Thursday, September 3, 2009

VIDEO: Indies & the Health Care Reform Riot & Wingnuts

Get a grip.

If you're like me, you're objectively watching the Health Reform circus on the TV and down the street at townhalls about as UNcivil as you could expect from American adults.

I am Indie and Centrist and I'm keenly aware of the difference between ignorant mob tactics and an honest debate.

DRAMA QUEENS.
So, first of all, all you Wing Nuts sit down. Ready? Right or Left, raise your hand if you have something to say. Right or Left, when called upon, share your very best idea. Offer a solution, not fear-mongering and sheer lunacy. Otherwise, we'll be handing out 'Drama-Queen' namecards and we'll assign you to 'time-out'.

This debate is about compassion. Those without should leave the discussion to those who understand the complexity of the issue at hand. Heckling the terminally ill or booing in a public forum makes you a supreme douche-bag.

Below a video journalist pegs the topic for Political Indies...

Can there be any room for a centrist at a health care reform town hall meeting



Is there space for a centrists and Indies in this Health Care debate? And where is the Small Business lobby? Get a grip, ya'll.

peace- seanrox


© seanrox.com, Sean "Rox" Michael Schoff. Eagle Scout. Airman. Artist. Dad.

Labels: , ,

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Georgia and Fed Tax on American Anxiety through New Cigarette Taxes


One word: Anxiety.

This is the singular reason smokers smoke. Since it's econo-culturally correct to do so, allow me to label it a disease like every other previous condition now elevated. Tobacco is a centuries-old medicinal cure of the symptoms of Anxiety... now taxed 200%.

In times of economic belt-tightening, the Fed and now Georgia are seeking more bail-out taxes from The People to pay for bloated budgets and general slush funds. Cut the budget before further taxing the layman's medication. Review your corporate prison budgets for the first cut.

Extreme high anxiety coupled with doubling the price of a chosen medication is criminal. This is America, we are the free market. Taxing anxiety medication is legislative faggotry.

Repeal.

peace-
seanrox


© seanrox.com.

Labels: , ,

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Southern Zen Mantra : "Blog Responsibly"

Blog Responsibly.

A public service announcement from © 2008 Seanrox.com


© seanrox.com.

Labels: , , , , ,

Thursday, January 22, 2009

The Change of 1 : Potential

In the face of any situation,
We're only 1 idea from changing directions.

1 decision made by many at once.
1 leader on a new pioneering path,
Away from Peter's Principle with a prayer...
on the path, to Potential.

We are certainly 1.

peace-
seanrox



© seanrox.com.

Labels: , , , , , , ,

Thursday, October 30, 2008

VIDEO: Obama's Closing Argument

I believe I was sitting facing my brand new PC connecting to a local BBS in Cocoa Beach, Florida... as any good Republican Air Force geek... reading via an early newsgroup about this guy at Harvard was the first black President of the Harvard Law Review. I wouldn't have made much of it, until I read his name upon the screen:

Barack Obama

At one year before the Web was born, I thought... sheesh, it's gonna be tough with that name. I forgot about the guy until he spoke at the 2004 Democratic Convention, twelve years later. Not only did I remember his name, now there was a face and a speech... and a vision.

Today, 6 days before the election day, after the many months of petty attacks by petty partisans, Barack Obama is poised. He has one last message before we find ourselves before the ballot. The story he captured and remembered was ours. He simply hopes to be "The Enabler"...



27 minutes later, sounds like the guy might just be a little good for us all?

peace-
seanrox

Labels: , , , , , ,

Monday, October 20, 2008

VIDEO: My Hero Eloquently Endorses Obama. Obamacans.

As a self-professed Independent. I've supported both Dem and GOP candidates for all offices based upon ability and reverence for American Ideals. Gen/Sec. Powell agrees in eloquence:



God Bless America.

peace-
seanrox



© seanrox.com.

