Remember our Brave Troops

I visited all of the milblogs on my list to thank those who are or have served our nation in the military.

Steven Kiel included a message received from Bob Fertik, President
Democrats.com

I cannot imagine the motivation behind sending such a message to our troops no matter how strongly you hold your political beliefs. This is a holiday to HONOR our military, past and present. I went to the site of Fertik's blog but he only allows registered commenters and no Email address is present.

I encourage all who may read this to visit the milblogs and thank and encourage them.

Michael Yon : Online Magazine

Alaa of the Mesopotamian blog linked to this site written by a journalist in Iraq. The commentary on how news is obtained in Iraq and then written for release to news organizations is interesting.. He has a couple of examples of small kindnesses that never see print.
I will visit this site again.

Michael Yon : Online Magazine

Rosemary's Ideas

My friend, Rosemary posted her political platform the other day. I have to say I agree with the majority of it. What do you think?

My Newz 'n Ideas: "Here is my platform:

1. Pro-life.
2. Pro-choice in education
3. Pro-choice in social security.
4. Pro-choice for the right to work (without joining a union).
5. Pro-fair trade. If it is not a true democracy country, we do not trade.
6. Pro-religious freedom. I have to respect you, fine. You have to respect me, too. It's a two way street.
7. Pro-English first and only on government documents.
8. Pro-LEGAL immigration.
9. Pro-extraditing illegal aliens.
10. Pro-limiting the role of judges to rule on the cases that come before them. NOT to create law or legislate from the bench.
11. Pro-international health protection as pertains to entering the USA. You must be seen by a USA doctor at one of several checkpoints to make sure you do not bring any diseases with you. No one with a disease shall enter this country unless it is not contageous, and you pay for it.
12. Pro-death penalty for 1 murder, 1 rape, 1 child molestation, and I'm sure there is more.
13. Pro-lock 'em up. That is any businesses hiring illegal aliens. No fines alone. Bigger fines, longer time in prison.
14. Pro-border patrol. Send the National Guard to all borders. Period.
15. Pro-parent-teacher control of the school budget, to be overseen by the State Accounting Office.
16. Pro-get rid of the people that are in the way of progress and change.
17. Pro-sales tax after the repeal of the tax amendment. 7%, that's it. Not one red cent more.
18. Pro-private property.
19. Pro-conservation.
20. Pro-animal protection.
21. Pro-helping our neighbors by encouraging the public to donate instead of the government unlawfully spending tax-payer dollars.
22. Pro-constitution. Anything Powers not given Congress belong to the State. Period. No more usurpation of power.
23. Pro-USA citizenship protection act. Unless you are a citizen when you have a child, the child is also illegal!
24. Pro-any more issues I have missed but may think of at a later date!"

David Limbaugh: A betrayal of historic proportions

David Limbaugh speaks for me when he saysDavid Limbaugh: A betrayal of historic proportions: "Even worse, the agreement effectively disenfranchises the majority of the electorate on the most important domestic and social issues facing the nation and which drove many of them to the polls in November. Millions of voters cast their ballots for national candidates in reliance on their belief that these people would stand up for them in the culture war by working to rid the courts of activist judges.
This 'compromise' deal is a gigantic slap in the face to these voters by an elite cadre of legislators who seem to care more about 'collegiality' among their Senate colleagues than vindicating constitutional principles. Even assuming 14 out of 100 Senators can establish comity, would you rather have 100 senators getting along wonderfully while selling constitutional principles down the river, or having these 100 at each others' throats while preserving the Constitution?"

As an Independent, I have always voted for the candidates most in sync with my values and my understanding of the principles upon which our nation was founded. I voted a straight ticket for the first time last November in hopes that if President Bush had enough support in the congress this nation's problems would be addressed and action would be taken. It appears I was wrong. The Senate is in disorder. The minority rants about what they will accept and will not even attempt to act on the problems of Social Security because they do not like a provision that they managed to get for themselves but do not want the electorate to have. They want more liberal judges, ambassadors etc. and smear the candidates who have been naminated by the president. They want their "club" to remain comfy for all rather than stand up for the promises made to be elected.
I have no respect for the manner in which they are behaving. It is my hope that the Republicans come to their senses sooner rather than later and pass the Constitutional option and get on with the nation's business. I wish we the people had the power to recall the lot of them, get rid of their golden fleece retirement plan and put them in Social Security. Hard working Americans are facing the possibility of losing thir pension plans -- I think congress should face the same.

