Bachmann and others to blame for right-wing paranoia

The recent death of a Kentucky Census worker has deep implications of a sweeping change in mentality in Middle America. For those who aren't aware, Bill Sparkman, a worker for the US Census Bureau, was recently found dead in a Kentucky cemetery, hanging from a tree, with the word "Fed" written on the victim's torso and his Census ID tag taped to him. While others in the "news" business are being careful not to jump to what should be obvious conclusions, I will take a bold step and say that those responsible for this atrocious murder most likely fit into the growing demographic of extremist right-wingers, whose paranoia over half-baked conspiracy theories are leading them to a new height of delusion, hatred and fear. These are the people who are stock-piling guns in preparation for the big war which they believe has already begun. These people include the "Race War" white supremacists, the anti-Federalist libertarians, fundamentalist Christians preparing for the return of Christ, and other fringe groups whose distrust in the government is being ratcheted up by certain developments in government and society (most notably, the election of a black man who wants to give all Americans access to health care -- or as the extremists see it, a dark-skinned Communist/Nazi/Socialist/Muslim who wants to enslave us all).

These people have always been there, but they're growing in size and severity. I think we can thank certain elected officials and media hacks for contributing to the rising tide of violent paranoia by pouring fuel on the fires of hatred, which so many of these people try to hide behind veils of "patriotism," "Christianity" and "constitutional rights." It's clear when you watch reporters talk to people at anti-health care rallies that many know nothing about what they're actually protesting, but simply regurgitate the talking points of right-wing politicians and pundits, whose opposition is based just as much (if not more) on financial ties to industries and lobbyists as it is to ideological beliefs. These "sheeple" exemplify how simple it is to manipulate an uninformed and under-educated populace by spreading half-truths and outright falsehoods and pandering to fear, ignorance and hatred.

Specifically in regards to the Census, our own local cage-rattler Michele Bachmann has said some very spiteful things about the Census and done her part to incite paranoia over the 220-year-old practice of building demographics of American citizens by door-to-door survey. As I crawl Google to reference her exact quotations, I see that I am not the only one holding her responsible for a growing fear of government record-keeping; others are also latching onto this connection. I don't think she's genuinely that full of hate, to the point where she actually wants people to open their front doors and kill their local Census taker. But she needs to understand that the things she says have real consequences, especially when those who believe her every lie are often the same ones who are absolutely psychotic about their racial hatred, their anti-liberalism, their right to bear arms and their distrust of the government in general -- the same people who are gearing up for a war in resistance to the "New World Order."

Michele, you should think real hard about Bill Sparkman, his friends and family, his students, and the Boy Scouts he taught who looked up to him, before you say stupid things like encouraging Americans to break the law by refusing to answer Census questions, or suggesting that health care reform critics slit their wrists in a blood covenant. This may simply be political rhetoric for you, but a lot of those who see you as a golden child of conservativism are just dumb enough to take these suggestions literally.

To those who stare starry-eyed at Bachmann, attend every event she speaks at, and worship the ground she walks on, I suggest you do a little research. Examine the vast array of programs and services which the Census helps make possible. It's not about stealing your money and giving it to your neighbor, despite what Michele and other fear-mongering crazies might suggest. Then think about the hard hours of work Census takers put in -- the doors that get slammed in their faces, the threats that are made against them, the sores on their feet from the miles of treading through urban jungles and rural badlands just because they have a job to do. Cut yourself loose from the umbilical chord of fear people like Bachmann have tied around your neck and use your brains. Then reach across the isle, smile and shake hands with some of the people with whom you disagree. Because although we may disagree on some things, having a blood covenant of hatred and opposition is not the answer. People like Bachmann serve one purpose: to divide the nation. Divide and conquer is the name of the game and the currency of the real new world order, in which people like you and me keep bickering over inconsequential crap while the powerful elite pull the wool up further over our eyes.

Halloween is coming!

I'm excited for this Halloween.

