Tag Archives: control

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Government By The People – And Some Weirdoes

In honor of “The Donald” Trump, here’s a list of the folks who rule us – or would like to.

ADHOCRACY – a committee formed ad hoc to deal with a specific issue.
ARISTOCRACY – a government or state ruled by an aristocracy, elite, or privileged upper class.
AUTOCRACY – government in which one person has uncontrolled or unlimited authority over others; the government or power of an absolute monarch.
CHRYSOCRACY/PLUTOCRACY – Rule by the rich
CLEPTOCRACY/KLEPTOCRACY – a government or state in which those in power exploit national resources and steal; rule by a thief or thieves.
COTTONOCRACY – Cottonocracy refers to planters, merchants, and manufacturers who control the cotton trade.
DEMOCRACY – a state of society characterized by formal equality of rights and privileges.
DEMONOCRACY – Theology – power of, or rule by, demons.
DESPOTOCRACY – The rule by a despot or despots; the power of despots
DOLLAROCRACY – Dollarocracy refers to a state in which private wealth determines the base of political power. It is synonymous with plutocracy
DOULOCRACY/DULOCRACY – A government where servants and slaves have so much license and privilege that they domineer
ERGATOCRACY – rare government by the workers
GERONTOCRACY – a state or government in which old people rule.
GYNAECOCRACY/GYNECOCRACY/GYNOCRACY/GYNARCHY – government by women.
HAGIOCRACY – government by a body of persons esteemed as holy.
HIEROCRACY – rule or government by priests or ecclesiastics.
ISOCRACY – a government in which all individuals have equal political power.
KAKISTOCRACY – a form of government in which the worst persons are in power
MEDIOCRACY – government or rule by a mediocre person or group.
MERITOCRACY – leadership by able and talented persons.
MILLOCRACY – Rule or government by mill owners
MOBOCRACY/ OCHLOCRACY – the mob as a ruling class
MONOCRACY – government by only one person; autocracy.
NOMOCRACY – government based on the rule of law rather than arbitrary will, terror, etc
PANTISOCRACY – a community, social group, etc, in which all have rule and everyone is equal
PEDANTOCRACY – the supremacy or power of bookish theorists
PHYSIOCRACY – an 18th-century group of French economists who believed that agriculture was the source of all wealth
PLANTOCRACY  – a ruling class of plantation owners
PORNOCRACY – government or domination of government by whores
PTOCHOCRACY – government by the poor
PUNDITOCRACY – influential media pundits, (a learned person, expert, or authority).collectively.
QUANGOCRACY – the control or influence ascribed to quangos
SLAVOCRACY – the rule or domination of slaveholders
SNOBBOCRACY/SNOBOCRACY – social class or group exercising power through snobbish influence or elitist control
SQUATTOCRACY – squatters collectively, regarded as rich and influential
STRATOCRACY – government by the military
TECHNOCRACY – a theory and movement, prominent about 1932, advocating control of industrial resources, reform of financial institutions, and reorganization of the social system, based on the findings of technologists and engineers.
THALASSOCRACY/THALATTOCRACY – dominion over the seas, as in exploration, trade, or colonization
THEOCRACY – a form of government in which God or a deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruler, the God’s or deity’s laws being interpreted by the ecclesiastical authorities.
TIMOCRACY – a form of government in which a certain amount of property is requisite as a qualification for office.

Did you see anyone you recognized??

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’25 A To Z Challenge – U

We have all met a few (hopefully) of those pushy, nosy, bullies who work so hard to make any of your business, any of their business – police, co-workers, relatives – in-laws and outlaws.  I have a (very) little, grudging respect for the arrogant, egotistical assholes who just come right out and do it.  At least they have the conviction of their beliefs.

The worst ones – the ones who irritate me the most – are the

UNCTUOUS

Oily, having an oily feel
characterized by excessive piousness or moralistic fervor, especially in an affected manner; excessively smooth, suave, or smug.

ones – the ones who Shakespeare described as, How like a fawning publican he looks.  The ones who hide behind a fake smile – a shit-eating grin, and still want you to give up your information, your rights, your freedom.

I’m your friend.
I don’t really want to give you a ticket.  I am just following orders.
If you just obey me, it will be much easier for you.

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Give ‘Em Liberty Or Give ‘Em Hale

For a country founded on freedom, a disturbing number of Americans are now willing – anxious – to give it up, especially if it is someone else’s.  Far too many police officers don’t want to enforce the law.  They want peace and quiet…. and control.

