03:00.000-07:00

OMG! I can NOT believe you people. It's like this is the first time liberals have ever acted like liberals...and conservatives likewise acted like conservatives. Geez, the government is getting involved in Health Care reform, or euphemistically stated, Health Insurance reform? Really? Hello? Government ALREADY IS involved in Health Care/Health Insurance. Ever heard of Medicare? Medicaid?

However, BECAUSE of these "bi-polar" factions, our country will again fail to enact anything which remotely resembles fair and equitable health care coverage...but I guess that's the point, right? Well, the left wants to eventually get to a single payer, government-run, "socialized" form of medical care...and conversely the right would prefer that health care remain in the private sector with primary focus being placed on individual responsibility. Both are wrong.

Why? Well, one need look no further than the aforementioned Medicare...or Medicaid...or VA...to see why the government option would ultimately fail. Well, that and also lawyers (i.e. politicians) would run everything. Not so fast there, Dr. Kildare, the private sector also fails the smell test...of course because of (the) lawyers...and lobbyists...and drug companies...and yes, also politicians...BUT MAINLY because "individual responsibility" is taboo in the 21st century.

What's the answer? Well, I've already briefly detailed the MediaCopp plan...which would cover every single "responsible" person who wants coverage. But that's not what we're here to talk about this time around. What, I see, as a much larger problem is the non-stop pontificating (whining?) by BOTH sides.

My God...right wing pundits...as well as Republican politicians are droning on about euthanasia like it's never been discussed before...or covering illegal immigrants (hey, we're paying for them now!!)...while the Democrats are denying they are seeking socialized medicine (when, hey, you ARE...that's the best thing about your program)...even President Obama is playing fast and loose with the politi-speak (i.e. "we're just trying to clean up the mess you guys made during the last eight years," somehow miraculously forgetting about the half century of Democratic congressional rule).

And the duplicitous media is failing to report ANY OF THIS!! Even USA Today is getting into the act...their lead editorial today citing "FactCheck.org," a quote-unquote non-partisan think tank operated by University of Pennsylvania School of Communications, not exactly a bastion of conservatism...and overall, the media continue to "ignore" bad deficits/good deficits and/or bad war/good war...when they're basically the SAME DAMN THING!!

Oops, now I'm becoming one of you "people." And yes, I'm back...and glad to be here...more to come...

I'm having a heatwave!!!!

2009-07-30T12:11:00.000-07:00

I feel like Charles Kuralt...coming to you from the great northwest...you know, "on the road," Charles Kuralt...you know, CBS news Charles Kuralt...not Willie Nelson "on the road,"...oh, never mind...

I followed my daughter's softball team up here to beautiful Mt. Vernon, WA...well, actually Burlington, WA...er, I mean, Sedro Woolley, WA...no, not Hooterville...or Mt. Pilot...not even Pixley...ah, never mind...

Good news, right? Leave the scorching 100 plus temperatures in Scabraghetto (Sacramento). So what if it rains a little up here, right? Well, in case you hadn't heard, SEATTLE WAS 103 degrees yesterday!! But that's not what I'm really burned about...

My daughter plays for an ASA team from West Sacramento, the Mizuno All-American 14 U team. She opted for ASA because she was tired of girls who didn't care...and of parent/coaches (especially THIS parent...can't blame her, I wasn't much of a coach)...she wanted to be ready for (and play) varsity softball in high school...and SHE DID!!

She played (and STARTED) for her high school varsity team...but because she's still so new to competitive softball, she wanted to stay in 14U for one more year (needless to say, she's NOT the youngest one on her current team)...so here we are in Washington...and she's sitting on the bench...why? Two words...DADDY BALL...

Yeah, yeah, right...I'm just an angry parent with a sub-par ball playing child, right? No, that's not it. The other girls are just better than her, right? No, that's DEFINITELY not it. But, but, but, the coaches wouldn't bring the girls all the way up here to (just) showcase their daughters, would they? Welcome to the WORLD OF DADDY BALL!!!

Bitter? Yeah, a little...sorry we came? No, we have a vacation place up here and plan to move here during (later) retirement...THEN WHAT'S THE FRIGGIN' PROBLEM? Well, what the HELL DO YOU THINK THIS BLOG IS ALL ABOUT? I'm a friggin' MediaCopp...I point out hypocrisy when it roars its ugly head...and on this team, there are three ugly heads (coaches)...

Don't worry...she's a great kid...MY DAUGHTER IS THE BEST!!! I'm ready to pack and GO. On the other hand, my daughter wants to stay so as "not to let down my teammates." Not only that, but she had an RBI in the first game...even though she's getting minimal (AND SPORADIC) playing time...as a matter of "friggin' fact," she's the only one who has been able thus far to hit one out to the fence...

And she could do it again...many times...BUT NOOOOO! That's not part of daddy ball. It's like deja vu all over again...seems my own athletic career was full of subjective/hypocritical coaches (i.e. daddies)...and I wasn't really good enough to "pay back" these naysayers...but, my daughter WILL make them pay....gooooooood day! Oh wait, that's Paul Harvey...

Stay Tuned

2009-07-17T09:52:00.001-07:00

Dear Folks,

MediaCopp will be going on vacation soon...well, actually a softball tournament, the Western Nationals in Mt. Vernon, WA, from July 26 through August 2. Then, we'll be scouting post-retirement locations throughout the WA area, yes, getting "as close to Canada," as we can.

Seriously, California (right now) is NO PLACE TO BE...and no, I'm not bailing on the Golden State...actually, I'm from Washington, having been born in Everett, WA, many MANY years ago. I guess you could say I'm going home...yeah, that's it...home...yeah...

I will, of course, be posting from the road and attempt to keep you informed of what's happening in the world of MediaCopp. With all the hoopla over my last HMO post, it's a wonder I have time to post anything this week. Well, I didn't expect to hear from Paul Krugman himself, but...

Upon my return from the great state of Washington (yes, my daughter has three more years of high school here in the hood), I will be continuing my hard hitting political posts, interspersed with slabs of comedy and other bites of deathless prose. Among future topics:

The Cycles of Obama

The Disenfranchised Middle Class

A New Republican Revolution (no, it's not what you think)

MediaCopp takes the stage at Tommy T's

So you want to be a cop(p)...

