Cost and Rewards of Mistakes

A mistake is an action that yields a reward but incurs a cost. If we learn from the cost, the reward is multiplied.

Parents’ Bill Of Rights

Politicians in several states and at the federal level have been enacting “Parents’ Bill Of Rights” legislation. In most cases, these laws restrict the books and courses that are available to students, restrict what can be taught and even discussed in classrooms - in some cases, even menstruation cannot be mentioned even to high school students - and they make it easier to fire teachers and administrators.

This is unfortunate in too many ways to discuss, but it is also a missed opportunity. Here is an ideal for a Parents’ Bill Of Rights that could actually have a positive impact, and I would like to see if enacted at the national level.

“Every measure will be taken to keep students safe from gun violence in and around schools. To that end, universal background checks and waiting periods will be required for all firearm purchases. Red flag laws will facilitate identification of people with a history of violent or threatening behavior, including domestic abuse and violent social media posts. No person on a red flag list can purchase a firearm for a period of not less than seven years from the latest incident.

Insecure gun storage will be charged as a felony. Assault weapons will be reclassified and will require special permitting and insurance for purchase, including a minimum age requirement of 25 years.

Keeping students safe from violence is a solemn responsibility, and we commit to doing everything possible to achieve and maintain safe environments for learning.”

Natural Disaster Response

When tornados devastated Mississippi, President Biden immediately called the state’s Republican Governor and two Republican Senators and offered any and all help that the federal government could provide. Biden made a “major disaster” declaration and ordered Federal aid to the area.

When wildfires ripped through drought-stricken California, President Trump blamed it on untidy forests. “I see again the forest fires are starting. They’re starting again in California. I said, you gotta clean your floors, you gotta clean your forests - there are many, many years of leaves and broken trees and they’re like, so flammable, you touch them and it goes up. Maybe we’re just going to have to make them pay for it because they don’t listen to us.”

More Jokes - March 2023

I once dated a yoga instructor with anger issues. She introduced me to tantrum sex.

A boat full of pigs was taking on water. It was all hams on deck.

I used to believe in the merit system, i.e. if you work hard and do a good job, you’ll be rewarded accordingly. Now, I believe in the ferret system. The people who get to the top are weasels.

Welfare State

East Palestine, Ohio - Who’s going to pay for the cleanup?

Jackson, Mississippi - Who’s going to pay to fix the water system?

Flint, Michigan - Who’s going to pay to replace the lead pipes?

Child Tax Credit - Too expensive. Don’t just give away free money.

SNAP Benefits - Too expensive. If they want food, they’ll have to work for it.

Silicon Valley Bank - Bail them out! We can’t let the financial system crash!

Jokes - March 2023

A man sought treatment for his neurotic obsession with Bucharest. He was diagnosed with Romania mania.

A lady divorced her impotent husband amicably. There were no hard feelings between them.

A guy spilled a tangy, red condiment on the daily paper. He was trying to ketchup on the news.

International Women’s Day 2023

I would like to wish everyone a Happy International Women’s Day, but the ugly truth is that women’s rights are being taken away around the world and here in the US as well.

Oppression benefits no one, not even the misguided oppressors. It puts all of humanity in a weaker and more dismal position.

Strong, free women build strong communities, strong families, prosperous businesses, and a better world for everyone.

Support women’s rights. Oppose their oppressors. Speak out against inequality. Do everything in your power to stand up for women and girls.

What Matters

The US averages two mass shootings per day, three train derailments per week, and ranks 50th in infant mortality (for context, Cuba and Russia rank 39 and 40), but at least Republicans are helping out by keeping trans kids off of the volleyball team.