At first I thought this video was produced by the Obama White House (to go along with their idiotic "Life of Julia" film, showing a woman from birth to death entirely dependent upon the government and lovin' it...).

No, this little "fairy tale" was produced by the California Federation of Teachers (hey, aren't they broke in California?  how can they afford to be producing anti-prosperous propaganda like this?).

"Tax the RIch"  is narrated by uber-leftie, Ed Asner - a multi-millionaire in his own right (but we won't mention that).  From NewsBusters.org:

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"As the fairy tale began, Asner said, “Once upon a time, there was a land that was happy and prosperous. They had a great education system, safe streets, and jobs for everyone.”  There were a few poor people and a few rich people. Most were in the middle.  The people of this land paid for their good life by investing in their future together. They called this ‘paying taxes.’”

From there, Asner said the tax system was set up so that the poor paid a little in taxes, the middle paid a moderate amount, and the rich paid a lot. But the rich of course didn’t like this, and according to Asner, they began changing the tax code so that they would pay less while creating loopholes and even breaking the law through tax evasion. Of course, Asner completely ignored the immutable fact that in the past 50 years, changes to the tax code have continually shifted the burden of taxation from lower wage earners to higher wage earners so much so that today almost 50 percent of workers don’t pay a cent of federal income taxes.

That didn't come up.

Instead, Asner said that as a result of rich people's greed, “Schools, public safety, the roads, parks, libraries, public transportation all went into decline. The rich people didn’t care.” Needless to say, Asner chose not to address how tax revenues at the federal and state level continued to rise during this period, or that the fiscal problems were caused by spending growing at a faster rate than the growth of receipts.

Liberals always ignore this.

Not surprisingly, Asner also took aim at Wall Street, “a place where money makes money.”

Somewhat disgracefully, midway through the video, there’s an image of the rich actually urinating on the 99 percent.

No, I’m not kidding.

As the video drew to a conclusion, Asner claimed the rich began blaming everyone else for the fiscal problems in the country including public teachers. In Asner’s view, the 99 percent weren’t believing the one percent, so the rich hired politicians to continue placing the blame on police, firefighters, teachers, librarians, and other public employees.

But not everyone bought this said Asner. They believed the crash was all caused by the one percent.

“People began to say, ‘Maybe rich people have too much money now,’” claimed Asner.  “‘And maybe our problems have to do with the one percent not paying their fair share of taxes. And also, maybe rich people should pay the same rate of taxes they used to when our land was prosperous and more people were better off.’”  Predictably, Asner - like the current President and his Party - didn’t recommend that ALL taxes should go back to where they were under Clinton when things were supposedly so much better.This is a little bit of hypocrisy the left and their media minions conveniently ignore in this debate.

“This is where we are now,” said Asner at the video’s conclusion. “And we have a question: is there no alternative, or can the people of this land do something to live happily ever after?”

Predictably, Asner chose not to mention that you could tax every cent of the rich's income and it wouldn't balance the budget.

This math is too complicated for people on the left."

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What always amazes me in the attacks on the rich from Obama (and his followers) is the total lack of understanding that the "economic pie" in our country is not stagnant.  It is not "fixed."  The poor are not poor because the rich are rich.  Everyone in this country can move from poor to middle class to upper class and vice versa.  The economy can grow.  Jobs can grow. Incomes can grow.  Opportunities can grow.  Unfortunately, this doesn't seem to be true with Obama in charge - stifling growth, opportunity, ambition, etc. with rules, regulations, and - most importantly - perceptions.  Obama is doing the American people a great injustice by demonizing the wealthy, as if success is to be frowned upon.  Ooooh!  Those one-percenters!  We just hate 'em.  They stole from the poor and are greedy, evil people!!! Let's tax them even more!  Make them pay their "fair share" (I wish Obama would define "fair share")!!!  Egads. 

In closing, a good question to ask is:  were all poor people wealthy years ago - and suddenly a bunch of greedy people rushed in and took their wealth away, making them poor?  Barack Obama wants the people of this country to believe the answer is yes,  but the honest answer is NO.