Why the Media needs to step up and share blame for steroids in baseball

The Nine Deadly Sins

Dueling Impressions

Michael Moore was right!

So please...stay tuned for these and many more snipets of MediaCopp. We're not going anywhere, of that you can be assured.

Sincerely,

Karl

Where's a good socialist when you need one?

2009-07-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

Here it is...the MediaCopp Health Plan...this plan covers everyone...EXCEPT the blatantly irresponsible...COLD? HEARTLESS? LACKING IN COMPASSION? No...quite the contrary. Our country's problem is not a "lack of health care," nor is it the "lack of access to health care," nor is it the "affordability of health care." IT IS, as is everything about our culture, a case of the "haves v. the have-nots." The MediaCopp Health Plan tears down those barriers.

You know, I thought Paul Krugman had the answer. Krugman is a columnist with the New York Times...a damn fine columnist...AND a damn good socialist...I think even Karl Marx once said, "oy, he's a good kid...but a little late on the bandwagon." Yes, I know Marx died in 1883 (but he WAS a visionary). Anyway, Krugman wrote recently (this century) that universal health care is within reach. He stated he agrees with "serious health economists" that universal health care will be eminently affordable. But Krugman then goes off task.

Rather than highlight his own Marxist beliefs that capitalism (i.e. private, competitive, etc) is unfair and therefore unworkable in a universal (health care) model, he jumps on the Obama bandwagon (yes, the same "late" one) and talks of the specifics of the HELP plan. HELP is an acronym from the U.S. Senate committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, but it appears (to me anyway) to be more of a "plea" than anything else.

Anyway, instead of railing against private insurers, Krugman and clan (Senate) disingenuously (I believe) start "talking up" a public-private partnership whereby they could achieve near-universal coverage. What? Near-Universal? Not good enough. My God, you'd have thought Krugman was an "analyst" for Fox News or something. I mean, come on, Krugman's article revealed that insurance companies would be required to offer "everyone" the same coverage and "everyone" (oh, except the poor and near-poor...decided of course by Krugman and Associates) would be "obligated" to purchase insurance...blah, blah, blah, and then, of course, there's the aid of subsidies...blah, firms of 25 or more people...blah, penalties for not providing coverage...blah...

Here's the MediaCopp proposal...single payer...universal coverage for EVERYBODY...however, we're talking cradle to grave...AND we're talking EVERYBODY...Joe Six-pack and Joe Skidrow get in the same line with Joe Biden...yep, the coverage that "the rich" (read "haves") are given is the exact same coverage the "poor" (read "have-nots") will earn...oops, I mean will be given. Sorry, do I have that backwards? Seriously, what could be more fair?

Don't think it'll work? It's where we're headed anyway, so climb aboard and enjoy the ride. Many would say, hey MediaCopp, what about the folks who don't take care of themselves, won't go to their appointments, will ABSOLUTELY refuse to participate in your plan? Ah, ye have little faith...stick the "free" tag on it...and they will come...the responsible people already come (and pay via taxes, employment, etc). We only need to see to it that the irresponsible people come as well.

Just as in the MediaCopp plan for civilization (two lines, one for the "responsible" and one for the "irresponsible"), the MediaCopp Health Plan has bifurcated goals...NOBODY is excluded from the "responsible" line...you simply need to comply with the basic tenets of responsible health maintenance. You don't HAVE to comply...you simply get in the "irresponsible" line if you refuse. It's a simple as that. Krugman says it works for France (well, except the "responsible" part) Hey, you know...I might have to move to New York, so I can go to Krugman's doctor...

114 down...? more to go...

2009-07-03T07:05:00.000-07:00

Well, it's here...tomorrow, 114 of my fellow officers with the Sacramento County Probation Department lose their jobs...and nary a mention in our local newspaper, the Sacramento Bee. Why? Do they care? Does it fit their agenda? Well, I guess they care, right? But, they are VERY, VERY short sighted.

They've been reporting non-stop about firefighters and cops and sheriff's deputies and the effect potential layoffs (yes it's STILL potential...although granted some are scheduled to be terminated on August 1)...of course always with the wry "wink and nod" that the famed "union busting Bee" EXPECTS these officers to share the pain as it were...with of course wage and (certainly) benefit concessions...

Okay, we get it...the Bee wants to incite the "class envy" mentality prevalent in our overall society today...you know, the haves v. the have-nots, the rich v. the poor, the civil servants v. the private sector (yes, I get it...with the increasing irrelevance of newspapers today, they've GOT to do something to try and stay in business)...buy WHY public employees? Envy? Hate?

Okay, we get that too...but could you please FIRST do your friggin' job? I mean, the Warren E. Thornton Youth Center closes...a 110 bed facility that houses what the Bee would call troubled (I call criminally oriented) youth...a last resort for females and a second to last resort for males in a local capacity. I have news for the Bee...the Youth Center boys (ages all the way up to 18) are the VERY SAME "boys" who caused the Bee to rail non-stop for a multi-million dollar fence to be built around the Sacramento County Boys Ranch just a few scant years ago.

Yes, THAT fence...but that's beside the point...the Bee does absolutely zero investigating into what the effect will be to close the Youth Center (AND IT IS CLOSED AT THIS VERY MOMENT)...and all for a paltry $8.9 million...yeah, that's like what? 2 days in Iraq? HEY BARACK? Where's the stimulus money? Schools, Levees, Parks, etc. are literally falling apart...and I've seen and heard ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about all the stimulus $$...

Well, except for (I heard) a couple of young people were hired by Yolo County to do some parks and recreation stuff for local kids (support your local gang banger?)...and of course...the CASH FOR CLUNKERS program...what a complete and utter joke...talk about a program that's just begging for fraud...oh sure, there are safeguards in place...YEAH, RIGHT...who monitors the program? Some of the "terminated" public servants?

What's the answer? Well, besides what MediaCopp has already outlined NUMEROUS times during past posts, how about we get JUST A WEE BIT CREATIVE? California will very soon (today?) be bombarded with extremely zealous (granted, mourning) fans of a certain pop icon. I'm quite certain Sacramento could find a way, and the Bee could advocate for, a way to turn this into a positive, neigh, a money making opportunity for our residents...come on, it worked when "we" wanted to build a fence...

Health care can wait?

2009-06-26T07:18:00.000-07:00

ISSUE #1 -- Health Care debate continues (I know, I know, what for?)
Well, not really...but soooooo much has happened the last few days...and believe me, the debate (and earmarks) rage on in the hallowed halls of Congress...so even IF President Obama wanted a fair and equitable health care plan (he doesn't), congress will so bastardize the thing that I'm afraid it'll be worse than status quo...have no fear, I'll unveil my plan soon...

ISSUE #2 -- Shaq traded to Cleveland (woo-hoo, get Lebron his trophy...please...)
I was also going to write a letter to Shaquille O'Neal this week...why? Well, to plead with the "Diesel" to get into the best shape of his life (I know he can do it)...WE MUST DEFEAT KOBE (sounds like a volcano, eh?)...but yes, if I EVER see that "smirk" on ESPN or anywhere else EVER again, it'll be too soon...I say give Lebron some help so we can wipe that "smirk" off Kobe's mug...you know the smirk...every juvenile delinquent, wannabe gang banger, pseudo rebellious teen-age ne'er-do- well, et al, uses it...lip smacking good...

ISSUE #3 -- The King of Pop is dead!!
Many are calling Michael Jackson's passing "this generation's Elvis Presley." I'm not sure to whom that's more insulting...pill poppers or pedophiles...no, seriously, the gloved one was an enigmatic icon...with more talent in his pinkie (with or without a glove) than most of us will ever have. Speaking of Elvis (hey, I'll bet there's more similarities than we're being told), he's been "gone" for more than 30 years...but he's still alive...Love live the King of Pop...

ISSUE #4 -- Hypocrisy (I love hypocrisy)
Once again, a REPUBLICAN has been caught with his proverbial pants down...this time it's South Carolina REPUBLICAN Governor Mark Sanford sashaying off to Argentina for a secret rendezvous with a woman who is not his wife...REPUBLICAN family values...yeah, right...and now, word is the REPUBLICAN governor met with his Argentinian "mistress" while there on the taxpayer dime...boy, what a REPUBLICAN...using OUR money...he could of at least stayed closer to home (New York) or maybe just fooled around with Congressman John Conyers' wife...

ISSUE #5 -- Iran/Iraq (if it's Tuesday, this must be Afghanistan)
Well, CNN has been all over the Iranian election crisis (i.e. demonstrations, riots, brutality, or not)...they "go to the Iran News Desk"(in Atlanta?) for the latest update on the strife...of course, there IS a news black out, right...so there are no visuals. Hey, I know...want information...maybe use the same folks who said there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq...or better yet, shop for real estate in Tehran by going on Zillow...yeah right, we can't find out what's "really" going on there...sure...

ISSUE #6 -- Hypocrisy (Part 2)
Why does Mary Matalin get a pass on her right wing views when Laura Ingraham, Ann Coulter, and Michelle Malkin, each with "almost" similar views, are marginalized (even vilified) on a daily basis...I guess it pays to be married to one of the most hateful, attack dog-type Democrats on the planet...well, at least for the next 40 or 50 years...

LAST ISSUE --For Now
Have you ever heard the expression, "throw everything at the wall and see what sticks?" No? Well, I'm afraid that's what the powers-that-be in Washington are doing as we slip further and further into socialist oblivion (Utopia?). But that's...okay...it's like I've been saying (screaming) over and over...are you really (I mean REALLY) surprised at the intrusion (at times takeover) by the federal government into numerous areas of our lives...I mean, did you think he'd nominate Robert Bork for the Supreme Court or something? Hey, we voted for Hope and Change...now is not the time to stop and ask for Fairness...you know, maybe Health Care can't wait...

Stay Tuned

2009-06-19T16:23:00.000-07:00

Folks,

Busy, busy, busy...BUT PLEASE STAY TUNED!!! I will be updating y'all on the health insurance scam currently making its way through the hallowed halls of Pennsylvania Avenue as well as the Capitol Dome...it's NOT an exaggeration to report, even at this early stage, that all y'all (me too) RESPONSIBLE people will be paying more and getting less while the IRRESPONSIBLE among us will be getting more FOR paying less...thank you Mr. President, Ms. Speaker, et al...ALSO, I will be unveiling the MediaCopp Health Insurance Program...and yes, it WILL cover everyone who wants health insurance...however, since it IS so appropriate, it WILL be ignored (much like my SOLUTION to the California budget crisis...but whaddya gonna do?

MediaCopp

Okay...to recap...

2009-06-12T12:06:00.000-07:00

The media is at it again...hopefully, Obama will be MUCH smarter than Clinton and not buy into all the idolatry...Bill's ego got so big and his narcissism so expansive, that he literally thought he was bulletproof...911 proved he (and I know, the chowder head too) wasn't...alas, we will see...

With that in mind, how 'bout another Czar? This time, a Tobacco Czar (or would that be Tsar)...I know several qualified individuals down near the mission...or better yet, the Man himself...

Who is wrong more often? Newt Gingrich or Dick Morris? Fox News blowhards both...I pick Gingrich...he's more dangerous...and electable...if our stupid electorate is any barometer...

Called right here in MediaCopp...give Kobe the trophy...now Phil Jackson moves up to number 3 as the luckiest man on earth (he's still behind Bill Clinton and Barack Obama)...but he might even surpass Obama (#2) if the Repugnicans are successful in sabotaging Obama's economic plans...

A well deserved "attaboy" to the President for not caving in to the ACLU and the disingenuous Demoncats on Capitol Hill...and promising he will "do everything" to keep the Abu Ghraib photos from being released...

And NO, "attaboy" is NOT disrespectful, NOR is it tongue-in-cheek...unlike the lame apology from radio hosts Rob, Arnie and Dawn for their offensive remark about transgender people being freaks...but what I didn't get...is that Carl's Jr. (of ALL people) pulled their advertising from the show...what? Yeah, their commercials aren't offensive (now THAT was sarcasm).

You do the math...we are in a "severe" drought...yep, we here in NorCal are two inches below normal in rainfall totals for the year...now, even if you believe the tables (which I do not), it still appears patently obvious (even to a dolt like me), that there is peeeeee-lenty of water...

