SpawnPoint - Where Game Begins

No, I'm not 63, but I can say I'm pretty tired right now...

Usually I don't subscribe to the whole chain email thing, either I delete them or pass them by and forget about them. I'm glad I read this one, by Mr. Hall, the coroner from CSI Las Vegas. I think it pretty much sums up everything about today very well, and it couldnt have been put any better.

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"I'm 63 and Im Tired"
by Robert Hall


I'm 63. Except for one semester in college when jobs were scarce and a six-month period when I was between jobs, but job-hunting every day, I've worked, hard, since I was 18. Despite some health challenges, I still put in 50-hour weeks, and haven't called in sick in seven or eight years. I make a good salary, but I didn't inherit my job or my income, and I worked to get where I am. Given the economy, there's no retirement in sight, and I'm tired. Very tired.

I'm tired of being told that I have to "spread the wealth" to people who don't have my work ethic. I'm tired of being told the government will take the money I earned, by force if necessary, and give it to people too lazy to earn it.

I'm tired of being told that I have to pay more taxes to "keep people in their homes." Sure, if they lost their jobs or got sick, I'm willing to help. But if they bought McMansions at three times the price of our paid-off, $250,000 condo, on one-third of my salary, then let the left-wing Congress-critters who passed Fannie and Freddie and the Community Reinvestment Act that created the bubble help them with their own money.

I'm tired of being told how bad America is by left-wing millionaires like Michael Moore, George Soros and Hollywood Entertainers who live in luxury because of the opportunities America offers. In thirty years, if they get their way, the United States will have the economy of Zimbabwe, the freedom of the press of China, the crime and violence of Mexico, the tolerance for Christian people of Iran, and the freedom of speech of Venezuela.

I'm tired of being told that Islam is a "Religion of Peace," when every day I can read dozens of stories of Muslim men killing their sisters, wives and daughters for their family "honor"; of Muslims rioting over some slight offense; of Muslims murdering Christian and Jews because they aren't "believers"; of Muslims burning schools for girls; of Muslims stoning teenage rape victims to death for "adultery"; of Muslims mutilating the genitals of little girls; all in the name of Allah, because the Qur'an and Shari'a law tells them to.

I'm tired of being told that "race doesn't matter" in the post-racial world of Obama, when it's all that matters in affirmative action jobs, lower college admission and graduation standards for minorities (harming them the most), government contract set-asides, tolerance for the ghetto culture of violence and fatherless children that hurts minorities more than anyone, and in the appointment of U.S. Senators from Illinois.

I think it's very cool that we have a black president and that a black child is doing her homework at the desk where Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation. I just wish the black president was Condi Rice, or someone who believes more in freedom and the individual and less arrogantly of an all-knowing government.

I'm tired of a news media that thinks Bush's fundraising and inaugural expenses were obscene, but that think Obama's, at triple the cost, were wonderful; that thinks Bush exercising daily was a waste of presidential time, but Obama exercising is a great example for the public to control weight and stress; that picked over every line of Bush's military records, but never demanded that Kerry release his; that slammed Palin, with two years as governor, for being too inexperienced for VP, but touted Obama with three years as senator as potentially the best president ever. Wonder why people are dropping their subscriptions or switching to Fox News? Get a clue. I didn't vote for Bush in 2000, but the media and Kerry drove me to his camp in 2004.

I'm tired of being told that out of "tolerance for other cultures" we must let Saudi Arabia use our oil money to fund mosques and mandrassa Islamic schools to preach hate in America, while no American group is allowed to fund a church, synagogue or religious school in Saudi Arabia to teach love and tolerance.
I'm tired of being told I must lower my living standard to fight global warming, which no one is allowed to debate. My wife and I live in a two-bedroom apartment and carpool together five miles to our jobs. We also own a three-bedroom condo where our daughter and granddaughter live. Our carbon footprint is about 5% of Al Gore's, and if you're greener than Gore, you're green enough.

I'm tired of being told that drug addicts have a disease, and I must help support and treat them, and pay for the damage they do. Did a giant germ rush out of a dark alley, grab them, and stuff white powder up their noses while they tried to fight it off? I don't think Gay people choose to be Gay, but I damn sure think druggies chose to take drugs. And I'm tired of harassment from cool people treating me like a freak when I tell them I never tried marijuana.

I'm tired of illegal aliens being called "undocumented workers," especially the ones who aren't working, but are living on welfare or crime. What's next? Calling drug dealers, "Undocumented Pharmacists"? And, no, I'm not against Hispanics. Most of them are Catholic, and it's been a few hundred years since Catholics wanted to kill me for my religion. I'm willing to fast track for citizenship any Hispanic person, who can speak English, doesn't have a criminal record and who is self-supporting without family on welfare, or who serves honorably for three years in our military.... Those are the citizens we need.


