Senator Frist has announced his position on embryonic stem cell research. Those supporting him are touting his abilities as a cardio-thoracic surgeon.This in their minds makes him all knowing about all forms of medical science. This is simply not true. He has basic science background as do all medical doctors both in the pre-med college classes as well as in med school. From that point on, Dr. Frist concentrated on surgery and heart and lung disease. He has not been on the frontier of stem cell research. I applaud Dr. Frist on the many skills in which he excels but I am not so naive as to laud his insight into all things medical.
What makes it very difficult for me to accept Sen. Frists willingness to spend huge amounts of tax payer money on research that thus far has had only negative results.
Any and all breakthroughs in treatment of spinal cord injuries and other diseases have come from adult or cord blood cells. A method has been developed to stimulate adults bone marrow to increase the development of blood cells, separating the embryonic quality stem cells produced. All of this without destroying a single embryo.
Since I believe in the sanctity of life, this is the type of research I am willing to support.
My impression of Sen. Frist making his announcement is this a step toward his presidential bid. He is as bad as John Kerry and John Edwards playing on the emotions of people who are living with, or have a loved suffering from serious illness. Embryonic stem cells have not produced any successes. Adult stem cells have as we have seen in various media reports. For his political gain he is willing to spend millions of taxpayer dollars running after a thus far very disappointing research instead of advocating increasing funding of adult stem cells.
The Lancet quotes Neil Scolding, a British neurology researcher at the University of Bristol saying, "(An) increasing appreciation of the hazards of embryonic stem cells has rightly prevented the emergence or immediate prospect of any clinical therapies based on such cells. The natural propensity of embryonic stem cells to form [tumors], their exhibition of chromosomal abnormalities, and abnormalities in cloned mammals all present difficulties."
(Lifesite News.com 6/15/05)
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Saturday, July 30, 2005
It's All About Abortion
"'Sen. Leahy said he would vote against a Supreme Court nominee, like Judge John Roberts, if he would not commit to vote in favor of abortion in any cases that come before the court,' said Gary Marx, executive director of the Judicial Confirmation Network (JCN). "LINK:
"A group of female Democratic senators said yesterday that they will vote against Supreme Court nominee John G. Roberts Jr. unless he vows to uphold abortion rights."
LINK:
When will the Senators learn that the only acceptable litmus test is if the nominee plans to uphold the Constitution of the United States?
When did the oath taken to uphold the Constituion become irrelevant to our elected officials?
"A U.S. Senator takes this oath of office:
I 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; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.
It now seems the oath of office has been changed to:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the liberal interpretation of all laws previously written or to be written so long as they
fit my personal views and that of my party. I will defend my right to my personal views and that of my party to interpret the Constitution only in the way that suits us. So help me fellow liberals.
"A group of female Democratic senators said yesterday that they will vote against Supreme Court nominee John G. Roberts Jr. unless he vows to uphold abortion rights."
LINK:
When will the Senators learn that the only acceptable litmus test is if the nominee plans to uphold the Constitution of the United States?
When did the oath taken to uphold the Constituion become irrelevant to our elected officials?
"A U.S. Senator takes this oath of office:
I 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; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.
It now seems the oath of office has been changed to:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the liberal interpretation of all laws previously written or to be written so long as they
fit my personal views and that of my party. I will defend my right to my personal views and that of my party to interpret the Constitution only in the way that suits us. So help me fellow liberals.
Friday, July 29, 2005
Congratulations To Britain Security
The British authorities have had a busy day in Notting Hill. Two more suspects have been taken into custody relating to the failed bombings of July 21. Other raids are taking place.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Sentiments I Relate To
WHAT'S ALL THE FUSS?
"Are we fighting a war on terror or aren't we? Was it or was it not started by Islamic people who brought it to our shores on September 11, 2001? Were people from all over the world, mostly Americans, not brutally murdered that day, in downtown Manhattan, across the Potomac from our nation's capitol and in a field in Pennsylvania? Did nearly three thousand men, women and children die a horrible, burning or crushing death that day, or didn't they?
And I'm supposed to care that a copy of the Koran was "desecrated" when an overworked American soldier kicked it or got it wet? Well, I don't. I don't care at all.
I'll start caring when Osama bin Laden turns himself in and repents for incinerating all those innocent people on 9/11.
I'll care about the Koran when the fanatics in the Middle East start caring about the "Holy Bible", the mere possession of which is a crime in Saudi Arabia.
I'll care when Abu Musab al-Zarqawi tells the world he is sorry for hacking off Nick Berg's head while Berg screamed through his gurgling, slashed throat.
I'll care when the cowardly so-called "insurgents" in Iraq come out and fight like men instead of disrespecting their own religion by hiding in mosques.
I'll care when the mindless zealots who blow themselves up in search of nirvana care about the innocent children within range of their suicide bombs.
I'll care when the American media stops pretending that their First Amendment liberties are somehow derived from international law instead of the United States Constitution's Bill of Rights..
I'll care when Clinton-appointed judges stop ordering my government to release photos of the abuses at Abu Ghraib, which are sure to set off the Islamic extremists just as Newsweek's lies did a few weeks ago.
In the meantime, when I hear a story about a brave marine roughing up an Iraqi terrorist to obtain information, know this: I don't care.
When I see a fuzzy photo of a pile of naked Iraqi prisoners who have been humiliated in what amounts to a college hazing incident, rest assured that I don't care.
When I see a wounded terrorist get shot in the head when he is told not to move because he might be booby-trapped, you can take it to the bank that I don't care.
When I hear that a prisoner, who was issued a Koran and a prayer mat, and fed "special" food that is paid for by my tax dollars, is complaining that his holy book is being "mishandled," you can absolutely believe in your heart of hearts that I don't care.
And oh, by the way, I've noticed that sometimes it's spelled "Koran" and other times "Quran." Well, Jimmy Crack Corn and -- you guessed it -- I don't care!" -
This is from an Email and I wanted to share it.
"Are we fighting a war on terror or aren't we? Was it or was it not started by Islamic people who brought it to our shores on September 11, 2001? Were people from all over the world, mostly Americans, not brutally murdered that day, in downtown Manhattan, across the Potomac from our nation's capitol and in a field in Pennsylvania? Did nearly three thousand men, women and children die a horrible, burning or crushing death that day, or didn't they?
And I'm supposed to care that a copy of the Koran was "desecrated" when an overworked American soldier kicked it or got it wet? Well, I don't. I don't care at all.
I'll start caring when Osama bin Laden turns himself in and repents for incinerating all those innocent people on 9/11.
I'll care about the Koran when the fanatics in the Middle East start caring about the "Holy Bible", the mere possession of which is a crime in Saudi Arabia.
I'll care when Abu Musab al-Zarqawi tells the world he is sorry for hacking off Nick Berg's head while Berg screamed through his gurgling, slashed throat.
I'll care when the cowardly so-called "insurgents" in Iraq come out and fight like men instead of disrespecting their own religion by hiding in mosques.
I'll care when the mindless zealots who blow themselves up in search of nirvana care about the innocent children within range of their suicide bombs.
I'll care when the American media stops pretending that their First Amendment liberties are somehow derived from international law instead of the United States Constitution's Bill of Rights..
I'll care when Clinton-appointed judges stop ordering my government to release photos of the abuses at Abu Ghraib, which are sure to set off the Islamic extremists just as Newsweek's lies did a few weeks ago.
In the meantime, when I hear a story about a brave marine roughing up an Iraqi terrorist to obtain information, know this: I don't care.
When I see a fuzzy photo of a pile of naked Iraqi prisoners who have been humiliated in what amounts to a college hazing incident, rest assured that I don't care.
When I see a wounded terrorist get shot in the head when he is told not to move because he might be booby-trapped, you can take it to the bank that I don't care.
When I hear that a prisoner, who was issued a Koran and a prayer mat, and fed "special" food that is paid for by my tax dollars, is complaining that his holy book is being "mishandled," you can absolutely believe in your heart of hearts that I don't care.
And oh, by the way, I've noticed that sometimes it's spelled "Koran" and other times "Quran." Well, Jimmy Crack Corn and -- you guessed it -- I don't care!" -
This is from an Email and I wanted to share it.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
An Update
Some readers may remember my post regarding the need for a heart transplant for my niece's husband. In an Email, she writes:
"Great news - D has been selected as one of 165 end-stage congestive heart failure participants nationwide for a research project for the Jarvik 2000, which is an implant to assist the heart in pumping blood and will be used as a “bridge-to-transplant” to stabilize and help strengthen him until a heart becomes available. If this procedure is successful, and it does look promising, then it will be a wonderful enhancement to his and our lives by helping to normalize his energy level, stabilize his health, and alieviate the fluid congestion. The Jarvik L-VAD has been recognized for its lower infection and clotting rates than other L-VAD's.
