Home Depot Joe stepped in it 14 times last night and lied. The MSM won't report this, it is up to the everyday person to tell the truth.
A hat tip to ALS at conservababes.com for bringing this to my attention.
1. TAX VOTE: Biden said McCain voted “the exact same way” as Obama to increase taxes on Americans earning just $42,000, but McCain DID NOT VOTE THAT WAY.
2. AHMEDINIJAD MEETING: Joe Biden lied when he said that Barack Obama never said that he would sit down unconditionally with Mahmoud Ahmedinijad of Iran. Barack Obama did say specifically, and Joe Biden attacked him for it.
3. OFFSHORE OIL DRILLING: Biden said, “Drill we must.” But Biden has opposed offshore drilling and even compared offshore drilling to “raping” the Outer Continental Shelf.”
4. TROOP FUNDING: Joe Biden lied when he indicated that John McCain and Barack Obama voted the same way against funding the troops in the field. John McCain opposed a bill that included a timeline, that the President of the United States had already said he would veto regardless of it’s passage.
5. OPPOSING CLEAN COAL: Biden says he’s always been for clean coal, but he just told a voter that he is against clean coal and any new coal plants in America and has a record of voting against clean coal and coal in the U.S. Senate.
6. ALERNATIVE ENERGY VOTES: According to FactCheck.org, Biden is exaggerating and overstating John McCain’s record voting for alternative energy when he says he voted against it 23 times.
7. HEALTH INSURANCE: Biden falsely said McCain will raise taxes on people's health insurance coverage -- they get a tax credit to offset any tax hike. Independent fact checkers have confirmed this attack is false
8. OIL TAXES: Biden falsely said Palin supported a windfall profits tax in Alaska -- she reformed the state tax and revenue system, it's not a windfall profits tax.
9. AFGHANISTAN / GEN. MCKIERNAN COMMENTS: Biden said that top military commander in Iraq said the principles of the surge could not be applied to Afghanistan, but the commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force Gen. David D. McKiernan said that there were principles of the surge strategy, including working with tribes, that could be applied in Afghanistan.
10. REGULATION: Biden falsely said McCain weakened regulation -- he actually called for more regulation on Fannie and Freddie.
11. IRAQ: When Joe Biden lied when he said that John McCain was “dead wrong on Iraq”, because Joe Biden shared the same vote to authorize the war and differed on the surge strategy where they John McCain has been proven right.
12. TAX INCREASES: Biden said Americans earning less than $250,000 wouldn’t see higher taxes, but the Obama-Biden tax plan would raise taxes on individuals making $200,000 or more.
13. BAILOUT: Biden said the economic rescue legislation matches the four principles that Obama laid out, but in reality it doesn’t meet two of the four principles that Obama outlined on Sept. 19, which were that it include an emergency economic stimulus package, and that it be part of “part of a globally coordinated effort with our partners in the G-20.”
14. REAGAN TAX RATES: Biden is wrong in saying that under Obama, Americans won't pay any more in taxes then they did under Reagan.
http://minx.cc/?post=274757
Friday, October 03, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
A Puzzled Look at The Bail Out
I am not an economist. I am a wife, a Mom, a small business owner. I balance my checkbook, use coupons, pay my mortgage on time, attempt to invest wisely and try very hard to live within my means. I respect the Constitution and have wearily watched administrations come and go.
This diaster on the economy has me - well it's a cross between puzzled, bewildered and angry.
First, let me start off with the Fed, Alan Greenspan, Ben Bernake and the lot. I am puzzled because I thought that it was their jobs to make sure something like this didn't happen. So exactly what is their purpose? Didn't The Fed contribute heavily to the crash of 1929? Why are we taking advice from these yahoos? Obviously, they were asleep at the switch and failed to protect the American dollar and the economic system, why is it immediate we listen now?
Second, I have watched administrations come and go and I can remember back in the 1990s when there was a gigantic push by the Clinton administration to provide loans to lenders banks wouldn't touch. Shouldn't that have been the first clue? That banks wouldn't touch them? By no means are all Republicans lily white on this issue but I do remember Bush sounding the alarm about Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac being broken and needing to be fixed. That was in 2003 and in 2003 Barney Frank dismissed the concern as rhetoric. No bills made it past committee to address this situation and who was the Head of Banking? Why Chris Dodd. The man who has received more contributions from Fannie/Freddie than any other politician. The Republicans should have screamed more and more and more. But in typical Republican nature, that dog didn't hunt. In 2005, McCain attempted to address this issue and again, it was shot down by the ranking Democrats.
I was appalled when I saw the bonuses that Raines, Gorlick, Johnson, et al received from Congressionally chartered businesses. The way I view it, since the government has bailed out these agencies, those clowns owe the government millions of dollars to repair the damage they caused. I would like to have answers from Raines and Johnson, if they could stop being economic advisors to Obama long enough to answer them.
Now Paulson is screaming now or never. Um, why wasn't he screaming this a year ago. Is his vision in his capacity so short-sighted that this snuck up on him? What has he been doing with his time? This crisis was years in the making and yet he says we only have days? I think I would fire his ass for poor long term planning.
Another thing about the Treasury bailout, it includes converting billions in foreign loans to grants thus giving debtor countries a free ride on American taxpayer money. Can I get on this gravy-train?
So now Congress is scrambling but in true fashion, they never saw legislation that they didn't believe needed pork seasoning. This solution coming out of Congress not only bails out lenders, it bails out stupid people and absolves personal accountability to homeowners who can't make their mortgages. So not only do I get to pay their bill, I get to shoulder their share of accountability.
Congress has failed miserably at every institution they have meddled in. Medicare, Social security, on and on. Yet we are suppose to believe that their solution will save the day with minimized risk to the taxpayer. Oh yeah, you betcha.
What's a few trillion dollars between friends??
This diaster on the economy has me - well it's a cross between puzzled, bewildered and angry.
First, let me start off with the Fed, Alan Greenspan, Ben Bernake and the lot. I am puzzled because I thought that it was their jobs to make sure something like this didn't happen. So exactly what is their purpose? Didn't The Fed contribute heavily to the crash of 1929? Why are we taking advice from these yahoos? Obviously, they were asleep at the switch and failed to protect the American dollar and the economic system, why is it immediate we listen now?
Second, I have watched administrations come and go and I can remember back in the 1990s when there was a gigantic push by the Clinton administration to provide loans to lenders banks wouldn't touch. Shouldn't that have been the first clue? That banks wouldn't touch them? By no means are all Republicans lily white on this issue but I do remember Bush sounding the alarm about Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac being broken and needing to be fixed. That was in 2003 and in 2003 Barney Frank dismissed the concern as rhetoric. No bills made it past committee to address this situation and who was the Head of Banking? Why Chris Dodd. The man who has received more contributions from Fannie/Freddie than any other politician. The Republicans should have screamed more and more and more. But in typical Republican nature, that dog didn't hunt. In 2005, McCain attempted to address this issue and again, it was shot down by the ranking Democrats.
I was appalled when I saw the bonuses that Raines, Gorlick, Johnson, et al received from Congressionally chartered businesses. The way I view it, since the government has bailed out these agencies, those clowns owe the government millions of dollars to repair the damage they caused. I would like to have answers from Raines and Johnson, if they could stop being economic advisors to Obama long enough to answer them.
Now Paulson is screaming now or never. Um, why wasn't he screaming this a year ago. Is his vision in his capacity so short-sighted that this snuck up on him? What has he been doing with his time? This crisis was years in the making and yet he says we only have days? I think I would fire his ass for poor long term planning.
Another thing about the Treasury bailout, it includes converting billions in foreign loans to grants thus giving debtor countries a free ride on American taxpayer money. Can I get on this gravy-train?
So now Congress is scrambling but in true fashion, they never saw legislation that they didn't believe needed pork seasoning. This solution coming out of Congress not only bails out lenders, it bails out stupid people and absolves personal accountability to homeowners who can't make their mortgages. So not only do I get to pay their bill, I get to shoulder their share of accountability.
Congress has failed miserably at every institution they have meddled in. Medicare, Social security, on and on. Yet we are suppose to believe that their solution will save the day with minimized risk to the taxpayer. Oh yeah, you betcha.
What's a few trillion dollars between friends??
What's That Sound? A Big Chunk of Pennsylvania and Other Coal Producing Regions Falling Off the Obama Support Train
So it's bad enough that The Dems think people cling to guns and religion. Now, according to Biden, they are lieing to the coal producers in America.
Ah yes, Bobbling Biden has stated "no coal mines" in America.
Are you sure you aren't working for the Republicans, Joe?
Ah yes, Bobbling Biden has stated "no coal mines" in America.
Are you sure you aren't working for the Republicans, Joe?
Monday, September 22, 2008
NY Times Update - Gosh, we're not biased
After Steve Schmidt called the New York Times on the carpet for bias, the Gray Lady responded with the following:
"Bill Keller, the newspaper's executive editor, said in a statement of response: "The New York Times is committed to covering the candidates fully, fairly and aggressively. It's our job to ask hard questions, fact-check their statements and their advertising, examine their programs, positions, biographies and advisors. Candidates and their campaign operatives are not always comfortable with that level of scrutiny, but it's what our readers expect and deserve."
Obama's press secretary cited over 40 probing stories the NY Times did about Obama.
Let's take a look at just the titles alone:
1. In Law School, Obama Found Political Voice [New York Times, 1/28/07]
Gee, this doesn't sound very hard hitting. In fact, it reads like a "Here's why we gush", puff piece".
2. So Far, Obama Can’t Take Black Vote For Granted [New York Times, 2/2/07]
Nope, I don't see anything that indicated vetting of the candidate just a cuddley warning for him not to get too comfy.
3. Obama Had Slaveowning Kin [New York Times, 3/3/07]
I don't even know what the point of this piece is. Are they rekindling the Civil War?
