Bill Curley Stuff

END OF US MILITARY DOMINANCE?

2011-12-23T04:25:00.000-08:00

Not long ago, the US Government signaled the end of "Don't ask, Don't tell". Today, an article proclaimed that the Army would no longer enforce uniform regulations at the JROTC level.

Both of these initiatives were supposedly a move to enhance "Diversity".

Actually, I believe, they were actions that signified the beginning of the end for military control and discipline of the armed forces. This is clearly a very sad day for our military; I guess that we must pattern ourselves after our European Allies.

Anybody want a white flag?

INTERNAL WARFARE

2011-12-17T04:35:00.000-08:00

My observation of politics tends to show that the Federal Government is at war-- with the States and people of the United States. It appears that many if not most political decisions made at the Federal level, are made contrary to the will of the people and the basic governing document, the Constitution. In addition, it appears that new laws are being in-acted by non elected Administration groups and not by Congress. (Call them administrative decisions or interpretations of existing laws). Obama has said many times that he cannot wait for Congress to act, therefore he and his advisors will act independently, without any other approval!

The principle player and main actor appears to be the Obama Administration. But it also seems that the Senate and Supreme Court are also involved in the War.

Virtualy all new initiaves are contentious and seem to be designed to diminish the ability of people to live a normal life as legal, honorable, and productive citizens. If someone is looking to get free goods and services or is in the Country illegally, he/she/they are given priority consideration. Marriage, once the backbone of the society, is being discouraged through preferential treatment for people living together without the trappings of being married (it is estimated that fewer than 50% of people living together are now married). I believe that it will soon come to pass that further financial advantage will be provided to unmarried people who live together through changes in tax laws.

States are increasingly being sued by the Federal Government for creating laws that are rightfully States Rights interests but may be contrary to the desires of Federal bureaucrats. Often, an inference of violating Federal perrogatives is sufficient to cause a lawsuit to be initiated. Of course, it may be argued that this phenomanon is simply the continuing fight that has been in progress since the Civil War of Federal vs States rights. And, since the interpretation of the Constitution is left to the Federal Government, then guess who wins that fight?

This Blog entry is not intended to provide solutions or answers to the percieved problems, but, simply to provide observations. recommendations for solutions will be forthcoming.

SOMETHING TO PONDER

2011-11-11T18:57:00.000-08:00

The President (Mr Obama) seems to be late for every meeting, get together, speech, or ceremony. I wonder why!

Either he has many more appointments and cannot gauge his time properly (or maybe his schedulers are inept); OR he purposely is late for these appointments out of a total disrespect for his audience!

Since scheduling conflicts can be resolved, I think that the latter idea is the real culprit. This President apparently has a huge inferiority complex and needs to demonstrate his superiority by making all others wait for him.

Personally, I have always believed that it is quite disrespectful and poor judgement to be consistently late for appointments. Maybe this is a major reason why I have very little respect and no confidence in our present Administration;Along with what appears to be unacceptably bad decision and policy making. One should also consider the very bad characteristics and decisions of the Administration's close advisors.

PREDICABLE EVENTS

2011-10-23T20:22:00.000-07:00

Not just because I predicted these things; but:

1) The new Libyan Government has declared that they will implement Islamic radical law for all of Libya. This means that only Muslems will have any legal standing, all others may be freely persecuted, and that relations with the US will become tenuous at best. By the bye; this also will most likely lead to further civil unrest (WARFARE) in Libya.

2) The US Secretary of State (H. Clinton) confirmed that not all US forces will leave Iraq by the end of 2011. She stated that a sizable force will remain to provide continued assistance to the Iraq Government. She was very careful to avoid the term "Military Forces", but, that is what was meant by her comments.

WHY does our Government lie to us so much?

WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?

2011-10-15T11:16:00.000-07:00

In May 1961, then President Kennedy ordered 100 Special forces troops to a country called South Vietnam as advisors only with no combat responsibilities. By Dec 1968 there were 540,000 troops in South Vietnam engaged in an undeclared war. By 1974 when the last of the troops were evicted, more than 58,000 had been killed.

I have never been an antiwar minded person, but, without a total committment to prosecute a conflict, I do not believe in sending troops to "advise".

On Oct 14th 2011, President Obama is sending 100 Special Forces to Uganda to act in a strictly non combat role as advisors in order to stop a Ugandan warlord from killing and looting.

Three questions:

1) Has anyone in the US Administration read any history at all?

2) Has not the present experience in IRAQ and Afghanistan taught the US a lesson about limited military engagements?

3) have all of our leaders lost their minds?

WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?

THE NEXT STEP

2011-09-28T21:06:00.000-07:00

The Governor of North Carolina suggested or recommended that we suspend Congressional elections for at least the next two years. (So our representatives may better concentrate on helping the economy!)

Of course she tried to take back this statement when she realized the implications inherent in such a move.

Either the Governor is totally unfit to be a leader or is in the process of "floating" an idea that would ultimately change representation in this Country. I pray she is just addled and not really starting a movement to build a dictatorship.

At the least, the people of her state should start an immediate effort to remove her from office. She is very dangerous.

Consider if her suggestion were to take hold, then the next step would be a suspension of Presidential elections!!

WHIMSY

2011-09-02T09:03:00.000-07:00

A little change of pace::: Remember these??

'Three blind mice,

Three blind mice,

Oh what fun,

..."

"Whose that knocking at my door?,

Whose that knocking at my door?

Its only me from over the sea,

Said Barnacle Bill the sailor;

Open the door..."

"Hadja Hadja, Hadja like to ..."

Just a small interlude. Oftentimes songs run uncontrolled through my head.

Thats all for now.

ALMOST A BIG MISTAKE

2011-08-07T13:37:00.000-07:00

Last week after the disastrous vote that allowed the Government to do "business as usual" by raising the Debt limit, they almost really made a big error. Congress had been fighting (Democrats this time) to not pass an extension of an FAA funding program. Some hazy item about giving extra funds to very small airports.

As a result, approximately 4000 FAA workers were sent home; and, guess what, nobody really saw any disruptions in normal air services supported by FAA personnel (even after 2 weeks of being off the job!!). But, the group that were sent home happened to be part of a fairly sizable boondoggle favored by the Political elite. There was very sketchy details on the impact of this omission to spend us into the ground, but, because it is favored by the elitists, it had to be corrected, immediately, which caused enough Senators to be recalled to a special session to pass the bill & allow the President to sign it! The Republicans, it seems, placed conflicting language in the bill in which certain provisions of FAA service were disallowed thus causing the Democrats to not help pass the bill. But wait, this is the point; the Republicans also put a provision in the bill that negated the effects of the prohibition, thereby allowing all to be happy in the end.

If you do not understand this, then welcome to the crowd. But, it appears that a bill was passed that prohibits expending funds for certain unnecessary operations, and the same bill allows for waivers whenever requested. Sounds very similar to the Obamacare bill that nobody knew what was in it and had to be passed to be understood.

All this is just another reason to remove most of our present legislators and replace them with people who are not allowed to write in "doublespeak". As a former technical writer, I believe that all bills need to carry clear and unambigous language, that bills not be allowed to have amendments that have a separate purpose, and that the so called "clean and strike" process of amending bills be disallowed.

WHAT IS HAPPENING?

2011-07-14T12:40:00.000-07:00

It appears that our elite politicians are trying to do something that would normally be unacceptable. They are playing a game with respect to increasing the National Debt as if it was the most important issue of the day. They have created a conflict where none should exist and therefore, I believe, they are actually attempting to distract us from something far more important and contentious. This seems to be the regular ploy being used by the so called leadership and, frankly, it really concerns me. Maybe they are simply attempting to take the spotlight off the Afghan, Iraq, and Libyan wars; and maybe they are trying to pull something totally unacceptable with respect to those conflicts.

What ever the reasons, I am really quite concerned.

Otherwise, I must conclude that the leadership are a bunch of inept bunglers with no intelligence or leadership capabilities.

OUR LITTLE WARS

2011-06-23T20:58:00.000-07:00

A great deal has been said about bringing US troops home from Afghanistan and quitting the war against Libya. I have an alternate plan.

Bring all the troops (and their equipment) home from Afghanistan within the next 3 months. Quit operations against Libya by July 1, 2011 (and don't leave any military supplied equipment behind).

Additionally, move ALL US forces in Iraq to Germany for 2 months, then bring them to the US as well.

Then remove all US troops from the Korean peninsula and permanently close the Marine Mission on Okinawa. Return all overseas home ported Aircraft Carrier(s) to a new home port either in Guam, Hawaii, Norfolk, or Bremerton WA. We also do not need US forces stationed in Europe or Africa.

As a sentimental gesture we should re occupy Iwo Jima and make it a US outpost for historical purposes.

All other US forces stationed outside the USA should be returned home.

Once this is done, station Federal troops on the US-Mexican border to forcibly repulse the invaders from Mexico. Discharge all un needed personnel with a letter of "thank you" for their services. The Army could get along with under 500,000 men; The Air force should be retained at its present force levels; and the Navy should be reduced to no more than 6 active Carrier squadrons and two reserve Carrier squadrons. All other non essential units should be placed in inactive reserve. Submarine forces should be retained "as is".

DARTMOUTH COMMENCEMENT

2011-06-17T19:49:00.000-07:00

I just watched an address by Conan O Brian given during the Commencement for Dartmouth University graduates of 2011. I am sad that I have never listened to any of his shows before. His speech was really quite polished and entertaining. What an impressive speaker.

THE POSTAL SERVICE

2011-05-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

Recently, the Postal Service (USPS) announced that it has a 2 Billion dollar deficit and implied very strongly that it may need further public (ie Taxpayer) assistance. No, not even a large increase in Postal rates will do.

One of the USPS solutions is to quit home delivery on Saturdays; but, that may not be sufficient to correct the problem.

At the same time the USPS engaged in litigation (which it finally won) against the Hamburger chain Burger King (BK). The suit was brought because BK showed an ad in which people dressed as USPS workers told how much they liked BK burgers and implied that they would possibly delay deliveries so that they could enjoy a BK. BK agreed to change their ads but there was no indication that BK would compensate the USPS. By the way; how was the USPS harmed by the ads?

I wonder how much the USPS spent in pursuing this action. Maybe the money spent here could have been better spent in reducing USPS costs and its deficit. Also, how many other actions could be suspended or eliminated to ease their problems (such as the silly ads on tv and sponsoring the Olympics etc)?

Of course, it could probably be shown that the majority of the USPS cost overruns are due to excessive costs in salaries, retirement programs and unneeded property assets.

WAR POWERS ACT

2011-05-20T21:21:00.000-07:00

According to the President, he does not require Congress to sanction US involvement in the Libyan war since it is of very limited scope.

I have not read the War Powers Act in depth but I doubt that it is written so that Congressional approval is not required due to the "limited Scope" of US involvement. This appears to be another step by the President to invalidate the role of Congress and, effectively, usurp power. Soon we (the US) will not need Congress for anything and the new dictatorship will be able to control all aspects of the Government.

Congress and maybe even the Supreme Court needs to stop the Administration's actions, here, and in many other areas of Governance before it is too late to reverse this trend.

The only step available to Congress that I am aware of to curb the President's power grab is to cut off all funds for the war effort.

HOW LONG

2011-05-05T14:06:00.000-07:00

I wonder how long it will be before some authentic Ben Laden death pictures will surface. It should not be too long.

PREDICTABLE

2011-04-18T06:03:00.000-07:00

The final FY 2011 has been signed by the President. So, well and done. But, there is a small glitch in this happy event. It seems that the President was not too happy with all of the requirements/ provisions contained in the bill. Rather than do the correct thing and veto the bill, he declared that he would not abide by many of the provisions and just simply ignore them!

Is anyone listening to this? Does anyone care?

So, our royal potentate is above the law (one that he signed) and simply ignore it. What is next? How about dissolving Congress and declaring Martial law; or even declaring his continued reign and forget the Constitution entirely. He could create the "Rule of the O" and fashion the Country in his image. Sound silly? We are not far from this idea. I recommend that everyone watch the movie "Seven Days in May". It really could happen with this type of management.

FLIM FLAM

2011-04-10T11:09:00.000-07:00

Have you ever bought anything from a retailer that advertised their prices were cut by 80% for just the one day (when you walked in)? Do you know how much (really) a new car costs & what the company's profit on each unit really is? Probably not.

It appears that the Government has now taken a page from these retailers. In their latest dramatic efforts to keep the Government funded and thereby averted a disaster of unimagined magnitude through their heroic activities.

But wait; the Government was able to trim a historic 38 Billion dollars from the latest (half year) fiscal budget. All the leadership was quite proud of this accomplishment. and congratulated themselves over and over. They are hoping that no mentions the fact that the budget was inflated by at least a half Trillion dollars this year. So, in reality, their budget trimming effort was a big sham.

The US citizens should realize that they have been FLIM FLAMED by the Government into thinking they were saved from imminent disaster by the massive budget increase and are supposed to feel good about it. Now the Cherry Blossom festival may be held, our couregous troops will be paid, the parks will stay open, and the Civil War festivals will not be cancelled. Wow, are we fortunate.

It would be nice if the Government was at least honest about what they were doing while scamming the people out of their money.

A better scenario would be for the Federal Government to only perform function that they were empowered to perform using the Constitution as a basic guide.

DO YOU HEAR IT?

2011-04-05T10:20:00.000-07:00

During the Bush Administration there were daily headlines and very loud commentary by the press and main stream media (MSM) about the horrors of the war in Iraq. Daily, the number of soldiers who died was detailed in gory reports. There were opinions and disclosures (some actually true) about the cost and poor leadership regarding the war. A new General was finally placed in charge who dealt with the poor planning and actually turned the Iraq war around which led to victory over the organized armies as well as the insurgents. But still, the critics kept up their attacks and the body count was updated.

Now, with a new Administration in charge virtually ALL of the negative reporting has ceased. This transformation occurred virtually overnight as soon as the new President was placed in charge(?)!

Today, it is almost impossible to see anything related in the Press, the MSM, or even the Internet regarding the operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya. As well as virtual silence about the number of soldiers killed or wounded in those theaters.

So, the question is; WHY? I suspect that people are still dying and shootings and roadside bombs are being detonated. But, now we are kept in the dark about these occurrences.

I still believe that these costly wars (especially the ones in Afghanistan and Libya) are wrong and useless to the USA, and should be immediately terminated and ALL of our personnel should be returned to the US A. Then, these returning soldiers could be better employed sealing our southern border with Mexico (fully armed with orders to shoot as required).

