The Tragedy Is Nationwide

The "tragedy in Tuscon", as it has come to be called, it just a small part of a much larger tragedy; a tragedy that engulfs our nation and our society. On a regular basis, people are gunned down in cities around the country. We rarely hear about this. Why? Because the victims are "insignificant"? They are perhaps poor, drug addicts and/or dealers, gang members, etc. Yet they are someone's mother or father, or even someone's child. They are human beings, just like you and I. They may not have the "status" that some of the victims in the Tuscon shootings have, but they are still human beings, and the needless murder of any human being is a tragedy.

There will now be calls for stricter gun control laws. I reject these arguments. First of all, there are are already many illegally obtained guns out there that will still be out there once new laws are in place. The new laws would do nothing about this. Second, criminals do not obey laws. If they wish to obtain a gun and cannot do so legally, they will do so illegally, by stealing or some other means. Just look at the drug laws; they do not prevent people who really want drugs from getting them. Just look at prohibition. People could still get alcohol if they wanted it. Gun control laws will not solve the problem.

There is a culture of hate and violence in our society. We are too easily offended or angered by the words and actions of others, then too often resort to violence as an answer. We want vengeance for some wrong that has been done to us, whether the offender intended to hurt us or not. Until we all realize that everyone out there is a human being just like us, with the same basic needs and rights, the problem will continue.

Miscarriage of Justice

In this morning's paper there were two stories virtually side-by side. One was about a homeless man who had spent 13 years in jail after trying to steal food from a church kitchen. Thirteen years for that!? Really!? Could they have not cut this man a break? He was probably just hungry! The other was about a man charged with DUI for the 7th time! This man was not in jail and he had a valid driver's license! Now tell me, which one of these people should have spent 13 years in jail? Which one obviously has the money to afford a better lawyer? Our justice system is so screwed up....just like our political system.

So Sayeth The Shack

Time For Leaves to Leave

Autumn leaves are kind of like winter snow....pretty at first, but after they've been around too long they get ugly and dirty and it's just time for them to go away.

So Sayeth The Shack

Here We Go Again!

We're heading for summer and the price of gas is on the way up. Where I live it has gone up 5-10 cents per gallon EVERY DAY for the past week or so. Who to blame? The oil companies? Well, Exxon seems to make record profits every year no matter how high or low the price of gas is so I think they are less to blame than some others. Who are those others? The rich, greedy commodity traders. They are the ones who push up the prices of necessities so they can get a bigger return on their investment dollar while breaking the budgets of the common people who cannot afford to pay more for basic things like food and energy. Have we learned nothing over the past two years? Despite what some "experts" might say, I think that $4-plus/gallon gasoline had a big hand in causing the current economic crisis. The experts might say that it was the mortgage situation but I say that a lot fewer people would have defaulted on their mortgages if they didn't have to pay over $4/gallon for gas just to get to work. And I firmly believe that another steep rise in the price of gas will quell any attempt at an economic recovery anytime soon.

Greed, mixed with a little stupidity, played a big part in the current recession. I am talking mostly about the people who are investing in and manipulating the prices of basic things such as food and energy in order to pad their wallets. In fact I think that such trading should be banned. Necessities such as food and energy should not be traded for profit. The common people simply cannot afford higher prices on food and energy just so the rich people can get richer.

So Sayeth The Shack

Feeling Unstimulated

So they government has given billions of dollars to the banks to "stimulate the economy" and rescue the banks from "failure". And what are the banks doing with this money? They're turning around and screwing their customers!!

I recently received a notice from a bank with which I have a card account. I have never missed a payment or been late, but the notice said they were raising my interest rate about 8 percent! I had the option of "accepting"the change or cancelling my card and paying off the balance at the old rate and terms. So I called and asked them why the increase since I had done nothing to merit this increase. They said it was because of "economic conditions". In other words I was being punished for the actions of other people, since I had nothing to do with the current recession. So I cancelled my card. If that's what they're going to do, screw them! I hope they do fail! I encourage everyone else in this situation to do the same thing so the banks will get the message!

So Sayeth The Shack

Keep Government Out of Sports

The government has been known to overstep its bounds now and than and right here we have a classic case. They want to step in and legislate a college football bowl and playoff system. Now admittedly, the current system is imperfect, but it is no business of the government. Things have really gone too far in this country when the government gets involved with things like this. They need to stick to the business of running the country and sports has nothing to do with that.

So Sayeth The Shack

Trickle-Down Taxation

I read a post on a message board recently that got me thinking. One person said "we don't have to worry about our taxes going up; that will only happen to productive, hard-working Americans making $250,000 or more." The other person said "my employer makes that much; there goes my raise."

