For the first time, the complaining and whining of other individuals on the spectrum is finally starting to get to me. It's like being a skateboard fanatic HATING other skateboard fanatics. I've accepted being on the autism spectrum because I can't help it; that's just how I was born. God's roll of the dice was against my odds. It has been in so many ways. But I've been blessed in others. I have a loving stepdad, I still have my loving mother, I have a college degree (that I'm finding paying back is becoming difficult) and a life ahead of me. When I read this person's blog post, it made me feel better about myself in so many ways. I know that I am far from alone.
But it's given me a voice to help others. It's given me passions. It's like what Ralphie May once said: "God's officially given us lemons, let's make lemonade." I've had my share of adversity in my life, but I've found ways of overcoming them. For instance, I tend to be a good social networker, adults my mother's age and senior citizens adore me, I'm a bit analytical, which allows me to also jump into a social scene and feel comfortable shaking hands and making small talk (something I do poorly) and in general not so much be the life of the party but instead play social diplomat, for lack of a better term. I want to put that into practice when I relocate over the winter.
True, there are some days where I wish I had an opportunity to see what it would be like to be neurotypical. For one day, I'd like to know what it is like not having certain sensory issues, what it would be like to have more self-esteem, what it would be like to date more often.
But I have a lot of big goals, and those goals are only made stronger by having autism. I want to be America's first elected official who is open about being on the spectrum, (as I've said before, I look up to the late Harvey Milk). I want to speak at the Democratic National Convention in a few years. I want to help parents navigate the tricky waters that come with having a child on the autism spectrum. And I want to help those who don't have autism too. Some of my political goals (if I am lucky enough to get into elected office) are to create an environment that is friendly towards job creation, find ways to fix crumbling infrastructure, making honesty and transparency in government mandatory and attend to the greatest needs of the communities I would serve.
We all have challenges in our lives and I just happened to have been born with a big one. I've heard the old "Autism doesn't define me. I define it" lingo, but as I've said, I redefine what it is to be an American twenty-something with autism.
I can't quit now-I've come too far. That being said, I do need to refocus my efforts onto productive things.
On October 1, appropriated funding for many federal agencies was allowed to expire.I wonder if it would be easy to assume if he would have been the 88th vote to reopen the government had he been able to vote.
Representative C.W. Bill Young, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee made it clear that he will continue to support all legislation to fund the federal government.
“The time for politics is over; let’s get on to legislating and the hard work of tackling our $17 trillion national debt and solving important national issues like the current flood insurance crisis,” said Young. “All sides need to sit down and work these problems out together.”
I was hoping New York as a whole would approve the continuing resolution to re-open the government, but no, two Western New York representatives voted against reopening. So, I hope these two lose (Chris Collins and Tom Reed) their jobs come next November or lose primaries to more moderate Republicans. In order to fix our nation's debt problems WE need to close loopholes and raise taxes on those making more that $1 million a year.
On the home front, New York State desperately needs to clean up government, and lower the cost of living. There HAS to be a way to do it, or either make New York job friendly so young adults can move to the state, so we have a tax base. An AARP survey has shown that two-thirds of baby boomers are thinking about moving out of New York City because of the cost of living.
I have a letter I'm going to send to the Democrats later this year: make sure vulnerable Democrats aren't running for reelection. If a seat is going to be lost, let it be with someone who has no chance of winning anyways. The Republicans will always be the stronger party for various reasons. However, I think the Democrats running veterans for certain offices will definitely help the brand.
There's this little puppy from 2012:
The most important question is whether Perry -- who has been serving since George W. Bush left for the White House in 2000 -- will run for another four-year term. He hasn't ruled it out, and he's continued to raise money. But the scars from Perry's ill-fated presidential run in 2012 are more than superficial. A late October University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll found that only 22 percent of voters would vote for Perry for governor again in 2014, compared to 42 percent who said they would vote against him and 35 percent who said they wanted to see who ran against him -- a horrible result for any Republican in Texas. The most obvious potential primary contender -- or the frontrunner if Perry decides not to run again -- is Attorney General Greg Abbott. But the state has a huge Republican bench that's been frozen out of the governorship during Perry's long tenure, so a wide-open primary is possible if Perry leaves, likely including candidates from the party's establishment and Tea Party wings. On the Democratic side, state Sen. Wendy Davis, who just won a second term in a Republican-leaning district, might be a plausible contender for the nomination; Democrats also dream of San Antonio Mayor and Democratic National Convention keynoter Julian Castro, but he seems inclined to stay on as mayor. It may not matter -- any Democrat will be at a steep disadvantage in a statewide race in Texas, and that should remain the case at least until demographic changes favorable to the Democrats kick into high gear.A fillibuster and national attention later and Davis is now running. Cuomo? He needs PR improvements. Or not as much as I have come to believe.
