The Write Side of My Brain

Missouri Primary and Important Proposition --- I Voted

2010-08-03T18:30:00.004-05:00

With an expected turnout of only 24% of eligible voters, it is a typical primary election day. Honestly, now, do you vote in the primaries? Honestly, I rarely have, but I will never miss another one, or any election day, for that matter.

Here in Missouri we had important races, including a Senate primary race, to cast our ballots. Just as important was Proposition C on the ballot, referred to as the Missouri Health Care Freedom. Missouri is the first to confront the issue of the federal government requiring people to purchase health insurance or face penalties.

This is the wording as it appeared on the ballot:

Official Ballot Title:

Shall the Missouri Statutes be amended to:

Deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services?

Modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies?

It is estimated this proposal will have no immediate costs or savings to state or local governmental entities. However, because of the uncertain interaction of the proposal with implementation of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, future costs to state governmental entities are unknown.

Fair Ballot Language:

A “yes” vote will amend Missouri law to deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services. The amendment will also modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies.
A “no” vote will not change the current Missouri law regarding private health insurance, lawful healthcare services, and the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies.

If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.

This is just one part of "Obamacare" that, I believe, should be challenged/repealed. There's the constitutionality, cost, earmarks, and hidden provisions yet to be revealed. Actually, I am for repealing the entire law, but that's for another discussion. I am proud of Missouri for putting this on a ballot for the people to s be heard......... too bad only 24% will speak up.

8/4/2010 Follow up: Missouri has spoken! 71% voted YES! Washington probably just yawned and turned their backs, as they always do when the people speak out, but this is an important statement. Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, and Virginia have passed similiar statutes without putting them to ballot. This is far from over! Read more about it here.

The Pledge of Allegiance Explained

2010-07-30T15:14:00.000-05:00

Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance takes less than one minute. One minute. In the four minutes of this video from Red Skelton's television show of January 14, 1969, the Pledge of Allegiance is not only recited, but explained. If you choose to watch this, and I hope you do, stay with it to the very last words, for there you will here the most important message.

Barb
In God We Trust

Moratorium On Drilling Is Irresponsible

2010-06-21T20:44:00.000-05:00

I couldn't agree more with Trace Adkins' direct, no-holds-barred assessment of the moratorium on drilling in the gulf.

The "Second Verse"...........

2010-06-06T19:53:00.000-05:00

How many remember learning the Star Spangled Banner second verse? I had forgotten until I heard this:

This is actually the fourth stanza and is used for more formal occasions. Here's all four stanzas, per Wikipedia:

O! say can you see by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O! say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner, O! long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

In God We Trust - This motto was adopted by law in 1956

"So this is how liberty dies..... with thunderous applause."

2010-03-26T18:45:00.001-05:00

On several occasions since November 2008 I have recalled this forboding scene from Star Wars III - Revenge of the Sith. But never was it more telling than on March 21, 2010 as the congress and the president jammed this tax-bill-disguised-as-healthcare-reform down the throats of the American people, without one single concern that this is overwhelming unpopular with the voters.

Once again, science fiction becomes the ugly truth.

In God We Trust

Is He Really That Stupid, Or Just A Liar?

2010-03-17T17:28:00.001-05:00

Watching Obama's interview with Bret Baier of Fox News:

He doesn't care about the "procedures" of Congress [read: his way or the highway]
He is being very combative [not defensive, COMBATIVE]
His hand gestures continue to convey "push away", he never allows exchange
He totally discounted emails that Bret took with him saying he gets more than twice that in favor
He refuses to let Bret finish a statement or question. He shows nothing but disdain for anyone who questions him!
He refuses to answer questions of cost
WATCH HIS HANDS! HE IS PUSHING BRET AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AWAY!
He blames the health care premiums for Americans' bankruptcies and financial woes --- HASN'T HE HEARD ABOUT THE UNEMPLOYMENT????
HE REFUSES TO BE SPECIFIC
HE LIES ABOUT THE NUMBERS, OR ELSE HE IS REALLY STUPID!
If all that he claims about Medicare is in the bill, WHY HAVEN'T WE SEEN THE BILL????
So now it's HIS health care bill!
He goes back to blaming everyone else!!!
SURE HE IS CONFIDENT IT WILL PASS --- HE IS BRIBING AND INTIMIDATING EVERYONE WHO DISAGREES WITH HIM. KUCINICH, MAY YOU NEVER SLEEP ANOTHER NIGHT IN YOUR LIFE!
Bret is being way too kind.

THIS MAN IS KILLING OUR COUNTRY!! He is an arrogant Marxist who cares nothing about the American people. He has said so in words and actions. 300 million Americans and he is only "worried" about 13 million without health care ---- but who are NEVER turned away!!

Pray for America.--- we are on the brink of losing it.

Obama Is Getting Really Desperate for Power Over Us. Make Your Voice Heard!

2010-03-16T11:36:00.000-05:00

Obama: Polls Do Not Reflect the People

By Sean Higgins

Mon., March 15, '10 4:59 PM ET

President Obama was out stumping for his health care bill in Ohio today. In the conclusion of his speech, he told the crowd that he would ignore the polls and do what the people want:

"The American people want to know if it’s still possible for Washington to look out for these interests, for their future. So what they’re looking for is some courage. They’re waiting for us to act. They’re waiting for us to lead. They don’t want us putting our finger out to the wind. They don’t want us reading polls. They want us to look and see what is the best thing for America, and then do what’s right. And as long as I hold this office, I intend to provide that leadership." [Obama]

What are the polls but an expression of what the American people want? It is one thing to say that the polls are wrong or that the people have been misled. But to say the American people want us to ignore the polls is to say the American people want us to ignore what they say.

As it happens, last week IBD published a profile of the late George Gallup, founder of his namesake polling company. In researching the story, I struck by a quote I came across of Gallup defending his profession from critics in Washington.

He always had a high opinion of public opinion. (Gallup poll editor-in-chief Frank) Newport related how after politicians said they didn’t listen to polls, Gallup responded, “Well, just substitute the ‘polls’ with the ‘public.’ They are saying they shouldn’t listen to the people who elected them.”

