It's funny to listen to both sides accuse the other of being closed-minded when they are both equally as guilty of BEING closed-minded. It's like the battle between doctors and those who practice natural medicine. Both sides have something to learn from the other. There's room in this world to co-exist.
To think that science understands and explains everything is ludicrous. Every year the "facts" change. Scientists are the first ones to "cry heresy" over new ideas that don't fit the mold. And what they don't understand, they discount or ridicule.
Not long ago, we were supposedly headed for an ice age. Now it's global warming. Ok, people of "rational thinking," how can the "facts" be so opposed.
You accused religion of mind control and ruling by fear. Yet scientists take their latest pet theory and tell the world we're all doomed unless we follow their instructions. So-called rational minds have forced our country to abandon alternative energy production for the sake of safety and environment. Now that we're dependant on foreign oil, they blame us for putting life in jeopardy and say we should be finding alternative energy sources.
On the other side of the arguement, if Catholics are right, then the Protestants are all apostates and they lose. If the Protestants are right, then the Catholics either never had the truth or they changed and lost it. If that's the case, Protestants came from apostasy and they still lose. So who's right?
All people have much to learn. There's plenty of room in the world for learning and co-existing, but very little room for bias and bigotry.
If there is a God, and I believe whole heartedly that there is, He would have a greater understanding of science than what our puny, finite minds can comprehend.
Filed under: Religion News
Friday, October 28, 2005
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Corruption in Congress
With the Democrat witch hunt going on right now, it's easy to lose sight of the whole picture. All parties and government bodies are infested with corruption. Our system breeds it. We send these people to represent us. In the process they get power and money. They have lobbyists clammoring to schmooze and woo them. They get perks up the wazoo. And... we usually look the other way as they break the laws and trust they were elected to protect.
In the interest of fairness, here are a few links to articles about some Dem's involved in the "game:"
Democratic Senators Who Live In Glass Houses... Kevin Aylward
The most corrupt member of Congress?
Doug Thompson
Extremely Corrupt Democrats mole333
Leftists Corrupt the Pulpit Michael Reagan
Lawmakers For Hire
We need to make some changes. Accountability, term limits, ban on lobbies, to name a few. If we don't, congress is guaranteed to grow bigger, richer and far more corrupt (if that's possible!)
In the interest of fairness, here are a few links to articles about some Dem's involved in the "game:"
Democratic Senators Who Live In Glass Houses... Kevin Aylward
The most corrupt member of Congress?
Doug Thompson
Extremely Corrupt Democrats mole333
Leftists Corrupt the Pulpit Michael Reagan
Lawmakers For Hire
We need to make some changes. Accountability, term limits, ban on lobbies, to name a few. If we don't, congress is guaranteed to grow bigger, richer and far more corrupt (if that's possible!)
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Immigration Reform
It's good to see the discussion coming back about immigration reform. I'm all for the tired, poor and huddled masses. That's how my ancestors came here. In fact, except for Native Americans, we all came from somewhere else. Lately, though, with all the trouble with terrorism, job security, market and welfare woes, it seems the gates to our borders are being overrun with very little control. The republican promise to do something about it is long overdue, and a welcome sight.
Drew McKissick has an excellent commentary with links you should check out.
Link
While we're on the subject of immigration, is it too much to expect people who come here to live and work to learn the language? If you or I moved to Brazil, would we expect their government to cater to our every need? Of course not. Yet we spend countless millions every year printing everything in many languages. We hire translators in all kinds of places, even in schools! We make it so easy that many feel they don't have to learn english. That, to me, is a crock. There are too many other things we need worse right now. Medicine and health care for the needy. Social security. The list is a mile long. If we have to cut back on something, besides pork projects and government bloat, the list should also include making english the standard language in America.
Drew McKissick has an excellent commentary with links you should check out.
While we're on the subject of immigration, is it too much to expect people who come here to live and work to learn the language? If you or I moved to Brazil, would we expect their government to cater to our every need? Of course not. Yet we spend countless millions every year printing everything in many languages. We hire translators in all kinds of places, even in schools! We make it so easy that many feel they don't have to learn english. That, to me, is a crock. There are too many other things we need worse right now. Medicine and health care for the needy. Social security. The list is a mile long. If we have to cut back on something, besides pork projects and government bloat, the list should also include making english the standard language in America.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Pick A Side And Stick With It
Cindy,
I started my usual activity of finding all the contradictions and mistakes in your article. This time, though, I had to stop. I realized there's a bigger picture here.
I was remembering all you've written about prayers, and faith, and vigils. How you countered Congresswoman Musgrave's "hostility" with an offer to pray for her serviceman son. How you felt the need to shower after meeting with some of the legislators.
And the more I read your words, the more I realized that they are filled with contention and hate. It became clear that these are the words of someone who will say and do anything to prove a point. Your constant name-calling and mud slinging is supposedly offset, somehow, by your "Joan of Arc" personna. You're no more a Christian than Pat Robertson is!
I used to think you were a grieving mother who became disillusioned and deluded. Now I recognize you as just another activist with an axe to grind.
Your talk of faith and prayer reminded me how Jesus spoke of those who pray openly- to be seen by others. How their words speak of Him but their hearts are far from Him. Stop using your faith as a badge and a tool. It's unbecoming. You can't declare the love of Christ and spit venom in the same breath.
You make life harder for those with real faith, especially with all the anti-religion bigots out there. Jesus taught love, tolerance, forgiveness. Not hate, intolerance and name-calling. Pick a side and stick with it!
(This post was written in response to Cindy Sheehan's article on Huffington Post:)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cindy-sheehan/warhawk-republicans-and-_b_8312.html
I started my usual activity of finding all the contradictions and mistakes in your article. This time, though, I had to stop. I realized there's a bigger picture here.
I was remembering all you've written about prayers, and faith, and vigils. How you countered Congresswoman Musgrave's "hostility" with an offer to pray for her serviceman son. How you felt the need to shower after meeting with some of the legislators.
And the more I read your words, the more I realized that they are filled with contention and hate. It became clear that these are the words of someone who will say and do anything to prove a point. Your constant name-calling and mud slinging is supposedly offset, somehow, by your "Joan of Arc" personna. You're no more a Christian than Pat Robertson is!
I used to think you were a grieving mother who became disillusioned and deluded. Now I recognize you as just another activist with an axe to grind.
Your talk of faith and prayer reminded me how Jesus spoke of those who pray openly- to be seen by others. How their words speak of Him but their hearts are far from Him. Stop using your faith as a badge and a tool. It's unbecoming. You can't declare the love of Christ and spit venom in the same breath.
You make life harder for those with real faith, especially with all the anti-religion bigots out there. Jesus taught love, tolerance, forgiveness. Not hate, intolerance and name-calling. Pick a side and stick with it!
(This post was written in response to Cindy Sheehan's article on Huffington Post:)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cindy-sheehan/warhawk-republicans-and-_b_8312.html
Saturday, October 01, 2005
The Sky Is Falling!
"The sky is falling, the sky is falling!" - chicken little
"Scientists" and doomsayers have been quoting chicken little for thousands of years. Fear is a good sales tool for converting people to whatever their agenda is. But I have yet to see the sky actually fall.
There's so much propaganda out there, it can be hard to tell where the truth lies. There's always an alternative view, and sometimes they happen to be right! Whether global warming is really the issue, or cyclic weather changes, it makes no sense to cry panic. What does make sense is a general trend toward progress. Taking better care of the environment must be balanced by the needs of the people.
Less dependence on foreign oil is good for America. Stop allowing corporate fuel and energy to suppress innovation. We need to learn to use our own resources more efficiently, and not just for environmental reasons, but economical as well. And we can develop alternative methods. More jobs, self sufficiency, less control by foreign powers.Our people will be better off, and it'll help mother nature, too!
Besides, the way we're going, greed and hate will kill us all long before the arctic ever could.
