Troll Farm?

Grabbed from a Republican on CNN. SOME of them know what’s up.

Just A Troll Farm? The Republican Party?

More: https://jamiegraymusic.com/wordpress/2021/11/troll-farm/

Rationality

Rationality. If you look at American politics right now, you don’t see much of it. No, you mostly see two heavily armed camps, ready to flirt with disaster, risking all of our futures to achieve some set of higher principles that, if left to the other party, mean nothing short of destruction of everything we hold dear.

If you lean left, you’re being told that the evil Republicans are trying to stop the valiant Democrats from purging corporate control of our government and giving money, and the country, back to the people.

Share your fire. Feed the blaze.
#happiness #N0H8

If you lean right, you’re worried the stupid Dems will spend us into doom, while taxing the rich until they can’t afford their summer homes and ski retreats.

If you’re on the far right, they’re trying to convince you that Socialism is the root of all evil, and that Satanic forces are killing babies in the womb, as they hand our God fearing Nation over to Hillary and Obama’s army of godless heathen Democrat pedophile pizza-politicians.

Now, I’m not saying I believe politicians from either party (especially the MAGA Republicans). Politicians are liars. It’s what they do. But some things they say make a grain of sense on their own, while others require a leap of faith to believe. I’m too old for leaps of faith. Especially when they require lapses of logic.

US Capitol – Washington DC

None of the MAGA Republicans claims hold up to rational thought. They are based in conspiracy theories, rumors, and full-on mistruths, lacking in facts or proof of any kind. There simply isn’t much in the way of a rational argument. For anything.

When it’s all said and done, proof is best measured in actions and results. Rich people always do well. They do better when Republicans are in power. Since the 80s they’ve claimed the wealth will “trickle down”, while it gushed up to the millionaires…who became billionaires as millions died in the Pandemic. Meanwhile, America is deep in debt, and sitting on the edge of climate disaster and insurrection. Suffice to say, the trickle they’ve been promising for 40 years ain’t enough.

Poor people rarely win in America. Their voices, while numerous, are routinely ignored and rejected by all in power. At least when Democrats act, the average goes up. Poor gets less poor. Inequity decreases. Usually not by much, of course.

Jan 6 Insurrection| Capitol police defend The Capitol from Trump supporters in Washington DC – Jan 6 2021

We’re reaching a tipping point where debt threatens to collapse our economy as injustice and inequity are rising to unsustainable levels. The seeds of revolution are deeply sown, and change WILL come, one way or another.

Our choice is to usher it in gracefully, or let it take us by force, and at great cost. If the way we’ve handled climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic so far are any indication, we are in for a REALLY hard ride, folks. ~jg

Musician and Writer, Jamie Gray

Authors Note: All opinions expressed here are just that: opinions. If you don’t like mine, I probably won’t like yours either. Let’s just nod, and walk away. Maybe come back with solutions instead of opinions. Because of the two, only solutions actually matter.

More: https://jamiegraymusic.com/wordpress/2021/10/rationality/

Or 1 N Big 9 S 8 Brother A 4 Well

They know you already. You don’t have to believe it for it to be true, and knowing the truth doesn’t make you crazy. Unless they need you to be, and generally speaking, they don’t.

So…Once the NSA knows-that-you-know that they ‘listen’ to everything you do online, it’s basically #GameOn. Are you a subversive? Who are your followers? Who do you follow? Are any of them ‘terrorists‘? Because since 2001, that’s the best way for the .gov folks to shut down the voices that are violent. Preach revolt. Or maybe just make too much sense. 

We’re Watching. ~The NSA

I know they’re watching me. Because they watch everything. Everyone. They have some pretty slick AI that screens for connections and the tell-tale hearts of anti-american hostility and malcontent. It sniffs it out chunks of terrorist cholesterol from the Internet’s arteries, as gigabytes of data streams past their hidden packet snatchers. Filters the digital goo. Combs thru it all, looking for nuggets of evil against Uncle Sam.

