The War on the Poor

This isn't funny anymore. They really mean it.
Of course, shaming the poor isn't new, it's part of our culture. But the GOP hasn't stopped this campaign against social programs since the 80s and is ramping it up by passing laws in individual states, state by state. Their forerunning candidates have all legislated and spoken toward eliminating "social safety nets" including Social Security.

http://www.thenation.com/blog/165250/ongoing-republican-plan-shame-poor

Romney "isn't concerned about the very poor."
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/03/opinion/krugman-romney-isnt-concerned.html?_r=1

This is a good summation of how the Repos became the party of and for the rich:
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/how-the-gop-became-the-party-of-the-rich-20111109

Poor Republicans say their party doesn't help the poor enough (why are they still voting for them then?)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/02/mitt-romney-poor-people_n_1250208.html?ref=mostpopular

Pennsylvania is adding restrictions to Food Stamp recipients:
http://www.citypaper.net/blogs/nakedcity/PA-declares-war-on-food-stamps.html


The Daily Show did a fabulous job on the FL law to force Welfare recipients to take drug tests- but the politicians won't pee in a cup:
http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/thu-february-2-2012-david-agus

Oh What a Relief It Is

Hallelujah for a tummy that bounces back as soon as you give it veggies! Who knew that a basic bodily function - such as Susan pointed out in a comment about sleeping- could be so different as you age, and make life entirely awful if put out of kilter? Right now I don't care much that the world is going to Helena Handbasket (which it is). I'm not bloated out to here and have lost at least another 5 pounds today. :) Once we hit the speed limit ages, you have to do the sustainable. Or your body will make you as miserable as the little kid who won't go to sleep.

Thank you to everybody who pitched in with support and advice. I am a very stubborn git but that was an obvious body-in-revolt moment and I made it through relatively unscathed because of your cooler heads and reasoned thinking. For the one month it was okay, but at this age, it's intolerable to continue.

Besides, after a month of no sugar, veggies are incredibly sweet. Carrots? Like candy. This will probably wear off- we too soon grow accustomed to everything- now it's as if my tastebuds are reset. 

It's great to have a brave face, but if your butt's not happy, ain't nobody happy. I'm relieved that's over. And good things have come of it- I don't have starch and bread cravings anymore. I've grown to really like good coffee straight up. Having cleared the cabinets and fridge, my choices are clear too. And my head's a bit clearer, too. 

So it's on to sensible. The very last thing anyone who's ever known me would expect. But I'm perverse that way. Sleep well.

I'm Reviewing the Situation

While the full-on Atkins Induction/22 grams of carbs/meatfest was great for the first 4 weeks or so, this past week zoomed into a sharp attitudinal decline. A sort of PMS on steroids. Not good, not comfortable. All it took was a few common stresses to bring it to a boil. After some emails, talking to some pals and thinking on it, the diet has to change. I can't do what I did 15 years or even 7 years ago. My body has changed, my abilities have changed- which eliminated some key coping mechanisms- and I'm at "the change". Not a smart time to severely cut carbs for an extended period.

I am really tickled at having lost 18 pounds in the last month. But this diet isn't sustainable for the long run. Not for 3 more months, even. So I've decided to change tack, and do the dreaded "sensible" thing. No flours (that's out of my system at least), no sugar. More along the lines of a primal diet. Meats, fresh fruits and veggies. Which should help with the effects of high pro that aren't desirable. And will still be viable to drop the remaining weight. This is beyond seeing Greg in April; this is about regaining health and being able to keep it.

Funny how sometimes I start out on a project and its focus shifts to something else as it goes along. When I quit opiates, it was initially to give the finger to my doc and the new regulations that office had begun. It was a protest. A protest that took me far and away from how I'd been existing for 4 years. Guess that's how I am. I have to go drastic to make a big change. Eventually I settle into a new reality. It's all good.

80 days to Greg. :)   

What Do You Do?

When you're irritated, frustrated and agitated, what do you do?
Pitch a fit?
Twist and shout?
On innocent bystanders take it out?
Or on those who've had it coming?

When you're fed up, bursting with freefloating ire, what do you do?
Meditate?
Dance and sing?
Yell a bunch of curses and throw something?
Or just sit and let it fester?

When every last thing jumps on your last nerve, what do you do?

Love, Peace and Soul, Don Cornelius

Don Cornelius, velvety- voiced host and producer of "The Soul Train", is dead. "The Soul Train" was a part of every Saturday morning to me, playing as I cleaned house. I loved that show, learned dance moves and new songs from it. It was long before MTV and much cooler. I only stopped watching when they went entirely disco.

Mr. Cornelius was found dead this morning in his home, apparently of suicide. He was a pioneer in entertainment, a gracious show host and an icon. He was 75. He will be missed.

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkleiqrWji0