“Good-bye By Lady” – A Tribute!

•November 28, 2008 • 1 Comment

Momma! Momma! Can I have  German Shepherd? I want a German Shepherd just like “Rin Tin Tin!” As we watched ““Rin Tin Tin,” my young daughter went through all the reasons why it would be a good idea for us to get a German Shepherd. From being a good watch dog to being a great pet, she covered every other good reason in between in her effort to persuade me to get her a German Shepherd.

As I listened to my daughter’s reasoning and her pleas, I felt a tug at my heart. How I remembered what it felt like to want s special dog as badly as she wanted a German Shepherd!! But, I was reluctant as I was a single parent. I was afraid a dog would be too much with the other responsibilities I had. So, coyly, an idea took form in my mind. OK, I said, if you make “Honor Roll” for the year, I’ll get you a German Shepherd. It will look as much like “Rin Tin Tin” as possible. To myself, I smiled inwardly, at my plan. I knew my daughter was smart. I just wasn’t sure if she would be able to set such a goal at such a young age and accomplish that goal.

Right!!??? She got straight “A’s” for the next year! I was defeated by my own plan. I also had forgotten just how much a special pet could mean to a young child!

I spent the next six months or so looking for a German Shepherd that looked as much like “Rin Tin Tin” as I could find. An even bigger problem was money. I had no idea they cost so much money! She wanted a puppy. The best I could do was a German Shepherd this man had for sale for $300.00. He included a very large pin [I didn’t have a fence] and a very nicely made dog house. I went to see the dog. She was eight months old. That was older than I wanted; but, she was a beautiful, friendly, if not very high strung, dog. I bought her.

Though my daughter preferred a younger puppy, she quickly fell in love with “Lady.” A few months later, a friend of my son and daughter brought another do, half Chow, half Lab, to our home to watch until he convinced his Mom to let him keep the dog, also a girl. I knew I was being duped; but, I agreed. To make a long story short, Sheba became my son’s dog. Her choice, not ours. It was also quite clear that Lady was my daughter’s dog! The two dogs were immediately “pals.” Of course, Lady immediately let Sheba know she was “boss.” From that time on, the two were inseparable! Until today, that is! Lady passed away today. She was about “13 0r 14” years old. My daughter wasn’t home. Her and my son went to their Dad’s for Thanksgiving dinner.

I just couldn’t tell my daughter on the phone that Lady was gone when I checked to see what time she and her brother would be back in town from their trip to their Dad’s. She asked me a couple times what was wrong; but, I told her everything was fine! I think I did the right thing!

Lady has been a great companion and a good and faithful watchdog. Sadly, because I lost our house shortly after I retired on disability, she never had a yard to run around in. But, we, especially the kids, spent a lot of time with both Lady and Sheba. We kept their shots up and we walked them frequently. The kids frequently took them on “bike” rides and with them to play. They took both to the school playground after hours because it was completely fenced. There, both could run at will as long as no one else was there. Both of them loved the school yard. They got to run to their heart’s content!

Of, course, once the kids went to work and started college, it was hard for them to give Lady and Sheba all the time they wanted. But, they both spent as much time as possible with them both. But, their primary care became my job. At 60, it was harder for me to do as much as I wanted with them too. But, seemed to know that and we cherished our time together. Lady was fine yesterday when I walked them. But, during their walk, I noticed Lady was a little tired when we got back. She usually wants to walk some more when we are done. But, yesterday, she was eager to go inside her pin.

Lady developed arthritis so I carefully watched how she was doing and based her exercise around her health. I also had to take into account the weather when I exercised her and Sheba by walking them. Some days she was sore and stiff. She needed enough exercise to keep her condition from worsening without over doing it!  She and Sheba loved this special time a walk provided. They loved it afterwards when we just sat around or I brushed them as we sat around.

I got me a small dog, Rascal, last year that was small enough to be inside my small apartment. Lady and Sheba both hated to be inside. It was a good thing. Once I moved into my dumpy apartment, there wasn’t room anyway. But, on the plus side our apartment building was a four unit building and was as close to a house as possible. I always made sure I used tarps year round arranged around their pin in a way that provided the best protection from the weather according to the season. Every time I put fresh cedar down, both Lady and Sheba couldn’t wait to”christen” it in their “own special way!” But, I knew that their time with us was coming to an end soon. I just didn’t expect Lady would go today. But, bearing all this in mind, I decided to go ahead and get Rascal.

Lady was an affectionate and friendly dog for a German Shepherd. But, if someone made a threatening gesture toward any of us, especially my daughter, she made it clear she would do her duty and protect us. Her very fierce looking snarl was a warning never to be ignored. She was very high strung and full of energy right up to the very end. When I walked her and Sheba, I used to tease her by saying, “OK ‘Bug,’ you and ‘Shebooboo ‘are not young pups any more and I am no ‘spring chicken’!” She always looked at me as if she understood. She always appeared to be laughing “with me” over my comments.

