tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86651799662805811272011-07-08T09:41:14.277-07:00Two people. Different ideas. Loud opinions. A lot to say, and a lot time.Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.comBlogger431100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-48146685870695705932010-01-22T07:29:00.000-08:002010-01-22T08:56:46.967-08:00

...and that gift is a huge kick in the balls. I know it has been a while since Paul or I have posted. With the holidays and such buzzing around, I suppose we lost track of time, and this site had been put on the back burner. To be honest, and I speak for myself on this, I had just been getting so depressingly zoned out by all the complete crap that has been happening in politics that it was all

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-48458841988857471152009-11-07T22:47:00.000-08:002009-11-07T23:02:26.464-08:00

So we did it (?)The Dems passed the Health Care bill - and it depresses me how 'meh' I am about it. I should be so much more excited than I am, but I feel, deep down, that this is almost worse than not passing anything at all. Why? Well because:If nothing passed, then people would still feel the need to reform healthcare, it would still be something people would rally behind, a cause that we all

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-59185075009849600032009-11-07T10:09:00.000-08:002009-11-07T11:26:11.116-08:00

You know what America's answer to The Beatles and the Rolling Stone was? The fucking Monkeys. Well, some would argue it was The Beach Boys, but that really spoils my bigger point that American's have a grand tradition of not doing anything the way it should be. Europeans create The Office, we steal it. Europeans create Idol, we steal it. The Europeans create the renaissance, we create... Wal-Mart

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-8001519143824273212009-11-05T10:38:00.000-08:002009-11-05T10:50:03.824-08:00

That's right! The Obama you all elected is keeping his promise to the american people!For all you skeptics, just shut your mouth - the president of Change is really coming through. "What promise is that?", you ask? Well... of course, it's the promise we elected him for: Closing Gitmo.Repealing don't ask, don't tellCreating a new era of transparency in the white houseGetting us out of IraqEnding

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-12621871104005092592009-11-04T07:15:00.000-08:002009-11-04T08:07:17.711-08:00

So, democracy (you know, the one that killed Socrates) has spoken - and it seems like about 52% of Maine residents ate lead paint as children. Or perhaps horse shit. Either way - it's made them a bunch of hypocritical dullards who decided that some people don't deserve equal rights. For shame. Not only is it baffling how hateful people can be, but it is even more mind bending how stupidly

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-60670873464858555472009-11-04T05:43:00.000-08:002009-11-04T05:46:26.622-08:00

From an AP news story today: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jMNoef6xDenBbHWO0Im6rIjDmAgAD9BOJH300"President Barack Obama's economic recovery program saved 935 jobs at the Southwest Georgia Community Action Council, an impressive success story for the stimulus plan. Trouble is, only 508 people work there.The Georgia nonprofit's inflated job count is among persisting errors in

Paul Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902869536094416955noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-89984853606087132152009-10-29T09:37:00.000-07:002009-10-29T09:52:26.771-07:00

Paul and I agreed, just to shake things up (since it is that spooooky time of year), that we each would write an essay talking about an issue in which we DISAGREE with our party. As many of you know, I am probably as left as they come – but I DO have some red blood in me after all…Well, this is a difficult post for me to write. It’s a dark secret I have been harboring for a while now – but I

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-59810523728597169852009-10-15T08:11:00.000-07:002009-10-15T08:23:02.718-07:00

Ha! Get it - a play on "Let them eat cake!" Get it? Hahahah... ehhhhh. Anyway, I came across this today- and you really can't make this stuff up. If you can make it through the clip without the outrageous hypocrisy and idiocy causing blood to burst from your nose due to a massive brain aneurysm - then you didn't really watch the clip. The Daily Show With Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p /

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-76029801205736687482009-10-12T11:08:00.000-07:002009-10-12T11:12:04.586-07:00

Like you need another reason to hate insurance companies - but here you go:BABY DENIED HEALTH CARE - "HE'S TOO FAT" (Via: HuffPost)So - could you all do America a solid and CALL your congress person today!!!! They are voting on a universal health care measure - and it needs your support. Let's give everyone affordable health coverage. Yeah?

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-52326121859475889322009-10-08T17:05:00.001-07:002009-10-08T17:11:24.973-07:00

(Note: You may take the title as a reference to conservatives being akin to cavemen, neanderthals or that this guy's head is filled with rocks - either interpretation of that joke is acceptable.)Now, I know that most Republicans would tag this guy as 'fringe'. While I would argue that he writes for "National Review", a pretty 'respected' conservative publication, even if he is fringe - he exists.