"Scientists" and doomsayers have been quoting chicken little for thousands of years. Fear is a good sales tool for converting people to whatever their agenda is. But I have yet to see the sky actually fall.
There's so much propaganda out there, it can be hard to tell where the truth lies. There's always an alternative view, and sometimes they happen to be right! Whether global warming is really the issue, or cyclic weather changes, it makes no sense to cry panic. What does make sense is a general trend toward progress. Taking better care of the environment must be balanced by the needs of the people.
Less dependence on foreign oil is good for America. Stop allowing corporate fuel and energy to suppress innovation. We need to learn to use our own resources more efficiently, and not just for environmental reasons, but economical as well. And we can develop alternative methods. More jobs, self sufficiency, less control by foreign powers.Our people will be better off, and it'll help mother nature, too!
Besides, the way we're going, greed and hate will kill us all long before the arctic ever could.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Cindy's Visit To Louisiana
Cindy,
Your article was interesting. I do have to ask you a few questions…
“The people in LA who were displaced have nice, if modest homes that are perfectly fine. I wonder why the government made them leave at great expense and uproot families who have been living in their communities for generations.”
Where have you been? Many of those homes are under water or destroyed. And lots of those “nice” homes are slums. Did you actually go to New Orleans or look at any pictures? And it was the local and state leaders who gave the evacuation order- which was DESIGNED TO SAVE THEIR LIVES!
“When I think of how many other poor neighborhoods are being decimated and made so desperate and hopeless by the failed policies of the Bush administration, it makes me so angry”
Don’t understand much about the welfare system, do you? It’s a breeding ground for dependence. It was that way LONG BEFORE Pres. Bush, and if the Dem’s get their way this next election it will outlive us all. Not to mention the huge problem of government corruption in New Orleans. Their own leaders have been fostering poverty for years.
“One thing that truly troubled me about my visit to Louisiana was the level of the military presence there.”
Ummm, again, where have you been? There’s been a huge argument by dem’s about how there aren’t enough troops because of Iraq and how the feds wouldn’t get the guard in fast enough. They are there to help in many ways. Why are some being used to keep the peace? Because some of the locals are living in anarchy. Looting for food is one thing I think we might all do. But when they overpower the police, steal and destroy property, terrorize the citizens and shoot at rescuers, I think you can safely say they’ve crossed the line. And you cry “governmental fascism.” Shame on you!
“If George Bush truly listened to God and read the words of the Christ, Iraq and the devastation in New Orleans would have never happened.”
So now you claim Pres. Bush isn’t truly religious because he can’t control the weather?
“The failure in every level of our government is criminal negligence.”
You say that, but the only finger you point is at Bush. Are you saying that he’s responsible for everyone’s criminal negligence? He made Mayor Nagin ignore his own disaster plan? He made Gov. Blanco drag her feet? And everyone else that had a part in the grand dropping of the ball?
You talk a lot about your visit to Algiers. How they came through the hurricane relatively unscathed, and yet they were devastated. How there was no flooding there, but they want a boat to provide help to people in flooded areas. How the poor were forced from their nice homes in spite of the approach of the largest hurricane disaster in American history. How lawlessness is rampant, but you want the soldiers moved out immediately. How there was no help for them until your Veterans for Peace showed up to save the day. You convey the message that Algiers is a town with no leadership, who are totally dependent on the federal government which does nothing, and they are now saved by you and your flock. Does that about cover your editorial?
And then you manage to get in this statement: “One thing George has taught us is that we are self-sufficient and we have a country that is worth fighting for and we are not going away.” So the “greatest terrorist in the world” taught us that we who totally depend on the government are self sufficient, that our country is worth fighting for even though you abhor having our soldiers fight abroad and at home. And that you are not going away, which you will because Algiers is only a short photo op on your way to Washington!
Cindy, you either need a new speech writer or you need to take your medication and get some rest. The country will be okay without you while you’re gone.
Note: Cindy Sheehan's article can be found at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cindy-sheehan/a-bright-spot-in-bush-wor_b_7433.html
Your article was interesting. I do have to ask you a few questions…
“The people in LA who were displaced have nice, if modest homes that are perfectly fine. I wonder why the government made them leave at great expense and uproot families who have been living in their communities for generations.”
Where have you been? Many of those homes are under water or destroyed. And lots of those “nice” homes are slums. Did you actually go to New Orleans or look at any pictures? And it was the local and state leaders who gave the evacuation order- which was DESIGNED TO SAVE THEIR LIVES!
“When I think of how many other poor neighborhoods are being decimated and made so desperate and hopeless by the failed policies of the Bush administration, it makes me so angry”
Don’t understand much about the welfare system, do you? It’s a breeding ground for dependence. It was that way LONG BEFORE Pres. Bush, and if the Dem’s get their way this next election it will outlive us all. Not to mention the huge problem of government corruption in New Orleans. Their own leaders have been fostering poverty for years.
“One thing that truly troubled me about my visit to Louisiana was the level of the military presence there.”
Ummm, again, where have you been? There’s been a huge argument by dem’s about how there aren’t enough troops because of Iraq and how the feds wouldn’t get the guard in fast enough. They are there to help in many ways. Why are some being used to keep the peace? Because some of the locals are living in anarchy. Looting for food is one thing I think we might all do. But when they overpower the police, steal and destroy property, terrorize the citizens and shoot at rescuers, I think you can safely say they’ve crossed the line. And you cry “governmental fascism.” Shame on you!
“If George Bush truly listened to God and read the words of the Christ, Iraq and the devastation in New Orleans would have never happened.”
So now you claim Pres. Bush isn’t truly religious because he can’t control the weather?
“The failure in every level of our government is criminal negligence.”
You say that, but the only finger you point is at Bush. Are you saying that he’s responsible for everyone’s criminal negligence? He made Mayor Nagin ignore his own disaster plan? He made Gov. Blanco drag her feet? And everyone else that had a part in the grand dropping of the ball?
You talk a lot about your visit to Algiers. How they came through the hurricane relatively unscathed, and yet they were devastated. How there was no flooding there, but they want a boat to provide help to people in flooded areas. How the poor were forced from their nice homes in spite of the approach of the largest hurricane disaster in American history. How lawlessness is rampant, but you want the soldiers moved out immediately. How there was no help for them until your Veterans for Peace showed up to save the day. You convey the message that Algiers is a town with no leadership, who are totally dependent on the federal government which does nothing, and they are now saved by you and your flock. Does that about cover your editorial?
And then you manage to get in this statement: “One thing George has taught us is that we are self-sufficient and we have a country that is worth fighting for and we are not going away.” So the “greatest terrorist in the world” taught us that we who totally depend on the government are self sufficient, that our country is worth fighting for even though you abhor having our soldiers fight abroad and at home. And that you are not going away, which you will because Algiers is only a short photo op on your way to Washington!
Cindy, you either need a new speech writer or you need to take your medication and get some rest. The country will be okay without you while you’re gone.
Note: Cindy Sheehan's article can be found at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cindy-sheehan/a-bright-spot-in-bush-wor_b_7433.html
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Banning the Pledge of Allegiance?
I'm so sick of us having to tippytoe around and change our policies and beliefs because someone might be offended.
This is America. You are free to believe whatever you want here. But when one faction tries to force their beliefs on the other by law, that is unconstitutional. It shouldn't be allowed. That's what's happening here. Atheists, who are a very small minority, are trying to force the whole of the nation to comply with their own beliefs. They have convinced judges they're right, which makes it a legal case promoting one "faith" over another. That's expressly forbidden in the constitution.
"Offended" is a much abused term. Here it's an emotion brought on by the intolerance of a few toward the many. Wow, what a great reason to legislate against the majority of the country!
