Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Another offended entitlement brat

I'm sick of saying this...

Rules are made for a reason. If you break them, there are consequences. Just because you think they are dumb or were enacted for a stupid reason, doesn't make you exempt from them.

I'm not sure what is more annoying, the girl that originally posted the whiny crap on facebook or the numerous folks supporting her rule breaking in the comments.

Rules are part of life. You start to learn that in school and if you pull some stunt like this in the adult world, you'll be fired, arrested, etc.

This entitlement generation has to be stopped.

I could be the next Tamir Rice

Well, if you're a kid that plays with real looking toy guns in a public park and doesn't know better than to reach for the gun  when police arrive? Yeah, I guess you could be.

Thought this kid had more common sense. Apparently not based in this article.

Parents, please teach your children better. He's right about one thing, this has to stop but it starts with stopping the stupidity and entitlement our citizens display on a daily basis.

The white, conservative, christian terrorists

As we've all heard, Sweet Cakes bakery was fined over $100,000 for mental anguish that they supposedly caused a lesbian couple when they refused to make their wedding cake. They were apparently so consumed by mental anguish that they were unable to even call any of the 40+ other bakeries in the Portland, OR area. Why, there's even a link to that expansive list on the Sweet Cakes bakery home page. How nice of them to assist someone that needs some help finding a bakery to make their wedding cake.

Unfortunately, none of this mattered to Rachel Cryer or Laurel Bowman. These are the 2 "ladies" that decided to sue Sweet Cakes because they refused to make them a wedding cake. Now, wouldn't you think most people would just turn around, leave and go elsewhere to place their order? Apparently, these 2 ladies are just too damn stupid to realize there are other bakeries in the world that would be happy to take their business. Typically, businesses have the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason. I guess that's not true in Oregon. If you have a privately owned business, the government still gets to tell you how to run it. Sad, really...

While having a law to protect equality for people seems nice on the surface, it merely gives individuals protection from perceived discrimination while taking all protection away from private business owners. Not everyone is going to agree with the lifestyle you live. Why is it ok to force what you believe on someone else?

I understand that the lesbian couple wasn't forcing the bakery to participate in a gay relationship but they were attempting to force them to support it my demanding they make a cake for their gay wedding. This may seem like a stupid point to be arguing about, and it is, but this couple made this mountain out of a molehill by pursuing this ridiculous lawsuit. It became even worse when the court sided in favor of the lesbian couple.

In other news, the lesbian couple claims they "only wanted an apology". Yeah, we can tell since you demanded the lawsuit and the money. I'm sure they aren't going to donate it to charity to prove they aren't money hungry leeches but...that's none of my business, I guess. Their claims that they thought they were filing a BBB complaint and didn't know it was the department of justice website is either bull shit or just proves that they are the 2 dumbest idiots on the face of the planet.



We've become so concerned with offending those that are different that the folks that are still following the original ways of the founding fathers are treated as criminals. When will it stop? Heaven forbid you are a white, christian, conservative in the US today. You're held in more contempt than the gang bangers that run around killing each other for fun. I'm sure in many areas their idea of a terrorist looks just like the pictures below.

White, Conservative, Christian = Terrorist


This has to stop. We've taken tolerance to a whole new level and it's as extreme as these terrorist religions that are trying to kill us. Not everyone will like your lifestyle choices or agree with you. That doesn't mean they don't respect you or even like you. You can't always get your way. Get over it. Welcome to being an adult.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Give a girl a break

So, the world is pissed that Hillary Clinton was late getting back to the debate. The number of minutes between the live segments varies, depending on who you ask. I've heard 2 minutes. I've heard 7 minutes. Regardless, that's not a lot of time to go to the bathroom.

Let me say that I don't like Hillary and will not be voting for her and I'm sure many other folks feel the same. But that does not excuse the way some people talk about each other today. Yes, she's put herself in the spotlight but she's still human.

Now the story is out that she refused to use a bathroom where someone else was already doing their business. Perhaps she has stomach issues and didn't want to display them for the other person to hear. I think my comment on the Allen West story was right on but some of the idiots that replied are clearly a little too passionate about their hatred for Hillary and they've lost all sense of humanity.


Guess the little winking emoji wasn't clear enough for these folks to tell I was semi-joking. Man, these folks are crazy!




