tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70514804233515771862024-03-13T21:28:15.999-07:00MoonBloggingObservations from the Guy who was on KOMO 4 for 9 SecondsGreg Moonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407747867108054818noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051480423351577186.post-60542674213766611572012-04-03T10:34:00.003-07:002012-04-03T10:38:58.543-07:00ALottaTalk UpdateI've been keeping busy with my little mini-blogging website, <a href="http://www.alottatalk.com/" class="ot-anchor">http://www.alottatalk.com</a> We've added a nice new menu system, and some visual upgrades. It's starting to look very nice!<br /><br />I've been told it's very easy to use. I hope so, that's part of the goal!<br /><br />I also added a new feature: Now you can upload your own audio (.mp3) when you start a talk!<br /><a href="http://www.alottatalk.com/PublicViewer.aspx?talkid=195&talktype=3" class="ot-anchor">http://www.alottatalk.com/PublicViewer.aspx?talkid=195&talktype=3</a><br /><br />Also, our NW Conservative Podcast, "RIGHT HOOK" is chugging along, we recently recorded show #4. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keli_Carender">Keli Carender</a> is part of the crew!<br /><a href="http://www.alottatalk.com/PublicViewer.aspx?talkid=201&talktype=3" class="ot-anchor">http://www.alottatalk.com/PublicViewer.aspx?talkid=201&talktype=3</a><br /><br />Last but not least, I interviewed a good friend who spent years in the celebrity autograph business, some interesting stuff! <br /><a href="http://www.alottatalk.com/PublicViewer.aspx?talkid=197&talktype=3" class="ot-anchor">http://www.alottatalk.com/PublicViewer.aspx?talkid=197&talktype=3</a><br /><br />Come by and check it out! You don't have to sign in to read and listen to any Public post! If you do sign in, we ask for a minimal amount of information, and we respect your privacy.Greg Moonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407747867108054818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051480423351577186.post-56731732553633767272012-03-28T00:08:00.002-07:002012-03-28T00:12:31.824-07:00ALottaTalk.com introduces "Audio Talks"<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt">I have an exciting (but quick) update about my mini-blogging website ALottaTalk.com: <br /><br />I've just added a new type of talk, called an "Audio Talk". An Audio talk is like the regular talks, except you can upload an .mp3 file (up to 85 MB) as part of your Top Post! Now, you can upload your recorded thoughts about politics, sports, entertainment, music or your interview, round table discussion or your announced sporting event. Also, like our other talks, you can keep your audio talk private for only those you invite, or make it public (with either Limited or Open commenting) for the whole world to hear!<br /><br />Also, if you haven't seen it, there is a new mobile version of http://www.alottatalk.com - check it out from your smart phone!<br /><br />As always, let me know about any ideas you might have about http://www.alottatalk.com and how to make it better and easier to use.</span>Greg Moonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407747867108054818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051480423351577186.post-79397094900590429862012-01-09T21:23:00.001-08:002012-01-09T21:25:55.193-08:00Interview With Keli Carender!I interviewed Keli Carender on Saturday. Keli, if you recall, is the organizer of the first Tea Party protest in the nation (before it was even called the Tea Party) in February 2009.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.alottatalk.com/PublicViewer.aspx?talkid=156&talktype=3">Read it here, at my alottatalk.com website!</a>Greg Moonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407747867108054818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051480423351577186.post-1539033568484717832011-07-05T23:46:00.000-07:002011-07-05T23:50:31.809-07:00Introducting http://www.alottatalk.comMore later!<br /><br />In the meantime, check it out<br /><br /><a href="http://www.alottatalk.com">http://www.alottatalk.com</a>Greg Moonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407747867108054818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051480423351577186.post-59426978412351064682010-06-03T08:09:00.000-07:002010-06-03T08:17:12.844-07:00An Exchange With Tim Harris, of REAL CHANGE<strong>MY E-MAIL TO TIM HARRIS, DIRECTOR OF REAL CHANGE:<br /></strong><br />Dear Tim,<br /><br />I have been a patron of "Real Change" here in Seattle since 2001 or so until recently.<br /><br />I love the model of a homeless person doing a real job, and getting compensated in return. Hopefully, this is a first step for many of these folks getting back into "mainstream" society, and moving on to even better employment, and getting off the streets. Even if this doesn't happen very often, I still like the idea of a man or woman having dignified employment, rather than simply asking for money.<br /><br />Part of the reason I like the model, is I am a Conservative politically. Your model fits in well with my world view of helping persons to get back into the working world, and the idea of someone striving to improve one's lot in life.<br /><br />However, after recently reading a few articles recently laced with name-calling toward Conservatives (ie, "Teabaggers"), I have stopped buying the newspaper. It really saddens me, walking past folks out there trying to make an honest living, but I see the paper as hostile toward my point of view and I will no longer support it until civility and balance are restored.<br /><br />Is this possible? Can you ask your contributors to argue for their point of view, and not denigrate those with opposing views? Or, at the very minimum, refrain from name-calling? Can you find a Conservative advocate for the poor to contribute an article in each issue? (Conservatives tend to give more to charity, you know: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/03/conservatives_more_liberal_giv.html)<br /><br />I realize this is Liberal Seattle, but simply a more civil attitude from your contributors could win me back. I've been reading the paper for many years, despite it's Liberal bent. That doesn't bother me. The current lack of civility from your pages does bother me, and I can no longer financially support such a publication.<br /><br />Please win me back.<br /><br />Thanks for your consideration.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />Greg Moon<br />Seattle<br /><br /><br /><strong>TIM'S ENDEARING RESPONSE:</strong><br /><br />Hi Greg.