Mad Macedonian

Dear Mr. President, I Respectfully Disapprove

I have joined Michelle Malkin, and many other concerned Americans, in reporting on anything “on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy”, to the White House, and the Snitch Brigade that The Socialist in Chief seems to have allowed to take over the Official White House Website Blog, if not the whole damn website itself.

Since we can’t keep track of all of them here at the White House, we’re asking for your help. If you get an email or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy....

Some idiot left a comment over at Stop the ACLU that tries its damndest to trash Conservatives for reacting in horror to this "Call to Action" by the White House, and/or its lackeys...

What really blows my mind is that nearly every right wing website quotes the WH in full, providing the text where the WH clearly doesn’t ask for PEOPLE to be reported. All these websites then immediately denounce the WH for asking for PEOPLE to be reported.

Um..., just who, or what, in the Sam Hill does this person think would be putting out the stuff the White House wants Americans to report? The Tooth Fairy?

Of course they want us to Snitch on each other.

Facts ARE stubborn things.

I never intended to blog politics here, that's why the subject rarely rears its head, but this truly frightens me, more than all the other Bullshit that has happened since Barack Obama was elected.

I've gone to one Tea Party, and blogged about the experiece, and hope to be able to attend more in the future.

Tea Party, Santa Ana Ca.: Speaking Up For America, the Free, the Republic.

Does Gazing at Your Navel for too Long Lead to Blindness?: A Tea Party Follow-Up.

I'm not only against his Healthcare plans, but have been, and continue to be, strongly against the Bailouts, Stimuluses, Taxing the Middle Class, his choice in Supreme Court Justice, Acorn, taking away my right to a Secret Ballot in Union Elections, and much, much more.

***UPDATE - 3AM: What I discovered by Googling Bicycling for Socialism = Thoughts on Bicycling and Socialism. ;-D ***

What follows is an e-mail that I just sent to flag  @ whitehouse.gov

Dear Mr. President:

I hear you, or your operatives, and flunkies, wish me to become a Snitch.....

Well, OK, if you INSIST. ;-D

I think it’s fishy that I can’t find out what the “health czar’s” budget is:

I think it’s fishy that some people seem to have a conflict of interest:

You guys are going to start investigating yourselves, aren't you? ;-D

You can start with the dis-information, and un-patriotic suggestion, posted here:

Your folks there in the Snitch Brigade need to investigate the health care scam that’s unfolding.

As for me, I’m snitching on myself as vehemently being opposed to Obamacare, Single Payer, and anything like it.

I like my healthcare plan just the way it is, thank you very much!

I 2nd the sentiments expressed in the letter posted here:

I'm sending the link in case his e-mail was counted as being Spam. ;-D

And I agree with Warner Todd Huston..."It appears that the White House thinks this is Orwell’s 1984. Big Brother is watching and he apparently resides in Oceania’s White House".

My Father, may he rest in peace, fought Socialism, and fled to America, from Macedonia, in 1951, because he refused to live under its yolk, and now operatives of the government of the freeist nation on Earth, and maybe even you, yourself, are asking Americans to turn on each other.

Over hear, or read something by, your boss, your neighbor, your parent, relative, spouse, or child, in opposition to the plans, policies, or statements of the current administration, and its enablers in Congress?

Turn them in! It's your Patriotic Duty!

My God! Does this sound familiar to ANYONE?

Oh, wait...I don't think they teach history like they used to, and The Greatest Generation IS slowly dying out.

One more thing, out here in the heartland, including Orange County, Ca., we are extremely disturbed by how you’re systematically destroying our way of life.

Kiril Kundurazieff

Santa Ana, Ca.

The Mad Macedonian

Putting the ING in BLOGGING Since May 2002!

Musings of a Mad Macedonian, and The Cycling Dude.

****UPDATE - 1225PM****

Snitch Brigader at Work? I've Been Binged! ;-D

****END UPDATE****

****UPDATE - 540PM***

Operation Go Flag Yourself! Join Up Today!

