Friday, July 25, 2008

the 21st century

I have made a leap forward and joined the 21st century.

I now have a My Space page.

God, I love the Internets.

www.myspace.com/stimp99

Enjoy...good night and good luck...stimp

Monday, June 23, 2008

Philosophy

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Saturday, June 14, 2008

Sunday Morning

June 14, 2008

In my house, Sunday Morning always started with basically the same conversation.

"Mom, can I watch cartoons/play video games/watch a movie?"
"Later, honey, I'm watching "Meet The Press"" Or if I was feeling humorous "Press The Meat".

Yeah, I know. I'm a hoot.

I don't claim to be any kind of journalist, as some of my blogging cohorts do. I've always been a loudmouthed housewife. But I know class when I see it.

Tim Russert was class.

I watched him on TV for years, and never knew his political leanings. He was true neutral when asking our leaders, and wannabe leaders, everything I wanted to know. No partisan spin, just the facts.

I loved watching him covering the election campaigns, and watched no other network. He was on fire, and seemed to love every minute of it.

I loved "Meet The Press", because I felt like he was there asking the questions I would have asked, had I been smart enough to think of them. Many a show, I would listen and go, "Oh, yeah!". Why didn't I think of that? And as serious as it ever got, there was always a joy, and a sense of humor. Politics was taken seriously, but he never seemed to take himself too seriously. He was never one of those pontificating blowhards bringing the truth down from the mountain. He was us, only faster and smarter.

I love politics, and all the annoying discussions and details that drive my family nuts. Watching a guy dive into the process with such joy was a treat.

I spent yesterday watching grown men cry on TV, over the loss of a friend. My heart is a little broken too. And I regret losing the opportunity to continue teaching my son the civics lesson of American politics, with Tim Russert as our guide.

I guess Sunday mornings will belong to SpongeBob.
Good rest, and bright blessings Mr. Russert. And thank you. Good night and good luck...stimp

Thursday, May 01, 2008

Anger Accomplished

May 1, 2008

Every night, Countdown ends with Keith Olbermann reminding us how many days since W declared "Mission Accomplished" in Iraq. Today is the fifth anniversary of that statement. As he was discussing the matter with Rachael Maddow tonight, he wondered where the anger over this has gone. How to tap again into that anger.

Mr. Olbermann, the anger has never gone away.

I have been angry about this war since before the war started. I yelled, and hollered, and argued, and wrote, and protested. All to no avail. I have been beaten down verbally and threatened physically by total strangers over this horror. I keep my sadness and anger to myself mostly. But it is always there. And every time I hear of more soldiers and civilians dying, it's there. Every time that idiot in the White House asks for more money to carry it on, it's there. It's never gone. But the expression of it is, for the most part.

I can't scream everyday without losing my voice. My anger has served no one. It hasn't saved one life, or one day, or one dollar. I never stop being against this horrid war. My conviction is the same. But what would you have me do? I will continue to speak, write, and be involved. But until we get the murdering thugs out of the White House, and get some common sense in, my voice is nothing more than air with some noise on it. And my anger is still intact. I just ran out of energy after a while. The best thing about beating your head against a brick wall is how good it feels when you stop. It doesn't hurt the wall. Good night and good luck...stimp

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Brains.....BRAINS!!

April 30, 2008

I have been listening to the term "elitist" being thrown around like a discus lately. Oops, I said discus instead of frisbee! Could I also be...an elitist! I don't watch American Idol or NASCAR. I get great enjoyment from non-fiction books. I like foreign films. Oh, Heavens! Maybe I am an elitist!

Oh, bullshit. My favorite word, the one that gets the most use, is the "F" word. I wear old t-shirts and sweat pants. I like beer, American Gladiators, and football. Maybe I'm just a regular Stimp.

Why are we making all this fuss about being intelligent? That seems to be the bottom line here. The smart guy, the nerdy one, one that might have gone to college, can't possibly understand what it is like to be poor, or relate to the problems of the working class.

Except what happens when you get your education, and you never leave the working class. What if you are smart, and well educated, and don't go too far from the tree? Why must smart people pretend to be otherwise?

