While I'm At It; Labor Day is a Scam

Obviously, people who don't get the most basic elements of economics, nature and the art of owning your life are the ones who created Labor Day. It implies that there is an insurmountable caste system in place and that performing labor is different than any other act which enhances value and constitutes a trade.

Believe what you want, but such things are actually designed to keep the masses down and instill a fatalistic philosophy in which they look for ways to extort or find perpetual dependence upon those they see as the enemy--The Rich, Management, etc., in the extreme. And at the least look upon themselves as grudgingly less-than.

Yas sir, no sir. Well, Boss, I jus' wondered could I use the bathroom. I do not find it natural to call anyone "Boss", and only "sir" in a professional sense which creates wanted distance. I hated it when people sometimes called me "Boss" or "hey, boss man", even if they may have been half meaning it in a complimentary way. I'm no person's boss. That goes both ways. Do not like that mentality.

Not how it ought to be.

I've made my way doing labor much of my adult life. I studied labor contracts, was in a union. You may get all puffed up about "helpin' the workin' man", protecting against robber barons and whatever "unfair" means, but most union contracts are designed first and foremost to keep the union management in high style and offer them security.

Never has it occurred to me that because I was doing labor, even sweeping floors, that I could not change my circumstances should I find it in me to put out the effort. That does not mean anyone in a particular company is going to invite me or anyone else to climb the ranks. If I do not think I am treated fairly or taken seriously, I find a way to leave. Sometimes you have to bide your time.

If you really believe in your value then it is their loss. Of course systems which reward seniority above competence, typical union model, do get in the way of such free market practice. Even so, nothing says one can't go it alone. Given that with every feel good rule they lay down the obstacles to independent endeavor increase, but it is not impossible to make things happen if you have the vision and the drive.

Lots of people get stuck at that point because their vision is not in line with reality. That is just how it goes. I haven't built much but my belief in what I just said is pretty much unshakeable.

I do know that any trade done honestly is noble, whether it be hauling wheel barrows full of rocks, or crafting a contract with a copper mine. Locking one's self into the feudal system notion of lords and serfs (management and labor) is just falling into a trap. One thing for sure, the pretend celebration of laborers is not really much more than a slap in the face in the larger, grand scheme of things. It's a friggin trick in which thugs of all stripes have played a part.

Sorry to burst a bubble, but the whole tribal antagonism that has been created between blue collar and whatever else subtly plants the idea that the "other" is really somehow better, more powerful, and of a superior species--even if it may be one that allegedly needs collective action to keep it in line.

Why should anyone think anyone is so much better than them that they need to focus always on some contentious relationship? Or that lower one's self to extortion and thug tactics to get what you want is justified? I've worked for companies that were terrible in matters of integrity, playing the blame game, cheating employees, etc. That still doesn't justify me becoming a gangster to force them to give me something. I walk.

They only get by with it because of the myriad of convoluted regulations that industry leaders helped government write, while whining about them publicly. It locks out competition and actually inhibits opportunity in thousands of instances.

Picket lines be damned. If I wanted to work then I work. No union or other employee has a right to impede me.

I guess the idea that you can walk away, do better, or actually thrive in place doesn't compute.

So much corruption, brainwashing and institutionalized serfdom to be dissolved. That's what happens when you let government have the power to make companies and unions more powerful, and to influence who does what in the market.

Jerry Springer Nation

To me Jerry Springer and his show--is it still on?--represent the absolute worst of American humanity. Besides the fights and general lowlife getting their few minutes in the sun, the tactic of giving a few sound bites about things that concerned no one but the creatures on stage, then having audience members dispense wisdom and opinion is significant. Many talk shows went with that motif, and mainstream news organizations did the same.

How many "unscientific" news polls encouraged viewers to call in to vote for one of the multiple choices given on topics ranging from "will the hurricane hit" to should Mr X be able to pull the plug on ex Mrs X? It is a strange sort of conditioning. If the majority thinks it, then it must have credence, even if they have no facts on which to base their opinions.

This sort of cultural phenomenon encouraged people to think everyone's opinions are equally valid, regardless of intelligence, general knowledge, specific knowledge, context or anything else. The fact is opinions are not all equal. A rocket scientists opinion regarding how much thrust is required to lift a given rocket out of the atmosphere is far more valid that the opinion of the typical talk show audience pundit. In the world of PC convolution, you'd never know it.

