So, anyway, if I am to believe this article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/what-beliefs-predict-a-tea-partier/2011/08/12/gIQAHyl8KJ_blog.html, which I am inclined to do, then, really, in essence, it seems that all those pesky Tea-Party types really want is the ability to live in a society where everyone values their collective religious beliefs over any other, to the point where  individual freedoms/belief are simply not up for discussion. Even though, of course, they won’t admit it. A perfect example is that tragedy known as Michele Bachmann and her ability to simply say, now, despite YEARS of comments to the contrary, “oh I’m not judging anyone, I’m just running for the Presidency.” [Sidebar 01: Why do I always expect a barbie-style giggle sound after she regurgitates that soundbite?] [Sidebar 02: Does this mean that it's really just their need to feel popular and accepted?]

But I digress; back to my point: given their aforementioned desire as a framework, even though it does sound mildly cult-like in my book, I would have to say, they should be able to do so. Yes I said it, and mean it (with caveats of course), even if I am at odds with them, because I am, and hope to always remain, staunchly for an individuals right to personal freedoms, including religious ones. They should be able to live in a society that thinks, as borg-like as I might find it to be, exactly like they do.

So, this seems to be a humorous irony when I stop to think about it. I oppose their beliefs for wanting to disallow me mine; but support their right to believe my beliefs are wrong, and shouldn’t even be allowed to freely exist. Oey, say that three times fast, faster, c’mon do-it, do-it… or the Tea-Party will get you! Sorry, thinking about this stuff does make me a little crazy sometimes. Ok, I am being playful, but my point remains the same. And that point is just that what’s important to me is that they should only be able to create and live in such a society if they don’t effect another person’s individual freedoms. Basically, I guess, I’m saying it should be an “opt-in” society, not a “we’re coming to take over your whole town, city, state, and country by any means necessary” kinda group. To me it’s just that simple, because I can’t agree with someone who wants to limit me by IMPOSING their views on me, or on anyone else. It’s just wrong. I mean, seriously, is this the crusades all over again, or perhaps a new inquisition, 2011 style? Or maybe these pesky Tea-Party types are the harbingers of the demise of the world in 2012? Now there’s a scary, yet distinct, possibility.

So, rather than just be a self-appointed member of the punditocracy (i.e. – a complainer), here’s the idea I propose to fix this mess,  packed neatly inside a few tid-bits of anecdotal-esque, albeit second-hand, history… and, yes, I also admit there’s a smidge of self-righteous cynicism in here too – but with me, isn’t that implicit and expected? Anyway, here-goes: As I recall, not really all that long ago, there was this group called the Puritans – perhaps you’ve heard about them somewhere along the way. Well, they decided they wanted to live in a place where everyone had to follow certain religious doctrines on penalty of a wide array of unpleasantness, from stockades to stone-crushing, and there were also those drownings of supposed witches too – I forget, but didn’t they burn heretics too? So, you might recall, they moved to this place called “the new world,” and set up shop. They say they all willing popped across the pond, but I’m fairly certain women were not treated as equals, likely being told they had to come, and slavery and indentured servitude, basically degrading people into property, was definitely not out of the question, so I doubt that everyone who showed up was keen on the idea. And, apparently it wasn’t so great at first, but they got help from Natives of the new place and things seem to take off. Of course, eventually, they stole everything from the natives, cause, I guess, they figured no one would care. And, then, many of the people who thought they wanted this “puritan” way of life, as well as their children, changed their mind in favor of civil liberties and the right to do as they pleased, but, again, I digress. We don’t need to quibble about facts, or semi-embellished history: My point is simply that I think all these pesky Tea-Party types should take a gander at one of the broad-strokes in the book of history, and find a NEW WORLD… and hey… as luck would have it, I hear Mars has some vacancies. :-p

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

I really think she might be part cat!

But I hafta say the dogs love that they can finally get on and off the front porch whenever they want, while still allowing me to keep the flies out!

(P.S – it might take a second for the video to load!)

Ok fine… Chad planted, Israel made cocktails, but I did install the screendoor and help with securing the window boxes!

Step 01: Go to PopPop’s for memorial day.

Step 02: Let the woofs play in the tall grass ’cause you’ve already liberally applied flea and tick meds earlier in the week.

Step 03: Check woofs for ticks, just in-case. (thankfully they were tick-free).

Step 04: Cuddle with said woofs while chatting on the deck.

Step 05: Get REALLY ITCHY NECK.

Thankfully it’s mostly healed now, but lesson learned. Whether nettles or poison ivy or anything else…. Woofs get baths, or at least play time in the river, before cuddle time at PopPop’s house!

A lotta chew-toy time.

Thankfully they’re relatively easy to appease!

Fingers crossed!