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-38661840154315431152009-10-06T06:40:00.001-07:002009-10-06T06:58:39.079-07:00

Clinton, Gates: "U.S. in Afghanistan for long haul"Have you ever read 1984? Ah - good, then here is a quick book quiz:Q. What is THE main tactic of Big Brother keep Oceania and its people oppressed? A. Keep them at war.They were always fighting someone - one of the other two giant states. It kept the people in economic hurt, as it took up resources and labor. It also, more importantly, always

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-85813557464983184642009-10-04T19:57:00.000-07:002009-10-04T20:12:30.359-07:00

Occasionally I find myself over at RedState.com, a republican website that promotes the ideology and usual rhetoric of the right. While they claim socialism is 'facism' (wrong.) and also consider Big Government will eventually take all our free speech and rights (sigh.) - yet for all this freedom stuff, they don't let anyone with a dissenting opinion post. Trust me on this. Anyway, while I rarely

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-42792054519462815302009-10-02T07:09:00.000-07:002009-10-02T07:17:13.964-07:00

Michael Moore's "Capitalism: A Love Story" opens today. While Michael Moore on a whole, and I say this as a fan, CAN be a little hot or cold, I am looking forward to this movie. As funny as his grandstanding and public stunts can be - I hope his film takes a deeper than average look at to what really happened in the bailout. "Sicko", Moore's last film, was fabulous - so I have high hopes. In the

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-24409334622160403262009-10-01T09:46:00.000-07:002009-10-01T09:50:50.958-07:00

Short post today - but HuffPost interviews my favorite person in the world: Dennis Kucinich. I've said many times before and I'll say it again - whenever someone talks to me about how Obama is turning out just like all the other hacks that we've had in the whitehouse, I let it be known that: "Don't look at me! I voted for Kucinich!" (i.e. Real change)Anyway - don't you wish Obama spoke like this:

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-78469341529554526362009-09-30T06:51:00.000-07:002009-09-30T07:09:45.174-07:00

Despite having popularity in the polls, the public option was shot down yesterday. Which by the way roughly translates toPublic: "We want a public option!"Lawmakers: "Go fuck yourself."Ah - democracy. Read more HERE.(Via HuffPost)By the way - here are the 5 DEMOCRATS who voted AGAINST the public option. Feel free to write them and tell them that you disapprove. However, I should note that last

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-67678787897820476252009-09-23T10:16:00.000-07:002009-09-23T10:19:37.028-07:00

I’m heading to the UK for a month as part of an exchange program. My group will be blogging (http://gse2009.wordpress.com), if you feel the urge to see what trouble I may be causing whilst travelling abroad. But I wanted to get this done before the trip. Chris and I have agreed to have an issue piece for our next round of posts, and they are going to be somewhat controversial (we think…for

Paul Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902869536094416955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-14290998062877150122009-09-23T06:10:00.000-07:002009-09-23T06:12:59.508-07:00

No further comments, your honor. (Video via ComedyCentral) The Daily Show With Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p / 10cMoral Kombatwww.thedailyshow.comDaily Show Full EpisodesPolitical HumorHealthcare Protests

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-52417417367828617822009-09-22T06:32:00.000-07:002009-09-22T07:11:37.361-07:00

Either it's opposite day in the imaginary world where Glen Beck lives, or Obama's Hitleresque mind manipulations tricks have finally won over his once agile mind. I'm 100% sure those are the only two explanations. Anyway, watch Glen beck say: "I think John McCain would have been worse for the country than Barack Obama." I can only imagine that every Teabagger in America must feel the same way I

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-18644202468231180782009-09-18T07:51:00.000-07:002009-09-18T07:58:26.295-07:00

You can't make this stuff up:Study links 45,000 U.S. deaths to lack of insurance (Via Reuters)I think the tree of liberty has gotten enough water, boys. How about we help a few of our compatriots out with, oh, I don't know - tax money? I mean, we paid for a war AND saving rich bankers' asses under Bush without question on HOW we were going to pay for it - why not pay for some healthcare too?

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-83493713181661221862009-09-18T05:59:00.000-07:002009-09-18T06:03:29.349-07:00

Whoa. Welcome to the twilight zone. I would be more excited, if I weren't so sure this was one of the 7 signs of the apocalypse. Enjoy the video anyway: (via dailykos.com)Read the full article here.

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-50808542584032443292009-09-17T09:42:00.000-07:002009-09-17T09:45:31.967-07:00

THIS is what a REAL "Death Panel" looks like: (Via HuffPost)Health Insurance Company Revoked Policy Of HIV-Positive TeenagerYay for profit!