D has been selected to be the first and only patient to receive the Jarvik 2000 at Yale hospital for this study and it will be implanted by Dr. Robert Jarvik himself along with Yale’s resident cardiologist surgeon. The paperwork has been signed off on and was submitted to the FDA; we are expecting the call for his admittance to Yale for this procedure about mid-August.
Needless to say we are so very excited (and nerveous), D especially so. But oh what a difference it would bring to our lives. How fitting that this is all happening about the time of Danny's birthday (August 16th), a sort of re-birth-day present! God does listen to all the prayers of people who have been praying for him!"
Please remember D in your prayers as well as Dr, Jarvik and the medical team that will assist him. Thank you.
"Great news - D has been selected as one of 165 end-stage congestive heart failure participants nationwide for a research project for the Jarvik 2000, which is an implant to assist the heart in pumping blood and will be used as a “bridge-to-transplant” to stabilize and help strengthen him until a heart becomes available. If this procedure is successful, and it does look promising, then it will be a wonderful enhancement to his and our lives by helping to normalize his energy level, stabilize his health, and alieviate the fluid congestion. The Jarvik L-VAD has been recognized for its lower infection and clotting rates than other L-VAD's.
D has been selected to be the first and only patient to receive the Jarvik 2000 at Yale hospital for this study and it will be implanted by Dr. Robert Jarvik himself along with Yale’s resident cardiologist surgeon. The paperwork has been signed off on and was submitted to the FDA; we are expecting the call for his admittance to Yale for this procedure about mid-August.
Needless to say we are so very excited (and nerveous), D especially so. But oh what a difference it would bring to our lives. How fitting that this is all happening about the time of Danny's birthday (August 16th), a sort of re-birth-day present! God does listen to all the prayers of people who have been praying for him!"
Please remember D in your prayers as well as Dr, Jarvik and the medical team that will assist him. Thank you.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Political Correctness
"We have been so brainwashed about what's politically correct, that we forget about what's morally correct." These words struck me as I read Armstrong Williams article at Townhall.com. Much is written about not using the word terrorist and using some less offensive terminology to describe those who plot and perform large scale murder hoping to frighten us and rob us of our will to fight for our freedoms. We pussy foot around naming Islam gone wrong as the underlying problem. We do not want any racial profiling, in fact, we would be so politically correct and afraid of offending a group that we almost avoid them when doing random searches. The media writes much about how the Muslim community in Britain is reacting in fear that their groups of people will be scrutinized and considered as possible suspects.
I keep wondering where the feminist groups stand. Is there anything other than the so called abortion rights on their collective minds. Is recreational sex without consequences the most important agenda in their world? Do they have any idea of what it would be like to live under the radical Islamist view of a woman's place in this world? Could they not take any time out of their busy schedules to champion the basic human rights of women in Muslim countries? Why was there no celebration within these groups when the Afghani and Iraqi women got an opportunity to vote or when female children in Afghanistan were permitted to be educated?
It appears it is politically correct to organize marches and protests to protect the 'right' to kill the unborn but not to march or protest against the very real tragedies facing Muslim females living under the threat of honor killing, lack of opportunities for education, and being chattel for the Muslim males.
Armstrong Williams: Time to Face the Truth:
I keep wondering where the feminist groups stand. Is there anything other than the so called abortion rights on their collective minds. Is recreational sex without consequences the most important agenda in their world? Do they have any idea of what it would be like to live under the radical Islamist view of a woman's place in this world? Could they not take any time out of their busy schedules to champion the basic human rights of women in Muslim countries? Why was there no celebration within these groups when the Afghani and Iraqi women got an opportunity to vote or when female children in Afghanistan were permitted to be educated?
It appears it is politically correct to organize marches and protests to protect the 'right' to kill the unborn but not to march or protest against the very real tragedies facing Muslim females living under the threat of honor killing, lack of opportunities for education, and being chattel for the Muslim males.
Armstrong Williams: Time to Face the Truth:
Monday, July 25, 2005
ICE
In Case of Emergency
A campaign encouraging people to enter an emergency contact number in their mobile phone's memory under the heading ICE
ICE(In Case of Emergency), has rapidly spread throughout the world as a particular
consequence of last week's terrorist attacks in London.
Originally established as a nation-wide campaign in the UK, ICE allows paramedics or police to be able to contact a designated relative / next-of-kin in an emergency situation.
The idea is the brainchild of East Anglian Ambulance Service paramedic
Bob Brotchie and was launched in May this year. Bob, 41, who has been a
paramedic for 13 years, said: "I was reflecting on some of the calls
I've attended at the roadside where I had to look through the mobile
phone contacts struggling for information on a shocked or injured person. Almost everyone carries a mobile phone now,
and with ICE we'd know immediately who to contact and what number to
ring. The person may even know of their medical history."
By adopting the ICE advice, your mobile will help the rescue services quickly contact a friend or relative - which could be vital in a life or death situation. It only takes a few seconds to do, and it could easily help save your life. Why not put ICE in your phone now? Simply select your person to contact in case of emergency, enter
them under the word 'ICE' and the telephone number of the person you wish to be contacted.
Please will you also email this to everybody in your address book, it won't take too long before everybody will
know about this.
It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest.
For more than one contact name ICE1, ICE2, ICE3 etc
A campaign encouraging people to enter an emergency contact number in their mobile phone's memory under the heading ICE
ICE(In Case of Emergency), has rapidly spread throughout the world as a particular
consequence of last week's terrorist attacks in London.
Originally established as a nation-wide campaign in the UK, ICE allows paramedics or police to be able to contact a designated relative / next-of-kin in an emergency situation.
The idea is the brainchild of East Anglian Ambulance Service paramedic
Bob Brotchie and was launched in May this year. Bob, 41, who has been a
paramedic for 13 years, said: "I was reflecting on some of the calls
I've attended at the roadside where I had to look through the mobile
phone contacts struggling for information on a shocked or injured person. Almost everyone carries a mobile phone now,
and with ICE we'd know immediately who to contact and what number to
ring. The person may even know of their medical history."
By adopting the ICE advice, your mobile will help the rescue services quickly contact a friend or relative - which could be vital in a life or death situation. It only takes a few seconds to do, and it could easily help save your life. Why not put ICE in your phone now? Simply select your person to contact in case of emergency, enter
them under the word 'ICE' and the telephone number of the person you wish to be contacted.
Please will you also email this to everybody in your address book, it won't take too long before everybody will
know about this.
It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest.
For more than one contact name ICE1, ICE2, ICE3 etc
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Free Speech
Shamalama writes an interesting post.Common Folk Using Common Sense: Free Speech: Only For Liberals
I took his advice and wrote the following Email to the principle regarding Free Speech:
As an Independent voter I am less and less likely to vote for a Democratic candidate when people like you misuse your position to challenge someone who does not agree with your personal philosophy. Democrats claim to be for the people but it is increasingly clear that it is only for the people who follow in lock step with the Democratic agenda. Where is the tolerance for differing opinions? Since when is a sitting President's picture not permitted in a classroom in the U. S. A.? As a senior citizen who has voted all of my adult life for Democrats and Republicans based on my knowledge on their stance on issues important to me and our country, I see Democrats such as yourself increasingly attempting to diminish the civil rights of persons with opposing viewpoints. This definitely is not the way to win friends or influence people. You are an employee of a school system that is supported by people of all parties and are clearly out of step with what mainstream people expect from our educators. Attempts to stifle citizens rights when they are at varience with your views is totally inappropriate in a tax supported institution.
I took his advice and wrote the following Email to the principle regarding Free Speech:
As an Independent voter I am less and less likely to vote for a Democratic candidate when people like you misuse your position to challenge someone who does not agree with your personal philosophy. Democrats claim to be for the people but it is increasingly clear that it is only for the people who follow in lock step with the Democratic agenda. Where is the tolerance for differing opinions? Since when is a sitting President's picture not permitted in a classroom in the U. S. A.? As a senior citizen who has voted all of my adult life for Democrats and Republicans based on my knowledge on their stance on issues important to me and our country, I see Democrats such as yourself increasingly attempting to diminish the civil rights of persons with opposing viewpoints. This definitely is not the way to win friends or influence people. You are an employee of a school system that is supported by people of all parties and are clearly out of step with what mainstream people expect from our educators. Attempts to stifle citizens rights when they are at varience with your views is totally inappropriate in a tax supported institution.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
United Nuttiness
"While the formal proposal from a U.N. working group will be released July 18, it's already clear what it will contain. A preliminary summary of governmental views claims there's a 'convergence of views' supporting a new organization to oversee crucial Internet functions, most likely under the aegis of the United Nations or the International Telecommunications Union.