Jury is in: Turns out that Cuomo is actually in a pretty good position to stay in the Governor's Mansion next year. It doesn't help that the Republicans don't have a candidate as of yet, someone worthy enough to defeat Cuomo. But I'm glad I'm not the only one who sees the need for Cuomo to get the constitutional referendum passed. Of course, the New York Post has had a grudge against Cuomo since the day he took office. I think next time we'll stay away from turning Attorney Generals in New York into governors. We haven't had the best experiences with them. The sad news: Tom Suozzi's poll numbers are disappointing. But then again, Long Island is traditionally conservative.
What Cuomo needs to do: get the state back in working order. Also, New York is going to need to find the money to rebuild the state's pathetic infrastructure. If the state's fiscal books start to enter the black, it might be time to stash away that money.
It's very obvious that we're a nation of pessimists. Look at any "comments" section of a internet news article. It's part mudslinging, part negative Nancy's. I do see a silver lining in all of this: it might take past Obama's term in office for the job market to have 2006-07 unemployment numbers, or even Clinton-era unemployment numbers, but I also see
I'm calling bullshit on this one. Amtrak will ALWAYS be more environmentally friendlier than any airplane travel. However, the airlines are getting the fuel economy better straightened out, thankfully. Travel by air is in my eyes, highly energy inefficient. We need to find alternative fuels, and the sooner the better, because we don't have resources for seven billion people to live extremely comfortably. I think half the world's problems are due to overpopulation. Let there be a demographic crisis for a few decades.
"Gee Brain, what do you want to do tonight?" "I don't know Pinky, maybe screw over the American people?" Harsh words, yes, but Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has shown some really negative moves in the last month. But I wouldn't compare him to the Brain.
Speaking of craniums, it's no brainer that Paul Ryan's worst nightmare is Vermont senator Bernie Sanders. Do I see the budget committee having to make some serious compromises? Yes. And some of those compromises neither side is going to like. But here's my longtime argument to the GOP: do you want no deficit or low taxes, because in my eyes, you can't have both. Sanders is a European-style socialist, which makes him far left here in the States. The senator is one for high taxes on the richest people and most profitable programs to pay for federal programs and other services-some which
In my eyes, Amtrak is probably one of the few federal programs that is the best bang for the buck. It's no secret that Amtrak's financial performance is improving. I do see Amtrak profitable operations wise in a few years, but NEVER in regards to capital projects. That will always need to be taxpayer funded, and should, even if Amtrak does manage a profit. After living four decades on a shoestring, I think it is time that Amtrak be allotted more federal dollars, and I hope the states can improve their short and medium-length Amtrak routes. But Amtrak right now is in a tight bind: it has no spare equipment to speak of, and many new pieces of equipment are not due to enter service for a few years.
Speaking of Amtrak and trains, California went from supporting high speed rail to being on an anti-high speed rail move. Sure, the project should deserve some closer scrutiny, but at the same time, I bet there are many people with some serious misconceptions about the project. My point here: infrastructure spending in this country is dangerously low. Raise the gas tax, even by just a few cents. Here's another thing: conservative economics isn't always right. Anyways, here are a few key facts on California's HSR project. And I hope Caltrans has taken conventional trains into consideration.
Listen, even CEOs have quiet divorces, heck, there are some quieter celebrity divorces than this one. Manuel John Mehos, who heads a bank in Houston, divorced his wife and now is accusing her of being a bad parent because she had an abortion? Maybe she had that abortion because if she had that child, you'd be an even bigger monster than you are now. Reading this article, I have to believe that this marriage was doomed from the start. And to subpoena medical records? That's sort of low.
It turns out that Ted Cruz is continuing to destroy his credibility. A heck of a lot of people, myself included have tweeted that Obamacare is helping and not hurting. Yes, Cruz is a tiny bit right that some people will see premiums increase. Maybe we do need government to bring down the cost of healthcare. It's a right, not a privilege, and the industry shouldn't be cleaning people's banks.
