New Civilian Award Proposed for Parents Who Teach their Teenagers to Drive

I'll start this post off by pointing out that my wife taught our three sons how to drive. 

By the time they were old enough to drive I was burnt out teaching family members how to drive. But I digress. That's a post for another day.

I've been unable to come up with any stats on how many parents in America teach their children how to drive. As you are aware there's other options like paying someone else to take on the task.

But today I'm celebrating those daredevil parents who take their children out for their first driving experience.

Imagine the guts it takes to allow a teenager behind a wheel when their only driving experience was video game vehicles. Not everyone is that brave.

I think we need to come up with an award for those dedicated parents who don't even get combat pay for risking their lives. For instance, they could get free psychiatric care for life. 

Like nurses, teachers, and animal rescue workers, parent's contributions to society are seldom recognized nationwide.

Proposed Categories

** Most hours without vomiting from fear.

** Seizing control of the steering wheel at least once to avoid a head-on with another vehicle.

** Most obstacles narrowly missed in one lesson

** Parents that have taught the most offspring to drive (I think Mormons would have an edge in this category.)

** A category for parents who don't go crazy or develop nervous ticks after completing their mission.

As it stands, I have a nagging feeling there should be more categories. If you have any suggestions, please email me (richarddavestancliff@gmail.com

There's Never Been True Equality in America: Get Over It!

It's time to set the record straight.

When our ancestors created that sacred document known as the Constitution, it only applied to a narrow segment of people living in America at the time.

One of the most hypocritical statements in the Constitution states, "all men are equal." Having slaves - as many of the signers did - was considered okay. The dark-skinned slaves didn't count like other humans.

From the start, white-skinned people enjoyed their freedom and ability to govern themselves by creating a government that favored the wealthy and perpetrated their ideology.

One of their biggest mistakes the founders made was creating a stratum of government that did not have to adhere to the rules of the land. 

Thus, our flawed judiciary system came with lifetime appointments to the Supreme Court. Justices are nearly untouchable regardless of what laws or crimes they rack up. They can lie - see the three Trump justice appointees' confirmation hearings - and no one can do anything about it.

While we're looking at the warts in our democracy it's important to recognize that the president of the United States is above all laws. At least it feels that way right now. POTUS is equal to none (even a former one). And they are above all other Americans.

Our former president has graphically demonstrated that by not being held accountable yet after attempting a coup in 2021 against our republic. Despite six major court cases spanning years involving Trump's crimes, he's still not been indicted for anything.

I'm on a roll now.

This next ruling segment of society, politicians, lead a charmed life. They are seldom held accountable for their crimes (like cuddling up with generous corporations that reward them if they cast the right vote) and lack of conscience. 

I'm thinking of the GOP Freedom Caucus in the House. None of that group of crazies are being held accountable for their part in trying to overthrow our government despite mountains of evidence.

I know it sounds harsh saying there's never been true equality in our society. It doesn't make me hate America, however. I'm just recognizing reality and suggesting the fight for equality will always be waged because human beings are flawed.

In any society the super rich's influence spreads throughout government and the economy. It's just the reality of so-called civilizations. Wealth, power and influence has always been concentrated among the elite.

As it stands, as long as we remain a democracy that continues to seek equality despite the numerous challenges, we will maintain the title of the greatest democracy in the world today. 

New GOP Guidelines: How to Pretend You're Not in a Cult When You Are a Card-Carrying Member

Right-wing politicians pretending they're patriots is nothing new. 

However, Trump's minions - in and out of government - have taken the next step and are happily embracing a cult.

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Cult - total devotion to one person or a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious.

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The common thread in all cults is a charismatic leader whose followers believe he/she can do no wrong. Enter Trump and MAGA. 

Here's the tricky part. We have MAGA pols in the House and the Senate. They play a game where they tell people they are the one's protecting the Constitution.

In fact, with the backing of Trump judges right up to the Supreme Court, they are doing just the opposite. Crushing precedents that protect people's freedoms is just one example.

Like Jekyll and Hyde, these MAGA pols show the general public one face, and then turn around and show their other face to the base.

Republicans once known as the party of conservatives have slipped into a quagmire of conspiracies churned out by our former president since he lost the 2020 election. What's more they worship Trump with mindless devotion.

According to new GOP guidelines there's proper responses to feed the mainstream media. Some examples.

Reporter - "Did Trump lose the election?" 

Trumpie - "It's debatable. There was so much fraud who can tell for sure?"

Reporter - "Who's the president of the United States?"

Trumpie - "Where are Hillary Clintons emails?"

Reporter - "Do you believe in Climate change?"

Trumpie - Hunter Biden should be charged for... (take your pick) Treason, Money Laundering, or being the son of President Joe Biden.

As it Stands, after considerable research I've been unable to locate where MAGA Membership cards are being printed. Footnote, put $20.00 down on China for me.

Is America Achieving Gun Nirvana?

The typical gun owner in America has long been a white conservative. 

But the times, they are changing.

In recent years, liberals, females and minorities have been purchasing guns in increasing numbers.

The NRA has to be ecstatic about the newly expanding market. Traditionally the gun manufactures had to gin up sales by having their political lackies create fear among people that someone was going to take their guns away.

They still do that, of course, but this new customer demand for guns is a godsend to the industry.

All of which makes me wonder if we are entering an era where happiness, is indeed a warm gun. This new segment of society's interest in owning guns will solidify our world standing as the country where guns are as common as tattoos.

This sudden slide into a gun utopia reflects (among other things) how insecure liberals, women and minorities have become. They feel like they have to stand up to conservatives and MAGA morons who are roaming the country spreading increasing violence.

I wonder... will this national arms race end up bringing Americans together in defense of democracy? Will it end in a standoff?

Or will it end up being the civil war that political pundits have been warning about in the last five years?

America's love affair with guns is in the national DNA. We used them to achieve independence against a monarchy. Many Americans feel owning guns is a guarantee to preserving their freedom.

As it stands, apparently it doesn't matter how many Americans kill other Americans, as long as gun manufactures thrive, and fear remains a sales tool. Welcome to gun nirvana.

Riddle Me This: What Rooms Do Ghosts Avoid?

The answer to the above headline is "The Living Room" of course!

Yea, I know. It's corny. But riddles are fun if you like mental challenges. And who doesn't? (Answer - Trump supporters).

Here we go (Answers at bottom)

1.  David's father has three sons: Snap, Crackle, and _______? 

2.  Can you name three consecutive days without using the words Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday?

3.  The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?

4.  I am not alive, but I grow; I don't have lungs, but I need air; I don't have a mouth, but water kills me. What am I?

5.  When does Christmas come before Thanksgiving?

6.  What has many keys, but can't even open a single door?

7.  I make two people out of one. What am I?

8.  What's more useful when it is broken?

9.  Why is Europe like a frying pan?

10. What runs around the whole yard without moving?

      Here's some links to Riddle Categories

Classic Riddles

Jokes and Riddles

Math Riddles

Video Riddles

What is it? Riddles

Riddles for adults

Answers

1.  David

2.  Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.

3.  Footsteps

4.  Fire

5.  In the dictionary.

6.  A piano.

7.  A mirror 

8.  An egg.

9.  Because it has Greece at the bottom.

10. A fence. 

(From 100 Best Riddles)

As it stands, I always thought Batman's foe, The Riddler, was the best villain he confronted. 

Are You Crazy and Brave Enough to Do Something No One Else Has Ever Done?

I'm still in awe of a 14-year-old Alberta, Canada, girl who set a new Guinness World Record by pulling 22 socks onto her foot in 30 seconds last month.

But I doubt if her feat (pun intended) will be remembered by too many people.

Every time I read the things people do to get their names into the Guinness World Record book I'm struck by the inspirations and determination it takes to stand out for one glorious moment of recognition.

You may have heard that John Cena set a Guiness Record for the most wishes granted a day ago. He made the wishes come true for 650 children from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 

I'm puzzled by this next Guiness record that was set a week ago. Apparently, someone confirmed the flight of Queen Elizabeth II's coffin from Scotland to London as the most tracked ever.

Do you realize that this record was once held by Santa Claus? Not really. But you never know.

One man's determination to go further than anyone else in a giant pumpkin down the Missouri River paid off with a new Guiness record in August. 

Duane Hanson (photo above) spent 11 hours paddling the 38 miles to Nebraska City. 

He broke Rick Swenson's record which was 25 miles which was set in 2016.

I'm always interested in food records. 

The following record was set by a very ambitious chef.

(PHOTO - Leigh Evans poses with his gigantic vegetarian creation Clarence) Court/SWNS

Leigh Evan's scotch ostrich eggs which took 90 minutes to cook and weighed a bit over 17 pounds was formerly inducted into Guiness lore.