She and Sheba were like two old sisters. Whenever we walked, both seemed to make a conscientious effort of watching out for the other, slowing down their gate when necessary, slowing down and throwing a quick look over their shoulder to make sure each other was OK. As we took our walks I was always amazed at how close they both were, how attentive to each other. No matter how much time I spent with them, when the kids were around they both went nuts, especially Lady when she saw my daughter and Sheba when she saw my son! They were a part of our family. Sheba still is. We all loved Lady. We love Sheba as a part of our family. They loved each other.

We have lost a faithful, beloved member of our family. Her loss will be felt for a long time. I am so sad to see her go; but, I am also deeply grateful she died “peacefully!”

Rest in peace Lady. You are in Heaven now. You have earned your place in that special place in Heaven reserved for the faithful and beloved pets and protectors so much a part of our lives. Never was so much love so freely given with so little asked for in return. A gentle pat on the head, a kind word, a walk, a gentle stroke of the brush, such little things, they all seemed to give you so much pleasure. Though I was never able to give you that big back yard to run around in as you deserved, you will now be able to run freely in the company of all those other beloved pets who await you on your new journey, who gave so much while asking for so little in return! Your life was an example for all who loved you of “unconditional” love and “trust!”

“Good-bye, My Lady!” You will be missed!

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The Children – A Tribute

•November 28, 2008 • 2 Comments

There is much to be thankful for today. I have a beautiful daughter, grown, graduated from college Cum Laud, who is now a recruit at the local Police Academy. I have a wonderful son, who works every day at a Department store as a low level manager and is in college. Both are healthy. Both are each others best friend. Both have their own friends separately and common friends. My Mom is doing really good as her doctor just told her at her recent check-up after her second by-pass surgery. My brothers and sisters and their kids are all healthy and doing well. All grandchildren are healthy and OK too! We all have everything we need and a great deal of what we want!

Of course, we all still miss Michael, my nephew, very much. Even though he died in Kuwait, March 5, 2004, he is still very much on all our minds. It is especially hard on his kids, at least, those who can still remember him. The youngest two were too young when he died to remember him! The second oldest was at a point in age where she may remember some things; but, most things have faded  away with time. Of course, the oldest remembers Mike very well. It is hardest for her in her own way.

As I look at all we have to be grateful for, and think about the loss of Mike, I feel for all the other families who have also lost loved ones in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan or while serving in support of those wars. How many of those gone were the only child of those parents back home as was the case with my sister? How many of those lost left behind children, some of whom will never remember how great their Mom or Dad really was? How many never met their hero parent? How many remember their lost parent and are troubled by fear and guilt because they cannot remember their Mom or Dad’s face? can’t hear the sound of their voice in their mind? can’t cry any more at their loss?

I feel for the Moms, the Dads, the husbands, the wives, the grandparents. But, most of all, I feel for the children left behind. Children are often thought of as being resilient. We tell ourselves they will adjust. As time passes, we see more and more of what we call, their “old selves” present. That convinces us that they are OK! We accept that they are OK. Mostly, I think we accept these signs of their “OKness” because we want so bad for them to be happy! because we don’t know how to help them! because we love them!

We do everything we can to help these kids because we do love them. We try to reassure them. We try to let them know that it is OK if it is sometimes hard to remember the face of their lost Mom or Dad. can’t hear their voice in their head. can’t cry any more. Then we show them a picture, tell them stories, give them souvenirs, anything we think will reassure them. Sometimes we even provide them grief therapy or therapy. We do all we know how to do. But, bottom line, we cannot take away their loss, their pain, their grief.

We can only be there for them.  We can only love them. We can only reassure them. But, nothing or no one can replace the hole in their hearts, can fill the void left behind, can take way their pain. The only thing we know for certain is that time will help them heal and adjust to their loss as much as possible, at least for most. There will be some who never seem to move forward with their lives.

So, though I know this post will be a downer to many, I feel I must write it so and as a dedication to those we have lost, to their families, our injured, and most of all to their children. Remember the children. Say a special prayer for them. Take time to offer a few moments of your time. Let them know by your display of love and attention that we cherish them. That we love them. That we understand  as best we can. Most importantly just let them know we care and are there for them!

Happy Thanksgiving to all, especially our troops and their families. We have not forgotten you either. We will never be able to repay our debt to you [our troops and their families]or those departed and their families. The best way I can thinkl of to honor you all is to vote. Be vigilent and care for our Democracy here on the home front. Be the very best citizen we know how to be. Don’t throw away by complacency all you have sacrificed so much to protect. Thank you all1 God Bless you all!