So she was late...are you her doctor? Do you know her medical history? Should a little tummy trouble or IBS be reason to keep someone out of office? If she'd been late because she ran to starbucks, that's one thing. She was using the bathroom. Until they figure out how to turn that switch on and off, people need to get off their high horses and STFU.

Friday, December 18, 2015

Freezing your ass off doesn't create awareness

I have no problem with people that want to help others. In fact, I wish there were more people that could/would do it. I wish I could do more but it's difficult to do when you aren't fully motivated at times. I admit that I don't do as much to help others as I could. Partially because I don't always have the financial means, partly because I don't really know quite where to start. Mostly because there's always that little part of me that believes my help would be shunned or unappreciated. I know, sounds dumb but that thought is always there in my mind.

This guy let a homeless man live in his house while the homeowner stays in a tent in the freezing cold to raise awareness of the homeless situation. You know, I'm all for raising awareness but here are my concerns with this...

1. He's in the freezing cold, risking his health
2. If it's that cold, not many people will even be out to see him
3. If they are out, the aren't going to want to stop and talk in the cold
4. Does he really think they are going to be any more aware of him than the actual homeless guy?

Maybe go to some organizations that help the homeless and get some information to pass around to people he knows. Educate people on what it's like and how they can help. But don't just sit around risking your own life...how can you be of any help to the homeless if you're dead.


Saturday, December 5, 2015

I can't say this enough

Why don't strict gun laws reduce crime? Simple answer? Because criminals don't obey the laws. They know there will be less resistance in areas with stricter laws and gun free zones so they choose those areas as their targets. Gives them more time to commit their crime before anyone can stop them.

California already has some of the strictest gun laws in place but that didn't stop the mass murder in San Bernardino. Why? Because criminals do not obey laws. They will obtain their weapons by any means necessary.

Until the database used for background checks is inclusive of all police stations across the US, we can never be fully sure that someone that passes a check is "legit". I'm sure there's a backlog of reports that would disqualify people from purchasing a gun but that information isn't in the database used for background checks.

Until the databases that the president wants to use for background checks (terror watch list) are cleaned up and have legitimate criteria for additions, we can't be sure that people won't be failed or passed when they shouldn't be. The terror watch list has all sorts of folks in it that make no sense. And it takes an act of God to get removed.

We need to do a better job of addressing mental health issues and fully vetting any refugees that want to come here. Have better programs in place to help people with mental health issues so they don't become domestic terrorists.

Just as important, we need to stop allowing these immigrants to change how the US works. They are forcing their lifestyle on our communities and overtaking our world. If they thought America was so great, why are they trying to change it? If you don't like the way America is and works, go back to where you came from. We must stop catering to these people. Stop pandering to these extremists that care nothing for our way of life.

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Is a muslim registry the answer?

I can certainly understand the resistance to a muslim registry; however, with the world in its current state we have to take precautions to ensure the safety of the folks living in the US.

Is a registry the answer? I really don't know. Are there other options? I hope so. Do we need to do more to ensure terrorists aren't coming here?  YES!

What the answer is may be a combination of things but at least Trump is offering options and not pretending the threat is "contained" like our illustrious POTUS does.

In regard to this veteran bashing Trump because he didn't serve in the military...that's ridiculous. Nit every one can, or should, serve. That's the way life is and we have to change to adapt to the times.

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

No work = No welfare in Indiana

Indiana, and a few other states, are back to requiring welfare recipients to work, volunteer or take classes at least 20 hours a week to remain eligible for benefits. Enrollment is reportedly down and many folks have since lost their benefits for non-compliance.

When offered assistance finding a job, less than 15% showed up for their appointment, even after follow up calls were made to help them find employment. Sadly, our state actually fared better than the country average of 12%. I guess people really don't want to work.

The burning question is, what are these folks doing now to support themselves? Were they so motivated by the requirement to get a job that they got one making enough money to live on? Are they living off someone else? Are they involved in illegal activities to make money?

Why are people so against working? Why do so many people want to live off the hard work of others?

Monday, November 16, 2015

Stop the flood of unknown refugees

I find it ironic that "the gay christian" is telling people that they can't be real christians if they oppose letting refugees into the US without any background checks or verification of who they are. I believe this guy is delusional and he's a selective christian.

