The Other War

Everybody knows we have troops in Iraq, and in Afghanistan. They wonder how much longer we will be engaged in those conflicts, how much longer before we can breathe a sigh of relief as our men and women return home? And the politicians – no matter which party – keeps promising that it will be as soon as they can manage it.

What very few people seem to realize is that America is involved in another third war, one that was started far earlier than either one of those. No politician will acknowledge it, it will never be studied in any history class, but it is happening.

Back in the middle of the 20^th century, the government made a big to-do about its 'War on Poverty'. Now it has done a complete turn about, and has declared war on the Middle Class.

You only have to be aware of recent doings of the government to become aware of this war. In a recent vote to pass a short-term budget to keep the federal government from shutting down, most of Congress voted to continue giving huge subsidies to oil companies while gutting and eliminating social programs that so many poorer Americans need. Yes, they are giving money to oil companies, the same oil companies that use any excuse to jack up their prices to get more money out of our individual pockets, the same oil companies that already count their yearly profits in the billions.

In other news, some governors want to disband and ban collective bargaining groups – unions. Supposedly, unions make unreasonable demands that are too big a drain on their states' finances. So, if that is allowed, it won't be long before we're back to dealing with our employers as individuals, rather than groups. And history tells us how well that worked before.

But that's okay, as far as our government cares. Those of us who are not millionaires are merely cannon fodder.

Government Richness

Okay, this one didn't happen in Omaha (but I wouldn't be surprised if it did).

A few days ago, I read a small news article about a tiny city in southern California that was voting to replace all but one member of its City Council. Apparently, these city council members had paid themselves 6-figure salaries – and all sorts of perks and bonuses – while running the city finances millions of dollars into debt. The one member who was not being recalled had accepted only $1500 for his part-time services. While the citizens were going to the polls, deciding on replacements, the council members being replaced were in court, facing fraud charges.

The problem with elections these days is that candidates have to be rich in order to run for even the simplest office. And it seems like the only thing rich people care about is obtaining more money for their own bank accounts.

Maybe we need a few more 'common people' in public office. I just can't figure out how to get them there, since they don't have scads of money to let people know they're running for office.

Open Letter to Last Night’s Hotel

Last night, it was our misfortune to select your motel as our resting spot for the night. We had been given a book of coupons when we entered the fine state of Georgia, and your hotel's coupon promised everything we needed; a frig for our healthy snacks, a wifi connection so we could send messages to friends, family and business partners, plus a cheap price, so important to a pair of new entrepreneurs trying to stretch every penny as far as it will go. Plus, it was on the edge of Macon, which was as far as we could expect to get in that day.

We should have changed our minds when we saw the place. As my partner slowly pulled in under the overhang, we were dismayed to see the ceiling was broken, the bare rafters showing through a large hole. We convinced ourselves that it was possible it was recent damage that the hotel had not yet had time to repair.

Tired from a long day of driving, we entered the lobby to request a room. The woman behind the counter was so slow, I rather thought we might still be there in the lobby when it was time to check out the next morning! We specifically asked about the wifi, and she nodded, indicating it was available, but didn't give us any instructions on how to log onto it.

When we finally got to our room, we set up our laptop and attempted to 'log on'. There were 2 wifi connections available, but neither had a name that would identify it as belonging to the motel, and neither was strong – the strongest had two bars out of five. Still, we attempted to connect, first with one, then the other. After an hour, we gave up, and resigned ourselves to not making those connections that night.

To top off the night, my partner found something – probably a spider – had bitten her during the night. And neither of us slept well, partially because the mattresses were like sleeping on cement, and partially because the neighbors were having a party, which we heard plainly through the wall.

Yes, you have a memorable motel. We will remember NOT to use it again, should we find ourselves needing to stop in Macon GA in the future.

Oh, Say, Can you See?

When I was young a few centuries ago, there were rules for the proper display and care of the national flag. As school children, we were taught the basics: raise and lower the flag with respect, fold it carefully, don't leave it flying in raid or snow, and when it gets tattered, replace it, sending the old one to be burnt with all due reverence. It was drilled into us that showing proper respect for our flag displayed our patriotistm.

Since 2001, more and more people and businesses have started to fly the flag. As I drive around town, it seems half the houses have a flag displayed. Flags are flown not only at government offices, but seemingly at every bank, grocery store and gas station. Everybody wants to display their patriotistm.

But are they?

I've been keeping my eyes on a huge flag flown by a local branch of a national bank. No matter when I wander by and look, that flag is up that flagpole. Even at night, although the flagpole isn't lit. Even in rain. Even in snow and sleet. It has flapped so hard in the wind that the edge has become quite tattered. It rather looks like something 'the cat drug in'.

Where's the respect?