I mean, the water tables show that Folsom Lake is basically full...and Oroville and Shasta, well, if they kept just an extra couple of hundred (maybe even a thousand) acre feet per day from heading down the aqueduct...an acre foot is 43,560 cubic feet...

Gee, at that rate, we might not even have to touch our melting polar icecaps for another few million years...but I DO know one thing...I think I've pretty much blown my shot at Water Czar...

Well, it IS Obama's America...

2009-06-04T09:10:00.001-07:00

Just a few quick ones today...

The NBA finals start tonight between the LA Lakers and the Orlando Magic...bummer that Magic players Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu will "lose" their shooting touch and the Lakers, er, I mean Kobe will dominate...take that, Shaq!

All public employees (state, county, city, etc) are grossly overpaid and consequently dip more heavily into the "benefit" category as well. Yes, we in Sacramento County held a firearm to the "powers-that-be" and extorted enhanced retirement benefits...yep, I worked 'round the clock for 26 plus years, and both knees are shot, but I'm grossly overcompensated...SCREW YOU...

Speaking of money for nothing, how 'bout the headline in this morning's Scabramento Bee, "No Job? No Prob." Unemployment to Funemployment? That's right...ha, ha, ha...as socialism takes root, we are at the infancy stage of what I like to call, "Slacker 1A." Hey, if you've got seemingly never ending unemployment benefits, a cash buy out, and enabling parents, well, heck, why go back to work? Yeah, works for me...

The IHSS program is in the news again...in Sacramento County...man, don't get me started. Yep, a couple of days ago, I was ranting about the rampant fraud in this program. I was blown off (by the media elite). Then, the Grand Jury gets involved and the quote-unquote media takes up the cause. LET ME BE CLEAR. IHSS (In Home Supportive Services), is invaluable...many elderly and/or disabled folks depend on assistance. But there are many, MANY cases of "nana being cared for by a crankster nephew" who simply blows the "check" on himself. Now, the DA's office (yeah, the same DA's office whose budget is being slashed so much that they won't even be able to prosecute anything but the most severe crimes)...THAT DA's office...will be "monitoring" potential waste and fraud...yeah, right...

Obama's first stop? You guessed it...the Saudi royal King...hmmm, I wonder what the "media" would've said if Bush...wait a minute...oh yeah, Bush was in the pocket of big oil...but hey, word has it that Obama asked Iranian government officials to come to the US for a 4th of July celebration...I love what late night comedian Jimmy Fallon had to say, "I guess the goal was to make them go, 'Death to Americ - aaaaaaa-ooooooo-aaaaahh.'"

Speaking of comedy, the local brouhaha over the (radio hosts) Rob, Arnie, and Dawn program from the other morning when they made comments regarding transgendered people being "freaks." First Amendment's a bitch, ain't it?

Yeah, First Amendment...the GOP whackos are out in full force trying to marginalize "all things Obama." Sure, everything from his continuation of failed Bush policies (like Iraq, Afghanistan, bailouts, etc) to his pick for the Supreme Court (so what? you thought he'd nominate Robert Bork?)...wait a minute Demo-creeps...have you heard Chris Matthews or Keith Olbermann lately? These two whackos sure must have never known what it was like to be a winner...I mean, their side (libs both) control ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING...and they STILL whine...

Tommy T's comedy club opens tonight at the old Garbeau's Dinner Theatre out at US 50 and Hazel Ave...believe me, with things getting worse everyday...and I mean WORSE BECAUSE of what our government is doing to try and "fix" things...well, we NEED to laugh...I mean, why not? In today's America, it sure ain't gonna pay to go to work...

One final attempt...well, maybe...

2009-05-29T07:15:00.000-07:00

The top ten reasons why California should listen to MediaCopp in order to balance the budget...

#10 MediaCopp understands the budget is "PROJECTED" revenue, NOT "ACTUAL" revenue...

#9 MediaCopp is NOT against tax increases (my marijuana tax is a HUGE increase)...my other suggested taxes (and ID card, thus excusing "residents" from SOME fees) are innocuous...

#8 MediaCopp is NOT against balancing the budget on the backs of the rich, poor, AND middle class...as long as it's fair...

#7 MediaCopp is also well aware that "ACTUAL" revenue is finite, however, "PROJECTED" revenue is not...if the pie only has so many slices, let's bake a bigger pie...

#6 MediaCopp realizes it isn't all about MediaCopp...

#5 MediaCopp understands that the "slippery slope" referred to by both sides (Dems AND GOP) are cyclical and should be ignored at budget time...

#4 MediaCopp maintains, therefore, that sin taxes, for instance on gambling, drugs and prostitution (in addition to beer, wine and tobacco) are necessary...

#3 MediaCopp knows his suggestions will be ignored by the power structure in Sactown (courtesy of the trial lawyers)...but they SHOULD be heeded...

#2 MediaCopp believes cuts MUST start at the top...what's this I hear about a (total) 14.2% pay cut for state workers...how about 5% for line workers, up to 50% for legislators, etc...hmm? And no, that's not contrary to #8...

And the number #1 reason California should listen and heed MediaCopp...

MediaCopp appears to be the ONLY one who has suggested California be "divided" into TWO parts...except the two parts to which we refer are not north and south, but RESPONSIBLE and IRRESPONSIBLE (if you are responsible and play by the rules, you get in one "line"...if you refuse, you get in a different "line")...IT'S AS SIMPLE AS THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you SACRAMENTO BEE!!!!!

2009-05-22T06:57:00.000-07:00

We here at MediaCopp believe in giving credit where credit is due. THEREFORE, good job Sacramento Bee!! Despite the wave of anti-civil servant-tude throughout the capitol region, neigh, the entire state, Measure A (the local measure which adds binding arbitration for Sacramento County probation officers and Sheriff's management)...yes, THAT Measure A...well, it PASSED....despite very little dialogue/promotion EXCEPT for the negative editorial stance of our glorious Bee...

In the exact same election where the citizens resoundingly voted "NO" on anything remotely resembling a tax increase, fee/fund shift, or borrowing, etc. or ANYTHING which could be construed as to even slightly benefit civil servants...well, they (We) STILL voted "Yes" on the measure which grants binding arbitration to my brothers and sisters in local law enforcement. HA!!!