The silence is truly deafening.

For Hire

2011-03-23T05:44:00.000-07:00

The latest mini war (funded and armed principally by the US) has developed into something quite serious. It appears that the US President has agreed to allow a coalition embedded in NATO to take charge of the war effort (probably led by France). So what, you say?

This means that non US leadership will be placed over USA forces and resources. This amounts to the same thing as the President hiring out US forces to perform under a foreign banner. When the US entered the "Great WAR", (1914 - 1918) General Pershing insisted that US forces be led by US officers. In Korea in the early 1950's, US forces fought under the flag of the UN but were still commanded by US officers. Later on, there was a move in Europe to dress all soldiers in NATO uniforms under NATO insignia and banners. This idea was soundly rejected by the US population that caused some US soldiers to opt for court martial rather than to wear such insignia.

It is time for the US people to object in the strongest terms against any attempt to place US forces under foreign control. Even to the point of civil disobedience and street demonstrations. We need to get our politicians involved in this NOW. Please understand that this, in the words of VP Biden about healthcare is, "a really big ****ing deal".

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

2011-03-20T16:04:00.000-07:00

I have said many times that the US should resign from the UN. It is a useless political entity with no power, no morals, and no cohesiveness.

The UN just codified extreme measures against Libya (also a member!) of course only if the US would go along (and probably fund the effort). So, our Administration sent some ships and aircraft and proceeded to bomb Libya without an apparent plan or purpose except to blow some stuff up. This now has been defined as our third present war. One, in Iraq is in the process of winding down with little positive results to show from the effort. Another in Afghanistan, is in the middle of a muddled effort and probably has less to show because it is also not well thought out. Libya seems to be less reasoned, planned and which has no real stated objectives. Our leadership is not leading or thinking.

Couple this third endeavor with UN assurance of support; which ought to make it acceptable to the world. Unfortunately, after the first shots were fired, the Russians are now objecting, the Chinese, are objecting, and the so called Arab League is unhappy that people are being killed (never mind what the Libyan leader is doing to his own people). So, it looks as if the US will be marked as the mean old agressor and all around bad guys.

THERE IS NO REASON FOR THE US TO BE ENGAGED IN SUCH WARS!!! Read a little history on the British experiences in similar endeavors in almost the same locales, then try to justify our involvement.

So, my position is that we must disengage from the war(s) and resign from the UN. NOW.

A Revelation

2011-03-18T11:52:00.000-07:00

I watched a few minutes of the last two announcements by the President; one dealing with the nuclear crisis in Japan and one dealing with US support for a "no fly" zone in Libya. As I watched it finally occurred to me what is missing in our President and what my problem with him is as my leader.

Mr Obama does not like to be the leader (President). I detected in him a certain uneasiness and reluctance to act in his present position. There is an inflection in his voice, a certain hesitation in his speech delivery, and a whole lot of telling body language that has led me to this conclusion.

He was a very adept campaigner and organizer, but, when it comes to performing required tasks as the Leader, he is totally inadequate. For this, I feel sorry for him. For me, I feel very sorry that I am saddled with such a person who is represented as being in charge.

We would be better off if we allowed him to go touring throughout the world and play a lot of golf and forget about having him make any decisions.

Stuff

2011-03-16T12:51:00.000-07:00

I labeled this "Stuff" for want of anything else to call it.

First, I recind my attempts to not discuss politics because, I said so!

Now, that I have freed myself from that prohibition, Let me start.

I do not understand the present Administration and our President. He shows little regard for big issues facing the US and seems to be content picking (betting?) on basketball games. His priorities make very little sense, to me, at least.

He allowed a veteran supporter in Egypt to be swept away from power, and now Egypt is in the hands of some "unknown" quantities.

He projected an image of wanting to see regime change in Libya, then stated that he did not have the power to assist the rebels.

He is seemingly ignoring events in Iraq at, what I believe, is a very critical phase in that Country's transition.

He seems to be ignoring events in Afghanistan and the US casualties.

He is ignoring Pakistan.

He has steadfastly ignored traditional and emergent allies of the US ; and even seems to be trying to alienate them (Israel, Great Britain, Germany, Poland, and Japan).

He has a long list of obviously incompetent officials who he does not seem to communicate with and allows them a great deal of latitude in where they go and what they do (Clinton, Holder, Napolitano).

And, for this episode of this blog, finally; He either is reluctant to take a stand, or meet a commitment on just about everything or anything.

Somebody needs to talk with him and engage in correcting his ways.

APATHY

2011-02-16T06:26:00.000-08:00

It was interesting to watch the people in Egypt who displayed great energy in their quest to overthrow a de facto Dictator. Really, it is probably not in the best interest of the US or the Israelis, but good for them... Until they had "won" and the tyrant was deposed. Now comes the realization that the people still have no power to determine their fates and are becoming subject to another set of rulers that they will probably not be able to control any more than the last one.

Then, I said to myself, "I sure am lucky to be living here in the US" But wait, ask yourself this; How free are we, in reality? The answer is quite disquieting. The few freedoms that we have are being eroded by the Government to the point of being almost non existent. And, even worse, few, if any of us are questioning this. One person that I talked with, had the attitude that shows that we are helpless and without any control over our futures. Besides, If I really wanted to express myself or change the Government, I am probably too old to make a difference or, at any rate, see the results of any change before I die!

Thus, demonstrates the attitude of APATHY. So, I intend to voice my opinions and still attempt to see changes in acted.

Politics

2011-01-29T07:49:00.000-08:00

Ah... Here I am about to break my objective ... of not engaging in political rhetoric; but I feel I need to make a prediction.

The latest upheaval in the Middle East is quite scary for us, the US. The riots and protests in Egypt appears to be following an earlier one .. in Iran. The Iranian rioting led to the takeover there by militant Islamists and the ouster of US interests. Egypt could easily follow and be taken over by forces antagonistic towards the US. And, in my opinion, our very weak and incapable Administration is following a similar path that helped lead Iran to its present government by a former weak and ineffective US Administration in 1979.

It appears that the rioters are following a clue that says the US will not help or aid the present Egyptian administration due to some misguided support for a "humane and caring" concern for the rioters, when, in actuality, they are probably as ruthless as the Egyptian Government.

I predict that, unless the US gives full support to the present Egyptian administration, Egypt will become the next Islamist Republic and be totally against the US. Why worry? The Suez Canal and the close proximity to Israel are two obvious answers.

NEW YEAR

2011-01-27T19:06:00.000-08:00

This year could probably be much different for me than any previous one in my memory. I now live with only a beautiful Basset Hound for company. The nice thing about this is that when I talk to the dog, she sometimes listens and often just turns away; but, I still am quite comforted by her presence. Fortunately, she has only a limited vocabulary (two words : Bow and Wow) and seldom directs these words towards me.

I still live by a code of honor that I will not (cannot) break that is grounded in being truthful and honest while endeavoring to never intentionally hurt anyone or anything.

The greatest challenge that I face is extreme loneliness. This, for me, is made doubly difficult because of my personality; of being introverted which means that I do not make friends easily and often do not know how to engage in idle conversation. It seems that few people (that I have met), do not enjoy talking or thinking about those things of interest to me.

RESTART

2011-01-22T04:36:00.000-08:00

Last year was quite traumatic including some personal tragedy that left all of my rants in this venue as nothing but trite.

But, the world continues to move and maybe, I can start to pick up this exercise with a little more of the information that is interesting to me; and hopefully you as well. And, less political and more history, although, I will occasionally backslide.

AGAIN!!

2010-03-04T07:22:00.000-08:00

The citizens are being treated to another contentious round of political BS over the Healthcare takeover by the Government. This so called signature issue of the Obama Administration is being revisited after so many unsuccessful previous attempts over the past 16 months. It appears to me to be obvious that the present effort is a rehash of all the previous efforts and if accepted into law will be a total disaster for the Country.

I wonder what the real agenda is by the Government. Are we being subjected to further "sleight of hand" in order to make more unpopular changes to this Country's governance or is it an attempt to simply wear down the citizens and force acceptance of a very bad law?

As I see it, another group of lawmakers are pressing demands for their special interest reform ideas in order to get special consideration as part of the bill.

The only thing I see on the horizon is more divisiveness and dissent being promoted for no good reason. It is time for the Administration to put a halt to the Healthcare reform (Government takeover effort) effort and pay attention to really important issues that should be more of the Federal Government's role in this Country such as Foreign policy, National protection of the Nation, and fiscal responsibility.

A SAD TREND

2010-02-23T19:02:00.000-08:00

Recent rulings and decrees regarding brings me a great deal of sadness. These imminent changes are being made in the name of Political Correctness and are the continuation of a process that started a few years ago. Fortunately for me, I retired from the Navy before they began although even in 1980 the signs were evident.

Around 1990, the military treatment of Homosexuals changed from no tolerance to a rule called "Don't ask Don't tell"(DADT). The then new policy was one in which Homosexuals were tolerated so long as they did not show their sexual preferences. Now, DADT is soon to be scrapped for open acceptance of all no matter what their personal choices are. A few will cheer this; I won't. The damage will be greater than anyone can possibly expect.

Around the same time as DADT came into existence, so did barriers to females serving in traditional all male military positions such as combat arms and aboard combat ships. Although it was touted as a progressive equalization for females, the real reason for this move was simply that there were not enough qualified males to fill all of the required billets. But, I believe, that it was a mistake. Now, the last bastion of all male service is being negated by a policy of integrating females into Submarine service. This decision is in my opinion, ill advised.

During the time that Robert McNamera was the Secretary of Defense, he (his organization) proposed streamlining the services and cutting costs by making all services wear the same Uniforms. This move was roundly rejected because the Military Services still had some cohesiveness and pride in their organizations. Over time, the Navy tinkered with the enlisted uniforms that were really impractical and did not last. Ah, but now, there is a new regime that is enforcing the single outfit service uniform by causing all services to wear a form of "Fatigues" for almost all occasions. Soon, the services may make the people in these "look alike" uniforms, if they may be called "Uniforms", also be interchangeable with the services. Soon, we will no longer have Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, Coast Guard, and other so called uniformed services; we will have Department of Defense personnel who may or may not possess the requisite specific skills for their assignments; but, don't worry, there will always be time to train these folks for their new assignments.

All of these enhancements really won't matter because, with the tenor of the Federal Government the US will no longer need such skilled personnel anymore; third rate "Banana Socialist Republics" generally do not need a strong and proud military organization.

SOCIAL SECURITY

2010-02-11T07:14:00.000-08:00

Below is a small history of Social Security. It may be appropriate to review this before Tax time and the Mid term elections of 2010.

Social Security - A SUMMARY!

Just in case some of you younger folks (& some older ones)

didn't know this. It's easy to check out, if you don't believe it. Be sure and show it to your kids. They need a little history lesson on what's what and it doesn't matter whether you are Democrat or Republican. Facts are Facts!

Our Social Security

Franklin Roosevelt, a Democrat, introduced the Social Security (FICA) Program. He promised:

1.) That participation in the Program would be completely voluntary.

Now it is no longer voluntary

2.) That the participants would only have to pay 1% of the first $1,400 of their annual Incomes into the program,

Now it is 7.65%(more with add ons)

3.) That the money the participants elected to put into the program would be deductible from their income for tax purposes each year,

Now it is No longer tax deductible

4.) That the money the participants put into the Independent 'Trust Fund' rather than into the General operating fund, and therefore, would only be used to fund the Social Security Retirement Program, and no other Government program,

Under President Johnson the money was moved to The General Fund and spent by Congress

5.) That the annuity payments to the retirees Would never be taxed as income.

Under President Clinton now Up to 85% of your Social Security payments can be taxed

Since many of us have paid into FICA for years and are now receiving a Social Security check every month and then finding that we are getting taxed on 85% of The money we paid to the Federal government to 'put away’, you may be interested in the following:

Q: Which Political Party took Social Security from the

Independent 'Trust Fund' and put it into the General fund so that Congress could spend it?

A: It was Lyndon Johnson and the democratically controlled House and Senate.

Q: Which Political Party eliminated the income tax deduction for Social Security (FICA) withholding?

A: The Democratic Party.

Q: Which Political Party started taxing Social Security annuities?

A: The Democratic Party, with Al Gore casting the 'tie-breaking' deciding vote as President of the Senate while he was Vice President of the US

Q: Which Political Party decided to start giving annuity payments to immigrants?

A: Jimmy Carter and the Democratic Party. Immigrants moved into this country, and at age 65, began to receive Social Security payments! The Democratic Party gave these payments to them, even though they never paid a dime into it!

Then, after violating the original contract (FICA), the Democrats turn around and tell you that the Republicans want to take your Social Security away! And the worst part about it is uninformed citizens believe it!

If enough people receive this, maybe a seed of awareness will be planted and maybe changes will evolve; maybe not. Some Democrats are awfully Sure of what isn't so. But it's worth a try.

AND CONGRESS GIVES THEMSELVES 100% RETIREMENT FOR ONLY SERVING ONE TERM; Without being part of Social Security.

COINCIDENCE?

2010-02-10T06:34:00.000-08:00

Strong snow storms have caused the Federal Government to shut down for the last three days. It seems that the Country is operating much better since this occurrence. I wonder if there is any correlation between the two. I believe it was said that less government is best.

WHY

2010-02-01T05:36:00.000-08:00

I do not understand why every initiative from the Federal Government carries a high price tag. It seems to me that the Government could boost job creation without spending much if anything at all! All that may be needed may be something simple such as an encouraging word or a minor change in laws that could be pursued by Congress or, at worst, a small tax incentive (ie. reduce or eliminate some taxes). I haven't heard of any new initiative that will cost less than a BILLION dollars. As an example, create an incentive to get the US back into Steel production by providing a favorable set of regulations for some ongoing projects; or maybe reduce some requirements that would create a better business atmosphere for oil drilling or Nuclear power plant building (environmental concerns and gross over regulation has prevented any new nuclear plant construction since 1979!). What ever happened to the "Buy America" regulation/requirement for Defense and other Government agencies?

TIMEOUT

2010-01-24T12:09:00.000-08:00

In today's Fox news list of items under "Politics", eight of nine items reference The President while one references the GOP. I believe that it is time for a break for the citizens of this country from the President, references to Obama, and the White House. In other words we deserve a TIMEOUT from this onslaught of publicity for the Administration.

OH NO!!!