This has really been brought home to me this campaign season. I remember when they were saying that W. was the candidate more people felt they could have a beer with. I don't know about you, but when I am selecting a president, I don't want a beer buddy. I want someone smart enough to think for themselves! I want someone who has read a few books, maybe had a few original thoughts. Why in the world were folks more impressed by W's down home manner than Al Gore's intellect? Of course Gore was stiff! Nerds usually are. I want a nerd for president. I want a president who makes me proud of my geeky roots. Doing shots, or bowling, or yukking it up with a drawl doesn't impress me. I want to stop feeling like a freak because I like books. I want a leader I can imagine reading one!

So I guess, even with my working class background, I must be an elitist. There are worse things I could be. Like an idiot. Or a pretender. or W. good night and good luck...stimp

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Welcome to the Steel Valley

April 12, 2008

"You go into some of these small towns in Pennsylvania, and like a lot of small towns in the Midwest, the jobs have been gone now for 25 years and nothing's replaced them," Obama said. "And they fell through the Clinton Administration, and the Bush Administration, and each successive administration has said that somehow these communities are gonna regenerate and they have not. And it's not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."

Senator Barack Obama

When I first heard about this statement, I knew Senator Obama was going to get a lot of abuse for it. But he's not wrong. The truth isn't elitist. It's just true. Instead of talking about Pennsylvania, he could be talking about my home in Northeast Ohio.

The steel mills closed here, for the most part, in the '70's. They still call it the "Steel Valley", even without steel mills for all these years. I was a child when those mills closed. Since then, I have lived here through the moving of Packard Electric (now Delphi) jobs to Mexico. Countless industrial jobs have gone from here, from the GM plant, to the mills, up to the closing of the aluminum plant where my husband worked, which closed last month. Thousands of people have lost their jobs.

I have also lived through politicians of many campaigns, Democrat and Republican alike. They come through here every four years like locusts. And every one, from Clinton to Bush, to Clinton to Bush to Obama to McCain, talk about "moving the Valley forward" again. They make promises of jobs, and money, and protection for the jobs that are left. And then they leave, taking their promises with them. Is it any wonder folks are bitter? If we turn to God, can it be that we feel failed by Man? If folks are afraid of immigrants, maybe it's because it's harder to remember your family were once immigrants too, when your job has just gone overseas.

But I make no excuses for those bitter souls left here. We spend our time talking about and living in the past. Right up to the nickname, "Steel Valley". There hasn't been much steel in this valley for a long time. While we cannot forget the things that made this place strong, we must move past them. Those jobs aren't coming back. Ever. As long as cheap labor exists elsewhere, and the almighty dollar is more important to executives and politicians than American workers, industry will continue to be sent to the lowest bidder. If we are so concerned about "homeland security", why aren't we protecting one of our greatest assets? Our ability to stand on our own.

But economics and industry aren't my interest here. Senator Obama's comments are. I am the proud daughter of a man who spent his life working for Packard Electric, only to be cast off as too expensive. In the '80's, my dad told me not to depend on the mills. He said he was a dinosaur, and that the jobs wouldn't last. He was right. I was born and raised blue collar Democrat. I got to go to college to make a better life. And I am still here in the Steel Valley. People here still talk about the mill closings. And they are bitter. Sometimes we don't want to see ourselves for who we have become, spoken in the bluntest of terms. But we still are. good night and good luck...stimp

Monday, March 31, 2008

News of Record

March 31, 2008

Today is the 5Th anniversary of the start of my favorite television program, Countdown with Keith Olbermann. I know I tend to wax rhapsodic when I speak of Mr. Olbermann. I've been watching him in various incarnations since Sportscenter. But looking back, I think there should be more to it than that. I think that the show is more important than my fleeting hormonal enjoyment.

In a vast landscape of "everything is just fine" news, he is a voice of reason. He gets angry about injustice. He is tenacious in his opinion. Even when I don't agree, and sometimes I don't, I admire his passion. The show is a voice of difference in a corporate media structure that allows precious little dissent. I greatly admire Mr. Olbermann and his show, and I wish him five score years of prosperity and success. Keep up the great work, Keith. And in tribute to you, and the great journalist you honor, I sign off as I always do. good night and good luck...stimp

That dog won't hunt

March 31, 2008

I'm listening to all this discussion about whether Senator Clinton should withdraw from the primaries left to be run. All the talking heads yammering "She can't win, It's dividing the party". Blah, blah, blah.