Uncle Sam Towers Above The Danbury CT Railroad Museum

Good ol’ patriotic malcontent used to be ok, back in the day. You can still say the government sucks, if you’re careful, but thanks to the MAGA Revolution, we now know that even patriots can be terrorists…and so does the NSA. Even a gentle grumble can raise the AI hackles these days, which flags you for human eyes to review your dossier. Everyone’s got a dossier if they have any sort of online presence at all. I bet you think you don’t, but if you’re reading this, you know me, so they definitely have you in their crosshairs too.

The good news is, as long as you don’t go too far, they would rather just keep watching. Of course, if you suddenly ‘radicalize’ by plotting violence, or maybe worse, disappear from the Web, don’t be surprised if that generic panel van parked on your street is full of feds with heat tracing cameras and parabolic mics. These are scary times…it makes sense. Sort of. In hugely Orwellian fashion.

Jamie Gray|Musician and Writer

I suppose I should worry. I talk a lot about revolution and rebellion. I DO think the government sucks. But I’d never condone violence, except in self-defense. And I’d never advocate for a coup. I think we SHOULD overturn our government…from inside. Through VOTES and legislation and policy. Kick the moneychangers out of the temple of democracy, so to speak. Voting and peaceful protest. Through free speech, empathy and kindness, educating people to see the corruption that is right in front of them, and show them how to be a part of the solution rather than a victim of a system that pretends to care.

I’m not a threat to anybody’s safety. I’m an advocate for a better America. One that takes care of the little guy…and the victim. An America like they told us about in Civics class. Do they even teach Civics anymore?

Most importantly, I’m not a threat to the status quo. Nobody actually listens to me. I’m just a crazy old guy on a couch, with a guitar, a remote control, and a lot of ideas. If I ask my followers to do anything, most of them might get around to doing something. 
If it’s not too hard or uncomfortable.
Someday. Soon, for sure.
One of my favorite songs puts it best: 
“I’d start a revolution…
…If I could get up in the morning”. 
~ Aimee Allen

Thanks for reading to the end. Please #Vote. ~jg

“I’d Start a Revolution (If I Could Get Up in the Morning)” Aimee Allen

Aimee Allen

More: https://jamiegraymusic.com/wordpress/2021/08/or-1-n-big-9-s-8-brother-a-4-well/

Problems Solved. Available for hire.

I solve problems. I believe have a solution to everything. It’s who I am at the core, I suppose. Please don’t judge me if I try to solve yours.

When I look at the absolute mess in Washington DC, I see problems that need solving. Unfortunately, politicians aren’t very good at solving problems…at least not without creating more problems. Bigger ones usually. Expensive ones, dangerous ones, that cost us all.

“The US Capitol stands for what We The People are willing to sacrifice for the greater good.” ~jg

To me, things seem simple. There are gray areas, but by and large, there are simple, obvious solutions to every problem we face. We know must face them, but thanks to our bullshit pay-to-play political system, we usually choose to wait until it’s a fucking emergency.

Because God forbid we take one unnecessary fucking penny of profits from our corporate overlords. The economy will come crashing down and everyone will lose their jobs, if Amazon stock doesn’t continue to rise.

Well, Bezos can blast himself into space and fucking stay there, as far as I’m concerned. He’s a fucking pirate. No one should make billions of dollars in a pandemic. Even if it’s not TAXABLE income (so it doesn’t really count anyway). Give it BACK!

“Bezos can blast himself into space and fucking stay there, as far as I’m concerned. He’s a fucking pirate.”

I truly believe we can solve all of our problems. But the American people need to become engaged in our government. The People should vote for Solutions, not for people who make those choices for us, based on bribes (that’s what political donations really are) from powerful people and businesses.

We can hold Congress accountable to the vote of the people on those ISSUES. Right now, career politicians only REALLY answer to the fat cats who bankroll their elite lifestyles, and pay for their manipulative political propaganda.

And…Oh yeah. We gotta stop electing lawyers and career politicians. Congress should be people like you and me, who serve a term or two and do the best job they can for ALL of the Country (not just their party). Then they go back to their lives as teachers, truck drivers, and chefs. Lawyers shouldn’t make laws. They can write the laws AFTER regular people tell them what we want the Law to MEAN.