4. Disinvitation by Obama Is Criticized [New York Times, 3/6/07]
How is this hard hitting?? To me they seem outraged that he was disinvited.
5. Obama, in Brief Investing Foray In '05, Took Same Path as Donors [New York Times, 3/7/07]
So they are defending his investments. Very hard hitting piece there.
6. Obama Says His Investments Presented No Conflicts of Interest [New York Times, 3/8/07]
See above
7. Charisma and a Search for Self In Obama's Hawaii Childhood [New York Times, 3/17/07]
Sorry, but there is no such thing as a hard, investigative vetting of a candidate that begin with the words "charisma" and "search for self".
8. Clinton Camp Challenges Obama on Iraq. [New York Times, 3/22/07]
Big whoop, he was wrong on Iraq and the surge and just about everything else. If they are so interested in hard hitting, why didn't they report his demands to the Iraqi government to delay troop withdrawl?
9. After 2000 Loss, Obama Built Donor Network From Roots Up [New York Times, 4/3/07]
Gushing about what a hard worker he is. Did they talk about his Resko donations and others? Did they investigate the 14 million dollars of housing "favors" Resko and crew got for supporting The Chosen One? Nope.
10. A Candidate, His Minister and the Search for Faith [New York Times, 4/30/07]
Again, no hard hitting piece begins with the header "search for faith". Did they question how he sat in a church 20 years and didn't hear this stuff? Or how he threw Wright under the bus for political expedience?
11. An Obama Patron and Friend Until an Indictment in Illinois [New York Times, 6/14/07]
Yeah, after every other news agency in the world was covering it. Again, no deep investigation into the matter, just gloss.
12. In Illinois, Obama Proved Pragmatic and Shrewd. [New York Times, 7/30/07]
Was that pragmatic and shrewed when he left the Illinois taxpayers holding the bill for bad housing? Nope, it was showing how smart their guy has been.
13. In 2000, a Streetwise Veteran Schooled a Bold Young Obama. [New York Times, 9/9/07]
Is that street wise as in "I blew up the Capitol and the Pentagon and I intended to kill soldiers at Ft. Dix (and their dates) and I am not repentent Ayers?
14. Loyal Network Backs Obama After His Help. [New York Times, 10/1/07]
Another hard hitting tough journalistic piece (not). The title tells you all you need to know, the guy has loyal followers. So did Atilla The Hun.
15. Obama’s Account of New York Years Often Differs From What Others Say. [New York Times, 10/30/07]
Hey! They started but they made sure that Barry got the explanation in. Did they offer the same to McCain or Palin. Nope. More Barry adoration.
16. It’s Not Just ‘Ayes’ and ‘Nays’: Obama’s Votes in Illinois Echo. [New York Times, 12/20/07]
Oh puh-leeze! That echo, NY Times, is the vast emptiness of the lack of impact his 130 "present" votes amounted to.
17. Nuclear Leaks and Response Tested Obama in Senate [New York Times, 2/3/08]
No hard hitting piece again, just proving their adoration for the man by saying "he was tested".
18. Daschle Uses Senate Ties To Blaze Path for Obama [New York Times, 2/5/08]
How is this vetting or hard hitting. In fact, by providing this list, they are proving that Steve Schmidt is right. Jeez.
19. Old Friends Say Drugs Played Bit Part in Obama’s Young Life [New York Times, 2/9/08]
Notice the word "Young". Explained away and he's learned his lesson. Had he been a Republican, he would have been vilified. Puff, puff - as in piece, not toking.
20. Seeking Unity, Obama Feels Pull of Racial Divide [New York Times, 2/12/08]
They blew it on the title. They laud him seeking unity. Nothing to see here, folks, just more fawning.
21. Obama Walks a Difficult Path as He Courts Jewish Voters [New York Times, 3/1/08]
Poor Barry, a tough road to court Jewish voters since the Times is so absolutely certain that Jews should vote for him. They didn't mention his flip flop on his Israel positions.
Obama in Senate: Star Power, Minor Role [New York Times, 3/9/08]
How is this critical of Obama. He's their "Supah-Stah"
22. A Free-Spirited Wanderer Who Set Obama’s Path [New York Times, 3/14/08]
Which Free Spirit? Ayers? Resko? Wright? Flagel? You failed again NY Times.
23.cPastor Defends His Predecessor at Obama’s Chicago Church [New York Times, 3/17/08]
Yeah, we know how this one turned out. Did they ask The Chosen One how he could attend a church for twenty years and have no clue about the pastor's vitrolic leanings? Did they ask which Sundays he attended? No, no - they sugarcoated it.
24. Obama’s Narrator [New York Times, 4/1/07]
Would that be Saul Alinsky, William Ayers? Didn't think so.
25. Wright Remains a Concern for Some Democrats [New York Times, 5/1/08]
Not after you failed to investigate this thoroughly. Not a big whoop now. You managed to bury it.
26. A Strained Wright-Obama Bond Finally Snaps [New York Times, 5/1/08]
I guess throwing someone under the bus would strain a relationship. The Times SUCKED at this article.
27. A Pulpit-and-Pews Gulf on Obama’s Ex-Pastor [New York Times, 5/2/08]
This explains away Barry's throwing Wright under the bus.
28. A Fiery Theology Under Fire [New York Times, 5/4/08]
Yah, think? Another failure to properly investigate the relationship thoroughly.
29. Obama Secret Service Agent Tied To Sex Joke [New York Times, 5/15/08]
I'm not even going to comment on this idiocy.
30. The Story of Obama, Written by Obama [New York Times, 5/18/08]
And as reported by Surrogate Obama - The New York Times.
31. Following Months of Criticism, Obama Quits His Church [New York Times, 6/1/08]
Now he's driving the bus. The Times again failed to investigate it thoroughly.
32. Many Blacks Find Joy in Unexpected Breakthrough [New York Times, 6/5/08]
This is hard hitting, how??
33. Where Whites Draw The Line [New York Times, 6/8/08]
This is their attempt to impose White Liberal guilt into the election equation.
34. Obama’s Organizing Years, Guiding Others and Finding Himself [New York Times, 7/7/08]
The Times failed for the nth time. He even admits he was a failure as an organizer. But, hey! Their headline is annointing.
35. As a Professor, Obama Enthralled Students and Puzzled Faculty [New York Times, 7/30/08]
This is flat out stupid. Obama was a visiting lecturer, not a professor. Nice research.
36. Delicate Obama Path on Class and Race Preferences [New York Times, 8/3/08]
Big whoop. Again the Grey Lady playing the guilt card to get votes for their Messiah.
37. Big Donors, Too, Have Seats at Obama Fundraising Table [New York Times, 8/6/08]
But, but, he likes the little people first. Just not the ones with the bibles and guns.
38. Is Obama the End of Black Politics? [New York Times, 8/10/08]
I didn't even bother to read this piece. LWG at its finest.
39. Obama’s 2003 Stand on Abortion Draws New Criticism in 2008 [New York Times, 8/20/08]
This one ALMOST made it into the hard hitting column but it seemed to justify the chosen one's stance.
40. Obama Aides Defend Bank’s Pay to Biden Son [New York Times, 8/25/08]
Um, the headline says it all boys. You are reporting HIS defense, not an objective journalistic approach.
41. Once a Convention Outsider, Obama Navigated a Path to the Marquee [New York Times, 8/27/08]
Lights, Camera, Action! Our guy has made it!! Whoo-Hoo the Gray Lady's in control!
42. Obama Looks to Lessons From Chicago in His National Education Plan [New York Times, 9/10/08]
Yeah this one gets me because he was PART OF THE PROBLEM IN CHICAGO. But the Times isn't going to rain on Barry's parade.
When The Times does an investigative piece that doesn't fluff over things in Obama's credentials or past, when they strike with the same poisoned fangs that they have used on McCain and Palin, only then will they begin to even have an iota of credibility.
Until then, The National Enquirer is one up on them for the Edward's story.
"Bill Keller, the newspaper's executive editor, said in a statement of response: "The New York Times is committed to covering the candidates fully, fairly and aggressively. It's our job to ask hard questions, fact-check their statements and their advertising, examine their programs, positions, biographies and advisors. Candidates and their campaign operatives are not always comfortable with that level of scrutiny, but it's what our readers expect and deserve."
Obama's press secretary cited over 40 probing stories the NY Times did about Obama.
Let's take a look at just the titles alone:
1. In Law School, Obama Found Political Voice [New York Times, 1/28/07]
Gee, this doesn't sound very hard hitting. In fact, it reads like a "Here's why we gush", puff piece".
2. So Far, Obama Can’t Take Black Vote For Granted [New York Times, 2/2/07]
Nope, I don't see anything that indicated vetting of the candidate just a cuddley warning for him not to get too comfy.
3. Obama Had Slaveowning Kin [New York Times, 3/3/07]
I don't even know what the point of this piece is. Are they rekindling the Civil War?
4. Disinvitation by Obama Is Criticized [New York Times, 3/6/07]
How is this hard hitting?? To me they seem outraged that he was disinvited.
5. Obama, in Brief Investing Foray In '05, Took Same Path as Donors [New York Times, 3/7/07]
So they are defending his investments. Very hard hitting piece there.
6. Obama Says His Investments Presented No Conflicts of Interest [New York Times, 3/8/07]
See above
7. Charisma and a Search for Self In Obama's Hawaii Childhood [New York Times, 3/17/07]
Sorry, but there is no such thing as a hard, investigative vetting of a candidate that begin with the words "charisma" and "search for self".
8. Clinton Camp Challenges Obama on Iraq. [New York Times, 3/22/07]
Big whoop, he was wrong on Iraq and the surge and just about everything else. If they are so interested in hard hitting, why didn't they report his demands to the Iraqi government to delay troop withdrawl?
9. After 2000 Loss, Obama Built Donor Network From Roots Up [New York Times, 4/3/07]
Gushing about what a hard worker he is. Did they talk about his Resko donations and others? Did they investigate the 14 million dollars of housing "favors" Resko and crew got for supporting The Chosen One? Nope.