Sure, they'll say it was the anti-management (Board of Supervisors) vote...but NO, I don't think so...I give the anti-Bee contingency far more credit...oh yes, please, PLEASE Bee keeping up the good work!

Project THIS!!!!

2009-05-15T06:37:00.000-07:00

Here we go again...the state of California has (once again) shot itself in the foot, face, enter your choice of body part here. Yes, we are holding a "special election" on Tuesday with a list of (?) propositions which by ALL ACCOUNTS will have very little to do with solving California's mounting budget deficit...let me 'splain...

In case you hadn't heard of this insanity, what our wonderful representatives in Sacramento are proposing to do...is the same thing they always do...stick their (political) finger in the air and vote for a program cut, tax increase, enter your choice of euphemistic revenue producer here...and then start it ("temporarily")...and then hold an election just to make sure they can't be blamed down the road. Of course, realizing that it WILL MAKE ABSOLUTELY NO DIFFERENCE HOW THE FOLKS VOTE! The only difference is that THIS TIME, they aren't even waiting until AFTER the election to let you know your vote matters not...

Projected revenue....THAT is what the government needs...PROJECTED revenue...budgets are NEVER balanced off actual revenue, but projected revenue...want more money? Project higher revenues....why do I bring this up at this late stage? Because not only do the politicians not care what you think, they are ADMITTING your vote will make NO DIFFERENCE either way. Vote No...we still have a deficit...Vote Yes...we still have a deficit...duh, what should we do?

Well, if you've been following the rantings of MediaCopp, you know the answer. Briefly, legalize (and tax the hell out of) marijuana, ALL marriage (yes, gay marriage as well) and civil unions, gambling (i.e. sports books, race books, etc.), prostitution (hey, they're called massage parlors), then institute a California (resident) ID card with specific surcharges on some items, and of course, specified luxury taxes on more than just the usual suspects (beer, wine, cigarettes, enter your choice of junk food here)...yes, there are other ways to generate "projected" revenue...I am just listing a few here...

So, the May 19th special election here in the less-than-great state of California (HEY, what's the EXTRA election costing us anyway?)...vote NO on EVERYTHING...well, except the one which "says" it will block politician's pay raises...we ALL know THAT will NEVER happen, but if it makes you feel good to at least say you don't want them (the bureaucrats in Sacramento) to get pay raises when they fail to do their job, go ahead and vote yes on Prop 1F and no on the rest (Prop 1(A-E)...then again, you could do like most sane people and just NOT vote...it REALLY doesn't matter this time...

More Top Ten

2009-05-08T07:14:00.000-07:00

The Top Ten Reasons there won't be a post today...

10. Because my wife said so...

9. Because my wife said so...

8. Because my wife said so....

7. Because my wife said so...

6. Because my wife said so...

5. Because my wife said so...

4. Because my wife said so...

3. Because my wife said so...

2. Because my wife said so...

And the number one reason there won't be a post today...

Well, it IS Mother's Day this weekend...have a good one...

Top Ten

2009-05-05T08:52:00.000-07:00

Today...the TOP TEN reasons the Republican party is becoming increasingly irrelevant...

10. Infighting among the conservatives and neo-conservatives...

9. Still feeling backlash from the elder Bush's "No New Taxes" pledge...

8. Can't decide what the term "neo-conservative" actually means...

7. Held a "tea party" for minority people...and nobody showed up...

6. Thought the term "Big Tent" meant fishing/hunting gear...

5. Even Letterman bailed...

4. Still don't feel guilty enough about Abu Ghraib...

3. Whining about the "mainstream media" starting to get old...

2. Because James Carville said so...

And the number one reason the Republican party is becoming increasingly irrelevant...

Obama, Obama, Obama

I have many Souters...

2009-05-01T07:16:00.000-07:00

As if our new president doesn't have enough on his plate after barely 100 days in office, now comes word of the impending retirement of Supreme Court Justice David Souter. The (now) 69 year old Souter was a 1990 appointee of George H.W. Bush, and a replacement for the liberal former justice William Brennan. The elder Bush, seeking to appease all and I think (also) attempting to lend an air of fairness to the process, didn't nominate a far right wing ideologue, like for instance, Robert Bork. Rather, he sought to bring the Court to the center and nominated a moderate, a liberal moderate at that...let's see which way Obama leans...

The media has gone hog wild, pardon the pun, with this whole swine flu madness. I'm sorry, but don't we have flu outbreaks every year? It's almost as if the national media has taken a page from the local "morning zoo-type" news shows. Like when it's a slow news day and they have "live team coverage" of breaking news at a three car pile-up on the interstate. Now the flu has even gone partisan...left wing news sources are maintaining that the virus started in Southern Cal way before the Mexican outbreak (another apology, President Obama?)...then at the same time, right wing whacko radio hosts are calling for border closings (what else is new?) to limit further transmission...yeah, like that would help...

Are we still in Obama's corner? Sure, we like him...but are we getting tired of "things getting worse" with every White House proposal (i.e. bailout)...now, Chrysler is declaring bankruptcy. Excuse me, wasn't that what myself and many others were saying should happen. Well, yes it was...but the "restructuring" I was speaking about (also) involved ripping up UAW contracts. I'm afraid this Obama/Fiat-backed program only prolongs the inevitable...

Page Four...the inevitable...I remember when I was still working, hearing people (co-workers, superiors, etc.) bemoaning and begrudging everything Bush related. I found myself echoing their sentiments, though it was mostly because my portfolio (what there is/was of it) was shrinking every day. But NOW, I've started bemoaning and begrudging on my own...because it appears things are getting worse...and not just worse because of the natural course of events...worse because of what the government (and Obama) has been doing...oh God, does that make me a right wing whacko?

Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn't make mention of the sham they presented as a presidential press conference the other night. Oh my God...13 questions...pre-arranged...little to no follow-up...come on, even extremely left leaning folks had to be put off by "scripted" nature of the proceedings. I'm sorry. I like Barack Obama...but for heaven sakes, USE the teleprompter. It was sad and "almost Bush-like" watching him stutter and stammer his way through the stage show...and no, I wasn't enchanted.