First, it sounds like Simply Us just might score a gig to play at. That would be sick. There's no Halloween like a techno Halloween.

Second, I'm going to destroy everyone else in every costume contest I'm at... so long as the judges watch South Park... because I am MANBEARPIG!

I'm piecing together the costume as we speak, using various werewolf parts and, most importantly, this prosthetic pig face I ordered from my new favorite costume website, HalloweenCostumes4u.com. They have an awesome selection of masks, accessories, and prosthetics at very cheap prices. Check them out if you need ideas for your costume and don't feel like wandering aimlessly through the local Halloween Express.

What are you all going to be this year?

As much as I love the eye candy, I get sick of all the hot girls choosing the sluttiest costumes they can find. It's not high school any more, ladies; show a little class for Christ's sake. Or at least be original with it. We've all seen the blond chick with the devil horns and cute little devil tail, impossibly short devil skirt and bountiful, push-up devil bosoms popping out of her little corset. Yes, it's hot. But you're cheapening yourself and your creativity. You can look skanky any other day of the year. Halloween is supposed to be scary, dammit.

That said, I have advice for the guys, too: don't be lazy. You know who you are. Maybe you're the guy that just rips his shirt, pours fake blood on his chest and has his girlfriend do his makeup and calls himself a "zombie." Or maybe you're the guy who digs through his trunk full of childhood memories to pull out his "Scream" mask just so he's not the only guy without a costume. Regardless, that's textbook laziness. This is the funnest holiday of the year. You should be planning enough in advance to have something super killer and cool.

Enough of my scolding my fellow Halloweeners, though. Ultimately, the most important thing is to have fun, drink lots of alcohol and eat lots of candy and hopefully get laid.

Party hardy yall.

The Sun reported today that Britan is preparing mass graves for the upcoming H1N1 outbreak, which is expected to gain severity as back-to-school season arrives, followed by the regular northern hemisphere flu season.

Has anyone read The Stand? Unfortunately I have not -- I've only recently become a huge Stephen King fan -- but I have seen the movie several times and therefore know the basic premise: a super-flu sweeps through the population and kills all but a handful of people who are mysteriously immune to the disease. The government covers it up as best they can at first, but as the bodies pile up the attempt to hide the facts becomes futile. Still, massive government crack downs lead to the slaying of journalists, the detainment of the immune for medical study, and other terrible, apocalyptic revelations, before finally all that will die have died.

Then, the survivors are divided into two groups: the good-natured folks, who have dreams of an old black woman singing hymns on her porch, and the not-so-good folks, who dream of a scary man with no face. As dreams become more intense, the two groups seek out the apparitions from their dreams and find that they are real people.

Pictured above is Randall Flagg, who Stephen King fans know is a recurring character throughout his novels. He's the "Walkin' Dude," the man with no face, the devil. He wants to use this opportunity of death and destruction to take over the world, and will stop at nothing to do it. Only the other group, who flock to the good Mother Abigail, stand in his way.

I'm not really going anywhere in particular with this... just kind of reminiscing and stoking the flames of fear. Muahahaha.

Comments to the Stillwater Gazette...

Once again, the Stillwater Gazette, now the only newspaper serving my home town, has published in-full a column from the psycho right-wing bitch Michele Bachmann, effectively giving her a page of free advertisement for her slanted and biased views on health care reform.

Here's a response I gave in the comments section... hopefully it makes it to the page:

Republicans keep trying to scare Americans with the idea that having a public option for those who cannot afford health care is going to result in rationed care for everyone. You have to be a moron to believe this, but unfortunately a lot of people in this country ARE, so you'll always have support from them. Just lash together a few power phrases like "Socialized medicine," "Government Takeover" and "Higher Taxes," and you'll have every sheet-wearing, gun-toting, militia-forming redneck in America up in arms with their AK47's. And then some, because I would never try to simplify the issue and say it's only those extremists who believe your load of crap. People are gullible, plain and simple, especially when it comes to issues where they [gasp] might have a slight tax increase!