In America, we celebrate Christmas. If you don't believe in Santa Claus, that's your business. But don't take away our right to celebrate just because you happen to differ. Part of celebrating Christmas is remembering Jesus with reverance. If you don't believe in Jesus, that's fine. Celebrate whatever you want or whoever you want. I don't go to Iran and tell them not to observe Ramadan. I don't disrespect Jews for their holidays and beliefs. If you're the only Jew in a school full of Christians, don't take the school board to court because you might be offended that they celebrate the holiday with programs and songs. It's a national holiday, for crying out loud!
In America, most of us believe in God. Some worship a heavenly man. Some worship a vaporous cloud. Some worship money. Some worship themselves and expect us to. Some choose not to worship. Whatever. Your right to worship or not isn't more important than mine. Tolerance!
In America, we speak english. If you want to live here, you should learn it. If I moved to Bolivia and expected their government to cater to me, do you think they would? But here, we spend millions publishing everything in 40 languages so we won't "offend" somebody.
In school we learn American history coupled with patriotism. The pledge of allegiance is part of that. If you don't like it, don't say it, but don't take it away from the rest of us.
If there's something you'd like changed, bring it up with your congressman. If it has merit, it can be voted on.
America was born of a desire for freedom. Freedom from tyrants, freedom to worship, freedom to speak our minds. Part of having those freedoms is having tolerance for others, and that goes both ways. Someone is going to have a different set of values than you. If you don't like what I believe, that's your right. If you allow yourself to become offended, get over it!
If you don't like it here, there's the door. Don't let it hit you where the good Lord split you!
Americans, don't bow down to the intolerant few who want to force us to comply. Be proud of who we are. Stand up for a change and be counted.
This is America. You are free to believe whatever you want here. But when one faction tries to force their beliefs on the other by law, that is unconstitutional. It shouldn't be allowed. That's what's happening here. Atheists, who are a very small minority, are trying to force the whole of the nation to comply with their own beliefs. They have convinced judges they're right, which makes it a legal case promoting one "faith" over another. That's expressly forbidden in the constitution.
"Offended" is a much abused term. Here it's an emotion brought on by the intolerance of a few toward the many. Wow, what a great reason to legislate against the majority of the country!
In America, we celebrate Christmas. If you don't believe in Santa Claus, that's your business. But don't take away our right to celebrate just because you happen to differ. Part of celebrating Christmas is remembering Jesus with reverance. If you don't believe in Jesus, that's fine. Celebrate whatever you want or whoever you want. I don't go to Iran and tell them not to observe Ramadan. I don't disrespect Jews for their holidays and beliefs. If you're the only Jew in a school full of Christians, don't take the school board to court because you might be offended that they celebrate the holiday with programs and songs. It's a national holiday, for crying out loud!
In America, most of us believe in God. Some worship a heavenly man. Some worship a vaporous cloud. Some worship money. Some worship themselves and expect us to. Some choose not to worship. Whatever. Your right to worship or not isn't more important than mine. Tolerance!
In America, we speak english. If you want to live here, you should learn it. If I moved to Bolivia and expected their government to cater to me, do you think they would? But here, we spend millions publishing everything in 40 languages so we won't "offend" somebody.
In school we learn American history coupled with patriotism. The pledge of allegiance is part of that. If you don't like it, don't say it, but don't take it away from the rest of us.
If there's something you'd like changed, bring it up with your congressman. If it has merit, it can be voted on.
America was born of a desire for freedom. Freedom from tyrants, freedom to worship, freedom to speak our minds. Part of having those freedoms is having tolerance for others, and that goes both ways. Someone is going to have a different set of values than you. If you don't like what I believe, that's your right. If you allow yourself to become offended, get over it!
If you don't like it here, there's the door. Don't let it hit you where the good Lord split you!
Americans, don't bow down to the intolerant few who want to force us to comply. Be proud of who we are. Stand up for a change and be counted.
Friday, September 09, 2005
Bringing Katrina Home
We Americans love to disconnect from reality. The majority of us have no clue what was going through the hearts and minds of of those who struggled to survive Katrina's wrath. Nor do we want to. We'd rather spend all our energy bickering about who to blame for everything, and then go back to our sheltered little lives. That's our way. It's so much easier than taking down the walls, feeling someone else's pain and acting in a totally selfless way.
The following account was posted on the internet by someone who chose to be anonymous. That doesn't change the power of the message. The discussion on Huffington Post had been the normal left/right slinging of blame and propaganda. Suddenly this appeared and took me completely off guard. As I read it, I found myself engulfed in howling winds and rising water. The girl in the article will carry the scars throughout her life. I hope that I can carry a small portion of her pain in my heart to remind me that the universe does not revolve around me. The needs of others should be more important than my daily agenda. And in light of her and those around her, my petty troubles seem insignificant. I hope some of you can find a similar change of heart.
"When I took my son to his guitar lesson, I met one of the guitar instructors who is from New Orleans. The instructor said his niece survived the hurricane in one the parishes in Louisiana. He talked to her on the phone recently. This is the niece's account: A whole community of people assembled in the high school gymnasium to ride out the hurricane. The bleachers were full of people. The one hundred plus MPH winds knocked out all the windows. The water entered the gymnasium foot by foot. People on the lower bleachers tried to climb higher, but the upper bleachers were already full. As the storm surge rose to fourteen feet, people started to drown en mass. When the water was high enough, the niece was able to swim out the gymnasium window into the one hundred MPH winds. She said she saw a one-year old baby float past her face down."
The following account was posted on the internet by someone who chose to be anonymous. That doesn't change the power of the message. The discussion on Huffington Post had been the normal left/right slinging of blame and propaganda. Suddenly this appeared and took me completely off guard. As I read it, I found myself engulfed in howling winds and rising water. The girl in the article will carry the scars throughout her life. I hope that I can carry a small portion of her pain in my heart to remind me that the universe does not revolve around me. The needs of others should be more important than my daily agenda. And in light of her and those around her, my petty troubles seem insignificant. I hope some of you can find a similar change of heart.
"When I took my son to his guitar lesson, I met one of the guitar instructors who is from New Orleans. The instructor said his niece survived the hurricane in one the parishes in Louisiana. He talked to her on the phone recently. This is the niece's account: A whole community of people assembled in the high school gymnasium to ride out the hurricane. The bleachers were full of people. The one hundred plus MPH winds knocked out all the windows. The water entered the gymnasium foot by foot. People on the lower bleachers tried to climb higher, but the upper bleachers were already full. As the storm surge rose to fourteen feet, people started to drown en mass. When the water was high enough, the niece was able to swim out the gymnasium window into the one hundred MPH winds. She said she saw a one-year old baby float past her face down."
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Veterans For Peace- Shopping List
The Veterans for Peace have set up shop in Covington, LA. Their anti-war "road trip" is taking a break to help victims of hurricane Katrina, which I think everyone would applaud (until we get to the fine print). They've issued a shopping list of things they need in order to be effective in helping, and here's where the problems start. They want our donations so they can pay for nurses, food bank trucks, self contained kitchens and office and media equipment. Nurses, ok. Food bank trucks, well, maybe. Self contained kitchens... isn't that a bit much? And office/media equipment. What? Did I hear that right- office and media equipment?
Depending on which site you get the list from, they want up to $45,000 of our donations to pay for the following:
(5) Apple iMac G5 Computer 20" Monitor = $3,000 each
(5) 500 Gigabyte Firewire Harddrive= $500 each
(5) Canon XL2Digital Video Camera = $4,500 each
(2) Digital Projector (3000 lumens) =$1,000 each
(5) Apple iPods with recording = $600 each
Monthly Satellite Access and Website Hosting Fee = $200 pr/mo
Do they think the American people are STUPID? Why would we spend that kind of money to upgrade their media wagon when we could be using those funds to feed and clothe the suffering? Not to mention those grotesquely overpriced TOYS have no business being there anyway.
Veterans for Peace are using the disaster to scam us into outfitting them for their pilgrimage into the political arena. Shame on them!