Another spot-on commentary from "Sundays with Mr. Curry:"

We'll Always Have Paris

Actually, I'm not so sure about that.  I mean, we probably will always have Paris; it's been through some pretty horrific times.  The first time we visited Place de la Concorde, the spectacularly beautiful square at the foot of the Champs Elysees, my Dad, the history professor, enhanced our impression of the place by pointing out that during the revolution, the French beheaded 17,000 of their countrymen right there, on the spot.  Yet the city stands.

Hitler wanted to burn it to the ground. Yet the city stands. 

So, if I had to bet, I'd bet on Paris lasting another thousand years.  The point is, if I never get back there, at least I saw it once.

And I'm so glad we had the opportunity to stay in an apartment in a neighborhood, rather than in some hotel near a tourist spot!  I'm not sure exactly what would constitute a 'tourist spot' simply because the whole place fits that description.  But I'm glad we lived in someone's home.  We got to experience, at least for a few days, what it might be like to live there. 

Even in ten short, jam packed days, we got a glimpse of a culture that is really very different from ours. 

For starters, it's very obvious to we Americans who take them for granted, that the city is much older than the automobile.  It's hard to realized just how auto-centric American culture is until you visit a place that old.  I suppose on the east coast, in cities like Boston, you see the same thing; narrow, twisty little streets with no parking because parking wasn't a concern back when the city was built.  Here in the midwest, our cities just scream "I was built for driving!!"  Wide streets, set out in a grid with residential areas separate from commercial districts because there's no need for a corner grocery store every few blocks when everyone drives. 

Just a cursory look at Paris shows you that here, things are different. Main avenues are straightish but the layout of the city has no more to do with a grid than a magic eye picture has to do with an eye chart.  Most of the streets are so narrow, you'd think twice before trying to navigate them in a Navigator or a mini van.

We think it's great when we live in a neighborhood that has a corner grocery, rather than having to drive to the nearest Super Target or Cub Foods but they have a produce stall, a bakery, a meat market and a cheese shop darn near every street.  Grocery shopping is clearly a daily event, given no more thought than our daily trek to the corner Starbucks.  It's a life style very different from ours.

It was fun but I have to admit, I prefer ours.  I'm sure it's only because it's what I'm used to but I like being able to buy all my things at one place.  I'm too busy to buy all my meals out, one item at a time.

My uncle, whose son owns the apartment we stayed at, had described some of the cultural differences to me but it was hard to understand until I got there.

We Americans are much, much busier than the Europeans.  We bite off more than we can chew every day.  When we eat out, we don't dawdle over our coffee.  Not only do we have things to do, the restaurant want to resell the table.  This is a personality trait of our culture.

Europeans believe in taking the time to smell the roses.

Americans believe in working hard to develop and grow the biggest, brightest roses the world has ever seen.

Claiming one culture is superior to the other is like claiming one type of personality is superior to another.  European 'culture' isn't even about 'smelling' the roses, it's aristocratic heritage actually makes it a 'I'll smell the roses while you peons spread manure' culture.  The only difference between now and pre-war Europe is now no one wants to spread the manure.  That's why their roses are all dying.

Meanwhile, here in America, we're slowly going from a culture which produces folks who get antsy on vacation and can't wait to get back to work, to a "you work and I'll eat" lifestyle.

When did we stop teaching our children the story of the Goose that lays golden eggs?  Because we're killing it.

How about the story of the Little Red Hen?

America used to be populated by little red hens but now, we're all fighting to be the other animals and apparently the plan is to attack the hen, steal her bread and eat it with a nice chicken dinner.

Remember the story of the Grasshopper and Ant?  In our new world, the federal government steps in, tells the ants that they are evil and greedy and open up the entire ant hill for the worthless grasshoppers.  You're a total sucker if you're an ant. 

Twice in the last century, Paris survived because America came to her rescue.  I don't know who or what will come to Paris' rescue if America ceases to be America.

So I'm really glad I went to Paris when I did.

Colorado and Washington recently became two states voting in favor of legalizing marijuana.  (Oregon had the measure on the ballot, but it didn't pass.)

Many news outlets during the past few weeks have reported positively on the legislation, as if it if no big deal.  Some who read my blog have made comments in support of such a measure.   From a person using the moniker Georgedubyabush comes this frightening little nugget:

"Talk about silver linings, Amy, you forget to mention that two states have legalized the recreational use of marijuana. You know it's just a matter of time before Wisconsin and the rest of the country jumps on board that train. Best stock up on the Cheetos for when your adult children come to visit. Change is a comin', baby!"

Scary, isn't it?

The Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel's own leftie, Jim Stingl, wrote a column called "Legalizing pot could spark up the economy."  In his article, Stingl makes light of how certain businesses could benefit from states that have legalized pot.  Some big winners could be:  Visine, companies that make brownie mixes, Frisbee golf equipment, and of course that staple for those munchies:  Frito Lay.   In addition, Stingl wrote:  "Will Foley is founder and general manager of Suburpia subs, which was built on the cravings of stoners in the 1970's.  Marijuana consumption, he said, "gets them thinking about eating Suburpia sandwiches" and taking away criminal penalties would be good for business." 

How cute.  Never mind that pot use among America's teens has increased dramatically, as well as the problems associated with such use.  From  The Partnership at Drugfree.org

“These (increased pot use among teens) findings are deeply disturbing as the increases we’re seeing in heavy, regular marijuana use among high school students can spell real trouble for these teens later on,” said Steve Pasierb, President and CEO of The Partnership at Drugfree.org. “Heavy use of marijuana – particularly beginning in adolescence – brings the risk of serious problems and our data show it is linked to involvement with alcohol and other drugs as well. Kids who begin using drugs or alcohol as teenagers are more likely to struggle with substance use disorders when compared to those who start using after the teenage years.”

But, hey!  No problem - right?  After all, many lefties (like our own Georgedubyabush) find legalizing pot a "silver lining."  And who knows, maybe the federal government is pleased with this development.  After all, since so many people are out of work with nothing to do, maybe they'll take up pot smoking to toke their problems away, decreasing their chances of ever landing a job and increasing their chances of remaining dependent upon the government!!!   Days spent gettin' high and collecting a government check - ain't life grand!?!

In closing, I totally disagree with legalizing a dangerous drug like pot, which study after study shows leads to memory loss, an inability to function socially, and an escalation to harder drug use over time.  Do we really want to become a society of "stoners?"  Do we really want to shrug this off and make light of it, as the Journal's Jim Stingl does with his comment:  "...some of these jobs could go to pot users that we finally stop arresting and locking up for conspiracy to commit giggling."  Sorry, Jim.  I do not agree that locking up marijuana users and sellers is due to a "conspiracy to commit giggling."    I am sure there are many families out there who experienced  difficult times struggling with a loved one's drug use and the subsequent bad and/or illegal behaviors that go along with such.

As a side note, another little bit of liberal hypocrisy:  The left over the years have made it their mission in life to destroy Big Tobacco.  Cigarettes - legal at that - have been a target for decades by those who arrogantly seem to feel that they know what is best for us.  They didn't like people inhaling smoke into their lungs and blowing it out.  Innocent people around them who breathed in the secondhand smoke were at risk.  They pointed out how smoking can cause cancer and contributes to many other health issues.  The left went after smokers with a vengeance - tax, tax, tax cigarettes!!!  Punish people for smoking!  Make every public building a non-smoking building!  Make every private business a "non-smoking" establishment!  Drive those smokers out!  After all, cigarette smoke is bad for you!  Second hand smoke kills!  Blah blah blah ad nauseum.    

And now pot is legal? a thing to be celebrated?  Tell me, what is the big difference between cigarettes and marijuana (besides the fact that cigarettes are legal in every state?)...  The hypocrisy of the left - on full display yet again...

The nation is reeling from yet another attack on a school by a madman.  In all,  26 people were killed - 20 children among them and six adults.  Adam Lanza, age 20, is said to be the lone gunman who eventually killed himself. 