First, let me make it clear, I have been supporting Senator Obama. I don't have anything against Senator Clinton, I just like him better. I've been a Democrat since I could vote, and in the general election, I'd vote for either.

The thing that bothers me is this. This is getting to be a real ugly fight. Both sides are trying to tear each other down, and this does no good for any of us. Let Senator Clinton run til all the votes are cast. That's democracy. Let the process see itself through. But for Pete's sake, let's stop putting weapons into the hands of the opposition! Every time we Democrats offer up insults, throw nasty barbs, detonate bombs, we are giving the other side ammunition for the general election. It's evident that the Repugnicans are going to have plenty of time to get ready for whoever is nominated. Why hand them the clubs to beat us? If you can't win with your own good campaign, why malign the other opponent, making it easier for the Repugs to do it later? Seems fairly simple to me. Clinton and Obama both have their soft spots, just like McCain does. Let's at least try to be civilized while we still can. good night and good luck...stimp

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Good sports, or "Hey, those guys should get paid, too"

March 20, 2008

I am a life long Yankees fan. So what I am about to say is going to cause me to flinch a little.

Today, I am really impressed with the Boston Red Sox.

In a story I heard on Countdown, and reread on Dan Patrick.com, the essentials are thus.
The Red Sox are supposed to go to Japan next week for the season opener against the Oakland A's. The players for both teams will receive extra compensation for the trip to the Tokyo Dome. The coaches and managers, the important support personnel, would not receive the compensation. They had in the last two years, but it was not included in the negotiations or contract for this year.

Boston's players didn't think this was fair. So they voted not to go, unless the others got paid as well. From what I can tell, Oakland's players basically agreed. Not only were the Sox not going to Japan, they weren't going to play last night's spring training game. It was finally decided that everyone would be equally compensated on the Red Sox side. Oakland is still working out the details, from what I gather.

In a sports world where there are constant scandals about cheating, bad behavior, horrible ticket prices, and a variety of naughtiness, I am blown away by one team's act of fairness. Of thinking of someone else's treatment. With all the nastiness in the world, two groups of pro athletes said, "All for one, and one for all", and intended to stick to it. Fair is fair.

So, for today, hurray for the Boston Red Sox!

I'll return to hating you later. good night and good luck...stimp

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

A More Perfect Union

March 18, 2008

"This was one of the tasks we set forth at the beginning of this campaign - to continue the long march of those who came before us, a march for a more just, more equal, more free, more caring and more prosperous America. I chose to run for the presidency at this moment in history because I believe deeply that we cannot solve the challenges of our time unless we solve them together - unless we perfect our union by understanding that we may have different stories, but we hold common hopes; that we may not look the same and we may not have come from the same place, but we all want to move in the same direction - towards a better future for of children and our grandchildren."

Senator Barack Obama, Philadelphia, PA

Why do we still need someone to remind us of these things in 2008? I saw the video of Reverend Wright's comments in his sermon. I don't agree with some of the things he said. I don't agree with racial divisiveness. I wish we were past this by now. But we're not. There are people in this country who hate and avoid each other based only on the shade of pigment. I know some of these people, of a variety of colors.

Why, with all that is going on in the world, good and bad, do we need to take time out because we still don't get it? Why do I have to explain to my son the ugly words we use to talk about one another? Why am I 40 plus years old, and still wincing when I hear the "N word", no matter who says it? Why am I still hearing the "N word", or any other racial epithet, to begin with? I don't agree with Senator Obama's pastor, but I don't assume they share all the same views. And to an extent, I understand Rev. Wright's views as much as is possible for a white woman from Ohio. I haven't lived his life. Neither has Barack Obama.

I am not sure what troubles me more. That we are still divided by race. That a man running for President has to stop talking about what he wants to accomplish, in order to defend himself regarding something he didn't even say himself. We need to focus on what we can do about the things that trouble us, the progress we need to make. And I think we need to move past the things that divide us. Not forgetting them, not ignoring them. But marking them, and then moving on to the things we need to solve now. I would like America to become and ever more perfect union. For my family and families yet to come. As long as we are still fighting over our past, we can't move into our future. good night and good luck...stimp

Friday, March 14, 2008

A Boy's Life

March 14, 2004

I was thinking about boy's adventure stories. The old ones. Where the cowboys were always fighting the Indians, and might always made right. Before I lost my innocence.