So, now there is a general "consensus" that "the market has failed" and that capitalism is what has caused the present economic confusion. This comes mostly from people who neither understand what the market is, what capitalism is, and/or those who don't care to examine how government through both neglect and oversight has bastardized the market and business practice over the years.

To me the current situation is merely the result of a sort of mass hypnosis of the people that has been going on for over a century. We've been taught in such a way that regardless of whether one joins team democrat or team republican, the real purpose of the Constitution and why it is a big deal are lost. The idea that its purpose is to prevent government oppression and the inevitable slave state which results from authority without heavy duty limits seems to be lost on the vast majority of lawmakers and citizens alike.

We're being Springered on so many fronts. The infamous mosque, for example. I still say it is New York's problem. I suspect there is no doubt the people behind it do not wish anything good toward infidels, but I see no national issue here. I do not really know how close to Ground Zero or a bunch of other facts, and if I did, it wouldn't matter. If NY is dumb enough to let their tax money go toward loans and such then that is their issue. If they let their zoning be compromised, so be it. Whatever.

Now we have some idiot in FL flaming the fire in the wrong way by making headlines for wanting to burn copies of the Islam book. So many spelling for Coe Ran I won't bother. Burn baby burn, but what is being gained?

You idiot.

All you are doing is adding fuel to those who want special privilege and foot washers in the airports--at taxpayer expense. So often, this is what happens, then people on the left claim idiots like that represent the right***. To me, anyone who wants to screw with individual lives, choices, and mind-your-own-business living is left wing****.

Aside from the stupidity of reacting exactly how other religious idiots hope you will, I think any book burning ceremony is a little bizarre. A guy like that is unlikely to read it first. I don't care too much, other than the tendency of alleged news organizations to give such dolts national attention. Anything to fuel those Jerry Springer moments on the national stage.

That's how I see it. You either think government is the answer to wealth distribution, resource allocation, personal risks and safety, food and substance ingestion, technology trends and advancement, or you don't. I think it is a huge mistake for these things to be in government hands.

Prevent force and fraud and people who violate the rights of others. Rights being the natural rights of humans, not the right to a washing machine without paying for it, buiding it etc. You do not have the right to claim the wealth or labor of others. You have the right to strive in your own way unfettered by condition of birth or other factors not relevant to your ability, desire, competence, character, and the like. It is not complicated but sure as hell people do complicate it under the guise of being intellectual, etc. It's friggin dadaism in philosophy that they are demonstrating.

I know the cool guys seem to be preaching a global social order and all this, but they predicate it on them and their elite brethren in power deciding who uses what resources, who manufactures what, and who gets what wealth. That's tyranny, not a happy commune. Yes, I'm specifically addressing Howard Dean here.

Go hang out in various parts of the world and convince yourself every culture is the same. You cannot blame the poverty, cruelty and insanity of every aberrant culture on the USA. We do have our own issues to contend with, I admit. That is why we'd do best to deal with that and forget taking on the burden of letting our culture be subject to global debate or control. No need whatsoever.

Oh, hell with it. Had to rant. I heard there's a naked beach around here. Maybe I should go check it out. I'm curious how they deal with any jelly fish issues.

***most people who label themselves "right wing" or right leaning are simply pushing an oligarchy with a different agenda than the other worshippers of government authority, even though they pretend not to want a heavy handed government. Actions speak loud enough.

****most who consider themselves left wing readily admit they think government should control science drugs, resources, research, almost any aspect of life. They also see no problem with divvying everything up based on sex, skin color, heritage, any condition of birth or emotion.

One last thing while I am still heated up: THERE IS A BIG ASS DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WANTING EVERYTHING YOUR WAY AND WANTING A FREE COUNTRY
Unless you are running the show, you're most likely to be able to live how you wish if limits on authority are so strong that they can't meddle according to their opinions or wishes. So, the greatest number are far better off if live and let live is enacted to the highest practical degree. You don't tolerate force or fraud. That covers a great deal. Most current regulations and agencies established to protect from that serve only to let the chosen few sidestep it. Most of such agencies are a fraud and should be abolished. Normal basic laws actually cover the offenders if properly enforced, and government "partnerships" are not running rampant as they now are.

