Broken Spirits.

"Broken Spirits" that is what I call those who live their lives without ambition. Persons who simply have given up for whatever reason and who cannot or will not try to better themselves. I wonder at times; can much of this state of desperation be attributed to ignorance, a lack of understanding that poverty and squalor needs not be the norm?  If it is from ignorance then I must wonder, are these hapless souls blind as well? For here, more so than any other nation on earth, the ability, and opportunity, to transcend and break free of economic and social bonds exists.  This is a well known fact, one that draws hundreds of thousands to our shores each and every year. They seek the opportunity to succeed, which in many cases is nonexistent in their homeland.

Foreigners know and accept that here in the United states, with a bit of frugality and industry they can better not only their lot in life, but that of their children as well. Yet it seems many of our very own citizens, born and raised here, have no knowledge of this fact, even though the evidence is before their eyes. They despair and lament, in place of striving and working for a better plight. They sit back and accept the drippings from the public table, the very scraps of society’s labor, and think of nothing else, bound as surely as if they were in chains to the state and that which it meets out.

I speak not from an ivory tower, for I have been amongst the disenfranchised, I have known the hunger and desperation that comes from living hand to mouth. Yet even as I made my way through the dimly lit hallways and darkened streets that only those people know, I understood that such an existence need not be. That there was and is something better out there for anyone who has the fortitude and determination to strive.  This is America; this is the land of opportunity and freedom, the nation that inspired the world with its success and liberty.

The American Dream lives, and is achievable, for I am a testament to that truth.

It saddens me so to watch so many of my fellows shuffle along listlessly, desperate, fearful and blind, for in reality there is no point in such behavior.  The Broken Spirits need only open their eyes, to see that the dream can be theirs, that they do not have to be beaten down and forced into a state of despair perpetuated by the dole. If they simply could look up from their worn shoes and television sets, and understand that the success which lays beyond their dark corner could be theirs, with a bit of determination and grit.

In America; “Every man can be his own master, no matter the station to which he was born.”

Would that more folks understood that.

Cheers

Allen R. butler

Ya wearing me out.

"Ya wearing me out!" ~ James R. Hoffa



My mind, is assaulted by the constant turmoil surrounding the issues of Collective Bargaining and Government Unions, and I have begun to adopt a most undignified and surly pose. The protests in Wisconsin and now here in our very own State of Maine have put me on edge, so much so that I am beginning to feel a bit worn out by it all. There are only so many times one can listen with patience, to the arguments put forth by the emotionally driven protestors before one is forced to snap.  I mean really could not have the Union leadership come up with some decent well thought out platforms besides; “it’s not fair, save the middle class, and, we don’t get Social Security?”  I do believe that if I was dues paying member of these Unions I would be asking for a full refund. For, the slogans, chants and arguments are not only weak, but pitiful, and if their purpose is supposed to elicit some feeling of sympathy in my breast they have failed miserably.

Last week’s little rally at the State House in Augusta did not endear many of the government workers, who so boldly carried signs and screamed about proposed reforms of the State Pension Program, to the general public. I have yet to speak to a single person who feels the least bit sympathetic towards the Unions or their workers in this case, and considering the rather liberal nature of this state, that is unusual to say the least. Why might this be? Well maybe, just maybe, it is because the truth, that pesky little point the Union bosses don’t like, is well known to the rest of us mere citizens.

How can someone; who three years ago watched their 401K swirl down the toilet along with the entire economy, and who will have to work well past 65 to make it up, feel bad for those who are guaranteed a pension at 65, instead of 62? A pension, by the way, which includes full health coverage? Sorry, not many eyes will well up over that my friends because here in the dreaded private sector, such a retirement package can only be dreamed of. Personally I would kill to have a shot at such a deal.

“Ahh, but you get Social Security “says they.

To which I reply “On what Planet are you living?” Social Security is defunct; everyone knows that the program is one of the greatest ponzi schemes in American history. By the time I even think about retirement there will be no funds available because every dollar going into the pot today is spent before the government even takes it. There is no big savings account in Washington D.C with my name on it waiting for my golden years. I have another two decades until I reach 65 by which time Social Security will be Bankrupt and we all know it, well we should, it’s horrible how the bothersome facts always seem to rise up at these times. The only difference between the public and private sector when it comes to Social Security is that the private sector pays money for benefits they will never receive and the public sector pays nothing.  Oh and as the government employees will receive FULL Health care coverage and the rest of us will have to PURCHASE our own, I am really starting to wonder what exactly it is they are braying so loudly about?