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“Adult time for adult crime”

•November 19, 2008 • 3 Comments

In St. Johns, Arizona, an eight year old boy shot and killed his father and a boarder with a .22 caliber rifle. This is what the local police determined after interviewing the child without an adult family member present or an attorney. Nor was the boy advised of his legal rights. Under Arizona law the boy can be charged as an adult since he is eight years old. The prosecutor is asking to have the boy tried as an adult!

In our colonial days, both America and England frequently treated children as adults at the age of 14, on occasion, the option existed to charge an 8 year old child as an adult. If you remember your history classes, you will recall that children and adults could be imprisoned for stealing bread to stave off hunger. Such crimes and punishments were frequent among the poor of that era.

In America, we began to develop a more socially conscientious view on crime and punishment for children and adolescents in the early 1900’s. The juvenile justice system was developed to deal with crimes committed by children below 18. There was an acceptance of sorts that it might be better to try to rehabilitate youthful offenders. It was hoped that this process would redirect child “criminals” from a life of crime.

However, over the years, as we all aware, violent crimes committed by children has increased. Most of the most violent crimes are related, non exclusively, to drugs. I did a great deal of research on child crimes and punishments. I read a great deal about the failures of the Family Courts and Juvenile Courts Systems. I also read a great deal about the trend, referred to as “panic based,” toward the attitude of “adult time for adult crime!” While everything I read agreed that many of the current trends to adjudicate child “criminals” to the adult court and penal system was based on public “panic”  and backlash, the lawmakers continued to rewrite legislation that followed the principle,  “adult time for adult crime” long after public outcry lost its frenzy!

…The upshot of this reform movement is that the mantra “adult time for adult crime” has become a reality for many young offenders. Through a variety of initiatives, the boundary of childhood has shifted dramatically in a relatively short time, so that youths who are legal minors for every other purpose are adults when it comes to their criminal conduct.

Many psychologists, social workers, and doctors feel that testing, evaluations, and studies on the specific backgrounds of these children ought to have more weight on whether or not a child should be adjudicated to the adult court system. But, that brings up another issue of contention, should children convicted of violent crimes be placed in adult facilities?

But I am awed that in all my research, nowhere did I find any reference to what I see as a primary reason for the rise violent crimes committed by children in the area with the most significant increase, drug related crimes. In my hometown in Virginia, we have a major drug problem like many other major cities. But, we also have another problem which seldom is addressed. Why? Don’t misunderstand me, there are plenty willing to come forward in local and state governments to place blame on family home life, social environment, as in racial due to the “projects,” and the rise in the number if illegal aliens we now have here.

But what no one will address is the startling amount of drug use and “trafficking” done in our school system or the “good or up-scale” neighborhoods.  I once had a teacher tell me he could be fired for telling me the local government and school board did not allow teachers to admit publicly there was a problem with drugs in our county or school system because people would not want to move into “our area” and that would affect the tax base! Any person can walk through our local schools, especially at lunch time, and see as I have personally seen, drug dealing in the halls of our schools out in the open without recrimination!

Several years ago, I found out that a young boy had LSD he was selling to kids in and out of school. I went to the schools involved and the local police and gave them this information. I was reassured that proper action would be taken to handle the situation. A year later the boy killed himself. He and two other kids skipped school to “do drugs” and hang out. The boy was killed while on LSD playing “Russian Roulette!” I went back to the schools involved and told them that both they and I could have prevented that death had I followed up on the schools’ promises to do something and had the schools and police followed through on the information I gave them. I regret to this day I did not hound both the schools and the police!

I know why the school wasn’t more responsive. As stated above, the image of our school system had to be maintained at all costs.  A cost I consider too high! But, what about the police? This is another issue, yet, the underlying root cause is still the same, politics and economics! Police arrest juveniles and the court system slaps their hands and lets them go. After a while the police play a waiting game, when the “perp” is eighteen we can then “put him/her” away!

This brings me to probably one of the most important reasons for the rise in child criminal violence, especially in drug related cases. Most states, like mine, enacted tough drug laws for adult offenders. Whether the adult drug dealers be gang related or non-gang related [in most cases], the new stiff penalties for adult offenders forced adult, drug related criminals, to look for another means of selling their drugs. They needed a new “market” too! They found one due to the current juvenile justice and court systems, children under the age of eighteen.

In an ever increasing number, drug dealers have targeted our children, both in poorer neighborhoods and more affluent ones, and used them to sell drugs. They have encouraged our kids to sell to their peers at school and in their local neighborhoods.  In alarming rates, kids, high school age, and now even in our elementary schools are selling and/or using drugs. These kids were “used” until they turned eighteen because they wouldn’t be sent to jail. They would get “counseling,” or some other lesser sentence and be right back on the streets dealing and using! As the adjudication of children to the adult court system occurs at lower and lower ages occurs, these adult criminals move on to the next generation of child dealers and users, just below the current adjudication age!

Granted, we have “DARE,” in schools to teach kids about the dangers legally and physically in drug use. We also have “drug free” school zones where drug related offenses have stiffer sentences. But, peer pressure and the open use and sale of drugs in our schools gives these kids a double message, drugs are bad, but “we,” the school system, refuse to openly acknowledge its rampant use at school! My son, an excellent athlete in several sports, refused to participate on school sports due to the high incident of drugs by players in the school athletic sports! Both my kids from middle school through high school continuously talked about the sale and/or use of drugs at their school.

Like most parents, I didn’t believe my kids when they told me how bad the drug problem at school really was because I thought kids are so intense and often things they talk about will sound more ominous than reality. But, I also knew my kids, so I went to school at lunch time and saw for myself everything they said was true.

I don’t know why this young boy in Arizona killed his father and that boarder. None of us will know for certain for some time. There are previous reports of domestic violence calls to the residence which are being investigated. Certainly domestic violence causes traumatic emotional and psychological damage to children. The prevalence of drugs in our schools, dysfunctional homes, environmental issues, all affect our kids. They grow-up with no coping skills, no conception of consequences for actions or behavior, no moral foundation, no religious foundation, no sense of community, national pride, or many of the values once taught to kids.

Is it any wonder kids become violent or commit violent crimes at lower and lower ages? At times it seems to me kids are being brought up as “feral” in a “household!” They only have the instinct of survival at all costs as their driving force because they have been given and taught nothing else!! If there is drug abuse and alcohol in the home or other types of extreme abuse, more and more kids are going to become violent. For many kids, the attention of the local drug dealer, the subsequent role they begin to play in that dealers business, provides these kids with the only sense of self empowerment they have ever felt!

The negligence of the local governments, school systems, and court systems to properly deal with these issues leave these kids “unprotected” and “ready for victimization” by predators of every ilk with no way to turn for help! I  am a firm believer of teaching kids every action, decision, or deed has a consequence. If all kids could get this message and have it re-enforced, I think crimes committed by children would drop dramatically.    I also accept that there are rare instances where some kids and people are truly evil and nothing would have prevented this reality.

But, certainly we can do a better job in our court system and mental health system to help those kids at risk while holding them accountable with consequences for their actions based on their ability to understand and reason! What does it say of our society when we treat kids as children in every aspect except in the court system or criminal justice system where they can be treated as adults because we adults have abdicated our responsibilities to these kids?

Source: “The Future of Children,” page 3, [Princeton, Brookings]

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“A Day to Remember”

•November 17, 2008 • Leave a Comment

A comment left on one of my posts led me to a beautiful tribute to our troops for Veteran’s Day. Sarah referred me to “A Day to Remember.” Go read this well written tribute to our troops and all soldiers in memory of all they have done for world peace!

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Our military is not just an instrument of war

•November 12, 2008 • 8 Comments

Since the early days when the first settlers came to America and founded our great nation, brave men and women have defended our nation from enemies, both foreign and domestic. When enemies attacked the early settlers men and women stood toe to toe, side by side, fighting off the attackers. Later, militias were formed. Though there were no women in the militias as far as I can determine, the women still looked after the home front while their men defended them in battle. They established undergrounds and performed many great deeds of courage.

From the very inception of our nation, we Americans, a hodge podge nation of European poor, indentured, wealthy, educated, and uneducated, all walks of social and economic life, came to America; and, did what Europe and no single nation previously could, united as a single body of people under one flag, one constitution, and one common ideal, democracy, and became the great nation we are today.

Throughout our history as we struggled with overcoming those issues that divided us, we began to grow as one nation, respectful of our individual heritages and protective of the new one we were building together! We survived a Civil War that might have left us all continually at odds with one another with issues ranging from slavery to the economic differences of one region with regard to another, culminating in the great social era of the 60’s and 70’s. But, through it all, we grew, ever forward to become what we are today.

Our military has developed, too, into the greatest military power in the world. It has grown from that ragtag militia that defended and fought King George [under the leadership of Washington] for our independence, fought in the War of 1812, at the Alamo against Santa Anna, at San Juan Hill, on Granada, in both WWI and WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, into the great power now fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan to help free them, protect our own nation and safe guard freedom and democracy throughout the world!!

Unlike many nations and militaries, we helped rebuild Japan and Europe after WWII. We didn’t annex or take over any of the nations we helped rebuild. Our military played a major role in Japan under MacArthur in helping to rebuild Japan. In Iraq and Afghanistan, as we continue to work to help those two countries become free democracies, we are also helping to rebuild infrastructure. That work is being done primarily by our military.