****END UPDATE****

****UPDATE - 8/6/09 - NOON****

The essay, WHO WE ARE by Dr. Zero, at Hot Air,  is a powerful, thoughtfull, unapologetic "Kiss My Ass" to Obama, The Socialist in Chief, his pliant Congress, and Media, and the rest of the Socialist, Loony, Liberal Left who think it is just peachy to Snitch on your friends, family, and neighbors, and put avowed Communists in public office, and give money to the likes of criminal outfits such as Acorn, and spend, spend, spend our way out of our problems.

It is a piece that makes some very clear statements of values, and principals, and other judgements that most Americans, even more thoughtful, non-brainwashed, Liberals, and Democrats, can agree with.

****END UPDATE****

****UPDATE - 8/8/09 - 1AM****

El Rushbo issued a Tour de Force of a rant on his show, on Thursday, ripping Nancy Pelosi a new one in not uncertain terms. ;-D 

Among the many things Rush said, on air, and that are reprinted on his website, with links to important supporing information, is the following:

"These town hall meetings reveal a deep distrust of Barack Obama and his policies and everyone who supports them. The town hall meetings, ladies and gentlemen, are a manifestation of America's lack of trust in the Democrat Party and its leaders. And now this man who is losing our trust has started an enemies list -- essentially, a snitch list. Americans have figured out that Obama doesn't care if votes are taken on bills that haven't been written. He has broken most every promise he has made and everybody knows that his "No New Tax" pledge on the middle class tax is next. In fact, that's already been broken. All of these actions and more have amounted to a betrayal of trust. Barack Obama's not who he said he was. Just for a moment forget falling polls, forget rising unemployment.

The problem Obama faces is destroying his presidency as he's losing the trust of the American people. He can no longer say "Trust me," and this distrust Americans feel is growing stronger and deeper every day that passes. It's becoming clear as well that Barack Obama listens to nobody. It's his hard-left agenda and whatever it takes to ram it through. He doesn't care what Americans think. He doesn't care about their ideas. He doesn't care about their values. This is all about him. This is all about Barack Obama's personal agenda and objectives. It's about Barack Obama erecting monuments to himself. He has no intention of governing. He intends to rule. And that's why legislation is voted on that no one's read. That's why he rams through bills without hearings, without discussion and without knowing any details. He intends to rule, and Americans are figuring it out. They no longer trust Barack Obama."

Bravo Rush Limbaugh! ;-D

Read the rest! Whose Swastikas, Speaker Pelosi?

****END UPDATE****

 

Meet Mr. Payaso

A life time ago, a nerdy, frequently picked on, little caucasian kid, lugging his school books around in a briefcase, his nose always stuck in a book, was a member of his Middle School Orchestra, in 7th, and 8th grades, playing the violin.

A fellow member was a spindly little Hispanic 8th, and 9th grader, named Ruben T. Mesa, who played the Viola.

This was 1972-1974, in Pomona, Ca., and while we never hung out together, that I can recall, we were friendly "Comrades in Bow Strokes and Classical Music" as we entered our turbulent teen years.

We entered Pomona High School together, he as a 10th grader, and I as part of the 1st 9th grade class.

I lost track of him after that as his life took turns typical of many of Pomona's troubled Hispanic, and Black youth of that era.

Recently, on Facebook, former classmates at Pomona High School, from the 70's, 80's, and 90's, and even earlier, have been re-connecting, and having a blast doing so.

Among the women who found me was one who had married Ruben as a teen, and had a child with him, before they divorced.

Funny how things work out in life.

They are are friends on FB, and thru her finding me, Ruben said hello, and we have become re-connected after over 30 years. ;-D

He remembered me from the bookstore I worked at from 1984 to 2001, because he was a frequent customer, but when I saw his current photo, and compared it to the Ruben I remember, I had to laugh because this would explain why I don't remember him from the bookstore days. ;-D

As he wrote me:

I used to frequent the bookstore on Holt often, which is where I'd see you.

I dropped out of Pomona High-actually kicked out after a fight.

I married...and started working...The eighties found me in what seemed to be an an endless party, followed by the 90's where I had to pick up the tab...

Should have stuck to the viola!!!!