Bottom Line? We’ll solve a fucktonne of problems with TWO easy fixes. Get rid of political contributions, and implement term limits for every elected office. Simple shit, man.

But what do I know. I’m just a guy on a couch. ~jg

Jamie Gray | Writer. Musician.
Just a guy on a couch.

More: https://jamiegraymusic.com/wordpress/2021/08/problems-solved-available-for-hire/

25 Years Ago Today: Final Grateful Dead Concert 7-9-1995

On this day, 25 years ago, the Grateful Dead played their final concert at Soldier Field, Chicago. A month later, Jerry Garcia would be gone from the stage forever, as the other members struggled to keep the music flowing thru the Space & Drums portion of the band’s long history.

Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead played their final show 25 years ago today, 7/9/95, but The Music Never Stopped.

The Music Never Stopped, as Bobby, Phil, Billy, Mickey, and all of their amazingly improvisational friends, have kept moving the Dead’s music moving Further on, Truckin’ through the Lilly Fields on the Bus to never-ever land.

I still miss Jerry’s soulful plucks and crackly croons, and watching the last show can be hard. Still. 25 years later. But if you’re so inclined, YouTube of the show is below.

Listen/Watch to the whole show on YouTube:

More: https://jamiegraymusic.com/wordpress/2021/07/25-years-ago-today-final-grateful-dead-concert-7-9-1995/

Google Lens Kills Homework

#HomeworkSucks. That’s right…I said it. But now you can make sure your teacher spends more time doing homework than YOU do.

You’re welcome. ~jg

Google Lens Answers Your Homework Questions…and the meaning of life, the universe, and everything.

#Google #Android #Apps #Homework #hitchhikersguidetothegalaxy #42

More: https://jamiegraymusic.com/wordpress/2021/06/google-lens-kills-homework/

Happy Summer 2021

“…Summers fade and roses die.”

OK…I know Summer technically started a couple days ago on the Solstice, but late is better than never. You know…Except when it isn’t.
In this case, does it really matter?!?

Seriously though…Have yourself a great Summer, because Summer only lasts a few weeks…and This One means something because the CoronaGrinch stole Christmas AND Summer last year.

Be Well. Be Grateful. #BeKind
#onelove. ~jg

#Summer2021 #N0H8

Jamie Gray – musician and occasional deadhead

More: https://jamiegraymusic.com/wordpress/2021/06/happy-summer-2021/

Judge says no to Florida man’s “stand your ground” defense for killing an iguana

Apparently, Iguanas have more rights than unarmed black teenagers in Florida.

Stand your ground…against an iguana? ? While that seems entirety implausible as a defense, it worked for the asshole who shot unarmed black teenager, Trayvon Martin.

Every day I wake up someplace else, I’m thankful I don’t live in Florida.

Read more on #BoingBoing:
Judge says no to Florida man’s “stand your ground” defense for killing an iguana https://boingboing.net/2021/06/02/judge-says-no-to-florida-mans-stand-your-ground-defense-for-killing-an-iguana.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=judge-says-no-to-florida-mans-stand-your-ground-defense-for-killing-an-iguana

More: https://jamiegraymusic.com/wordpress/2021/06/judge-says-no-to-florida-mans-stand-your-ground-defense-for-killing-an-iguana/

Second Shot – Countdown to Immunity

Quarantine has been tough. I basically haven’t left the house for a year and a half. I’ve had a lot of time to think.
That’s not usually a good thing for me.
But I’ve also had a chance for reflection. Introspection is an art, and looking inward isn’t always easy to do. It’s necessary. Sure. But enough is e-fucking-nough.

COVID-19 Vaccines – Countdown to Immunity

I got my 2nd shot last week, and I am completely looking forward to freedom.

But it’s got me wondering…
What happens after you’re immune, and you get exposed to the Coronavirus? Say you breath in a big batch of spikey deathblobs. Do they stay inside you? Lurking. Waiting for your body to let your defenses down? Or does your body attack. Send out the hungry phagocytes and macrophages to gobble up all those yummy virus nuggets… or whatever.
I think it might be the last one. But don’t believe me. I’m a musician, not a damn Doctor.

