This splendid video from the Onion sufficiently appeals to my sense of humor. Enjoy.
Obama Axes Pentagon Plan To Build Billion Dollar Tank In Shape Of Dragon
While this video is satirizing several films, it is also subtly addressing the issue of Obama's decision to end production of the F-22 (it probably is also satirizing the F-22 itself). Bad move. With all the ridiculous things he IS spending money on, why does he decide to quit the production of the ultimate fighter jet in the world? I have a feeling we're going to be wanting those 150 F-22's that were canceled in the future. We'll be wanting this dragon tank as well.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Painted on my Heart
Meet Ernest (13), Talauna (11), Carlita (7), and Demetrius (4), the newest members of the Devenport family. I don't want to get into to much detail, but these kids have essentially been abandoned by both of their parents. So here they are, living with my family, because my parents are noble like that.
I don't know how long they'll be staying with us. But they definitely show signs of needing a stable home. This whole experience has illustrated to me that the greatest tragedy of our superficial and selfish society is the children who grow up in broken families--who then grow up according to the example of their parents.
Children should not be subjected to the pain that results from the betrayal of their parents.
That's why it hurts me when Demetrius comes running up to me all excited because he saw his mom and she gave him a Transformer. . .
All I can think is "Kid, your mom is running away from you. The price of that toy seems to be the limit of her love."
Monday, July 20, 2009
I'm still Alive
I know I've been slacking over the last couple weeks as far as blogging goes. This isn't entirely my fault because I've only been home for one day in that time period--spent babysitting neglected children (more later)--in essence I'm giving a valid excuse for my neglect.
Unfortunately, I only have two days before I depart again for another trip, so I'm not going to get anything really substantial posted before I leave again. I may do something later today or tomorrow, but I have several subjects brewing in my mind that may require a bit more effort and eloquence than I can generate right now.
So here are a few pictures from the last couple weeks of working in the Alaskan wilderness to tide you over until I get my act together again.
The beautiful pastel colors of an Alaskan night.
An eagle chillin' in a tree--hard to get a good picture of while bobbing up and down.
Childs Glacier calves right into the Copper River. We saw some pretty massive ones, but I never got a good picture.
A forest fire producing a nice hazy effect and a red-ish sun.
A small glacier up in the mountains.
An Alaskan fish wheel. This one is pretty hardcore, four baskets?
The crossing of Miles Lake. It looks lonely. It was.
A public use cabin I helped build (in four days) at Caribou Creek.
Early morning fog on the Copper.
Some mountains along the Copper River.
Unfortunately, I only have two days before I depart again for another trip, so I'm not going to get anything really substantial posted before I leave again. I may do something later today or tomorrow, but I have several subjects brewing in my mind that may require a bit more effort and eloquence than I can generate right now.
So here are a few pictures from the last couple weeks of working in the Alaskan wilderness to tide you over until I get my act together again.
The beautiful pastel colors of an Alaskan night.
An eagle chillin' in a tree--hard to get a good picture of while bobbing up and down.
Childs Glacier calves right into the Copper River. We saw some pretty massive ones, but I never got a good picture.
A forest fire producing a nice hazy effect and a red-ish sun.
A small glacier up in the mountains.
An Alaskan fish wheel. This one is pretty hardcore, four baskets?
The crossing of Miles Lake. It looks lonely. It was.
A public use cabin I helped build (in four days) at Caribou Creek.
Early morning fog on the Copper.
Some mountains along the Copper River.
Friday, July 03, 2009
Letter from a humble citizen
Dear President Obama,
In the light of your recent declaration of the month of June as Lesbian, Gay, and/or Trans-gender month I have the following suggestion for the month of July. In light of the great work done for our country by "Adulterers" I submit that the month of July be devoted to a celebration of their contributions to American society (here I could drop some prominent names that have cropped up in the news recently). This declaration of July as "Adultery" month would help unite American society against the vicious, unethical and negative stigmatization that are heaped upon Adulterers by the religious members of American society. And blah, blah, blah, so forth. . .
Thank-you President Obama for all that good things that you have done with your presidency so far.
The End.
In the light of your recent declaration of the month of June as Lesbian, Gay, and/or Trans-gender month I have the following suggestion for the month of July. In light of the great work done for our country by "Adulterers" I submit that the month of July be devoted to a celebration of their contributions to American society (here I could drop some prominent names that have cropped up in the news recently). This declaration of July as "Adultery" month would help unite American society against the vicious, unethical and negative stigmatization that are heaped upon Adulterers by the religious members of American society. And blah, blah, blah, so forth. . .
Thank-you President Obama for all that good things that you have done with your presidency so far.
The End.
This is America?
June 15, 2009
MEMORANDUM
To: All DOI Employees
From: Kathleen J.H. Wheeler (Signed)
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary – Human Capital, Performance and
Partnerships
Subject: DOI EVENT – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month 2009
The Department of the Interior (DOI) joins the Nation in observing the month of June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month. During Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, the contributions of LGBT Americans are remembered and acknowledged.
As stated in the attached Presidential Proclamation, “LGBT Americans have made, and continue to make, great and lasting contributions that continue to strengthen the fabric of American society. There are many well-respected LGBT leaders in all professional fields, including the arts and business communities.”
