I have always believed in the American system of government. I voted, I participated. I truly believed the words, "for the people and by the people" because I thought that our government stemmed from the wishes of the people of the United States. I thought our Democracy the greatest.

Today, I'm left shaken, in tears. I doubt the system. This, from a lifelong lover of politics. Why all this? Because our government and those that lead us - betrayed us. Yes, you reading this now. You were betrayed. You got screwed. Our government, in their hand wringing, the sky is falling and WE MUST ACT NOW foolishness, just passed a bill that gives away $700 billion dollars. In spite of millions and millions of voters, average Americans just like you and me, who said "No, wait. You got us into this mess. I don't want to use my tax dollars to bailout Wall Street. Don't do it."   They heeded our voices on Monday and less than a week later - flip flopped and passed it today in the House of Representatives. Disgustingly ladden with extra pork too! For example: tax breaks for rum (got the pirate vote now!). Rum!

This would be funny if it were not so tragic. Our kids will pay for this. We'll never see a dime of this money back. Our grandkids will pay too. They thought that be piling on "sweeteners" (sugar sprinkled ontop crap is still crap, folks) that this might make it more paltable for American's on Main Street. It didn't. We are still angry at this misuse of our money and betrayal of our trust. Bad, bad governing.

This Bailout, Craptacular Bill told the American people one huge thing: "you don't matter. What you think about how we run things - does not matter to us because we are going to do what we want anyway." 
And the so called "Maverick of the Senate" John McCain proved otherwise with the Senate voted on Wendsday. He's not a maverick - he is just a lemming. Leaping off the cliff with the rest of those Senators who voted for it. Obama voted for it too - so much for all the promised change!

And in a most disapointing turn, both Senators from New Mexico, Domenici and Bingaman vote for this bill on Wendsday. Today, in the House, Tom Udall who represents the 3rd Congressional district and Steve Pearce who represents the 2nd Congressional district (both of whom are running for the open Senate seat) voted against this bill. Bravo - good for them. Heather Wilson, who represents (though not very well based on her vote) the 1st Congressional district voted for the bill (again). Shame on her. I'm glad she is out of a job - I'd vote against her if I had the chance just based on this Bailout Craptacular Bill.
If you want to see the list of who voted how click here.

Better ideas were out there. Things to give the economy a shot in the arm. To help. But nothing was open to debate. No new ideas were permitted. The Chicken Little mentality of these Senators and Representataives said they had to do "something" with out knowing for sure even if that "something" was the right thing to do!! They let fear and fear mongering control them and their decisions. If you want to read something amazing, message me and I'll email you a PDF written by a guy who works for the government - and he'll tell you straight up how bad this Bailout Craptacular Bill is. You want alternative ideas - go here to Dave Ramsey's site for at least a different idea.

So, where do we go from here? Well, keep this vote in mind. Savor your anger at what was done to you today, by your government. And wait. Wait until those that voted for it come up for reelection. And remember - then vote them out of office. Call them home. Put an end to those who won't represent the wishes of the people and find someone who will. Benjamin Franklin said that a little revolution every now and then, is a healthy thing.

Until I feel better, you'll just have to sit tight on pictures of our Scotland trip.

The day after we got home (Thursday) I came down with the flu. At least according to WebMD.com I think it's the flu. I could be wrong. All I know is I feel and look like death, warmed over. And this is on a day I don't feel as bad as I did! I think I picked it up in an airport or on the airplane. What bugs me is that I took precautions. I took my Airborne! I used antibacterial wipes on the plane! I washed hands at the airports! I didn't touch the escalator hand rails! All for nothing.

Jesse woke up this morning with the same symptoms as mine started out. Poor guy. He's been so lovely the last few days: taking care of the house and the animals, buying groceries, making me soup and tea. Now it's my turn to take care of him. If I can manage to get up off the couch. Ugh. I have no energy - not even reading. That is how you know I'm really sick - I love to read and if I can't manage that - it's bad.

And because I felt so darn miserable - we couldn't go to Dixon's Apple Orchard this weekend like we planned and now they are all sold out!     I don't know where I'll be able to find apples for pies and tarts and cider now!

hi from glasgow. We're here and safe! it's been cloudy most of the day and sprinkling rain - no surprise there. This humidity is making my curly hair go limper than a dish rag. jet lag sucks. weird keyboards here - shift key is hard to find - hence lower case letters! ha!
off to find a pub for supper and a pint. yum!

cheers from scotland!