Our military is not just an instrument of war. It is also an instrument of humanitarian aid and support at home and abroad. During natural disasters they provide help by delivering necessary food, water, and medical supplies when needed. During hurricanes, tsunamis, wildfires, earthquakes, whatever the natural disaster, our troops provide help and aide at home and abroad when needed.

When they aren’t fighting wars or providing aide to the needy in disasters, some of our military explores off world as Astronauts. I vividly remember John Kennedy’s promise to put a man on the moon. Had an assassin not killed him, Kennedy would have been proud of those first space explorers. He would have celebrated with them and our nation their successes and mourned as we all did, their tragedies!

Our  military men and women get no over time regardless of how long their day. While they do get free medical care, housing or housing assistance for off base living, they still survive well below the middle income bracket in America. They depend entirely on the political mood at a given time for their services and needs. At times the members of our military are drafted; but, presently we have an all volunteer military.

Today, on the average, their educational level is higher than that of the civilian population.  I suppose you could call that a myth buster. When I was in the Corp from ’67-’71, there were many volunteers; but, there was also a draft in effect. There were also a number of soldiers given the choice of incarceration or military service by judges for certain, less severe crimes. There was a tendency to label all military as people who lacked what it took to “make it on the outside!” I always had to laugh at that particular comment!

Since our pioneer days, one thing hasn’t changed with regard to our military, whether  militia, National Guard, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Reserve units, men and women have been dying in the service of their country at home and abroad. They serve as reservists, career soldiers, or for one or two enlistments. Many of our soldiers’ family endure financial hardships, loneliness due to deployments, overwhelming stress, and constant fear of the unknown, especially during times of conflict. Why would anyone deliberately put themselves voluntarily through such a difficult life?

It may seem foolish to some, it may even seem seem trite to others; but, as a veteran myself, I can honestly say that when we  take the oath of service, we mean every single word:

In the Armed Forces EXCEPT the National Guard (Army or Air)

I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.

In the National Guard (Army or Air)

I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the State of (STATE NAME) against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the Governor of (STATE NAME) and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to law and regulations. So help me God.

Our nation’s citizens may become complacent. Our politicians may forget who they are supposed to be representing. They may be selling out their integrity and the ideals they spoke of in their oath of office to lobbyist, special interest groups, their own personal agendas! Our elected officials, judges, and other public officials may even attempt to move our nation in a direction that does not adhere to those great principles and guiding forces that led to the formation of our great nation. Unfortunately, even some Presidents forget to follow the ideals of their oath of office.

But, I feel confident saying that rarely does a single soldier forget his or her oath of service so freely spoken. Rarely does a soldier put him or herself before his or her nation. So, if you lover your freedom, thank a Veteran or Soldier. If you love your country, thank a Veteran or Soldier! If you love the peace and prosperity we enjoy, even during the tough times compared to most people in the world, thank a Veteran or a Soldier!

I thank God every day for our soldiers, men and women, for all that we enjoy as Americans. I give thanks for their families for all they too sacrifice on our behalf. I say a prayer of thanks for those who made the ultimate sacrifice and their families! Then I say another prayer that our elected officials and citizens will take a close look at these American Soldiers and really think about what all their sacrifices can teach us about love of country and fellow man!!

[I apologize for this late posting. I must have written a dozen posts before I finally decided to write this post from the heart!]

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Compromise our ideals and principles – Hell no!

•November 9, 2008 • 4 Comments

Eric Cantor from Virgina wants to compromise with those Democrats controlling our nation. I say “hell no!” There should be no compromise with the Socialists who are trying to destroy all we stand for and believe in in America. Compromise ought to be used when it is in the best interest of American rights, ideals and betterment only!

Had Republicans kept this thought in mind as they watched the Socialists take over the Democratic Party and told the public the truth to forestall the media collusion with these socialists, things might not be going to “hell in a hand basket” in America. But, what did the Republicans do, “tuck their tails” and “look out for their own self interests. ”

Where is the personal integrity, what happened to the public trust, the promise to adhere to our American ideals, our Constitution on the part of our elected officials in Congress? Has self interest become the sole motivation, the quest for power at any cost the sole goal of our elected officials?

What a sad state of affairs! What a shameful display of poor leadership! What we are seeing in Washington is the “rape” of our Democracy, the attempt to destroy our American dreams, the treasonous efforts of elected officials who have sold out their ethics and personal accountability for power and personal gain!!

Are America’s troops the only people who serve our nation and adhere to the sacred trust, to “serve, honor, and defend” our nation and its Constitution from “all enemies,” both foreign “and” domestic?

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Censorship – Medias’ Control of American Free Speech is Rampant

•November 9, 2008 • Leave a Comment

More and more discussion is occurring on FOX News about the censorship that occurred during the last Presidential Campaign. News networks, Newspaper Companies, and other media are starting to admit to the biased, open support for Obama. They are not trying to hide the fact that throughout the industry they are practicing “censorship” of news and information that is fed to the American public.