I'm tired of latte liberals and journalists, who would never wear the uniform of the Republic themselves, or let their entitlement-handicapped kids near a recruiting station, trashing our military. They and their kids can sit at home, never having to make split-second decisions under life and death circumstances, and bad mouth better people than themselves. Do bad things happen in war? You bet. Do our troops sometimes misbehave? Sure. Does this compare with the atrocities that were the policy of our enemies for the last fifty years and still are? Not even close. So here's the deal. I'll let myself be subjected to all the humiliation and abuse that was heaped on terrorists at Abu Ghraib or Gitmo, and the critics can let themselves be subject to captivity by the Muslims, who tortured and beheaded Daniel Pearl in Pakistan, or the Muslims who tortured and murdered Marine Lt. Col. William Higgins in Lebanon, or the Muslims who ran the blood-spattered Al Qaeda torture rooms our troops found in Iraq, or the Muslims who cut off the heads of schoolgirls in Indonesia, because the girls were Christian. Then we'll compare notes. British and American soldiers are the only troops in history that civilians came to for help and handouts, instead of hiding from in fear.


I'm tired of people telling me that their party has a corner on virtue and the other party has a corner on corruption. Read the papers; bums are bipartisan. And I'm tired of people telling me we need bipartisanship. I live in Illinois , where the "Illinois Combine" of Democrats has worked to loot the public for years. Not to mention the tax cheats in Obama's cabinet.

I'm tired of hearing wealthy athletes, entertainers and politicians of both parties talking about innocent mistakes, stupid mistakes or youthful mistakes, when we all know they think their only mistake was getting caught. I'm tired of people with a sense of entitlement, rich or poor.

Speaking of poor, I'm tired of hearing people with air-conditioned homes, color TVs and two cars called poor. The majority of Americans didn't have that in 1970, but we didn't know we were "poor." The poverty pimps have to keep changing the definition of poor to keep the dollars flowing.

I'm real tired of people who don't take responsibility for their lives and actions. I'm tired of hearing them blame the government, or discrimination or big-whatever for their problems.

Yes, I'm damn tired. But I'm also glad to be 63. Because, mostly, I'm not going to have to see the world these people are making. I'm just sorry for my granddaughter

First of all, do not lecture me about liberty and freedom. I could not be more proud to wear that symbol and wouldn't have it ANY other way.

And secondly, you cannot argue that politics are the horrible dividing monster you make them out to be. 300 years ago, a mindset structured upon propaganda and a few unjust acts of rumors and deception by certain well known individuals would later result in every freedom and right you have today. Yes, the founding fathers were republicans, my friend. They used the same techniques political parties use today but obviously in a different context.

Do not criticize a party for what it has become today. Sure Mr. Hall calls out the Democrats but you seem to forget your entire post is about how wrong Republicans are. Mr. Halls opinions, while in favor of current Republican values, are very true, and he's not stating that either one is right or wrong entirely, just those who we often see and hear representing them, are. We're all Americans, remember? Its not like I drive down the street and see elephants and donkeys hanging outside people homes, I see American flags, and I think you are wrong to say people are as biased and misguided as you say they are.

I'll put it out there again, I'm 18, and while I obviously still know very little about anything, I do know enough to get my priorities straight. I believe that as much corruption and false pretenses we all see being spewed by the government, no matter what party its from, that living in the United States of America and having the privileges and freedoms that not many others can say they have, is still worth sacrificing for. I don't do it for a barrel of oil, or to take advantage of a suffering third world country to establish a Democracy like we're still living in the Cold War, I do it because I know, unlike some people, that what we have it incredibly good no matter how bad it seems.

So lets hear how you would solve everything? You bad mouth what Mr. Hall has to say, but you, like him, don't provide any solutions, because if it was that easy, we wouldn't be discussing it right now. I see what he wrote as a way of putting things in perspective that I don't entirely understand. And the sad thing is, 90% of people my age wouldn't understand a damn thing he is pointing out. So blame yourselves or blame us, but either way things aren't going to get better just talking about it. He's 63, your 56, and your both just "talking" about it. How is bickering about other people not doing anything and just being a hypocrite helping your cause.

Was thinking about your question, what would I do? And, thought I'd point out what's already been done. Ya see, I, you, we, don't have to do anything excpet vote. In my life we've always got things done with our votes, seems like now daze some would get things done with a gun.

Took this off the first page of a search on what Obama has done so far. Keep in mind that ALL of this has been done with virtually little or no support from Republicans.

