Be careful what you blog, you may offend someone.
Cass Sunstein’s despicable ideas on regulating the internet

Now comes a more insidious form of thought control a la 1984, courtesy of long-time friend and probable new regulatory czar Cass Sunstein (who recently married another long-time confidant of Barack Obama’s, foreign policy guru Samantha Power).  Kyle Smith writes in the New York Post about one aspect of Sunstein’s ideology:

Cass Sunstein, a Harvard Law professor who has been appointed to a shadowy post that will grant him powers that are merely mind-boggling, explicitly supports using the courts to impose a “chilling effect” on speech that might hurt someone’s feelings. He thinks that the bloggers have been rampaging out of control and that new laws need to be written to corral them.

………..

We should note that another step is being taken by Congress that might chill free speech on the internet. Representative Linda Sanchez from California is behind the Megan Meier Cyber Bullying Prevention Act, an effort to impose regulations on the internet. Eugene Volokh, the brilliant law professor who founded Volokh Conspiracy (one of the leading, and most stimulating, blogs) noted the overly broad language of the bill. and how it can be used by a politician to stifle criticism.

Federal Felony To Use Blogs, the Web, Etc. To Cause Substantial Emotional Distress Through “Severe, Repeated, and Hostile” Speech?

That’s what a House of Representatives bill, proposed by Rep. Linda T. Sanchez and 14 others, would do. Here’s the relevant text:

Whoever transmits in interstate or foreign commerce any communication, with the intent to coerce, intimidate, harass, or cause substantial emotional distress to a person, using electronic means to support severe, repeated, and hostile behavior, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both….

["Communication"] means the electronic transmission, between or among points specified by the user, of information of the user’s choosing, without change in the form or content of the information as sent and received; …

["Electronic means"] means any equipment dependent on electrical power to access an information service, including email, instant messaging, blogs, websites, telephones, and text messages.

He questions the motives of the lawmakers supporting such a constitutionally vague bill which would make just about any criticism made by blogs subject to fines or imprisonment.

As we should question the motives not just of them but of Barack Obama and his close friend, Cass Sunstein.

So, speak your mind, get a fine?   It should be no surprise that I am no Obama fan.  Does this new bill mean bloggers who criticize, even rightfully so, will be silenced?   I say bring it on.  As a capitalist watching an extremely radical leftwing Democratic President I have to point out that it certainly looks like Obama is deliberately destroying the US economy in his attempt to force us into socialism.  That’s “Change” alright.

There, I said it.  Sue me. 

Blame the Government and Sir Taxalot (no new taxes for anyone making less that $250,000 my arse) and don’t take it out on us in retail.  I don’t control it.  I’m also not going to argue with anyone over it or pay it out of my pocket because they don’t want to.  Ironically, the conservatives of this area pay it and while they don’t like it they recognize that I personally, as the store owner, has no choice in the matter.  The liberals in the area complain the most and tend to make it personal.   Hey, you all voted the idiot into office, deal with the results.  The rest of us are.

And what is it with people who think that because they bought a cup of coffee earlier in the day from one store they are entitled to either free “refills” or a refill price from every place that sells coffee the rest of the day?

There, that’s my after work rant for the night. 

And customers screw that up for me a little more every year.  I know the economy is in the tank.  I know that more than anyone.  I have not raised prices like the stores around me even though I certainly could and my beer prices are less than the closest Safeway. Yet they act as if I am some large corporation instead of a mom and pop shop probably making less than they are.

People come up here to get away from it all but they expect Walmart prices and big city convenience at the same time.  Not gonna happen folks (wake up and smell the fresh air and pine trees).   They haven’t a clue what the term “convenience” in convenience store even means, especially in a rural area.  If I have to drive 90 miles one way for supplies it’s not going to be the same price as some big box store in the middle of the city.

And then there’s simple rudeness.  I make eye contact with everyone who walks in and say hello.  For whatever reason I’m seeing more and more people making a conscious effort to avoid eye contact.   And that’s if they don’t completely ignore my greeting entirely.  Those people I take a passive aggressive stance with and will repeat it louder, forcing them to acknowledge me.  (it’s the little things)   In fact, it’s the rudeness that gets me more than anything.  I’ve had plenty who, once I explained our situation to them they actually do appear to wrap their minds around it and understand.   It’s becoming more and more difficult to deal with the others.

Why are the majority of customers simply unable to be polite?

If this is true… welcome to the end folks.
Couple: County Trying To Stop Home Bible Studies

SAN DIEGO — A local pastor and his wife claim they were interrogated by a San Diego County official, who then threatened them with escalating fines if they continued to hold Bible studies in their home, 10News reported.

Attorney Dean Broyles of The Western Center For Law & Policy was shocked with what happened to the pastor and his wife.Broyles said, “The county asked, ‘Do you have a regular meeting in your home?’ She said, ‘Yes.’ ‘Do you say amen?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘Do you pray?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘Do you say praise the Lord?’ ‘Yes.’”

The county employee notified the couple that the small Bible study, with an average of 15 people attending, was in violation of County regulations, according to Broyles.Broyles said a few days later the couple received a written warning that listed “unlawful use of land” and told them to “stop religious assembly or apply for a major use permit” — a process that could cost tens of thousands of dollars.”For churches and religious assemblies there’s big parking concerns, there’s environmental impact concerns when you have hundreds or thousands of people gathering. But this is a different situation, and we believe that the application of the religious assembly principles to this Bible study is certainly misplaced,” said Broyles.

“If the county thinks they can shut down groups of 10 or 15 Christians meeting in a home, what about people who meet regularly at home for poker night? What about people who meet for Tupperware parties? What about people who are meeting to watch baseball games on a regular basis and support the Chargers?” Broyles asked.

I looked up the “county regulations” that are referenced and found this:

2145 USES SUBJECT TO A MAJOR USE PERMIT.
The following use types are permitted by the RU Use Regulations upon issuance of a Major Use Permit.
a. Civic Use Types.
Administrative Services
Ambulance Services (see Section 6900)
Child Care Center
Clinic Services
Community Recreation
Group Care
Lodge, Fraternal and Civic Assembly
Major Impact Services and Utilities
Parking Services
Postal Services
Religious Assembly

So what they are essentially doing, based on the questions allegedly asked, is assuming any and all study is what is meant by “Religious Assembly”.  Does this mean that it violates “county regulations” when two friends get together for a Bible study?  What about a youth group meeting?  Prayer group?   I have two Grandma’s on either side of our family that are in failing health and another close family member who was just diagnosed with an aggressive cancer.  The pastor visits one on a regular basis and it’s not uncommon for any religion to visit the sick and pray over them.  Will San Diego County target such assemblies?

Most who have blogged about this are outraged and a few has asked for more information.  I would also like to know more.  Who made the complaint and why?  Keep in mind it was called and considered a “Bible Study”.  The only, and I mean only issue that should have any impact at all is if this is a home being used for regular Sunday Church services and they are filling the neighborhood with cars.  The article didn’t say that and if that were the case I have a feeling that would have been mentioned.  I grew up going to Bible studies in people’s homes and youth group meetings at the youth Pastor’s home.  Many Churches have such meetings.  A Bible study in one’s home is not what San Diego County had in mind when they penned “Religious Assembly” but there are people out there who are more than willing to twist it to their agenda.  Look at the questions asked.
“Do you say amen?”
“Do you pray?”
“Do you say praise the Lord?”

I have a family of 4 and we do that in our home are we in violation?  Bring it on.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, I should be be considered an extremist, worthy of watching, based on my opinions.  Not my actions, but my opinions.

Now…. be careful what you say and be especially careful what bumper sticker you choose for your car because you could be detained while it is determined whether or not you are a member of any extremist group.  It’s already happening.

Yes, let’s turn our borders into sieves, let’s ignore the sleeper cells that we damn well know exist on American soil….. let’s detain Americans who have opinions!   Speak out against Obama?  Run the risk of being detained for your freedom of speech!  How often have we had to listen to the far/moderate Left disparage Bush and his policies?  Suddenly dissent is treason instead of patriotic.

I want my country BACK!

And I’m going to get personal on this blog. Should anyone I know personally have an issue with it, feel free to come talk to me.