Norma Tagged Me

Norma at Collecting my Thoughts tagged me to answer five questions and then tag blogger friends to answer . I also could add three questions to the following list:



If I could be a scientist...
If I could be a farmer...
If I could be a musician...
If I could be a doctor...
If I could be a painter...
If I could be a gardener...
If I could be a missionary...
If I could be a chef...
If I could be an architect...
If I could be a linguist...
If I could be a psychologist...
If I could be a librarian...
If I could be an athlete...
If I could be a lawyer...
If I could be an inn-keeper...
If I could be a professor...
If I could be a writer...
If I could be a llama-rider...
If I could be a bonnie pirate...
If I could be an astronaut...
If I could be a world famous blogger...
If I could be a justice on any one court in the world...
If I could be married to any current famous political figure...
If I could be an Office Supply Salesman...
If I could be a Dog-show judge...
If I could be a Coal Miner...
If I could be a baker...
If I could be a comedian...
If I could be a monk
If I could be a publisher
If I could be a spy
If I could be a greeting card designer

My answers: If I could be a Dog Show Judge, I would want to judge mixed breed mutts since the appearence and traits are not the results of careful, selective
breeding by humans. They are the innate characteristics of a random mix, often of unknown origins. Outstanding mongrels are loyal, funny and very loving animals who do not rely on man made rules to determine their value to us.

If could be a publisher, I would publish those books that celebrate the good in our universe and especially in America. I would not publish the works of authors who have a need to trash our nation, our leaders, our military and our faith. Books with positive suggestions to deal with imperfections in our nation would be published if the problems are clearly defined without all of the negative rhetoric and finger pointing.

If I could be a gardener (in my younger, more physically able days I acutally did a lot of gardening) I would have nonstop fresh tomatoes and other veggies. My yard would be filled with flower beds designed to have something in bloom thoughout the growing season and I would qualify to have our local "Yard of the Month" sign
posted each year.

If I could be a comedian, I would hope to be very funny without resorting to blue humor.

If I could be a judge (assuming I would have vast knowledge of Constitutional law) I would strive to protect the rights of the general public instead of a very vocal
minority who strive to have their personal rights supercede the rights of the majority. Traditional values would be guarded.


New questions:

If I could be a new parent
If I could be a College Graduation Speaker
If I could be an advisor to the Senate

I tag Patty-Jo, Rosemary and Dagney

To Newsweek

I have been upset with the liberal bias so apparent in the past year but still continued to read it and found an occasional article that was of interest.


As an Independent who has often voted for Democrats, I was able to overlook your constant bashing of the current political leadership and failure to support our troops in any meaningful way.


Your current lack of judgment is beyond my ability to overlook. To print such a story about desecration of the Quran that would so obviously fuel Anti-American
views was not done because it was such dramatic news. This was done to embarrass the administration without a thought of concern about how it would be received by the Arab world or how it would endanger Americans in Muslim countries be they civilian or military.



The deaths of the people involved in the riots are the fault of those who chose to report inflammatory information without absolute, undeniable proof of a story which is surely not worthy of the printer’s ink.



I hope they are enjoying the pictures of our flag being burned by a people America has spent much blood and treasure to free from terrible oppression. You can now write another article about how this administration and our military are failing to win hearts and minds since you have so effectively found a way to make the job of cnvincing people of other cultures that this melding pot we know as America is really anti-Muslim.



I have written to the subscription service to cancel my subscription since as an American I cannot accept your total disregard for the wellbeing of our nation and our military during the war on terror whether or not you personally support our current efforts.

Some Interesting Ideas

WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT TO TURN ON THE TV AND HEAR THE FOLLOWING SPEECH?

My Fellow Americans:

As you all know, the defeat of Iraq regime has been completed.

Since congress does not want to spend any more money on this war, our mission in Iraq is now complete.

