Thought of the Day 12# – United States Media/ Purpose of Thought of the Day

*As a foresight, my ‘Thought of the Day’ posts are the only posts on my site that will contain any regular political, and/or religious topics (for the most part, slight references may sneak their way into my other works on occasion). Why do I do this you ask? Aren’t those topics kind of taboo for some people? Why, yes. Yes they are. However, I feel it’s important, as it’s a way for me to let free some of my viewpoints and let them be seen, as well as to give my readers/followers more insight into me. I believe this can make me more relatable when you read my other posts, and that is my goal. I want to connect with my readers as well.

Now for my opinion on the United State’s media: since I’ve finally caught up on Real Time With Bill Maher, (minus tonight’s episode). A few thought’s came to mind. First off,  what other show can you watch where they will light a joint on live television to make a point; or blantanly call out the media for what they are… and that is drama. A reality show is what most ‘real’ American new channels have become. On another note; isn’t it kind of sad how people can get more accurate news from show’s similar to Real Time or the Daily Show; than  a regular new’s channel. They’re comedians for fuck’s sake and report current events more accurately. America, we need to get our shit together because we’re behind the curve. Whether you believe it or not… it’s the truth.

This article though, short, gets 2 points across to open more insight to my readers. If you disagree with me, well I support your right to disagree with open arms. Hell, I’ll buy you a beer even. As always, thanks for reading and live any thoughts or opinions below!

~J. A. Ross

© RossJ781.com 03/04/2016

Thought of the Day #8 ~My Opinion/Questions on Religion, and It’s Influence in the United States

*Disclaimer* This post is opinionated of course, and purely inquisitive/ intended to be thought provoking, and gain me some more understanding on this topic from other people. I am one who is hungry for knowledge and discussions when social matters are involved. I do still respect anyone’s point of view of course, as by our 1st Amendment right’s, we have our right to freedom of speech and I will defend yours. This topic today is just an important topic that I feel needs to be brought to light.

 

This comes to mind today. I always see loads of posts every day in my newsfeed telling other people that that should try to be more like Christ, or that they should try their faith. Well in my opinion, I feel like a lot people are almost the opposite and are fake; they try to use it as an excuse to spread their racism, or hate; or their own political agenda. Well here’s a few things.

For one, what’s with all these megachurches; all these other super fancy, and very expensive religious buildings? Buildings that can have room/seats for thousands of people. Do you really think that this is what Christ would want? I feel like he would tear all of them down and be utterly embarrassed. I think he instead would’ve used all those millions upon millions that are used in these buildings to go to the poor, and homeless. Also, to other important things like education, or things such as medical research to help make people well,etc.

In my eyes, I see people being manipulated into thinking this is alright. Well, some of you may wonder what us atheists, and other truly non-religious people that don’t follow any books (or specific guidelines) thinks about all this. I feel that many of them would share this same view. A lot of what people do today has been grossly perverted and turned into something else that defeats the entire purpose. These big time religious leaders make money off of people. Look at the televangelists, or owners of the megachurches. Do you really think they deeply care about you?

Many only tend care about money, image, and power. They get the best of many people by using charm and apparent word of God. I honestly believe that if people were to truly follow the goals of their religions, they would create simple shrines in their homes for worship, or build more basic/much less expensive buildings, and give as much money and help as possible to all of those who are in need. Instead, they keep making money, and breaching the separation of church and state that this country was built off of, to not have it interfere with our politics. (Utah politics greatly ignores this of course, not picking on you, just stating the truth.)

They’re also tax exempt. Seriously, why do they need to be tax exempt? They interfere with as much as they can get away with in our government. Churches pull in billions each year; do you honestly think that every available cent of that is going into the good of mankind? It pisses me off that I always have people try to tell me that religion is so good, and that I should follow. Well, I question everything and none of it adds up to me; I don’t just take someone’s word for everything and throw my life into their hands. So why do you guys feel the need to do this so desperately.

I personally, see that they’ve become very corrupt and use this to manipulate the American people. Look at other developed countries, they still have religion, but most of them don’t have it so entwined into their politics like a lot of folks in the US are trying to do here. The United States isn’t, and never was a ‘Christian Country’. ‘In God we trust’ didn’t appear on our money until the mid 1950’s, nor did ‘under God’ in the Pledge of Alliance. People need to get a history check, and get their facts straight.

