UPDATE: Washington State's Mandate

There's just no satisfying some people. Take, for instance, Dino Rossi, Republican candidate for governor of Washington State. It seems that he is still trying to challenge Christine Gregoire's winning of the election. The State of Washington has now certified it's results and it appears that Gregoire is the governor-elect. Here is a picture of Mr. Rossi:


Basically, Mr. Rossi is now demanding a RE-VOTE! Can you believe this guy?

Edged out of the closest governor's race in state history, Republican Dino Rossi urged his opponent to accept a revote, saying the uncertainty surrounding the back-and-forth election was bad for the state. Democrat Christine Gregoire's camp immediately rejected the idea as "irresponsible."

Rossi's request came hours before the Secretary of State was scheduled Thursday to certify Gregoire as the winner by a scant 129 votes out of more than 2.8 million cast.

I mean, hey, I'm upset about who our next President is going to be, but you don't see Kerry calling for a re-vote because of how close the election was. Gregoire's spokesman made a comment though, that I thought was absolutely hilarious, yet also addressed Mr. Rossi's request:

"This ain't golf. No mulligans allowed here, folks," said Gregoire's spokesman, Morton Brilliant. "It's irresponsible to spend $4 million in taxpayer money on a new election just because you don't like losing this one."

If you want to read the rest of the article, go here: Candidate in Wash. Gov. Race Seeks Revote AP via Yahoo! News

Washington State has a Mandate!

According to the Bush Administration's logic, there is a mandate in Washington.

With the counting and re-counting finally exhausted Thursday, Democrat Christine Gregoire emerged as the victor by a mere 130 votes. The final tally: 1,373,171 votes for Gregoire; 1,373,041 for Republican Dino Rossi.

Republicans, however continue to use the same, old, tired, excuse of voter fraud:

But Republicans have vowed to leave no stone unturned in the breathtakingly close race that has dragged on for nearly two months.

“I know many Washingtonians are hoping this will end soon, but I’m also sure that people across this state want a clean election and a legitimate governor-elect,” Rossi said after the final tally from a grueling hand count was announced Thursday. “At this point, we have neither.”

Aren't these tactics of count and recount and recount the same ones that Democrats were accused of doing back in 2000? I know nothing about either candidate in Washington state, but I can tell you this: The cries of voter fraud are only going to get louder as time goes by. It seems to be a time-honored tradition to bitch, moan, and complain when it appears that your side is going to lose. The only winner in an election this close is going to be the candidate finally certified as governor-elect. The people of Washington will have lost. Lost faith in the election process, lost faith that their votes count, lost faith that they can make a difference.

We've all heard the phrase "Take it like a man." Even with the results this close, Rossi needs to "Take it like a man" and concede for the good of Washington. The citizens of Washington continue to lose faith in the government that is supposed to be of the people, by the people, and for the people. You can read the entire article here: GOP may challenge Wash. governor recount

New Appointees to the Bush Cabinet

Found the following at Unconfirmed Sources. Here you go:

George W. Bush Appoints the 12 Apostles to His New Cabinet!

Unconfirmed sources report that President Bush has changed his mind and replaced his entire cabinet. The Apostles will replace the entire cabinet; even the newly appointed members of the cabinet Condi Rice and Alberto Gonzales are being given the boot. The appointments are being seen as a move to reward the Christian Right for helping Mr. Bush retain the Presidency.

"Talk about fire power! Mr. Bush has decided to go for broke during his second term and this is the team to do it with." Remarked Washington insider Andrew Sullivan. "With the budget a mess and the military overstretched I figured the Bush administration would be a spent force by this time, but Bush seems to pulling a rabbit out his hat on this one. He has already laid out an aggressive addenda and he is going to need a team like this to pull it off."

Read the rest here: Unconfirmed Sources

Fun with snowmen!

Well, it hasn't snowed much here yet. Not that I'm a big fan of snow or cold weather, mind you, it's just that in my sick and twisted little mind I'd love to try some the things that Calvin and Hobbes^® do in the Wintertime. Check out the link below:
Calvin and Hobbes Snowmen

Muhuhaahaaahaaa!

Alone on Christmas

I am alone this Christmas.
Worse, I have to work.
My wife and kids are far away,
enjoying a Christmas feast.
It could be awhile before I get
to see them again.
But I have been blessed,
for they are the greatest gift of all.
Merry Christmas everyone.

The above could have been written by any one of of our servicemen/women who are currently overseas. Unfortunately, it was written by me. Me, who is safe at home, while my family is hours away from here. The above could also have been written by my brother, whose unit left the US for that big sandbox on Monday. He also missed Thanksgiving. The military just doesn't do turkey like Mom used to do. They don't do pumpkin pie that well either. I know, I've had it. Anyway, I thought I'd offer up the following:

“Merry Christmas, My Friend” by LCpl James M Schmidt, USMC, 1986

Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this home did live

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
a sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I'd seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.

