State of the Union 2007

"In religion and politics, people's beliefs and convictions are in almost every case gotten at second hand, and without examination." (Mark Twain)

We have become a society of lazy idoits.

We not only fail to gather information or think for ourselves, we have gotten to the point where we don't even form opinions ourselves. Instead of forming opinions after careful research and weighing all sides of an argument, we rely on the opinions and commentary of others to tell us what and even HOW to think and believe. To me, this is unthinkable. And it is true on BOTH sides of the political spectrum.

So today, I challenge you to go against the status quo, just a little. Instead of picking up your paper this morning or googling news coverage or watching the 24-hour cable networks to find out what everyone SAYS Bush said last night, READ his actual words (which I have provided for you below).

Then, decide for yourself what you think about what he said. Do you agree? Disagree? Agree with some things but not others (like me)? Do you agree in principle but disagree about how to do it? Great! I don't care what you decide to believe, as long as YOU decide for yourself.

Here is one of my favorite quotes, just to inspire you a little...

"Shake off all the fears of servile prejudices, under which weak minds are servilely crouched. Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call on her tribunal for every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason than that of blindfolded fear."
~ Thomas Jefferson

President Bush's 2007 State of the Union Address

(As Delivered in the House Chamber)

Courtesy CQ Transcripts Wire
Tuesday, January 23, 2007; 11:15 PM

(Click here for link to full transcript)

Fagans etc.

(Originally posted on FresnoFamous.com)

I have been passively observing and absorbing the Famous world and Fresno/downtown politics for several months now, and have often thought about adding my 2 cents, but for some reason the incident with Fagan's has stirred me to pen my first ever Famous blog. So for what it's worth, here is my 2 cents about Fresno, the downtown area, and the cultural, economic and demographic problems that are slowly but surely killing the city.

I think this recent event is Exhibit A for the myriad things that keep Fresno from becoming a desirable place to live for the people who will allow it to survive and grow.

Fresno's government is the epitome of hypocrisy. There have been numerous reports, commissions, meetings and recommendations... all presenting excellent ideas aimed at making Fresno better and more economically healthy (even vibrant!). Officials give lip service to the idea of keeping young people here and encouraging business, job growth, creativity and innovation, yet their actions and public policy decisions ensure exactly the opposite.

I grew up here, left, and moved back after living in the amazing city of Washington DC. After less than a year, I am more than ready to go back. I gave Fresno a chance, thinking that maybe even 4 or 5 of the hundreds of great ideas might actually be adopted, and hoping that I could offer some of my own experience living in an area with thriving nightlife, great public transportation, and public policy consistent with its vision for the future. Boy was I mistaken.

Having lived and worked here for only a short time, I now fully understand why most people who are young, talented and educated leave Fresno for places that actually value them and allow them to thrive.

Young people want to live in places where there are things to do past 8:00pm. They want excitement and energy. I work downtown, and even I rarely stay after 5 for the simple fact that there aren't many good places to go. And with all due respect to Fagan's, most people (including me) went there because it was the only option, not necessarily for the food or the atmosphere. (Granted, I am spoiled coming from an area with some of the best pubs and restaurants in the country, but there are many factors which contribute to the failure of a business.)

Side note: Upstairs Downtown is one extremely notable exception to the downtown restaurant scene with excellent food, atmosphere and service, but also another example that even stellar, high-quality restaurants are struggling to survive downtown.

Food and service aside, there are things that must be changed in order to make Downtown hospitable to business, entertainment and nightlife; and Fresno hospitable to intelligent, successful young people.

I hope that the City will get its act together sooner rather than later, but I'm not holding my breath. I think I'll book my plane ticket instead.

I Love This...

I realize I don't normally post scripture, but this passage really touched my heart this morning.

"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.

God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being."

Acts 17:24-28

Happy Bring Yourself to Work Day!

In honor of my office finally getting its act together and fixing the internet which has been down for 2 full days(!), I thought I would share this psuedo-commentary on the history of the American workplace. It made me laugh.

(Who knew we were supposed to be celebrating?)

Americans Celebrate 10 Millionth 'Bring Yourself To Work Day'

The mood was palpable as commuters set out to mark the historic occasion.