Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Sunday, June 28, 2015
On A Lighter Note
So, yesterday's post was very serious about our current political climate.
Today's post is completely full of humor and writing on a much lighter note.
As a staunch Michigan fan, this Ohio State flag offends me.
Today's post is completely full of humor and writing on a much lighter note.
As a staunch Michigan fan, this Ohio State flag offends me.
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Proud To Be An American
Yesterday the Supreme Court made a very big decision... and decision very popular among my generation regarding same sex marriage. Although I try to steer clear of political topics on this blog, I am going to go ahead and share that I do not agree with the Supreme Court's decision. It is my right, as an American, to have an opinion that differs from my political leaders and my policy makers, and it is my right and freedom to say so in this blog.
Just because I disagree with a political decision from Washington, however, does not mean that I have the right to verbally attack the side that won, or call them names, or claim that they are wrong. I am happy for them as they celebrate something they've wanted for many years. This does not mean that I support the decision... but I can be happy for them at the same time I, personally, disagree with the court's decision. I also, very much disagree and disapprove of those who agree with my stance on this issue, but engage in name-calling, personal attacks and other slanderous behavior toward those who support the decision.
Why has my generation decided that just because someone disagrees with me, that person is not entitled to share their opinion? Why has my generation decided that we do not "Agree to disagree"? Why has my generation decided that when two sides disagree, we should not discuss the merits of the issue, but instead personally attack the people who hold the opinion with which we disagree? We are the land of the free, but my generation seems to think we are not free to disagree.
Last night, as I was writing this post, I was sad. NOT BECAUSE OF A COURT RULING... but because I was reading facebook status after facebook status saying that this individual was "Proud to be an American for the first time in years." Statements like that absolutely hurt my heart.
Yesterday, the courts did not agree with my opinion, but
I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN because we live in a land where judges define policy peacefully.
I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN because people can disagree with me, and have every right to do so.
I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN because in the 31 years I have been alive, we have peacefully changed presidents four times and held eight peaceful presidential elections.
I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN because we don't have to agree on everything. In fact, our country was founded on the expectation that we will not, and should not agree on everything. That is why we do not have a King, that is why we ELECT our leaders, and then in a few years, we ELECT them again.
I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN because, in my 31 years, many policies have been passed, some of which I agree with, and some of which I do not... but they have always been passed through presidential, judicial, or legislative action -- never by riots, or torches, or mobs.
I am not so arrogant as to think that every opinion I hold should be the law of the land. I do not rule the world, and I do not rule America.
I do not agree with the ruling of the Supreme Court... but I am PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN, today and every day. I wish more people of my generation understood how lucky they are to be an American EVERY DAY -- not just on the days their policies win.
Just because I disagree with a political decision from Washington, however, does not mean that I have the right to verbally attack the side that won, or call them names, or claim that they are wrong. I am happy for them as they celebrate something they've wanted for many years. This does not mean that I support the decision... but I can be happy for them at the same time I, personally, disagree with the court's decision. I also, very much disagree and disapprove of those who agree with my stance on this issue, but engage in name-calling, personal attacks and other slanderous behavior toward those who support the decision.
Why has my generation decided that just because someone disagrees with me, that person is not entitled to share their opinion? Why has my generation decided that we do not "Agree to disagree"? Why has my generation decided that when two sides disagree, we should not discuss the merits of the issue, but instead personally attack the people who hold the opinion with which we disagree? We are the land of the free, but my generation seems to think we are not free to disagree.
Last night, as I was writing this post, I was sad. NOT BECAUSE OF A COURT RULING... but because I was reading facebook status after facebook status saying that this individual was "Proud to be an American for the first time in years." Statements like that absolutely hurt my heart.
Yesterday, the courts did not agree with my opinion, but
I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN because we live in a land where judges define policy peacefully.
I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN because people can disagree with me, and have every right to do so.
I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN because in the 31 years I have been alive, we have peacefully changed presidents four times and held eight peaceful presidential elections.
I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN because we don't have to agree on everything. In fact, our country was founded on the expectation that we will not, and should not agree on everything. That is why we do not have a King, that is why we ELECT our leaders, and then in a few years, we ELECT them again.
I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN because, in my 31 years, many policies have been passed, some of which I agree with, and some of which I do not... but they have always been passed through presidential, judicial, or legislative action -- never by riots, or torches, or mobs.
I am not so arrogant as to think that every opinion I hold should be the law of the land. I do not rule the world, and I do not rule America.
I do not agree with the ruling of the Supreme Court... but I am PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN, today and every day. I wish more people of my generation understood how lucky they are to be an American EVERY DAY -- not just on the days their policies win.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Yeah, I'm Going There... Today
I really try to leave politics largely out of my blog. I do share my thoughts from time to time... but I don't want it to be the focus of my blog, and I do not want to make a habit of promoting disrespect for the leader of our country.
All of that being said... this political cartoon was WAY too funny (and a little too true, in my opinion) not to share.
As those of you who have followed my blog for years know, I respect and remember December 7th -- Pearl Harbor Day. I have posted President Roosevelt's speech to our nation following that attach several times.
Well, here is how that speech might have read if Obama was president when the Japanese attacked:
All of that being said... this political cartoon was WAY too funny (and a little too true, in my opinion) not to share.
As those of you who have followed my blog for years know, I respect and remember December 7th -- Pearl Harbor Day. I have posted President Roosevelt's speech to our nation following that attach several times.
Well, here is how that speech might have read if Obama was president when the Japanese attacked:
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| source |
Monday, June 30, 2014
"Shooters" in Rifle
Chris and I enjoy many aspects of living in a small mountain town, but one of which is epitomized by this newspaper article printed in the paper of our neighboring town recently. This article is re-printed from the Glenwood Springs, Post Independent.
Shooters in Rifle serves a big helping of Second Amendment
RIFLE — When waitress Ashlee Saenz takes
your order at Shooters Grill in Rifle, she not only carries a pad and
pen — she also packs a loaded Ruger .357 Blackhawk handgun holstered on
her leg, Old West style.
It’s loaded and she knows how to use it.
Saenz and her co-workers, along
with customers who come into Shooters, are encouraged by Shooters’
owners to pack heat in the restaurant, as allowed by Colorado law.
The restaurant also hosts
concealed carry training — the $75 price tag includes dinner — that
qualifies customers for Colorado and Utah permits.
In a nation torn in recent years by
emotional Second Amendment debates, fueled in part by mass shootings,
there’s no such controversy in this town of 9,200 that’s centered in
ranch and natural gas country.
“We called it Shooters and started throwing guns and Jesus all over the place.”
Lauren Boebert
Owner of Shooters in Rifle
A sign on the front door of Shooters Grill
reads, “Guns are welcome on premises. Please keep all weapons
holstered, unless the need arises. In such cases, judicious marksmanship
is appreciated.”
Shooters owner Lauren Boebert of Rifle
said she is simply allowing customers and employees to exercise their
constitutional right.
“We encourage it, and the customers love
that they can come here and express their rights,” Boebert said. “This
country was founded on our freedom. People can come in carrying their
gun, and they can pray over their food.”
NO ALCOHOL, ‘GUNS ALL OVER’
Boebert was born in Florida, raised in
Aurora and moved to Rifle in 2003, where she met her husband, Jayson.
They decided to open a restaurant a little more than a year ago and
tried to come up with a good name that would suit the town.
“I consulted with my Christian friends and
everyone said ‘Shooters’ sounded like a bar or a strip joint,” Lauren
Boebert said with a laugh. “But I thought, this is Rifle — it was
founded around guns and the Old West. We called it Shooters and started
throwing guns and Jesus all over the place.”
The decor of Shooters — which offers
American and Mexican fare and does not serve alcohol — is decidedly Old
West, with guns and cowboy art on the walls, a rough-hewn woody look and
three large silver crosses that reflect Boebert’s strong religious
faith.
Customers on a recent morning had no problem with the gun presence.
Wayne and Martha Greenwald are from a
small town called Grand Marais in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and
come to Shooters whenever they’re in town. The couple fully support
allowing people to carry guns in the restaurant.
“We think it’s just fine — we’re very
positive about it,” Wayne Greenwald said. “We carry guns ourselves and
own a rifle, shotgun and handguns. We live in a very small town and we
take care of our own crime problems. No one comes to Grand Marais to
break into someone’s house.”
Said customer Madison Potter of Rifle, “It’s safe and it fits the town well.”
VIOLENCE IS RARE IN RIFLE
Violent crime is rare in Rifle — the
name, by lore, comes from when a cowboy surveyor left his gun leaning
against a tree alongside a creek. The town had its first-ever bank
robbery in May 2011, and reported no homicides and one robbery in 2013.
Police Chief John Dyer said the last
shooting death was in 2001, when Michael Steven Stagner shot seven
people, killing four. Stagner, who targeted Latinos and ranted about
illegal immigrants during his rampage, was found not guilty by reason of
insanity and is confined to a mental institution.
Dyer is OK with Shooters’
business model. “If it was a bar, I might be saying something different.
But I have no problem with it,” he said. “And besides, they make a
really good burger.”
The 55-seat restaurant also offers regular classes to qualify for a concealed carry permit — complete with dinner.
Held every other month, the five-hour training seminar is conducted by Utah-based Legal Heat,
which offers the classes around the country, usually at sports shops.
The event hosted at Shooters qualifies people to obtain concealed carry
permits in Colorado and Utah. The May class drew 25 people; the next
session is July 22. Boebert said she will offer the deal monthly if
demand is sufficient.
To get a concealed carry permit after the
training, residents must fill out an application and be fingerprinted.
Garfield County Sheriff Lou Vallario decides whether to issue permits
after reviewing applications and background checks.
“I encourage people to get a concealed
handgun permit,” Vallario said. “I think there’s this misunderstanding
that we can always be there. But I’ve got about one deputy per 1,000
people. People have the absolute constitutional right to protect
themselves.”
He said the county’s number of
permits and applications has been steady for several years. Through June
20 this year, the sheriff’s office has issued 124 new permits and 190
renewals (a permit is good for five years). That pace is down from 534
new permits issued and 277 renewals last year.
DON’T DRINK AND CARRY
The sheriff urges leaving guns at home in some situations.
“Guns and alcohol, just like alcohol and driving, are not a good mix together,” Vallario said.
Certain people, including convicted
felons or those with known substance abuse or mental problems, are not
allowed to possess firearms.
Colorado gun-control supporters say they favor concealed carry over open carry because of the permitting requirements.
“We stand behind the Second Amendment, but
we don’t encourage people to carry guns as a public display in places
like stores or restaurants,” said Jennifer Hope of Golden, the Colorado
chapter leader for the national Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in
America, founded in 2012 after the Sandy Hook school shooting in
Connecticut. “If there was a problem in a store and it got robbed or
something happened, how would you know who were the good guys and who
were the bad guys?”
It’s unlikely a whole lot of bad guys will
visit Shooters, but the guns the workers carry are the real deal. Some
people think it’s all part of a costume.
“No, they’re real and they’re loaded, and
we know what we’re doing,” Boebert said with a smile. “I fear for anyone
who tries to rob us.”
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Truth In The Art
I believe in symbolism through the arts.
I spent four years studying the symbolism and imagery found in music, and several of my best friends spent four years (and longer) studying the symbolism and imagery found in visual arts.
I had the privilege of studying one semester of art history, while I was living in Rome and I absolutely LOVED that class. I just loved delving into history, traditions, symbolism, themes, religion, and politics all having noteworthy influence on a specific artistic work. Then, because the class was being taught in Rome, more often than not, the class would then see the actual piece of art we were studying, in person.
After taking that art history class in Rome, I began to think that if I had taken an art history class earlier in my collegiate career, I might have become an art history major instead of a music history major... or possibly both.
I love discussing the symbolism of art. Some of my favorite times with friends have been seeing a CRAZY looking statue or painting in an airport or on a college campus and discussing the possible symbolism present in the artwork. We often have no idea what we're talking about, and we never know if we are even close to being right, but it is SO much fun to open our minds to the artistic possibilities and potential of a piece of art.
The American Flag is FULL of symbolism.
There is symbolism in the colors:
Red: Hardiness and Valor
White: Purity and Innocence
Blue: Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice
source
There is symbolism in the layout:
The blue rectangle representing the Union.
The white stars representing the individual States.
The alternating red and white stripes representing the original 13 British colonies.
source
On the topic of symbolism in art, on this day of the first presidential debate, I am going to touch, VERY briefly on a political point. I am going to withhold my political opinion about what I am writing, and just share, my artistic analysis.
President Obama has a nifty artistic slogan affiliated with his campaign. The artistic slogan has become recognizable as a symbol of an Obama-supporter, and was first released in 2007 when Obama began his first campaign for president.
The creator of the slogan, Sender LLC describes the "O":
I spent four years studying the symbolism and imagery found in music, and several of my best friends spent four years (and longer) studying the symbolism and imagery found in visual arts.
