Un-Make . . .

In a recent essay at www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/20156-an-open-letter-to-you, William Rivers Pitt expresses an extreme helplessness at some recent events in the news which are representative of some of the major problems in modern American society.

The Democratic politician who smashes all the worldly belongings of people who live on the street because he hates homeless people;  the video game based upon the Sandy Hook tragedy which was banned post-haste while nothing was done about the causes of the initial tragedy;  and the young, 99 percent-er who died of a treatable ailment because of the inability to get health insurance.
Details can be pursued through the hyperlink above.

There's not much to add.  And I certainly could not add anything that would be as eloquent as what Mr. Pitt has composed. I do feel the need to quote this particular portion though:

". . . I hope it is not a hollow room, a hollow country, a hollow soul I speak to, because these three stories happen all the time, and every day. This is where you live, and this is who you are. If you have a conscience, it makes you feel dirty in your heart.

We are responsible for this. We are all part of this thing that is dismantling our basic humanity brick by brick.

We can un-make it.  We simply have to. . ."


LET'S . . .

What do you think?
Tell me at
http://www.rayjozwiak.com/guestbook.html

My latest release, Black & White Then Back,
can be downloaded digitally at:

(or you can copy-and-paste this URL directly to
your browser:  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rayjozwiak3)

Also, be sure to visit:
http://www.rayjozwiak.com

Tweet

Both Sides. . .

So I've got to say that I certainly hear both sides of the debate (see Pianogonzology August 14th & 15th) and empathize with each.  Our society is all too quick to vilify and then we seek revenge.  (See Mel Gibson movies-Any)

While Anthony Weiner, Bob Filner and Eliot Spitzer have all done despicable deeds, some with more hubris than others, as Howard Bess says, dwelling on these things will only make us miserable human beings.

I certainly have no desire to bring additional or excessive misery upon myself.  First, and I'm sure Howard would agree, any illegal activity must not go unpunished.  And I most certainly believe Howard is spot-on that we must forgive and move on.  Based upon sincere remorse and a willingness to make amends (and restitution, if applicable) everyone deserves another chance.

What I have difficulty with, and I'm sure Howard is a much better man than I, is re-electing someone to the same position (or higher) when deficient remorse has been exhibited and excessive lack of scruples demonstrated.

What do you think?
Tell me at
http://www.rayjozwiak.com/guestbook.html

My latest release, Black & White Then Back,
can be downloaded digitally at:

(or you can copy-and-paste this URL directly to
your browser:  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rayjozwiak3)

Also, be sure to visit:
http://www.rayjozwiak.com

Tweet

Whaaa? . . .

Joe Flacco of the Baltimore Ravens, under his new contract, will get over $20 million per year for the next six years.  Does that evoke any kind of reaction from you?

First, we surely can't blame Joe Flacco for this state of affairs nor probably even the Baltimore Ravens, although the latter is in a better position to initiate any semblance of a change to the system than the former.

A professor at one of Maryland's top public research universities recently wrote to the Baltimore Sun broaching the subject from the perspective of one who could utilize such sums in some very productive ways for the ultimate betterment of society but has no way of obtaining such.

He goes on to say that, with that kind of money, his institution could hire about 200 new assistant professors, start up 20 new science and engineering labs, offer full scholarships to large  numbers of students, build new academic buildings for classrooms and labs every few years, support the education of students that would further ensure the best learning possible and that they are as well equipped to succeed as possible.

The blame, he goes on, belongs to folks who send their kids to the public schools but rather than adequately funding education, buy expensive tickets to professional sporting events, equip their homes with the best audio and video hardware available and buy all the goods and services offered by the advertisers and sponsors of those events whenever possible.

I think the gentleman makes a very valid point.  But alas, he admits, he doesn't quite know how to change it.

What do you think?
Tell me at  
http://www.rayjozwiak.com/guestbook.html

My latest release, Black & White Then Back,
can be downloaded digitally at:

(or you can copy-and-paste this URL directly to
your browser:  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rayjozwiak3)

Also, be sure to visit:
http://www.rayjozwiak.com

Tweet

Forward. . .

. . . please. . .

Many polls and publications claim that 90% of Americans support background checks for persons buying guns. Still Congress refuses to listen to their own constituents.  They refuse to listen to the very people who put them into office! It's time to put new people in office to represent us.  Start NOW.

Background checks are done for for a number of things on an everyday basis such as hiring employees, due diligence, litigation, when children are involved and before a relationship gets serious among others. A background check is NOT a violation of a right.  It's just plain SMART.

“Society & science are Humanity’s legs,
they both need to keep walking in order for humanity to  move.”
-Anonymous

". . . But I know also, that laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths disclosed, and manners and opinions change with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also, and keep pace with the times. We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy, as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors."
-Thomas Jefferson

Let's progress without the members of the current Congress!

Also, please visit:  
http://www.rayjozwiak.com

My latest release, Black & White Then Back,
can be downloaded digitally at:

(or you can copy-and-paste this URL directly to
your browser:  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rayjozwiak3)



Also, be sure to visit:
http://www.rayjozwiak.com

Tweet

How? . . .

. . . Mitt? . . .

 (from MSNBC http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/19/10765542-romney-best-thing-i-can-do-for-student-debt-is-get-you-a-good-job) at a 'Town Hall' session at Bradley University recently. . .

 "I and my party are also devoted to making sure we don't pass on to you trillions upon trillions of dollars in debt. We have in the Democratic party people who are consumed with giving more and more benefits to me and my generation, and passing on those burdens to you,"

How, Mitt?


"My party, my vision, is about protecting economic freedom for you," Romney said. "I've had it for me. I've had economic freedom. I've achieved beyond my wildest dreams. I want economic freedom for you."

 How, Mitt?


"Well they can go wherever they’d like to go; this is a free society. But here’s what I’d say, which is the federal government should not tax these people to pay for Planned Parenthood," Romney said. "The idea of the federal government funding Planned Parenthood I’m going to say no, we’re going to stop that."

How and why, Mitt?


"Best thing I can do for student debt is get you a good job when you come out," Romney said.

How, Mitt?

What do YOU think?
http://www.rayjozwiak.com/guestbook.html

 
Download your
very own copy of
ANOTHER SHOT
by Ray Jozwiak

Please Visit
http://www.rayjozwiak.com

Tweet