How about those self contained kitchens and food service trucks and vans. Will they be leaving all that stuff in New Orleans for the benefit of the people? And this rolling media center, in their own words- "will support refugees, volunteers, Red Cross, staff, press, keep in touch through via email, web, blogs, and teleconferencing. In order to insure our message gets out." And there it is, folks, the whole reason behind the humanitarian effort and the huge expense-
Dear veterans, if you need all this stuff to be "truely effective" in helping the disaster victims, as you say, then maybe you're not cut out for charity work. By your own admission, you're not effective. That means you're in the way. Go home and let someone be there who will make do with what they have for the right reasons. We will not trust our donations to someone who uses them for their own agenda under the guise of hurricane relief.
By the way, how many hungry mouths will an ipod feed?
Here are links to some of their sites in case you want to see for yourself:
http://crawfordpeace.nfshost.com/node/1865
http://www.vfpsb.org/
http://www.vfproadtrips.org/
Depending on which site you get the list from, they want up to $45,000 of our donations to pay for the following:
(5) Apple iMac G5 Computer 20" Monitor = $3,000 each
(5) 500 Gigabyte Firewire Harddrive= $500 each
(5) Canon XL2Digital Video Camera = $4,500 each
(2) Digital Projector (3000 lumens) =$1,000 each
(5) Apple iPods with recording = $600 each
Monthly Satellite Access and Website Hosting Fee = $200 pr/mo
Do they think the American people are STUPID? Why would we spend that kind of money to upgrade their media wagon when we could be using those funds to feed and clothe the suffering? Not to mention those grotesquely overpriced TOYS have no business being there anyway.
Veterans for Peace are using the disaster to scam us into outfitting them for their pilgrimage into the political arena. Shame on them!
How about those self contained kitchens and food service trucks and vans. Will they be leaving all that stuff in New Orleans for the benefit of the people? And this rolling media center, in their own words- "will support refugees, volunteers, Red Cross, staff, press, keep in touch through via email, web, blogs, and teleconferencing. In order to insure our message gets out." And there it is, folks, the whole reason behind the humanitarian effort and the huge expense-
"In order to insure our message gets out!"
Dear veterans, if you need all this stuff to be "truely effective" in helping the disaster victims, as you say, then maybe you're not cut out for charity work. By your own admission, you're not effective. That means you're in the way. Go home and let someone be there who will make do with what they have for the right reasons. We will not trust our donations to someone who uses them for their own agenda under the guise of hurricane relief.
By the way, how many hungry mouths will an ipod feed?
Here are links to some of their sites in case you want to see for yourself:
http://crawfordpeace.nfshost.com/node/1865
http://www.vfpsb.org/
http://www.vfproadtrips.org/
Friday, September 02, 2005
New Orleans Bush Bashing
First, let me say how horrifying Katrina's devastation is. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims. This article is in no way directed at them in this terrible hour. It's written in response to Van Jones' editorial Bush's Role in the Drowning of New Orleans on Huffington Post. Lots of people are so quick to blame the federal government for everything bad that happens in America. In this case, most of that blame actually belongs to others. And the pundits can't see that all this bashing helps to divide the nation instead of pulling us together to aid those who so desperately need our help.
New Orleans has known about the problem for how long? If you want to blame someone, blame the city fathers for not doing more about the situation and protecting their citizens. Blame the city planners for building below sea level in the middle of lakes and next to a gulf, and putting the city in a bowl with no drainage. Blame the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) who should have stepped right in with a plan developed years ago. Community first, then state, then federal. That's how it works.
You forget that when they ran a mock flood several years ago, 1/3 of the citizens said they'd refuse to evacuate no matter what the government said, even if it was a hurricane. If I were given 3 days warning of an approaching hurricane and I couldn't drive my family out, by hell I'd walk them out! I wouldn't just sit there and blame everyone for making it happen and not rescuing me fast enough.
Another thing... you just have to play the RACE CARD, don't you. Take a natural disaster and turn it into whites hating blacks. I think color was the LEAST of anyone's worries as they tried to get out. It's true that most of NO's survivors are poor and black, which was also true of the community before the flood. That doesn't make it a race issue. It means that New Orleans had a large number of PEOPLE who were poor, under educated and stuck in a rut. Blame the city for not working hard enough to train and motivate them. Blame the welfare system for making it too easy to live on checks and stamps. Blame the people for not having the balls to stand up and change their own lives. Blame bleeding hearts like you who find it easier to complain about it than to dig in and help people improve their lives.
Better yet, stop blaming. There are far too many who need our help, and they need it NOW. Put down the poisoned pen and either start writing checks or handing out food and water. The way to insure America's survival is to help each other instead of tearing each other down.
* * * * *
Everybody's so quick to blame "W" for all of this. In your article you blame him for the flooding because he diverted money. We were in the middle of a war. Should we have said, hmmm, let's leave our servicemen more ill-equipped and pour money into something that might happen years down the road? I imagine if he'd had a crystal ball things might have been a little different. "Experts" have been warning us of disaster for years. I don't know a state or city that has completely prepared for anything. You gonna blame that on W too?New Orleans has known about the problem for how long? If you want to blame someone, blame the city fathers for not doing more about the situation and protecting their citizens. Blame the city planners for building below sea level in the middle of lakes and next to a gulf, and putting the city in a bowl with no drainage. Blame the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) who should have stepped right in with a plan developed years ago. Community first, then state, then federal. That's how it works.
You forget that when they ran a mock flood several years ago, 1/3 of the citizens said they'd refuse to evacuate no matter what the government said, even if it was a hurricane. If I were given 3 days warning of an approaching hurricane and I couldn't drive my family out, by hell I'd walk them out! I wouldn't just sit there and blame everyone for making it happen and not rescuing me fast enough.
Another thing... you just have to play the RACE CARD, don't you. Take a natural disaster and turn it into whites hating blacks. I think color was the LEAST of anyone's worries as they tried to get out. It's true that most of NO's survivors are poor and black, which was also true of the community before the flood. That doesn't make it a race issue. It means that New Orleans had a large number of PEOPLE who were poor, under educated and stuck in a rut. Blame the city for not working hard enough to train and motivate them. Blame the welfare system for making it too easy to live on checks and stamps. Blame the people for not having the balls to stand up and change their own lives. Blame bleeding hearts like you who find it easier to complain about it than to dig in and help people improve their lives.
Better yet, stop blaming. There are far too many who need our help, and they need it NOW. Put down the poisoned pen and either start writing checks or handing out food and water. The way to insure America's survival is to help each other instead of tearing each other down.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Pat Robertson In The News
Televangelist Pat Robertson created a firestorm when he recently called for the assassination of Hugo Chavez. Christians are offended that a minister would openly advocate breaking a commandment- murder, no less, and non-Christians have opened the flood gates of disdain and mockery. It's religiously unthinkable to suggest killing someone for any reason no matter who they are, what they've done or how evil they may be.
Ok, let’s see if I understand what you’re all saying… when David “assassinated” Goliath he was evil and should have been convicted of murder. But since he saved thousands of Israelites from slavery and death he was favored of God and eventually became king? How’d that happen?
Now I don’t follow Pat Robertson. In fact, I don’t believe anyone who says they can save my soul if I send them my money. I think that makes him a con man, preaching for “filthy lucre.”
But you have to wonder if maybe Ari Fleischer had a good point. When we invaded Iraq the first time, if we had sent a team of seals into Baghdad to take out Sadaam, we would have saved thousands of American and Iraqi lives. Of course we didn’t because everyone in Washington was high and mighty about not stooping to that and tarnishing our image. Haven’t we done other clandestine acts in times of war? Wouldn’t the miserable life of one evil man be outweighed by the lives of thousands of innocent people?
Kinda makes you think!
