What an uncomfortable question to ponder, given the logical hoops people jump through vis a vis the GWOT. I think a hardened pro-abort person would be severely pissed off if I cheekily asked them this question.

Let me be perfectly clear about one thing - even though I detest late term abortion, and think of the late Dr. Tiller's former profession as being less honorable than jizz mopper, nobody had a right to take his life away from him. A snuffed out life is a snuffed out life.

Here's a thought that makes some Christian Conservatives seethe: What if the guy was honestly in church to repent and try to make things right with God? Nobody is beyond redemption.

If you were to ask me, I would say that policy is not, in and of itself, responsible for some nutter, or group of nutters, committing evil acts. To me that is a simplistic answer that ignores human nature. We are corrupt, capitalizing on any opportunity to do our fellow man wrong. I would love for the historical evidence to paint a different picture.

It is a really fucked up thing to think about, though - what if abortion were illegal? Would Dr. Tiller would be alive today? I say yes. But what does that say about the policy? Is the policy responsible? I don't think so. Complex questions don't deserve simple, talking-points-memo-esque answers.

Something I read in the Buffalo News from a reader caught my attention regarding Public Employee benefits. Is it really true that the income public retirees draw from isn't taxed by NYS? Governments are experts at double and triple dipping, so it seems bizarre to me.



Let's talk briefly about the idea of taxpayers covering the losses of the public employee pension system. My own retirement account took a hit, as did the accounts of my father and grandmother. Now my Uncle, who is a retired teacher, his pension is "insured" as he calls it.

I don't like the idea of people who are suffering under oppressive taxes already, and who have their own retirements obliterated, mitigating the losses of what the government has deemed to be a preferred class of people. My uncle would say "A contract is a contract!" but recently I've come to learn the Chief Exec can just rip a contract up and piss on it. So, let it fly, fresh and stinky.

These brickheads in Albany never learn. Keep on taxing, keep on spending, watch jobs and people run away from us as fast as possible. Quick count of hands - how many people think if we only tax and spend some more, and bury ourselves in debt, that things might just work this time? I'll be voting with my feet.

I wish I could have met you, David Carradine, smoked Asia's finest, told jokes, and drank tea. I never cared what kind of freaky ass, questionable sexual behavior you enjoyed. Rest in peace.

* 2 rounds of excellent golf
* 64 oz. Margarita
* Some light beera
* One very questionable club
* Lounging by the pool
* Severe golfer's tan (although I do like some color)

Anyone know of a "Scandinavian Strength" sunblock? Heh.

Tonight we are going to some watering holes by the beach. I love that stuff! Walk right out of the bar onto the beach? C'mon.

Vacation is time to reflect, relax, not worry about your day to day, and think about what you want most. I think I have identified one thing I want that I don't have, but I'm not gonna say what.

Overall, good stuff! But it's 100 degrees and it takes some getting used to.

When I got home today I found a little pamphlet saying a bicycle race will be happening in my neighborhood next weekend, in addition to providing a map of the route.

That's what I'm talking about!! THANK YOU from a resident.

You see, as much as I can hate on the inconsiderate bastards that constitute most of these race organizers, I am going to love me some Roswell. Kudos

Ugh. It's tough to lay down to sleep and tough to take a shower (feels like a million little needles). My nose and cheeks are also pretty red. The rest of me is pretty much in peak condition.

Of course with these difficulties a guy needs a martini on a Monday. So the other day we went, and of course had some drama with an older lady who felt she was the only one waiting for a table. We'd been waiting since 5:45. I hate this me-centric attitude suburbanites possess. Obviously I wasn't trying to hear her shit, and wasn't about to give up my table. My Metropolitan tasted even better garnished with her tears. Picture my smile. Seriously guys, fuck that and fuck that again.

Speaking of cocktails, I do believe it's finally summer cocktail season y'all, so I've got dreams of gin in my head for a new summer drink. I also have to think up some N/A alternatives for my friend Andrea who's visiting soon with her husband, my former college roommate Walt. Apparently he slipped one by the goalie so she can't booze it for a bit.

One last thing - I'm still addicted to 60's music.

Jason

Jeez, I get home for two freaking days and I'm sick already? Cough, runny nose, chest congestion, weird body aches? What the hell. I hate being at work like this but I felt more or less okay this morning when I got out of bed.

Looks like tonight is a movie night, along with meds and some fluids. I've looked to see if I have H1N1 symptoms, and I guess I do, but it seems like a lot of the symptoms are the same as any other cough or flu. I'm gonna tough it out tonight, get some rest, and see how I feel in the morning. I don't want to see a doctor.

Well, yesterday was my 3rd sick day this year. The diagnosis was Acute Bronchitis, and they gave me a nuclear antibiotic and an inhaler, as I had been complaining about difficulty breathing.

It really wasn't much fun. I got about 9 hours of sleep, but when I drove Josh to work, then back home, honest to God I could have just collapsed on the couch again. I was exhausted just walking from the car to the door. Then I had to jump right out again and get to the doctor's office ("Can you be here in 15 minutes?").

But I pretty much rested the whole afternoon and the whole evening, kept up my regimen of drugs and puffs on the inhaler. Watched a little bit of Patton which lifted the spirits. I got a good night's sleep last night again and this morning I think I'm a little better.

I'd like to be more or less fully functional by tomorrow, because I've gotta help Jerry do some moving into his fiance's place, and then our buddy Joe's girlfriend into Joe's place. There best be booze involved because this week has been about the cleanest living week I've had in a bit. Heh.

On my recent golf vacation in Florida, we saw these birds roaming the course. I don't know anything about birds, but some of you know plenty. What kind of bird is this, and why is it so comfy on the tee box?