<br /><br />We're a progressive community newspaper that fights for social change, and would no more have a conservative columnist than National Review would offer a column to Michael Moore. I wonder if you could offer any other examples of the name-calling you describe. "Teabaggers" is, after all, what one strain of reactionary populism dubs itself, and hardly constitutes a descent into incivility. Thanks for writing.<br /><br />Best, TimGreg Moonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407747867108054818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051480423351577186.post-83204181356023732612010-03-14T14:44:00.000-07:002010-03-14T14:48:31.789-07:00Letter to Congressman McDermott<a href="http://www.redstate.com/e_pluribus_unum/2010/03/12/if-you-try-the-slaughter-rule/">This "Slaughter" rule being proposed in the House of Representatives is truly frightening,</a> it threatens the foundation of our Republic.<br /><br />I wrote this to Representative McDermott expressing my concern:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Congressman McDermott,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I have been reading about this proposed "Slaughter" rule in the House that may be used to pass health care. Essentially, the House may "deem" the Senate health care bill to have been passed by the House, without an actual vote of the House on the Senate bill having taken place.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Everything I've read and listened to indicates to me that the use of this rule would be unconstitutional. A basic reading of Article I, section 7 reveals this to be true.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I strongly encourage you not to use any unconstitutional means to help pass health care. The future of our great democratic Republic depends on the preservation of the constitution, which you have swore to uphold and protect.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Thank you,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Greg </span>Greg Moonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407747867108054818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051480423351577186.post-16880291193635301382010-02-27T15:08:00.000-08:002010-02-28T09:15:28.214-08:00Seattle Tea Party - 1 Year On<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/S4mn5tcYAuI/AAAAAAAAAQk/CrlDsePoRkc/s1600-h/Feb2010TeaParty+012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/S4mn5tcYAuI/AAAAAAAAAQk/CrlDsePoRkc/s320/Feb2010TeaParty+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443066234546946786" border="0" /></a>UPDATE Feb 28: <a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2011212483_teaparty28m.html">Story in the Seattle Times. </a> Seems very fair. The estimated the crowd at 250.<br /><br />I attended my 5th Tea Party protest at noon today. Today's event was fairly low key and quiet, we had no formal speakers, but we did have, by my estimate, around 125 American Patriots willing to sacrifice a Saturday Afternoon in the rain to tell our fellow country men "We gotta stop this insane spending!". The crowd was largely older and white, but I did spot a few younger folks, and non-white folks. There were a few critics driving by in cars, but everything remained pretty cordial.<br /><br />Opposition to government mandated and run health care was a major theme.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/S4mmi1YgX4I/AAAAAAAAAQU/a9eFjDc1gA0/s1600-h/Feb2010TeaParty+002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/S4mmi1YgX4I/AAAAAAAAAQU/a9eFjDc1gA0/s320/Feb2010TeaParty+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443064742029582210" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />This young man is an Iraq war veteran, who is worried about the course his country is on.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/S4moKTfwAnI/AAAAAAAAAQs/_QX1Pf20Dko/s1600-h/Feb2010TeaParty+011.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/S4moKTfwAnI/AAAAAAAAAQs/_QX1Pf20Dko/s320/Feb2010TeaParty+011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443066519639556722" border="0" /></a><br /><br />People were very friendly and very polite.<br /><br />The man 2nd from the left is <a href="http://www.watkinsforcongress.com/">James Watkins</a>, who is running for Congress in the 1st District of Washington State.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/S4mm8ONevVI/AAAAAAAAAQc/NCqJI4ZWB_0/s1600-h/Feb2010TeaParty+014.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/S4mm8ONevVI/AAAAAAAAAQc/NCqJI4ZWB_0/s320/Feb2010TeaParty+014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443065178190953810" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Here's the sign I brought. Get it?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/S4mtx-CMHsI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/Dz5EWSRhVDc/s1600-h/Feb2010TeaParty+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/S4mtx-CMHsI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/Dz5EWSRhVDc/s320/Feb2010TeaParty+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443072698631331522" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />A shot of a small part of the crowd.Greg Moonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407747867108054818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051480423351577186.post-26628668812563202182010-02-03T11:35:00.000-08:002010-02-03T11:41:41.697-08:00Episode IX of Rain City Bunker Posted<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/S2nRO040ZUI/AAAAAAAAAQM/BOujLWPPM3g/s1600-h/bunker-logo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 258px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/S2nRO040ZUI/AAAAAAAAAQM/BOujLWPPM3g/s320/bunker-logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434104478044546370" border="0" /></a><br />Andy and I just posted <a href="http://www.raincitybunker.com/">Episode IX of our Rain City Bunker Podcast.</a><br /><br />We're actually kinda interesting, if I do say so myself! <br /><br />In this episode, we follow up on a previous discussion about the Large Hadron collider, talk about the "lung flute", a vaccination for cocaine addiction, lab-grown meat, an interesting development in using CO2 in place of petroleum, and alternative energy in general. Listen and let us know what you think!Greg Moonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407747867108054818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051480423351577186.post-44931469607555227392010-01-09T17:45:00.001-08:002010-01-09T18:48:22.704-08:00Wonder Years SongsHappy New Year, all!<br /><br />We all know that time of life when things starts changing significantly as a child. Called the "Wonder Years" by the old TV show. You're growing up, gaining a little independence. The Middle School/Junior High Years, roughly 6th through 8th grades. For me, the first big change was getting my first job, a paper route, in the spring of my 6th grade year. Then, having my first real "crush" around that time.