J. Ojanpera

   If you find yourself on the more staunch side of conservatism, I have questions for you about entitlements. I hear about the ground level moochers, and how they just want something handed to them with no reasoning other than "I want". Could it be possible to remove the small handful of system abusers, and leave those who are in the entitlement system out of true need, on the discussion table? If so, would this group have sound reasoning for being in this system? I bet they would. I also believe that the elite conservatives who talk about these few, constantly heap heavy doses of guilt on the people who already have it bad enough to need the services that this country can most assuredly afford.    It hit me this morning that working Americans also ask for handouts from their employers. What's the difference? You demand better, cheaper health insurance, you ask for raises simply because you think you deserve one, and when you don't get what you believe you are enti...

   I have the priviledge of  pride that goes along with having active service members in my family. I often hear from them the things that are right, and the things that are not so right concerning the military. I read whatever news I can that relates to them and their service. When I come across stories that are obviously propaganda driven -yes, our soldiers are victims of American politics, even overseas- I have to wonder what kind of officer would stoop so low as to suggest some type of political affiliation to a subordinate, much less a General whose only goal is to perpetuate war through his politics, or one who views war through an equitable lens. Maybe we should excuse those with high rank; they must be informed more thoroughly than mere enlisted troops. I won't try to uncover a voter fraud ring in the military, but I will say with great confidence that "shit runs downhill", and history repeats itself.    Imagine having tens of thousands of voters, think...

   Why would a rock climber carry a knife? There are many types of climbing; I am most familiar with top-rope, and free climbing, so I will limit all of the variables to these two styles. When you are rock climbing with a partner or two, their lives are in your hands, likewise your's in theirs'. I don't know any figures, but I will guess that the vast majority of us have not been in many life or death situations. Climbing cliffs with your most trusted and experienced friends can be as deadly as knowing nothing; it only takes the slightest mistake, the smallest lapse of attention.    Top rope climbing is probably the safest way because the rope goes through an anchor or around a tree. You are tied to one end, your partner or "belay" is on the other end pulling up slack as you climb. With this system in place, your fall should never be much further than the elasticity of your rope; usually around 10 feet. You will be scraped up, but it's still better than death...

   The succor of Auburn, the dominance of Alabama. Half-time, and Auburn only needs 43 points to win! Hopefully they will stage an upset. If they do, Gene might have a job this evening. Don't make the mistake of thinking that the Eagles are done; this is the SEC after all. Stats are still open to interpretation.

   Today is one of those days that I am thankful for the media and the television. I have a media philosophy of reading versus watching or hearing it. I listen in on the radio a couple times a week to see if they will call me an idiot first thing in the morning, but other than that, no tv, no commercials. I do this for the fact that seeing and hearing can sometimes become more of a subconscious tool for conditioning, and less an active, engaging source of good information.    I already know what medicines to take, so I never have to wonder if my symptoms match what is being advertised. They don't have commercials for juicing carrots, fresh spinach, or granola -the kind that is stuck together with honey instead of corn syrup. They do have wonderful ads for pizza and burgers. I want to binge when I see those.    I will admit that I watch documenteries and Swamp People on Netflix; I don't mean to say that I am cut off from the currents of culture. I also ut...

   As I age, I seem to be losing the desire for absolute transparency. It isn't an accountability issue, as I don't have a problem with that. This has to do with the intricate system of honesty, truth, loyalty, and commitment that comes with a relationship. It has to do with my heart and her heart, where they meet, and where they overlap. My wife and I have been together for 18 years and we have been in almost every kind of situation together. We grew up together, we had four kids together, and our love never quits growing and evolving.    The general philosophy of our union is that we cannot be "one" if there is anything between us; you could call it a "trust-based system". It has served us well so far. Before our wedding, we had a man tell us that the best way to run a relationship is through giving. He said, "If both of you give to the other constantly, then neither one of you will ever be in need." It's so simple, right?    No. It is very...

   Who are the people (real people) living in the social basement? Does it really matter when votes are cast? Depending upon what view you choose and what floor you live on will tell us. This sub-terranian landscape is the one that is mostly ignored. In the world of some politicians, the basement contains 47% of the country, and amount to nothing more than a number. To others, the actual number of us on welfare is 1.5%. These numbers will no doubt be shifting as time goes on. I have lived very close to the basement in past years. Working 60-70 hours a week while paying half the power bill, putting off rent for a week or two, surviving on grits and eggs, and considering peanut butter and jelly a square meal. Pawn shops became our banks for the early years of my family. I didn't work in the service industry where people are the purest form of wage slaves; I am a caftsman who took the time and commitment to learn a craft, and because of this, I made pretty good money. We were liv...