Previously I had been all for the idea of increasing taxes on better-off individuals and companies while keeping taxes low on the rest of us. But this little exchange got me to think. If the company I work for has to pay more taxes, they will have less money to pay their workers or to invest in capital improvement. So really a tax increases on businesses and well-off individuals can really also end up being a tax increase on the rest of us, without the rest of us realizing it. So we end up paying one way or the other.

Of course there is no guarantee that if our employers get to keep the money, they will use it to increase our compensation or to better our working conditions.

So Sayeth The Shack

These People Should Work for PENNDOT

Now they'll expect everyone to fix their own roads!!

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/04/09/hawaii.volunteers.repair/index.html?eref=rss_topstories


So Sayeth The Shack

Leave The Drunks Laying In The Street

Leave the drunks laying in the street.

That's what I say after reading the latest story about people with legitimate injuries having to wait 8 hours in the emergency room for treatment or transfer to another facility because the ambulances were too busy bringing in drunks who were injured or passed out during the State Patty's Day drunkfest. The people who pass out should be left laying wherever they end up, in their own vomit even. Those who are injured should be made to wait 8 hours or go elsewhere for treatment so they can sober up and think about it. I have no sympathy whatsoever for these people. They deserve what they get.

I wonder how any of these drunks would feel if someone had died waiting for the ambulance that was instead tied up taking them to the hospital because they were behaving senselessly.

And to the person who said “It wasn’t the students’ fault. It’s just what we do.” you can just take your money and go somewhere else. We don't want you or your money in our town. If that's what the future leaders of our country do, then this country is in worse shape than I thought.

So Sayeth The Shack

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The Nest Gets Emptier

I don't usually say much about my personal or family life on this site, but I'll make an exception.

We now have one less person in our household as our oldest, our daughter, moved out last week. I guess it would have technically happened several months ago had she chosen to go to college, but she did not, even though she had applied and been accepted. And that's OK with me. College isn't for everyone...I barely made it through myself. And it costs so much sometimes I wonder if it is even worth it. She has been working full-time since before high-school graduation last year and has been wanting to move out (especially since I started charging her rent beginning this year). So she moved in with some friends across town. We'll see how things go. Rents are high around here and working full time at a pizza place barely pays enough for that and a few other necessities. She knows she can come back if she needs to. Meanwhile, what to do with her room. We have a few ideas, but I don't want to do anything too drastic until we see how permanent this arrangement ends up being.

So Sayeth The Shack

Not An "Accident"

"Crash death ruled accidental" was the headine to a story concerning the death of a 4-year old boy as the result of a car crash. This tragedy could have easily been prevented and so was no more an "accident" than those that are caused by drunk drivers. In this case, according to newspaper reports, the driver of the car, the boy's mother, attempted to pass another vehicle IN A NO PASSING ZONE ON A SNOW-COVERED ROAD! She slid off the road and hit a tree head-on. There is a double dose of stupidity here. First of all, no-passing zones are there for a reason. Due to sight distance, curves or potential oncoming traffic entering the road from an intersection, it has been deemed unsafe to pass in the area. Second, on a snow-covered and slippery road? Just take it easy and slow down. Sure there are some people who drive too slow in those conditions, but it is safer to just back off and stay behind them than to try to pass, especially in a no-passing area.

So Sayeth The Shack

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The Octuplet Scam

So this woman that had the octuplets, along with all her other kids, apparently is just trying to make some kind of celebrity of herself. She has a publicist and a website. (Wonder who is paying for those). She even has the audacity to be using the website to ask for donations! And supposedly she has received death threats. While the death threats, if they have indeed occurred (note my skepticism) cannot be condoned, I have to say that anyone who actually donates money to this woman via her website is an idiot. This is all just a big scam to get money and noteriety. The next thing we know she'll be showing up on "The View" and whatever other talk show she can weasel her way on to.

So Sayeth The Shack

I Hate (Love) My Job

Ever hate something and love it at the same time? That is how I feel about my job right now.

Regular readers know what I do and where I do it so I won't get into that. Besides it could be most any job.

I was never too keen on the "new system" my company went to a couple of years or so ago, but recently it has gotten worse. In early December, a couple of positions were cut from the shift I work on and the work was "redistributed". And I'll tell you right where it all went: to me! So now I am doing not only what I used to do but also what two other people used to do. And I only have the same amount of time to do it that I had before. This is an enormous amount of work to be responsible for and I m also expected to get everything right. Some days it doesn't bother me too much, but other days it does, and this is one day when it bothered me a lot. So I just had to write it down, shout it from the highest hill: I hate my f-ing job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But I have to say that at the same time, I love my job....sort of anyway. In a time when it seems tens of thousands more people are losing their jobs every day, I have to say that I am at least somewhat happy to still be employed. Because if I weren't, I'd have nowhere to live and nothing to eat. It's just that on some days, like today, I'd rather be a trash collector.