Are you getting inspired enough to take on a challenge? 

November 17th is a celebration of Guiness World Records Day. See if you can come up with a record-setting idea and consider the holiday as the starting gun for your project.

The holiday encourages you to stretch the ends of human endurance and creativity. Heck! Even animals can set world records.

 Back in 2018 a miniature pig named Joy performed the most tricks in a minute (13). She did this under the careful scrutiny of two Iowa judges - Newton City's Mayor and chief of police.  

The skies are no limit for some challenge takers. Take a look at David Rush of Idaho who has set 52 world records. Among them he won the world's fastest juggler and the world's slowest juggler!

As it stands, I have to confess I've never set a world record and my wife's claim that I'm the laziest man in the world has yet to be verified.

Everybody is Waiting for Something

The world's optimists are waiting for a global kumbaya heralding universal Peace. 

Americans are waiting for Trump to be held accountable for his numerous crimes and attempt to overthrow the 2020 election.

Humanity is waiting for cures for numerous deadly diseases like cancer.

Lawarence Ferlinghetti is still waiting for a rebirth of wonder.

Cartoon fans are still waiting for Willie J. Coyote to catch the roadrunner.

Animal and environmental activists are waiting for forests and animals to reclaim the earth as theirs.

Eric Trump is still waiting for his dad's approval.

Republicans are waiting to take the House of Representatives back so they can go on an extended revenge tour.

Quasi-Militias are waiting for the big day when anarchy breaks out in every state.

Legal eagles are waiting for the day that the Supreme Court justices will stop destroying precedent in our judicial system.

Millions of Americans are waiting for food and lodging that doesn't always come.

MAGA minions are eagerly waiting for Trump to declare he's running for president again in 2024.

Flat Earth devotees are waiting to fall off the edge of the planet and become stardust.

Foxes patiently wait for the chickens to come home before raiding their coops.

Monster hunters are still waiting to catch the elusive Bigfoot.

Fishermen are ready to wait all day to get a good catch.

Long lines of people don't mind waiting to get inside to see a live Broadway Play.

As it stands, I'm still waiting for the Great American novel to suddenly appear to me fully edited.

I'm Waiting For the Healing to Begin

America is like a wounded animal trying to tell a human where it hurts without sucess.

Our society is suffering the torture of a thousand cuts dividing us into hostile tribes. Hate, anger and fear roam unabated as the lines of communication continue to breakdown.

It has to stop.

There are some resources for people who have anger issues. We just need more. 

Groups like Haven House are doing their best, but their often limited by finances. The group provides a sounding board to work and grow with. I'm in no way endorsing the group by sharing their mission. It's just one of many options out there.

There are online anger management courses that provide free help for those who want to avoid group therapy. The drawback is the lack of fellowship and sense of belonging.

What's the problem with these options?

Have you ever tried to lead a donkey to water when it doesn't want to go?

Unfortunately, people with anger issues generally have other mental issues and getting them help is a major challenge. Friends and family have to be part of the equation.

Awareness is the key to solving problems regardless of what they are. 

There is a national campaign founded by Tipper Gore called Mental Health Awareness, but frankly who's ever heard of it? It was launched in 1999 by the White House.

President Joe Biden has advanced an agenda of prioritizing and supporting bills that offer help for the mental health crisis we're currently suffering in this country. 

He signed the "Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Act," in March of 2021. The new law provides $135 million in federal funding for mental health education and awareness campaigns.

As it stands, I'm waiting for the mental healing to begin as lines of communications between political parties and individuals go through a positive transformation that will hopefully save the sanity of our country.

Check Out Today's Episode of 'Politicians Say the Darnest Things'

Welcome!

Step right in. Take a seat. When you're comfortable continue.

This first quote is my favorite.

According to Trump"...if you're the President of the United States, you can declassify by just saying it's declassified, even by thinking about it."

I believe psychiatrists call that "magic thinking." 

Who can forget Ted Cruz yelling in the airport "Do you know who I am?" The funny part, according to Matt Blair, is the very idea that the average person would treat him better after learning that he is Ted Cruz.

Here's a real dinger from Marjorie Taylor Greene for you, "President Trump taught us how to defend our values." 

I was really surprised she wasn't struck down by lightning despite being indoors.

