One Person's Views

Veterans' Day

2011-11-10T23:52:00.000-08:00

Today is a very special day. It is the day we have set aside to remember all who have served our nation. Those who have sworn to "protect and defend" no matter the cost. It is the day to honor the men and women who have and still do wear the uniform of our military.

I am proud to be a veteran. I am proud to have served my country. I am prouder still of my brothers and sisters who have stood beside me and those who have gone before me and those generations that have followed in the very same footsteps.

As a veteran I believe I have earned the right to extend my thanks and appreciation to honor yet another group of veterans. They are family members. Wives, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and children who, in their own way, are veterans.

They don't march in any parade today. They simply stand and watch with pride as we do. They are not heralded as heroes by the many who speak today. They simply turn their eyes to us filled with love. Yet, in their own way they too are veterans. They endure a different type of hardship when we serve and when we deploy.

They may not be in harms way but they exhibit a courage everyday we are gone. As a veteran I can attest that each day we know what faces us. Those of us who have been in combat know how we are. Our family members can only hope we are okay. They don't know but they continue to go on as if they have no doubt everything is alright.

Those of us who have been in combat freely admit we face down a certain fear when we hear explosions or engage in a firefight or head into a place we may not walk away from. Our other "veterans" live with the fear of not knowing everyday. They hold their heads high and proud as they exclaim their loved one(s) is serving this country in uniform.

But they can be no prouder than those of us who have and do wear the uniform are of them. They are our rock and our reason for serving. They are the fabric that holds us together. While they cannot imagine hardships we endure, we cannot imagine the hardships our being gone has brought to them. Yet, like us, they carry on.

It has been this way since the very beginning of our great country. And it is certainly that way today.

My fellow soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines I salute you and say thank you and tell you it is an honor to serve with you. To thank those who preceded me and those who have come after.

To those "other veterans" I thank you and stand tall as I salute you for your sacrifice and your strength that makes it possible for us to do the job we do everyday.

To my brothers and sisters in arms past and present: Thank you I am proud to have served with you.

To my "other veterans:" Thank you I am proud that you have helped me to serve.

On America's Doorstep

2011-11-07T13:24:00.000-08:00

It seems the eyes of the American news media and politicians are either focused on Europe and the looming financial crisis there or some 3,000 miles away from there where American troops are in harms way.

Yet, on our doorstep are events that could shape the future of the Americas. That is to say North America, Central America and South America.

The election cycle has begun in Mexico and while in Nicaragua and Guatemala elections came to a climax yesterday. Yet, no one seems predict the impact they will have on the United States. I thought it might be interesting to once again revisit history.

Yesterday a former army general involved in Guatemala's brutal civil war has won the nation's presidential elections on a promise to win a new war in the tiny Central American nation: this time against drug-traffickers.

Otto Pérez Molina, who campaigned on a promise to bring an "iron fist" against rising crime won the presidency with 54 percent of the vote. The retired general is the first former military leader elected president in Guatemala since the end of a 36-year civil war in 1996, a conflict that included more than two decades of military rule. Some 200,000 Guatemalans died in fighting between leftist guerrillas and the military.

Guatemala's per-capita homicide rate is twice that of Mexico's, and among the highest in the world. In the last year, Guatemala has twice ordered military surges to quell spikes of violence blamed on Mexican cartels.

President-elect Perez denied there was an attempt at genocide during the civil war. Or that villages were decimated by firestorms. Yet, past events in the war may prove a problem for the new president-elect. Mr. Pérez is under investigation in his own country for war-related crimes, and a Spanish judge investigating a genocide case has also heard allegations that he was involved in the torture of a villager in the 1980s. As president, he would have immunity from prosecution in Guatemala.

At the time of this writing the State Department had not made any comment regarding the election results. Perhaps if they watch and study other Central American nations they may see a trend occurring.

Our closest southern neighbor, Mexico, is gearing up for its July, 2012 presidential election. In a country where an estimated 50,000 have died as a result of their drug war. A leading presidential candidate of Mexico's ruling party said last Wednesday he would break with government policy and withdraw the army from the fight against drug gangs if he wins the election in 2012.

Santiago Creel, a former interior minister belonging to the conservative National Action Party (PAN) is considered a front runner in his party.

If he is elected the question that comes to my mind is how much will it cost the United States if the cartels roam the streets of Mexico at will?

A little over 2,600 miles to our south or almost the distance from Washington, D.C. to San Francisco, Daniel Ortega of Sandinista fame appears to have won his country's presidency again by a wide margin.

Ortega had yet to acknowledge a victory Monday, though he had already received congratulations from his leftist allies, Cuban President Raul Castro and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who has given the Ortega government more than $500 million a year in donations and discounted oil.

Ortega's opponents fear that if he wins with a clear majority, he would be able to change the constitution to legitimize the Supreme Court ruling and pave the way to becoming president for life.

Ortega led the Sandinista movement that overthrew dictator Anastasio Somoza in 1979, and withstood a concerted effort by the U.S. government, which viewed him as a Soviet-backed threat, to oust him through a rebel force called the Contras.

Again, our State Department has been mute on this.

I am not an expert on international affairs but I can't help but wonder how these events , so close to home,
will impact the Unites States, our security, our foreign relations and our economy. Maybe our government will do what it does best, fire anyone who states an opinion based on the obvious like it did last week when army Maj. Gen. Peter Fuller, deputy commander of NATO's effort to train Afghan forces was relieved of his command for criticizing Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

In last Thursday's remarks, Fuller was incredulous that Karzai, in a recent interview with the Pakistani press, had indicated that Afghanistan would come to Pakistan's aid if the U.S. ever attacked.

“Why don’t you just poke me in the eye with a needle!" Fuller said. "You’ve got to be kidding me … I’m sorry, we just gave you $11.6 billion and now you’re telling me, ‘I don’t really care’?"

Our country was founded by rebels and men who weren't afraid to speak out and damn the consequences. Today I suppose we are expected to be politically correct.

Well damn the political correctness, give me leaders who lead and are respected for being blunt and honest and have integrity. Give me leaders who aren't wearing blinders and can see our neighbors to the south represent just as much of a risk to our way of life as the terrorists.

The big question now is where do we find such an animal?

How to Reduce the Debt and Fix Congress

2011-10-28T19:25:00.000-07:00

As a general rule I haven't elected to print emails I receive. However, during the past week I received one that merits being posted. It makes sense and the author is a highly respected and recognized American. With my thanks to Tim O. here is the idea of Warren Buffett.

Warren Buffett, in a recent interview with CNBC, offers one of the best quotes about the debt ceiling: "I could end the deficit in 5 minutes," he told CNBC. "You just pass a law that says that anytime there is a deficit of more than 3% of GDP, all sitting members of Congress are ineligible for re-election

The 26th amendment (granting the right to vote for 18 year-olds) took only
3 months & 8 days to be ratified! Why? Simple! The people demanded it. That was in 1971...before computers, e-mail, cell phones, etc.

Of the 27 amendments to the Constitution, seven (7) took 1 year or less to become the law of the land...all because of public pressure.

Warren Buffet is asking each addressee to forward this email to a minimum of twenty people on their address list; in turn ask each of those to do likewise.

In three days, most people in The United States of America will have the message. This is one idea that really should be passed around.

*Congressional Reform Act of 2011*

1. No Tenure / No Pension. A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.

2. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security.
All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the American people. It may not be used for any other purpose.

3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.

4. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.

5. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.

6. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people.

7. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective 1/1/12. The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen.
Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should serve their term(s), then go home and back to work.

If each person contacts a minimum of twenty people then it will only take three days for most people (in the U.S.) to receive the message. Maybe it is time.

THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!!!!!

Tolerance Has A Limit

2011-10-23T21:30:00.000-07:00

It's been nearly 10 months since I have posted anything to this blog but now the dry spell is over. Many subjects seemed to beg for comment during my absence and I am primed and ready to add my thoughts, observations and not so politically correct comments as todays' events unfold.

On Saturday, Afghan President Hamid Karzai thumbed his nose at the United States and, in my opinion, totally disregarded and disrespected the sacrifice thousands of America's military made for his country. Not to mention helped him rise to the presidency of Afghanistan.

"God forbid, If ever there is a war between Pakistan and America, Afghanistan will side with Pakistan," he said in a television interview.

He will side with the very country who has allowed fighters sanctuary in its mountains after they've committed atrocities in his nation, who has helped to funnel money, weapons and warped radicals to his war torn nation.

We have buried more than 1,800 men and women who were killed there and wore the uniform of the United States. Add the more than 14,000 who have been wounded and then try to imagine the loss and hardships for all those families.

The billions of dollars our government has poured in this war could have aided every man, woman and child if used in this country. Our economy would not be in shambles and just perhaps, the poverty level wouldn't keep rising.

To honor those who have fallen and those whose lives have been altered forever, my response would be to mobilize every asset and immediately redeploy every troop, every piece of equipment back to the very country that has saved his ass ... the U.S.A. With the message being you'd go to war against us then you are not an ally but an enemy. Survive or perish on your own.

Undoubtedly there will be those who would scream "human rights." Plain and simple .. it is not right to bury a fallen warrior who was fighting to provide freedom for that country's humanity.

Damn being tolerant ... let's be right!

The Great Humanitarian ???

2011-03-20T12:45:00.000-07:00

Once again, in the name of humanitarian action our great nation has deemed it necessary to intervene/interfere in another nation's internal conflict. In less than 24 hours we (the taxpayer) have spent an additional $58 million plus, according to the U.S. Navy's own figures, just on the launching of Tomahawk Cruise missiles. Then there is the cost of our military's deployment.

Granted, it is a United Nations' sanction and action that has been taken against Libya and we are supposed to a leader in that body. All the action has been and continues to be taken in the name of humanitarian assistance. Yet, from all accounts this is, in reality, a civil war. A war between the citizens of Libya and their head of state.

Moammar Gadhafi, the proven power thirsty head of this African country, has vowed to fight to the death to remain in power. His history of retaliation and terrorist tactics are well documented. His tribal mentality is evident in all he does.

However, he is not alone. In Rwanda and the Darfur region of the Sudan the governments have been slaughtering people. Yes, the United Nations passed various actions but none included the military intervention to stop what some called a genocide.

Our military is stretched thin as it is without deploying more men and women and more assets in an action no one is willing to state the obvious ... a regime change. Once more I have to wonder if we haven't learned from the past.

As much as we would like peace and harmony around the globe the reality is that just won't happen. It is an honorable and idealistic thing to want to help people in need. Again, the reality is we, as a country, cannot afford to further the myth that we are the savior of humanity.

What about saving our own people. Our government's spending is legendary and it will take generations to one day maybe see a debt free America. But to pay our bills we cut the very areas that can least afford it. Education, at a time our nation is declining in world wide rankings. Job training programs, when our unemployment is still a major problem. So many needs and so few dollars.

I wonder just how much of the multi-millions that have been spent in the past 24 to 48 hours could have helped to alleviate some of the issues here at home. While I can understand those brave people in Africa for wanting a better life and to be free I can also see the difference between perception and stark reality.

There is a song lyric that goes: "I can't be right for somebody else if I'm not right for me." Eventually, our great country may wake up and discover if it is not right for its own population, how can it be right for another's country.

Supreme Court Ruling

2011-03-02T08:55:00.000-08:00

There are times we all need to set priorities and the past several months have been such a time for me. Unfortunately, I have not placed my blog at the top of my priority list. However, today's ruling by the United States Supreme Court has hit like being blind-sided by a huge truck.

In a vote of 8 to 1 our nation's highest court ruled in favor of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas stating they are protected by the First Amendment when they disrupt and disrespect funerals of members of our military who gave their lives protecting the very Constitution these cowards are hiding behind.

I use the word cowards to describe both the eight members of the court and the so-called church they sided with. For years the members of this alleged Christian church have picketed and protested at solemn military funerals bearing signs that read: "Thank God for dead soldiers" and "Thank God for IEDs."

My military career began in Vietnam and essentially ended in Afghanistan. I've held my friends as they died in my arms and have escorted their bodies to their final resting place. The anger and disgust I feel is beyond description.

I know violence is never an answer to solve a problem but in this case I would be more than willing to make an exception. Perhaps, IF there is a God and IF he or she would see fit to perform a miracle. Maybe that God would line the driveway of this self-righteous, hypocritical group of believers' church with IEDs and they could then thank their god as they went to meet him or her!

Hope for Tomorrow

2011-02-07T21:53:00.000-08:00

Over the past weeks I, like millions of others around the world, have watched history unfold in the Middle East. Unarmed insurrections in Tunisia and Egypt are toppling decades old suppressive governments.

Yet, those responsible are not militant factions declaring themselves the savior of the people. They are citizens who represent a broad spectrum of the country's populace. They are young and old, men and women, Muslim and Christian, poor and middle class. They share a common hope and dream ... a free and democratic society.

It is as if dictators around the world have been put on notice and some are responding with positive changes and concessions in the hope such a fire will not spread to their countries.

As our world continues to shrink and the internet provides instant communication as never before in history, people around the globe can see for themselves how others live. Thanks in part to the social media like Facebook and Twitter these same people are communicating and bringing about change.

Perhaps, we here in the greatest experiment in democracy in the history of the world need to remind our own government that dual standards are not the example of freedom.

Many times I have written about learning from history. Remember the Philippines, Panama, Iran and the Shah? Just to name a few repressive governments where our nation supported and supplied security assistance. The need for massive nonviolent actions in the support of freedom and democracy to other nations of the world may be no greater than here.

Like a beacon from an airport our country shines in the darkness. But there are two types of beacons. A civilian airport's beacon is one solid beam of light while a military airport is distinguished by a beacon that is split into two beams of light. I am proud that the United States serves as a beacon for freedom to the world. But, we must shine as single beam of light not saying one thing and acting in another.

Let us as a nation truly support those who desire the freedoms we may have come to take for granted.

God Sent Me - A Short Posting

2011-01-23T21:41:00.000-08:00

One of the seemingly stock stories on TV news features is that of a local veteran attending college. And, in fact this is a common occurrence just as the fact of our active duty personnel piling up college credits when and where they can.

Not long ago a Special Forces trooper was attending some college courses between assignments. He had completed missions in both Iraq and Afghanistan and was back in the states until his next deployment. In one of the courses he had a professor who was a vowed atheist, a member of the ACLU and Not In Our Name, an organization founded in 2002 to protest the U.S. government's course in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks. (This organization was disbanded in 2008).

One day the professor shocked the class when he came in. He looked to the ceiling and raised his voice for all to hear and flatly stated: "God, if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform. I'll give you exactly 15 minutes."

The lecture room fell silent. You could hear a pin drop. Ten minutes went by and the professor proclaimed: "Here I am God. I'm still waiting." It got down to the last couple of minutes when a soldier wearing a green beret got out of his chair, went up to the professor and cold-cocked him, knocking him off the platform.

The soldier went back to his seat and sat there silently. The other students were shocked and stunned and sat there looking on in silence. The professor eventually regained consciousness and was noticeably shaken. He looked at the soldier and asked: "What the hell is the matter with you? Why did you do that?"

The man with the green beret and Special Forces and Ranger tabs on his uniform calmly replied: "God was too busy today protecting America's soldiers who are protecting your right to say stupid shit and act like an asshole. So, He sent me."

Civilized ? ? ?

2011-01-10T21:48:00.000-08:00

In the wake of Saturday's events in Tucson, Arizona I can't help but wonder why anyone, anywhere would refer to our culture as "civilized."

To examine this description, the word itself, begs for such a question to be asked. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language defines the word civilized as: "Having a high state of culture and development both social and technological." It also gives another definition which is: "Marked by refinement in taste and manners."

After searching through many resources I was unable to find where to be civilized was to be portrayed as being mean-spirited, nasty, ignorant, self-serving, or just plain stupid. You know ... like Rush Limbaugh. (At least that's this one person's view).

I'm sure that will not endear me to some but I once had a T-shirt with big bold letters, C.S.I. emblazoned across the front and underneath was printed "Can't Stand Idiots."

The killing of six human beings and wounding another 12 people certainly isn't civilized. Some 2,300 miles away and about 12 hours later in Baltimore, Maryland two more people were killed and four more wounded at one location. I'm sure if I took the time to research in depth what occurred in that half day period there would be added instances of acts that defy the definition of civilized.

Among those who were slain in Tucson include a nine year-old girl, three senior citizens in their 70s, a Federal Judge, a Congressional staff member and a United States Congresswoman, who is believed to be the primary target. Across the country one of those gunned down was a police officer.

There has been some conjectures put forth that bitter, malevolent speech is responsible for such actions. In reading the various definitions of civilized I was surprised that I did not find the term "respect" linked anywhere. For to be civilized is also to be respectful. We can agree to disagree but we should not inflame those with whom we disagree.

We enjoy freedom of speech but with that freedom also comes the responsibility to be intelligent to choose our words carefully. I do not mean to be politically correct, I mean to assume the responsibility for maintaining dignity and integrity. Epithets and hate speech serve no purpose other than to agitate those who are seemingly incapable of thinking for themselves.

We all disagree with many thoughts and many people but most of us don't turn to violence. Here again it is a new year. Let's not just make a resolution to help each other but add to that to respect one another.

A View of History

2011-01-07T21:17:00.000-08:00

In my lifetime I have witnessed more events and more advances than any other generation in history.
The atomic age, space travel, the computer, lasers, organ transplants and so many others. I can watch an old science fiction movie and see how imaginative gadgets have become reality and even common place.

The other day I read an article about things babies born in 2011 will never know. It is equally as astounding as items I have watched pass by the wayside.

I remember when video tape replaced film, a major step forward for T.V. stations. Now, in this digital age the children born this year will only read about video tape. My generation grew up on books, magazines and newspapers. I hope there will always be books and not just the electronic kind. Yet, the kids born this year may well find stores that sell words written on dead trees will be about as numerous as record stores are today.

Paper maps, watches and wired phones will be relegated to museums. CDs, the Evening News, film cameras and fax machines will be a part of history.

Today many us carry a smart phone. That relatively small device connects us with almost everything imaginable. It can tell us where we are with GPS, allow us to research anything on the internet, take pictures and send them to our friends and yes ... we can even talk with someone, just like on an old-fashioned telephone that actually had wires.

The difference technology has made in our lives is beyond description. We can only imagine what the children of 2011 will witness in their lifetime. Whatever it may be, may it be in peace.

It's A New Year

2011-01-02T19:52:00.000-08:00

To those who follow my blog I do apologize for the past few months which have produced nothing. But, it's a new year and many new thoughts and ideas that I will strive to post at least twice a week. Perhaps not on the same day each week but two times a week.

Many years ago I had a friend who was asked to describe me in three words or less. "That's easy," this individual said and went on to simply state: "A romantic idealist."

Often I have said one person can make a difference. Maybe that encompasses this person's observation. I firmly believe a single individual can make a difference. We may not be like Bill and Melissa Gates who can spend millions of dollars to affect a better world but we can individually brighten someones day.

People volunteer for hundreds of reasons and there are hundreds of organizations that can utilize their skills. As for me, I'm too undisciplined and too selfish to allow my time to be dictated. I prefer to do what I want when I want.

Many of us have seen a need for something and simply remarked something like: "There should be ...," or, "Somebody ought to .... " What is stopping you from addressing that issue ... from doing something? So many things can be done; how about helping a single mom by watching her kids for a few hours while she just has some time to herself and perhaps go to a movie or get her hair done. How about the senior citizen on a limited income and showing up at the house fully equipped to wash his or her car or fix a broken gate.

Vow to make this new year the year that YOU make a difference.

In Between Days

2010-12-06T21:25:00.000-08:00

Somewhere, in the back of someone's fridge, is still some turkey left over from the Thanksgiving feast. While that bird is aging, yet another probably looms on the horizon. It's the in between days. Those days when some are still recovering from the last holiday, Thanksgiving, and preparing for the next, Christmas.

But wait ... as they say on the TV commercials ... there is more to come. There is yet another set of in between days. Time to recover again from yet more acts of gluttony and make ready for the really big celebration ... New Year.

I've often wondered how the final days of our calendar year might be interpreted by someone totally unfamiliar with our culture. Perhaps, their final report might read something like this:

During the weeks I spent observing this society I discovered they exhibit many strange behaviors. There seems to be a fascination with a strange looking bird called a turkey. I have seen replicas of this creature wearing such odd items as a pilgrim style hat to buckle shoes. It is even celebrated on a bottle of potent drink. Then, on a designated day the masses bake, fry, smoke and roast and devour this bird.

The very next day hoards of people descend on merchants seemingly stripping them of their wares. This is often referred to as a shopping spree. Although to me it looks more like a battle spree. Or, the mass release of mentally ill people into a small space.

During the in between days, from what they call Thanksgiving until the next celebration, Christmas, is spent rushing from place to place and store to store and hanging lights and decorations in just about every place one can imagine. There must be a significance between a star and some obese human who dresses like a prude version of a old male stripper.

Then there is Christmas when everyone presents everyone else with trinkets and overpriced items, as well as, just plain garish garments. Once again, they devour the ugly bird they call a turkey.

The next two or three or four days are spent recuperating from the amount of food they have ingested and examining the things received a little closer and realizing the debt they have incurred. But, there is no time for introspection. They must get ready for another celebration. It is the feast of the New Year when alcohol flows freely and inhibitions are lost in the old year.

Perhaps the most remarkable day, not the day following the night's debauchery, but the second day after it. Many are still suffering from hangovers and indigestion and wondering how they are going to pay for everything. Yet, in this strange society you hear the question over and over: "Did you have fun?" And, the response is overwhelmingly: "Yes."

And people question me when I ask them ... "How much fun can I have before I'm damned?"

A Soldier's Thoughts

2010-11-11T00:16:00.000-08:00

I Am An American Soldier

I am an American Soldier !

Not because I vote or preach

what I want.

Not because I buy items to

Toss and to flaunt.

It is not because I drink

Coca-Cola or eat apple pie.

Not because I’ve played

Baseball or caught a pop fly.

The reason I have rises

above all the rest,

The reason is simple; I have

been put to the test.

I have slept on the ground

And woke up all muddy,

I have cheered with my pals

and cried for my buddies.

I have walked through a

storm of bullets and brass,

And knew the guy next to

me was watching my ass.

I am an American because I

have earned it,

I fought for the flag and

cried as they burned it.

I chose this great life of

bullets and beans.

The glory and glamour is not

what it seemed.

I will stand up right here

and proudly proclaim

That I am an American,

can you do the same?

The above was written by: SOT Sancar Steffan Fredsti (Medic), 1^st Battalion, 18^th Infantry Regiment, 1^st Infantry Division during his deployment in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Let us all remember this day and thank our veterans: active, retired, reserve and national guard. And let us never forget those who are still missing and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Veterans - A Comparison

2010-11-09T21:57:00.000-08:00

We have all heard of the Band of Brothers and the bond that is formed between men and women who have served together defending our country.

There is also a certain difference between civilian friends and friends who are veterans. Here are just a few comparisons:

Civilian Friends: Tend to get upset if you are to busy to talk to them for a week.

Veteran Friends: Are glad to see you after years, and will happily carry on the same conversation you were having the last time you met.

Civilian Friends: Have never seen you cry.

Veteran Friends: Have cried with you.

Civilian Friends: Know a few things about you.

Veteran Friends: Could write a book with direct quotes from you.

Civilian Friends: Are for a while.

Veteran Friends: Are for life.

Civilian Friends: Have shared a few experiences.

Veteran Friends: Have shared a lifetime of experience no civilian could ever dream of ...

Civilian Friends: Will take your drink away when they think you've enough.

Veteran Friends: Will look at you stumbling all over the place and say: "You better drink the rest of that before you spill it." Then carry you home safely and put you to bed.

A veteran is someone, who at some point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to The United States of America for an amount of "up to and including my life." ... And military families are as much a veteran as their spouse, father, son, daughter, brother or sister.

Leading Up to Veterans' Day

2010-11-07T17:35:00.000-08:00

Although it has been nearly a month since my last post I offer no excuse other than we simply have to set priorities in our lives. As much as I enjoy this blog, it does not take priority over family or personal affairs.

With that said, we are only three days away from what I consider a very important holiday ... Veterans' Day. I am not prone to being political as we remember those who have worn and continue to wear the uniform of our nation's armed forces. But as a veteran I believe I've earned the right speak out.

Although I have what some may call distinguished credentials, I would like to
submit the following for your consideration as simply an American.

I am an American.

I have proudly worn the uniform of the United States Army in service to my
country. I have slogged through jungles and endured scorching dessert heat. I
have bled for my country.