Seems like Democratic pollsters’ intervention with Obama and the congressional Democrats over health care didn’t work.

Hat tip: American Spectator's Phil Klein.

Please Support Our Troops --- And Their Families

2010-03-14T15:13:00.000-05:00

The USS Dwight D Eisenhower is one of the carriers that is near and dear to my heart. My son just finished a deployment with the Ike strike group. This video was on Fox.com today and in just 3 minutes shows the hard work of our sailors at sea and the struggles of their families at home.

So while our sailors, soldiers, and pilots are defending our country and freedoms, their own families are holding down the fort at home. Reach out, lend a hand, and thank them when you can.

"Iran" Used to Be "Persia" --- Who Changed It and Why?

2010-02-04T16:44:00.001-06:00

Can you answer this? Have you ever wondered why "Persia" became "Iran" The answer is prophetic ---- and scary.

When "Persia" became "Iran"

This article is a part of "Persia or Iran" by Professor Ehsan Yarshater, published in Iranian Studies, Vol. XXII, No.1, 1989.

In 1935 the Iranian government requested those countries which it had diplomatic relations with, to call Persia "Iran," which is the name of the country in Persian.

The suggestion for the change is said to have come from the Iranian ambassador to Germany, who came under the influence of the Nazis. At the time Germany was in the grip of racial fever and cultivated good relations with nations of "Aryan" blood. It is said that some German friends of the ambassador persuaded him that, as with the advent of Reza Shah, Persia had turned a new leaf in its history and had freed itself from the pernicious influences of Britain and Russia, whose interventions in Persian affairs had practically crippled the country under the Qajars, it was only fitting that the country be called by its own name, "Iran." This would not only signal a new beginning and bring home to the world the new era in Iranian history, but would also signify the Aryan race of its population, as "Iran" is a cognate of "Aryan" and derived from it.

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent out a circular to all foreign embassies in Tehran, requesting that the country thenceforth be called "Iran." Diplomatic courtesy obliged, and by and by the name "Iran" began to appear in official correspondence and news items.

At first "Iran" sounded alien (for non-Iranians), and many failed to recognize its connection with Persia. Some (Westerners) thought that it was perhaps one of the new countries like Iraq and Jordan carved out of the ruins of the Ottoman Empire, or a country in Africa or Southeast Asia that had just been granted independence; and not a few confused it with Iraq, itself a recent entity.

As time passed and as a number of events, like the Allied invasion of Iran in 1941 and the nationalization of the oil industry under Prime Minster Dr Mohammad Mosaddeq, put the country in the headlines, the name "Iran" became generally accepted, and "Persia" fell into comparative disuse, though more slowly in Britain than in the United States. ----- http://www.farsinet.com/farsi/

Hmm. Here's more.........

The Aryan race is a concept historically influential in European culture in the period of the late 19th century and early 20th century. It derives from the idea that the original speakers of the Indo-European languages and their descendants up to the present day constitute a distinctive race or subrace of the larger Caucasian race. [1]

While originally meant simply as a neutral ethnic classification, it was later used for political racism in Nazi and neo-Nazi ideological form, it became a concept of scientific racism, and hence also in other currents such as occultism and white supremacism.

Belief in the existence of an Aryan race is sometimes referred to as Aryanism. ---- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aryan_race

Now you know.

2000-2009 A Look Back --- Enough Already............

2010-01-21T16:19:00.000-06:00

I haven't added to this "retrospective" lately, not for lack of interest, but because I am too busy in the present and moving forward. The past is, by all means, critical to remember and to evaluate in order to move forward.

So, with respect and reference to the events that brought us to this point in time, my posts will be more current. Hopefully more often, too.

Barb

In God We Trust

2000-2009 A Look Back --- Part 2

2009-12-30T14:25:00.003-06:00

March 20, 2003, the beginning of the war in Iraq. The coalition went in quickly, took control quickly, and declared victory quickly --- too quickly. Nearly seven years later we are still in Iraq. Why were we there? Here are some of the statements and opinions:

To fight terrorism --- was al qaeda there?

To find and destroy weapons of mass destruction --- nothing of significance found. Did they exist?

For the son to exact revenge and complete the job the father did not?

To remove a dangerous tyrant --- the murderous father and his vile sons were eliminated.

To protect U.S. oil interests --- so why is gas higher now than in 2003?

To establish a new democratic nation in the Middle East region --- elections were held, so why are we still there?

For every person asked about the war in Iraq there will be different answers, various levels of support, and most definitely emotional reactions.

Then there is Afghanistan. The forgotten war. Or is it? Why are we there? Why are we in any part of that region? Looking for Osama Bin Laden. Always on the hunt for OSL and his minions. This war actually started before Iraq: October 7, 2001, in response to 9/11 as well as the ongoing fight against the Taliban. We are still there and the questions abound:

Why are we still there in support of what appears to be a corrupt government?

Do we have enough troops?

Are those troops deployed appropriately?

Are we after a victory or saving face?

Do the Democrats now in control of the US government have the best interests of our country in their hearts and minds? Do they "get it"?

These two wars are often compared to the Viet Nam conflict, but unfairly, I believe. Particularly for the sake of our troops, we must never let the "Viet Nam hatred" be taken out on our soldiers and sailors. Whether we feel our country's leaders are misguided, inept, corrupt, cowardly, indecisive, or (ahem) brilliant, we have men and women who are following orders, sacrificing life and limb, and personally fighting to keep the world safe from a whole different kind of enemy. Applaud them, show them respect and gratitude.

Wars in the Middle East to stop terrorism. Is it working? We haven't seen another 9/11. What can be revealed by the intelligence sources is that many possible attacks have been thwarted. Our greatest enemies are our own complacency and blinders. We vowed to never forget 9/11. Have we? Do we still have that defiance and resolve to remain on high alert? Have we closed our borders securely --- land and air and communications? Are we letting political correctness slow our responses to red flags and feelings of unease?

Just in the past 55 days we saw one of our own, an officer in the US Army, slaughter and injure his own military brothers and sisters in cold blood --- on our own soil --- on our own Army base. Hindsight is 20/20, but even the obvious is made fuzzy by those who don't want to "jump to conclusions". Please! In the same 55 day period, on Christmas Day, a terrorist's attempt to blow up a plane bound for Detroit was thwarted by fast acting passengers. Well, somebody was paying attention, at least. Almost too late.