2010-01-22T05:59:00.000-08:00

After many stirring failures to his credit, the President now wants to "help" solve the economic problems of this country. Of course, he plans to start by a big TAX increase for the nation's financial institutions. This will really get things going? As a result, the DOW has dropped by more than 200 points in the last two days. Does that hurt you & me? You better believe it. If you still have an IRA or 401 K check its(their) balances. Wow what effectiveness!

Next, the President has promised to speak to us and reconnect. My suggestion (next to his resignation and firing of his advisors) is to stop speaking to the citizens; rather he should start listening to US. Then let us get Congress to follow suit. And then ACT to relieve the real causes of the problems; such as stopping spending money we (the US) does not have, reinvigorate business through sensible tax reductions (maybe some relief for taxpayers as well), and remove all the new social programs that tend to increase welfare and decrease real help.

I would like to suggest that the President could also improve the situation in the country by taking an extended vacation and stop trying to help; he already has screwed up virtually everything he has touched.

STIMULUS PLAN!

2010-01-14T10:32:00.000-08:00

I have said little about the apparent outrageous waste that has evolved from the Federal Government various "Stimulus" Plans. But, this seems to be way over the top in its obvious waste of public funds, even for the present administration.

Washington DC office of Tourism has launched a campaign using, I believe, $200,000 in Stimulus money to promote tourist ideas for lovers. As part of this "plan" they have hired Dr. Ruth, a sex expert as the head of this effort. The idea is to promote interesting events for lovers to participate in (cozy dinners, etc) in order to increase tourism in the DC area.

I think that this is a very poorly conceived promotion especially in light of the very poor economy, high unemployment, and general public dissatisfaction with the performance of the Administration and Congress. It begins to sound similar to the prattling of a former Queen of France and her empty headed remarks about the plight of the poor in Paris (Let them eat cake if they do not have any bread). I believe that her reference was to a substance called "Cak" which was a mixture of flower left at the bottom of bake ovens and not to the soft delicacy that she was so fond.

INTEGRITY?

2010-01-13T05:50:00.000-08:00

I am not a fanatic baseball fan. The last game that I saw was in 2001(?) a rather uninspiring game between the Phoenix team and some other team.

The other day, a rather famous player (McGuire) admitted that he had an extensive history of having used performance enhancing drugs in order to provide him with an advantage over other players. This, after he had retired was really a non event since nothing is expected to change by his revelations. A memorable comment by him at the conference in which he revealed his transgressions was that he had lied, during his playing days, about his involvement in illegal substances but, now, since that is behind him, we should all forget these things and listen to his advice and counsel now.

I would be willing to believe his sincerity if he did the following: renounce all of his baseball awards that he accepted during his playing years; move to have his statistical records deleted from any historical database; and return all funds and commissions both from baseball and commercial endorsements to the original providers (teams, companies, and so called fans) with appropriate interest. Otherwise I soundly reject his so called apology (if that is what it was).

Since I have already expressed my dis-interest in baseball, why should I even comment here? Because it is a strong indicator of the state of many prominent and influential people in this Country that needs to be changed.

WISE OBSERVATIONS

2009-12-31T07:06:00.000-08:00

The following observations should be considered and reviewed. They seem to be particularly relevant NOW!

John Kennedy

"It has been said the greatest volume of sheer brainpower in one place occurred when Jefferson dined alone."

Thomas Jefferson

When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe.

The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.

It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.

My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government

No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms.

The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants

To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.

I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.

Mark Twain

If you don't read the newspaper you are uninformed, if you do read the newspaper you are misinformed.

CARBON FUTURES

2009-12-23T05:48:00.000-08:00

This information and set of thoughts is mostly from Christopher Chantrell taken from the American Thinker Blog. It sums up some of the present set of outrages and, hopefully, will provide food for thought on the next election cycle:

When Santa leaves you a lump of coal, he is trying to send you a message. And in a little over ten months, the American people will be making a list, checking it twice, and deciding which politicians are naughty and which are nice. Here's what will be on my list.

• 1. Obama/Pelosi/Reid Health Bill of Abominations

• 2. Cap-and-Trade Bill of Abominations

• 3. $787 billion Porkulus Abomination

• 4. EPA CO2 Regulations and green energy subsidies

• 5. End of the Bush tax cuts

• 6. Gitmo North and civil trials for terrorists

• 7. Bullying Israel

• 8. Appeasing thug dictators

• 9. Federal employees making 42 percent more than private sector

• 10. State and local employees making 37 percent more than private sector

• 11. Jobs, jobs, jobs

When you look at that list, it gives you a warm feeling. There can't really be a U.S. voter that won't get riled up over at least three of four items on the list. It shouldn't be any problem getting Republicans and independents out to the polls next November.

Further consideration should also be given to our (USA) loss of prestige in the World, Loss of moral and political world leadership, clueless war planning and execution in Afghanistan, General socialism and marxist integration in the USA, etc. when deciding who should be our leaders.

GIVE UP??

2009-12-21T06:58:00.000-08:00

The latest senate actions regarding the Democratic Health Care (?) bill demonstrates one thing. The Federal Government is immune from regarding the desires of a majority of its citizens (or should I say occupants of the Country?). No amount of dissent against the Health Care bill was effective in changing anyone's mind. The only thing that was shown was a stubborn loyalty to the Party leadership by the rank and file (doesn't matter which Party). The prattling of a few Democrats revealed that these few were astute enough to bring to bear leverage for their special interests (Check the perks for Louisiana and Nebraska and Florida as a result of these negotiations). Read the dramatic non-differences between the abortion funding requirements as a result of the Nebraska Senators reluctance to allow abortion funding under the bill-- THERE IS NO SUBSTANTIVE DIFFERENCE! -- between the two versions.

This leads me to the conclusion that my wishes are never considered nor are my Representatives listening to me (and to many others like me with similar desires) and yes, I did contact my representative which resulted in a form letter which essentially told me to shut up because they knew what was best. And do not think that things are going to change. They will not! It is almost certain that the vast majority of the present members of Congress will be reelected in 2010, 2012, etc.

ENOUGH!

2009-12-18T07:47:00.000-08:00

The political leaders(?) in the Senate and Administration have completely lost their senses. They are trying to pass a "Health Care" bill by Christmas. This does not make sense for several reasons:

1. There is only a very limited number of senior Democrats in the Senate that know what it prescribes/requires and even the citizens of the US are not allowed to know its contents. So, everyone with a right to vote for it do not know what they will be voting for (or against)!

2. The Senate members are being held "hostage" at least until Christmas Day in order to complete voting for a bill that has not been disclosed to them. It is conceivable that this Senate session could continue through the New Year or even further.

3. The few details that have leaked out to the Senators and the public seems to be quite contentious with many Democrats not happy with the product and only about 1/3 of the citizens of the US in favor of it.

The solution to this is to STOP the process, shut down the Senate until after New Years, and start over on the bill after the break. It is not important that this bill dies, it might even allow for clearer heads to join in a consensus and pass something more palatable. This approach makes sense since the resultant law regarding Health Care control will not take effect for at least 3 years (even in the present version!).

WHO WON (2)?

2009-12-14T06:06:00.000-08:00

As an add on to my previous post, I offer this observation. The enhanced insignificance of the Army Navy football game (2009) is evident by the facts that: The game was not advertised prior to the contest; The results earned a 1/4 column entry on page 7 of the Sunday Arizona Republic Newspaper that contained very little beyond the final score; And the big important article on page 1 showed the results of a High School football game (with pictures) and a story about an ASU baseball coach who was fired or maybe he resigned. Certainly the High School story deserved recognition but...

So, my friends, it further illustrates the distain that the media has for our military and how much it is biased towards the President and present Democratic administration. In an earlier era, the Army Navy game commanded much more extensive pre and post game hype. Given time, the present Administration may even be able to have the game cancelled as being insignificant and could be a good cost saving move.

After that, we could have the football programs at the Academies deleted thereby even bigger cost savings. While we are at it, why not eliminate the Academies and recruit future military officers from Ivy league schools? And possibly the University of Illinois as well!

A WIN?

2009-12-13T08:52:00.000-08:00

The final score in the Army Navy football game showed that Navy won, but, in reality, I question whether anyone really won.

Some of the indicators were: There were far too many penalties in the game on both sides which is indicative of poor performance by the coaches and the teams; Both teams depended upon individual star performances by a very small group of players (Navy QB, Army Receiver [at 6' 10"] a significant mismatch with the defense); Unbecoming antics by a few players which is typical of other college teams when they proclaimed their abilities through inordinate grandstanding; Unusual exhibits by the Cadets and Midshipmen watching the game by wearing unusual outfits , playing stupid games, and showing poor sportsmanship attitudes.

And one of the most notable deficiencies of the contest was the absence of the President from the stands not to mention complete silence by the White House about the game. This alone tends to demonstrate the President's feelings towards our Military.

NEW TAX

2009-12-06T08:41:00.000-08:00

On Dec 7th (remember Pearl Harbor!) our Government will be setting conditions that will allow the greatest tax increase this country/world has ever seen. The EPA is set to declare that carbon dioxide is a hazardous substance thereby allowing for regulation and control of ANY thing that emits it.

Since all people and other animals in the world (as far as I can determine) breathe while they are alive and exhaust carbon dioxide as a result of breathing, then people need to be controlled, taxed, and regulated. This will effectively allow the Government to control the population in any manner they wish. The potential for mischief is mind boggling.

I do believe that there are a few forms of Amoeba that do not need to breathe so, there is still room for expansion on this issue. We somehow need to amend the rule for such irregularities.

THE NON DECISION

2009-12-02T05:54:00.000-08:00

I actually listened to the President's Afghanistan Troop Build up speech at West Point (Dec 1, 2009). I heard what I expected to hear.

We are going to send 30,000 more troops into harms way while promising to retrieve them quickly, after we have successfully completed the mission in a guaranteed 1 1/2 years. I suspect that the real number of combat forces will be around 9000 since, it requires at least 2 soldiers in a support function to field one combat soldier. But wait, there will be an immediate, sorta, deployment of 9000 by next summer which says there will be only about 3000 real combat troops in the country extra by the end of 2010. This, practically speaking, is not the equivalent of an effective surge; it is a token deployment and essentially a waste of manpower and money.

The next thing to consider is that these "surge" troops are going to be deployed into areas with no reasonable means of support; no worthy roads, trains, airstrips, and no apparent ability to get support from our sea based forces. So, how are these folks going to be protected? Even the firebases that were planted in remote areas of Vietnam were provided with some backup via helicopter support gunships, troop carriers, evacuation ships, and air patrols from the sea based carriers.

Finally, with all the information that has been provided by the President's speech, the comments by officials who have been briefed, and by our news media, one of the best methods of attack by a military force has been seriously compromised; the tactic know as secrecy and surprise. Remember how effective the first and second Iraq war initial combat operations were? Both operations were successful because the US plans were not previously transmitted to our adversaries. And, our troop deployment and military locations were not previously advertised. Gee, maybe we should try that idea in this situation.

One last item this time; I found it difficult to determine who our enemies are, I do not think that the President made it very clear who we were supposed to be fighting. One other thing missing in his speech was any hint as trying to involve the US population through emphasizing any emotional need to defeat the enemy. Wait, I still do not know who the enemy is or what the definition of victory in this war happens to be.

DANGEROUS SIGNS

2009-11-29T19:14:00.000-08:00

As a result of our foreign policy (soft engagement and not from a position of power), or lack thereof, I believe the following events should be a cause for concern.

The North Koreans have become very belligerent to the point of armed intervention with the South Koreans. It is quite unimportant that the North Koreans were damaged physically more than the South Koreans, but, that they advanced to the point of military action.

The Iranian regime is now declaring that they will build more Nuclear enrichment sites rather than trying to diplomatically continue with their program while declaring their intentions to work with us. This amounts to a "double dog dare" knowing that they will not be stopped or suffer any real consequences.

Venezuela's leader Chavez is making bolder aggressive statements towards the US and attempting to form alliances that might prove to be very good backup to their position. They have attempted to bring power into the Americas from Europe and Asia thus threatening the force of the Monroe Doctrine, while the US seems to be sitting on its hands.

The Israelis appear to be losing patience with the US while not trying to tip their hands as to their future actions and the US is meekly urging (demanding) restraint without concurrent actions by the Arabs.

The US is trying to court the Communist Chinese in order to gain more monetary leverage while, in reality, making the US economic stability and the power of the dollar much weaker.

The Administration continues to try to figure out a course of action in Afghanistan while providing comfort to the ENEMY through vacillating on troop dispositions. We might as well provide an open letter to them declaring the time and place of new troop arrivals. This course of action will serve to kill many more troops than is necessary.

And now, probably through US behind the scenes activity, the Pakistan Government is close to collapse.

Finally, the US is working to completely bankrupt itself through the implementation of big expensive social money giveaways and following a policy shift that leads the Country into possible irreversible Socialism/Communism.

These things need to stop and this Country needs to change its ways, IMMEDIATELY!

WHY NOT?

2009-11-23T06:40:00.000-08:00

The Administration has been very slow to commit more US troops to the Asian areas of Afghanistan which may be a good thing. I propose that we should follow the lead taken by the British and French in their prior colonial wars. The majority of soldiers that were employed by the British and French in times past were recruited from natives of the area or from some other sources than from Britain and France. The US even engaged in such practices in prior times by recruiting Filipino men for the US Navy and Chinese to fight in China under US Officers. The Bulk of British forces in India were either native Indians and in some instances Gurkhas. The French Foreign Legions used extensively in North African colonies were non French peoples from many parts of the world led by French Officers.

So, why not recruit Afghans, Pakistanis, Indians, and other asian people to populate the military efforts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan with direction and leadership by US Officers? Maybe we could even hire some South Korean, Republic of China (Taiwan), Japanese, and Vietnamese units as well.

Personally, I am tired of seeing Americans dying in an effort that has marginal gain for the US and little likelihood of military success. This approach would also allow for opportunities for more diverse training of our Officer corps.

FIRST ATTEMPT

2009-11-21T08:51:00.000-08:00

What appears to be a first real attempt at censorship by the Administration has, thankfully, fallen apart. Ex Governor Palin is hosting a series of book signings and appearances to sell her new book. One appearance scheduled is FT Brag NC. At first, the Army command decided not to stop the visit but did decree that there could be no Press coverage, no Photo opportunities or even any comments by Mrs Palin. The Army contended that they were trying to avert any attempt at disparaging the President or providing a platform for political dissent.