10. A Candidate, His Minister and the Search for Faith [New York Times, 4/30/07]
Again, no hard hitting piece begins with the header "search for faith". Did they question how he sat in a church 20 years and didn't hear this stuff? Or how he threw Wright under the bus for political expedience?
11. An Obama Patron and Friend Until an Indictment in Illinois [New York Times, 6/14/07]
Yeah, after every other news agency in the world was covering it. Again, no deep investigation into the matter, just gloss.
12. In Illinois, Obama Proved Pragmatic and Shrewd. [New York Times, 7/30/07]
Was that pragmatic and shrewed when he left the Illinois taxpayers holding the bill for bad housing? Nope, it was showing how smart their guy has been.
13. In 2000, a Streetwise Veteran Schooled a Bold Young Obama. [New York Times, 9/9/07]
Is that street wise as in "I blew up the Capitol and the Pentagon and I intended to kill soldiers at Ft. Dix (and their dates) and I am not repentent Ayers?
14. Loyal Network Backs Obama After His Help. [New York Times, 10/1/07]
Another hard hitting tough journalistic piece (not). The title tells you all you need to know, the guy has loyal followers. So did Atilla The Hun.
15. Obama’s Account of New York Years Often Differs From What Others Say. [New York Times, 10/30/07]
Hey! They started but they made sure that Barry got the explanation in. Did they offer the same to McCain or Palin. Nope. More Barry adoration.
16. It’s Not Just ‘Ayes’ and ‘Nays’: Obama’s Votes in Illinois Echo. [New York Times, 12/20/07]
Oh puh-leeze! That echo, NY Times, is the vast emptiness of the lack of impact his 130 "present" votes amounted to.
17. Nuclear Leaks and Response Tested Obama in Senate [New York Times, 2/3/08]
No hard hitting piece again, just proving their adoration for the man by saying "he was tested".
18. Daschle Uses Senate Ties To Blaze Path for Obama [New York Times, 2/5/08]
How is this vetting or hard hitting. In fact, by providing this list, they are proving that Steve Schmidt is right. Jeez.
19. Old Friends Say Drugs Played Bit Part in Obama’s Young Life [New York Times, 2/9/08]
Notice the word "Young". Explained away and he's learned his lesson. Had he been a Republican, he would have been vilified. Puff, puff - as in piece, not toking.
20. Seeking Unity, Obama Feels Pull of Racial Divide [New York Times, 2/12/08]
They blew it on the title. They laud him seeking unity. Nothing to see here, folks, just more fawning.
21. Obama Walks a Difficult Path as He Courts Jewish Voters [New York Times, 3/1/08]
Poor Barry, a tough road to court Jewish voters since the Times is so absolutely certain that Jews should vote for him. They didn't mention his flip flop on his Israel positions.
Obama in Senate: Star Power, Minor Role [New York Times, 3/9/08]
How is this critical of Obama. He's their "Supah-Stah"
22. A Free-Spirited Wanderer Who Set Obama’s Path [New York Times, 3/14/08]
Which Free Spirit? Ayers? Resko? Wright? Flagel? You failed again NY Times.
23.cPastor Defends His Predecessor at Obama’s Chicago Church [New York Times, 3/17/08]
Yeah, we know how this one turned out. Did they ask The Chosen One how he could attend a church for twenty years and have no clue about the pastor's vitrolic leanings? Did they ask which Sundays he attended? No, no - they sugarcoated it.
24. Obama’s Narrator [New York Times, 4/1/07]
Would that be Saul Alinsky, William Ayers? Didn't think so.
25. Wright Remains a Concern for Some Democrats [New York Times, 5/1/08]
Not after you failed to investigate this thoroughly. Not a big whoop now. You managed to bury it.
26. A Strained Wright-Obama Bond Finally Snaps [New York Times, 5/1/08]
I guess throwing someone under the bus would strain a relationship. The Times SUCKED at this article.
27. A Pulpit-and-Pews Gulf on Obama’s Ex-Pastor [New York Times, 5/2/08]
This explains away Barry's throwing Wright under the bus.
28. A Fiery Theology Under Fire [New York Times, 5/4/08]
Yah, think? Another failure to properly investigate the relationship thoroughly.
29. Obama Secret Service Agent Tied To Sex Joke [New York Times, 5/15/08]
I'm not even going to comment on this idiocy.
30. The Story of Obama, Written by Obama [New York Times, 5/18/08]
And as reported by Surrogate Obama - The New York Times.
31. Following Months of Criticism, Obama Quits His Church [New York Times, 6/1/08]
Now he's driving the bus. The Times again failed to investigate it thoroughly.
32. Many Blacks Find Joy in Unexpected Breakthrough [New York Times, 6/5/08]
This is hard hitting, how??
33. Where Whites Draw The Line [New York Times, 6/8/08]
This is their attempt to impose White Liberal guilt into the election equation.
34. Obama’s Organizing Years, Guiding Others and Finding Himself [New York Times, 7/7/08]
The Times failed for the nth time. He even admits he was a failure as an organizer. But, hey! Their headline is annointing.
35. As a Professor, Obama Enthralled Students and Puzzled Faculty [New York Times, 7/30/08]
This is flat out stupid. Obama was a visiting lecturer, not a professor. Nice research.
36. Delicate Obama Path on Class and Race Preferences [New York Times, 8/3/08]
Big whoop. Again the Grey Lady playing the guilt card to get votes for their Messiah.
37. Big Donors, Too, Have Seats at Obama Fundraising Table [New York Times, 8/6/08]
But, but, he likes the little people first. Just not the ones with the bibles and guns.
38. Is Obama the End of Black Politics? [New York Times, 8/10/08]
I didn't even bother to read this piece. LWG at its finest.
39. Obama’s 2003 Stand on Abortion Draws New Criticism in 2008 [New York Times, 8/20/08]
This one ALMOST made it into the hard hitting column but it seemed to justify the chosen one's stance.
40. Obama Aides Defend Bank’s Pay to Biden Son [New York Times, 8/25/08]
Um, the headline says it all boys. You are reporting HIS defense, not an objective journalistic approach.
41. Once a Convention Outsider, Obama Navigated a Path to the Marquee [New York Times, 8/27/08]
Lights, Camera, Action! Our guy has made it!! Whoo-Hoo the Gray Lady's in control!
42. Obama Looks to Lessons From Chicago in His National Education Plan [New York Times, 9/10/08]
Yeah this one gets me because he was PART OF THE PROBLEM IN CHICAGO. But the Times isn't going to rain on Barry's parade.
When The Times does an investigative piece that doesn't fluff over things in Obama's credentials or past, when they strike with the same poisoned fangs that they have used on McCain and Palin, only then will they begin to even have an iota of credibility.
Until then, The National Enquirer is one up on them for the Edward's story.
Steve Schmidt Nukes The New York Times
I love Steve Schmidt. He hit this nail squarely on the head. In a recent poll, over 60% of people polled believed that there was media bias but only 9% of journalists polled thought there was a problem.
Back to Steve, he started the week right and I applaud him for saying so.
Hat tip to Redstate.com & Hotair.com
Back to Steve, he started the week right and I applaud him for saying so.
Hat tip to Redstate.com & Hotair.com
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Tell Me Again, Who Is Getting A Tax Break?
The fuzzy wuzzy, peace, hope and change game of Obama is reaching critical mass. His tax plan, wrapped in the sparkley veil of change and hope has some serious issues...like it doesn't add up that middle income citizens will be given tax relief.
Rightchange.com has presented 10 facts about the Obama plan that should scare the bejeepers out of all those people who believe he will relieve their tax burden.
Hat Tip to ALS from Conservababes.com for this information.
http://www.rightchange.com/issue_tax1.php
10 Things You Need to Know About Senator Obama’s Tax Proposals
Under the tax plans of Barack Obama and his Democratic friends in Congress, American families will only be left with… the change in their pockets.
In 2009, Barack Obama and the Democratic Congress have an idea for a bill. Well, really, it’s a lot of bills that will be paid for by nearly every American in the form of higher taxes and higher costs for food, energy and other products.
So if you have a retirement account, work in or shop at a small business, are close or in retirement, or even flip on a light switch, then there are a few things that you should consider.
Under that plan:
Small main street businesses would be forced to pay tax rates as high as 62.3% under Senator Obama’s tax proposals.(1)
Senator Obama’s tax plan would tax small businesses at a higher rate than Wal-Mart!(2)
Taxes on retirement income and savings could increase by at least 33%, hitting millions of seniors when they need these resources the most. (3)
4 million workers over the age of 50 – those eagerly looking forward to retirement – would be hit with increased tax bills. (4)
Millions of Americans would only keep 38 cents of every dollar that they earn. (5)
Senator Obama’s tax plan would reduce the after tax wages of millions of workers by 17.7%. (6)
It will take 227 days per year, nearly 8 months, just to pay your tax bill!7
97,065 carpenters, 110,908 police officers, 254,992 nurses, 208,562 postsecondary teachers and 237,000 dentists would see tax increases, if the earnings cap was successfully eliminated. (8)
10.3 million workers would see an average of $5,650 taken from their paycheck and given to government programs. (9)
Even YOU might be considered “Rich.”
Citations:
1 Michael Boskin, “A Closer Look at Obamanomics”
2 “Obama Plans Spending Boost, Possible Cut in Business Tax”, Wall Street Journal, June 17, 2008
3“Obama's War on Women”, The New York Sun, August 14, 2008
4 “Caps Off for Obama,” Investors Business Daily, 5/20/2008
5 Michael Boskin, “A Closer Look at Obamanomics”
6 Calcuation by RightChange.com based on figures detailed in Michael Boskin’s, “A Closer Look at Obamanomics”
7 RightChange.com calculation
8 “Obama's Social Insecurity Plan,” Investor’s Business Daily, 5/20/2008
9"Caps Off For Obama," Investor's Business Daily, 9/25/07
http://www.rightchange.com/issue_tax1.php
Rightchange.com has presented 10 facts about the Obama plan that should scare the bejeepers out of all those people who believe he will relieve their tax burden.
