Searching Deeper
Personal
Philosophy & Observations on Marriage,
Politics, Freedom, the Middle East, Terrorism & More
by Michael McKown
Most Americans get divorced. But the vows made by a couple being married are "forever." Clearly, the practice of marriage and the fantasy of marriage are at odds. Marriage is expensive business, particularly so when it ends.... Go to renewable marriage license page.
NUCLEAR WEAPONS IN IRAQ, IRAN & NORTH KOREAThe bad guys are doing their best to assure a mass destruction capability. President Bush has invaded and largely disarmed Iraq by now, but there are others seeking to develop MWDs of their own. Scary! Bush needs to think this through.... Go to nuclear weapons in Iran & North Korea page.
TOTAL INFORMATION AWARENESS
"I'm from the government, and I'm here to help you," goes the old joke. Our Republican administration (Bush & Co.), the Republicans being a group famous for the "Get the government off your back" slogan, has shown its true colors. The Bush Administration has succeeded in passing the Homeland Security Act, and with it, the ultimate Orwellian fear factor, the Total Information Awareness program. The Pentagon is hoping to create and analyze enormous databases to try to ferret out terrorist patterns and prevent terrorist acts.
Sounds like a plan until you realize everything you buy where a credit card, ATM card, driver's license or other identification is required will be spilled into these databases and be subjected to review and analysis by someone in a position to ruin your life. Are you up for that? The "TIA" program is a complete invasion of your privacy and is in violation of the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution. Freedom means being able to be yourself without worry. It's time to worry. Your individual freedom is at risk.
Go here to express your concerns to your U.S. Senators.
Go here to express your concerns to your Congressman or Congresswoman.
The reason the founders of this country wanted an armed citizenry had nothing to do with going deer hunting. It was so people can protect themselves from bad guys...including those in government. Remember, this country was born in revolution. Freedom must be continually won, even in the USA, since there is always somebody trying to take your freedoms away. Get off your ass and bitch.
FIGHTING BETWEEN ISRAEL & THE PALESTINIANSIt occurs to me there won't be any peace until a higher price is paid by both sides. Until the citizens of Israel and the Palestinians are oversaturated with death and misery, the fighting will go on. It will stop when there has been, in the opinion of both sides, too much bloodshed and violence, and both sides ache for respite. Then there will be peace. Until then, peace will not be achieved through anyone's diplomatic efforts. Look at the strife of Lebanon during the 1980s for an example.
CALIFORNIA
OK it's crowded, it takes hours to get outta town, and the people can be so completely self-absorbed and superficial that it's a literal pain in the ass. In fact, I left in 1992 for a small town in Wyoming. I told everyone I wanted to get out of the rat race, and go to a place with slower rats. I did that for five years. I recommend a hiatus to all native Californians. Find out how real people live. Go live someplace very different for a while. It's very refreshing.
ON
"SUPPRESSION" OF HUMAN RIGHTS
IN THE WAR ON TERROR
Some worry a lot about the incarceration of about a thousand suspected bad boys, material witnesses and people who might have connections to terrorists following the September 11th attacks. To worry about people's rights is very American. After all, we pride ourselves on being a nation of laws and of people who behave decently and fairly.
But
truthfully, I don't much care. If you're dumb enough to have overstayed
your visa, or you used to hang out in titty bars with Mohammed Atta, then
until the government (those charged with protecting the rest of us) is
satisfied you're not here illegally or not dangerous, you can stay locked
up. Don't worry, you'll get fed.
And to those who bitch about racial profiling (Arab or Muslim = possible terrorist?), too bad. Most of the September 11th terrorists were Saudi Arabians and all were Muslim extremists. Life's a bitch. Americans are, on average, decent people. It's human nature to categorize people, animals, minerals, vegetables, events and things. A solution: Quit bitching about it. Declare whose side you're on in this fight. If not on the side of the US, be prepared to draw more attention than perhaps you want. If you know someone involved in a terrorist plot, turn him in. If the above doesn't suit you, hey you can always just be quiet or leave.
Finally, to those obnoxious, whining lawyers who decry the actions of the government who seek to protect us (and you): How about taking up a more noble profession, such as selling used cars?
The topic of this site is the philosophy and viewpoint of Michael McKown of Encino California.