Beyond the usual levers of diplomatic pressure and public kvetching, Brazil and China could choose what amounts to the nuclear option: a fragmented root. At issue is who decides key questions like adding new top-level domains, assigning chunks of numeric Internet addresses, and operating the root servers that keep the Net humming. Other suggested responsibilities for this new organization include Internet surveillance, 'consumer protection,' and perhaps even the power to tax domain names to pay for 'universal access.' "Will the U.N. run the Internet? | Perspectives | CNET News.com
I haven't read much about the UN wanting to take over the internet functions but see this as another way in which the UN wants to usurp authority from the USA. The more I read about the UN and the number of governments that do not offer freedom to their people wanting to take over my freedoms, the more I believe it is time for the nations to un-unite, go home and let us take back our real estate at Turtle Bay. Once that is achieved, let an organization of only those countries striving for democratic governments to begin using those facilities. Partisans attack our Patriot Act because they say it infringes on our civil liberties despite the dearth of evidence that this has been used against law abiding citizens while at the same time supporting the corrupt UN who wants to have the right to do internet surveillance. Somehow I feel a lot more threatened by that then by the Patriot Act.
Beyond the usual levers of diplomatic pressure and public kvetching, Brazil and China could choose what amounts to the nuclear option: a fragmented root. At issue is who decides key questions like adding new top-level domains, assigning chunks of numeric Internet addresses, and operating the root servers that keep the Net humming. Other suggested responsibilities for this new organization include Internet surveillance, 'consumer protection,' and perhaps even the power to tax domain names to pay for 'universal access.' "Will the U.N. run the Internet? | Perspectives | CNET News.com
I haven't read much about the UN wanting to take over the internet functions but see this as another way in which the UN wants to usurp authority from the USA. The more I read about the UN and the number of governments that do not offer freedom to their people wanting to take over my freedoms, the more I believe it is time for the nations to un-unite, go home and let us take back our real estate at Turtle Bay. Once that is achieved, let an organization of only those countries striving for democratic governments to begin using those facilities. Partisans attack our Patriot Act because they say it infringes on our civil liberties despite the dearth of evidence that this has been used against law abiding citizens while at the same time supporting the corrupt UN who wants to have the right to do internet surveillance. Somehow I feel a lot more threatened by that then by the Patriot Act.
New London Attacks
Three London stations evacuated after smoke coming from possible explosions according to AP via Fox News.
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Ex-Donkey Blog
If you did not read the Ex-Donkey Blog for the post entitled Define Republican, you missed a very important post. Perhaps I relate to so much of what is said because I am a senior citizen. Ex-Donkey Blog
President Bush Makes A Good Choice
It seems to me that President Bush has selected well in nominating Judge John Roberts. He has held to his oath of office to "defend the Constitution" by selecting a man whose intellect and integrity are well known. It is my hope that Judge Roberts will be confirmed without a lot of partisan bickering that only weakens our democracy. I voted for President Bush keeping in mind not only his resolve to protect our nation by confronting those who would destroy us but also because a SCOTUS vacancy(s)was likely. It is my hope that Judge Roberts with his vast knowledge of the law will base his decisions on what the Constitution actually says and not on a personal ideology.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
A View I Agree With
"If the Constitution is to again be seen as a finished document that has been refinished in recent years, the president must foreswear any talk of 'moderation' and 'conciliation' in his choice of court nominees. Truth cannot be moderated. ... The president owes the country an ideological battle, which he can win if he is willing to fight it. ... He should not only campaign for his nominee(s), he should act like a teacher, quoting the Federalist Papers and the Constitution and making his case that this great document served America well until some judges began tampering with it." --Cal Thomas
It would appear that the Civics classes I had as a youth are no longer taught in our schools. We studied the Constitution of the United States along with much of the literature of that time. In history we learned of the fall of the Roman Empire and the culture changes that weakened that once strong government. Will we continue to allow our Constitution, which has served us so well, to be changed in it's meaning in order to adapt to cultural changes in our nation. Will we no longer recognize that there is a Supreme Being who has blessed this meltingpot because we tried to follow the supreme laws given us and recognized in some form by the major religions?
It would appear that the Civics classes I had as a youth are no longer taught in our schools. We studied the Constitution of the United States along with much of the literature of that time. In history we learned of the fall of the Roman Empire and the culture changes that weakened that once strong government. Will we continue to allow our Constitution, which has served us so well, to be changed in it's meaning in order to adapt to cultural changes in our nation. Will we no longer recognize that there is a Supreme Being who has blessed this meltingpot because we tried to follow the supreme laws given us and recognized in some form by the major religions?
Monday, July 18, 2005
Good Newqs From Iraq--Post 31
While the U. S. media finds so little good to report about Iraq, Arthur Chrenkoff has posted his 31st article on good news from Iraq.
Chrenkoff
Chrenkoff
Priorities?
"Iranian dissidents appealed to the United Nations to support calls for freedom for Akbar Ganji, the brave writer who is being tortured in Tehran for the sin of exposing the murderous activities of the theocratic regime of the Islamic republic. The top dog at the U.N., Kofi Annan, declined to take a stand, claiming he did not know enough to have an opinion" according to Michael Ledeen. Link
Why are the Democrat leaders so hung up on Gitmo while overlooking the fact that the head of the U.N. is so poorly informed that he has no opinion on the human rights travesty in Iran? Why are we spending so much time discussing Karl Rove and Joe Wilson in a non-crime story and pay no attention to the lack of positive actions by the U. N.?
Why are the Democrat leaders so hung up on Gitmo while overlooking the fact that the head of the U.N. is so poorly informed that he has no opinion on the human rights travesty in Iran? Why are we spending so much time discussing Karl Rove and Joe Wilson in a non-crime story and pay no attention to the lack of positive actions by the U. N.?
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Ping Problems?
I try to read all of the blogs in Homspun Bloggers. It is disappointing when clicking on the blogs at the top of the blogroll to see that the same post is there that I read the last time the blog was on the blogroll. I hit refresh, same post appears. I switch from IE to Mozilla Firefox or visa versa and the same old post is there. What is happening with the Weblog Update Form? Is my computer at fault? Is there a glitch in the update mechanism? Is a single blog so important it must stay at the top? Has anyone
else noticed this?
else noticed this?
Thursday, July 14, 2005
I Have Questions
I have a few questions that roll around in my mind. If anyone has answers, feel free to comment.
1. When is America going to wake up and unite in a common goal of preserving our freedoms and our way of life? I have to admit fault in allowing our country to drift by not being more engaged in considering events over the years while I was busy working and caring for my family. I was not acutely aware of media bias and did not seek multiple sources before accepting "facts" as presented by the major networks on TV and in the newspaper. The terrorist's attacks on our soil alarmed me far more than those on American interests outside of the USA. In this I was not alone, but the question remains--why, when all of the assaults on our nation by militant Islamofascists are listed, some people not convinced that we are in a fight for the continued freedoms we have?
2. How can Americans fail to appreciate what our military have accomplished in liberating millions of people who have lived under the most sadistic rulers in two nations which have been very active in their support of terrorism?
As a nation, we have a long history of generosity toward people who do not enjoy a good standard of living. Sometimes our generosity has a good outcome and sometimes it has a less desirable outcome as when we throw money and aid at a people only to have it end up enlarging the bank account of some dictator and his militia which worsens the problems of the people we are trying to help.
3. Who will defend us if our military cannot recruit in our schools? It has always been our brightest and best who have formed our military. Even when the draft was the manner in which great numbers entered the military, it was those who were mentally and physically fit who were drafted. Nobody wants to send our children off to fight and possibly die or be maimed for life and yet we find people who have willingly joined our military despite these threats. Actively discouraging or blocking access to recruiters seems counter productive to me. It is through the youthful enthusiasm and idealism that we have a hope of defeating the very real threat to our way of life.
4. When will we silence those people who slander the entire military because of less than exemplary behavior of a few, because they hate those elected by the majority
of voters, or because they enjoy being in the spotlight and therefore create controversy? Aiding and abetting the enemy was a crime prior to Vietnam. In WWII we used to say, "Loose lips sink ships." Now it seems that anyone can utter the most hateful accusations against those defending us and fuel the fire in the dark hearts of those who wish to kill us. By silencing, I am not advocating violence against the persons but rather than saner voices speak out, that the media begin supporting our nation, voters reject them when they come up for renewed terms in office, and boycott the products of their slander against our nation.
