Storms have been the major topic of conversation this week. First there was the literal one, the Nor’easter hitting the East Coast with the threat of a Hurricane right behind it. At least in the DC area, we’ve lucked out and the Hurricane has moved out to sea, leaving only the Nor’eater for us but we are still stuck with the political storms.

At the beginning of the week, was the threat of a government shut down over the funding of Planned Parenthood. Sadly, we have a group of elected officials who for many years now, has not bothered to work on a budget but instead likes to wait until the last minute to pass a short-term measure to keep the government going. No time for the budget but they have time to hear about deflatgate or some other ridiculous issue. Or, they actually do close the government, like they did a few years ago.

Personally, I think beneath all the BS about Planned Parenthood there is a prejudice against the organization because lower income women, as well as many others, use its services. Sure there’s opposition because of the abortions PP does, but that is a pretty low percentage of the services they provide. I think people don’t think the poor should be out having sex and having kids. But, then again, if they decide on an abortion, that’s bad too. Do I think people should use abortion as birth control? No. Do I think people should have kids they can’t afford? No, but it happens and I would imagine most people hope to move themselves out of that situation to be able to provide for their family.

How often do we hear about how those on welfare or food stamps or any public assistance are lazy, taking advantage of the system etc? Sure, there are abuses but are abuses of a system really limited to the poor?  Our Congressional representatives are well paid and they don’t do their jobs. Isn’t that a rip off Is it more acceptable because they are dressed for success?

Another storm that hit his week was the revelation that Pope Francis had met with Kim Davis, the clerk from KY, who won’t do her job. Personally, I don’t care if the Pope met with SpongeBob, he’s allowed to chat with anyone he pleases. It means nothing to me because, as I’ve said before, he’s one voice in the world of many. Did I see it as an endorsement of her behavior? Not really because I would suspect, given his beliefs, he’s already on her side. Additionally, Pope Francis sent a letter asking for clemency for a death row inmate scheduled to die this week. It doesn’t surprise me that he wouldn’t support the death penalty although I’m not sure it is his place to get involved but he might as well try and ride the good will he earned while here in the States.

Interesting thing about the death penalty, according to Pew Research, 77% of Republicans favor the death penalty. And yet, I thought they were pro-life. Guess that’s only for the unborn. But, this same group was willing to shut the government, put many people in difficult financial situations, because they are great defenders of life, protecting the innocent. How about innocent people who are wrongly convicted? That’s when that whole “eye for an eye” thing gets a little dicey.

And last but not least, are the gun control issues that we as Americans refuse to address. Lots of excuses and hiding behind the Constitution. I can’t understand as a law-abiding citizen why anyone opposes a waiting period for a background check. If I wanted a gun to go hunting, for example, I could wait two days. Not like the deer is going to stay in my yard or in the woods in the same place while I run out and get a gun.

Put up your umbrella folks. There are many storms ahead.