Government Corruption

Someone has suggested that even the best of intentions by the best and most honorable men are subject to corruption.  I tend to agree wholeheartedly.  Just look at the mess.  The U.S. Postal Service was established in 1775; after 234 years, it is broke.  Social Security was established in 1935; after 74 years, it is broke.  Fannie Mae was established in 1938; after 71 years, it is broke.  The War on Poverty was started in 1964; after 45 years, $1 trillion of our money is confiscated each year and transferred to "the poor" and they only want more.  Medicare and Medicaid were established in 1965; after 44 years, they are broke.  Freddie Mac was established in 1970; after 39 years, it is broke.  The Department of Energy was created in 1977 to lessen our dependence on foreign oil. It has ballooned to 16,000 employees with a budget of $24 billion a year and we import more oil than ever before; after 32 years, it is an abysmal failure.  Now, here comes the health care law.  I didn't bother to look for a picture to post with this blog. 

Benfer

This is a painting inspired by and dedicated to Celia Benfer Benfer, a beautiful poet who lives in Paraguay. I cannot yet post it on my art blog because it is too recent (July 17, 2009) Its title is Jug With Purple Stripe. If you cannot see the jug, keep staring at it until it finds you.

I believe the objective for an artist is to always create something sincere and, at the same time, something that will appreciate in value. Like a poem, it must ring true. Like a violin, the creation should not be something that will depreciate with time. Just the opposite - like a Stradivarius violin. Some violins are not only tools of the trade for a violinist, but are great works of art as well. I truly hope this one appreciates. Wish me luck.

Clothing optional

From a recent news report: “WELLINGTON, New Zealand – New Zealand's national airline has adopted a cheeky way to encourage passengers to watch its in-flight safety video: The cabin crew's uniforms are nothing but body paint. The "Bare Essentials of Safety," screening in the cabins of planes flying Air New Zealand's main domestic routes, has gone viral online. It had 1.2 million YouTube views by Friday, four days after it was launched. In the video, three cabin staff and a pilot, all in full body paint applied to look like their uniforms, talk viewers through the aircraft's safety procedures.” Perhaps the difference between clothing and body paint is simply psychological? I wouldn’t know – my eyesight is not the best. By the way, the woman at left is dressed in body paint. Can you tell?