One of America’s best First Amendment Auditors invited his friend, a fellow military veteran, to set his cell phone on ‘record,’ and join him for an audit.  They went to a nearby DEA building, parked in the rear “Public” parking lot, climbed out of the car, unlimbered their lenses, and began walking toward the building.

They hadn’t got 50 feet before a large, strong, young, Junior G-Man spilled out of his Jeep, rapidly strode toward them and, without saying a word – without asking a question – without giving a command, he shot his right hand forward, like a punch, grabbed the friend’s cell phone, driving it into his nose and forehead and causing pain and a slight injury, snatched it from his hands and walked away with it.  That is aggravated assault, common battery, and theft of property

Local police were called.  One officer went to get the cop’s story, another came to speak to the injured auditor.  This was not to be a sympathetic victim interview.  It was an arrogant, antagonistic, blame-the-victim, cover the cops’ asses,’ assault.  That was clear from the first question.
Why did you come here this morning to record this building?
Did you say anything to the officer?
Did you stick your camera in his face?
Were you blocking the sidewalk?

In reverse order, the answers were:
We were not blocking any walkway.  A polite ‘Excuse me.’ would have caused us to move out of the way.
The injury clearly shows that it was my face that the camera was in.
His rapid, immediate attack gave no time to say anything.

The answers to the first question were;
Because I can
Because I want to
Because it’s perfectly legal to do so
Because it’s a hobby
Because it’s a source of taxable income
Because it’s educational
It’s none of your damned business and, like the other three answers, is not justification for assault and theft.
Because it’s a constitutionally protected activity – and –
Because, in 2018, the Department of Homeland Security issued a memo which all public officials are supposed to read and heed.  It plainly states that, with the exception of clearly-marked security areas, the public is free to record all government property, real estate and equipment, as well as all government officials in the course of their duties.  Simply recording cannot be made into a crime.

The bias in the first question shows in its improper construction.  They did not go there that morning TO RECORD THE DEA BUILDING.  They went there to observe and record and disseminate the actions and reactions of supposedly knowledgeable and trained police personnel, to an uncommon, but unthreatening and legal occurrence.  The results were distressing!

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’25 A To Z Challenge – O

HELP!!

Someone stole my blog-post prompt word for the letter O.

Never mind – it was me.

Pensitivity101 distracted me with a Fibbing Friday list, and I put the word

OBFUSCATE

here.  It means to make something unclear or hard to understand, especially deliberately, which I don’t approve of doing – except to get my cheap laugh.

I discovered roller skating at about 15 and used it as a means of exercise and entertainment for 50 years.  With my lack of balance and muscle control, I was never really good at it, but I liked it.  When I moved to this town, there was one roller rink.  Roller skating continued to increase in popularity, until three new rinks were built.  After about 15 years, and the introduction of roller blades, popularity waned.  One rink became a furniture store, one a pharmacy, and one became a dance club.

The original rink held on for years, but as attendance dwindled, eventually found that they could generate more income by offering the space for seminars, craft shows, wedding receptions, and company banquets.  I took to driving 15 miles to our Tri-City, to a rink a block off the Golden Mile.  Finally the value of the land was greater as a hotel, than a roller rink.

For over ten years, there has not been a rink within 75 miles – which is probably a good thing for me, or I might have been seduced into something foolish.  I still own my skates, and a carry-case.  The pendulum is swinging again.  Interest in roller skating – and roller derby – is on the rise.  A small shopping plaza, a mile from the house has put out a roadside sign, announcing the imminent opening of a roller rink.

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Out Of Control One-Liners

Does anyone ever….
….spiral into control??

The best way to watch a fishing tournament….
….is live-stream.

Due to recent budget cuts….
….the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off.

My biggest fear about becoming a zombie….
….is all the walking.

I’m taking my red marker to the hospital….
….We’re going to draw some blood.

A day without beer is like….
….Just kidding!  I have no idea.

How do you make a waterbed more bouncy?….
….Use spring water.

I don’t snore….
….I purr with the force of 10,000 kittens.

Can we just agree that we’ve taken this, “Anyone can grow up to be President”….
….thing, way too far??!

Love means nothing….
….in tennis.

I’m done being a people-pleaser….
….if everyone is okay with that.

I tried to teach my dog to fetch….
….but he just doesn’t get it.

It’s time to plant….
….some more impeach trees.

I didn’t want to grow up….
….I just wanted to reach the cookies.

The world is a donut….
….and we are but holes.

I made a chicken salad yesterday….
….Turns out they prefer grain.