The Odd Commentators

2009-04-28T09:20:00.000-07:00

"On April 23, Sean Hannity was asked if he would indeed agree to be 'waterboarded for charity.' That request came from rival pundit Keith Olbermann. When he chickened out, Fox News fired the Lou Costello-like commentator, requesting that HE never return. Deep down, he knew they were right...with no other alternative, he decided to join his former rival Olbermann on the MSNBC set. Sometime earlier, ESPN had thrown Olbermann out, requesting that HE never return. Can two equally insane, hypocritically challenged talking heads share a news desk without driving each other crazy?" Cue opening theme song...

Fade to the news desk...Hannity is busy wiping his nose with a tightly folded handkerchief. He motions to the director, "Would you happen to have a fresh box of Kleenex? Since I agreed to be waterboarded, my nose hasn't stopped running." The director smirks and shakes his head..."no, no tissue"...then, under his breath, "Running? Running is what you did to get AWAY from the waterboarding. Your NOSE isn't running...it's growing."

Olbermann interupts, "hey, HEY, lay off the little guy, will ya? He was around (Bill) O'Reilly so long, he doesn't just dangle participles, he throws 'em off the Sears Tower." Hannity, hearing the exchange, interjects, "Keith, Keith, I can handle myself. You don't have to keep sticking up for me." Olbermann quickly counters, "that's not what you said when you came crawling over to MSNBC."

The director calls for quiet and motions for the cameras to roll. "Less than five...three...two... (he points to Olbermann)." "Good Evening America...and welcome to 'Countdown with Keith Olbermann.' Tonight, I would like to welcome my new co-host...from the 'soon-to-be failed' Fox News network, I am of course talking about the all talk-no walk, tail between-the-legs, 'waterboard works on everyone but me,' Sean Hannity."

"Hey," Hannity yells, "that's it...I've had it with your snide remarks. I WILL take you up on your offer. You CAN waterboard me. It's NOT torture. I'll prove it. I'll show you. I'll show everybody. I'm not just some hypocrite.

Olbermann pulls Hannity aside..."are you sure you want to go through with this? Come on, we know you can do it. I mean, you talked to Ollie North, right? He was waterboarded. Come on, that should be good enough, okay?" Hannity rubs his eyes and nods his head..."yeah, you're right. I'm sorry. You agree with me, right? I mean, it's NOT torture, right?

Olberman responds, "Of course...of course, I agree...come on, let's go back to the set." The director shakes his head...but seeing no other choice, he again cues Olbermann..."Welcome to Countdown with Keith Olbermann...again, let me introduce our viewers to our new co-host, the all knowing, all seeing, all torture-all the time, favorite right wing whacko, Sean Hannity."

"Heeeeeeeyyyyyy Olbermann!" Cue to the new Neil Simon closing theme...

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

2009-04-24T08:49:00.000-07:00

Hey, in the interests of brevity (whew, these long winded posts are hard to take), quick kudos to the Sacramento Bee for the "puff" piece on the brave 17 year old Galt High School student who is preparing to go to her prom after undergoing brain surgery less than two months ago.

Seriously, I am thrilled that the Bee did this piece. Usually, the Bee gives us human interest stories of a brave soul who overcame drug addiction or homelessness (neglecting to mention, neigh cowering, from the word "choice") to return and contribute to society (like EVERY ONE OF US)...of course with the assistance of our gallant government.

But this was a good story...except for the Bee tossing in a "Nordstrom" reference (i.e. that the kid is obviously from an affluent family), this is a very good story...please check it out...go to http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story.1806092/html

Conversely, jeers to Congress (what else is new?)...for "backtracking" on the torture issue. Okay...whether you believe it's "coerced interrogation" or "torture," please pick one...and if you DO have a "change of heart," SAY SO!!! Don't be like Nancy Pelosi and feign knowledge of what you now say IS torture.

According to the Washington Post (and I have no reason to believe this and other reports are false), our Speaker was one of the many (MANY) legislative leaders who were briefed on the "specifics" of waterboarding and other "interrogation techniques"...

The CIA reportedly gave key legislative overseers no fewer than 30 private briefings which included demonstrations of waterboarding and "other harsh" interrogation methods...and the good speaker pulls an "Ollie North" and can't recall being briefed? Suuuure...

Not so fast there, Republicreeps...you guys are fast on Pelosi's heels in your own "runs for cover." Hmmm, maybe we're not only a bi-polor country, but schizophrenic as well...go to...
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/political-browser/ ...from April 24, 2009...

And lastly, oh I'm sorry, I already mentioned Pelosi...

STOP CRYING...

2009-04-21T08:26:00.000-07:00

I'm getting pretty tired of the non-stop whining coming out of the Republican ranks (both the political and media elite)...GET OVER IT! YOU LOST! Stop putting up roadblock after roadblock in an attempt to "slow down" the Obama Express...hey, WE voted for change...WE wanted change...WE should stop crying now that we're finally getting change...but what can WE do?

Well, when I say "WE," I really mean you right wing whackos out there who spent eight years complaining about all the "Hate Bush" rhetoric from the left...and now that the shoe's on the other foot, you are doing the exact same thing. Oh sure, you're calling it, "political differences," or"ideological perspectives," and such...but no, that's not it...it wasn't when they were "Bush hating," and it isn't now that you're "Obama hating." GET OVER IT!

Improvise, adapt, and overcome...the unofficial Marine Corp motto...it's as simple as that. Simply improvise, adapt, and overcome...I would think that since most of you right wing whacko crowd are pro-war, pro-defense, pro constitution, etc., you would be the "rugged individualists" (that you are)...and find a way to make this work for you.

For instance, Nationalized Health Care...ooh, wah, wah, we're going to have to stand in line for rationed health care...boo hoo...HEY! News Flash! We're standing in line NOW...if President Obama can find a way for US to ALL stand in the same line, well, I'm all for it...

Item #2...Nationalize the Banking system...how scandalous! HEY! News Flash! Ever hear of FDIC, the Federal Reserve, etc., etc. It's ALREADY nationalized...just tell me which line to stand in (so I get in the one that gives rather than takes)...

But the BIG item of the day...and the reason for this blog entry...is the non-stop whining from the right that President Obama is "showing weakness," by going overseas and "shaking hands" with our enemies...never mind that Bush did the same thing when it suited him...HEY! Ever hear of keeping your friends close...and your enemies closer?