We cannot stand by idly and let everyone in without some sort of check to ensure we aren't surrounding ourselves with terrorists. Why is that so hard for people to understand?

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Will you be ready when they come for you?

People say ISIS will be coming to the US. I think they're already here...and more just came into New Orleans in the refugee group that is suspiciously lacking in women & children.

They are biding their time, testing their skills in other places that they suspect may not be as well armed as we are so they can improve their plan before they attack here.

They are not stupid. They are coming. And we are sitting ducks thanks to an administration that's more worried about offending the folks that hate us than protecting us.

We must prepare ourselves. Be alert. Keep your guard up. Even if you don't feel like arming yourself with a gun, do something. Watch your surroundings. Carry a knife, mace, something. You don't know how or when they will attack but it will happen. We must be ready to do what our government refuses to do...save each other!

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Male or Female...how do we decide?

I understand that there are people in the midst of transitioning from one sex to the other. That's you're choice and I really don't care what you're preference is. What I DO care about is the attempt to force me to use a public restroom with people that are NOT anatomically the same sex that I am.

There has to be a line that we set to determine who can use which bathroom. As a country, we are not adjusted enough to operate in a unisex bathroom environment. I consider myself pretty open minded but even I think this would be a very awkward experience...especially in the workplace.

My initial thought is that you are still male if you have a penis; however, if you're transitioning you'd be dressed like a woman. So, how does that work? You'd look like a woman but have male equipment so no matter which restroom you use, things are going to be (potentially) awkward for someone.

A unisex bathroom is the only answer, as far as I can see. This would be open to anyone that doesn't mind sharing and should be clearly marked so nobody wanders in accidentally and then gets all offended because they couldn't read the signs.

Wait, let's think about this for a moment. How long has this been going on with no issue? How long have male cross dressers been using women's restrooms without any backlash? Why, because most people don't look at each other that closely in the bathroom. Most of us would have never even known what sex you were if you hadn't made such a fuss of drawing attention to yourself.

If you're dressed like a woman and plan to sit to do your business, use the ladies room.

If you're dressed as a male and plan to stand (or do #2), use the men's room.

Most folks aren't paying that close attention to the others in the bathroom with them. If they are, they may be the sickos that we need to be watching out for.

Hypocritical Discrimination

We've really become hypocrites when dealing with discrimination these days. It's ok to run your business the way you want...unless you happen to upset someone that is different from you.

A christian baker refused to bake a cake for a gay wedding and is sued, harassed and put out of business

A muslim truck driver refuses to deliver beer on religious grounds, is fired, sues the company...and wins.

Apparently, religious freedom doesn't go both ways...at least not if you're a christian. Sure seems like those that claim to be christian are getting the short end of the stick in these situations. You have to be tolerant and accepting of all other races, genders, sexual orientations, etc but they don't have to reciprocate.

What I find very disturbing about the bakery incident is the statement from the attorney on the case.
"At first blush, it may seem reasonable that a private business should be able to refuse service to anyone it chooses," Spence wrote. "This view, however, fails to take into account the cost to society and the hurt caused to persons who are denied service simply because of who they are."

Say what? "The cost to society and the hurt..." More proof that we've become a land of pansies that can't hand adulthood without someone there to soothe our egos if we even get a hint that someone doesn't like us.

Get over it butter cup! That's life. There are always going to be people that don't like you. Suck it up!

Why do we keep catering to these whiny ass people that want something for nothing? Grow a pair, get a job, take responsibility and stop the damn whining! Those of us that aren't offended by everything are sick of hearing it!

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Police Brutality Must Stop

We must stop the war that is being waged against our law enforcement officers.

I know, you were expecting something different. You thought I was going to say the police are too violent and people need to rebel. Well, you thought wrong! You won't hear that from me...EVER.

Far too often we hear of cases where a student has gotten into an altercation with a police officer. In almost every case we find out that the incident started because the student refused to cooperate, follow instructions and/or leave when asked to do so by a teach, principal, etc.

Officers attacked on unruly school bus

I don't care how brutal or violent you think these videos are, the root cause of every situation is the lack of respect displayed by the student. These officers didn't just walk up to the teens and get violent. NO...they were provoked by a generation of entitled brats that think they can do whatever they want with no consequences. In many cases, the differing race of the student and officer are used to claim racial motivation for the actions of the officer when the reality is that they are just tired of dealing with people that want nothing more than to provoke them into losing their temper.