Bearing this censorship in mind, how can FOX News or any other media outlet ask if the nation is slanting left, right, or center? Left. right, and center of what? I believe in calling a “spade a spade!” When the media we all rely on is owned by conglomerates and that ownership is socialist, is directing what and who will receive what coverage, the media is in effect controlling public thought and opinion. It is lying by omission to the public. There is no longer any such thing among medias as “journalistic ethics, accountability, or responsibility in reporting!”

When corporations in other industry get so big they monopolize that industry and thereby remove competition, they are forced to split up to allow other companies in that industry to compete. The reason for this is the benefit of the public welfare or good!

Shouldn’t the media conglomerates be forced to “break up” their monopolies because they use censorship to prevent Americans from making informed decisions in every day aspects of our nations business from the smallest issues to the Presidential leadership of our nation? I feel that if medias want to tell people what that feel specifically about issues that the editorial pages and editorial time slots of their on are time offer them that option while reporting “all the news, uncensored” to the public?

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GM wants a Bailout – There’s that word “fair playing field again!”

•November 9, 2008 • Leave a Comment

The Union Rep for GM “just wants a fair playing field” and a “bailout” for GM. He says if you love America, then buy American! But, if a bailout doesn’t happen, the company will go broke! Sounds great on the surface. Now what is he not saying?

For one thing he failed to mention that when the union contracts come up, the Union consistently asks for “everything” it can get unreasonable or otherwise! Unions across America have been doing this for years. I worked for a company that was the largest employer in the world at one time. We all knew we needed to have enough food stored in our homes to feed ourselves for at least a month every three years because there was a strike nearly every three years. On one occasion, the strike lasted a month and information to members was “blacked out!” It was blacked out because the only area of contention was forcing non-members to “pay dues” in a “right to work” state! In over 23 years, I never saw one penny of assistance from the strike fund, even when I had two small babies I was raising on my own. Neither did any of my co-workers! Guess what? Those Union officials were paid a salary for the duration of the strike!

Let’s talk about work. I came back to my hometown to live after living in D.C. for about 15 years. D.C. is not right to work. The first day I reported to work was the first day of a contract strike. I didn’t know what was going on. I was escorted into a back door for safety – mine! For the remainder of the time I worked in D.C., union members did everything they could to get me fired. The harassment stopped when my boss started secretly monitoring our workload. I did more work than the rest of my co-workers. He finally put a stop to the harassment. But, local people we worked with in the local company that was involved in our work continued harassment until one by one I found some common interest, usually non-work related, to side track them when they acted like jerks!

You were not allowed to do anything not specifically approved by the Union! You left your job, finished or not, at exactly 4:30. You didn’t dare work during your break. But, you did work your but off otherwise. Back home that aspect changed. Co-workers, especially union workers, constantly asked me to do less work; do my work slower; else all the workers would be expected to do as I did. In companies with Unions, right to work or not, I will concede that at times Unions have helped tremendously with fair wages and working conditions. But, in many areas, union are now doing more harm than good. Every aspect of your job is scrutinized by the union. It constantly files frivolous grievances that far out number legitimate ones in the constant “them against us” prevailing attitude ever present in the work place!

When one of our companies stayed out of work on strike for 8-9 months, even longer, neither worker nor company recouped losses. The union never lost a dime. Their officials continued to be paid. The union was never willing to see that there were many ways besides exorbitant pay increases to help improve working conditions. After I came home I joined the union. I became a steward. I was canned from that job after I refused to campaign and influence workers during a union election!

My suggestion to GM and the Union – sell ownership in the company to the workers. Make it a company owned by the workers and the company, with 51% ownership remaining in the hands of the owners. Of course that might make the union obsolete! It will however help keep the company going and it will improve the quality of vehicles produced thus cutting down on purchases of foreign made cars and increase purchase of better made American cars!!

We do not need more socialized bailouts. The government does not exist to bailout poorly managed companies! It was a given that as soon as the banks were bailed out, the automobile industry would be the next industry standing in the “bailout line” with their hand out!

I welcome discussion and dissent!

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Did Jody steal our American Democracy and Freedom?

•November 8, 2008 • 2 Comments

While our troops were deployed to fight for our freedom and democracy and that of others did “Jody” steal our own freedom? Jody is the term troops apply to those men who home in on the spouses of deployed soldiers.

So, I ask again, “while our troops are deployed defending American Democracy and freedom and that of others, did “Jody steal” ours? I think, yes!

WikiAnswers says,  “Around 1,203,640 as of January 2007” American soldiers have died defending America in all wars including the current conflicts. Of course it points out that that number may not be totally accurate. I imagine a completely accurate answer is not possible!