I wonder if, with all that has happened on his watch, our president still has his.

At least when it comes to war. I was watching the news tonight, and there was a story about the President making a conference call to our troops in Afghanistan. In part of his remarks, he said that he was envious of those serving there. That there was something romantic in the war, that it was a fantastic adventure.

Spoken like someone who has never had to go. I don't claim to understand in full what people experience in war. I've never been there. But I'm not sure "romantic" or "adventure" are words I would use. I have relatives from WWII who wouldn't discuss what they saw there. I've met people who fought in Vietnam who were never the same, and fought the demons ever after. I lived at Central Command in Tampa during Gulf War I, and remember how frightened I was that someone I loved would have to go. And this time, I've seen family and friends leave, and waited for them to come back in one piece. I am a peripheral player at most.

But I do pay attention. Do you, Mr. Bush? You've been to Walter Reed to see the men and women sent back in pieces. Does that seem like a fantastic adventure to you? As Commander in Chief, you see, or I assume you see, the reports about the hardships our military and their families VOLUNTARILY go through while apart. The horrors of battle, for both the soldiers and civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan, that never cease. This seems romantic? Actually, this puts a lot of things in perspective. Mr. Bush is living in a movie, in one of the patriotic stories written in years past to keep every one's chins up during the hard times in war. From that perspective, maybe I can see it. If you assume those stories are true, or were fed those stories as part of your manhood or patriotism, war must seem a great adventure indeed. Next time you go to see the troops, instead of spouting off your rhetoric, listen to the kind of adventures these folks have been having while they were away. On this 5Th anniversary of the start of the Iraq war, listen to the reality, instead of tall Texas tales. Maybe that will suck some of the romance out of it for you. I doubt it will spur you to end this insanity, but maybe sharing the nightmares will keep you from saying anything else stupid...oh, wait. I forgot who I was talking about. Never mind. good night and good luck...stimp

Sunday, March 09, 2008

Where's spring?

March 9, 2008

I AM SICK. AND FREAKIN' TIRED. OF FREAKIN' SNOW!

I know I live in Ohio. I know it is only March. I know it's not spring yet, officially. But really. Could Mother Nature throw me a bone already? I get one day of nice warm weather, and then two days of a freakin' blizzard. My ride home last night got stuck in my driveway. I think they said we got 11 inches of snow between yesterday and Friday.

I am a total pussy when it comes to driving on snow. A panic attack having, hyperventilating, calling off work pussy. But I just finally got a new job. And since I work in a hospital now, I have to get there no matter what. I am fine with that. I like my job. And the last two days, I managed to find rides so I didn't have to drive. For which I send up hosannas to the gods, and great thanks to those who helped. Today I was going to have to get there on my own. I went out at 10:30 with two shovels, my ten-year-old, and one of my neighbors to dig my car out. My neighbor even managed to get the car to move, no small miracle in itself. What happens next, you ask? Turns out after an hour of digging, I have a flat tire and can't get it fixed until tomorrow anyway! The gods conspire against me! Fortunately, I have a wonderful friend, who has kindly agreed to come (on her day off) and give me a ride.

But I want spring. I'm ready for it like you can't believe. I need rain and warmer breezes. A little sunshine would be nice. I want to sit on my porch and read a book. To let my kid play outside without having to put three layers of clothes on him. To get to and from work without sliding all over the freakin' road. I want green grass, and to see my roses bloom. To plant flowers and putter around in the garden. I want to put my dog out to pee without having him look at me like I'm insane before he goes out in the yard. I don't expect Florida weather in Ohio. But a little break from all the ice, snow, and cold would be welcome. Come on, Spring! good night, and good luck...stimp

Thursday, March 06, 2008

An inconvenient question

March 6, 2008

Last night, in the aftermath of the Ohio primary, my son asked me a question. He wanted to know what the first thing I would want him to do was if he were elected president. Sadly, the first thing that came out was, "I would tell you not to run for president". And he wanted to know why.

I did tell him that if he chose to serve his country in that way, I would be very proud of him. That being president was a very difficult job, and a great honor. And that I would want world peace, and that no one would be hungry or homeless, without a job or good health care. He decided that he would rather be a musician, and help the homeless in his spare time.