1. When is America going to wake up and unite in a common goal of preserving our freedoms and our way of life? I have to admit fault in allowing our country to drift by not being more engaged in considering events over the years while I was busy working and caring for my family. I was not acutely aware of media bias and did not seek multiple sources before accepting "facts" as presented by the major networks on TV and in the newspaper. The terrorist's attacks on our soil alarmed me far more than those on American interests outside of the USA. In this I was not alone, but the question remains--why, when all of the assaults on our nation by militant Islamofascists are listed, some people not convinced that we are in a fight for the continued freedoms we have?
2. How can Americans fail to appreciate what our military have accomplished in liberating millions of people who have lived under the most sadistic rulers in two nations which have been very active in their support of terrorism?
As a nation, we have a long history of generosity toward people who do not enjoy a good standard of living. Sometimes our generosity has a good outcome and sometimes it has a less desirable outcome as when we throw money and aid at a people only to have it end up enlarging the bank account of some dictator and his militia which worsens the problems of the people we are trying to help.
3. Who will defend us if our military cannot recruit in our schools? It has always been our brightest and best who have formed our military. Even when the draft was the manner in which great numbers entered the military, it was those who were mentally and physically fit who were drafted. Nobody wants to send our children off to fight and possibly die or be maimed for life and yet we find people who have willingly joined our military despite these threats. Actively discouraging or blocking access to recruiters seems counter productive to me. It is through the youthful enthusiasm and idealism that we have a hope of defeating the very real threat to our way of life.
4. When will we silence those people who slander the entire military because of less than exemplary behavior of a few, because they hate those elected by the majority
of voters, or because they enjoy being in the spotlight and therefore create controversy? Aiding and abetting the enemy was a crime prior to Vietnam. In WWII we used to say, "Loose lips sink ships." Now it seems that anyone can utter the most hateful accusations against those defending us and fuel the fire in the dark hearts of those who wish to kill us. By silencing, I am not advocating violence against the persons but rather than saner voices speak out, that the media begin supporting our nation, voters reject them when they come up for renewed terms in office, and boycott the products of their slander against our nation.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
The Straight Scoop from Charlie Daniels
Once again, Charlie Daniels speaks his feelings and once again he is right on the money. Charlie needs to be writing for a major news magazine.
The Straight Scoop from Charlie Daniels
I've just returned from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Naval Air Station base where we did three shows for the troops and toured several locations around the post visiting with some of the finest military personnel on planet earth. The kids seemed to really enjoy the shows and especially liked "This Ain't No Rag, It's A Flag" and "In America". We had a great time with them.
We saw Camp X-Ray, where the Taliban detainees are being held only from a distance, but I picked up a lot of what's going on there from talking with a lot of different people.
The truth of the matter is that this operation is under a microscope. The Red Cross has an on site presence there and watches everything that goes on very closely. The media is not telling you the whole truth about what's going on over there. The truth is that these scum bags are not only being treated humanely, but they are probably better off healthwise and medically than they've ever been in their lives. They are fed well, able to take showers and receive state of the art medical care. And have their own Moslem chaplain. I saw several of them in a field hospital ward where they were being treated in a state of the art medical facility.
Now let's talk about the way they treat our people. First of all, they have to be watched constantly. These people are committed and wanton murderers who are willing to die just to kill someone else. One of the doctors told me that when they had Taliban in the hospital the staff had to really be careful with needles, pens and anything else which could possibly be used as a weapon. They also throw their excrement and urine on the troops who are guarding them. And our guys and gals have shown great restraint in not retaliating. We are spending over a million dollars a day maintaining and guarding these nasty killers and anyone who wants to see them brought to the U.S.A. for trial is either out of their heads or a lawyer looking for money and notoriety. Or both.
I wish that the media and the Red Cross and all the rest of the people who are so worried about these criminals would realize that this is not a troop of errant Boy Scouts. These are killers of the worst kind. They don't need protection from us, we need protection from them. If you don't get anything else out of this soapbox, please try to realize that when you see news coverage much of the time you're not getting the whole story, but an account filtered through a liberal mindset with an agenda.
We have two fights on our hands, the war against terror and the one against the loudmouthed lawyers and left wing media who would sap the strength from the American public by making us believe that we're losing the war or doing something wrong in fighting it. Remember these are the same people who told us that Saddam Hussein's Republican guard was going to be an all but invincible enemy and that our smart bombs and other weapons were not really as good as the military said that they were.
They also took up for Bill Clinton while he was cavorting around the Oval office with Monica Lewinsky while the terrorists were gaining strength and bombing our Embassies and dragging the bodies of dead American heroes around the dusty streets of Somalia. It's a shame that we can't have an unbiased media who would just report the truth and let us make up our own minds.
Here I must commend Fox News for presenting both sides much better than the other networks. They are leaving the other cable networks in the dust. People like being told the truth.
Our military not only needs but deserves our support. Let's give it to them.
The next time you read a media account about the bad treatment of the Taliban in Cuba, remember what I told you. Been there done that.
Footnote: I got an e-mail from a rather irate first cousin of mine the other day who has a daughter who's a lawyer and she seemed to think that I was painting all lawyers with the same brush. Please understand that I'm not doing that at all. That would be like saying that all musicians were drug addicts. There are a lot of good and honest attorneys out there. I happen to have one of them. But it seems that they never get any airtime. It's always the radicals who get their opinions heard, who fight the idea of the military tribunals and cite The Constitution and the integrity of America as their source of justifying their opinions. Well, first of all The Constitution says "We the people of the United States", it doesn't mention any other country.
And secondly as far as integrity is concerned, I don't think some of these folks would know integrity if it bit them in the posterior.
What do you think? God Bless America.
Charlie Daniels
The Straight Scoop from Charlie Daniels
I've just returned from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Naval Air Station base where we did three shows for the troops and toured several locations around the post visiting with some of the finest military personnel on planet earth. The kids seemed to really enjoy the shows and especially liked "This Ain't No Rag, It's A Flag" and "In America". We had a great time with them.
We saw Camp X-Ray, where the Taliban detainees are being held only from a distance, but I picked up a lot of what's going on there from talking with a lot of different people.
The truth of the matter is that this operation is under a microscope. The Red Cross has an on site presence there and watches everything that goes on very closely. The media is not telling you the whole truth about what's going on over there. The truth is that these scum bags are not only being treated humanely, but they are probably better off healthwise and medically than they've ever been in their lives. They are fed well, able to take showers and receive state of the art medical care. And have their own Moslem chaplain. I saw several of them in a field hospital ward where they were being treated in a state of the art medical facility.
Now let's talk about the way they treat our people. First of all, they have to be watched constantly. These people are committed and wanton murderers who are willing to die just to kill someone else. One of the doctors told me that when they had Taliban in the hospital the staff had to really be careful with needles, pens and anything else which could possibly be used as a weapon. They also throw their excrement and urine on the troops who are guarding them. And our guys and gals have shown great restraint in not retaliating. We are spending over a million dollars a day maintaining and guarding these nasty killers and anyone who wants to see them brought to the U.S.A. for trial is either out of their heads or a lawyer looking for money and notoriety. Or both.
I wish that the media and the Red Cross and all the rest of the people who are so worried about these criminals would realize that this is not a troop of errant Boy Scouts. These are killers of the worst kind. They don't need protection from us, we need protection from them. If you don't get anything else out of this soapbox, please try to realize that when you see news coverage much of the time you're not getting the whole story, but an account filtered through a liberal mindset with an agenda.
We have two fights on our hands, the war against terror and the one against the loudmouthed lawyers and left wing media who would sap the strength from the American public by making us believe that we're losing the war or doing something wrong in fighting it. Remember these are the same people who told us that Saddam Hussein's Republican guard was going to be an all but invincible enemy and that our smart bombs and other weapons were not really as good as the military said that they were.
They also took up for Bill Clinton while he was cavorting around the Oval office with Monica Lewinsky while the terrorists were gaining strength and bombing our Embassies and dragging the bodies of dead American heroes around the dusty streets of Somalia. It's a shame that we can't have an unbiased media who would just report the truth and let us make up our own minds.
Here I must commend Fox News for presenting both sides much better than the other networks. They are leaving the other cable networks in the dust. People like being told the truth.
Our military not only needs but deserves our support. Let's give it to them.
The next time you read a media account about the bad treatment of the Taliban in Cuba, remember what I told you. Been there done that.
Footnote: I got an e-mail from a rather irate first cousin of mine the other day who has a daughter who's a lawyer and she seemed to think that I was painting all lawyers with the same brush. Please understand that I'm not doing that at all. That would be like saying that all musicians were drug addicts. There are a lot of good and honest attorneys out there. I happen to have one of them. But it seems that they never get any airtime. It's always the radicals who get their opinions heard, who fight the idea of the military tribunals and cite The Constitution and the integrity of America as their source of justifying their opinions. Well, first of all The Constitution says "We the people of the United States", it doesn't mention any other country.