Ok, let’s see if I understand what you’re all saying… when David “assassinated” Goliath he was evil and should have been convicted of murder. But since he saved thousands of Israelites from slavery and death he was favored of God and eventually became king? How’d that happen?
Now I don’t follow Pat Robertson. In fact, I don’t believe anyone who says they can save my soul if I send them my money. I think that makes him a con man, preaching for “filthy lucre.”
But you have to wonder if maybe Ari Fleischer had a good point. When we invaded Iraq the first time, if we had sent a team of seals into Baghdad to take out Sadaam, we would have saved thousands of American and Iraqi lives. Of course we didn’t because everyone in Washington was high and mighty about not stooping to that and tarnishing our image. Haven’t we done other clandestine acts in times of war? Wouldn’t the miserable life of one evil man be outweighed by the lives of thousands of innocent people?
Kinda makes you think!
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Pulling Out Of Iraq
It's an awful fact that soldiers are not the only casualties of war. Mothers, fathers, familes are all affected. Lives are changed forever. Another terrible fact is that you can't reason with a terrorist. They have an ideal. They're obviously willing to give their lives for it. In fact, life is not important to them. That's why they torture and kill their enemies.
They hate Americans for many reasons. Their leaders, from Osama to Sadaam have vowed war on us. They view our attempts at negotiation as weakness. The last time we fought Sadaam, after we pulled out he claimed victory. He continued his reign of propaganda and terror. He tortured and killed his own people. He trained and funded insurgent groups. He stood proudly and defiantly in the face of the "capitalist pigs." And now, in spite of being captured as a coward, he is proclaiming himself a martyr in an attempt to further fuel the fires.
I don't like war. I never understood why countries had to send their children to be slaughtered because their leaders couldn't agree on something. Better to put the leaders in a ring and let 'em duke it out. Save a lot of lives and money that way. But this situation is different. Whether you agree or not with why we're in Iraq, we ARE there. Pulling out too soon will guarantee that the extremists will regain power and the citizens will lose across the board.
It will also send a message to terrorists everywhere that they are winning, that we truly are weak, that we don't keep our word. We're too busy arguing amongst ourselves and living our "infidel" lifestyles to care about what they do. We'll empower them to make bolder moves against us. It's no longer about staying out of other peoples' business. It's about stopping the disease before we become so infected that we can't survive.
They hate Americans for many reasons. Their leaders, from Osama to Sadaam have vowed war on us. They view our attempts at negotiation as weakness. The last time we fought Sadaam, after we pulled out he claimed victory. He continued his reign of propaganda and terror. He tortured and killed his own people. He trained and funded insurgent groups. He stood proudly and defiantly in the face of the "capitalist pigs." And now, in spite of being captured as a coward, he is proclaiming himself a martyr in an attempt to further fuel the fires.
I don't like war. I never understood why countries had to send their children to be slaughtered because their leaders couldn't agree on something. Better to put the leaders in a ring and let 'em duke it out. Save a lot of lives and money that way. But this situation is different. Whether you agree or not with why we're in Iraq, we ARE there. Pulling out too soon will guarantee that the extremists will regain power and the citizens will lose across the board.
It will also send a message to terrorists everywhere that they are winning, that we truly are weak, that we don't keep our word. We're too busy arguing amongst ourselves and living our "infidel" lifestyles to care about what they do. We'll empower them to make bolder moves against us. It's no longer about staying out of other peoples' business. It's about stopping the disease before we become so infected that we can't survive.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Smoke and Mirrors
"Remember the huge tobacco lawsuits of the late 1990's? Threatened with having to foot the bill for all smoking-related illnesses, the nation's largest tobacco companies agreed to pay 46 statesan unbelievable $206 billion. The idea was that the states would use the money 1) to pay for smoking prevention programs, and 2) to defray the costs of health care for smokers who got ill.
So far, however, less than 5% of the $33 billion paid out has gone to prevent smoking. And it gets worse: several states have earmarked their share of the money to help... the tobacco industry. In North Carolina, for example, $43 million of the $59 million they've received has gone to marketing and producing tobacco, the state's biggest crop. They bought equipment for farmers, built a new tobacco auction hall, and put $400,000 toward a new tobacco processing plant. Other states have used the money won from tobacco companies to buy stock- in tobacco companies."
Where is the accountability? Money that was mandated to help citizens who are suffering the effects of smoking is pumped back into the same filthy, decietful machine that caused the problem to begin with. I thought government was supposed to protect citizens, not invest in their deaths!
(Note: The article in quotes was used by permission and is copyright by the Bathroom Reader's Institute. It can be found in Uncle John's Unstoppable Bathroom Reader, 16th edition, p. 243. Some of the most fscinating, enjoyable reading I've found.)
So far, however, less than 5% of the $33 billion paid out has gone to prevent smoking. And it gets worse: several states have earmarked their share of the money to help... the tobacco industry. In North Carolina, for example, $43 million of the $59 million they've received has gone to marketing and producing tobacco, the state's biggest crop. They bought equipment for farmers, built a new tobacco auction hall, and put $400,000 toward a new tobacco processing plant. Other states have used the money won from tobacco companies to buy stock- in tobacco companies."
Where is the accountability? Money that was mandated to help citizens who are suffering the effects of smoking is pumped back into the same filthy, decietful machine that caused the problem to begin with. I thought government was supposed to protect citizens, not invest in their deaths!
(Note: The article in quotes was used by permission and is copyright by the Bathroom Reader's Institute. It can be found in Uncle John's Unstoppable Bathroom Reader, 16th edition, p. 243. Some of the most fscinating, enjoyable reading I've found.)
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
An Open Letter To Cindy Sheehan
Dear Cindy,
First let me tell you how sorry I am for your loss. No parent should have to lose a child. So many families have been changed forever because of military service. I have great respect for the young men and women who put their lives in jeopardy to serve in the armed forces, as well as for their families.
No matter how you feel about the reasons we are in Iraq, I wanted to tell you what Casey was involved in before he died. My best friend served there about the same time as your son. He tells stories that are vastly different from the ones we usually see in the media. He recalls men and women who made great sacrifices because they were proud to wear the uniform and be called Americans.
They freed millions of people from the rule of one of the most evil men alive. That man is now in prison and his equally evil sons are dead. They freed many thousands from torture and death. They not only brought food, medicine and protection to the people of Iraq, they brought them hope and freedom. They restored power, water, communication... rebuilt schools, hospitals, roads. Iraq now has a working education system for both boys and girls. Women have rights. They work, attend school, act as vital members of the community. People can speak without fear of a brutal death. Clinics and hospitals provide the needed health care. They have police and a functioning judicial system. They now have a government that's on the verge of a new constitution. And, contrary to the media, our young men and women have earned the gratitude of most Iraqis.
I think that makes Casey and his compadres heroes.
The resident loudmouths of this country don't want us to remember our sons and daughters that way. They want to fan the tainted flames of propaganda and rhetoric. They have an agenda. Both sides are using you. I'm sure you didn't intend that when you decided to take your stand, but you've become like a piece of meat in a huge feeding frenzy! Some may flatter you as long as you serve their purpose. Once the air time value starts to fade, you'll be dropped for the next hot potato. And where is Casey's memory now? Almost lost in the middle of the media circus. Instead of a hero, a champion of human rights, he's reduced (even in your own words) to just a murder victim. And in a strange reversal, you are trying to assume the role of champion!
Most of us have forgotten the horror we felt on 9/11; how we were galvanized into one national mindset against terrorism. We've slipped back into the political cesspool where we slant the truth and sling blame. One problem is it's hard to recognize the good while we're spewing hate. And the tragedy in this go-around is that we turn a blind eye to the enormous amount of good our soldiers have done and pretend they died in vain. What a vile, ungrateful thing to do!
