How d' I look?

How do I look?

Marriage counseling? I'm for it!

There are a lot of things I should keep my mouth shut on, and (holy) matrimony should be one of them. There is currently an effort in Colorado to require couples who want to get married attend marriage education classes.

I will say this: I believe that people with a history of divorce should be strongly suggest to go to marriage counseling/marriage classes. Divorce itself isn't bad, but when you're blending families, it's a losing proposition. I vow I will never have more than two kids, and if (GOD FORBID) I ever find myself remarrying, I will not have more children with another spouse. I wouldn't mind having just one child even. It's one of my strange beliefs: an only child is less resource intensive and kids are more expensive than ever. And all the only children that I've met are happy and well-adjusted.

All I know is that I want to avoid the mistakes my mom and stepdad have made over the years. They've made a boatload of them, and I come from the same mold, so it makes perfect sense how I have my own bit of anxiety.  I do know this: when I get married, I'm going to get pre-marriage counseling.

Saving the Southwest Chief

In recent years, the Southwest Chief, the train that runs from Chicago to Los Angeles, has come under threat by Amtrak's bare-bones budgets and Burlington Northern Santa Fe's (BNSF) downgrading of the line between New Mexico and Kansas. In the instances that Amtrak's lines come under threat, Amtrak should be given the opportunity to buy them and given the funds to do just that.
You could say that Amtrak is a fancy form of public transit, but it still provides small downs across America with their only non-private links to the outside world. Coach buses don't stop in Westport, NY or maybe even Cut Bank, MT. One of the writers for the Taos News wrote an excellent article on the Southwest Chief's situation. Anyways, back to our discussion: it's not like the Southwest Chief does nothing for the local economies in the communities it serves: "A report presented to the subcommittee in November says ridership on the Southwest Chief between 2010 and 2012 went up 6.7 percent, with a total of 127,269 passengers in 2012. The report also says the train’s current route supports a total of 368 jobs, with $29.3 million in total economic output."

If New Mexico and Colorado sign on, then Kansas has more incentive to sign on, especially Colorado, which is in the midst of a transit boom. The Southwest Chief is a crucial part of the Amtrak network. And it has appeared that New Mexico's state legislators are appearing to be interested in such an idea, especially with the advent of New Mexico's Rail Runner commuter rail. In recent years, Congress has made it clear that transportation and infrastructure is not just not a priority, but not a concern either. Meanwhile, a newspaper in Texas believes that Amtrak is using the Southwest Chief to make a point: I kinda have to agree with that.

The trackage that the Southwest Chief runs on is historic: trains like the Super Chief ran on the Southwest Chief's trackage, and in fact, the Southwest Chief is the direct descendent of the Super Chief.

And Uriel Garcia's article had one sentence that stood out in a way that I have never seen before in an article: "In recent years, the federal government has not funded rail needs as much as it has highways and airports."

So Wait, Robert Gates vindicated Hillary Clinton?

....didn't see that one coming?

From Politico, I read something that caught my eye:

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton saw the Obama administration as deeply “controlling” on national security issues, Defense Secretary Bob Gates wrote in an essay published Tuesday and adapted from his forthcoming book.
“The controlling nature of the Obama White House, and its determination to take credit for every good thing that happened while giving none to the career folks in the trenches who had actually done the work, offended Secretary Clinton as much as it did me,” Gates writes in the piece published in The Wall Street Journal.

AND from The Hill:

Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates in an interview broadcast Sunday said former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, mulling a 2016 presidential run, would make a good commander in chief.
“Actually, I think she would,” Gates said on CBS “This Morning” when asked about Clinton.

I'm as surprised as I am interested. Hillary Clinton could be further vindicated from her role during Benghazi. I have a feeling that if Clinton does run, she's going to need Robert Gates' help.

Sasha's commentary for January 24, 2014

Some of these are articles I've come across over the last few weeks...

Overtime is dangerous, especially when you're not working a job you particularly like or your job involves some stressful factors. Although I want to side with Metro-North on their overtime policy, especially since no two jobs are alike, I will say: if the fatal Spyuten Dyuvil derailment in December was caused by fatigue, I hope MNRR hires some more crewmembers. And I know that fact alone will upset commuters, because they'll have higher fares.

If I die, may any girl who has been in a relationship with me publish my journals, unless it would make me absolutely hated. I'm not thrilled that the parents of this young lady went against her wishes and posthumously made public a letter that she said not to be opened in ten years. For a twelve year old, Taylor Smith had the insight into life that many twenty-somethings don't even have. My heart goes out to her family for their loss.

If you're the CEO of a rival mobile phone company, there's no reason why you shouldn't be thrown out of a private concert.

Somewhere last week, a rumor hit that Jenny McCarthy's son Evan didn't have autism but a different disorder. That was quickly shot down. Regardless, I can understand why those in the autism community are so opinionated about her: she has a huge following. I'll do a position blog on this at a later date.