Hat Tip to ALS from Conservababes.com for this information.
http://www.rightchange.com/issue_tax1.php
10 Things You Need to Know About Senator Obama’s Tax Proposals
Under the tax plans of Barack Obama and his Democratic friends in Congress, American families will only be left with… the change in their pockets.
In 2009, Barack Obama and the Democratic Congress have an idea for a bill. Well, really, it’s a lot of bills that will be paid for by nearly every American in the form of higher taxes and higher costs for food, energy and other products.
So if you have a retirement account, work in or shop at a small business, are close or in retirement, or even flip on a light switch, then there are a few things that you should consider.
Under that plan:
Small main street businesses would be forced to pay tax rates as high as 62.3% under Senator Obama’s tax proposals.(1)
Senator Obama’s tax plan would tax small businesses at a higher rate than Wal-Mart!(2)
Taxes on retirement income and savings could increase by at least 33%, hitting millions of seniors when they need these resources the most. (3)
4 million workers over the age of 50 – those eagerly looking forward to retirement – would be hit with increased tax bills. (4)
Millions of Americans would only keep 38 cents of every dollar that they earn. (5)
Senator Obama’s tax plan would reduce the after tax wages of millions of workers by 17.7%. (6)
It will take 227 days per year, nearly 8 months, just to pay your tax bill!7
97,065 carpenters, 110,908 police officers, 254,992 nurses, 208,562 postsecondary teachers and 237,000 dentists would see tax increases, if the earnings cap was successfully eliminated. (8)
10.3 million workers would see an average of $5,650 taken from their paycheck and given to government programs. (9)
Even YOU might be considered “Rich.”
Citations:
1 Michael Boskin, “A Closer Look at Obamanomics”
2 “Obama Plans Spending Boost, Possible Cut in Business Tax”, Wall Street Journal, June 17, 2008
3“Obama's War on Women”, The New York Sun, August 14, 2008
4 “Caps Off for Obama,” Investors Business Daily, 5/20/2008
5 Michael Boskin, “A Closer Look at Obamanomics”
6 Calcuation by RightChange.com based on figures detailed in Michael Boskin’s, “A Closer Look at Obamanomics”
7 RightChange.com calculation
8 “Obama's Social Insecurity Plan,” Investor’s Business Daily, 5/20/2008
9"Caps Off For Obama," Investor's Business Daily, 9/25/07
http://www.rightchange.com/issue_tax1.php
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Bush Requested Oversight of Freddie & Fannie in 2003 - A Big FAT I Told Ya so.
Back in September of 2003, Bush requested oversight of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Democrats pooh-pooh this idea saying nothing was wrong.
By the way, the Democrats have had two years to begin alleviating a broken situation, what legislation did they propose? Nada, zip, zilch.
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E06E3D6123BF932A2575AC0A9659C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=print
New Agency Proposed to Oversee Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae
By STEPHEN LABATON
The Bush administration today recommended the most significant regulatory overhaul in the housing finance industry since the savings and loan crisis a decade ago.
Under the plan, disclosed at a Congressional hearing today, a new agency would be created within the Treasury Department to assume supervision of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored companies that are the two largest players in the mortgage lending industry.
The new agency would have the authority, which now rests with Congress, to set one of the two capital-reserve requirements for the companies. It would exercise authority over any new lines of business. And it would determine whether the two are adequately managing the risks of their ballooning portfolios.
The plan is an acknowledgment by the administration that oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac -- which together have issued more than $1.5 trillion in outstanding debt -- is broken. A report by outside investigators in July concluded that Freddie Mac manipulated its accounting to mislead investors, and critics have said Fannie Mae does not adequately hedge against rising interest rates.
''There is a general recognition that the supervisory system for housing-related government-sponsored enterprises neither has the tools, nor the stature, to deal effectively with the current size, complexity and importance of these enterprises,'' Treasury Secretary John W. Snow told the House Financial Services Committee in an appearance with Housing Secretary Mel Martinez, who also backed the plan.
Mr. Snow said that Congress should eliminate the power of the president to appoint directors to the companies, a sign that the administration is less concerned about the perks of patronage than it is about the potential political problems associated with any new difficulties arising at the companies.
The administration's proposal, which was endorsed in large part today by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, would not repeal the significant government subsidies granted to the two companies. And it does not alter the implicit guarantee that Washington will bail the companies out if they run into financial difficulty; that perception enables them to issue debt at significantly lower rates than their competitors. Nor would it remove the companies' exemptions from taxes and antifraud provisions of federal securities laws.
The proposal is the opening act in one of the biggest and most significant lobbying battles of the Congressional session.
After the hearing, Representative Michael G. Oxley, chairman of the Financial Services Committee, and Senator Richard Shelby, chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, announced their intention to draft legislation based on the administration's proposal. Industry executives said Congress could complete action on legislation before leaving for recess in the fall.
''The current regulator does not have the tools, or the mandate, to adequately regulate these enterprises,'' Mr. Oxley said at the hearing. ''We have seen in recent months that mismanagement and questionable accounting practices went largely unnoticed by the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight,'' the independent agency that now regulates the companies.
''These irregularities, which have been going on for several years, should have been detected earlier by the regulator,'' he added.
The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, which is part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, was created by Congress in 1992 after the bailout of the savings and loan industry and concerns about regulation of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which buy mortgages from lenders and repackage them as securities or hold them in their own portfolios.
At the time, the companies and their allies beat back efforts for tougher oversight by the Treasury Department, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the Federal Reserve. Supporters of the companies said efforts to regulate the lenders tightly under those agencies might diminish their ability to finance loans for lower-income families. This year, however, the chances of passing legislation to tighten the oversight are better than in the past.
Reflecting the changing political climate, both Fannie Mae and its leading rivals applauded the administration's package. The support from Fannie Mae came after a round of discussions between it and the administration and assurances from the Treasury that it would not seek to change the company's mission.
After those assurances, Franklin D. Raines, Fannie Mae's chief executive, endorsed the shift of regulatory oversight to the Treasury Department, as well as other elements of the plan.
''We welcome the administration's approach outlined today,'' Mr. Raines said. The company opposes some smaller elements of the package, like one that eliminates the authority of the president to appoint 5 of the company's 18 board members.
Company executives said that the company preferred having the president select some directors. The company is also likely to lobby against the efforts that give regulators too much authority to approve its products.
Freddie Mac, whose accounting is under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission and a United States attorney in Virginia, issued a statement calling the administration plan a ''responsible proposal.''
The stocks of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae fell while the prices of their bonds generally rose. Shares of Freddie Mac fell $2.04, or 3.7 percent, to $53.40, while Fannie Mae was down $1.62, or 2.4 percent, to $66.74. The price of a Fannie Mae bond due in March 2013 rose to 97.337 from 96.525.Its yield fell to 4.726 percent from 4.835 percent on Tuesday.
Fannie Mae, which was previously known as the Federal National Mortgage Association, and Freddie Mac, which was the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, have been criticized by rivals for exerting too much influence over their regulators.
''The regulator has not only been outmanned, it has been outlobbied,'' said Representative Richard H. Baker, the Louisiana Republican who has proposed legislation similar to the administration proposal and who leads a subcommittee that oversees the companies. ''Being underfunded does not explain how a glowing report of Freddie's operations was released only hours before the managerial upheaval that followed. This is not world-class regulatory work.''
Significant details must still be worked out before Congress can approve a bill. Among the groups denouncing the proposal today were the National Association of Home Builders and Congressional Democrats who fear that tighter regulation of the companies could sharply reduce their commitment to financing low-income and affordable housing.
''These two entities -- Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac -- are not facing any kind of financial crisis,'' said Representative Barney Frank of Massachusetts, the ranking Democrat on the Financial Services Committee. ''The more people exaggerate these problems, the more pressure there is on these companies, the less we will see in terms of affordable housing.''
Representative Melvin L. Watt, Democrat of North Carolina, agreed.
''I don't see much other than a shell game going on here, moving something from one agency to another and in the process weakening the bargaining power of poorer families and their ability to get affordable housing,'' Mr. Watt said.
By the way, the Democrats have had two years to begin alleviating a broken situation, what legislation did they propose? Nada, zip, zilch.
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E06E3D6123BF932A2575AC0A9659C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=print
New Agency Proposed to Oversee Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae
By STEPHEN LABATON
The Bush administration today recommended the most significant regulatory overhaul in the housing finance industry since the savings and loan crisis a decade ago.
Under the plan, disclosed at a Congressional hearing today, a new agency would be created within the Treasury Department to assume supervision of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored companies that are the two largest players in the mortgage lending industry.
The new agency would have the authority, which now rests with Congress, to set one of the two capital-reserve requirements for the companies. It would exercise authority over any new lines of business. And it would determine whether the two are adequately managing the risks of their ballooning portfolios.
The plan is an acknowledgment by the administration that oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac -- which together have issued more than $1.5 trillion in outstanding debt -- is broken. A report by outside investigators in July concluded that Freddie Mac manipulated its accounting to mislead investors, and critics have said Fannie Mae does not adequately hedge against rising interest rates.
''There is a general recognition that the supervisory system for housing-related government-sponsored enterprises neither has the tools, nor the stature, to deal effectively with the current size, complexity and importance of these enterprises,'' Treasury Secretary John W. Snow told the House Financial Services Committee in an appearance with Housing Secretary Mel Martinez, who also backed the plan.
Mr. Snow said that Congress should eliminate the power of the president to appoint directors to the companies, a sign that the administration is less concerned about the perks of patronage than it is about the potential political problems associated with any new difficulties arising at the companies.