Labels: , , , ,

Thursday, October 16, 2008

24/7 News Cycle : An Informational Failure


The "24/7 News Cycle" contains very little NEWS, and mostly partisan analysis. Investigative news has fallen to the wayside to political advocates. This is how we end up with former radio DJs or comedians analyzing foreign policy with PR pros.

What does Hannity know about military service? Nothing. What does Rush know of solid foreign policy? Nunca. There are brilliant thinkers on every facet of an issue with true solutions that don't have an R or a D next to them. Our local radio stations choose not to air those syndications.

If you're seeking a TV face and voice to fear and agree with you, yes, you'll probably find one on today's cable news. But if you're looking to solve real issues, take a moment to listen to brilliant thinkers... we can find them on the web beyond the fray:

http://www.ted.com
http://www.fora.tv

Learn for yourself. There's simply no excuse anymore. :)

peace-
seanrox

© seanrox.com.

Labels: , , , , , , ,

Friday, October 3, 2008

Why is Gasoline *still* really expensive?


OUR OIL SUPPLY IS ROCKIN'.
Right now, the world is pumping & transporting more oil out of the Earth than ever before. Extra sumpin' special from Saudi Arabia, fresh spickets in Iraq, offshore American, Venezualan and Indonesian rigs doing their part -- we're talking about A LOT of oil, folks. A lot more than ever before in like -- all of history?

Therefore "supply" in supply and demand is in check.

MY PERSONAL OIL DEMAND FALLING.
As a creature of habit, I've always tanked up $20 since 1989. For years, it'd fillerup. These days -- the same $20 yeilds less than a quarter of a tank in my SUV.

No more quick joyrides to the beach for the weekend or a spontaneous evening trip to Atlanta's Starlight Drive-In for a double-feature. I simply drive a whole lot less.

My "demand" for gallons is down. As it is for millions of others around the world.


Then, why is gasoline still so fricken expensive? Have we forgotten how to transport or refine it? Nope, profits are up. So what is it?

I'm no "Caribou Barbie" or "energy specialist"... but could it be that our friendly American gasoline peddlers are acting a bit greedy and self-important at our expense? Or is it time to live a simpler life? Imagine how we might treat our own neighborhoods if we spend less time speeding to the edge of it...

?seanrox


© seanrox.com.

Labels: , , , ,

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Creativity Interrupted -- Can't Not Blog about Couric's Palin.

This evening I'm working on a logo for a communication company. The swirling smoke of creativity swirling above my head suddenly dispersed... when, I overheard gibberish (from the TV in the next room) -- twas a snippet of video from Katie Couric's interview of GOP Veep Candidate. Gov. Sarah Palin from the great state of Alaska was explaining to Katie how close her state was to Russia. And this very important. *pooft*

This is foreign policy experience?
Let me help everyone with the answer... um, no. If she was sitting on a history book, she'd have been closer to the experience we need. A simpleton that outwardly dotes self , lacks the capacity to effectively lead outside their own social circle. Welcome to the Peter Principle, America. Move on, there's nothing left to see here folks.

I'm sure this lady did great things with her PTA, and maybe mayoral dose of "Can-Do Whoopass" for her small village of Wasilla and the beautiful state of Alaska. I'd even stand in her presence to publicly say she's a hero for working moms across America. My second sentence would stop the party and make Republiphants grimace 'mind bullets'.

Glitter guns aside, no, Sarah Palin is not a good candidate for Vice President. Or President for that matter.

Just in case, you're interested. Yes, thank G-d I was almost done with that logo. It's been emailed off for the evening :)

peace-
seanrox


© seanrox.com.

Labels: , , ,

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Crash & Bail: Resist the Treasonist Temptation

The liberal economics and integrity of Wall Street have imploded. Yes, I said liberal.

The "Live and Let Die" billionaire attitude of under-regulated capitalism has sunk without a responsible adult at the helm and now Wall Street begs for a trillion dollars from consumers American tax payers who may lose their own modest homes in the sinister shell game.

NEWS FLASH: In American Capitalism, all of us have the "Freedom to Fail."

If a bail-out is in order for Wall Street failures, we need complete transparency. CEOs, CFOs and investors involved with belly-up banks should 'turn their pockets inside-out' and go on trial for treason in contempt of the security of United States of America.

Is this rough treatment for white collar issues? No. We, the people of America will not be extorted by irresponsible billionaires.

Then, perhaps, the moral compass will realign to a better direction.

peace-
seanrox



© seanrox.com.

Labels: , , , ,

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Sometimes There Are Sore Winners

I disagree with Libs that appose the concept of W's administration's successful legacy. Actually, everything has gone as planned. *sigh*

There have been millions of loyal beneficiaries. Many believe winning wealth is essential for winning freedom. Unfortunately, they also share a tendency to blame the poor for the existence of poverty.

Sore winners can't fathom inalienable rights.

peace-
seanrox


© seanrox.com.

Labels: , ,

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

What if U.S. Cities Dabbled in Privatization of Public Infrastructure?

*** This blog is second in a series of articles looking at the future of the BabyBoomers.

FINANCIALLY LAZY OPTION TO PROGRESS.

This debate is in American cities today. Imagine, instead of raising local taxes to pay for state and municipal infrastructure -- we just "charge" it. Possibly to off-shore banks in China, Saudi Arabia?

Introducing The GIC! Seems like the perfect solution for our Generation-In-Charge (GIC) that brought to us such great innovative financial scandals such as: Savings and Loan, Enron, FannyMae and now FreddyMac -- each situation cost all Americans millions (billions?) of tax dollars to sweep these failures under the rug.

Additionally, with such mis-misjudgment, isn't it strange that we would continue to pay some failed CEOs their hundred million dollar salaries in lieu of their financial mismanagement? Most people in such situations would lose their job. Not to mention, their home. And then, their car. Possibly even spend some time in prison?

It is for these reasons, we can only hope that GIC takes a moment of self-reflection. Possibly in this moment, they'll see their own chronic generational behavior issue: financial mismanagement.

CIVIC MIS-DIAGNOSIS, AGAIN.

Could it be, that after ignoring the crumbling infrastructure all these years, the current GIC would like to present financial solution to a mismanagement problem?

See, back in the day, the GIC inherited a new infrastructure built by the American people (Brokaw's Greatest Generation) and American tax dollars. In the 1950s and 60s, the people were engaged, they gave their fair share and they worked hard to make "the plan" a reality. Across America, both business and job opportunities made millionaires out of some and millions more were hired at a fair income to raise their families. The result was a giant infrastructure boom!

This GIC grew up in this rich environment of well-funded public schools and new roadways, yet as their moment of truth comes... they have yet to reinvest. Instead, they are considering financing America's infrastructure.

AND THE PATTERN CONTINUES...
What happens when if this goes awry as other scams have? I wonder what life would be like in mid-size cities across America if we outsource our taxes, then default on them? Would China or Saudi Arabia own the physical infrastructure of our cities and states? What happens to our property values then? Our freedom?

This blog was inspired by NYTimes article Running Out of Money, Cities Are Debating the Privatization of Public Infrastructure by Jenny Anderson.


peace-
seanrox


© seanrox.com.

Labels: , , , ,

Monday, August 25, 2008

Boomers: Are you done stroking yourself, yet?

Keeping in the spirit of SouthernZen.com's motto, "Blogging for Good," this blog is one entire meme. Pulling abstract quotes from the following article for divisive use would simply be lame. :)

It occurred to me long ago that the Baby Boomers were the direct benefactors of a world that Brokaw's Greatest Generation bestowed upon them. First, a quick review of...

BOOMERS, THIS IS YOUR LIFE...
  • Howdy Doody: Puppet show on TV that you consumed.
  • Leave it to Beaver: Pablum you consumed.
  • Induction of the free-wheeling "Teenager" to American society: You were afforded it.
  • Draft deferments: There for you if you could afford it.
  • NASA and Civil Rights: Most of you watched it on TV.
  • All the drugs: you consumed and abused them, now even the safe ones are illegal.
  • Disco: fun while it lasted, then you cut your hair and took over Wall Street, Auto-Industry and Media just in time to benefit from post-Cold War expansion, which your parents handed you.