When I’m at work, I work all day long. 11 hours regularly, some day’s it’s 12 and during certain situations I have been there for over 24 hours with little sleep. (luckily that doesn’t happen much) While it may not look like a particularly exhausting or physical demanding job, I can assure you that there is as much actual work involved here as there is at your jobs. You are not here during the particularly busy times where I’m on my feet for hours upon end. You are not around when supplies need to be picked up, loaded, unloaded and stocked. And I never see you here in the middle of the night when we’re stuck working a 24 hour shift.
Do not assume that this is a “walk in the park”. You truly don’t have a clue and I have my doubts that you would last even one winter month.
That said, when I’m at the end of an 11 hour day I do not care for those of you who waltz in right at closing and spend 10 or 15 minutes choosing a movie and what alcohol you want for the night. You had 11 hours for this, it’s my time now and if it continues, don’t be shocked when you find the doors locked 5 minutes before the actual closing time. This is not just one or two people or anyone specific. This is a habit of the summer by many. Do try to have some consideration.

It snowed last night and we’ve been so busy that we’re a little behind on the shoveling so to get out of the entry way you have to climb over a small mound of snow that has fallen off the roof and the path to the driveway is all snow.

School calls around 5:45 to check on the conditions of the roads up here so instead of my day starting at 6:45 it begins an hour or so earlier than usual. Not a problem, I’d rather everyone knew what to expect so they can be prepared. Roads are fine but we start an hour later to give everyone time to dig out. (so to speak)

Since I need to be at work at 8am I first head out to my car to start it up and let it run while I get ready. I do this in my robe and boots and I slipped on the walk on the way back. –not fun in just a robe and nightgown–

After a nice hot shower, I find my keys, pour my coffee into my thermos, grab my purse, determine that the littlest one is able to go to school despite not feeling well last night and head out to the now warmed up car. (bear with me this does have purpose) I have about 25 minutes to get to work but I spend the next 10 minutes brushing snow off of my car, making sure the headlights and brake lights are visible, pushing snow off of the wipers, clearing all the windows, etc.

Now I’m ready. I navigate the driveway which has at least 4 or 5 new inches of snow and manage to get on the road with little slipping and spinning of tires. There’s a little snow on the road but I get to work on time driving around 30 to 35 miles and hour. By the time I have things shoveled out it’s almost 9am and traffic is moving much, much faster than I was able to. At around 9:30 or so they drop chain controls, the sun was out and the roads were perfect. UPS stopped by next door, unfortunately it wasn’t the package I was waiting for but I chatted with the driver who always remembers my name.

Let’s re-cap:
The school was able to open albeit an hour later but everyone was able to get there
The UPS truck was able to make a delivery this morning
The skiers and snowboarders were able to get to the resorts
I was able to get to work on time, work being our small Post Office

All of which means:
The school had no issues
The UPS driver had no issues
The Postal Service had no issues as I personally managed to get the mail in and out all three of the days that FedEx decided weather was too bad.

So why is it that FedEx has such a problem doing the job I have paid them to do? Are their drivers such delicate little flowers that they can’t handle it?

I’ll be emailing the person I purchased from and letting them know, perhaps they can put some pressure on them.
And again, I will not use FedEx Ground ever again. My business will use either the USPS or UPS. Never FedEx.

When my new business is up and running it’s a certainty that we will not be using FedEx. I’ve had problems with FedEx ground before but that was several years ago. Apparently nothing has changed. For the last two days the tracking info has claimed “weather delays”. Ironically, when I called the store to see if they had delivered yesterday, my husband said no but they did drive past. The tracking info for yesterday says “attempted”. How is driving past a parking lot that was right on the highway considered an “attempt”? We were plenty busy yesterday so they can’t claim they couldn’t make a simple left turn into the parking lot if everyone else managed to do it. Today they didn’t even bother to attempt and it has been, weather-wise, the best day we’ve had yet.

Nope, I’ll be using UPS for my shipments. I’d use USPS since we seem to be the most reliable of all but the new pricing structure will add too much to the end cost. FedEx can take a hike. No more will I do business with them.