I had the privilege of studying one semester of art history, while I was living in Rome and I absolutely LOVED that class. I just loved delving into history, traditions, symbolism, themes, religion, and politics all having noteworthy influence on a specific artistic work. Then, because the class was being taught in Rome, more often than not, the class would then see the actual piece of art we were studying, in person.
After taking that art history class in Rome, I began to think that if I had taken an art history class earlier in my collegiate career, I might have become an art history major instead of a music history major... or possibly both.
I love discussing the symbolism of art. Some of my favorite times with friends have been seeing a CRAZY looking statue or painting in an airport or on a college campus and discussing the possible symbolism present in the artwork. We often have no idea what we're talking about, and we never know if we are even close to being right, but it is SO much fun to open our minds to the artistic possibilities and potential of a piece of art.
 |
| source |
The American Flag is FULL of symbolism.
There is symbolism in the colors:
Red: Hardiness and Valor
White: Purity and Innocence
Blue: Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice
source
There is symbolism in the layout:
The blue rectangle representing the Union.
The white stars representing the individual States.
The alternating red and white stripes representing the original 13 British colonies.
source
On the topic of symbolism in art, on this day of the first presidential debate, I am going to touch, VERY briefly on a political point. I am going to withhold my political opinion about what I am writing, and just share, my artistic analysis.
President Obama has a nifty artistic slogan affiliated with his campaign. The artistic slogan has become recognizable as a symbol of an Obama-supporter, and was first released in 2007 when Obama began his first campaign for president.
The creator of the slogan, Sender LLC describes the "O":
"We were looking at the “o” of his name and had the idea of a rising sun and a new day... The sun rising over the horizon evoked a new sense of hope."
While many elements of Obama's "O" are consistent with elements from our American Flag, President Obama's artistic slogan is missing one very important symbol present in our national artistic symbol. He has the red, the white, the blue. He has the stripes... but there are no stars.
The stars, which represent the individual states in our American Union are missing from his artistic motto, which is waved far and wide across the country to represent him. The solid blue, which represents the Union in our flag is present, but within the Union is not a single star.
Some conservatives have spoken for over three years about how government is getting bigger and bigger, and the big government, and the big government spending is overstepping itself onto the rights of states and individuals.
I am not going to say, today, if I agree of disagree, but I will say, that he kind of warned us with his artistic slogan.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Are You Kidding Me?
I am not very good at talking about politics... and I don't enjoy it.
In middle school, I started to feel like I was relatively informed about the world and I was starting to form my own opinions and I LOVED talking about politics. It was a chance to share ideas and feel grown up and discuss this real world in which I was growing up and into a real citizen.
By high school, I realized that no one has a discussion about politics -- people TALK about politics... and by that, I mean, people talk AT each other about politics. No one listens. No one changes his or her opinion... people simply talk at each other and love agreeing with each other, or they talk at each other and end up disagreeing, just like they did before the conversation.
That being said, sometimes I have to share a few things about politics... and I have to admit, the reason I am not very good at talking about politics, is because my response is always the same, "Are You Kidding Me?"
That's right... a high school Diploma, one Bachelor's Degree, two Masters Degrees... and all I can come up with is, "Are You Kidding Me?"!
Recently a news video was called to my attention where a University Professor asked his economics classes to write an essay on what they believed the American Dream to be, and what the Government's role should be in helping them achieve their American Dream. Please watch the news clip: The Gimme Generation
(The part I wanted to show was the interview with the college prof approx 5 min... but I couldn't find a clip with just the interview)
The results shocked me, and made me not only ashamed of my generation but extremely filled with dread of what might be in store for my country as these disillusioned students become adults, parents, and politicians...
When I heard that these students wanted the government to pay for higher education, and their health care, I immediately was reminded of the political hailstorm that occurred earlier this year regarding health insurance and employers providing free birth control pills. This is the same type of thinking... free higher education, free health care, free contraceptives... okay, let's honestly talk about these options.
Students, I'm sure you know from your many years in the real world that you never get something for nothing, so let's talk about the costs of these "free" services.
