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.