That is where I part ways with many who currently oppose the direction of this government. They'll start in on a mosque they know nothing about in someone else's back yard, worry about marriage--which ought not be a state issue anyway, and rave about the rights of the unborn. Look around. Half these people you'd force to carry to term are such that the unborn would most likely choose death over having them as parents. Leave it alone and practice your life how you wish.

You are killing freedom as surely as the other guys, even though you actually do use the words "freedom" and "constitution" quite a bit. You still don't get it. FUQUITS. GRRRRrrrrr.

Why is it that I am one of the few people I know who finds it insulting and oppressive to have so much of life under control of those who think they know best? I guess many people want an ant like society and others see the individual as his own owner.

Hotter Than a ...

It was 100 in the shade in Alpine today--degrees Fahrenheit. I know because I parked my car under a tree and it gives you outside temp right there near the speedometer.

Get to the coast near Pt Loma and it is in the 70's. Sometimes it dawns on me why people bother not to be poor or of overly modest means. They can afford to live in better climate, or if you are in the San Diego area, "micro-climate". I thought it a silly term at first, but the weather is different every few blocks here. It is a hodgepodge of micro climates. The smart people seek out the best of them.

Ballistic Mountain runs a bit cooler than Alpine, but 93 is not a heck of a lot of relief. Then again, if I were in Iraq or one of those places, 93 degrees would be a big relief.

I'm not in one of those places so I can't say it is a relief. Electricity, fans and a cabin with high ceilings and tons of insulation is a bit of a relief. This place was a great score and I don't forget that.

I hope Mr Big enjoys his few days at his house in the resort. It looks like he won't log a total of even three weeks there this year. When you can afford it I guess it works out. Don't fault him for being rich and having things he doesn't use. He pays people like me to keep them from falling apart and it works out just fine. If there were more people around who paid well for work and goods, I think that would be splendid. Despite the bad press, I am glad there are mega rich people around. In this case people I never see. That is the beauty of it; he's never there, and I never do my work when guests are in the place. Usually no one is there.

No question I am wanting to become obsessed with an independent project of some kind. Entrepreneurial in nature I suppose. I tend to want to avoid the word, as magnificent as what it represents is, because it has become overused and by people who think it has something to do with official authority and government. I have grown to despise authority of that sort more than ever. The tyranny of those with the guns and the tyranny of the majority are not things to tolerate.

Hulu Hoodoo

Since I have no cable, and the evil independent web connection guy on Ballistic mountain screws up the airways for reception of everything---my unconfirmed theory---I watch movies and such on Hulu.

They have advertisements, and in order to tailor your ad viewing "experience", they have a little thing up at the top while the ad plays which allows you to choose yes or no, in answer to the question "is this relevant to you". I often ignore it, but check NO whenever any non-profit or public service ad comes on.

So, even though I don't eat lobster, I check yes when Red Lobster advertises. I have no pet, but act interested in pet food. It matters not to me which "good cause" is using public money and free air time to pimp itself, I claim it is not relevant to me. I'm hoping this will limit the number of such things they include in my viewing experience.

I know how to stick it to the Man. Even the Hulu Man.

Misunderstood

For reasons related to a self destructive past I become familiar with such things as the St Francis prayer. More a philosophy than anything, but I'm not prone to go heavy on the religion lines. They always seem to go one step beyond finding their own answers and tend to become authorities on the ins and outs of a God who has a personality and emotions which conform to their designs.

In any case, in that prayer it remarks about it being better to seek to understand rather than to be understood. That seems wise because A) most people aren't that interested in understanding so you beat your head against a wall if you go around trying to get that from people, B) people who do go around whining about being understood are a pain in the ass and just make others want to shoot them C) it often works out better if you attempt to understand others, as it keeps your mind off your own frustration.

In attempting to understand others, though, you have to realize people don't often look at things as you do. You end up comprehending their frustration and elation but not necessarily why they wanted to build an airplane in the basement when they'd have to take it apart or tear down the house to get it to an airfield. It was their bliss. That's the understanding part, I think.