From the Lee, R. “The History Guy: Casualties From America’s Wars”,  I found the following statistics as of 1-21- 2007:

Below is a listing of America’s MAJOR wars and conflicts and the known casualty figures for each. Casualties are for United States and Confederate military dead and wounded only. Civilian casualties will be added later.

War Dates Deaths Wounded
American Revolutionary War 1775-1783 Combat: 4,435

Other: Unknown

 6,188
Indian Wars 1783-1890 Combat: 1,000 (approx.)

Other: Unknown

 Unknown
The War of 1812 1812-1815 Combat: 2,260

Other: Unknown

 4,505
U.S.-Mexican War 1846-1848 Combat: 1,733

Other: 11,550

Total: 13,283

 4,152
U.S. Civil War 1861-1865 Union: Combat: 110,070

Other: 249,458

Confederate: Combat: 74,524

Other: 124,000

 Union: 275,175

Confederate: 137,000 +

Spanish-American War 1898 Combat: 385

Other: 2,061

Total: 2,456

 1,662
Philippine-American War 1899-1901 Combat: 1,108

Other: 2,108

Total: 3,216

2,779
World War I 1917-1918 Combat: 53,513

Other: 63,195

Total: 116,708

 204,002
World War II 1941-1945 Combat: 292,131

Other: 115,185

Total: 407,316

 670,846
Korean War 1950-1953 Combat: 33,651

Other:

**(in-theater): 2,830

(not-in-theater): 17,730

Total: 54,246***

 103,284
Vietnam War 1964-1975 Combat: 47,369

Other: 10,799

Total: 58,168****

 153,303
Gulf War 1991 Combat: 148

Other: 145

Total: 293

 467
War Dates Deaths Wounded
Operation Enduring Freedom: Afghanistan/Pakistan October 7, 2001– Continuing

As of March 22, 2008

Total: 487

(this number includes four CIA Officers killed in action against al-Qaeda/Taliban forces)

 Total: 1,096

(based on DoD website which includes all wounded from Operation EF, including those injured in areas other than Afghanistan/Pakistan)
Operation Enduring Freedom: Philippines Oct. 7, 2001-Continuing

As of September 12, 2004

 Combat: 1

Non-Combat*****:10

Total: 11
Third Persian Gulf War “Operation Iraqi Freedom” March 19, 2003-Continuing

As of March 24, 2008

Total: 4,000

 Total: 29, 395
Haiti Intervention March 1, 2004-Continuing

As of May 25, 2004

 Combat: 0

Non-Combat: 0

Total: 0

 Combat: 1

Non-Combat 0

Total: 1


“From another source,  Matthew White, I found the following statistics:

War [fn.5]
[click the name for sources]		 Date Killed in Battle
or Died of Wounds		 Died of Disease,
Accident, etc.		 Total American Deaths
[fn.1]		 Legal Authority
[fn.3]
World War II 1941-45 291,557 113,842 405,399 Formal declaration
Civil War (US+CS) 1861-65 204,070
[US:_110,070]
[CS:_94,000]		 414,152
[US:_250,152]
[CS:_164,000]		 618,222
[US:_360,222]
[CS:_258,000]		 USA:_Executive
CSA:_Revolutionary
World War I 1917-18 53,402 63,114 116,516 Formal declaration
Vietnam War 1965-73 47,378 10,799 58,177 Executive
Korean War 1950-53 33,741 2,827 36,568 Executive
Revolutionary War 1775-83 Patriot: 6,824
Loyalist: 3,000		 Patriot: 18,500 Patriot: 25,324 Patriot: Revolutionary
Loyalist: Royal
Indian Wars 1775-1891 3,000 ± [fn.4] 1,100 ± 4,100 ± Executive
Iraq War 2003-
(as of 7 June 2007)		 2,863 627 3,490 Executive
War of 1812 1812-15 2,260 17,205 19,465 Formal declaration
Mexican War 1846-48 1,733 11,550 13,283 Formal declaration
Philippine Insurgency 1899-1902 1,018 3,216 4,234 Executive
Spanish Civil War
(Abraham Lincoln Battalion)		 1936-39 900 Volunteers
Texas War of Independence 1835-36 704 Revolutionary
Spanish-American War 1898 385 2,061 2,446 Formal declaration
Nicaragua (Walker’s Expedition) 1856-57 1,000 Filibuster
Russian Civil War 1918-20 304 268 572 Executive
Lebanon 1982-84 273 273 Executive
Afghanistan 2001-
(as of 7 June 2007)		 212 121 333 [fn.2] Executive
Gulf War 1990-91 148 235 383 Executive
War against Terrorism 2001- 99 2 101 [fn.6] Executive
Mexican expeditions 1914-17 57 57 Executive
Nicaragua 1926-33 47 89 136 Executive

As I read these tables with their numbers, I am saddened and shocked. These tables represent those who have given their lives in defense of our nation, our Democracy, and our freedom!! In a single election, we, as a nation, have allowed a Socialists takeover over twenty years in the making, seize control of America without a single shot fired in defense of our nation. If the new controls over control the media, already controlled predominately by the socialists leftists and the new regulations about gun ownership are passed, then it will be very hard to take back America if we lose our ability to do so through the election process!! Think about it people, what we are silently allowing to happen in America at home, as our troops defend our nation and Democracy abroad???

