tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11382019735998190592024-03-15T13:53:38.334-05:00Who Knew!ad hoc musingsRichard Phelpshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06076726472155327866noreply@blogger.comBlogger194125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1138201973599819059.post-177586147519080162024-03-15T13:53:00.000-05:002024-03-15T13:53:04.923-05:00Let's Do Air Marshalls<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">LET'S DO AIR MARSHALS</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-2e0fec89-7fff-e2da-c793-5fd7e84089e0"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I think we need to entertain the idea of training and supplying air marshalls for all airplanes that fly into, over, and out of Iowa airspace. Why should we throw people in jail traveling over our interstates because they have some personal use marijuana in their car and not do the same for the people flying through our airspace on airplanes. Isn't our airspace Iowa just like our interstates, part of Iowa?</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We are also not stopping and searching people riding the buses or Amtrak. We need to set up some sort of stations at the entrances to our state where we require all passengers to disembark and be searched for illegal substances, i.e. substances deemed to be illegal by our legislature so we can arrest them. After all, they might actually want to use such a substance while in Iowa or maybe they even intend on sharing an illegal substance with an Iowa citizen. This should not be tolerated.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We have such a stellar reputation with people from other states. A car gets stopped for speeding - - oh, I smell marijuana! Off to jail you go with bond to be posted, your car to get out of impound, and an attorney to find. Just another day for our local law enforcement. It's no wonder when someone mentions Iowa to a person from another state, the reaction is less than encouraging. Vacation in Iowa - - not.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But consistency is important. We should not allow people to fly through our air space with marijuana in their backpack unimpeded and flippantly flipping us off when if they were in a car they would be hauled off to jail and totally inconvenienced because they forgot to take what little weed they had in their glove box out before they drove cross country. We don't even have the courtesy to tell them by a big sign at the entrances to Iowa: "WARNING: YOU WILL BE ARRESTED FOR MARIJUANA"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, I say, "Let's be consistent". If we are going to arrest some resident of Illinois or Missouri or Minnesota for having some pot in their car, we darn well should do the same for anyone flying over us in an airplane or on the train or in a bus. It's time to address this inequity legislatively.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Richard E H Phelps II</span></p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mingo</span></span>Richard Phelpshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06076726472155327866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1138201973599819059.post-14511486923175252382024-03-14T08:19:00.003-05:002024-03-14T13:22:19.667-05:00Senate File 2325<p style="text-align: justify;"> <span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 18pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">SENATE FILE 2325</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-8ebd4803-7fff-da90-da87-c30c14ac4ba4"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the more salient features of our world is that the average citizen has no clue what our legislature is up to until it's done. This should not be the case since our legislature is there to serve the people of Iowa and we should all have some awareness of how they are accomplishing this. And for this purpose I am citing a portion of a new Senate File currently under consideration.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Iowa Senate has introduced Senate File 2325 which will amend Chapter 400 of the Iowa Code. The new subsection 18 is worth stating:</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"A city with a civil service commission established under Chapter 400 shall not adopt, enforce, or otherwise administer an ordinance, motion, resolution, or amendment, or use any other means, to establish a board or other entity for the purpose of citizen review of the conduct of police officers."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And rightly so, I might add. We certainly don't want the local citizens to have the ability to complain about local law enforcement. Just think what that would lead to - - chaos. Newton's population fluctuates around 15,000 so the statute as proposed would prohibit the citizens of Newton from exercising oversight of the behavior of local law enforcement. Just think if people of a given community would be able to complain about the behavior of individual police officers, there would be no end of complaints and this is not something that can be tolerated. Our police are here to serve and protect.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For instance, what would happen if a given community decided that possession of marijuana should not be prosecuted as a crime. After all, Illinois, Missouri, and Minnesota have all legalized marijuana. We simply can't have a bunch of citizens filing complaints about the enforcement of a law they don't much care for. After all, and once again, the laws are meant to serve the citizens and if they don't see the wisdom of certain laws, they should obtain some counseling or some such thing so they would have a better understanding of the purpose and intent of the laws that are passed.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The last thing we need are police officers afraid to give a speeding ticket for fear that some citizen will make a complaint to some citizen oversight board - - probably made up of a bunch of left-wingers who don't like the police anyway. This is not something that can be tolerated. After all, just because you are a citizen doesn't mean you should have any say in what laws are passed or how they are enforced.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Richard E H Phelps II</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mingo</span></p></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Richard Phelpshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06076726472155327866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1138201973599819059.post-88988300828338746772024-03-09T07:56:00.004-06:002024-03-09T07:56:28.711-06:00Let's Make Makebelieve<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">LET'S MAKE MAKEBELIEVE</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-5a041606-7fff-8634-8950-f8f50d1f67f6"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the more interesting phenomena of our current time here in the great midwest is the contrast between what life is really like and what our legislature thinks it ought to be like. At the risk of beating a dead horse, our legislature can not help itself. It must act in a manner that defies the real.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you were to read novels; and, I mean serious novels - - novels that reflect the world we live in, which is something novels attempt to do, your understanding of the world has improved and you, as a person, are hopefully better able to cope than you were previously. Obviously, some do it better than others, but the purpose of a novel is to show us ourselves and the people around us. A novel should, if a serious effort, give us a better understanding of the world we live in.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These are the books that our book banners want banned. They are the serious novels that reflect us and the people we live with. It is called fiction not because it is not factual - - it is not factual in the sense the earth is round. But a good novel is a reflection of the world from which it came and if you read a novel that so reflects the world we live in, your understanding of your own life and those of the others around you is improved.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To ban a novel, especially one of critical acclaim (which they all are by the way), is simply to deny a reality which a good book presents. I have come to the conclusion that I don't my kid to understand the world he or she lives in; I would rather have them live in some makebelieve world of my own creation. My child is better off ignorant than knowledgeable; better off not knowing there are people in their community and city and state and country that are not like them and have no intention of becoming like them. They simply don't need to know what is happening around them.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our legislature has made it its goal to limit what we know. This is not a proper function of our legislature as it appears to be in Russia and China and other places such as Iran. To say that my kid does not have access to a particular book or that my kid doesn't have access to the internet or that my kid doesn't need to know anything more than what they want him or her to know is not for our legislature to determine. Unfortunately, the people we currently have in our legislature believe they have the right to think so and it is unfortunate.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am not advocating for a certain party nor am I advocating for a certain person; I am advocating for some restraint in our elected officials. We have a functioning society without their interference and guidance. We can do it without their impositions. They need to give it a rest and let us go about our business as we see fit. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Richard E. H. Phelps II</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mingo</span></p><br /></span>Richard Phelpshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06076726472155327866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1138201973599819059.post-24251963369826574882024-02-17T07:50:00.000-06:002024-02-17T07:50:00.189-06:00A Theme Song<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">A THEME SONG</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-4f908475-7fff-4705-8f10-9a5f3364e799"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After much reflection and anguish, I am suggesting a theme song for our legislature, the Iowa legislature in its current manifestation. The idea of a theme song with which our legislators can identify should have been accomplished several years ago, but either a lack of imagination or inertia has caused the delay in finding such a symbol for such a distinguished group of individuals engaged in the public business.