I can't know what others may be thinking but it seems to me an uncommon number of people see themselves as "smarter" than their fellow man. I understand the affliction because I tend to suffer from it myself. That said, I suggest we all exercise what we perceive as smart in our choices for leadership and politics.
It seems to me that it is time we all come to grips with a truth -- those that we depend on to exercise intelligent decisions on our behalf are probably not that much smarter than you or me. Unquestionably, they think they are but have you really seen any evidence that they may be? Elected representatives may have more information on which to make their decisions but do you really think that their thought processes are that much improved over the constituents who elected them and whom they serve?
It seems to me that we need to get away from our "one issue" thought process. Whether our elected officials reflect a pro or con position on things that are important to us as individuals should not, in my opinion, be the basis on which we vote for them. We need to look at the person and their position as a whole and consider whether this person will not only represent us well on one issue but consider whether he or she can reasonably represent our best interests.
Perhaps we need to be looking for the person who brings a broad sense of logic, wisdom, compassion, pragmatism.world affairs and yes, a degree of intelligence beyond listening to their political leadership and voting the party line. Isn't it time we choose our leadership based on their vision and expertise in the area in which they will serve?
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Thursday, June 27, 2013
JUST AN ORDINARY CITIZEN WHO IS FED UP
I am frustrated with the ongoing accounts of government malfeasance and those who should be aggressively prosecuting it. Elected Democrats would have us look the other way and elected Republicans have not the guts to pursue action against obvious disreputable acts.
Benghazi is obviously a mess that was mishandled. Why are there no answers? The Administration and the Democrats are stonewalling and the Republicans let them get by with it! The IRS has abused their trust and again, the Democrats say it has been solved, no one is too blame while the Republicans continue to try to get beyond the lies without success. No one has been fired, no one has even been accused, there has been no action that would get to the bottom of the problem. Our laws are nothing more than words written on paper with no one enforcing them. Why o we pass laws if we can’t enforce the ones we have?
The Attorney General has brought disrepute on his office by his apparent lies, an abuse of power that is over the top and failed to enforce the laws of the land and still, no one takes him to task. While he refuses to enforce our immigration laws our President declares his faith in the Attorney General and the Republicans who should be actively pursuing these matters whine but does nothing.
I know that I will get no action from my Congressional Representative because he is a Democrat and abides by the party line. Everything is okay as long as it is the Democratic line. I will get no help from my Senators because they are Democrats and they, too, follow the party line. More and more I feel like a person without a country. I love my country, but that does not mean that I love the political hacks who have been elected to serve the country’s best interests.
Are you one of those who voted to return incompetent people to the seat of power? If so, shame on you. If not, is it not about time you wrote your Congressman, Senator and the President and told them what you really think, what you want and what you expect? Then, and only then, perhaps someone will begin to recognize that you and I really want some action and that the “pussy footing” around at the “coed club” in Washington has to stop!!! More than anything, I want to see this country get back on a footing that will sustain our liberty, create opportunity and provide us security. We aren't getting it with the hacks that we have elected. Let's get busy!!1
Benghazi is obviously a mess that was mishandled. Why are there no answers? The Administration and the Democrats are stonewalling and the Republicans let them get by with it! The IRS has abused their trust and again, the Democrats say it has been solved, no one is too blame while the Republicans continue to try to get beyond the lies without success. No one has been fired, no one has even been accused, there has been no action that would get to the bottom of the problem. Our laws are nothing more than words written on paper with no one enforcing them. Why o we pass laws if we can’t enforce the ones we have?
The Attorney General has brought disrepute on his office by his apparent lies, an abuse of power that is over the top and failed to enforce the laws of the land and still, no one takes him to task. While he refuses to enforce our immigration laws our President declares his faith in the Attorney General and the Republicans who should be actively pursuing these matters whine but does nothing.
I know that I will get no action from my Congressional Representative because he is a Democrat and abides by the party line. Everything is okay as long as it is the Democratic line. I will get no help from my Senators because they are Democrats and they, too, follow the party line. More and more I feel like a person without a country. I love my country, but that does not mean that I love the political hacks who have been elected to serve the country’s best interests.
Are you one of those who voted to return incompetent people to the seat of power? If so, shame on you. If not, is it not about time you wrote your Congressman, Senator and the President and told them what you really think, what you want and what you expect? Then, and only then, perhaps someone will begin to recognize that you and I really want some action and that the “pussy footing” around at the “coed club” in Washington has to stop!!! More than anything, I want to see this country get back on a footing that will sustain our liberty, create opportunity and provide us security. We aren't getting it with the hacks that we have elected. Let's get busy!!1
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
Friday, March 22, we board KLM Flight 901 to Amsterdam where we board the Viking river longboat Aegis for a 15 day cruise along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers. Our cruise will include visits to Holland, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary
March 23, we arrive in Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, and transfer to our ship.*Aegis. Upon completion of boarding, we have the day to explore the city.
March 24, we sail to Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where our tour includes a network of windmills and exposes us to their indight into flood management technologies.
March 25, Our morning tour of Cologne, includes a visit to the Dom, Germany’s largest cathedral and a Unesco World Heritage Site. After lunch we are “free” to explore Cologne on our own.
March 26, Cruising past castles along the Rhine, and a stop in Koblenz to visit Marksburg, the only Rhine castle never destroyed.
March 27, Miltenberg Enjoy the Main River as it winds its way through the Spessart region. After lunch, we stop in Miltenberg, known for its half-timbered houses, including the oldest inn in Germany.
March 28, Würzburg After breakfast we tour Würzburg’s Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s largest and most ornate baroque palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage.
March 29, Bamberg After our morning sail and lunch we visit Bamberg, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
March 30, Nuremberg After breakfast aboard ship we visit Nuremberg, and spend free time exploring Nuremberg’s old town.
March 31, Regensburg. Arrive in Regensburg in the late morning; after lunch, we tour this medieval city, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
April 1, Passau On a morning walking tour, we will explore Passau’s narrow streets and Italianate architecture, and pass the Veste Oberhaus, a 13th-century fortress that served for centuries as a bishop’s stronghold.
April 2 Melk & Krems. After breakfast we visit the abbey at Melk, a 900-year-old Benedictine monastery featuring Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture and then rejoin our ship for a cruise through the spectacular Wachau Valley this afternoon. Before dinner, you have free time to explore.
April 3, Vienna We ride along Vienna’s Ringstrasse, which replaced the city walls in the mid-19th century, see Vienna’s world-famous Opera House, St. Stephan’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace. After lunch aboard explore Vienna on our own.
April 4, Bratislava. After our early morning arrival, we will do a walking tour of Slovakia’s capital and explore this capital city.
April 5, Budapest Cruise the Danube River which divides this Hungarian capital city into “Buda” and “Pest”. Explore both parts, enjoy lunch aboard and the rest of the day exploring. A final traditional Hungarian farewell dinner aboard completes our “River” adventure.
April 6, A 6 AM depart Budapest for Amsterdam and our connecting flight to Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy for our Mediterranean Sea voyage aboard the cruise ship, Norwegian Jade.
April 7 and 8 At Sea
April 9 Alanya, Turkey
April 10, Limassol, Cyprus
April 11, Haifa, Israel
Apr 12, Ashdod, Israel
April 13, At Sea
April 14, Iraklion, Greece
April 15, At Sea
April 16, Naples, Italy
Apr 17 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy. Depart Rome for a connecting NY flight scheduled to arrive Los Angeles 1220AM, April 18.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Fw: Do you remember January 3, 2007??????
THOUGHT PROVOKING FORWARDED MESSAGE
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Saturday, September 29, 2012
THERE IS A DIFFERENCE
THERE IS A DIFFERENCERecently a nephew reposted a blurb on Facebook that suggested there is no difference between Governor Mitt Romney, the Republican Presidential candidate, and the sitting US President, Barak Hussein Obama. I believe that anyone who subscribes to this thought process lacks enlightenment and most certainly, lacks an understanding of the principles upon which our country was founded. Further, I believe that they may lack clearly defined principles in their own life.
While there are many areas in which I can agree that there is similarity and that the differences may be miniscule, there is, I believe, a difference in vision competence, leadership skills and principle.
VISION Obama clearly believes that government is the answer and to that end he is on record as favoring redistribution of the wealth, and big government as the final “nanny” of our independence. Romney is a “free enterprise” capitalist and believes in the power of free enterprise. His comments and positions reflect a belief in a “safety net” but not a reliance on big government to provide our daily “bread”.
COMPETENCE. There is clearly a lack of understanding, organization and good judgment in the Obama administration. The President has failed to seek and assimilate common goals, find common ground or project an ability to listen, all necessary to competence. President Obama has approved of and empowered his political base i.e., bailout of General Motors, funding of Solyndra, implementation of job killing regulations and failed to follow through on what he promised would be "the most transparent" administration ever at a significant cost to all of us. The President's vision for the country is his dream and our nightmare. Governor Romney has a record of success and competence both in business, government and public service. His past reflects a commitment to our Constitutional ideals. Granted, we cannot know how competent someone will be until we see their performance. However, both the President and the Governor have a record on which we can decide who is the most competent for the future of our country and most able to preserve our values. It is time to bring the power of the boardroom to the Presidency and fire the incumbent.
LEADERSHIP. Good leadership seeks ideas, conciliates, negotiates and compromises. The President dictates, mandates and orders. He has surrounded himself with “yes” people who simply applaud his “brilliance” and empower his arrogance. His choice of “critical” cabinet members and his willingness to stand by their flawed decisions suggests a lack of principled leadership. Cabinet members who have exhibited less than stellar performance are, Attorney General Eric Holder, whose Department bears responsibility for misjudgment and cover up of Fast and Furious; Department of Health and Human Services Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius, who was cited for violation of the Hatch act for making "extemporaneous partisan remarks" in a February speech in North Carolina; Secretary of Energy, Steven Chu, who was responsible for the grants to bankrupt Solyndra and similar missteps in his “quest” to lead us into “green power”; former Secretary of Commerce, John Bryson whose health issues suggest a flawed and under supervised key strategist; the ongoing spectacle of Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano and the recent debacle of Susan Rice’s Sunday talk show appearances are a few examples of poor leadership and a failure to exercise oversight by this President. By contrast, Governor Romney co-founded Bain Capital, a highly successful private alternative asset management firm; turned a severely flawed business plan for the 2002 Winter Olympics into a successful and profitable endeavor and served as Governor of Massachusetts where he applied first hand the principles of leadership for dealing with people of diverse political philosophy and ideas. Governor Romney’s choice of Paul Ryan as his running mate suggests a good first step in his exercise of good leadership judgment.
PRINCIPLE. The President has failed to reflect strong principles on anything beyond his reelection and commitment to his political base. His ideas and certainly the decisions that he has rendered, seem to suggest that he is a principled socialist in ideology, unwilling to compromise and lacking in moral principles. By all accounts, he is a good father, husband and a good person. He is, I believe, a Teflon man. Anyone who attends a church for 20 years and professes he did not hear the message from the podium is morally severely flawed. President Obama does not reflect principles in which I believe. While Governor Romney’s character has not yet faced the test of Washington's reality, there is a striking difference in the two men. I believe Governor Romney has illustrated his commitment to family, faith and country and that thee is a strong distinction between him and the President’s actual performance.
There is an ongoing thread of belief within our society that we are controlled by an underlying force of conspirators who are “pulling the cords” to our life and choices. They believe that no matter what we do, an anonymous “boogey man” descendants of the Rothschild, Rockefeller and Zionists theory control our ultimate destination. This preamble is as old as Christ who threw the money changers out of the church. To those who would suggest that there is an all powerful “one world government” or conspiracy of the elite super rich that makes our independent vote and choices void, I say “OH YE, OF LITTLE FAITH”. This suggests a disbelief in the religious principles of our fathers, lack of a compelling faith in the goodness of man and a total denial of the existence of “God” and/or a stronger force that controls our universal existence.
While we may differ on who or what controls our destiny, there is adequate assurance that the combined “power” of the people can and does make a difference. For many, faith in the principles of an “unknown” force is not only necessary but instrumental to their lifestyle. Individually, we have an obligation to be good citizens, honor our commitment to principle, practice our faith and respect those with whom we differ. But, above all, we have an obligation to make our voices heard and for most of us, that is a simple vote for change or continue with the same. You see dear nephew, I believe there is a difference and one that is significant to your future and that of your children and our country.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
FREE SPEECH
How many of us really think about our questions, the answers we get or give, the value of free speech and what it means to us?
Maybe it is time we thought about it more and apply ourselves to preserving it.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Saturday, October 08, 2011
Fw: Fwd: Stimulus money at work
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Wednesday, August 24, 2011
IN SUPPORT OF THE TEA PARTY CONCEPT
I would like to enlighten POTUS, all politicians and especially, the Democratic (as well as any or all of those who consider the “tea party” insurgents or terrorists) about what is going on in the real world of the American people. Certainly, some of us are more acutely aware than others of what has been created, developed or permitted to evolve in this country. But, please take it from a real life senior citizen it is a mess out there!
I am not a member of the tea party (whatever membership in that organization involves) but I certainly subscribe to the validity of their complaints and support their motives. We all need to be on the street pointing out to all who can see and listen how truly “mismanaged” (the F word should have replaced truly but that might offend someone)we really are. It seems to me that an over educated group of mass ignorance is running our country. Did someone put something in the water that turned the masses into whimpering, blubbering idiots? Is it terrorism under the guise of intellectual superiority?
I am not sure whether our problems are a result of the “dumbing down” of our society or whether everyone is simply incompetent, over regulated or educated beyond their intelligence. Whatever the reason, it has become next to impossible to get anything done in any format that is, in any way, intimidated by the political scene. It is time that our elected officials wise up and listen to the voices of the tea party and others who are “mad as hell and not gonna take it any more”. We must confront the dreadful disease of incompetent malaise that is overcoming every facet of our daily lives. Contrary to what the Democratic Party (and those elected to office with similar views that I choose to call dirty liberal Republicans) would have us believe, the tea party is not the problem. Our elected officials (President, Congress and the political thought process that conceived them) are the problem.
My husband and I are 80 and 78 years old respectively. We have a home loan that we would like to repay but to do so, would create another tax burden as a 401K disbursement. In an apparent effort to be good stewards of our personal finances, we decided to take advantage of better loan rates that were offered to us by a home loan mortgage broker who offered us a desirable lower interest rate. Our existing company said they could give us the same rate with only an update of financial information provided to them just one year ago. Nothing of significance had changed since then so we elected to go with our existing company. We were not concerned, our credit rating is pristine. What problem could we have?