In the aftermath of both of these incidents our own defense officials and diplomats are at each others' throats, firing accusations and blame. The president, in both cases, was so slow to address the nation that one wonders if he is really paying attention. Or cares. When the teleprompter finally does fire up the words are lacking in decisiveness, resolve, and action --- let alone outrage.

2000-2009: There's more. Pirates on the high seas......... and at home?

More to come.

Barb

In God We Trust

2000-2009 A Look Back --- Part 1

2009-12-22T08:58:00.005-06:00

2010

Twenty-ten

Two-thousand-ten

Ten

Whatever you want to call it, we are fast approaching the first year of the second decade of the new millennium.............

or is it the last year of the first decade of the new millennium?

That issue has not seen the debate that roared ten years ago: Was 2000 the first year of the new millennium or the last year of the old? No matter. The symbol-minded masses won out over the mathematical purists and "partied like it was 1999", spending billions of dollars around the world in New Year's Eve galas that rivaled the previous time zones' until, at last, 24 hours of ringing in the year 2000 was complete.

Those spectacles of 20th century computer-generated pyrotechnics could very well have been a celebration of just that: 20th century computer-generated..... anything! Remember the Y2K bug? It still boggles the mind to think that all the planning for the future by big business, all the government spending slated decades ahead, and all the technical predictions by the film makers were negligent in one basic reality: 2000 comes after 1999. Until one day someone looked up from the microscope where he had been watching the circuitry of the future dancing on the head of a pin and said "Oh, shit!"

Thus was born the Y2K pandemic. In a span of time smaller than the period at the end of this sentence the world was thrown into a frenzy of computer reprogramming to ensure the world as we know it wouldn't come to an end because somebody decades earlier hard coded "19" into the first two digits of the year date in nearly every document ever computed. In Olympian feats of programming, countries around the world focused on a cure for the "bug".

As the moment of truth arrived, one time zone at a time, the world breathed a sigh of relief. Planes did not fall from the sky, the computer monitors continued to glow, the power grids sent electricity through the network with nary a blink, and the New Millennium festivities went off without a hitch. Whew! The only thing left to do was to remember to scratch off that pesky "19" preprinted on hundreds of bank checks and write out four new digits: 2000.

Ok, the party is over. So how did the past ten years fare in the history books? One word comes to mind first: Terrorism. Terrorism in the world is not new. It's been going on for hundreds of years. Even during the previous decades terrorism was something that happened in some far away, desert place. The United States was not immune in those far away places and often the target in terms of troops or embassies. Outrage? Yes. Complacency? Definitely. Then on October 12, 2000, the USS Cole was attacked in port in Yemen. This wake-up call was greeted with more than outrage. Finally, a sense of alarm permeated our country. The dead were mourned, the ship was, literally, carried home on a giant barge, and every day life went on.

Less than a year later the terrorists barged through our doors in a home-invasion that took 2,974 lives in three locations on U.S. continental soil. This act of such inconceivable barbarism shook this country to its very soul and would set the stage for the next eight years...... and counting. Words we casually used were paired with words we hadn't uttered in decades:

Terrorism --- Patriotism

Hatred --- Heroism

Complacency --- Call to action

"Over there" --- "Home soil"

Take --- Serve

This redefined sense of "united" in the United States would bring out more flags, even flying from our cars and on days that weren't generally "flag days". Flag pins adorned collars and bodices. "God Bless America" became a staple at sporting events. "In God We Trust" again became more than just words on the coins of the realm. "Never forget!" became the new mantra. Old patriotic hymns found new voices; new songs expressed sorrow, revival of spirit, patriotism, and calls to action.

Then what? March 20, 2003. The beginning of the war in Iraq.

To be continued..........

The Nobel Peace Prize Committee's Crystal Ball

2009-10-09T11:07:00.003-05:00

Obama Nobel Peace Prize Winner..............

Two facts about the Nobel Peace Prize are applicable here:

1. In his will, Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Nobel said the Peace Prize, presented annually in Oslo, should be awarded "to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses." (bold high lites added by me)

2. Deadline for the nominations was February 1, 2009

Now, the key words "shall have done" leaves no doubt that the actions for which the persons are nominated have been performed, with documented, visible, and lasting results. In other words, "significant diplomatic achievements". Nobel did not even hint that this prize was for what "might happen" or for "efforts" or even for providing "hope" for the future.

When asked by reporters in Oslo, who noted that Obama so far has made little concrete progress in achieving his lofty agenda, committee chairman Thorbjoern Jagland said he hoped the prize would add momentum to Obama's efforts. At the same time, Jagland said, "We have not given the prize for what may happen in the future. We are awarding Obama for what he has done in the past year. And we are hoping this may contribute a little bit for what he is trying to do." (for more on this go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/09/AR2009100900914.html?wpisrc=newsletter&wpisrc=newsletter).

So, fact #2 is that nomination deadline is February 1, 2009. In my mind, and in my own experience in writing award nominations, the accomplishments prior to the deadline are those being lauded and considered for a prestigious award. Yet the Nobel committee chose to not only award on "potential achievements" but also what he has done in the past year, which I read to be most of 2009, not prior to February 1, 2009. Further, in the hopes that this prize will contribute a little bit for what he is trying to do. Are they talking about the $1.42 million prize (where is that going to go, BO?) or are they using this prestigious stage to cheer him on --- Rah Rah Siss Boom Ba! Yea, right.

There was an impressive 205 nominations for the 2009 NPP. So who did BO beat out? Oh, yea, that is Fact #3 about this process. The other nominees will not be revealed for 50 years, presumably after they, and many of us, are dead. When nobody will care. I have a feeling, though in these days of leaks and soreheads, that some of the nominators will surface bewailing the double standard now demonstrated by the NPP Committee.

It appears that a crystal ball is now the decision-maker of choice. It doesn't matter what one has done, but what others think he will do. My crystal ball isn't tuned in to that channel.