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As I said, after much reflection and anguish, I am introducing a suggested theme song: Jerry Jeff Walker's "Pissin' in the Wind". To me, it captures the essence of our current legislature and I am putting this idea forward for further comment. One should always be willing to debate any suggestion of a theme song, even those to whom it is not directed should be able to comment on the appropriateness of a particular tune to reflect such an august body of Iowans.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now for those not familiar with either Jerry Jeff Walker or Pissin' in the Wind, one can find most of his songs on You Tube which I direct anyone interested to for edification. Jeffy Jeff popularized London Homesick Blues and produced Red Neck Mother which made an immediate impact on the vocabulary of America. Having a song by Jerry Jeff as a symbol of our legislative body would do credit to both our legislators and Jeffy Jeff. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A symbol is a shortcut - - a shortcut to the nub of an idea, a method of understanding by osmosis; it doesn't require thought which as we all know is in short supply. And as a shortcut, it can be very usefully utilized by almost anyone. "Hey, the 'Pissin' in the Wind'" guys are at it again! What more does one need to understand the activities of the group so symbolized? None, it says it all in one phrase.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I realize that there may be dissenting voices and I'm more than willing to discuss the issue if discussion is suggested by anyone dissenting. But, I would suggest in advance that they have any arguments against "Pissin' in the Wind" as a theme song for our Iowa legislature thought out before the discussion commences. Simply saying you don't like the idea isn't going to get it. What we will need are specifics, such as how the song "Pissin' in the Wind" does not precisely fit; or, what alternative might you suggest, if any.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am fairly confident that I have found the perfect symbol for our legislature. The suggestions for new laws and the enactment of them reinforce the idea daily. I can just see them now standing on the statehouse steps facing the gale.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 144pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Richard E H Phelps II</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 144pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mingo </span></p></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Richard Phelpshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06076726472155327866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1138201973599819059.post-29547905797035692162024-02-15T16:33:00.003-06:002024-02-20T21:01:39.752-06:00Is It Meaningful<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">IS IT MEANINGFUL?</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-0a9b29b0-7fff-21e4-8f26-7d5956377fd9"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Over the centuries books have been written, ideologies have been pursued, activities encouraged, all in the search of meaning. The eternal question appears to be "Do our lives have meaning?" Of course, the answer is no - - unless you make some for yourself. It's up to you to create some meaning in your life. A camel doesn't think about or want any meaning in its life, it wants enough to eat and drink and find a mate once in a while. There are humans like camels, but most of us try to be different to some degree.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The current question to ask is whether a group of people, as a group - - a collectivity - - can create meaning for itself, an identity. There are always groups of people attempting to do so. I want to focus on just one group and that is the current Iowa legislature. They are desperately trying to either find or generate some meaning for themselves and an identifiable identity. They want to be meaningful and they want an identity. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Currently their attempt at creating these things is not limited to themselves as persons; they are intent on creating meaning and identity for Iowans in general. They desperately want to give our lives some meaning it currently doesn't have and they are doing this by legislation. For instance, they are encouraging us to dislike anyone different from ourselves. This appears to be at the top of the legislative agenda. I should only approve of a person like me; if you are not like me then get that way. I don't want you around causing issues.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A second and related agenda item appears to be my identity as a person. Not only are they (our elected representatives) insisting that I have certain ideas about people different from me, they are insisting that I have certain ideas about myself as well. They want to give me two categories with which to claim an identity - - male or female. Now for me, that doesn't necessarily create a problem but I understand that for some it very well may. Meaning and identity can not be separated; which apparently is known by our legislators from some form of osmosis in that there does not seem to be any articulated reason for their efforts. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You are allowed certain things to make your life worthwhile; if you are male you have a male identity and you do male things and if you are female you have a female identity and do female things. To our legislature, other identities are not only irrelevant but somehow subversive and they are not going to have it. Apparently all other methods of creating some identity and meaning in your life are not to be tolerated. These would include your occupation, your education, your religion, your daily activities, your family and friends. These things don't appear to be relevant to our legislators who insist that sex is the only identity and that is what is going to give meaning to your life and that is what matters and there's only two of them and that's that.</span></p><br /><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Richard E H Phelps II</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mingo</span></p><br /></span>Richard Phelpshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06076726472155327866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1138201973599819059.post-46708719289883963392024-02-13T08:25:00.002-06:002024-02-13T08:25:17.777-06:00You Tell Me<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">YOU TELL ME</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-4e5785ca-7fff-467c-5707-fb619492f922"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our governor is on the right track here, she has decided that neither you nor I are able to determine our own sex. Unfortunately she has identified only two - - male and female. Apparently some unidentified person who is in charge of filling out birth certificates at the place of birth will be the one who makes the decision as to your sex.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sex here is referring to the biological distinction between someone with a vagina and someone with a penis. These are to be the determining factors in the determination of a person's sex. Now as one grows older and begins to have some doubts about the apparatus they were born with, it won't really matter because you will be stuck with the word on your birth certificate "male" or "female". You will never find a birth certificate with the word "uncertain"; simply won't happen.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And as I mentioned above, the government should have the right to tell you what sex you are. After all, it's the government and the government is in charge; if it so desires it can tell you who you are and what you are. We have a long history of this. It really doesn't matter what you think about yourself; you're not the one to decide your own identity; thankfully you will be able to avoid all identity crises - - no longer necessary. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I do think, however, that the governor may be making a tactical mistake in limiting the choice to two - - male or female. In our current thinking on the subject, there are such things as gender identity, gender fluidity, etc. Some people, either by choice or by actual bodily features would prefer to identify as something other than just male or female. This, it would seem, to be a proper area of discussion when debating this proposed statute. Maybe they could sneak in a third category somewhere without alienating too many constituents. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, simply a word of caution, let's give this some thought to make sure that what we need to be included in this proposed bill actually gets in there. By the way, the proposal is entitled House File 2389 and apparently introduced by the Education Committee of the House (what education has to do with it, I can't imagine) and I recommend you all take a look at it. It will give you a proper perspective on who and what you are even if it is not adopted and signed into law.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Richard E H Phelps II</span></p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mingo</span></span>Richard Phelpshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06076726472155327866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1138201973599819059.post-9151028802982576412024-02-07T07:55:00.003-06:002024-02-07T07:55:47.363-06:00Three Cheers<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">THREE CHEERS</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-a1e15352-7fff-d4a9-a576-12c5abed5e86"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm giving three cheers to our four representatives in Congress: Randy Feenstra (my favorite), Ashly Hinson, M. Miller-Meeks, and Zachary Nunn. In their work for us, the citizens of Iowa, they have voted for the impeachment of Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas. However, it is somewhat unclear the reason and as usual, I would like some clarification.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is it because his name is not Smith or Johnson, but some foreign sounding name like Mayorkas? Is it because he lives in the wrong neighborhood in DC? Is it because he hasn't issued any orders to gun down refugees crossing the Rio Grande? It is unclear. In regard to the latter, you simply can't have bodies floating down the river bloating and causing trauma in young people. So just exactly what is it that causes our representatives to give their attention to something that has no effect of any kind on our lives here in Iowa?