But I am rather sad that my first response was not to do it at all. I have always been proud to be an American. Even when we did things I couldn't be proud of or agree with. I think we aspire to be the most generous, best nation on Earth. Sometimes we fall short, like everyone does. We are only human after all.

In my lifetime, I have seen what being the leader of this nation can do to a person. I have watched Presidents grow old before their time, careworn and hard used. The first president I can clearly remember is Carter. He seemed so young and smiling when he first got to Washington. But by the time he left office, to my child's eyes, he seemed to have aged twenty years. All the pressure and responsibility kind of sucked the life out of him. I'm not sure I would want that for my son.

Looking at the folks who wish to be president this time, I wonder how the office will change them. Even when I don't like them, I think it takes something unusual to want to give your life to this country for four or eight years. Men have been broken by less. I'm not sure I would choose that life for my son. Public service is noble, and none more so than President of The United States. But I think, in the long run, I'd rather he were a musician. I'll be proud of him either way. good night and good luck...stimp

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

I'm baaaccccckkkk!!!!

February 27, 2008


Hey I heard you missed me. I'm back! Got my Internets reinstalled at home again. So I can once again participate in the mighty blogosphere. As I am always saying at work...we'll see how we go....good night and good luck...stimp

Saturday, January 19, 2008

You Must Be Kidding

January 19, 2008

I don't get to watch as many talking heads as I used to. So I have been listening to lots of local talk radio lately. Lots of Rush...ick. I can't believe how much he is yakking about the "Uncivil War". Talk about things getting blown out of all sense. I am sure that Sen. Clinton never meant to imply that Martin Luther King was a pawn of the White Establishment. That he could have never succeeded in his life's work without the help of LBJ. But Johnson was able to make law and twist arms precisely because Dr. King was bringing attention to the inequities of the system. If President Johnson hadn't had the ability to twist arms and cajole Congress, how much longer would it have taken to see even the smallest of changes? Both men's contribution was necessary to bring change. Which leads me to my point.

We spend a horrifying amount of time being offended, or looking for offense, in our wondrous free speech. I don't like everything that comes out of everyone's mouth. I'd personally like to duct tape Rev. Phelps's mouth shut. Having said that, I don't think we remember the "free" part of free speech. Short of inciting violence, even the speech we don't like is necessary. After all, how do we know where the crazies are if they don't speak up? We spend so much time being offended anymore, we don't take time to think over what is bothering us. Another example is the unfortunate comments made by that one commentator on the Golf Channel. I know she suggested lynching Tiger Woods in a back alley. But if Tiger wasn't offended, and no one was really advocating stretching his neck, why are we freaking out? The point was, he is such a great golfer, that nothing short of violence will stop him. As long as we all understand what she meant, I think we need to chill out. I understand the history of violence against people of color in this country. But is the overreaction against a commentator on the GOLF CHANNEL really going to change a climate of racism? Or are we making ourselves look petty by reacting to every imagined insult, no matter how benignly it was meant? I saw this morning that the editor of Golf Digest lost his job, and the current issue was pulled, because they chose to bring attention to the current debate by putting a noose on the cover. But was there a reasonable discussion of the subject, or was this another knee jerk, get them before they get you, look out, it's Janet Jackson's nipple kind of hysteria. I don't agree with everthing that comes from everyone's mouth. But jamming a cork in the mouths of those we disagree with jeopardizes our free speech, as well. We need to get over ourselves. good night and good luck...stimp

Monday, January 07, 2008

Hellooooo!

January 7, 2008

Happy New Year! I know I haven't been around, and I certainly miss writing. A few notes to pass on. Keith Olbermann's new book is awesome, in the non surfer sense of the word. I highly recommend it. We are in Presidential election season again, and I am backing Barack Obama this time. He seems a great choice in an otherwise uninspiring lot. I wanted to choose Senator Clinton, I really did. But the more I listen, the more I watch, the less I can get behind her. A shame. We are still sending folks off to die for that idiot in the White House and his pals, which becomes more frustrating over time. This time I have family going, so I get to spend some more time in anger and anxiety, waiting for news, hoping for none. I'll pray. To all fo you who still check in, thank you, and happy new year. good night and good luck...stimp