Just Sad

Today is Black Friday, probably the closest this country comes to a nation wide consumerism-orgy, all in an effort to find the best deal on stuff that more than likely was produced in China. There are always stories of local police having to tame rowdy crowds (usually at a Walmart), but for the most part no one gets hurt. That is, until this morning. While perusing the intertron, I happened across this story of a person who was trampled to death at a Walmart in Long Island after the crowd became impatient in their quest for cheap goods. One witness said:

"When they were saying they had to leave, that an employee got killed, people were yelling 'I've been on line since yesterday morning,'" she said. "They kept shopping".

I don't even know where to start. In addition to this guy being killed, several other people where sent to the hospital due to injuries, including a woman who is eight months pregnant. To say that anyone who was involved in this incident should be ashamed of themselves does not even begin to speak to the depravity of people who would put $10 off a toaster above another person's life. All of the people who contributed to this absolute failure of civility should be lined up in front of that store and shot. While that sort of punishment might be considered harsh, those people forfeited their right to due process when they decided to break down a metal door just so they could get a good deal on more stuff they do not need.

Keith Olbermann Is My Homeboy

There are several reasons to love Keith Olbermann. His Special Comments are constructive, ultra-critical rebuttals of their respective targets in a time and place where "spin" is all the rage. The latest installment, however, is more than just another great piece of journalism; it is the essence of one person's beliefs, looking for logic and sense amidst an ideological cesspool.

If You Can See The Cop...

...who is out clocking, it's too late buddy. Just like when you see a sniper; he's been watching you for fifteen minutes already. California drivers for some reason seem to think that just because they slow down when driving by a cop, they were not really speeding. Who are they kidding? That highway patrolman already knew you were doing 80 in a 65; slamming on your brakes only reaffirms that fact that you were driving like a complete idiot. So next time you get the urge to try and fool yourself and all the idiots like me on your bumper, don't. Just keep on driving whatever insane speed you are cruising along at and accept the fact that you will likely get away with it. Why? Because it's Cali-freakin'-fornia.

Something To Chew On

Next year is the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth. While I have a general dislike for coincidences (and fate as a whole), there will be a certain tinge of irony on February 12th. That is because the ceremonies to honor Lincoln, a single term senator from Illinois, regarded as our greatest president for his actions to begin freeing our nation from the tyranny of slavery, will be presided over by president-elect Obama, a single term senator from Illinois, and the first black president in our nations history. Think about that for a while.

Lending My Support...

...from all the way out in crazy California. It's time for some much-needed change.