If a book about failures is a best-seller….
….is it considered a success?

It’s no longer called ‘box wine’….
….The classy term is ‘cardboardeaux.’

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Peace, For A Change

The Man Who Does Not Trust Himself – Beats His Wife

The initial furor and uproar about gender reassignment, seems to have largely died off.  Just a few observations.

Men are the most likely to be present at these rantings.  From the comments – the more testosterone-infused, the more Bible-imbued, the more likely a comment, the more numerous the comments, and the more judgmental and moralistic the comments, about something which really is none of their business.

Women appear seriously under-represented at the sermonizings.  Maybe they’re just happy that there is one less dick-waving guy, and one more empathetic gal, or are smart enough to know that it really doesn’t involve them, or their religion has conditioned and controlled them not to speak up, especially in the presence of men.

Another observation – all the light and heat seems to be generated only when a male tries to become a female.  When male swimmer William Thomas wanted to become female Lia Thomas, the He-Man howls could be heard from coast to coast.  When Ellen Page decided to become Elliot Page, a male actor/performer with no discernible talent or presence….  Crickets!!

While I was ensconced in a downtown Toronto hotel when the wife was having cancer surgery, a theater down the street was crammed to the SRO signs.  I had to walk on the far side of the street because the sidewalk was jammed with people trying to attend a show titled, Pageboy.

I wondered what kind of a program was being presented, but quickly decided that it didn’t matter.  She/he/it/they could stand on the stage for an hour, and recite the entire American ZIP-code catalog, from sea A to shining Zee – from Maine to Hawaii.

These folks weren’t here for the talent or entertainment.  P. T. Barnum’s freak show had closed.  They just wanted a look at the little weirdo.  They wanted to be reassured that someone else had a life even more bizarre than theirs.    😮

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Food For Fibbing Friday

Last week, Pensitivity101 wanted to know if we were hungry. Maybe not for our suggestions as to what these are!

  1. Cock-a-leekie

That’s a medical problem that many old guys like me suffer from.  It’s the price we have to pay to get older.  Many older women also suffer a related problem.  There are pads, and special underwear to sop up the overflow, but can you really trust a personal protection product named…. Depends??

2. Baked Alaska

The sun does not set in most of Alaska for six months in the summer.  Does that mean that you guys don’t sleep for six months??  🙄  Yes, it’s why Sarah Palin thought that she could see Russia from her front door – sleep deprivation.  Throw in Global Warming, and lots of sunny days, and some restaurants are offering a new organic specialty – toasted muskeg.

3. Toad in the hole

That’s the term of love and respect that my Redneck Karen neighbour uses for me.  Y’all don’t go nowhere, er do nothin’  Youse is just an old toad in the hole.  Which is still better than the term commonly used for her and her inbred brood – “Known to Police!”

4. Boeuf Bourguignon

He was a French actor wrestler, who appeared in the ring about the same time as Hulk Hogan and The Rock.

5. Quiche Lorraine

I thought you were referring to Quickie Lorraine, the hooker who works near the train station.

6. Chicken Chasseur

He’s the guy who is forever pursuing that poor bird, demanding to know why it crossed the road.

7. Creole Succotash

At last, I know the first name of the poor guy that Sylvester the Cat claims is always ‘Sufferin.’

8. Pan di Rosmarino

It’s a big pot of spaghetti Bolognese, that ex-quarterback Dan Marino’s wife, Rosa cooks up for family dinners.

9. Instant Whip

It’s the name of a well-known Dominatrix Den downtown.  But guys, if you want to be debased and controlled, just get married.

10. Loukoumades

It’s a slightly slurred warning from an Australian bloke.  It’s equivalent to the American expression, “Hold my beer, and watch this.”

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In Command Of Comedy

(Me) Now that I’m retired I finally have my very own Command Center!

(Wife) It looks like a Lazy Boy recliner, a TV remote and a half eaten bag of Cheetos on an end table to me!

(Me) It’s a clandestine operation so don’t tell anyone!

(Wife) Don’t worry I won’t tell a soul! Just to clear things up though, is the arm chair law practice and the sports announcing gig a secret too?

***

A mother and father were chatting with their 13-year-old son about his future. The tweenager said he’d like to attend Cornell, as his parents and other members of the family had.

Pleased with his response, they pressed on. “What would you like to take when you attend college?” they asked the boy.

After giving it some thought and glancing around the kitchen, he replied, “The refrigerator, if you can get along without it.”

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I read a story the other day about an apathetic man who died.  Apparently, it was a shrug overdose.

