The Republican Plan, Part I

KC: Do you have any idea how lucky we are?

Think about it--Texas is suffering from who knows how many consecutive days of more than 100 degree days and no rain--none--so they have a horrible drought. Oklahoma? Very similar. To the North of us, the Dakotas and Montana and a few states up there flooded whole towns earlier this year that they're still working out of. We all know about Joplin, Missouri's awful tornado, destruction and rebuilding. California's economy and budget are both in the toilet. Same for Florida and Las Vegas, at least, along with Phoenix. I could go on here but you get the idea. We, on the other hand, though putting up with an admittedly tough economy, haven't experienced the truly desperate and difficult extreme drops other parts of the country have and though some parts of the area may be a bit dry, we really aren't suffering from a prolonged drought. Additionally, the temperatures--especially for August--have been far milder and even, dare I say it? pleasant, as it was this morning, after that rain and wind blew through. Could it be better? Sure, it always can be. But if we aren't counting our--these--blessings, we are an ungrateful lot, for sure. Now, here's hoping it holds. Have a great weekend, y'all.

A George Bush "Three-fer"

Over the last 8 years of the George W. Bush Administration, I have not--even once--been able, frankly and honestly, been able to say anything good or positive about anything that came our of either this White House or the President's mouth.

It's absolutely not that I could not or would not give him a chance or a "benefit of a doubt."

If he said or thought or sponsored something intelligent, I'd have been the first to note it, here or with friends or something.

Honestly.

I would have.

So it's been quite a drought.

Then, suddenly, in the last few weeks, I've been astonished to note some things W said that were, dare I say it? Bright? Right? Intelligent?

Geez.

Even I'm stunned.

The biggest, so far, has been his reluctant but correct support of loans to the Big 3 automakers.

I mean, come on, what else could he have done? He would have beat out Herbert Hoover for the "Most Do-Nothing President of All Time" Award.

The Great Depression would have been overshadowed by the mess we'd be in if he and the government walked away from our auto-making industries.

Well, now, here he comes with a three-fer.

George Walker Bush gave us the third correct, intelligent thing out of his Presidency this weekend.

I was shocked.

Sure, back in February of this year, the President "described President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe as a 'discredited dictator,' sharpening his criticism of one of Africa's most stridently anti-American leaders on the eve of a trip to the continent." (original link here: http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/14/africa/bush.php)

And sure he was right then but this, from this weekend, was much truer and more spot-on: "'As my Administration has made clear, it is time for Robert Mugabe to go,' Bush said in a statement issued by the White House. 'Across the continent, African voices are bravely speaking out to say now is the time for him to step down.'"

“'These leaders share the desire of ordinary Zimbabweans for a return to peace, democracy, and prosperity,'” the U.S. president said. “'We urge others from the region to step up and join the growing chorus of voices calling for an end to Mugabe’s tyranny.'” (original link here: http://www.christianpost.com/article/20081210/bush-tells-mugabe-to-resign-with-zimbabwe-in-shambles.htm)

Fortunately, Zimbabwe doesn't have oil or he might be talking about going in and taking him out militarily.

Anyway, it seems that Mr. Bush is really trying hard to have a good legacy after all, what with all these final truths and "rights" coming out of his mouth.

After 8 years of not believing what I hear, it's a big, welcome surprise.

I have to get used to this.

Fortunately, our time with him is almost over so I don't have to get too used to it.

Besides, in the "back door" of our government, his minions are still trying to tear everything else down that they can, like EPA rules for mining, etc.

Big recommendations

For the coming new year, I highly recommend getting--or keeping--a Harper's Weekly magazine subscription. I can think of no better way of keeping up with what's going on in the nation and the world.

Harper's Magazine is THE read, I think, to know what governments and societies and individuals worldwide are doing or considering. Granted, I don't get or take enough time to read all of it (or of books, for that matter), as I should (right, Michael?), but you can't get enough Harper's.

The second and last recommendation today, of this entry, is that you (whoever you are) get the latest Harper's (January, 2009) and read the "Harper's Index" at the front of the magazine.

The Index is always a good, rather light and brief but important synopsis of what either is going on or has, and this month no less so.

It is "A retropspective of the Bush era" and a knockout. (In a month or so, when it's online, I'll put it out here. It's that good).

It should be instantly considered a "must read" for all Americans: rich, poor, Black, White, Hispanic, Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Independent, Conservative, Liberal, Moderate--you name it.

But especially any and all Republicans.

And conservatives.

And anyone who ever voted for George Walker Bush for President.

Once again, we thank you chuckleheads for the travesties of this administration.

And we blame you.