Hey Limbaugh, fuck off

In light of recent comments by former Senator Rick Santorum and this video of Rush Limbaugh http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnfwVRA7lz4 I decided to do a post on racism in America. Quite frankly there is nothing that either of these men can do to justify their actions nor to convince me or any other rational person that these are not hatred-filled racist ejaculations. As I ponder why, in 2011 in the most prosperous and powerful nation on the planet, one built by immigrants and people of all different cultures and backgrounds, so many are still racist I cannot conceive a simple answer. It honestly hurts me to see things like this. Even worse still is the fact that most people are not as outraged as I am. Have we resigned ourselves to bigotry? Is it now acceptable to have any views you want? What enables people like this to hold such power and authority while eschewing such ignorant, hateful speech in America?

I can't help but believe politics plays a role. The fact is that the far right seems to be proud of their bigotry. They use it to rally support among their most conservative supporters. Consider the "Tea Party." While they would never admit to being a racially motivated group, one has to wonder why through all of our presidents and political swings throughout the country's history, why now? Has President Obama taken away any freedoms? No. Has he threatened to? No. Is he the outlandish extreme liberal that some paint him to be? He's never shown signs of it whatsoever. On the continuum of presidential political leanings (anyone who is actually educated in Political Science) would say he's in the realm of Reagan-Clinton. So what is the unique thing about this administration that would start a political movement that would gain such broad appeal and even moderate political power? Oh wait, he's a black guy. He's certainly not our first Democrat to hold the office. He's not the first to want to give health insurance to all citizens. Not the first to want to end tax cuts for the wealthy. But he is the first minority president. The fact is inescapable., even to those who do not wish to admit it.

Back to my original thought, though. Rush Limbaugh is an enormously popular radio personality. Vastly influential in conservative political circles. Yet this is not the first, or second, or third, time that he has shown his ignorance and prejudicial views. In the past he's mocked Al Sharpton's speech. He even mocked Michael J. Fox for an incurable disease not of his choosing. Now he mocks not only the leader of China, but all people of Asian descent. He remarked that he had no idea how anyone could understand Chinese or Japanese, and that he thought it sounded all like one word. Well guess what, Rush? Nearly a third of the planet understands it. However, what I can't understand is how someone can be so proudly ignorant and hateful. Yet many people, millions to be exact, hang on his every word. Probably some of you reading this. Ignorance is nothing to be proud of. Neither is racism, bigotry, or intolerance. It's not funny, its shameful. Personally, I am ashamed to be an American. I am ashamed because this kind of behavior is not only tolerated but encouraged by so many. In a rational society this man would be an outcast. But instead he's a multi-millionaire, political heavyweight. What is wrong with our society that makes this kind of thing possible? I'd like for some comments or thoughts about this, because quite frankly, it blows my mind.

America's Rudest Cities

I recently read this article on America's rudest cities. http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/americas-rudest-cities As someone who has lived in or frequently visited a few of these cities I found these rankings to be very interesting, although strange to me. I noticed Chicago ranked in at 15. I thought about it for a while and I really feel like that's a pretty fair ranking. Chicago is the 3rd largest city in the U.S. so to only be the 15th most rude doesn't seem that bad. Overall I found my experience with most people there to be quite enjoyable. The typical person was pretty polite and helpful if needed. While I definitely had some negative experiences with people there I feel as if that's only to be expected in a city so large where people are simply not concerned about you.

Atlanta I found to be surprisingly rude for a city that one may think would have some southern charm/hospitality. Still what surprised me most was the ranking of Memphis as more rude than Chicago. Once again, I never found Chicago to be an overly rude city as some may expect. Obviously mannerisms are different there than they would be in the South. The casual smile I'm accustomed to giving to and receiving from strangers as a southerner was definitely not the norm. However, I didn't accredit this to rudeness just a difference of regional cultures. I would occasionally feel slightly offended when I would smile at a passer-by or hold a door open for someone, as I more often than not do, and would not receive any kind of gratitude or smile back. Not initiating the exchange is one thing, but once someone goes out of their way to be polite the least another person can do is to acknowledge the other person. I never stopped smiling at others nor did I stop holding doors open for other people, I just began to accept the fact that most of the time, not always, but usually, I wouldn't receive a smile or nod or thank you in return.

Now I've never lived in Memphis so maybe I'm jumping the gun here, but I've visited more than a handful of times. I have never found the people of Memphis, not that I've met them all obviously, to be rude. In fact, I've always had nothing but positive experiences when interacting with locals. I've always found them overly kind, helpful, and even downright cheery. Even the homeless in Memphis, I know this sounds odd to say, were supremely polite to me. A homeless man even offered to give me his joint and his beer because it was my birthday. If that's not hospitality I don't know what is!!

Reflections from the past 24 years

I feel the need to say thank you. This has been on my mind for several days now and I just feel the need to put it down on some digital paper. I've been called an emotional guy before, and I know its true. I'm proud of it. I'm emotional because I understand, and I appreciate. The last few years have been tough for me. I've lost people very dear to me. I've experienced depression. I've made mistakes, but I feel like I've grown because of them. I've found myself. For all of you that have been there for me, thank you. Not just for your love and time, but for being you. You've made my life what it is. You've made me who I am. Some things can't be said. There is no way to communicate them because human language is simply incapable. These things can only be felt. All I can do is try to live my life in a way that would make you proud.