<br /><br />I got the paper route, with several friends, we met daily at the neighborhood "Paper Shack" were we got our papers. There were some older kids there, too. We were looking forward to Junior High, and we asked the older kids what it was like. Then, the next big change, the Jr. High years (7th and 8th grades)- meeting a bunch of new people from all the different local elementary schools. Instead of one class a day with one teacher, all of sudden there were 6, and you got your own locker. Big changes, indeed!<br /><br />Anyhow, there are a bunch of songs that remind me of this time. I'm sure you have your own bunch, too! I had just started listening to popular music, and these songs all bring back strong memories of this time of life. <br /><br />Here's some of my favorites from the time, with links to the Youtube videos (yeah, some are bit corny!). <br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1lr_EULZS8">Supertramp, "The Logical Song"</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSJ27TgBvJE">The Buggles, "Video Killed the Radio Star"</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtGWVoLGAA8">Blondie, "Heart of Glass"</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2djcNjNkoJI">The Pretenders, "Brass in Pocket"</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1aU1wbFSTs">Tom Petty, "Don't Do Me Like That"</a> (My favorite from the time)<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExYsh1W22Wo">The Cars, "Lets Go"</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXmrMMYpQL4">Jefferson Starship, "Jane"</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mctBMLUQdsg">Foreigner, "Mind Games"</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TO8zj1KubQM">Little River Band, "Lady"</a> (Reminds me of the my hopeless first crush.. yes, the video is <span style="font-style: italic;">very</span> geeky!)<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh2TJ2DAy_o">Supertramp, "Breakfast in America"</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VUhoD3vM9Q">Pink Floyd, "Another Brick in the Wall"</a> (Played endlessly all year in the lunch room in 8th grade)<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bKwRW0l-Qk">Little River Band, "Cool Change"</a> (I sure needed "Cool Change"!)<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ur8ftRFb2Ac">Christopher Cross, "Ride Like the Wind"</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQeqmNbA2Hs">Christopher Cross, "Sailing"</a><br /><br />Yeah, no AC/DC... I wasn't into the harder rock as you might be able to tell from the selections!Greg Moonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407747867108054818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051480423351577186.post-89852295392121865652009-12-23T14:27:00.000-08:002009-12-23T14:55:45.769-08:00"Passion For Murder" Website Updated!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/SzKey8FGRiI/AAAAAAAAAQE/gRLjfWgm5qc/s1600-h/FreudProfiledSerialKiller.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/SzKey8FGRiI/AAAAAAAAAQE/gRLjfWgm5qc/s320/FreudProfiledSerialKiller.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418567899638285858" border="0" /></a>My Uncle Eric Miller and I have just completed a major update to our website, <a href="http://www.passionformurder.com">Passion For Murder</a>. <br /><br />Eric is working to complete a new book called, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Freud Profiled: Serial Killer (Type: Roman Emperor)</span><br /><br />I have read the first chapter, and I think this will be a fascinating, fun read. While very informative, it will be a little less academic than Eric's <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Passion for Murder.</span><br /><br />We have a 20+ page excerpt of the new book, available free of charge, available at the website right now. We expect to have the book finished and published in the Spring of 2010.<br /><br />As always, we'd like to hear any feedback from you (good, bad or ugly!). Thanks!Greg Moonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407747867108054818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051480423351577186.post-39403033702341391832009-11-26T11:19:00.000-08:002009-11-26T11:22:41.803-08:00Thanksgiving 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.roirevolution.com/blog/thanksgiving_blog_graphic.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 201px;" src="http://www.roirevolution.com/blog/thanksgiving_blog_graphic.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><p>Via <a href="http://gatewaypundit.firstthings.com/">Gateway Pundit</a>:</p><p>On October 3, 1789 President George Washington released <a href="http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/GW/gw004.html">this proclamation</a>:</p> <blockquote><p>By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.</p> <p>Whereas <strong>it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor–</strong> and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States <strong>a day of public thanksgiving and prayer</strong> to be observed by <strong>acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God </strong>especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.</p> <p>Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next <strong>to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be–</strong> That we may then all <strong>unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks-</strong>-for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation–for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war–for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed–for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted–for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.</p> <p>And also <strong>that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions–</strong> to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually–to render our national government <strong>a blessing to all the people</strong>, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed–to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord–<strong>To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue,</strong> and the encrease of science among them and us–and generally <strong>to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.</strong></p> <p>Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.