    WHILE THE BOOMERS WERE BUSY CONSUMING...
  • The divorce rate spiked.
  • Attitude about funding and administrating public education tanked while investment in jails and prisons creates jobs for illegal aliens.
  • AIDS. CRACK. YACHT ADDICTION. RUN-AWAY TEEN PROSTITUTES.
  • Exporting American Industry without progressively re-matching new technologies with laid-off workforce.
  • Encouraging spastic business models riddled with irresponsibility, yet legal immunity: Savings and Loan Scandal, Enron Scandal.

    Not all is lost, the Boomer's creative renaissance begat evolution in media and parenting...

    SILVER-LINING -- THE BOOMERS' GREATEST CREATIONS...
  • Sesame Street: The hippies needed jobs too.
  • Star Wars: Thank you. GenX's post-modern childhood fairytale that simply won't die now that it has risen again.
  • Extended CableTV: It sucked to only have 3 channels back then, huh?
  • The personal computer and Web: Smart hippies also needed jobs.
  • The hot Soccer Mom.

    I'd say it's about time for GenX to take a crack at this whole "run the globe" thing. We already control the Web. The Industrial Age is coming to an end, The Information Age is maturing, and we understand it. And for the coming-of-age Y/YNOT?/Nexters... we promise to limit the narcissistic references to ourselves -- instead, together, we'll solve the issues.

    This blog was inspired by Jeff Gordinier's USA Today article:
    Excerpt from X Saves the World: How Generation X Got the Shaft but Can Still Keep Everything from Sucking

    peace-
    seanrox


    © seanrox.com.
  • Labels: , , , ,

    Friday, August 22, 2008

    SoZen Formula: Political Social Innovation

    Here's a simple difference between two political camps of social innovation -- for the U.S. Congress:

    DONKEYCRATS:
    Weaving memes into legislation in the name of "progress" which affects us all...
    Progressive Legislation is inspired by a perception of sub-standard-ness -- the answer to this perceived injustice is "progress".

    REPUBLIPHANTS:
    Building memes by legislation in the name "security" which affects some...
    Security Legislation is inspired by a perception of security threat -- the answer to this perceived insecurity is "control".


    Before you begin rooting for your team. When it comes to legislating "the market", both parties reverse roles. As we can imagine, both benefit the nation. Some call it gridlock, others call it compromise.

    peace-
    seanrox


    © seanrox.com.

    Labels: , , , ,

    Monday, June 16, 2008

    A Sly Step: Refraining, then returning to Blog

    Much ado in past weeks, seems I needed a bit of time to get reacquainted with our new American reality...

    The Campaign pre-heats.
    DONKEYCRATS get organized.
    Appears Billary stepped slithered down and Obama's been afforded latitude to lead his party into the unimagined. Time to show your stuff, hot shot. New speech at new church speaks may reiterates the recent "Cosby" message. Veep? Be wary of a stand-in Femacrat when a popular retired general might work wonders.

    REPUBLIPHANTS .
    While McCool continues to twist his usually impeccable integrity in a granny knot in order to feed at the elephant teet, his "vote" against the new GI Bill is worry-some. He finally gets a shot at a legitimate big hand for veterans and he pulls out his support. I'm waiting for him to distance himself from the war machine... for the sake of both, his integrity we once adored and the lives of the noble as they continue their duty.

    Headlines MIA.
    WIMPEACHMENT.
    Biggest political story this week -- barely covered. An impeachment resolution lists 35 easily-attributed points of impeachment for W. A bit late for any celebration, but at least it's 'on the public record' for later reference.

    TEXAS WHITEHOUSE.
    Gov. mansion Burned. Few details. No word from the many video surveillance cameras, but I'm sure Alex Jones will cover the story for us all.