Stay tuned for more revelations of political double standards...I have always said, we are a "bi-polar" society...as a matter of fact, I've been writing a book entitled, "The Bi-Polarization of America." Then, the other day, somebody told me that Rush Limbaugh (of all people) used that expression just last week...oh great...another one of my ideas plagiarized...oh well, I won't cry...

No, uh-uh, I wasn't there...not me, no...

2009-04-17T09:04:00.000-07:00

So, the anti-Obama forces went out on tax day and had their mostly ineffectual "tea parties," at various (small) venues throughout the country. Nope...uh-uh...I wasn't there...

It's not that I disagreed with their theme...or what I believe was or should have been their main theme; that is, higher taxation is not the answer to our economic malaise.

The left was quick with their first dismissive counter punch; i.e. that the right wing loonies didn't even "get" the basis for the original Boston Tea Party. In other words, the colonists, they say, were NOT protesting paying taxes; they were simply against taxation without representation.

Of course, the organizers said nothing, thus allowing the Liberals to frame the debate. Then, the Left quickly chimed in with their "tried and true," line that higher taxes would only be on the rich...or a loosely defined interpretation of the rich. Again, not a peep from the "partiers."

However, those of us in the TRUE ideological middle understand that higher taxes on the rich only produce what I've called real "trickle down economics." The "rich" will never, never, never, never pay (their fair share of) taxes...it WILL always trickle down to the middle class...but the Tea Party organizers never offered rebuttal, (again) marginalizing their own efforts...

And if that wasn't the kiss of death to the project, Tea Party organizers then allowed, neigh encouraged the involvement of "Fair and Balanced" Fox News...

Boy, if ever the libs, or their talking heads at CNBC and CNN, needed proof positive that Fox News is in the tank for the Republican party, this was it...all the Fox folks were there...Sean Hannity, Neil Cavuto, Glen Beck, all the fellas (hmm, what do these folks have in common...oh well, more on that later...).

Back to my first paragraph...no, I wasn't there...good idea, but poor, POOR execution. One of the "demonstration" sites was Sacramento (CA), from where this blog originates. I turned on the television news stations, both network AND cable, national AND local. I must say, it was a strictly segregated fiasco. Despite the constant (hollow) assertions by the Fox "hosts," that there was "bi-partisan participation," well, no, uh-uh, I don't think so...

The demonstrations looked more like family reunions...not only that, but a family reunion in the mold of a high school reunion...in other words, the participants appeared to be getting older (and whiter) by the minute and if the Left just waits a few years...well, how many 100 year class reunions have YOU heard of?

When will the...

2009-04-14T14:23:00.000-07:00

When will the (media) powers that be...

...report that (St Louis Cardinal slugger) Albert Pujols has never been accused of using steroids DESPITE his "inflated" stats (what if his name was Barry?)...

...decide that oil prices fluctuate on more that just "supply" concerns and "demand" concerns...

...stop perpetuating the (California) drought myth while at the same time printing water table totals which clearly show no such thing...

...take a stand on "something" they should actually take a stand on...like that Al Franken should be seated as the new junior senator from Minnesota...

...end this love affair with Barack Obama (come on, for God sakes, he had us at "shalom")...

...similarly lighten up on the Republican bashing (news flash...they have no power...the Dems get "whatever" they want)...

...decide to "cancel" the NBA playoffs and skip right to a Lakers-Cavs Finals' showdown (with of course Kobe holding the trophy)...

...do one of their patented "investigations" into steroid use in baseball and "decide" that "hey, juicing helped the pitchers as much as the hitters...hmmm..."

...ever question why public utility companies can get away with retroactive rate increases with only token opposition...

...reveal why they reported that (Fed Chairman) Ben Bernanke was such a boob under George W. Bush and the best thing since sliced bread under Barack Obama...oh yes, this also goes for (Defense Secretary) Robert Gates and General (Commander, US Central Command) David Petraeus...

...call the current economic malaise what it ACTUALLY is...the fault of everybody, including Democrats AND Republicans (both congressional and executive), Big Business AND Individual borrowers, the Rich AND the Poor (wanna-be rich)...and MOST OF ALL, THE MEDIA...

I just thought of these...do you have any...reply to http://mediacopp.blogspot.com/

More agenda driven acronyms

2009-04-10T09:13:00.000-07:00

There are many examples of agenda driven stories in the media...it's a long and detailed list...and one of the (main) reasons for this blog...I am reminded of one of the first times I got a hint of media bias (which has always existed) AND agenda driven media (which is more subversive and much, MUCH more prevalent today).

MADD...Mothers Against Drunk Drivers...a once true altruistic organization founded by Candy Lightner in honor of her 13 year old daughter, Cari, who was tragically killed by a drunk driver. Candy founded the organization and took her cause to the heights of public awareness and legislative attention. Unfortunately, along with it, came media scrutinizing (I call "finagling").

The media, I believe, was responsible for the bastardization of a once great organization. What originally brought much needed attention to the plight of forgotten victims--victims of people who thought nothing getting bombed and then getting in a (several) thousand pound hunk of metal and haphazardly driving on PUBLIC thoroughfares with ZERO regard for innocent human beings--soon became a lobbying group which demanded change simply to enhance their own agenda (re: power) with little regard for the actual victim(s). Lightner was subsequently forced from the organization because she didn't adhere to their "neo-prohibitionist" agenda, saying she started MADD to deal with the issue of drunk driving, not alcohol per se.

This was savagely brought back to my attention upon my hearing of the tragic death of Angels' pitcher Nick Adenhart who, along with two others (a third is in critical condition) was killed in a vehicle accident. They were killed by a drunk driver who ran a stop sign. The driver, a scumbag named Adam Thomas Gallo, was driving on a suspended license from, yep, you guessed it, a prior drunk driving conviction.

Yeah, MADD, you've really helped...oh sure, in the beginning, you helped tremendously by shedding light on the plight of forgotten victims...but MADD soon became more fixated on legislation which dealt with a "Joe Six-Pack" who might have consumed a few beers after work...and less on repeat offenders (yes, Cari Lightner was killed by a "repeat" offender)...