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-76883552217654003962009-09-16T08:33:00.000-07:002009-09-16T08:39:05.657-07:00

Sen. Max Baucus unveiled his health care plan today. It was full of compromise and concessions, made to garner republican support and create a warm fuzzy feeling of bi-partisanship. So after beating the bill to death and turning it into a weak, deflated, do-nothing mess, how many republicans say they are supporting it? None. Well done Mr. Baucus.FULL STORY HERE (Via CNN)

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-67538535367293085252009-09-14T06:11:00.000-07:002009-09-14T06:23:39.282-07:00

This is just ANOTHER reason why we must fear CORPORATIONS - not the Government. Until we reign in our obsessive and rampant abuse of capitalism, we'll never be free (and electing officials that don't lie and have backbones may help too.):UnitedHealth Lobbyist Announces Pelosi Fundraiser As She Begins Backing Off Pub Option(Via HuffPost)

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-13252249472904322572009-09-12T10:03:00.001-07:002009-09-12T10:07:18.386-07:00

Rep. Joe wilson (R-SC) is the kind level headed gentleman who yelled at Obama for apparently "lying" about whether or not his healthcare bill contained provisions to cover illigal aliens. (Just for the record, Joe Wilson was opposed to it.)Well, now he is anyway - but in 2003? Guess what he voted for! (Via OpenCongress)

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-80189675216160296442009-09-11T10:59:00.000-07:002009-09-11T11:01:47.297-07:00

Here is a little Scotch and Soda original. Enjoy. (And remember - history is a bitch.)

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-48838688261769224922009-09-10T08:42:00.001-07:002009-09-10T10:04:28.148-07:00

The position of President of the United States is something that comes with it an understood notion of respect, right? For example, we were supposed to follow Bush into war, hell, or high water because he was our President, and damn it - he deserves our respect. Well, there are ways to protest policy, but still show someone that you generally respect the other human being that you are protesting

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-27719471794416429592009-09-09T09:27:00.000-07:002009-09-09T09:49:57.266-07:00

Photo by trackrecord (CC)One thing that goes VERY unnoticed, and I can only imagine this is exactly how they want it, is the Federal Reserve. So much about how it works, or what they even do is a mystery to the common public. Though, I am not an economics major, I do have half a brain - and I can tell you: Everything about the Federal Reserve smells fishy to me. Let's look at some facts about the

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-38668749781843325062009-09-08T11:03:00.000-07:002009-09-08T11:32:05.125-07:00

This post by my good friend Chris is, quite simply, retarded. This whole issue is, quite simply, retarded. Let's start where he started...I am a Republican, and my liberty panties aren't in a bunch. In fact, my liberty thong isn't even in a bunch. The right does not have an issue with the president addressing school children; and where Chris is right is that most probably do have a problem with

Paul Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902869536094416955noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-80588012527461851692009-09-08T07:47:00.000-07:002009-09-08T08:36:23.280-07:00

If you've been following the news, you've undoubtably heard that the right wing has gotten their liberty panties in a bunch over Obama addressing the children of the United States on the first day of school. Now, one could would assume that this is simply over the fact that they disagree with his ideology; the same way that, if I had a child, I wouldn't want Bush pumping my kids head full of

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-71681802615733707972009-07-27T11:56:00.000-07:002009-07-27T11:59:18.059-07:00

This is a rebuttal to my friend Chris, who posted an articulate (albeit flawed) case for universal healthcare. I reply in the same format.Chapter 1: A Right?My friend Chris is right, I (as a Republican) do not believe that healthcare is a “right;” I contend that the Constitution (the guarantor of rights in this country) makes no mention of the term healthcare. I understand his contention of the

Paul Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902869536094416955noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-50419495560619216012009-06-12T08:01:00.000-07:002009-06-12T10:38:53.527-07:00

So this is it. Not the end of the blog, mind you; I’m sure Paul and I will have plenty to talk about in the coming months as the Obama administration unfolds – but what I am mean is: This is THE number one issue for me. An issue, I believe, so important and deep routed, that our country’s failure to tackle this issue has lead to our systemic problems in crime, homelessness, and poverty. An issue

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-38909461980655774272009-06-09T10:14:00.000-07:002009-06-09T10:21:04.807-07:00

This will be just a glimpse into what my next post is going to be.http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/06/09/health.care.debate/index.htmlPoint of the story - Dems want a two point system. 1.) If you like your insurance you can keep it.2.) The government will offer a national service for those who want it.Republicans don't like the offering of the national service, because due to it's cheaper nature

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-65983587112255639882009-05-11T19:43:00.000-07:002009-05-11T21:43:40.026-07:00

The end is near.While it may be a little early to start writing the Republican's obituary, as, much to endless dismay, they always seem to find a way to claw back - it is safe to say that the party is changing. It seems that there is a systemic split happening, while some fundamentalist are clutching their Bibles and claiming war, the other side is grabbing their wallets and claiming moderation.

