Post #500 -- The Finale?

It started with a post called The Idea.  15 years and 499 blog posts later, I'm at #500.

Normally I'd be composing my annual entry on things I'd like to see happen next year.  (A couple of them actually happened, but the majority didn't, as is the norm.)  But I'm not going to do that this year.  In fact I may never do it again, because the time has come for me to take a (permanent?) sabbatical from this blog.

I never started a blog with the expectation that it would influence anyone or create a following.  I did it because at the time 1) it was a popular thing to do, and 2) I thought it would help organize my thoughts and possibly help my writing skills.  The former has been taken over by new technology (substacks and podcasting), while the latter....that probably did work out.  At the least, I have some good background material for the age 45-60 part of my future memoir.

Looking back at those previous entries, so much has happened and changed over 15 years, to me and to the world and how I view it.  If this is going to be my last post, I'm going to spend it by pulling the camera back to that long ago, and draw some big picture conclusions:

The world is sorely lacking critical thinkers.

I've always subtitled this blog "The random rants of a critical thinker."  I never meant it in a braggadocios way, but rather to spotlight a competency I have that, frankly, most people don't.  Most people believe, in full or part, whatever they hear or read.  They're either unable or unwilling to do their own objective research to determine what's true from false, or right from wrong.  Lots of my rants over the years made this clear, and it's a major, worsening problem in America.  If the 2024 national election proved anything, it's that propaganda rules when we don't have enough critical thinking.

Advances in personal technology are both the best and worst thing for America.

First the good:  We are so much more productive now than 15 years ago.  We're able to do more with less, and do it more efficiently.  I've had my sole proprietorship business for the past six years, and there is no way I could do it without the technology I have at my disposal -- some of which wasn't available 15 years ago.

That said, social media is softly killing this country.  It was great at first, and then rogue players moved in to monetize it and/or politicize it, because they know people are easily manipulated.  (This goes hand-in-hand with the prior paragraph.)  It makes people do bad things to themselves and to others.  In the worst case, it leads to autocracy and anarchy.

Music must have good lyrics to be good music.

'Nuff said.

Travel to other places is a very good thing.

I wouldn't say I've traveled extensively, and definitely not internationally, but I've traveled all over the country enough to know everyone should do it.  Every time I've been to a different region of the country, I've come back with my thinking reset as to how people and places aren't alike in how they go about things.  There are all kinds of people doing all kinds of things all kinds of ways, and it's great to see that.  People who don't travel don't see this, and tend to think their way, their beliefs, are the only ones.  That isn't good for them or anyone else. 

Cannabis deserves the same legal treatment as alcohol and prescription drugs.

The federal government insists on acting like marijuana / cannabis leads to worse outcomes than alcohol or prescription meds.  Really?  Worse than the tens of thousands of alcohol-related illnesses and drunk driving deaths?  Worse than the opioid or fentanyl crisis?  It's willful ignorance.  Most cannabis users are just going for at-home pain relief or a cartoon-watching buzz.  It calms them down, it doesn't make them hurt themselves or go out and hurt others.  It's beyond time for regulated, federal legalization, but it won't happen until the feds decide they want the tax revenue now going to the states.

Investing isn't costly, but it can be.

I'm not saying it's easy, but I am saying you don't have to pay so much to have others manage money for you.  You have to dig deep, find out where the hidden costs are, and not let the financial and insurance industrial complex work for them instead of for you.  For most, this simply means finding an advisor they trust.  Unfortunately, that usually means they end up going with some non-credentialed stranger they know from somebody who knows somebody who knows a person who they sometimes sit next to occasionally at church.  Like anything else you buy, caveat emptor.

So.....I guess that's all for now.  Don't forget to buy my memoir, but until then, peace out.

Meet Me At (Bud &) Mary's Place

It turns out April 20th on the calendar is a day of infamy in many ways.  In 2010 it marked the day of an explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig that led to the largest oil spill in history.  In 1999 it was the day two stupid and heavily armed students murdered 13 people at Columbine high school -- one of the first notorious school shootings, which have since become almost commonplace.  And if you really want to go down a hole, apparently April 20th was also the day Hitler was born.

But let’s face it, April 20th is really a national day to celebrate marijuana.  You know, that federally illegal substance which is less addictive and probably less mind-altering than federally legal alcohol or prescription drugs.  Because America is repressed like that.

More states continue to authorize regulated, recreational cannabis use. Recent ones include the more liberal state of New York and the more conservative state of Missouri.  That latter one means Iowa now has neighbors bordering on two sides (Illinois being the other) that will suck up tax money for recreational sales.