Vying with Greene for the dumbest woman in Congress, Lauren Boebert was speaking about the importance of guns in America during a Newsmax interview with Sebastian Gorka.

"Americans will be eating dogs, like in Venezuela, if they take our guns away!" she warned the extremist viewers.

Frankly, I don't even know what to say about that...

Here's some classic political jokes

** Bill Clinton on Being President, "Being president is like running a cemetery: you've got a lot of people under you and nobody's listening."

** Lyndon Johnson on Being President, "Being president is like being a jackass in a hailstorm. There's nothing to do but to stand there and take it."

** Barack Obama on Dick Cheney, "I don't want to be invited to the family hunting party."

** Ronald Reagan on Age, "I want you to know that I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent's youth and inexperience." 

** Jim Hightower on George Bush, "If ignorance goes to forty dollars a barrel, I want drilling rights to George Bush's head."

(Editor's note: Jim is a syndicated columnist, progressive political activist, and author. He qualifies as a politician after serving as the elected commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture from 1983 to 1991.)

** Franklin Roosevelt on Conservatives, "A conservative is a man with two perfectly good legs who, however, has never learned how to walk forward."

As it stands, look for future episodes when I share the darnest things that MAGA Morons say, and quotes from other segments of society that will provide amusement for all of you loyal readers.

The Inscrutable Worlds of the Federal Reserve, Cryptocurrency, and NFTs

Be honest.

Do you fully understand how we're going to beat inflation by raising interest rates? 

The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by 0.75 percentage points Wednesday.

Financial experts were divided how much the increase would help. All lot of common Americans, like myself, are wondering how raising the cost of buying homes and cars is going to deliver us from inflation?

The whole idea seems counterintuitive, but I'm no bean counter with years of arcane knowledge about how to manipulate our monetary system.

Don't even get me started about the whole cryptocurrency thing! It's insane claiming digital crypto is a secure way to make monetary transactions. It also doesn't rely on banks to verify transactions.

The thing to remember is if you buy cryptocurrency, you don't own anything tangible. To top that off grifters from celebrities to sports figures, are involved in scams to entice you to throw good money away.

Here's something you should know:

If you see a tweet (or text, email, or other message on social media) that tells you to pay with cryptocurrency... it's a scam.

NFTs are Shaking up the Art World

If you aren't familiar with what NFTs are, wonder no more. They are an emerging digital technology called tokens that are tied to assets that can be bought, sold and traded.

The art world has gone gaga over these tokens that are making artists rich. Collectors and speculators have spent millions on an array of NFT-based artwork, memes and GIFs since the fad started.

NFTs are best understood as computer files with proof of ownership and authenticity, like a deed.

Which brings me to the inevitable conclusion that unlike baseball cards, you can't hold them and frankly who's going to see your precious NFTs? 

I'm aware that there's a digital marketplace for these tokens/files, but the average person will never see your collection.

One more thing to keep in mind, like most online activities' that involve money scammers lurk behind keyboards waiting to rip you off. 

As it stands, remember, these NFTs are a passing fad for people with money to burn.

On Internation Peace Day: President Biden Spoke to UN Assembly About Threats to World Peace

Yesterday was International Peace Day and the president of the United States talked about preserving peace around the world. 

President Biden came through loud and clear during the UN General Assembly warning, "Russia has shamelessly violated the core tenets of the UN charter." 

"Russia," he contended, "has ignored the clear prohibition against countries taking the territory of their neighbors by force."

In 30 minutes, Biden explained that the war in Ukraine was about "extinguishing Ukraine's right to exist as a state... and Ukraine's right to exist as a people."

Over two hundred world leaders heard Biden's response to Russia who threatened to start a nuclear war now that their invasion of Ukraine has stalled.

Pointing out the obvious Biden said, "A nuclear war can never be won and must never be fought."

At the same time Biden promised to continue sending arms and food supplies to the Ukraine, while making it clear to Putin his threats aren't going to accomplish anything other than to tighten the alliance against him.

A brief background on the International Day of Peace.

In 1981, the UN General Assembly declared the third Tuesday of September as an International Day of Peace. Two decades later the assembly moved the day to September 21st. 

The observance was supposed to be a time to discuss how to promote and maintain peace among all peoples and calls for a 24-hour period of global ceasefire and non-violence for groups in active combat.

As it stands, Russia has become a rogue state violating all international laws and agreements. Dealing with Putin is something the assembly prioritized today.