Later on, a similar event planned for Ft Hood carried no such restrictions, which seemed rather strange for the Army to take such opposite positions on essentially the same event (show?). Buy week's end, the Army relented albeit slowly, and now, the Ft Bragg event will not have the previously planned restrictions.

It seems to me that this is a great deal of silliness until I realized that the Ft Bragg restrictions were, in reality, a first attempt at censorship based upon purely political grounds. It didn't work because of the nature of the effort and, maybe, also, the belief by even the major news organizations (besides Fox) that this action would have set a very dangerous precedent.

Hopefully, future efforts at censorship will also fail, and that this Country will wake up to the dangers to our freedoms being presented by the present Administration.

NEW YORK JUSTICE

2009-11-19T13:07:00.000-08:00

Attorney General Holder declared that one major reason for selection of the Southern New York District to try the Terrorist group that is being brought for trial on US soil is that he is supremely confident in the ability of the combination of Judges, prosecutors, and juries in that district to render a fair trial and gain just convictions.

If these legal personalities and their attendant juries are so reliable, why is it that a known crime syndicate leader by the name of Junior Gotti cannot be found innocent or guilty? I have not read any of the transcripts of his three previous trials, or for that matter, the present one. But it seems strange that the prosecution first three attempts resulted in a "Hung" jury as is the present attempt.

If I were one of those terrorists going on trial, I could not have wished for a better place to be tried unless it were Iran, Palestine, or maybe the Hague. I wonder when these folks will be unconditionally released and sent back to their own little corner of the world where they can resume their prior jobs; namely killing Americans.

TV TRIALS

2009-11-18T07:28:00.000-08:00

Drama portrayed on TV often seems to be misleading. The long running show Law and Order generally allows the prosecution to "win" its case while, at the same time, showing a rather disturbing aspect of US justice and rules.

There have been multiple instances in which a defendant has subverted the law because of very dubious technicalities; The search warrant was ruled invalid because it did not specify everything that was taken, the criminal was not "properly" told his rights even though the spirit and intent of the requirement had been observed, the police was shown to have prejudices that caused their actions to be questioned thus invalidating key evidence items, defense lawyers who are able to "pick" sympathetic juries or present non legal based defenses, and the list goes on.

Other examples of disconnected or questionable justice decisions stems from the portrayal of people who claim military or "terrorist" sympathies.

We in the US are soon to be faced with real life examples of admitted anti US individuals who, in some cases, have admitted (forget the so called "waterboarding" torture claims) to performing heinous crimes against the US and its people for the purpose of destroying the US being tried in Federal courts and not by Military tribunals. These people being tried have a very good chance of being found either "not guilty" or of being convicted of lesser charges. And, their expected and in my mind, deserved punishment could be much less than desired.

This result is, in my opinion, based solely on POLITICAL considerations and not on the need to deliver a strong rebuke to the enemies of the US. It is my opinion that our Government is wrong and needs to change. It should be noted that the problem , as I see it, is not related to any one political party, but towards the general inability of the government over the last 30 years from providing real protection for its citizens; Although, it seems to be more apparent with the present Administration than with previous ones.

GOVERNMENT HELP

2009-11-16T07:31:00.000-08:00

The following was sent to me partly as a joke but, in reality, as a lesson in OUR stupidity.

Once upon a time the government had a vast scrap yard in the middle of a desert. Congress said, "Someone may steal from it at night." So they created a night watchman position and hired a person for the job.

Then Congress said, "How does the watchman do his job without instruction?" So they created a planning department and hired two people, one person to write the instructions, and one person to do time studies.

Then Congress said, "How will we know the night watchman is doing the tasks correctly?" So they created a Quality Control department and hired two people. One to do the studies and one to write the reports.

Then Congress said, "How are these people going to get paid?" So They created the following positions, a time keeper, and a payroll officer, Then hired two people.

Then Congress said, "Who will be accountable for all of these people?" So they created an administrative section and hired three people, an Administrative Officer, Assistant Administrative Officer, and a Legal Secretary.

Then Congress said, "We have had this command in operation for one year and we are $18,000 over budget, we must cutback overall cost."

So they laid off the night watchman!!

Does anybody remember the reason given for the establishment of the DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY during the Carter Administration?

We've spent several hundred billion dollars in support of an agency the reason for which not one person who reads this can remember! It was very simple and at the time, everybody thought it very appropriate. The Department of Energy was instituted on 8-04-1977.

TO LESSEN OUR DEPENDENCE ON FOREIGN OIL!

AND NOW, IT'S 2009 -- 32 YEARS LATER -- AND THE BUDGET FOR THIS "NECESSARY" DEPARTMENT IS AT $24.2 BILLION A YEAR.

THEY HAVE 16,000 FEDERAL EMPLOYEES AND APPROXIMATELY 100,000 CONTRACT EMPLOYEES; AND LOOK AT THE JOB THEY HAVE DONE!

good ole bureaucracy.

AND, NOW, WE ARE GOING TO TURN THE BANKING SYSTEM, HEALTH CARE AND THE AUTO INDUSTRY OVER TO THE SAME GOVERNMENT?

This insanity must stop.. NOW.

MOVIES

2009-11-11T06:51:00.000-08:00

In honor of Armistice/Veterans Day I thought it would be nice to list some of my favorite war and war related movies. It could be argued that some of these are not strictly war related but really other themes. Most relate to US wars although some refer to other conflits, and in at least two cases, only to hypothetical conflicts.

12 0'clock High

All Quiet on the Western Front

Blood on the Sun

Caine Mutiny

Das Boot

Destination Tokyo

Farewell to Arms

Fighting 69th

Final Countdown

Flags of our Fathers

Flying Tigers

Four Feathers

From Here to Eternity

Gettysburg

Glory

Great Escape

Green Barets

Guadalcanal Diary

Gunga Din

Heartbreak Ridge

Hunt for Red October

In Harms Way

Last of the Mohicans

Letters from Iwo Jima

Lighthorsemen

MacArthur

Midway

Mr Roberts

On the Beach

Patriot

Patton

Run Silent Run Deep

Sand Pebbles

Sands of Iwo Jima

Saving Private Ryan

Seven days in May

Sgt York

They died with their Boots on

They Were Expendable

To Hell and Back

Tora Tora Tora

Up Periscope

Wake Island

Walk in the Sun

We Were Soldiers

Zulu

Comments or your list?

WHAT A DIFFERENCE

2009-11-08T13:32:00.000-08:00

A tragic series of events occurred at our military base at Ft Hood, Texas. A, most likely, deranged individual was able to (allegedly) kill at least 13 people and wound another 27. Most of these people were Military members waiting to be deployed overseas. The suspected shooter, a medical officer is still alive and will probably recover.

Shortly after the evens occurred, ex President G. Bush, without news coverage or fanfare, showed up at Ft Hood to provide comfort and care for the fallen and wounded. He was able to stay for about 2 hours while insisting there should be no press coverage for his presence. Seems to me he really cared, and still does, for the military and their families.

Meanwhile, President Obama provided, as an afterthought for a well conducted Indian conference, acknowledgement that some military people were killed at Ft Hood by someone. He then visited the Military hospital where the Suspect had been last stationed. (?). I have heard that he plans on visiting at Ft Hood sooner or later when proper arrangements may be made. Which means he probably has to be assured that the teleprompter works OK, Security is sufficiently tight, and he can work around his many very important task assignments.

Anyone with any sense of propriety should be able to see the difference between the former President and the present office holder. One is a true leader while the other only considers himself first.

Do you wonder about Obama? I would definitely not wish to be placed in harm's way with the present administration in charge. Even LBJ was better than this!

MORE OF THE SAME

2009-11-06T13:47:00.000-08:00

The President really must be having a difficult time making decisions. Maybe he should ignore everything that is going on around him and just go play a game of golf, or basketball.

He can't decide whether to send additional troops to the war zone, how to close the Guantanamo prison, whether to congratulate the Indian discussions or grieve for the dead at Ft Hood, decide what the proximate cause of the Ft Hood killing spree by the Muslim Officer may have been, how to get the so called health care legislation off dead center, how to get the Israelis to do his bidding, whether he ignored or followed the election results, and any other number of things that are not working.

I heard that he is quite good at basketball.

Maybe he needs the wise counsel of his pastor Rev Wright after all.

WHAT 'S GOING ON??

2009-10-28T07:10:00.000-07:00

Since May, both houses of Congress have wrapped themselves around one bit of legislation, namely, Healthcare Overhaul. Specifically, it appears that the Federal Government is attempting to gain control of all health care business in the country no matter what the impact or desires of the citizens may be.

Most of these efforts by Congress have been an exercise in futility even though one party controls all of Congress. Fortunately for US Citizens, there are still some Democratic politicians who understand that their primary responsibility is to vote for the best interests of their home constituency and not just stamp approval when told to do so.

What I do not understand is what else is happening to occupy the time of these various 535 (approximately) politicians over the last 6 months? Where are their energies being directed? what else is coming along that may be just as disastrous for the citizens? Hopefully, I am wrong and they really have been wasting all this time due to inefficiency. The point also to be considered is that apparently, the real Health Bill or various Health Bills have yet to be written.

WILL THE REAL PRESIDENT PLEASE STAND UP!

2009-10-21T08:33:00.000-07:00

Even though I have come to distrust our President with regard to anything he says, it would be refreshing to hear him speak and make decisions on virtually anything. His Chief of Staff/ Senior Military leader/ communicator, Emanuel is the only one who appears to be out front and making decisions (Not very good ones in my opinion). He has even stopped making a pretense of just following the Presidents wishes and is now making presidential policy and direction decisions. He seems to be everywhere that the supposed real President should be. What is really of concern is that there are approximately 35 other presidential leaders (sometimes called Czars in this administration) who seem to be following Emanuel's direction and making Presidential decisions apparently without close direction from the supposed real President. The citizens of this Country are hard pressed to follow all of these decisions and absolutely have no say or voice in this Administration; by the way, neither does Congress or the Supreme Court.

I do not know where this will lead us, but, I am quite concerned about the stability and safety of the Nation.

PROCRASTINATION

2009-10-18T09:19:00.000-07:00

I consider myself to be a big procrastinator. But, so what? If I delay making a decision or avoid completing a task it will, generally, not hurt anyone but myself; perhaps. This is true because I am not the leader of the Country or a business, or anything for that matter.

Now, apply the same concept to the Country's leader, and a much different set of results may occur. The Country's leaders should be decisive and forceful while also measuring the effect of his/her actions; or non actions! Careful deliberation utilizing the best minds in appropriate fields of endeavor is recommended, but, in the end, the leader needs to act and not procrastinate. Waiting almost 3 months to decide to change the level of military force because, apparently, the polls do not agree with the trusted advisors goes beyond ill advised and borders on the criminal. People (soldiers, sailors, and airmen are people) need to be given timely direction in order to perform their tasks.

Personally, I would have chosen not to engage our folks in the, in my opinion, worthless area known as Afghanistan (including Pakistan). To those who choose to live there, it may not be worthless, but to this Country, it is!

The point is though, MAKE A DECISION; one way or another.

234 TH AND COUNTING

2009-10-12T21:13:00.000-07:00

October 13 marks the official Birthday of the US Navy. This year the Navy has been in existence for 234 years. A proud institution who will hopefully not be significantly changed due to the machinations of politicians.

I was proud to have been a member. And still remember and feel honored to have belonged.

PRIORITIES

2009-10-10T14:51:00.000-07:00

As people concerned with Gay rights march on Washington DC and a good sized rally is scheduled for this Saturday night, the President is writing a speech and is planning on addressing the Gay Rights group in order to calm their fears. This activity is quite appropriate for the President to address a segment of his constituency and discuss the Administration's plans.

During the August-September "Tea Parties" march on Washington DC and rallies the President saw fit NOT to address issues and concerns to that group and did not bother to even address them. It seems to me that something is not equal in these two events. Could it be that the "Tea Parties" which were considered to be a group of fringe and extremists and were summarily dismissed as "looney" were not considered important enough while the Gay Rights advocates were closer to the mainstream? Oh, wait a minute, during the Tea Parties activity, the President was on vacation and was unavailable during the time.

Or maybe this is just an indication of where this Country is headed. For one, I say SHAME on our Government for ignoring the one group and glorifying the other.

ALONE

2009-10-07T21:12:00.000-07:00

It seems that I am the last of my friends and acquaintances/relatives to post stuff on the Blog system. Although I am saddened by this and do miss your posts, I plan on continuing these entries on mine no matter who may or may not be reading them. It seems to be good for my psyche and I do like to show off once in awhile, even if there is no feedback.

I would be even happier if you returned to the scene.

MILITARY DECISION OR?

2009-10-06T11:01:00.000-07:00

I recognize that military combat operations are merely an extension of political diplomacy; however, once military action has commenced, then strategy and tactics operations should be made by military leaders. Our President is about to meet with 62 congressmen (maybe some female representation as well) to decide the strategy and operational procedures to be followed in our latest "popular" war in Afghanistan. This meeting is an outgrowth of a request by our military commanders who requested certain resources to prosecute the war(?) If this is truly a war; when did Congress declare it?

In addition, I have witnessed an unthinkable series of pronouncements by our military leaders (both active and retired) in questioning the wisdom and guidance of our Administration leadership. Before this, no military leader would have ever uttered any remark questioning the authority of its civilian leadership!

So, tell me, how can a group of 63 disparate leaders with little military ability (how many of these folks were ever Commissioned officers?) rationally discuss and agree upon a course to follow? I find it difficult that our leadership could find five who can agree on anything. (unless they were all of one political party and under the strictest control of their leadership) I know, lets take a poll of all the citizens of the states of California, New York, and Utah and allow this country to be guided by the majority (or minority as deemed politically correct). Gee Maybe we should also include Puerto Rico and Kenya in the poll as well!

In the meantime we are allowing Americans to die in an effort that many other nations (Britain and The Soviet Union) could not accomplish. Instead, lets leave Afghanistan to its own misery, neutralize Iran and North Korea, and protect our only real interests, the USA.

FRANCE HAS GONE CRAZY!

2009-10-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

I have noted in previous Bolg Entries that I hold little respect for France; notwithstanding I truly do respect French culture and it sense of history. Now I find it troubling and difficult to even maintain that respect.

The reason for this change of respect is quite simple. The venerable bastion of French (nay Western) art and culture, the Louvre museum has disclosed that it will allow the opening of a MCDONALDS restaurant within its walls! This will include as an adjunct, the McCafe expresso as well.