</p></blockquote>Greg Moonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407747867108054818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051480423351577186.post-77568757823403591132009-10-19T16:35:00.001-07:002009-10-19T16:42:56.849-07:00Old Home Movie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/Stz35OQVzqI/AAAAAAAAAPs/PNGVudIKOf8/s1600-h/1925Picnic.bmp"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 215px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/Stz35OQVzqI/AAAAAAAAAPs/PNGVudIKOf8/s320/1925Picnic.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394459016134250146" border="0" /></a>I was home channel surfing when I came across <a href="http://www.seattlechannel.org/videos/video.asp?ID=4030721">this video on the Seattle Channel.</a><br /><br />It was a home movie someone made of the 1925 City of Seattle Streets and Sewers department company picnic held on August 15, 1925.<br /><br />I have an interest in old silent movies, and this one really grabbed me due to the insight into "normal" folks and life of this era (as opposed to what we see in the Hollywood movies of the time).<br /><br />It's 31 minutes long, I watched the whole thing. I hope you enjoy it, too!Greg Moonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407747867108054818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051480423351577186.post-59069497980688299152009-09-25T20:19:00.000-07:002009-09-25T20:27:10.302-07:00Post Pending Legislation Online![Sent this note to my Senators and Representative:]<br /><br />Dear Congressman McDermott,<br /><br />When President Obama was campaigning for office, he pledged to post all pending legislation on line. I am very disappointed that this pledge has not come to fruition. This article brought this issue to my attention: <a href="http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/beltway-confidential/Baucus-claims-its-too-difficult-to-put-health-care-bill-online-61246377.html">http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/beltway-confidential/Baucus-claims-its-too-difficult-to-put-health-care-bill-online-61246377.html </a><br /><br />Please work to post all pending legislation online. We have a government Of the people, for the people, by the people. How can we have that if we don't know what our representatives are voting on?<br /><br />Thank you,<br />Greg Moon<br />SeattleGreg Moonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407747867108054818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051480423351577186.post-82402516594960432072009-09-12T10:29:00.000-07:002009-09-14T13:45:35.724-07:00September 12, 2009 D.C. Tea Party<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/SqvcEtYSE3I/AAAAAAAAAPc/VmjPDzGZ8pI/s1600-h/dcteaparty0912mkhsm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/SqvcEtYSE3I/AAAAAAAAAPc/VmjPDzGZ8pI/s320/dcteaparty0912mkhsm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380636153283220338" border="0" /></a>I'm very proud to have attended what seems to have been <a href="http://moonblogging.blogspot.com/2009/02/dissent-is-patriotic.html">the first "Tea Party" in Seattle on February 16, 2009.</a><br /><br />The movement has continued pretty continuously since. <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2009-09-11-tax-rally_N.htm">Today, it seems at least 10s of thousands or perhaps 100s of thousands and maybe even up to a million</a> mainly ORDINARY Americans have descended on Washington DC to show their disagreement with the Federal Government's HUGE deficits and new, increased spending.<br /><br />This is a wonderful freedom we enjoy, the right to gather, protest, and speak, whatever the issue.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Update 11:22 AM</span><br /><a href="http://michellemalkin.com/2009/09/12/celebrating-the-912-rallies/">Crowd estimated to be 2,000,000!!</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Update 9/14/2009</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> #1</span><br />Crowd estimates vary, still. Ranges from 200,000 to 2,000,000, most likely around 400,000.<br />Still, a HUGE crowd. If it had been for a different cause, say anti-war, it would have gotten a lot more coverage, I think.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Update 9/14/2009 #2</span><br />I'm a numbers and statistics geek. <a href="http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/how-big-was-the-crowd/2/">A seemingly smart person says 850,000</a><br /><br /><br />Photo by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Katharine_Ham">Mary Katherine Ham</a>, via <a href="http://pajamasmedia.com/instapundit/">Instapundit</a>.Greg Moonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407747867108054818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051480423351577186.post-38158426749563786272009-08-25T12:11:00.000-07:002009-08-25T12:23:12.153-07:00Home From CaliforniaI had a great road trip to California! I stayed the first night in a motel in Yreka, CA. The next morning, I continued on to Cupertino to visit my good friends the Uminos. It was a brief visit, but it is always good to see them! I then drove the rest of the way to San Diego, I arrived around 10:00 PM at my Uncle Butch's.<br /><br />On Sunday evening, I attended the 50th wedding anniversary of my Aunt Joyce and Uncle Maurice. It was a wonderful party at a nice Italian restaurant in San Diego.<br /><br />The rest of my stay included fun, humorous and spirited discussions with Uncle Butch, visiting with Cousins Eric, Susan and Rhonda, visiting Uncle Dick and Aunt Joyce.<br /><br />I stopped in Portland yesterday evening on the way home to see a very good old friend, Dennis. We had dinner and a drink together in Beaverton, OR. I got home last night after stopping to pick up my retriever Midas at my brother's in North Bend. I had a great time, but it's also good to be home!<br /><br />I'll post some pics later.Greg Moonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407747867108054818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051480423351577186.post-49589422114500015402009-08-13T23:25:00.000-07:002009-08-13T23:33:48.328-07:00"Funemployment" & Heading To CaliforniaMy 4 month contract through Excell Data just finished yesterday. I worked with some very bright and funny folks at the job site at IOD. We wrote a lot of great VB.NET code, had a lot of laughs and yes, had a few vigorous political debates. Contracting life is funny- you go somewhere, meet some folks, write some code, then you're gone, and you don't know what's next. Strange, but fun. <br /><br />The end of the project is at a good time, I've been invited to attend an important family event in Southern California on Sunday. I've decided to drive down (due to the last minute nature of the invite, and the high car-rental costs in So Cal).