</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They must be in contact with our governor who has decided that our national guard and law enforcement are not sufficiently busy so is sending some of our extras to the border with Mexico to do what, I'm not sure, is the answer to under employment and idle time. Why be idle in Iowa in February when you can be in Texas on the border with all the snow birds? Somebody must have got to the governor and convinced her to give them a free winter vacation at our expense.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What we have here are our elected representatives doing nothing in the guise of doing something that will garner them votes from those who somehow believe they are doing something when they are in fact doing nothing. It is actually interesting to see. And apparently it works - - at least one can assume so since they continually make these gestures in the guise of accomplishing something. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now, I understand that in some unidentified manner, impeaching the Secretary of Homeland Security and sending national guard members to Texas are somehow suppose to be to my benefit - - but for the life of me, I can't tell you what it is. So I am asking for clarification. M. Miller-Meeks is my representative in Congress and I am asking her personally to address this issue. Hopefully, she'll have staff members scouring the pages of local newspapers for signs of disaffection and address whatever issues seem to be of concern. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 144pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Richard E H Phelps II</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 144pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mingo </span></p></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Richard Phelpshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06076726472155327866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1138201973599819059.post-20872676894947937862024-01-26T16:36:00.001-06:002024-02-20T21:03:47.268-06:00Poop Snitchers<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">POOP SNITCHERS</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-eacb33a2-7fff-15c7-dc67-2ad69ebec7e2"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Well, we don't like snitchers - - unless they are snitching drug dealers of course. But poop snitchers, now, is serious business and we don't much care for it. Our legislature, known for its robust support of our farmers (which includes livestock for those not in the know) are concerned about anonymous snitchers in particular. If you are going to call the DNR and complain that you can't sit on your porch on a summer evening because of the smells of pig or cow poop, your name should be broadcast publicly for righteous recrimination from those causing the complaints.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's only fair. The article from the Capital City Dispatch discussing the matter indicates that the "vast majority" of those anonymous complaints lead to some type of corrective action. I can think of no better reason in discouraging such complaints. With fewer complaints there will be fewer corrective actions which is the obvious goal of livestock producers and hence the legislature. We want fewer corrective actions by the DNR, not more. And if your neighbor now hates you for being a snitch; well that's just the price you're going to have to pay for being a snitch.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It might actually be something that requires a little more thought however - - unfortunately a quality not often found in our legislature. It's been several years now that non-farm rural homes exceed farm homes. These are people who spend a great deal of money building homes and outbuildings and sometimes ponds to enjoy a rural setting and to get away from the hubbub of the city only to be assaulted by the aroma of poop - - sometimes to an extent that makes their property non-saleable which really makes them mad and understandably so.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, before we get over raught about poop snitchers, let's count the votes. I can drive from Mingo, through Ira, then through Baxter, and over to Newton and I will see maybe one hog confinement and a few cows but a considerable number of houses with garages, and vehicles in the driveways, and a few outbuildings sans livestock. These are the people who don't really care for the smell of poop in the morning with their coffee. It is clear from just a drive that rural residents without cows or pigs or chickens or turkeys for that matter, far number those with them.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, a cautionary note is in order. If you are an elected official you may want to reconsider any outrage you have against poop snitchers and count the votes.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Richard E H Phelps II</span></p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mingo</span></span>Richard Phelpshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06076726472155327866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1138201973599819059.post-45393805793432809722024-01-26T15:04:00.002-06:002024-01-26T15:04:14.009-06:00A Singing Mandate<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">A SINGING MANDATE</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-daa99634-7fff-2222-354a-3118aa4d68dd"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">House File 587 has been introduced in the Iowa legislature mandating singing in school. I look on this with particular horror, in that long ago, as I reached adulthood, I vowed I would never do two things ever again. I have kept that vow. The two things are going on rides, such as Adventureland or the state fair, and singing. I don't sing and the idea of being required to sing everyday before class gives me the chills.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But I am willing to look at this proposal rationally. The idea, apparently, is to increase patriotism in our children. All good and well, but it would seem to me that what we first need to do is to quantify the amount of patriotism in our student body as it currently exists. I don't think it fair that an assumption be made that our students lack patriotism or that they should be required to have more patriotism than they already have. Before we jump the gun and mandate more patriotism I believe we should quantify the amount of existing patriotism and once this is accomplished to set an amount of patriotism needed to fulfill the requirements set out by the legislature.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The question is how to measure the quantity and quality of patriotism currently existing in our student bodies. And do we assume that the quantity or quality of patriotism currently existing is the same for every community. I would think not. For instance, if the level of patriotism at a particular school is very high, they may not need be made to sing the national anthem every day, but maybe every other day or once a week.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's an issue of measurement. How do we measure the level of patriotism existing in a given environment? We could measure degrees of patriotism; or maybe the percentages of patriotism. Or, we could determine levels of patriotism or the categories of patriotism. There seems to be various ways that patriotism could be measured and analyzed. Maybe an algorithm could be developed for purposes of measurement. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of course, any measurement would necessarily entail some sort of questionnaire to be distributed to the student body for purposes of obtaining the data necessary for measurement and then for remedial efforts. Actually, it all seems pretty complicated. Maybe we should give this idea some thought before rushing to pass legislation requiring a whole lot of singing. I certainly don't want to force singing on anyone who doesn't like to sing - patriotic or not. I for one would not be inclined to acquire more patriotism if I had to sing for it.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Richard E H Phelps II</span></p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mingo</span></span>Richard Phelpshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06076726472155327866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1138201973599819059.post-40813608450226584732024-01-11T08:57:00.003-06:002024-02-21T08:01:44.536-06:00The Boogeyman<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE BOOGEYMAN</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-665d2b88-7fff-d40b-0c1a-d7c0e28f269e"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once again it is time to turn our attention to the new legislative session that will begin in January. I'm sure that our representatives and senators are simply aching to get back to Des Moines to do the public's business. Nothing like the attention and money and publicity for those so engaged - - a thrill a minute.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I know - - the Boogeyman! It's time to turn our attention to the perennial problem, the Boogeyman. It simply must be addressed before our current crop of legislators either leave office or are defeated at the polls. The Boogeyman is responsible for most of the mischief currently creating distress and disgruntlement. Whatever complaints you as a citizen may have, you can be sure that the Boogeyman is responsible.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Therefore, I suggest that we get our little gnomes at the statehouse to work on legislation banning any books, magazines, newspapers, pamphlets, or other writings, viral or actual, discussing or in any way mentioning Boogeymen. This is not something that our young minds should be introduced to until after graduation from K-12 when presumably they will be able to cope having been properly isolated from all contact with Boogeymen until their minds have reached some form of adulthood and they are deemed able to handle the stress of confrontation.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are just certain things that young minds should not be exposed to. We have a long list of such things such as gay people, transgender people, furries, people whose ancestors did not come from Germany or Holland, to name just a few, which should not, and I repeat should not, be addressed at all; and Boogeymen must be added to this list. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Let's just remember that we have standards that need to be maintained which need to be reflected in that paragon of school activities - - the homecoming pageant. Can you just imagine a Boogeyman being the homecoming king? Not going to happen folks. Not on our watch. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our elected representatives need to plan to meet this issue now. Things are moving fast and quick and strong remedial steps are needed while such a thing is still incipient. I can think of nothing more disgusting than our homecoming pageants being besmirched with such unorthodoxy. Get on your computers and smartphones now and contact your elected representatives about this issue.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Richard E H Phelps II</span></p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mingo</span></span>Richard Phelpshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06076726472155327866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1138201973599819059.post-76211475039845697352024-01-11T08:40:00.003-06:002024-01-11T08:40:57.930-06:00Tracking Criminals<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">TRACKING CRIMINALS</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-4e0aa794-7fff-1253-1bd2-ea3a7a7f43e6"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The new license plate readers are going to allow the Newton Police Department to track criminals. Apparently they are to be placed at the main entrances/exits to the City of Newton. The express purpose is to track criminals coming and going from the city. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Apparently we want to know when they come into town and when they leave; or as was stated: catching "fleeing criminals". The quote, worth noting, is "We're trying to hit the gateways to the community. We're trying to, first off, keep the bad guys out. And if they do come in, we're going to know they're here. Apparently there will be a gate at the entrance to town which automatically lowers if the license plate reader identifies a criminal.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of course, the assumption is that the bad guys will have some sort of banner or sign or insignia of some sort identifying themselves as bad guys. "Hello, Newton! I'm a bad guy here to do dastardly things to your town and citizens." Don't even bother pulling in off the interstate, we are ready for you. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But not so fast, maybe the cameras can help with local criminals as well. Of course the problem with all this is, who are the criminals? The answer of course, is all of us. We are all criminals - - the State of Iowa has made it possible to make us all criminals subject to stop, search, and arrest. If you exceed the speed limit, if you don't come to a complete stop and hold it for five seconds, if you don't put on your seat belt, if you don't signal to turn, if you cross the center line - - you are a criminal and the new cameras will find you. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So when our police chief tells us the cameras are going to make us safer, it simply will make it easier to keep track of us all. It's called surveillance; the police will be able to see who is moving around day and night. "Hey Joe, why were you driving down the road at 3:00 a.m.?" "Up to no good were you?" "You better watch it, we are on to you."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The whole idea of license plate readers is to keep track of the citizens of Newton and those who visit it. We read about China's surveillance of its citizens and wonder how they can live that way. Well, there is very little difference. The ability to monitor the citizens of this country is in place. We are told that it will not be used for that purpose. But there will come a time when it will be used for exactly the reasons they say they will not use it now. It is inevitable folks. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Richard E H Phelps II</span></p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mingo</span></span>Richard Phelpshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06076726472155327866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1138201973599819059.post-84253142522780776632024-01-06T09:50:00.001-06:002024-01-06T09:50:49.106-06:00A Cardiovascular Alert<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">A CARDIOVASCULAR ALERT</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-6335859a-7fff-2a2f-6c4d-548346bebace"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The shooting in Perry has had an ominous effect on the health of our elected officials and one can only hope that our local hospitals are adequately equipped to help with this. We have what appears to be an epidemic of heart related problems, and as I stated, primarily with our elected officials.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If the Des Moines Register is accurate in its quotes we have a situation of almost epidemic proportions. Both Senators, Grassley and Ernst, are suffering from "heartbreaking", Randy Feenstra is not suffering "heartbreaking" but is "heartbroken". Senator Ernst reluctantly admits that "heartbreaking" is in fact "sickening". Our Attorney General is also admitting that her "heart aches" which is a sure sign of pending cardiovascular issues.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This malady does not appear to be limited to Iowa politicians. Niki Haley admits "my heart aches". We have also the Ramaswamy who is apparently so far avoiding cardiovascular issues with his pronouncement that what we have here are "psychological issues".</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Representative Zach Nunn is beyond angry and David Funk, the head of some gun group, simply suggests that teachers wear guns while in school. Can't you just see it now, a shootout in the gym - - bullets flying everywhere, windows broken, holes in the gym floor. Better than dodgeball for sure. Pretty exciting actually. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The one interview, the one quoted fact, the one thing of all this reporting that has any relevance to anything is the conversation with a fellow student who said the shooter had been bullied "relentlessly" since elementary school and now his younger sister was being bullied and no one had done anything about it. We have all been students, we have participated in one way or the other in school bullying whether perpetrator, recipient, or observer. It happens and it is very difficult for the administrators, teachers, or staff to know its extent.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It will not solve anything to fly our flag at half mast; it will not solve anything to send prayers to those involved. When you live most of your day in an institutional setting whether school, factory, office or prison, you will have those who shouldn't be there, those who make it unpleasant for others. Those who knew the shooter; those who sat with him in class or were with him in PE or stood with him in line in the cafeteria; they know why he did it and they understand it. This doesn't mean that they approve or that they themselves would do it; but they know. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We've all seen the clips where the tae kwondo kid who looks like a nerd beats up the school bullies. Doesn't happen folks. The world continues to be an unpleasant place for many. We are lucky in this country that we at least make some effort to alleviate unpleasantness. We often don't succeed and when we don't bad things can happen. It really is unfortunate.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Richard E H Phelps II</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mingo</span></p></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Richard Phelpshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06076726472155327866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1138201973599819059.post-32203636054799106022024-01-04T17:29:00.002-06:002024-01-04T17:29:18.941-06:00It's Un-identified<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">IT'S UN-IDENTIFIED</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-578ebf45-7fff-b657-d5d7-dea6df1d1ab6"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One sees reports of unidentified objects (UFOs) on TV, in the papers, and online - - especially online where not only do we see reports, but photos of usually. large, round objects which, in the popular imagination, are what alien spaceships are suppose to look like. These reports of extra-terrestrial activities sometimes include abductions with rather clinical examinations including sexual pairing which apparently is often included in the alien's examination.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We also have the phenomenon of corn mazes, geoglyphs and other unexplained evidence of extra-terrestials for which we have no explanation. Much speculation exists as to the source of all these wonders with many holding the belief that they are created by alien space travelers; possibly alien tourists out for a Sunday afternoon drive-about. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Let me say this about that though: If an alien life form had the technology and the determination to come to earth from some other solar system, they would not be landing in a corn field - - and we would not have to conjecture and speculate. Not necessary.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The other phenomenon concerns the allegations of celestial intercourse. The female sex has been blaming incubuses for unwanted and clandestine sexual encounters for centuries. Nothing new here. Instead of an incubi it is now an extra-terrestrial. Same thing really. Nothing they could really do about it. After all, if some alien space ship can transport you up to the extra-terrestrial apparatus and the life forms inhabiting it perform coitus on your unresisting body, there is not much you can do about it after all other than hope that they transport you back to earth so you can relate your experience to an awe stricken public - - and hopefully not give birth to some creature.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But back to the cornfield. Can't you just hear the conversation. Cindy says to Joe: "Joe why are you landing in a corn field? You mean we just traveled ten light years for our annual holiday to land in a cornfield? What the hell? I want Vegas. Get this thing turned around - - I want some excitement after a millennium in this spacecraft with nothing to look at but you."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now that's more like it.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Richard E H Phelps</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mingo</span></p><br /></span>Richard Phelpshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06076726472155327866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1138201973599819059.post-80548858873132832422023-12-30T08:09:00.003-06:002023-12-30T08:09:48.942-06:00A Newton Alternative<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">A NEWTON ALTERNATIVE</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-dd588e41-7fff-6b23-6d2b-6fc73a78c4ba"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Having watched the interaction between the Newton Police Department and citizens of the community on numerous videos over the years, a solution presents itself. And although I am advocating, once again, against my own interest as a criminal defense attorney, the following seems to me to be a decent thing to do.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rather than subjecting a person to public display along side the road requiring you to perform gymnastics, shining a light in your eyes to see if they work properly, requiring you to blow into a little tube to see if they have been imbibing alcohol, and then putting you in handcuffs behind your back (as if you were a terrorist or for 'officer safety'), impounding your vehicle, transporting you to jail, and if the test comes back negative for alcohol to make you pee in a cup to see if you have any illegal substances in your blood, and finally requiring you to call a bondsman to get out of jail at significant expense to let your dog out or take your elderly parent to the doctor or any number of other reasons you need to be home in the morning, there is an alternative to this punishment by cop.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And before I get into that alternative, it must be pointed out that in our system, punishment really is meted out by the police. The above experience is indeed punishment. There is no waiting around for the judge to mete out punishment; it is done immediately by our local law enforcement if they have any suspicion that you are behaving inappropriately. What I have described above happens almost nightly here in Newton. And yes, the officers are very polite while they treat you like an object which makes it no less humiliating, disruptive, and expensive. And you must realize also, they are not required to arrest you; they can cite you to appear in court. They arrest you instead of citing you because it is their "policy"; they have decided to punish you, they are not waiting to take the chance that a court may let you off. They treat you poorly by choice.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My proposal is this: if an officer observes you driving while impaired, the official version of criminal activity, offer a breath test or even better, simply have a conversation, and if suspicion results of impairment offer a ride home. Every purpose of the OWI statutes would be accomplished. You would no longer be a threat to other motorists or the homeless; you would escape any possibility of injury to yourself or damage to your vehicle and all would be well. The only person possibly harmed by this would be the local bondsman who derives his or her living on the harm done to others by our local constabulary.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The most important difference in these two options is striking. In the first, you are treated really poorly with significant interruption and expense in your life; and in the second option, you are treated with respect as a fellow citizen in the community where you live. The first option simply put is: if you don't do what you are told by the government, you will suffer - - you will be punished, you are a bad person, you have disobeyed, and therefore you will be treated badly.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We don't realize just how much control we have allowed our government to have over us. And, it increases every year with new laws and requirements and regulations and whatnot. I think it is time for a reset.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 180pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Richard E H Phelps II</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 180pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MIngo </span></p></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Richard Phelpshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06076726472155327866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1138201973599819059.post-8614783564160137782023-12-13T08:03:00.002-06:002023-12-13T08:03:40.437-06:00Freespeech<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">FREE SPEECH</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-48239785-7fff-4ba2-1654-0aa038b034d1"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don't you love it though? Our governor and Representative Dunwell have accepted the Wiccan celebration in the capitol as a symbol of free speech and their own acknowledgement that we as a people have the right to speak freely even if we don't agree with them. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Very touching, I must say, from a group of people who have spent the last several legislative sessions banning books, limiting alternate lifestyles, and otherwise ensuring that their particular view of life and learning is the only one available. You just have to give them credit in knowing how to manipulate their supporters and to maintain this novel idea that they are here to protect our freedoms when they spend most of their efforts curtailing them.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our State government the past few sessions have increased the number of crimes one can commit in the Great State of Iowa including those consisting of protesting, a manner of speech afterall; they have passed laws that require schools to discard books that they do not believe reflect the values that they themselves hold; they have made it significantly more difficult to vote; but yet, they are in favor of free speech pursuant to the First Amendment. They believe that prayer is the answer to this violation of common decency, not legislation.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What they do understand is that they can't stop someone from saying something they don't agree with - - not yet anyway. So let's not give them a lot of credit over their public announcements of their belief in the freedom of speech. They don't. They are simply using this situation to enhance their public persona and once again to provide their supporters with some additional outrage against whomever they deem a threat to their future re-election. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's all really very simple. Our current crop of legislators and governor understand perfectly well the level of comprehension of the general public in this State. It is minimal and for their purposes, shall remain so. The last thing that any of our legislators or governor desire to see happen is a public arising from the mist of some long ago era to comprehend and possibly deal with the world they actually inhabit. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The world is changing as are the people in it. This has always been the case and it will always be the case. Change is not something that our legislators and governor can simply legislate into non-existence. What really would be nice, and comforting, is that our elected officials actually recognize that the world is not the same as it was in their childhood imagination and begin to find methods by which we can meet these changes and still have a viable society. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Richard E H Phelps II</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mingo</span></p></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Richard Phelpshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06076726472155327866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1138201973599819059.post-78830970004542863642023-12-10T07:06:00.002-06:002023-12-10T07:06:17.804-06:00Cat's Meow<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-aa9f2caa-7fff-3af5-0b7c-1528333b3d7d"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">CAT'S MEOW</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We have a serious situation on hand folks and it must be brought </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">to the public's attention as quickly as possible. Laws must be passed, speeches must be made, legislative committees must be formed. It simply can't wait any longer for major pushback. What I'm talking about are the "FURRIES". </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's not enough that we have minorities and transgender and gay people in our public schools (private schools can keep them out and do) but now we have "FURRIES". For the uninitiated, these are people who dress in cat costumes and act and behave as if they are cats. This is where the litterbox phobia came from a couple of years ago. There was a report that a school had actually put a litter box in a bathroom.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now if a person wants to look and act like a cat, why should I care? Should I put a litterbox in the bathroom of my office? These are questions that I must consider before I make up my mind on the matter. Understanding that we as Americans, having always and continuing to, mind everyone's business but our own, must decide whether we need to make an effort to stop this nonsense before it gets out of hand.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One must not confuse furriedom or a fursona for petplay. Although one is certainly not limited as a furrie; a furrie certainly can engage in petplay if their fursona is involved or not. Although they are not inconsistent, they are not the same. We must be aware of these distinctions when passing legislation.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There has been general moaning about the loss of community in America. I say on the contrary, there is more community now than previously; and what is even better, it's not coerced. Simply hop on line and find a bunch of other like minded folk. A community forms instantly - - messaging, photos, on-line meetings, off-line meetings, greetings and salutations. Simply because there are no other furries in your neighborhood (that you know) you now have an online community of furries. You are no longer alone in your fursona.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A community has formed. Isn't this what Hillary's IT TAKES A VILLAGE had in mind. I surely would think so. Now I can see that our legislative bodies, filled with the thoughtless and uneducated, may find something sinister in furriedom or fursona. Once again they will be terrorized by the unknown and decide anything different or unknown can't and shouldn't be legal and therefore walking around in a cat suit or using a sandbox should be criminal with stiff jail sentences.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now I'm certainly not promoting furriedom or fusona; I consider this piece merely a conscious raising effort, educating the public to just one more perturbation in the force of normality. After all, you could have had lunch today with someone who in private uses a sandbox.