Monday Morning Rant 115

Good grief, what a week. Tuesday led off with an auto accident which put my bride in the hospital for a couple of days with painful, but thankfully, not life threatening injuries. A compression fracture of a peripheral spinal bone does require a back brace, the constant attendance of a care giver—me, and the offering of constant prayers for a satisfactory recovery. We are both by now pretty much settled in to the routine and anticipate an unencumbered healing with the aid of God.

As the week wore on, we found Rush Limbaugh eased (forced?) out of negotiations as part of a buying group to acquire the St. Louis Rams. Attendant to the foregoing, we saw Juan Williams, formerly with NPR, vigorously defending Rush and deploring racist mis-quotes from his detractors. We observed the president responding to the request for troop enhancement from the commanding general in Afghanistan with that which he does best, talk, talk and more talk. In what has been a continuing parade, it was unearthed that a woman, inspired by the philosophy of Mao, had been appointed to a czar’s post in the White House. Not least, we heard the president attempt to explain a middle-schooler’s question of “why do they hate you?”

As I recently mentioned, we find we have a laugh a minute with this administration. Remember the old SNL line: “it’s always somthin’?” The production of distraction is a constant with these guys. The Senate committee produces an acceptable "aye" vote on a bill which has not been written and remains without form or substance on socialized medicine.

The gullible news services were taken in by that American staple, the missing or endangered child, only this time it was a runaway balloon. We faithfully followed the story with our hearts and not our heads. This kid’s parents should be in stocks in the public square after their flogging. As I said: “what a week!”

Save the Environment—Steal a Golf Cart

I’ll bet you thought that government idiocy ended with “Cash for Clunkers.” Silly you. The insanity continues as we look at one of the new environmental programs to lessen that nasty CO2. The following is from the Wall Street Journal:

“We thought cash for clunkers was the ultimate waste of taxpayer money, but as usual we were too optimistic. Thanks to the federal tax credit to buy high-mileage cars that was part of President Obama's stimulus plan, Uncle Sam is now paying Americans to buy that great necessity of modern life, the golf cart.

The federal credit provides from $4,200 to $5,500 for the purchase of an electric vehicle, and when it is combined with similar incentive plans in many states the tax credits can pay for nearly the entire cost of a golf cart. Even in states that don't have their own tax rebate plans, the federal credit is generous enough to pay for half or even two-thirds of the average sticker price of a cart, which is typically in the range of $8,000 to $10,000. "The purchase of some models could be absolutely free," Roger Gaddis of Ada Electric Cars in Oklahoma said earlier this year. "Is that about the coolest thing you've ever heard?"

The golf-cart boom has followed an IRS ruling that golf carts qualify for the electric-car credit as long as they are also road worthy. These qualifying golf carts are essentially the same as normal golf carts save for adding some safety features, such as side and rearview mirrors and three-point seat belts. They typically can go 15 to 25 miles per hour.”

To continue reading the entire article, click here for tips on how to make a couple of grand. Hey, it’s OK, it’s rich people’s money, right Barry.?

For those unfamiliar with golf carts, as a former course employee and an avid golfer let me say that anyone who would take these out on the street for transportation for the most limited trip should have his head examined. Any energy savings is far offset by the increase costs of crippling injuries acquired in a collision with—well, just about anything more substantial than a Dixie cup.

Golfers, get ‘em while they're hot! Your tax dollars at work!

Are You Hot Yet?

The last 700 words should be enough to bring your blood to a boil. If not, your tolerance for ignorance, usurpation of our government, selfishness, arrogance, and un-American activities is far greater than mine. I stay angry just writing this stuff. Most of us, who write for blogs or comment on others, have a release in just putting our frustrations on the computer screen for all to see. I would like to believe that it is a desire to share and inform which is the motivation. Sometimes, however, I just want to get it off my chest.

Sooner or later we each have a desire, within our own limitations, to turn thoughts into actions. If you see yourself as limited to writing one single letter to a representative—do it! If you are asked to sign a petition and you agree with it—sign it! If you can go to a Tea Party or visit an official’s office and just be counted as one in attendance—do it! If you have organizational skills or administrative talents—exercise them! If you have a few extra bucks you’re not using—send them to an active organization with your shared beliefs!

No one is asking you to take the musket from the rack over the fireplace—yet! Your blood is not being summoned so far and if we all act in concert to defeat this takeover it will not be called for. It is our solemn duty to do all that is within our individual power to express ourselves. If you do not scream, you will not be heard. The time has come to find out if we are willing to mirror those patriots of old who pledged “their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.” I think we are—just do it!

And Finally,

I really wasn’t fully aware of how continuously wet this autumn has been so far until I glanced out the back door last night before sundown. The brilliant setting sun, unencumbered by moisture in the air, picked every last iota of color in the trees as it was reflected directly in blaze of the setting sun. A very recently trimmed corridor of oaks and smaller miscellaneous trees exists on either side of the incoming power line coming up the bluff from the pole near the bottom road. It seemed as if each leaf struggled to proclaim its individual identity and assert its own shape and special color.

Later as I walked the dogs that night, I glanced into what we call “the grove” and for the first time noted a vertical gap between two tall slender oaks. In the crystal clear moonless sky was the dipper with the handle between the trees in the gap with the cup perched on top. Either for lack of a sky so acutely clear or inattention, I had never seen it in our six years on this property. I always enjoy the star-gazing opportunities when I am in the desert southwest but found last night’s sky equally fascinating.

It all serves to remind that it is still God’s world, and His will will be done.


In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon