As we enter the final week of a wild 2008, I just wanted to take pause to speak on a few things.
First, and foremost, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! I hope today's events lifted your spirits and gave you reason to once again be thankful for all of your blessings.
In this fast-paced, reaction over response society, we are allowing too much of what is on the news to determine our spiritual, emotional, and relationship well-being. We panic because th Dow keeps going down. We cringe each time another business goes belly-up. We dig our nails into the arms of the chair we are sitting in whenever we hear the words "bail out."
Since the bubble burst in September, the country has become psychologically depressed, which has led to a vicious cycle that is worsening the problem. We let the repetitive news cycle destroy our collective, and individual, psyche. We have let the noise drown out the truth...that we are really, truly, okay.
If you are reading this, be thankful. You have access to electricity, and the luxury...yes, luxury...of internet access. If your stomach is not turning and growling like a caged animal, be thankful. You have access to food. If you tell someone that you agreed with or disagreed with in this, or any other blog, be thankful. You have someone to talk to. If you have to pause while reading this because of a doorbell or phone ringing, be thankful. You have people who want to reach you, and you have a place at which you can be reached. If the kids won't go to bed tonight because they are still excited about what they got this morning, be thankful. You made a child's day and were able to share time with people.
We are not in a Great Depression. We are just depressed.
For the rest of the holiday season, re-ignite your loves...your family, your hobbies, your friendships. Turn on the TV for only the local weather, or better yet, just click over to accuweather.com or theweatherchannel.com and get your weather forecast. Ignore the news for the rest of the year. Then, turn on the TV on the 31st to count down to a new year...a new beginning.
If you end 2008 on that note, regardless of you job situation, your 401K situation, or your investment situation...if you invest yourself into your loves, 2008 will definitely end on a high note for you.
Merry Christmas! God Bless us all this holiday season!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
War! What is it good for?...
Let me tell you a story about sacrifice, terror, honor, pride, and the righting of wrongs.
On a bright, sunny morning, while the world was just barely waking up, terror in the skies came barrelling down on America.
Buildings fell, humans burned and died in the horrible attacks.
We were hit by a small country, part of the Axis of Evil. They struck us fast, hard, and by suprise. We had people who might have seen it coming, but predicting the day time and location of the attacks was nearly impossible.
Immediately after the slaughter of American lives, we went to action. We went after the country that hit us. We bombed the crap out of them and paid them back. Death and war is never pleasant, but this was revenge. They had awaken a dangerous, powerful beast that was lulled to sleep by peace and its own power. We went to work to kick their hind parts into oblivion.
Then, we also went to work on an ally who had similar intentions for us. While they had not directly attacked us, we knew they were coming and we had to stop all of this evil force at once. We were hit hard by their little buddy, and we were sure as we could that we needed to stop everyone who had destruction and violence planned against us and our people.
We beat the two countries into submission. We defeated the evil powers. Then, we went to work rebuilding the same countries. In time, they became as strong, if not stronger, in many areas than the United States.
We are a powerful country who reacted to a swift and painful blow to push evil back and out of power. We restored the people of those countries to power and helped them prevent future dictatorships from returning.
Now, as you read the above, today, the somber anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor, were you thinking of World War II...or the current War on Terror? Whenever you want to trash our country for going into Iraq, remember: Germany never attacked us, either.
We are a great country. We have the greatest military. Our troops are excellent. They always have been. They always deserve our support.
On a bright, sunny morning, while the world was just barely waking up, terror in the skies came barrelling down on America.
Buildings fell, humans burned and died in the horrible attacks.
We were hit by a small country, part of the Axis of Evil. They struck us fast, hard, and by suprise. We had people who might have seen it coming, but predicting the day time and location of the attacks was nearly impossible.
Immediately after the slaughter of American lives, we went to action. We went after the country that hit us. We bombed the crap out of them and paid them back. Death and war is never pleasant, but this was revenge. They had awaken a dangerous, powerful beast that was lulled to sleep by peace and its own power. We went to work to kick their hind parts into oblivion.
Then, we also went to work on an ally who had similar intentions for us. While they had not directly attacked us, we knew they were coming and we had to stop all of this evil force at once. We were hit hard by their little buddy, and we were sure as we could that we needed to stop everyone who had destruction and violence planned against us and our people.
We beat the two countries into submission. We defeated the evil powers. Then, we went to work rebuilding the same countries. In time, they became as strong, if not stronger, in many areas than the United States.
