Category: Commentary and Contemplation

Golden Brodie discusses swing or battle ground states 2016 presidential election

Golden outlook on Battle or Swing States

Published on by Lucas Pam5 Comments

Let us get right to it.  I had to do some golden research regarding the meaning of “battle ground”  verses “swing” states or vice a versa in this winding down race for the office of POTUS.  Findings:  Battle or Swing…same, same.  These are purple states (blending red and blue results in purple) that represent the states where no single candidate or party has overwhelming support in securing that state’s electoral college votes.  Presently, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin are the purple beauties…

So, I prefer “swing” verses “battle”…who cares?!?..My golden self would favor swinging back and forth, pumping and enjoying the breeze…up until November 8th.  It’s just not in me to “battle”…

Everyone should show up and vote whether you live in a projected red, blue or purple state.

Golden Brodie recalls this sad week of politics

Published on by Lucas Pam5 Comments

Looking back on the last several days of strange political twists and outlandish turns has brought me to a bespattered spot with both candidates.  Shocking and increasing dismay rolled over my golden coat as the mud-slinging increased…and I mean wet sloppy mud that once it dries…it’s there for a long time.  Trust me I know about mud and getting into trouble with the brown stuff.  Once I hit that unassuming mud puddle…it’s Katie bar the door…because I am into it up to my …and into my ears.  Yeah…it’s a thrill until I finally stop…and boy do I pay for loosing my mind. While I have learned from my mistakes…I still must be ever mindful about the ups and downs associated with mud…and live up to being a proud and responsible golden…I will happily counsel with both candidates, helping them develop their mindfulness…practicing healthy communication…ending their involvement with mud-slinging.

 

Golden retriever in lavish surroundings

Brodie discusses the flip-flop

Published on by Lucas Pam7 Comments

I listen to the news on a daily basis, paying particular attention to the presidential candidates… where they campaign…what they say…what their doctors say…what issues are beginning hammered on any given day…what is the mantra, the speak…who has their mojo working.  Lately, the speak dances steadily around “the flip-flop.”  Each candidate owns beaucoup (I’m practicing my french.) flip-flops, yet neither candidate acknowledges having flip-flops.  Well, allow me to tell you about my golden experience on this one.

When I was a young pup, learning my way…training, messing up…messing around…I had experiences with flip-flops.  My birth month is May, so being a golden pup my first summer posed many challenges.  Learning to hydrate… dealing with the summer heat…staying in the shade…keeping my mouth shut in deep water… waiting on and watching my people…avoiding hot car situations and keeping my self-destructive chewing at a minimum.  One of my biggest slip-ups involved the flip-flop.  I had this thing about chewing them up…screwing them up…tearing them up…and then hiding the leavings…very cheesy behavior that I had to over-come…and I’m not proud of this. Flip-flopping got me into big trouble…

So…these “want to be” POTUS candidates hopefully understand about what’s at stake when they make a reversal of their position, …when they volte-face (French practice again)…I’ll offer that it’s politics…it’s called blowing with the wind…going for the vote…working the polls…calling in the chit…  Alas, the flip-flop is here to stay…get over it…and continue listening carefully during these last 70 plus days until election day.

 

Golden retriever stylized photo

Brodie covers… “off-putting” Presidential Candidates

Published on by Lucas Pam7 Comments

Some folks find Mr. T’s (R candidate) eating habits “a little more than off-putting.”  Examples of what he consumes are McDonald’s, overcooked steaks, bacon and over-well eggs, taco bowls and foods on sticks.  Other says that the Lady’s (D candidate) “sharp lecturing tone” is off-putting… so off-putting that folks who are open to her message…they can even tune out…missing her message due to her penetrating tone.  Let’s examine this.

Mr. T’s food choices are fine with me.  There is not one single food item on his list that I would turn down…and I’d for sure drag all of these dishes out of my kitchen trash can…but then I’m a golden.

The voice of the Lady…well, we should all strive to listen to each other.  Maybe…just perhaps…when becoming passionate about her topic… she can’t help but raise her voice to make a point.  Now…I will also offer that my trainer and my people find me more cooperative and responsive to an even tone that allows me to slow down, relax and listen…but then I’m a golden.