Where is the outrage by the French public to such a move? How did this happen? Or, did the Americans finally get some payback for the years of French dislike of anything American? What next, some competition from Jack in the Box? or how about a Wal Mart Super Center next door. With that we could also add a Gas N Go nearby. Other franchises would then soon follow.

MULTITASK

2009-09-28T06:59:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness that the present Administration is very adept at multitasking!. While the Iranians are rattling their missiles and new potential nuclear capabilities, the Country is still in financial and moral meltdown, the healthcare debate is droning on (but please do not go to sleep on this one), and the terrorists are showing new muscle and capability, our President is going off to Denmark on a very important mission. His mission is to try to convince the Olympic Committee to hold the 2016 Olympics in Chicago! I wonder if that would be the Summer or Winter games? Either could be appropriate for that area unless they have to dig into certain areas for new facilities. If they do they might even find Hoffa.

I truly wonder why the President feels it necessary to be the leader of everything big and small that occurs from Olympic hometown (Thought he was from Hawaii or IndoKenya) exercises to healthcare crafting. Some day he may get around to helping defend US interests around the world rather than apologizing for our perfidy and arrogance. It looks like the downfall of US power and prestige is accelerating under his stewardship.

AIDS ADVANCEMENT

2009-09-25T08:07:00.000-07:00

The discovery of a somewhat effective vaccine against the AIDS virus is certainly welcome news. It could lead to the defeat of this horrible disease.

I do have some questions about the process that helped to develop the new vaccine and the probable follow up efforts.

1) It was stated that the discovery was conducted by the US Army. What kind of funding and need promotes the US Army to conduct such research? It seems to me that such investigations would be better performed by a civilian (even for profit) organization. That approach would show a reasonable justification for the expenditures of funds.

2) The study and experimentation was conducted by the US Military in Thailand! This makes very little sense to me. There should be plenty of candidates in the US for evaluation of the vaccine and the costs for the Army to conduct the research would be (should be) less. What am I missing here?

The research could even be made the subject of some very negative propaganda relating to the experimentation of an untried and potentially dangerous procedure on non US subjects. Sorta like the experiments that were conducted during WWII by Germany and Japan using foreign peoples (Koreans and Gypsies).

Could it be that other reasons may underly this testing in Thailand such as potential public criticism that the US experienced during the Atomic tests? Or does the experimenting in Thailand allow using potentially dangerous shortcuts that are not allowed in the US? Finally, how much of the DOD budget has been (and in the future will be) siphoned into this effort?

NEW NAVY ENLISTED UNIFORM

2009-09-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

The Navy has fallen into a state of sameness that I thought would never happen. At one time, a sailor (particularly lower enlisteds) wore a very distinctive uniform. it consisted of blue bell bottom trousers that buttoned in front by 13 buttons and a very distinctive shirt (with white piping and stars etc).

About the time that Robert McNamera became the Secretary of Defense, the Administration decided to change the uniform so that all service members (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force) would dress exactly the same.Until recently (starting in 2003 I guess) the Navy resisted the change citing the uniqueness of the service and its mission. Now, the bureaucrats have won. Sailors now wear uniforms that look similar to any of the other service branches.

So what?? The issue in my mind is one of breaking with a very old tradition, and I am quite displeased although it does not directly impact me. It does impact my sense of history and the symbology of the uniform. The present uniform no longer matches the mission or the history associated with the Navy.

Just thought someone would like to hear my opinion; not that it really matters since so much more in this Country appears to be headed in the same direction.

INCREDIBLE

2009-09-18T11:03:00.000-07:00

It is difficult for me to see why the US scrapping of the Eastern Europe missile Defense Shield is a wise move. So long as the Russians are on the defensive and we (the US) are considered to be trusted allies of many of the Eastern European nations, I believe that our interests are being served. I do not see how scrapping the system and alienating the Eastern Europeans is beneficial. EXCEPT for the Russians! This move supposedly improves our position with respect to the Iranians.

I do not consider myself to be a defense expert or an accomplished political strategist, but, to me, these moves does two things: It discourages any country from trusting us and it encourages the Russians to re-align the Eastern Block.

WATCH OUT

2009-09-13T14:43:00.000-07:00

It seems to me that the Administration realizes that the proposed healthcare bill (s) being argued are not acceptable by a majority of CITIZENS, and will probably not pass as they are presently written. So, why continue the intense media blitz and Administration discussions? It could be that the citizens are having their attention diverted from some other real agenda. The Administration does not seem to be paying attention to North Korea, Iran, Afghanistan, Israel, Russia, ACORN, China Trade sanctions, and many other issues. Something really important must be happening before our eyes that the Administration does not wish to discuss or declare. Now more than ever, the citizens need true and faithful advocacy. Maybe the Conservative forces should be looking!!

ADDED COMMENT:

On further reflection, one could arrive at one other conclusion; and, that is, our present Federal Administration is populated by some really incompetent people. If this is true, we need to consider getting them out of office quickly through a recall referendum or by some other vehicle. I do not know whether the Constitution has such provisions except through Impeachment.

TO RULE THE WAVES

2009-09-10T13:39:00.000-07:00

Just finished a book by Arthur Herman, "To Rule the Waves". It is a version of history that should be read by people who may have only a passing interest in ships, and sailors, but, more importantly, by people who want to understand the almost certain future (and demise) of the US. The real story of this book is not about the rise and fall of the British Empire, of battles won and lost by great Navies, or the heroic figures in British history; But about how a Nation may be led into relative obscurity by not paying attention to HISTORY. The British did not understand how history can teach, and now, the US is following the same path. It appears that we (the US) are allowing our leaders(?) to send us into obscurity by thinking that our treasury is an unending source of riches and that we can and MUST afford to keep the world propped up and our citizenry safe and well supplied and that no one may be allowed to fall by the wayside. And, by the way, we must be the example for the world for fairness, and consideration.

Somehow we need to wake up and see the dangers in the path that we are following (and have been following since the messiah of the last great Depression, FDR, was elected President). Social conscience and welfare does have practical limits, and we are at that limit NOW. Health care, environmental concerns, fairness, and consideration needs to be reevaluated for the sake of this Nation.

Read the Constitution and let us return to its requirements and start to evaluate all operations and actions of the Federal Government (as well as the States Governments) and correct the mistakes and errors in light of what is written and not what some politically motivated judges say. Maybe the Judges need to be reeducated as well.

JUST WONDERING

2009-09-09T06:54:00.000-07:00

I wonder what happened:

1. The massive and detailed information on the War in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, etc. There is no longer a media tally on numbers killed or wounded; Terrible costs; or misdeeds by Americans during the prosecution of these efforts. We must now have corrected all the ills. Could it be that a change of managers (ala sports teams) really improved things?

2. The failing economy is now really improved; why, look at the massive improvement in the DOW, it is only down by about 3000 points from the previous highs under the last Administration.

3. The unemployment picture is really improving; it now stands that the number of new unemployed was only 266,000 more than the previous month. Wow! I wonder if the reduction in firings and layoffs is not a result of running out of people to get rid of rather than an improving economy. BTW the rosy unemployment figure is at 9.7%; still well below the disastrous 10% level. Under the previous Administration, unemployment was at a dismal 6%.

4. The various financial bailouts has shown to be a boon. Why, just the other day, the Government earned 4 Billion dollars already on their investment of our tax dollars. Lets see, 4/787*100 = 0.502 return on investment. This is a lot better than bank interest on my savings account.

5. Cash for clunkers which drained 3 billion dollars from the economy was supposedly a smashing success. Unfortunately, now that it is over, except for the fact that only about 20 percent of the dealers have received payment under the program. It now appears that some people are being dunned for repayment of the bonus money by the dealers because the Government rejected their claims. In addition, some of the states are starting to tax the bonus money for various reasons. BTW: I wonder if the apparent income from the bonuses are taxable as income according to IRS rules? I also wonder how many of these deals will result in repossessions as the people who participated in the program find out that they still can not afford the new payments ?

REALLY SCARY

2009-09-04T16:26:00.000-07:00

The President may decide to have the White House (staff??) to draft a separate version of the needed(?) revised healthcare plan. Which makes me wonder why anyone would think that such authorship would be any better than the plan presently being considered by Congress. Would the collective CZARS be responsible for penning the White House plan? Given some insight into their credentials, I would be very concerned about anything from that croud. How about some of the Law interests that are guiding White House decisions. OOPS, the same ones who think that indicting CIA agents from the Bush Administration is a good idea for the safety of the US; Good grief, not them! Well, maybe from the State Department then? Sorry, there does not seem to be a rationally thinking individual there either.

Then why not just FORGET about the whole idea of massive reinvention of healthcare in the US and return to the idea of continuing to incrementally fix the present system? Then, lets get some really smart and knowledgeable people involved who may not have any political connection to any politician? I believe that I could even contribute to a set of sensible ideas and changes.

LOVE THE FRENCH

2009-09-02T13:46:00.000-07:00

This article that I recently saw on the internet is a reason to love the French.

French towns on one-way street to head-on collision

LEVALLOIS-PERRET, France — French commuters ran head-on into a local political standoff Tuesday after feuding towns redirected road markings to leave two busy one-way streets facing off against each other.

The Paris suburb of Levallois-Perret and its conservative council lies next door to middle-class and Socialist-run Clichy-la-Garenne. Daily, thousands of motorists pass between the two, heading into and out of the capital.

This week, after deciding that the D909 route brought too much congestion to his town, Levallois mayor Patrick Balkany declared his portion of it a one-way street, speeding traffic into neighbouring Clichy.

Balkany's Clichy counterpart, Gilles Catoire, was not amused, and promptly issued a decree of his own, declaring his section of the D909 one-way as well, only this time in the opposite direction.

Chaos naturally ensued, and on Tuesday both local and national police were deployed to direct traffic away from the gridlock on the towns' borders and onto narrow suburban routes unsuited to high volumes of commuter traffic.

"What Clichy has done is not a long-term solution, but it is a response to a unilateral decision by the town of Levallois," said Clichy's deputy mayor Alain Fournier, a Green Party member.

"Such a matter should have been dealt with at an inter-municipal level, but we were never invited to discuss it," he told AFP.

Balkany denied this, and insisted: "The mayor of Clichy has taken a position that is unreasonable and is hurting his own constituents."

Following Tuesday morning's traffic chaos, the French central government, in the form of the regional prefect Patrick Strzoda, stepped in to order Clichy to re-establish two-way traffic on its section of the D909.

A PORTION OF H.R. 3200

2009-08-30T19:43:00.000-07:00

Below is a randomly chosen sample of the verbiage in the House of Representatives healthcare bill chosen at random by a Lawyer and some of his comments.

Page 780 of the House Bill is part of Section 1721, setting forth amendments to the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 14 1396b(a)(13), by adding a new paragraph "(C)" as follows:

(C) payment for primary care services (as defined in section 1848(j)(5)(A), but applied without regard to clause (ii) thereof) furnished by physicians (or for services furnished by other health care professionals that would be primary care services under such section if furnished by a physician) at a rate not less than 80 percent of the payment rate applicable to such services and physicians or professionals (as the case may be) under part B of title XVIII for services furnished in 2010, 90 percent of such rate for services and physicians (or professionals) furnished in 2011, and 100 percent of such payment rate for services and physicians (or professionals) furnished in 2012 or a subsequent year;

Try reading this language out loud. Plain English is nowhere to be found. Other equally obscure provisions in this section include a subsection on the "adequacy of payment for Primary Care Services and reimbursement rates."

The Democrats propose to increase payments using "100% FMAP" (Federal Medical Assistance Percentages) under this new section "(C)":

(3)(A) The portion of the amounts expended for medical assistance for services described in section 1902(a)(13)(C) furnished on or after January 1, 2010, that is attributable to the amount by which the minimum payment rate required under such section (or, by application, section 1932(f)) exceeds the payment rate applicable to such services under the State plan as of June 16, 2009.

(B) Subparagraphs (A) shall not be construed as preventing the payment of Federal financial participation based on the Federal medical assistance percentage for amounts in excess of those specified under such subparagraphs.

VERDICT: Close to incomprehensible. I think this section means that there will be an increase in reimbursements to states for payments to primary care physicians under Medicaid. I could be wrong. There are so many cross-references, that it would take several hours to figure out all the implications and the conditions on which such payments are made, much less the source of revenue for the payments.

What this section does show is the density of the House Bill. Understanding just this single provision is a daunting task. Call it the banality of bureaucracy. Someone, be it a lobbyist or staffer or both, spent an enormous amount of time writing this dense text to accomplish something which is not explained in a form almost anyone could understand or comprehend.

William A. Jacobson is Associate Clinical Professor of Law at Cornell Law School in Ithaca, NY, and author of the Legal Insurrection Blog.

So, do you really want this voted into law??

PANIC POLITICS

2009-08-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

A Federal Government organization the CDC which has in previous years made rather conservative estimates has apparently been taken over by the same politicians that are pushing for quick action using scare tactics. The CDC estimated that at least 1/2 the population of the US could (would?) suffer from the Swine Flu (H1N1) and that as many as 90,000 people would(could) die as a result of this PANDEMIC!

Realistic estimates will probably show that a fairly large number of people will contract some form of the flu (upwards of 2 million) while the average number of people who die as a result of the Flu (all forms) may be as high as 45,000. In a Nation of 300 million people, these numbers are not too severe although quite regrettable. In addition, most of these deaths by the flu are, in reality, among people who are the weakest and seriously ill for other reasons.

So, our Government must be pushing the panic button for some other reason. Could it be that the Government wants to show how useful and forward thinking it is and should really be in charge of ALL of our health care needs; and that in our best interests, H.R. 3200 needs to be passed quickly as it is presently envisioned?

By the way, there have been some estimates that the Swine Flu vaccine presently being tested has integral components that previously (within the last 5 years) have caused more harm than good. I wonder what the CDC knows about those evaluations?

JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION STYLE

2009-08-24T13:07:00.000-07:00

Three items of interest:

1. The man who was convicted of helping to bring down a commercial airplane killing 270 people has been released from a Scottish prison and returned to lybia.

2. Iranian dissidents in Iraq were (presumably) given protection by the US were recently attacked by Iraqi security forces while US forces looked on.

3. One of the accused Terrorists held by the US has been set free and returned to Afghanistan; the same place where he was caught attacking US soldiers.