We are a powerful country who reacted to a swift and painful blow to push evil back and out of power. We restored the people of those countries to power and helped them prevent future dictatorships from returning.
Now, as you read the above, today, the somber anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor, were you thinking of World War II...or the current War on Terror? Whenever you want to trash our country for going into Iraq, remember: Germany never attacked us, either.
We are a great country. We have the greatest military. Our troops are excellent. They always have been. They always deserve our support.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Mumbai Terrorist Attacks
The country of India suffered through and extraordinary ordeal with the attacks on several tourist attractions. The financial district of Mumbai was the central location of the attacks, as it appeared as though the terrorists were targeting American and British tourists and the attractions and hotels frequented by them.
Americans, Brits, and many other people lost their lives in the terrible attacks. My heart goes out to those who lost loved ones, and also to the people who narrowly escaped with their lives, as their lives will never be the same.
Sadly, I think this might be the beginning of a long sequence of attacks by Al Queada led or inspired groups. For seven years, America has stood strong against Al Queada and terrorism. We have snuffed it out at every opportunity. However, the 2008 election cycle broadcast to the world, there might be some wavering in our stances, regardless of who won. Whether it was John McCain breaking his back to work with the Democrats, or the weak, inexperienced Obama (whom even his running mate Biden said was inexperienced and would be tested within 6 months).
Sadly, I truly believe that Mumbai is the tip of the iceberg. The pending closing of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, a promise of the Obama campaign, is going to release 200+ terrorists back in to the fold, all of whom will be able to lead and spread anti-American propaganda to reinvigorate our enemies. This rejuvenation of released terrorists, along with constant anti-American comments from Democratic leaders of the past 6 years, has prepared the terrorists of the world to get us while we are at our weakest.
Obama wants to meet, without preconditions, with the leaders of these terrorist organizations. He will most likely bring them here, thus giving diplomatic immunity. Who knows what can happen with an anti-American terrorist with immunity?
I wish the best to the people who have been affected by the Mumbai tragedy. I sincerely hope the people responsible will me swift and appropriate justice...which means they have to have justice served before 12:00 noon on January 20th, 2009.
Americans, Brits, and many other people lost their lives in the terrible attacks. My heart goes out to those who lost loved ones, and also to the people who narrowly escaped with their lives, as their lives will never be the same.
Sadly, I think this might be the beginning of a long sequence of attacks by Al Queada led or inspired groups. For seven years, America has stood strong against Al Queada and terrorism. We have snuffed it out at every opportunity. However, the 2008 election cycle broadcast to the world, there might be some wavering in our stances, regardless of who won. Whether it was John McCain breaking his back to work with the Democrats, or the weak, inexperienced Obama (whom even his running mate Biden said was inexperienced and would be tested within 6 months).
Sadly, I truly believe that Mumbai is the tip of the iceberg. The pending closing of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, a promise of the Obama campaign, is going to release 200+ terrorists back in to the fold, all of whom will be able to lead and spread anti-American propaganda to reinvigorate our enemies. This rejuvenation of released terrorists, along with constant anti-American comments from Democratic leaders of the past 6 years, has prepared the terrorists of the world to get us while we are at our weakest.
Obama wants to meet, without preconditions, with the leaders of these terrorist organizations. He will most likely bring them here, thus giving diplomatic immunity. Who knows what can happen with an anti-American terrorist with immunity?
I wish the best to the people who have been affected by the Mumbai tragedy. I sincerely hope the people responsible will me swift and appropriate justice...which means they have to have justice served before 12:00 noon on January 20th, 2009.
Black Friday Tragedy
On November 28, 2008, in the early morning hours, a seasonal worker at Wal Mart was killed by a herd of stampeding morons. People looking to get a great deal on a TV killed a man, without a second look.
Jdimytai Damour, 34, was trampled to death by a herd of self-centered, senseless, spineless idiots. Damour, up early for work, trying to earn a living, was killed because 500 people refused to utilize any form of self control.
I hope that the police spend months analyzing the tape, and then charge every person on that tape with Manslaughter. Every person who walked in that store and stepped on, or over, Damour, should be charged.
There is no excuse. There is no reason this man should be dead. There is no possible way to excuse oneself for stepping on a man and walking past as if nothing happened. This man died because of greed and selfishness. One family will celebrate Christmas with an empty chair because 500 people couldn't wait 10 more seconds to save $10.