“Off-putting” is a weird combo of words.  The “off” I totally understand…but when teamed up with the “putting”…well…it’s just offensive to my golden sensibilities.

Brodie visits Pinocchio in the political hospital

Published on by Lucas Pam3 Comments

I found my golden self in the political hospital intensive care visiting poor abused Pinocchio.  He’s been put through the ringer (Google it). His weary nose  continues stretching to record lengths during this race to grab the role of POTUS in 2017.  He really didn’t want to chat… He did reveal that he keeps trying to go into hiding, but alas the media is on him like a duck on a June bug (Google it).  Here’s why…

The Washington Post has a column by Glenn Kessler, journalist…Glenn researches statements, promises made by our candidates…vetting the statements…he uncovers half-truths/stretching the truth/full lies/flip-flopping and the piece de resistance comes when he awards a “Geppetto Checkmark” which represents “the truth and nothing but the truth.” Score is being kept for these infractions/stretches of the truth spouted by the Lady (D Party) and Mr. T (R Party) as they stump their way through rallies, gatherings, town hall meetings, interviews…late night scenes…Seems Mr. T has more Pinocchio’s than the Lady… however, the Post is quick to point out that Mr. T has made more speeches and appearances…and offered loads of impromptu remarks… than the Lady who reads from prepared scripts and has limited her appearances…he keeps getting caught up in his cuffs and she continues to deliver her lines promptly…

In the meantime, poor Pinocchio needs a vacation on an island that offers daily facials.  Put him in your thoughts as we roll toward the presidential debates.  Pinocchio told me he plans to fill his ears with cotton, turn off the TV…shut down his computer, mute his phone and hope that his nose picks up no vibrations…unless…of course…Geppetto Checkmark’s begin filling the airwaves.  Could happen?!

Brodie explains “Extreme Vetting”

Published on by Lucas Pam4 Comments

Lots of noise out there about Mr. T and his latest quotable sound bite regarding “extreme vetting.”  What he has proposed has happened in the past…according to The Washington Post 8/16/16…”It has happened before: During the Cold War, there was ideological screening under the 1940 Alien Registration Act, designed to prevent the entry of communists, anarchists and others. Immigrants are currently required to know basic civics as part of a citizenship test, and Trump’s extreme vetting would require visa applicants’ affirmative agreement with those principles — though he wasn’t clear whether he would do this with a legislative change (which would be unassailable) or a unilateral executive action.”  So there are few details in this vetting…let me fill in the golden blanks.

Vetting is something that I do on a regular basis. My buddies go through the same.  When I was a growing up pup, I experienced “extreme vetting” until I grew to one year.  Then the older I got the less this happened…but never the less, my vetting now happens at least bi-annually and if I’m lucky that’s it.  Vetting keeps me healthy, keeps me from making other dogs ill and ensures that I continue to live a healthy and happy golden life.  There is a price to pay for this. I must have my shots updated and recorded. Then I can get my tag that says I have had certain tests and I can’t give rabies. I must have a fecal check so as not to spread nasty communicable diseases. Sitting on a scale is required…a gum & teeth check occurs.  I don’t complete any forms or exercise my brain or make any statements about neutering or no-kill shelters or puppy mills…I don’t have to know that the cardinal is my state bird or that the tiger swallowtail butterfly is my state’s insect… I do annually live up to the social norms associated with me…we comply…so I live legally as a licensed domesticated dog within the great Commonwealth of Virginia.  Interesting that each state has its rules and regulations to abide by regarding licensing dogs.  I heart VA.

So… my vetting keeps me and others safe and I’m legal…Can’t comment of Mr. T’s.

Brodie admits his increasing golden incertitude

Published on by Lucas Pam7 Comments

Today became the “pay for play” topic by newspapers, Twitter, Facebook, CNN, MSNBC, FOX, BBC and the beat goes on..for the D Lady.  Today also became filled with reports of the Secret Service speaking about intentions to incite and encouragement of violence against the D presidential nominee…brought on by Mr. T.  Both sides strongly denied these accusations.  Time for some golden thoughts.

I have many play dates.  My humans arrange these fun times for me.  Some of these romps are impromptu, with neighbor dogs…sometimes I get to go to friends houses with fenced backyards and we dogs just run our guts out.  Other times, my people pay for my play…they arrange with my dog-sitters for me to play with other dogs…maybe dogs that I don’t know…but the humans set-up the romp based on our age, gender, habits and social skills…I have met some great dogs through “pay for play.”  I’m sure lucky that my caring humans have the money and the time to arrange these events.  I get that some dogs have no idea about these perks…they are lucky to get a safe walk and food.  My golden appreciative self wishes all dogs lived with my advantages…but I know that is only a dream in my dog mind.

In closing, I’m a golden who sees through lenses that are typically rosy and happy, so I can not even comment on this Mr. T stuff about encouraging violence…especially if intentional?!!  I can’t compare anything in my life that identifies with hurting others.  I’ll leave it…I know that works for me…when I have to leave it.

 

Brodie asks why the presidential process is what it is?

Brodie Yaps Out… A Green Secret?!?!

Published on by Lucas Pam6 Comments

Yeah…the Green Party had a Green Party Presidential Convention in Houston yesterday…and who knew?!?! I wish I had been up on that…I adore Houston…I bet they even had green balloons…maybe even some gluten-free, free-range egg cake with green icing, and super-cold, iced green tea.  So why did I not know about this?!?!

The plethora of information that swirls and runs full force daily for the D Party and the R Party is mind numbing…my golden brain can’t take but so much…I would have welcomed the press devoting more time to these “third-party” people as they sprint to the White House…not favored but in the hunt.  Now, additionally, I learn about this Mr. J…he’s the presidential nominee for the Libertarian Party and a former governor of New Mexico…where are the stories??…where is the coverage??…what day do they debate?!?…

So, I leave you with homework…retrieve time each day…read about these two parties that challenge the conventional and customary “two-party system.”  You just might end up at a party you never thought you’d attend.

Research Ralph Nader…third parties…nothing new.

 

Brodie Barks About Political Ducks in a Row

Published on by Lucas Pam11 Comments

We’re nearing three months until Election Day for the President of the United States… November 8th…and what’s going on out there?… Both parties, if you read the newspapers and listen to the pundits…both parties face daily challenges, daily accusations, daily polls…daily mud-slinging…it’s the game…it’s the “who’s got their clear message out there and who’s got “their ducks in a row.”   Now just what does that mean???

The retriever in me knows about ducks, about their unpredictable flying patterns and just how they like to make patterns both in the air and on the ground.  I like ducks.  Our fine feathered friends are survivors…they stick together, they understand a formation & who has the strength to leader…cause a dumb duck becomes a dead duck.

So…getting your political ducks in a row means, get organized and understand what’s the next step…stay focused…don’t fly off…stay together…be clear on where you’re going and follow your leader…have a clear message…pounce when necessary…exude strength…offer sincere humility…and show undying devotion to our great nation and its safety and… remember what happens to dumb ducks.

Duck quote:  When under pressure, it is wise to behave like a duck. Keep calm and unruffled on the surface, but paddle like heck underneath. Anonymous

 

 

Brodie grabs the back story…what is socialism?

Published on by Lucas Pam14 Comments

I’m mouthing and offering you some information regarding “what is socialism?” Yeah, I get confused with this…seems that others do as well.  So I did some research…
Webster’s defines socialism..”a way of organizing a society in which major industries are owned and controlled by the government rather than by individual people and companies.” Synonyms for a socialist government, according to Thesaurus.com are: collectivism, communism, Leninism, Marxism, with more options.  Antonyms for a socialist government are: capitalism and capitalist economy.  No bells and whistles, just definitions.

Now… I have been spending a great deal of my formative golden years becoming socialized.  It always sounds good to me and most of the time being socialized works…when all dogs get along…when all dogs get equal treatment…it works… but other times I feel pounced on…I feel I’m putting forth a greater effort…I feel intimated & don’t feel included… So, then I go back to my basic training to understand the fundamentals…Humans have a similar situation??? …in that socialism gives power to the government…and most of the time that can works?!?!?…

Seems that some humans and politicians (can be one in the same) don’t understand the definition of socialism, and until that epiphany arrives, expect divided playtimes…divided parties…confusion…

And…I’ll gladly provide you with my golden copy of Webster’s.