Bureaus and Offices are encouraged to conduct activities across the country in observance of LGBT Pride Month. Managers and supervisors are encouraged to participate and encourage the participation of their employees in programs and activities in observance of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month.
Attachment
___________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release June 1, 2009
LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH, 2009
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Forty years ago, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City resisted police harassment that had become all too common for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Out of this resistance, the LGBT rights movement in America was born. During LGBT Pride Month, we commemorate the events of June 1969 and commit to achieving equal justice under law for LGBT Americans.
LGBT Americans have made, and continue to make, great and lasting contributions that continue to strengthen the fabric of American society. There are many well-respected LGBT leaders in all professional fields, including the arts and business communities. LGBT Americans also mobilized the Nation to respond to the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic and have played a vital role in broadening this country's response to the HIV pandemic.
Due in no small part to the determination and dedication of the LGBT rights movement, more LGBT Americans are living their lives openly today than ever before. I am proud to be the first President to appoint openly LGBT candidates to Senate-confirmed positions in the first 100 days of an Administration. These individuals embody the best qualities we seek in public servants, and across my Administration -- in both the White House and the Federal agencies -- openly LGBT employees are doing their jobs with distinction and professionalism.
The LGBT rights movement has achieved great progress, but there is more work to be done. LGBT youth should feel safe to learn without the fear of harassment, and LGBT families and seniors should be allowed to live their lives with dignity and respect.
My Administration has partnered with the LGBT community to advance a wide range of initiatives. At the international level, I have joined efforts at the United Nations to decriminalize homosexuality around the world. Here at home, I continue to support measures to bring the full spectrum of equal rights to LGBT Americans. These measures include enhancing hate crimes laws, supporting civil unions and Federal rights for LGBT couples, outlawing discrimination in the workplace, ensuring adoption rights, and ending the existing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in a way that strengthens our Armed Forces and our national security. We must also commit ourselves to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic by both reducing the number of HIV infections and providing care and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS across the United States.
These issues affect not only the LGBT community, but also our entire Nation. As long as the promise of equality for all remains unfulfilled, all Americans are affected. If we can work together to advance the principles upon which our Nation was founded, every American will benefit. During LGBT Pride Month, I call upon the LGBT community, the Congress, and the American people to work together to promote equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
BARACK OBAMA
MEMORANDUM
To: All DOI Employees
From: Kathleen J.H. Wheeler (Signed)
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary – Human Capital, Performance and
Partnerships
Subject: DOI EVENT – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month 2009
The Department of the Interior (DOI) joins the Nation in observing the month of June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month. During Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, the contributions of LGBT Americans are remembered and acknowledged.
As stated in the attached Presidential Proclamation, “LGBT Americans have made, and continue to make, great and lasting contributions that continue to strengthen the fabric of American society. There are many well-respected LGBT leaders in all professional fields, including the arts and business communities.”
Bureaus and Offices are encouraged to conduct activities across the country in observance of LGBT Pride Month. Managers and supervisors are encouraged to participate and encourage the participation of their employees in programs and activities in observance of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month.
Attachment
___________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release June 1, 2009
LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH, 2009
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Forty years ago, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City resisted police harassment that had become all too common for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Out of this resistance, the LGBT rights movement in America was born. During LGBT Pride Month, we commemorate the events of June 1969 and commit to achieving equal justice under law for LGBT Americans.
LGBT Americans have made, and continue to make, great and lasting contributions that continue to strengthen the fabric of American society. There are many well-respected LGBT leaders in all professional fields, including the arts and business communities. LGBT Americans also mobilized the Nation to respond to the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic and have played a vital role in broadening this country's response to the HIV pandemic.
Due in no small part to the determination and dedication of the LGBT rights movement, more LGBT Americans are living their lives openly today than ever before. I am proud to be the first President to appoint openly LGBT candidates to Senate-confirmed positions in the first 100 days of an Administration. These individuals embody the best qualities we seek in public servants, and across my Administration -- in both the White House and the Federal agencies -- openly LGBT employees are doing their jobs with distinction and professionalism.
The LGBT rights movement has achieved great progress, but there is more work to be done. LGBT youth should feel safe to learn without the fear of harassment, and LGBT families and seniors should be allowed to live their lives with dignity and respect.
My Administration has partnered with the LGBT community to advance a wide range of initiatives. At the international level, I have joined efforts at the United Nations to decriminalize homosexuality around the world. Here at home, I continue to support measures to bring the full spectrum of equal rights to LGBT Americans. These measures include enhancing hate crimes laws, supporting civil unions and Federal rights for LGBT couples, outlawing discrimination in the workplace, ensuring adoption rights, and ending the existing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in a way that strengthens our Armed Forces and our national security. We must also commit ourselves to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic by both reducing the number of HIV infections and providing care and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS across the United States.
These issues affect not only the LGBT community, but also our entire Nation. As long as the promise of equality for all remains unfulfilled, all Americans are affected. If we can work together to advance the principles upon which our Nation was founded, every American will benefit. During LGBT Pride Month, I call upon the LGBT community, the Congress, and the American people to work together to promote equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
BARACK OBAMA
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