I'd heard stories about them, I had to see more,
so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.

He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night,
owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.

Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
because of Marines like this one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice
I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my Corps."

With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent and still.
I noticed he shivered from the cold night's chill.

So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.

And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.
I didn't want to leave him so quiet in the night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.

But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
said "Carry on, Santa, it's Christmas Day, all secure."
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi, and goodnight.

Please think of our Marines, sailors, soldiers, and airmen in harm's way this Christmas. While I object to this "war" in Iraq, I will always stand behind the proud men and women willing to go where the President sends them.

Frosty the Dopeman and More Fun with Christmas Carols...

I found this over at Buried.com and thought it was hilarious! BE ADVISED, SOME OF THESE PARODIES ARE NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART!

Frosty the Dopeman
(sung to the tune of Frosty The Snowman)

Frosty the dopeman was a mildly happy soul
With an old crackpipe and a runny nose
and two eyes squinting like a mole’s
Frosty the dopeman was no fairy tale, no way
He wasn’t made of snow, but the children know
that he used some everyday
There must have been some magic in that
old syringe they found
For when they stuck it in his arm
he began to jump around

There's a lot more on his site that'll keep you laughing all night long. Quite refreshing compared to the typical fare we get every Christmas season. OK, maybe not refreshing, actually quite sick and twisted. Do radio stations still play non-stop Christmas music anymore, or does Clear Channel not believe in Santa?

Been waiting for this...

I knew it wouldn't be long before we saw a news item such as this: Massachusetts Gays Divorcing. Why is this even an issue? You sure as hell don't see newspaper articles about heterosexual marriages that end in divorce after a short period of time. So, again, I ask, why is this an issue? Wait a second, here's why it's an issue:

Opponents of gay marriage said the divorces, occurring so soon after the weddings, confirm that gay couples are not equipped for marriage. (my emphasis)

"We're not surprised," said Kris Mineau, president of the Massachusetts Family Institute, which is fighting for a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. "Particularly among male homosexuals, the promiscuity is just phenomenal."

I guess Ms. Mineau seems to think that heterosexual males aren't as promiscuous as their homosexual counterparts. I call bullshit. I don't think there is a difference other than their sexual preference. Gay marriages are subject to the same kinds of stresses as Straight marriages. They will also break up for almost exactly the same reasons: infidelity, irreconcilable differences, abuse (although typically at a lower percentage than straight marriages), etc.

Responding to Ms. Mineau's remarks:

With the national divorce rate hovering near 50 percent, gay rights advocates dismissed such arguments.

"That's a cheap shot," said gay rights attorney Mary Bonauto, who represented seven gay couples in the landmark Massachusetts lawsuit.

Did you see that? National Divorce Rate at 50%. That means that heterosexuals are divorcing at a pretty damn high rate too. Why is there not a huge outcry over that? Christians and others that place a high value on the "sanctity of marriage" have neglected the divorce rate among traditional male-female marriages for years. Only when open-minded people try to provide some equality for those that are different than they are, does this become an issue.

How about this for an alternative? (I've already addressed this on several blogs.) Sponsor a bill that would change the LEGAL definition of marriage to read something to the effect of "legally binding relationship between two persons" or sponsor a bill that would eliminate the term "marriage" from the legal record books. Make it a "civil union" for ALL relationships; leave the actual "marriage ceremony" for your pastors, priests, preachers, etc. To me, that would bring about TRUE equality without stepping on anyone's religious values.

Against The Odds, or They Thought We Wouldn't Last

Oh, Happy Anniversary,
Happy Anniversary,
Happy Anniversary,
Haaaaaaappy Anniversary!
(Remember the Flintstones episode where they were singing this?)
Full lyrics HERE

To all the naysayers, I say Naa, Naaa! Pffbbbt!

Tomorrow, I will have been married to the most beautiful woman in the world for 5 whole years. Yes, I'm biased, and No, you can't have her.

In this world where the divorce-rate for 1st marriages is at 50%, I think we've done a hell of a job lasting this long. (Frankly, I don't know how she's put up with me this long, but I ain't complaining!) On top of that, we have two wonderful kids. They resent the hell out of us at times, but they will grow up to be well-adjusted adults with good heads on their shoulders. For now, I am satisfied in the knowledge that Dad & Mom don't know anything and that everything we like is "GAY". I think the phrase back in the '50s was "square". If so, that's what we are.

So without further adieu,

To my wife. My world would be empty without you.

I LOVE YOU MORE TODAY, THAN I DID YESTERDAY, AND I'LL LOVE YOU MORE TOMORROW, THAN I DID TODAY. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, SWEETHEART! 5 YEARS AND STILL GOING STRONG!