My family and a few close friends, you've made my life worth living, even when I didn't want to live it anymore. I love you more than I could express in any amount of words or paragraphs. My uncle Brian, I think about you every day. I cry when I think of you more often than I'd like to admit. You were my hero, and I'll never stop missing you. I hope one day I can be half the man that you were. My mother, the strongest, most determined person I've ever known. It doesn't seem to matter what the obstacle is, she always overcomes it. I'm not quite sure how she does it. We've been through so much even in just my short time on this planet, and she's always like a rock. Taking care of business. She's always put her kids first, the way a mother should. I've felt so lucky to have her as mine, especially when I've done nothing to deserve it. The only person I can break down in front of. She is truly my inspiration. 

My dad, I've always called him Von. But just because he wasn't my biological father doesn't mean he meant any less to me. He raised me, taught me what it meant to be a man, how a man should treat a woman, and what unconditional love was. Neither of us have ever been good at communicating feelings, but its because of that as we've gotten older I think we've gotten closer. We've gained a better understanding of one another. There is simply no one on the planet who works harder and shows such great strength of character on a daily basis than he does. His entire life has been about sacrifice: for his wife, for his kids, and for their goals and desires. Completely selfless, he is who we all should be.

My brother is my best  friend. He's 17 and and trying to grow up as fast as he can. But I've never known a young man as smart as he is. I worry about him everyday, not because I doubt him, but because its my job. I always feel as if I should be doing a better job as a role model for him, but I'm only human. Every time I've moved home and and then subsequently left, I've cried my eyes out. Always careful not to do it in front of them though, I want to seem stronger than I really am. I'm so impressed at the young man he's grown up to be despite the fact that I've been largely absent during his teenage years and his strained relationship with his dad. The circumstances have been shitty, but despite that he has still thrived. He's full of love and compassion and I wish I could be more like him. 

My sister, she's hilarious, talented, beautiful, and the most mature person I've ever known at such a young age. She's emotional but tries to hide it, just like I do. In fact, I see more of myself in her than anyone I've ever met. I still remember when we were so young, we were inseparable at times. I've always put a lot of pressure on myself to be someone she can be proud of. I don't feel like I can ever reach that goal, but I love her more than I could ever say. I regret not telling her more often and staying closer to her while I was in college. I was selfish, and never took much time to reflect on those my life impacted. She was exposed to so many bad things at such a young age, and I can't help but feel guilty. I should have been there to shield her from them. Despite my failure, I have never been more confident in anyone than I am in her. She's so smart and genuine I know she'll be a wonderful human being, just as she is now. I feel so lucky to have her as my sister, and I hope one day we can be as close as we were when we were children. 

I'm lucky enough to have a few close friends who I know I could always count on. I don't need to name them,  if you think you're one of them, you probably are. Roommates, actual and adopted, you've been there for me through good times and bad. We've grown up together and I won't ever forget you. A true friend is a friend for life and I would be there for you for anything. We're all very different, but that's how I like it. It might seem like I choose my friends on no basis at all, but I'm actually pretty discerning. Even while most of my closest friends didn't like each other I loved them all. Deep down they're all genuine, good people who all want the same thing. Even if they have different means of trying to achieve it. I know I may have seemed "shady" at times because I don't open up very often about my feelings and emotions. Don't take it personally, its a flaw I'm working on. You never have to doubt the fact that I care about you, and would do anything for you.

I guess I need to wrap this up, even though I could probably write several more pages. I hope in the next few decades I can be as inspiring to some as you all have been to me. I also hope I am better at showing my gratitude to those who have made my life what it is. Wonderful.    

 

Stop frying EVERYTHING

It's long been known that fried foods are a leading cause of heart disease, obesity, high cholesterol, and a myriad of other health problems. The southern U.S. is the mecca, the crown jewel of fried foods. Here in the south (I live in Arkansas) we have fried fish, chicken, steak, twinkies, snickers, turkeys, and pretty much anything else you can imagine. A recent health study indicated the most and least healthy states in the U.S. No surprise the south carried the banner for obesity and unhealthy living. Here is the study http://health.msn.com/mens-health/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100268475&GT1=31060

Now obviously I don't think we can blame just one factor for these embarrassing statistics. The fact that in the south we live a lazier lifestyle, less walking more driving, worse education, not just about nutrition but in general, in combination with the fact that most peoples diets are some of the least nutritious there are, can only really have one result. A big part of the problem is that most people seem to simply not care. Or if they would care they haven't been properly educated about the dangers of unhealthy eating. A stark reality is that you cannot make someone educate themselves. With the state of American obesity you would think the results would be painfully obvious. But people have shown an amazing ability to deny facts which do not support their previously held notions and beliefs. The fact is the fried foods, foods high in fat and cholesterol, and largely meat diets are the norm, they are simply part of the southern culture. That does not make it an excuse however. If we as a nation are to become healthier, especially those of us in the bible belt, (and what a large belt it must be) we have to change our culture.