<br /><br />I'll hang out down there for a week or so, visiting family and hopefully a few friends along the way. Kinda like a mini version of my grand USA trip last year!<br />-GregGreg Moonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407747867108054818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051480423351577186.post-61659981802238982932009-07-16T23:21:00.000-07:002009-07-16T23:24:20.871-07:00Health Care DebateI had this exchange on an email thread I've been on since 2004 or so re: Nationalized Health Care:<br /><br />****************************************************************************<br /><br /><i>(My friend Larry said): the free market has proven that it cannot run health care.<br /><br /></i>(Me): You're kidding right? What we need is a FREER market. As it stands, 82% of all Americans have health coverage. I know of NOBODY who has ever gone untreated in this country (with one exception, and that guy was running from the law...). When I was between contracts last year, I CHOOSE NOT TO HAVE coverage for 7 months. Dumb? Maybe. But, a lot of college age kids and young adults CHOOSE not to get coverage. Not a tragedy.<br /><br />Did I tell you about my friend Dave?<br /><br />My friend Dave had virtually NO assets, and when he got sick with heart disease and cancer, the government covered him COMPLETELY. The government took care of ALL his hospital bills from 1999 until he died (AS WE ALL WILL) in 2003. The Government covered his housing for a couple years at the end, too. The worst part of the story was the horrific government bureaucracy he had to deal with. He HATED that part. He sank endless hours filling out paper work as he suffered horribly and was on the way to his grave.<br /><br />I feel bad for Eric's story of the high cost of his ER visit. However, when I got in a car wreck, I had to pay $500 to repair the car. My body is a lot more important to me than my car- I'm willing to pay to keep it (my body) going.<br /><br />That bottom line is: "What is important to you?" Upholding the constitution and it's guarantees of freedom or a bunch of free goodies?<br /><br />I'll throw out the quote I've heard from leftist friends re: Bush's wiretapping program:<br /><br /><b><i>'Those who would sacrifice freedom for security deserve neither' </i>- Benjamin Franklin<br /></b><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://rlv.zcache.com/those_who_would_sacrifice_liberty_for_security_tshirt-p235024249811852074352j_400.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://rlv.zcache.com/those_who_would_sacrifice_liberty_for_security_tshirt-p235024249811852074352j_400.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><b><br /></b>Greg Moonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407747867108054818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051480423351577186.post-39161077267457457122009-06-27T13:50:00.000-07:002009-06-27T14:02:06.115-07:00100 Year Annivesary of the Model T<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/SkaHwCcpqcI/AAAAAAAAAPM/nMEoMes7Bck/s1600-h/ModelT15Mil.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 201px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/SkaHwCcpqcI/AAAAAAAAAPM/nMEoMes7Bck/s320/ModelT15Mil.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352114466536925634" border="0" /></a>Most of you know who know me, know that I love history. This little video was really fascinating to me, a brief history of the Model T (1909 to 1928). Almost 15 1/2 million were built! Consider the time, the early 20th century, and your realize that is a HUGE number!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jn_oHgR1lg">Watch the Video Here!</a>Greg Moonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407747867108054818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051480423351577186.post-48169501606650301832009-06-18T00:07:00.000-07:002009-06-18T00:09:00.778-07:00This Time, Senator Cantwell<span style="font-style: italic;">I've almost become an activist!</span><br /><br />Dear Senator Cantwell,<br /><br />I'm very concerned about the story of fired AmeriCorps inspector general Gerald Walpin. I watched him being interviewed this evening on cable television, and he certainly seems like a competent man. This is a very important story, the executive branch may have broken the law by firing him without good reason and without the required 30 day notice.<br /><br />Even if this firing was legal, it looks suspicious when the President fires someone investigating wrong-doing of a major supporter/contributor.<br /><br />An opinion I share on this issue:<br />http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/beltway-confidential/Fired-AmeriCorps-IG-responds-White-House-charges-are-false-48257187.html<br /><br />The rule of law is essential in our Constitutional Republic, and no one, even the President, is above the law.<br /><br />Thank you,<br />Greg Moon<br />SeattleGreg Moonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407747867108054818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051480423351577186.post-25094226793308918192009-06-17T22:23:00.001-07:002009-06-17T22:44:58.569-07:00Price Reduced for "Passion For Murder"!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/SjnURZpxr0I/AAAAAAAAAPE/PxmXY1Bn8Cg/s1600-h/PFMCover.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 286px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/SjnURZpxr0I/AAAAAAAAAPE/PxmXY1Bn8Cg/s320/PFMCover.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348539427888148290" border="0" /></a><br />We've reduced the price of <span style="font-style: italic;">Passion for murder - The Homicidal Deeds of Dr. Sigmund Freud</span> to <a href="https://www.lulu.com/commerce/index.php?fBuyContent=3465299">$14.95!</a> Also, we are selling the electronic version of the book for just <a href="https://www.lulu.com/commerce/index.php?fBuyContent=3465299">$7.95</a>.<br /><br />As always, Eric Miller provides scads of free essays at the <a href="http://www.passionformurder.com/">Passion for Muder Website!</a><br /><br />The alleged killer:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/SjnT-3lFozI/AAAAAAAAAO8/ILpwFAQzmX4/s1600-h/Freud.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/SjnT-3lFozI/AAAAAAAAAO8/ILpwFAQzmX4/s320/Freud.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348539109504033586" border="0" /></a>Greg Moonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407747867108054818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051480423351577186.post-49400999718636290972009-06-10T23:49:00.000-07:002009-06-10T23:52:11.516-07:00Yet Another Letter to Senator MurrayMaybe I'm too concerned, but I just have a bad vibe about the direction of our country. I hope I'm wrong. In any event, I felt compelled to <a href="http://murray.senate.gov/email/">write Senator Murray</a> again.