One of the aspects of our political system is the way it relishes expertise. Our elected representatives, senators, governors, and President, are all of the highest caliber. The best and the brightest. Experts in the art of governance. Honest men and women who always put the health of the country over the finances of their friends. The witnesses called to testify before these august legislators, providing expert advice, aid immeasurably. And, in the United States Congress, this process has been on display this week during testimony before the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Read the rest of this entry ?
Archive for the ‘forest fire’ Category
Training Our Children
22 January, 2009I fly frequently. Well, not all that frequently, but more than I would want. Almost always, that flight is either to, or from, a fire. Sometimes I can drive (which is heaven), but I usually fly. And it is usually through Detroit, Cincinnati, or La Guardia.
When I go to a fire (or hurricane (Katrina) or national emergency (the WTC incident (which, admittedly, I drove to (in a 1984 Ford sedan)))), the process goes like this: Read the rest of this entry ?
I Am Un-American
25 October, 2008According to Bachmann of Minnesota, I am Anti-American. According to the Republican Vice-Presidential candidate, because of where I live, I am not a real American. I support a candidate for President who is not, according to the McCain campaign, a Patriot. According to such fascist organizations as Focus on the Family, I, as an atheist, am not a real American. In the 1950s, I suspect that I would be under investigation by HUAC. Actually, no. I’m small potatoes.
So I am un-American. I have been told that I am un-American to my face.
A Trip With (((Wife)))
13 October, 2008Living with (((Wife))) is a trip. Sometimes, however, we actually get to go on a trip. Our days off clash. The price of gas is up. Tuition for (((Boy))) is up. (((Girl))) wants clothes and shoes. And shoes. Did I mention shoes? Today, thanks to Columbus Day, we shared a day off and, thanks to burning trees in Oregon, we could afford a day trip.
Another Overheard Conversation; or, God is a Sociopath
1 October, 2008Last Sunday (wait, TWO weeks ago Sunday) I flew out to a fire in Oregon. My first flight was on a Delta Embraear Regional Jet (comfortable, fast, and don’t take forever to load or unload) which left at 0600. The plane was almost full. The five seats behind and to my right were occupied by a family of five — Mom, Dad, and three little girls.
About an hour into our flight, the oldest of the three little girls (age about 6(?)) spoke up:
“Daddy. We’re missing church!” she said, loudly. Read the rest of this entry ?
Damn. I Missed It.
30 September, 2008I don’t like being away from home. I don’t like being away from the cats. I really don’t like being away from (((Wife))). And I missed the tail end of my veggie garden.
We don’t have a really big garden. Room for some runner beans, basil, a dozen tomato plants (heirloom varieties), some sweet potatoes ( (((Son)))’s idea), and about six different chili peppers and sweet peppers.
I get home from Oregon, and see this on the table:
So I miss the fresh veggies. No problem. The salsa was still good.
Heading For a Fire
13 September, 2008I am being mobilized to the Lonesome Complex just outside of Medford, OR, and will be gone for about two weeks (give or take). I am very happy about this, as it means I will NOT be mobilized to Texas. No email will be answered (which is ironic, considering I created the account yesterday!) nor will I respond to any comments.
I leave you with this quote:
“Lord save us all . . . a hope tree that has lost the faculty of putting out blossoms.”
Without googling the text, who wrote it?
Talk you ya’ll in about two weeks.
(((Billy))) The Atheist 