How about the double standard that comes into play when a black student attacks a white teacher. The media says nothing because that might make people realize that it's not a world where only white people are attacking black people.

Black student attacks white teacher, media goes silent.

People are attacking each other. In many cases it doesn't have anything to do with their race, people just have no moral compass anymore. They don't care about what other people think and they have no respect for human life.

It's really very simple...don't break the rules/laws and the cops won't have to be called. If the cops aren't called, there won't be any need for an altercation. However, if the police are called...cooperate and don't act like a total a$$ and you'll be fine.

UPDATE: In more racial hate mongering news, Teen Vogue posted this article which is clearly a biased opinion of the writer and in no way presents the facts as a true journalist would strive to do. Oh, who am I kidding? There are very few true journalists left in this world and Teen Vogue isn't exactly known for its intellectual articles. Sadly, I could identify the race of this writer before I even saw her name or picture. I love how she questions the integrity of those students that walked out in support of this officer and brushes the original issue under the rug. Her behavior doesn't excuse his but it's sure as hell was started it.

I vote YES on welfare drug testing

I know it's not a popular subject and the argument is that it costs too much to drug test everyone when the majority of people aren't taking drugs. Unfortunately, I'm not really buying into that theory because what we could save in pay outs could offset the costs of the testing itself.

If the test is done once a year and costs an average of $30, just deduct that cost from their monthly pay out. Spread it over a couple months and they won't even notice that much difference, then the tax payers don't have to cover that as well. It's a small price to pay for having someone else work to support your family.

Not to mention that some states report saving pay outs because people refuse to take the test. No lost money for a test not taken but we save the money that would have been paid out to that person if we hadn't mandated testing to begin with. Here is one story about just such an instance.

Cost of the tests averages about $30. Assuming that 1,000 to 1,500 applicants take the test every month, the state will owe about $28,800-$43,200 monthly in reimbursements to those who test drug-free.

That compares with roughly $32,200-$48,200 the state may save on one month's worth of rejected applicants.

The savings assume that 20 to 30 people -- 2 percent of 1,000 to 1,500 tested -- fail the drug test every month. On average, a welfare recipient costs the state $134 in monthly benefits, which the rejected applicants won't get, saving the state $2,680-$3,350 per month.

But since one failed test disqualifies an applicant for a full year's worth of benefits, the state could save $32,200-$48,200 annually on the applicants rejected in a single month.

Net savings to the state -- $3,400 to $8,200 annually on one month's worth of rejected applicants. Over 12 months, the money saved on all rejected applicants would add up to $40,800-$98,400 for the cash assistance program that state analysts have predicted will cost $178 million this fiscal year.


In some states, they indicated the people are losing their benefits for failing to take the mandatory drug test. I say that's a win/win but some folks think people refused the test because "it's not right". Are people living on the system really going to risk losing their main, or only, source of income on principal? I sure wouldn't.


There are tons of reports that say testing people on welfare is a waste of time. I think those of us that are busting our butts and still living paycheck to paycheck to support these folks that can't/won't work feel differently.

If I have to take a drug test to get a job so that I can be taxed to support those that don't work, they should have to be drug tested to get my hard earned money.

And I don't care what your situation is...everyone has to pass the test, regardless of how "valid" their need is.

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Racism, the equal opportunity hater

I'm so tired of hearing that "black people can't be racist". I'm even more sick of being lumped into the "white racist" category because of so called "white privilege". If someone could let me know when that's supposed to kick in, I'd appreciate it.

The definition of racism involves the belief that one race is superior to another. Don't even try to tell me there aren't people of all races that feel this way. Every time I read articles like this I get frustrated by the fact that people are so blind to what is going on around them every day.

It's race appropriation if I cornrow my hair but it's not for a woman of color to change her hair & eyes to look more like a caucasian woman? Why must we segregate everything into a racial category? The whole point of this melting pot we live in is to share cultures & such. To be open to the ways of others & accepting of the fact that we are all different.

Racism is the same...no matter what color your skin is. It can be directed at us all. How about we channel all this misdirected anger into learning, and practicing, acceptance?

