Is 1984 not required reading anymore?

so... I just read about the Dept. of Homeland Security's new(ish) memo to local governments. Has anyone else read this? I have to say, it makes me nervous....

The memo begins with "words matter." I agree, they do. This is probably why the Founding Fathers of America have "Freedom of Speech" as a FIRST amendment right. It is also why communist government in China restricts the search engines results, and newspapers. Why any self absorbed tyrant, in any position of power, will restrict the ability of free speech to the furthest extent of their authority.

However, as I continue to read... I can't help but notice how Orwellian it gets...

It then begins to limit our vocabulary. I mean this literally. They "discourage" the use of such words as "Islamist," "Jihadist," and such. I guess I can (sorta) understand that... but then they start into how we should change it from the "Global War on Terror" to the "Global Struggle for Security and Progress." Why change this? Is it because "war" is too harsh? Are we not attempting to fight Terror? I thought that was the whole point! And since they bring up words mattering... "struggle" brings to mind that we are simply working towards something, not shedding blood. (Even though we are). And I actually did laugh at "security and progress." Are we really willing to change the goal so much?!? From fighting Terror all the way to security and progress?

The last thing to make me blink was that they want us to stop using the word "liberty." Apparently it is too closely related to American hegemony. (I would imagine that it should be, as we were the first democratic nation that succeeded in espousing it.) What do they want us to replace this word with? "Progress." There it is again. Why have they chosen this? "Because all people want to support progress." Well this is where I have a big problem. You see, all people feel they are fighting for progress. Marxism and Communism view their movements as 'progressive.' The very essence of totalitarian rule is a restriction or outright denial of liberty, most often in the name of progress. So here is my question: what are we "progressing" to?

What about security? What sort of security are we looking for here? Let me think of some of the best track records for security from history. Nazi Germany, not many got away from notice. Communist Russia, people are still scared of the KGB. Mussolini, he more or less destroyed the Mafia in Italy. So, I would say that dictatorships have rather strong record when it comes to "security."

So again, WORDS MATTER! Now tell me why DHS is trying to limit my vocabulary? Why are they choosing more broad and generic words? Orwell called it "Newspeak" and said that it is the only language that gets smaller everyday. I think my good friend George would be pitching a righteous fit right now... and I think I want to join him!

why are there so many thieves in the world?

so i will begin this with a true story. when i married my wife she already had a car. it is a 2002 Jetta turbo. now those that have had the unfortunate opportunity to drive this heap of German crap (Nate) will attest to the fact that it is the most unresponsive car they have ever driven. it is like driving in Mario kart, the gas is on or off. there is no such thing as "easing the gas" it simply doesn't work. the brakes, likewise either scare the hell out of you or attempt to brake your neck with the clamping force.

now in addition to the unfortunate properties of this car, it is also a broken pile. in 6 months of marriage i have had to take it to be fixed 6 times. and the cheapest i have gotten out of there is $586.78 which really irritates me. this irritation is brought on by a few things.

one: i am really poor

two: it seems VERY improbable that the car would have to be brought in for the same complaint and have a different solution each time.

and three: the following conversation.

Me: so the car was in 9 days ago because the engine light was on and it cost me $600 dollars, why is it in again? and why does the car not work?

Richard (mechanic at the thieving Southtowne VW in South Jordan UT): well we don't check timing belts unless you ask us too.

Me: i am not a mechanic, that is why i pay you guys, if the engine has a problem i would imagine it would be ideal to check it all wouldn't it?

Richard (a really intelligent person... sorta): we don't check things like that.

Me: what sort of answer is that? why wouldn't you check the engine if i bring the car to you and ask you to check the engine?

Richard: the timing belt is not part of the engine

Me: huh?!? what are you talking about? will the engine run with out one?

Richard: no

Me: then i would say it is an integral part of the engine and should be checked.

Richard: a what part? we don't check that. anyway a timing belt is $500, plus labor.

Me: Richard i wasn't finished with our discussion, if you don't check that when i bring the car in for the engine. how come when i brought the car in last month for the brakes you guys found that my engine is misfiring and i needed to replace the manifold? why would you check the engine when i want the brakes fixed, but you don't check the engine when i want the engine fixed?

Richard:... i don't understand why you are upset

Me: and that speaks volumes. you are trying to rob me and my wife. you are dishonest and not even smart enough to hide it well.

Richard: are you calling me dishonest?

Me: was that an inflection at the end of that? are you asking me if i did? i thought my previous statement was rather explicit. what part was confusing to you? how can i help clarify? or maybe i should speak to your supervisor or manager?

Richard: i am the manager.

Me: that also speaks volumes... listen rich, or do you go by your more fitting nickname? i don't want you to touch that car. i will never pay you thieving bastards ever again. don't speak to my wife, just give her the keys and i will have a tow truck out there for her car in a few minutes.

Richard: she can't drive the car, it doesn't run.

Me: hence, the tow truck, genius! i mean what the hell? have you heard anything i have said to you? put my wife back on the phone!

(end)

I want to point out that this was all done in a rather calm voice because my wife said i can't yell at them.

so for future notice, never go to Southtown VW. they are not only dishonest. they are morons. how Richard was placed in a position of authority... it strains my ability to fathom...

so glad that is all over

well, i am sorry that this has taken so very long. so very much has been taking place. As many of you know, I just graduated from college. that means that the last month was dedicated to two things.

1. Make sure I pass all my classes, so that I can still have a real job!

2. get that real job.

I am proud to report that I finished school with a 3.4 GPA, and am now a resident of the beautiful state of California! currently employed with a supermodel (for those of you that get that) who loves me and has no STD's... the girl next door has been very hurt by my refusal to date her, and has now boycotted every resident of the state of Utah (sorry Eric).

Other than missing my wife terribly, life is going very well. now I just need to get some of the boys out here so that i am not really bored this summer. any takers?