RichK's blog

I just wanted to check in with my fellow bloggers to make sure that they are all right after hearing the news.  In case you haven't, Al gore won the Nobel Peace Prize.  Now please.  No vapors, swooning or retching while on the blogs, especially after you hear this. 

There are reports on the news wires that some Dems are trying to convince him to run for ...GASP! president.  If any of you need an extra cup of coffee this morning, go ahead.  It's totally understandable.  I'm hoping that every one is OK out there.  Wouldn't want to loose any of you.  JATFUR.

RichK

Fellow Bloggers,

I was listening to a talk show on NPR & it had to do with serious subjects being presented on the  comics page.  Question being, is it appropriate for serious subjects to be on the comic page.  Examples, breast cancer, alcoholism, physical violence, death.  It got me to thinking that over the decades, yes, I said decades, while some comics have remained virtually unchanged, sometimes inane, some have, indeed, incorporated real life along with the problems into their panels.

What do you feel @ it?  Tell you the truth, I never gave it any real thought, but it's never too late to think.

I've only come across the Daily Show with John Stewart a couple of times while surfing.  But while doing something else I had a chance to see him for more than @ 5 seconds.  I think I found me a new hero.  Granted, he's not as funny as Rush Limbo or Bill Riley (sp)  but neither is he as nauseating or dangerous.  All hail the Daily Show!  How could I have been missing this for so long?  I never realised he had such respect & admiration for our fearless decider.  Darn, he's good.

RichK

Details can be a real pain in the butt, just like me.  But nonetheless, they are there & will haunt us if we don’t pay attention to the lessons they teach us.  I was paying attention to them while wondering through the local news stories.  I couldn’t help but notice that there has been some attention paid to a St. Johns County coach under fire for holding prayers after football games.  Yes, there is a question of separation here.  Yes, we have had input in the manner of letters to the editor in the Times Union concerning this subject.  Curiously enough, I’ve noticed that all of the letters printed so far have been in favor of holding prayers after the game.  I must say that I find it statistically remarkable considering the population in the area.  Not one opposing view has been published.  Imagine that.  As with any subject, a fair & balanced view should be given.

When it comes to politics, yes, there were simpler times.  Not simple, mind you.  Politics has never been simple or easy.  But in comparison to today, they were a bit simpler.

One could pretty much count on what was going to transpire before, during & after an election.  Both sides had their pre determined vitriolic rhetoric & accusations against each other.  Maybe a touch of scandal dealing with sex, money, favors or a combination.  Nothing that really shocked or scandalized any one.  But times have genuinely changed for the worse I think, but definitely more complicated.

OK kids.  It's time to inject a little controversy.  I've noticed that the blogs have bogged down a bit.

Most of you who have been folowing the blogs know that I center on basically two things.  Politics & religion.  Some have agreed, some not.  Regardless, you have all contributed your thoughts & that is the art & science of communication & conversation.  Considering some of the comments & replies from some of you concerning these issues, it is apparent that there are many divergent views, all of which should be respected.  I came across something I thought was very interesting.  Not in or of itself, but for future possibilities.

I would like to thank contributing writer to MCS, Ron Littlepage, for his comments on churches in Jax having to possibly pay fees for garbage pick up & water treatment in his Viewpoint column in the Sunday, September 30, edition of the Times Union.

I know that this issue does not directly affect Clay, but opposing views ran the gamut from extremely limited to non existent.  While not touching on all of the issues, the reasons he gave were well thought out & reasonable. Once again, thanks Ron.

RichK

During the times of political discussion here, especially during what have been called, "Bush bashing," there have been those of you have also expressed the feeling that regardless of which candidate we have voted for, or are being asked to vote for, there has usuallly been the atmosphere of having to vote, "for the lesser of two evils.

For the most part, there has been general agreement on this point & I agree also.  But running through the news wires, I came across a good one that pretty well, I think, puts it into perspective.  It's a picture of a man with a sign that says, "Vote Democratic in 2008.  Spineless is better than Evil."

Yes, a slow day at home, but an interesting news day.  Watching the local news at noon, the big topic was the proposed taxation of churches for garbage pick up & water treatment.  What was not so surprising was the reaction of the faith community.

What was their first reaction?  It was against the Constitution, of course.  One member even claimed separation of church & state.  My question is, where was all of this concern for constitutional principles & separation when the faith community gladly took taxpayers monies for their day of faith rally for the increasing musder rate?  It seemed that the only concern they had was when the city had to settle out of court when they got caught.  They knew they were wrong & would have to pay for it.  But when they might have to pay for services that have nothing to do with religion, all of a sudden they find the Constitution & the principles of separation.  Another fine example of the Temple On The Mount of Hypocricy.  JATFUR.

Latest thing seen on the newswires, "W", using aides & other back channel sources, is reported to be giving not only Hillary Clinton, but other candidates, some good natured advice.  He was telling them to be careful of what they say @ the war in Iraq & what they would do to get troops out in case they might someday be sitting in his chair in the oval office.  

Darn!  That is just so nice of him.  Not only excersing a CYA policy for himself, but for one of our future leaders.  What's next, inviting Hillary over for coffee, maybe schnapps & some sponge cake?  Of course, if he didn't get himself in this mess in the first place............