I have a few observations on this whole horrific episode.  They are as follows:

1)  My deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers go out to all the people in Newtown, Connecticut.  I cannot begin to fathom what the parents who lost children are going through, or others who lost family members.  Their lives have been forever changed, as have the lives of those children and adults who survived.  The trauma and mayhem which occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School is shocking. 

2)  I sincerely hope that the blame for this massacre is placed squarely where it belongs:  on Adam Lanza.  Hopefully politicians will not use this crisis to further yet another political cause - like attacking guns as is the usual knee-jerk reaction.  We have a political party in charge who believes they should never let a "good crisis go to waste" and it wouldn't surprise me if Lanza is pushed in the background and the "guns" are made out to be the culprit.

3)  It is too bad that deranged individuals like Lanza - or the Sikh Temple shooter Wade Michael Page -  or the Virginia Tech shooter Seung-Hui Cho  - etc.,  don't just stay home and kill themselves if they are so angry,  and despondent about their own personal lives.  Why they have to go out and kill innocents and then take their own lives afterwards is beyond explanation.  The world is a better place without these kinds of evil people in it. 

4)  I was sickened watching President Obama do one of his "I...I...I..." speeches after this tragedy.  Obama clearly doesn't get it.  This murderous rampage in Connecticut was not about  him.  Obama did not need to remind the nation that he is "president" but also is reacting as a "parent."  This man's arrogance and self-absorption knows no bounds.  During his scripted speech, he wiped away crocodile tears - I really do believe that these little gestures were written into his speech. 

 5)  I would like to see public schools allow an administrative leader (like a principal or superintendent) to have access to a weapon within the school.  Designate a staffer or two to have a key to where a gun is kept.  In the event that an armed individual or several individuals enter a school with ill intent, at least the school would have a way to defend itself until help arrives.  Calling 911 is expected, but crucial minutes go by until police get to the scene.  Right now, schools are sitting ducks for any madman.  "No Guns Allowed" signs are laughable. 

6)  The United States is made up of millions of people.  Within our population are many, many people who do not play by the rules - people who break the laws.  Who kill, rape, harm, steal, etc.   People who have no moral compass and no remorse for their crimes.   Many people are also mentally ill - and some can be dangerous.  Sociopaths.  Psychopaths.   There is no way we can predict when, where, or how other events like Shady Hook, Columbine, Virginia Tech, etc.  shootings will happen.  What we can do as a society is realize that there ARE people out there who have no qualms about committing such violent and vile crimes.  Evil does exist.  We all need to take every step we can to protect ourselves against future crimes like these.  We also must realize that everyone has rights, and to point our fingers at "red flags" that some individuals may present in regards to being dangerous won't always work.  (The ACLU will see to that.)  Instead, we must accept the fact that violence and evil exists, live our lives to defend to the best of our own abilities against such violence and evil, and support those who endure such tragedies.

In closing, I would again like to offer my sympathies to all of those in Connecticut who experienced this senseless, brutal massacre.    There are no explanations for what possesses someone to do such a thing.  The lives of the little children and adults who witnessed the murders of their classmates and teachers have been forever changed.  The deaths of the children and adults are beyond comprehension.  I hope that the people of Newtown, and all who were killed, injured, or directly affected by  this horrible act of violence, will be able to eventually find some peace and comfort knowing that the nation is praying for them.

It's official!  After a horrid four years, with an economy in the tank, out-of-control spending, an ever-growing population dependent upon the government for food stamps and many other aspects of their lives, millions of Americans out of work, and a presidency that gives ole' Jimmy Carter a run for his money on being the worst president ever, Obama has been named Time Magazine's "Person of the Year."  (I think this is akin to winning a Noble Prize for doing nothing, an award Obama received early on in his first four years...for doing nothing...)

Yes, Time.  That irrelevant leftie publication with an ever-dwindling readership has seen fit to honor Obama.

