The Welfare Myth

Politicians love to bait voters with thinly veiled allusions to who's actually on welfare. If you read between the lines of their rhetoric, these politicians' statements imply that they will stop government assistance, codnamed "handouts", to people their constituency find undesirable. Historically, this has been poor minorities.

I guess, in reference to this particular article, a poor minority is 'receiving handouts'. I still wish the general voting populace would pull their collective heads out of their ass and try thinking for themselves. At well over $100,000 per year for the rest of their lives at retirement, federal congressmen, cabinet officials and executive politicians point fingers to keep slow-witted voters from realizing who's actually receiving handouts.

This dude is a doctor. Check out his story and look at the statistics of people with high-level (masters or doctorate) degrees who have filed for welfare assistance. So, folks just MIGHT want to consider a little compassion in their socio-political deliberation. It could happen to anyone.

Even A PhD Couldn't Keep This Man Off Food Stamps

Wait, Wha-?

'Anti-Racists' Attack White Heritage Group in Family Restaurant

So, wait? Anti-racists attack white supremacists. There's a...brouhaha (LOVE that word). Chaos ensues. But, everyone involved is White?

Did I miss a memo?

Post-racial FTW!!!

Urban American Culture & You

Bangalore Hip Hop Photo, Culture Picture – National Geographic Photo of the Day

I'm moved by a lot of what I see on National Geographic's website. People and their cultures are shown in vivid detail. The Your Shot feature allows readers to submit photos of their own for display on the website. National Geographic's efforts to study, showcase and savor humanity in its diversity can only be applauded.

I look for representation of my own culture, though. I've been seeking photos of the beautiful things in Urban American culture. So far, no luck! Maine...Nevada...Wyoming...even Alabama are all on photographs. Bombed out buildings in Afghanistan are even featured in shots of surprising complexity. But, Urban America? I've found one photo of some women in New York.

Hip Hop? NatGeo went to Bangalore to get a shot of hip hop. C'mon, son! Know what, though? That's not all National Geographic's fault. Those of us in & from urban environments need to photograph those things that we find inspiring & beautiful. There's no evidence that beauty even exists in the 'hood, yet NatGeo manages to find beauty in all other parts of the world. Step up, y'all. Don't just record shenanigans and dumbassededness for YouTube & WorldStarHipHop. Show some depth & sophistication by taking some stills of those moments that we know are there.

Priorities

Mbukushu Mother and Child Photo, Botswana Picture - National Geographic Photo of the Day

This photo just got me to thinking how much we take for granted here in the United States. People complain SO much about what they don't have and how unfair life is. Yet this woman is crossing a river ON FOOT and wearing a smile.

I'm taking a moment here to be thankful for what I do have.

Anything deeper than your knees...

...and you become a part of the food chain.

Shark Picture – Underwater Photo - National Geographic Photo of the Day

All In One Life

Sneaky...

*psy* I need another PS3. I'm not buying one until these kids get out, though.