    W'S SUPREME MISTAKE.
    There are national and international laws to govern how the U.S. treats prisoners of war. W's non-adherence to our own laws and values leads the terror trials to take place through our OWN civilian court system instead of well-defined military war criminal tribunals. Or so it seems. Current expectations may result in pissed-off detainees with personal vendettas.

    Goodbye Tim Russert.
    We loved to trust him. MSNBC, please remember him by simply uncovering today's truth. Be silent, then awake as the hawk, not the mother hen. My suspicion is: it may take a duo or team to future host Meet the Press.

    On vacation... the boy may crawl very soon.

    peace-
    seanrox


    © seanrox.com.

    Labels: , , , , , ,

    Friday, May 16, 2008

    Two Texans: Why W and I Oppose


    For many years, I've been a Republican-leaning voter, yet a staunch opponent of W's integrity as a Man and have voted against his candidacy for both governor of Texas and President of the United States. I'm often asked why I feel so this so strongly... below are my very personal reasons why...

    In Fall 1994, I was fresh out of my enlistment in the U.S. Air Force and back in Texas using my G.I. Bill as a full-time working, full-time student at Angelo State U. and our Gubernatorial election was at hand. George W. Bush won against a very popular incumbent Ann Richards. Thank God he was only the Governor. (Realize in Texas the Governor has very little power -- at all.)

    Reason One: W, The Forunate Son.
    Even at that early time, I knew W's story -- a rich kid with a big mouth and a real Vietnam Era "Fortunate Son" -- that is -- W's dad was a pro-war Senator, yet wrangled a way to avoid combat for his own son. While Poppy Bush supported the deadlock combat in SouthEast Asia for other people's sons, he pulled strings for his own golden child. Fifty-eight thousand of W's peer group did not return.

    In everything I was taught, as both a Viet-Brat and "Peacetime" Veteran, I could tell this "Ivy-Leagued, Cowboy Wannabe" possessed little character or integrity beyond his shiny silver spoon. I could feel the presidency for this boy King was on the horizon.

    ReasonTwo: W is a Fake and a big Prick.
    Despite the many falsehoods he may have muttered, he doesn't know Spanish or English fluently, doesn't have a true grasp or understanding of World History (aside from his obsession with one-word, armchair strategies), likes to buddy up to guys that are actually successful and... have I mentioned he's a big prick?

    Reason Three: W finally gets to go to War (with other people's sons).
    Before his Presidency, he'd never really been out of country, except to deal with family friends like the Saudi sheiks and close business partners (then, anyway), the bin Ladens. It's a small world, when you're into oil and construction. After 911, we engaged Afghanistan, never meaning to ever end the conflict or catch that pesky neighborhood bin Laden boy. Peace doesn't pay the bills.

    Reason Four: W lets us have a bonus war (with other people's sons).
    It was clear to anyone that saw beyond W's hype machine, that Iraq was next. Now 5 years later, and we have no way to measure success, because the strategy by our Commander-in-Chief was fundamentally flawed and based in fairytale foreign policy.

    Meanwhile, the mess I knew he could create if he was President has become what I believe to be the most caustic U.S. foreign policy mistake --ever... but the U.S. oil companies still have control over Iraqi oil... so, what's the problem?

    There's simply nothing left to "win" in Iraq, other than access to crude. We don't "win" Democracies in other countries. Our military deserves a better leader than this oily pud.

    Reason Five: W creates a money-hole (Homeland Security & Iraq), privacy hole (Patriot Act) and justice hole (DOJ despotism unfolding).
    Big government. Big hassle. All facades to be used for political gain. He's reigned with The Constitution being one of the few splintering speed bumps between American Freedom and his granddaddy's 4th reich (salute, Prescott!)... IMHO. Wonder how many will be pardoned for future crimes before Jan. 20th?

    Reason Six: W doesn't realize he's in charge!
    Only one person in our country could have made a big difference in Post-Katrina Louisiana. He was in charge of FEMA (under his new Homeland Security), had Lousiana State guardsmen in Iraq, and was slow to react in the face of those corrupt local governments. He's told us his job is "hard work". My only reaction to W's perfect illustration of the Peter Principle: give up and let a responsible adult clean up your mess.

