Watch This Spot - Part 2

We're still having firewall problems, or some kind of problem. I really wish I knew more about computers and the like so I could have an idea of what the problem is. I hate relying on anyone, even LS/PCG, to do things for me.

See, when you have to rely on others, it gets done in their time frame. Which rarely is the same as mine. When someone asks me to do something, I make an honest effort to do it as soon as possible so they don't have to wait and are inconvenienced. But it seems that I seldom have that courtesy extended my way - by anyone. And that lack of courtesy really frosts me.

Sure, I can use LS/PCG's computer, as I am doing right now. But I have to use it when he's not using it so that leaves out most evenings. And since it's his computer, I don't like changing things. Not to mention that I can't get to my primary email accounts, my bookmarks, nothing of mine. Oh, he offered to set up an account on his computer for me, but I would have to start from scratch with bookmarks and I still would not be able to access my primary email accounts so what's the point?

I like my computer. I know the feel of the keyboard and the mouse. It has it's problems and will be replaced in a year or so anyway, but it's mine. I have all my stuff at hand on my desk. When I pay bills, I have pens and paper available to write notes so that I can put the information into Quicken. I don't know where anything is on his desk, and looking around, I'm not sure I really want to touch anything. Geez Louise! I want to use my computer to access the Internet! Is that really too much to ask? I'm beginning to think it is.

I was going to rant about other things, but I don't want anyone to think I don't love LS. I do. And that's what is so aggravating! If a friend of mine told me these things, I'd ask, why do you put up with it? Throw the bum out! I see the problems my friends have and realize, that as aggravated as I get, I have it pretty good. LS doesn't drink, doesn't run around, doesn't spend money like a drunken sailor, and I know where he is most of the time. And most important of all, I know he loves me.

But, can't he help out once in a while??????

Democracy

I know, dear reader, that you are intelligent enough to know that we don't live in a democracy. You didn't? Okay, recite the Pledge of allegiance to yourself; out loud will help.

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands....."

There it is. The US is a Republic, not a democracy. A democracy is where the majority decide what's best for everyone. A good example is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for lunch.

The Founding Fathers were against the idea of a democracy. They felt it would not be in the best interests of the country to be a democracy, but also did not want a monarchy. They'd had enough of rulers so set up the government to be a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. We elect our government every two or four years. If we don't like what someone has done, we vote someone else in. It's a good system that has worked for over two hundred years.

The thing is, very few of us educate ourselves about the people who are running for office. Too many of us tend to vote according to our party affiliation - they vote the "party line" without knowing or understanding what the "party line" is. Others vote against someone, these are the "anyone but (insert name)!" voters. They usually vote this way because the candidate has done something they are vehemently against. The problem with this is they don't think about the things that this candidate has done that is good for the country. Or that the other candidate is in actuality the worse choice of the two.

We also fail to inform ourselves on the issues. Again, since we don't know how John Doe stands on an issue, we vote party affiliation or the "anyone but" method. When we do inform ourselves, we tend to listen to network newscasts. I've noticed over the last, oh, 15 years or so, the press decides who they want in office and this person gets the positive press. Anything negative is ignored or glossed over. And when it's the other candidate in question, negative press gets the coverage and positive press is ignored or glossed over.

I've found that talk radio gives me more information, for and against, than network news does. Many people feel that talk radio is right wing and conservative based and therefore won't say anything against President Bush. The shows I listen (Neal Boortz and Sean Hannity nationally and Mark Larsen locally) often talk about what they feel Bush has done wrong. These shows, and others like them are out there. You just have to turn off the country, hip hop, rap, easy listening, metal, golden oldies or whatever it is you like to listen to and find them.

Hannity has a "man in the street segment" where they send a producer out to talk to people on the street. They ask simple questions such as who the Vice President or Secretary of State or Defense is. I am constantly amazed at how many people do not know who the VP is. Or the Secretary of State or Secretary of Defense. But they know all about "Survivor", "American Idol", "The Apprentice", and what Brittany Spears is doing. I'm not saying no one should know these things, but couldn't we have just a little bit more balance? We're talking about the future of our country.

Neal Boortz has a theory that only taxpayers should vote and he has ideas on just who pays taxes. It's not as cut and dried as you think. He also thinks that women should not be allowed to vote. I won't get into his reasons on either topic, but I don't entirely disagree.

Anyway, we need to inform ourselves on the candidate and the issues. We also need to inform ourselves on the Constitution and just what that document says. We base our laws on it, so we should know about it. I'll be adding links to it and other important documents and websites I think are important for one reason or another. Please visit and inform yourself.

Education - it's a good thing.