I did however get my GED in 1998 in San Diego County Jail!

I've been up here in Northern Ca. for about a year, attend church and stay away from any forms or variations of the previous life!!!!

The world is full of stories about people who, somehow, or another, eventually find the strength of character to finally "Get their Shit Together", and begin the long, difficult, journey toward building a life that is a 2nd chance.

As Ruben says, "It's the tragedies of our past that build character for us to be who we are."

From skinny kids in the Orchestras of Mrs. Buxbaum, and Mr. Pratt, to "Survivors" of all that life has thrown at us so far, we have both come a long way.

I want to share with you some of what Ruben has done, and is doing, as seen on his website.

I want you to meet Mr. Payaso, The Assasin of Mediocrity!

What you will find, when you explore his website, is interesting, thought-provoking, funny, and serious, and will give you as much Food For Thought, as any other site in that list in my sidebar.

Casper The Commuting Cat, The Commutingest Cat You''ll Know

Nikita, here, and I think this story is the cutest, craziest, and most awesomest Cat's Meow!

He waits in line! He has a favorite seat! He even knows when to get off the bus!

No, no, NO! I'm NOT talking about my observations of Daddy when he takes me to the Vet!

I'm talking about a 12 year old Cat in Plymouth, England! ;-D

"He just gets on and off as he wants to. Goes for a little ride," says Karen Baxter, a public-relations manager for First UK Bus, who operates local buses in the Plymouth area. "If the drivers notice that he's there, they make sure that he doesn't get off at some random stop. The cat seems to know where to get back off, then he trots off home."

Watch the adorable 1 min. Video of a typical "Wander". ;-D

Story: 12-year-old cat commutes by bus in England. (1/2010 - This Story is gone, but here's a better one from the Plymouth paper!)

I fully expect the debate over whether allowing this to happen at all is responsible behavior on the part of not only the Human Companion of Casper, but his enablers, of his Wandering, the bus drivers, and passengers, to begin soon, if it hasn't already, somewhere, but while I agree that there are risks involved in what Casper does, he IS an adult, afterall, and obviously is in full control of his mental faculties, able to safely navigate the complexities involved in his little jaunt.

My only real concern is about cars when he crosses the road, and Catnappers, out for a buck, who learn of Casper thru these stories, and try to scam his Human.

***UPDATE -1/31/10: RIP Charming Pussycat! May there be many Busses for you to ride at Rainbow Bridge!***

A reader named Tony has sent me some very sad news:

Sadly the cat's love affair with the open road has proved his downfall after he was killed by a hit-and-run driver, it emerged today.

A notice appeared at the cat's usual bus stop saying: "Many local people knew Casper, who loved everyone. He also enjoyed the bus journeys. Sadly a motorist hit him … and did not stop.

"Casper died from his injuries. He will be greatly missed … he was a much-loved pet who had so much character. Thank you to all those who befriended him."

Such a shame!

From The London Guardian = Casper the commuting cat killed by hit-and-run driver

The local paper covered the story as well, and lots of folks paid tribute in the comments.

Marc Reddy, Managing Director of First Devon and Cornwall, expressed the company’s sympathy for the friendly feline.

He said: “We were devastated to hear that Casper had been involved in an accident; he was a regular passenger on Service 3 in Plymouth and had become very well known across the business. 

“On hearing the news of his death, many of the drivers expressed sympathy for him and Susan, and we contacted her to offer our collective condolences.

“Casper touched many people’s lives and clearly had a very exciting life – travelling around Plymouth and who knows where else. I suspect he’s now exploring heaven and is telling all the other cats up there about the many adventures he had.”

Casper was so popular that an image of him was emblazoned onto the side of a First Devon and Cornwall bus.

Mr Reddy said: “Casper’s image will remain on the bus for some time to come, and we hope that seeing it around town will give Susan some comfort.”

He added that Casper is also due to feature in a children’s TV programme later this year, detailing his exploits on the bus in the city.

“His memory will live on, giving people pleasure, for a while yet,” he added.

Plymouth Herald: Celebrity Cat killed in Hit and Run

***END UPDATE***

 

Are You a Taphophile?

