“The United States is governed by an elite group seeking to enslave the common man.”

“Most financial problems are caused by a conspiracy of millionaire elitists who are trying to turn you into slaves of totalitarian dictatorship.”

“The energy crisis has been fabricated by the rich.”

“The government, only the government, can create inflation…”

“One of the first goals of a dictatorship is to limit personal movement.”

You’re probably thinking that the above quotations are the rallying cries from a recent Tea Party gathering. Nope. Actually these quotes, circa 1975, came from (now deceased) Alan Stang a staunch supporter and member of the John Birch Society. Evidently the current group of malcontents wanted to mask their rehashed thoughts while cleverly repackaging them as Tea Party concepts. One must admit that Tea Party does sound so much friendlier than (doom and gloom) “THE JOHN BIRCH SOCIETY”!!!

When the war in Iraq began with the potential to take the lives of thousands of people the war protestors were non-violent and labeled “anti-American”. Now the President has signed a healthcare plan that will enhance the lives of (potentially) 32 million of our fellow uninsured Americans. The results are calls to repeal the law, racial slurs, homophobic diatribes, offices vandalized, senators, Congresspersons and their families threatened and epithets ala “We need to defeat these bastards. We need to wipe them out.” courtesy of Rush Limbaugh. Both of the above precedents involve the sanctity, safety and health of humanity. Paraphrasing Grandma’s homily “What’s good for the goose is (in this instance) ‘not’ good for the gander.”

Enjoying the many trails throughout both the city and county of Boulder it’s refreshing (both literally and figuratively) to see that a number of dog owners are taking the time to clean up after their pet. However, there is only one slight set-back. Extreme budget cuts, due to the current depths of the recession, have removed one key position from the Parks and Open Space budget. Those poop picking plastic parcels (generally full) left by the side of the trail will no longer be gathered by that mythical Fecal Fetching Fairy. Until the “FFF” has funding replaced in the Parks and Open Space budget…Please dispose of your baggies accordingly.

In denying a gay couple’s child entry to Sacred Heart of Jesus School the Archdiocese of Denver must also be considering a total rewrite of that children’s hymn. Henceforth it will no longer be sung “Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so…” but modified to “Jesus loves me, ‘as long as my parents are living in accord with Catholic teaching,’ this I know for the Bible tells me so…” Another prime case of the Catholic Church operating in the 21st Century with Dark Ages theology.

Mark my words.
Why the unrest with incumbent politicians? Democratic and Republican politicians call on us to come through for them all the time. They have expected us to display bumper stickers, lawn signs and banners, attend the rallies, work the phone banks, support the party and its candidates, be a poll watcher, and the big two: send money and vote.

Now at a pivotal time in our history, it’s their turn to come through for us, and they just can’t seem to get it done. Political action is a two-way street. What are the markers that need to come through for us? Affordable health care for all Americans and meaningful occupations, not just jobs.

I am saying no more — from bumper stickers to my taken-for-granted vote — until I see the markers met.

D. KENT LLOYD
Gladstone, OR

Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, was asked to self grade her past year (2009) holding that office. None too surprising she awarded herself an “A”. Had MS Pelosi sought outside assessment of her performance to date by the American populace…It is doubtful that she would have received a grade. Unfortunately, there isn’t a grade lower than “F” and incomplete is being too kind. She and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid should both resign for their cumulative lack of leadership.

When I first brought my golden Pomeranian, Mitch, home from the Boulder Humane Society in the late summer of 1999 I explained to him that he had some big shoes to fill from his predecessor. I realized in fairly short order that the shoes he inherited were “baby” shoes and my beloved Mitch left our world earlier today wearing Michael Jordan’s!!! He will be missed.

A recent headline in the local newspaper indicated:

“Ex-VP Dick Cheney sustained a ‘mild’ heart attack”

For those believing that the former Vice President was lacking that organ…Would it be possible that what Mr. Cheney really suffered was an acute case of gastrointestinal disruption caused by the endless stream of fecal material that emanates from his facial orifice? Something to ponder.

With the Party of “no” (Republicans) and the rudderless Democratic leadership of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid…There leaves minimal reason for doubting why nothing is currently being accomplished in Washington. Meanwhile the populace (aka voters) of the Republic continues to suffer with high unemployment, a ballooning national debt, deficit spending of countless proportions, a recession that still strangles the economy, healthcare coverage disappearing daily and the election promise of “change” redefined as back to the status quo. What a Country!!!