And secondly as far as integrity is concerned, I don't think some of these folks would know integrity if it bit them in the posterior.
What do you think? God Bless America.
Charlie Daniels
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
MSNBC Poll To Fire Rove?
White House maintains confidence in Rove - Politics - MSNBC.com
If you support Rove or believe his non-crime requires he be let go, click on the link and vote,
If you support Rove or believe his non-crime requires he be let go, click on the link and vote,
Monday, July 11, 2005
Letter From A Soldier In Mosul
Some time ago I sent an Email to an unknown soldier serving in Iraq. I sent the Email to rottmope at yahoo dot com in response to a blog soliciting mail. The soldier who sent this is sharing the Emails with the troops he is with.
Today I got a thank you letter he wrote to the 300+ people who wrote to him. He is stationed in Mosul and said he could not begin to express the feelings he had about getting so many letters of support with only one grinch type letter. I am quoting part of his letter as follows:
"I AM NOW AT THE HALF WAY POINT OF MY DEPLOYMENT TO IRAQ. IT HAS BEEN AN EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER THE WHOLE WAY. I’VE SEEN INFANTRYMEN, THE BEST FIGHTING MEN IN THE WORLD, HUDDLE IN A SILENT PRAYER, CHOKING BACK TEARS, BECAUSE THEY JUST LOST ONE OF THEIR OWN. A BROTHER IN ARMS. I LISTENED TO THE SOUND OF CELEBRATORY GUN FIRE THE DAY OF THE ELECTIONS. THE FIRST FREE ELECTIONS MANY IRAQI CITIZENS HAVE HAD THE PRIVELEDGE TO PARTICIPATE IN. I’VE WALKED IN THE RUINS OF THE BIBLICAL CITY OF NINEVAH. THEY CALL IT “THE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION,” AS THE SITE OF THE GARDEN OF EDEN IS BELIEVED TO BE CLOSE BY. I’VE WALKED THROUGH THE MOSUL PALACE COMPOUND THAT WAS ONCE USED TO HOST PARTIES BY SADDAM HUSSEIN, WHILE HIS OWN PEOPLE LIVED IN MUD HUTS AT A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY STATUS. I’VE HAD IRAQI CHILDREN RUN TO ME TO GIVE ME A HUG AND OF COURSE, GET A PIECE OF CANDY, OR A TOY. NOT BECAUSE THEY KNOW WHO I AM, BUT BECAUSE THEY KNOW I’M AN AMERICAN SOLDIER, AND I’M HERE TO HELP THEM.
WE, THE U.S. MILITARY ARE DOING GREAT THINGS IN IRAQ. I’VE SEEN IT FOR MY OWN EYES. I’M VERY PROUD TO KNOW THAT WE’RE MAKING AMERICA PROUD OF US. I’VE HEARD THAT SOME PEOPLE BACK HOME ARE SAYING BAD THINGS ABOUT WHAT WE ARE DOING OVER HERE AND IN AFGHANISTAN. WHEN PEOPLE SAY BAD THINGS BOUT THE MILITARY, WE HEAR IT. IT HURTS ALL OF US. MOST IMPORTANTLY IT UNDERCUTS THE FACT THAT MANY BRAVE AMERICAN MEN AND WOMEN HAVE SACRIFICED THE ULTIMATE AND THIS IS THE THANKS THEY AND THEIR FAMILIES RECEIVE. PEOPLE CAN SAY WHATEVER THEY WANT, RIGHT OR WRONG. IT‘S NOT A CRIME IN AMERICA, LIKE IT WAS IN IRAQ BEFORE WE CAME HERE. AMERICAN SERVICE MEMBERS KNOW, THAT WE ARE THE ONES WHO HAVE GIVEN THEM THAT RIGHT. YOUR WELCOME. WE KNOW WHAT THE TRUTH IS. I’VE SEEN THE TRUTH, I’VE LIVED THE TRUTH.
TO ALL THE NAY SAYERS: WALK SIX MONTHS IN MY BOOTS, SEE THE THINGS I HAVE. LOOK AT A CHILD OF IRAQ; LOOK AT THE AVERAGE HOME OF AN IRAQI FAMILY, AND THEN COMPARE IT TO THE PALACES OF SADDAM. WATCH GROWN MEN AND WOMEN CRY OVER THE LOSS OF A FRIEND. LIVE THE LIFE WE’VE LIVED FOR 6 MONTHS. AFTER THAT, MAYBE YOU WILL GET IT RIGHT.
TO ALL OF YOU WHO TOOK THE TIME TO SEND ME AN E-MAIL, THANK YOU! YOU KNOW THE TRUTH, THAT FREEDOM IS THE GREATEST GIFT THAT THE U.S. COULD GIVE, AND IF WE DIDN’T BRING THE FIGHT TO THE TERRORISTS, YOU KNOW THAT THEY WOULD BRING IT RIGHT BACK TO US. I AM GOING TO DO MY BEST TO ENSURE THESE E-MAILS MAKE IT TO AS MANY AS MY COMRADES AS POSSIBLE. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU, YOUR FAMILIES, AND ALL THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED IN THE U.S. MILITARY PAST AND PRESENT."
I have sent many Emails to our troops and have gotten many thank you responses. I encourage you to read the milblogs and leave a comment of appreciation and assure the men and women of your support. If you include your email address, do not be surprised at how many thank you notes you will receive--not for every comment you leave but frequently enough to realize it does truly make a difference to our men and women in uniform.
Today I got a thank you letter he wrote to the 300+ people who wrote to him. He is stationed in Mosul and said he could not begin to express the feelings he had about getting so many letters of support with only one grinch type letter. I am quoting part of his letter as follows:
"I AM NOW AT THE HALF WAY POINT OF MY DEPLOYMENT TO IRAQ. IT HAS BEEN AN EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER THE WHOLE WAY. I’VE SEEN INFANTRYMEN, THE BEST FIGHTING MEN IN THE WORLD, HUDDLE IN A SILENT PRAYER, CHOKING BACK TEARS, BECAUSE THEY JUST LOST ONE OF THEIR OWN. A BROTHER IN ARMS. I LISTENED TO THE SOUND OF CELEBRATORY GUN FIRE THE DAY OF THE ELECTIONS. THE FIRST FREE ELECTIONS MANY IRAQI CITIZENS HAVE HAD THE PRIVELEDGE TO PARTICIPATE IN. I’VE WALKED IN THE RUINS OF THE BIBLICAL CITY OF NINEVAH. THEY CALL IT “THE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION,” AS THE SITE OF THE GARDEN OF EDEN IS BELIEVED TO BE CLOSE BY. I’VE WALKED THROUGH THE MOSUL PALACE COMPOUND THAT WAS ONCE USED TO HOST PARTIES BY SADDAM HUSSEIN, WHILE HIS OWN PEOPLE LIVED IN MUD HUTS AT A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY STATUS. I’VE HAD IRAQI CHILDREN RUN TO ME TO GIVE ME A HUG AND OF COURSE, GET A PIECE OF CANDY, OR A TOY. NOT BECAUSE THEY KNOW WHO I AM, BUT BECAUSE THEY KNOW I’M AN AMERICAN SOLDIER, AND I’M HERE TO HELP THEM.
WE, THE U.S. MILITARY ARE DOING GREAT THINGS IN IRAQ. I’VE SEEN IT FOR MY OWN EYES. I’M VERY PROUD TO KNOW THAT WE’RE MAKING AMERICA PROUD OF US. I’VE HEARD THAT SOME PEOPLE BACK HOME ARE SAYING BAD THINGS ABOUT WHAT WE ARE DOING OVER HERE AND IN AFGHANISTAN. WHEN PEOPLE SAY BAD THINGS BOUT THE MILITARY, WE HEAR IT. IT HURTS ALL OF US. MOST IMPORTANTLY IT UNDERCUTS THE FACT THAT MANY BRAVE AMERICAN MEN AND WOMEN HAVE SACRIFICED THE ULTIMATE AND THIS IS THE THANKS THEY AND THEIR FAMILIES RECEIVE. PEOPLE CAN SAY WHATEVER THEY WANT, RIGHT OR WRONG. IT‘S NOT A CRIME IN AMERICA, LIKE IT WAS IN IRAQ BEFORE WE CAME HERE. AMERICAN SERVICE MEMBERS KNOW, THAT WE ARE THE ONES WHO HAVE GIVEN THEM THAT RIGHT. YOUR WELCOME. WE KNOW WHAT THE TRUTH IS. I’VE SEEN THE TRUTH, I’VE LIVED THE TRUTH.