I am skeptical of the rest of the United States' political beliefs, to some extent. There's no global group that controls global politics. Has there ever been such an anti-government sentiment in the United States like there is today?

I don't have money to donate to the Democrats, but I do feel that the Republicans are on an all-out assault on the Democrats. If I was Obama and I saw what the Affordable Care Act would have done I would have made Congress spend another two years on healthcare reform. I would have held the Republican Party accountable on that goal, and they would have to in good faith cooperate. Outside groups aren't helping either, and the Republican ones have a disproportionate advantage over Democratic-aligned ones.

The name of the parties might have something to do with strength too. The United States is a republic, not a democracy.

Once again, New York City's Democratic legislative delegation is showing itself to be beyond corrupt. I think (now, after a few months of waiting) Mayor de Blasio should come out and suggest to many members of the Assembly from the city to retire. Eric Stevenson's charges are beyond undemocratic but shady as heck. And once again, Russians are going to get a bad rap for this.

One Month Later: Using an el cheapo Android Tablet

For Christmas, I got a tablet from my parents as a Christmas present. A month later, I give the tablet somewhat decent reviews. The Medion/Lenovo LifeTab E7312 is actually pretty decent, despite it's shortcomings. I can read the New York Times on it, Amtrak's Arrive magazine, stream Netflix, watch TV via the Time Warner Cable app. All and all, it does the tasks I need it to do. Next thing I need to get a microSD card so I can use it to read ebooks.

Unlike the review at The Digital Reader, I found that I could remove the bloatware (if I wanted to reinstall the tablet from scratch, just about every single tablet has a software restore feature). And unlike Velocity Micro's line of tablets or other no-name brands, this tablet has access to Google's Play Store, which for me is a must-have. A majority of my apps are compatible with the tablet, except for the Foresquare, Amtrak mobile, Instagram and another app I can't think of right now.

I have four significant issues with this tablet, which I hope a software update in the future will fix. First, the tablet does not keep the WiFi on, even when the device is in sleep mode and the functionality is on. Second, the device at times erratically shuts off without warning. I wonder if this is a general issue with Android devices right now. Third, the volume controls are software modified, and while it's a requirement in Europe, it's a subpar feature for the American market. In some cases I need the volume all the way up because my stepdad is watching TV. But the most significant issue I've been having is with the device itself. When rotating the screen, the device often freezes. When loading or changing an app, the device also freezes for a second. And while I might keep my device plugged in often, battery life for the tablet is iffy.

Otherwise, the tablet's specs are pretty good: it has WiFi and Bluetooth, which means I can use bluetooth headphones. With a dual-core processor, 8GB of internal storage (and in addition, room for a microSD card) a high resolution 7'' display, the tablet is pretty nifty. And I don't use the rear camera on a tablet (too bulky!) so I'm not faulting the tablet in that regard.

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Not only do I appreciate all the work he did for all oppressed peoples (he didn't just fight for those of color), but he fought for labor (something to keep in mind in this day of above average unemployment) and was from early on a critic of Vietnam. And he was a fantastic orator, but that probably had a lot to do with the fact he was a preacher.

And by no means was he a perfect person: there has been speculation that he engaged in extramarital affairs. But so did John F. Kennedy, his brother (Robert F. Kennedy) and JFK's successor, Lyndon B. Johnson.

Would I say he was one of the most important American figures of the 20th century? Yes. Is he one of my heroes? Yes.

And I should have instead of sitting at home today should have gotten out and volunteered.

That "convenient massacre" and "Conservatives have no place here"

While I agree a tiny tiny bit that the SAFE Act is a little overkill (I heard on the news yesterday that you need to register your bullets, which I think is ridiculous), it's sort of needed in this environment where people with serious mental deficiencies have access to them. I should also note that I want to know what Cuomo's initial reaction to the Sandy Hook shooting was. If he was unable to think straight for the rest of that fateful Friday, I can understand why he'd push for a law like the SAFE Act.

But not everyone is happy. Fred Dicker is the dean of the New York political press, and let's just say that he swings to the right. Okay, that's fair, considering that New York is a liberal state. I was first made aware of him when I saw the documentary Client 9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer. But on Monday, he had some questionable things to say about the governor:

That was [Governor Andrew Cuomo's] anti-gun legislation, which he had promised not to do, but then he had a little convenient massacre that went on in Newtown, Connecticut, and all of a sudden there was an opportunity for him

I'm not aware of Cuomo's original stance on gun control, but I wouldn't call him an optimist. Some of the things he might have done might have been optimistic, but I think Cuomo is aware that he's not going to get elected President. Dicker had to clarify his statement, but even then he offered no apology. But what's his personal opposition to gun control?