You want free higher education... but are you willing for the government to tell you what you can study and where? Are you willing for the government to give you a test at the end of high school, or in middle school, or even in upper elementary school to determine your intellectual potential? If you don't show the intellectual skill on this test, are you willing for the government to pay for your free higher education at the university and in the field IT believes you should pursue
You want to be a doctor, a teacher, a chef, a businessman, a scientist, a musician? Maybe the government will pay for that education... but maybe the government will tell you, you your tests don't indicate potential as a doctor, chef, musician... you are welcome to a government funded education as long as you pursue the course of study in the higher education of the government's choice at the institution of the government's choice. Forget overcoming the odds, hard work, determination... all the things that this free country used to reward, all the things that used to be involved in the American Dream -- you want the government to serve you a college education on a free platter. I hope you're willing for the government to tell you which college education you will get. Why would they pay for you to become a doctor or lawyer if tests indicate you are likely to fail as a doctor or a lawyer? Free higher education? I hope you're ready for the government to be an active stakeholder in the path of your education and career choice.
You want free health care... but are you willing for the government to tell you when you can see a doctor, and what doctor you can see? Okay, you scoff at that scenario -- what about your children? What about your parents? What about your spouse? Not if, but WHEN a big medical trial comes your way, do you want the government to tell you where you can go, or do you want the freedom to seek a second opinion, an expert opinion, the services leading researcher in the field? I sure do!
You want free birth control... but are you willing for the government to tell you at what age you are allowed to have children or how many children you can have? You think that is an outrageous argument? That would never happen in our country? Well, hopefully that's true, that would never happen in this country -- but you can't get something for nothing. The government is providing you the medicine to not have a child... that's an investment, as a stakeholder in your reproductive activity, haven't they earned the right to express an opinion about when you do decide to have a child? Just like a husband and wife discuss their reproductive desires and habits (a very personal conversation, by the way), they each are in invested in this topic... now the government is also literally invested in this situation. You can't tell me they don't get a vote.
Maybe I've made some outrageous arguments... but that is why I usually stick with,
(say it with me),
"Are You Kidding Me?".
Thank you for reading and I hope you achieve your American Dream. I also hope that the government stays out of your way so that you, yourself, a capable, motivated citizen can achieve, for yourself, your American Dream.
In middle school, I started to feel like I was relatively informed about the world and I was starting to form my own opinions and I LOVED talking about politics. It was a chance to share ideas and feel grown up and discuss this real world in which I was growing up and into a real citizen.
By high school, I realized that no one has a discussion about politics -- people TALK about politics... and by that, I mean, people talk AT each other about politics. No one listens. No one changes his or her opinion... people simply talk at each other and love agreeing with each other, or they talk at each other and end up disagreeing, just like they did before the conversation.
That being said, sometimes I have to share a few things about politics... and I have to admit, the reason I am not very good at talking about politics, is because my response is always the same, "Are You Kidding Me?"
 |
| via |
Recently a news video was called to my attention where a University Professor asked his economics classes to write an essay on what they believed the American Dream to be, and what the Government's role should be in helping them achieve their American Dream. Please watch the news clip: The Gimme Generation
(The part I wanted to show was the interview with the college prof approx 5 min... but I couldn't find a clip with just the interview)
The results shocked me, and made me not only ashamed of my generation but extremely filled with dread of what might be in store for my country as these disillusioned students become adults, parents, and politicians...
When I heard that these students wanted the government to pay for higher education, and their health care, I immediately was reminded of the political hailstorm that occurred earlier this year regarding health insurance and employers providing free birth control pills. This is the same type of thinking... free higher education, free health care, free contraceptives... okay, let's honestly talk about these options.
Students, I'm sure you know from your many years in the real world that you never get something for nothing, so let's talk about the costs of these "free" services.
 |
| Source: blog.hootsuite.com via HootSuite on Pinterest |
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| Source: google.com via Abby on Pinterest |
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| Source: Uploaded by user via Sarah on Pinterest |
You want free birth control... but are you willing for the government to tell you at what age you are allowed to have children or how many children you can have? You think that is an outrageous argument? That would never happen in our country? Well, hopefully that's true, that would never happen in this country -- but you can't get something for nothing. The government is providing you the medicine to not have a child... that's an investment, as a stakeholder in your reproductive activity, haven't they earned the right to express an opinion about when you do decide to have a child? Just like a husband and wife discuss their reproductive desires and habits (a very personal conversation, by the way), they each are in invested in this topic... now the government is also literally invested in this situation. You can't tell me they don't get a vote.