Or is it really an honor?  Time editor Rick Stengel had this to say about Obama's selection: 

Here are some Christmas songs for "Christmas Future."  No mention of God, the birth of Christ, or any religious overtones - guaranteed to keep the libs and socialists happy!  Merry Christmas (OOPS!!!) HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Enjoy and be sure to sing along -

In past years, I have used the following YouTube clip to wish readers a Merry Christmas.  (Please note:   I refuse to become part of the politically-correct crowd who meekly wishes "Happy Holidays"  for fear of offending those in the perpetually-offended crowd...  As Charlie Brown would say "Good Grief!" - it is Chrismas, after all!!!)

Lest we forget the true meaning of the season, no one sez it better than a cartoon character (ironic, isn't it?).  Here is Linus's speech telling us what Christmas is all about -  from "A Charlie Brown Christmas:"

Enjoy and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all!

Having visited the Floriday Keys earlier this year, a recent story in the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel got my attention.  The story, written by Lizette Alverez of the New York Times, was called:   "Hemingway house in legal cat fight - Museum's 45 six-toed felines are subject to federal regulations."   For those who may not know,  famed author Ernest Hemingway lived in Key West for several years.  He penned "For Whom The Bell Tolls" and "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" while living at his estate.  Hemingway committed suicide in 1961.  The beautiful house and lush tropical grounds were purchased after Hemingways death by  Bernice Dixon, who later turned the property into a museum.  The house, the biggest toursit attraction in Key West,  averages 250,000 visitors per year.  Michael Marowski, the great-nephew of Bernice Dixon, is currently the chief executive of the Hemingway home and museum.  

Aside from being designated a National Landmark,  the Hemingway property is home to many cats (approximately 40 to 45 at last count).  Most of them are the "polydactal" variety, meaning they have an extra toe (or claw) on their paws.  (Our family became familiar with the term when we adopted a kitten 8 years ago.  He, too, is a polydactal.  He has big feet that look similar to oven mitts, and the extra toe on each of his front paws is very noticeable - and part of his charm.)  The cats are rumored to be descendants of Hemingway's cat, Snowball, and are said to provide a true "link to the past."

Anyhow, while in the Keys we toured the Hemingway site.  We were treated to seeing many of the cats.  They are, to be blunt, very well-fed, lazy, and have the run of the household.  Visitors are told to refrain from petting them and instructed not to pick them up, and for the most part they are left alone, only to be featured in many pictures taken by  the tourists.  The cats are well-taken care of, with weekly vet visits and most are spayed or neutered.  They really live the good life!

The cats have their own apartment complex, aside from having the run of the main house and grounds.

Note the polydactyl cat on the left - his big paws are similar to those of our family feline.

Cats do have the run of the place!  Here is one getting a drink out of the swimming pool...

Cats can be seen everywhere!

And when cats finally use up all of their nine lives, they are buried in the Cat Cemetery.

To sum it all up, the Hemingway property is well-maintained,  the resident cats live the good life, and all is well. 

Or is it...

Nope.  The United States government just had to insert itself where it doesn't belong and is clearly not needed.  For ten years, Michael Morawski has had an on-going legal battle with the United States Department of Agriculture.  The USDA contended that it had the authority to regulate the Hemingway home cats.  They believed that Congress gave them the right under the "Commerce Clause" and Animal Welfare Act of 1966.  Sadly, the Atlanta-based Eleventh Circuit Court agreed with the feds. 

What was truly ironic in the proceedings was this little blurb that came from an American Thinker article ("In Key West, the "Hemingway Home" battles the Feds over cats."): 

   ---  One issue still puzzles Morawski:  How come his cats can be regulated under the Commerce Clause which, after all, is only supposed to regulate interstate commerce?  (Where have we heard this one before?  Obamacare???)  Morawski stated:  "We're a local business...our goods don't go outside of Key West.  So how can we be involved in interstate commerce?"  

(By the way, the judge who made the ruling explained that tourists visit the home, see the cats, and in that regard the "exhibition is integral to the Museum's commercial purposes."  A stretch?  Sure!  But we've seen such ridiculousness before in court decisions.  Supreme Court Justice John Roberts' pathetic ruling on the constitutionality of Obamacare comes to mind...)

Mr. Morawski, who spent an estimated $500,000.00 to $600,000.00 fighting the feds in court was dismayed.  He had this to say:  "I'm still dumbfounded.  This is overreach by the federal government."  Morawski's lawyer, Cara Higgins, summed up the ruling:  "It's silliness.  It just got insane. This is what your tax dollars are paying for.  The agents are coming down here on vacation, going to the bars, and taking pictures of the cats."

Exactly.   What we have here is yet another in a long list of government "over-reaches."  Government butting in where they do not belong.  This story is just one of many out there.  Wasted taxpayer dollars, regulatory nonsense, and silly court rulings.  Imagine the money that could be saved by simply using common sense.  Sadly, common sense seems to be MIA in government these days.  And now the Hemingway cats are subject to oversight by the USDA.  Ms. Higgins added:  "we are now at the whim of the agency."

At least Mr. Morawski is not taking the ruling sitting down.  He has vowed to enlist the help of politicians in  Congress to work on legislation that would "rein in the scope of the federal government."  This stance, of course, flies in the face of what Americans are currently facing -  Obama purposely focused on growing and expanding the role of government in everyone's lives.  Morawksi could have quite a battle ahead. 

Maybe those USDA agents sent to police the Hemingway cats will suffer from cat allergies...

Even though conservatives and Republicans may be upset at the results of the recent banana republic presidential elections (yes, folks - the number of votes in several precincts in Pennsylvania and Ohio outnumbered the residents living in said districts- and many areas went 100% for Obama (unheard of in an honest election).  In addition, the "same day registration" and early voting allowed the cheaters to vote early and vote often.  Here in Wisconsin we witnessed yet again chaos at many polling places (especially in Milwaukee and Racine), with bussed-in voters showing up to overwhelm poll workers, who had no chance of actually challenging whether or not many were voting in their own district - or state, for that matter.  Banana republic? - you bet.  Let's get Voter ID back and ensure honest elections!) - don't lose hope.

Now, for the New Years Gift.  Look at the map above.  From the New York Times.  The red areas went for Romney, the blue for Obama.  (Actually, in the future I would suggest using red  to designate the Dems, since they embrace  socialism/communism.  It would be more appropriate to use "red" ala Mao's little red book and the color of the communist flag of China, to refer to them.)

So in viewing the map, realize that all hope for saving our country is not lost.  Most of the U.S. is NOT in the tank for Obama, despite how the media wishes to portray the political landscape.  Remember, this past election only saw Barry Hussein Obama win by a very small (3.9%) percentage of the popular vote.  Obama won 26 states plus D.C.  Romney won 24 states.  Mandate?  No way. 

At least half the country (and I would venture to say more than half, since approximately 3 million Republicans chose to sit out this past election) wants nothing to do with Obama and his socialist agenda.  That bodes well for the future.  So despair not.  Even though we are in for a rough ride these next four years - with a president who couldn't give a darn about the economy, unemployment, national security, the American dream, or other issues that presidents usually do care about - we will endure.  Hopefully the House and the individual states will block most of the socialist wishes of the Dear Leader.  Four years.  Four long years.  Four long years with an anti-American leader intent at destroying the foundation of the country.  Scary times are ahead, but we will weather the storm.

Yes, the rebuilding after Obama finally vacates the White House will be difficult.  However, America and Americans are very resilient.  Maybe the "me-me-me" class, beholden to entitlements and dependency upon the government, will wake up out of their Obama stupor.  Look at history.  Socialism doesn't work.  Communism doesn't work.  Many countries have proven such.  Capitalism and personal freedoms, with all their imperfections, is still the best route for a free country.  To many of us, the U.S. Constitution still has meaning, even though Obama wants to crumble up that annoying piece of paper and toss it in the trash. 

In four years, hopefully we will still be free.  So, look at the map and think - wow - many Americans want nothing to do with Obama and his anti-American agenda!  All is NOT lost!!!

What a positive way to start the New Year!