<br /><br />Here it is:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Dear Senator Murray,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I am writing to express strong concern about the current state of the nation.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Why is the federal government assuming control of our major banks and automobile companies? Why is the federal government considering seizing control of our health care industry?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Why is the federal government going to have a $1.8 trillion deficit THIS YEAR?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I've read several books about the great people who laid out the foundation of our great nation. Adams, Washington, Jefferson & Madison all envisioned a small central government with a careful balance of the various branches of power, and freedom for all. Are we living faithfully to the founding vision of the United States? I'm sad to say, I think not.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I and many of my friends and acquaintances are becoming increasingly alarmed at the rapid expansion of federal power in general, and the executive branch in particular.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Please work hard to preserve our great CONSTITUTIONAL Republic, and the freedoms we enjoy. Please work hard to preserve the vital role of the legislative branch of the government. YOU make our laws!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Thank you for your consideration,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Greg Moon</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Seattle</span>Greg Moonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407747867108054818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051480423351577186.post-87993674983870206752009-05-26T22:32:00.001-07:002009-05-26T22:37:45.050-07:00New Podcast Up<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/ShzQkToE_lI/AAAAAAAAAOc/a1BLndMIkLA/s1600-h/bunker.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 168px; height: 210px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/ShzQkToE_lI/AAAAAAAAAOc/a1BLndMIkLA/s320/bunker.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340372580316806738" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.raincitybunker.com/">Our 4th episode is up!</a> 1st Show in a month. We recorded on Sunday 5/24.<br /><br />Topics include:<br /><br />* Montauk Monster Follow Up<br />* Bill Gates Releases Mosquitos at a Conference<br />* "Biohackers"<br />* Australian SETI Team Finds Possible Sign of Intelligence<br />* "Urban Phantom" Visits Seattle<br />* The Funny Stuff That Shows Up on Greg's StreetGreg Moonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407747867108054818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051480423351577186.post-54639418422441589342009-05-06T22:25:00.000-07:002009-05-09T12:14:49.494-07:00Another Letter To Senator MurrayDear Senator Murray,<br /><br />I want to thank you for responding each time I've written. I've heard of other politicians who don't, so the effort you and your staff put forth to respond is commendable. Frankly, however, it is sad that other politicians don't know who really is their boss, the People of their State and district.<br /><br />I want to once again express my concern about the rapidly growing deficit and the growing power and scope of the Federal Government.<br /><br />I've read several books about our founding fathers, including John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Samuel Adams. What I've come away with from each is their love of personal freedoms and their concern about the power of centralized government. A favorite saying from Thomas Jefferson:<br /><br />"I am not a friend to a very energetic government. It is always oppressive. "<br /><br />The congress and the Obama administration seem to be increasing the size, scope and power of the Federal Government at an alarming rate, with an estimated $1,750,000,000,000 (White House est.) to $1,850,000,000,000 (CBO estimate) deficit this year alone.<br /><br />I pray that you are mindful of these proceedings and work to limit the size and power of the Federal Government, as our Founding Fathers envisioned and hoped.<br /><br />Thank you,<br />Greg Moon<br />Seattle<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">UPDATE: </span>The Senator's Office Reply (5/7/2009):<br /><br /><span class="Normal-H"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Dear </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mr. Moon</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">:</span></span> <p class="Normal-P" style=""><span class="Normal-H"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Thank you so much for taking the time to contact my office and share your kind words of support. I am very proud to represent Washington state in the Senate, and your encouragement means so much to me.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />My work in the Senate is focused on people, and nothing is more important to me than receiving advice and comments from the people of Washington state. I hope you will continue to stay in touch on matters of interest to you, and that you will not hesitate to call on me whenever I may be of assistance.</span></span></p> <p class="Normal-P" style=""><span class="Normal-H"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I would also like to t</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">hank you for </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">your concerns regarding </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">government spending</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> and the scope of the federal government</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">. I appreciate hearing your </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">views</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> about this important issue. </span></span></p> <p class="Normal-P" style=""><span class="Normal-H"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As you know, the American economy </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">is suffering from the worst recession since the Great Depression</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Millions </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">of people have lost their jobs, thousands of families have lost their homes to foreclosure, and many Americans are struggling to afford basic necessities like food and housing. The federal government has responded by </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">passing </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">stimulus </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">legislation designed to relieve</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">pressure on working families </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">and</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> help</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">put </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Americans back to work. </span></span></p> <p class="Normal-P" style=""><span class="Normal-H"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In February, Congress passed</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> H.R. 1, the America</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">n Recovery and Reinvestment Act </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">which funds</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> numerous p</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">rograms aimed at </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">creating jobs</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> and helping working families</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> during this recession</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This bill reinvests</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> in our nation's infrastructure</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, extend</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">s</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> unem</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ployment insurance for laid-</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">off workers and </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">provides </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">tax cuts to families and busine</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">sses</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> struggling to make ends meet</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">. A</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ddition</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ally</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">H.R. 1</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">focuse</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">s</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> on</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">making strategic investments in our economy by funding alternative energy research and development, workforce training, and education. These investments will help lay the foundation for a stronger economy and workforce in the future.</span></span></p> <p class="Normal-P" style=""><span class="Normal-H"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The cost of these programs is significant, and I understand</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> and share</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> your concerns about our national debt and how the federal go</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">vernment uses your</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> tax dollars. During th</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">is </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">unique and</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">very </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">difficult </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">time</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, I beli</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">eve that these investments are</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> needed</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">to </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">mitigate the economic recession and put </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Americans </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">back to work</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If we do not</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> make these strategic investments, many economists have made it clear our economy will continue to slide further and further into recession.</span></span></p> <p class="Normal-P" style=""><span class="Normal-H"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Lifting our economy out of this recession and helping Americans get back to work are my top priorities. As a United States Senator, I also remain committed to balancing our budget and reducing the national debt. However, I recognize that if we do not make these investments now we may never be able to get our economy going again </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">and</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> focus in on achieving a balanced budget and reduc</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ing our</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> national debt.</span></span></p> <p class="Normal-P" style=""><span class="Normal-H"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As the 111</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: smaller;">th</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Congress </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">continues,</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> I will continue to work with my Senate colleagues and the Obama Administration to address th</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">is</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> economic crisis</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> and make prudent investments to </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">get our economy back on stable ground</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As this and other issues are addresse</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">d</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, I will definitely keep your views</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> on government spending</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> in mind. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Thank you for sharing your views with me, and please do not hesitate to contact me in the future. </span></span></p> <p class="Normal-P" style=""><span class="Normal-H"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I hope all is well in Seattle.