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 144pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 144pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Richard E H Phelps II</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mingo</span></p><br /></span>Richard Phelpshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06076726472155327866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1138201973599819059.post-19034453560158579402023-12-08T21:31:00.001-06:002023-12-08T21:31:16.481-06:00A Fluid Concept<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">A FLUID CONCEPT</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-d4cb8206-7fff-5c22-784b-6f79664977e6"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After reading up on the matter I think if I had to do it all over again, gender fluidity might be the way to go. I think it would be preferable to oriengender or weekfluid where your gender changes on a set schedule. The whole idea would be opportunity and if on a set schedule, one would have some limitations - - not many, but now and then for sure. Of course, I'm jesting don't you know.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So let's simply go with genderfluidity: it's an easy term to understand and covers a whole lot of territory. Now let's be clear. I'm not talking about identity fluidity here. Identity fluidity can cover a whole lot more - - also called gender identity. Currently there are in excess of 70 gender identities identified. Examples include astral gender, cassgender, demiflux, genderpuck, and omnigender. All good examples of various genders.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm thinking that our legislature needs to study up on these two terms: gender fluidity and gender identity. They are invading our schools and classrooms; our children are becoming omnigender more or less in total. We won't be able to keep track of them and the senior proms will become really interesting - - so interesting in fact that the parental chaperones will know not what to do or not do. They certainly won't be able to tell who is kissing who and who is copping a feel from whom. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So I think our legislature should be putting this on their agenda for next session. They have worked diligently to outlaw transgender, gay, and the sexual activity amongst the underclassmen. Now it is time to do a little research and nip all this gender fluidity and gender identity in the bud before it reaches proportions that it can't easily be quashed. We certainly want to make sure none of this stuff gets into our school libraries where some young dissatisfied soul is looking for a little gender experimentation.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After all, according to our legislature, and properly so, sex only appears after graduation - - miraculously - - poof and there it is with the concurrent question of "What do we do with this?" Our elected officials have forgotten, if they ever knew, that our children have smart phones. And guess what? They also have on these smart phones ChatGPT and Bard and Google and Siri and Bing and Pi and Replika and AI Dungeon and probably a hundred more. Who knew, right?</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, let's do a little research so we are prepared for the next thing that we have to forbid legislatively. It's simply necessary if we want to continue to live in a world we recognize.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 144pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Richard E H Phelps</span></p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Mingo</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>Richard Phelpshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06076726472155327866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1138201973599819059.post-1076800802012965602023-12-08T08:59:00.003-06:002023-12-08T08:59:30.533-06:00An Entitled Opinion<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">AN ENTITLED OPINION</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-086a30f5-7fff-7d8c-7700-e936756b892e"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The accepted opinion is that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I don't know where this idea ever came from, but it simply is not true. Many people are not entitled to an opinion, in fact, probably most. Why should you be entitled to an opinion if you know nothing about the subject for which you have an opinion? Why would you think that simply because you can speak and move around, that you are entitled to an opinion on a subject of which you know nothing?</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The answer, of course, is that you don't. And you shouldn't. The Declaration of Independence mentions life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It didn't say a thing about opinions - - totally silent. This would lead one to believe that opinions were omitted as simply not relevant. And again, the Constitution to the United States, including the Amendments, are silent when it comes to opinion. Nowhere does it say that due process or equal protection applies to the opinions of anyone who thinks they ought to have some.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is clear, simply from absence, that an opinion is not something that was given much thought back when - - and for good reason. Nothing has changed since 1789 or whenever, that makes it any more likely that a citizen of this country is able to form a knowledgeable opinion now.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The sources of knowledge that are available to be able to form an opinion are numerous and continuance. One only needs to pay some heed to them which, I know, does require a certain amount of time and attention. Time and attention are the two factors that are critical in the development of opinion: It takes time and effort to absorb the knowledge required for an opinion which appear to be the two factors that seem to be absent from the lives of our countrymen.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We have decided, as a people, as Americans, that time and attention are two things we don't have enough of in our busy lives of working, TV, and sporting events. Just too busy and besides it can be depressing if successfully engaging in opinion forming. One would actually have to read items in a newspaper, magazine, or book in order to be able to form an opinion on anything beyond our immediate ken and additionally, it might be depressing. There simply isn't enough time in the day to learn enough to be able to form an opinion and besides, who wants to be depressed.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, the solution has been and continues to be that we adopt ready made opinions. It has been observed that currently there usually are two contrary opinions on any given subject - - they would be the opinion expressed on Fox and the opinion expressed on MSNBC. These are ready made opinions and ones that are simply adopted by the viewers. Very neat and tidy. No messing around with newspapers or magazines or books - - not necessary. These opinions are the opinions that you believe you have the right to possess and they really aren't even yours though you claim them. So when someone says that you don't have a right to an opinion, give it some thought, and come to the proper conclusion: you really don't even have any.</span></p><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Richard E H Phelps II</span></p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mingo</span></span>Richard Phelpshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06076726472155327866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1138201973599819059.post-77475241078916614092023-12-03T07:22:00.001-06:002023-12-03T07:22:27.954-06:00Let's Talk Lot<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">LET'S TALK LOT</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-9df4c475-7fff-1407-cea1-f6a3e0b834f2"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Recently rereading the Biblical story of Lot, it once again occurred to me what an interesting family we had there. Considering he was the nephew of Abraham, he did have a pretty good lineage. According to the Biblical account, a couple of angels visited Lot to give him some bad tidings - - his hometown was to be obliterated. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now if this wasn't enough for Lot, the locals apparently became interested in copulating with the two visiting angels, Now whether this was to accomplish intercourse with the deity or the need for a new and different sexual experience is uncertain. The Biblical story is a little short on details here.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Apparently the authorities were not in the neighborhood as the mob was pounding on the door. Lot, wanting to protect the messagers from heaven, offered his two daughters to the mob as appeasement. Now this really doesn't say much for Lot that he was going to throw his two daughters out the door to be gang raped. The passage is silent on what his wife may have thought of the idea, but apparently whatever she did think, was irrelevant.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Well, apparently both the angels and the daughters escaped being gang raped by the mob of Sodomites. The angels blinded the mob of wishful sodomites so they were unable to fulfill their quest; but that is not the end of the story. The family was instructed not to look back at Sodom as they were fleeing. Apparently, they were not to witness the mass slaughter of their neighbors and other citizens of the city. Unfortunately, Missus Lot couldn't help herself and looked back and for that lack of obedience was turned into a pillar of salt. Not just bad luck - - do what you're told is the lesson here.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now why the deity wanted no witnesses is unclear. I've always been a little suspect when someone does things without explanation or witnesses. Of course, in this instance, there was an explanation - - wickedness. I'm not quite sure what this wickedness was other than a desire to copulate with angels, but apparently throwing your two daughters to the mob was not considered something wicked. It was suggested by the visitors that Lot should flee post haste and save himself from obliteration even after offering his daughters to multiple sexual encounters with strangers and such. So much for gang rape.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The story doesn't end here though. After leaving Sodom for the mountains, which after all may have been a dreary and lonesome place, the two daughters decided that if they were ever going to give birth (to carry on the family line), they were going to have to do it with dad. So they got him drunk two nights in a row and as they say, "lay with dad". And a happy ending resulted since they were apparently both ovulating at the same time.