Tough Questions...

Defense Secretary Rumsfeld was asked a pretty tough question by one the soldiers headed to war. MSNBC reports on Bush's response here: Bush: Soldiers’ equipment gripes heard. Rumsfeld's response was:

“You go to war with the Army you have,” Rumsfeld replied, “not the Army you might want or wish to have.”

Now, I think that was a pretty shitty answer and one that "Rummy" may not have been prepared for, but I digress. So what if the question was "prompted" by a reporter, it still deserves a better answer than that. Now watch that soldier get reamed for asking it.

Going back to the Clinton Administration and his cuts in Defense Spending is where I would place a majority of the blame. I served during that time and was apalled at some of the "quick fixes" applied just to keep stuff working (Remember, if it can't be fixed with duct tape and bailing wire, it can't be fixed!). But, and this is a big BUT here, a lot of the blame also lies with the Bush Administration and with Congress. The Center for Defense Information (CDI.org) had this to say Congress’s Deeds Do Not Match Its Words. The government seems to think that most Americans are frickin' stupid. At least, that's what crap like this says to me. If Bush and Rumsfeld were really concerned about our troops, they would have made certain that the money was there for our troops by appealing to Congress to cut the pork and put it's money where it's mouth is.

Halliburton - Those sneaky bastards...

Found some interesting information on Halliburton and how they use a legal loophole to secure some government contracts. You can read about it here: Little Big Companies.

Basically, the article points out that companies like Halliburton are "partnering" with minority-owned businesses in order to secure these high-dollar contracts. You would think the Bush Administration, with it's focus on the small-business owner, would work to PREVENT corruption like this. The below excerpt clearly shows the problem with this:

Under the federal rules, between 15 and 50 percent of the work must be done by employees of the tribal company. But tribes can also form joint ventures with other firms, allowing them to classify many of the non-native companies’ employees as their own.

This loophole needs to be closed. Now.

President Bush speaks to Marines

On Tuesday, the President spoke to the Marines of Camp Pendleton, CA and appealed to Americans to thank the military and help out military families. Here's an excerpt of what he had to say:

"The time of war is a time of sacrifice, especially for our military families," Bush said, wearing a tan military jacket with epaulets. "I urge every American to find some way to thank our military and to help out the military family down the street."

The part that bothers me about this is that it seem disingenuous. If the Bush Administration really wanted to help out military families, the President should propose a bill that would require employers of National Guardsmen & Reservists to supplement their military pay to bring their total pay BACK to the level it was prior to being activated. I'm sure there would be plenty of senators and representatives that would get behind a bill like that. This is not just something that I am pissed at Republicans for, mind you. This is something I'm pissed off at ALL MEMBERS OF CONGRESS for.

Companies would bitch to high heaven about this saying that it isn't fair. Well, let me tell you something, those families left behind don't see their husband's or wife's activation as fair either. There have been numerous cases where families have lost their house, had to file for bankruptcy, etc., because of a military call-up. I don't think THAT'S fair.

Here's the link to the entire article: Bush rallies U.S. forces in California

What's a guy gotta do to get a drink around here?

December 6, 1933.

Dateline: Washington, D.C.

The 21st Amendment was passed ending Prohibition. Thank God. I was getting kinda thirsty. Anybody else up for a little imbibing?

Bush lies - People die! Grab your attention did I?

In less than 2 weeks, my brother will be shipped over to that Hell-hole known as Iraq. This has me in a very grim mood. It also has me very confused personally.

You see, I'm a Marine (you know, Once a Marine, Always a Marine) and I recognize the fact that he will need to do his job to the best of his abilities, whether or not he wants to be there. As they say in the Corps: U.S.M.C.=U Signed My Contract. So he has to go (even though he's not in the Marines). I used to be all gung-ho about the military until our esteemed President found it necessary to ship our troops off to the desert to topple a government based on inaccurate information. Don't get me wrong, I still highly recommend our young people join the military if for no other reason than to get some discipline, possibly find a career, and at the very least, get to know themselves. But I am very worried that my brother, being in Motor Transport, will fall victim to a roadside bomb or even snipers. I am so filled with anger, vitriol, whatever you want to call it, towards our President right now that I can hardly see straight. You see, Bush is no longer just taking those nameless strangers* and throwing them into battle, He's taking my brother. That makes this personal. BIG TIME!

*Let's get real here - Every Marine, sailor, airmen, and soldier that has died in this "war" is significant but it really doesn't affect you until it's family.

You're in my world now....

Unpopular Opinions is officially open. The title says it all, I think. Here you will be exposed to MY thoughts, MY opinions, and MY general rantings, coherent or not. So anyway, thanks for stopping by.