So, why blame the media? Because I believe that they bear much of the blame (along with attorneys and the courts) for causing this paradigm shift; a shift from offender accountability to attempting (very poorly I might add) to legislate responsibility. Yes, the media is tremendously to blame...for making MADD their one time "cause-du-jour," much like their obsession with gun control, abortion, and other constitutional issues...oh, that's right...the constitution doesn't mention abortion...oh well...that's a post for another day...

Bee Thankful

2009-04-06T11:44:00.000-07:00

MEDIACOPP HAS DONE IT AGAIN!!

Yep, once again the Master Prognosticator known as MediaCopp has called it... IHSS ...the In Home Supportive Services program...uh-huh, seems to me, I've been on my perpetual soapbox on this one...i.e. that there has always been rampant fraud in and around this program...and as I've always maintained, the acronym has changed but the song remains the same. In the IHSS case, this acronym gained prominence around the time of the WELFARE REFORM BROUGHT FORTH BY THE (drum roll please) CLINTON ADMINISTRATION (1996).

Remember back when Welfare Reform was all the rage...yes, it happened right around the same time the SSI (ANOTHER ACRONYM?), roles changed in so far as those eligible (for federal disability income) could no longer be classified Substance Abusers, Alcoholics, etc.; rather they must have gained their "disability" via a mental health diagnosis (i.e. depression, anxiety, psychosis, etc.).

So, just as the powers-that-be were re-diagnosing all the "junkies" with conveeeeeeeenient mental disorders, the GA, AFDC, TANF (insert your choice of free money program here) would soon...I BELIEVE IN MANY CASES...morph into IHSS...and I (along with others in the field at the time) could clearly see that those folks ON welfare (many of them), simply went on to "caring for nana," while collecting the same friggin' (welfare) check...

One of the folks (entities) I reminded often was the Sacramento Bee...especially after they ran several editorials commenting on the "noble workers who perform tirelessly, etc., etc. to help keep family members out of more costly group care" Well, I reminded them (AGAIN) how many (NOT ALL, but many) of these "workers" were just "tweaker nephews extorting poor nana for personal gain." Well, naturally...I was ignored...

Fast forward to the Sacramento Bee's lead editorial, dated April 4, 2009..."Another day, a new county crisis," whereby the Bee now references their own "investigative reporting," of the 18 page Grand Jury report alleging Sacramento County IHSS program's lack of "accountability for caregivers and safeguards against fraud." Your welcome...

(Please) don't get me wrong. The Grand Jury report would have happened whether (or not) I reported ANYTHING...HOWEVER, I CALLED IT!! Much like other headlines from today, for instance stories about the call (now) for legalization and taxation of marijuana...and the (new) measure ("proposed" by the Cali Supreme Court) that "might" solve the legal conflict over a gay marriage ban by issuing civil-union licenses to BOTH straight and gay couples...YES, BOTH SUGGESTIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS ARE IN THE MEDIACOPP ARCHIVES!!!

Of course, I'm not saying I'm perfect...I was also the one who said that former San Francisco 49er wide receiver Jerry Rice (back when he was a rookie) would only be a "mediocre" football player...yeah, that Jerry (unarguably the best receiver in professional football history)...oops...

And so it begins...

2009-04-03T11:22:00.000-07:00

BEGINNING NEXT WEEK...Tuesday AND Friday posts...

But for today...a few random thoughts...

If President Obama is giving a speech in a forest, and there is no teleprompter, does he make a sound?

Does Jay Cutler realize he is an overrated Quarterback?

Does Fox News understand what the words "fair and balanced" actually mean?

If you're at the gym during a morning workout...and you are wearing headphones, can you sing along with the music without anyone else hearing?

You have a bottle of Vicodin and a plate of Fig Newtons...if you give them to Rush Limbaugh, which will he finish first?

...more to come

Blast off

2009-03-27T20:38:00.001-07:00

3...2...1...BLAST OFF!!!!!!!!!!

That's right folks...it's time to get this party started...Mediacopp is on the air...as of this date, March 27, 2009, I am officially retired (or retarded) from "civil service." Yes, after 26 plus years...and now the journey begins...STAY TUNED...

Countdown to...

2009-03-20T10:52:00.000-07:00

...COUNTDOWN TO...no, not Keith Old-burp-man...BUT, less than two weeks to
THE ALL NEW MEDIACOPP...STAY TUNED...

What is WRONG with these people?

2009-03-13T07:32:00.000-07:00

It's far, FAR, easier to obstruct than support. "WHAT? What the hell are you talking about now?" Well, Buck...if you must know...I erroneously said in the past that Democrats had cornered the market on obstructionism...they sabotaged Bush for eight years (sure, the Republicats did the same sort of thing to Billy C. but it was MUCH different)...HOWEVER, NOW the Creepublicans sound much like the bleeding heart, ideologically driven, libs from the Demoncat party...

You'd think they'd get it...how Bush couldn't (well, he was so weak, he also "wouldn't") get the economy moving because of ideologically driven roadblocks presented by Pelosi, Reid, enter your choice of Clintonista here...AND NOW, they are doing the exact same thing to President Obama!! Here all this time, I've been giving them the benefit of the doubt...i.e. that most (I said "MOST") folks on the right (like me) would rather be "rich" (by rich I mean financially comfortable, even profitable, and able to contribute to society, be successful, etc. etc.)...yes, I always thought we'd rather be "rich" than "right" (ideologically speaking)...

But now, I can see I'm wrong...what one side maintains as simply remaining true to their positions, the other sees as obstructionism. Hence, the non-stop blather from right wing talking heads, including Limbaugh, Hannity, O'Reilly, et al...not so fast there Timothy...they're also enlisting many of their minions on the hill, including Mitch McConnell, Arlyn Spector, and John Boehner...THEY are now talking the economy down...

The only thing we have going for us is that now the third luckiest person in the world...after Phil Jackson and Bill Clinton...is poised to be in charge of another "recovering" economy...in other words, if Obama does little more than simply stand there for the next few years, the economy will come around (like it ALWAYS does) and he'll be able to take credit...much like Bill took credit for the 90's...and Phil took credit for MJ and subsequently lucked into Kobe and Shaq...

BUT BOTH SIDES WOULD RATHER BLOW IT!!!!!!!!!!!