TO ALL THE NAY SAYERS: WALK SIX MONTHS IN MY BOOTS, SEE THE THINGS I HAVE. LOOK AT A CHILD OF IRAQ; LOOK AT THE AVERAGE HOME OF AN IRAQI FAMILY, AND THEN COMPARE IT TO THE PALACES OF SADDAM. WATCH GROWN MEN AND WOMEN CRY OVER THE LOSS OF A FRIEND. LIVE THE LIFE WE’VE LIVED FOR 6 MONTHS. AFTER THAT, MAYBE YOU WILL GET IT RIGHT.
TO ALL OF YOU WHO TOOK THE TIME TO SEND ME AN E-MAIL, THANK YOU! YOU KNOW THE TRUTH, THAT FREEDOM IS THE GREATEST GIFT THAT THE U.S. COULD GIVE, AND IF WE DIDN’T BRING THE FIGHT TO THE TERRORISTS, YOU KNOW THAT THEY WOULD BRING IT RIGHT BACK TO US. I AM GOING TO DO MY BEST TO ENSURE THESE E-MAILS MAKE IT TO AS MANY AS MY COMRADES AS POSSIBLE. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU, YOUR FAMILIES, AND ALL THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED IN THE U.S. MILITARY PAST AND PRESENT."
I have sent many Emails to our troops and have gotten many thank you responses. I encourage you to read the milblogs and leave a comment of appreciation and assure the men and women of your support. If you include your email address, do not be surprised at how many thank you notes you will receive--not for every comment you leave but frequently enough to realize it does truly make a difference to our men and women in uniform.
Sunday, July 10, 2005
THE BIRTH OF THE SONG "PRECIOUS LORD"
Back in 1932 I was 32 years old and a fairly new husband.
My wife, Nettie and I were living in a little apartment on Chicago's Southside. One hot August afternoon I had to go to St. Louis, where I was to be the featured soloist at a large revival meeting.
I didn't want to go.
Nettie was in the last month of pregnancy with our first child.
But a lot of people were expecting me in St. Louis. I kissed Nettie good-bye, clattered downstairs to our Model A and, in a fresh Lake Michigan breeze, chugged out of Chicago on Route 66.
However, outside the city, I discovered that in my anxiety at leaving, I had forgotten my music case. I wheeled around and headed back.
I found Nettie sleeping peacefully.
I hesitated by her bed; something was strongly telling me to stay.
But eager to get on my way, and not wanting to disturb Nettie, I shrugged off the feeling and quietly slipped out of the room with my music.
The next night, in the steaming St. Louis heat, the crowd called on me to sing again and again.
When I finally sat down, a messenger boy ran up with a Western Union telegram.
I ripped open the envelope.
Pasted on the yellow sheet were the words: YOUR WIFE JUST DIED.
People were happily singing and clapping around me, but I could hardly keep from crying out.
I rushed to a phone and called home.
All I could hear on the other end was "Nettie is dead. Nettie is dead."
When I got back, I learned that Nettie had given birth to a boy.
I swung between grief and joy.
Yet that night, the baby died.
I buried Nettie and our little boy together, in the same casket. Then I fell apart.
For days I closeted myself.
I felt that God had done me an injustice. I didn't want to serve Him any more or write gospel songs.
I just wanted to go back to that jazz world I once knew so well.
But then, as I hunched alone in that dark apartment those first sad days, I thought back to the afternoon I went to St. Louis.
Something kept telling me to stay with Nettie.
Was that something God?
Oh, if I had paid more attention to Him that day, I would have stayed and been with Nettie when she died.
From that moment on I vowed to listen more closely to Him.
But still I was lost in grief. Everyone was kind to me, especially a friend, Professor Fry, who
seemed to know what I needed.
On the following Saturday evening he took me up to Malone's Poro College, a neighborhood music school. It was quiet; the late evening sun crept through the curtained windows. I sat down at the piano, and my hands began to browse over the keys.
Something happened to me then. I felt at peace.
I felt as though I could reach out and touch God.
I found myself playing a melody, one into my head-they just seemed to fall into place:
Precious Lord, take my hand,
lead me on, let me stand!
I am tired, I am weak,
I am worn, Through the storm,
through the night lead me on to the light,
Take my hand, precious Lord, Lead me home.
The Lord gave me these words and He also healed my spirit.
I learned that when we are in our deepest grief, when we feel farthest from God, this is when He is closest, and when we are most open to His restoring power.
And so I go on living for God willingly and joyfully, until that day comes when He will take me and gently lead me home.
-Tommy Dorsey
Did you know that Tommy Dorsey wrote these lyrics?
I sure didn't. What a wonderful story of how God CAN heal the brokenhearted.
P.S. Beautiful, isn't it?
My wife, Nettie and I were living in a little apartment on Chicago's Southside. One hot August afternoon I had to go to St. Louis, where I was to be the featured soloist at a large revival meeting.
I didn't want to go.
Nettie was in the last month of pregnancy with our first child.
But a lot of people were expecting me in St. Louis. I kissed Nettie good-bye, clattered downstairs to our Model A and, in a fresh Lake Michigan breeze, chugged out of Chicago on Route 66.
However, outside the city, I discovered that in my anxiety at leaving, I had forgotten my music case. I wheeled around and headed back.
I found Nettie sleeping peacefully.
I hesitated by her bed; something was strongly telling me to stay.
But eager to get on my way, and not wanting to disturb Nettie, I shrugged off the feeling and quietly slipped out of the room with my music.
The next night, in the steaming St. Louis heat, the crowd called on me to sing again and again.
When I finally sat down, a messenger boy ran up with a Western Union telegram.
I ripped open the envelope.
Pasted on the yellow sheet were the words: YOUR WIFE JUST DIED.
People were happily singing and clapping around me, but I could hardly keep from crying out.
I rushed to a phone and called home.
All I could hear on the other end was "Nettie is dead. Nettie is dead."
When I got back, I learned that Nettie had given birth to a boy.
I swung between grief and joy.
Yet that night, the baby died.
I buried Nettie and our little boy together, in the same casket. Then I fell apart.
For days I closeted myself.
I felt that God had done me an injustice. I didn't want to serve Him any more or write gospel songs.
I just wanted to go back to that jazz world I once knew so well.
But then, as I hunched alone in that dark apartment those first sad days, I thought back to the afternoon I went to St. Louis.
Something kept telling me to stay with Nettie.
Was that something God?
Oh, if I had paid more attention to Him that day, I would have stayed and been with Nettie when she died.
From that moment on I vowed to listen more closely to Him.
But still I was lost in grief. Everyone was kind to me, especially a friend, Professor Fry, who
seemed to know what I needed.
On the following Saturday evening he took me up to Malone's Poro College, a neighborhood music school. It was quiet; the late evening sun crept through the curtained windows. I sat down at the piano, and my hands began to browse over the keys.
Something happened to me then. I felt at peace.
I felt as though I could reach out and touch God.
I found myself playing a melody, one into my head-they just seemed to fall into place:
Precious Lord, take my hand,
lead me on, let me stand!
I am tired, I am weak,
I am worn, Through the storm,
through the night lead me on to the light,
Take my hand, precious Lord, Lead me home.
The Lord gave me these words and He also healed my spirit.
I learned that when we are in our deepest grief, when we feel farthest from God, this is when He is closest, and when we are most open to His restoring power.
And so I go on living for God willingly and joyfully, until that day comes when He will take me and gently lead me home.
-Tommy Dorsey
Did you know that Tommy Dorsey wrote these lyrics?
I sure didn't. What a wonderful story of how God CAN heal the brokenhearted.
P.S. Beautiful, isn't it?
Saturday, July 09, 2005
Support And Defend The Constitution
The elected and confirmed officials in our Federal Government all promise through affirmation of the oaths of office for their respective office.
A U.S. Senator takes this exact oath of office:
I 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; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.
A Senator's highest principle is that oath of office, and if anything else gets in the way, if any other personal principle precludes a person from fulfilling that oath, then that person is unfit to be a U.S. Senator. This would include placing political party loyalties above fulfilling that oath. It specifies domestic enemies which to me includes those who attempt to modify, read into or otherwise interpret the Constitution of the United States to fit their views. Those who have signaled their intent to identify how a candidate for the Supreme Court intends to vote on their pet social cause is not in keeping with their oath to support and defend. The Senate should be looking at the reputation, education, ethical standards and legal expertise rather than trying to approve only a candidate that fits their personal views.
The oath to be taken by the president on first entering office is specified in Article II, Section 1, of the Constitution:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.