10 Things Dr. McCoy is NOT
https://youtu.be/1OnfPJ37Myo
#StarTrek #Bones

Star Trek – Dr. McCoy “I’m a Doctor”

More: https://jamiegraymusic.com/wordpress/2021/05/second-shot-countdown-to-immunity/

Spin is Not, in fact Truth

If you’re only getting your news from one source, or from a handful of sources that publish opinion stories that you agree with, you aren’t getting the Truth. The Truth can only be confirmed by multiple, objective, independent sources. The Truth can only be confirmed with facts.

Rumors you read on Reddit or Facebook, or theory-based reporting from partisan ‘news’ outlets like MSNBC, FOX, OAN, NewsMax and others should be taken as such: they are THEORIES. That means you still need FACTS to confirm or disprove.

Being objective means you base your world view on EVIDENCE.

Because a bunch of comments on Tiktok posts say the same thing, doesn’t mean it’s true. ‘A lot of people say’ doesn’t make it true. It just means a lot of people THINK it’s true. If they’ve been lied to, and didn’t fact-check their information, how would you know?

I’m an independent. To stay objective, I read news from all around the world. I take each story in context of ‘Who Published It’ and ‘Who else can confirm it’. If I read an article in Russia Today, I take it as probable Russian spin, possible propaganda. Yet some of the stories are perfectly factual, confirmed by multiple other news outlets.

Musician & Independent Thinker, Jamie Gray

MSNBC will put a left wing spin. Fox will spin it to the right. If you watch BOTH of them and CNN, the facts will be the one’s they all agree on. Sometimes you may have to ignore one side or the other because they are ignoring the facts. Some of the ‘News agencies’ do that more than others, but that’s a rant for another time.

The bottom line is pretty fucking simple: Confirm EVERYTHING by other sources. MULTIPLE sources. Multiple OBJECTIVE sources. That’s the key. What facts are confirmable? Which ones are guesses? Spin?

The truth will set you free. It’s out there…you just have to take the time to look FOR the facts. So you can look AT the FACTS, not the spin they WANT you to believe. If they have to TRY to convince you, it’s probably bullshit. ~jg

Authors Note: All opinions expressed here are just that: opinions. If you don’t like mine, I probably won’t like yours either. Let’s just nod, and walk away. Maybe come back with solutions instead of opinions. Because of the two, only solutions actually matter.

More: https://jamiegraymusic.com/wordpress/2021/05/spin-is-not-in-fact-truth/

IMFO – Jamie Gray

All opinions expressed here are just that: opinions.

IMFO – Jamie Gray

If you don’t like mine, I probably won’t like yours either. Let’s just nod, and walk away. Maybe come back with solutions instead of opinions.

Jamie Gray | Opinions Are Not Solutions

Because of the two, only solutions actually matter.

More: https://jamiegraymusic.com/wordpress/2021/05/imfo-jamie-gray/

Kids in the bar? As long as they aren’t a nightmare.

#IMO I don’t think adults should be barred from most bars due to the presence of their offspring (UNDER SUPERVISION BEHAVING WELL).
Parenting is hard. Mastery of substance abuse is foundational to your success.?

As a caveat, there are some places kids just don’t belong. You know the places I mean. There are also some simple courtesies that must be followed.

Take responsibility. And take your screaming babies outside while I’m eating, or especially if there is live music. It’s just rude. Overall, control your fucking kids. They should behave like human beings, not crazed pack animals…and keep them away from the booze. They are YOUR responsibility, and the bar is within their rights to kick you and your unholy brood to the curb if anyone gets drunk or stupid, so DON’T.

And if you don’t have kids, don’t be a dick to people who bring their beloved block chips to the bar. Treat the little fuckers like they deserve to be there until they don’t. At least treat their parents like the thirsty fools they are, and cut ’em some slack for taking the hard road.

Parenting is hard. Alcohol and herbs make it softer and easier to swallow.

Jamie’s thoughts are his own.