Other sources:
Winners in since 1980: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,562926,00.html
How to win the NPP in 12 days: http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2009/10/09/tommy-seno-obama-nobel-prize-win/?loomia_ow=t0:s0:a16:g2:r3:c0.055430:b28210226:z10
Reactions to announcement: http://link.email.washingtonpost.com/r/X109GB/J73TI/X6DHEI/TGNJJF/85VHI/50/h
Surprise winner: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/10/09/in_a_surprise_obama_wins_nobel.html?wprss=44

In God We Trust

Today Is My Birthday....

2009-10-05T21:09:00.004-05:00

Today is my birthday. Another year older and wiser.

Am I another year older?

Not compared to yesterday.

Am I another year wiser?

If wisdom is measured in yearly increments then I hope I am much more than just a year wiser.

I am what I am today.

Tomorrow I hope to be more of who I want to be and less of what I don't want to be.

Am I where I wanted to be at this age?

Not hardly, yet very much so. What I wanted 40 years ago is not where I am today; but 40 years ago I didn't know what would come my way, or which way I would take.

Do I have a birthday wish? It is more like a prayer for every day:

To grow and to learn;
To turn what I learn to action;
To act on my convictions and protect the right to do so;
To tolerate differences of opinions but not injustice;
To speak from facts not emotion.
Give the glory to God with whom all things are possible.
Live as Christ taught, praying for patience all along the way.
To discover the changes I must make to become more compassionate, creative, and courageous.
To happily and selflessly contribute to worthy causes.

It's been a good day!

Obama Needs to Put on His Big Boy Panties....

2009-09-30T09:23:00.005-05:00

It is time for President Obama to take off his rose-colored glasses, put on his big boy panties and deal with the realities of foreign affairs. In other words: at least act presidential, and, if he can figure it out, the leader of the free world.

Flying off to Denmark to campaign for the Olympics is frivolous and arrogant. Just another chance for him to schmooze and rub elbows with other world elite. Whether or not he can work on Air Force One during the trip isn't the point. How about using that precious jet fuel (paid for by our tax dollars) and take a trip to Afghanistan to have a much needed chit-chat with General McChrystal. He and his troops deserve attention that they are not getting. To meet with the General on the ground only once in eight months --- and that by video conference --- is shameful. It doesn't matter that communication between the president and the commander of forces is traditionally done through the Secretary of Defense. These are different times and the situation is getting worse while Obama makes sure he gets the right strategy in place. He has been given the recommended strategy and ignores without comment one way or the other.

And now Burma. Burma? Granted, attention is needed there, but there is unfinished business elsewhere in the world, let alone at home --- oh, and Denmark. Swift, decisive, and ballsy action is needed with regard to Iran, Venezuela, Iraq, Afghanistan, North Korea, Libya (and I don't mean sending them money), China relations, Russia. Do I even need to mention domestic threats to our economy and freedoms?

I am offended and embarrassed every time this nation's president kowtows (definition: 1. To kneel and touch the forehead to the ground in expression of deep respect, worship, or submission, 2. To show servile deference) to the world's renegade leaders who would love nothing more than to have the United States' image weakened and dishonored in the eyes of the world. Once they achieve that, and they already have a good start, infiltration and attacks aren't far behind. How much "infiltration" and what kind of "attacks" are you going willing to abide?

This president's "let's talk" approach with the leaders of the world is like trying to talk sense into pythons while they are eating your young. While at home his spending without restraint IS the python eating your young. Teddy Roosevelt said "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far." Obama has only half the equation, and that is, to put it respectfully, teleprompter talk.

Obama, put on your big-boy pants. How about taking Hillary out of the shadows? She already has the pants. How about the big stick, Mr. President? You have all the big sticks you need to put this country back in the role of a strong, powerful, and FREE nation. Use them, or lose them.

UPDATE: As I wrote this, foxnews.com was posting a story that Obama will be meeting today with top defense officials, including General McChrystal, about Afghanistan strategy. Will there be a speedy decision followed by action? I pray so..... but, I echo the words of Senator Lindsay Graham and Senator John McCain:

"I would urge the president to act quickly," Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., told FOX News. "We learned ... in Iraq, when we put more troops in, the people trusted us."

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., Obama's Republican opponent in last year's election, also argued for the president to approve a call for additional troops.

If Obama fails to do so, it would "put the United States in much greater danger, because failure in Afghanistan" would run the risk of the nation turning into a base for attacks on the U.S. and its allies, McCain said on ABC's "Good Morning America.".

There are 68,000 troops in Afghanistan now, the result of a build-up authorized by Obama earlier in the year.

The Obama White House has said repeatedly that the president would consider McChrystal's recommendations, and those of other advisers, carefully and methodically before announcing his next move. Obama has said the goal of the U.S. presence in Afghanistan is to disrupt, dismantle and destroy the Al Qaeda terrorist network and its sympathizers.

"Time is not on our side," McCain said, "so we need a decision pretty quickly. I think history is pretty clear that when the Taliban took over, it became a base for attacks on the United States and our allies."

Barb

In God We Trust

I'm Exercising.... Are You?

2009-09-14T17:48:00.002-05:00

I am exercising my right to speak out. On September 12, 2009, 60,000 (reports of over 75,000) Americans not only exercised their right to speak out, but they did so in Washington, DC, using their own time and treasure to get there. Across the country thousands more assembled in support of their own personal cause, whether it was to protest against health reform, government spending, foreign policy, economic policies, czars, corruption in government.... the list goes on. If not in personal attendance, millions of Americans are reading, writing, and talking about the dangers ahead if this government continues to grow in size and power. Worse, the current administration is on a course of completely dismissing the Constitution of the United States of America, ripping the foundation right out from under us.

For our efforts we are being dismissed by the White House (Obama) as being out of touch and not in the mainstream. It seems to me that if millions marched on Washington, DC he and the rest of the liberals would still dismiss the event as being contrived and not indicative of how Americans really feel. They obviously aren't giving the polls any merit, either. With that being said, it is obvious to me that, while we still have freedom of speech, we no longer have the commitment of the government to listen, whether it is a town hall or a march on the Capitol. We certainly do not have their respect or even acknowledgement of opposing views. Those thousands who were physically present in Washington, DC and at Tea Parties around the country are representative of the millions of conservative/non-liberal citizens of the United States. They are not to be dismissed!