Maybe it's time to do a little re-thinking. Casey offered the ultimate sacrifice. He gave his life for his country and for suffering people in a far away land. He knew this could happen when he enlisted, yet he served and died honorably. He should be remembered with honor, with love. Anything less would be a real shame. The further this situation progresses, the more his memory will be replaced by your actions. What you thought would be a crusade has turned into a carnival. Put the focus back on Casey. He was an instrument of peace. He helped saved lives and make lives better. Find a way to remember him without becoming part of the problem. Preserve as much dignity as possible. Take comfort in the fact that your voice was heard, but more important, you raised a hero. His, not yours, is the legacy that should be handed down.
One last thing... you mentioned in one of your posts the man who is responsible for your son's death. You're mistaken. There were two. One is hiding in a cave in Afghanistan and the other, thanks in part to Casey, is in prison awaiting trial.
Respectfully,
Mort
First let me tell you how sorry I am for your loss. No parent should have to lose a child. So many families have been changed forever because of military service. I have great respect for the young men and women who put their lives in jeopardy to serve in the armed forces, as well as for their families.
No matter how you feel about the reasons we are in Iraq, I wanted to tell you what Casey was involved in before he died. My best friend served there about the same time as your son. He tells stories that are vastly different from the ones we usually see in the media. He recalls men and women who made great sacrifices because they were proud to wear the uniform and be called Americans.
They freed millions of people from the rule of one of the most evil men alive. That man is now in prison and his equally evil sons are dead. They freed many thousands from torture and death. They not only brought food, medicine and protection to the people of Iraq, they brought them hope and freedom. They restored power, water, communication... rebuilt schools, hospitals, roads. Iraq now has a working education system for both boys and girls. Women have rights. They work, attend school, act as vital members of the community. People can speak without fear of a brutal death. Clinics and hospitals provide the needed health care. They have police and a functioning judicial system. They now have a government that's on the verge of a new constitution. And, contrary to the media, our young men and women have earned the gratitude of most Iraqis.
I think that makes Casey and his compadres heroes.
The resident loudmouths of this country don't want us to remember our sons and daughters that way. They want to fan the tainted flames of propaganda and rhetoric. They have an agenda. Both sides are using you. I'm sure you didn't intend that when you decided to take your stand, but you've become like a piece of meat in a huge feeding frenzy! Some may flatter you as long as you serve their purpose. Once the air time value starts to fade, you'll be dropped for the next hot potato. And where is Casey's memory now? Almost lost in the middle of the media circus. Instead of a hero, a champion of human rights, he's reduced (even in your own words) to just a murder victim. And in a strange reversal, you are trying to assume the role of champion!
Most of us have forgotten the horror we felt on 9/11; how we were galvanized into one national mindset against terrorism. We've slipped back into the political cesspool where we slant the truth and sling blame. One problem is it's hard to recognize the good while we're spewing hate. And the tragedy in this go-around is that we turn a blind eye to the enormous amount of good our soldiers have done and pretend they died in vain. What a vile, ungrateful thing to do!
Maybe it's time to do a little re-thinking. Casey offered the ultimate sacrifice. He gave his life for his country and for suffering people in a far away land. He knew this could happen when he enlisted, yet he served and died honorably. He should be remembered with honor, with love. Anything less would be a real shame. The further this situation progresses, the more his memory will be replaced by your actions. What you thought would be a crusade has turned into a carnival. Put the focus back on Casey. He was an instrument of peace. He helped saved lives and make lives better. Find a way to remember him without becoming part of the problem. Preserve as much dignity as possible. Take comfort in the fact that your voice was heard, but more important, you raised a hero. His, not yours, is the legacy that should be handed down.
One last thing... you mentioned in one of your posts the man who is responsible for your son's death. You're mistaken. There were two. One is hiding in a cave in Afghanistan and the other, thanks in part to Casey, is in prison awaiting trial.
Respectfully,
Mort
Saturday, August 13, 2005
What Makes Me Mad
You know what really makes me mad? When people post their feelings and opinions on the internet. I mean, who do they think they are? Why do they think their thoughts are so impostant that others should be exposed to them? As far as I'm concerned, anyone who'd do this would kiss a pig!
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Three Thousand Dollars??????
I used to work in a clock store. One Christmas we advertised a special grandfather clock for $995. Sold a bunch of them. A fellow called to verify the price, then came in with his sons. They got the grand tour of all the features. Burled wood panels, gold-plated numerals, beveled glass, the works. "We'll take three!" I excitedly rang up the sale, which came to just over three thousand dollars. He about had a stroke... "Three thousand dollars? That should be thirty dollars!!!" He genuinely believed the price was $9.95 each, even though he'd seen the beautiful clock.
They left the store in a snit, but long afterward there was still the lingering fragrance in the air of the word- DUH!!!!!
They left the store in a snit, but long afterward there was still the lingering fragrance in the air of the word- DUH!!!!!
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Lawmakers for hire
Don't you just love the "Washington" crowd? Our lawmakers are paid very well. Their health benefits put ours to shame. Travel, power, notariety, more power, perks up the wazoo, lobbyists clammoring to shower them with gifts and affection. Not to mention the occasional intern; oh yeah, and power! And then there's the retirement benefit, but we'll get to that. It's no wonder they can spend millions trying to get into office.
In exchange for all that, what do they DO? Sure, they make laws, but how many laws do we really need? Think about the last few times you watched the news. How many legislators were shown grandstanding about something, whether it be Iraq, White House policy, supreme court nominations or something else? How often are they given photo opportunities in the name of bi-partisan bickering? How many of them have a voting record higher than 75%? Shouldn't they be voting ALL the time? How can they represent us unless they actually show up and have their vote count? Then again, who do they represent more, us or special interest lobbies? And then there's the list floating around about how many lawmakers are lawbreakers, but they get away with it and we keep inviting them back.
Recently I heard a report about one of our illustrious senators. After he retires, he'll get an "estimated" (because it's supposed to be a secret) $150K annually for the rest of his life, plus health and a 401K. Not only that but he's currently signed up for social security. Ok, lots of employers offer retirement, but with all he's getting now and will get from us, we still get to give him social security and that sweet medical plan while many of us depend entirely on SS and medicare!
Where is Mr. Smith when we need him? Whatever happened to idealism... morality? Where is government of the people, by the people and for the people? Washington is becoming more infected with politicians who suck the blood of America while they follow their own agenda and feed their bloated egos. Shouldn't we do something, or will we continue to follow like mindless sheep? Who are the "public servants" now?
How about a few changes?
Let's start a new trend. Let's get rid of the sloth machine. Fewer perks. Vote out the dead wood. Encourage legislators to be responsible for their service and behavior. Have them get in, make a difference and then get out. They'll be more effective, the country will be better off and we'll save a whole lot of money.
In exchange for all that, what do they DO? Sure, they make laws, but how many laws do we really need? Think about the last few times you watched the news. How many legislators were shown grandstanding about something, whether it be Iraq, White House policy, supreme court nominations or something else? How often are they given photo opportunities in the name of bi-partisan bickering? How many of them have a voting record higher than 75%? Shouldn't they be voting ALL the time? How can they represent us unless they actually show up and have their vote count? Then again, who do they represent more, us or special interest lobbies? And then there's the list floating around about how many lawmakers are lawbreakers, but they get away with it and we keep inviting them back.
Recently I heard a report about one of our illustrious senators. After he retires, he'll get an "estimated" (because it's supposed to be a secret) $150K annually for the rest of his life, plus health and a 401K. Not only that but he's currently signed up for social security. Ok, lots of employers offer retirement, but with all he's getting now and will get from us, we still get to give him social security and that sweet medical plan while many of us depend entirely on SS and medicare!
Where is Mr. Smith when we need him? Whatever happened to idealism... morality? Where is government of the people, by the people and for the people? Washington is becoming more infected with politicians who suck the blood of America while they follow their own agenda and feed their bloated egos. Shouldn't we do something, or will we continue to follow like mindless sheep? Who are the "public servants" now?
