On our side of the pond, minority births surpassed little white babies for the first time in our history. By itself it's not earthshaking news, but it does sound a harbinger for the future racial/ethnic make-up of the United States. Currently 36.6% of the U.S. population are minority groups (16.7% Hispanic, 12.3% African-American, 4.8% Asian), and by 2040 it is estimated the minority population will be 50%. I'll be 68 if I survive long enough to see a holographic Dick Clark welcome in 2040 and probably be wearing Depends while being spoon fed strained peas so I won't care (unless the Ohio General Assembly continues to push the retirement age for teachers up). For my loyal younger readers, you will be moving through an America with very different political and social underpinnings not seen before in recorded history. Never has a country without a single ethnic majority managed to stay united, and especially not one with several large ethnic/racial splits. I hope our nation can move beyond racial/ethnic divides and show the true potential of democracy, but the current partisan nature of our political climate makes my dream look more pie in the sky than possible.
No current issue illustrates this toxic partisan climate than the spending decisions now being debated on Capitol Hill. Speaker of the House of Representatives and West Chester, Ohio resident John Boehner broke out the 'default' rhetoric yesterday by tying an increase in the debt ceiling to spending cuts and no increase in taxes. It's just another example of Washington looking at reality through Salvador Dali's lens. And before I get accused of targeting Republicans, let me make one thing clear: It's all politicians in Washington (and the $3.5 billion per year in lobbyist perks they rake in) who are to blame. We the people currently have a $15.7 trillion debt and will spend $1.2 trillion more this year than we will collect in tax revenue. Boehner says cut spending??? Our mandatory - required by law for those of you who didn't pay attention in government class - spending virtually equals our nation's tax revenue ($2.3 trillion revenue - $2.2 trillion mandatory spending). Our politicians would have to cut ALL discretionary spending in order to stop our debt from continuing to spiral toward Buzz Lightyear - to infinity and beyond!!! Discretionary spending includes the $665 billion in defense spending - more than the next 22 highest nations combined! Boehner also doesn't want to eliminate the George W. Bush tax cuts, which have lowered federal revenue by $4 trillion since they were instituted in 2001. The only politician who has put forth a plan to reign in spending is Miami University alumnus and Wisconsin Republican Representative Paul Ryan - Love & Honor to Miami, Forever and a Day!!! But his 'Roadmap for America's Future' couldn't even make it out of the committee he chaired. So back on the treadmill we go, chasing our budgetary tails while high minded Republicans and Democrats spend our country toward bankruptcy. It's sad when I have to look to Slick Willy Clinton - and his willy is allllwwwwaaaayyyysss slick!! - to find a President who worked with Congress (Republicans and Democrats) to pass sensible budgets and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.
Rant over. On to rosier topics ....
The Reds pulled a victory out against the New York Mets last night. I had the over/under on Reds' runs at 1, so imagine my dismay when Joey Votto channeled Toby Whitewood in the 6th inning and allowed the Mets to score two unearned runs to take a 3-1 lead. Mike Leake-runs-at-an-alarming-rate (7.71 ERA heading into the game) pitched very well after taking
Okay .. That's all folks.
P.S. Donna Summer did not survive. RIP
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