You keep talking about putting "the focus of health care decisions with the patient, where it belongs." What does that even mean?? Please, Michele, enlighten us.

Under the proposed plans, everyone who has a health care plan that they're happy with will be able to keep it, keep their same doctors, and probably STILL see a reduction in price. Now what in God's name is wrong with that??

You, madame, are just another noise box for the wealthy special interests who would sell their soul to Satan if it meant stopping health care reform in its tracks -- and many of them certainly already have.

I really hope God tells you to run for president so you can save us all from the tax-loving communists like Obama who want to destroy our country. Then we can sit back with our thumbs up our butts and wait for Christ to come back and fix everything for us.

And then, later...

You do raise one important issue: how much health care reform is going to cost us.

In the long term, it's going to cost us less -- otherwise there would be no point in doing it.

How it will pan out in the short-term is a matter of hot debate.

But I pose this to you: George W. Bush got us into Iraq, which was by any intelligent and informed person's standard completely unnecessary. This war has cost us roughly $3 trillion, most of it borrowed from our pals in China.

We will never see a return of investment on that. Bush messed up, big time, and anyone who supported him should take the blame too. That means you, Michele.

Now, maybe health care reform will cost us money -- which, sadly will have to come partially from taxes. Cue the violins, because I know we all feel really, really bad for the richest Americans who might see a slight increase in their taxes.

Well, I'm not one of the richest Americans, but I pay taxes too, and I would gladly take a slight increase if it meant no American, including myself, would ever have to go into debt because of a sudden medical emergency.

I do share some of your concerns over the plight of the small businesses. I work for my family's business, which is small and already provides health care for its employees. There are legitimate concerns over how much of the burden would fall on small business owners. But these concerns are not enough to warrant abandoning reform altogether. They're not even enough to warrant cutting out the public option.

They're just enough for you and your ilk to drum up more opposition to reform based on fears, half-truths, and all-out falsehoods.

Public Option May Be Dropped

Well, America, now you've done it.

I'm speaking mostly to the conservatives here, but not just them -- to anyone and everyone who, when the powers that be started using scare tactics to turn the public opinion on health care reform, jumped right on the bandwagon, started protesting and bitching about "government takeover," went to town hall meetings just to yell at your congress people and call them communists, did more whining and bitching, started calling health care reform "Obama's 'Waterloo,'" and otherwise ate up every single lie that the Republicans and their pals in the health insurance lobby had to dish out.

Too hell with ya. Many of you don't deserve the right to vote because you're too fucking stupid to think for yourselves. Aah, the irony of freedom.

This is not to say that there aren't those who have genuine concerns and criticisms of the specifics of the health care reform bill -- there certainly are, myself included. But the vast majority of those opposing it seem to be nothing but disgruntled sheep led by corrupt and immoral shepherds.

The White House announced Sunday that they would consider compromising on the "public option" part of the health care reform and consider using public health "co-ops" instead. Obama and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius are now downplaying the significance of a public option, saying it was always a "small sliver" of health care reform.

That's just bullshit, Mr. President and Madame Secretary, and you know it. Having a public option for those who cannot afford health care is now, and always was, a big piece of the heart of reform, and now you're playing political games and pandering to the millions of dumb-fuck Americans who don't understand the difference between a public option and all-out socialization of medicine. This is cowardice, plain and simple.

Here's a man who is NOT a coward: Howard Dean. By all means he should have been our president in 2004. He's always been a truth-teller. He was one of the first ones to call out our government and our ex-president for the failure and unnecessity of the Iraq War. But Americans don't like the truth, especially when they know they've been duped, and Mr. Dean's energy was just a little too much for the people, who abandoned him in the primaries after the whole "B-yaaaa!" incident.

Anway, Dean has some wise words on this new revelation that the Whitehouse might ditch the public plan:

"There are too many people who understand, including the president himself, the public option is absolutely linked to reform," he said. "You can’t have reform without a public option. If you really want to fix the health-care system, you’ve got to give the public the choice of having such an option."