Freedom of speech is the greatest right Americans have. Not only should we exercise it regularly, but do so with resolve, knowledge and respect. If we are not heard, speak up again --- and again. Do the research, listen to more than one media (because it is obvious unbiased journalism is dead), read everything you can get your hands on beginning with the Constitution of the United States --- all of it!

Pride and politics are going to kill this country. People are not always going to agree. That's been a fact since Adam and Eve. Get over it! Discuss with respect, listen without judging, admit when other views have merit. Arrogance and insults will not lead to productive dialogue. This is true at the dinner table, at the conference table, or at the Capitol.

We have so much to gain, and everything to lose, if every citizen of this nation doesn't look with seeing eyes, hear with listening ears, and exercise our freedom of speech with conviction and respect --- and volume.

Preserve our history and protect our future. Don't stop with exercising your freedom of speech. Check the Constitution. The fitness program for the nation is spelled out there.

Barbara Wibel

In God We Trust

When Our Sons Become Our Heroes

2009-09-03T10:17:00.006-05:00

A conversation with another military mom inspired this. We both have sons, one being deployed to Afghanistan, one having been to Iraq.

When Our Sons Become Our Heroes

We marvel at their first screaming breaths of indignation.

As they learn to walk we hold our breath when they fall,

then giggle with them as they get up and start all over.

Too soon they toddle to the school bus, a backpack half their size strapped to their little backs.

They look back at us grinning and waving, then repeat their brave smiles through the window of the school bus.

The boys become young men, new muscles rippling under their sports uniforms.

Their questions turn to the mysteries of life, and they startle us with insight beyond their years.

One day after years of working hard, playing hard and studying into the night,

they carry their heads high across the stage shaking right hands with their mentors and grasping a diploma with their left.

With a thumbs up and a quick wink to us, they skip off the stage

joining their peers in cheers and hat tosses.

Wasn't it only yesterday we watched them get on the bus with that little boy backpack?

Today we watch them get on another bus with another backpack half their size. They turn, give a thumbs-up and a wink.

Through the window we see them bow their heads in prayer,

for they now know the world, and they know what they must do ----

And they do it...... for us.

The Will of the American People

2009-08-30T12:59:00.004-05:00

Don't Underestimate the Will of the American People.

Whether at home or abroad, we will not have our freedoms stolen away in the light of day or darkness of night. Boldly ask questions and demand truthful answers.

Class vs Arrogance

2009-08-03T11:29:00.004-05:00

Picture of the Day - August 03, 2009
August 2, 2009 - 16:35 ET
Story by Thomas Lifson of the American Thinker

Obama's revealing body language

"I am stunned that the official White House Blog published this picture and that it is in the public domain. The body language is most revealing. Sergeant Crowley, the sole class act in this trio, helps the handicapped Professor Gates down the stairs, while Barack Obama, heedless of the infirmities of his friend and fellow victim of self-defined racial profiling, strides ahead on his own. So who is compassionate? And who is so self-involved and arrogant that he is oblivious?"

2009-07-24T12:58:00.002-05:00

Look at these headlines in today's news! What the hell is going on here?

"Pelosi Hits Throttle on Health Care Bill Despite Democrats' Concerns" --- FOX.com STRONG-ARMING

This woman has no grasp on reality! Is she Obama's bull horn, or just out for her own power grabbing?

"Roll Over or Get Out of the Way Waxman threatens 'Blue Dog' Dems, saying he'll steamroll them to get health care House vote" --- FOX.com THREATS

Are we to believe that our own government, "of the people, by the people, for the people" (Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address) will go to any means to gain power?

"Obama to schools: Change or miss out on cash Using the promise of $4 billion in federal aid — and the threat of withholding it — President Barack Obama hopes to strong-arm schools into embracing reform." --- MSN.com BULLYING

Since when is "charismatic" defined as bully, using strong-arm tactics?

"No health care vote before August break, top Democrat says" --- CNN.com DISCORD

But the other "top democrat" said..... oh, never mind. Just know this: we are in big trouble in this country. Stop blaming it all on Bush --- he wasn't in today's headlines.

Those in Washington who are charged with listening to us, doing what is right for the country, can't even see beyond their own agendas! How can they possibly do what is right for the United States and the citizens?

Spreading Whose Wealth?

2009-07-18T21:30:00.002-05:00

I first wrote this post on October 16, 2008 --- before the election. I am not known for predicting the future, but Common Sense rules and now this story is truer than ever. I would add just one more character and call him/her "Do Nothing". Can you figure out where he/she would fit in this scenario?

One day Satisfied and Ambitious were travelling along the same road. After a while they came to a toll booth.

The toll booth attendant told Ambitious, "That will be $10 please." Ambitious paid the $10.

Then the toll booth attendant told Satisfied, "That will be $2." So Satisfied began to reach into his pocket. "No," the toll booth attendant said. "I will give you $2, Satisfied."

Satisfied continued happily down the road while Ambitious was scratching his head, wondering what that was all about.

Soon the two travellers approached another toll booth. This time the toll booth attendant asked Ambitious for $12. "Why the increase?" Ambitious asked the toll booth attendant. "The last stop was $10."

"Because you made excellent progress since the last stop and it costs more to be prosperous," replied the toll booth attendant.

Then the toll booth attendant turned to Satisfied and said, "That will be $3." So Satisfied held out his hand and happily took the $3.

As the two continued their travel down the road Ambitious began to slow his pace. He grew apprehensive about the next toll booth and what would happen there. In the meantime, Satisfied, happy with his pace, carried on without a care.

Satisfied arrived at the next toll booth ahead of Ambitious. The toll booth attendant told him he would have to wait for Ambitious, who was lagging behind. When Ambitious finally arrived at the toll booth the attendant was impatiently tapping his foot. In a scolding tone he told Ambitious, "Ten dollars, please." Ambitious looked at him quizzically and asked, "How do you come up with that amount? The first toll was $10, the second was $12 and now you want $10. What gives?"

