TJ was a smart man

Thomas Jefferson once said, "The course of history has shown that as government grows, liberty decreases."

There's a reason that the saying "never discuss religion and politics" is known by most everyone. I'm usually the last person that wanted to have a political discussion; it just wasn't something that interested me that much. Political science and I never mixed. However, I find myself feeling a bit "randy" today, so here goes:

* no "Randys" were assaulted (verbally or otherwise) as a result of this post *

It seems that some people nowadays, no matter what their viewpoints are, get really upset and challenge you if you have a different political perspective from their own. It's gotten much worse over the past 10 years, but maybe that's because I didn't pay much attention back then. Now that I'm older, I've started to notice more and have a better perspective of the political world around me.

For full-disclosure, I am what most would call a conservative-libertarian (if there is such a thing). I like the idea of smaller government, individual freedoms and rights, lower taxes, protecting our borders, living to the words of the constitution, and a kick-ass military among other things. However, I understand the need of multi-party politics in our country and appreciate differences of opinions. I think people should be able to work together to get to a desired result.

I get really tired of watching shows on TV or listening to the radio where both sides of the fence do nothing but say how bad the other side is and who did what to who and yada-yada-yada. Let's focus on the future, shall we?

I didn't vote for Obama, but it's not because I wanted McCain per se. When looking at the information I had on Obama, it just wasn't something I'd look for in a president (hence the TJ quote above). However, now that he's been voted in as president, let's see what he can do. Just like people now have BDS (Bush Derangement Syndrome), there are going to be those that will be totally against anything Obama. I'm not of that ilk. I certainly want Obama to be successful because it reflects upon our country and I'd like to see the USA get back to prominence again. No, I'm not talking about what other countries think about us; I could give a rat's ass what anyone thinks about our country - screw them if they don't like us. What I would like to see is for people (in general) to begin feeling good about their country again and doing what they can to help others while also helping themselves. I am an American and proud of it, beeeotch!

Speaking of that, I'd like to give a shout-out to anyone currently serving or previously served in the US military - YOU ROCK! My dad was a drill sergeant in the Army and served in Vietnam, and his father-in-law was a lifer in the Navy and served in Korea (and I believe WWII). If I had any sense at all when I was young I probably would've joined myself, but I clearly didn't have respect for that type of authority then and wanted to get away from it as soon as I could. The things you learn as you get older, eh? With age comes wisdom . . . and a bigger belly. I have the utmost respect for everyone that has served their country and wish you the best.

One of the things I believe has changed dramatically over the past decade or so is how people/groups are so easily offended these days. People are now going out of their way to find something that offends them and then raise a big stink about it. It's as if some people just live and wait to be offended. Whether it be something concerning race, religion, gender, "sexual preference," or whatever. Maybe I should be offended about Big Bird because he has big feet and I have big feet, so therefore Sesame Street thinks that people with big feet are like Big Bird?!?! AHHHH!!! I'm calling PBS RIGHT NOW! Here's a suggestion: live your life!

Hell, you watch some of the cartoons when I was a kid and try to imagine them being made now. Hmmm, "what makes the red man red" was a good one in Peter Pan. Think that would fly now? Ummmm, NO. What about those black crows in the Dumbo movie? Stereotyping? Hmmm.

Now, if you read a review on most any current show or movie, there's going to be some person or group claiming that they're offended because of something that was said or what they think was inferred. Even Iran was "insulted" because a character in the upcoming movie The Wrestler is named Ayatollah!! Who freaking cares what Iran thinks about an American movie?!?! If I recall, don't they have TV shows that talk about Jews are dogs and should be killed?!

Just take a chill pill, people. It'll be okay. I promise, if you take a deep breath and worry about the things you can control, everything will be just fine.

Anyway, enough with the ranting and raving. Let's all just get along, okay? And if you can't, then SCREW YOU!