Maybe they really do feel that the proposed Budget will “Destroy the Middle Class” and somehow the Government Unions will save it. But this begs the question: What middle class are they talking about? The middle class that has to work every day to make ends meet, the one that does not have time to go to rallies mid week? The middle class that has endured the brunt of this economic downturn, who have watched jobs dry up, retirement plans, and dreams wither on the vine, while State government grows? The middle class who pays the taxes that fund the programs and departments for which these protestors work? Are those the folks the Unions want to save? Or is it that only Public workers can be considered middle class and those of us out here who are taxed as such don’t count?  If I no longer count as middle class then I suppose I can look forward to a break on my State income filing next year, I’ll be sure to hold my breath while I wait for that to happen.

I could go on forever with this as the Unions and their members have given me so much to work with but I think the point is made.

Our Public sector employees do not know, or understand how oh so very good they have it. They don’t seem to see that those who pay for their benefits are facing hardships far greater than a mere extension of retirement dates. They are out of touch with reality and as they cry and wail about the supposed pain they are suffering, the rest of us look on and think, “Shut Yer Bake.”

Cheers

Allen R. Butler

Government Unions; How it works.

As my next post will be about this very topic I thought that this video would be a nice introduction to the issue.

Cheers
Allen R. Butler

Take the money and run!!!!

OK so Libya is in revolt, the protests started some two weeks past have turned to violence and bloodshed. Those opposed to the Libyan government openly carry arms and have been so bold as to take over two cities in the east of that country. Something unheard of two decades ago, plays out on our televisions and computers as the people of that land call for change.

Yet even though the rest of the world, through the technology of the internet, can see what is going on, Libya’s Leader Muammar al-Qaddafi, denies the existence of any rebels. He has stated that his people love him and that those who are causing all the trouble are foreign Al-Qaida operatives, in other words terrorists. He has vowed to crush the foreign led uprising as it exists to “fight to the last man or woman”.

It is evident to me that Mo-Mo, has lost a bit of good old common sense over the forty one years he has ruled Libya. The basic lesson of power is lost on him and sadly that fact will cause many to die.

Power, like everything is fleeting and you only have as much power over anyone as they give you. Be that an individual or a nation. Once people no longer decide to grant you power it no longer exists, it is that simple. And even if Mo-Mo believes he can through force, retain the power of rule he will be sorely mistaken, because even if he wins his bloody war he loses. The world is already lining up against him, the UN (Useless do Nothings) has begun investigating possible crimes against his people, Leaders across the globe are urging him to step down. So if he subdues the rebellion what will be the world’s reaction?  I can guarantee one thing Mo-Mo will be facing a court of inquiry at the very least and a worldwide embargo at the worst. Even his friend Hugo Chavez will likely walk away if that happens.

No Mo-Mo should simply “Take the money and run” before it’s too late.

Take your Billions of dollars and buy a nice island somewhere, live a life of luxury and leisure, maybe write a nice memoir, Titled “Warm and fuzzy: my life and rule in Libya.” What more could a man want? I sure as hell would be happy to retire to some warm place where I need not worry about anything but what the chef will be preparing for the evening meal. Hell, I bet Mo-Mo could even do a bit of consulting work with the new government if he left on decent enough terms. Get out now while you have the chance, this is a lose/lose situation and there is only one way out for you and yours.

So Mo-Mo, leave off giving interviews and Shut Yer Bake!

Take the money and RUN!!!!

Cheers

Allen R Butler

I have Returned

It has been some time since I have written anything, or had the desire to write anything for that matter, however due to pressure from various people I have begun anew.

This new Blog “Shut Yer Bake” will focus on the lack of Common sense in all aspects of the human experience.  I will also be throwing a bit of fun stuff here and there such as music or amusing video that happens to cross my path. The title is of Norn Iron (Northern Ireland) origin and it translates to ~Shut up, be quiet, shut your pie hole etc. This was not chosen to discourage comment and debate but rather as a shot at all the people out there, politicians, actors, and the like who seem to talk incessantly about nothing. To them I say “Shut Yer Bake!!” for the noise has become too much.

If you are sensitive, or upset easily by harsh words, viewpoints, or opinions then I would suggest strongly you move on and seek another web page to read from. However for those of you who can stomach a little vitriol in your diet, give us a try, you just may find a few tidbits of humor, and thoughtful stimulation.

Thank You

Allen R. Butler