This is it – Mid-Term Elections. People on both sides of the political fence are holding their breath. Will there be a Red Wave? Will Blue hang on? And what about state issues? In California, as in the country, there is much at stake.
Let me start by saying yes, this is a political rant. These are my opinions. Nothing more. I wish I could say that I am hopeful, but I am not. California is very much a Blue State when you look at those in positions of power. Move away from most coastal towns or big cities, and you will find a very Red State with strong religious values, down to earth thinking and a people who are willing to help their neighbor help themselves. I don’t see the seat of power changing in such a Blue State. Simple folk will remain without a voice, and I am not very hopeful in the outcome here.
California Prop 1 will, in all likelihood pass. The very language of the proposition is misleading. If passed, Prop 1 would protect a woman’s right to an abortion and reproductive freedoms. Those who support Prop 1 claim that it is a necessary amendment to the state’s constitution that would allow abortions and without it, women would be denied the right to choose. This is false. Abortions are already legal under the current state constitution. Defeating Prop 1 would not change that. Passing Prop 1 takes the word “viable” out of the abortion amendment, clearing the way for abortions to be performed up to the time of delivery, allowing for late term abortions. Currently, once a pregnancy is viable outside the womb, abortions are only allowed in the event of health issues or in the cases of rape or incest. While I am pro-life, I understand the reasons behind allowing abortions. I cannot judge the decision to end a pregnancy since I am not standing in that woman’s shoes. Only she and her maker know what she is going through, and the desperation of her heart. However; to say it is a right to allow a child to be ripped from the womb in the ninth month of pregnancy, killed and thrown away is wrong on so many levels. Most Americans are pro-choice in the early stages of pregnancy. Those same people, when asked about late term abortions, are mortified. There needs to be a point when it is no longer a woman’s choice (with few grave acceptations) because it’s no longer a medical procedure but rather the termination of a human being. When we allow the killing of innocent children, it sends a signal that life beyond our own is meaningless. The crime we see on the streets today is an extension of this lack of respect for human life.
There have been a number of propositions over the years that I have voted yes or no, depending upon the proposition. And I’ve accepted the outcome regardless of my position. I voted No on the legalization of marijuana. It passed – majority rules and all that. I’ll vote No to legalize on-line gaming in California, and live with whatever the outcome may be. But Prop 1 is different. It’s not a matter of Majority Rule. It’s a matter of doing what is right and having compassion. Compassion for the mother, and for the child. That is my political rant for today. May God have mercy on us all.
All across America, people will be following the returns. Some may be glued to their television sets, watching blow by blow reporting. Others may wait till the 11’oclock news for a quick recap. Some (like Kiddo) won’t care one way or the other. No matter where you stand on the political fence, nothing says American like a good Hot Dog. And what could be better than a Cony Island Dog on Election Night? Enjoy!
Coney Island Hot Dogs
Hot Dog Sauce
1/2 Yellow Onion
1 lb Ground Beef
1/8 cup Sugar
1/8 cup Chili Powder
1 cup Ketchup
1 cup Beef Stock
2 tablespoons Masa Flour
Cut onion in half from root to tip. Set half aside for the hot dogs. Peel remaining half, dice and set aside.
Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook ground beef and onions together, breaking beef apart as it cooks. Drain off fat.
Add sugar, chili powder, ketchup and beef stock to the pot. Stir well to combine. Bring to a low boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Hot Dogs
2 tablespoons Bacon Drippings
4 Quarter-Pounder Beef Hot Dogs
1/2 cup Water
4 Foot-Long Buns
1/2 Yellow Onion
Ketchup as desired
Mayonnaise as desired
Place a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Melt bacon drippings in the skillet. Place hot dog into the skillet, coat in melted drippings. Add water, lower heat to medium. Cover skillet and let steam-roast for 10 minutes. Remove lid, continue to cook another 5 to 10 minutes until dogs are blistered and cooked through.
While the hot dogs cook, peel and dice remaining half an onion, set aside.
When ready, smear hot dog buns with desired condiments. Place dogs in buns. Top with sauce, finish with chopped onions as desired.
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