Ugly Americans

Choose Your Friends Wisely

Dirty, dirty, dirty from head to toe, especially my feet. I can never get the soles of my feet clean. The dirt penetrates each line and wrinkle and sand settles between ten gritty toes. Trash fumes and smoke ruffle my hair. A blue-grey breeze of toxic plastic on fire: Walking down the crumbling sidewalks of Brazzaville.

I sweat through my clothes for the third time in one-day splotchy and wet. Random spots of perspiration polka dot my blouse. Wearing a bra is unthinkable because the cups fill with moisture and cling to my skin like an unwanted breast sauna. The orange substance building up on my fingernails can’t be avoided because I must wash my dishes with rusty tap water that pours from the kitchen sink.

I’m dirty in Brazzaville. Feeling sexy is a memory from the past reserved for those who own air conditioners and operate 24-hour generators. Those people- so cool and crisp- unaware of how the majority of people live their lives. They are insulated from reality.

Air-conditioned SUVs and privileges galore convince these arrogant inflated chests and bloated brains that the rest of us are for sale, rent, or on the auction block available to the highest bidder.

Disgust, unbelievable outrage... Choose your friends wisely.

Vulgar, crass, gross misuse of power... Ugly Americans in Brazzaville.

The Threat of Breast Milk in the Air

Familiarizing myself with the Transportation Security Administration online air travel rules and regulations on January 14, 2007 was a new and rather eye-opening experience for me. Listed under the permitted and prohibited items for airline travel, my fellow Americans, you will find the following items:

Permitted in checked bags.......in carry-on bags

Whipped Cream........................Whipped Cream
Billy Clubs..........................Prohibited
Brass Knuckles.......................Prohibited
Jell-O...............................Limited to 3 ounces
Cattle Prods.........................Prohibited
Saws (including cordless portable power saws)...Prohibited
Parts of guns and firearms...........Prohibited
Toothpaste...........................Limited to 3 ounces
BB Guns..............................Prohibited
Meat Cleavers........................Prohibited
Bubble Bath..........................Limited to 3 ounces

Concerned about breast milk affecting your national security in the air???

FYI

Breast milk is permitted in checked baggage.

Breast milk is allowed in a carry-on bag only if the passenger in possession of the breast milk is traveling with an infant or toddler.

Warning to all potential terrorists-

According to the Transportation and Security Administration’s Web site, breast milk will be inspected at airport security checkpoints.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#0