Joe T.'s Comments
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Dec 24, 2009 | recommended: 10 | comments: 57
in reply to a comment by Ronald Horvath
Joe T. Dec 28, 2009, 6:31am EST
Andrew Sullivan is one of the greatest commentators of our time. He clearly understands that we no longer live in a world of honesty. We are living in an age when the children are told lies (the earth is only 5,000 years old and man once roamed the earth with dinosaurs, for example). These liars are getting all of the air time while the people who do the real work (scientists) are questioned and dismissed. Yes, Mr. Sullivan, the president should stay cool, indeed. The kids will grow up one day and find out that they have been deceived. They will rightfully be angry and distrustful of adults. We will be needing elderly care and they will be the ones making the decisions about the quality of care we receive. In the end, we will all pay the price for sitting silently while these liars and destroyers of the human spirit have the final word.
Dec 24, 2009 | recommended: 10 | comments: 57
Joe T. Dec 26, 2009, 3:09am EST
As long as the health insurance industry is happy with this health care reform legislation, is is suspicious. Only when they are uncomfortable and even angry will true health care reform happen in this country. So, I might agree that Obama has not done what he said that he will do. But, he is not heading toward the path of a failed presidency. There will be disappointments, I'm sure.

When those who didn't vote for President Obama react to his mistakes with an "I told you so" attitude, they are guilty of the very thing that they claim Obama supporters are. The founders of the US Constitution fashioned our legal system in such a way that legislation is a slow process which is as it should be. Rash decisions rarely lead to anything good for people. Too many people think that being right is more important than doing the right thing. President Obama understands this and is trying his best to lead the country into doing the right thing. Unfortunately, the U.S. culture prefers to argue over who is right. That cultural shift is more of a problem than President Bush or President Obama. It has given our leaders the perfect cover. Maybe, it will change.

Interestingly, today I held the door open for a family of eight. The mother and father walked through as if it was my job. Five children walked through as if I owed them something. The four year old boy trailing behind smiled and exclaimed, "Thank you, Sir!" It gives me hope that we might be returning to a form of civility that has been lost in our culture for some time. When I said, "You are quite welcome, young man!" The entire family turned and stared at me as if I was the bad guy. How sad for that mannerly young boy. I can't help wondering where he learned such politeness.
Dec 24, 2009 | recommended: 10 | comments: 57
Joe T. Dec 25, 2009, 10:54am EST
What the article is really telling us is that the writer does not like President Obama. He asserts that President Obama is failing us, but offers no proof. Now, there is plenty of proof that President Bush failed us (although he is not the worst president ~ Woodrow Wilson and Richard Nixon are the worst presidents in the history of the United States). But, that is the problem with bias. Bias knows no truth ~ only misunderstandings and mean-spirited thoughts.
Dec 24, 2009 | recommended: 10 | comments: 57
in reply to a comment by Chuck L.
Joe T. Dec 25, 2009, 10:51am EST
What a nice spin on the Bush - 43 presidency, Dan. I'm afraid that the facts do not support your views.

"The facts do not change according to our ability to stomach them." ~ Flannery O'Connor
Dec 24, 2009 | recommended: 10 | comments: 57
in reply to a comment by Chuck L.
Joe T. Dec 24, 2009, 10:54pm EST
My first thought was the same as Chuck's. You wish that he was failing.