I have traveled the world and proudly declared my citizenship with my passport
which is imprinted with the words “Unites States of America.”

I have looked with pride at the response of my countrymen and my
government’s elected leaders at the rapid response to help those in need all
over the globe.

I am an American.

I am proud of my country.

I only wish I could continue to say I am proud of my government’s leaders.

The sad truth is we are a government without true leaders.

Our leaders once had vision, compassion, daring and integrity. Our leaders
once led us to become the most wealthy, productive nation on the planet.
And,the most respected.

Today the respect has all but vanished. Our leaders have alienated our allies,
squandered our wealth and reduced productivity to primarily the increasing of
the wealth for a few at the expense of majority.

Respect that was earned over decades has begun to vanish.

I am still an American.

I am still proud.

And, I still harbor hope we will again have men and women who will lead our
great republic back to its place in history as a nation “of the people, for
the people and by the people”. A nation that leads by example and not by the
arrogance of power.

What if ? ? ?

2010-10-17T07:45:00.000-07:00

We've all played the "what if" game throughout our lives. Watching the news of the globe unfold this past week I couldn't help but wonder what if in many current scenarios.

In Chile this week the world watched as 33 men were winched to the surface in an unprecedented rescue effort. The success was the result of international cooperation on a scale never witnessed before. Chile's president, Sebastian Pinera, said last night his country's successful rescue operation had given a good example to the world of "commitment, courage, faith, hope and unity."

But, "what if" he had listened to some of his advisers who had told him not to do the things he did. The outcome may not have been as joyous. We'll never know.

With the mid-term elections looming in just two weeks, "what if" every registered voter went to the polls and voiced their opinion with a ballot? That would be a true election of the people not just by a minority of the electorate.

In these harsh economic times, "what if" the first budget cuts were not from the very areas the money is needed most such as education, public safety, assistance to the poor and elderly. Rather they came from bloated projects that could well be put on hold. Such projects might include signage that could weather another year or two or new furniture for government offices.

In the private sector the "what if" game could continue. "What if" companies increased their advertising budget to steer more people towards their products and services rather than cut this expense first and cut in other areas that may be unpopular such as corporate hotel and car rental expenses? Instead of booking rooms at a four-star hotel downgrade to a less expensive property, or rent an economy car instead of a mid-size one.

The list could go on and on. Such as listening to members of the military when they say a particular weapons system is not needed instead of listening to the members of Congress pandering for votes and spending the unneeded money.

It's true we live in a world where political correctness seems to be the rule. And, many are content to simply shrug their shoulders and let others speak and act for them.

In this One Person's View, I can't help but wonder "what if" we were all pro-active and worked to make our world a better place? To use the example of Chile's disaster and success and make our priorities unselfishly human instead of feeding ego and greed.

Send Washington a Gift

2010-10-10T22:17:00.000-07:00

Just a few minutes ago I was scanning the headlines and was struck by one in particular. It read: "No call for Social Security increase in 2011."

According to the inflation measures adopted by Congress nearly 40 years ago, there will be no cost of living adjustment (COLA). The reason, they say, is the rate of inflation does not match the criteria. It doesn't matter many seniors rely solely on Social Security for their entire income. Or, many whose savings, if they have any, and home values have yet to recover from the financial collapse.

They have not had a raise since January, 2009 and apparently will not receive one until January, 2012. One member of Congress observed recently: "Costs of living are inevitably going up, regardless of what that formula says." He went on to note that seniors have such items as uncovered drug costs and utility increases and they are on fixed incomes.

In this election year it might surprise a few people at just how angry voters may become and, it may translate at the polls.

My suggestion is a simple one and the cost would be minimal to send our lawmakers a message. We can send them a gift. For less than $5 and the cost of postage go to your local store and purchase a jar of Vaseline then mail it to your representative or senator or both.

In this One Person's View, if we're going to get screwed at least have the decency to try to make it painless!

A Two-Edged Sword

2010-10-09T10:49:00.000-07:00

This week the United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of Snyder v. Phelps. It is a case regarding the First Amendment of our Constitution. And it goes to the very core of Constitutional law.

"Congress shall make no law regarding the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Fred Phelps, founder of the Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas, seemingly has made it his personal crusade to disrupt military funerals. To blatantly disregard the sacrifice, dignity and honor of our troops, their families and the very fabric that, for generations, has laid down their lives for the very right he claims ... freedom of speech.

In March, 2006, Albert Snyder was doing what no parent should ever have to do ... burying his son. Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder died in Iraq. As the flag-draped coffin was being escorted to Lance Corporal Snyder's final resting place members of this so-called church, traveled a thousand miles to be at the funeral and exercise their interpretation of freedom of speech.

They did it by carrying such signs as: "Thank God for Dead Soldiers" and "Thank God for IEDs".

The physical and mental trauma this young marine's family were subjected to can only be imagined.

A jury found the church liable for intentional affliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy and civil conspiracy. However, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the verdict ruling the First Amendment protected Westboro's speech.

As a combat veteran I cannot be objective in this case. The argument is made that not upholding the appeals court's decision may lead to a curtailment of this very right to include the reporting of news and freedom of the press. Yet, is there a line to be drawn?

In the past I have escorted friends, fellow soldiers, from the battlefield to their final resting place. There are no words that can describe the emotions, the sadness and the absolute solemnity of this task.

Ask anyone who has been in combat and they will tell you they abhor violence. Ask anyone who has ever worn the uniform of our military services if they would desecrate the service of a brother or sister in arms and they will probably respond they would choose death before dishonor.

I do not advocate violence. But in this One Person's View I can't help but think if this group of extremists "thank God for IEDs" then perhaps He should line their walkway with a few so they can tell Him in person.

Ignorance is Bliss

2010-10-03T09:56:00.000-07:00

This morning ABC News aired a special edition of This Week with Christiane Amanpour. It was billed as a Town Hall Meeting. Among the participants were members of various faiths and views from moderate to conservative. In an attempt to maintain balance of the conversation there was also objectivity injected from noted professionals such as a former F.B.I. terrorism expert.

The topic was headlined as: "Holy War, Should Americans Fear Islam?"

In the past One Person's Views has offered thoughts and opinions addressing both the similarities and the differences of various religions and cultures. Many of my writings may not be politically correct, for which I offer no apology, but I do hope they will invoke discussion and give one cause to think.

After watching this program I was reminded of a couple of events. And, like many thinking individuals it seemed one thought led to another. Here are a few of those thoughts.

Sitting with a half a dozen or so people a few weeks ago the topic was religion. Those who read my blog on a regular basis know I am no fan of organized religion. Consequently, I probably did not score high with my comments during this discussion.

One individual made a remark condemning the Muslim faith and all those who ascribe to that belief. I simply asked if he had ever read the Quran and the response was: "No! I don't need to." I pushed a little more and inquired if he knew any Muslims to which he responded: "Hell no, why would I want to?"

At that point I couldn't help but alienate him even more by informing him I had read that book, although admittedly not from cover to cover. The same is true regarding the Bible and the Talmud. I consider them all best sellers and fiction. And, I have been to Afghanistan where the root of extremist beliefs can be found.

In a conversation about what we had just watched, my wife asked me if I could remember seeing any Muslims portrayed in T.V. commercials. I could not. We routinely see all other demographics Perhaps, a subconscious way of saying they are not yet totally considered part of the fabric of America.

How long ago was it when there were no Afro-Americans or blacks depicted in commercials?

America has consistently gone through growing pains. And, various groups, both religious and ethnic, have been targets of discrimination for one reason or another. I can recall when some hotels and country clubs would not admit nor cater to not just blacks but Jews and Catholics too.

They were considered different from "mainstream" America. Much of what "mainstream" America believed was formed because of the radical fringes of these groups. And yes, of ignorance. Today they are embraced as part of our culture. We, as a people, have become more educated yet, we still have a long way to go.

Oh! And what about the assumption by many that folks with certain physical disabilities are also stupid? Physical impairment does not mean there is also a mental impairment. The mind is capable of functioning at a great level even when the physical body can't.

For thousands of years it appears the human race has always feared what it does not understand. Conversely, as understanding grew and we became more knowledgeable those fears were overcome. Education does not just consist of what we learn in school. It continues throughout our lifetime.

The old adage: "Ignorance is bliss" would be better if it were rephrased to say: "Bliss is being educated."

110 Years Ago

2010-09-28T21:48:00.000-07:00

A simple gravestone sits on the ground at the Grandview Cemetery in Chillicothe, Ohio. I bears the inscription "Henry Holcomb Bennett, Dec. 5, 1863 - Apr. 30, 1924." He was an author, journalist and poet. Recently, I came across one of his works of poetry first published in 1900 and thought it is worth sharing.

The Flag Goes By

Hats off!

A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums,

A flash of color beneath the sky;

Hats off!

The flag is passing by!

Blue and crimson and white it shines,

Over the steel-tipped, ordered lines,

Hats off!

The colors before us fly;

But more than a flag is passing by.

Sea-fights and land-fights, grim and great,

Fought to make and to save the State;

Weary marches and sinking ships;

Cheers of victory on dying lips;

Days of plenty and years of peace;

March of a strong land's swift increase;

Equal justice, right and law,

Stately honor and revered awe;

Sign of a nation, great and strong

To ward her people from foreign wrong;

Pride and glory and honor - all

Live in the colors to stand or fall.

Hats off!

Along the street here comes

A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums;

And loyal hearts are beating high;

Hats off!

The flag is passing by!

A special thanks to James M. Tarbox, editor of The History Channel Magazine for introducing me to this wonderful image.

A Dual Standard ???

2010-09-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

While the name Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, a 43 year-old woman, may not be one many recognize the news generated by her mobilized governments and organizations around the world.

She was convicted of adultery and sentenced to be stoned to death but earlier this month Iran caved to international criticism and suspended her death sentence.

Now, in the State of Virginia, the first woman since 1912 is slated to be executed. Teresa Lewis, 41, is said to have an I.Q. of 70 which puts her in a category of "borderline deficient" or by some standards mentally retarded. She is scheduled to be put to death by lethal injection in Virginia.

The United States Supreme Court refused to grant a last-minute reprieve and Virgina's governor said he will not intervene to stop the execution.

Personally I don't believe the death sentence is, as some claim, a deterrent. To me it is no more than vengeance. But, I too have a dual standard here. While opposed in principle, if someone committed a crime against a member of my family they better hope the system takes them in custody before I get to them and render my own justice.

By most accounts there are 195 countries in the world. Amnesty International reports 137 have abolished the death penalty. The leaves 58 nations that still condemn people to death. Fifteen of our 50 states have outlawed such punishment.

With that being said, it seems our nation also has a double standard in many ways. While we condemn human rights violations around the world ranging from child labor to locking up dissidents, we lead the world in the number of people locked up.

The United States has less than five percent of the world's population but we have almost 25 percent of the world's prisoners, according to research done by the New York Times. Americans are locked up for crimes - from writing bad checks to using drugs - that would rarely produce prison sentences in other countries. And, in particular they are kept incarcerated far longer than prisoners in other nations.

The International Center for Prison Studies at Kings College in London, says America has 2.3 million criminals behind bars. China, which has four times our population, is a distant second with 1.6 million criminals in prison.

I do not consider myself either a liberal or a conservative. My thinking is more along the moderate lines. But I do consider myself a patriot. As such, I can't help but wonder what kind of message we send the world with such numbers.

In this One Person's Views, perhaps we should worry less about what other countries are doing and concentrate on our own problems and discrepancies and once again become the beacon the world has come to expect from leadership and example.

A New 007 Weapon ???

2010-09-21T22:15:00.000-07:00

So often in the past things what we have seen fantasized has become reality. Anyone recall Dick Tracy's watch? It had two-way communication capabilities. How about microchips? They were once portrayed only in spy novels and movies. Now, we implant them in our pets.

Those of us who use computers routinely are familiar with malware, spyware, viruses and such things as worms. We know they can range from being a simple nuisance to inflicting massive damage on a computer's system or files. But what about a worm that is an actual cyber weapon created to cross from the digital realm to the physical world - to destroy something.

Top cyber security experts say they have identified the world's first known cyber super weapon. The cyber worm named Stuxnet. After spending nearly four months reverse engineering Stuxnet they believe it was designed specifically to destroy a real world target. Could it be a factory, a refinery or just maybe a nuclear power plant?

This is not science fiction or a prelude to an upcoming television series or a movie. It is real. Ralph Langner, a German cyber-security researcher recently told the Christian Science Monitor "Until a few days ago, people did not believe a directed attack like this was possible." Today (Tuesday) he presented his findings at a conference of industrial control system security experts in Rockville, Maryland.

The cyber worm first become known in June and in July was considered to be an ultrasophisticated piece of work. Its author or authors are unknown as is its origin. What is known is in August researchers discovered Stuxnet seemed to be able to take control of systems it had infected and do whatever it might be programmed to do with them.

Senior U.S. cyber-security experts have confirmed Langner's findings. After reverse engineering large amounts of Stuxnet's code they concluded it is a precision, military-grade cyber missle deployed early last year to seek out and destroy an unknown real-world target of extreme importance.

"This is not about espionage." the German researcher said, "This is a 100% sabotage attack."

Michael Assanti, former cyber-security research chief with the U.S. Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory stated: "What we are seeing with Stuxnet is the first view of something new that doesn't need outside guidance by a human but can still take control of your infrastructure."

Several other cyber-security experts agree with the classification of this cyber worm as a weapon.

So far it is estimated some 45,000 industrial control systems have been infected. One Canadian expert says majority of those infected are in Iran, Pakistan, India and Indonesia. However, some systems have been attacked in Germany, Canada and the United States.

Researching this has been like following a really good spy novel. It seems the epicenter of attacks has been Iran. Some reports claim the U.S. is acknowledged to have such cyber-war-fighting capability and Israel is also reported to have a formidable offensive cyber capability.

Was the expected August start-up of the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran really delayed by "hot weather" as one official stated?

Perhaps truth may well be stranger than fiction.

Poverty Hits Seniors Harder

2010-09-17T22:33:00.000-07:00

For the first time in 51 years the poverty level in the United States has hit record numbers. Combine the unemployment rate with the difficult economic times and uncertainty, and we find a total of 43.6 million people lived in poverty last year, up from 39.8 million in 2008, according to the Census Bureau.

For years we have been hearing stories about senior citizens having to make a choice between buying the medication they need in their everyday lives or buying food. Today that choice continues to haunt them.

The National Academy of Science puts the poverty rate for senior citizens, those over 65, at twice the national level. The National Academy of Science differs in the formula used to arrive at the poverty figures. It is more realistic insofar as it takes into account medical expenses the federal method omits. One study done in New York City puts the number of those over 65 living below the poverty level at nearly one in three using a similar methodology.

Cuts in social programs and slight decrease in charitable donations only adds fuel to the fire. Food banks across the country have seen an increase in the numbers of people turning to them for assistance. Drive past a Goodwill store or other "second-hand" store and the parking lot is much fuller than in the past.

According to ABC News, the average Social Security benefit check is $1,050. The Census Bureau defines the poverty level as one person who is making $10,830 a year and increases the level for a family of four to $22,050.

Simple math shows the reported average Social Security income for one person is only $1,770 dollars over the poverty level. This would account for many millions of people simply living on the edge, who don't have what they need to get by.

Last year the annual prosperity index, published by a highly respected London based research firm listed our country as ninth in the world. In 2008 we were fourth, a drop of five places.

Is this the decline of America? Although the description of poverty affects everyone with a low income, people who have worked all their lives and believed in the American dream may be experiencing an American nightmare.

Once again, I don't know an answer to this growing problem except we all need to work together. We need to be united and not divided and rise above petty and sometimes selfish thinking to help each other. We need to be proactive with our elected officials and not complacent to let someone else do what needs to be done.

Look around you, do you know someone you can help? Not financially but maybe in a way that would save them a few dollars. Are they paying someone to change the oil in their vehicle? Would you do that for them and let them use that money for something else they need?

Just One Person's View on the possibilities of making a hard life a little easier. Get involved! Do something don't just read about it and say what damn shame it is.

Have a great weekend and help someone else do the same.

The Wisdom of Children

2010-09-13T00:09:00.000-07:00

Those of us who are old enough to remember Art Linkletter will always remember a segment of his show he called "Kids say the darnedest things." As children across America venture out into their first year of school one first grade teacher shows us how right Mr. Linkletter was.

She collected well known proverbs and gave each child in her class half of a proverb. Then, she asked them to complete the remainder of it. The insight these six year-olds display may surprise you. And, they will definitely help start your week with a smile.

Better to be safe than ..................................................punch a 5th grader.
Strike while the ...........................................................bug is close.
It's always darkest before .............................................Daylight Savings Time.
Never underestimate the power of .................................termites.
You can lead a horse to water but ..................................how?
Don't bite the hand that .................................................looks dirty.
No news is ...................................................................impossible.
A miss is as good as ......................................................a mister.
You can't teach an old dog .............................................new math.
If you lay down with dogs, you'll ....................................stink in the morning.
Love all, trust ................................................................me.
The pen is mightier than ..................................................the pigs.
An idle mind is ...............................................................the best way to relax.
Where there's smoke there's ............................................pollution.
Happy the bride who .......................................................gets all the presents.
A penny saved is .............................................................not much.
Two's company, three's ...................................................the Musketeers.
Don't put off till tomorrow what .......................................you put on to go to bed.
Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, cry and ..........you have to blow your nose.
There are none so blind as ...............................................Stevie Wonder.
Children should be seen and not .......................................spanked or grounded.
If at first you don't succeed ..............................................get new batteries.
You get out of something only what you ........................... see in the picture in the box.
When the blind leadeth the blind ........................................get out of the way.

And the overall favorite:

Better late than ................................................................pregnant!!!

Have a great week.

Nine Years Ago

2010-09-11T05:37:00.000-07:00

Today will be filled with memorial events of the tragic attack on our country. Yet, my mind seems to be more focused not on September 11th, 2001 but rather September 12th of that year.

It was a day when the impact of the suicide attacks really took hold. Flags were proudly flown on our vehicles, our buildings and every imaginable place. America came together. Americans joined together in a common unity. This is OUR country that was attacked.

Churches, Synagogues, and yes, even Mosques were filled with those praying for our losses. The attack was on the very soul of our great nation. And, as in the past, when our country is attacked there is no division between our citizens. We are united.

Strangers spoke to one another and joined together to help those they have never met. On that fateful day everyday men and women were heroes rushing to help. In the days that followed people from across our land gave of themselves to help those who suffered.

Yet, somehow, over the passage of time it seems we have fallen back into a more selfish mode. The unity we had for time has faded. Our great nation is again divided in so many areas.

I can't help but wonder what happened. The values and hopes we all shared on September 12th are still there, we simply need to remember them and return to the mindset we shared nine years ago.

A SPECIAL EDITION

2010-09-07T00:18:00.000-07:00

A so called Christian church in Gainesville, Florida seems to have lost its way or, has elected to totally ignore the teachings of the one it claims to follow ... Jesus Christ.

This Saturday, the ninth anniversary of the attack by radical Islamists against the United States, this no less radical church plans to burn copies of the Koran. To the Muslim community the Koran is their Holy Book, no different than the Bible is to the Christian community.

According to the Bible, Christ gave his followers two commandments. One is: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another." (John 13:34).

The Dove World Outreach Center claims to be a New Testament Church based on the Bible. At least that it what it professes on its website. Perhaps its pastor, Terry Jones, needs to read the Bible that church says it follows.

Burn the Koran? Book burning has a long and dark history. One of the more famous, or infamous, took place on May 10, 1933 when the Nazi regime burned the books it considered "un-German." The burning of books is recorded as far back as 213 BC by Qin Shi Huang in China.

In 1821, the writer Heinrich Heine wrote: "Where they burn books, they will end in burning human beings."

Indirectly Heine could be prophetic. Such an action will put our military at greater risk. Not just from the Taliban and those they facing in combat but the entire Islamic population. Where they are treated as friends now, they will be seen as enemies, simply by association with a handful of Christian fanatics. As a side note, the word fanatic has its roots in the word fantasy and these few people are certainly living in a fantasy world putting the rest of the world in jeopardy.

My stand on organized religion is not a secret. Although, I accord respect to those who believe and try to live their lives as their beliefs may dictate. However, this group and all those who tend to follow them, do not deserve the respect of any thinking individual.

To my knowledge, there is not a religion anywhere whose prayers and intercessions do not include peace for our fragile world. I wonder what their reaction would be if a splinter group of some religion decided to burn the Bible on Christmas or Easter.

Padre Pio, a Capuchin priest who is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church, wrote in a letter in 1812: "The Devil does not want to lose this battle. He takes on many forms."

In this One Person's Views, maybe Padre Pio's thoughts are right.

This self-proclaimed outreach is not only a threat to our national security but a disgrace to the Christian community. If they follow through with their plans, the Dove World Outreach Center will have accomplished more to harm our troops and their mission than any group carrying weapons.

Happy Labor Day

2010-09-06T00:06:00.000-07:00

Any Monday that is a holiday is usually a good day for most people. For months I have tried to keep Mondays as a day to begin the week with a smile or at least to give you food for thought or that may serve as ammunition to drive your friends and co-workers a little nuts.

Here are a few for this week:

There's always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it. For example, I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt.
If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
A penny saved is a government oversight.
The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight, because by then your body and your fat are really good friends.
The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement.
He who hesitates is probably right.
If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame.
The sole purpose of a child's middle name is so he/she can tell when they're really in trouble.
Birthdays are good for you; the more you have, the longer you live.
How long a minute is depends on what side of the bathroom door you're on.
Ever notice that the people who are late are often much jollier than the people who have to wait for them.
If ignorance is bliss, why aren't more people happy?
Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once!
Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened.
We could learn a lot from crayons: some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, some have weird names, and all are different colors ... but they all have to learn to live in the same box.
A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
Once over the hill, you pick up speed.
If not for STRESS I'd have no energy at all.
Whatever hits the fan will not be evenly distributed.
Everyone has a photographic memory. Some just don't have any film.
You don't stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing.

Have a great week.

Attention Men ! ! !

2010-09-02T15:23:00.000-07:00

During the past three months I've learned a valuable lesson. It is a simple one and something too many guys take for granted. Being a housewife is no easy task.

According to the Unites States Department of Labor, if you had to pay to have all the chores done in a home it would amount to a little over $1,130 per week, or $58,916 a year. And that's is without any children at home. If there are children, up the pay to $2,208 a week or $114,816 per year.

Sometimes it seems the work is never ending. Cleaning and vacuuming, laundry, selecting a menu and shopping, cooking, washing dishes, making the bed, taking care of the cat, taking the trash out and, in general, making sure it is a seamless job.

Should children be added to the task, we need to include child care, being a chauffeur, a recreation coordinator and tutor.

Three months ago my wife was hospitalized for a week and taking care of me became easy. At least for me it did. If I got hungry I'd eat and many times in a restaurant so I didn't have to cook and dirty anything I'd need to clean later. Laundry ... no big deal she had done it before her illness, I had plenty of clean clothes. Make the bed ... why?

Then she came home and for a while was unable to do many of these things. But, she recovered and I was relieved both that she was doing well and that she could once again accomplish things she had always done.

That was short lived. A fall in the garden fractured the orbit of one eye and reconstructive surgery was needed. Suddenly, I became chief cook and bottle washer. We had always shared household chores but this was different. I had the total responsibility for our home. Guys, NEVER take your wife's, girlfriend's or significant other's contribution for granted in your everyday life.

It seems the more I did, the more I realized there was still something else that needed to be done. When is the last time you cleaned your refrigerator? Or changed the sheets on the bed? How about cleaning the toilet? Somehow or other those jobs just seemed to have gotten done and we've never noticed.

Now, I have a greater appreciation of what it takes to make a house a home. A wise person once said: "Love makes a house a home." And now I know it's not just because it's clean and everything is done. It is because it is truly a massive amount of work and it is accomplished not for monetary gain or for accolades, it is simply because your significant other loves you and is happy when they see you are happy.

Once my wife is fully recovered and decides she needs to the things I've so poorly attempted I know the presents I'll give her. Sometime in the future I'll hire a service to come in and do all the household chores for a few days just to give her a break. I'll surprise her with breakfast or dinner out more often. And I'll be more aware about which clothes I wear when I'm doing something I know might stain them.

Just another thought ... should everything go to hell in a hand basket in your relationship ... Don't show her this blog. She might think a good divorce attorney could add back pay for all the years she's been "just a housewife."