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Who is Ben Fields?

There have been many mixed reactions to this incident so it's hard to say what the true nature of this officer is. He's been awarded for his exemplary work but also has been sued for his actions while on duty. Let's take a look at these instances and see what we think.

A previous lawsuit said the officer was aggressive, lewd and out of control when he was questioning 2 people a few years ago. They claimed to have video of the incident but were unable to prove the use of excessive force in a court of law.

There is a current case pending that says he reported a student as being part of a gang, which the student denies. However, the student did say he was present during a fight that "was an attempt to unite three separate gangs at the school". Sounds like gang activity to me. If you aren't part of any of those gangs, why would you be anywhere near this type of meeting?

I don't know this school district or the area but based on these situations, it seems like the kids are a bit more on the "hard edged" side. They've lived through harder times than those that might go to school in the suburbs and may be jaded against people in authority. Unfortunately, that behavior is taught at home...or by their friends if there aren't any adult figures available to teach them at home.

Until we resolve the issue with kids feeling like they can do whatever they want without consequences, we will never stop this cycle of disrespect and violence.

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

It may be an entitlement problem, not a racist cop problem

So, a white cop got physical with a black student and it's immediately deemed a racially motivated incident. Based on some of the reports about this officer's background, I'm more inclined to believe he's just a jerk, in general.

That troubling information aside, why is nobody concerned about why this started to begin with? This teenager refused to do as instructed by a teacher and the vice principal.

Then refused to cooperate with the officer when he asked her to leave the room. What did she expect? That they'd just give up because she was being a little brat and refusing to follow instructions?

If you don't respect others, especially your teachers, you deserve what you get.

It's very disturbing to me that so many people are completely ignoring the fact that this punk ass teenager lacks any respect for authority and is a complete asshole. Another member of the entitlement generation that feels they can do whatever they want.

Thursday, October 1, 2015

It's not about gun control

I may sound like that insensitive prick that has no compassion after a tragic event. That's simply not true but I'm sick and tired of gun grabbers immediately turning these events into a call for more gun control.

I have no problem with background checks and such to ensure that's guns don't wind up in the hands of unstable folks. However, I'm not on board with some of the suggestions of these folks that are so afraid of guns that they think nobody should have them.

Criminals break laws. No amount of restrictions are going to stop bad guys from getting guns and creating havoc. All you'll do by outlawing guns is prevent law abiding citizens from protecting themselves when confronted with these lunatics.

You'll notice that nearly every mass shooting occurs in a "Gun Free Zone". Why do you suppose that is? Because criminals know there's nobody there to stop them before they cause a large amount of devastation. Putting up these signs is nothing more than an advertisement for the nut cases to attack.

What we need to fix is the people problem that has become apparent during the last 10-15 years. People have no respect for others or themselves. They believe life is disposable & care nothing for the feelings or needs of others.

Until we fix the people, the violence will continue.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

I just want a chance

After a recent disappointment I've been rethinking my plan for the rest of my life. What the hell do I want to do until I die? I don't know the answer to that question and that's a problem.

I've never had a clear career goal in mind but I've learned over the years that I'm happiest at work when I can investigate and fix things. So, where does that put me? Unfortunately, the positions that would allow me to do that at my current company (apparently) require a degree. I can't even get a courtesy interview even though I feel I could do what is listed in the job description if given the chance.

It's so frustrating to work for a company that doesn't seem to be willing to take a chance on you when your last employer almost always did. It's hard to feel pride in your job when you never get any recognition for anything that you do and you're overlooked for special projects in favor of 2 or 3 of the boss's favorites. I was able to ignore these practices until they decided to promote some folks internally and I know who their top 2 are, and I don't feel they are qualified to hold a supervisory position.

I'm also very upset with myself for not realizing that I needed to be that "fake" character during my interview to advance to the next level. It's sad to say that but I really feel like the first round of interviews was nothing more than a personality contest...which I'm never good at. I've never been good at bragging on myself but you have to be able to do that, without going overboard, in an interview. I think I've only ever been through 3 or 4 job interviews in my life and I've never gotten very good at it.

It's time I step up my game and get more involved so they know what I'm capable of. Instead of holding back my ideas and suggestions because I'm not really in a position to implement them, I'm going to start telling them how I feel things could be done differently to make things better, more efficient, easier. Showing them that I have the experience & ideas to make things happen.