</span></span></p>Greg Moonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407747867108054818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051480423351577186.post-73278144258641077042009-04-25T18:54:00.000-07:002009-04-25T22:17:01.725-07:00Seattle Tea Party, 4/15/2009Sorry I'm a little tardy with this post, I'm a workin' man again, you know!<br /><br />I estimated the crowd at the Seattle Tea Party at about 1,600. <a href="http://moonblogging.blogspot.com/2009/02/dissent-is-patriotic.html">A lot more than the 2/16/09 protest, where I estimated the crowd at 150 or so!<br /></a><br />Some pics:<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/SfO_3oh5OJI/AAAAAAAAAN0/tbT31uHR7GQ/s1600-h/April2009+025.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328813746602719378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/SfO_3oh5OJI/AAAAAAAAAN0/tbT31uHR7GQ/s320/April2009+025.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Amen!<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />*****************************************<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/SfPAXHN3GtI/AAAAAAAAAOE/h2UAH3oy1NI/s1600-h/April2009+022.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328814287416138450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/SfPAXHN3GtI/AAAAAAAAAOE/h2UAH3oy1NI/s320/April2009+022.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br />Didn't we hire our representatives to <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">thoughtfully</span> make laws??<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />*****************************************<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/SfPAEqzPrpI/AAAAAAAAAN8/XJ-ocWVWQ3g/s1600-h/April2009+027.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328813970550664850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/SfPAEqzPrpI/AAAAAAAAAN8/XJ-ocWVWQ3g/s320/April2009+027.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Our master-of-ceremony, <a href="http://www.redistributingknowledge.blogspot.com/">Liberty Belle!</a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />****************************************<br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/SfPB2lAc84I/AAAAAAAAAOM/Oek2sVHuKts/s1600-h/April2009+021.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328815927500534658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/SfPB2lAc84I/AAAAAAAAAOM/Oek2sVHuKts/s320/April2009+021.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Another "Amen!"<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />****************************************<br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/SfO_WXjbz1I/AAAAAAAAANk/HsZtPglTF58/s1600-h/April2009+024.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328813175110094674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/SfO_WXjbz1I/AAAAAAAAANk/HsZtPglTF58/s320/April2009+024.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">No more to say.</div>Greg Moonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407747867108054818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051480423351577186.post-36178357311045680082009-04-18T11:17:00.000-07:002009-04-18T11:45:55.912-07:00Bellevue "Tea Party" 4/15/2009I attended 2 TEA ("Taxed Enough Already") parties on April 15, 2009. I'll post about the evening Seattle TEA party in a day or two.<br /><br />There were 2 TEA parties in Bellevue, WA, one at Noon, and the other at 5:00 PM or so. I attended the noon protest, since my new contract is near downtown Bellevue. I estimated the crowd at 1,000 to 1,300. A buddy I met at the scene estimated the crowd at 600. I'm not an expert, but I am an engineer who loves numbers and statistics, I'm fairly confident with my estimate.<br /><br />Both estimates are way higher than the <a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009058852_webrally15m.html">Seattle Times estimate of 200!</a> They said:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Under sunny skies in Bellevue, more than 200 people gathered in a grassy park adjacent to city hall over the lunch hour, protesting government spending and taxes."<br /><br /></span>They were either intentionally misleading or very lazy in their estimate. Shame on them.<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span>Here's a few pics from the protest.<br /><br />Just a picture of part of the crowd:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/SeobMUqZ07I/AAAAAAAAANU/uRdyyzvfC04/s1600-h/BellevueTP+007.jpg"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/SeobU79XewI/AAAAAAAAANc/MhS1_K335wY/s1600-h/BellevueTP+011.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/SeobU79XewI/AAAAAAAAANc/MhS1_K335wY/s320/BellevueTP+011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326099555825449730" border="0" /></a><br />A popular message at the gathering:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/SeobIbIIiOI/AAAAAAAAANM/GNpW9i5al6A/s1600-h/BellevueTP+008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/SeobIbIIiOI/AAAAAAAAANM/GNpW9i5al6A/s320/BellevueTP+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326099340853807330" border="0" /></a><br />I've seen this partiotic flag guy in downtown Seattle a few times, too:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/SeobElCUXRI/AAAAAAAAANE/DCMwYas3QxI/s1600-h/BellevueTP+006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/SeobElCUXRI/AAAAAAAAANE/DCMwYas3QxI/s320/BellevueTP+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326099274794294546" border="0" /></a><br />Awesome! "Legalize the Constitution"!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/Seoa_guCXlI/AAAAAAAAAM8/gda_HjJCRBQ/s1600-h/BellevueTP+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/Seoa_guCXlI/AAAAAAAAAM8/gda_HjJCRBQ/s320/BellevueTP+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326099187736141394" border="0" /></a><br />Two like-minded buddies with placards I provided.<br />"The Founding Fathers Wanted LIMITED GOVERNMENT" &<br />"WE LOVE AMERICA It's Big Government We Hate!!"<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/Seoa7FsFaVI/AAAAAAAAAM0/fMnENXPM9Wk/s1600-h/BellevueTP+002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/Seoa7FsFaVI/AAAAAAAAAM0/fMnENXPM9Wk/s320/BellevueTP+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326099111760718162" border="0" /></a><br />Funniest message of the day:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/Seoaz5qHTGI/AAAAAAAAAMs/Ux-xEdYllvc/s1600-h/BellevueTP+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qzVFSNUtJVc/Seoaz5qHTGI/AAAAAAAAAMs/Ux-xEdYllvc/s320/BellevueTP+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326098988272143458" border="0" /></a>Greg Moonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03407747867108054818noreply@blogger.com0