The Kind-Hearted Smart Aleck

More and more, the Tea Party is coming across to me like little kids trying to prove their independence and make their parents proud. While the thought of complete freedom and independence is great, one would have to be in serious denial to think it's actually possible. Here are two short stories to illustrate that point. Setting: A Tea Partier having a drink with a friend at a bar called O'Really's? Ted Putz: "You know what I hate more than anything?" Lionel Rationale: "This should be good... No, what?" Putz: "Obamacare" Rationale: "Oh yeah? Why's that?" Putz: "Because it's taking away our freedoms! It's destroying the greatness that this nation was founded upon!" Rationale: "So you no longer feel free because of Obamacare?" Putz: "No, not at all! In fact, I won't feel free until we're without government. We don't need it! We can take care of ourselves! I know I can!...

I for one don't really like the thought of always being looked after or watched. Whether it be the federal government or a higher power, I can't say I care for the idea that someone can see my every move. Far-right conservatives appear to feel differently on the matter, especially under our current president. While many may feel a sense of relief and protection with the thought that God is watching over us, they feel a sense of fear and paranoia with the thought that President Obama and the federal government is doing something similar. Also, I find it funny that often times these same individuals will talk about God giving us everything we need (and more), but the federal government either doesn't provide any useful services or simply only gives to the neediest among us, whom abuse the system. Keeping all this in mind, I have to imagine a conversation between such a Tea Partier and a Critical Thinking professor would go as follows: Professor Idonthinkso: "So, what a...

Slurred Vision I reach for the bottle, Promising myself only one, For a sense of relaxation, After a long day’s work, Upon finishing the drink, I feel no change, No decrease in stress or worries, Everything is exactly the same, I reach for a second bottle, A third and a fourth, Adding in a shot of Whiskey, This should do the trick, A relaxation finally sets in, A buzz helps me to forget, My day at work, My fears, worries and stress, The room then starts to spin, My vision is blurred, Unable to get up, My speech is slurred, Drunk in seclusion, I try to cry out, Having pushed everyone aside, Everyone except the bottle.

Have you ever known a person who was so dependent on being involved in a relationship, they were either involved with someone or complaining that they weren't involved with anyone? I know some people like that, one in particular. It's as if regardless of how well their life is going at the time, they can't feel any bit of happiness without a boyfriend or girlfriend. There's no middle or gray area here, either. When they're dating again, no matter how big of a jerk the person they're dating is, they're ecstatic. But, if they're single, it's oh woe is me. Nobody loves me. I'll be single forever. So, when they go on these tangents, I'll give a few words of advice and state, "You know, if you can't be happy with yourself and your life right now, what makes you think that having a boyfriend/girlfriend will make everything alright? You've got to accept and be happy with yourself first, before you can truly find acceptance and happi...