Maybe I've made some outrageous arguments... but that is why I usually stick with,
(say it with me),
"Are You Kidding Me?".
 |
| Source: Uploaded by user via Erica on Pinterest |
Monday, April 30, 2012
Pinheads and Patriots
I listen to many different audio books during the school year as I travel from school to school and no particular literary genre dominates my drives.
This year I have listened to Christian fiction, Christian nonfiction, fictional mystery, sports nonfiction, and political nonfiction to name a few.
Recently I finished Bill O'Reilly's book, Pinheads and Patriots.
Many of you may be familiar with the author, Bill O'Reilly from his Fox News Show The O'Reilly Factor. I enjoy Mr. O'Reilly's Fox News show once in a while -- and to be very honest, I usually see it often enough when I visit my parents to fill my quota of seeing the show until my next visit. :-D I really enjoy Mr. O'Reilly's talking points on his show, but I find his manner argumentative, abrasive and, at times, hard to listen to.
That being said, I wasn't thrilled to be starting his book, Pinheads and Patriots. I wasn't sure what kind of "Where You Stand in the Age of Obama" book I was getting myself into.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I learned through listening to this book that when Mr. O'Reilly is the only one talking, his manner is not abrasive at all. :-D In his book, he talks about President Obama's policies, but he does not dwell on issues. He brings up a topic, presents facts on both sides of the issue, gives his overall opinion as to whether this situation is Pinheaded or Patriotic, and he moves on.
Also, this book is not just about President Obama. The book includes anecdotes about when Mr. O'Reilly first entered the field of journalism and how the first "No Spin Zone" came to be.
My favorite part of the book was the presentation of Pinheads and Patriots Throughout History. Mr. O'Reilly discussed the actions and public perceptions of various American politicians and celebrities throughout history and whether, all things considered, they were an overall Pinhead or Patriot. These figures included but were not limited to Marilyn Monroe, President Grant, President Jackson, President Lincoln, Janis Joplin, President Bush Sr., President Bush Jr., Madonna, Babe Ruth, and Annie Oakley.
All in all, I felt that Mr. O'Reilly presented a fair NO SPIN ZONE portrayal of the first few years of President Obama's presidency. He brought up some valid and thought-provoking points and provided some political and international perspective to issues of which I was unaware.
I would definitely recommend Pinheads and Patriots to anyone who cares about the direction America is headed coming into this 2012 election; to anyone who enjoys history; and, to anyone who enjoys a humorous, informative narrative that provides you the opportunity to learn something.
I also especially recommend the audio book because I think it is fun to hear the author reading his own book.
Happy Reading!
This year I have listened to Christian fiction, Christian nonfiction, fictional mystery, sports nonfiction, and political nonfiction to name a few.
Recently I finished Bill O'Reilly's book, Pinheads and Patriots.
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| via |
That being said, I wasn't thrilled to be starting his book, Pinheads and Patriots. I wasn't sure what kind of "Where You Stand in the Age of Obama" book I was getting myself into.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I learned through listening to this book that when Mr. O'Reilly is the only one talking, his manner is not abrasive at all. :-D In his book, he talks about President Obama's policies, but he does not dwell on issues. He brings up a topic, presents facts on both sides of the issue, gives his overall opinion as to whether this situation is Pinheaded or Patriotic, and he moves on.
Also, this book is not just about President Obama. The book includes anecdotes about when Mr. O'Reilly first entered the field of journalism and how the first "No Spin Zone" came to be.
My favorite part of the book was the presentation of Pinheads and Patriots Throughout History. Mr. O'Reilly discussed the actions and public perceptions of various American politicians and celebrities throughout history and whether, all things considered, they were an overall Pinhead or Patriot. These figures included but were not limited to Marilyn Monroe, President Grant, President Jackson, President Lincoln, Janis Joplin, President Bush Sr., President Bush Jr., Madonna, Babe Ruth, and Annie Oakley.
All in all, I felt that Mr. O'Reilly presented a fair NO SPIN ZONE portrayal of the first few years of President Obama's presidency. He brought up some valid and thought-provoking points and provided some political and international perspective to issues of which I was unaware.
I would definitely recommend Pinheads and Patriots to anyone who cares about the direction America is headed coming into this 2012 election; to anyone who enjoys history; and, to anyone who enjoys a humorous, informative narrative that provides you the opportunity to learn something.
I also especially recommend the audio book because I think it is fun to hear the author reading his own book.
Happy Reading!
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