I'm tired of the arguments. I'm done with the demonization. It's time to do some spade-calling.

Regarding the national budget talks: Spending cuts are essentially the same thing as tax increases. Either way, the government shrinks its contribution to the economy. The average person won't notice much if either is implemented, but if spending is cut a fair chunk of money will leave the economy. If taxes are raised, the same is true. There are nuances around these arguments, and I do think that tax increases are better for the economy, if only because a fair chunk of that money will be put right back into the kitty. But to claim that any tax increase will shred the ability of American businesses to do business is insane. Likewise, to claim that any and all spending cuts are "draconian" is radically overstating the case. C'mon folks, we've got to cut spending and raise taxes. If we do it right, most folks won't notice a bit. Really. That's the truth.

Regarding the NFL and NBA lockouts: [crickets chirping]

No, really. I don't care. If the NBA were drop off the face of the earth, I wouldn't miss it much at all. And as much as I like the NFL, the prospect of missing games this fall doesn't worry me at all. I've got other things I can do.

Regarding the recent books issued by Justin Bieber and Bristol Palin: I'm in the corner reading Bob Mould's book. At least that book is about someone who has actually lived a life and done something useful for society. Bonus: It takes a much more sophisticated approach to the obligatory sex talk.

Regarding the "phantom" hand ball in the Australia/Equatorial Guinea tilt: At least Australia won. If result were anything else, FIFA would be in very deep doo-doo, indeed. I'm usually on the side of "don't let the refs get you down," but even I can't fathom how a referee didn't notice a defender grab a ball in front of the goal and then start walking. Even the Kindergarteners I coached this year wouldn't do that.

Regarding the Republicans who are running for President: Do we really have to talk about these people? Now? Can't it wait a few months, or at least until a few more sexy pics of Newt Gingrich sunning crop up in the blogosphere?

So, yeah, I've still got opinions. But I'm too tired to carp about this stuff, and there's no way I'm wasting my time listening to other people's screechy whines. I have more important things to do. Like drinking beer. Or picking my nose.

It's summer. Time to ignore the crap and get in as much soccer viewing as possible.

Jon Worley's nose is often unspeakable.