You're the man, Howard. I wish more liberals would call out our president, but too many are still awe-struck and in love with the guy. People are definitely not happy with it, though. And those who have done some research on health "co-ops" know that it doesn't come close to achieving the same goals that a public option would have done.

I don't want to give up faith in Obama completely, but if he lets public scrutiny and the lies perpetrated by the special interests overtake the genuine need for REAL health care reform, WITH a public option, he is completely nutless and doesn't deserve to win re-election. George W. Bush, in the face of extraordinary criticism about his policies, continued down the same road until the end, never bending to the whim of his constituents. This is one area where Mr. Obama needs to take a cue from his predecessor, specifically in relation to health care reform.

I gotta get one more thing in here before cutting this off, just to hammer in the point: All you people out there protesting against a public option need to learn what the fuck you're talking about. Don't believe everything Rush Limbaugh tells you; he's a fat over-medicated fuck who's still living in the McCarthy era. You've all been duped by the same special interests you claim not to trust. The so-called "Death Panels" were not a democratic idea at all, but rather were recycled from an identical proposal that REPUBLICANS put forth years ago. I just love how quick you are to say you don't trust big corporations, but as soon as they start putting phrases in your head like "government takeover," "socialized health care," and worst of all, "Marxism," you're quick to jump up and shout "Not in my country!" when you don't even realize how very much you benefit from our relatively socialist system already.

So yes, once more, to a significant proportion of America... FUCK YOU.

Internet Scams: You Gotta Be Smarter Than the Crook (and that shouldn't be difficult!)

Today on Brave New Web, Internet con artists are always implementing Brave New Scams...

We've all gotten those e-mails from time to time, right? "Hello, My name is Mr Kambuta from Angola. My rich relative just past on left me lots of money, total $500,000 American dollars. Because of very expensive charge for cashing American check in Angola, I need you to be to cash my check..."

It's got all the telltale signs of a scam: unsolicited e-mail from an African country, terrible punctuation, spelling, and verb use, and they're offering to send you a bunch of money for no particular reason at all.

Yet every year, hundreds if not thousands of moronic Americans fall for this shit. I feel a touch of sympathy for the older folks who fall for it -- those who only by the miracles of modern medicine even lived long enough to experience the Internet age and still don't quite get it, those sweet golden-year, silver-haired folks who come from a simpler time, when no one would ever dream of ripping you off under the false pretense of helping homeless AIDS orphans or cashing an inheritance check.

But that's just a portion of the "victims." A good deal of the rest of them are not victims at all, but are more akin to inept and morally corrupt farmers whose rabid mutant chickens have come home to roost. They are so easily swilled by the promise of free money -- lots of money, with little or no work required to get it -- that they will literally trick themselves into believing it. "Oh, gosh, this guy wants to give me 10% of every check I cash for him, and all I have to do is go down to the bank a couple times a week..."

To add insult to injury, these same people sometimes Google part of the e-mails to see if others have gotten them. Then when someone says "This is a scam," the dumbasses respond back and say something real smart like "Oh, I don't know, I got a check from them in the mail today. It looks legit." Have they never heard of forgeries or counterfeit checks? Do they really question the experience of the hundreds of other posters who've gotten the same e-mail and determined that it is a scam? Did the entire population of the Appalachian Trail all get computers and e-mail at the same time, or is that much of America just going through a dumb spell?

Sorry folks, but you're idiots and you deserve what you get.

Now I'm sure this position sounds very harsh, and I'll bet if you've ever known someone who's been scammed in such a way you might find this offensive. But if they're really dumb enough to fall for one of these time-tested traps, then they are in fact dumb, and if you're defending their density, perhaps you're dumb too.

Please also rest assured that I say this somewhat tongue-in-cheek.