Such is the state of US diplomacy and the character and nature of our present Administration.

While at the same time, for, most likely, political revenge against the Republicans and the Bush Administration, the new Attorney General is preparing to assign a special prosecutor to investigate, and punish CIA employees who served under the previous administration. ANY present CIA employee would do well to consider changing their occupations.

DON'T BE TAKEN IN

2009-08-23T11:07:00.000-07:00

I normally view certain Blogs and sources on the internet for news as well as opinion. There are some sites that have been completely trustworthy in portraying news and information correctly and they have proven themselves to me. But, be careful, because some who I have trusted, may be wrong or will provide misinformation. I expect some types of whimsey on special days such as the First of April, and expect to see some good humored fun.

Recently yesterday, a local Blog that provides news of my locale, Gila County AZ provided a link to a UTube video in which the announcer described with a witness how deranged and misguided the Weather Channel is by preferentially talking about the weather (as if it were wrong). Further investigation showed the blog had included a "funny" story from "The Onion" but failed to warn anyone about the nature of the content. Review of entries at onion.com showed it to be a spoof website with many whimsical stories (President is a Bipolar, etc).

I was nearly taken in by this but, fortunately for me, I did some further investigation. The moral of this Blog entry is: Don't believe everything you see or hear on the internet, and be certain to check and verify stories through independent means. BTW, SNOPES is not unbiased or independent (left leaning), and in some cases not very diligent about checking facts; so be careful.

One other outcome is that I am now quite hesitant to believe anything I see on the Blog that spoofed me, which is sad since I really trusted it to provide me with good local news.

A SMALL BIT OF POLITICAL HUMOR

2009-08-20T14:03:00.000-07:00

At one time I believed that US Politicians were the only foolish politicians in the world; at least the only ones who were dumb enough to show their ineptness. But, now I find that the ability to be foolish is probably universal. Witness the Australian politico's interview.

GOVERNMENT RUN PROGRAM

2009-08-17T06:26:00.000-07:00

If anyone thinks that a Government Run Healthcare system would be better than what is available now, look at the early results of the massive Government run Cash for Clunkers program. The now 3 Billion dollar program that has probably obligated 1/2 of that amount at this time involving more than 338,000 trade in vehicles is showing signs of bureaucratic bungling. It appears that as of 8/16/09 only 2% of the car dealer claims have completed processing. Most of the rest of the claims have been rejected due to unspecified errors. So, either the Nation's car dealers are a group of dullards that can't fill out a form properly, or the forms are poorly constructed and difficult to comprehend, or the administrators(bureaucrats in DC) are incompetent fools that are conducting Government business as usual (maybe they are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the claims?)

The reasons for the inability of the program to run efficiently are not too important as the lesson that may be learned from it. Imagine now how your Government Run Healthcare program will work because the same dealers (Doctors, hospitals, etc), and Forms, and Administrators (Government Bureaucrats) will staff this program. Only, this time, people will be affected because life or death decisions would probably be in contention. Such a system (estimated to be in the Trillion dollar not a paltry billion dollar program) will be 10 times worse and much more inefficient!

Do not allow the Government to become the major player (any more than they already are) in Healthcare.

HEALTH CARE CONCERNS

2009-08-13T08:27:00.000-07:00

The Administration is trying to defuse the negative aspects of the proposed Healthcare Reform measure/bill/proposed law overhaul. One major aspect of this effort is the Administrations declaration (& Senate concurrence) is that there is presently NO Healthcare bill being considered since nothing has been submitted for debate and approval. However, since the House of Representatives have passed a bill and sent it to the Senate for match up and there are some Senate Committees that have viewed and sent on for Senate approval, that contention is a very poor subterfuge designed to limit debate on the actual proposed content of the Healthcare Initiative. According to one version of the various plans being considered, the following information has been determined (by unknown people or organizations). If any of this is really true, we the people need to be very concerned about our future and the direction that this country is headed. It is relatively unimportant what these provisions would apply to, but only that they are being considered. Our privacy and personal security is, in my opinion, in grave jeopardy. Even if the below items are only paraphrased or an interpretation of the legalese contained within the bill, be concerned.

Page
22	Mandates audits of all employers that self insure
42	Healthcare Commissioner decides what benefits you will receive
50	All non-citizens will receive free healthcare services
58	Every citizen will receive a National ID Healthcard
59	Government will have direct access to all individual bank accounts for electronic funds transactions
72	All private healthcare plans will conform to Government rules to participate in healthcare exchange
127	AMA sold physicians out – the governt rules to participate in healthcare exchange the government will eventually set wages
145	Employer must auto-enroll employees into the public government run plan. No alternatives.
149	Employer with payroll over $400K who doesn’t offer public option will be taxed 8%
150	Employer with a payroll of $250K-400K who doesn’t offer public option will be taxed 2-6%
167	Any individual who doesn’t have acceptable healthcare will be taxed 2.5%
195	All officers and employees of the Government Healthcare Bureaucracy will have access to all American financial and personal records
203	The tax imposed under this section will not be treated as a tax. Yes, it really says that.
239	Bill will reduce physician services for Medicaid, seniors, and the poor.
241	Doctors, no matter what specialty you have, you will be paid the same
253	Government sets the value of doctor’s time, professional judgment, etc
265	Government mandates and will control productivity for private healthcare industries
272	Cancer patients will receive rationing
280	Hospitals will be penalized for what the government deems preventable re-admissions
298	Doctors will be penalized if treating a patient that results in re-admission
317	Doctors will be prevented from owning or investing in healthcare companies
318	Prohibition on hospital expansion without government approval
335	Government mandates establishment of out-come based measures
341	Government will have the power to disqualify plans
354	Government will restrict enrollment of special needs individuals
425	Government will provide approved list of end-of-life treatment and appears to lock in estate taxes ahead of time
427	Government will dictate how your life ends
430	Government decides level of treatment for end-of-life
489	Government will cover marriage and family therapy, and can intervene in your marriage
494	Government will define, create, cover, and ration mental health services

SCARY PRONOUNCEMENT

2009-08-10T11:13:00.000-07:00

The President had a new Website created in which the Administration is collecting a listing of all people who do not support the Administration's position on Healthcare and probably anything else that is counter to the leadership. There have been some ominous statements and conjecture about the purpose of gathering these lists. It seems to be a very un American activity.

I will be pleased to have my name added to the list of objectors on this website. Anyone else? Hopefully, the website list will be quite large.

LEAD IN

2009-08-10T11:10:00.000-07:00

I intended this to be a lead in to the previous Blog idea.

These are pronouncements by past and present Democratic leadership; note the obvious differences.

Subject: Words of wisdom, and then just words

Great Orators of the Democratic Party

'One man with courage makes a majority.'

- Andrew Jackson

'The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.'

- Franklin D. Roosevelt

'The buck stops here.'

- Harry S. Truman

'Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for

your country.'

- John F. Kennedy

And for today's Democrats...

'It depends what your definition of 'IS' is?''

- Bill Clinton

'That Obama - I would like to cut his NUTS off.'

- Jesse Jackson

'Those rumors are false .... I believe in the sanctity of marriage..'

- John Edwards

'I invented the Internet.'

- Al Gore

'It doesn't matter if the planet is cooling and plants need it to live. We still have to ban carbon dioxide.'

- Henry Waxman

'The next Person that tells me I'm not religious, I'm going to

shove my rosary beads up their ASS.'

- Joe Biden

' America is--is no longer, uh, what it--it, uh, could be, uh what it

was once was...uh, and I say to myself, 'uh, I don't want that future, uh, uh for my children.'

- Barack Obama

'I have campaigned in all 57 states.

- Barack Obama

'You don't need God anymore, you have us democrats.'

- Nancy Pelosi

'Paying taxes is voluntary.'

- Harry Reid

'Bill is the greatest husband and father I know. No one is more

faithful, true, and honest than he.'

- Hillary Clinton

'The days of "traditional values" and strong foreign policy are over.'

- Chuck Schumer

'I do not regard Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as problems, I regard

them as great assets. I do not think we are facing any kind of a crisis. Fannie and Freddie pose no threat to the Treasury.'

- Barney Frank

POLITICIANS

2009-08-03T12:37:00.000-07:00

My last Blog entry dealt with broken promises. The lesson from this is -- DON'T TRUST POLITICIANS - . They will promise you anything to get your favor, and, when the promise no longer suits their purpose, they will renege. We will soon forget about it anyway; RIGHT?

So, as we may expect to see Terrorist combatants on US soil, so we will also see tax increases for everyone. And, some of these tax increases will be blatant appeals to our perceived needs.

This type of treatment may be expected from Democrats as well as Republicans. Witness the attempt by Arizona's Governor to raise the sales tax by 1 % even after a majority of the citizens rallied against such a move. In the end, the politicians will win either by deception or by fraud.

Associated with taxes is another question which I believe I know the answer; Where are the Trillions of dollars coming from to satisfy the Federal Government's latest initiatives such as the "cash for clunkers" program?

Unfortunately, the money is being manufactured without any real support or hope of value items to back it up. In other words, the Government is printing essentially worthless dollars to cover these expenditures. The resultant will be a very high rate of inflation which we will all pay for in the very near future.

PATIENCE

2009-08-02T11:58:00.000-07:00

When the new President announced that he was ordering the Military prison at Guantanamo Bay used for suspected terrorists and enemy combatants to be closed within a year, a great deal of concern was raised about what to do with them. I believe that the US citizens were assured that these people would not be brought to US soil. This pronouncement was maid to reduce the public's fears of terrorists being released or escaping in this country. After 6 months, it is apparent that the Government still has not found a viable alternative to the present Prison. However, because the Administration would lose face for a failure to meet the closure goal, something needs to be done quite soon. So, the latest idea is to place these terrorists in a facility in Kansas! Ft Leavenworth military prison where a combination of civilian and military administrators, guards, and other support personnel would be used.

This alternative is considered by the Administration to be the best of a bunch of poor options.

Now, another guarantee, the one where these terrorists will never be detained in the US, is being repudiated and the wishes of the US citizens are being ignored.

Why not just admit that the present facility at Guantanamo Bay is in fact the best location for these people, keep the facility open, and accept that not every idea that is pushed by a political agenda needs to be carried out. But, be careful to keep the Terrorists out of the US.

When is the Main Stream Media going to support the interests of the US citizens by campaigning against such poorly conceived ideas?

WASTEFUL SPENDING

2009-08-02T11:48:00.000-07:00

I received the following in an e mail. First, the contents of the e mail, then some questions.

WOW--HERE'S A CHANGE

First Lady Requires More Than 20 Attendants; It's good to be the Queen!

Dr. Paul L. Williams, "In my own life, in my own small way, I have tried to give back to this country that has given me so much," she

said. "See, that's why I left a job at a big law firm for a career in public service," Michelle Obama No, Michele Obama does not get paid to serve as the First Lady and she doesn't perform any official duties. But

this hasn't deterred her from hiring an unprecedented number of staffers to cater to her every whim and to satisfy her every request in the midst of the Great Recession. Just think Mary Lincoln was taken to task for purchasing china for the White House during the Civil War. And Mamie Eisenhower had to shell out the salary for her personal secretary. How things have changed! If you're one of the tens of

millions of Americans facing certain destitution, earning less than subsistence wages stocking the shelves at Wal-Mart or serving up McDonald cheeseburgers, prepare to scream and then come to

realize that the benefit package for these servants of Miz Michelle are

the same as members of the national security and defense departments and the bill for these assorted lackeys is paid by John Q. Public:

1	$172,200	Sher, Susan	Chief Of Staff
2	$140,000	Frye, Jocelyn C.	Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Policy And Projects For The First Lady
3	$113,000	Rogers, Desiree G.	Special Assistant to the President and White House Social Secretary
4	$102,000	Johnston, Camille Y.	Special Assistant to the President and Director of Communications for the First Lady
5		Winter, Melissa E.	Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief Of Staff to the First Lady
6	$90,000	Medina , David S.	Deputy Chief Of Staff to the First Lady
7	$84,000	Lelyveld, Catherine M.	Director and Press Secretary to the First Lady
8	$75,000	Starkey, Frances M.	Director of Scheduling and Advance for the First Lady
9	$70,000	Sanders, Trooper	Deputy Director of Policy and Projects for the First Lady
10	$65,000	Burnough, Erinn J.	Deputy Director and Deputy Social Secretary
11		Reinstein, Joseph B.	Deputy Director and Deputy Social Secretary
12	$62,000	Goodman, Jennifer R.	Deputy Director of Scheduling and Events Coordinator For The First Lady
13	$60,000	Fitts, Alan O.	Deputy Director of Advance and Trip Director for the First Lady
14		Lewis, Dana M.	Special Assistant and Personal Aide to the First Lady
15	$52,500	Mustaphi, Semonti M.	Associate Director and Deputy Press Secretary To The First Lady
16	$50,000	Jarvis, Kristen E.	Special Assistant for Scheduling and Traveling Aide To The First Lady
17	$45,000	Lechtenberg, Tyler A.	Associate Director of Correspondence For The First Lady
18		Tubman, Samantha	Deputy Associate Director, Social Office
19	$40,000	Boswell, Joseph J.	Executive Assistant to the Chief Of Staff to the First Lady
20	$36,000	Armbruster, Sally M.	Staff Assistant to the Social Secretary
21		Bookey, Natalie	Staff Assistant
22		Jackson, Deilia A.	Deputy Associate Director ofCorrespondence for the First Lady
	$1,256,700

There has never been anyone in the White House at any time that has created such an army of staffers whose sole duties are the facilitation of the First Lady's social life. One wonders why she needs so much help, at taxpayer expense, when even:

Hillary had three;

Jackie Kennedy one;

Laura Bush one; and

prior to Mamie Eisenhower social help came from the President's own pocket.

Note: This does not include makeup artist, Ingrid Grimes-Miles, 49, and "First Hairstylist" Johnny Wright, 31, both of whom travelled aboard Air Force One to Europe

Now; the questions.

1. Where did the money to fund these assistants come from?

2. What is the authority for hiring them?

3. Why are these assistants necessary?

4. For the sake of equity assume that there was no increase in the public budget; then what other functions or expenditures were eliminated?

COMMON SENSE

2009-07-27T07:17:00.000-07:00

I recently received an email that contained a letter/discussion to Glen Beck. It deserves wide distribution & I am putting it here. These are not specifically my words, nor do I fully agree with each idea totally; however, the gist of it I fully agree with.