Jon Huntsman is right. The Obamacare rollout needs more time. It's not that it's bad, it's just complex. And I like how the former Utah governor didn't do the usual "Obamacare needs to be destroyed/dismantled/is the wost thing for America talking point the Republicans have. He, like myself is worried about the rising cost. I'd like to believe that part of keeping those costs in check include putting a foot down on not only insurers but also the healthcare industry as a whole.
A recent poll shows that Ken Cuccinelli is behind former senator and GOP chair Terry McAuliffe by SEVENTEEN points. Somehow I find it quite fishy. That being said, I do believe that McAuliffe has this in the bag (as it's his race for the winning), but it's going to be a close race, and I'd be surprised if McAuliffe wins by an over two percent margin.
All of my ranting comes down to this: America needs the Westminster system of government.
Breastfeeding shouldn't be controversial. If humans were meant to have mammary glands, put them to work. My own research on the topic has found that breastfeeding is a good part of shedding baby bearing fat, prevents breast cancer (someone explain that one to me) and helps the infant's immune system. Barring sore teets, if I were a woman, I would breastfeed whatever offspring I have, and be darn proud of it. But I must say, this is one comment that got to me:
Speaking of craniums, it's no brainer that Paul Ryan's worst nightmare is Vermont senator Bernie Sanders. Do I see the budget committee having to make some serious compromises? Yes. And some of those compromises neither side is going to like. But here's my longtime argument to the GOP: do you want no deficit or low taxes, because in my eyes, you can't have both. Sanders is a European-style socialist, which makes him far left here in the States. The senator is one for high taxes on the richest people and most profitable programs to pay for federal programs and other services-some which
In my eyes, Amtrak is probably one of the few federal programs that is the best bang for the buck. It's no secret that Amtrak's financial performance is improving. I do see Amtrak profitable operations wise in a few years, but NEVER in regards to capital projects. That will always need to be taxpayer funded, and should, even if Amtrak does manage a profit. After living four decades on a shoestring, I think it is time that Amtrak be allotted more federal dollars, and I hope the states can improve their short and medium-length Amtrak routes. But Amtrak right now is in a tight bind: it has no spare equipment to speak of, and many new pieces of equipment are not due to enter service for a few years.
Speaking of Amtrak and trains, California went from supporting high speed rail to being on an anti-high speed rail move. Sure, the project should deserve some closer scrutiny, but at the same time, I bet there are many people with some serious misconceptions about the project. My point here: infrastructure spending in this country is dangerously low. Raise the gas tax, even by just a few cents. Here's another thing: conservative economics isn't always right. Anyways, here are a few key facts on California's HSR project. And I hope Caltrans has taken conventional trains into consideration.
Listen, even CEOs have quiet divorces, heck, there are some quieter celebrity divorces than this one. Manuel John Mehos, who heads a bank in Houston, divorced his wife and now is accusing her of being a bad parent because she had an abortion? Maybe she had that abortion because if she had that child, you'd be an even bigger monster than you are now. Reading this article, I have to believe that this marriage was doomed from the start. And to subpoena medical records? That's sort of low.
Manuel John Mehos
It turns out that Ted Cruz is continuing to destroy his credibility. A heck of a lot of people, myself included have tweeted that Obamacare is helping and not hurting. Yes, Cruz is a tiny bit right that some people will see premiums increase. Maybe we do need government to bring down the cost of healthcare. It's a right, not a privilege, and the industry shouldn't be cleaning people's banks.
Jon Huntsman is right. The Obamacare rollout needs more time. It's not that it's bad, it's just complex. And I like how the former Utah governor didn't do the usual "Obamacare needs to be destroyed/dismantled/is the wost thing for America talking point the Republicans have. He, like myself is worried about the rising cost. I'd like to believe that part of keeping those costs in check include putting a foot down on not only insurers but also the healthcare industry as a whole.
A recent poll shows that Ken Cuccinelli is behind former senator and GOP chair Terry McAuliffe by SEVENTEEN points. Somehow I find it quite fishy. That being said, I do believe that McAuliffe has this in the bag (as it's his race for the winning), but it's going to be a close race, and I'd be surprised if McAuliffe wins by an over two percent margin.
All of my ranting comes down to this: America needs the Westminster system of government.
Breastfeeding shouldn't be controversial. If humans were meant to have mammary glands, put them to work. My own research on the topic has found that breastfeeding is a good part of shedding baby bearing fat, prevents breast cancer (someone explain that one to me) and helps the infant's immune system. Barring sore teets, if I were a woman, I would breastfeed whatever offspring I have, and be darn proud of it. But I must say, this is one comment that got to me:
Two quick comments.