The toll booth attendant, with some irritation, explained that after paying the first $10 Ambitious continued to make good progress along the way, but after the second stop where he paid $12 Ambitious performed at a slower pace. Turning to Satisfied, the toll booth attendant handed him $4 and wished him a good day.

Ambitious again protested, "You lowered my toll, yet handed him even more than the amount he received at the last stop. Why?"

The toll booth attendant was getting very impatient with Ambitious by now. "Just because you slacked off doesn't mean Satisfied should be penalized. Satisfied keeps the same pace and never asks questions. Now, move along, both of you."

Ambitious and Satisfied again travelled along the road. Ambitious becomes very frustrated watching his hard-earned money going to tolls while Satisfied whistles along thinking life is good, why change anything?

Coming up from behind is Wants-More. She joins Ambitious and Satisfied as they reach a fork in the road. The road sign pointing to the right says "Road to Prosperity". The road sign pointing to the left says "Spread the Wealth". The three travellers look in both directions. Wants-More immediately turns to the right. As she disappears in a cloud of dust she can be heard shouting, "This is the American Dream!"

Ambitious and Satisfied are left at the fork to decide which way to go. Satisfied says, "I'm pretty happy with things the way they are. I'm getting money back at the toll booth every time and all I have to do is keep my steady pace." So, Satisfied turns to the left and goes on his way.

Ambitious looks both ways. "I took the Road to Prosperity once. It was a rough road but had its rewards. But now it seems that every toll booth takes more from me, even when I can't keep up the expected pace." He looks toward the road marked "Spread the Wealth" and thinks, "I'm tired of paying the way for Satisfied and all those like him. It's time I get some of my hard-earned money back." So he turns left and takes the road that promises to spread the wealth.

After a time Satisfied and Ambitious approach the toll booth on Spread the Wealth Road. Travelling has been pretty easy but now they see the traffic is backed up at the toll booth. The attendant appears to be trying to calm the crowd while he is on the phone to the toll booth over on the Road to Prosperity. "I need more money over here! Traffic is backing up and I have run out of money to give to everyone coming down Spread the Wealth Road!"

The toll booth attendant over at the Road to Prosperity answers, "I can't help you here! Traffic has been really slow. It's a rough road and many travellers don't make it or just give up and take the bypass over to your road. Wait! Here comes one now! It looks like Wants-More and she appears to be pretty frazzled from her trip. Uh oh! She just veered off onto the bypass and is heading your way. Sorry, buddy, can't help you out any more. It looks like the Road to Prosperity has dried up. You're on your own. Good luck!"

God Bless America!

2009-07-03T21:48:00.003-05:00

Have a safe and happy 4th!

2009-07-01T20:14:00.001-05:00

Government's first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.

-Ronald Reagan.

Words of Wisdom for the Man Who Would Be "Lincoln"

2009-06-24T20:34:00.001-05:00

Sadly, this is just as relevant 10 years after it was originally delivered.....

2009-04-23T23:57:00.001-05:00

Filed In:Urban Legends: Darrell Scott's Columbine Testimony (About.com)

Mr. Darrell Scott, the father of a victim of the Columbine shootings, did in fact deliver the stirring testimony before Congress that has since been widely quoted in forwarded emails.

Description: Email flier
Circulating since: June 1999
Status: Speech text is authentic

Guess our national leaders didn't expect this, hmm? On Thursday [May 27, 1999], Darrell
Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School
shootings in Littleton , Colorado , was invited to address the House
Judiciary Committee's subcommittee. What he said to our national leaders
during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful.

They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It
needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every
sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert! These
courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and
deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent this man as a voice crying
in the wilderness. The following is a portion of the transcript:

"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good &evil in the hearts of
men and women.. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of
violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the
deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must
not be in vain. Their blood cries out f or answers.

"The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out
in the field. The villain was not the club he used.. Neither was it the NCA,
the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for
the murder could only be found in Cain's heart.

"In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how
quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a
member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here
to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are
responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they
need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's
murder I would be their strongest opponent.

I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy -- it was a
spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame
lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies
behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just
four nights ago that expresses my feelings best.

Your laws ignore our deepest needs,
Your words are empty air.
You've stripped away our heritage,
You've outlawed simple prayer.
Now gunshots fill our classrooms,
And precious children die.
You seek for answers everywhere,
And ask the question "Why?"
You regulate restrictive laws,
Through legislative creed.
And yet you fail to understand,
That God is what we need!

" Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and
spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create
a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc.
Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of
our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological
seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation?
We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred
and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy
occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They
immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away
our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws.
Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of
gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre.
The real villain lies within our own hearts.

"As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two
friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in
school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge
every young person in America , and around the world, to realize that on
April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our
schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain.
Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation
that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you
who would point your finger at the NRA -- I give to you a sincere challenge.
Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone!

My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country
will not allow that to happen!"

Do what the media did not - - let the nation hear this man's speech.. Please
send this out to everyone you can.

The Death of Common Sense

2008-12-26T14:16:00.003-06:00

An email that I have received on occasion bears posting here. As we go into a new year, and most definitely a new era in this country, life as we have known it will change. We might have seen the "Death of Common Sense" but the good news is that he can be resurrected, and he must be resurrected soon! If you make resolutions for the new year, and even if you don't, bring our old friend back to life by keeping him at the front of your consciousness and calling upon him in all your decisions and actions. While we are at it, lets breathe life back into his parents, wife, and children .... read on to find out who they are. Oh, and his four selfish stepbrothers need to be restrained!

The Death of Common Sense

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: Knowing when to come in out of the rain; Why the early bird gets the worm; Life isn't always fair; and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an Aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, his wife, Discretion, his daughter, Responsibility, his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 4 step brothers; I Know My Rights! I Want It Now! Someone Else Is To Blame! I'm A Victim!

Not many attended his funeral because so few realised he was gone.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

2008-12-24T22:38:00.002-06:00

To everyone who reads this blog regularly and to those who stop by once or twice, I hope you have holidays filled with love and joy, family and friends, lots of good things to eat and amazing memories to carry you through the year.