The thing that adds to my anger and frustrations is the fact that many pro-union groups are trying to capitalize on the tragedy. They claim Wal Mart should unionize, because a Union would have had done something to prevent this. Perhaps, but there are still tragedies like this in Unionized businesses. It is just another way that Unions are trying to grab power.
GM, Chrysler, and Ford are all begging for cash from Congress because of out of control Unions. So, in my opinion, Unions are the last thing Wal Mart needs. More Unions are the last thing America needs right now.
The REAL problem is the people. The people who storm upon stores at abnormal hours. The people who FIGHT, literally, over toys and cameras and TVs. The people who stomped a man to death in their greed to save a few dollars.
You can toss some blame on the store for not getting some security in place when they saw the hoard outside. You can blame the store and the police for not keeping order, even after the police were on scene BEFORE the doors opened and the tragedy happened. However, we need to have the film analyzed, re-analyzed, and then all the faces tracked down and charged with Manslaughter. Perhaps the police on Long Island need to make some examples of these people.
Most of the savings that motivate these massive crowds are for presents to be placed under the tree. A lot of people are purchasing items for themselves, also, but the majority is for giving. Sadly, we have lost the beauty and true meaning of the season, and of giving. This loss of the real meanings of the season and of giving was never more prevalent than on Friday, November 28, 2008.
Jdimytai Damour, 34, was trampled to death by a herd of self-centered, senseless, spineless idiots. Damour, up early for work, trying to earn a living, was killed because 500 people refused to utilize any form of self control.
I hope that the police spend months analyzing the tape, and then charge every person on that tape with Manslaughter. Every person who walked in that store and stepped on, or over, Damour, should be charged.
There is no excuse. There is no reason this man should be dead. There is no possible way to excuse oneself for stepping on a man and walking past as if nothing happened. This man died because of greed and selfishness. One family will celebrate Christmas with an empty chair because 500 people couldn't wait 10 more seconds to save $10.
The thing that adds to my anger and frustrations is the fact that many pro-union groups are trying to capitalize on the tragedy. They claim Wal Mart should unionize, because a Union would have had done something to prevent this. Perhaps, but there are still tragedies like this in Unionized businesses. It is just another way that Unions are trying to grab power.
GM, Chrysler, and Ford are all begging for cash from Congress because of out of control Unions. So, in my opinion, Unions are the last thing Wal Mart needs. More Unions are the last thing America needs right now.
The REAL problem is the people. The people who storm upon stores at abnormal hours. The people who FIGHT, literally, over toys and cameras and TVs. The people who stomped a man to death in their greed to save a few dollars.
You can toss some blame on the store for not getting some security in place when they saw the hoard outside. You can blame the store and the police for not keeping order, even after the police were on scene BEFORE the doors opened and the tragedy happened. However, we need to have the film analyzed, re-analyzed, and then all the faces tracked down and charged with Manslaughter. Perhaps the police on Long Island need to make some examples of these people.
Most of the savings that motivate these massive crowds are for presents to be placed under the tree. A lot of people are purchasing items for themselves, also, but the majority is for giving. Sadly, we have lost the beauty and true meaning of the season, and of giving. This loss of the real meanings of the season and of giving was never more prevalent than on Friday, November 28, 2008.
Friday, December 5, 2008
It has been a while...My Apologies...
For the last 3 weeks or so, I have been sulking, politically, and busy, professionally, thus preventing more of my words of mediocrity from appearing on this blog site. I apologize to my hundreds of readers for my delays in getting back to you, both on here, and through the many emails you have sent.
So, let me recap what has gone on since I last posted.
We are gearing up for a new Clinton administration, a third term for Bill and Hillary's people. Barack even admitted that he was intentionally hiring former Clinton people because he wanted experienced people on his staff. However, with Hillary the most likely Secretary of State, and Bill publicly stating interest in a job in the president-elect's cabinet, America is entering into the 1990's all over again. Higher taxes are on the way! Oh, and in bad news for the economy, this Clinton regime will not have the internet boom fall into its collective lap this time around.
Congress, with their 59 Democrats in the Senate, is spending like there is no tomorrow. Since some of our Republican friends thought that acting like a Democrat and spending more than we have was how to get re-elected, we have no one left to fight for spending control. Except when it comes to the military. They are all for gutting the military...similar to what happened 10 minutes after Bill took office in 1993. Then, for 8 years, our weakened military was unable to fight off terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, two US Embassies in Africa, and the USS Cole. (The same military and defense cuts led to our vulnerability to the 9-11 attacks.)