The Chinese Are Here

2010-08-30T11:09:00.000-07:00

For centuries China stood as a leading civilization, outpacing the rest of the world in the arts and sciences, but in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the country was beset by civil unrest, major famines, military defeats, and foreign occupation.

Following World War II the communists led by MAO Zedong imposed strict controls that seemed to leave the country stagnant in the world's competitive markets. After 1978, MAO's successor DENG Xiaoping and other leaders focused on market-oriented economic development and by 2000 output had quadrupled.

China is just slightly smaller in area compared to the United States but its population, according to the Central Intelligence Agency, is 1,338,612,968 (July 2010 est.). Not only is it the most populated country in the world but China now holds nearly half the $2.37 trillion stock of the U.S. Treasury debt held by "foreign official" owners, according to Simon Johnson, an economics professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a former chief economist for the International Monetary Fund.

Well, let's see ... they greatly outnumber us, they are ranked second in world economy having overtaken Japan. The United States is still ranked number one. And, in the vernacular of those of us raised in the south, we (the U.S.A.) owe them an ass load of money. Maybe it's time to learn how to speak Chinese.

Always trying to stay ahead of the curve, One Person's Views has assembled a quick and easy primer: "How To Speak Chinese in 5 Minutes." In order for this lesson to be effective you MUST read each word out loud.

That's not right. Sum Ting Wong
Are you harboring a fugitive? Hu Yu Hai Ding
See me ASAP. Kum Hia Nao
Stupid man. Dum Fuk
Small horse. Tai Ni Po Ni
Did you go to the beach? Wai Yu So Tan
I bumped into the coffee table Ai Bang Mai Fa Kin Ni
I think you need a face lift. Chin Tu Fat
It's very dark in here. Wao So Dim
I thought you were on a diet. Wai Yu Mun Ching
This is a tow away zone. No Pah King
Our meeting is scheduled for next week. Wai Yu Kum Nao
Staying out of sight. Lei Ying Lo
He's cleaning his automobile. Wa Shing Ka
Your body odor is offensive. Yu Stin Ki Po
Great! Fa Kin Su Pah

Now that I've managed to offend a large segment of the world ... I hope you have a great week!

More Alike Than Different

2010-08-26T20:17:00.000-07:00

It seems there has not been a national news cast or perhaps a major newspaper that has not carried the ongoing story of the Mosque to be built in New York City near the site of the September 11th attack. People are lining up on both sides of the issue and demonstrating in their belief.

One of the goals of One Person's Views is to generate thinking of individuals. Regardless of the side you elect to support here are a few things that will illustrate how the three major religions, Christianity, Judaism and Muslim are much more alike than they are different.

Together, the followers of these three beliefs compromise over half of humanity. The grim realities of contemporary politics aside, similarities between the three religions vastly outnumber the differences. These similarities include shared perspectives on God, creation, faith, prayer, history, ethics, and contemporary concerns such as war, terrorism, ecology, and so on.

The Hebrew Bible, roughly corresponds to what Christians call the “Old Testament.” It is comprised of the Torah (the first five books, the books of the Prophets, and the Writings (Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and I and II Chronicles).

The Christian Bible comprises the books of the Hebrew Bible along with additional books, collectively called the “Old Testament,” and the “New Testament,” consisting of twenty-seven books in total, written during the first two centuries AD.

The Qur'an differs from the Hebrew Bible and New Testament in two fundamental ways. First, it is understood by Muslims to be the direct speech of God, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the medium of the archangel Gabriel over the course of 23 years. Second, its composition was limited to a comparatively short span of time.

Judaism, Christianity and Islam share the concept of an all-powerful creator God who fashions the universe and everything in it.

“In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light.” (Genesis 1: 1-3)

“To Him is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth; when He decreeth a matter, He saith to it: ‘Be’; and it is.” (Qur'an 2: 117)

Not much difference here.

Judaism, Christianity and Islam have in common the notion that one God governs the world and all of creation.

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone." (Deuteronomy 6: 4-5)

“There is no God but one." (1 Corinthians 4: 4-6)

“And your God is one God; there is no god but He Most Gracious, Most Merciful." (Qur'an 2: 163-164)

It would take pages and pages to continue listing the similarities. I could cite them with regards to Moses, to death and resurrection, marriage and even paradise or heaven. But perhaps it would be illuminating to illustrate where all three beliefs are joined in commonality, the topic of war. All three also look forward to an era when social justice will be established on the earth and war will no longer be necessary.

“He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” (Isaiah 2: 4)

“Do not repay evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." (Romans 12: 17)

“Those who avoid the greater crimes and shameful deeds, and, when they are angry even then forgive." (Qur'an 42: 37)

In this One Person's Views I can't help but wonder why so many have died in the name of religion when they are so much alike in their tenants. Maybe, just maybe, if people read things as they were meant rather than as they wanted to mean there would one day be peace.

Warped Musings

2010-08-23T00:03:00.000-07:00

Last night I happened to wander into a well known national chain of stores who prides itself on being open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It started my somewhat warped thought process and I began to wonder about a few things. Since it's Monday, a new week, I thought perhaps you could irritate your friends and co-workers with some of the musings.

Driving away from this store I began to wonder, if it is open 24/7 all year long, why do they have locks on the door?

While on the topic of stores, a well known national chain of drug stores promotes healthy living and even offers suggestions on its website. Yet, when you enter one of their stores, all the health related items are at the very back of the store while cigarettes and tobacco related items are all right up front making them more accessible. And, the liquor and beer is usually in the middle of the place. Who in their right mind is going to walk another 10 yards for some soy protein drink when they can stop and get a beer?

In some parts of the country a staple of late night advertising is the telephone psychic. According to their ad, a psychic will answer the phone and help you. The spot shows a woman answering the phone, introducing herself and then asking for the caller's name and asking how can she help them. This is an individual that professes to have some form of ESP (extrasensory perception). If they're really a psychic would they already know that?

A clue that something may not be quite right can be found in many of our nation's newspapers' classified ads. Specifically, the "help wanted" section. When I was in Tucson a few years ago a newspaper carried a help wanted listing that read in part: "Psychics needed. No experience necessary. Will Train."

And who was the genius that coined the term "rush hour" when it's the time of day with the slowest traffic?

Today's economy seems to be forcing mergers of various banks and corporations. I wonder if Fedex and UPS merged would the new entity be called FedUP? How about Grey Poupon and Docker Pants? Just think ... Poupon Pants. And last but not least, what if Knott's Berry Farm and the National Organization of Women joined forces ..... maybe KnottNOW?

Have a great week!

Priorities and Responsibilities

2010-08-20T20:07:00.000-07:00

In the past I have rarely used my blog as a forum for personal issues, although I have personalized many issues that have made the headlines. This week has been a week of personal priorities rather than outside interests such as One Person's Views. It has also served to make me more acutely aware of priorities and responsibilities.

The past decades have been a contrast in our society of priorities and responsibilities. If I were asked to actually list the how I saw the decades during my life, as I remember them, I would do it like this:

1950s Family, job and self.
1960s Personal exploration, freedom and social consciousness.
1970s Conflict, social change and confusion.
1980s Conformation, affluence and greed.
1990s A continuation of the me generation and being politically correct.
2000s Fear, lack of trust and cautiousness.

The above is the way I see society in our country either acting or reacting for those periods. While I am not a sociologist, I would also venture to guess the American family has suffered. During each period there seems to a growing division between priorities and responsibilities.

Priorities, in this One Person's View, have changed from family to self and responsibilities have become something someone else should have done. There is a segment of our society that has always and will always continue to live their lives with integrity. Demanding the most from themselves not for themselves.

They are the one percent (approximately) of our military who make up our elite units. Units such as Special Forces, SEALS, Force Recon and the Air Force's SOF (Special Operations Force), which includes the PJs, the pararescuemen. Based very much on the motto of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point "Duty, Honor, Country." This one percent lives each day with this ingrained in their minds and it is not limited to just their military career.

Looking at this weeks varied headlines I can't help but wonder what percentage of the American population would fall into such a category. I recall two old sayings they are direct opposites but it does bring a question to mind. The first saying is: "The cream rises to the top." Describing the best. The second is simply "Shit floats." Painting a picture of the opposite.

The dilemma is twofold. First, how do you tell which is which? Second, and more importantly: which are you?

Just something to think about. Have a great weekend!

Shameless Promotion

2010-08-16T01:20:00.000-07:00

It has been nearly six months since I launched "One Person's Views" and I appreciate all the feedback that has been received. During the past half a year I have tried to address issues that have been in the headlines and some that, I felt, simply needed to be addressed. Of course, there have been the humorous pieces that I hope brought a smile.

Since the inception of my blog nearly 800 visited the site. That's an average of a little more than 133 people a month who have seen the blog. In the second six months I would like to double that number. Now comes the shameless promotion ... if you enjoy what you read here simply copy the address http://onepersonsviews.blogspot.com and send it on to those who you have in your email address book.

If you have a suggestion for a future blog topic, please send me your idea. I'll tackle any topic or address any issue you feel may be of interest. Just bear in mind, we may not agree in our views but we certainly have the right to agree to disagree. If you read a piece you strongly disagree with, let me know and include your reasons. On the other hand, if you enjoy a particular blog entry it's nice receiving comments on that as well.

Now, since it is the beginning of a new week and I've tried to establish a tradition for starting the week with a smile, here is a short suggestion for this week.

The next time someone asks you your birth date just tell them the month and and the day. If they press the issue and ask you: "What year?" Just tell them: "Every year."

Have a great week!

America's Foundation

2010-08-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

The weekend is upon us and millions across our vast nation will spend at least part of their time praying to their God of choice. Some will gather on Friday, some on Saturday and a vast majority on Sunday. They will congregate in mosques, synagogues or churches. It is a right guaranteed under the United States Constitution.

The First Amendment of this historic document reads: "Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

While I am no proponent of organized religion, I am a fierce advocate in the rights our Constitution provides. Whether or not you agree or disagree with the building of a mosque in the shadow of New York's September 11th terror attack actually doesn't matter. As our current president pointed out, it is a local issue and as long as they meet all the local laws and ordinances our founding fathers guaranteed them this right.

It seems, as a population, we have short memories. It was not that long ago synagogues were defaced and even bombed. African-American churches had crosses burned in front of them and in some areas, Catholic and Latter Day Saints (Mormon) churches were targets of discontent.

Our nation has existed for 236 years and it has not been without periods of some form of religious turmoil. I am not referring to scandals that have rocked many of the organized religions, I am referring to those who did not fit in the mainstream. Those whose beliefs differed from their neighbors.

Less than 50 years ago Jews were not welcomed into many country clubs or hotels. Mormons were castigated for their lifestyle and Catholics viewed with suspicion. Now, in light of recent events, yet another "different" religion is drawing fire and they are being painted with a broad brush as evil, much the same as in earlier times and other faiths.

Perhaps, the choice of sites for the New York City place of worship could be considered insensitive. Yet, it might also be considered a memorial by some of the Islamic faith for there were also Muslims killed in the twin towers and they weren't aboard the planes.

The First Amendment doesn't say anything about tolerance or what belief is right. It simply guarantees the right to exercise a religious belief; as well as the freedom to speak out and peaceably protest. All of which some parts of our society are enjoying.

In this one person's view, it seems in today's America people pick and choose the Constitutional right they feel fits them and disregards the rights it affords others. Once more, as several of my previous blogs note, we should be building our country on the very diversity that has made it great instead of turning diversity into divisiveness.

Could Snake Venom Cure Cancer?

2010-08-11T02:14:00.000-07:00

Living in southwest Florida is a man some have simply called "snake man." He is Bill Haast, a researcher and herpetologist. I first became acquainted with him when I was a teenager in Miami and he owned the Miami Serpentarium.

He became renown for injecting himself with Cobra venom and the venom of other deadly serpents eventually developing a near immunity to those fatal bites. In his heyday he was flown around the world to hospitals where people who were bitten by rare snakes would have died without his blood. Over the years, he developed antivenin serums that were shipped world-wide and have saved countless lives.

Bill's biography, Cobras in His Garden is now out of print. A check of eBay minutes ago discovered one copy for sale for $119.

I recall sitting with him, in his lab, many years ago as he spoke about cancer. He was explaining to me how he had been able to separate various components from the venom of a Cobra. He noted there was a component that causes necrosis of the tissue. A common occurrence in venomous snake bites.

Ever inquisitive and always the researcher, he expressed the possibility of injecting this component into cancer tumors. The logical response he thought would be the necrosis or death of these cells. A simple cure? It seems the reasoning behind this notion makes sense. Yet, I cannot find where anyone is pursuing such a radical idea.

In the 1970s, along with his friend, respected physician Ben Sheppard, Bill distributed PROven, a venom based serum. Sheppard gave injections to his patients with Multiple Sclerosis with reportedly great success, even 60 Minutes reported on it. But the FDA shut it down and banned the drug saying it had not been properly tested for humans. Such is the case with other drugs he was instrumental in developing that were used in many countries except, the United States.

According to one reputable organization there are 1,500 cancer deaths per day. The National Cancer Institute spent more that $311 million dollars in 2009. And that's just one entity. It's estimated we as a nation spend a little less than $1 billion dollars a year. And the money goes to reputable institutions and individuals with various degrees and initials after their names.

Maybe that is part of the problem. Bill Haast, who was born in 1910, doesn't have the academic degrees to support his theories. Even though he is a respected researcher. His mind and his passion has saved countless lives but his simple notions of what could be probably won't be because he's still seen by many as the "snake man."

State Mottos

2010-08-09T00:59:00.000-07:00

Sometimes they are included as a part of a vehicle license plate, other times they can be found as part of the state seal and nearly always they are on the welcome sign as you drive into a state. They are state mottos, they are a phrase that is meant to formally describe the motivation or an intention.

Yet, with all the pompousness of the bureaucracy, I thought a good way to begin another week would be to reexamine the mottos and suggest ones that are more apropos of the state. Here are a few suggestions:

Alabama - Hell Yes We Have Electricity.
Alaska - 11,623 Eskimos Can't Be Wrong.
Arizona - Passport Please.
Arkansas - Litterasy Ain't Everything.
California - By 30 Our Women Have More Plastic Than Your Honda.
Colorado - If You Don't Ski ... Don't Bother.
Connecticut - Like Massachusetts Only Dirtier With Less Character.
Delaware - We Really Do Like The Chemicals In Our Water.
Florida - Ask Us About Our Grandkids.
Georgia - We put the "Fun" In Fundamentalism.
Hawaii - Haka Tiki Mou Sha'ami Leeki Toru (..... Leave Your Money).
Idaho - More Than Just Potatoes, Well Okay, We're Not, But They're Good.
Illinois - Please Don't Pronounce The "S".
Indiana - Two Billion Years Tidal Wave Free.
Iowa - We Do Amazing Things With Corn.
Kansas - Where Science Don't Mean Squat.
Kentucky - Five Million People; 15 Last Names.
Louisiana - We're Not All Drunk Cajuns But That's Our Tourism Campaign.
Maine - We're Really Cold But We Have Cheap Lobster.
Maryland - If You Can Dream It, We Can Tax It.
Massachusetts - Our Taxes Are Lower Than Sweden's. (In most tax brackets)
Michigan - First Line Of Defense From Canadians.
Minnesota - 10,000 Lakes and 10 million mosquitoes.
Mississippi - Come And Feel Better About Your Own State.
Missouri - Your Federal Flood Relief Dollars At Work.
Montana - Land Of The Big Sky, The Unabomber, Right-Wing Crazies And Little Else.
Nebraska - Ask About Our State Motto Contest.
Nevada - Hookers and Poker.
New Hampshire - Go Away And Leave Us Alone.
New Jersey - You Want A $#@%&( Motto? I Got Yer %%#%( Motto Right Here!
New Mexico - Lizards Make Great Pets.
New York - You Have The Right To Remain Silent ....
North Carolina - Tobacco Is A Vegetable.
North Dakota - We Really Are One Of The 50 States.
Ohio - At Least We're Not Michigan.
Oklahoma - Like The Play, Only No Singing.
Oregon - Spotted Owl ... It's What's For Dinner.
Pennsylvania - Cook With Coal.
Rhode Island - We're Not Really An Island.
South Carolina - Remember The Civil War? We Didn't Actually Surrender.
South Dakota - Closer Than North Dakota.
Tennessee - The Educashun State.
Texas - Se Habla Ingles (We Speak English).
Utah - Our Jesus Is Better Than Your Jesus.
Vermont - Yep
Virginia - Who Says Government Stiffs And Slackjaw Yokels Don't Mix?
Washington - We're Overrun By Nerds.
West Virginia - One Big, Happy Family - - Really!
Wisconsin - Come Cut Our Cheese.
Wyoming - Where Men And Sheep Are Sacred.

No matter where you live there is one motto we should adopt as our national motto. "America Has The Best Politicians Money Can Buy."

Have a great week.

Lives Lost, Arrests Made and Money Spent

2010-08-04T00:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's headline on an Associated Press story read: "Mexico: 28,000 killed in drug violence since 2006." A staggering number but delve even deeper and we find the numbers in our own country are frightening.

According to the National Criminal Justice Reference Service, a federally funded resource of the Department of Justice and Executive Office of the President, an estimated 12.8 million Americans, aged 12 and older use illegal drugs on a current basis. I spent a fair amount of time trying to track down a credible number regarding the numbers of deaths as a result of drug use only to discover there appears to be no one reputable source that compiles such statistics. Although research does indicate the numbers of in the tens of thousands.

As far as money spent, so far this year, the combined federal and state expenditures in the war against drugs exceeds $30 billion.

One Federal Bureau of Investigation report, released last September, stated a drug arrest is made every 18 seconds in America.

We have our military involved in intercepting the flow of illegal drugs into our nation. Our men and women in uniform are working in several foreign countries, at the request of those governments, to help eradicate and stem the flow of illegal drugs.

What is the answer? How do we win this seemingly endless war? I wish I had an answer.

The money derived from illegal drugs exceeds many nations annual budgets. That money doesn't come from the bedraggled soul you see on the streets feeding his or her habit. Many Americans believe that drug abuse is not their problem. They have misconceptions that drug users belong to a segment of society different from their own or that drug abuse is remote from their environment. They are wrong. Almost three quarters of drug users are employed and approximately 45 percent of Americans know someone with a substance abuse problem.

The violent deaths in Mexico and other countries south of our border are directly related to drug use in the United States. The simple fact is if there were no demand for the product there would be no battle for the money it generates.

Our prisons are overcrowded, our law enforcement personnel are overwhelmed, our money is poured into a seemingly black hole. Maybe an idea from centuries ago would help solve the problem. The United States owns, and controls, several sparsely populated islands. Remember the infamous penal colonies of the French and English (Can you say Australia or Devil's Island?). Majority of these are in the south pacific, let's send the drug dealers and the consumers who are arrested and convicted to an island paradise where they're on their own. Sink or swim ... the survival of the fittest. The only expense we would have is that of transporting them. Perhaps the fear of what lay ahead would be a greater deterrent than anything we have tried so far.

Ah! But the scream of Civil Rights would be heard on the moon from various groups. In this one person's view, civil rights be damned until those who contribute this massive problem become civil themselves and quit poisoning our society.

Corporate Mentality vs Common Sense

2010-08-02T00:52:00.000-07:00

Over the years I have served as a consultant to many Fortune 500 companies. The areas I have covered usually have been within the scope of legal compliance with such things as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety), a host of human resource issues and the psychological responses of those dealing with the public, as well as stress relief for employees.

In today's society, being so computer dependent and litigatious conscious, it seems corporations have become so dependent on various computer-assisted interview (CAI) tools they fail to rely on interview skills and personal observations. The reliance on non-personal assessments instead of common sense, which may not be so common anymore, has more and more qualified people slipping though the cracks instead of becoming assets to a company.

Twenty years ago I began consulting as a favor to some friends out of the den of our house. Within months I discovered this was not going to work, I needed an office. But an office means employees and overhead. I found an office, or more appropriately, half of an office complex. To run it with some semblance of efficiency I needed someone to help ... an assistant capable of juggling administrative, secretarial and other assorted tasks.

A classified ad was placed and dozens of potential employees interviewed. They ranged from individuals with M.B.A.s to a girl whose only experience was working at a cookie place in a mall. Combing over resumes and applications one person kept rising to the top of the list. It was the girl from the mall. She hand an innate quality that could not be defined. When I asked her why she thought she could do the job she answered: "Why do you think you can?" I hired her.

Two years later the firm had grown to encompass 23 offices in 17 states. The girl from the mall? She and two others, who had been hired when I didn't know if I would make payroll, were the cornerstones of the corporation, even with many personnel having degrees on the payroll.

Call it intuition or gut-feeling but without them I would not have been nearly as successful. And all without the aid of CAI. Incidentally, according to a study from a prominent industrial and organizational psychologist, such computer-assisted interviews and assessments show, on average, less than a 50 percent validity compared to traditional methods.

In every business the bottom line is the defining factor for many decisions. Perhaps, in this one person's view, the added expense of the time consuming interviews and personal interaction between prospective employees and a company would end up, in the long run, saving them money and increasing a more viable and productive workforce.

Today in History

2010-07-30T00:20:00.000-07:00

Sitting with my laptop open and the desktop staring at me I pondered about the contents of today's blog. Current events? Satire? Editorialize? Then I wondered what happened in the past on July 30th and I discovered some interesting events that have affected our society today. Some I just had to add my comments about.

In 1839 a ship used primarily to bring slaves to America was overtaken by rebel slaves. The name of the ship ... the Amistad.

In 1863, President Lincoln issues what is called the "eye-for-eye" order, according to several history publications. That order simply stated to shoot a rebel prisoner for every black prisoner shot. I wonder how the ACLU would feel about that today.

Three years later, on this date, in the City of New Orleans two events occurred. One was a race riot, the other was the New Orleans' Democratic government ordered police to raid an integrated Republican Party meeting, killing 40 and injuring 150 people.

In 1898 Will Kellogg invents Corn Flakes.

Fast forward to 1948. Professional wrestling premieres on a prime-time network. Does anyone remember the DuMont Television Network? It was considered the fourth network and had a life span from 1946 to 1956.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower, in 1956, signed a joint resolution of Congress authorizing "In God We Trust" as the national motto. Considering the state of our nation's economy maybe we should amend it by adding: "All Others Pay Cash."

And senior citizens take heed. Today is the day to get up at the crack of noon and party until it's time for the early bird dinner special at your favorite eating place. In 1965 President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the bill establishing Medicare.

Finally, let us wish Giorgio Vasari, an Italian painter and art historian a happy birthday. If had he lived until today he would be 499 years old.

Have a great weekend.

Oh No ! Another Law ??? Caveat Amator

2010-07-28T07:09:00.000-07:00

There is a bill that was introduced into the Massachusetts legislature this year that is absolutely scary. Picture a possible scenario ... sitting in a cocktail lounge and you strike up a conversation with a member of the opposite sex. A little while later you are consensually engaged in the throes of passion and the sharing of mutual pleasures. An unusual occurrence? Hardly.

Now, fast forward to a few days later. You're sitting in jail charged with a crime because you lied. You told the other individual you're single, divorced or lost your spouse and it turns out you're married. While I'm not condoning such action, we all know it happens all the time. But the bill would allow you to be charged with "rape by deception." A game changer for thousands of people.

Perfect honesty in the age-old quest to get laid? Has that ever been a factor? For either gender?

A story, reported by the Associated Press today, tells of a Palestinian man who was sentenced to 18 months in jail for having sex with an Israeli woman after giving her the impression he was single, Jewish and interested in a relationship. He was convicted of "rape by deception."

The 30-year old, father of two, said he was approached by the woman on a downtown Jerusalem street where he had parked his motorcycle. Within 30 minutes of their initial encounter they were having consensual sex in the stairwell of an office building.

In sentencing the man, the judge wrote: "If she hadn't thought the accused was a single Jewish man interested in a serious romantic relationship, she would not have cooperated."

A "serious romantic relationship?" Having sex in a stairwell within 30 minutes of having said hello? Damn! And all of these folks spending money for speed dating and online matching sites ... what a waste of money.

Massachusetts' legislators say without the new legislation, police and prosecutors are virtually helpless when someone reports a rape that occurred because the victim was deceived or tricked into consenting. They cited a case in western Massachusetts in which a woman consented to intercourse with her boyfriend's brother because he claimed to be the brother.

Do I really need to add a caustic comment for the woman's mental prowess?

Four states, California, Tennessee, Alabama and Michigan already have statues on the books regarding "rape by fraud." In California a man was charged because he had sex with a woman who believed he was her husband.