The foods of convenience cannot be the foods of choice. I could sit around all day and blame the food industry as a whole. And trust me I have more than a few qualms with them. After a little of my own personal research I decided that I would become a vegetarian a little less than a year ago. I wish I had done it much sooner. But the fact is that the food companies simply will do whatever makes them the most money. That is how capitalism is set up. In order to be healthy in this day and age one must make calculated and informed decisions about what they put into their bodies. So, in the end, the onus is on the individual to be healthy. No one will make you exercise or make healthy food decisions. YOU have to do it. Or not. Its really up to you. Just ask yourself, "How long would I like to live? What kind of quality of life would I like to have?"

Gun control (or lack thereof)

Today I wonder how is it so easy to buy a weapon capable of injuring or killing so many in a blink of an eye? I myself have walked into a sporting goods store and within 30 minutes I was leaving with a .40 S&W semi-automatic pistol. While obviously I do not plan on using it to harm anyone, with the exception of personal protection of course, it did alarm me how easily a 21 year old could purchase such a deadly weapon without so much as a second glance. There were no proficiency exams, psychological evaluations, no serious background checks, just a polite man who was more than willing to help me in my purchase.

No doubt the majority of gun owners are not sociopaths and do not wish to use their weapons to cause senseless violence. But is that a good enough reason to keep our restrictions so loose on these weapons? The gun lobby in the U.S. is a very powerful group. Headed by the NRA they are constantly waving around their 2nd amendment rights. But if we stop for a minute and contemplate the 2nd amendment we may not feel the same about it. The Constitution was drafted in a very different time than our own. Their weapons were far less dangerous, proper use and training in the weapon was more common from an early age, actual threats to one's self and property were a real threat from foreign countries, and for many hunting was still a serious means of survival. None of these are really the case anymore. So why can't we at least revise and strengthen our gun laws?

If someone wants a gun THAT bad, they should be willing to wait a little longer, show a little more proficiency and knowledge with the weapon, and be willing to take any necessary tests to show that he or she can operate the weapon safely. As for handguns, I've always been torn on how we should regulate them. I personally own a handgun and I enjoy its recreational use. I operate safely, far away from other people, and only shooting at targets. But the fact still remains, handguns were made for one reason and one reason only. To kill people. We do not hunt with handguns. Their only designed purpose, from back in the old western days with their revolvers to now with the multitude of varieties of highly efficient weapons, is to kill men. Do we as Americans really feel so endangered as to make it so fast and easy to purchase a weapon regardless of the consequences? Its no coincidence that eastern countries such as Japan and China have some of the strongest gun laws and their gun deaths are counted in the single digits every year. Single digits. In some of the most populated places in the world. I think the answer is simple, people in America are too selfish, too paranoid, and refuse to acknowledge that the ways in which we leave are outdated in all the wrong ways.

America the beautiful?

For my first blog post I have decided to pose a question. While it may seem like a no-brainer for some, I think it should be evaluated on a much deeper level. Does America live up to its self appointed "greatest nation in the world" moniker? No doubt we (Americans) live in a prosperous country. Even in the most economically difficult time in any of our lifetimes the U.S. still maintains a standard of living far beyond what the majority of the world can experience. For this I am truly grateful, as should every person who has had the good fortune of being born into a wealthy, developed, democratic nation. But in 2011 America is still a bastion of hypocrites, religious and political intolerance, extreme socio-economic imbalance, prejudicial views that should have long been outdated, and inferior education amongst the masses. This is highlighted by the recent public outrage (or at least it should be) over highly inflammatory, even outright violent, remarks and implications made my politicians, talking heads, news outlets, and the like. One of our representatives was recently shot in the head by a would-be assailant along with many other innocent bystanders. As politicians begin the delicate dance of avoiding blame while still attempting to use the horrible situation for political leverage, I can't help but wonder....why are people who subtly incite violence tolerated in our society at all? Sarah Palin made very minor news with her list of 20 Democratic politicians whose views on healthcare reform were different than hers and whose names were accompanied by crosshairs. "Don't retreat, reload" she has cried many times as a slogan of sorts. Anyone who denies that the vast majority of this type of rhetoric is coming from the right is simply mistaken or lying. I could write a book about the "tea party" but I won't address it in this post. When atheist, agnostic, or otherwise non-believing groups post ads in Texas, Alabama, New Jersey, etc. there is public outrage by the religious organizations in the area. Are their views really so much better? So superior that others shouldn't be allowed to voice their beliefs, despite the fact that this right is what America was built on? Not to mention the fact that no one seems to care about these religious organizations wielding the incredible amount of power that they do. They directly and indirectly influence everyone's lives on a daily basis, even those like myself who do not practice any religion. All of this despite the fact they are allowed to exert this influence on a tax free basis. If a group can influence public policy shouldn't they also be held responsible for paying for the policies they so strongly advocate? I would love any comments/discussions on these or any related matters. Just keep it honest, intelligent, and classy.