We've taken the lead out of gasoline. That's helped bring down crime. Now let's do other things to make the environment cleaner, and maybe .

And what I mean by that I hope the Supreme Court deals with the second amendment is a ruling that pretty much tells Congress to get its own act together.

But the score kind of is even in regards to Dicker and Cuomo. The governor had his own gaffe late last week in an interview, where he said:

“Who are they? Right to life, pro-assault weapons, anti-gay — if that’s who they are, they have no place in the state of New York because that’s not who New Yorkers are.”

Of course I disagree with what he said, as it is offensive, but I agree that it was MORE than taken out of context. Thankfully, the Governor's office clarified what he meant. He probably should have said "Because if that is who they are, and if they are the extreme conservatives, they have no place in the political process here in the state of New York." But who knows, maybe my idea is wrong. More interesting: the few news networks that have picked it up are pro-life newsgroups or have ties to the right. The "mainstream media" (to quote conservatives) has not picked up much on the story.

And bad news for anyone trying to topple an opponent this year, Cuomo's approval is at the best it's been in the last year, and although he's far from perfect, he's been trying to get New York's government in a metaphorical rehab and for the first time in our state's modern history, a governor is trying to fix New York's unfriendly business climate, not patch it up.

My point: we all at times say things we regret. We have a job as people to keep that at a minimum.

So How Can the Republicans Do No Wrong?

From CBS News in New York:

Gov. Chris Christie’s approval rating and credibility remain strong among New Jersey voters surveyed in a Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday.

From the Washington Post:

A long-delayed Senate intelligence committee report released on Wednesday spreads blame among the State Department and intelligence agencies for not preventing an attack at an outpost in Libya that killed four Americans, including U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens.

From Politico:

A Republican-controlled Senate and House would be a nightmare for the president, likely reducing him to full lame-duck status as the GOP works to block what’s left of his agenda, including a minimum wage hike and climate change, as official Washington looks ahead to 2016.

So can anyone explain why the Republicans can do no wrong while the Democrats, doing everything to help Americans, screw everything up? I'm serious. I want to know this.

All I know is that I'm supporting a middle ground candidate in 2016. Whether it turns out to be a milder Hillary Clinton or Jon Huntsman remains to be seen. And the Western states tend to be in some cases more progressive (like Colorado has been: marijuana legalization and a huge public transit program in Denver), so Huntsman, who has a strong track record, is my kind of guy, despite being a Republican.

Or a joint Clinton/Huntsman ticket in 2016: the first woman to get a major party bid picks a Republican.

As long as we don't get a larger Tea Party deal in 2016, that's all that matters.

The Gov'nah and Autism: The Beautiful and Ugly

Earlier this week, Governor Cuomo signed the bill finally establishing a licensing procedure for providers of applied behavioral analysis, which is a therapy method for individuals with autism. This hurdle was related to a 2011 law that Cuomo signed which dealt with insurance going to treat those with autism. The good news is that in New York, we're finally learning how to fix loopholes that can be costly.

Meanwhile, the Governor vetoed a bill that "Establishes the task force on adults with autism within the office of people with developmental disabilities". Scroll down to veto #273.

Why would anyone do that? Broken and contradictory legislation can always be fixed.

My (Detailed) Response to Cuomo's State of the State

On Wednesday, Governor Cuomo delivered his State of the State address, and for the most part, Cuomo has done well. One of the things highlighted was the fact that taxes in New York are at their lowest point in ages, and in fact, gearing up for November, where the governor has a 2/3rds chance of getting reelected (more if Paladino and a Republican candidate split the conservative vote), the tax issue should help Cuomo. The problem though (and I'll get to others later) is that New Yorkers are not optimistic about the state's future. But alot of the state of the state looked good

• Cuomo wants to use any budget surpluses to further lower taxes. Tom DiNapoli, the state's comptroller (and thus, the state's treasurer), says that the likelihood of a budget surplus isn't as definite as Cuomo says it is. Regardless, talk of this is optimistic that New York finally might have a stable future. Investors aren't overly excited, but also relieved.
• Three on-time budgets, something that New York never sees. Can we make that four?
• Cuomo is changing his tune on government, including shared services as a way to cut costs as a (maybe) substitute towards lowering government costs, instead of merging governments. 
• A program to help New York have more solar power is mentioned, with a plan to expand it. How about this? Make solar panel manufacturing nearly tax-free in New York, as to make it very competitive to manufacture them here.
• A continued focus on Upstate New York. Well Cuomo, you mostly blew it with the SAFE Act. And gun enthusiasts tend to vote as a bloc, so you've lost that vote. Your fallback could be Upstate's numerous cities: from Buffalo with it's almost 300,000 residents to as small as Ithaca to even as tiny as Batavia and Odgensburg. That could make up for the lack of gun vote. And if the upstate economy looks better than it did in 2010, you're looking good. New York is dependent on both parts of the state.
• The Governor is asking voters this November to approve a $2 billion "smart schools" bond passage that would expand internet access. I approve this as so many students across the state don't have access to broadband internet at home, and if it saves the state money in the long-term, why not?
• Anti-corruption laws are a good idea. But it needs to become a reality.