Authors Note: All opinions expressed here are just that: opinions. If you don’t like mine, I probably won’t like yours either. Let’s just nod, and walk away. Maybe come back with solutions instead of opinions. Because of the two, only solutions actually matter.

Discussing ThisArticle from Lifehacker:

How to Tell If You Can Bring Kids to a Bar https://bit.ly/3hUQ4Yb Are For Adults, Not Children https://lifehacker.com/bars-are-for-adults-not-children-1846957440

More: https://jamiegraymusic.com/wordpress/2021/05/kids-in-the-bar-as-long-as-they-arent-a-nightmare/

I think I Captured a Murder Hornet | JamieGray on Clapper

#MurderHornets #fyp https://newsclapper.com/video/3Z2E9z1Vn4Ra6nDW?is_invite=1&r=E7JZ0nVA6K

More: https://jamiegraymusic.com/wordpress/2021/05/i-think-i-captured-a-murder-hornet-jamiegray-on-clapper/

Republicans: The party of fear and lies.

Once upon a time, the Republican party stood for small government, family values, low taxes and States’ rights. Not anymore.

Honest Abe would shudder at the state of the Republican Party, The Party of Lincoln.

As an independent, I’ve voted for Republicans because they were people of honor and character. These days, it’s hard to see any truth for all of the lies.

Trumpian Republicans aren’t real Republicans. They are just using the GOP, a party that had already lost its center thanks to right-to-life extremists and an obstructionist platform, to sully the American drinking trough with the foul and muddy water of propaganda and lies.

Republicans embraced the Big Lie because they are being held hostage by the Big Liar.

Instead of embracing new technologies and sustainable energy, they spread fear and lies. Green energy will cost jobs. Clean energy is too expensive. Whatever it takes to keep things how they are.

But, it turns out that everything they say is a lie. It turns out they’ve never embraced truth or science or morality. It turns out that none of that matters to them.

The only thing they live for is party loyalty, as the party desperately clings to power. Power vested in a minority of rich white male egomaniacs, who believe they are better than the rest of us. They talk about America, but not about the America of many cultures. They mean WHITE America.

Jamie Gray – Musician, Writer and Critic of The Idiocracy.

The America most of us live in is NOT the America they pursue. In their America, the strong dominate the weak. It’s every wolf for himself. Mercy and compassion are a weakness to be overcome.

They say ‘If you’re poor, you’re a failure. Probably lazy.’ The wealthy love to blame people for their predicament.

Capitol under siege by Trump loyalists on January 6 2021

It’s time to stop blaming, and start doing something about it. It’s amazing to me that we COULD fix so many of our problems, but our leaders CHOOSE NOT TO, and Republicans lead the way in the obstruction of every policy that benefits anyone except their rich, corporate overlords.

It’s pretty obvious that the Republican party needs to change in order to survive. They will probably continue down what looks like a path to their own destruction, but it’s important to note that the GOP could seize the opportunity, and do a LOT better. Maybe even become a force for positive change.

More likely, they’ll just keep changing for the worse. ~jg

More: https://jamiegraymusic.com/wordpress/2021/05/republicans-the-party-of-fear-and-lies/

Hey GOP…you are rallying behind a LOSER

Trump is a loser.

Trump Lost The Congress and The Presidency, and is currently under numerous criminal investigations, yet the GOP now demand allegiance to this loser or risk censure. Why would they back such an epic loser?

When Carter lost after one term, he went back to Georgia and started building homes for poor people with Habitat for Humanity.
When HW Bush lost his 2nd bid for America’s highest office, he shut up, and went back to his country club in Connecticut, rarely to be heard from by anyone, except for woulda shoulda coulda, Iraq War, around the dinner table rants with Jr.
They didn’t lead their parties afterwards, or try to demand allegiance. Their opinion no longer mattered to their parties. At all.

Because they were losers, and everyone knows losers make shitty leaders.

Everyone, that is, except the new Republican Party, who rally around their half-wit, criminal tyrant, for fear of being blacklisted. Just like Mccarthyism. Just like Putin. Just like every other authoritarian regime in history.

Jamie Gray – musician, writer, thinker and ranter.