I have to make them realize that they made a mistake when they didn't choose me for the position because I. CAN. DO. IT! In the meantime, I'll be looking internally & externally for other opportunities that will allow me to utilize my experience & skills...and make more money, of course. 😀

At some point, I may need to look into an online degree program to get some sort of diploma on my resume...since that appears to be one hurdle that some employers just can't get over. Actually had a recruiter tell me that I had the experience but since I didn't have any "education" I wasn't really in the running...and they never called me again.

It's so frustrating that experience seems to be a curse these days. They want new graduates with no experience so they can pay them less and mold them into whatever they want. I'm willing to learn new things but I can also offer feedback from my experiences and history that could be beneficial to the company. Just give me a chance.

I'm in the middle of having too much experience and not enough education so most places won't touch me with a 10 foot pole. I'm going to have to step up my game and get my life/career back on track.

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Most hated interview tactics

I hate interviews. More than anything else in this world. I'd rather be boiled in oil than have to go through them on a consistent basis. People that change jobs a lot or go through numerous interviews are some strong, crazy, people.

I hate them because I dislike talking about myself. I can tell you stories about things in my life all day long but don't ask me to try to brag about myself. If that's what you want to hear, you'll be disappointed. I just can't do it. I dislike people that are so full of themselves and it's hard for me to get past the fact that it sounds like you're a self centered jerk when you go on and on about your accomplishments.

Some of my least favorite questions include:
1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why are you the best candidate?
3. What's your biggest accomplishment?

Ask me about my previous experience. Ask me about what I'd like to do in the position. Ask me what my ideas are for the future of the department. Don't worry about what I think of myself. Find out what benefit I think I can bring to the job/company!

I guess it's better to lie

Recently had an interview for a position that I have several years of experience in. Initial rounds were done by HR, so they could get a feel for each applicant from an outsiders perspective. I was relatively confident that I'd at least make it to round 2 since I had experience.

Today, I was advised that I wouldn't be moving forward for the following reasons:

1. My responses to the interview questions were some times sarcastic, making it appear I had a negative attitude about the company. While they didn't want me to change my personality, I should try not to be so sarcastic going forward.

2. When asked about my biggest accomplishment, I responded that we were not given the opportunity to do extra projects in our group and that was deemed as a lack of pride in my current position.

So, basically I should pretend to be someone I'm not to get the job and then do whatever I want once I'm in the position? I could take that to mean that I was too honest and real and they wanted people that are more sheep-like and submissive. I might just take that as a compliment. I've never wanted to be a follower.

I would be so mad if I hired someone based on an interview filled with lies and then found out later they were someone totally different. Oh well, I guess this situation (among other things) makes it abundantly clear that I will never go anywhere in this company and I need to start looking outside if I ever want to get out of here.

Thursday, July 30, 2015

No, this doesn't make you racist

5 women died while in 5 different jails this week. I guess that makes all cops racist, right? No, I'm gonna have to call B.S. on that one.

It's no surprise that nearly every interaction with the police has been spun to be some sort of racial issue. What I just can't get past is why almost all of these people resisted or failed to cooperate.

In many cases, it started as a simple traffic stop. Why the hell did you argue, fight back and/or try to run? Take the warning/ticket, keep your mouth shut and move on. It's not a difficult concept. Thousands of people do it every day.

Now they want to create some trend from 5 black women that died in jail this month. 1 had health problems. 1 committed suicide. A 3rd potentially committed suicide. That leaves 2 more that could be considered questionable. How is that supposed to convince me that all cops are racist?

Just doesn't make sense. You know what does make sense? Not breaking the law. Staying out of jail. Staying alive!

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Don't kill the messenger

So, anti abortion groups did an undercover investigation to catch the planned parenthood folks in the act of selling aborted body parts and this lady wants to investigate the group that made the recording for possible broken laws?

Um, how about you spend that time and energy on prosecuting the PP folks that admitted to their heinous actions on video? We've lost focus on the real problem here.

Arguing gun control

What concerns me about stories like this is that they are almost an argument FOR more tracking and gun control. Think about it. The author repeatedly mentions how the current system doesn't have access to enough information to detect that the applicant is lying. What would be the obvious solution to this problem? More tracking & databases of health/mental issues and gun owners in general.