There were several areas of the report that I had objections to:

• The tax cuts seem to be more favorable towards upper middle class New Yorkers. The New York Times shared the same sentiment.
• Barely any mention of upgrading New York's transportation network. The state has an opportunity to be a leader in sensible transportation. Cuomo's report offered scant mention of the topic.
• Paying down New York's debt. As much as we all enjoy tax cuts, the state and its agencies have over $50 billion in debt to pay down.
• A Route 11 bypass in the Potsdam-Canton area. According to the State of the State pamphlet:

The highest traffic in this corridor is in the Canton-Potsdam areas, where improved connections could bolster quality of life and result in economic benefits derived from increased tourism and easier access. The NYS DOT will work to immediately add the environmental study for bypasses for Canton and Potsdam and a connector for the two to the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The results of the study will guide consideration of next steps.

          On the other hand, a bypass could be rather tricky, even though it's mostly farmland. Granted, transportation improvements need to be made in the area.

• The "smart schools" referendum is a tough sell in these rough economic times, especially in this nasty economic environment. 
• While we're on schools, the state's schools are in pitiful economic shape. If Cuomo's going to succeed in selling the package to voters, he needs to link it to reliving school districts in the state of some burden.

Overall, I give the Governor a "B". Even if Cuomo can achieve half of his goals, it looks good.

SAFE Act: One Year Later

Ever since the SAFE Act's passage, Cuomo has been compared to a dictator in so so many ways, and no matter what, the law is going to a stranglehold on his political career. I've written to the Governor expressing my concern over the law, which I have an unusual reason for not supporting: we're not mature enough to have them. But I'll say this: if we're preventing murders, it's worth it. Across the state, they're having gun salutes to mark the one-year anniversary of the SAFE Act. Regardless, I think 2014 should be the year they revise it to make it work better, as I do agree that the state legislature was forced by the governor to rush this thing through. I expected New Yorkers to be above this sort of behavior.

The United States is probably the most terrified nation on the planet in regards to its citizens being afraid of everything. This clip from one of my favorite documentaries, Bowling for Columbine, explains this wonderfully. We need to get over ourselves!

I do take issue with gun culture. It promotes a sense of revenge instead of debate and structured dialogue, neglects to note that we are a nation that allows (or should more equally) allow individuals to choose who represents them in government.  I think riots and mass protests are more effective than guns. Especially mass protests. Want to bring down a government? Don't use violence, use mass. Armed uprisings don't end well, and I hope the Supreme Court puts an end to the recklessness of the Second Amendment.

Regardless of your argument, it comes down to this: at the end of the day, the United States is overdue for a new constitution.

No more political prediction!

Political punditry is dangerous if you ask me. Instead, how about post-election analysis. Also, there's too much of it. But there's a trendbender:

10. Paul Begala, Democratic strategist and CNN contributor: Predictions are dangerous.
“I predict that anyone dumb enough to make a public prediction about 2014 will regret it.”

Begala, you are my new hero. Let's not forget Chris Matthews' blown tire predictions. Anyways, all I can hope for is that 2014 is much better for Democrats than 2013.

2013: A Year in Review

NOTE: I wrote this on the 30th of December of last year (also known as earlier this week). I couldn't get around to posting it until now.

If a year in my life went down as mediocre, 2013 would fit the bill. Of course, there were some highlights this year, so it wasn't all bad news. In fact, some of it was fantastic news.

On New Year's Day, I started working at the Sears in Massena. It was nice to finally have a paycheck coming in. Sadly, it seemed that when all was said and done, almost none of the paycheck remained in the end, after expenses and whatnot on my car. I quit Sears in March, mostly because the $7.25 an hour was not able to cover enough. Less than a week later, I had an interview with Southwest Airlines that sadly went nowhere (were my nerves too jittery?). I was at least glad I had the opportunity to interview with a great airline.

This summer, heavy renovations began on the house in Ferndale after the place was mostly cleaned out. I spent five weeks of that summer helping to renovate the dilapidated structure, and as I write this, all that is left to be done is insulation, minor roof repairs, sheetrocking and some final electrical work, all minor stuff for me and my stepdad. The heavy work left to be done is finishing the kitchen and bathroom. The bathroom should come first, as it would be nice to have a place to shower and use the toilet comfortably while up there.

This fall, I tried figuring out where life would take me. I'm now realizing that this might have been my "holding pattern" year.

Now I look forward to 2014. Just let it be a little better than 2013.