The Curmudgeon
... a Journal of Opinion, HighBrow Literature, and Whatever Else Comes to Mind!
Introduction
"The Curmudgeon" is premised on the belief that We The People of the United States of America are no longer getting respectful treatment at the hands of our governmental entities or our industries. In the words of that great founding father, Ben Franklin, "Democracy Tends to Mediocrity"... (well, I think he said that anyway... if not ... I'll claim it!)
I have been wrestling with this project for a very long time now. For some reason or other it never really seemed to come together... either in my mind or on "paper." In the beginning, the very thoughts of a project such as this were cathartic... maybe that's why I never really felt the necessary pressure to continue forward. In looking back I find many of my included issues were highly vindictive and, probably, not terribly likely to effect anyone's position on such postulations as stripping the State of New York of it's membership in the Federal Republic for human rights abuses! (Although it should still be done!)
I must stipulate right up front that I am not a news addict. I do, however, follow the news as reported by our various media formats and, while I may react to specific news items, I am more concerned with an overall TONE of the news. Some of this may be because of editorial slant but there is, more and more, a series of common threads running through not only the news items themselves but daily living in this allegedly modern and civilized world.
Among these threads are the not-so-new emphasis on money and wealth as the basis for ranking issues and individuals. There is a near-hysteric fascination with crime and criminals. There is political and journalistic pandering to the general populace ... catchwords, soundbites, and political correctness draw our attention (and presumably our emotions) to issues of "our children," education, safety, and health.
More and more religion has become, not only involved in the political process but, in many areas, has taken over the political process in America. Separation of Church and State was one of the Great Perils identified by the founders and framers of this nation. As we can now see, for very good reason.
No doubt one of the roles of government -- any government -- is to recognize and guide the "public good"... a societal watchdog role if you will. But what was intended to make the United States different was the premise that the individual citizen and his/her rights was more important than the dictates of government. In fact, it was intended that the primary role of the American government was to safeguard and preserve individual rights. Today, governments are quick to point to the various freedoms we still have ... but, do we really have much individual freedom any more?
Recent activities in Washington have shown very clearly the independent road followed by our Representatives and Senators who, under the guise of doing their Constitutional Duty (Discharging their Contitutional Responsibilities) .. nope, I prefer the image of them 'doing their duty' ... seems to fit better... have stubbornly bulled ahead on what can only be described as a partisan political assassination. How quick they are to deny partisanship, and how quick to call for bi-partisan action. Excuse me... but why is it that no one is calling for Apartisan deliberation and vote? (Ok, non-partisan, if you prefer.)
Well, this is supposed to be an introduction ... not any sort of definitive treatise on the State of the Union but there is so much to cover! A plethora of topics... among them abortion rights, womens' rights, lesbian rights, gay rights, religious rights, voters' rights, human rights, civil rights, disabled rights, patients' rights, animal rights, childrens' rights, consumers' rights. School safety, occupational safety, highway safety. Environment, global warming, greenhouse gassing, el nino, la nina, wetlands, drylands, rangelands, farmlands. Campaign financing, social security, medicare, medicaid, welfare,domestic violence, tax reform, budget reform, healthcare reform, education reform. On and on... but you've heard the various topics. You've reacted to many of them ... privately. How about letting the rest of us know your feelings and thoughts about some of these issues! Click on the new "Curmudgeon's Discussion Corner" link below and post your position on our message board. Send your views across the ether to the rest of us!
Over time I'm certain that this project will evolve. To what end, of course, is unknown ... that's what evolution is about ... but I hope to include not only my writings and photos but some from you as well. If you have something to contribute, please send an e-mail query to me @ The Curmudgeon.
Index...
"Grousings" (social commentary)
Curmudgeon's Discussion Corner
(a new message board where you can join in discussions of interests and concerns to you! Come on in and make your thoughts known!)
Thank you for visiting Naturalphotos. I hope you have enjoyed your visit and, should you wish to comment on this site please click here or on the thumbnail below.
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