So, the Louisiana theater shooter lied on his handgun purchase application. Should we be surprised? I can honestly say that it's almost too easy to buy a gun these days (in some states).

I can go into a store and walk out with any gun (that I can afford) within 30 minutes with no hassle or suspicion at all. No waiting period in my home state and a very short form to complete. What if I lie on the form about my history? Would they catch it? How could they detect a lie about mental health when that information is protected as confidential?

While I don't want my personal health history made public, I don't have a problem with a database that includes items like this to check when someone wants to buy a gun.

I know that makes me a traitor to many 2A supporters but I cannot agree with blindly allowing anyone to buy a gun as their "right". Unfortunately, times have changed and we have to adapt to keep ourselves safe...from each other.

It's not a black problem...it's a white behavior problem

@Spacekatgal: All white people should read hashtag #IfIDieInPoliceCustody - it's shocking. This isn't a black problem, it's a white behavior problem.

Are you freaking serious?

Maybe I'm missing the point but how is it the fault of all white people that (some) black people feel like the cops are out to get them? A good number of the "brutality" stories I've read involve people that have been involved in criminal actions or they pulled an attitude with the cops when they were stopped.

You wouldn't tolerate someone coming into your place of employment acting like that, the cops shouldn't be expected to deal with that crap either. Cooperate when an officer stops you. They are doing their job. They have to be extra suspicious to avoid letting potential criminals stay on the street.

Unfortunately, there will be profiling based on the area they patrol, their experience, etc. In some areas the most suspicious people might be black men. In others, it could be white women. It all depends on what activities occur in that area.

Not all cops are out to get you. Some may be. Some may be racist but disrespecting them and acting like a complete ass won't get you ahead and will only make the cops more suspicious and angry.

How to Not Get Arrested
1. Don't break the law
2. Cooperate with law enforcement
3. Don't behave like an ass

Sunday, July 12, 2015

If you hate it here so much...LEAVE!

It disgusts me that this desecration of the flag has become such a "trendy" things these days. Who are these people? And who are the thousands of people supporting this horrendous behavior and putting these vile creatures on a pedestal?

If you hate the US so much, why don't you just leave? There are plenty of other places that would gladly accept your distasteful ways. We are sick of seeing it here.

Desecration of the flag is shameful!

Saturday, June 27, 2015

I don't care if you're offended

People are offended that folks are using the Confederate flag to promote ideas that were not part of the original "plan"...so the answer is to remove it from existence and pretend that part of history never existed.

People are angry that they can't always get their way so they stomp on the American flag...and we arrest those who oppose this action. Saying it's their right to express themselves in that manner.

Tell me how this isn't hypocritical.

Pretty sure there are laws protecting the American flag and giving specific details of how it is to be treated but you want to take away the right to display a flag that represents a time in history because someone is offended by it?

Will we change/ban the American flag next because some folks don't like?

I don't care if you're offended by something. If it's not physically harming you then why does it matter? We waste so much time on trivial bull because we don't want to offend people.

Welcome to life!

You're going to be offended, hated, discriminated against...shit happens. Grow up & move on!

Yeah, I'm jealous!

I know I should be happy that we have a place to live and income to pay the bills but I'm really struggling to get out of this funk because it seems like everyone else has such a great life...and I don't.

Ever since I got laid off about 5 years ago, things have gone downhill. It took 9 months to find a job and my severance ran out before that so I was overextended on all my credit cards and never could catch up. Had to file for bankruptcy but I still don't feel like I'm ever going to get ahead...even working 2 jobs.

On top of the financial stress of being a single mom, my son has turned into one of those kids that I swore I'd never raise. He's selfish & lazy and insists on breaking every rule he can. Unfortunately, at 17 1/2 it's too late to "raise him right" so I'm constantly stressed about him.

Add in the fact that I'm not satisfied with either of my jobs & you may understand why I have fallen into a state of depression. It always seems like everyone else has something to celebrate when all I have are regrets. I know they say your attitude determines how happy your life will be buts it's pretty hard to be happy and upbeat when you feel like you're getting knocked down every step of the way. 1 step forward, 4 steps back.