What he is doing is challenging a status quo that only insures those with deep pockets and does everything to fleece the public out its money all the while knowing that if there is legal loophole, benefits will be denied. President Obama doesn't want that anymore. And, that is what bothers these people. They want everything to stay the same so that they don't have to sacrifice. Stinginess has become popular today. But, it is still anti-American.
Dec 21, 2009 | recommended: 1 | comments: 15
in reply to a comment by EM JAY (Gather Director of Chaos & Uprisings) W.
Joe T. Dec 22, 2009, 8:45pm EST
By the way, I have two daughters in their mid-twenties. I am rather tired of people our age insisting that they aren't just trying hard enough. Things were much different when I was starting out in my mid-twenties. Today, these businesses and organizations want 100% commitment for around $8.00 an hour. How can anyone support a family or build a decent life on that?
Dec 21, 2009 | recommended: 1 | comments: 15
in reply to a comment by EM JAY (Gather Director of Chaos & Uprisings) W.
Joe T. Dec 22, 2009, 8:36pm EST
EM Jay,

You always provide much food for thought. When I took an economics course, in the 1970s, our professor was honest enough to inform us at the end of the course that economic theory means nothing without customers. He then told us that there are no customers when people don't have jobs. I think that his wise words are quite evident in today's economy.
Dec 21, 2009 | recommended: 1 | comments: 15
in reply to a comment by EM JAY (Gather Director of Chaos & Uprisings) W.
Joe T. Dec 22, 2009, 11:32am EST
People can't save money that they don't have in the first place, EM Jay.

Of course, you are correct. I think that the problem is much deeper than most voters are able to comprehend. The corporations have won the day. Even in this current health care debate, the insurance companies are looking to be exempted from certain provisions, such as providing health care benefits to seniors without direct profits. The Democratic leadership is giving in to these sly foxes.

So, I agree that it seems that these older people don't seem to believe that Social Security is supplemental. But, when one considers the history of Social Security, it is entirely understandable that many people on Social Security do not have much else going into their checking accounts.
Dec 21, 2009 | recommended: 1 | comments: 15
Joe T. Dec 21, 2009, 4:44am EST
Too many seniors live on a fixed income. The modest COLA doesn't compare to the vast corporate welfare system in America (cleverly disguised as federal subsidies).

Having said all of that, the freeze on COLA is temporary. We are all having to cut back as our economy was destroyed with the deregulation and anti-tax efforts of the past ten years. We have none other than the stingiest of Republicans to thank for these realities. Not one Democrat ever encouraged or promoted the notion that business would regulate itself. Smart people knew all along that these efforts come from faulty reasoning. So, I agree with you about those who blindly vote Republican all the while ignoring whose selfish thinking is behind it. Barry Goldwater of the previous generations would never agree to what was done in the first decade of the twenty-first century. He was always for allowing the market to decide who succeeds. And, he maintained that sound government regulation is not only reasonable, it is important. Frankly, the President Reagan era ushered in this stingy thinking and has infected the Republican Party. The Democratic Party invests too much effort in placating these Republican anti-American types who want the largest pieces of the pie for themselves without any regard to how it affects the American experiment. The Republicans get away with it by pandering to social conservatives who show no respect for individual liberty all the while being fleeced of their hard earned income by the very people who claim to have their interests at heart. What has happened is that lying has become acceptable. It's too bad for the young people starting out. Their futures have been sold to the highest bidder, I'm afraid.
Dec 6, 2009 | comments: 11
in reply to a comment by Goddamn Atheist
Joe T. Dec 16, 2009, 7:33am EST
I find that Christian spokespeople rarely promote or foster unification. The reason is that they might have to respect those of other religions or faiths. There was a time in this country when people were much more religious. At the same time, however, people considered it rude and impolite to insist that one religious choice was better than another. This was because most people believed that religious freedom in America was important. That is no longer the case. This new breed of "Christians" would have us all obeying their version of right and wrong regardless of who is harmed. They reveal of form of immorality that is far more egregious than the woman who chooses to have an abortion.
Dec 9, 2009 | recommended: 4 | comments: 32
in reply to a comment by isaiah b.
Joe T. Dec 16, 2009, 7:29am EST
The big deal, Isaiah, is that we now have a president that Don B. doesn't like. So, any opportunity to be outraged is justified in his twisted thinking. The facts will always remain that President Bush got us into this mess in the first place. President Obama may not do things exactly the way we think he should. But, he can never be accused of causing this problem. Unfortunately, there are people who seem to think that just because they repeat something often enough that it is true. That has continually been one of Don B.s contributions on Gather. If it is the right party, he is curiously silent regardless of the result. If it is the wrong party, he is extremely critical and finds something wrong no matter what.
Dec 13, 2009 | recommended: 1 | comments: 4
in reply to a comment by Texas Rocks
Joe T. Dec 14, 2009, 12:32am EST
If you had seen as many young people as I have in trouble because of the lies their parents tell them, you would see it differently, Texas. I get what you mean about someone telling you how to raise your child. But, there are some things that parents do that are simply wrong. Telling them that they don't need to know the truth about sex is one of those wrongs. It causes many social problems that cost every American in dollars and quality of life. We are a better country than that.