Not only does this have the potential for a major set back in the "dating game" but just think of all the cougars out there who need to be cautious.

Perhaps, in the one person's view, we could label this type of legislation as asinine; as taken from the Latin asinisus or asinus meaning 1) extremely or utterly foolish 2) of, relating to, or resembling an ass. Not my words but the definition from the Merriam-Webster dictionary.

"Resembling an ass?" Isn't that what this whole thing is about?

Religion is Dangerous

2010-07-25T21:29:00.000-07:00

Bill Maher, an American stand-up comedian, social critic and political commentator, has often voiced his opinion regarding religion. One of my favorite quotes from him is: "I think religion is a neurological disorder."

Reading various pieces I have saved over the years I came across this one reprinted in The Memphis Flyer and written by columnist Ed Weathers. The article is quite lengthy and I have picked what I believe are the most relative portions to include here. The Memphis Flyer does include the caveat that it does not reflect the views of that publication. However, I can add it does reflect mine.

Religion is superstition. It is mankind crossing its fingers. Its sole functions are 1) to comfort and console those who cannot bear the suffering and death that are ultimately the lot of every human being, and 2) to offer meaning in a world where meaning can never be established.

On balance religion has made the world a worse place. It has generated magnificent art and wonderful music, and spectacular architecture, and millions of people have, over the centuries, done good and beautiful things in its name, but on balance it has not been good for the world. Those millions of good people would have done just as much good without it. Mother Teresa would have been saintly without the New Testament. Martin Luther King would have been a paragon of eloquent courage without being baptized. Ghandi would have overturned an empire leaning on his walking stick. Virtue would exist without Christianity or Judaism or Islam or Hinduism, which in their vanity and vaporishness, are no different than the Roman's belief in household gods or the Druid's belief in tree spirits. A magic act is a magic act, whatever robes we clothe it in. But because of religions like these the world has experienced centuries and centuries of backwardness and unnecessary suffering. Throats have been slit in their name, hearts exploded, the best minds distracted or destroyed, sweet people tortured, millions of children sent horribly to oblivion.

It Has To Be Said

Perhaps the worst of religion's dangerous superstitions is the notion of the "holy" place. That this patch of earth or that building or that city or nation is somehow sanctified by some god has left us with the bombs and guns and bodies of Kashmir and Belfast, of Bagdad and Jerusalem. What is land but land? What is a building but a building?

There are wars enough when "holy" is not part of the picture. There are land wars and economic wars and grudge wars and wars for no reason anyone can understand at all. But religious wars are the most tragic, because they are built so deeply on a deluded sense of righteousness. Have non-believers started wars? Of course! They have started wars for land or politics or pure villainy. But I don't know of a single non-believer who has killed simply to make others stop believing. Stalin you might say? No, he killed for power. On the other hand the world has thousands, millions, who will kill, and have killed, in order to make someone else believe as they believe.

I wish the Near and Middle East would suddenly be flooded with a sea of atheism. I wish other areas of the world would overnight experience religious amnesia. How much more at peace the world would be.

A man truly awake does not need religion. He doesn't need gods. He doesn't need miracles. He doesn't need holy lands here below or celestial heavens up above. For him, life in this universe is itself holy, as is every patch of ground and every path he walks. Life itself is enough of a miracle. To believe in a god who made this life is to believe in a miracle even greater than this miracle. Who needs more than one unfathomable miracle? Existence is a fluke, a freak, a wonder, a dream, a bizarre uncanny thing. Our own conciousness of this existence is so incredible, a phenomenom that I don't understand why anyone feels the need to believe in anything else more "spiritual." It's all "spiritual." It's all true magic. Why add imagined magic to explain the magic that is right before us?

Religion is dangerous. It needs to be said. Our politicians won't say it. Our commentators won't say it. The power of self-censorship in this God-fearing country is too strong, freedom of speech be damned. I can say it here because this audience is so small and I have little to risk. (Will fifty of you read this? Will 500? I have no business you can boycott and no office you can vote me out of.)

Nearly all my friends are believers. Nearly all of those I love are believers. Most of them are generous and kind, and their religion gives them hope and comfort and pleasant society. I have seen many good works born in synagogues and church pews. But the non-believers I know are just as kind, just as loving, just as hopeful, and they have given just as much comfort to those in need.

To add this one person's view, I once read that a myth is based on something that no one has ever seen ... and this is how God got so far.

Have a great week and always open your mind, question and think.

Racism - The Elephant in the Room

2010-07-21T00:29:00.000-07:00

It seems no one writes about racism unless they are nationally known or, a member of the media. It isn't discussed among politically correct society but like the proverbial elephant in the room it's there.

Yesterday, on national news broadcasts, we were informed of the firing of an Agriculture Department employee for a statement she made regarding a incident some 24 years ago. And she wasn't even a government employee at the time. Also, further probing revealed the statement was taken out of context and she did not discriminate in her actions.

The turn of events involved an Afro-American woman, who made a remark about helping a white farmer. She in fact helped him. The white farmer told an interviewer if it had not been for her assistance he would have lost his farm in Georgia.

I hope I'm NEVER considered politically correct. My one hope is that I'm considered honest and the realization I will not compromise my integrity for any cause. With that thought in mind, and with the hope of maybe provoking some thoughts of the reader this is simply One Person's Views on racism.

For any one person to stand and make the statement: "I am not prejudice" tells me they are either a liar or just plain full of sh**. We are human, we are different, and yes, to a degree, we are all prejudice whether it be biased for or against whites, blacks, Hispanics, Arabs, Jews, or any nationality or race. The best we can hope for is to acknowledge the fact and allow objective not subjective thinking color our decisions and the way we deal with people.

Throughout the history of the world great advances and discoveries have been made by people of all races and backgrounds. No one group has the corner on that market. And, no matter who made the discovery, everyone has benefited.

One example is Dr. Charles R. Drew, a black physician. In late 1940, before the United States entered World War II and during the time of segregation, Dr. Drew directed the Blood for Britain project. A program to aid British soldiers and civilians by giving U.S. blood to Britain. His methods and discoveries served to help form the basis of international blood banking still practiced today.

While it is true we are all different, in many ways we are all the same. Perhaps, the two most glaring examples of this are found universally ... on the battlefield and in the operating room.

In combat, it doesn't matter who is next to you. You trust them with your life and they trust you with their life. On the operating table, when the incision is made, the blood is the same color no matter the color or tint of their skin. And the surgeon sees only a patient who is trusting in his or her skill to return them to a life with a future.

If we put young children, toddlers, in a room together filled with other young ones of different races and nationalities, they will play together. They may exhibit some curiosity in the various colors or traits of their peers but there is no animosity, no hatred, no discrimination. They simply accept each other.

Racism is a learned behavior. We should learn from the children. There are good and bad in all peoples. Around the world people say they want peace. They talk about it, sing about it and pray about it. But, until we can emulate the little children and accept people for who and what they are, we will never have it.

As I Matured

2010-07-19T00:27:00.000-07:00

As we mature we all discover there are certain things in life that we appreciate but have no intrinsic value. Nonetheless, they become important revelations on a more personal level.

Since it's Monday I thought it might be apropos to share a few, although I must admit many are not my original thoughts but epiphanies of other enlightened folks from whom I purloined them.

I've learned you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is stalk them and hope they panic and give in.
I've learned that one turn gets most of the blankets.
I've learned that no matter what hits the fan will not be evenly distributed.
I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to others ... they are more screwed up than you think.
I've learned it's not what you wear; it's how you take it off.
I've learned that you can keep throwing up long after you think you've finished.
I've learned age is high price to pay for maturity.
I've learned that artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.
I've learned that 99% of the time when something isn't working in your house, somebody else did it.
I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon and all the less important ones just never go away. And the real pains in the ass are permanent fixtures.
Last but by no means least: I've learned I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy it.

Have a great week!

Free Speech Can Be Expensive

2010-07-16T00:21:00.000-07:00

Among our many Constitutional freedoms is that of free speech. But it seems what guns and government can't suppress big corporations can and do. Its commonly called a SLAPP suit.

SLAPP stands for Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation. It is a method by which corporate money can keep people quiet and suppress them from speaking out.

A company doesn't file a SLAPP suit because it feels its been legally wronged. The suit is filed because executives know that defamation lawsuits cost tens of thousands of dollars to defend, and the vast majority of people will stop using the "offending speech" rather than face such an expense, according to Stacy Johnson of Money Talks News.

This form of legal harassment is becoming more and more common in the age of instant communication. Before the internet, it was primarily word of mouth that spread information between consumers. Now, with blogs and websites, people have the ability share experiences and opinions with uncountable numbers of others.

How does a SLAPP suit work? Suppose you decided to begin a blog or a website and you name it: "Reviews of Popular Corporations.com." Over time you collect and begin posting negative reviews and opinions from everyday people. Our Constitution guarantees, you have the right to do this. But, companies also have the right to bring a defamation lawsuit against you.

It is a corporate strategy to control negative things said about the company by filing such actions. The corporation really doesn't care if the information was correct that was posted, or that the speech is protected, or even that it could never hope win such a lawsuit in a court of law. The one thing they do know is that the greater majority of people will give up rather than face such a lengthy and costly venture against such a wealthy opponent.

Such large, and even small, corporations are using this tactic to do what the United States government cannot do: take away your First Amendment right to free expression. It may not be right or ethical but it is legal.

To those of us who value free speech, we will fight with all our resources to protect this right. If I am ever the target of such a lawsuit, I'll probably opt to fulfill the prophecy that he who acts as his own lawyer has a fool for a client. But like the story of David and Goliath, I'd have to take on the giant.

Like everything else in life, we must simply bear in mind that for every action we take there is a responsibility. And, in this one person's view, it is our responsibility to defend the Constitution no matter the cost.

An Eclectic Mix of Friends

2010-07-14T00:29:00.000-07:00

The other day I was reminiscing about the people I've met and the friendships that have been formed. It occurred to me they mirror my collection of music CDs ... eclectic. The CDs found in my assortment range from classical to country, from jazz to new age and pretty much everywhere in between. The same is true of the people I've met over the years, and like my music, they bring me great joy.

To single out any one person, outside of my family, would be impossible. I have shared meals with every strata of our society, from homeless substance abusers who were HIV positive to presidents. On many occasions I have spent the night in discussions of every sort with people from all over the globe. And I have witnessed true humility in men and women, that in their own way, have made a difference in others' lives.

To write something describing each one would require a lengthy book. Yet, to simply pick out a few is a daunting task for they all are very special in their own way. Perhaps, I am more fortunate that most in that it would be impossible to select only a few to describe in a short blog piece. So many people go through life with just a short list of those who have influenced them.

In very general terms I can go back to my early school years and recall the nuns who taught me and whom I detested for their discipline. But it was this discipline that proved invaluable in college and post-graduate school, they taught me how to learn. Or, maybe to a man named Tom Looney, my eighth grade science teacher who imparted a quest for learning and installed a curiosity that made learning fun.

In later years, it was seeing the despair of so many who had nothing but never gave up their dignity. Although, there were times that dignity became mired in a sea of chemical induced haze. There were also others to whom fate dealt a nasty hand.

One person I'll never forget had suffered a massive stroke robbing him of his mental acuities. At the age of 14 he was discussing ancient philosophy and reading Sanskrit, a dead language, with college professors. But, in his 60s he had lost what the doctors estimated was 80 percent of his intellectual power. Dave surprised everyone by his pure tenacity and recovered nearly all his mental capabilities.

Then there is a middle-aged nurse, who spent the summer camping in primitive conditions trying to figure out what to do with her life. Her caring and compassion overrode the prejudice she experienced as a native American to lead her back to practicing her profession.

In the north Georgia mountains, the heart of what some consider "red-neck country," I learned African dances from a group of students studying at Georgia Tech from Kenya. Some two thousand plus miles away in a small California community, 125 miles from the closest Walmart, I became friends with a man who could hardly figure out how to tie his shoes but was a world renown environmental architect and met a lady who's life dream was to become a simple seamstress. She had literally been a rocket scientist and project director for NASA.

My travels have taken to many countries and I've been privileged to share my life with the lives of so many diverse peoples. I like to think, in some small way, I may have made a difference in a minute way to help better the lives of those I've met. Yet, whatever my contribution may have been, it is dwarfed by those I've met and who I call my friends and their impact on my life.

It just proves the adage that one's life can be enhanced by everyone they meet.

Politically Correct ... Not A Chance

2010-07-12T00:51:00.000-07:00

As a native Texan, who has also traveled extensively, I am still amazed at the level of pretense that abounds in some people. And, it seems some more than others like the Northeast corridor and California. I don't mean to imply all the people from those locations exhibit such behavior but it sometimes appears they do outweigh the "real" people from those geographic locales.

For those who can hardly survive without their Starbucks, designer clothing and personal trainers I offer these tips when you visit the Lone Star State to help clear up any misunderstandings:

That farmer or rancher you see leaning on a fence did more work before breakfast than you did all week at the gym.
It's called a gravel road for a reason, no matter how slow you drive you're going to get dust on your Hummer. We have four-wheel drive vehicles because we need them. Drive yours or get out of the way.
Any references to "corn fed" when talking about our women will get your ass whipped ... by our women.
Go ahead and bring your $600 Orvis Fly Rod, just don't cry to us if a flathead catfish breaks it off at the handle. We have a name for those little trout you fish for ... bait!
Pull your pants up, you look like an idiot.
That's right! Whiskey is only five bucks. We can buy a fifth for what you paid for one drink at the airport.
No, there's no "Vegetarian Special." Order a steak, or you can order a Chef's Salad and pick off the two pounds of ham and turkey.
If you bring Coke into my house, it better be brown, wet and served over ice.
So you have a sixty-thousand dollar car you drive on weekends. We're real impressed. We have quarter of a million dollar combines the we use two weeks a year.
Some towns only have one stop light. When it's red we stop, and we may even stop when its yellow.
Yeah, we eat catfish, maybe even carp and turtle too. You really want sushi? Its available at the bait shop.
There are pigs and goats and cattle. That's what they smell like. Get over it. Don't like it? Interstates 10 and 20 go two ways, east and west. Interstate Highways 35 and 45 go north and south. Pick one and use it accordingly.
The "Opener" refers to the first day of deer season. It's a religious holiday. You can get breakfast at the church.
So every person in every pick-up in a small town waves. It's called being friendly. Understand the concept?
Yeah, we have golf courses. Don't hit in the water hazard. It spooks the fish.
The Highway Patrol Officer that just pulled you over for driving like an idiot ... his name is "Sir" ... no matter how old he is.

Now enjoy your visit then go home.

Smile and have a great week.

Beyond the Eulogies

2010-07-09T00:02:00.000-07:00

It seems there are rare occasions when a eulogy is filled with humor rather than remembrances. I suppose I have a warped idea of funerals. Yes, they should be a moment in time to pay tribute to the unwilling guest of honor but I don't think they should be depressing. They should be a celebration of the deceased's life and all they gave to their loved ones and friends.

Perhaps, one of the greatest attributes they could pass along is a sense of humor. For hundreds of years, on both sides of the Atlantic ocean, headstones have recorded such traits. Here are just a few:

Harry Edsel Smith of Albany, New York:

Born 1903 - Died 1942

Looked up the elevator shaft to see if the car was on the way down.

It was.

In a Thurmont, Maryland cemetery:

Here lies an Atheist

All dressed up

And nowhere to go.

On the grave of Ezekial Aikle in East Dalhousie, Nova Scotia:

Here lies Ezekial Aikle, Age 102

The Good Die Young.

In a Ruidoso, New Mexico cemetery:

Here lies Johnny Yeast

Pardon me

For not rising.

In a Silver City, Nevada cemetery:

Here lays The Kid.

We planted him raw.

He was quick on the trigger.

But slow on the draw.

On a lawyer's tombstone in England:

Sir John Strange

Here lies an honest lawyer,

And that is Strange.

Found in another cemetery in England:

Remember man, as you walk by,

As you are now, so once was I.

Remember this and follow me.

To which some enterprising passer-by replied by writing on the tombstone:

To follow you, I'll not consent.

Until I know which way you went.

And discovered in Key West, Florida, etched into the stone, the simple words:

I told you I was sick.

Have a great weekend.

Just Look at This ! ! !

2010-07-07T00:05:00.000-07:00

How many times during the course of a day has someone held out a newspaper or an advertisement or some other form of written communication and said: "Look at this."

Three months ago my blog carried a piece entitled "As easy as A B C ???" Over the past holiday weekend I gained a new insight into the world of illiteracy. Once again I read the Declaration of Independence and the history surrounding those fateful weeks, months and years. The thought entered my mind how powerful those words still are. Yet, 14 percent of Americans can not read that historic document or the history associated with it, they must rely on someone to read it to them or tell them the history ... they cannot read.

Some 42 million of our citizens cannot know the pleasure of reading not only that wondrous writing but so many of the printed pieces that make up our history. They cannot even fill out a simple form to allow them access to a class that will teach them ... someone must help them.

To me this is so sad. The enjoyment I get from reading and from writing they may never know. The statistical numbers translate into about 1 in every 7 Americans have no comprehension of the written word. They simply can't read or write. Many are too embarrassed to admit this while others become more and more frustrated trying to find a non-bureaucratic environment to help them achieve this most basic goal.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident ..." They are powerful words and their power seems to be magnified when they are read rather than spoken. There is something about the written word that transcends the spoken word. To hear the droning words of our history spoken tends to make me sleepy but reading the records of the events that led to the creation of our nation opens the mind to visuals and imagination. To know 42 million of our citizens can't share in this is depressing.

Many experts have made the statement that the crisis of adult literacy is getting worse. The numbers of Americans that can only read and comprehend at a fourth grade level or less, euphemistically referred to a functionally literate is becoming an epidemic that is destructive to our future.

From coast to coast there are organizations and foundations devoted to reversing this alarming trend. They work tirelessly to improve the lives of those who can't even comprehend the headlines splashed our nation's newspapers or such life saving signs as "Caution Men Working on Roadway." More drastically the information contained below a sign proclaiming: "In Case of Emergency."

So many times I have written YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. In almost every community there is a public library that can steer you to a group or organization or foundation where you can help someone overcome this disability.

In the past I have mentioned a dynamic lady who spends uncounted hours combating illiteracy. The foundation she began with only a hope and dream has blossomed. Ina Hillebrandt's idea of enhancing youths and adults skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening not only improves lives but contributes greatly to building self-esteem. The Pawprints Literacy Plus program is fun and makes one want to read.

If you cannot find a resource in your community where you can become a part of helping those who are unable to read visit the Pawprints website at www.inaspawprints.com and explore. Still at a loss, contact Ina through the Pawprints home page, just scroll to the bottom and look for the contact us button.

No matter how you do it ... help make a difference in someone's life. Help them to aquire a most precious of gift ... the ability to read.

After July 4, 1776

2010-07-05T02:19:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor.

What kind of men were they?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags. Thomas McKean, of Delaware, was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward. Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Ruttledge and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr. noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed and he died bankrupt. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.

Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight and unwavering they pledged: "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." They gave you and I a free and independent America.

History books omitted alot of what happened in the Revolutionary War. We didn't just fight the British. We were British subjects at that time and we fought our own government.

Many of us take our liberties so much for granted ... don't. Now that the celebrations and fireworks are over, silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.

Remember, freedom is never free. Over the course of our history, our men and women have died to insure our freedom. Today, members of our military are dying to not only insure our freedom but to help bring freedom to others.

Like those who gave all to forge our great nation, that sacred honor has been passed down generation to generation and our founding fathers would be proud to see their legacy continued.

Independence Declared

2010-07-04T21:31:00.000-07:00

On July 2, 1776, all thirteen colonies voted to declare independence. Yet, we celebrate today, July 4th, the day the actual Declaration of Independence was approved by the 56 representatives of the 13 states.

On July 3rd John Adams wrote a letter to his wife, Abigail, predicting July 2nd would be a great American holiday. Adams thought the vote for independence would be commemorated; he did not foresee that Americans, including himself, would instead celebrate Independence Day on the date that the announcement of the act was finalized. It was nearly a week later, on July 8th, the Declaration of Independence was read for the first time and the great bell was said to have rang out at Independence Hall.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

These words are known throughout the world and have fostered the dreams of millions. But, they are not the beginning of our treasured Declaration of Independence. They are the beginning of the second paragraph. The first paragraph simply but eloquently states what follows are the reasons for such a declaration.

It was 11 years later the Constitution was penned and another year, in 1788, when it was ratified and became the law of the land replacing the Articles of Confederation.

The Declaration of Independence records for the first time that our country was referred to as the United States of America.

Americans around the world will remind the world of this historic day. Flags will be flown and speeches made. From the pageantry in our nation's capital and Philadelphia to the communities of ex-patriots found around the globe and in the battle torn regions of Iraq and Afghanistan celebrations will occur.

The 4th of July is more than fireworks and bar-b-ques, the flag of this great nation will fly and continue to foster the dreams of peoples everywhere and serve as a reminder freedom is only obtained when a people join together for the common good with sacrifices and courage to secure this precious, and sometimes elusive, state.

June 30, 1776

2010-06-30T01:19:00.000-07:00

In four days we will celebrate the birth of our nation. For 236 years the United States of America has been a beacon of freedom shining around the world, but it was not without great pains. On this day in 1776 a motion had been put forward for a vote in the Continental Congress to declare independence.

The motion, presented by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia on June 7th, read in part: "resolved, that these colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that hey are absolved of all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."

Nine of the thirteen colonies voted in favor of the resolution while two voted against and New York abstained. Three weeks earlier, the Congress voted to postpone further discussion of Lee's proposal but it also decided to form a committee to prepare announcing and explaining independence in the event that Lee's resolution was approved when it was brought up again in July.

The vote on this day 236 years ago was in danger of not having unanimous support with one of Delaware's voting in favor and a second against. The third and deciding vote that would give the passing of the resolution laid with Brigader-General Caesar Rodney, commander of that colony's militia.

Like Paul Revere, Caesar Rodney became famous for his midnight ride. Rodney's ride ended at the doorstep of Independence Hall where he cast the decisive Delaware vote for Independence. He had been forced back to the colony in his role as military commander to quell a riot by Loyalists. On June 30th he received word his vote was desperately needed in Congress. All night, as the first of July turned into the second, Rodney rode through a thunderstorm. He covered 80 miles and arrived in time to cast his vote in Independence Hall.

Years later Thomas McKean, another Delaware delegate remembered meeting him at the door "in his boots and spurs."

The vote of June 30th will forever be recorded in our history books but greatly overshadowed by the event of four days later.

Ponderables

2010-06-28T01:03:00.000-07:00

The other night I was watching something on television and the description "go to the corners of the earth" was used. As a thinking man I wondered, since the earth is sort of round where the hell are the corners?

Its Monday once again and time to begin the week with questions that seemingly have no answer. But they generally put a smile on someone's face or, at the very least, give you something to think about in the coming week.

How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?

Why do you have to "put your two cents in" ... but its only a "penny for your thoughts?" Where's that extra penny going?

Once you're in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the same clothes you were buried in?

What disease did cured ham actually have?

How is it we put a man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?

If a deaf person has to go to court, is it still called a hearing?

Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?

Why is "bra" singular and "panties" plural?

Why is there a light in the fridge and not in the freezer?

Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane?

Is Disney World the only people trap operated by a mouse?

Why does the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?

Why did you just try singing those two songs?

Have a great week and remember ... think fun thoughts.

Three Days and Thoughts

2010-06-25T00:44:00.000-07:00

Events of Wednesday, Thursday and today seem to beg for some editorial comment. The nice thing about writing a blog is the freedom to say what I think and not really give a damn if it's politically correct. I don't look for agreement or approval but simply hope to accomplish two things, to either inspire one to think or to have the reader open a dialogue for discussion.

It seems Wednesday's prime news story, around the world, was acceptance of the resignation of Gen. Stanley McCrystal by President Obama. Or, the firing, by the commander-in-chief, of yet another Special Forces (SF) officer who exhibits a prized trait of individualism.

A part of the criteria every applicant for the Army's Special Forces is judged on is his being an individual. While every SF soldier is expected to follow orders, he is also expected to think for himself. Special Forces troopers are elite, they are the top one percent of the U.S. Army. They are the first to be called when the proverbial shit hits the fan and the first to be singled out when they say what they think if it goes against conventional wisdom.

Gen. McCrystal apologized for the comments that found their way into print earlier in the week. As far as I can determine, none of the remarks were quotes from this warrior but rather from members of his hand-picked staff. Nonetheless, he was in command and rightly takes the responsibility for those under him. He is to be admired. His years of unselfish service to our country are to be honored and, in my opinion, our military is losing one of its finest, most respected leaders.

