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Feb. 17, 2010
By Brian Fleck
NORTH LIBERTY LEADER
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My blood pressure has been creeping up lately, and I bought a little electronic gizmo that checks it.
The package arrived via UPS last week, and I opened it eagerly as I like little gadgets. With Sabra watching, I tossed the directions aside, loaded the batteries, strapped it to my arm and pushed start. My first reading was 228/165 or, in other words, a heart popping like an over-filled water balloon. Sabra said I should read the directions, but what fun is that?
The next reading went to 240/168.
Maybe it's because of the Tea Party.
In case you don't follow the news, a recent poll paid for and published by the Des Moines Register stated that about one out of three Iowans supports the movement. The group also held a national convention in Tennessee recently, charging an admittance fee of $549.
A quick browse of the organization's web site shows that its mission statement is short and sweet: To promote fiscal responsibility, constitutionally limited government and free markets.
I'm all for fiscal responsibility. Isn't it rather odd that over the years we've had both Republicans and Democrats controlling Congress and the White House yet we run deficits no matter who is in control? So maybe a viable third party will be good for the country, but paying Sarah Palin $100,000 to speak at the convention?
Is that the same Palin whose expertise in international relations begins and ends with being able to see Russia from Alaska? The one that didn't have a clue about the Bush Doctrine? The one that was for the Bridge to Nowhere before she was against it? The one that couldn't name a newspaper she regularly reads? The one that thought Africa was a country? The one that wanted to dictate family values while her teenage daughter was getting pregnant out of wedlock?
245/170.
And I'm for a strict reading of the constitution.
I don't believe "a well-armed militia" means everyone has a right to hand guns, assault rifles and armor piercing bullets, but I'm willing to cut a little slack on this one. Chances are the only one hurt by the gun nut is the gun nut, the gun nut's spouse or the gun nut's children. By the process of natural selection they'll take themselves out of the gene pool.
At the same time, however, let's remember that there's nothing in the constitution that takes away a women's right to chose her own health care nor is there anything that allows discrimination based on sexual orientation.
250/175.
What is meant by "free markets' isn't spelled out exactly, but I think they mean free from environmental regulations that keep our air and water clean at the expense of businesses. Screw the bald eagles, let's go back to better living through chemistry and legalize DDT.
Or maybe they mean less oversight of big banks, accounting firms, savings and loan companies, and energy conglomerates. If we'd just trust these guys and leave them alone, we could all turn a bigger profit.
255/180.
But then Sabra read the directions to me. Turns out I was putting the cuff on backwards and upside down. With that corrected I'm back in the pre-hypertensive range, whatever that is.
As I finish this, Sabra and I are off to Clearwater, Fla., to celebrate our 10th anniversary. As you read this we'll have just returned. Hope no iguanas freeze to death while we are there and fall from a tree into my umbrella drink.
260/180.
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