The president thus promised the people that he will preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. Protecting the Constituion, means to me that that the president will strive to select SCOTUS candidates who will faithfully interpret the Constitution as written. Friendship, ethnicity or gender should not be the first principle in this selection but rather the reputaion, education, ethical standards and legal expertise. He has promised to recommend to the Senate for confirmation as a Supreme Court Justice only those who will faithfully interpret our Constitution rather than pursue a specific agenda, I can only trust that President Bush and his advisors will utilize the appropriate criteria during the selection process and as promised not use a "litmus test"
A Supreme Court Justice Oath
I, (NAME), do solemnly swear 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, that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter, so help me God.
True faith and allegiance to the Constitution would not embrace foreign laws and opinions but rather strive to understand what the Constitution says and does not say. Utilization of the many documents, letters, speeches written by the founding fathers which explains their mindset at the time our Constitution was written should be utilized in this interpretation rather than social changes or foreign law which may cause justices to rule on matters not specifically addressed and that more correctly should be left up to states or should require an official amendment and ratification by the people's elected federal and state officials.
Amending the U.S. Constitution is a function solely given to the Legislative branch. The Judicial and Executive branches have no say whatsoever. According to USConstitution.net "There are essentially two ways spelled out in the Constitution for how it can be amended. One has never been used.
The first method is for a bill to pass both halves of the legislature, by a two-thirds majority in each. Once the bill has passed both houses, it goes on to the states. This is the route taken by all current amendments. Because of some long outstanding amendments, such as the 27th, Congress will normally put a time limit (typically seven years) for the bill to be approved as an amendment
Regardless of which of the two proposal routes is taken, the amendment must be approved by three-fourths of states. The amendment as passed may specify whether the bill must be passed by the state legislatures or by a state convention."
A U.S. Senator takes this exact oath of office:
I 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; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.
A Senator's highest principle is that oath of office, and if anything else gets in the way, if any other personal principle precludes a person from fulfilling that oath, then that person is unfit to be a U.S. Senator. This would include placing political party loyalties above fulfilling that oath. It specifies domestic enemies which to me includes those who attempt to modify, read into or otherwise interpret the Constitution of the United States to fit their views. Those who have signaled their intent to identify how a candidate for the Supreme Court intends to vote on their pet social cause is not in keeping with their oath to support and defend. The Senate should be looking at the reputation, education, ethical standards and legal expertise rather than trying to approve only a candidate that fits their personal views.
The oath to be taken by the president on first entering office is specified in Article II, Section 1, of the Constitution:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.
The president thus promised the people that he will preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. Protecting the Constituion, means to me that that the president will strive to select SCOTUS candidates who will faithfully interpret the Constitution as written. Friendship, ethnicity or gender should not be the first principle in this selection but rather the reputaion, education, ethical standards and legal expertise. He has promised to recommend to the Senate for confirmation as a Supreme Court Justice only those who will faithfully interpret our Constitution rather than pursue a specific agenda, I can only trust that President Bush and his advisors will utilize the appropriate criteria during the selection process and as promised not use a "litmus test"
A Supreme Court Justice Oath
I, (NAME), do solemnly swear 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, that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter, so help me God.
True faith and allegiance to the Constitution would not embrace foreign laws and opinions but rather strive to understand what the Constitution says and does not say. Utilization of the many documents, letters, speeches written by the founding fathers which explains their mindset at the time our Constitution was written should be utilized in this interpretation rather than social changes or foreign law which may cause justices to rule on matters not specifically addressed and that more correctly should be left up to states or should require an official amendment and ratification by the people's elected federal and state officials.
Amending the U.S. Constitution is a function solely given to the Legislative branch. The Judicial and Executive branches have no say whatsoever. According to USConstitution.net "There are essentially two ways spelled out in the Constitution for how it can be amended. One has never been used.
The first method is for a bill to pass both halves of the legislature, by a two-thirds majority in each. Once the bill has passed both houses, it goes on to the states. This is the route taken by all current amendments. Because of some long outstanding amendments, such as the 27th, Congress will normally put a time limit (typically seven years) for the bill to be approved as an amendment
Regardless of which of the two proposal routes is taken, the amendment must be approved by three-fourths of states. The amendment as passed may specify whether the bill must be passed by the state legislatures or by a state convention."
Thursday, July 07, 2005
London, My Sympathy
As I listen to the news from London, I recall so well watching the horror of 9/11 unfold on TV. May this attack on civilians in London serve to bring more nations into the active fight against those who wish us dead. May God comfort the victims and families of those lost in these merciless attacks.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Some Truths
There were 39 combat related killings in Iraq in January.
In the fair city of Detroit there were 35 murders in the
month of January.That's just one American city,
about as deadly as the entire war-torn country of Iraq.
When some claim that President Bush shouldn't
have started this war, state the following:
a. FDR led us into World War II.
b. Germany never attacked us; Japan did.
>From 1941-1945, 450,000 lives were lost ...
an average of 112,500 per year.
c. Truman finished that war and started one in Korea.
North Korea never attacked us.
>From 1950-1953, 55,000 lives were lost ...
an average of 18,334 per year.
d John F. Kennedy started the Vietnam conflict in 1962.
Vietnam never attacked us.
e. Johnson turned Vietnam into a quagmire.
>From 1965-1975, 58,000 lives were lost ...
an average of 5,800 per year.
f. Clinton went to war in Bosnia without UN or French consent.
Bosnia never attacked us.
He was offered Osama bin Laden's head on a platter three
times by Sudan and did nothing. Osama has attacked us on
multiple occasions.
g. In the years since terrorists attacked us , President Bush
has liberated two countries, crushed the Taliban, crippled
al-Qaida, put nuclear inspectors in Libya, Iran, and North
Korea without firing a shot, and captured a terrorist who
slaughtered 300,000 of his own people.
The Democrats are complaining
about how long the war is taking.
But ..
It took less time to take Iraq than it took Janet Reno
to take the Branch Davidian compound.
That was a 51-day operation.
We've been looking for evidence for chemical weapons
in Iraq for less time than it took Hillary Clinton to find
the Rose Law Firm billing records.
It took less time for the 3rd Infantry Division and the
Marines to destroy the Medina Republican Guard
than it took Ted Kennedy to call the police after his
Oldsmobile sank at Chappaquiddick
It took less time to take Iraq than it took
to count the votes in Florida!!!!
Our Commander-In-Chief is doing a GREAT JOB!
The Military morale is high!
The biased media hopes we are too ignorant
to realize the facts
from an e=mail
In the fair city of Detroit there were 35 murders in the
month of January.That's just one American city,
about as deadly as the entire war-torn country of Iraq.
When some claim that President Bush shouldn't
have started this war, state the following:
a. FDR led us into World War II.
b. Germany never attacked us; Japan did.
>From 1941-1945, 450,000 lives were lost ...
an average of 112,500 per year.
c. Truman finished that war and started one in Korea.
North Korea never attacked us.
>From 1950-1953, 55,000 lives were lost ...
an average of 18,334 per year.
d John F. Kennedy started the Vietnam conflict in 1962.
Vietnam never attacked us.
e. Johnson turned Vietnam into a quagmire.
>From 1965-1975, 58,000 lives were lost ...
an average of 5,800 per year.
f. Clinton went to war in Bosnia without UN or French consent.
Bosnia never attacked us.
He was offered Osama bin Laden's head on a platter three
times by Sudan and did nothing. Osama has attacked us on
multiple occasions.
g. In the years since terrorists attacked us , President Bush
has liberated two countries, crushed the Taliban, crippled
al-Qaida, put nuclear inspectors in Libya, Iran, and North
Korea without firing a shot, and captured a terrorist who
slaughtered 300,000 of his own people.
The Democrats are complaining
about how long the war is taking.
But ..
It took less time to take Iraq than it took Janet Reno
to take the Branch Davidian compound.
That was a 51-day operation.
We've been looking for evidence for chemical weapons
in Iraq for less time than it took Hillary Clinton to find
the Rose Law Firm billing records.
It took less time for the 3rd Infantry Division and the
Marines to destroy the Medina Republican Guard
than it took Ted Kennedy to call the police after his
Oldsmobile sank at Chappaquiddick
It took less time to take Iraq than it took
to count the votes in Florida!!!!
Our Commander-In-Chief is doing a GREAT JOB!
The Military morale is high!
The biased media hopes we are too ignorant
to realize the facts
from an e=mail
Monday, July 04, 2005
Third Deployment by Choice
A soldier deploys for his third trip to Iraq and writes a letter to his family explaining why he chooses to go. I encourage all of you to take the few minutes it takes to read the thoughts of this hero as he explains his feelings. I only hope that he will continue to post on his blog once he is back in Iraq. How proud we Americans should be that we have such citizens who strive to make life better for others.
LINK
LINK
Obscure Patriot
I learned a new bit of history today at the milblog written by Hurl.