The administration's proposal, which was endorsed in large part today by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, would not repeal the significant government subsidies granted to the two companies. And it does not alter the implicit guarantee that Washington will bail the companies out if they run into financial difficulty; that perception enables them to issue debt at significantly lower rates than their competitors. Nor would it remove the companies' exemptions from taxes and antifraud provisions of federal securities laws.
The proposal is the opening act in one of the biggest and most significant lobbying battles of the Congressional session.
After the hearing, Representative Michael G. Oxley, chairman of the Financial Services Committee, and Senator Richard Shelby, chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, announced their intention to draft legislation based on the administration's proposal. Industry executives said Congress could complete action on legislation before leaving for recess in the fall.
''The current regulator does not have the tools, or the mandate, to adequately regulate these enterprises,'' Mr. Oxley said at the hearing. ''We have seen in recent months that mismanagement and questionable accounting practices went largely unnoticed by the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight,'' the independent agency that now regulates the companies.
''These irregularities, which have been going on for several years, should have been detected earlier by the regulator,'' he added.
The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, which is part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, was created by Congress in 1992 after the bailout of the savings and loan industry and concerns about regulation of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which buy mortgages from lenders and repackage them as securities or hold them in their own portfolios.
At the time, the companies and their allies beat back efforts for tougher oversight by the Treasury Department, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the Federal Reserve. Supporters of the companies said efforts to regulate the lenders tightly under those agencies might diminish their ability to finance loans for lower-income families. This year, however, the chances of passing legislation to tighten the oversight are better than in the past.
Reflecting the changing political climate, both Fannie Mae and its leading rivals applauded the administration's package. The support from Fannie Mae came after a round of discussions between it and the administration and assurances from the Treasury that it would not seek to change the company's mission.
After those assurances, Franklin D. Raines, Fannie Mae's chief executive, endorsed the shift of regulatory oversight to the Treasury Department, as well as other elements of the plan.
''We welcome the administration's approach outlined today,'' Mr. Raines said. The company opposes some smaller elements of the package, like one that eliminates the authority of the president to appoint 5 of the company's 18 board members.
Company executives said that the company preferred having the president select some directors. The company is also likely to lobby against the efforts that give regulators too much authority to approve its products.
Freddie Mac, whose accounting is under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission and a United States attorney in Virginia, issued a statement calling the administration plan a ''responsible proposal.''
The stocks of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae fell while the prices of their bonds generally rose. Shares of Freddie Mac fell $2.04, or 3.7 percent, to $53.40, while Fannie Mae was down $1.62, or 2.4 percent, to $66.74. The price of a Fannie Mae bond due in March 2013 rose to 97.337 from 96.525.Its yield fell to 4.726 percent from 4.835 percent on Tuesday.
Fannie Mae, which was previously known as the Federal National Mortgage Association, and Freddie Mac, which was the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, have been criticized by rivals for exerting too much influence over their regulators.
''The regulator has not only been outmanned, it has been outlobbied,'' said Representative Richard H. Baker, the Louisiana Republican who has proposed legislation similar to the administration proposal and who leads a subcommittee that oversees the companies. ''Being underfunded does not explain how a glowing report of Freddie's operations was released only hours before the managerial upheaval that followed. This is not world-class regulatory work.''
Significant details must still be worked out before Congress can approve a bill. Among the groups denouncing the proposal today were the National Association of Home Builders and Congressional Democrats who fear that tighter regulation of the companies could sharply reduce their commitment to financing low-income and affordable housing.
''These two entities -- Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac -- are not facing any kind of financial crisis,'' said Representative Barney Frank of Massachusetts, the ranking Democrat on the Financial Services Committee. ''The more people exaggerate these problems, the more pressure there is on these companies, the less we will see in terms of affordable housing.''
Representative Melvin L. Watt, Democrat of North Carolina, agreed.
''I don't see much other than a shell game going on here, moving something from one agency to another and in the process weakening the bargaining power of poorer families and their ability to get affordable housing,'' Mr. Watt said.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Who The Hell is Alex Jones and Why Does He Think There Are FEMA Camps in Iraq?
The party of love and peace. Now we know where they sent the FEMA trailers after Katrina.
A hat tip to Pajamas Media for this great, but disturbing video.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Georgia On My Mind
So last week, South Ossetian separatists increased mortar and machine gun against nearby Georgian villages. These separatists are backed by Moscow. When Georgia stood up, Russia sends in tanks, troops, ships, aircraft and troops. Following so far?
Not only did Russia go after the Georgians attacking their funded separatists, Moscow decides to blow up oil pipelines and ships. What rock scientist can't figure out that if they blow up the pipeline, Russia has effectively crippled the economy of the break away Georgia.
It's always about the money.
Hang tough Georgia. Praying a calvery arrives soon.
Not only did Russia go after the Georgians attacking their funded separatists, Moscow decides to blow up oil pipelines and ships. What rock scientist can't figure out that if they blow up the pipeline, Russia has effectively crippled the economy of the break away Georgia.
It's always about the money.
Hang tough Georgia. Praying a calvery arrives soon.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Hey Nan! How's the Vacation Going?
Pelosi turned out the lights on the House of Representatives. She shut down the microphones, turned out the lights, dismissed the press and zipped out, along with Democratic colleagues for 5 weeks of PAID vacation without a debate on the energy bill or an up or down vote. Dismiss the business before the Congress and jump on that airplane paid for by the taxpayer.
Meanwhile, average Americans are balancing rising costs caused mostly by the rising cost of fuel. The average American doesn't take five weeks vacation and certainly doesn't zip around at the expense of others.
Americans have tightened up. We consolidate shopping trips, outings and errands to help stretch the gasoline dollar. Many Americans are foregoing vacations and doing "staycations" to help alleviate the the pain we feel every time we purchase gas. The impact of the rising cost of gas correlates directly into the cost of goods and services everywhere. Thanks Nan.
Add to this pain, the humiliation of buying oil from some nations that would rather see us gone. This Democratically controlled Congress would rather have it's own citizens not only suffer escalating costs but keep us dependent on countries who could give a ruby red rat's backside whether we exist. Where is our sovereignty? Where is our ability to stand on our own two feet and show the rest of the world what makes us great? It's on vacation along with the ELECTED representatives who swore an oath to serve its citizens.
I give the August Rebellion of 2008 members gigantic props. You didn't let Nan & company's highjinx stop you. You stood (and stand) on the floor of the people's house and plead our case. You are fighting and I hope this great nation and its citizens stand with you.
Congressman Cantor (R-VA) has an online petition to get the Speaker to bring back Congress to ACT on this bill. It is a show of solidarity and a show of action. Please sign it and pass along the site to everyone you know and get them to sign it.
http://www.callbackcongress.com/
Americans don't have the luxury of 5 week vacations. In fact, many Americans are planning "staycations" which consist of destinations close to home. The Speaker and the Democratic Congress could learn a lesson from these Americans.
Take a staycation Nan and get some work done for the people.
Meanwhile, average Americans are balancing rising costs caused mostly by the rising cost of fuel. The average American doesn't take five weeks vacation and certainly doesn't zip around at the expense of others.
Americans have tightened up. We consolidate shopping trips, outings and errands to help stretch the gasoline dollar. Many Americans are foregoing vacations and doing "staycations" to help alleviate the the pain we feel every time we purchase gas. The impact of the rising cost of gas correlates directly into the cost of goods and services everywhere. Thanks Nan.
Add to this pain, the humiliation of buying oil from some nations that would rather see us gone. This Democratically controlled Congress would rather have it's own citizens not only suffer escalating costs but keep us dependent on countries who could give a ruby red rat's backside whether we exist. Where is our sovereignty? Where is our ability to stand on our own two feet and show the rest of the world what makes us great? It's on vacation along with the ELECTED representatives who swore an oath to serve its citizens.
I give the August Rebellion of 2008 members gigantic props. You didn't let Nan & company's highjinx stop you. You stood (and stand) on the floor of the people's house and plead our case. You are fighting and I hope this great nation and its citizens stand with you.
Congressman Cantor (R-VA) has an online petition to get the Speaker to bring back Congress to ACT on this bill. It is a show of solidarity and a show of action. Please sign it and pass along the site to everyone you know and get them to sign it.
http://www.callbackcongress.com/
Americans don't have the luxury of 5 week vacations. In fact, many Americans are planning "staycations" which consist of destinations close to home. The Speaker and the Democratic Congress could learn a lesson from these Americans.
Take a staycation Nan and get some work done for the people.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
God and Country
My husband's family worked their way through Virginia late 1700s and settled in North Carolina in the very early 1800s. Generations ago, their farm located on the travelled roads between Winston-Salem and parts unknown, was large and produced everything from tobacco to corn and served most times as a general store to the neighboring areas. A few "greats" back (as in great, great, great-grandad) Pierce made a living trade crops for flour (a working mill on the farm) and Dora sewed the prettiest quilts and bric-a-brac sold to the travelers passing through. The neighbors banded together and took their crops (mostly the corn and tobacco..mostly tobacco) to the big city to be sold. Goods were bartered, goods were sold and life was simple. The town grew up around a few farms in the area.
The farm has passed from generation to generation and remained, for the most part, the same. Generation, after generation, feeling the exotic lure of the big cities, fled from the town and the farm only to return at some point in time. To this day, when my father-in-law, who is almost 77, returns someone will inevitably ask him "Aren't you Guion's boy?" Keep in mind, Granddad Guion died in 1993 at the age of 95 years young. It is an area rooted in tradition and family.
The last weekend in June was our weekend to understand and return. After a particularly intense week around here, we headed down to the farm for the annual 4th of July, a week early, celebration. We live very close to DC and have allowed for the fast paced, sometimes circus-like aura of "the big city" to encroach on our lives. We live in a bubble, fed news on budgets and politics, political correctness, and the trappings of surreal environment to filter into our lives and stand side by side with our reality. We often forget that DC is not the world and there lies a whole other dimension not involved with the screamin' politics of this nation.
