Apple vs. Windows. Business vs. Government

I can't think, "Apple".  I bought an ipad2 last spring to travel with and I have finally admitted I don't get it.  I have learned that I am more comfortable with a Windows based operating system, so I went and bought a small, lap top PC to travel with.

I gave the ipad2 to my son.  He's thrilled with it.  He's used it more in the last week than I did in six months.  He's a smart boy.

My inability to change and adapt leads me to go to Best Buy every six months and drop a thousand dollars.  I know this makes me the weakest link in the evolutionary chain, but I've already reproduced, so I guess it's OK.

What I've noticed lately, after working in state government for more than 20 years, is that Republicans can't think, "Government".  They are only comfortable with a business based operating system.

We have to come to an agreement on why we WANT a government for this to work out, though.  And I'm not sure they are on the same page as the rest of us.  My feeling is that we want GOVERNMENT to do for ALL of us, what we can't do for ourselves.

This would be providing clean water, sewer systems, good roads, the military, police and fire protection, making sure our food is safe, our air is clean and our water is potable, and we have prisons where we lock up people we don't want to continue to victimize us.

I'm pretty sure that most folks like the Post Office being there, even if they bitch about the cost of sending a bill (no one sends letters anymore, do they?).  I'm sure that you appreciate the FAA inspecting the planes we fly on, even if you hate the hassle of the TSA when you fly.

I like the air being cleaner than it was when I was a kid and the rivers not catching on fire, like they did before Nixon created the EPA.

And in every other industrialized nation in the world, Government provides health care to it's citizens.  Not boob jobs, nose jobs, or braces for you teeth.  But everything you would need to stay alive.  If you want to look better?  That's on you.

But Republicans think Government should be run like a business.  I guess, you could equate citizen, tax payers, to, "stock holders" but it's really a stretch.  Stock holders expect a profit.  Tax payers should expect good service without waste and corruption and the best price possible.  But you gotta know, the services Government provides for you are going to cost you.

And as for best price possible?  I spent many years fighting crime in a, "bullet resistant vest" bought from the lowest bidder.  Thanks.  Thanks a lot.

You pay taxes for good roads, and water systems.  As well as a fee for the water you use every month.

In a business model, you would pay a toll on every road you use.  Every day.

Government is a, "Loss Leader".  Like buffet's used to be in Las Vegas.  They would lose money on the cheap food to get you into the casino, and then hope to take your money at the tables.

Government COSTS money!  And you will never be able to make it cost nothing.

In a business model, the Fire Department Inc., subdivision, Paramedic, would be told that they only have 500 gauze bandages to use this year.  And once they have used them, they need to quit treating people who are bleeding.  Because it would cut into profits for our stock holders.

In a business model, Public Employees LLC would be told that they can promise lifetime health insurance to get people to sign on to do shitty jobs, but just as they got close to using the benefit at retirement?  They could change the rules and take it away from the employees.  Because it saves the stock holders money.  Hell it worked for Sears for YEARS!  In the 60's and 70's they found lots of ways to fire people who were about to get a pension and retirement.  Happened to a neighbor of mine.

In a business model, every time you needed to call the Police, no matter how dire the situation, you would be asked, by the dispatcher, for your credit card number to make sure you could pay for the service, before the Cops were sent to you.  Hey, no deadbeats get service from, Public Protection Corporation.  We have an obligation to our stock holders!

In a business model, you want to see Yellowstone Park?  How many shares do you own?  Because the guys who own the most get first shot at coming in.  You only own a few shares?  Put in a request for taking a cancellation from someone who owns more shares in, The National Park Corporation  than you.

And Republicans seem to think this is the best way to run a country!  WTF?  Do you really want this?  Do you really want the guys in charge that will keep the flowers out of the islands on State Street here in Murray because it would save a few bucks?  If you do, move to some ugly city like, Layton.  I don't want to live there.

And I don't want to live in a country where rich guys want to save every penny in taxes even if it means no one is looking out for my air and water quality, the health of my food, or the safety of my airplane.  And I sure as hell don't want to live in someplace without Police and Fire protection.

Business has proven time and time again, that left to it's own devices, it will NOT REGULATE ITSELF!  Check the article in today's Tribune where executives of a drug company went to prison for killing three people in an unauthorized, "drug test" of some bone glue that they hoped to get in the market without the FDA having to get involved.

And check your retirement account since 2008 when Bush drove the country into a ditch.

Government costs money.  And you get your money's worth out of it if you vote every time you can, and read newspapers, and pay attention before you do.

Government is NOT a business!   And it can't be run the same way.  It's a different animal, completely.  And if you try to Republicanize Government, it won't work at all.

You do what the Teabaggers want to do you better own a big drill and a backhoe.  Because you're going to have to drill for your own water and put in a septic tank.

Oh, and get a generator if you live in Murray.  Because right now you enjoy the uninterrupted (for the MOST part) service of, "The People's Republic Of Murray's Power Company" , you socialist, anti-capitalism son of a bitch!  And you should go back to Cuba!

I've been to Cuba.  You think Murray City Power isn't as good as you want it?  Try keeping the card that turns on your power to your house on your key ring so it's only on when you're in the house, then tell me how much you hate, "Socialism".