[I think he is the patron saint of bird feeding, but I could be wrong]

At first I was going to write about how I was not understood in a situation which came to mind. In that case I think I did understand the other fairly well, even to the point where some of what I understood kind of bothered me as I knew I could not accommodate some of the wishes, wants and biases of the person. Certainly not in the time allotted. I sensed the time was short.

It could be I was understood, although I doubt it. When you have barriers up it is hard for someone to know what there is to even try and understand. If they can't relate to putting up such walls then that's that.

I think what is better is if you don't give a damn about being understood but at the same time try to enhance the lives of those around you in various ways. Generally not the ways you see on public service ads or other "look at Me!" do-gooder propaganda and coercion. I almost understand what's behind that stuff but hope my perception is all wrong. It gets complicated and conspiracy ridden, and I know most involved want to be good people and that is their motive. The structure and its evolution are another kettle of fish altogether.

At any rate that doesn't mean let others use and abuse you. Often it is understood they need to be slapped around, kicked out, or ignored. It is more art than black and white dogma, this understanding business.

Anyway, I understand that the hurricane may not be as damaging as thought, although the Outer Banks ought to get a bit of a thrill. I hope no one gets hurt and property remains intact.

(ps: if he were the Prophet, pbuh, and you put up such images, someone from the religion of peace would want to kill you. Understanding that requires me to get in touch with my inner psychopath. What people will do in the name of...)

Another Revisión de un Negocio

I think that means "review of a business".
Once again, a Poway company, or franchise located there, receives two thumbs up. What is the deal with Poway? It is located near Rancho Santa Fe where people are practiced at being rude, as it enhances the air of snobbery. Poway just has driving issues, but that is typical here. It never occurs to people in this part of the country that following two feet behind a car doesn't leave much time to stop unexpectedly and is generally a bad plan. However their customer service can be top notch.

I've mentioned more than once to those who tolerate my babble that Poway has the best Home depot as compared to a couple in Memphis, one in Ft Lauderdale, the one in Greensboro, several in Miami, and a few in San Diego County. It really is the best.

So is Discount tires in Poway. I know there are a number of tire stores who offer good prices and all that, but I have experienced the old bait and switch, and some annoying wheeling and dealing at Evans in Pt Loma--the old "tell ya what I'm gonna do" and then do nothing different from normal, except pretend you are talking about a more desirable product, etc.

Anyway, I bit the bullet awhile back and got some decent tires. Not the hotshot Michelins but rated pretty close. I like them. Even better, I liked the way the transaction was handled. Not a bunch of over the top pushing for me to do this or that, just a sane conversation about what I wanted and an honest effort to satisfy that.



So, it was time to rotate, which I hardly ever bother to do. I like these car shoes so well I decided to do it on approximate schedule. Once again they were quick, competent, respectful and easy to deal with.

One of my main theories when it comes to sales is that the number one best skill is making it easy for the customer to buy. Close behind is doing it in a way which leaves the person feeling respected. Someone can buy then never want to see you again. It happens a lot. Many sales organizations push the nearly date rape approach to sales conquest. It is assinine and in the long run gives business a bad name and only fuels the arguments of those who think trade is evil.

Anyway, I watched all the people coming in and out of this place and they are all treated well by every employee they encounter. Those who seem a little sheepish or unsure of themselves when entering the place are quickly put at ease and you can see the sense of confidence enter their being. All the employees appear to be enjoying what they do, and there is none of that attitude that the customer is a burden to their day.

In Memphis, most places are like that--the customer is messing up the reason people get jobs. They go to work to relaxe, sleep or talk on the phone. You are an unavoidable inconvenience should you be so rude as to attempt commerce in their place of employment. I do not miss the average attitude in that city.

Anyway, we ain't in Memphis anymore. Poway Discount Tires is a far cry from that. I wonder if they just have incredible managers, or a high class work force or what. Between that and the Home Depot, Ace and whatever the name of that Credit Union is, Poway's got it going on.

I got Yokohama 5 something something K tires. In case you were curious. I like them a lot for this car.

All these things were to prepare for a trip. That won't happen for a month or two at least. Not a problem. Just handling priorities and saving for new specs. I got the prescription sunglasses before I ever moved, along with regular ones. That was a good move as it turned out. If you are on the road a lot in the sun, the prescription shades pay off because regular ones would tire the eyes quicker. Maybe there's a Lenscrafter place in Poway. I need to check that out. Those shades have had a lot of abuse, chemicals scratches, etc.

