Get some popcorn and just sit back and enjoy..

This is current American politics at its best... I love this shit..

Catholic quicksand.

Catholics are really showing their "middle ages" mentality lately by both threatening to use their power against health care reform unless abortion amendment is included as well as cutting off funding to feed the homeless in DC until same sex marriage is taken off the ballots. Thats correct, the religion of Jesus wants to stop feeding the hungry and get in the way of the most important lower class legislation in recent history. So much for "What would Jesus Do?." The irony is we all know that sooner or later gay rights will no longer be something that is "voted on," whether its in 6 months or 6 years its inevitable. Until then the church of fear will utilize their power to influence a confused and sometimes ill informed country. This is the problem with religion. Sometimes it cant get out of its own way and it will stop at nothing to control a mindset that is as dated as "hate" itself. Lets look at homosexuality in regards to religion- first off its not even mentioned 1x in the New Testament, Jesus never so much as uttered the word in any context. One would think something of such weighted importance would at least be addressed, even better thrown into the 10 Commandments. The first 4 are repetitive anyway. They could at least have something to point to. On the abortion side its the context that is once again lost in a sea of dumbed down catchphrases. The bill already has proper restrictions on government money being used for abortions. The new amendment takes it much further and drastically infringes on a women's right. Even so to threaten to stop feeding the hungry is astonishing, even for the Catholic church. The up side is these type of fights only illuminate and educate the public on the very "unchristian like" attributes of the Church which will in turn cause people to do the thing they are most afraid of.. think. or even worse.. question... its all inevitable and interesting to watch. In the meantime those who arent crippled by the fear of a firey lake should speak up.

The "Logic" Party on Global Warming

Wouldn't it be cool if there was a political party based solely of logic. When Global Warming debate comes up and each side blows the lobbyists or the industry or the religious right, the head of the Logic party could say something like:

"There is no such thing as liberal science or conservative science. There is only science. When politicians abuse and bend science to fit an ideology it cheapens democratic debate among citizens. When political argument descends into scientific disputation, each side races to find supporting "facts." This creates a breeding ground for disingenuousness, as frings and pseudoscientific arguments make their way into the public sphere, generating sterile confusion rather than illumination. Meanwhile, with the underlying facts at issue, disputants have far more difficulty finding common ground. Instead, competing claims multiply while political positions harden and become entrenched. Policy gridlock." (that was written by Chris Mooney who is much better at articulating my point than me ha!)

Of course none of this would work.. in fact logic cant get a word in edgewise, but at least someone would make sense. Then the other parties can watch the self fulfilling prophecy play out right before their eyes... Enter Tea Baggers on cue!

Travis Barker "Forever" Remix

F@ck I wish I could play drums!

Recent Reads...

Eating Animals: Jonathan Safron Foer
This book will change the way you look at your food. If it doesnt you have some deep issues. Truth is I struggle more than I like to admit about where I stand on meat. What I do know is I am completely against factory farming and Im willing to bet that if you knew the facts you would be too. Thats where they get us.. no one really knows and they fight to keep it that way. Its one of the most brutally selfish and inhumane money grabs of our generation and 99% of all meat comes from factory farms. Im not one to preach, in fact I had chicken today but this book has most definitely gotten under my skin. Literally halfway through my second bite I had a flash of regret and shame. Not in a PETA way, in a compassionate human way. Most of us dont want to know the facts because it will force us to make decisions we dont think we are ready to make.. Ignorance is bliss and I understand. That said if you want a non preachy, well written book that presents all sides this is a great one to educate yourself with. I actually feel like I did something positive for myself and maybe even my family by reading it. One way or the other we will all have to deal with this in our lifetimes, might as well have some context.



The Empire of Illusion- The End of Literacy and the Triumph of Spectacle- Chris Hedges
Wow. This book is heavy and in my opinion, DEAD on.. Its about how we've willingly allowed ourselves to be "dumbed down." Catchy slogans "Drill Baby Drill", Entertainment as News: Fox, TMZ.., the attack on science across the board, etc. No where is this worse than in politics where facts are irrelevant, only the "story" counts and we buy in hook line and sinker. How many people calling Obama a Communist can define Communism? Not many I bet. Global Warming deniers, Creationism, Stell Cem research, the list goes on and on with facts a non issue.. Most of us get our facts from entertainers like Glen Beck or Keith Oberman for that matter. I highly recommend this book for perspective. Things look a bit different after and Id rather be on that side of things.



The Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teaching of Buddhist Psychology- Jack Kornfield
I just started this one, was a gift from my father. The author opened Spirit Rock in Northern CA, where I did a 7 day silent retreat. Those who know me know Im not a fan of organized religion.. and thats a blatant understatement. But I do acknowledge that all religions have some positive attributes and the fundamentals of Buddhism resonate with me the most.. Ive meditated on and off for years and its become invaluable to me. The emphasis on compassion, non judgement and living in the moment have played a big part in my spiritual development.. Learning that the journey IS the destination is priceless.