To be fair, many of the more sophisticated scammers deviate from these old tricks and constantly come up with new ones. There's the old "Assume the identity of an actual person in case they background check you, then pay up front for some service or product by sending a cashier's check which is several thousand dollars more than the cost of the product, then contact them and tell them your secretary made a mistake and could they please cash the check, then send back a refund of the amount for which the check was written over" ploy. This one works very well. My own father got lured in with one of these, but he was smart enough to act on his instincts when certain factors sent up red flags. He played along for a while, alerting the FBI at the same time, and in fact did his part to help try and stop these scamming bastards.

All it takes is a little common sense people. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't true. And in general, dealing with people you've never met from obscure countries in Africa solely over the Internet just isn't a good business practice.

When all else fails -- that is, the deal sounds legit or it's too much money to pass up on assuming it isn't legit -- Google it. You will find your answer, because most likely some dumbass before you found out the hard way.

Jumpstarting the Brave New Web Blog

Hile, constant readers (as Stephen King might say).

Though I know there aren't many of you -- if any -- I still feel the need to write a quick introduction to my plan to jump start this tumbleweed of a blog. Hopefully soon there will be constant readers, cuz I plan on writing a lot more insightful stuff than 80% of the other crap that people read on the Web.

I started it over a year ago as a supplement to the company blogs that I maintain, but quickly discovered there wasn't much use for it. I wanted to use it to distance myself from the company while still touting our goods and services, but this soon struck me not only as insincere and fake, but also as pointless since no one reads this and the links I post generate very little "link juice."

Since then the posts I have made have been completely unrelated to the business. The last post, which I still think makes some very good points, was over a year ago. Wow, so much has happened in the last year... and yet, so much remains the same. That brief spark of optimism so many of us felt when Obama was elected and confirmed now seems a distant, fading memory. Now, looking back on the time when we referred to him as Senator or Candidate Obama seems like another lifetime.

I think many of us have been reminded or just figured out that the system in modern society, in America and throughout the world, is much too big for one man to take on and change alone. Our naive ideas that Obama was going to change everything and bring the "Change We Need" was a joke. I hate to say so, but I am a cynical man, and though I had great optimism that he could make things better (and still do), the ugliness of politics, media and society have stomped on my schoolboy-like joy and gleefulness which enjoyed a short season of blossoming between November and January.

Yet I still believe change can happen. But it must come from within. Obama is not our knight in shining armor; we are. Obama is (or was, at least) a symbol of what we must be if we want our nation and our planet to carry on, be profitable and ingenuous, and survive well into and through the 21st century. Even if he fails us, which some believe he already has, we must not lose sight of the reasons we elected him.

But I digress; I do not mean to focus on Obama or even specifically politics. This blog is here to spotlight, analyze and criticize the goings-on in everyday American and global life. Most often this will be in the form of news commentary, but other times it may be anecdotal, relating to larger themes in society, or completely random. Regardless, I aim to provide readers with a steady flow of critical analysis in the hopes that they, too, begin to think of things more critically in every day life -- whether it be politics, religion, culture, media, or god forbid even the occasional celebrity gossip.

We are bombarded with over 3,000 commercial messages every single day (http://students.washington.edu/tmutal/cmu498/cmu498.html). Think about that. This excludes non-commercial media messages such as news reports, radio shows, songs, movies, etc. We are essentially living in a 24-hour marketplace, and it is the job of these advertisers to influence us -- subtly or overtly -- into buying whatever it is they are selling, whether it's products, services or ideas, policies and doctrines.

Critical thinking is essential to being a real, conscious and well-rounded human being. And it is through this blog that I hope to stretch my critical thinking skills, and hopefully help a few "constant readers" do the same.

(In all fairness and in the interest of disclosure, this is also a good place for me to vent about the daily news which I spend so much time posting on Facebook. Microblogs are not the place for in-depth analysis and criticism, and I know some of my Facebook friends would rather not see my postings 10 times a day. So in another, very real way, this is a place where I can give myself the therapy of release while sparing those in my social network the onslaught of what they may see as soap-box commentary.)

Please enjoy, and please comment and post back on any and everything you feel strongly about.