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As I said at the top, a rather interesting family. Of course, here in the States, they all would be in jail and considered criminals and on the sex offender registry. Clearly the local deity was not adverse to mass murder and leveling whole cities plus a little gang rape and intra-family breeding was no big deal either. So there you have it, the story of Lot.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 144pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Richard E H Phelps II</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 144pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mingo </span></p></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Richard Phelpshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06076726472155327866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1138201973599819059.post-48868006118708182102023-12-01T12:49:00.002-06:002023-12-01T12:49:16.766-06:00More on Education<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">MORE ON EDUCATION</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-e753d8ad-7fff-a632-898e-5c2183264c92"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I continue to monitor the tweets (now X's), the letters, and public pronouncements of our elected officials: an activity in which we should all participate. What is clear, and simply can not be disputed, is that our educational system in this State has succeeded beyond our elected representatives' wildest dreams. We have a public that doesn't know anything.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now, I have not taken a poll or sent out a questionnaire so I am always willing to analyze my own statements for accuracy, but it seems to me, as George Carlin would say, that the American public really doesn't know anything and doesn't care to know anything. This, of course, resides in the premise that our governor, representatives, and senators are correct. They publish statements that simply have no meaning with the intent of creating hostility toward one group and love toward another with the presumption that this will maintain their grip on power, i. e., be re-elected.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You may ask, what does this have to do with our schools? Well - - everything! We apparently have a public that will read some nonsense espoused by one of our elected officials and react to it in the manner that is intended by the person or group producing it without the slightest thought given. For instance, our Senator Joni Ernst, might as well publicly announce that Biden is responsible for the cost of the dozen eggs you just purchased at Fareway or Hy-Vee or Walmart. She as much as says this continually and with great fervor. One can only conclude that she and her staff truly believe that the people reading these pronouncements believe them and therefore will not vote for Joe Biden next time around and instead, will vote for whomever is listed as a candidate on the same ticket as them, because, after all, Joe is responsible for the price of eggs that I eat for my breakfast. This is such incredible nonsense that it is difficult to understand how people can subscribe to it. But they do!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The underlying premise, of course, is that the people these statements are intended for can barely read, will believe anything they are told if by the correct person, or are simply befuddled with doubt. This premise is based on the additional assumption that the people, the public, for which these statements are intended are totally uneducated. Which, in turn, means that our schools have successfully produced a public without any sense of reality nor the ability to give thought to anything other than where their next dollar is coming from and will their favorite sports team win their next game.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is all very depressing; that we as a people can make decisions that affect us all without the least thought, And, frankly, I see no solution. If our schools succeed in continuing to produce what they are currently producing, I don't see much of a future for the people who come after us. The world is changing, as always, and we are not prepared.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Richard E H Phelps II</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mingo</span></p></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Richard Phelpshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06076726472155327866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1138201973599819059.post-39401364378249780632023-11-27T16:38:00.002-06:002023-11-27T16:38:14.179-06:00The New Session<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE NEW SESSION</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-eeceb65b-7fff-e8fc-3860-797cb9fbf721"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A new legislative session is just around the corner. It just makes you giddy with the delight of anticipation of what our legislators can come up with this year to make our lives even more pure and blameless than they already are. I'm sure they have been studying various ways since they last were in session. After all, they have months and months to form study groups and rein in dissent. I would wager that the governor's office and the legislative powers that be are prepared and ready to march.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now, I'm not a masochist. I do not invite discomfort or misery, but since it seems to be inevitable and in our best interest, one has to accept it with unanimity; it's just part of the package. Who am I to attempt the impossible of holding back the tide of authoritarianism emanating from our capitol. Everything is for our own good.. Our legislators, specifically those of evangelical bent, are of the belief that their views and behavior should be enforced upon the rest of us. And, of course, this is the way it should be. It's a democracy after all.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This has always been the case when a certain group gets to make all the rules; it really doesn't matter which group is in charge at any given time. What is good for them, is good for everyone. Over the last couple of legislative sessions, here in Iowa, certain biases have been clearly shown. These include black people protesting, transgender children wanting to play sports and going to a different bathroom, women who think they should be in charge of their own bodies, librarians who provide literature to young minds, those who actually use marijauna and find it enjoyable, and so forth. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's all for our own good, you know. And since their intent is pure, i. e., for our benefit, we must accept whatever they do. After all, to protest would be anti-democratic and against the general will as some ancient philosophers supposed. And also after all, they know better than we what is good for us. Simply being recalcitrant is not a defense to the good and the true. And clearly, since we elected them, they do know what is good and whatever they do is in our interest even at first glance it is not so wonderful and even objectionable. So there you have it. Grin and bear it even if you have some doubts, for our legislators and our governor know what is best for you and me.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Richard E H Phelps II</span></p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mingo</span></span>Richard Phelpshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06076726472155327866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1138201973599819059.post-84758762516458709642023-11-21T16:53:00.003-06:002023-11-21T16:53:57.862-06:00Driving About<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">DRIVING ABOUT</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-1f2fc7c6-7fff-8ff2-5f7d-c93f981768ef"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This morning on my morning drive to one of the various court houses I visit, I was looking at my steering wheel. One glances at, sees, and usually has one's hands on it continually while driving. Having your hand or hands, as the case may be, on the steering wheel is a proper activity associated with operating a motor vehicle. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It occurred to me, however, that I really didn't know much about my steering wheel. I counted ten buttons on my steering wheel, all of which had minute drawings on them, apparently denoting their function. What occurred to me further was the fact that I had no idea the purpose of any of the ten buttons. No clue. It further occurred to me that while driving was not the time to experiment with the buttons right in front of me on the steering wheel. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Since the only time I am in my vehicle, I am driving it, there has never been a good time in which to study these buttons or, in the alternative, or to read the manual. Further, I foresee nothing in the future that will change. I don't believe that it would be appropriate for me to begin pushing buttons on the steering wheel if I am not the driver. It would probably annoy the person actually doing the driving and might even cause an accident.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This brings us to the subject of the manual. The manual, several manuals to be exact, are located in the glove box. They are very thick - - I have removed the manuals from the glove box and felt their thickness. There must be a whole lot of material in those manuals. I, however, have not read any of them and have no intention of doing so. If someone else wants to read the manuals in the glove box of my car, they are welcome to do so.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have been able to get to my destination every time I have driven my car - - I have not been required to push any of the buttons on my steering wheel to do so nor have I been required to read the manual. I will admit however that there are several buttons on the dash that I do push quite regularly such as the up and down buttons controlling the temperature. And I will admit I do know which button is the air conditioning and do push it on and off as the need requires.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have been instructed on several occasions to read the manuals. In addition to instructions to do so, I have had numerous people suggest that I do so so that I know the function of these buttons - - that knowing the function of these buttons is a good thing. Let's just be clear about this: I have no inclination to punch any of these ten buttons. I don't care what these buttons are for and I don't want to know what they are for as long as my car gets me to where I want to go: It just isn't necessary. After all, isn't this what cars are for - - to get you where you want to go?