So Sayeth The Shack

The Obama Abortion Irony

Our new president is a supporter of abortion rights. The conservative Catholic group, Catholicvote.org, had a new ad to coincide with his inauguration yesterday. The gist of the ad was as follows.....

"This child's future is a broken home
he will be abandoned by his father
his single mother will struggle to raise him
despite the hardships he will endure
this child
will become
The 1st African American President
Life
Imagine the Potential"

What are the odds that our now-president might have become just another abortion statistic?

While I agree that abortion should be up to an individual, the individual should not just automatically decide to abort a fetus just because it looks like it might be a tough road ahead. People actually can overcome and rise above bad situations.

So Sayeth The Shack

What's The Harm In Mentioning "God"?

Many years ago, the atheists were successsul in getting prayer removed from our public schools. More recently, some have attempted to get the words "so help me God" removed from the presidential oath of office. In the meantime, what about the "in God we trust" that is emblazened on our currency and the fact that when you testify in court you swear an oath on a bible ending with the words "so help me God". (There are exceptions for non-believers in most cases). There are still many religious references in public everyday life.


For those who believe in God, which is still the majority of people in this country, this is not a problem. Since this country is supposed to be a Democracy, that means majority rules, right? So those who do not believe should "take a back seat". Just like those who did not vote for the new president-elect should "get over it" and "get on with their lives"

Besides, even if you do not believe in God, is the mention of His name going to kill you? Surely, I think not. Does it offend you? If so, you need some thicker skin. So I really don't see the problem with phrases such as "so help me God" or "in God we trust", at least when spoken by someone else. To the atheist, it is just an empty, meaningless phrase. And in most cases, exemptions have been made for non-believers when testifying in court that they do not need to speak these words. So it should ultimately be up to the person taking the oath whether or no to make a reference to God. If the incoming president chooses not to speak these words, he should not have to. But if he did choose not so, that would cause quite a stir, don't you think?


So Sayeth The Shack

Happy New Year 2009

My longtime readers know that I am usually somewhat of a scrooge when it come to New Year's.

But this year I will start things off on a slightly different note.

Happy New Year from The Shack. May 2009 be better that or at least as good as 2008 for you and your families. May you face and overcome new challenges with faith and strengh. May you strengthen old relationships and start new ones. May a small piece of the world be better because of you. And may you find yourself a better person in some way 365 days from now. Have a good year!


So Sayeth The Shack

Digital TV

Unless you live in a cave in Aghanistan, and probably even if you do, you have heard about the government mandated switch to digital TV coming up in the near future.

Our local TV stations have been running incessant announcements as well as scroll bars during the shows about it. I really wish they would stop. There cannot possibly be anyone left who watches more than 5 minutes per month of TV who was not heard about it. Plus, as I understand it, it is only going to affect people who do not have cable or satellite. What's that, maybe 1 percent of the population?

Moreover, I hate the way government has mandated this change....again in usual way, forcing people to spend money to come into compliance with some law. If digital TV was so great, don't you think the people and the TV stations would eventually make that switch anyway?

As for myself, I have an old-fashioned (not digital, not high-def, not flat screen) TV that I bought about 10 years ago. Since it is connected to cable, it will supposedly keep right on working. But there is a small part of me that wishes it wouldn't. There is so little stuff on there that is really worth watching and of course I can definitely do without the advertising.


So Sayeth The Shack

We're All Going To Pay Dearly

Wow! Isn't this recession great?!

Gas prices are way down. Other prices are coming down. There are plenty of bargains out there.

As long as you still have a job.

BUT WAIT!!!!

Have you heard about the tax and fee increases?

Due to loss of revenue from real estate values and other investments, most municipalities are increasing taxes and fees. Five percent seems to be the going rate where I live. A 5 percent real estate tax increase. A 5 percent sewer rate increase. And increases across the board on virtually all services...like trash collection, etc. Soon they'll be charging us by the street foot frontage to plow the snow. Renters, many of whom are on fixed incomes, will get slammed as landlords pass on all the increases.

What lies ahead? No one knows. Certainly not the "experts" who just months ago were predicting $10/gallon gas in the near future. Where is all the money going to come from for these "bailouts"? Oh yeah...I know...HIGHER TAXES FOR US!! So my grim prediction: more of us will lose our jobs, prices can only go so low, but taxes and fees will continue to go up, to the point where many of us will not be able to pay them.