    Reason Seven: W leaving office as a Chickenhawk.
    See? He's simply not curious enough to realize he's done a shitty job. This, another clear sign that he's a total prick... also IMHO.

    For years, I considered myself an Eagle Scout, Republican-leaning voter. After this fiasco, I'd find it very difficult to support any political candidate who can't put PLENTY of distance between themselves and W, America's Fortunate Son -- the antithesis of whom I've become in my life.

    peace-
    seanrox
    an Obama-leaning undecided voter

    P.S. We still have our 1st Amendment rights? Right?



    © seanrox.com.

    Labels: , , , , , ,

    Monday, April 28, 2008

    Inside Scalia's Chi

    Supreme Court Justices are the rarest of people. Even rarer, 30 minutes look inside a person's refined thought process... enjoy!

    Inside Justice Scalia's Chi
    (PART ONE)


    Inside Justice Scalia's Chi (PART TWO)


    Thanks to Leslie Stahl and 60 Minutes.


    © seanrox.com.

    Labels: , , , ,

    Saturday, April 26, 2008

    W: The Perfect Crime

    When industry is powered by government, society suffers acute fascism. Such corporate welfare often breeds corrupt-uous greed and results in the abuse of the nation's infrastructure , its citizens and their individual freedoms. Every time.

    Difficult to investigate. Difficult to prosecute. It may be the perfect crime. The Accomplice? Everyone with a "W" sticker in front of me in traffic.

    Damage done, I suppose we must be reminded that Freedom is a prayer for love and understanding -- and has absolutely nothing to do with the Fear they peddle.

    peace-
    seanrox

    © seanrox.com.

    Labels: , , ,

    Wednesday, March 12, 2008

    The Aging Civic Paradigm

    Each new generation and social circle which plants itself deeply in the community are the most qualified to share in the growth of local culture.

    Future community leaders are at odds with the establishment because the new rules applied often become culturally obsolete by the time they are enforced -- resulting in stifling innovation and growth itself.

    I believe the Creativity required to craft guidelines for the future also requires input, feedback and collaboration from the fresh crop of local, dusty-handed entrepreneurs.

    But, until, our aging civic leaders and their retirement accounts become less important than those citizens yet to rise -- we'll remain where we are.

    peace-
    seanrox


    © seanrox.com.

    Labels: , , ,

    Thursday, February 28, 2008

    Control vs. Brutality: Police from Shreveport to Florida

    The mantra "Blogging for Good" includes stating where we as Americans have "Gone Bad". I can only hope that no one in my family will come into a situation where such mindless "brutality" is confused with "control".

    This evening, I'm watching CBS News' new video player and come across this troubling clip (below) of a Shreveport police officer slamming a female DUI suspect into walls, eventually laying in a pool of her own blood, then carried out on a stretcher. Needless.

    Martial brutality upon the public by our police is contrary to their oath.
    Click for Shreveport Brutality Clip

    Follow that clip with the lack-luster humanity of this Florida Deputy below:
    Click for Florida Deputy Dumps Quadriplegic Man In Wheelchair

    I wonder if these officers of the law, their chiefs, mayors, senators, representatives and governors feel ill when they see these clips? Like my Autumn says to me often, "Some people don't know how to act." And sometimes they're on our own team.

    peace-
    seanrox


    © seanrox.com.

    Labels: , ,

    Friday, February 22, 2008

    The Importance of this Obama Moment

    Months ago, sitting on the couch, in our pregnant-era gaze at Obama's clear message to Americans -- if they were willing to hear it. The nonsense is behind him. Now, the incremental show of support of his outspoken ideals bit by bit from across the nation, I believe, is a testament to the spirit of the emerging generation. Introducing: "The Policy of Fair-handed Foresight."

    If this orator pulls it off, everything will be different. And a fresh, undefined, untitled era will write itself powered by... community.

    peace-
    seanrox


    © seanrox.com.

    Labels: , ,