I try not to get jealous of what my friends have but it's so hard to be happy for them when I can't even get a fraction of the joy that they seem to find in life. They have rewarding jobs. Children that did well in school & are driven to succeed. Decent homes, families & friends. I feel like I have none of that. My constant state of worry over my son, finances and mental state have given me ulcers & many sleepless nights.

I'm at the end of my rope & don't know where to go next.

Friday, June 5, 2015

The BIG move to a little space

Today begins the BIG move to our new, "enhanced" office. A few going today, the rest on Monday. I visited the site last night and I can say it's not quite as bad as I'd imagined but it's definitely about 10 steps down from where we are now. My starting cubicle at CMC was way better than these things.

They're bringing in food for us today. I imagine because they think that'll soften the blow but they have no idea just how upsetting this is to most of us.

It's as if they are saying that we aren't even important enough to get a real desk. We have room for the basics and that's about it. Barely any room for even a photo of your family.

Seriously, they look like something you'd see in a call center in India...just about 1ft wider. There is no privacy so I don't know how they expect us to be productive, make calls, deal with customers, etc when there is another rep close enough to rub elbows with.

And, the windows we were all so excited about are a total joke. They are about 2ft wide & 4ft high and tinted so the amount of actual light getting through is minimal. Oh, and there are only a few of them. They made it out as if there were walls of windows. #AllLies

I sure hope they don't try to make a huge celebration out of this because it's definitely not the upgrade they kept promising.

Saturday, May 30, 2015

When management won't help

It's been a long time since I've posted but this topic is more involved than what I can express on facebook. The management staff at my office won't /can't help me. I think they try but they aren't persistent enough to really bulldog the situation and get results. It seems the approach of ignoring the problems is the chosen path that most take.

Perhaps they are overworked and forget to deal with the struggles of their employees. Maybe they are wrapped up in procedures that must be followed to address issues with other departments and they can't get results. It could be that they don't care. Whatever the reason, they are no help with resolving disputes or concerns in any area.

As an example:
An employee in our pricing group took my request for rush help as an accusation of his failure to do his job. Even after I admitted (3 times) that the rush was due to my error and that it was never my intention to accuse him of anything, he continues to put up roadblocks on my requests.

He even blatantly told me that I should give him the price up front do he could just add it without having to look it up. When I refused to do his job for him, he continue to reject my price request for ridiculous reasons, delaying it by several days.

His boss has been on copy of all the emails and has said/done nothing. When I approached my manager, she suggested I say "please add appropriate pricing" instead of using the term "verify pricing". When I asked her to speak with his boss she just said that she hadn't responded to her email from 3 days ago. No follow up attempted or plan to address further.

It's the same across the board. A peer in our group consistently makes changes to my accounts without telling me. I've addressed it several times, and management claims they have as well, but it continues to happen.

When issues & concerns are brought up, it's twisted into a failure on your part with no responsibility given to the party "at fault".

I recently took on a huge deck of accounts, on top of the 30 I already had. During a particularly busy week my phone was ringing off the hook & I'd been placed on a testing team that was taking a bit of time from my day. On Thursday, I didn't answer one of my calls & the customer went to another rep. When asked if I could take the call, I advised I couldn't right then & was sorry.

Somehow, the message was given to my manager who tore me a new one because I didn't tell the other rep why I was too busy, ask her to take a message & tell her when I'd call the customer back.

Seriously?

1. It's none of their business what I'm doing. I'm just not available

2. Taking a message should've been a no brainer. If the rep didn't know that... Fire them!

3. I don't know when I'm going to call them back. I didn't answer because I'm swamped & don't know when I'll be available to do anything else.

Then, to add insult to injury...I got an email at 1pm asking for an answer on a post mortem review. That means the situation is done and there is no dire need for response. She emailed me 2 hours later and wanted to know if I was going to respond. My response to her was not as nice as it could have been but at that point, I was done with the bull$hit.

I'm sure these episodes will be the only thing she highlights in my annual review next year because she has no clue what goes on in my daily work life. She even admitted as much during my last review and used that as her reasoning for only giving me a "meets expectations" score in most categories. Next year I'm asking my sales reps for written feedback that I can provide her so she can make a better informed decision.

It's frustrating to work in an environment where the management has absolutely no clue what is happening right under their noses. It sure feels like they don't really want to know, either.