Something About NC

Had to contact a county official in NC mountains to make sure they have my address and for various reasons. I miss a lot of things about NC. Yes, I do.

Old School Obligation Mentality

Due to the weekend stomach bust, I was thrown off schedule in completing a project which I promised to have done prior to Mr. Big's arrival.

To complicate matters, when I arrived on Monday, the window washer had already got most of the wood, that needs 3 days drying time after the prep process, wet. Fortunately it was not soaked, but I did not feel good going further until it had another 24 hours.

Fortunately, there was one segment of the teak population which escaped unmolested by aquatic ne'er-do-wells. He didn't know. Thinking the landscapers wouldn't be there, I took my note down on Friday. I was unaware of the dangers.

Even though things dry quickly in the fun California sun, you need to be sure all that under the surface moisture has taken a hike.

So, I managed to complete the spared segment, and do more sanding on the stuff done Thursday. I did not feel like it. But I said I'd have it completed. And to do right it needs a few days to cure before Mr Big sets a cushion and his gazillion dollar butt on any of this stuff. It is just the right way, in my book.

That left today, and I also had a mountain obligation. For a slow poke, you'd be surprised how much high quality semi-mindless work I can turn out in a block of time. I'm surprised. Especially because I felt no corners were cut, and I went back over what needed it. It was like an assembly line. Two sanders, this that the other.

I worry that I escaped the old school indoctrination with only my loathing to show for it. Perhaps that is not entirely true.

That dumbass Letterman is on TV, making a Roger Clemens joke.

This brings to my mind a couple of questions regarding this unbelievably irrelevant issue:
1--what business was it of Congress if a baseball player takes steroids, hemorrhoids, opium or magic mushrooms?
2--Why is it a crime to lie to Congress (while they ask stuff that is not any of their business) yet it seems to be no crime for them to lie as a group, individually, to one another, or to the public?

They should not spend another dime of public money on the Clemens thing. That prosecutor must be one sorry ass piece of work. Can you imagine being willing to send someone to prison over something that is none of your business, unimportant, and irrelevant? That person should be deported to Cuba, via innertube dropped in Florida Bay.

We pay those soulless pricks. They make a hell of a lot more than I do, and I don't harass people who don't matter, or need it.

How Hermits Suffer

No way this is going to be another episode of What Hermits Eat. Just an aside, I'm not nearly as hermited as once I was, but relative to most lives I still live one of quiet solitude, not unlike a monk high atop a mountain. Think of me as a Shaolin master. I don't even think I spelled the word right.

Anyway, somewhere along the adventures of the weekend which included a large gathering at some commercial venue which had delicious choices of fish, chicken, or beast of unknown origin, I may have eaten a wrong thing. Needless to say, all the choices which thrilled others were like offering me varieties of stone to eat. Seafood, fowl, or mammal do nothing for me. I just don't eat the stuff. Never have.

The desert pastries were great and I may have gone overboard. I think they spiked the mashed potatoes with dead critters which may have accounted for the reaction later that night.

I arrived home feeling fine, and soon not so fine. It was like my stomach had been lit on fire from within. For hours and hours it was pure weirdness. It was puffed out swollen and felt like any second would lead to barfdom. Maybe I should have forced it. Whatever the case, it left me totally wiped out, spaced out and depressed for a full day. I even missed doing work I'd planned. That means I have to really push to catch up tomorrow. The nature of some tasks is such that you can only go so fast. Oh well.

It took an hour after I felt safe and not dizzy before I could move without odd pain. Not kidneys I hope. That killed some of my family. Mostly the solitary ones, but not exclusively.

It was weird. Stomach puffed out like a basketball. My only thought was that I can't afford to jump a size in pants so I can't be having this belly bust thing go on. Luckily with relief came belly deflation. It isn't like you think. There was no big exit from any of those available which eased the situation. The fire just gradually burned out.

Should my story become one that is used to promote the convoluted health care law? "See, this poor man didn't have insurance. If he had, he could have gone to Dr Quack who would have put him on medicinal marijuana and valium."