I highly recoimmend reading about this patriot who gave so much of his personal finances to assist the military and fledgling government of these United States. Stop by Hurl's blog and let him know how much we appreciate the service and sacrifice of the troops who are safeguarding us at home so that we may celebrate the 4th in safety without any major sacrifice on our part. Hurl's BLOG: Obscure Patriot: "For this Fourth of July, I would like to draw attention to an obscure patriot that was tremendously significant to the founding of our country. The following account, reprinted here in full, is the best of about half a dozen that I have read - drawing from various sources.
�Haym Saloman and the Lost Pages of American History�"
I highly recoimmend reading about this patriot who gave so much of his personal finances to assist the military and fledgling government of these United States. Stop by Hurl's blog and let him know how much we appreciate the service and sacrifice of the troops who are safeguarding us at home so that we may celebrate the 4th in safety without any major sacrifice on our part. Hurl's BLOG: Obscure Patriot: "For this Fourth of July, I would like to draw attention to an obscure patriot that was tremendously significant to the founding of our country. The following account, reprinted here in full, is the best of about half a dozen that I have read - drawing from various sources.
�Haym Saloman and the Lost Pages of American History�"
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Saturday, July 02, 2005
The Three Rules of War
A group known as Marine Corps Moms had the following post yesterday.
"Letters home from our military heroes in Iraq and Afghanistan describe the reality of combat from those who experience it with stunning clarity. Col. Brett Wyrick, Commander of the 154th Medical Group, Hawaii Air National Guard, is currely deployed as a surgeon in Balad with the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group. He recently wrote a letter home to his father, describing the valiant efforts of a top-notch group of medical professionals to save the life of a young soldier. Read the letter in full here. I thought his closing thoughts were a wonderful reminder of the price paid by heroes throughout the centuries so that we can enjoy a carefree holiday weekend. And, unfortunately, some will enjoy it without putting overmuch thought into the men and women who have made it possible.
Col Wyrick's letter:
The first rule of war is that young men and women die. The second rule of war is that surgeons cannot change the first rule. I think the third rule of war should be that those who have given their all for our freedom are never forgotten, and they are always honored.
I wish there was not a war, and I wish our young people did not have to fight and die. But I cannot wish away evil men like Bin Laden and al-Zarqawi. These men are not wayward children who have gone astray; they are not great men who are simply misunderstood.
These are cold-blooded killers and they will kill you, me, and everyone we love and hold dear if we do not kill them first. You cannot reason with these people, you cannot negotiate with these people, and this war will not be over until they are dead. That is the ugly, awful, and brutal truth.
I wish the situation was different, but it is not. Americans have two choices. They can run from the threat, deny it exists, candy-coat it, debate it, and hope it goes away. And then, Americans will be fair game around the world and slaughtered by the thousands for the sheep they have become.
Our second choice is to crush these evil men where they live and for us to have the political will and courage to finish what we came over here to do.
The last thing we need here in Iraq is an exit strategy or some damn timetable for withdrawal. Thank God there was no timetable for withdrawal after the Battle of the Bulge or Iwo Jima. Thank God there was no exit strategy at Valley Forge. Freedom is not easy, and it comes with a terrible price - I saw the bill here yesterday.
The third rule of war should be that we never forget the sacrifices made by our young men and women, and we always honor them. We honor them by finishing what they came to accomplish. We remember them by never quitting and having the backbone and the guts to never bend to the yoke of oppression.
We honor them and remember them by having the courage to live free."
"
Marine Corps Moms: The Three Rules of War: "
As we celebrate our historical Independence Day, let us remember that our battle for independence and freedom continues. We honor those who have struggled and given their lives or physical or emotional wellbeing in order that we may live in freedom. I support our efforts in this
War on Terror and thank God our leaders are not listening to those who demand timetables and do their best to undermine our military in this struggle. Let us honor those who in past centuries fought for our nation by honoring and supporting those who carry on in the very best
traditions of American Patriots.
"Letters home from our military heroes in Iraq and Afghanistan describe the reality of combat from those who experience it with stunning clarity. Col. Brett Wyrick, Commander of the 154th Medical Group, Hawaii Air National Guard, is currely deployed as a surgeon in Balad with the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group. He recently wrote a letter home to his father, describing the valiant efforts of a top-notch group of medical professionals to save the life of a young soldier. Read the letter in full here. I thought his closing thoughts were a wonderful reminder of the price paid by heroes throughout the centuries so that we can enjoy a carefree holiday weekend. And, unfortunately, some will enjoy it without putting overmuch thought into the men and women who have made it possible.
Col Wyrick's letter:
The first rule of war is that young men and women die. The second rule of war is that surgeons cannot change the first rule. I think the third rule of war should be that those who have given their all for our freedom are never forgotten, and they are always honored.
I wish there was not a war, and I wish our young people did not have to fight and die. But I cannot wish away evil men like Bin Laden and al-Zarqawi. These men are not wayward children who have gone astray; they are not great men who are simply misunderstood.
These are cold-blooded killers and they will kill you, me, and everyone we love and hold dear if we do not kill them first. You cannot reason with these people, you cannot negotiate with these people, and this war will not be over until they are dead. That is the ugly, awful, and brutal truth.
I wish the situation was different, but it is not. Americans have two choices. They can run from the threat, deny it exists, candy-coat it, debate it, and hope it goes away. And then, Americans will be fair game around the world and slaughtered by the thousands for the sheep they have become.
Our second choice is to crush these evil men where they live and for us to have the political will and courage to finish what we came over here to do.
The last thing we need here in Iraq is an exit strategy or some damn timetable for withdrawal. Thank God there was no timetable for withdrawal after the Battle of the Bulge or Iwo Jima. Thank God there was no exit strategy at Valley Forge. Freedom is not easy, and it comes with a terrible price - I saw the bill here yesterday.
The third rule of war should be that we never forget the sacrifices made by our young men and women, and we always honor them. We honor them by finishing what they came to accomplish. We remember them by never quitting and having the backbone and the guts to never bend to the yoke of oppression.
We honor them and remember them by having the courage to live free."
"
Marine Corps Moms: The Three Rules of War: "
As we celebrate our historical Independence Day, let us remember that our battle for independence and freedom continues. We honor those who have struggled and given their lives or physical or emotional wellbeing in order that we may live in freedom. I support our efforts in this
War on Terror and thank God our leaders are not listening to those who demand timetables and do their best to undermine our military in this struggle. Let us honor those who in past centuries fought for our nation by honoring and supporting those who carry on in the very best
traditions of American Patriots.
Friday, July 01, 2005
Iraqi Hearts and Minds
Alaa of THE MESOPOTAMIAN:tramslates an article written in Arabic.
Alaa states,"The importance of this article is that it offers a glimpse into the frame of mind of many, especially amongst the religious Shiaa people."
"Politically, the U.S. has made an important conquest so far: That of the hearts and strategic alliance of both the majority of the Shiaa and certainly the Kurds; that accounts for at least 75% of the Iraqi people. And I am sure a sizable part of the Iraqi Sunnis can be won over eventually. The undercurrent of largely unspoken popular support and gratitude remains despite all the hardships, mistakes and even harshness in the relationship between the troops and the population due to the mistrust created by the terrorists. This is something that no amount of Media bias and enemy propaganda can shake off. This is the decisive factor, and this is what is going to prevail in the end of the day."
I have followed Alaa's blog for over a year and have come to rely on his insights. If you do not follow the Iraqi blogs and our own troops Milblogs, Michael Yon an embeded journalist in Iraq and Chrenkoff's blog you probably have little idea of what is transpiring in Iraq. The media doesn't tell the story and Ted Kennedy makes all of his pronouncements from a vacuum since he has never set foot in Iraq.
Alaa states,"The importance of this article is that it offers a glimpse into the frame of mind of many, especially amongst the religious Shiaa people."
"Politically, the U.S. has made an important conquest so far: That of the hearts and strategic alliance of both the majority of the Shiaa and certainly the Kurds; that accounts for at least 75% of the Iraqi people. And I am sure a sizable part of the Iraqi Sunnis can be won over eventually. The undercurrent of largely unspoken popular support and gratitude remains despite all the hardships, mistakes and even harshness in the relationship between the troops and the population due to the mistrust created by the terrorists. This is something that no amount of Media bias and enemy propaganda can shake off. This is the decisive factor, and this is what is going to prevail in the end of the day."
I have followed Alaa's blog for over a year and have come to rely on his insights. If you do not follow the Iraqi blogs and our own troops Milblogs, Michael Yon an embeded journalist in Iraq and Chrenkoff's blog you probably have little idea of what is transpiring in Iraq. The media doesn't tell the story and Ted Kennedy makes all of his pronouncements from a vacuum since he has never set foot in Iraq.
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