Iowa still remains in the dark ages with only a limited medical marijuana program. Recently, however, I looked more closely at Iowa’s medical marijuana program, and I’m glad to say it isn't quite as draconian as I thought.  

Iowa's main retailer of medical cannabis has recently changed its name to Bud & Mary‘s, and has started a subtle yet effective marketing campaign to make sure people are aware of its availability. They even had a booth at last year’s state fair.

Based on direct knowledge I have from someone with an Iowa medical cannabis card, they aren't that difficult to get, thanks to willing physicians who sign off, many of whom are recommended by Bud & Mary's.  And while the maximum amount that can be obtained in a 90-day period is limited, one would have to be daily user to be affected by it.

Knowing that Iowa's conservative Republican legislative majority and governor have gone out of their way for years to keep recreational sales illegal, and minimize that availability of medical marijuana, it gives me great pleasure to hear that out more informed Iowa citizens have done what they can to 'stick it to the man' when it comes to access.

Now that's something to celebrate.

All Fo(u)r Twenty

Today is 4/20, making it a perfect time to again comment on the movement to decriminalize and expand the availability of cannabis in America.  You know, marijuana, the drug that is safer than alcohol but treated like cocaine.

We're up to ten states now that have legalized marijuana in some non-medical way.  Ten now, but what will it take to get to twenty and beyond?

Unfortunately, while the polls continue to show an increasing majority of Americans support marijuana legalization, the federal government and most states still don't allow it.  They don't even allow medical marijuana usage, which has an even larger majority of American support.

So, what gives?  Let's just use my home (red) state of Iowa as an example.  It has a Republican governor and legislature, so even though legalization is popular overall, it isn't so popular inside their conservative constituencies.  The Rs basically have a bend-but-don't-break attitude, where they act like they're doing something without actually doing anything.

For example, Iowa does some medical cannabis usage through a few approved dispensaries, but prescriptions can only be filled with minimal amounts of THC.  It's so little, in fact, Iowa isn't even considered a medical marijuana state.  This in spite of calls by doctors and pharmacists to increase the maximum THC dosage.

This is the worst, dumbest way to do things, because lots of effort produces zero positive results.  People / patients aren't getting better, and the state gets no tax revenue.  The fact that a neighboring state (Illinois) this year legalized cannabis just makes it even worse / dumber, since motivated Iowans simply drive across the border.  The result is, the people get what they want, but another state benefits from the commerce.

In the end, Iowa and other non-cannabis states would be better off financially just not allowing any marijuana usage, rather than limiting it the way they are.  Of course, if they legalized it, those states would see a multi-million dollar tax revenue bonanza -- but since the Rs don't want to look so bad politically, they do things one drip at a time, showcasing the insanity of their ways

One small irony in all of this is that Iowa does consider its dispensaries to be essential businesses, so they remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Wouldn't it be nice if there was an effective, natural drug that could help everyone through the pandemic, not only physically but mentally?  And regulated selling of that same drug could create millions in tax revenue being lost by the state due to the same pandemic?

Maybe by next 4/20.

Post #400

This is my 400th blog entry since I started it almost 10 years ago(!)  (I'll have to throw a party in July when the actual 10th anniversary arrives.)  I'm going to do what I've done in past 'century' posts, which is to review some of what I wrote about since my 300th entry.  The time gap between the 300th and 400th is going to expose how I don't write as much as I used to -- it's taken me twice as long as the prior 100.

I wrote about several recurring annual topics, including the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting (soon to be post #410), my advice to graduating seniors, RAGBRAI musings, and things for which I'm not thankful. 

I wrote about how smart people have many advantages in the world, but are disadvantaged by a lack of numbers, and so many stupid people holding them back.

I wrote about new cities and regions of the country I visited, including attending the Rose Bowl.

I wrote about how great social media technology and platforms could be, if not for the all of the people who use social media for evil and not for good.

I wrote more about our country's slow, inexorable march toward decriminalization and legalization of marijuana, which can't come soon enough.

I wrote a few more times about financial issues, and starting my own firm.

I wrote a handful of times about great songs and songwriters, a dying breed with the exception of a few hip-hop and country artists, to which I rarely listen.

Nearly 100 entries apart, I wrote about my observations at the funerals of my father and mother.

I wrote about how religion separates people (and in many cases, harms people) at least as much as it brings people together.

I wrote about the dysfunction and hatred of this decade's politics and politicians, which is in many ways related to the last item.

I wrote about how today's baby boomer parents are ruining not only their kids' lives, but society in general, with their awful parenting.

I wrote a few items of self-reflection, on what happened in the past, and what I might do differently if I knew then what I know now.

400 posts.....bring on the next 100!

2019

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?  No, it's time to again review the things I wanted to have happen this year, and consider some things I would like to see happen in 2019.  As usual, we start with the prior year's list, with comments in ALL CAPS:

-The failure of Bitcoin, not as an idea, but as an investment.
BITCOIN'S SHARE PRICE WENT FROM OVER $15,000 TO UNDER $4,000.  THESE DAYS, IT'S AN AFTERTHOUGHT.

-An NCAA scandal so large they will have to start allowing players a cut of revenues.
THERE WAS/IS A RATHER LARGE SCANDAL RELATED TO SHOE COMPANY REPS GETTING MONEY TO DIRECT AMATEUR BASKETBALL PLAYERS TO CERTAIN SCHOOLS.  BUT SO FAR IT'S ONLY LED TO A FEW COACHES BEING FIRED.

-More destinations and ways to fly on Southwest Airlines.
WELL, THEY ADDED A DIRECT DES MOINES - PHOENIX FLIGHT.

-A widespread ability to charge devices without a cord (also asked for this for 2016).
NOPE.

-A new governor / lieutenant governor elected for Iowa.
IT LOOKED LIKE THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN, BUT IT TURNED OUT TO BE A SURPRISING DISAPPOINTMENT.

-Let's try this -- exponential growth in the cannabis industry to the extent all states will want a piece of it through taxation.
ALMOST READY TO SAY THIS HAPPENED.  [I JUST COVERED THIS IN MY LAST POST.]

-Greater national and international awareness of CRISPR (genome editing) technology.
THERE HAVE BEEN MORE NATIONAL STORIES ABOUT THIS.

-Smaller entree portions served in restaurants, for a reduced price.
THE PORTIONS MAY HAVE GOTTEN LARGER.

-Fewer national weather disasters, but more understanding of climate change.
ANOTHER ITEM THAT MOVED FARTHER AWAY FROM HAPPENING, NOT CLOSER.

-The resignation or impeachment of a mentally unstable and unqualified president -- again, no names.
CARRYING THIS ONE OVER TO NEXT YEAR.

Now, for 2019 I'd like to see these things happen:

The resignation or impeachment of a mentally unstable and unqualified president -- again, no names.

The electric vehicle becoming America's fastest growing (by percentage) seller.

Alabama and Clemson and New England to have poor football seasons.

Some major medical breakthrough, perhaps a vaccine to eliminate a dread disease.

Consistent, moderate summer rain in central Iowa.

A priest actually arrested and charged and jailed for past sexual abuse.

More cities allowing app-based scooter rentals.

Another scandal that ruins another Fox TV personality.

U.S. restaurants that allow payment by app, OR that bring the credit card reader to your table.

Me traveling to one of the five continental states in which I've never set foot.

High Time

It's been almost a year since I've blogged about legalization of marijuana, and I'm glad to report that more (slow) progress is being made.  Let’s recap.

Internationally, Canada legalized marijuana this year, leaving the U.S. in their socially progressive dust.

Nationally, after some additional November ballot approvals, eleven U.S. states have now legalized recreational marijuana use.  It isn’t just ‘liberal’ western states either; states like Michigan and Vermont have joined the enlightened minority that allow cannabis with the pleasant side effect of…..tax revenue.  (You thought I was going to say the pleasant side effect of sensitivity and relaxation?)

Meanwhile, at least 20 other states now broadly offer legal medical marijuana.  This should be the bare minimum allowance of any state.   So the good news is, over half of America gets it.

Unfortunately, the rest of America is still in a race to see which state can be the slowest and dumbest when it comes to legalizing pot.  A few of these states, including Iowa, now allow an extremely limited and convoluted way for medically-eligible people to obtain small doses of cannabis product.  It’s so limited, in fact, that it can’t even be considered a legalization of medical marijuana.

The hypocrisy on these non-legalization states gets worse by the day.  We still have a virtually unregulated opioid epidemic in the country, but people can still get prescriptions in those states for opioids with no problem.  And do I even need to make the point about legal alcohol consumption?  For example in Iowa, the regulators have gone out of their way to encourage home-based production and sale of beer and liquor – as if that’s not a mind-altering substance.

Today there is little doubt that most Americans at least want 1) medical marijuana to be legal, and 2) marijuana possession to be decriminalized.  In states that allow the public to vote on ballot initiatives, it’s now also become clear that most people believe in limited recreational sales and usage.

It’s only a matter of time before America legalizes marijuana, like its Canadian counterpart.  The only question is which state(s) will be the last, foolish ones not to do something before then.

Rocky Mountain High

A relative's wedding in the Denver area gave me an excuse to spend a few days in Colorado recently.  I hadn't been there for any length of time since a week-long family vacation in the late 1990s.

I came back thinking I should spend a lot more time there.  What's not to like about the place?

It has cool cities.....Denver is hugely populated, but it's spread out enough not to notice, and it also has a pedestrian-friendly downtown, similar to Portland or Seattle.  Colorado Springs must be one of the largest cities in America without a bona fide skyscraper, helping make it visitor-friendly, with a great daily view of Pike's Peak.  I also spent time in the Denver-area towns of Golden (a modern day version of a formerly dusty western town) and Parker (a modern day version of a formerly sleepy bedroom town).

It has cool attractions.....The Red Rocks Amphitheater is a marvel of semi-natural modern architecture.  The Royal Gorge area is a mecca for active folks, including white water rafting and zip-lining, the latter which I did for the first time ever.  And don't forget about the mountains and ski resorts -- even in the summer, including the Breckenridge area that I visited for a few hours.

It has great weather.....The air is light and the sun shines 300+ days a year.  Sure, it snows in the winter, but it doesn't get bitterly cold, at least not for extended stretches.

And last but not least, it has free-minded enough people that it allows the sale of recreational marijuana.....This cannot be discounted.  Keeping some cannabis / edibles in the house is no different than having a six-pack of beer in the refrigerator.  Except that the cannabis is safer and healthier.

Yes We Cannabis

It’s time to catch up on the good news in world of cannabis!

In sum, the news is positive enough that I’m almost ready to declare that January 2018 will one day be considered the ‘tipping point’ in time for full decriminalization of marijuana in America.  (There’s only one thing standing in the way of that right now, more on that in a few paragraphs.)

The thing getting the most attention now is the legalization of recreation marijuana in the state of California.  That became effective on January 1, 2018, and now like several other (mostly western) states, they allow anyone at least age 21 to buy a limited amount of cannabis daily.

The difference here is, California is the most populous state in the country.  As such, the implications are more profound.  One of these implications is the amount of tax revenue this law will bring to a state that sorely needs it.

Make no mistake, money (i.e. tax revenue) is why cannabis will ultimately be legalized in all 50 states.   That isn’t the only reason, nor the best reason, but it’s the main reason.

[This would normally be where I go on a rant about how marijuana should be no more controlled than alcohol, and probably less controlled than prescription drugs.  But I’ve covered society’s asinine attitude about that more than once before, and specifically in regard to medical marijuana.]

One lesser but still important pot-related action happened just this week in Vermont (Vermont!), where the governor signed a bill making it the ninth state to legalize marijuana effective July 1, 2018.  The difference is that Vermont was the first state to do it via legislation, rather than by a voter-approved ballot initiative.  That is a big deal, and the first admission that states want to grab the tax revenue.

Regarding that one thing standing in the way of ‘tipping point’ actualization…..we currently have an old white male dominated (Republican) party in charge of the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government, along with an old white guy U.S. attorney general that thinks marijuana is evil.  That means marijuana, for now, will likely maintain its federal designation as a Schedule I drug along with things like heroine and LSD – good grief.

These will all need to be changed before the pro-cannabis world can truly take over.  It’s only a matter of time, however, and that time is much shorter than it seemed only a few weeks ago.

2018

Another New Year's Eve (eve) is here, so it's time for my annual review of the things I wanted to have happen in the past year, and a fresh list of things I want to have happen in the next year.  Here's the 2017 list, with comments in ALL CAPS:

-Again:  At least some progress on medical marijuana in Iowa,

THE GOOD NEWS IS, SOME PROGRESS WAS MADE.  IT'S GOING TO BE A TAD BIT EASIER FOR THOSE WHO NEED IT TO GET IT.  THE BAD NEWS IS, IOWA IS STILL NOT FULLY COMMITTED TO IT.

-Some type of institutional or legal control over fake news / social media.

FACEBOOK HAS TAKEN SOME ACTION, ALBEIT TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE.  AT THIS POINT, IT'S HARD TO GET IN FRONT OF IT, BECAUSE THE PRESIDENT LIVES IN A VIRTUAL REALTY WORLD THAT HE WANTS OTHERS TO BELIEVE IS NORMAL.

-Related to the above, more critical thinkers, fewer idiots who believe everything they hear.

THERE ARE MORE CRITICAL THINKERS ON THE LEFT, AND LET'S JUST SAY FEWER CRITICAL THINKERS ON THE RIGHT.

-GPS technology used in major sporting events, e.g. to mark the ball in football games, and for the strike zone in baseball games.

NOPE.  LOSERS.

-More working from home by me.

THIS HAPPENED, BUT TO ONLY ABOUT 25% OF THE LEVEL IT SHOULD HAVE.

-The return of popular mainstream rock bands and rock music.

THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN, HOWEVER, I SAW RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS AND JOE WALSH AND TOM PETTY (AND SCHEDULED TO SEE BOB SEGER) IN CONCERT.  SO IT WASN'T ALL BAD.

-Implementation of the fiduciary rule, and the demise of commission-based financial advice.

THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION ALLOWED THE RULES TO GO INTO EFFECT, BUT THERE WILL BE NO ENFORCEMENT UNTIL AT LEAST 2019.  SO, NO.  AND SINCE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ARE IN THE REPUBLICAN'S POCKETS, MIGHT AS WELL FORGET ABOUT THIS FOR A FEW MORE YEARS.

-The resignation or impeachment of an unqualified president -- no names, any one will do.

NOT AS CRAZY AS IT SOUNDED LAST YEAR. WILL ADD PUSH THIS FORWARD.  IT WON'T BE ANY FUN TO ASK IT FOR 2019 BECAUSE BY THEN IT WILL BE LIKELY.

For 2018 I'd like to see:

The failure of Bitcoin, not as an idea, but as an investment.

An NCAA scandal so large they will have to start allowing players a cut of revenues.

More destinations and ways to fly on Southwest Airlines.

A widespread ability to charge devices without a cord (also asked for this for 2016).

A new governor / lieutenant governor elected for Iowa. 

Let's try this -- exponential growth in the cannabis industry to the extent all states will want a piece of it through taxation.

Greater national and international awareness of CRISPR (genome editing) technology.

Smaller entree portions served in restaurants, for a reduced price.

Fewer national weather disasters, but more understanding of climate change.

The resignation or impeachment of a mentally unstable and unqualified president -- again, no names.

Iowa's Medical Marijuana "Victory"

Let's briefly ignore the fact that we should legalize recreational marijuana, and instead make time for an Iowa medical marijuana update.....

When last we visited the Iowa legislative and executive branch, our soon-to-be-gone Republican Governor Branstad (leaving to become the biggest dufus ambassador to China we've ever had) and the Republican-controlled House were still doing everything they could to pretend that even highly-regulated medical marijuana was a gateway drug.

More specifically, Iowa law allowed certain medically-eligible patients to possess a small amount of pot, but it can't be grown or purchased in Iowa nor imported it from another state.  It's a joke.

A glimmer of hope for the future occurred at the end of this year's legislative session, when the Iowa Senate -- where there is now also a majority of Republicans, just fewer dumb ones -- overwhelmingly passed a bill that would expand medical marijuana to many more afflictions, and well as allow a few Iowa-based regulated growing centers.

Unfortunately, the House watered it down to the point that there won't be enough THC (the psychoactive constitute in cannabis that matters to medical marijuana patients) in the drug to make a difference for most who need it.  And who knows if the outgoing governor will sign it into law, although he probably will because it will politically help the incoming governor.

So in summary, it's another hollow victory for medical marijuana in Iowa, which is actually a step up from the completely empty victory of the past.  The state remains mired in a stupid, fearful 'unintended consequences' attitude that has prevailed in Iowa for some time, even in the middle of the biggest opioid addiction crisis in history, and a still-increasing number of alcohol-related deaths.

The bottom line is, if my child or I was suffering physically, and I knew using marijuana helped, I would go get it anywhere, anyhow, and dare somebody to arrest me for possessing or using it.  Also, I'd laugh at the fact Iowa is missing out on getting taxes from me out of the deal.....Idiots!

2017

It's time for my annual review of the list of things I wanted to happen the prior 12 months, and give my list of things I want to occur in the next 12 months.  Here's the 2016 list, with comments in ALL CAPS:

-At least some progress, not regress, on medicinal marijuana legalization in Iowa.
NOPE TO DOPE AGAIN, BUT AT LEAST THERE WAS A BILL ON WHICH TO VOTE.

-Chris Christie versus Hillary Clinton for president, with ? winning.
HILLARY LOST THE PRESIDENCY, WHILE CHRISTIE LOST HIS POLITICAL CAREER.

-A higher stock market.
AFFIRMATIVE, BUT IT DIDN'T LOOK GOOD ON FEBRUARY 1ST.

-Just one actual, even very minor piece of legislation to make it slightly more difficult to buy a gun.
DESPITE MORE VIOLENCE, WE'VE NEVER BEEN FARTHER FROM THIS HAPPENING.

-The personal, financial, and political implosion of Donald Trump.
THE OPPOSITE HAPPENED THIS YEAR, BUT IT WILL EVENTUALLY HAPPEN.

-A way to charge devices without a wire.
NO, BUT WIRELESS HEADPHONE HAVE GONE MAINSTREAM.

-An à la carte option for cable and satellite TV channels.
THANKS TO PRESSURE FROM STREAMING SERVICES, SEEING SMALL PROGRESS.

-More time for eating right, less time for exercise.
ENDED UP DOING MORE OF BOTH, WHICH WAS A GOOD THING.

For 2017 I'd like to see:

Again:  At least some progress on medical marijuana in Iowa,

Some type of institutional or legal control over fake news / social media.

Related to the above, more critical thinkers, fewer idiots who believe everything they hear.

GPS technology used in major sporting events, e.g. to mark the ball in football games, and for the strike zone in baseball games.

More working from home by me.

The return of popular mainstream rock bands and rock music.

Implementation of the fiduciary rule, and the demise of commission-based financial advice.

The resignation or impeachment of an unqualified president -- no names, any one will do.

It's Like I Always Say

Over the years, I've had quite a few sayings that I've become fond of repeating.  For the most part, outside of my spouse and children, no one would know these quotes.

Now that I've just had another birthday, I'm getting old enough that I want to put these in writing.  I do this below knowing it will be a working list, I expect to add to it:

* There’s nothing wrong in living your life with a quiet confidence in what you’re doing.  [Social media and reality TV have ruined this concept.]

* There are no bad kids, there are only bad parents.

* No one is completely useless, because even useless people can be used as a bad example.

* He who lives with the afflicted, also suffers.

* Sometimes the reason a person does things is the same reason a dog licks his balls -- because he can.

* When you blame yourself, you feel like no one else has the right to blame you.

* If you aren't going to have an opinion about things, why bother waking up in the morning?

* People who don't support medical marijuana don't believe in evolution.

Death With Dignity

Imagine being able to vote for reducing, and perhaps eliminating, human pain and suffering.  Now, imagine voting against that.

This is what's happening in the Iowa legislature right now -- and I'm not even talking about medical marijuana!  I'm talking about a proposed Death With Dignity Act, which is more widely (and crudely) known as physician-assisted suicide.

This may seem like a radical idea in Iowa, but it isn't elsewhere.  Oregon currently has a similar Death With Dignity Act, and other states are considering it.

Under the Iowa version of this Act, "An adult patient who is competent, is a resident of this state, has been determined by the patient’s attending physician and consulting physician to be suffering from a terminal disease, and has voluntarily expressed a wish to die, may make a written request for medication that the patient may self-administer to end the patient’s life…”

In short, this would allow some terminally-ill, suffering Iowans the option of a more peaceful, non-painful death.  It would reduce human pain and suffering.  So naturally, social conservatives (mostly Republicans) and our governor-for-life Terry Branstad, oppose it.

Taking one's life is obviously not something to be taken lightly.  And this Act doesn't do that.  It simply allows a competent person the freedom to make a choice to forego their pain, a choice that harms no one else.

It's different, yet in some ways the same as the medical marijuana debate.  The old, white, conservative males who dominate the legislative and executive branch are either unable or unwilling to understand that science, and attitudes, change over time.  They think they know better -- don't confuse them with evidence to the contrary.

The other day, a friend of mine put it about as eloquently as you can:  Some people just don't believe in evolution, past or present.

2016

It's once again time to review my 2015 list of things I'd like to see happen, and lay out my hopes for 2016.  Here's the 2015 list, with new notes in ALL CAPS:

-Less glorification of big butts.
I'M DECLARING VICTORY ON THIS, BECAUSE IT MOVED FROM A 9 TO AN 8 ON A SCALE OF 1-10.

-A Final Four for Iowa State men's basketball, and an NCAA tournament berth for both Iowa and Northern Iowa men's basketball.
OH, SO CLOSE.  THAT IS, IF YOU CAN CALL ISU LOSING IN THEIR FIRST NCAA TOURNAMENT GAME AS A 3 SEED 'CLOSE'

-More action, less inaction by the U.S. Congress.
A PERPETUALLY WASTED HOPE.

-Stephen Colbert dominating late night television, with Conan and Fallon and Stewart right behind.
OTHER THAN JON STEWART RETIRING, I FEEL THIS IS STARTING TO HAPPEN.

-Common use of Apple Pay.
NOT AS COMMON YET AS IT SHOULD BE.

-Might as well go for it again -- at least medicinal marijuana legalization in Iowa.
C'MON, MAN! PROGRESS IN SOME OTHER STATES, BUT NOT IN IOWA.

-A vaccine against Ebola.
DID NOT HAPPEN, STILL WORKING ON IT.

-A week-long vacation for me.
DID NOT HAPPEN, STILL WORKING ON IT.

For 2016 I'd like to see:

At least some progress, not regress, on medicinal marijuana legalization in Iowa.

Chris Christie versus Hillary Clinton for president, with ? winning.

A higher stock market.

Just one actual, even very minor piece of legislation to make it slightly more difficult to buy a gun.

The personal, financial, and political implosion of Donald Trump.

A way to charge devices without a wire.

An à la carte option for cable and satellite TV channels.

More time for eating right, less time for exercise.

Not Thankful Yet Again

Here's the 7th annual edition of my Thanksgiving-time list of things for which I am not thankful. You can get to the trail of prior lists here or by using the label Thanksgiving.

As usual, this year's list is in no particular order:

People on social media who believe everything they read, and then forward it, without question.

Superhero movies.

Caitlyn Jenner and her/his so-called courageousness.

Academic professors more concerned about their tenured, taxpayer-supported livelihoods than needed academic reform.

The Ebola virus.

Those who refuse to vaccinate their children because they don't understand science.

Those who refuse to acknowledge climate change because they don't understand science.

The Southeastern Conference.

Bill Cosby.

The end of the Grantland web site.

Another year without medical marijuana legalization.

Post #300

This is my 300th blog post since I started it around six years ago.  As with post #200, let's take a look at some of what I wrote about over the past 100 posts spanning about two years:

I wrote with more practical, real life advice for high school and college graduates.

I wrote about a variety of investment issues, client-approved of course.

I wrote about how a political lackey masquerading as a university president ended VEISHEA.

I wrote more about the best songwriters and lyrics from yesteryear.

I wrote about how pop culture should start ignoring Lolo Jones, well before pop culture came to the same conclusion.

I wrote about major cities I visited.

I wrote more about taxpayers getting fleeced, and the primary non-profit fleecers.

I wrote about how medical doctors are self-centered, not patient-centered.

I wrote about what turning 50 years old meant to me, in a mostly non-philosophical way.

I wrote about a variety of ways that people / politicians / governments refuse to accept the evolution of social issues, such as how dumb it is to oppose both medical marijuana and decriminalization of marijuana, and how dumb it is to allow 2,000+ year-old religious doctrine control all of their secular decisions.

I wrote a little bit about a lot of other things, all in the name of getting things off my mind.

More April Fools

It's April Fools' Day again today, another chance to expand on last year's list of facts that should be followed by the phrase, "April Fools!" if only they weren't true:

* The state of Indiana thought it could allow businesses to discriminate against gays without anyone noticing.

* Stories about suffering pets commonly air before stories about suffering people on broadcast news.

* Ted Cruz thinks he is a viable presidential candidate.

* You can stockpile and use guns and alcohol, but will be thrown in jail for owning an ounce of cannabis.

* The NCAA makes billions of dollars annually on the backs of its institutions' revenue-producing athletes, but opposes sharing any of that revenue with those athletes.

* Farm Bureau believes farmers will sufficiently police themselves to keep ground water clean.

* Most people base their current moral beliefs on undocumented, male-only writings from thousands of years ago.

Non-representative Democracy

One of the reasons the United States is the greatest country in the world is our governing system of representative democracy.  Too bad it doesn't always work that way.

When is a representative democracy not a representative democracy?  In Iowa, the answer is when it comes to legalizing medicinal marijuana.

This week, a Des Moines Register Iowa Poll found that 70% of adult Iowans favor the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes.  This is up from just 59% last year, and 58% the year before that.

It's over.  It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that this issue has been decided, and Iowans are ready to follow the rest of the country into making this rational, albeit long overdue choice.

Unfortunately, Iowa's elected state legislators don't seem to be any closer to legalizing marijuana for medical uses.  Basically, we've elected a bunch of old, white, close-minded, and mostly Republican males (including the governor) who will always believe pot is evil, regardless of its proven therapeutic uses or the desire of their constituents.  They continue to use the intellectually dishonest argument that the 'unintended consequences' of legalization will lead to serious drug abuse in Iowa.  Simultaneously, they attend numerous political receptions where they, along with many others, can legally drink non-medicinal booze without a thought of the 'unintended consequences' of alcohol abuse.

Some Iowans seem to be buying that 'unintended consequences' argument, because the same Iowa Poll reports that only 30% of adults approve legalizing marijuana for recreational use, a number unchanged over the past two years.  We are still years away, or more likely, one big fiscal deficit away, from joining the few other states that have done this.