Several hours after the media was focused on the happenings in our nation's capital, in Omaha, Nebraska one of the best baseball games in the college world series had spectators at Rosenblatt Stadium on their feet and television viewers on the edge of their seats.

Texas Christian University (TCU) and Florida State University (FSU) battled one another in what could be described as the game movies are made from.

The bottom of the eighth inning, TCU was at bat and losing 7 to 3 in an elimination game. In the scenario every baseball player dreams of; bases loaded, full count, one swing of the bat and the ball was going, going, gone for a grand slam to tie the game.

First baseman and TCU junior Matt Curry launched the ball into the center field seats to begin a rally that eventually scored eight runs and won the game 11 to 7.

The next day, Thursday, the news being reported was not so grand in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

William Kruse, 55, a charter boat captain was found by his crew lying on the floor of the wheelhouse. He was dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot to the head.

"They said he was real upset and despondent over the oil spill" Stan Vinson, coroner of Baldwin County, said Captain Kruse's crew related to him.

"He's been a charter boat captain most of his life, but all that had come to screeching halt" in the aftermath of the well blowout on the ocean floor that has spewed untold millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf, spoiling coastlines, killing wildlife, and bringing local businesses across the Gulf coast, including the fishing industry, to their knees.

We can only hope this is not the beginning of a pattern for those so deeply affected by the horrific tragedy BP created.

And yesterday in Washington, D.C. a ceremony was held at the Capitol to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Korean War. It was on this date, June 25, 1950 when North Korean troops crossed the 38th parallel and attacked the Republic of Korea.

Often called "the forgotten war" let us not forget the sacrifices of the service members who courageously fought to defend freedom and safeguard peace and security on the Korean Peninsula.

Worth Passing On

2010-06-23T00:38:00.000-07:00

We all receive emails from folks sending us various stories. Some we simply hit the delete key when we see them, others we may read then consign to the recycle bin and others, for some reason, we read and keep. The following is one I kept and is worth passing on:

A handsome, middle-aged man walked quietly into the cafe and sat down. before he ordered, he couldn't help but notice a group of younger men at the table next to him. It was obvious they were making fun fun of something about him, and it wasn't until he remembered he was wearing a small pink ribbon on the lapel of his suit that he became aware of what the joke was all about.

The man brushed off the reaction as ignorance, but the smirks began to get to him. He looked one of the rude men square in the eye, placed his hand beneath the ribbon and asked, quizzically: "This?" With that the men all began to laugh out loud.

The man he addressed said, as he fought back laughter, "Hey sorry man, but we were just commenting how pretty your pink ribbon looks against your blue jacket!"

The middle-aged man calmly motioned for the joker to come over to his table, and invited him to sit down. As uncomfortable as he was, the guy obliged, not really sure why. In a soft voice the older man said, "I wear this ribbon to bring awareness about breast cancer. I wear it in my mother's honor."

"Oh sorry dude. She died of breast cancer?"

"No she didn't. She's alive and well. But her breasts nourished me as an infant, and were a soft resting place for my head when I was scared or lonely as a little boy. I'm very grateful for my mother's breasts and her health." "Ummm," the stranger replied, "yeah."

"And I wear this ribbon to honor my wife," the man went on.

"And she's okay too?" The other guy asked.

"Oh yes, she's fine. Her breasts have been a great source of loving pleasure for both of us, and with them she nurtured and nourished our beautiful daughter 23 years ago. I am grateful for her breasts and for her health."

"Uh huh.And I guess you wear it to honor your daughter also?"

"No. It's to late to honor my daughter by wearing it now. My daughter died of breast cancer one month ago. She thought she was too young to have breast cancer, so when she accidentally noticed a small lump, she ignored it. She thought that since it wasn't painful, it must not be anything to worry about."

Shaken and ashamed, the now sober stranger said: "Oh man, I'm so sorry mister."

"So, in my daughter's memory too, I proudly wear this little ribbon, which allows me the opportunity to enlighten others. Now, go home and talk to your wife and your daughters, your mother and your friends. And here," the man reached in his pocket and handed the other man a little pink ribbon.

The guy looked at it, slowly raised his head and asked: "Can ya help me put it on?"

It is most probable that each of us knows someone who has battled this dreaded disease called cancer. Like the victims it strikes, there are many types of cancer. Its victims fit no demographic, they are of all colors, both genders and it crosses economic and social lines with impunity.

This year alone it is estimated more than 1,500 people a day will die from some form of this disease, according to the American Cancer Society. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the United States, exceeded only by heart disease.

Most cancers are treatable and the number of cancer survivors increases every year. The key to effective treatment is early detection. Talk with your health care provider if you have any concerns. Don't wait until its too late. It's your life and what you do with it affects those you love and those who care about you.

Truisms

2010-06-21T01:37:00.000-07:00

It's Monday and time to reflect on a few thoughts that might make your week just a little more bearable. Or, you could choose to pass them on and drive other people to question either your intelligence or sanity. I like to label them as truisms.

Sex is a three-letter word which needs some four-letter words to convey its full meaning.

When life seems like an uphill climb, take comfort in the fact that you're mooning everyone behind you.

Some people drink from the fountain of knowledge, while others only gargle.

There are those whose brains are like some prison systems ... not enough cells per person.

If a thing is worth doing, it would have been done already.

Some folks bring happiness where ever they go; others bring it when they leave.

To be successful at fishing, you should get there yesterday, when the fish were biting.

Everyone has the right to be stupid, but so many are abusing the privilege.

In a relationship with a woman, a man can either be right or get laid, but never both.

Don't criticize your wife ... if she were perfect, she would have married someone else.

Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what the hell happened.

Its been said a true friend thinks you're a good egg even though you're slightly cracked. But I have a better definition. A friend is someone who will come bail you out of jail, but a true friend is someone who will be sitting next you in the jail cell saying: "Damn! That was fun!"

Have a great week.

The Absolute Moralist

2010-06-18T00:08:00.000-07:00

In 1978 Robert J. Ringer's book Looking Out For #1 was one of the best selling books of the year. His premise that we must first look out for ourselves before we can do anything for anyone else was somewhat controversial in its approach.

One of the imaginary characters he uses for various examples is "The Absolute Moralist." He describes this entity as one who "will kill you to save you from yourself."

That was 32 years ago and looking at some of today's headlines I can't help but think the "absolute moralist" is alive and well today.

One example that leaps into my thoughts is the adoption of new school textbooks by my home state of Texas. The "absolute moralist" residing there isn't going to kill us to save us from ourselves, its just going to rewrite history and incorporate religious tenants into our public school textbooks. And it's not just Texas school children who will be misdirected but many other states as well that purchase their textbooks from the same publisher cannot afford to print their own version.

Texas' "absolute moralists" have managed to cut Thomas Jefferson from a list of figures whose writings inspired revolutions in the late 18th and 19th century, replacing him with St. Thomas Aquinas, John Calvin and William Blackstone (Jefferson is not well liked among conservatives on the Texas Board of Education because he coined the term "separation between church and state").

Admittedly, I am not a fan of organized religion but I do support one's right to choose, to believe in the way that is most comfortable for them. What I do take issue with is forcing me to adhere to their beliefs. Perhaps, in a future blog I'll tackle the myth of such things.

Another arena where the "absolute moralist" seems to rear its ugly head is regarding the rights of individuals. Whether you agree or not the gay community is a part of America. They work, pay taxes and contribute to our way of life. Like it or not, they should not be treated as second or third class citizens. Studies done by reputable and objective organizations, universities and foundations show they are not a threat to the way of life we all enjoy or, to our children. In fact, many studies indicate children of same sex parents are well-adjusted and have fewer problems than their peers.

Chris Matthews recently aired a piece on MSNBC entitled: "The Rise of the New Right." Now, the ultra-right conservatives of the Tea Party are calling for a boycott of the sponsors of his show. Once again, the "absolute moralist" starts screaming because those who disagree are on the road to hell and dragging the country with them.

Our founding fathers agonized over the separation of church and state. They were all too familiar with the power churches can accrue and the establishment of a secular state.

Perhaps, the "absolute moralists" of today should take some time to read the diaries and writings of those who patched together our nation, including Thomas Jefferson. Or, review history and see what happened as religion took over various civilizations. Granted many of the world's great civilizations were founded on religious beliefs and not necessarily Christian based. But in each case, when those beliefs became the rule so too did the downfall of that civilization.

I have said many times before our greatest strength is in our diversity. If we all learned to respect this diversity and those who contribute to it we will be a better nation where all men are truly created equal.

What Would You Do?

2010-06-16T01:25:00.000-07:00

What would you do? That is the title of a ABC television show, it is a candid camera social experiment. Recently the show's creative people used a real diner and actors, in appropriate make up, to see what the general public's reaction would be to a woman being abused by her boyfriend.

In almost every scenario patrons of the diner intervened coming to the woman's defense either asking her to leave the restaurant with them or confronting the 'boyfriend.' And, those coming to her aid were of both sexes. It did not matter when the ABC changed the race of the actors from white to black the result was still the same.

In those variables the actresses were dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. But, when a third variable was introduced with the actresses wearing provocative clothing no one intervened. It seems some of the patrons of the diner were speculating as to whether or not the woman (the actress) was a prostitute.

Should that have made her any less deserving of someone coming to her aid? One in every four women will be the victim of domestic violence in her lifetime according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. That's 1.3 million women a year. But this crime is not limited to women, an Oregon study reported in every 100 cases of domestic violence 40 percent involved violence by women against men.

Last month was Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I never heard about that until researching information for this blog piece. Domestic violence should not happen to anybody. Ever. Period. And, it is everybody's business.

Most all of us carry a cell phone in today's world and it's use can be great weapon. Intervening in a public situation that leaves no doubt it is an abusive one, either threatening to call law enforcement or actually dialing 911 can put a stop to that particular incident and may even save a life.

Don't be an ostrich and stick your head in the sand, be proactive and offer assistance. But don't put yourself at risk. There is no risk in calling 911.

Do you have an old cell phone stuck in a drawer somewhere at home that has been deactivated? Dig it out and take it to an abused women's shelter or call them to make arrangements to pick it up. Even a cell phone that has been replaced and can no longer make regular calls can still call 911. Your local shelter and those they serve will appreciate having a lifeline.

Ron White is Right

2010-06-14T00:14:00.000-07:00

A native Texan known for his stand-up comedy, Ron White uses the phrase "You can't fix stupid" to epitomize the incredible absurdity of people. Since it's Monday and I generally try to start the week off on a somewhat humorous note, what follows seems to just add validity to his phrase.

Recently, at a fast food restaurant, the menu offered a choice of 6, 9 or 12 chicken pieces. However, when a customer asked for a half dozen the employee informed him: "We don't have a half dozen pieces. We only have six, nine or twelve."

When checking out of a local big box discount store I had just a few items and the lady behind me put her things on the belt close to mine. To keep her from reaching, I put one of the dividers they keep near the cash register between our merchandise. After the cashier had scanned all my items, she picked up the divider and looked at it all over for the bar code. Not finding a scannable bar code she asked: "Do you know how much this is?" I told her, "I've changed my mind, I don't think I'll buy that today." She said "okay" and I just paid for my items and left. She had no clue what happened.

A lady at work was seen putting a credit card into the floppy drive of her computer and pulling it out very quickly. A co-worked inquired as to what she was doing, she said she was shopping on the Internet and they kept asking for a credit card number, so she was using the ATM 'thingy.'

An individual who works in the operations department at the central office of a large bank is responsible for assisting employees in the field and at other branches with their computers. One evening he received a call from a worker in one of the branch banks who asked: "I've got smoke coming from the back of my terminal. Did you guys have a fire downtown?"

A mother calls 911 very worried asking the dispatcher if she needs to take her kid to the emergency room, the child was eating ants. The dispatcher tells her to give the child Benadryl and it should be fine. The mother then replied: "Okay, but I just gave him some ant killer ... The dispatcher interrupter her with the command: "Rush him to the emergency room!"

Life is tough. It's tougher if you're stupid. Remember, you don't stop laughing because you grow old ... you grow old because you stop laughing.

Today's Headlines

2010-06-11T00:40:00.000-07:00

Striving to be informative, timely and, at times, humorous can sometimes be more demanding than one might realize. Perhaps, even more so when its attempted on a regular basis such as Monday, Wednesday and Friday as I strive to publish my blog. Today's is simply a random thought generated by today's headlines.

Around the world everyone is watching the disaster of our coast in the Gulf of Mexico. A little research revealed some interesting facts about a single barrel of crude oil.

A barrel of crude oil is 42 U.S. gallons and provides slightly more than 44 gallons of petroleum products. This gain from processing the crude oil is similar to what happens to popcorn which gets bigger after it is popped. The gain from processing is more than five percent.

One barrel of crude oil, when refined, produces about approximately 19 gallons of finished motor gasoline and 10 gallons of diesel fuel, as well as other petroleum products. The other products include: still gas, petroleum coke, liquefied refinery gas, asphalt and road oil, various oils for foodstocks, lubricants, special napthas, kerosene, waxes and an assortment of other miscellaneous products.

Yesterday the spot price for a gallon of crude was about $75. Figuring the price of gasoline and diesel at $3 a gallon, that adds up to $87. A guess, on my part, of some $50 to $75 for the remainder of its distillation products I come up with somewhere in the neighborhood of $135 to $160 per barrel retail sales prices. Unless my math is off, that is more than 100 percent of the selling price for crude. Granted there is the overhead to be figured but I doubt it comes close to 100 percent.

Just looking at the numbers and having a little knowledge of what a barrel of crude actually produces monetarily, I can see how the oil companies can post such huge profits. There is some speculation the current crisis with BP may force them out of business. As a thinking individual, it may put a small dent on their pocketbook but I don't believe it will force them into bankruptcy as may be the case with so many whose lives this disaster has shaken.

An Anniversary Tribute

2010-06-09T01:01:00.000-07:00

It was 20 years ago on this date I stood in the middle of a covered bridge, traffic blocked on either side, with my dad at my side and the woman who changed my life standing next to me. In front of us was a minister performing the ceremony that would bind us together as husband and wife. A unique beginning for very extraordinary life.

My bride to be had been vetted by the government and warned by her future father-in-law that I was somewhat unorthodox and did things that flew in the face of convention. In spite of "full disclosure" she chose to marry me anyway.

I know it hasn't been an easy life for her. Being married to doc who's ideas are somewhat idealistic and whose patriotism has been, at times, a demanding mistress. So many times she has had to face unusual challenges and each time did it without complaint and with the grace of royalty.

In a thousand lifetimes I could never give her all she deserves. A few years ago I wanted to give her something that says I love you and I presented her with the following one Christmas. It is my privilege to share it with you all now.

To My Wife - You Make a Difference

I have watched and listened to you at times when you said felt like you haven't accomplished anything. You look around and see the walls filled with your artwork and wonder if you will ever be recognized for what you do. Let me share some things that you do and have done that have made a difference.

To begin, you raised two daughters both of whom are a source of pride. Not just for you but for the many people they have met over the years. Each in her own way has influenced others to make their lives better. You have a grandson who looks at his grandmother with admiration and love.

For nearly two decades you have been a force that has given me the freedom and the integrity to do things most would have backed away from.

You worked tirelessly to help change lives. To help found and run a clinic for the homeless that has grown into many and touched and changed unknown numbers of lives. You have sat with national leaders who attentively listened to your ideas for immunizing children across the United States.

Behind the scenes you focused your energies to do something few have ever done. Unknown and outside established circles you helped to write a Bill that became a Law and affected thousands.

In a foreign country, unfamiliar with the language and customs, you helped to change a nation. To teach hundreds of people a language, to improve living conditions and help eliminate a deadly disease.to insure others, with less, were able to live just a little better. You did not hesitate to spend what money we had

You have enriched the lives of countless people sitting under the stars, not far from the Grand Canyon, listening to you teach them about nature and history.

Over the past years you have touched the lives of so many with your contributions in art, friendship and caring. You have and continue to brighten the days with things you never realize like your decorations or just a smile and your uncanny ability to just listen and hear what is being said.

And above all the other things you have done and still do, you have made a difference in my life. To inspire me to be the best I can be which I know, at times, takes its toll on you.

My Christmas gift to to you darling is to simply let you know how much you have accomplished and to tell you that you do make a difference.

And, that I Love You.

To My Wife and My Best Friend ..... Happy Anniversary

Advertising in America

2010-06-07T00:05:00.000-07:00

Did you ever wonder how long an hour television program really is? During 60 minutes the actual programming rarely runs more than 40 - 42 minutes. The other 20 or so minutes are ... you guessed it ... commercials. Advertisements that can cost well over a quarter of a million dollars each to air one time.

Since I've been accused on more than one occasion of having a warped mind, I've often thought how much fun it would be to add to the copy for a more informative sales presentation.

One example might be for a popular prescription medication that treats what is euphemistically referred to as "erectile dysfunction." When one drug was being touted on TV a disclaimer was added it may cause urges such as gambling. What a boon that would be for a Las Vegas tourist ad. Today, in the disclaimer it warns "do not drink alcohol in excess." How about adding the tag line: "Do not drink alcohol in excess .... you might regret who you wake up with."

I've never counted the number of ads being aimed at the American public for various ailments but it seems we must suffer from every know malady known to man. Assuming 20 minutes of every hour are devoted to commercials then it feels like 17 minutes are aimed at our health concerns. And, listening to the disclaimers, one would almost debate if the side effects aren't worse than the cure.

Insurance companies are another huge source of television revenue. Insurance for cars, health and life. The insurance company I'm searching for is the one that when you take out a life insurance policy for a half-million dollars they give you the money right then. After all, I can't spend it I'm dead ... and whoever I name as beneficiary has to pay it back.

Perhaps we should take a lesson from our allies across the Atlantic. European Union legislation limits the time taken by commercial breaks to 12 minutes per hour (20%) with a minimum segment length of 20 or 30 minutes depending on the program content.

The one thought that calls to mind is: Is a 30 minute infomercial required to set aside 6 minutes for advertising?

Have a great week.

A Dying Art

2010-06-04T20:38:00.000-07:00

The other day I was grocery shopping and noticed one doesn't need to have any knowledge of cooking to prepare a meal, any meal. Look in the freezer section or the meat department, even up and down the aisle fully prepared meals are available in just about any type of food you desire. All one needs to do is read the instructions to put a meal on the table.

While there are chefs employed by the makers of these items and we can still go to a restaurant where a chef oversees and prepares "real" food from fresh ingredients the art of "home" cooking seems to be falling by the wayside.

It seems the healthy eating advocates have invaded our way of life. So many people are reading the nutrition information on the labels and planning their meals around living longer. While this may not be a bad thing it certainly takes the fun out of eating ... at least for me.

No matter what studies may reveal and guidelines offered by so many health-conscious organizations, there is nothing that tastes as good as fried chicken and greens from the kitchen of an old black lady in the south, or spaghetti and meat balls from an old Italian lady, or tortillas hot from the iron pan lovingly done by a Mexican lady. True, I may be accused of stereotyping but I grew up in the south and also lived in places like New York City and Philadelphia. Ethnic cooking has always been a pleasure to eat. And, it was done from scratch with all fresh ingredients and it took all day to cook.

Notice I used the adjective "old" before the gender noun "lady." That is simply because the art of cooking is done best by those who have been doing it all their lives. Granted, there are still women who follow in their mother's and grandmother's footsteps but it seems they are becoming a minority.
I am forced to admit, in all fairness, today's women face a more demanding lifestyle. Most are working full time time and juggling work, children, domestic chores and many are doing it as single moms. A feat few men could handle well.

Maybe, just maybe, its time we went back to the basics. Cooking real food from fresh things. Recently, I heard a story of someone who needed to lose nearly 100 pounds and they accomplished this goal. It wasn't done by following a prescribed or popular diet but by simple common sense. They called it the 100 year diet. That is to say if the food they ate wasn't around 100 years ago they didn't eat it. Coupled with modest portions and exercise they met their goal. The idea of the 100 year diet makes sense. One hundred years ago our food wasn't loaded with all the things it contains today. If you can't pronounce it should you really be eating it?

We've all seen the signs on restaurants across the country that claim "Home Cooking." I wonder, if in 50 years that will mean something pre-packaged and zapped in a microwave

Reflections

2010-06-02T19:44:00.000-07:00

For the past several weeks the History Channel, a cable presentation, has been airing "America - The History of Us." It is documentary look at the history of our great nation from its beginnings.

As I have watched the segments unfold, I can't help but reflect how I have witnessed so much history first hand. And, at times have actually been a part of it. A child of the 1940s I have watched the transition from everyone gathering around the radio to sitting in front of the television; instant communication. From picking up a telephone and asking the operator to connect with a certain number to the mobility of cell phones and satellite communication.

I can recall gas wars when gas stations would vie for customers with gifts and prices as low as 15 cents per gallon. When a Coke was five cents and there were two water fountains each had a sign designating their usage; one said "White Only", the other labeled "Colored."

In school there were routine air raid drills instructing us to crawl under the desk and put our heads between our legs in the event an atomic bomb was dropped. I guess they failed to inform our teachers to also add: "and kiss your ass goodbye."

The world watched with amazement as Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier and became the first man to fly faster than the speed of sound in the X-1 on October 14, 1947. Twenty two years later, on July 20th, the men of Apollo 11 were the first to set foot on the moon and most of the world sat transfixed in front of the live broadcast from earth's satellite.

As Neil Armstrong and "Buzz" Aldrin planted the American flag on the lunar surface other men were slogging through the jungles and highlands in Vietnam trying to bring freedom to another part of the world. In America, its citizens were availing themselves of our freedoms and demanding equality for all. In 1968 movements were evident from San Francisco to Atlanta demonstrating and supporting the right to free speech and ending the Vietnam war to Civil Rights.

I've witnessed the advent of Jonas Salk's polio vaccine to the first open heart surgery. So many medical advances.

I look with great pride at the feats we've accomplished over the past half a century. But I also temper it with hope. Hope that in the years to come advances will find cures and treatments for cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and so many others. Hope that literacy will be achieved by all. Hope that one day people will realize no matter the color of their skin all of them bled red blood. We are like it or not brothers and sisters in humanity.

Perhaps, the greatest hope is for peace. That one day we will all smile and accept one another and learn from our differences making them a strength and not a reason for divisiveness.

Remembered In Silence

2010-05-31T00:15:00.000-07:00

Nine years ago I was asked to the be the keynote speaker at a Memorial Day Ceremony. It was not the first time, nor was it at the largest gathering I have addressed, but each time I have been given the privilege of speaking on this somber day I deem it an honor.

The words I spoke then are just as relevant today. Let us all remember, honor and silently give thanks for those who, over the past 235 years, have died and continue to die for our great country and our freedom.

Remembered In Silence

This is a day you will hear many speakers. Each impassioned with a common cause ... to remember those who are silent. And those whose voices cannot be heard, for their fate is unknown ... they are listed as POW/MIA. Prisoners of War or Missing in Action. The Department of Defense has added yet three more initials ... BNR. Body Not Recovered.

More than half a century ago we struggled remembering those who died in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Pacific. Over five decades past we found ourselves again remembering those who breathe their final breaths in lands halfway around the world ... Korea. And, Vietnam 20 years later. Then came the Middle East, parts of Europe, Iraq and Afghanistan.

This is not a history of the dead ... or a litany of the missing. I refuse to speak with an emotional voice. To recall the times of holding a dying man in my arms. To have tears course down my face with memories of friends I don't know where they may be.

I simply refuse to speak.

Listen.

The silence is deafening ... the silence is powerful.

In silence I look to the sky and salute you my brothers and sisters. Let the silence remind us all of the absence of their voices ... and let the power of their silence energize us.

Let us not simply come together once a year to remember and honor those who gave their lives. Each time we hear the sound of silence ... let each of us, in our own way, remember and pray.

Thoughts of a Warrior

2010-05-28T04:26:00.000-07:00

This weekend is special. For many it is a time to get away to the lake, or a beach, or fire up the grill, to share time with friends and family. But as you enjoy the holiday set aside just a moment or two to remember what Monday means. It is a time to remember and honor all those military men and women who died for our great nation.

Eleven days ago (May 17th), in Jacksonville, Alabama a young warrior was laid to rest. His name is Kyle A. Comfort. He was killed approximately two weeks before in combat in Afghanistan. Captain Comfort is survived by his wife of five years and their six month old daughter. When he was killed he was serving with D Company 3rd/75th Ranger Regiment.

What follows is a blog read at his eulogy and was written by him as a young 2LT in the 2nd BDE of the 101st Airborne in Iraq about two years ago. It is one of the most profound descriptions of our soldierly bonds I've ever seen.

Blog of CPT Kyle A. Comfort:

Thursday, January 31, 2008 Distance means nothing Current mood: grateful to all. I'm not really a blog kind of person but I figured I would give it a shot. There are a few things that run across my mind regularly while serving in Iraq, and oddly enough I just happen to have a way to put it down in "writing."

You can read it in books, you can see it on TV, you can see it in the newspapers, but unless you have actually been here to watch these few, these happy few, who day after day put themselves at risk to complete the mission then you could never truly understand their sacrifices. Some don't know what the mission is in the grand scheme, some don't even care, but regardless they will complete it with honor. Everyday I wake up to see these men of Bravo company take another step closer to freedom.

Not just freedom for themselves, for you or for me, but for the people of Iraq.

They have left it all behind, some for a 2nd and 3rd time, and they conduct each day with nothing more than a guarantee that tomorrow is one day closer to home. They complain not about being here, not about why we're here, not even about how many times they have been here. Their complaints are usually that the water they shaved with this morning was cold, assuming they were given the opportunity to shave.

I can stare any one of these men in the face and read the story of what it is to serve honorably.

Missing my incredibly supportive wife I can handle waking up each day to see these heroes driving on as if this day was the greatest day. They ask nothing of their leaders except the truth. Listening to encouraging words will no longer be necessary for me when it gets hard in life for I have the experiences of Bravo company to help drive me on. I did not KNOW honor until I served with these soldiers. I am truly a blessed man who has been given all that I have ever asked. My reward is to have this opportunity to serve along side them.

Some of these men are no more than 17 or 18 years of age but make no mistake for they are as much a man as any one person you know. Words can never convey what these men do each day.

I did not know what to expect when I came to Iraq. I did not understand my place on the battlefield in the current fight and I certainly did not understand entirely what it would mean to serve along side America's finest. I believe I now know my role and it is a role I take very seriously. I will do whatever it takes to get all these men home safely and back to their families. Every time I leave the wire I know they are watching out for me. Sometimes I can tell they are watching out for me more so than they are for themselves. At first I thought it was because I was a Lieutenant, and maybe so at first, but not anymore. Now they do it because I am one of them ..... Bravo company.

To all who know me, you know that I love my wife, my family, and my soldiers more than anything. If you have never had the opportunity to serve along side them I implore you speak to them. He is not a robot anymore than anyone else, but if you attack him, his instincts will seem almost reflexive in nature. America, sleep sound tonight. The soldiers of Bravo company will tuck you in with the power of freedom and all that it offers. They will ask nothing of you and it is likely they never will.

When you see these few, these happy few, tell them you love them for their sacrifice and that you slept well tonight.

Kyle A. Comfort, 2LT FA Bravo Co. FSO 2-502D IN REGT

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED Caveats: NONE

CPT Kyle A. Comfort

ARRIVE ALIVE

2010-05-26T02:17:00.000-07:00

Many years ago the State of Florida instituted a campaign tied to the state's speed limits and it was called "Arrive Alive."

One of the busiest holiday weekends is almost upon us and now there are other categories to add the "Arrive Alive" philosophy.

It is not just speed and alcohol that kills when driving but cell phones. Talking and texting claims tens of thousands of lives each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) last year more than 34,000 people were killed on the highways in cell phone related accidents.

While no state currently bans the use of cell phones while driving many have enacted laws limiting their usage. Seven states now prohibit the use of handheld cell phones when driving and 26 others have outlawed text messaging for all drivers. Driving in Texas I have seen signs prohibiting the use of cell phones in school zones.

Reputable studies have reported the following:

Distraction from cell phone use while driving (hand held or hands free) extends a drivers reaction time as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent. (University of Utah)
The number one source of driver inattention is the use of a wireless device. (Virginia Tech/NHTSA)
Drivers that use cell phones are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. (NHTSA/Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
Ten percent of drivers aged 16 to 24 years old are on their phone at any one time.
Driving while distracted is a factor in 25 percent of police reported crashes.
Driving while using a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37 percent. (Carnegie Mellon)

Many countries have outright banned the use of cell phones, in any form, while driving. Among them are: Australia, China, France, Denmark, Japan, Russia and the United Kingdom. Either a total ban or the restricted use of cell phones while behind the wheel has been enacted in 52 countries.

This holiday weekend don't become a statistic. Use your cell phone smartly, off the road. If you must be on the phone, don't do it in traffic, pull into a safe place and stop.

ARRIVE ALIVE !

2010-05-24T03:03:00.000-07:00

The other day I saw an attractive young lady wearing a T-shirt that exclaimed: "Beauty is in the eye of the beerholder" and it sparked a few thoughts. The coming weekend is considered by many as the official start of summer. Summer, for many, is the official drinking season. Cold beers at the ball park, cocktails by the pool and kegs at the cook-out.

Humorist Brian O'Rourke offers a simplistic view of drinking. He once said: "When we drink, we get drunk. When we get drunk, we fall asleep. When we fall asleep, we commit no sin. When we commit no sin, we go to heaven. So, let's all get drunk and go to heaven!"

On the same note, Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying: "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."

While I am not advocating over indulging, the subject of drinking alcohol does provoke some thoughts. Among them is The Buffalo Theory. That scientific treatise offers the following explanation:

A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Excessive intake of alcohol, we we know, kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, alcohol consumption eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. That's why you always feel smarter after a few drinks.

While on the subject of over indulging, I wondered if a few more warnings should be added to the labels of such beverages. A few examples might be:

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause you to think you can sing.
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may leave you wondering what the hell happened to your underwear.

Recently I read an article on achieving inner peace. It said: "The way to achieve inner peace is to finish all the things you have started." I thought this may be a great way to start the summer, so tomorrow I plan on finishing a bottle of Scotch, a bottle of red wine, a bottle of gin and the open box of chocolates. I'm beginning to feel better all ready.

Just one more reminder. Last week I saw a local Taxi with this lettering in the back window: "Average cost of a ride in our back seat $12. Average cost of a ride in their back seat $1,200 - DWI."

Enjoy the summer but as the ads state: "Drink Responsibly." And above all, DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!

Integrity ... A Disappearing Quality ?

2010-05-21T00:09:00.000-07:00

The dictionary defines integrity as: "Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code."

In today's world of assigning blame, evasion, greed or just plain lying, it seems integrity is becoming a thing of the past. Banking, financial, energy (including oil and gas companies), and retail giants and, of course, politicians are just a few examples where the word integrity is just that ... a word.

On Wall Street the institutions American taxpayers bailed out passed out individual bonuses that would feed a family of four for years.

Religious leaders for decades have preached the value of integrity while blatantly thumbing their nose at its practice; from the tent evangelists of the early 1920s to the Pope today.

Last week the heads of three major corporations appeared before Congressional hearings. All three disavowed any blame for the recent disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, each pointing a finger at the other.

It seems every election held in the United States uncovers some politician's disregard for this quality.

In this one person's view's,integrity goes hand-in-hand with responsibility.

Standing up for what is right and accepting responsibility for your actions, as well as, the responsibility for those who are your subordinates. The response: "I wasn't aware" is unacceptable. As a leader, executives should be aware of what is going on.

From the 11th through the 20th centuries duels have taken place to redress a perceived wrong. It was a matter of honor.

Integrity and honor are solidly linked. One definition of honor is: "Principled uprightness of character; personal integrity."

If, for a thousand years honor and integrity were worth fighting for, even to the death, doesn't it make you think this quality is so precious that we should practice, demand and yes, fight for it today?

A Woman of Firsts

2010-05-19T00:02:00.000-07:00

It was 57 years ago yesterday that Jackie Cochran became the first woman to ever break the sound barrier. In a Canadair F-86 Sabre jet borrowed from the Royal Canadian Air Force she flew at an average speed of 652.337 miles per hour (mph).

But this was not her first "first." She was also the first woman to fly in the Bendix Trans-Continental race, which she won in 1938. Jackie was also the first woman to fly a bomber across the Atlantic ocean and the first female to fly a jet across the ocean. She won five Harmon Trophies as the outstanding woman pilot in the world.

Sometimes called the "Speed Queen" at the time of her death on August 9, 1980, no pilot, man or woman, held more speed, distance or altitude records in aviation history than Jackie Cochran.

Born May 11, 1906 near Mobile, Alabama, she began her working life as a hairdresser in Pensacola, Florida. But in the early 1930s she discovered flying.

Before the United States joined World War II, she was part of "Wings for Britain" that delivered American built aircraft to Britain. It was then she became the first woman to fly a bomber (a Lockheed Hudson V) across the Atlantic.

In 1940 she wrote a letter suggesting that women pilots be employed to fly noncombat missions in the American armed forces. Following America's entry into the war, in 1942 she was made director of women's flight training for the United States. As head of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) she supervised the training of more than 1,000 women pilots. For her war efforts she received the Distinguished Service Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

At war's end, she was hired by a magazine to report on global postwar events. In this role, she witnessed Japanese General Tomoyuki Yamashita's surrender in the Philippines, then was the first (non-Japanese) woman to enter Japan after the war. She also attended the Nuremberg Trials in Germany.

Jackie was the the first woman to land and take off from an aircraft carrier, the first woman to reach Mach 2, or twice the speed of sound, about 1,500 mph.

Despite her lack of formal education, Ms. Cochran had a quick mind as evidenced by more "firsts." The first pilot to make a blind (instrument) landing, the ONLY woman to ever be president of the Federation Aeronautique Int'l (1958-1961), the first pilot to fly above 20,000 feet with an oxygen mask.

Although her aviation accomplishments never gained the media attention given to Amelia Earhart, she is remembered and honored for her place in history.

And all this before women's lib. What a great lady!

What Is An American?

2010-05-17T04:22:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, it was reported, a newspaper in Pakistan published an offer of a reward to anyone who killed an American, any American. To let everyone know what an American is, Peter Ferrara, associate professor of law at Virgina's George Mason University School of Law, wrote the following that was published in the National Review.

An American is English, or French, or Italian, Irish, German, Spanish, Polish, Russian or Greek. An American may also be Canadian, Mexican, African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Australian, Iranian, Asian, or Arab, or Pakistani, or Afghan. An American may also be a Cherokee, Osage, Blackfoot, Navajo, Apache, Seminole or one of the many other tribes known as Native Americans.

An American is Christian, or he could be Jewish, or Buddhist, or Muslim. In fact, there are more Muslims in American than in Afghanistan. The only difference is that in America they are free to worship as each of them chooses. An American is also free to believe in no religion. For that he will answer only to God, not to the government, or to armed thugs claiming to speak for the government and for God.

An American is from the most prosperous land in the history of the world.

The root of that prosperity can be found in the Declaration of Independence, which recognizes the God given right of each person the pursuit of happiness.

An American is generous. Americans have helped out just about every other nation in the world in their time of need. When Afghanistan was overrun by the Soviet army 20 years ago, Americans came with arms and supplies to enable the people to win back their country. As of the morning of September 11, 2001, Americans had given more than any other nation to the poor in Afghanistan.

Americans welcome the best. The best products, the best books, the best music, the best food, the best athletes. But they also welcome the least. A national symbol of America, the Statue of Liberty, welcomes your tired and your poor, the wretched refuse of your teeming shores, the homeless, tempest tossed. These in fact are the people who built America. Some of them were working in the Twin Towers the morning of September 11 earning a better life for their families. I've been told that the World Trade Center victims were from at least 30 other countries, cultures and first languages, including those that aided and abetted the terrorists.

So you can try to kill an American if you must. Hitler did, so did General Tojo, and Stalin, and Mao Tse-Tung, and every bloodthirsty tyrant in the last 200 years of history of the world. But in doing so you would just be killing yourself. Because Americans are not a particular people from a particular place. They are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom. Everyone who holds that spirit, everywhere, is an American.

You Can Change A Life

2010-05-14T05:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was looking through some things I had received over the years. I don't recall who sent me this but after rereading it I felt it deserved a more public forum.

One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books.

I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd."

I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on. As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running towards him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him.

He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes.

My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him and as he crawled around looking for his glasses, I saw a tear in his eye.

I picked up his glasses, handed them to him and said, "Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives."

He looked at me and said: "Hey thanks!" There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.

I helped him pick up his books and asked where he lived. As it turned out he lived near me, so I asked why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now. I would never hang out with a private school kid. We talked all the way home and I carried some of his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid.

I asked him if he wanted to play football with me and some of my friends. He said yes.

We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle the more I liked him and, my friends thought the same of him.

Monday morning came and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said: "Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with that pile of books everyday!"

He simply laughed and handed me half the books.

Over the next four years we became best friends. When we were seniors, we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke. I knew we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem.

He was going to be a doctor, and I was going for business on a football scholarship.

Kyle was valedictorian of our class and I teased him all the time about being a nerd.

He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak.

Graduation day and Kyle looked great. He was one of those guys that had really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him. Sometimes I was jealous. Today was one of those days.

I could see he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said: "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!" He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one), smiled and said "Thanks."

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat and began. "Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through these tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach ... but mostly your friends ...

I am here to tell you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I'm going to tell you a story."

I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met.

He had planned to kill himself over that weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying all his stuff home.

He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.

"Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable."

I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us about his weakest moment.

I saw his mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile.

Not until that moment did I realize its depth.

Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life.

True Survivors .... But For How Long???

2010-05-12T08:10:00.000-07:00

Life in southern Louisiana has always been hard. But the past few years has only served to make it even more demanding. With rock bottom prices for seafood, the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and now, the unchecked oil gushing from the remnants of BP's (British Petroleum) Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion.

Oil seeping into the estuaries on May 9th

Echoing throughout the small fishing communities one can hear the voices saying: "I don't know how I'm gonna feed my family, I don't know how I'm gonna pay my bills."

For watermen across the Gulf Coast, waiting is now a way of life. Waiting to see where that massive oil slick will wind. Waiting for the crab and shrimp zones to reopen, which may not happen for years. Waiting to make some money.

In many ways it is a scene reminiscent of the aftermath of Katrina, which tore through these very same fishing communities and seafood harvesting waters in August, 2005.

Now BP officials are trying to find a successful solution to cap the well. Even when or if the company does, there's no telling when fishing will resume.

Dock owners who buy seafood are struggling too. Darlene Kimball, who owns Kimball's Seafood in Pass Christian, Miss., got only half the shrimp she wanted because people were stocking up. Now she's having a hard time unloading it - everyone thinks it's contaminated, she told the Associated Press.

The docks in her town are empty, save for a few fishermen working on their boats.

"A lot of people gonna lose every damn thing over this," said James Raffeo, 54, who manages the dock where boats would typically spend thousands of dollars a day on supplies, ice and diesel fuel.

In a small Louisiana town, ironically named Hopedale, crews have retrieved hundreds of crab traps from near Breton Island, dumping blue crabs, stone crabs and mullet back into the sea because the waters have closed to all fishing.

Hopedale, St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana

A few miles closer to the Gulf another community, Buras, La., remains an isolated settlement with no doctor, no school, no pharmacy and no grocery store. After the hurricane, the local diocese closed the Catholic church many in the Asian community, made up mostly of Vietnamese and Cambodians, had attended.

Buras, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana

"I don't know how I'm going to pay my car insurance," Cung "Kim" Tran, a deckhand on a commercial fishing boat, declared at a community meeting last Thursday night in Buras. "I don''t know how I'm going to pay the note on my car or my house. Can you tell me what to do?"

Others expressed concern regarding how they were going to buy groceries or fill needed prescriptions, or pay their utility bills.

BP has presented the public face of offering jobs to the watermen to aid in the clean-up and containment of the more than 200,000 gallons of oil that is gushing into the waters everyday.

In order to participate in this effort all crews must be trained in hazardous waste procedures and safety. They asked residents to sign "contracts." Yet, many of the immigrants are still learning English and could not understand all the legalese written on the paper. The "contract" was a liability waiver local residents were asked to sign to enroll in safety and hazardous materials handling courses, required by BP for paid jobs. The waiver caused so much distrust and confusion in Palquemines Parish because many thought they would be signing away their rights to file claims over the spill. The forms were soon dropped.

Many Asian immigrants who have worked in Plaquemines Parish for decades do not own their own boats. Many also moved to New Orleans after losing their homes to Hurricane Katrina, but still return to Plaquemines everyday to work.

"Since Katrina there is no school here for our kids, so we had to move to New Orleans," said shrimper Houston Le, 40. "But I still come here every day, even now with the fishing closed I am coming, but BP says it is only hiring people they say live in Plaquemines." He told a reporter with the Christian Science Monitor. It seems this is Catch 22 all over again.

Now lawyers from all over are flocking to this devastated region. Like sharks in a feeding frenzy. "They come here and go to meetings, drive around and walk up to people asking if they need a lawyer to represent them," said another Southeast Asian fisherman.

These people do not need more lawyers. They do not need volunteers to help them. What they do need is help with everyday bills, food, and medication. Just a helping hand to help them survive this crisis.

For more information about how you can help please visit the following websites:

For the Buras and Palquemines Parish area - http://www.palqueminesparish.com
For the Hopewell and St. Bernard Parish area - http://www.sbpg.net
The Louisiana Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Second Harvest Food Bank Greater New Orleans and Acadiana who are helping to feed so many affected by the event at http://no-hunger.org/Donate.aspx

Women

2010-05-10T01:38:00.000-07:00

There are times I open my email and find a piece from a friend worth sharing. This is one such example. My friend wrote:

I was driving to work yesterday when I observed a female driver, who cut right in front of a pickup truck, causing the driver to veer onto the shoulder to avoid hitting her. This evidently angered the driver enough that he hung his arm out the window and gave the woman the finger.

"Man, that guy is stupid," I thought to myself. I always smile nicely and wave in a sheepish manner whenever a female does anything to me in traffic, and here's why:

I drive 48 miles each way to work.

That's 98 miles each day.

Of these, 16 miles each way is bumper to bumper.

Most of the bumper-to-bumper is on an 8 lane highway.

There are seven cars every 40 feet for 32 miles.

That works out to 982 cars every mile, or 31,424 cars.

Even though the rest of the 32 miles is not bumper-to-bumper, I figure I pass at least another 4,000 cars.

That brings the number to something like 36,000 cars I pass everyday.

Statistically, females drive half of these. That's 18,000 women drivers.

In any given group of females, 1 in 28 has PMS.

That's 642.

According to Cosmopolitan, 70 percent describe their love life as dissatisfying or unrewarding.

That's 449.

According to the National Institutes of Health, 22 percent of all females have seriously considered suicide or homicide.

That's 98.

And, 34 percent describe men as their biggest problem.

That's 33.

According the the National Rifle Association, five percent of all females carry weapons and this number is increasing.

That means that EVERY SINGLE DAY , I drive past at least one female that has a lousy love life, thinks men are her biggest problem, has seriously considered suicide or homicide, PMS and is armed.

Give her the finger? I don't think so!

Drive safe and have a great week.

Become a Butterfly

2010-05-07T00:24:00.000-07:00

Every year in the spring and fall thousands of our senior citizens migrate with their recreational vehicles (RVs). They leave a cold climate for the warmth of Florida or the southwest then return with the advent of warmer weather.

Several years ago, I was in an RV park in southwest Florida when I discovered many are not the brave traveler exploring new places but rather seeking comfort in a cocoon with their peers.

During a typical evening gathering, the snowbirds came together for fellowship and entertainment. Not for a bingo game or a dance but for a simple pot-luck dinner that is standard fare for many RV parks. I was somewhat surprised to learn the conversation was not about out of the way places they discovered but rather how many doctors they were seeing and how many different medications they were taking each day.

One man, in his middle or late sixties, was educating me on each of the 23 medications he swallowed on a daily basis. Proud of each one like a veteran telling about the ribbons that decorated his uniform in years past. Then, he made a statement that seemed to me to be a wake-up call.

"I'm not afraid of dying you know," and added for emphasis, "I'm really not!"

His confidence and demeanor supported his declaration and I have no doubt he could face death without great anxiety or fear. But as I told him anecdotes of the places I had visited during the past few years, which ranged from Florida to Mexico and Guatemala; returning by way of Yellowstone and Teton National Parks and middle America. He began to tell me why he could not travel that way.

It was not because he could not afford such a trip or because he did not have an RV capable of an extended journey, it was because he tied himself to his doctors and his pills. His bravery was evident with the diseases he faced every day. But, in a way, these medical problems became his cocoon, his security blanket. It was probably true he had no fear of dying but after listening to his litany of daily pills my mouth went into gear before my brain filtered the statement and I told him: "I honestly believe you're not afraid of dying but I really think you're terrified of living."

This uttered observation ended the conversation as abruptly as if I had slapped him and I guessed I had alienated my newfound friend. As I walked back to my RV I explored the cocoon theory.

Here is an entire segment of our society, retirees with RVs but their only travels are from a home base to a winter haven. They are capable of navigating the highways in everything from 40 foot Class A motorhomes or towing a travel trailer or fifth wheel trailer, sometimes nearly equaling the size of an 18-wheeler. So the excuse of not being able to meet the demands of travel is not a valid one. After all, they are riding bikes, walking and often playing golf everyday. So, I thought, there was only one reason left, the psychological.

With today's health care system and national chain pharmacies where computerized systems allow for prescriptions to be filled across the country just like at home, there is no reason not to explore the places you've been reading about. It is just a matter of realizing that the fear of dying has been replaced with the fear of living.

The snowbirds I've met leave the familiarity of their home base to travel hundreds and sometimes over a thousand miles to seek the comfort of a different climate. They dare to navigate their RVs across miles of interstate highways or back roads. Facing all kinds of possible calamities along the way. They do this without fear. But to leave the self-imposed comfort zone of that regular trip and strike out in a different direction takes no more daring. Why not play golf at a place you always wanted to or take your walk and watch the antics of roadrunners instead of herons in the marsh?

As the gentleman in Florida said: "I'm not afraid of dying." Why not adopt another equally brave attitude and conquer another fear, that of living. Break out of your cocoon, spread your wings and become the beautiful butterfly that savors life with all the opportunities it offers. Oh yes, the gentleman in Florida approached me the day following our conversation and told me: "I thought about what you said," then he paused and added, "you gave me something to think about and next year we're going out west to see places my wife and I haven't been."

A Few Thoughts on Terrorism

2010-05-05T00:31:00.000-07:00

Many years ago I was taught the definition of terrorism was to disrupt the normal way of life. This could be accomplished by threat, intimidation, overt acts of violence or fear.

By this definition, we have allowed the terrorists to win. That is to say their acts have, without question, disrupted our way of life. Not since Pearl Harbor has there been an attack on American soil, then came September 11, 2001 and our world changed.

The most recent event in New York City's Times Square only serves to reinforce the fact we, our country, our citizens are targets of those whose ideology is based in fantasy. Yes fantasy, the root that forms another word ... fanatic.

Fanatics share certain traits. Among them, the wearing of psychological blinders; they choose to see the world in a narrow focus where nothing matters other than a blind obedience to their cause. And, they refuse to hear anything that challenges their beliefs.

Suicide bombers are not unique to the 21st century. Some 40 years ago many of us remember civilians, including women and children, walking into American military camps in Vietnam and detonating themselves with the aim of killing as many Americans as they could.

Much has been written about the "legal" protections and due diligence afforded to those who wish to do us harm. It has been said so many times: "We are a nation of laws." But, there is also an old adage about fighting fire with fire.

We (our government) know the location of many terrorist training camps. The most famous are those in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Terrorist training camps have also operated in the Netherlands, and in Lebanon and Syria, as well as, several African countries.

While there have been attacks on some of these, many are simply observed. Graduates of these camps are more than willing to come and have come to the United States with the intent to cause death and destruction here.

There have been times in the past when I did something then informed my superior. When I was questioned why didn't I advise him or solicit his opinion prior to my actions I would simply respond: "It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission."

Perhaps, we should adopt this attitude and strike the terrorist training camps when our intelligence operatives confirm that is what they are. It would certainly send a message we're not going to wait until an arrest is made and we can track evidence to that location. Let's just eradicate that location and eliminate that particular threat. Then we can ask for forgiveness of the particular nation involved.

The fanatics enjoy the security of their camps and breathing easy there. If they thought the luxury of breathing might be cut short without the glory of dying for a cause, maybe, just maybe, they might realize they don't want to die from an explosion of an unseen drone's missile.