Correct me if I'm mistaken, but didn't I read somewhere that Obama has accomplished more in his first year than any other President in history?

VOTE... That's what I'd do.


Accomplishments so far:

On the environment:

* Included funding for "green" jobs in the stimulus bill
* Initiated first steps to develop a legally-binding treaty to reduce mercury emissions worldwide
* Dedicated more than $60 billion for clean energy
* Instituted "cash for clunkers," getting more fuel efficient cars on the street
* Acknowledges reality of climate change and his desire to work on an international policy like Kyoto

On healthcare:

* Overturned the federal funding ban for stem cell research
* Instituted better standards for comparative research in medicine and an agency to handle this
* Added staff to the FDA and brought back emphasis on science
* Allocated over $1 billion to the National Institutes of Health, whose budget Bush let stagnate
* Eliminated funding for abstinence-only education
* Signed an executive order repealing the "Mexico City policy" or "global gag rule" that withheld U.S. funds from organizations that discuss or provide family planning services abroad

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Featured Legislation

Signed on October 22, 2009
Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act

Signed on August 06, 2009
Cash For Clunkers Extension

Signed on June 22, 2009
Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act

Signed on May 22, 2009
Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009

Signed on May 22, 2009
Weapons Systems Acquisition Reform Act

Signed on May 20, 2009
Helping Families Save Their Homes Act

Signed on May 20, 2009
Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act

Signed on April 21, 2009
Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act

Signed on March 30, 2009
Omnibus Public Lands Management Act

Signed on March 20, 2009
Small Business Act Temporary Extension

Signed on February 11, 2009
DTV Delay Act

Signed on February 04, 2009
Children’s Health Insurance Reauthorization Act

Signed on January 29, 2009
Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act

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The Ladner Report:

http://theladnerreportblog.blogspot....omplished.html

I am repeatedly asked to grade the Obama presidency thus far. In place of a grade, here is a list of Obama's accomplishments as of August 2009.

Robert Watson, Ph.D.

Coordinator of American Studies

Lynn University



1. Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut spending

2. Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify and cut wasteful spending and practices

3. Instituted enforcements for equal pay for women

4. Beginning the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq

5. Families of fallen soldiers have expenses covered to be on hand when the body arrives at Dover A.F.B.

6. Ended media "blackout" on war casualties; reporting full information

7. Ended media "blackout" on covering the return of fallen soldiers to Dover A.F.B.; the media is now permitted to do so pending adherence to respectful rules and approval of fallen soldier's family

8. The White House and federal government are respecting the Freedom of Information Act

9. Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible

10. Limits on lobbyists' access to the White House

11. Limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration

12. Ended the previous "stop-loss" policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date

13. Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane and other outdated weapons systems, which weren't even used or needed in Iraq/Afghanistan

14. Removed restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research

15. Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research

16. New federal funding for science and research labs

17. States are permitted to enact federal fuel efficiency standards above federal standards

18. Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants...) after years of neglect

19. Funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access to K-12 schools

20. New funds for school construction

21. The prison at Guantanamo Bay is being phased out

22. US Auto industry rescue plan

23. Housing rescue plan

24. $789 billion economic stimulus plan

25. The public can meet with federal housing insurers to refinance (the new plan can be completed in one day) a mortgage if they are having trouble paying

26. US financial and banking rescue plan

27. The "secret detention" facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere are being closed

28. Ended the previous policy; the US now has a no torture policy and is in compliance with the Geneva Convention standards

29. Better body armor is now being provided to our troops

30. The missile defense program is being cut by $1.4 billion in 2010

31. Restarted the nuclear non-proliferation talks and building back up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols

32. Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic

33. Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions

34. Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office

35. Successful release of US captain held by Somali pirates; authorized the SEALS to do their job

36. US Navy increasing patrols off Somali coast

37. Attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles

38. "Cash for clunkers" program offers vouchers to trade in fuel inefficient, polluting old cars for new cars; stimulates auto sales

39. Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government

40. Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children

41. Signed national service legislation; expanded national youth service program

42. Instituted a new policy on Cuba, allowing Cuban families to return "home" to visit loved ones

43. Ended the previous policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions

44. Expanding vaccination programs

45. Immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and other natural disasters

46. Closed offshore tax safe havens

47. Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to permit US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals

48. Ended the previous policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs; the new policy is to promote in-sourcing to bring jobs back

49. Ended the previous practice of protecting credit card companies; in place of it are new consumer protections from credit card industry's predatory practices

50. Energy producing plants must begin preparing to produce 15% of their energy from renewable sources

51. Lower drug costs for seniors

52. Ended the previous practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug manufacturers for cheaper drugs; the federal government is now realizing hundreds of millions in savings

53. Increasing pay and benefits for military personnel

54. Improved housing for military personnel

55. Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses

56. Improved conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other military hospitals

57. Increasing student loans

58. Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program

59. Sent envoys to Middle East and other parts of the world that had been neglected for years; reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy

60. Established a new cyber security office

61. Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military 20 years after the Cold War to a more modern fighting force... this includes new procurement policies, increasing size of military, new technology and cyber units and operations, etc.