"H***" The Other 4-letter Word

2008-12-08T11:57:00.004-06:00

From Encarta:
hate [ hayt ]
verb (past and past participle hat·ed, present participle hat·ing, 3rd person present singular hates)

Definition:

1. transitive verb dislike somebody or something intensely: to dislike somebody or something intensely, often in a way that evokes feelings of anger, hostility, or animosity
2. transitive and intransitive verb have strong distaste for something: to have strong distaste or aversion for something, somebody, or something that has to be done. I hate this show; it's so boring. I hate to say it, but I know we're going to lose. Some people seem to have been born to hate.

noun (plural hates)

Definition:

1. feeling of intense hostility: a feeling of intense hostility toward somebody or something. You could see the hate in his eyes.
2. something hated: something that is hated

[ Old English hete (noun), hatian (verb) <>

Recently I became aware how much the word "hate" is being used everyday. Listen closely to just the TV. How many times do you hear "hate" on air?

"Don't you hate when that happens?"
Hate mail
Hate crimes
"I hate to tell you this..."
"Do you hate your cell phone carrier?"

Recently I also remembered when we were growing up Mom didn't like us to use the word "hate" and telling us that was too strong a word. That we really didn't "hate", but maybe we could say:

Dislike intensely
Abhor
Loathe (be sure to be very dramatic with this one)
Don't care for

With that in mind I became aware of how much I've been using the word "hate".

I hate peanut butter
I hate "so-and-so's" attitude
I hate housework
I hate what is going on in the world

It's the other 4-letter word that creeps into my vocabulary. Yes, I do use the 4-letter words, some more than others; some saved for really special occasions; but I am usually aware when I'm using them. I don't think I am fully aware of how often I use "hate"; I don't think I'm fully aware of how often I hear it. But now that the awareness has been awakened it is time to eradicate the word "hate" from my vocabulary.

Think about it. Hating, the verb, by definition, evokes anger, hostility and animosity. Hate, the noun, is a feeling of intense hostility toward somebody or something. The media we watch, read or listen to floods our senses with hatefulness. Our social interactions are often most lively when the conversations turn to things we hate. The kids don't hesitate to tell their friends, siblings and even their parents "I hate you!" when they don't get their way.

The word "hate" is over-used with not even a thought to what it really means.

What Jesus said about hate:

Mat 5:43 You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” Mat 5:44 But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you,
Mat 5:45 so that you may become sons of your Father in Heaven. For He makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
Mat 5:46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same?
Mat 5:47 And if you greet your brothers only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax-collectors do so?
Mat 5:48 Therefore be perfect, even as your Father in Heaven is perfect.

Beginning today, and not just a New Year's resolution, I will be more aware of when I use this word and begin to eliminate it from my vocabulary, along with the other 4-letter words. I'm sure this action will go far in my effort to be more hopeful and positive.

How about it? Do we really need to "hate" so much?

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

2008-11-25T22:12:00.001-06:00

When I count my blessings this Thanksgiving I will be counting every one who is reading this blog. You are why I love blogging!

Sending you smiles and hugs and wishes for a blessed holiday!

Barb

Quote for today

2008-11-22T12:04:00.000-06:00

There is much to be said in favour of modern journalism. By giving us the opinions of the uneducated, it keeps us in touch with the ignorance of the community.
Oscar Wilde

A Nation Divided --- Only If We Allow It

2008-11-05T18:09:00.003-06:00

We have a new President-elect. I don't care what the electoral votes show, because I feel that system is antiquated at best. The people voted, over 120 million, and 47% voted for a man who has dedicated his highly respectable life to this country. I don't call results like that a landslide. The country will be watching our government in the years to come more closely than ever before.

I invite you to click over to Blah Blah Blog --- The Soap Box. Malinda is an outstanding writer, knows her stuff and has lived what she writes about. Her post "Obama Won" is worth taking time to read, and read it to the end. She gives a history lesson many have forgotten and many others never learned. She shows fairness even in her disappointment. I promise you won't regret visiting her blog!

To American Voters

2008-11-01T20:11:00.002-05:00

[This is a reprise of a post I wrote on my other blog Picture This, At Last.]

There are a lot of angry voters out there. Anger that comes from fear, anger that comes from disgust, anger that comes from desperation, and anger that come from mistrust.

There are a lot of voters out there who follow the pied piper of their choice because they hear music they want to hear, because they hear the music they prefer, because they hear the music that is different, because they hear music that hypnotizes.

There are a lot of voters out there who are idol worshippers because the idol of their choice is bigger than life, because their idol has made history, because their idol talks a good talk, because their idol just is.

There are a lot of voters out there who want. They want change, they want guarantees, they want justice for those who did them wrong, they want scapegoats, they just want.

How many voters are following their heads over their hearts? How many voters really know when they hear a misstatement, a half-truth, a lie? How many voters are taking score rather than taking notice? How many voters truly know the difference between a right, a privilege, and a responsibility?

How many voters remember John F. Kennedy (or at least studied about him)? How many voters remember he is the one who said "And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country."? How many know that he also said "My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man."?

How many voters remember reading in history books why this country was founded? How many voters really know what our rights mean? How many voters are asking "What's in it for me?" when they should be asking "What can I do?" How many voters understand what Thomas Jefferson meant when he said "What country can preserve its liberties if its rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance?"?

This is the most critical election of my lifetime --- and I still have a lot of lifetime yet to live. My prayer is that the voters of America do these things:

Vote: with careful thought
Know the issues: at home and abroad
Know the consequences: for the present and for the future of our children
Think: with facts not feelings
Contribute: with patriotism, honor, compassion, and truth
Give your elected officials a report card now with your vote: pass or fail!
Keep in touch with your government, not just during elections, but everyday; hold the elected officials responsible.
Take a stand, don't pick sides.
Speak up!

Recently I stated that I didn't want to use this blog (Picture This, At Last) for politics. Well, self-examination revealed that I wasn't practicing what I've been preaching, especially when it comes to speaking up, participating, and holding myself responsible as an American voter. In blogs we have a tool to use any way we want to. We can write without censorship. Whether to get people to agree or disagree with our words may or may not be the bloggers' goals. But to simply write is my goal and if I make a difference, so be it. I read what others write, because I can, and I do. Sometimes they make a difference, sometimes they don't, and that's ok, too. Wherever you are in the world, you are important, and what you have to say is important. Please don't be hurtful, but be compassionate; don't be hateful, but be understanding; don't be apathetic, be a good citizen.