The following letter, read on Glenn Beck's show, is rapidly circulating around the country. Americans everywhere identify with this 53-year-old woman. She has given us a voice. Once you read this, you will want to forward it to all of your friends...

GLENN BECK: I got a letter from a woman in Arizona . She

writes an open letter to our nation's leadership:

I'm a home grown American citizen, 53, registered Democrat all my life. Before the last presidential election I registered as a Republican because I no longer felt the Democratic Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. Now I no longer feel the Republican

Party represents my views or works to pursue issues

important to me. The fact is I no longer feel any political party or representative in Washington represents my views or works to pursue the issues important to me.

There must be someone. Please tell me who you are. Please

stand up and tell me that you are there and that you're

willing to fight for our Constitution as it was written. Please stand up now. You might ask yourself what my views and issues are that I would horribly feel so disenfranchised by both major political parties. What kind of nut job am I? Will you please tell me?

Well, these are briefly my views and issues for which I

seek representation:

One,

illegal immigration.

I want you to stop coddling illegal immigrants and secure our borders. Close the underground tunnels. Stop the violence and the trafficking in drugs and people. No amnesty, not again. Been there, done that, no resolution. P.S., I'm not a racist. This isn't to be confused with legal immigration.

Two,

the TARP bill

I want it repealed and I want no further funding supplied to it. We told you no, but you did it anyway. I want the remaining unfunded 95% repealed. Freeze, repeal.

Three:

Czars

I want the circumvention of our checks and balances stopped immediately. Fire the czars. No more czars. Government officials answer to the process, not to the president. Stop trampling on our Constitution and honor it.

Four,

cap and trade.

The debate on global warming is not over. There is more to say.

Five,

universal healthcare.

I will not be rushed into another expensive decision. Don't you dare try to pass this in the middle of the night and then go on break. Slow down!

Six,

growing government control.

I want states rights and sovereignty fully restored. I want less government in my life, not more. Shrink it down. Mind your own business. You have enough to take care of with your real obligations. Why don't you start there.

Seven,

ACORN.

I do not want ACORN and its affiliates in charge of our

2010 census. I want them investigated. I also do not want mandatory escrow fees contributed to them every time on

every real estate deal that closes. Stop the funding to ACORN and its affiliates pending impartial audits and investigations. I do not trust them with taking the census over with our taxpayer money. I don't trust them with our taxpayer money. Face up to the allegations against them and get it resolved before taxpayers get any more involved with them. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, hello. Stop protecting your political buddies. You work for us, the people. Investigate.

Eight,

redistribution of wealth.

No, no, no. I work for my money. It is mine. I have always

worked for people with more money than I have because they gave me jobs. That is the only redistribution of wealth that I will support. I never got a job from a poor

person. Why do you want me to hate my employers? Why -- what do you have against shareholders making a profit?

Nine,

charitable contributions.

Although I never got a job from a poor person, I have helped many in need. Charity belongs in our local communities, where we know our needs best and can use our local talent and our local resources. Butt out, please. We want to do it ourselves.

Ten,

corporate bailouts.

Knock it off. Sink or swim like the rest of us. If there are hard times ahead, we'll be better off just getting into

it and letting the strong survive. Quick and painful. Have you ever ripped off a Band-Aid? We will pull together. Great things happen in America under great hardship. Give us the chance to innovate. We cannot disappoint you more than you have disappointed us.

Eleven,

transparency and accountability.

How about it? No, really, how about it? Let's have it.

Let's say we give the buzzwords a rest and have some straight honest talk. Please try -- please stop manipulating and trying to appease me with clever wording. I am not the idiot you obviously take me for. Stop

sneaking around and meeting in back rooms making deals with your friends. It will only be a prelude to your

criminal investigation. Stop hiding things from me.

Twelve,

unprecedented quick spending.

Stop it now. Take a breath. Listen to the people. Let's just slow down and get some input from some non politicians on the subject. Stop making everything an emergency. Stop speed reading our bills into law.

I am not an activist. I am not a community organizer. Nor am I a terrorist, a militant or a violent person. I am a parent and a grandparent. I work. I'm busy. I'm busy. I am busy, and I am tired. I thought we elected competent people to take care of the business of government so that we could work, raise our families, pay our bills, have a little recreation, complain about taxes, endure our hardships, pursue our personal goals, cut our lawn, wash our cars on the weekends and be responsible contributing members of society and teach our children to be the same all while living in the home of the free and land of the brave.

I entrusted you with upholding the Constitution. I believed in the checks and balances to keep from getting far off course. What happened? You are very far off course. Do you really think I find humor in the hiring of a speed reader to unintelligently ramble all through a bill that you signed into law without knowing what it contained? I do not. It is a mockery of the responsibility I have entrusted to you. It is a slap in the face. I am not laughing at your arrogance. Why is it that I feel as if you would not trust

me to make a single decision about my own life and how I would live it but you should expect that I should trust you with the debt that you have laid on all of us and our children. We did not want the TARP bill. We said no. We would repeal it if we could. I am sure that we still cannot. There is such urgency and recklessness in all of the recent spending. From my perspective, it seems that all of you have gone insane. I also know that I am far from alone in these feelings. Do you honestly feel that your current pursuits have merit to patriotic Americans? We want it to stop. We want to put the brakes on everything that is being rushed by us and forced upon us. We want our voice back. You have forced us to put our lives on hold to straighten out the mess that you are making. We will have

to give up our vacations, our time spent with our children, any relaxation time we may have had and money we cannot afford to spend on you to bring our concerns to Washington . Our president often knows all the right buzzword is unsustainable. Well, no kidding. How many tens of thousands of dollars did the focus group cost to come up with that word? We don't want your overpriced words. Stop treating us like we're morons. We want all of you to stop focusing on your reelection and do the job we want done, not the job you want done or the job your party wants done. You work for us and at this rate I guarantee you not for long because we are coming. We will be heard and we will be represented. You think we're so busy with our lives that we will never come for you? We are the formerly silent majority, all of us who quietly work, pay taxes, obey the law, vote, save money, keep our noses to the grindstone and we are now looking up at you. You have awakened us, the patriotic spirit so strong and so powerful that it had been sleeping too long. You have pushed us too far. Our numbers are great. They may surprise you. For every one of us who will be there, there will be hundreds more that could not come. Unlike you, we have their trust. We will

represent them honestly, rest assured. They will be at the

polls on voting day to usher you out of office. We have cancelled vacations. We will use our last few dollars saved. We will find the representation among us and a grassroots campaign will flourish. We didn't ask for this fight. But the gloves are coming off. We do not come in

violence, but we are angry. You will represent us or you

will be replaced with someone who will. There are candidates among us when he will rise like a Phoenix from the ashes that you have made of our constitution.

Democrat, Republican, independent, libertarian. Understand this. We don't care. Political parties are meaningless to us. Patriotic Americans are willing to do right by us and our Constitution and that is all that matters to us now. We are going to fire all of you who abuse power and seek more. It is not your power. It is ours and we want it back. We entrusted you with it and you abused it. You are dishonorable. You are dishonest. As Americans we are ashamed of you. You have brought shame to us. If you are not representing the wants and needs of your constituency loudly and consistently, in spite of the objections of your party, you will be fired. Did you hear? We no longer care about your political parties. You need to be loyal to us, not to them. Because we will get you fired and they will not save you. If you do or can represent me, my issues, my views, please stand up. Make your identity known. You need to make some noise about it. Speak up. I need to know who you are. If you do not speak up, you will be herded out with the rest of the sheep and we will replace the whole damn congress if need be one by one. We are coming. Are we

coming for you? Who do you represent? What do you represent? Listen. Because we are coming. We the people are

coming.

"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money."-Margaret Thatcher

"There are two ways to conquer a nation. One is by the sword. The other is by debt."-John Adams

JAPAN SURRENDERS ABOARD THE USS MISSOURI

2009-07-24T14:38:00.000-07:00

It took me less than 5 minutes to find this information on line. Maybe the President should spend a little time researching what he says (Japanese Emperor signed surrender) The Emperor was nowhere in the picture.

Surrender of Japan, Tokyo Bay, 2 September 1945

Japanese representatives on board USS Missouri (BB-63) during the surrender ceremonies, 2 September 1945.

Standing in front are:

Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu (wearing top hat) and General Yoshijiro Umezu, Chief of the Army General Staff.

Behind them are three representatives each of the Foreign Ministry, the Army and the Navy. They include, in middle row, left to right:

Major General Yatsuji Nagai, Army;

Katsuo Okazaki, Foreign Ministry;

Rear Admiral Tadatoshi Tomioka, Navy;

Toshikazu Kase, Foreign Ministry, and

Lieutenant General Suichi Miyakazi, Army.

In the the back row, left to right (not all are visible):

Rear Admiral Ichiro Yokoyama, Navy;

Saburo Ota, Foreign Ministry;

Captain Katsuo Shiba, Navy, and

Colonel Kaziyi Sugita, Army.

(Identities those in second and third rows are from an annotated photograph in Naval Historical Center files.)

Photograph from the Army Signal Corps Collection in the U.S. National Archives.

Online Image: 95KB; 740 x 610 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

VICTORY!!!

2009-07-24T07:52:00.000-07:00

The President just stated that Victory in Afghanistan is not really necessary. So, why are we committing US forces and material in that war effort? If not to win or at least to pacify the terrorists, than we should not be there at all. Further, if Victory is not the goal, than the President needs to provide a clear statement why we are there and allowing our people to be killed.

It is obvious that I am not (and have never been) a supporter of the new President's goals and agenda, but this series of events (pronouncements) needs to be evaluated by everyone. If there is no clear cut goal, then there is certainly no strategy, or even a planned exit for the US. Oh wait, someone was severely criticized for having no follow on or exit plan from Iraq which was used against him during the last election.

NORTH KOREA SOLUTION REVISITED

2009-07-21T16:10:00.000-07:00

So, now the Foreign Policy experts in the Administration have figured out how to handle North Korea. They are putting together a package of incentives to entice the North Koreans into giving up their nuclear ambitions and rejoin the disarmament talks. It seems to me that the US has visited this idea many times before with no positive results. Naturally, they know that things will be different this time because we, the US, have admitted all of our previous mistakes and want to be friends. And, the North Koreans will see the errors of their ways and will want to be friends as well.

Now, if you think that this oft tried approach will somehow work this time, then, I will also want to sell you some lower Florida swamp land that is sometimes dry and absolutely does not have any vermin (alligators or giant flying insects) living there.

Oh well, if this doesn't work, then lets move on to Honduras or Iran, or even we could restart Iraq again. Then tell the Israelis to give up more of their hard fought land again. Where is Pee Wee Herman when you need a stronger presence?

IMPRESSIVE

2009-07-18T05:38:00.000-07:00

Even though my biggest concern with the Obama Administration is founded in grave concerns over the lack of effective foreign policy, the following bits should also show cause for concern as they are indicators of serious lapses in judgement.

If George W. Bush had made a joke at the expense of the Special
Olympics, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had given Gordon Brown, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom , a set of inexpensive and incorrectly formatted DVDs, when Gordon Brown had given him a thoughtful and historically significant gift, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had given the Queen of England an iPod containing
videos of his speeches, would you have thought this embarrassingly
narcissistic and tacky?

If George W. Bush had bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had visited Austria and made reference to a
non-existent 'Austrian language,' would you have brushed it off as a
minor slip?

If George W. Bush had filled his cabinet and circle of advisers with
people who cannot seem to remember to pay their own income taxes, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had been so Spanish illiterate as to refer to "Cinco
de Cuatro" in front of the Mexican ambassador when it was the fourth of
May (Cuatro de Mayo), and continued to flub it when he tried again,
would you have winced in embarrassment?

If George W. Bush had mis-spelled the word advice would you have
hammered him for it for years like when Dan Quayle was when he spelled potatoe as "proof" of what a dunce he is?

If George W. Bush had burned 9,000 gallons of tax-payer funded jet fuel
to go plant a single tree on "Earth Day", would you have concluded he's
a hypocrite regarding environmental issues?

If George W. Bush's administration had okayed tax-payer funded Air
Force One flying low over millions of people followed by a jet fighter
in downtown Manhattan causing widespread panic, would you have wondered whether they actually "get" what happened on 9-11?

If George W. Bush had been the first President to need a teleprompter
installed to be able to get through a press conference, would you have
laughed and said this is more proof of how he inept he is on his own and
is actually being controlled by smarter men behind the scenes?

If George W. Bush had failed to send relief aid to flood victims
throughout the Midwest with more people killed or made homeless than in New Orleans , would you want it made into a major ongoing political
issue with claims of racism and incompetence?

If George W. Bush had ordered the firing of the CEO of a major
corporation, even though he had no constitutional authority to do so,
would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had proposed to double the national debt in one year,
which had taken more than two centuries to accumulate, would you have
approved?

If George W.. Bush had then proposed to double the debt yet again
within the following 10 years, thereby putting your children and
grandchildren in such massive debt that it threatens the national
treasury, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had reduced your retirement plan's holdings of GM
stock by 90% and given the unions a majority stake in GM, with no
constitutional authority to do so, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had spent hundreds of thousands of tax-payer dollars
to take Laura Bush on a 'date night' to a play in NYC, would you have
approved?

So, tell me again, what is it about Obama that makes him so brilliant
and impressive? Can't think of anything? Don't worry. He's done all this in a mere 5 months -- So, you'll have three years and seven months to come up with an answer. Naive, incompetent, and uninformed American voters did this to themselves.

Americans are starting to wake up. Let's hope it's not too late.

ATTACKED?

2009-07-08T08:12:00.000-07:00

Several US Government web sites have been subjected to cyber attacks that forced them to become inoperative. According to some news sources (FOX for example), these attacks were engineered by North Korea. Additionally, several South Korean government sites were also forced to shut down by the same source. This just after numerous Missiles were fired by North Korea which was in violation of international law.

What has been the US response? So far--- NOTHING!!

If the US had a real foreign policy group in charge of US security, there should have been some action to counter the attacks and maybe, seems silly I know, some retaliation.

But, remember, the President is in Europe making new friends and giving more concessions to potential enemies; The Vice President is busy making wild statements about Israel; and our Secretary of State has a broken elbow that does not allow her to do anything. And people still make wry remarks about Californians with fuzzy brains. And, of course, the Jackson funeral was much more important. I guess one must set proper priorities.

Finally, when do we declare that the attacks on the US and its Allies are acts of aggression, sometimes called WAR?