Oh well.  One thing we know about representative democracy it that it works, it's just a matter of time.  So it will be with legalizing marijuana use in Iowa and in the U.S.

Which Doctor / Witch Doctor, Part II

My last entry covered my frustration with traditional physicians and their lack of treatment on my sore shoulder.  At the end, I declared my intention of turning to alternative medicine next, if necessary.

Unfortunately, I don't see going 'all-in' on the alternative medicine stuff.  That isn't because I question the therapeutic benefits -- I accept that there are scientifically understandable aspects to things like chiropractic care, acupuncture, even natural foods/oils,

The problem is, so many of the practitioners of alternative medicine, ARE all-in.  When I see and hear them rejecting any benefits of modern medicine, they and their beliefs lose credibility.

I think the best example of this is treatment for the flu.  So many people are affected by it each winter (with this winter being one of the worst), you'd think everyone would get on board with the idea of a getting a flu shot.  The science is clear -- introduce the dead virus to the body, essentially training it to attack the virus strain.

However, the alternative medicine folks want you to believe the flu can effectively be avoided, or its impact lessened, by going to the chiropractor or inhaling/ingesting/applying some natural element.  They feel the body is already able to counteract any viral or bacterial attack as long as it's in optimum working order.  And why introduce something unnatural into the body.

That's mostly crazy-talk.  Our bodies are exposed to so many non-natural (chemical) elements these days, it doesn't follow that the body should be expected to manage it on its own, without some non-natural (chemical) elements like over-the-counter or prescription drugs.  [Aside: Maybe here we can at least agree that natural but currently illegal elements like cannabis / marijuana would be helpful?]

Here's another way I've framed it for my hard-core alternative medicine friends;  Why is it that I'm willing to compromise and accept alternative medicine as part of a holistic health program, but they are so adamantly opposed to any type of modern medicines?  Is it because it makes sense, or is it because others who've convinced them to believe in it so much will also profit from that belief (e.g. chiropractors, natural element sellers, etc.)

And finally -- how come I never hear the alternative medicine folks talking about the role of exercise in health?  You'd think this would be right down their alley, I mean, what could be a better way to naturally keep the body in top form?  I think the answer is the same as it is for everyone else -- it's easier to inhaling/ingest/apply something to the body than it is to spend 30 minutes sweating. Ergo, alternative medicine.

In conclusion, both modern and alternative medicine practitioners (and exercise!) play a role in good health.  Also, both modern and alternative medicine practitioners are trying to gain financially from what they say/do, so it's probably a good idea not to believe everything they say/do.

2015

As with last year, let's review the things I said I'd like to see in 2014, with my new notes in ALL CAPS:

-The (continued) fall of the so-called Tea Party conservatives.
(NOT REALLY.  GIVEN THE OUTCOME OF THE MID-TERM ELECTIONS, THEY'VE AT LEAST HELD AND MAYBE GAINED STRENGTH.)

-Less Kanye / Less Miley.
(NO FOR KANYE, YES FOR MILEY.)

-Apple TV.
(NOPE, BUT WE GOT APPLE PAY AND WE'RE GETTING THE APPLE WATCH.)

-NCAA basketball Sweet 16 trips for either Iowa and Iowa State.
(NO FOR IOWA, YES FOR IOWA STATE.)

-Better football from the Cyclones and Vikings - the bar is incredibly low.
(NO FOR THE CYCLONES, YES - BARELY - FOR THE VIKINGS.)

-Warmer Spring weather, at least where it doesn't snow again in May.
(IT WAS DEFINITELY BETTER.)

-More legalization of marijuana beyond what's happening in Colorado on 1/1/2014.
(YES, SORT OF.  THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PASSED A VOTE TO LEGALIZE IT.  BUT STATES LIKE IOWA STILL CAN'T BRING THEMSELVES TO EVEN LEGALIZE MEDICINAL USE.)

-A la carte cable TV channels.  It's only a matter of time before cable providers will have to do this to compete with computer streaming.  Why not in 2014?
(NO AGAIN, ALTHOUGH COMPANIES LIKE NETFLIX AND AMAZON PRIME ARE INCHING US CLOSER TO IT.)

For 2015 I'd like to see:

Less glorification of big butts.

A Final Four for Iowa State men's basketball, and an NCAA tournament berth for both Iowa and Northern Iowa men's basketball.

More action, less inaction by the U.S. Congress.

Stephen Colbert dominating late night television, with Conan and Fallon and Stewart right behind.

Common use of Apple Pay.

Might as well go for it again -- at least medicinal marijuana legalization in Iowa.

A vaccine against Ebola.

A week-long vacation for me.