That was in June. In the ensuing months, we have had to provide documentation that we have never had to provide before in connection with any loan application and we have had many. They required details from my pension fund, a life insurance annuity in lifetime payout, pension data and term, proof and reason for every bank transfer, every financial transaction that we have entered into over the year, from whom it came, what it was for and why it was made) and the list goes on and on. For every delay, updates of previously submitted documents had to be provided until we have been inundated with paperwork and related costs and still the simple renewal has not closed.
We have become so disenchanted with the bank and what we have been through that we are considering canceling our loan and, once a new loan has been negotiated, we will move all of our business to another bank.
I understand the need for checks and balances. Certainly, if we had ever engaged in illegal activities or had a history of defrauding our business associates their concerns would be relevant. However, it is apparently not politically correct to check one person more thoroughly than another – so everyone must be treated as criminals?
We are told the increased scrutiny is as a result of new finance regulations. We understand that the new regulations were implemented because people did not do their job in the past. However, instead of enforcing the laws that existed or tightening the enforcement process, more rules and regulations were enacted to assure protection from the people who didn’t violate the previous laws. Really makes a lot of sense, don’t you think?
I personally feel that we are over regulated and micro managed to the point that we are left feeling like crooks. In the past only those with questionable credit and background were subjected to endless scrutiny into their personal affairs. During that process those people learned how to “beat the system”. Now, everyone is a crook until proven otherwise. Is this the change that we can believe in? Rather than enforce laws already on the books, our politicians want to micro manage with more laws, regulations and oversight. As a consequence nothing gets done and our country remains stagnant and without heart. People lose confidence, become depressed and we have a “Catch 22” syndrome. Let’s face it – laws are written to assure that the most jobs that can be created will be created to support the reason for more dysfunctional government. And in the process, dysfunction will kill the goose that lays the golden eggs just as unions and government regulations have contributed to companies removing their manufacturing overseas in order to be competitive Sort of makes you feel all warm and fuzzy about our future doesn't it?
It seems to me that the real terrorists are those we elected to serve as our representatives. It is time for all of us to take a good look at just who we are selecting to serve us both on the local, State and Federal level. We have earned our current mess but isn’t it time that we paid them back with what they deserve – defeat???
I know that I am old and that I tend to live in the past, but I remember when you went to your local banker who knew you, knew your family and knew first hand your personal business strengths and weakness. He could tell you face to face what he could and couldn’t do. He didn’t have to worry that you might sue him for one of the innumerable counts of “protectionism” that has been put on the books to curtail business and manage our affairs. In those days,my parents and perhaps, yours, stood on their own record and that was sufficient. No endless paperwork, no large staff of accountants, no team of lawyers and no review board to determine whether you were worthy of a companies trust. With our laws and the endless efforts by incompetent politician’s to help us avoid malfeasance, we no longer have a free society. We have a “free loading” society.
Why would any of us criticize the good citizens who are members of the tea party? They are exercising that in which they believe. If we don’t act now and change the way things are done, a mid-east spring may be in our future and it may be led by senior citizens like me who are simply fed up. We have a mess. Our laws are so confused, complicated and inept that we need to wipe the slate clean and start over with only the constitution as our guide.
Whatever is happening in our government today isn’t working. More power to the tea party, less power to our elected officials and perhaps, YOU need to remind them of just how fed up YOU are. Write your Senator, Congressman or woman, the President and every news bureau and let them know that you are FED UP AND NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANY MORE.
I am not a member of the tea party (whatever membership in that organization involves) but I certainly subscribe to the validity of their complaints and support their motives. We all need to be on the street pointing out to all who can see and listen how truly “mismanaged” (the F word should have replaced truly but that might offend someone)we really are. It seems to me that an over educated group of mass ignorance is running our country. Did someone put something in the water that turned the masses into whimpering, blubbering idiots? Is it terrorism under the guise of intellectual superiority?
I am not sure whether our problems are a result of the “dumbing down” of our society or whether everyone is simply incompetent, over regulated or educated beyond their intelligence. Whatever the reason, it has become next to impossible to get anything done in any format that is, in any way, intimidated by the political scene. It is time that our elected officials wise up and listen to the voices of the tea party and others who are “mad as hell and not gonna take it any more”. We must confront the dreadful disease of incompetent malaise that is overcoming every facet of our daily lives. Contrary to what the Democratic Party (and those elected to office with similar views that I choose to call dirty liberal Republicans) would have us believe, the tea party is not the problem. Our elected officials (President, Congress and the political thought process that conceived them) are the problem.
My husband and I are 80 and 78 years old respectively. We have a home loan that we would like to repay but to do so, would create another tax burden as a 401K disbursement. In an apparent effort to be good stewards of our personal finances, we decided to take advantage of better loan rates that were offered to us by a home loan mortgage broker who offered us a desirable lower interest rate. Our existing company said they could give us the same rate with only an update of financial information provided to them just one year ago. Nothing of significance had changed since then so we elected to go with our existing company. We were not concerned, our credit rating is pristine. What problem could we have?
That was in June. In the ensuing months, we have had to provide documentation that we have never had to provide before in connection with any loan application and we have had many. They required details from my pension fund, a life insurance annuity in lifetime payout, pension data and term, proof and reason for every bank transfer, every financial transaction that we have entered into over the year, from whom it came, what it was for and why it was made) and the list goes on and on. For every delay, updates of previously submitted documents had to be provided until we have been inundated with paperwork and related costs and still the simple renewal has not closed.
We have become so disenchanted with the bank and what we have been through that we are considering canceling our loan and, once a new loan has been negotiated, we will move all of our business to another bank.
I understand the need for checks and balances. Certainly, if we had ever engaged in illegal activities or had a history of defrauding our business associates their concerns would be relevant. However, it is apparently not politically correct to check one person more thoroughly than another – so everyone must be treated as criminals?
We are told the increased scrutiny is as a result of new finance regulations. We understand that the new regulations were implemented because people did not do their job in the past. However, instead of enforcing the laws that existed or tightening the enforcement process, more rules and regulations were enacted to assure protection from the people who didn’t violate the previous laws. Really makes a lot of sense, don’t you think?
I personally feel that we are over regulated and micro managed to the point that we are left feeling like crooks. In the past only those with questionable credit and background were subjected to endless scrutiny into their personal affairs. During that process those people learned how to “beat the system”. Now, everyone is a crook until proven otherwise. Is this the change that we can believe in? Rather than enforce laws already on the books, our politicians want to micro manage with more laws, regulations and oversight. As a consequence nothing gets done and our country remains stagnant and without heart. People lose confidence, become depressed and we have a “Catch 22” syndrome. Let’s face it – laws are written to assure that the most jobs that can be created will be created to support the reason for more dysfunctional government. And in the process, dysfunction will kill the goose that lays the golden eggs just as unions and government regulations have contributed to companies removing their manufacturing overseas in order to be competitive Sort of makes you feel all warm and fuzzy about our future doesn't it?
It seems to me that the real terrorists are those we elected to serve as our representatives. It is time for all of us to take a good look at just who we are selecting to serve us both on the local, State and Federal level. We have earned our current mess but isn’t it time that we paid them back with what they deserve – defeat???
I know that I am old and that I tend to live in the past, but I remember when you went to your local banker who knew you, knew your family and knew first hand your personal business strengths and weakness. He could tell you face to face what he could and couldn’t do. He didn’t have to worry that you might sue him for one of the innumerable counts of “protectionism” that has been put on the books to curtail business and manage our affairs. In those days,my parents and perhaps, yours, stood on their own record and that was sufficient. No endless paperwork, no large staff of accountants, no team of lawyers and no review board to determine whether you were worthy of a companies trust. With our laws and the endless efforts by incompetent politician’s to help us avoid malfeasance, we no longer have a free society. We have a “free loading” society.
Why would any of us criticize the good citizens who are members of the tea party? They are exercising that in which they believe. If we don’t act now and change the way things are done, a mid-east spring may be in our future and it may be led by senior citizens like me who are simply fed up. We have a mess. Our laws are so confused, complicated and inept that we need to wipe the slate clean and start over with only the constitution as our guide.
Whatever is happening in our government today isn’t working. More power to the tea party, less power to our elected officials and perhaps, YOU need to remind them of just how fed up YOU are. Write your Senator, Congressman or woman, the President and every news bureau and let them know that you are FED UP AND NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANY MORE.
Friday, February 18, 2011
ROCKING CHAIR COMMENTARY
Perhaps the people who are protesting in Wisconsin should be introduced to the old fashioned paddle that my teacher used when I was a kid?
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
RIGHT OF DISSENT
During President George W. Bush's administration, the attacks on his
policies were never ending. It was alleged that President Bush was lacking
in IQ. (We learned after the Kerry-Bush campaign that Bush' college grades
equaled or exceeded John Kerry's, but the negative point had been made.).
http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/columnist/benedetto/2005-06-10-benedetto_x.htm
August 10, 2005, Richard Benedeto wrote While the general impression during the 2004 presidential campaign was that Democrat John Kerry was the intellectual superior to President Bush, it turns out that their grades
while undergraduate students at Yale were remarkably similar. In fact, Bush's were a tad higher. His four-year average was 77; Kerry's 76. Both were C students. Kerry graduated from Yale in 1966;Bush in 1968President Bush was criticized for being a liar because no weapons of mass
destruction were found in Iraq, ridiculed for his lack of communication
skills and every mispronounced word was headlined. As a person who supported
the Bush presidency, I accepted these outbursts of dissatisfaction as
necessary to credibility. Dissent promotes an examination of truth.
policies were never ending. It was alleged that President Bush was lacking
in IQ. (We learned after the Kerry-Bush campaign that Bush' college grades
equaled or exceeded John Kerry's, but the negative point had been made.).
http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/columnist/benedetto/2005-06-10-benedetto_x.htm
August 10, 2005, Richard Benedeto wrote While the general impression during the 2004 presidential campaign was that Democrat John Kerry was the intellectual superior to President Bush, it turns out that their grades
while undergraduate students at Yale were remarkably similar. In fact, Bush's were a tad higher. His four-year average was 77; Kerry's 76. Both were C students. Kerry graduated from Yale in 1966;Bush in 1968President Bush was criticized for being a liar because no weapons of mass
destruction were found in Iraq, ridiculed for his lack of communication
skills and every mispronounced word was headlined. As a person who supported
the Bush presidency, I accepted these outbursts of dissatisfaction as
necessary to credibility. Dissent promotes an examination of truth.
Today, disagreements with the administration incites verbal attacks that
accuses those who dissent of flawed thoughts and inferior IQ. Dissent abuse
has become particularly loud against Sarah Palin and the tea party movement.
Intimidation of those who disagree with the preconceived ideas of elitist
is practiced freely. Both the verbal left and right seem to believe
that free speech should be limited to their speech. Personally, I am
offended by those who would attack dissenting views. My disdain is not
limited to those who may disagree with me. We do not have to agree with the
view of others, but good manners requires that we respect them. Dissent is
a two way street and should be equally cherished and protected by all.
Many of my friends do not share my political philosophy or my personal
values. They are not flawed. They see the world through a different prism.
They judge with a different yardstick. Because I know these people to be
good, well intentioned, compassionate and caring people, Irespect their concerns, ideas and beliefs. I may even agree with some of their concerns but I want to hear their reasons, their logic and explore their motives.Although I may disagree with them, they need to hear themselves make their own case. I have found that our positions can best be understood when we personally communicate them.
Sometimes the mere exchange of ideas causes us to glimpse the vulnerability
of our position. We need the insight that debate provides but that debate
needs to be logical, reasoned and spoke in a spirit of learning. I do not
want to be intimidated into accepting truth where truth does not exist.
The media should be asking the questions, probing the positions and
enlightening our understanding, but it does not. Thus, we must rely on
people who have the courage to ask the questions, suggest alternatives and explore
the possibilities. Free speech is key to survival for our way of life.
My mother who had only an elementary education had a favorite cliché that
she often shared with me. "THERE IS MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SKIN A CAT". Today her simple cliché would undoubtedly raise an outcry from PETA (mind you, I do not recommend skinning a cat) but the phrase suggests there may be
alternatives. That, it seems to me, is an application for American
ingenuity. Those who think they have answers should welcome and
encourage debate and welcome authentication of their ideas. The debate of
ideas should be recognized as a combined exercise of free speech and a
search for wisdom. The Obama administration and its supporters should
welcome discussion and questions of their positions. In fact, shouldn't the
questions raised by those who site the dissenters as educationally
challenged take precedence for analysis and, thus, reveal the value of the concept and the soundness of its premise?
Monday, May 03, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
I never cease to be amazed at the audacity of people who choose to believe that they have the right to say and do anything in defense of their positions, but that others should lie down, be quiet and abide by the will of others. Such is the State of our country and it is not a good State.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
A PROPER RESPONSE TO ANOTHER INCOMPETENT BUREAUCRAT
Ms. Cindy Williams, Assistant Director for Natrional Security in the Congressional Budget office. wrote a piece for the Washington Times, denouncing the pay raise(s) coming service members' way this year. She stated that the 13% wage increase was more than they deserve.
A young airman from Hill AFB responds to her article below. He ought to get a bonus for this.
"Ms Williams: I just had the pleasure of reading your column, "Our GIs earn enough" and I am a bit confused. Frankly, I'm wondering where this vaunted overpayment is going, because as far as I can tell, it disappears every month between DFAS (The Defense Finance and Accounting Service) and my bank account. Checking my latest earnings statement I see that I make $1,117.80 before taxes per month. After taxes, I take home $874.20. When I run that through the calculator, I come up with an annual salary of $13,413.60 before taxes, and $10,490.40, after.
I work in the Air Force Network Control Center where I am part of the team responsible for a 5,000 host computer network. I am involved with infrastructure segments, specifically with Cisco Systems equipment. A quick check under jobs for Network Technicians in the Washington, D.C. area reveals a position in my career field, requiring three years experience with my job. Amazingly, this job does NOT pay $13,413.60 a year. No, this job is being offered at $70,000 to $80,000 per annum........... I'm sure you can draw the obvious conclusions.
Given the tenor of your column, I would assume that you NEVER had the pleasure of serving your country in her armed forces. Before you take it upon yourself to once more castigate congressional and DOD leadership for attempting to get the families in the military's lowest pay brackets off of WIC and food stamps, I suggest that you join a group of deploying soldiers headed for AFGHANISTAN; I leave the choice of service branch up to you. Whatever choice you make, though, opt for the SIX month rotation: it will guarantee you the longest possible time away from your family and friends, thus giving you full "deployment experience."
As your group prepares to board the plane, make sure to note the spouses and children who are saying good-bye to their loved ones. Also take care to note that several families are still unsure of how they'll be able to make ends meet while the primary breadwinner is gone - obviously they've been squandering the "vast" piles of cash the government has been giving them.
Try to deploy over a major holiday; Christmas and Thanksgiving are perennial favorites. And when you're actually over there, sitting in a foxhole, shivering against the cold desert night; and the flight sergeant tells you that there aren't enough people on shift to relieve you for chow, remember this: trade whatever MRE (meal-ready- to-eat) you manage to get for the tuna noodle casserole or cheese tortellini, and add Tabasco to everything. This gives some flavor.
Talk to your loved ones as often as you are permitted; it won't nearly be long enough or often enough, but take what you can get and be thankful for it. You may have picked up on the fact that I disagree with most of the points you present in your opened piece.
But, tomorrow from KABUL , I will defend to the death your right to say it.
You see, I am an American fighting man, a guarantor of your First Amendment rights and every other right you cherish. On a daily basis, my brother and sister soldiers worldwide ensure that you and people like you can thumb your collective nose at us, all on a salary that is nothing short of pitiful and under conditions that would make most people cringe. We hemorrhage our best and brightest into the private sector because we can't offer the stability and pay of civilian companies.
And you, Ms. Williams, have the gall to say that we make more than we deserve? You can kiss my royal red a**!!!
A1C Michael Bragg Hill AFB AFNCC
IF YOU AGREE, PLEASE PASS THIS ALONG TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT OF THE AMERICAN FIGHTING MEN AND WOMEN. THANK YOU No comments:
Monday, October 12, 2009
TRIP ITINERARY AND E MAIL CONTACT
Ken and I depart for Wales, Ireland and Scotland Thursday, October 15. We plan to keep you updated on our experiences and adventures with regular blogs posted to patsgazette.com and we will monitor mail sent to pat@patsgazette.com. If you wish you can direct your e mails to us from patsgazette.com.
We request that you do not send any forwarded messages of non essential information to pat@patsgazette.com. All forwarded mail or FYI enlightenment of political ,entertainment or commentary on the state of incompetence posed by the public in general should be sent to: korpburns@att.net or burns-kenneth@att.net. We look forward to catching up with the realitys posed by those gems of nonsense when we return but we hope to be too busy enjoying the countryside and sights of the United Kingdom to deal with the lighter side of life while on the road.
Keep us in your thoughts as we wander through the castles and see the countryside of the United Kingdom with a view predominately from the left (at least from the road!)
p
Monday, September 28, 2009
ANOTHER LETTER TO MY REPRESENTATIVES IN WASHINGTON DC
I am one of those irrational people against health care reform as it is presently known. I believe in the views and support the people who appeared at town hall meetings all over the country during the summer. Those people expressed their opposition to the current health care bill and their general distrust and discontent with their political representatives. In my opinion, they reflected the majority views of my age group and my sphere of friends. They were not remotely “turf”. They were frustrated individuals who want their representatives to listen to us to our views and act with wisdom and concern. They expressed my feelings and reflected my personal negative views on health care, the energy tax, tarp and the state of incompetence that you and your fellow representatives have practiced to date. We are fed up, frustrated and unable to stand quietly by while the current administration and its followers put nail after nail into the coffin of my beloved country.
I am a disgruntled constituent. I cannot believe that our elected representatives are voting on and passing legislation that they have neither read or understand. That absolutely “blows my mind”. Any politician who votes for a bill that they have not personally read and understand should be removed from office. We, the American people have an obligation to let you know that the current level of accrued debt and the out of control spending must be stopped. We cannot afford the bills that are being submitted, approved and passed. We are broke!!! My opposition has nothing to do with race, right wing extremism or whatever symbolic language that your latest focus group might label me. I believe that the current opposition is based on different visions, beliefs and commitments. It is time you listened to the other side and heard our plea. The opposition is not right on all matters. Neither are you!! I can assure you that I can hardly wait for next year’s elections because change is needed and badly in both parties.
I continue to hear that the opponents have no plan. I happen to like many of the amendments that the opposition has put forth and that have been rejected by the majority party. My major concerns for health care are as follows:
- Let’s fix what is broken in our health care and gradually implement changes that will make a difference.
- Whatever plan is ultimately agreed upon, it should also apply to every government worker, member of Congress and the vast governmental bureaucracy. If it isn’t good enough for the government, it isn’t good enough for our citizens.
- All bills should be posted on the internet at least 72 hours before a vote is conducted;
- No government plan. I believe firmly that once the government gets involved business will “opt out” of health care as a benefit. No matter what assurances you or the president or anyone in the government gives me, I believe this will happen;
These are but a few of my health care considerations, but I will not bore you with a detailed account because I am “worldly” enough to realize that you really don’t give a dam and that it is a hopeless effort on my part. I have written this only because I think I need to be on record, not that I think it will be read by the addressee in spite of what I expect will be your regular canned chain response with “focus group” phrases.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
THE STATE OF OUR HYPROCRISY
Where is our honesty? Is there no commitment to justice or fairness? We give lip service to being a country run by the “rule of law”. This week, in an area where our forefathers fought for the principles of democracy and freedom, the political process stretched this premise to the limit. The State of Massachusetts passed a provision that permitted a sitting Governor to appoint a temporary Senator to replace the late Senator Ted Kennedy. This law was passed to directly contradict a law passed to deny a sitting Governor of an opposing political party that same right. When our politicians “stoop” deliberately and in full public view to act in this manner in open disregard for fairness and the people look on in approval why should ordinary American citizens take to seriously the “rule of law”? Have we no shame?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
HEALTH CARE
A lot is being said about the necessity to pass health care now. It seems to me that the most important thing is to get it right and rushing through a long drawn out version of legal nonsense that no one understands (including the authors) is a terrible disservice to the American people.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
WHAT IS WRONG WITH DEBATE?
