BUYING RESPECT

Advertisements. I have been noticing certain advertisements of late. (Note: I started writing this in 2003. Perhaps I will finish it in 2005 and keep my New Year's resolution). Maybe you have have noticed them also. The self-promoting ones of certain professions or agencies. They must be worried about their image. They should be, especially if we have any real men and real women left. Do we?

". . . all the respect which that profession in fact enjoys and which the speeches and the advertisements cannot maintain." C. S. Lewis' words from "The Inner Ring." (See The Road to Scoundrelism . . .). So, why do they try? I would assert because they haven't figured that out either. They are ignorant (in the most profound sense of that word). They just want to be in charge and in control. They still think they are our best hope. They are blind to what they are and what they have done.

The first radio spot I would submit was one sponsored by the architects. (Now in 2005, I have learned that pressure has been brought on the architects, and they realize that they are in trouble. See The Vancouver Sun "Shines" Its Readers). The aforementioned radio spot spouts some junk about what contributors to society they are and how the new wing at the hospital was designed by an architect. I have no respect for architects anymore. I recall the days when architects gave us grand buildings and promoted space, light, and fresh air. Now, they take away space (here, have a cubical), require artificial light for heating, and take away our air. It is no wonder they are expanding hospitals.

The advetisement I really love though is the one by our State Attorney General's office where they want to be "our partner in protection!" Why is the first thing that pops into my mind a condom? Just whom have they protected? Really? Before you answer, exclude those who have inflicted injury on themselves through their own life decisions such as smokers. This is more laughable in the context of what appears to be going on at the moment which is the decision to release many in prison because we cannot afford to keep them there anymore. Also, many communities are struggling against attempts to locate sex-offender facilities in their midst. "Our partner in protection, - - - right! The life-blood for this monster is the endless court appearances. If no ones passes "Go," no lawyer or judge or bailiff or courtreporter gets $200. The Drug War and the War on Violence are failures, and they are frauds. You don't wound a tumor and expect it to go away. Is there anyone who believes otherwise? Didn't we know that before we started? What we have is a prescription for continued disaster. Who peddled these nostrums? Snake oil! (Note: More 2005 hindsight - - - Our "partner in protection" is now our governor. One can hope this is only temporary until a new election is ordered. Seems our "partner in protection" did not protect us from the cheating that got her into the governor's chair).

And, in seemingly unrelated news, I have learned that insurance companies have been excluding mold coverage in homeowners' policies. They didn't need to have such a clause before because (1) mold was not a problem until we were forced to seal our homes, and (2) insurance used to be for "Acts of God," sudden or acute happenings that could not be forseen. Now insurance is just a pool of money for anything bad that happens or anything the whiners want. Case in point, birth control drugs and devices.

Have you been following the events in medical insurance? I try not to, but some items leak through my protective shield (no, it is not blue, but it does tend to make me blue and, no, it is not a full-body-condom). What does health insurance cost, $300 on up per month? Why doesn't anyone look at this as "tribute" extracted by those in control? But, I digress. The item that jumped out at me was the list of conditions that cause one to be placed into a higher risk category. Specifically, those with nose polyps. Really? Is this new? I would expect heart problems, diabetes, smoking, and all the usual troubles. But, nose polyps? Have you even heard of nose polyps? Is this one of those things that is on the upswing like mold? Something that didn't used to be there? A gift from those who have sealed our buildings and changed emissions? I have maintained for some time now that carbon dioxide, CO₂, attacks or dries up mucous that protects our respiratory system which includes the nose, of course. Is there a connection with polyps? (Several years ago, when I explained to a friend that CO₂ dried up mucous, he made me aware that saline nasal spray was available at drug stores. I have watched that expand. Now, there are not only the usual small bottles but bigger ones as well).

While I am at it, let me tell you that I have been noticing something more and more frequently. I have noticed the odor of sulfur dioxide, SO₂ as I drive up hills, especially hills on the two-lane where there is an added third passing lane. As the accelerator is depressed to get around the slower moving traffic, the sulfur in the gas gets burned more rapidly. Think what that is doing to your nose - - - or those with polyps. What does SO₂ make in the presence of moisture - - - in the presence of moisture in the air or in your nose? And, what does a higher local level of CO₂ do? Would you put carbonic acid in your nose?

Come now another radio spot ad from Nebraska and Senator Ben Something-or-Other (not on a white horse) with the ethanol monster again to give us the clean air lie and less dependence on foreign oil ruse. We managed to drive them out of Washington once. Looks like we will have to again. What's his slogan, "ethanol across America" or "ethanol over America?" How dare he/they! eUthanol is more like it. Is formaldehyde a product of its combustion? I am almost willing to go along. When all that grain is fermenting in Nebraska, it will give off CO₂. Let them choke on it!

". . . all the respect which that profession in fact enjoys and which the speeches and the advertisements cannot maintain." Right.

Copyright © 2005, Donald L. Beeman. All rights reserved.

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