This morning I gave the order for a complete removal of all American

forces from Iraq. This action will be complete within 30 days. It is now to begin the reckoning.

Before me, I have two lists. One list contains the names of countries

which have stood by our side during the Iraq conflict. This list is short.

The United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Australia, and Poland are some of the countries listed there.

The other list contains everyone not on the first list. Most of the

world's nations are on that list. My press secretary will be distributing copies of both lists later this evening.

Let me start by saying that effective immediately, foreign aid to those nations on List 2 ceases immediately and indefinitely. The money saved during the first year alone will pretty much pay for the costs of the Iraqi war.

The American people are no longer going to pour money into third world Hell-holes and watch those government leaders grow fat on corruption.

Need help with a famine? Wrestling with an epidemic? Call France.

In the future, together with Congress, I will work to redirect this money toward solving the vexing social problems we still have at home. On that note, a word to terrorist organizations. Screw with us and we will hunt you down and eliminate you and all your friends from the face of the earth.

Thirsting for a gutsy country to terrorize? Try France, or maybe

China.

To Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Yo, boys. Work out a peace deal now. Just note that Camp David is closed. Maybe all of you can go to Russia for negotiations. They have some great palaces there. Big tables, too. I am ordering the immediate severing of diplomatic relations with France, Germany, and Russia. Thanks for all your help, comrades. We are retiring from NATO as well. Bon chance, mes amis.

I have instructed the Mayor of New York City to begin towing the many UN diplomatic vehicles located in Manhattan with more than two unpaid parking tickets to sites where those vehicles will be stripped, shredded and crushed. I don't care about whatever treaty pertains to this. You creeps have tens of thousands of unpaid tickets. Pay those tickets tomorrow or watch your precious

Benzes, Beamers, and limos be turned over to some of the finest chop shops in the world. I love New York

A special note to our neighbors. Canada is on List 2. Since we are likely to be seeing a lot more of each other, you folks might want to try not pissing us off for a change.

Mexico is also on List 2. President Fox and his entire corrupt government really need an attitude adjustment I will have a couple extra tank and infantry divisions sitting around. Guess where I am going to put em? Yep, border security. So start doing something with your oil.

Oh, by the way, the United States is abrogating the NAFTA

treaty - starting now.

We are tired of the one-way highway.

It is time for America to focus on its own welfare and its own citizens. Some will accuse us of isolationism. I answer them by saying, "darn tootin."

Nearly a century of trying to help folks live a decent life around the

world has only earned us the undying enmity of just about everyone on the planet. It is time to eliminate hunger in America. It is time to eliminate homelessness in America. It is time to eliminate World Cup Soccer from America. To the nations on List 1, a final thought. Thanks guys. We owe you and we won't forget.

To the nations on List 2, a final thought. Drop dead.

God bless America.

Thank you and good night.

If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you are reading it in English,

thank a soldier.

from an Email--author unknown

Aging

There's always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it.

For example I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt.

Being a Mom

We are sitting at lunch one day when my daughter casually
mentions that she and her husband are thinking of "starting a
family." "We're taking a survey," she says half-joking. "Do you
think I should have a baby?" "It will change your life," I say,
carefully keeping my tone neutral. "I know," she says, "no more
sleeping in on weekends, no more spontaneous vacations."

But that is not what I meant at all. I look at my daughter,
trying to decide what to tell her. I want her to know what she
will never learn in childbirth classes. I want to tell her that
the physical wounds of child bearing will heal, but becoming a
mother will leave her with an emotional wound so raw that she
will forever be vulnerable. I consider warning her that she
will never again read a newspaper without asking, "What if that
had been MY child?" That every plane crash, every house fire
will haunt her. That when she sees pictures of
starving children, she will wonder if anything could be worse
than watching your child die. I look at her carefully manicured
nails and stylish suit and think that no matter how
sophisticated she is, becoming a mother will reduce her to
the primitive level of a bear protecting her cub. That an urgent
call of "Mom!" will cause her to drop a soufflé or her best
crystal without a moments hesitation.

I feel that I should warn her that no matter how many year she
has invested in her career, she will be professionally derailed
will be going into an important business meeting and she will
think of her baby's sweet smell. She will have to use every
ounce of discipline to keep from running home, just to make sure
her baby is all right.