I don’t get the modesty things since men are allowed to go topless just about anywhere, anytime, and some of the heavier men have breasts larger than some women.
As far as breast feeding is concerned, at home or in public, it might be time to stop when the kid starts asking to be fed. Otherwise, I fully endorse the practice.
Question.
How many fathers have taken a few sips after the baby has been fed? - See more at: http://blogs.northcountrypublicradio.org/inbox/2013/10/19/how-did-something-totally-natural-become-so-controversial/#sthash.E7nLauNl.dpuf
I don’t get the modesty things since men are allowed to go topless just about anywhere, anytime, and some of the heavier men have breasts larger than some women.
As far as breast feeding is concerned, at home or in public, it might be time to stop when the kid starts asking to be fed. Otherwise, I fully endorse the practice.
Question.
How many fathers have taken a few sips after the baby has been fed? - See more at: http://blogs.northcountrypublicradio.org/inbox/2013/10/19/how-did-something-totally-natural-become-so-controversial/#sthash.E7nLauNl.dpuf
Two quick comments.I'd say gross, but I think the commenter summed up a major point: there's a lot of things that should be gross that we find sexually appealing. The man who said that, Pete Klein, is an author of vampire stories from the Adirondacks? He's not sipping blood but something else, but Pete, thanks for the laughs!!!
I don’t get the modesty things since men are allowed to go topless just about anywhere, anytime, and some of the heavier men have breasts larger than some women.
As far as breast feeding is concerned, at home or in public, it might be time to stop when the kid starts asking to be fed. Otherwise, I fully endorse the practice.
Question.
How many fathers have taken a few sips after the baby has been fed?
Chivalry is dead for a couple of reasons: we're a sex-uped society. Some of us don't even understand the concept of a one-night stand. Some of us are still sexually challenged. And I don't mean sexual orientation-wise. I mean the ability to get into a situation that would afford me having sex. I might be emailing John Piccuito, see if he has any advice for us high functioning autistics.
A quarter-life crisis. That's been my life since last summer. Honestly, I've wasted away 2013. I'm very aware of that fact. I've accomplished a lot as well, but for the most part, I've wasted it away as well.
Before I go, here's a memo to politicians: legalize weed. The benefits are endless.
And finally, dang, Tom Daschule's wife is a former Miss Kansas? Damn, hats off to him! So maybe there is hope for me and the former beauty queen from the Big Sky Country!
UPDATE: (another) Here's an interesting article on how the House voted on ending the shutdown. Note: You might need a NYTimes subscription.
Quote of the day: "Welcome to the Internet. We give no mercy."
A quarter-life crisis. That's been my life since last summer. Honestly, I've wasted away 2013. I'm very aware of that fact. I've accomplished a lot as well, but for the most part, I've wasted it away as well.
Before I go, here's a memo to politicians: legalize weed. The benefits are endless.
And finally, dang, Tom Daschule's wife is a former Miss Kansas? Damn, hats off to him! So maybe there is hope for me and the former beauty queen from the Big Sky Country!
UPDATE: (another) Here's an interesting article on how the House voted on ending the shutdown. Note: You might need a NYTimes subscription.
Quote of the day: "Welcome to the Internet. We give no mercy."
Two quick comments.
I don’t get the modesty things since men are allowed to go topless just about anywhere, anytime, and some of the heavier men have breasts larger than some women.
As far as breast feeding is concerned, at home or in public, it might be time to stop when the kid starts asking to be fed. Otherwise, I fully endorse the practice.
Question.
How many fathers have taken a few sips after the baby has been fed? - See more at: http://blogs.northcountrypublicradio.org/inbox/2013/10/19/how-did-something-totally-natural-become-so-controversial/#sthash.E7nLauNl.dpuf
I don’t get the modesty things since men are allowed to go topless just about anywhere, anytime, and some of the heavier men have breasts larger than some women.
As far as breast feeding is concerned, at home or in public, it might be time to stop when the kid starts asking to be fed. Otherwise, I fully endorse the practice.
Question.
How many fathers have taken a few sips after the baby has been fed? - See more at: http://blogs.northcountrypublicradio.org/inbox/2013/10/19/how-did-something-totally-natural-become-so-controversial/#sthash.E7nLauNl.dpuf