How about a few changes?
- Term Limits- no more career politicians. Works for the presidency!
- With term limits comes no need for a retirement package. We'll save billions!
- Standard medical benefits or medicare.
- No self-voted pay raises for legislators. Flat cost of living or public vote.
- Salary and benefits determined by active service. 60% vote record = 60% pay
- Expulsion for criminal behavior
- Either limit or eliminate lobbying.
Let's start a new trend. Let's get rid of the sloth machine. Fewer perks. Vote out the dead wood. Encourage legislators to be responsible for their service and behavior. Have them get in, make a difference and then get out. They'll be more effective, the country will be better off and we'll save a whole lot of money.
Friday, July 22, 2005
Oprah in Paris
She's been called the "most powerful woman in America." Guess that role isn't valid in Paris!
She's outraged because the closed store wouldn't open their doors and welcome her in. Get off your high horse, Oprah. Fame and fortune shouldn't entitle you to be treated better than the "little People." All of us have been standing in front of a locked door hoping someone would let us in. If they don't, it's not a slam to our integrity or even a racial issue. It means they're CLOSED! They have a life. They want to finish up and GO HOME!
You spend a lot of time and energy telling us what to do and how to think. Now would be a good time to act like you know what you're talking about. Be the better person. Put away the self-righteous indignation. Have a little chuckle about what happened and put it to rest. Show your fans that little things shouldn't be blown out of proportion in the name of vanity or publicity.
She's outraged because the closed store wouldn't open their doors and welcome her in. Get off your high horse, Oprah. Fame and fortune shouldn't entitle you to be treated better than the "little People." All of us have been standing in front of a locked door hoping someone would let us in. If they don't, it's not a slam to our integrity or even a racial issue. It means they're CLOSED! They have a life. They want to finish up and GO HOME!
You spend a lot of time and energy telling us what to do and how to think. Now would be a good time to act like you know what you're talking about. Be the better person. Put away the self-righteous indignation. Have a little chuckle about what happened and put it to rest. Show your fans that little things shouldn't be blown out of proportion in the name of vanity or publicity.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Terrorist groups in the news
Here's the scenario: a terrorist act is committed. People die, lives are destroyed. Someone claims responsibility and their name is plastered in headlines all over the world. It happened in London. It's been happening as long as I can remember.
Something we've learned about terrorists- negotiation doesn't work. You can coddle them or kill them, but you can't negotiate with them. They're like serial killers. They are intent on the act, committed to the end, which is evidenced by the many suicide bombings.
The English have a policy of discussion and understanding. It works so well there's a whole society of Arab dissidents in London. They are organized and even have their own newspapers! Gee, if ya can't beat 'em, welcome them in!
So what can we, the "cowboy" Americans do? I think the first thing ought to be NO NEWS FEATURING EXTREMIST GROUPS. Don't hand them the fame they seek. The next thing (and I'll probably get nasty letters for this), claiming responsibility for a terrorist act is more than a political statement, it's a confession of murder and should be viewed that way. Whether they pulled the trigger, flipped the switch or took the credit, they are guilty of murder. They should be taken out and shot!
You say, "but we're civilized. We can't do that." Well, our civilized approach isn't working. As long as we are namby-pamby about terrorism, more innocent people will die. Is that what we want? Wouldn't we be better off without a few radicals?
After 9-11, most Americans were unified in the fight. Now that the memory has faded, we're back to the old game of spewing partisan rhetoric. We love to backbite and blame. Will it take another tragedy to bring us together again?
I say no more American lives should be needlessly lost. Put Saddam's head on a pole in front of the White House. If we had done that years ago when we had the chance, imagine how many lives would have been saved! We're told they know where Bin Laden is but the country harboring him won't let us get him. That makes them part of the terrorism! Give them a deadline... midnight on Saturday or your country goes up in flames.
We must not allow extremists any more power. We have to act, hard and fast. Either that or get used to living in a world filled with fear.
Something we've learned about terrorists- negotiation doesn't work. You can coddle them or kill them, but you can't negotiate with them. They're like serial killers. They are intent on the act, committed to the end, which is evidenced by the many suicide bombings.
The English have a policy of discussion and understanding. It works so well there's a whole society of Arab dissidents in London. They are organized and even have their own newspapers! Gee, if ya can't beat 'em, welcome them in!
So what can we, the "cowboy" Americans do? I think the first thing ought to be NO NEWS FEATURING EXTREMIST GROUPS. Don't hand them the fame they seek. The next thing (and I'll probably get nasty letters for this), claiming responsibility for a terrorist act is more than a political statement, it's a confession of murder and should be viewed that way. Whether they pulled the trigger, flipped the switch or took the credit, they are guilty of murder. They should be taken out and shot!
You say, "but we're civilized. We can't do that." Well, our civilized approach isn't working. As long as we are namby-pamby about terrorism, more innocent people will die. Is that what we want? Wouldn't we be better off without a few radicals?
After 9-11, most Americans were unified in the fight. Now that the memory has faded, we're back to the old game of spewing partisan rhetoric. We love to backbite and blame. Will it take another tragedy to bring us together again?
I say no more American lives should be needlessly lost. Put Saddam's head on a pole in front of the White House. If we had done that years ago when we had the chance, imagine how many lives would have been saved! We're told they know where Bin Laden is but the country harboring him won't let us get him. That makes them part of the terrorism! Give them a deadline... midnight on Saturday or your country goes up in flames.
We must not allow extremists any more power. We have to act, hard and fast. Either that or get used to living in a world filled with fear.
Monday, July 11, 2005
Hollywood needs a muzzle!
Tom Cruise opened his mouth the other day and became the latest in a long line of performers who think their opinion should matter. Nothing personal, Tom. And bless your heart for having a religious belief. But that doesn't qualify you to tout your views like an ass and clobber anyone who thinks differently.
Rosie invited Tom Selleck on her show only to attack him for his stand on gun rights. And of course we have the Susans and Tims and Alecs and Kims, and many others who rally for presidential candidates and new laws. To me, this is one of the worst forms of lobbying. It goes way beyond hawking products on television. They use their image, their "power," to persuade us to vote their way. Can we afford to let celebrities influence our lawmakers and the future of our country?
We've created a monster. We have an insatiable need to be entertained. Actors, comedians, musicians, even athletes and sometimes journalists. They used to be called Court Jesters. Now they've spawned an industry where the salaries are without limit. Money and fame breed egos that are larger than life... and most of those egos seem to be headquartered in Hollywood.
These people, for the most part, have very different lifestyles than we do. They often have different values. Their ideals may not coincide with ours. Should we care whether they'd like us to vote one way or another? Does it matter if one thinks he's an authority on the evils of psychiatry or others believe they are God's gift to the world? They're performers, for crying out loud!
On the other hand, Bob Newhart had his feet planted firmly on the ground when he said, "While I had things I felt strongly about, I didn't think it was my job to impose them on the public." Bob, you have my respect, and your standing doubled on my fan-o-meter!
Attention Hollywood (and other offenders): If you want to improve your image, follow the example of some of your friends- donate a portion of the money we shower on you to disease research, feeding the poor, disaster relief or any of the other countless charities out there. We pay you incredible salaries to entertain us, not preach to us. Do your job. Keep your opinions to yourselves and your big mouths shut!
Rosie invited Tom Selleck on her show only to attack him for his stand on gun rights. And of course we have the Susans and Tims and Alecs and Kims, and many others who rally for presidential candidates and new laws. To me, this is one of the worst forms of lobbying. It goes way beyond hawking products on television. They use their image, their "power," to persuade us to vote their way. Can we afford to let celebrities influence our lawmakers and the future of our country?
We've created a monster. We have an insatiable need to be entertained. Actors, comedians, musicians, even athletes and sometimes journalists. They used to be called Court Jesters. Now they've spawned an industry where the salaries are without limit. Money and fame breed egos that are larger than life... and most of those egos seem to be headquartered in Hollywood.