Exercises in Thought

2010-05-03T00:07:00.000-07:00

Throughout our lives we question many things. Some of us seemingly make a career of questioning authority, while some of us question things just to perplex others. I simply enjoy doing both.

The following are examples of a few things some thinking people might wonder about and lead others to question their sanity.

Why is there a light in the fridge and not in the freezer?
Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane?
Why do people point to their wrist when asking for the time but don't point to their crotch when they ask where the bathroom is?
If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?
Did you ever notice when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?
Why do we press harder on the remote control when we know the batteries are getting weak?
Why do banks charge a fee on "insufficient funds" when they know there is not enough?
Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?
Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest but ducks when someone throws a gun at him?

Then, there are some thoughts, when uttered aloud, people look at you as if you just did something in a swimming pool that goes against all accepted behavior. For example pondering such religious truths as:

Muslims do not recognize Jews as God's chosen people.
Jews do not recognize Jesus Christ as the Messiah.
Protestants do not recognize the Pope as the leader of the Christian world.
Baptists do not recognize each other at Hooters.

But, as a native Texan, this is one of my favorites. One Texan defined political correctness this way:
"A doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical liberal minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end."

Have a great week!

Devastation From Below - Crisis in the Gulf Of Mexico

2010-04-30T00:17:00.000-07:00

As I write this the worst oil spill in U.S. history is beginning to wash up on Gulf coast beaches and turning estuaries and waterways into death traps for much of the marine life.

For decades we have read about the need to drill offshore and take advantage of the resources under the floor of the Gulf of Mexico to lessen our dependence on foreign oil. It seems ironic the estimated 210,000 gallons of oil leaking per day that will devastate our coast comes from a drilling rig owned by Swiss-based Transocean Ltd. And operated under lease from London-based BP Plc. (British Petroleum, Public Limited Company).

From all reports, this catastrophic event will eclipse the Exxon Valdez oil spill of March, 1989 off Alaska's coast.

An aerial photograph taken by National Geographic shows a small portion of the size of the spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

A NASA Aqua satellite give a view of one part of the leaking oil some 48 hours ago approaching ecological fragile wildlife refuges in Louisiana.

Louisiana has already rushed through authority to allow fisherman to harvest shrimp. The blowout comes at a particularly bad time for the shrimp industry, coinciding with the very start of the season as shrimp stocks make their way from the estuaries out to sea.

The Gulf coast region ranks as one of the most productive U.S. fisheries, especially for shrimp, accounting for more than 70 percent of a nationwide catch valued at $442 million in 2008, the last year for which federal figures were available.

Along with shrimp are oysters, calms and other seafood the region is famous for not just locally but internationally.

Could an American owned company avoided such an accident? We'll never know. But, in this one person's view, it is American coastal waters, it is our ecology at risk and that of an entire industry. Perhaps, leases to allow for offshore exploration and drilling in U.S. waters should be limited to U.S. companies; whom, I believe, would have a vested interest in the stewardship of the waters and adjoining land.

Sex and Drugs in 2010

2010-04-28T00:16:00.000-07:00

Some 50 years ago the mantra was "sex, drugs and rock 'n roll." It was an era that encompassed free love, psychedelic drugs and mushrooms.

This week the Associated Press ran two headlines. One reads:

"Brazil official urges more sex for better health."

How many old hippies are sitting, reading these headlines and saying: "Wow! ...Cool! ... I knew it!"

Brazil's Health Minister Jose Temporao made the comments Monday while launching a national campaign against high blood pressure in the Brazilian capital of Brasilia.

He said a remedy for his nation's high blood pressure problem: More sex.

The Health Ministry says that 21.5 percent of Brazilians had high blood pressure in 2006. That jumped to 24.4 percent in 2009.

In our country statistics show an even greater number of Americans with hypertension or high blood pressure. A study from 1999 to 2004, by researchers from the U.S. National Institues of Health, shows only 41 percent of American adults have normal blood pressure levels.

The second headline is:

" Psychedelic trips aid anxiety treatments in study."

The following is taken from AP's story:

New York - (AP) The big white pill was brought to her in an earthenware chalice. She'd already held hands with her two therapists and expressed her wishes for what it would help her do.

She swallowed it, lay on the couch with her eyes covered and waited. And then it came.

"The world was made up of jewels and I was in a dome," she recalled. Surrounded by brilliant kaleidoscopic colors, she saw the dome open up to admit "this most incredible luminescence that made everything more beautiful."

Tears trickled down her face as she saw "how beautiful the world could actually be."

That's how Nicky Edlich, 67, began her first-ever trip on a psychedelic drug last year.

Researchers at New York University say the study in which Edlich participated in is among a handful now going on in the United States and elsewhere with drugs like LSD, MDMA (Ecstasy) and psilocybin, the main ingredient of "magic mushrooms." The work follows lines of research choked off four decades ago by the war on drugs. The research is still preliminary. But at least it's there.

It was another small step toward showing that hallucinogenic drugs, famous but condemned in the 1960s, can one day help doctors treat conditions like cancer anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder the researchers stated.

Based on the statistics and the wisdom of old hippies, Americans should stop calling in sick and call in reporting they are treating their illnesses. In other words, stay home take a trip and get laid.

Homeland Security ???

2010-04-26T00:19:00.000-07:00

The recent passing of a new law in Arizona regarding the enforcement of immigration has sparked controversy across the United States. In my somewhat jaded thought process I thought I'd examine the bigger picture.

Since Arizona law gives law enforcement the power to question an individual and demand papers or a driver's license to prove citizenship in that state; what if someone is stopped and they look at the officer then respond: "Eh?" Does that mean they'll be investigated for possibly being a Canadian? Or, if there is a hockey stick in the back seat, can that be cause for proof of citizenship?

Caution - May be an illegal alien

While doing some basic research for today's blog I came across a few interesting numbers.

The United States - Canadian border is more than twice the size of our border with Mexico. In contrast, there are reported to be a total of 1,798 agents during fiscal year 2009 on our border to the north. But, head to our southern border and the number is ten times that. Some 17,399 Border Patrol agents have been deployed on the U.S. - Mexico border during the same time frame, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

A brief search reveals 121 border crossing points with Canada and just 42 with Mexico. Now, just doing the math, don't you feel safer?

An interrupting thought here. I find it strange so many U.S. citizens will cross both borders to purchase prescription drugs, made by many American companies then exported, for much less than they have to pay in this country. Yet, Canadians and Mexicans will cross over the border to get medical care in the U.S.A.

While we Americans will cross into Mexico for cheap alcoholic beverages, Canadians cross into this country for the same reason.

All this is rather benign compared to the security of our borders.

The resources and manpower devoted to our southern border is well known. The war against illegal drugs and the violence makes headlines everyday. Often, during the hot summer months we are shown images of illegal aliens trying to enter our nation from Mexico and dying in the desert.

I don't ever recall reading, or seeing, a news report of someone freezing to death in an attempt to cross the much more porous and unforgiving border with Canada. Nor, do I remember any figures being publicly aired

regarding the number of illegal immigrants coming here across that 4,000 plus mile line.

Yet, Canada is the primary source for terrorists entering the United States. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has stated, "... to the extent that terrorists have come into our country, or suspected or known terrorists have come into out country, it has been across the Canadian border."

There is no easy fix to this massive problem. I don't like the idea of being asked for documentation, "papers please." It is to reminiscent of repressive governments. Diversity is what has made this country great. Now, it seems, that very diversity is divisive.

We can only hope we don't see these fliers tacked to billboards across our great southwest.

Wanted - The Frito Bandito

Eclectic Friends

2010-04-23T00:12:00.000-07:00

The people I consider my friends are as eclectic as my music collection. They range from functionally literate to true geniuses and from some who are scraping to get by each day to some very wealthy folks.

Their circumstances and social levels may be worlds apart but they all share the same traits. They are independent thinkers. They are compassionate. They are passionate in their beliefs yet, they will listen to someone else's opinion objectively. They are not easily intimidated and they are patriots. Another quality they have in common is their sense of humor.

One such friend, a true genius, was discussing Eastern philosophy and reading Sanskrit (a dead language) with scholars when he became a teenager many years ago. He sent me a few of his thoughts. Admittedly, he wrote, not all are original.

Since the weekend is upon us, I decided to pass a few along for you to ponder when you have nothing else to do.

These are Dave's thoughts:

I planted some birdseed. A bird came up. Now I don't know what to feed it.
I had amnesia once -- or twice.
I went to San Francisco. I found someone's heart.
Last week I forgot how to ride a bicycle.
If the world were a logical place, men would ride sidesaddle.
What is a "free" gift? Aren't all gifts free?
They told me I was gullible ... and I believed them.
What if there were no hypothetical questions?
A flashlight is a case for holding dead batteries.
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure.
If you're cross-eyed and have dyslexia, can you read alright?
If swimming is so good for your figure, how do you explain whales?
Is it my imagination, or do buffalo wings taste like chicken?
Finally: Remember a truly wise man never plays leapfrog with a unicorn.

Have a great weekend!

Education in America at Risk

2010-04-21T01:04:00.000-07:00

Schools across the country are in the midst of planning for graduation ceremonies. In the next two months thousands of high school seniors will move on to another stage in their young lives. Also moving on to a new stage will be America's public schools as the economy takes its toll.

Thousands of teachers will face losing their jobs; more students will sit elbow-to-elbow in crowded classrooms next year; computers that break down will sit unused; and kids will bring home longer lists of supplies - from crayons to sanitary wipes - that parents will be asked to buy for their classrooms.

A senior policy analyst with The Education Commission of the States, a non-partisan organization, told one national newspaper: "It's going to be the most difficult year we've had in probably 30 years."

Another group, the American Association of School Administrators, said many have already made cuts to transportation, textbooks, technology spending, and extracurricular activities. In a recent survey of school districts, 43 percent of respondents reported budget cuts of 10 percent or less for this academic year, and 21 percent reported cuts of 11 to 25 percent.

Looking ahead to the 2010-11 school year, districts reporting cuts of 10 percent or less from this years level rose to 48 percent. Those foreseeing cuts of 11 to 25 percent jumped to 30 percent.

Schools across the nation are faced with larger class sizes, either eliminating or drastically reducing such programs as art, music and foreign languages. Other cuts have been proposed for summer schools and athletic programs.

In Atlanta, Georgia's Fulton County school system they have been reported doing away with some 1,000 jobs including nearly 500 teaching positions.

On April 14th Sen. Tom Harkin (D) of Iowa proposed a $23 billion school bailout. Hopefully, some of the money will stave off an estimated 100,000 or more education jobs, if it becomes reality.

All this in a time when the last thing we can afford to do is to reduce the quality of our children's education. In an earlier blog writing, I noted 20 percent of high school seniors can be classified as functionally illiterate at the time they graduate. And the United States keeps losing ground in the world ranking of educating our children.

In this one person's view, it's time for the bureaucrats to pay more attention to the education of our youngsters, who will one day be the country's leaders, and less time spending unnecessary funds on pork barrel projects. Our children are more important than spending $107,000 to study the sex life of the Japanese quail or $19 million to examine gas emissions from cow flatulence. And yes, these are actual pork barrel projects.

Immigration and Guns

2010-04-19T02:30:00.000-07:00

Laredo, Texas is a border town where I grew up. Years ago I used to cross the bridge and play baseball with kids who lived in Nuevo Laredo. When our ranch worked cattle we had men from across the Rio Grande chasing strays and doing the hard work alongside the American cowboys.

There were also times when Webb County had more than its share of rattlesnakes and we all carried guns on the ranch. Everyone knew there were "wetbacks" (the term commonly used then without today's negative connotation) working on the ranches and who returned to their homes when the work was finished. And guns were a tool, more often than not, loaded with rat shot so all you had to do was point them at a snake and pull the trigger, one didn't have to be a sharpshooter. But, that was a long time ago.

Recently Arizona, another border state, has taken bold steps in matters of immigration and the right to bear arms. I believe in enforcing our immigration laws and in the right to own a firearm but I also believe the path down which these new state laws are heading may create more problems than they will solve.

One new law will give local police sweeping powers in regard to undocumented persons. Currently, immigration offenses are violations of federal, not state, law, and local law enforcement officers only can inquire about a person's immigration status if that person is suspected of another crime. However, Arizona police will have the right to stop anyone on "reasonable suspicion" that they may be an illegal immigrant and can arrest them if they are not carrying a valid driver's license or identity papers.

Picture this, an older man of Mexican descent, who has seen his small town grow and become a Mecca for retired folks, is walking to the store to pick up some milk. It's only a block or so to the store so all he has with him is a few dollars to make his purchase. But he has brown skin and a weathered appearance from years of hard work to send his children to college, and the local, enthusiastic lawman stops him. Since he has no identification with him his trip to the store turns into a trip to jail until a family member or a friend can bring down his ID so he can prove he's a legal resident. Chances are he is either a native born citizen or received his citizenship papers before the young arresting officer was born.

Last year Arizona changed its gun laws to allow loaded guns in bars and restaurants and prohibiting property owners from banning guns in parking areas. Now, a new law will make it legal for U.S. citizens 21 and older to carry a concealed firearm in the state without a permit and to forego background checks and classes that are now required. It is already legal to carry a firearm openly in the Grand Canyon state. Jan Brewer, Arizona's governor, says the law "restores constitutional rights."

The new law goes into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns, which could happen in the next couple of weeks, according to The Arizona Republic, a Phoenix newspaper.

In the past a dozen previous attempts were tried but each time the state's governor at the time vetoed the bill. Arizona will now join the states of Alaska and Vermont in allowing concealed weapons without a permit.

In this One Person's View, maybe Arizona should ban motorized vehicles and return to horses and mules for the primary mode of transportation, for it seems to me we are traveling back in time to the days of the Wild West.

I love the independence that forged the west. Along with it was a tolerance that helped the west to grow nearly two centuries ago. I also know times and circumstances have changed drastically and bold measures must be taken. But they must be tempered with not-so-common common sense. And, more importantly they must not be taken out of fear.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said: "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself - nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance."

While we are not retreating, perhaps, we might be allowing fear to be responsible for regressing.

Tax Day, Money and New Old Ideas

2010-04-16T00:21:00.000-07:00

Across the country yesterday there were thousands of people carrying signs and wearing T-shirts in support of the TEA (Taxed Enough Already) party movement. Allied activists from Maine to Hawaii in hundreds of lively protests, all joined in disdain for government spending.

Many of the signs called for yet another change in Washington, D.C., to rid the halls of Congress of many sitting members. Others called for change in the tax codes. Some even lambasted sitting members for their stance on certain issues.

Although still a relatively small force in the political arena compared to other groups, they are being noticed. Yet, I can't help but think (there's that word again) and wonder - Aren't many of the protesters the very same people who voted to elect those sitting in the House and Senate?

It has often said often: "What is old is new again." Perhaps, it's time to truly examine and begin work on making a few old ideas new again and solving two major problems while saving the government money at the same time.

The first would take a Constitutional Amendment and that is to institute term limits for members of Congress. This would solve a few things at the onset. No longer would members of the House of Representatives devote a great portion of their two year term to raising money for the next election. They could actually focus on issues of the day. And, second the members of Congress would not be as inclined to court the lobbies, or allow lobbyists to court them, for campaign contributions that can raise the question of influencing where they stand on an issue.

In all fairness, there are those who undertake that job with the belief they can help make America a better place. but just imagine how much more productive it might be if a Congressman served one term of four years and the Senate one term of the current six years. Oops! That would mean no more leaving the position with a large war chest of campaign money to take home with them. But that is another topic.

The second idea is the one about doing away with the current tax code. There are close to 60,000 pages of Federal Tax Laws and over 20,000 pages of regulations. The idea of a flat tax would eliminate this and be fair, providing it was done equitably. And, would allow the government to function more efficiently.

These are not novel concepts but they do involve major changes. The current administration and many past administrations triumphed using a variant on the theme of time for change. We are a nation of the people and by the people. Change does not come easily and for it to happen all the people must think and not simply follow blindly.

A Tribute To A Fallen Hero

2010-04-14T02:20:00.000-07:00

This is an actual communication written by a commercial airline pilot.

He writes: My lead flight attendant came to me and said: "We have an H.R. on this flight." (H.R. stands for human remains.)

"Are they military?" I asked.

"Yes," she said.

"Is there an escort?" I asked.

"Yes, I've already assigned him a seat.

"Would you please tell him to come to the flight deck. You can board him early," I said.

A short while later a young Army sargeant entered the flight deck. He was the image of the perfectly dressed soldier. He introduced himself and I asked about his soldier. The escorts of these fallen soldiers talk about them as if they are still alive and still with us.

"My soldier is on his way back to Virginia," he said. He proceeded to answer my questions, but offered no words of his own.

I asked him if there was anything I could do for him and he said no. I told him that he had the toughest job in the military and that I appreciated the work that he does for the families of our fallen soldiers. The first officer and I got up out of our seats to shake his hand. He left the flight deck to find his seat.

We completed our preflight checks, pushed back and preformed an uneventful departure. About 30 minutes into our flight I received a call from the lead flight attendant in the cabin. "I just found out the family of the soldier we are carrying is on board," he said. He then proceeded to tell me that the father, mother, wife and 2-year old daughter were escorting their son, husband and father home. The family was upset because they were unable to see the container that the soldier was in before we left. We were on our way to a major hub at which the family was going to wait four hours for the connecting flight home to Virginia.

The father of the soldier told the flight attendant that knowing his son was below him in the cargo compartment and being unable to see him was too much for him and the family to bear. He asked the flight attendant if there was anything that could be done to allow them to see him upon our arrival. The family wanted to be outside the cargo door to watch the soldier being taken off the airplane. I could hear the desperation in the flight attendant's voice when he asked me if there was anything I could do. "I'm on it," I said. I told him I would get back to him.

Airborne communication with my company normally occurs in the form of e-mail like messages. I decided to bypass the system and contact my flight dispatcher directly on a secondary radio. There is a radio operator in the operations control center who connects you to the telephone of the dispatcher. I was in direct contact with the dispatcher. I explained the situation I had on board with the family and what is was the family wanted. He said he understood and that he would get back to me.

Two hours went by and I had not heard from the dispatcher. We were going to get busy soon and I needed to know what to tell the family. I sent a text message asking for an update. I saved the return message from the dispatcher and the following is the text:

"Captain, sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. There is a policy on this now and I had to check on a few things. Upon your arrival a dedicated escort team will meet the aircraft. The team will escort the family to the ramp and plane side. A van will be used to load the remains with a secondary van for the family. The family will be taken to their departure area and escorted into the terminal where the remains can be seen on the ramp. It is a private area for the family only. When the connecting aircraft arrives, the family will be escorted onto the ramp and plane side to watch the remains being loaded for the final leg home. Captain, most of us here in flight control are veterans. Please pass our condolences on to the family. Thanks."

I sent a message back telling flight control thanks for a good job. I printed out the message and gave it to the lead flight attendant to pass on to the father. The lead flight attendant was very thankful and told me, "You have no idea how much this will mean to them."

Things started getting busy for the descent, approach and landing. After landing, we cleared the runway and taxied to the ramp area. The ramp is huge with 15 gates on either side of the alleyway. It is always a busy area with aircraft maneuvering every which way to enter and exit. When we entered the ramp and checked in with the ramp controller, we were told all traffic was being held for us.

"There is a team in place to meet the aircraft," we were told. It looked like it was all coming together. Then, I realized that once we turned the seat belt sign off, everyone would stand up at once and delay the family from getting off the plane. As we approached our gate, I asked the copilot to tell the ramp controller we were going to stop short of the gate to make an announcement to the passengers. He did that and the ramp controller said, "Take your time."

I stopped the aircraft and set the parking brake. I pushed the public address button and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your Captain speaking. I have stopped short of our gate to make a special announcement. We have a passenger on board who deserves our honor and respect. His name is Private XXXXX, a soldier who recently lost his life. Private XXXXX is under your feet in the cargo hold. Escorting him is Army Sargeant XXXXXX. Also on board are his father, mother, wife and daughter. Your entire flight crew is asking for all passengers to remain in their seats to allow the family to exit the aircraft first. Thank you."

We continued to turn to the gate, came to a stop and started our shutdown procedures. A couple of minutes later I opened the cockpit door. I found the two forward flight attendants crying, something you just do not see. I was told that after we came to a stop, every passenger on the aircraft stayed in their seats, waiting for the family to exit the aircraft.

When the family got up and gathered their things, a passenger slowly started to clap his hands. Moments later more passengers joined in and soon the entire aircraft was clapping. Words of 'God Bless You', 'I'm sorry,
thank you, be proud, and other kind words were uttered to the family as they made their way down the aisle and out of the airplane. They were escorted down to the ramp to finally be with their loved one.

Many of the passengers disembarking thanked me for the announcement I had made. They were just words, I told them, I could say over and over again, but nothing I say will bring back that brave soldier.

I respectfully ask that all of you reflect on this event and the sacrifices that millions of men and women have made to ensure our freedom and safety in the United States of America.

A personal footnote:

As a Veteran I can only think of all the veterans, including the ones that rode below the deck on their way home and how they were treated. When I read things like this I am proud that our country has not turned its backs on our military men and women returning from the various war zones today and give them the respect they so deserve.

I have no doubt every veteran who reads this will have tears in their eyes, I did. But, you don't have to be a vet to have your eyes well up with tears while reading this. Thank you to all who have served and are still serving a grateful nation.

Animals, Children and Prejudice

2010-04-12T00:46:00.000-07:00

Many times I have made the remark: "To judge a person's character put them in a room with either a small child or an animal. Then, watch the reaction of the child or animal. There will be no shades of gray. The child or animal will either accept or reject that person based on pure instinct.

When young children play together they do not harbor any prejudice. Plain and simple, children are children. All they see is just another friend or another playmate.

Prejudice is a learned behavior. If a child's parents display the ignorance of prejudice they will eventually mimic that behavior.

As humans we are considered to be the at the top of the food chain. Our brains are capable of many functions. We can think, we can reason, or at least this is what we have been told throughout most of our lives. Science is learning more and more about the animals that are beneath us. Some believe they too may share the traits of thinking and reasoning.

Toddlers and animals also share something most of us adults have lost - innocence and the absence of prejudice. They do not prejudge. They do not carry any preconceived notions.

There seem to be three major forms of prejudice in human beings: racial, sexual and ethnic.

If we watch young children together in a group consisting of different races, sexes and ethnicities the primary prejudice that might be displayed would be sexual, each gender staying together. But I believe this is not prejudice but just a natural grouping at that age.

I believe prejudice is born out of ignorance. Ignorance of someone's culture or simply of a people they really don't know on a more intimate level. This is perhaps fostered by stereotypes that are so far from the true representation.

E.B. White, an American writer, once said: "Prejudice is a great time saver. You can form opinions without having to get the facts."

As adults and role models for our children we should strive to do two things. One - not to pass on a learned behavior such as prejudice to our children. They can think. Let them use that ability to form their own opinions. Two - get the facts. Don't use hearsay or something based on a myth that no one has ever substantiated before you make up your mind.

This is not an ideal world but each of us could help to make it a better one if we judged individuals on their own merit and actions and not by preconceived ideas or someone else's opinion.

A Thinking Man's Dilemma

2010-04-09T00:50:00.000-07:00

Recently I spoke with a friend in Hawaii who invited me to the islands. I laughing told her it would be a long drive. Then I recalled seeing a map of our 50th state. On the big island of Oahu there are interstate highways. That's when my dilemma began and I once again started thinking.

The prefix 'inter' means between. The word 'interstate' denotes between states. Just what other state do Hawaii's interstate highways connect with?

Taking great pride in being a thinking man I recalled George Carlin's questioning of many things. For example: "Hot water heater. We have a hot water heater. What the hell do you need with that? Hot water doesn't need heating."

One sign that has always given me pause we see everyday on our roads. "Speed Zone Ahead." Perhaps I just have a warped mind but to me that indicates I should stomp the accelerator because it tells me in the zone ahead I can speed.

Think about what you see and hear everyday. Some of the best things to ponder are found in television commercials. How many products have a testimonial where the person says: "It really works!" Just once I'd like to see a real person in an ad that claims: "This isn't worth a damn."

Jack Handey, an American humorist, is best known for his Deep Thoughts.

He said: "Sometimes when I reflect back on all the wine I drink I feel shamed. Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the vineyards and all of their hopes and dreams. If I didn't drink this wine, they might be out of work and their dreams shattered. Then I say to myself, "It is better that I drink this wine and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my own liver."

Not long ago I was in a supermarket and noticed a promotion on a package. On a bag of chips it claimed: "You could be a winner. No purchase necessary. Details inside." Did that mean I could open the bag there for the details or, just walk out of the store with the bag and not have to pay for it?