Taphophilia describes those folks with a "love of cemeteries and funerals".

All you Genealogists, and others, who like to stroll around graveyards, and share your findings online, apparently have a word to describe yourselves, as The Taphophile's Handbook website says, "without sounding like strange sexual perverts." ;-D

The Taphophile's Handbook is "A Guide to Collections, and Celebrations, Plus Alternatives to Vandalism, and Theft, and is a fascinating site.

Wikipedia says: Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.

Taphophilia involves epitaphs, gravestone rubbing, photography, art, and history of deaths, both of the famous, and the ordinary.

The Wikipedia page has many useful links for Genealogists, and here is another: The Association of Graveyard Rabbits!

Sheila, of the blog Ma Vie Folle, shared her thoughts, and some absolutely wonderful photos, on her blog, last November:

Yeah, so I like cemeteries.  I admit it. 

“Hello, my name is Sheila, and I am a Taphophile”

I wonder if this is where, when I walk through the cemetery gates everyone yells “Sheila!” like in Cheers.   Hmmmmm, I hope not, considering most people in the cemetery are pretty much dead.

She took her kids "Cemetery Hopping" to, um, visit Her Grandma's ancestors, and neighbors. ;-D

 

Homeless Man named Jimmy a Hero to Feral Cats, but not Business, Government, Interests

Hello, Nikita here!

Daddy brings home the LA Weekly a lot, and when he's done I read it, too!

In the latest issue there is an interesting story about a homeless Christian-Muslim man who lives in a tent behind a Bed Bath & Beyond in Northridge, Ca. 

The Railroad, local politicians and Feral Cat Activists all have taken an interest in this man, his living arraingements, and activities.

Patrick McDonald, of the LA Weekly, presents the story in an interesting, and sympathetic, manner, that sorts out all the issues of this very complex situation.

Seven days after his court hearing for trespassing on railroad property, Naser Nasralla a Palestinian immigrant from Jordan known as “Jimmy” by his friends, is once again feeding the stray, skinny cats that roam his neighborhood in Northridge, a tree-lined Los Angeles suburb in the San Fernando Valley made famous by a devastating 1994 earthquake.

“Cats have no reason to be hungry,” explains Jimmy, who speaks fluent English. “Cats love life like people do.”

While I wish there was more about the Feral Cats I still think this was a good story with pictures of Jimmy, his elaborate tent, and one of the feral cats as well.

Jimmy is a kind hearted man, with complex personal issues, who needs the system to reach out to him, and get him to accept some help, not wasting all their time and money trying to evict him, especially when no-one has a clue of who has proper jurisdiction of the spot where he has pitched his tent. 

Someone also needs to reach out to the kitties in the area, and get some help for them, too!

A Forever Home, and getting spayed/neutered, would be better than the rugged existence they live now.

Ed Muzika leaves a comment, among the many posted to the story, that says:

Jimmy is part of a network of people in the area that tend colonies and do get the cats spayed and neutered. To name just a few, there are Helene, Monica, Rebecca, Marie and myself. We do periodically trap and get the animals fixed. We help each other in terms of medications and food and trapping as needed.

The real problem is that there are already lots of cats on the street all over the Valley, fixed and not fixed, and your options are to do nothing, as you seem to propose,or you can help keep them alive, or even place them.

Jimmy is in no position of provide vet care or get the cats fixed as he is confined to bicycle transportation. So each of us does as he or she can. But to criticize Jimmy for not being a full service "feral cat placement service" sort of misses the point of the article.

Jimmy does build coyote-proof houses for them out of heavy lumber donated to him. The cats stay in these shelters which he has erected all over Northridge at various feeding stations until people steal them. The other cats living near him have escape ledges underneath the bridge that no animal larger than a cat can get onto. He has also built sort of guard rails so the cats don't fall into the riverbed below.

A Google Search has led me to the great Blog of Ed Muzika, LA Animal Watch, and it is something that he has been posting on, regularly, since 2006.

I will add it to my Blogroll. ;-D

Read the rest of the story, here: Jimmy On the Edge of Town.