Of course, we know that would not have happened. They would have ordered several tests, most of which would have been completely irrelevant to the situation. Then I'd go home, come back and be cautioned about cholesterol--not that it is real bad, but it could get there. They'd suggest I try Pepto Bismol, refuse to give me any recreational drugs or let me have sex with the nurse, charge tons of money and I'd feel worse for going to the doctor in the first place.

That is how hermits suffer; crying out in pain in the dead of night for no one to hear. So sad. But please, do not support any government program conceived by those who feel superior and in much better circumstances, who think they may know what is best to relieve my pain. That would truly be a disease I couldn't face.

Good Bad Stupid and Brilliant

I caught part of a radio conversation on the way home this evening. I've been working Over There again but not always spending the night. Anyway, there was some discussion about whether people are innately good or not.

The lady said, "the heart of man is dark". For those of you who have become too caught up in the world of categories, she meant people in general, not just men, or a man. So, she doesn't think people are, by nature, good. She said that keeps her humble. ???

I think CF once accused me of believing people are generally good. Probably due to one of my rants about how we'd be better off with no laws than too many. I haven't changed. There is a need for a few, but most preemptive strikes on the part of The Man are nothing short of immoral and oppressive.

So, this brought a few things to mind. One is that the woman's view is in keeping with many religions; you are born a miserable sinner, unworthy, etc. The other is that I don't think people are evil by nature. I think instincts get skewed and perception of how best to survive gets distorted. Mostly I think people are tricky and confused, but not basically bad.

I think the obviously bad, harmful, no good people should be erased. Why keep a serial rapist or multi offense child molester alive? Not on my dime, thank you.

That raises another issue; benevolence and charity with other people's money. It is all the rage. I think You can afford to help group X with your money. So be it decreed. Always these things are cloaked in Good. That covers up the immoral aspect. You are the rightful owner of your own life, and the fruits of your labors. The two actually follow. For me to dictate how the rewards for how your hours are used is spent, is akin to taking ownership of part of your life. Same mentality as that which would permit slavery. Involuntary servitude.

Check with Walter Williams for an in depth explanation. He makes a good clear case.

Anyway, I think good or bad is a choice in most humans. I'd define bad as causing harm to others or limiting their opportunity to make their own choices. People who would steal life, property, ideas, who would manipulate through lies and deception, half truths, etc. are evil-doers; bad people. All of it is a theft.

I think most people have good in them, but they also have that herd instinct. It is part of the survival mechanism. That makes them easily led astray and allows group insanity to snowball.

Many of us have a knee jerk reaction of patriotism and support for the military no matter how it is used. Gonna bring democracy to Islamic countries. I don't think it will happen or is wanted in the way we view such things. Cloak it in good. Or what has become accepted, due to repetition and herd instinct, as good. Anyone who knows a little knows that pure democracy is tyranny. No matter, we accept it as a good thought. Have to respect the military people because you have to follow orders in that game, or your army would suck and be useless. I do not have to like how they are used, when or where they are used. And I don't. Not since WW2 can I say I have been 100% behind much that has been done. I think we should have taken Cuba, but don't feel like arguing it.

Many of us think socialism is wonderful. Mostly people who think they will do the allocating and planning, and those who are hurting and figure they stand to gain. Some of that first bunch are filthy rich and have no intention of actually living like their subjects. And that is how we are viewed. Unless we speak up against them. Then we are "angry", ignorant, racist, and any other derogatory term in the book.

I've heard more in the last five years or so from people who seem to hate their own species than I have heard in my entire life. Got no idea how to address that. Maybe if you think humans have no right to live, you should do you part and jump off a high cliff, or drink a bottle of draino.

If people weren't good they never would have invented the air plane, air conditioning, The Pill, or the tube amp. There are some bright people who've walked the earth. They generally had to put up with a boat load of people who were trying to go with the crowd by being obstacles to brilliance, but that is how it goes.

There was a point to this but I think I'll leave it with the observation that every racist, sexist, non-idea based group lobby actually perpetuates and creates their own stereotype while playing victim to being stereotyped. And it is all predicated on a tacit approval of theft of property, and, to a degree, of slavery.

Are people by nature courageous? That one is rather iffy. I think maybe some are and some aren't, and others possibly can attain a degree of courage if they choose. Most aren't unless they have peer group support, which is really not the same thing.