A Striking Dichotomy

Two incidents of relatively minimal importance happened at our house this past weekend. Taken separately, each occurrence would be a shrug-off, "one of those things" that makes you just shake your head, roll your eyes, and move on. Together, though, their message becomes multiplicative...and therefore bloggable.

First, I discovered a pro-DeVos bundle of literature dangling from our doorknob. (For those not in the know, Dick DeVos is the former president of Amway and current Republican candidate for Governor here in Michigan.) Anyone who knows us well understands that such a "gift" is positively laughable. While Michigan is definitely and stubbornly embroiled in economic woes, the problem is NOT our current Governor Jennifer Granholm. She is trying desperately to undo 12 years of unholy mismanagement by her predecessor; she is also trying to help the state adjust to a post-auto industry economy where job cuts are a dime a dozen. DeVos is simply another silver spoon-fed rich boy, a political wannabe who is trying to buy political clout with daddy's money. He's another in a long line of slimy Republican scumbags and their supporters, those people who would poison the air, prey upon teenagers, and plunder the earnings of honest & hardworking citizens. All the while claiming to do exactly the opposite, of course. A great example: DeVos claims that "our state has lost over 104,300 jobs." As past president of Amway, he certainly had the wherewithal to keep and/or create jobs in Michigan. However, when I stumbled across a Woodsy Owl ("Give a hoot! Don't pollute!") stuffed toy at a flea market this weekend, I saw two things on the tag: "Amway Corp." and "Made in Taiwan." No, DeVos has already had his chance to keep jobs in Michigan...instead, he sent 'em overseas. He's a bald-faced liar, and I can honestly say I wouldn't lower myself to wiping my oozing, diarrhetic ass with DeVos literature.

The second incident, the one that only serves to highlight an utter absurdity of difference in opinion, was that our "Peace" yard sign was stolen. This is the second time an unhappy fate has befallen such a sign in our yard. The first sign was - get this! - SLASHED WITH A KNIFE! If that doesn't say something ironic about the ultimate success or failure of peace initiatives, I don't know what does. Anyway...our sign this time was just gone. I'd like to think someone was so moved by our declaration of worldly good-heartedness that he simply took it for display in his OWN yard...but I doubt it. (A bold, broad-daylight theft by some scummy DeVos literature-slinger strikes me as more likely.) The thing is...in public, I try to be fairly politically neutral in my opinion-posting. I don't drive around with an "Impeach Bush!" bumper-sticker (although I don't doubt for a moment that, legally, he could be); mine simply reads "Coexist" in letters that are altered to really drive the point home. Likewise, "Peace." Who can argue with EITHER of these points?!? I mean, to NOT coexist with someone means you're always at odds with that person...a crummy way to live. Likewise, if you don't like my peace sign, then...you're against peace. And...to be AGAINST peace, you're...what? FOR WAR?!? What dumbass WANTS war?!! In my mind, the alternatives to what I'm offering - coexistence and peace - are indefensible. So anyway...hope you enjoyed the sign, you moron. 'Cause we ordered up a 5-pack, and I bet we can outlast you!

*Sigh!* In a totally unrelated move: how about a shout-out to good friends MICHAEL PASSMORE and LISA STANLEY (see blog links at right) for succesfully completing the Chicago Marathon this weekend.

HOLLAAAAA!