My advice to real Republicans: Resist.

Time to stand up and be real. Like Rep. Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger. Denounce the Big Lie, and all the other lies spewed by Fox News super-Trumpers and Newsmax profiteers. Denounce the Trumpian dictatorial control over your party, and work with President Joe Biden to heal the Nation, the people who voted for you, with the Truth, vaccines, money, jobs, and food they need.

Reject Trump. Save the Republican Party and The American Democracy. No institution, however great, can stand without a foundation of Truth and Reason.

More: https://jamiegraymusic.com/wordpress/2021/05/hey-gop-you-are-rallying-behind-a-loser/

Montana Is About to Become the Most Dangerous Place in America to Protest Fossil Fuels

Republicans will do ANYTHING to support fossil fuels and the companies that make huge profits from them. They’ll even pass laws restricting first amendment free speech rights.

Hypocritical Republicans posture as the party of free speech. Except when it’s speech they don’t like.
#politics #pipelines #protests #GOP #Montana #jg

The Article ‘Montana Is About to Become the Most Dangerous Place in America to Protest Fossil Fuels’ originally appeared on https://earther.gizmodo.com/montana-is-about-to-become-the-most-dangerous-place-in-1846797936
Jamie’s comments are his own.

More: https://jamiegraymusic.com/wordpress/2021/05/montana-is-about-to-become-the-most-dangerous-place-in-america-to-protest-fossil-fuels/

Flashback 2018 – Did I Say That?

It’s about the future, not the fear.

‘Life’s unexpected turns and twists are what make being human interesting. Don’t fear the unknown…plan for the future the best you can, and then run forward into it, with open eyes, mind and heart.’ ~jg

I don’t remember sharing this thought two years ago, but according to Facebook I did. It sounds like something I’d say, so I guess I believe it. I’m also a little too lazy to actually scroll back to check.

Anyway, it seems even more appropriate now, as we’re trying to vaccinate our way out of The 2020 Pandemic. COVID-19 has proven to be an unexpected twist like no other, an abrupt turn of events that literally brought our lives to a standstill. You can’t plan for these things. Or live in fear of the next one. You can only hope to survive. To stay safe and healthy. So you can run forward into another new day after this one, with hope for the future, however unexpected it may become.

I hope everyone stays safe and well. Wear a mask, even if you’ve gotten the shots. Wash your hands. Be kind. ~jg

#NoFear #WearAMask #COVID19

More: https://jamiegraymusic.com/wordpress/2021/04/flashback-2018-did-i-say-that/

I #GotTheShot

First shot…looking forward to invincibility.

I got the first shot today. Looking forward to going out in the world and doing things again without fear of impending death lurking around each corner. The countdown to immunity begins…NOW.
#COVID19 #pandemic #vaccine #Moderna #GotTheShot

More: https://jamiegraymusic.com/wordpress/2021/04/i-gottheshot/

Lovely early versions of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s “Our House” and “Déjà vu” | Boing Boing

One of my first albums ever.

Lovely early versions of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s “Our House” and “Déjà vu”

https://ift.tt/3ebh6XF

The Article ‘Lovely early versions of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s “Our House” and “Déjà vu” | Boing Boing’ originally appeared on https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fboingboing.net%2F2021%2F04%2F16%2Flovely-early-versions-of-crosby-stills-nash-youngs-our-house-and-deja-vu.html%3Futm_source%3Drss%26utm_medium%3Drss%26utm_campaign%3Dlovely-early-versions-of-crosby-stills-nash-youngs-our-house-and-deja-vu&h=AT3W8copOx6clbTABsgN8rxbKEj3Rnv1vwbYE_BZseBWeEGcRdS3Qon64dpUCfyGdK41y1Px6dmtx1sjEorqtY-U8hZsqKJy5z85zrGRhfQBMBV-bGLiLRy7wcH6hg&s=1
Jamie’s comments are his own.

More: https://jamiegraymusic.com/wordpress/2021/04/lovely-early-versions-of-crosby-stills-nash-youngs-our-house-and-deja-vu-boing-boing/