When I was a child our family gatherings were opportunities for family discussions and vigorous debates. After a family noon day meal,shared in close family unity, the conversation would turn from family orientation and family topics of mutual interest to politics and issues of the day. These discussions would be healthy, heated and varied. My older brothers and sisters disagreed on many issues not only among themselves but with my father, whose political positions were strong and well known to family, friends and enemies alike. The debates were lively. Though these discussions would not see the “light of day” in the halls of Congress or in any arena of decision making consequence, it helped everyone formulate their position, reaffirm or question his or her own belief and prepared them for the decisions that they would make at the ballot box. Most of all, we learned to respect that differences of opinion provides the roots to the freedoms that makes our country special. We learned at a young age to question, analyze and by doing so, we learned to make decisions based on merit as we saw it.
I am shocked that the Democratic left and the news media cannot and does not encourage this kind of expression of ideas. Oh, they might say that they certainly encourage family debate -- but what about public debate with their elected officials? That anyone should think that one man or one parties proposed solution should be above analysis and disagreement is beyond my comprehension. Yet that seems to me to be the message forthcoming from our President and his Administration. Although I am very concerned about the socialization of America that seems to be the intent of many of the ideas coming from the current administration, I am more afraid of the failure to accept debate as a necessary American reaction to political ideas. Further, the seeming lack of appreciation by the news media for the simple thought process of our citizens who disagree with the President and the administration is to me simply traumatic. Where is the basic root expression that our journalists and news media are supposed to research and dispense?
What has happened to our country when the President of the United States condemns disagreement and wants to stifle debate? When the President himself attacks a news media that dares express debate about current events, should we not be up in arms? I am shocked that every newsperson in our country is not concerned and condemning the President and his political cronies. Few are doing so and those who do, are condemned by Pelosi, Reed, Obama and their Democratic comrades who were elected to serve the citizens of our great country.
America – it is time we all woke up and recognized that the change that you thought you were getting is not change at all, it is a war on our American principles and the American dream. My mother, father and siblings have all passed away. They were life long Democrats and they surely must be turning over in their grave as the very spirit of our country has turned from one of individual responsibility to unearned dependence”. The party in whom my family placed their loyalty now empowers dependence on the Government and the principles and values that I learned at those family gatherings so long ago, are no longer applicable. I think that they, as religious, dedicated believers, would also be disappointed to know that their faith is under attack as well.
We need to wake up!!! We need to make our voices heard!!! And we need to just say NO to Obama’s plan to further burden us with his plan for a socialized America. And – in case you are wondering – I am not beholden to any lobbyist, insurance company or political party in any way. I am just a freedom loving American citizen who is scared for the plight of my country.
I am shocked that the Democratic left and the news media cannot and does not encourage this kind of expression of ideas. Oh, they might say that they certainly encourage family debate -- but what about public debate with their elected officials? That anyone should think that one man or one parties proposed solution should be above analysis and disagreement is beyond my comprehension. Yet that seems to me to be the message forthcoming from our President and his Administration. Although I am very concerned about the socialization of America that seems to be the intent of many of the ideas coming from the current administration, I am more afraid of the failure to accept debate as a necessary American reaction to political ideas. Further, the seeming lack of appreciation by the news media for the simple thought process of our citizens who disagree with the President and the administration is to me simply traumatic. Where is the basic root expression that our journalists and news media are supposed to research and dispense?
What has happened to our country when the President of the United States condemns disagreement and wants to stifle debate? When the President himself attacks a news media that dares express debate about current events, should we not be up in arms? I am shocked that every newsperson in our country is not concerned and condemning the President and his political cronies. Few are doing so and those who do, are condemned by Pelosi, Reed, Obama and their Democratic comrades who were elected to serve the citizens of our great country.
America – it is time we all woke up and recognized that the change that you thought you were getting is not change at all, it is a war on our American principles and the American dream. My mother, father and siblings have all passed away. They were life long Democrats and they surely must be turning over in their grave as the very spirit of our country has turned from one of individual responsibility to unearned dependence”. The party in whom my family placed their loyalty now empowers dependence on the Government and the principles and values that I learned at those family gatherings so long ago, are no longer applicable. I think that they, as religious, dedicated believers, would also be disappointed to know that their faith is under attack as well.
We need to wake up!!! We need to make our voices heard!!! And we need to just say NO to Obama’s plan to further burden us with his plan for a socialized America. And – in case you are wondering – I am not beholden to any lobbyist, insurance company or political party in any way. I am just a freedom loving American citizen who is scared for the plight of my country.
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