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

2009-07-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

Remember this?

Please don't forget it!

I FEEL SAFER NOW

2009-06-24T15:48:00.000-07:00

The Pentagon spokesman who commented recently on the North Korean threat to wipe out the US as being too silly for a serious response really made me feel safe- - - NOT!!

He further went on to say that it would take North Korea at least 3 to 5 years before they became a real threat. So, of course, it is OK to ignore them for the next 3 to 5 years??

I believe that we should take strong action before the North Koreans become a serious threat; say NOW. Even though it may be impolite to do such things as engage in self preservation; or, maybe, as I suggested before, we give in to their threats and start paying them tribute now so that they will come to respect and like us. They might even give us favored nation status in the future.

My real question is: WHO is running things in Washington and from what lunatic asylum were they found?

WHAT NEXT FOR N KOREA?

2009-06-22T10:43:00.000-07:00

I realize that secrecy is important for military operations, but, diplomacy should be quite open. A statement by a senior Administration official regarding the safety of Hawaii is really not terribly assuring (ie "trust me everything is safe and under control) especially when there have been no visible actions to support this contention.

I still believe that the best defense for any organization is a good offense. And, there has been no indication that the US is even considering such a move. All of our so called preparations amounted to the deployment of a radar system near Hawaii! Where are the Carriers? What is the status of long range Air Force assets? and What is the status of ground troops in South Korea?

It seems to me that the US should have sufficient numbers of precision guided weapons to provide an early strike at selected North Korean sites (missile launch pads, storage facilites, nuclear development areas, and other high value targets).

Unfortunately, our diplomatic corps is silent, our Administration is waiting to react and not be proactive, and our people are (seem to be) helpless to really discount/disarm this third rate dictatorship. Who next wants to embarrass the US?

THINGS THAT MATTER

2009-06-19T07:20:00.000-07:00

It is apparent that I am not effective in helping to direct how this Country is managed, so I thought that the following things should be considered (can't do anything about them either)

1 40,000 Americans are injured by toilets each year.

2 A coat hanger is 44 inches long when straightened.

3 A pack-a-day smoker will lose approximately 2 teeth every 10 years.

4 Alfred Hitchcock didn't have a belly button.

5 Apples, not caffeine, are more efficient at waking you up in the morning.

6 Babies are born without kneecaps. They don't appear until they are 2-6 years old

7 Forty people are sent to the hospital for dog bites every minute.

8 Humphrey Bogart was related to Princess Diana. They were 7th cousins.

9 If coloring weren't added to Coca-Cola, it would be green.

10 In most television commercials advertising milk, a mixture of white paint and a little thinner is used in place of the milk.

11 John Travolta turned down the starring roles in 'An Officer and a Gentleman' and 'Tootsie.'

12 Michael Jackson owns the rights to the South Carolina State anthem.

13 Most hospitals make money by selling the umbilical cords cut from women who give birth. They are used in vein transplant surgery.

14 Most of us have eaten a spider in our sleep.

15 Only 7 per cent of the population are lefties.

16 People do not get sick from cold weather; it's from being indoors a lot more

17 Prince Charles and Prince William NEVER travel on the same airplane, just in case there is a crash.

18 The average computer user blinks 7 times a minute.

19 The average housefly lives for one month.

20 The average person over 50 will have spent 5 years waiting in lines.

21 The first Harley Davidson motorcycle , built in 1903 , used a tomato can for a carburetor.

22 The only two animals that can see behind themselves without turning their heads are the rabbit and the parrot

23 The REAL reason ostriches stick their head in the sand is to search for water

24 The toothbrush was invented in 1498.

25 When you sneeze, all bodily functions stop , even your heart!

26 Your feet are bigger in the afternoon than any other time of day.

STILL NO ACTION!

2009-06-18T13:17:00.000-07:00

I truly hope that the forces of this Country are really working to stifle and deter the efforts of some of the Countries in this world that are being controlled by seriously deranged people.

Specifically, the Leader of North Korea is tempting fate by trying to move the US to military action while his Country and its people are apparently starving to death. The US really needs to stop with great force the North Korean regime.

The time is ripe for the US to provide aid and comfort to the apparent rebellion that is starting to develop in Iran. Helping to oust and/or reform the present Government of that Country might very well lead to a greater chance at regional and world peace.

Unfortunately, I will probably be proven wrong and the US will remain on the sidelines and watch the turbulence in the world continue while we waste our resources in Pakistan and Afghanistan with no real gain in either place; just the return of some filled body bags and further disgrace for our military forces.

WHERE IS THE REST OF THE STORY?

2009-06-12T08:45:00.000-07:00

Recently, a TV Personality (who I am reluctant to dignify by identifying him) made what appeared to me to be very offensive remarks towards a public official (Governor of Alaska) and her family. In addition, the TV person also disparaged the name and reputation of a baseball player, and by the remarks, the team that the player is employed with.

Rightfully, the Alaska Governor demanded an apology for the TV person's remarks, especially the ones directed towards her family member. Of course, the TV person declined to respond fully and offered another equally offensive remark (the original remark was intended for another member of the Governors family). Some other organizations have made comments in support of a need for an apology; but, probably none is forthcoming.

The really strange thing about this episode is that the other injured parties, specifically the baseball player whose reputation was sullied, and the Baseball organization (Yankees) have been (apparently) completely silent. Had I been the focus of an accusation of criminal activity I would feel obligated to respond in defense of my honor and integrity. This is not a free speech issue but a defamation of character issue that should be examined. NO MATTER THAT THE TV PERSONALITY WAS TRYING TO BE WHITTY!

NO BACKBONE

2009-06-09T07:05:00.000-07:00

Anyone who is familiar with world history since WW2 realize that the North Korean Government plays a rather dangerous but usually successful game of "chicken" in order to achieve their goals. The only time that they (North Korea) have backed down was when they were confronted with the threat (and resolve) to use force.

The latest outrageous threat by the North Koreans involves the use of Nuclear weapons in an offensive war. The last real threat by any nation to do such a thing might have been between the Indian and Pakistani governments. I do not believe that they actually made good on those threats.

My question is; when is the World or even the US going to counter the North Korean's assertion with an overwhelming response to their rhetoric? The North Koreans will continue to escalate their remarks and threats until someone either caves in to their demands (give them food, money, whatever they want) or responds with a strong threat of force backed by real capability. The weak kneed United Nations can't even get a discredited sanction passed to show any resolve; the US seems incapable of doing anything except maybe send someone such as Al Gore to negotiate our way out of these threats. I doubt that Mr Gore can be or will be effective even if he explains how bad such actions such as Nuclear war may be towards the environment.

Unfortunately, it is time now, not in six months to a year, to respond with a real show of resolve. But, who will do it?

BAD IDEA!

2009-06-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

It appears that the Chinese will be purchasing one of the GM auto divisions (Hummer). This is a very bad idea. Not so much that we will be getting some competition from the Chinese in auto sales; but, because there are almost certainly a great deal of intellectual property that will be part of the deal. This means that a significant portion of the US intelligence will be included. So, I guess, we are on the road to providing our most serious potential future adversaries with a great gift of technology. (and some secrets as well).

This is another reason why the present administration's bailout and takeover strategy is not only bad, but also dangerous to our national security.

IS NO ONE LISTENING OR AWARE OF THESE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES??

PC OVERDONE

2009-05-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

A recent article on the internet described a situation in which a female employee of a company in Texas had displayed a US Flag in her work area. Bec ause one person in the work area complained that the Flag's presence was offensive to her, the company had the flag removed and thrown on the ground (or maybe rolled up in a corner). The employee was informed that the flag was considered to be offensive and could not be further displayed. Management explained further that she would have to settle for the flag flying outside the building as the official symbol. Apparently, later, after the incident was discovered by NEWS media, the flag was allowed to be returned to its owner and be placed on display.

I am so outraged by this series of events. Anyone who is "offended" by the US Flag should consider leaving the Country and resettle where they will not be so disturbed. Any company that treats the US Flag (at least in the USA) as reported should be severely censured. And any attempt to downplay such activity by the news media should be firmly discouraged.

The US Flag, it is true is only a symbol, and the symbol has often times been desecrated and allowed to be burned and trod upon in the name of "freedom of speech". These acts should likewise be discouraged and possibly be banned when it is done to demean the Country. Forget the argument about advertising pictorials of the flag being thrown in the garbage; that is clearly different from a view of someone in a crowd purposely defacing the flag.

UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES?

2009-05-24T08:31:00.000-07:00

I received this from a friend . It pretty well explains what can happen when the Government is allowed to control the economy and a Socialist agenda is enacted.

Letter from a Dodge Dealer

letter to the editor

My name is George C. Joseph. I am the sole owner of Sunshine Dodge-Isuzu, a family owned and operated business in Melbourne, Florida. My family bought and paid for this automobile franchise 35 years ago in 1974. I am the second generation to manage this business.

We currently employ 50+ people and before the economic slowdown we employed over 70 local people. We are active in the community and the local chamber of commerce. We deal with several dozen local vendors on a day to day basis and many more during a month. All depend on our business for part of their livelihood. We are financially strong with great respect in the market place and community. We have strong local presence and stability.

I work every day the store is open, nine to ten hours a day. I know most of our customers and all our employees. Sunshine Dodge is my life.

On Thursday, May 14, 2009 I was notified that my Dodge franchise, that we purchased, will be taken away from my family on June 9, 2009 without compensation and given to another dealer at no cost to them. My new vehicle inventory consists of 125 vehicles with a financed balance of 3 million dollars. This inventory becomes impossible to sell with no factory incentives beyond June 9, 2009. Without the Dodge franchise we can no longer sell a new Dodge as "new," nor will we be able to do any warranty service work. Additionally, my Dodge parts inventory, (approximately $300,000.) is virtually worthless without the ability to perform warranty service. There is no offer from Chrysler to buy back the vehicles or parts inventory.

Our facility was recently totally renovated at Chryslers insistence, incurring a multi-million dollar debt in the form of a mortgage at Sun Trust Bank.

HOW IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA CAN THIS HAPPEN?

THIS IS A PRIVATE BUSINESS NOT A GOVERNMENT ENTITY

This is beyond imagination! My business is being stolen from me through NO FAULT OF OUR OWN. We did NOTHING wrong.

This atrocity will most likely force my family into bankruptcy. This will also cause our 50+ employees to be unemployed. How will they provide for their families? This is a total economic disaster.

HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN IN A FREE MARKET ECONOMY IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA?

I beseech your help, and look forward to your reply. Thank you.

Sincerely,

George C. Joseph

President & Owner

Sunshine Dodge-Isuzu

VALUE OF A DEGREE

2009-05-15T14:34:00.000-07:00

Last week, the President gave the commencement address at ASU in which he agreed that he did not deserve receiving the honor of a doctor of letters degree because he had not proved himself. I thought that this acknowledgment was favorable and proper. But, now, this week he will receive one from Notre Dame University.

Either the President is a "Flip Flopping" liberal who will say or do anything that is expedient for the moment, or he has become much more educated in a week's time, or the standards at ASU are tougher than at Notre Dame. The second and third possibility seem to be far fetched and not realistic, so, one may only draw one accurate conclusion.

No wonder politicians have such a bad reputation (at least in my opinion). I do long for the days when we had Statesmen in charge of the Country.

DON'T LIE TO ME

2009-05-11T11:40:00.000-07:00

It is entertaining to watch a mystery movie or show, as well as a magician perform , but it is totally unacceptable for our Government to lie, fib, or shade the truth.

True, sometimes the Government is required to withhold information from the general public for security or safety reasons, but, there are few really justifiable excuses beyond that.

Examples of unacceptable untruths or withheld information recently, were the cause of unnecessary fear and panic. The unannounced fly over of the "Air Force One" plane for a photo op over NYC was a grevious error in judgement that should not have occurred. If it was really necessary to hold this event, it should have been widely announced and advertised. This was not and should not have been a "classified" mission. The president was not on board, there were no secret weapons onboard (I assume) unless the officials also lied about the purpose of the mission; which maybe they did.

The lies and fears generated about the "swine flu epidemic" was another case of instilling panic when it was not warranted. An acquaintance tried to justify the mobalization effort as being a good exercise in emergency preparedness. If it was an exercise, then sell it as such!. Or, maybe it was justification by the Government to get its Health and Human Services Secretary approved quickly, and more funds approved through Congress to allow for this "emergency".

I have also questioned the truth to the financial downturn as being caused by the prior Administration's mismanagement. It appears more and more that the financial downturn was a ploy to elect the present Administration, that worked quite well, and maybe more so than the organizers of this event had planned. The organizers,as I call them, had hoped for a short term panic which got out of control and caused wide spread meltdown. Sorta an expensive way to get yourself elected in my opinion.

VENEZUELA

2009-05-08T11:04:00.000-07:00

The government of Venezuela today started another round of nationalizing certain foreign interests in its country. Of course, it had to be an American oil support and drilling operation. I do not condone the idea of sabotage; however, in this case, I do believe that it is time for the US to enforce a ban on all US companies doing business in or for Venezuela. We should have all US citizens leave Venezuela NOW! And we should have all those concerns leave without further notice or formal or even informal shutdown of all operations. We should then send an army of lawyers into Venezuela and sue the government for damages.

Next we should then force out of the US any and all companies and interests from Venezuela and freeze any and all of the assets of Venezuela still in the US.

Further steps such as quarantining of Venezuela vessels and removal of any US diplomatic missions in Venezuela and forcing out any Venezuela Diplomatic missions from any US controlled area should be undertaken.

Now is the time for the US to remove all US forces from the Middle East, Asia, and Europe in order to concentrate our efforts on real American interests (defense of the Western Hemisphere) and protect US lands.

HURRAH FOR THE FRENCH

2009-05-05T08:57:00.000-07:00

I never imagined that I would find a way to congratulate the French military. Most of my opinions about the poor performance of French soldiers and sailors can be verified in history. Agincourt, the Western Front in the first world War, the Maginot (sp?) line, Dien Bien Phu, and the examples go on and on.

But now, just maybe, the French military's spirit of élan may have been rekindled. In the past two months, French Naval forces have shown daring and skill in attacking and neutralizing some Somali terrorists; once by commando action to free a captured ship, and now, by deception and obviously great planning in capturing a band of the terrorists bent on hijacking a French Frigate.

Maybe these Terrorists did not realize that they were dealing with a revitalized force. For what ever reason, these gallant soldiers and sailors need to be congratulated along with their Government.