62. Ended previous policy of awarding no-bid defense contracts

63. Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness

64. Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the federal government money and making federal operations more efficient

65. Students struggling to make college loan payments can have their loans refinanced

66. Improving benefits for veterans

67. Many more press conferences and town halls and much more media access than previous administration

68. Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud

69. The FDA is now regulating tobacco

70. Ended previous policy of cutting the FDA and circumventing FDA rules

71. Ended previous practice of having White House aides rewrite scientific and environmental rules, regulations, and reports

72. Authorized discussions with North Korea and private mission by Pres. Bill Clinton to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons

73. Authorized discussions with Myanmar and mission by Sen. Jim Web to secure the release of an American held captive

74. Making more loans available to small businesses

75. Established independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare

76. Appointment of first Latina to the Supreme Court

77. Authorized construction/opening of additional health centers to care for veterans

78. Limited salaries of senior White House aides; cut to $100,000

79. Renewed loan guarantees for Israel

80. Changed the failing/status quo military command in Afghanistan

81. Deployed additional troops to Afghanistan

82. New Afghan War policy that limits aerial bombing and prioritizes aid, development of infrastructure, diplomacy, and good government practices by Afghans

83. Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production
84. Returned money authorized for refurbishment of White House offices and private living quarters

85. Paid for redecorations of White House living quarters out of his own pocket

86. Held first Seder in White House

87. Attempting to reform the nation's healthcare system which is the most expensive in the world yet leaves almost 50 million without health insurance and millions more underinsured

88. Has put the ball in play for comprehensive immigration reform

89. Has announced his intention to push for energy reform

90. Has announced his intention to push for education reform

The Mr Hall letter thing is a bit of a mix of "wouldn't the world be wonderful if everyone thought like me", the occasional reasonable or at least understandable from a certain political point of view to the frustrated person who would send in letters to the Daily Mail (for those not from the UK it's a "news"paper that doesn't like foriegn people).

I'd object to quite a bit of what he said. Like the stuff about Islam, I have muslim neighbours, they are lovely people and, fingers crossed, they haven't tried to kill anyone yet. We've had Christmas presents from them and when they have people round for a celebration they bring round some really tasty food. Best neighbours we've ever had. But it's not a news story so you don't hear about that kind of thing. If you take the worst elements of any religion and decide that is what all people who follow that faith do or think then you end up with a very skewed view. Take the recent paedophile priests scandal in the catholic church, if I go around saying all catholics like to have sex with children I would be rightly condemned.

Questioning government payouts to people who took out mortgages that they couldn't afford to pay is ok, but it misses out the people to blame. He says nothing about about the companies who targeted them with aggressive advertising while knowing they wouldn't be able to afford it. Greed that lead to millions of jobs lost seems to have gone unpunished, they got bailed out, they still have jobs. Almost every tax payer around the World is footing the bill.

Torture and murder? You have your principles as a nation, stick to them.

Sorry A, I wasn't being serious. It was a dry humor joke that I didn't pull off very well. I too like that he has passion. America needs people with passion for it to rebound. The problem I see is that the people that tend to have the most passion are either far left or far right. I wish there was a way to energize the middle without having to put the economy in the toilet or keep invading country after country. It seems the political middle, which we need to keep the wackos on the fringes in line and marginalized, only seems to come to the polls when something really bad happens. It is sad.

As far as blaming the other party for things? That is the accepted status quo in politics and elections. I can't remember the last time a candidate stood there and said "I am for this. This is what I would do to improve your lives. ect." Instead we get.. "It wasn't us, it was the last administration. We are trying to pick up the pieces" and "They will do "insert bad thing" to you and the economy". The reason I don't remember good kinds of ads is because they hardly ever happen. It is all about what the other people do or do not do and hot topic issues that no one is going to change like abortion, not what they themselves would do to improve their constituency. It's no wonder we feel like we are electing the lesser of 2 evils... because almost all we hear is negative.

I would love to see America pull its head out of its ass and start voting for things when they are good and make sense, not because of what letter is infront of the name of the party introducing it. I would also love to see the corrupt politicians quit putting BS addons to good legislation to "buy" their vote. That kills or really waters down the good parts and just ads crap and expense.