What Cost is the Dead Weight?

2008-10-30T19:58:00.005-05:00

This is from another email I received tonight. After reading it memories of bonus incentive programs in corporate America came rushing back. For a few years there was a "team" incentive program which paid bonuses based on the productivity of the whole team. Because it was the first bonus opportunity the employees were offered, they were initially thrilled. But grumblings about having to carry the "dead weight" of the lower achievers began and the incentive program lost its punch.

Then a new incentive plan rolled out that was based primarily on individual performance. That was much more effective, not to mention more popular. Ah, but here's the rub: as more employees' performance reached the highest payout range, the criteria was increased, because all those high performers were taking more of the bonus budget, leaving little incentive for the lower performers. Employee satisfaction (spreading the wealth), rather than employee training (providing the tools for success) seemed to be the chosen course of action.

Any idea what happened next?

Apathy.

Note: I am not singling out just one organization. Take a good look around your own environment. Now, read the Hypothetical Scenario below, then go vote.

[Hypothetical] Notice to All Employees Effective November 5,2008

As of November 5, 2008, when President Obama is officially elected to office, our company will instill a few new policies which are in keeping with his new, inspiring issues of change and fairness:

1. All salespeople will be pooling their sales and bonuses into a common pool that will be divided equally between all of you. This will serve to give those of you who are underachieving a "fair shake."
2. All low level workers will be pooling their wages, including overtime, into a common pool, dividing it equally amongst yourselves. This will help those who are "too busy for overtime" to reap the rewards from those who have more spare time and can work extra hours.
3. All top management will now be referred to as "the government." We will not participate in this "pooling" experience because the law doesn't apply to us.
4. The "government" will give eloquent speeches to all employees every week, encouraging it's workers to continue to work hard "for the good of all."
5. The employees will be thrilled with these new policies because it's "good to spread the wealth." Those of you who have underachieved will finally get an opportunity; those of you who have worked hard and had success will feel more "patriotic."
6. The last few people who were hired should clean out their desks. Don't feel bad, though, because President Obama will give you free healthcare, free handouts, free oil for heating your home, free foodstamps, and he'll let you stay in your home for as long as you want even if you can't pay your mortgage. Now this is change!

Do You Really Know Your Politicians?

2008-10-29T23:57:00.004-05:00

From an email:

Read through this carefully, line by line. Answer each question before moving on.

2 Tough Questions

Question 1: If you knew a woman who was pregnant, who had 8 kids already, three who were deaf, two who were blind, one mentally retarded, and she had syphilis, would you recommend that she have an abortion?

Read the next question before looking at the response for this one.

Question 2: It is time to elect a new world leader, and only your vote counts. Here are the facts about the three candidates. Who would you vote for?

Candidate A: Associates with crooked politicians, and consults with astrologist. He's had two mistresses. He also chain smokes and drinks 8 to 10 martinis a day.

Candidate B: He was kicked out of office twice, sleeps until noon, used opium in college and drinks a quart of whiskey every evening.

Candidate C: He is a decorated war hero. He's a vegetarian, doesn't smoke, drinks an occasional beer and never cheated on his wife.

Which of these candidates would be our choice?

Decide first... no peeking, then scroll down for the response.

Candidate A is Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Candidate B is Winston Churchill.

Candidate C is Adolph Hitler

And, by the way, on your answer to the abortion question: If you said YES, you just killed Beethoven. Pretty interesting isn't it? Makes a person think before judging someone.

Wait till you see what's next! Keep reading...

Finally, can you imagine working for a company that has a little more than 500 employees and has the following statistics:
* 29 have been accused of spousal abuse
* 7 have been arrested for fraud
* 19 have been accused of writing bad checks
* 117 have directly or indirectly bankrupted at least 2 businesses
* 3 have done time for assault
* 71 cannot get a credit card due to bad credit
* 14 have been arrested on drug-related charges
* 8 have been arrested for shoplifting
* 21 are currently defendants in lawsuits
* 84 have been arrested for drunk driving in the last year...
Can you guess which organization this is?
Give up yet?
It's the 535 members of the United States Congress. The same group that cranks out hundreds of new laws each year designed to keep the rest of us in line.

So, was this interesting? Were you shocked?

Be Sure To Vote!

2008-10-29T15:46:00.002-05:00

If you do nothing else on November 4, be sure to get out and vote!

If you will be away from your voting precinct on November 4, vote absentee now!

Voting is your right as a free American! Exercise it! Use it so we never lose it!

This is the most important election of our lifetime --- VOTE!

YOUR VOTE DOES COUNT!

Spreading the Wealth --- The Seed of Socialism

2008-10-19T14:21:00.004-05:00

So many people aren't hearing it, the word, the word nobody wants to hear: s-o-c-i-a-l-i-s-m.

So far nobody is overthrowing the capitalist economy ---- so far.

So far the government hasn't taken ownership of our businesses --- so far.

So far the government is only "bailing out" the financial community --- so far.

But what does the government control? T-A-X-E-S

How would the Liberals spread the wealth? Through taxes --- so far.

Who's talking about using taxes to spread the wealth? Guess! Read this:

...."So all I want to do is – I’ve got a tax cut. The only thing that changes, is I’m gonna cut taxes a little bit more for the folks who are most in need and for the 5% of the folks who are doing very well - even though they’ve been working hard and I appreciate that – I just want to make sure they’re paying a little bit more in order to pay for those other tax cuts. Now, I respect the disagreement. I just want you to be clear – it’s not that I want to punish your success – I just want to make sure that everybody who is behind you – that they’ve got a chance at success too.” --- Senator Barrack Obama, in a conversation with plumber Joe Wurzelbacher

See the actual video and read the entire conversation at ABC News Blog

Higher taxes for big business and even for the bigger of the small businesses means higher prices. It's called "trickle down". So much for the so-called tax break. Looks like a wash in my checkbook.

What would be next? Health care.