I certainly agree that many parents do not parent at all. The only ones who suffer are the children. They often become adults who aren't able to take responsibility for their lives. And, their parents sit on their high horse and behave as if they had nothing to do with it. This inability to manage the truth is the problem ~ not sexual education in schools.
Dec 13, 2009 | recommended: 1 | comments: 4
Joe T. Dec 13, 2009, 9:24pm EST
I understand a parent's wish to control the type of sex education taught to their children. But, the fact is that too many parents are not doing the job. It causes many social problems that are costly to taxpayers and threaten the stability of our country (and Germany's, as well). If parents could be trusted to tell their children the facts instead of their belief in the way things ought to be, this issue would not even be a matter of concern. Frankly, parents just don't do their job. Society pays for this serious oversight. Public schools are one place where a society can educate young people about these matters. So, I understand the parents' concerns. Sometimes, the health of a society is more important than parental rights, however. I think that sex education is one of those areas that can't be left to parents. Parents teach their children silly things that confuse and devastate the lives of young people. Educators are one line of defense against ignorance. So, I agree with the German courts and the California courts on this one. I've seen too much in my lifetime to see it any other way.
Dec 9, 2009 | comments: 26
Joe T. Dec 9, 2009, 11:45pm EST
Gay sex is hardly a serious social problem. These politicians would do everyone a great service by tackling some of our important issues rather than fighting against gays and lesbians. Is heterosexuality really that special?
Dec 9, 2009 | recommended: 4 | comments: 32
Joe T. Dec 9, 2009, 11:39pm EST
We use our court system out of respect for the rule of law. You clearly do not respect the rule of law, Don. I am not surprised. Remember that Congress never declared war on Iraq. And, Iraq had absolutely nothing to do with the terrorist attack on 9/11/2001.

A war tribunal would always leave room for anti-Americanism in the hearts and minds of those who wish to harm us. A court trial will let the world know that we trust our system to do the right thing. I think that you are calling for treasonous behavior, Don. It can hardly be said of President Obama. And, he has no Muslim brothers. But, he is respectful of all religious choices due to the fact that he was first a constitutional scholar. We haven't had a president with that kind of expertise since President Theodore Roosevelt. I would suggest that you should check that out before you go casting aspersions against our president.
Dec 9, 2009 | comments: 3
Joe T. Dec 9, 2009, 3:36pm EST
That's why abortion must remain a legal, safe, and accessible procedure. In the days before the Supreme Court decided that abortion is a woman's decision, the moralizers enjoyed a sense of satisfaction. The women faced with the decision, however, had few choices which resulted in unnecessary injuries and deaths. Abortion is legal because the US Constitution guarantees that all persons are able to live their lives according to the way that they see fit. It is unconstitutional for the government to force women to carry pregnancies to term. If that can't be understood in America, the experiment of liberty and freedom for all is a failure.

Of course, liberty and freedom means that lack of money should not prevent anyone in America from pursuing their own personal goals. So, funding of abortion is the only constitutional choice. As far as morals are concerned, abortion might often be confused with morality. But, it is fallacious argument. Not every woman who chose to have an abortion is automatically immoral. But, every decision designed to interfere with a woman's right to decide what to do with her own body is an immoral one.