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-88484884904228957652009-05-07T09:22:00.000-07:002009-05-07T12:55:55.529-07:00

New Hampshire has changed. Some say it is for the better, I say that what has happened has completely blind-sided the voters and they will not stand for it.Let me digress, in 2006 with the war in Iraq waging and popularity for George W. Bush at an all time low, the New Hampshire state legislature changed complete party control for the first time in 100 years. What happened in those two years

Paul Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902869536094416955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-54403931949385904132009-05-03T15:00:00.000-07:002009-05-03T15:20:09.665-07:00

While we wait for Paul to post a new blog (indeed, it is his turn for an opening statement...) I came across this 'oldie' but 'goodie'. This is Tony Benn speaking to Michael Moore on the idea of Socialism. The whole thing is worth a watch - but around 7:20 is my favorite. The question is are you a person - or are you a customer?or this one:

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-61014469158343016172009-04-03T07:51:00.000-07:002009-04-03T11:15:21.024-07:00

Free market capitalism: my friend Chris is so passionate on the subject that we've devoted a few discussions to this, and that's ok with me. I will state firstly, that Chris and I have differing opinions on many issues, but at the end of the day I would buy him a scotch, and he a soda for me. I am glad that my friend believes that not all free-market is bad and that the government shouldn't get

Paul Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902869536094416955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-59812234242355941442009-03-06T11:12:00.000-08:002009-03-06T11:44:31.937-08:00

I enjoyed reading Paul’s response to my initial blog of free market capitalism – I feel like he hit upon many points that I brought up. While some vastly right wing talking points, which I’m sure he would say countered my left wing talking points, what he did do, more thoroughly, was show me that I had indeed cast my net a little too wide.It was not my intent to claim that the free-market was all

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-11580144332382490032009-02-20T08:20:00.000-08:002009-02-20T12:53:44.611-08:00

When my friend Christopher mentioned that he was posting a diatribe on the "dangers of free-market capitalism" I got a chuckle, because a couple of short months ago we had a little discussion on that over a cocktail (on his part) and a pepsi (on mine). It was an interesting discussion, and one which I found he was very passionate about; but also very inclined to use several fallacies and

Paul Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902869536094416955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-6756546306067592762009-02-10T08:16:00.000-08:002009-02-18T06:55:37.891-08:00

When I told my right-wing blogging partner-in-crime the title of my new essay, he jokingly said that the title alone was enough fodder for him to start his rebuttal. As in jest as he may have been, the statement is rooted in some truth – the way we handle money, and the idea of whom get its and why, may be one of the most fundamental contrasts between the ideology of democrats and republicans.

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-35366778246731524092009-02-02T08:34:00.000-08:002009-02-02T08:51:41.108-08:00

True to form, as with many republican ideas, it always looks good on paper. I don’t mean that in a snarky, ironic way – I mean it sincerely. When I read an idea put forth by our nations right wing, it usually makes a lot of sense. (Usually) This blog post by my friend Paul is no exception. On paper, or computer screen, as it were, the flat tax argument seems smart, and downright alluring. Yet,

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-3803570843661481312009-02-01T10:32:00.000-08:002009-02-01T11:33:04.575-08:00

One thing we hear about constantly is taxes. Republicans want to cut them, Democrats want to tax more. Republicans only want to cut them for the rich while the Democrats want to tax the rich more to pay the poor. It's a sick and cyclical argument that has gone on since the day taxes began, and as the old adage goes, "the only certainties in life are death and taxes." Well, there is a solution

Paul Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902869536094416955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-19621870389858312602009-01-24T14:12:00.000-08:002009-01-24T15:26:21.913-08:00

My good friend Mr Pappas is right...well, partially. He said that the new and stronger Democratic majority in Washington should not resort to bipartisanship to get things done, but rather, to try new and exciting ideas such as universal health care. Now, I have mixed feelings on this but will say this: Margaret Thatcher decried consensus as "the process of abandoning all beliefs, principles,

Paul Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902869536094416955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665179966280581127.post-76088279042709646532009-01-23T12:13:00.000-08:002009-01-23T12:46:36.611-08:00

Just a bit of an intro here, as this is our first post on this new blog. This is a repost of a note that I wrote, in which Paul responded to. It was the catalyst for creating this blog, since we found our discourse to be entertaining to us, and thought you may like it to. So with out further blabbing - my opening statement. (Coming soon, Paul's rebuttal.)You know, speaking to my friend the other

Christopher Pappashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06917511649810208392noreply@blogger.com5