A side note: What I can't believe is the NFL is losing money and cutting jobs. Yeah right. With the price they charge for tickets plus all the advertising revenue? I see those stadiums filled every week on TV. That's a crock o' crap that they're losing money.


So Sayeth The Shack

Even Atheism Is A Religion

After reading the news about the sign an atheist group put up next to a nativity scene In Olympia, WA, I was curious and had to check out the group's website. The sign that had been put up dismisses belief in gods or devils, heaven or hell, and claims that there is only the world we currently live in. It claims that religion only "hardens hearts and enslaves minds". Looking around, it would seem that a lot of awful things have been done in the name of religion both in recent times and throughout history. But is God really the author of such hideous acts? I really don't think so. All of these acts have been committed by people. They might cowardly blame God (or the devil) for what they do, but no supernatural being can force them or any of us to do anything. We all have our own free will and are responsible for our own actions. As powerful as he might be, God cannot force us to obey him.

Meanwhile, these atheists have their own "religion", if I may call it that. I define the term religion here as a gathering of people who think or believe alike joining together to share their beliefs as well as attempting to influence others to believe likewise. This is pretty much what all religions do. This group has a website and a radio show. On their website, they invite people to join their "religion" and to make a tax-deductible donation. So they are really doing some of the same things that the other religious groups they criticize are doing.


So Sayeth The Shack

We'll Miss You, Julie!

One of my favorite local columnists has passed away. I very much enjoyed her writing and am saddened by this news. My condolences to her family and friends.

Wednesday, Dec. 03, 2008
"PSU editor, former CDT employee Brink dead at 50"

"CDT columnist Julie Ann Brink, who brought a distinctive voice of admiration for country living to the community, died Monday. She was 50."

"(Linked are some of Julie Brink's CDT columns and some of her work at Penn State)
Marking seasons with sweet memories
Julie Brink: Raised in savoring the spoils of saving
Julie Brink: Instructor learns a few lessons of her own from undergrads
Julie Brink: Living on a farm
Julie Brink: PSU still life
Julie Brink: Packard's 'Hidden Persuaders' reminds consumers why they buy
Julie Brink: Book offers solutions on how to cope with nasty co-workers "

"Brink was a lifelong writer, working at the Centre Daily Times as an copy editor and features editor for more than 15 years before leaving in 2000 to work at Penn State.
There she was assistant manager for internal communications, wrote the occasional feature story, and taught journalism on the side.
An chronicler of rural life, Brink lived in Centre County for more than 20 years after growing up in Irvona, Clearfield County, and graduating from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Penn State spokeswoman Annemarie Mountz, who worked with Brink for 20 years, both at the CDT and then at Penn State, said Brink was a stickler for grammar and editorial style, but a friend to everyone she worked beside.
“She’s always been so unassuming and behind the scenes — the copy editor — making other people look good,” she said.
Brink died Monday after being hospitalized with pneumonia.
“Julie and I both loved sunsets,” Mountz said. “Back in 1991 when Mount Pinatubo erupted putting dust in the air, every night in the midst of deadline she and I would get up from our desks and watch the gorgeous sunsets. Everyone else thought we were crazy.”
She was born in Philipsburg, went to Moshannon Valley High School, and is survived by her sister, Christina, of Camp Hill.
CDT senior reporter Chris Rosenblum called Brink a “conscientious and dedicated editor” who “cared deeply about good writing and good journalism.”
Christine Arbutina noted that the Book Beat page that appears in Sunday’s Life section was Brink’s brainchild.
After leaving the CDT, she continued to write columns, and in recent years produced a “Centre Life” column that appeared one Monday of each month.
“Julie’s columns always were reader favorites,” said Bob Heisse, CDT executive editor. “She was a great friend of the paper and she’ll be missed.”
Some of her columns dealt with current affairs, but many were fond recollections of her years growing up in rural Clearfield County, or observations about her life in Houserville. Earlier this year, she received an honorable mention for her work in the columns category of the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association’s Keystone Awards.
“Through her columns, CDT readers got to know a lot about Julie,” Arbutina said. “We learned about her bountiful gardens, her beloved cats, and her penchant for salvaging things old yet still useful well before such recycling became fashionable. Her vivid accounts of growing up in Clearfield County’s coal country were history lessons in 600 words or less.”
After leaving the CDT, Brink went to work for Penn State where she edited three dozen newswires a week, and had lent her talents to others by teaching a feature writing class.
“She was a wonderful teacher,” said Ford Risley, head of the department of journalism. “She really cared about the craft of writing and wanted to pass that along to students.”
CDT senior reporter Chris Rosenblum and other staff members contributed to this report. Sara Ganim can be reached at 231-4616. "

So Sayeth The Shack