Yesterday was April 15th – the notorious income tax day throughout the United States.  The day when the unconstitutional – aka illegal – income tax is rammed down our collective throats federally and, for most Americans, at the state level, too (though States’ Constitutions differ and such an income tax may be legal, dependent on your State of residence).

In conjunction with several other so-called “Tea Party” rallies (reminiscent of the Boston Tea Party of early American history fame, naturally) across the country, I gathered with other citizens in a demonstration of discontentment with the current Presidential administration – and, to be fair, I’m equally (perhaps more so – Obama has time to “change” for the better still!) discontent with the prior several administrations – and the botched economy, and other critical issues.

Though, candidly, I could not hear what the speakers said for the most part, as I stood behind them under the federal building overhand – it was snowing, afterall – I enjoyed myself nonetheless.  Despite having been labeled by the Department of Homeland Security as a “rightwing extremist” (despite the peaceful, Constitutionally-protected gathering) only days prior, I appreciated the sanctity of the moment, that I live in a nation wherein such practices are permitted – at least until the Gestapo “changes” that.

I tagged around with my cousin who has taken to state-level politics like a fish to water.  She was kind enough to introduce me to several of her associates, including several State legislators, Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, and others.  She has a desire – nay, passion – to make genuine improvements for the State and communities, not merely to politick.  Though we don’t live remotely in the same legislative districts, I hope that if – or, rather, when – she chooses to run for office, that she receives the support she deserves and wins!

My own political involvement has been on low simmer since my 2006 Congressional campaign (WA, 7th district).  Though I remain informed with current affairs, I’ve distanced myself from the so-called pavement, having been focused instead on several other efforts (finished my Masters, working on a Ph.D, in my local congregational Bishopric, on the South Salt Lake City Planning Commission, et cetera).  At the rally, though, I felt the simmer wanting to boil, though – it was fun, and I wasn’t truly involved!  My passion is centered on federal issues still, but I remain interested in local and State politics.

OK, so I tend to be the type of person that grabs a (small) handful of candies and pops them into the mouth at the same time.  I don’t have a well developed sense of taste – which I’m sure is because I have fewer taste buds than average, and not because of my eating habits – and so I figure they’ll all taste the same anyway, so why bother eating them one at a time.

My wife has proven me wrong.  Who knew – besides her – that starburst jelly beans do in fact taste different, that each of the various colors (yellow, green, pink, purple, orange, red, and maybe others) correspond with a specific flavor.  I didn’t believe her at first.  She put two of the same kind in my mouth at a time and you know what?  I, the taste loser, could distinguish different flavors!

In fact, before our experimentation was through I was able to close my eyes, eat one, and correctly identify the color jelly bean I consumed based off its flavor.  Perhaps this milestone in my life doesn’t mean as much to others, but for me it was quite the eye-opener.