Whose morals, indeed!!!!!!
Dec 8, 2009 | comments: 1
Joe T. Dec 9, 2009, 4:36am EST
"There are gay jokes I don’t mind. But they are, in fact, jokes, and not merely resentments and anger vented in a supposedly “amusing” fashion."

Baloney!!! "Gay jokes" are intended to belittle in the same fashion that racist jokes are. It's not about political correctness. Only an idiot doesn't understand that pretending that some people are fair game for ridicule and others are not comes from a hateful mentality that must be rejected out of hand by intelligent people. In America, all people matter or no one matters. A joke is one thing. Any reference to stereotypes or personal mannerisms are not jokes. These references are verbal violence. And, don't ever forget that anything anyone says tells you more about the speaker. People's words can certainly hurt. But, people's words always come from the mind and the heart of the speaker. Smart people understand this and don't buy into racism and homophobia.

One last thought: The best jokes are the jokes that one tells on oneself. Good comedians/comediennes can be recognized by their unique quality of being able to share a joke in relation to how they think and operate rather than merely picking on people. Sarcasm disguised as humor is always mean-spirited and never really all that funny.
Dec 6, 2009 | comments: 11
Joe T. Dec 9, 2009, 4:24am EST
When I am confronted with a moral issue, the question that I consider is, "Who is being harmed?" Not one person has ever been harmed because there are gays and lesbians enjoying life with each other. So, the moral problem is solved in my book.

Of course, what Christians really want is to divide people into believing that their version of right and wrong is the only version of right and wrong. They really don't much care who is being harmed. Anti-gay attitudes are a useful fund-raising tool for Christians. They do not really want the issue to go away. So, they fight and argue with anyone who suggests that gays and lesbians deserve equal treatment in America. Smart people see right through this grand deception. The dull and the ignorant fall for these lies and misunderstandings quite regularly, however.
Nov 25, 2009 | comments: 71
in reply to a comment by Tessa Alive Free Happy D.
Joe T. Dec 7, 2009, 6:53am EST
Of course, your lack of clear thinking is revealed once again, Tessa. The statement is about expertise. Perhaps, you don't understand the term. Again, that would be very sad for your students if that is true. I've known many educators who have decided that they are the experts on just about everything just because they have earned the right to teach. Those educators are the poor ones, Tessa. They have created confusion in students for many years. Honest education facilitates learning. It never dictates or settles for opinions when facts are available. And, honest educators can be seen by their humility and their understanding that no one is an expert on everything. Expertise is a specialized endeavor that requires work and determination. I'm sure that you are an expert on English education. You haven't provided any information that leads me to believe that you are an expert on anything scientific. I like science, too. And, I am quite versed on many scientific concepts. But, I have never worked in the field. So, I am only able to form opinions (albeit a more informed opinion). I would never agree to such arrogance as to claim expertise. For educators to operate with that kind of arrogance shames our profession. I cannot just blindly accept your patronizing criticism without protest, Tessa. As an educator, you have an obligation to recognize that an educated person with some science courses under his/her belt can never be confused with a scientist. Your students deserve that kind of honesty and clarity.
Nov 28, 2009 | comments: 247
in reply to a comment by Josette K.
Joe T. Dec 4, 2009, 4:46am EST
Of course, you are correct that stewardship of the planet does not have to inhibit profits. The problem is that profit comes after serious investment. I'm afraid that we are going through a very stingy time in our country where business does not see the value of investment. It is quite popular today to understand the cost of everything and fail to grasp the value of anything. This is a cultural drift that happens once in awhile. History teaches us that it won't be with us forever. Unfortunately, this notion of entitlement to profits over the needs of people is winning the day. Until that changes, the marriage of business and concern for the environment will be an unhappy one, I'm afraid.
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Joe T.
Chicago, IL

To thine own self be true! ~ William Shakespeare
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