</span></p><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Richard E H Phelps II</span></p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mingo</span></span>Richard Phelpshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06076726472155327866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1138201973599819059.post-88592277880253793402023-11-20T19:40:00.003-06:002023-11-20T19:40:57.466-06:00They're Mushrooms<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">THEY'RE MUSHROOMS</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-fa31f6b4-7fff-94aa-4de2-9f7d7881fafb"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On a drive-about that included Altoona, Bondurant, and Ankeny I saw dozens if not a hundred new, massive structures, empty - - waiting for stuff to arrive by trucks to then leave again by trucks, possibly to another of the massive buildings a few miles away. It is like a form of fungal reproduction.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now I know that mushrooms reproduce through spores that apparently are airborne as the mushroom breaks the service of the ground, but there must be some sort of pollination going on here that I am not aware of. I can think of nothing more analogous to these giant structures than huge, cavernous fungi. They seem to pop up overnight. And then there is stuff moving from one part of the building to another, from one building to another, having at one time moved from the point of manufacture and will end finally at the place where it will be consumed.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We now call this process the supply chain. This is a new term that entered our vocabulary when we experienced deprivation with COVID. Suddenly, there were items not found. This was viewed with horror. For instance, toilet paper became a very valuable item. The stores couldn't keep what little they had in stock for the pursuit of toilet paper by the public was ravenous. What would we do without toilet paper?</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of the 350,000,000 people that live in this county, if the "supply chain" suddenly disappeared, 349,000,000 would have no food. That is a thought that should get one's attention. The fact that someone is gay or transgender or some other variety of human, would seem to be irrelevant. No one would have anything to eat. I suppose that is when the guns come out. Of course, if everyone has a gun, that's when the real shooting begins.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you and your children are starving, you do what you have to do to eat. Simple really. I often wonder about the things that we complain about, or argue about, or get upset with. So our legislature doesn't like that our teachers actually acknowledge there are gay and transgender people in their schools. The horror! Is this what they are elected to think about? What possible benefit does it do to anyone to pick on people other than to show you are a bully.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Unfortunately, it would appear that our legislators and our governor are bullies. They showed it during the protest of Black Lives Matter, they are showing it in their actions against teachers and librarians, they are preparing laws to enact that are nothing but to bully people they don't like for whatever reason they don't like them. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We have a government of bullies, smug ones, believing that that is why they were elected - - to bully people. I can only hope that the people who voted for them are not themselves bullies. I find most people, when approached, are friendly and not bullies, and in fact, don't much care for one person bullying another. But they have elected a legislature full of bullies. Seems incongruous. I wish it weren't so. Maybe you could suggest to your legislator that he or she begin thinking about the things that matter - - not who can go to which bathroom.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you wonder how I made the transition from cavernous warehouses to bullies so quickly; it's called a mind that wanders uncontrollably.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Richard E H Phelps</span></p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mingo</span></span>Richard Phelpshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06076726472155327866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1138201973599819059.post-90411109647891192562023-11-14T07:26:00.002-06:002023-11-14T07:26:17.121-06:00Another War<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">ANOTHER WAR</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-fe9b7a54-7fff-2f65-11ad-02952ed981ec"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We need to encourage our legislators to create another war on something. The war on drugs is totally passé and as we can all see, a total failure. The only accomplishment being making life really miserable for those whose lives are already miserable. The latest war has been the war on sex. This war has, or will soon, reach its crescendo. It is accomplishing its goal of making a whole other category of people miserable by subjecting them to prison, social workers, sex offender registry, and therapists of various shades of credibility .</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, what we need is a new war. Our Iowa legislature has as its goal to oversee a population of totally miserable and despondent people, except of course, those who contribute campaign funds. They are exempt from misery having the resources to buy their way into Nirvana. So, let's get with it!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our legislators need to be looking for something they can use to make life more miserable for a whole new group of people. Driving has always been part of the effort. We spend a huge amount of time and money putting people in jail and extorting money from them for driving without a license. These people, who don't have driver's licenses don't have driver's licenses for a reason: They don't have any money. And our legislature makes absolutely certain that these people without any money will be even more miserable than they already are. Not only do you go to jail, but you also have to pay the State of Iowa various taxes. These taxes are called fines, court costs, reinstatement fees, license fees, and I'm sure I'm missing some; and they are payable by people who don't have any money in the first place.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm open for suggestions. Surely we have not utilized all the ways available to make people miserable. There has to be more ways to do it. Book banning doesn't do it because most people don't read books anyway. Restricting who can play highschool sports doesn't do it except for the feeling of being picked on which may or may not increase misery. We could always reduce unemployment benefits again or further restrict health care but these are the tried and true methods that have been used traditionally. We need something new and exciting and horrible to think about. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How about home canning? You might poison yourself. And not only can home canning be dangerous, it is anti-capitalist. One is not buying stuff they don't need if one is canning food at home. It is un-American and needs to be completely banned. A person who preserves food, and it could be just about anything, is not, and I repeat not, helping the GDP. Home canning is not part of the statistical input of gross domestic product and should be discouraged and possibly made illegal with the rationale that it could be dangerous if done improperly (just like driving). Just an idea folks, but we do need something new to have a war on. If you have any good suggestions, contact your local representative.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Richard E H Phelps II</span></p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MIngo</span></span>Richard Phelpshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06076726472155327866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1138201973599819059.post-27192798446053289072023-11-12T07:20:00.000-06:002023-11-12T07:20:09.899-06:00Never Ending Adolescence<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">NEVER ENDING ADOLESCENCE</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-00f52694-7fff-2fb7-b4c5-8f66c893302b"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is moving to see an entire state of adult males reenacting adolescence; thinking to themselves that they are the good in The Good, Bad, and the Ugly: Clint Eastwood wannabes passing legislation. Now that's what I voted for!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's the wild west all over again: fighting Indians and cattle rustlers and other ne'er-do-wells out here in the fields of corn and soybeans. Vigilantes patrolling in their Jeeps with their AR-15s looking for something to shoot. You simply can't have an AR-15 if you can't shoot it. The same goes with any other firearm. After all they cost money and the bullets are expensive as well. If you have a gun, you need to shoot it once in a while to see if you can actually hit what you aim at.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This last issue is the most concerning. It would appear, from what I see and read, that the vast majority of post-adolescents with guns can't hit the first thing they shoot at; nor the last for that matter. Have you ever sat down in a restaurant for a nice relaxing meal and the table next to you looks like a posse comitatus convention. Somewhat disconcerting. Not only are you not convinced they can hit what they aim at, but you're uncertain what would cause them to start shooting in the first place.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This fascination with firearms really is an indication of the level of maturity of the adult male population in this state - - 13. You can't say differently; there is no evidence to back up a different conclusion than age thirteen. The world is apparently full of evil doers as one president mentioned and apparently Iowa has its share. And since the only movies and books we see or read are about superheroes saving whole cities from mayhem, it's no wonder. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our adult male population, sadly of which I am one, has failed to advance from adolescence and is just stuck in some mirage of old westerns and cops and robbers movies which have no relation to current reality. Bonnie and Clyde are dead; so is Geronimo. Put the guns away!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Richard E H Phelps II</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mingo</span></p></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Richard Phelpshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06076726472155327866noreply@blogger.com0