I think it also behooves us as a nation to take a closer look at how the latest economic crisis at home and abroad has occurred. I do not agree with current explanations. I feel there is a lot of money at play here as part of the latest worldwide effort for a globalist economy under one government and one world court at play here, controlled by big money businesses and banks !!

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In Defense of Sarah Palin

•November 8, 2008 • 4 Comments

I have deliberately written little about Sarah Palin. I was undecided about what to write about such a newcomer on the political scene. So I basically chose to write little or nothing! I opted, instead, to listen to her speeches and read as much as I could find to give me an idea who Palin really was.

I found that she was a person of strong conviction which at times I did not agree with, but respected. But, mostly I found Palin to be a competent, highly motivated, family oriented public servant. You see, I always felt that if the McCain-Palin ticket won the Presidential race, we were in effect electing ‘two” presidents!” With McCain’s age and health issues, I felt that there was a likely-hood Palin would become President before the first term ended.

I had already experienced a personal disappointment over Hillary Clinton. For years I supported Hillary. Then a chance find on an Internet search led me to change my views drastically as far as supporting Hillary Clinton. I was shocked and disappointed at the extent of Hillary’s leftist views and activities, especially with regard to George Soros and the formation of the “Shadow Party!” As a woman, I have long awaited to advent of a strong woman capable of leading our nation. I have long waited for the “good old boy” attitude to disappear in America. I have long waited for the day when, just like race was not an issue in the Presidential race, neither was sex of a candidate!

I did find in Palin a tendency for more Conservative views at times than my own; but, mostly, she appeared to be just what we needed in America and on the Republican ticket. So why are Republicans trashing Governor Sarah Palin now that Obama has won the Presidential race?

Personally, I feel that the Republican Party as a whole fell down on the job. They failed to go out like the Obama supporters on the left and encourage potential voters to register. The Party failed to have its elected Congressional members openly support and encourage voters to vote for McCain and Palin. Mostly the Party ran few adds, did little out reach, and offered little real support to their candidates. Many Republicans “jumped ship” and supported the leftist Democratic candidates.

As a whole, the Party failed to capitalize on many opportunities to expose the Democratic candidates as the leftists they were and are. They failed to uphold the oath they took when they were sworn into their respective office. They refused to take positions on anything out of fear of protecting their own political goals and positions. The Republicans continued to allow these leftist and anti-American elements to take control of Congress as the Democrats did with the Democratic Party. They allowed Nancy Pelosi to extend her leftist power base in Congress and they allowed a leftist to take over the White House. As I have said before, they have allowed a “revolution in our American Government” without a “single shot heard around the world!”

They allowed the media [except for FOX News] to slant the entire election towards the left and Obama. They failed to serve and protect those who elected them to Congress. While over 5,000 of our troops died while helping Iraq and Afghanistan lift themselves up from the yokes of extremism, terrorism, and tyranny to Democratic nations, our Congress allowed our nation’s leadership to fall into the hands of leftists extremism that does not respect our Democracy or our Constitution! As our troops defended Democracy and our nation abroad, our Congress and the Republican Party silently allowed a threat to Democracy be elected to the White House without a single voice speaking out, except for one, Sarah Palin!

Is it any wonder the Republican Party and some of its members are trashing Palin? She alone defended our Democracy and Constitution! She alone spoke out! She alone promised to serve and protect all those values and ideals we hold dear in America as the media hid from the public what was happening and the Republican Party and the Democratic Party remained quiet, one out of shame, the other out of cowardice!!

If you doubt what I say, just look at those already appointed by Obama, the extreme leftist, who are already setting the stage for curtailing free speech and the right to bear arms! What is next? When will the Republican Party start to act as a unit and fight this “attack” on our rights and freedom? When will the Democratic party admit what” it” has done or allowed to be done to the party and its members start to fight back? When will both parties insist that the media stop censoring the news?

When will they start to prevent the attack on our rights and freedoms? When will they both put the nation first over their own inept political careers?

So, speak out Sarah. Tell them all like it really is and was! You may just be the only politician in either party left who still believes in serving and protecting our Nation, Constitution, and Democratic way of life?? You may be the only politician who has the “family jewels” to fight for our American way of life!!

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