I read another story this week about a new drug that makes its users apathetic, it’s called Crystal Meh.

And in a related story, I read where scientists have recently discovered a virus that increases the apathy of those infected; apparently no one seems to care.

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A couple is starting marriage counseling. The counselor asks, “What brought you here today?” The wife explains, “I can’t stand how he takes everything so literally.” The counselor turns to the husband and asks, “And you?” The husband answers, “A car.”

***

Today a man knocked on my door and asked for a small donation towards the local swimming pool, so I gave him a glass of water.

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Mick walks into Paddy’s barn, and sees him dancing, naked, in front of his tractor.  He says, “Oh Paddy, whatcha doin’?”  Paddy replies, “Well me and Mary ain’t been gettin’ it on in the bedroom recently, and our marriage counsellor suggested that I do something sexy to a tractor.”

***

A department store floor manager noticed a young boy staring intently at the handrail of an escalator. The manager walked over to him and asked, “Son, are you all right?”

The boy nodded “yes” without looking up.

“Can I help you?” he asked.

The boy shook his head “no” and continued to look at the handrail.

“Well, young man, do you want me to explain to you how escalators work?”

The lad replied “No, Mister, I’m just waiting for my bubble gum to come back!”

***  😀

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RAPE!

Rape has disappeared.  It is no more.  Sadly, not the act, that’s still all too common, but the word – the term.  Woke insists that no-one’s delicate sensibilities shall be offended, and I am offended by that.

As a ten-year-old, after I had read for the third time that some young female had been raped, I just asked my Mother what “Rape” was.  It never occurred to me that any male would force a female to have intercourse.

Caught completely off-guard, she went into some embarrassed, her-sensibility non-offending story about, “Well, you know when a man doesn’t want to have a baby….” which just left me totally bewildered.  Not wanting to have a baby didn’t seem to have anything to do with it.  I knew what sex was.  I understood the mechanics.  Flap A went into slot B, even if I didn’t yet have a rigid Flap A.  One of my more street-wise friends soon set me straight.

In every medium, “Rape” has been replaced with ‘Assault.’  If the newspaper or television station is really daring, it might be “Sexual Assault.”  C’mon!  Call a spade, a spade!  I think that this just trivializes the concept of rape.  (Sexual) Assault is one thing.  Rape is something completely different and far worse.

Sexual assault is an over-ardent teen boyfriend, managing to unhook a bra-strap in the backseat of a car.  It is a handsy restaurant manager patting waitress’s butts.  It’s even Donald Trump “grabbin’ them right by the crotch, ‘cause you know they want it.”  It’s not “Rape” until it gets to FHRITP, or, until the check bounces.

Rape is degrading, and the result of expressed power and anger.  While not wanted or consented to, sexual assault is usually the result of overactive hormones.  Show some restraint and control, guys, or you could end up in prison, where you might find out what rape is really like.  😛

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’22 A To Z Challenge – I

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s not that I’m stubborn.  It’s just that I’m usually right.  I am urged to consider others’ opinions.  I do!  I consider many of them stupid and unworkable.  My darling wife, whose vocabulary is limited to romance novel levels, would not call me

Intransigent

refusing to agree or compromise; uncompromising; inflexible
obstinately maintaining an attitude

Nor

Intractable

not easily controlled or directed; not docile or manageable; stubborn; obstinate:
difficult to influence or direct

I don’t think that I am smarter than others.  It is, perhaps, just that I pay more attention to reality.  I only have a high school diploma, and some work-related post-secondary training.  I am constantly amazed by the ignorance and misunderstanding of people with college and university degrees.

One day, at work, four of us were playing cards at lunch, and the radio played an advertisement referencing the legal code of Habburami.   Two of us perked up, and simultaneously shouted, “Hammurabi!”  A co-worker asked, “How do you know?”  I answered, ”Because we paid attention in class.”

Religion is not the only reason that people believe and say foolish, stupid things.  The education system in North America, more and more, resembles a sewage treatment plant, with about the same type and quality of output.  Something is rotten in the state of Denmark Mississippi, New Jersey, etc.

I am amenable to being honestly and intelligently guided, but I refuse to be blindly led.  I am willing – anxious – to change my opinion if I am offered solid evidence, and well-thought-out presentations.  I will not take seriously, any opinion, from someone who asks things like, “Do Atheists have children?” – or Flat-Earth-type fools who claim that, “Australia is a lie.  It’s not real.  If it was, (sic) people would fall off.”