Heading into the small town, the first thing we see is the school. One school houses both the grade and middle school and now touts separate wings. It is a simple structure, not too old, not too new, rebuilt somewhere in the 1950s. In front of this public school on their little marquee was the sign "Join us June 28! Celebrate God and Country!" On a public building! It was there with no ACLU noise anywhere.
As we headed down the road to the farm, with each crop we passed, it was like a part of the anal retentive DC mentality was being chipped away. Past the tobacco and soy and grass planted for hay, I was unwinding. As we neared the farm house, we saw one of the Deen brothers who contract farms the land, inspecting the corn crop. We stopped to chat and saw the prettiest corn with leaves green and broad and healthy. We talked about the crops and the weather and how one good rain this coming week will be the best thing for this flourishing crop. He asked us to say a prayer for the rain but he reckoned that if didn't happen, it was what was suppose to be.
The celebration was Saturday. We chose a spot at the beginning of the parade route shaded by 100 year old oak trees and next to a church whose grounds serve as the local playground. We watched the veterans assemble. From recent conflicts to conflicts past, these brave men stood proudly in the uniforms they wore during their service. Many joked that the uniforms had shrunk over time but to us, they were handsome and strong and brave. One Marine, he had to be in his 90s, unable to walk the parade distance, begrudingly accepted a ride in the golf cart. But his eyes had the sparkle of pride and excitement at wearing that uniform. He looked as handsome and as strong as a 19 year old coming straight out of boot camp.
The veterans kicked off the parade and all along the route you could hear the applause and cheers as they passed. They were followed by the float showing the sons and daughters from the area serving their country and that too was met with deafening cheers. The next float paid tribute to those who had given their lives and citizens hands were placed over hearts and heads were bowed in silence as that tribute passed the viewers.
There were tractors and horse riders and classic cars. There were politicans and beauty queens and children riding on homemade floats, all of them celebrating God and Country. There were fire trucks and clowns and candy thrown and waves. Patrotic music was blaring from makeshift sound systems on many of the floats. The fair that followed was a wonderful cacaphony of sounds and smells and children free in a safe environment. There was slow cooked North Carolina barbeque and cotton candy. There was roasted corn on the cob slathered in butter, the husk and the stalk acting as a holder and drip catcher. There were pony rides and petty zoos and crafts and lemonade and the best sweet tea ever made. Local bands, not really great but good, sang gospel and hymns. Local folks had booths set up selling everything from homemade jams and jellies to magnetic jewelry. The fire department shot the hoses straight up in the air and the kids cooled off in the downpour. In the evening, blankets were spread on the ball field and the oohs and aahs of a terrific fireworks show capped the evening. I looked over and saw my two guys fast asleep on the blanket right after the finale. My family was at peace and the only blackberries that were grabbed were those on prickley vines.
Although not epiphany, it dawned on me that for every town with the hustle and bustle of a big city, there are thousands of towns celebrating God and Country similar to this celebration. Which is the real America?
I am thinking it is the latter.
The farm has passed from generation to generation and remained, for the most part, the same. Generation, after generation, feeling the exotic lure of the big cities, fled from the town and the farm only to return at some point in time. To this day, when my father-in-law, who is almost 77, returns someone will inevitably ask him "Aren't you Guion's boy?" Keep in mind, Granddad Guion died in 1993 at the age of 95 years young. It is an area rooted in tradition and family.
The last weekend in June was our weekend to understand and return. After a particularly intense week around here, we headed down to the farm for the annual 4th of July, a week early, celebration. We live very close to DC and have allowed for the fast paced, sometimes circus-like aura of "the big city" to encroach on our lives. We live in a bubble, fed news on budgets and politics, political correctness, and the trappings of surreal environment to filter into our lives and stand side by side with our reality. We often forget that DC is not the world and there lies a whole other dimension not involved with the screamin' politics of this nation.
Heading into the small town, the first thing we see is the school. One school houses both the grade and middle school and now touts separate wings. It is a simple structure, not too old, not too new, rebuilt somewhere in the 1950s. In front of this public school on their little marquee was the sign "Join us June 28! Celebrate God and Country!" On a public building! It was there with no ACLU noise anywhere.
As we headed down the road to the farm, with each crop we passed, it was like a part of the anal retentive DC mentality was being chipped away. Past the tobacco and soy and grass planted for hay, I was unwinding. As we neared the farm house, we saw one of the Deen brothers who contract farms the land, inspecting the corn crop. We stopped to chat and saw the prettiest corn with leaves green and broad and healthy. We talked about the crops and the weather and how one good rain this coming week will be the best thing for this flourishing crop. He asked us to say a prayer for the rain but he reckoned that if didn't happen, it was what was suppose to be.
The celebration was Saturday. We chose a spot at the beginning of the parade route shaded by 100 year old oak trees and next to a church whose grounds serve as the local playground. We watched the veterans assemble. From recent conflicts to conflicts past, these brave men stood proudly in the uniforms they wore during their service. Many joked that the uniforms had shrunk over time but to us, they were handsome and strong and brave. One Marine, he had to be in his 90s, unable to walk the parade distance, begrudingly accepted a ride in the golf cart. But his eyes had the sparkle of pride and excitement at wearing that uniform. He looked as handsome and as strong as a 19 year old coming straight out of boot camp.
The veterans kicked off the parade and all along the route you could hear the applause and cheers as they passed. They were followed by the float showing the sons and daughters from the area serving their country and that too was met with deafening cheers. The next float paid tribute to those who had given their lives and citizens hands were placed over hearts and heads were bowed in silence as that tribute passed the viewers.
There were tractors and horse riders and classic cars. There were politicans and beauty queens and children riding on homemade floats, all of them celebrating God and Country. There were fire trucks and clowns and candy thrown and waves. Patrotic music was blaring from makeshift sound systems on many of the floats. The fair that followed was a wonderful cacaphony of sounds and smells and children free in a safe environment. There was slow cooked North Carolina barbeque and cotton candy. There was roasted corn on the cob slathered in butter, the husk and the stalk acting as a holder and drip catcher. There were pony rides and petty zoos and crafts and lemonade and the best sweet tea ever made. Local bands, not really great but good, sang gospel and hymns. Local folks had booths set up selling everything from homemade jams and jellies to magnetic jewelry. The fire department shot the hoses straight up in the air and the kids cooled off in the downpour. In the evening, blankets were spread on the ball field and the oohs and aahs of a terrific fireworks show capped the evening. I looked over and saw my two guys fast asleep on the blanket right after the finale. My family was at peace and the only blackberries that were grabbed were those on prickley vines.
Although not epiphany, it dawned on me that for every town with the hustle and bustle of a big city, there are thousands of towns celebrating God and Country similar to this celebration. Which is the real America?
I am thinking it is the latter.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Do The Math
This is a great email from my friend Dove3..(props to you sweetie). Yeah, the war is expensive but so is ignorance.
I hope the following 14 reasons are forwarded over and over again until they are read so many times that the reader gets sick of reading them. I have included the URL's for verification of the following facts:
1. $11 Billion to $22 billion is spent on welfare to illegal aliens each year. http://tinyurl.com/zob77
2. $2.2 Billion dollars a year is spent on food assistance programs such as food stamps, WIC, and free school lunches for illegal aliens. http://www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html
3. $2.5 Billion dollars a year is spent on Medicaid for illegal aliens. http://www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html
4. $12 Billion dollars a year is sp ent on primary and secondary school education for children here illegally and they cannot speak a word of English! http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.0.html
5. $17 Billion dollars a year is spent for education for the American-born children of illegal aliens, known as anchor babies. http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html
6. $3 Million Dollars a DAY is spent to incarcerate illegal aliens. http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html
7. 30% percent of all Federal Prison inmates are illegal aliens. http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt..01.html
8. $90 Billion Dollars a year is spent on illegal aliens for Welfare and Social Services by the American taxpayers. http://premium.cnn.com/TRANSCIPTS/0610/29/ldt.01.html
9. $200 Billion Dollars a year in suppressed American wages are caused by the illegal aliens. http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html
10. The illegal aliens in the United States have a crime rate that's two-and-a-half times that of white non-illegal aliens.. In particular, their children, are going to make a huge additional crime problem in the US . http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0606/12/ldt.01.html
11. During the year of 2005 there were 4 to 10 MILLION illegal aliens that crossed our Southern Border also, as many as 19,500 illegal aliens from Terrorist Countries. Millions of pounds of drugs, cocaine, meth, heroi n and marijuana, crossed into the U. S from the Southern border. Homeland Security Report. http://tinyurl.com/t9sht
12. The National Policy Institute, 'estimated that the total cost of mass deportation would be between $206 and $230 billion or an average cost of between $41 and $46 billion annually over a five year period.' http://www.nationalpolicyinstitute.org/pdf/deportation.pdf
13. In 2006 illegal aliens sent home $45 BILLION in remittances back to their countries of origin. http://www.rense.com/general75/niht.htm
14. 'The Dark Side of Illegal Immigration: Nearly One Million Sex Crimes Committed by Illegal Immigrants In The United States .' http://www.drdsk.com/articleshtml
Total cost is a whooping ... $338.3 BILLION A YEAR!!! If this doesn't bother you then just delete the message, but on the other hand, if it does raise the hair on the back of your neck, then forward it. Snopes is provided for doubters: http://www.snopes.com/politics/immigration/bankofamerica.asp