Now, I’m 100% atheist and any religious references to Christ, or God, is purely to relate to any religious people end up reading this. I see many people making posts to defend their beliefs over and over. I feel it’s my turn as I normally chose against posting related material. I don’t care if people are religious, if it’s what you need to be happy in life; to give you purpose…well there’s nothing wrong with that. Do your thing! But I feel like people need to be more inquisitive to what’s going on this world, and not leave their mind closed to it. Especially to all of that occurring in third world nations.

Unfortunately, I strongly believe that America have become too ignorant and focused on themselves, and don’t really seem to care about the rest of the world much. Even though it can have direct effects to us long term. If you have an opinion, I want it to stay civil, no BS or it’s deleted.

~To restate~ This post is me wanting to get more info from other people, as I am curious a curious fellow. This isn’t just a jab at religion. It’s my opinions, and it has a purpose so I understand others more. As always, thanks to all of the continued support, and thanks for reading!

~J. A. Ross

© RossJ781.com 2/19/2016

 

 

 

Thought of the Day #4: My Opinion on the US Minimum wage

For this addition of ‘Thought of the Day’, I’m going to send my focus to the minimum wage of the United States, which is an astoundingly low $7.25 an hour. Much lower than the average developed country, and frankly I feel that’s pathetic for our country to be so hellbent at claiming that we’re number 1 at everything. Face it people, we’re not. We’d all like to say it, but our education is going down; out healthcare still needs work; we do have too much spending focused on war as opposed to renewable energy and taking care of our own people. We’re getting behind in the scheme of things. One way to start getting a grasp on things is to have companies pay our citizens a livable wage.

It doesn’t matter what the job is, people deserve the right to not have to work themselves to death, just to buy basic necessities and pay their bills to support a family. People will be like, “They’re good jobs for people to go to college, but people need to move on to different things after some time.” Sure, everyone wants to move to bigger things. Who really wants to spend their years working fast food, or customer service? Nobody does! But some people simply can’t get around. Not everyone is born to go to college; it’s a reality we have to accept. It doesn’t mean someone isn’t intelligent by any means, but it’s expensive, and very time consuming. Some people aren’t cut out for it, but they can still find their way.

College kids can’t survive on that either to be honest. College is overpriced, and sometimes you have to take what job you can get, so you can squeak by. The minimum wage hasn’t risen in about 12 years, but there’s been several instances of inflation in that time range. Prices will always rise a little whether the minimum wage is raised or not. $15 could be a little steep I suppose in the eyes of some people(though some states definitely need it as they have a higher cost of living), but they should be able to make $11-12 an hour in the average state. That’s fairly livable for most college students/younger people’s standards.

Not to mention several jobs that are minimum wage, this country relies on. It’s not just fast food. Plus,… fast food workers do put up with a ton of shit. Customers can be complete assholes and unbearable. These type of low wage companies also have their employees meet unrealistic standards. They deserve more than a meager $7.25 an hour for their hard work. Sure, some people are lazy, but no matter what job you look into-whether its the military, a call center, or your average store. You’re going to find the occasional lazy person. But you’re making a pretty bold statement to call millions of people lazy, when they’re probably working harder than you to survive.

We all know billion dollar companies can afford to pay their employees more easily. It will hardly make a dent in their record profits. However, people will ask, “What about Mom and Pop shops?” See, here’s how an effective economy works: If you pay people a piss poor $7.25 an hour, they don’t spend money if they don’t have to. They hoard it; save it for essentials only. You raise the wages, people have more money to keep up with inflation. They also have extra money left over after bills and essentials for entertainment and a few more minor luxuries.

Hence, If more people have extra money, mom and pop places also make a lot more money, and can afford to pay their employees the updated minimum wage in the least with little to no difficultly . That simple; people have money, they will spend it and put more in the economy. Just let that sink in. Keeping people poor only puts more money in the pockets of billionaires, and not in the average Joe or the economy. Trickle-down doesn’t work and a minimum wage of $7.25 doesn’t either. It’s shameful people are so blind to that.

To match 12 years of inflation, we would need to be at least around $10 an hour for the minimum. That’s a fair starting wage. It’s $2.75 more than minimum wage, and enough to still take several people off welfare,or use less of it in the least. For those of you whining about welfare, raising the minimum makes you pay less on your taxes towards welfare, because companies are now forced to do so for you. Keeping the wages low increases your taxes. It’s that simple. Have a heart, and quit over complicating things people!

If you have an opinion, keep it civil, and post a comment below! As always, thanks for reading!

~J. A. Ross