These people, for the most part, have very different lifestyles than we do. They often have different values. Their ideals may not coincide with ours. Should we care whether they'd like us to vote one way or another? Does it matter if one thinks he's an authority on the evils of psychiatry or others believe they are God's gift to the world? They're performers, for crying out loud!
On the other hand, Bob Newhart had his feet planted firmly on the ground when he said, "While I had things I felt strongly about, I didn't think it was my job to impose them on the public." Bob, you have my respect, and your standing doubled on my fan-o-meter!
Attention Hollywood (and other offenders): If you want to improve your image, follow the example of some of your friends- donate a portion of the money we shower on you to disease research, feeding the poor, disaster relief or any of the other countless charities out there. We pay you incredible salaries to entertain us, not preach to us. Do your job. Keep your opinions to yourselves and your big mouths shut!
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Michael Jackson's Trial
Is it just me, or does anyone else see a problem here? One of the jurors in the Jackson trial goes to an "invitation only" victory party for family and friends after the acquittal. That means she had contact with Michael's people, which seriously smacks of jury tampering! If you or I were on the jury and listened to all the sleazy, repulsive things that went on, what on earth would cause us to show up at the bash and "weep?"
Maybe it was hard to prove whether or not the boy was actually molested. Maybe his money-grubbing mother played a part in the reasonable doubt. But pop star or not, no man should be allowed to get away with giving children alcohol, sharing pornography with them, sleeping together, etc. That behavior is sick and wrong and the jury should have had the guts to put a stop to it. In our society, the rich and famous can get away with anything.
Enjoy your freedom, Michael. Someday you'll stand before a higher court; one that is not affected by money, star power or smooth lawyers. One that doesn't put up with anyone who abuses children.
Maybe it was hard to prove whether or not the boy was actually molested. Maybe his money-grubbing mother played a part in the reasonable doubt. But pop star or not, no man should be allowed to get away with giving children alcohol, sharing pornography with them, sleeping together, etc. That behavior is sick and wrong and the jury should have had the guts to put a stop to it. In our society, the rich and famous can get away with anything.
Enjoy your freedom, Michael. Someday you'll stand before a higher court; one that is not affected by money, star power or smooth lawyers. One that doesn't put up with anyone who abuses children.
My Christmas Wish
This was a letter to a best friend, a soldier serving in Baghdad...
I'm thinking tonight how grateful I am that you and so many others
are willing to sacrifice so much. We're sitting home, fat, lazy, safe (or
at least relatively safe in this neighborhood!), trying to get the spirit
of Christmas in our hum drum little lives. We seem almost oblivious
to the fact that you're over there, a million miles from home, family,
loved ones, in the valiant struggle for freedom.
We think we have it rough here. Financial troubles, traffic jams,
angry bosses, pesky neighbors, the occasional sound of a gunshot
from somewhere else. You're seeing the other side of life first-hand.
How different it would be here if it weren't for you who have either
put your lives at risk or given them up entirely to ensure our safety.
Someone asked, where are Bat Man, Superman and the other super
heroes when we need them? Well, we don't need them when we
have you! The men and women of the armed forces. You are the
real heroes. We owe you a debt we could never repay. And the way
we act sometimes, I hope we're worth it.
We whine and complain. We distort the truth to fit our political slant.
We are quick to point a finger at others and slow to take
responsibility, unless it makes us look good. We are a breeding
ground for laws, lawsuits and lawbreaking. We remove God from our
lives and then blame Him for our problems. We are a country of
greedy, selfish, pompous asses. At first glance, it might seem better
if God would just wipe the country clean and start over.
But we are also a country of hard workers. Of people who dream, and
sometimes fulfill those dreams. We were founded on principles of
faith, and most still cling to those standards. We are a society of
freedom. Free to speak our mind. Free to move about. Free to
worship. Free to help our neighbor. Free to reach our highest
potential or wallow in the lowest depths And we owe those freedoms,
in large part, to you... in Baghdad, and around the world.
My Christmas wish for you is that God will reward you generously for
your efforts. That He will keep you safe and bring you home soon.
That your families will be provided for well in your absence. That
loneliness will be replaced with comfort. That He will guide you in your
activities. That you will continue to do your best and act honorably.
That your work will help to bring peace to a troubled world and keep
our nation free. And that we will be more deserving of your service
and sacrifice.
Merry Christmas (Written 12/25/03)
I'm thinking tonight how grateful I am that you and so many others
are willing to sacrifice so much. We're sitting home, fat, lazy, safe (or
at least relatively safe in this neighborhood!), trying to get the spirit
of Christmas in our hum drum little lives. We seem almost oblivious
to the fact that you're over there, a million miles from home, family,
loved ones, in the valiant struggle for freedom.
We think we have it rough here. Financial troubles, traffic jams,
angry bosses, pesky neighbors, the occasional sound of a gunshot
from somewhere else. You're seeing the other side of life first-hand.
How different it would be here if it weren't for you who have either
put your lives at risk or given them up entirely to ensure our safety.
Someone asked, where are Bat Man, Superman and the other super
heroes when we need them? Well, we don't need them when we
have you! The men and women of the armed forces. You are the
real heroes. We owe you a debt we could never repay. And the way
we act sometimes, I hope we're worth it.
We whine and complain. We distort the truth to fit our political slant.
We are quick to point a finger at others and slow to take
responsibility, unless it makes us look good. We are a breeding
ground for laws, lawsuits and lawbreaking. We remove God from our
lives and then blame Him for our problems. We are a country of
greedy, selfish, pompous asses. At first glance, it might seem better
if God would just wipe the country clean and start over.
But we are also a country of hard workers. Of people who dream, and
sometimes fulfill those dreams. We were founded on principles of
faith, and most still cling to those standards. We are a society of
freedom. Free to speak our mind. Free to move about. Free to
worship. Free to help our neighbor. Free to reach our highest
potential or wallow in the lowest depths And we owe those freedoms,
in large part, to you... in Baghdad, and around the world.
My Christmas wish for you is that God will reward you generously for
your efforts. That He will keep you safe and bring you home soon.
That your families will be provided for well in your absence. That
loneliness will be replaced with comfort. That He will guide you in your
activities. That you will continue to do your best and act honorably.
That your work will help to bring peace to a troubled world and keep
our nation free. And that we will be more deserving of your service
and sacrifice.
Merry Christmas (Written 12/25/03)
To Candidate John Kerry
It's interesting to note that when things start getting too hot for John Kerry, he calls upon Pres. Bush to stifle the voices of his critics. After the first amendment, what's next to go? Mr. Kerry, we've heard you whine, complain and throw blame, but we still don't know what you believe or who you really are. The record doesn't quite match the inflated image.
On the other hand, Mr. Bush is an open book. We know who he is and what he stands for. His are the kind of values most Americans want in the Oval Office.
I support the right of citizens to "shoot off their mouths." And not just your pals from the Swift Boats, but you, too! Incidentally, if you want them to be silenced, why not lead by example? Publicly denounce Michael Moore for his attacks on the White House and his support of your campaign. That might even get you a standing ovation! (Written 8/22/04)
On the other hand, Mr. Bush is an open book. We know who he is and what he stands for. His are the kind of values most Americans want in the Oval Office.
I support the right of citizens to "shoot off their mouths." And not just your pals from the Swift Boats, but you, too! Incidentally, if you want them to be silenced, why not lead by example? Publicly denounce Michael Moore for his attacks on the White House and his support of your campaign. That might even get you a standing ovation! (Written 8/22/04)
Welcome to Opinion Stew
Hi there and welcome to Opinion Stew. Please feel free to browse. Comment if you wish. I don't expect everyone to share my views, warped as they sometimes are. But I would appreciate it if your comments are constructive or thoughtful and not just inflammatory screechings.
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