Social Security Change For 2008 The United States Senate voted to extend Social Security Benefits to Illegal Aliens beginning in 2008. The following are the senators who voted to give illegal aliens Social Security benefits. They are grouped by home state. If a state is not listed, there was no voting representative. Alaska : Stevens ® Arizona : McCain ® Arkansas : Lincoln (D) Pryor (D) California : Boxer (D) Feinstein (D) Colora do : Salazar (D) Connecticut : Dodd (D) Lieberman (D) Delaware : Biden (D) Carper (D) Florida : Martinez ® Hawaii : Akaka (D) Inouye (D) Illinois : Durbin (D) Obama (D) Indiana : Bayh (D) Lugar ® Iowa : Harkin (D) Kansas : Brownback ® Louisiana : Landrieu (D) Maryland : Mikulski (D) Sarbanes (D) Massachusetts : Kennedy (D) Kerry (D) Montana : Baucus (D) Nebraska : Hagel ® Nevada : Reid (D) New Jersey : Lautenberg (D) Menendez (D) New Mexico : Bingaman (D) New York : Clinton (D) Schumer (D) North Dakota : Dorgan (D) Ohio : DeWine ® Voinovich® Oregon : Wyden (D) Pennsylvania : Specter ® Rhode Island : Chafee ® Reed (D) South Carolina : Graham ® South Dakota : Johnson (D) Vermont : Jeffords (I) Leahy (D) Washington : Cantwell (D) Murray (D) West Virginia : Rockefeller (D), by Not Voting Wisconsin : Feingold (D) Kohl (D)
I hope the following 14 reasons are forwarded over and over again until they are read so many times that the reader gets sick of reading them. I have included the URL's for verification of the following facts:
1. $11 Billion to $22 billion is spent on welfare to illegal aliens each year. http://tinyurl.com/zob77
2. $2.2 Billion dollars a year is spent on food assistance programs such as food stamps, WIC, and free school lunches for illegal aliens. http://www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html
3. $2.5 Billion dollars a year is spent on Medicaid for illegal aliens. http://www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html
4. $12 Billion dollars a year is sp ent on primary and secondary school education for children here illegally and they cannot speak a word of English! http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.0.html
5. $17 Billion dollars a year is spent for education for the American-born children of illegal aliens, known as anchor babies. http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html
6. $3 Million Dollars a DAY is spent to incarcerate illegal aliens. http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html
7. 30% percent of all Federal Prison inmates are illegal aliens. http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt..01.html
8. $90 Billion Dollars a year is spent on illegal aliens for Welfare and Social Services by the American taxpayers. http://premium.cnn.com/TRANSCIPTS/0610/29/ldt.01.html
9. $200 Billion Dollars a year in suppressed American wages are caused by the illegal aliens. http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html
10. The illegal aliens in the United States have a crime rate that's two-and-a-half times that of white non-illegal aliens.. In particular, their children, are going to make a huge additional crime problem in the US . http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0606/12/ldt.01.html
11. During the year of 2005 there were 4 to 10 MILLION illegal aliens that crossed our Southern Border also, as many as 19,500 illegal aliens from Terrorist Countries. Millions of pounds of drugs, cocaine, meth, heroi n and marijuana, crossed into the U. S from the Southern border. Homeland Security Report. http://tinyurl.com/t9sht
12. The National Policy Institute, 'estimated that the total cost of mass deportation would be between $206 and $230 billion or an average cost of between $41 and $46 billion annually over a five year period.' http://www.nationalpolicyinstitute.org/pdf/deportation.pdf
13. In 2006 illegal aliens sent home $45 BILLION in remittances back to their countries of origin. http://www.rense.com/general75/niht.htm
14. 'The Dark Side of Illegal Immigration: Nearly One Million Sex Crimes Committed by Illegal Immigrants In The United States .' http://www.drdsk.com/articleshtml
Total cost is a whooping ... $338.3 BILLION A YEAR!!! If this doesn't bother you then just delete the message, but on the other hand, if it does raise the hair on the back of your neck, then forward it. Snopes is provided for doubters: http://www.snopes.com/politics/immigration/bankofamerica.asp
Social Security Change For 2008 The United States Senate voted to extend Social Security Benefits to Illegal Aliens beginning in 2008. The following are the senators who voted to give illegal aliens Social Security benefits. They are grouped by home state. If a state is not listed, there was no voting representative. Alaska : Stevens ® Arizona : McCain ® Arkansas : Lincoln (D) Pryor (D) California : Boxer (D) Feinstein (D) Colora do : Salazar (D) Connecticut : Dodd (D) Lieberman (D) Delaware : Biden (D) Carper (D) Florida : Martinez ® Hawaii : Akaka (D) Inouye (D) Illinois : Durbin (D) Obama (D) Indiana : Bayh (D) Lugar ® Iowa : Harkin (D) Kansas : Brownback ® Louisiana : Landrieu (D) Maryland : Mikulski (D) Sarbanes (D) Massachusetts : Kennedy (D) Kerry (D) Montana : Baucus (D) Nebraska : Hagel ® Nevada : Reid (D) New Jersey : Lautenberg (D) Menendez (D) New Mexico : Bingaman (D) New York : Clinton (D) Schumer (D) North Dakota : Dorgan (D) Ohio : DeWine ® Voinovich® Oregon : Wyden (D) Pennsylvania : Specter ® Rhode Island : Chafee ® Reed (D) South Carolina : Graham ® South Dakota : Johnson (D) Vermont : Jeffords (I) Leahy (D) Washington : Cantwell (D) Murray (D) West Virginia : Rockefeller (D), by Not Voting Wisconsin : Feingold (D) Kohl (D)
I Miss Your Chicken
Brandon called from Iraq this morning. He sounded weary and homesick. We gave him an upbeat account of the happenings here, the little guys talked to him and gave him an abbreviated account of their sports and school. He and I talked about if he was eating, if he was getting sleep, his living conditions and his general well being. He assured me he was fine and that all way well. I could tell he was just a bit homesick. After telling him I loved him a gajillion times and how proud I am of him, he was starting to sound more like Brandon. I was signing off and he said "Mom, I miss your chicken". It surprised me since Brandon has been a vegetarian since high school. I told him I wished I could send him some but I didn't think it would be eatable when it got there. We signed off with more I love yous and be safes and promises of even more letters.
After taking the little guys to school, I was driving home thinking about his comment, "I miss your chicken".
During the week, life here has always been chaotic. It is filled with work, clubs, meetings, sports, music lessons and homework. Monday through Saturdays are alway a blur. Sundays are and were spent with the family, cocooned away from the rest of the world and it is the time we reconnected with each other. As Brandon and Cameron got older, with jobs, and girlfriends, they understandably stretched it, but Sunday dinner with the family was mandatory. The menu was always pretty much the same, roasted chicken, vegetables and dessert. Nothing fancy, just a Sunday dinner.
This few hours spent over the dinner table and the chicken cemented our foundation. We talked, we laughed, we discussed politics, foreign affairs, sports, music, you name it. Our dinners were known to last about 2 1/2 hours sitting at the table. After each dinner, the boys would always make the comment "Thank you. I do believe that is the best dinner I have ever had". It was not only a Southern show of respect but it also let me know they appreciated the company if not the food.
Now my son is in Iraq. This is his third time in the Middle East fighting for freedoms and security and I am proud of him. I am proud of the man he has become and I am honored to call him my son. He's a warrior with a tender heart and no Mother could be prouder of her child.
Come home soon son....I will have chicken ready.
After taking the little guys to school, I was driving home thinking about his comment, "I miss your chicken".
During the week, life here has always been chaotic. It is filled with work, clubs, meetings, sports, music lessons and homework. Monday through Saturdays are alway a blur. Sundays are and were spent with the family, cocooned away from the rest of the world and it is the time we reconnected with each other. As Brandon and Cameron got older, with jobs, and girlfriends, they understandably stretched it, but Sunday dinner with the family was mandatory. The menu was always pretty much the same, roasted chicken, vegetables and dessert. Nothing fancy, just a Sunday dinner.
This few hours spent over the dinner table and the chicken cemented our foundation. We talked, we laughed, we discussed politics, foreign affairs, sports, music, you name it. Our dinners were known to last about 2 1/2 hours sitting at the table. After each dinner, the boys would always make the comment "Thank you. I do believe that is the best dinner I have ever had". It was not only a Southern show of respect but it also let me know they appreciated the company if not the food.
Now my son is in Iraq. This is his third time in the Middle East fighting for freedoms and security and I am proud of him. I am proud of the man he has become and I am honored to call him my son. He's a warrior with a tender heart and no Mother could be prouder of her child.
Come home soon son....I will have chicken ready.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
The Name Game
Have you heard that song from the sixties, The Name Game? It is a verbal exercise we do around here to help with Kai's speech. However, he has taken it to the political level. Earlier today he announced that Obama or Hillary won't be President because people couldn't sing that song with their names.
Hmm, I think he is on to something. We have George, had Bill, another George, a Ronald, a Jimmy, a Dick, and so on. You can put all their names smoothly into that song and it works.
Maybe we should make the Name Game adaptability a requirement when electing Presidents.
Hmm, I think he is on to something. We have George, had Bill, another George, a Ronald, a Jimmy, a Dick, and so on. You can put all their names smoothly into that song and it works.
Maybe we should make the Name Game adaptability a requirement when electing Presidents.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Great shoes
I had the honor of supporting and working for Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis. A tough cookie with a heart as big as Virginia, I admired her for ideals, her strength, her compassion and her protective nature of the people of her district. She believed "First District First". Her constituents were her top priority, often breaking ranks to protect First District residents.
On a personal note, I always noticed her shoes. She wore the most amazing shoes. Be they cowboy boots or high heels, they were always on the mark. They were first rate, coordinated well and stylish. Her shoes, in my mind, were legendary. No bigger than a New York minute, this woman could walk in 4 inch heels at the pace that would put speed walkers to shame. Her cowboy boots while gorgeous, were functional, practical and beautiful. Her shoes always, always went well with her outfits.
It dawned on me today, the shoes, in a small way, represented who she was. They were selected with care, made a statement without screaming and told the world who she was. Like her shoes, Jo Ann thought out her position on issues, she made her statements without screaming and she stood by her convictions. She coordinated her career, her family and her life. Some days it was running in 4 inch heels, some days it was cowboy boots. She wore life well and it showed.