Everyone from the city of Chicago (fully under the impression of the buddy-boy network now that their puppet is the president-elect), to the state of Cahl-EEE-foh-nee-yah; from the mom and pop candy store to the biggest automakers in the United States; are all asking...or, begging...for a big slice of the open flood of money from Washington. It is downright sad. There is such a panic over the economy, 99% of which is exacerbated by the 24-hour, repetitive news cycle, that everyone is making a run on any money they can get their paws on, no one taking a moment to really think of where this money is coming from, or what the price is going to be in the long run.
The one bright spot of the 2008 elections, well, the one successful bright spot, if you will, was Saxby Chambliss fending off the millions of Obama-aid send to Georgia to reclaim his seat in the Senate, thus preventing the filibuster-prof majority for the Democrats. Saxby will be looked to for leadership and strength, as he is one of the few Republicans to be able to return to Washington in January. Saxby won by double-digit margins, thus preventing a drawn-out, lawsuit-filled holiday season, as there would assuredly be suit after suit after suit should the polls have been withing 5 points. So, Saxby Chambliss is the one hero that Republicans can look to for the next couple of years. He fought the "Obama-mania media" and the Liberals from NYC to LA to win back his seat.
Next, I want to address the pseudo-controversy surrounding Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell. His comments about Janet Napolitano, Obama's pick to head Homeland Security. The same media who criticized Sarah Palin for having 5 kids is now attacking Rendell for his comments. He made a comment, that was unknowingly picked up by a nearby live mic, that said that since Napolitano does not have a family, she is a great pick for the job, because she can devote 19-20 hours a day to the job. To me, Rendell was only repeating the logic that many used to attack Sarah Palin. Now they are upset at this logic? In addition, this comment was not sexist, as many are purporting to be. The quote was, "Janet's perfect for that job. Because for that job, you have to have no life. Janet has no family. Perfect. She can devote, literally, 19-20 hours a day to it." The only reference to her gender came in the form of pronouns used instead of her name. There was no reference to her gender other than that. It just goes to show how sensitive and ready to pounce people are today. Everyone is looking for a reason to get mad at someone.
Previously in this piece, I referred to Chambliss as the 'one successful brightspot' in this year's campaign cycle. There can be arguments as to how successful she was, but the fact is she did not get elected. And I do blame her running mate as much as I do the left-wing media that actively campaigned for her opponents. I am talking, of course, about the "breath of fresh air," Governor Sarah Palin. She was the bright spot to outshine all bright spots. She, and she alone, carried John McCain to a lead in September. Then the financial crisis hit, and then the media put the blame solely on the Bush Administration, and that proved to be too much for even the bright-eyed, intelligent, strong Conservative leader Palin.
However, I do believe that Sarah Palin may well repeat her own Modus Operondai come 2012. If you know much about her, you know that before winning the Governorship, Palin did lose a bid to become Lieutenant Governor her first time around. So, perhaps, in 2012, it is time for her to take a step up, much as she did in Alaska. A Palin-Romney ticket sounds great to me. Or, perhaps, Sarah Palin-General David Petraeus ticket? Okay, I am stretching it there, but Petraeus has climbed about as high as anyone can in the military. In four years, he may want to climb to a higher office.
It has been a hard month to swallow. It sickens me how much of a rock star our president-elect is. He is not a leader. He was not elected to be a leader. He is simply installing Clinton Administration 2.0, then going around talking good. However, Saxby Chambliss helped America avoid sheer disaster, and may just be enough for us to limp to the 2010 mid-terms, where I hope people like Sarah Palin are the face of the party, and not these middle of the road phonies who think Republicans need to lean left, instead of the Democrats leaning from the FAR FAR FAR left toward the center.
I am hopeful.
I do want to add that I had a lot of ground to cover in this piece, and I did not want to include the Black Friday tragedies and the India Terrorist Attacks in with this litany of commentary. I will discuss those events in coming blogs. Thank you for your time!
So, let me recap what has gone on since I last posted.
We are gearing up for a new Clinton administration, a third term for Bill and Hillary's people. Barack even admitted that he was intentionally hiring former Clinton people because he wanted experienced people on his staff. However, with Hillary the most likely Secretary of State, and Bill publicly stating interest in a job in the president-elect's cabinet, America is entering into the 1990's all over again. Higher taxes are on the way! Oh, and in bad news for the economy, this Clinton regime will not have the internet boom fall into its collective lap this time around.
Congress, with their 59 Democrats in the Senate, is spending like there is no tomorrow. Since some of our Republican friends thought that acting like a Democrat and spending more than we have was how to get re-elected, we have no one left to fight for spending control. Except when it comes to the military. They are all for gutting the military...similar to what happened 10 minutes after Bill took office in 1993. Then, for 8 years, our weakened military was unable to fight off terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, two US Embassies in Africa, and the USS Cole. (The same military and defense cuts led to our vulnerability to the 9-11 attacks.)
Everyone from the city of Chicago (fully under the impression of the buddy-boy network now that their puppet is the president-elect), to the state of Cahl-EEE-foh-nee-yah; from the mom and pop candy store to the biggest automakers in the United States; are all asking...or, begging...for a big slice of the open flood of money from Washington. It is downright sad. There is such a panic over the economy, 99% of which is exacerbated by the 24-hour, repetitive news cycle, that everyone is making a run on any money they can get their paws on, no one taking a moment to really think of where this money is coming from, or what the price is going to be in the long run.
The one bright spot of the 2008 elections, well, the one successful bright spot, if you will, was Saxby Chambliss fending off the millions of Obama-aid send to Georgia to reclaim his seat in the Senate, thus preventing the filibuster-prof majority for the Democrats. Saxby will be looked to for leadership and strength, as he is one of the few Republicans to be able to return to Washington in January. Saxby won by double-digit margins, thus preventing a drawn-out, lawsuit-filled holiday season, as there would assuredly be suit after suit after suit should the polls have been withing 5 points. So, Saxby Chambliss is the one hero that Republicans can look to for the next couple of years. He fought the "Obama-mania media" and the Liberals from NYC to LA to win back his seat.
Next, I want to address the pseudo-controversy surrounding Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell. His comments about Janet Napolitano, Obama's pick to head Homeland Security. The same media who criticized Sarah Palin for having 5 kids is now attacking Rendell for his comments. He made a comment, that was unknowingly picked up by a nearby live mic, that said that since Napolitano does not have a family, she is a great pick for the job, because she can devote 19-20 hours a day to the job. To me, Rendell was only repeating the logic that many used to attack Sarah Palin. Now they are upset at this logic? In addition, this comment was not sexist, as many are purporting to be. The quote was, "Janet's perfect for that job. Because for that job, you have to have no life. Janet has no family. Perfect. She can devote, literally, 19-20 hours a day to it." The only reference to her gender came in the form of pronouns used instead of her name. There was no reference to her gender other than that. It just goes to show how sensitive and ready to pounce people are today. Everyone is looking for a reason to get mad at someone.
Previously in this piece, I referred to Chambliss as the 'one successful brightspot' in this year's campaign cycle. There can be arguments as to how successful she was, but the fact is she did not get elected. And I do blame her running mate as much as I do the left-wing media that actively campaigned for her opponents. I am talking, of course, about the "breath of fresh air," Governor Sarah Palin. She was the bright spot to outshine all bright spots. She, and she alone, carried John McCain to a lead in September. Then the financial crisis hit, and then the media put the blame solely on the Bush Administration, and that proved to be too much for even the bright-eyed, intelligent, strong Conservative leader Palin.
However, I do believe that Sarah Palin may well repeat her own Modus Operondai come 2012. If you know much about her, you know that before winning the Governorship, Palin did lose a bid to become Lieutenant Governor her first time around. So, perhaps, in 2012, it is time for her to take a step up, much as she did in Alaska. A Palin-Romney ticket sounds great to me. Or, perhaps, Sarah Palin-General David Petraeus ticket? Okay, I am stretching it there, but Petraeus has climbed about as high as anyone can in the military. In four years, he may want to climb to a higher office.
It has been a hard month to swallow. It sickens me how much of a rock star our president-elect is. He is not a leader. He was not elected to be a leader. He is simply installing Clinton Administration 2.0, then going around talking good. However, Saxby Chambliss helped America avoid sheer disaster, and may just be enough for us to limp to the 2010 mid-terms, where I hope people like Sarah Palin are the face of the party, and not these middle of the road phonies who think Republicans need to lean left, instead of the Democrats leaning from the FAR FAR FAR left toward the center.
I am hopeful.
I do want to add that I had a lot of ground to cover in this piece, and I did not want to include the Black Friday tragedies and the India Terrorist Attacks in with this litany of commentary. I will discuss those events in coming blogs. Thank you for your time!
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