I want my daughter to know that every day decisions will no
longer be routine. That a five year old boy's desire to go to
the men's room rather than the women's at McDonald's will become
a major dilemma. That right there, in the midst of clattering
trays and screaming children, issues of independence and gender
identity will be weighed against the prospect that a child
molester may be lurking in that restroom. However decisive she
may be at the office, she will second-guess herself constantly
as a mother.

Looking at my attractive daughter, I want to assure her that
eventually she will shed the pounds of pregnancy, but she will
never feel the same about herself. That her life, now so
important, will be of less value to her once she has a child.
That she would give herself up in a moment to save her
offspring, but will also begin to hope for more years, not to
accomplish her own dreams, but to watch her child accomplish
theirs. I want her to know that a cesarean scar or shiny stretch
marks will become badges of honor.

My daughter's relationship with her husband will change, and not
in the way she thinks. I wish she could understand how much
more you can love a man who is careful to powder the baby or who
never hesitates to play with his child. I think she should know
that she will fall in love with him again for reasons she
would now find very unromantic.

I wish my daughter could sense the bond she will feel with women
throughout history who have tried to stop war, prejudice and
drunk driving. I want to describe to my daughter the
exhilaration of seeing your child learn to ride a bike. I want
to capture for her the belly laugh of a baby who is touching the
soft fur of a dog or cat for the first time. I want her to taste
the joy that is so real it actually hurts.

formed in my eyes. "You'll never regret it," I finally say. Then
I reached across the table, squeezed my daughter's hand and
offered a silent prayer for her,and for me, and for all the mere
mortal women who stumble their way into this most wonderful of
callings.

Please share this with a Mom that you know or all of your
girlfriends who may someday be Moms. May you always have in your
arms the one who is in your heart.

Noah's Ark

In the year 2005, the Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in the United States, and said, "Once again, the earth has become wicked and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save two of every living thing along with a few good humans."

He gave Noah the blueprints, saying, "You have six months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights".

Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard ... but no ark.

"Noah", He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?"

"Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah. "But things have changed. I needed a building permit. I've been arguing with the inspector about the need for a sprinkler system. My neighbors claim that I've violated the neighborhood zoning laws by building the Ark in my yard and exceeding the
height limitations. We had to go to the Development Appeal Board for a decision. Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark's move to the sea. I
argued that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it.

Getting the wood was another problem. There's a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls. But no go!

When I started gathering the animals, I got sued by an animal rights group. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. As well, they argued the accommodation was too restrictive and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.

Then the EPA ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.

I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew.

Also, the trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark building experience.

To make matters worse, the IRS seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species.

So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least ten years for me to finish this Ark."

Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky.

Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean, You're not going to destroy the world?".

"No," said the Lord. "The government beat me to it."

Research Associate

A woman named Emily, renewing her driver's license at the County
Clerk's office, was asked by the woman recorder to state her
occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

"What I mean is," explained the recorder, "do you have a job, or are
you just a .....?"
"Of course I have a job," snapped Emily. "I'm a mother."

"We don't list 'mother' as an occupation...'housewife' covers it,"

I forgot all about her story until one day... I found myself in the
same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was
obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high
sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."

"What is your occupation?" she probed.

What made me say it, I do not know..... The words simply popped out.

"I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human
Relations."

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair, and looked up as
though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly,
emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as
my pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official
questionnaire.

"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in
your field?"

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself
reply, "I have a continuing program of research, (what mother
doesn't), in the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have
said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (the whole darned
family), and already have four credits, (all daughters). Of course,
the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother
care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like
it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill
careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just
money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I
was greeted by my lab assistants - ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could
hear our new ... experimental model (a 6 month old baby) in the
child-development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt
triumphant! I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the
official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to
mankind than "just another mother."

Motherhood.....What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title
on the door.
Does this make grandmothers "Senior Research Associates in the field
of Child Development and Human Relations" and great grandmothers
Executive Senior Research Associates"? I think so!!!

I also think it makes Aunts "Associate Research Assistants".