I was always impressed by the love and support shown to her by First District voters. Clearly they knew who she was. I think the most powerful time was a barbeque she threw at her home in the Northern Neck. It was not a fund raiser, she didn't want to make a speech, she just wanted to say thank you to her supporters. A very class act. At that barbeque, I saw hundreds of people from every walk of life. I saw veterans that she had personally assisted to get their benefits straight, I saw regular Joes who she had helped cut through the red tape of Washington. I saw people who enthusiastic supported her work for Virginia.
The barbeque was on a blistering hot day soon after her first round of chemo. For over four hours, Jo Ann stood and talked with constituents one after another. No chairs, no "I need a break", she stayed until each on had been greeted, pictures taken, thanked and talked to. She brushed off a chair, a break, anything except water. She was in her element, with her friends, family and supporters.
Jo Ann's legacy of work will live on, she stayed true to herself and her district.
Whoever replaces her has a massive pair of shoes to fill. I don't think it can be done.
Godspeed Jo Ann. May your family find strength and comfort at this time. You will be missed.
On a personal note, I always noticed her shoes. She wore the most amazing shoes. Be they cowboy boots or high heels, they were always on the mark. They were first rate, coordinated well and stylish. Her shoes, in my mind, were legendary. No bigger than a New York minute, this woman could walk in 4 inch heels at the pace that would put speed walkers to shame. Her cowboy boots while gorgeous, were functional, practical and beautiful. Her shoes always, always went well with her outfits.
It dawned on me today, the shoes, in a small way, represented who she was. They were selected with care, made a statement without screaming and told the world who she was. Like her shoes, Jo Ann thought out her position on issues, she made her statements without screaming and she stood by her convictions. She coordinated her career, her family and her life. Some days it was running in 4 inch heels, some days it was cowboy boots. She wore life well and it showed.
I was always impressed by the love and support shown to her by First District voters. Clearly they knew who she was. I think the most powerful time was a barbeque she threw at her home in the Northern Neck. It was not a fund raiser, she didn't want to make a speech, she just wanted to say thank you to her supporters. A very class act. At that barbeque, I saw hundreds of people from every walk of life. I saw veterans that she had personally assisted to get their benefits straight, I saw regular Joes who she had helped cut through the red tape of Washington. I saw people who enthusiastic supported her work for Virginia.
The barbeque was on a blistering hot day soon after her first round of chemo. For over four hours, Jo Ann stood and talked with constituents one after another. No chairs, no "I need a break", she stayed until each on had been greeted, pictures taken, thanked and talked to. She brushed off a chair, a break, anything except water. She was in her element, with her friends, family and supporters.
Jo Ann's legacy of work will live on, she stayed true to herself and her district.
Whoever replaces her has a massive pair of shoes to fill. I don't think it can be done.
Godspeed Jo Ann. May your family find strength and comfort at this time. You will be missed.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Bone Tired
It has been a very long and tiring month. I am spent. My Mom's health has taken a very bad turn for the worst with the onset of viral encephilitis that doesn't seem to be responding to medication. We fly to Phoenix tomorrow to be with her. I am still coming to grips with our relationship....it is definitely one for the books.
I worry about Brandon. The impact of where he is and what is happening hit home so hard last week. One of the soldiers (and a local boy) was killed. May his family find peace and strength and know that there are those of us who appreciate and are humbled by his service. I say my prayers every hour for my son and his troops...may God protect them and bring them home safe.
I thought about whining tonight but I just can't. (Other than the above paragraphs.) There is so much in my life I am thankful for. I am thankful for my husband. I am thankful for my children. I am thankful that we taught them to be true to themselves and to be who they are. I am thankful for my friends, my health, my home, my life. I am thankful that I have a decent brain and a better sense of humor.
Yes I am worried about my son and my Mom. Yes, it preoccupies a lot of my thoughts but I also know that I need to be patient and need to believe in the best outcome.
I owe it to them and to myself.
I worry about Brandon. The impact of where he is and what is happening hit home so hard last week. One of the soldiers (and a local boy) was killed. May his family find peace and strength and know that there are those of us who appreciate and are humbled by his service. I say my prayers every hour for my son and his troops...may God protect them and bring them home safe.
I thought about whining tonight but I just can't. (Other than the above paragraphs.) There is so much in my life I am thankful for. I am thankful for my husband. I am thankful for my children. I am thankful that we taught them to be true to themselves and to be who they are. I am thankful for my friends, my health, my home, my life. I am thankful that I have a decent brain and a better sense of humor.
Yes I am worried about my son and my Mom. Yes, it preoccupies a lot of my thoughts but I also know that I need to be patient and need to believe in the best outcome.
I owe it to them and to myself.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Deliver Us From Politicians
I watched the Republican debate last night. The two things that I took away were the lightning strike when Rudy was answering the abortion question and the sonic boom of the candidates speed distancing themselves from the President and the war.
As a military wife and mother, I am disappointed. As a thinking American I am disturbed. To watch these pandering politicians wax on and justify their positions why they stand against the war and the sitting President just amazes me. They insult the men and women who fight this war and they show no bounds of respect or dignity for the office that they seek. It's definitely the destination, not the journey on this one. Glad handing, sniping and puffery....look at the polls...look at the media...tell them what they want to hear to get to the Oval Office.
Think I am kidding? Take the latest immigration bill. Lo and behold they come out with this disastrous immigration bill and very few stood up and said "You know, this bill sucks. We need to do better." Nope, not until the conservative base expressed their discontent with the bill did most of them start changing their tunes. Stick your finger in the wind, read the polls and then switch your stand.
Most Americans don't want perfection. What we want is someone who stands by their convictions and can explain their positions on issues with intelligence, articulation and resolve. We want a leader. This latest crop of politicians on both sides of the fence show none of those characteristics. Just win the race to the White House.
Can't we have a write in line that says "None of the above"?
As a military wife and mother, I am disappointed. As a thinking American I am disturbed. To watch these pandering politicians wax on and justify their positions why they stand against the war and the sitting President just amazes me. They insult the men and women who fight this war and they show no bounds of respect or dignity for the office that they seek. It's definitely the destination, not the journey on this one. Glad handing, sniping and puffery....look at the polls...look at the media...tell them what they want to hear to get to the Oval Office.
Think I am kidding? Take the latest immigration bill. Lo and behold they come out with this disastrous immigration bill and very few stood up and said "You know, this bill sucks. We need to do better." Nope, not until the conservative base expressed their discontent with the bill did most of them start changing their tunes. Stick your finger in the wind, read the polls and then switch your stand.
Most Americans don't want perfection. What we want is someone who stands by their convictions and can explain their positions on issues with intelligence, articulation and resolve. We want a leader. This latest crop of politicians on both sides of the fence show none of those characteristics. Just win the race to the White House.
Can't we have a write in line that says "None of the above"?
Monday, May 21, 2007
¿Dónde está nuestra razón?
This new handy dandy, in the knick of election time, super duper immigration deal is a mess. I wish politicians would stop and use the brain God gave them to figure out that the majority of American people DON'T WANT TO GIVE AMNESTY TO ILLEGALS. What they want is exactly the same thing that is required of them, to obey the laws. But noooooo, in order to not piss off a block of voters, we in turn are selling away breaking the law to pander to pontential future voters.
It really bugs me that amnesty (put as much lipstick as you want on that pig...it is still amnesty) will be granted for basically a felony charge should you or I commit the same act.
So where does it end? Is the next group begging for amnesty bank robbers?? They too, have committed felonies. Can they pay $5000 and be forgiven? Then it will be muggers, and con artists, and murderers and rapists. Just pay your $5000 fine for committing a felony and go about your merry way. Don't respect the law, just buy your way out of the punishment.
I think we should set up a charity. A charity for the bone heads in Washington that really think this new plan is palatable to the American public. If we raise $5000 we can send it to them. Maybe they will use it to buy a clue.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
We Are All Hokies
The tragic events that unfolded at Virginia Tech this week broke my heart. I shed countless tears for 32 people that I never met. I know I will shed more.
I will not rant in this post. All I want to do is send prayers to their families for strength and comfort. May God comfort them now and always.
I am saddened by this horror not only for the rampage that occurred but also for what we lost.
We lost 32 of the very brightest minds. Would one of them have found a cure for cancer, new engineering principles, compose a sonnet or musical score that would have brought the world to its knees?
I hope their lives were filled with love and laughter during their earthly time and they found joy in everything around them.
This week and for a very long time to come, we are all Hokies.
I will not rant in this post. All I want to do is send prayers to their families for strength and comfort. May God comfort them now and always.
I am saddened by this horror not only for the rampage that occurred but also for what we lost.
We lost 32 of the very brightest minds. Would one of them have found a cure for cancer, new engineering principles, compose a sonnet or musical score that would have brought the world to its knees?
I hope their lives were filled with love and laughter during their earthly time and they found joy in everything around them.
This week and for a very long time to come, we are all Hokies.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Everyone who has fired ALL federal prosecutors, raise your hand
The Dems are screaming for Gonzales' head over firing 8 DOJ prosecutors. They are screaming it came from the White House, these poor lawyers, how could you fire 8? On and on.
On March 24, 1993 Slick Willie and Jammin Janet Reno did one better...Reno sacked ALL Federal prosecutors...all of them...everyone. Did anyone complain (well, besides the sacked lawyers)? Noooooooo, it was Wild Willie and Waco Wrangling Reno. The press lauded the move as a diligent effort to keep the process honest.
I swear to heaven that the media is about as far left as it gets or has the attention span of a gnat.
And they wonder why no one relies on the mainstream media these days.
On March 24, 1993 Slick Willie and Jammin Janet Reno did one better...Reno sacked ALL Federal prosecutors...all of them...everyone. Did anyone complain (well, besides the sacked lawyers)? Noooooooo, it was Wild Willie and Waco Wrangling Reno. The press lauded the move as a diligent effort to keep the process honest.
I swear to heaven that the media is about as far left as it gets or has the attention span of a gnat.
And they wonder why no one relies on the mainstream media these days.
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