I've often wondered about the thinking of a designated driver. Here is a person who truly cares about his or her friends. If I were a designated driver and watched all my friends have fun for hours, laughing at things only the inebriated can appreciate, I would have a fun night too. When I took them home I'd drop them all off at the wrong house.

Being of the age where I remember the 60s well ... at least some of them. I'll stop with this thought. During the 60s so many took acid to make the world look weird. Today, just as many are taking drugs like Prozac to make the world look normal.

Keep thinking you never know what odd and sometimes nagging thoughts may enter your mind.

As Easy As A B C ? ? ?

2010-04-07T02:35:00.000-07:00

Maybe A B C isn't so simple. An estimated 32 million adults in America - about one in seven - are saddled with such low literacy skills that it would be tough for them to read anything more challenging that a children's picture book or to understand a medications side effects listed on a pill bottle.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Institute for Statistics ranks the United States 19th in the world for literacy.

Does the roadside billboard above give you any idea why?

According to the National Right to Read Foundation:

42 million adults can't read at all; 50 million are unable to read at a level that is expected of a fourth or fifth grader.
The number of adults that are classified as functionally illiterate increases by about 2.25 million people each year.
20 percent of high school seniors can be classified as functionally illiterate at the time they graduate.

America is considered to be one of the world's most affluent and technologically advanced societies. Free public education is available everywhere, and the federal government spends an estimated $10 billion every year on literacy education.

But the problem does not just lie in our schools. We have people from all generations who have difficulty reading and writing.

Some might include those who design and print signs designed to assist us.

Like many physical diseases, illiteracy knows no age barrier. Many communities are making strides to tackle the problem. Nearly every public library system across the country has some form of program devoted to helping people become better readers.

Programs are in place to help the young read better, to assist the student achieve his or her grade level and to aid seniors with both their reading and writing skills.

There are also foundations dedicated to help solve this problem. One may be just a bit more unique than many of its counterparts Pawprints Literacy Plus. Founded by Ina Hillebrandt, a highly respected independent strategic planning consultant and Woman of the Year in Who's Who, discovered a second career in writing. Pawprints ties reading and writing skills to something everyone can relate to - animals.

Pawprints Literacy Plus' mission is to combine literacy skills with kindness to animals. It enlists the help of many community organizations, as well as many well known celebrities. Pawprints Literacy Plus reaches out to kids of all ages and adults. The foundation also provides tools for teachers in their quest to educate our children and helps seniors write stories. To learn more go to the Pawprints website: www.inaspawprints.com.

As I have written so many times ... One Person Can Make A Difference. GET INVOLVED! Mentor a child, help a senior citizen learn to read so they can understand what the directions tell them on their prescription bottles, volunteer with an organization in your community. As always, if you need guidance in finding some place to help, leave a comment on my blog with your location and email and I'll help you get started.

Just imagine the frustration when everyone is laughing at a sign that you can't read.

GPS and Women's Intuition

2010-04-05T07:27:00.000-07:00

As I travel around the country I can't help but notice the increased use of GPS units in all kinds of vehicles. Some I can understand but others I wonder about.

There is definately an advantage to over-the-road truck drivers who make deliveries in places they may have never been before. Just enter the cargoes' destination and they are guided to the drop off point. Or, the four-wheeling enthusiast who goes off road in search of adventure. Punch in a few locations and they can always find their way back to civilization. Other vehicles that benefit from such precise mapping and guidance are emergency vehicles, taxi cabs and couriers.

The ones I wonder about seem to have a common trait however; they apparently have more money than sense. I'm thinking about those who spend close to a quarter of a million dollars or more on an R.V. Those big, beautiful motor homes and coaches that are somewhat limited as to the roads they can navigate.

Many of the opulent rigs are seen daily criss-crossing the country on interstate highways with their GPS either mounted on the oversize dash or being displayed on a laptop computer somewhere near the driver's captain's chair. Now, I may not be on Einstein's level of thinking but how smart do you have to be to read an oversize road sign displayed on our interstate highway system? Does someone really need a programmed voice telling them the next exit is the one where they want to turn? Or, don't they believe the sign that informs them if you want to go to Topeka turn right next exit?

It just seems to me if they can't read a map or simple signs they might really want to consider what would happen if suddenly there was no satellite communication. Would there be drivers wandering all over the countryside or parked on the side of the highway wondering: "What next?" Ah! Maybe it just helps to clarify the meaning of men and our toys.

For years I have pulled my R.V. across the U.S., all through Mexico and Central America with only a road atlas. But, I have my own form of GPS - my wife. Women are natural navigators. If Christopher Columbus would have had a female navigator he would never have gotten lost and landed on our shores.

Gentleman, if you doubt me consider this. As we travel and enter a city we have never been in before, women have a natural gift to tell us how to get to the mall. But the intuition doesn't end there. Once inside the mall, where they have never been, they can go straight to their store of choice without even consulting the little "You Are Here" diagram. Now, their instinct is in high gear. Once in that store they can proceed directly to the exact department and sometimes even the rack where the intended purchase awaits.

Think about this. If you are traveling and somehow take a wrong turn getting lost (which as men we never admit) and your wife begins the litany of: "Do you know where you're going?" Or, "Why don't you stop and ask for directions?"

Just simply reply: "This is a more scenic route to _____ (insert the name of the city)." And ask: "How do you want to go to the mall from here?"

Have a fun Monday!

Our Veterans Deserve Better - Part Three

2010-04-02T06:43:00.000-07:00

World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, the Vietnam War, Grenada, Panama, Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan and the military's anti-drug cultivation efforts in South America. What do all these have in common? The simple fact that many of our country's homeless span these eras of history.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) states about one-third of the adult homeless population are veterans. An accurate number is difficult to find but all reports indicate there are more than 107,000 on any given night. That's about the size of the population of Wichita Falls, Texas or Rochester, Minnesota. About 1.5 million other veterans, meanwhile, are considered at-risk of homelessness.

Nearly half of homeless veterans served during the Vietnam era. Two-thirds served our country for at least three years, and one-third were stationed in a war zone. And homelessness is not just a problem among middle-age and elderly veterans. Young vets from Iraq and Afghanistan are trickling into shelters and soup kitchens seeking services, treatment or help with finding a job.

Some advocates say the presence of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan at shelters does not bode well for the future. It took roughly a decade for the lives of Vietnam veterans to unravel to the point that they started showing up among the homeless. Advocates worry that intense and repeated deployments leave newer veterans particularly vulnerable.

One leader in the VA predicted: "We're going to be having a tsunami of them eventually because the mental health toll from this war is enormous."

George Santayana, a Spanish and American philosopher once said: "Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

What concerns me is what will happen when the war is over or when the media scales back its coverage to a blurb on page eight or maybe just a sound bite to fill in on a slow news day. When Vietnam ended, it was over and off the front pages and off the television. Nobody paid attention anymore. I fear our young warriors will then just become veterans, as that is what has happened after every war.

Many Iraq and Afghanistan veterans will lack translatable job skills. Some only have infantry training and where does that fit in the civilian world?

These vets seeking help are more likely to be women, less likely to have substance abuse problems, but more likely to have mental illness - mostly related to post-traumatic stress, according to another VA official.

This week's blog hopefully has shed some light on some of the problems our military and veterans face today. It is easy to hypothesize not being able to find employment, being burdened with mounting bills and having to apply for food stamps could only end up snowballing and finding more and more veterans on the streets - homeless.

I once read a piece that said our military and veterans signed a blank check to America payable for any amount up to and including their life. Can we, as a nation, stand by and ignore their plight?

GET INVOLVED! Contact your local veterans' organization: The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, or other groups that are working everyday to help solve these problems. Not sure where to go ... leave me a comment with your geographic location and email, I will do my best to put you in touch with someone in your area that will be more than happy to guide you.

Our Veterans Deserve Better - Part Two

2010-03-31T00:52:00.000-07:00

Everyday we welcome home our warriors and thank them for their service. But the public life of our military is often much different than the private day to day struggle so many face.

Men and women of our armed forces and their families are using more food stamps than in the past - redeeming them at nearly twice the civilian rate, according to Defense Commissary Agency.

From 2007 to 2008 the use of food stamps by military personnel and their dependents increased 25 percent, while Americans overall rose 13 percent.

Oops! I'm not being politically correct here. The government in an effort to remove the stigma of being poor renamed the food stamp program. It is now called by the acronym SNAP which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

In addition to on base Family Assistance offices, many U.S. military installations now have a WIC office to assist dependents, The WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program is described by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, who administers it, as: "WIC provides Federal grants to States for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding postpartum mothers, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk."

The thought that such an acknowledgement of our military's' dependents being "at risk" while their fathers and mothers are risking their lives in our nation's service is inexcusable.

The United States currently has the largest deployment of National Guard since World War II. Some 45 percent of U.S. troops currently in Iraq and Afghanistan are reservists or Guardsman. More troops have been deployed to those locations than in all the wars since WWII.

Many of the lower pay grades of the active military as well as members of the reserve and National Guard are forced to supplement their military pay with the SNAP program.

I was unable to find definitive numbers from an objective source for the actual pay cuts many of our reservists and Guardsman have taken when they are called to active duty. Some organizations claim it to be as much as 70 percent.

While I am not advocating paying our citizen soldiers the equivalent of their private sector employers perhaps other measures could be put in place such as suspending interest payments on a mortgage they might have or, maybe placing a moratorium on credit card payments if the card is not being used.

Although it is just One Person's View, how can we as a nation allow men and women who are willing to pay the ultimate price be asked to have their families sacrifice more than the uncertainty of the lives of their loved ones?

Our Veterans Deserve Better - Part One

2010-03-29T00:37:00.000-07:00

As promised last Friday this is the first of a three part series about our veterans and the crises they face every day. Today's blog targets the unemployment problems they confront when returning home. On Wednesday I'll examine the growing number of active military forced to utilize food stamps. Finally, Friday's views will address those who find themselves living on the streets - homeless.

Last year, 1.9 million veterans had deployed for the wars since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Some have struggled with mental health problems, addictions and homelessness as they return home. Difficulty finding work often makes this adjustment that much harder.

There have been numerous reports of our men and women coming home expecting to return to their old employers only to be told they no longer have a job. These are the very people we welcome back as heroes; these are the people who have taken an oath to protect our nation from "enemies foreign and domestic" in order to preserve our way of life.

Many of the unemployed are members of the Guard and Reserves who have been deployed multiple times. For these citizen soldiers, being deployed two or three times in a five-year period they are discovering the job market views their skills as less competitive. Many companies already hurt by the economy are reluctant to hire them. Other companies are wary of hiring someone who could deploy again or will have medical appointments because of war-related health problems.

Perhaps a possible solution to helping them be more competitive would be to make it easier to transfer certifications they have for jobs they performed in the military into the civilian workforce. Or be given credit for the additional job related skills they acquired.

The unemployment rate last year for young Iraq and Afghanistan veterans hit 21.1 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The national unemployment rate for last year was 9.3 percent.

There is a Federal law designed to protect our returning warriors. Yet, the question lingers, why is the unemployment rate so much higher for our young veterans compared to non-veterans.

The following is the Federal law taken verbatim from the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (20 CFR, 1002):

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) protects service members' reemployment rights when returning from a period of service in the uniformed services, including those called up from the reserves or National Guard, and prohibits employer discrimination based on military service or obligation.

USERRA provides that returning service members are to be reemployed in the job they would have attained had they not been absent for military service, (the "escalator" principle), with the same seniority, status and pay, as well as other rights and benefits determined by seniority. USERRA also requires that reasonable efforts (such as training or retraining) be made to enable returning service members to qualify for reemployment, if the service member cannot qualify for the "escalator" position, he or she must be reemployed, if qualified, in any other position that is nearest to the escalator position and then to the pre-service position.

The time limits for returning to work are as follows:

Less than 31 days service: By the beginning of the first regularly scheduled work period after the end of the calendar day of duty, plus time required to return home safely and an eight hour rest period, if this is impossible or unreasonable, then as soon as possible.
31 to 180 days: The employee must apply for reemployment no later than 14 days after completion of military service. If this is impossible or unreasonable through no fault of the employee, then as soon as possible.
181 days or more: The employee must apply for reemployment no later than 90 days after completion of military service.

Service-connected injury or illness: Reporting or application deadlines are extended for up to two years for persons who are hospitalized or convalescing.

We can all help our returning warriors in their difficult transition. Get involved with local veterans groups. Volunteer with such organizations as Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves (www.esgr.org). And contact your senator or congressman or congresswoman asking them mandate the enforcement of USERRA. Finally, if you know a returning veteran, take them to lunch and offer to help them network for all their needs.

A Time of Resurrection

2010-03-26T04:27:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month I briefly touched on the subject of our veterans who are homeless. Over the years I have been involved in efforts to help educate the public and, more importantly, to help those in need.

Since a blog provides a platform, I have decided from now until Easter the focus will be on the homeless, on our active duty military and our veterans who find themselves in situations, I believe, are inexcusable.

We are the wealthiest country in history. Our nation welcomes home its heroes everyday. Yet, there are men and women who wear the uniform that must utilize food stamps each month just to get by. Our returning warriors shed the uniform with the hope of resuming a normal life only to be told they don't have a job anymore.

Thousands of our veterans have no place to call home and many more of our citizens survive each day on the streets sleeping in doorways and under bridges.

Easter is a time when the resurrection of life is celebrated. Maybe its also time that every reader of One Person's Views could find a way, no matter how small it may be, to help resurrect the dignity and life of another.

There are many preconceived notions about who the homeless are. One thing I know for certain is they are as representative of our society as various neighborhoods in a city reflect our nation's demographics.

It is true there are men and women who are homeless due to substance or alcohol abuse. A number of the homeless are uneducated. Some indeed suffer from medical and/or mental problems. But there are also people homeless because they lost their job and life savings; many are well educated and even from affluent families. The greater majority would rather have a job and not depend on the kindness of strangers to provide the necessities of life.

If, over the next week or so, I have succeeded in raising your awareness and made you think is is possible for one person to make a difference in another person's life but you just don't know where or how to start, let me know by adding a comment and I will reply with suggestions where you can go or what you can personally do to help you make that difference.

Until Monday, have a great weekend and take some time to realize how truly fortunate you are to have such simple things we take for granted like shelter and food.

Thinking IS Fun

2010-03-24T02:02:00.000-07:00

Since I have attempted to use Mondays as a fun way to start the week and this week was focused on - like it or not - a piece of history, Monday's humor falls on Wednesday this week.

As I state in my profile I am a big proponent of thinking and questioning what so many accept as the "norm." On the back of my vehicle I have a bumper sticker that reads: "Why Be Normal?" And, I put it on upside down. I do not have any desire to fall into the classification of "normal." Hence, the following thoughts.

According to a dictionary the word myth is defined as: "A fiction or half-truth, especially one that forms part of an ideology." Or, "A fictitious story, person, or thing."

There is a novel by Romain Gary titled The Ski Bum where he expands on the meaning of the word myth. "A myth" he writes "is something no man has ever seen. That's how God got so far."

As a thinking individual, not prone to blind acceptance, one of the things I have to wonder about is the story of Moses. Oh yea, this will no doubt cause some folks to get upset but, it's my blog and I can do what I want.

Back in the time of the character Moses it is accepted that people were superstitious. Now I can't help but think here is this man surrounded by a culture of superstition and he goes walking on a hill when, for no apparent reason, a bush bursts into flame and he hears his name being called from the heavens.

I can picture the image of a man alone being somewhat surprised by a bush suddenly engulfed in fire, hearing his name booming from out of nowhere. What I find hard to imagine is anyone in that day and time stopping and answering. The more predominant mental picture is of robes flowing in the wind and sandals kicking up dust as he runs like hell to safety.

Another popular myth is that the phrase: "God helps those who helps themselves" is taken from the Bible. Actually, it is a quote from Benjamin Franklin.

While on the subject of the Bible I would like to clarify another popular belief. It is not a book. In reality it is an Anthology, a collection of 66 books written by at least 40 human authors over a period of time.

Continuing the theme of thinking, how about the term oxymoron. That word is derived from the Greek oxumoros meaning pointedly foolish.

Somewhat similar as when one person tells another they lost an item; more often than not the response is: "Where did you lose it?"

Here is a brief exercise in thinking. How did these common conjoined words become so popular? And, more to the point, did a thinking person conjure up the association?

All natural artificial flavor.
Bankrupt millionaire.
Civilized warfare.
Intimate strangers.
Jumbo shrimp.
Kosher ham.
Melted ice.
Non-stick glue.
Pretty ugly.

Perhaps, after the news of the day has been digested and you wonder what next? You can look back at this, smile and know life is fun ... if you think.

Healthcare Reform - Bravos or Boos

2010-03-22T01:27:00.000-07:00

The Office of the Clerk of the United States House of Representatives recorded a Roll Call vote of that body last night; passing one of the most controversial and most publicized bills in the 111th Congress - Healthcare Reform.

There were 219 Ayes and 212 Noes (sic) entered into the record. Crossing the aisle were 34 Democrats to join with the 178 Republicans to cast a No vote.

Whether one agrees or disagrees with what happened last night the Healthcare Reform legislation becomes a milestone marking nearly 50 years of attempts to change our nation's way of addressing healthcare.

The United States now joins all the other industrialized nations to offer such care to its citizens. Will it work? If I employed a crystal ball I could answer that but all I can do is offer One Person's Views of what I hope will change.

In three years the United States has slipped from 33rd, in 2006, to 46th, in 2009, in the world in infant mortality rates. We are behind such nations as France, Malta, South Korea and Cuba. We are the most advanced and wealthiest country on the planet but the rate our infants are dying is appalling.

Many studies show the U.S. spending more on healthcare than other countries that are healthier and spend less. Perhaps, now more people will be better able to seek preventive care and not wait until the cost of treating their illness becomes a major expense. They might be able to afford to see a doctor in the early stages of an ailment instead of waiting then having to go to the emergency room where costs are greater and more often leads to hospitalization.

Access to preventive care is one part of the Bill that will help reduce cost. Another thing that must be done is to address and aggressively investigate and prosecute Medicare fraud. The figure for such fraud is reported to be some $60 billion a year.

There is good and bad contained in the legislation. It will allow about 32 million more Americans to be insured. The cap is to be removed from insurance coverage for illness and treatment. And, it will not permit exclusion of coverage for pre-existing conditions. Although, this provision only guarantees that immediately for children then adults will be included in four years.

For seniors facing massive drug costs the Bill gradually closes the "doughnut hole" coverage gap in the Medicare prescription drug benefit that seniors fall into once they have spent $2,830. Seniors who hit the gap this year will receive a $250 rebate. Beginning in 2011, seniors in the gap receive a discount on name brand drugs, initially 50 percent off. When the gap is completely eliminated in 2020, they will still be responsible for 25 percent off the cost of their medications until Medicare's catastrophic coverage kicks in.

Already there are states waiting in the wings with plans to sue the Federal government. The wrangling is not yet over as the Bill again must pass Senate hurdles.

It is my opinion we would have had a better Bill, perhaps a more comprehensive and more effective one if those who walk the halls of the Capitol, on both sides of the aisle, blocked out special interest groups with their spin and their deep pockets and actually walked among those they represent and talked with ... not to ... their constituents and really listened to their concerns not just heard the voices.

A wonderful analogy was given to me last Saturday as the arguements were playing out. "They remind me," this person said, "of bullies on a school playground."

27 Days and Counting

2010-03-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

In two days it will officially be spring. In 16 days the Easter bunny magically hides eggs. But in 27 days the American public magically tries to keep its money from the Infernal ... oops ... Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as the deadline for filing 2009 taxes descends upon us.

According to one popular internet source, an IRS publication states: "If you steal property, you must report its fair market value in your income in the year you steal it unless in the same year, you return it to its rightful owner."

While this is comical, it is true; theves must pay income tax on stolen property they keep or face tax evasion charges. But since the Constitution protects individuals from self incrimination, you can tuck it into the 'Other Income' line (this is Line 21 on the 2009 IRS Form 1040).

Way back in 1927 a liquor bootlegger was charged with tax evasion for not reporting his illicit income, and he argued in doing so he would have incriminated himself in violation of the Fifth Amendment guarantee. Justice Holmes, writing for the U.S. Supreme Court majority first dismisses the idea that illegally acquired income is exempt from income tax.

That decision can't help but bring the question to mind: "How many politicians take advantage of the 'Other Income' line?

A creative pursuit this time of year is finding deductions that allow us to keep as much of our money as possible. Some have even attempted to write-off money spent for a wedding gift for the boss's daughter, claiming it as an employee business expense. This wasn't successful.

The United States Tax Code consists of some 20,000 plus pages and loopholes do exist.

Here is a sampling of just a few from free beer to free pet food and free boob jobs (breast augmentation actually).

In a novel promotion, a gas station owner gave his customers free beer in lieu of trading stamps. Proving that sometimes beer and gasoline do mix. The Tax Court allowed the write-off as a business expense.

Here kitty ... kitty ... kitty.

A couple who owned a junkyard was allowed to write off the cost of cat food they set out to attract wild cats. The feral felines did more than just eat; they also took care of rats and snakes on the property, making the place safer for customers.

When the case reached the Tax Court, IRS lawyers conceded that the cost was deductible.

Have a breathing problem? Put in a pool, you might be able to deduct it.

A taxpayer with emphysema put in a pool after his doctor told him to develop an exercise regimen. He swam in it twice a day and improved his breathing capacity. Turns out he swam in the pool more than his family did.

The Tax Court allowed him to deduct the cost of the pool (to the extent the cost exceeded its added value to the property) as a medical expense because it's primary use was for medical care. The court also allow the cost of heating the pool, pool chemicals and a proportionate amount of insuring the pool area as medical expenses.

Among some of the more practical deductions permitted include allowing parents to deduct children's music lessons and the cost of buying a clarinet. The IRS ruled it is a legitimate write-off on the grounds that orthodontists said clarinet playing can help with kids' overbites.

Also permitted is the cost of transportation to and from an Alcoholics Anonymous Center.

But examine write-offs closely.

In an effort get more tips, a stripper with the stage name "Chesty Love" decided to get breast implants to make her a size 56FF. A female Tax Court judge allowed Chesty to write off the cost of her operation, equating her new assets to a stage prop. Alas, the surgery proved to a problem for poor Chesty. She later tripped and ruptured one of her implants.

I am reminded of a statement once made by former President Jimmy Carter who said: "the U.S. tax code is a crime against humanity."

Ignorance is Bliss or the Texas Textbook Proposals

2010-03-17T01:28:00.000-07:00

If "Ignorance is Bliss," then the proposed changes for grades K through 12 in Texas school textbooks will prove our upcoming generations some of the happiest people on the planet.

As a native Texan I am ashamed so few people, 10 to be exact, might in essence rewrite history to fall in line with their myopic thinking.

Gone from the pages of American history would be such iconic figures as Thomas Jefferson, Edward Kennedy and Cesar Chavez. Joe McCarthy, the Wisconsin senator who was censured by the Senate years ago, would be viewed in a more positive portrayal.

Thomas Jefferson would no longer be included among the writers influencing the nation's intellectual origins. But in the view of the "good conservative Christian" members of the Texas State Board of Education the fact he helped pioneer the legal theory of the separation of church and state, does not make Mr. Jefferson a model founding father in the board's judgement.

Among the intellectual forerunners to be highlighted in Jefferson's place are: medieval Catholic philosopher St. Thomas Aquinas, Puritan theologian John Calvin and conservative British law scholar William Blackstone.

Other shifts in the reporting of history would be an emphasis on such organizations as the Moral Majority and the National Rifle Association. Programs such as Title IX - which provides for equal gender access to educational resources - and affirmative action, intended to remedy historic workplace discrimination against African-Americans, would be said to have created adverse "unintended consequences" in the cirriculums preferred language.

There would be no mention of recent third-party presidential candidates such as Ralph Nader and Ross Perot. Meanwhile, the recommendations include an entry listing Confederate General Stonewall Jackson as a role model for effective leadership and a statement from Confederate President Jefferson Davis accompanying a speech by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln.

One other addition to the texts would include country and western music among on of the nation's important cultural movements. The popular black genre of hip-hop is being dropped from the same list.

The following paragraph is taken from the New York Times Magazine and tends to put a few things into perspective:

This is how history is made - or rather, how the hue and cry of the present and near past gets lodged into the long-term cultural memory or else is allowed to quietly fade into an inaudible whisper. Public education has always been a battleground between cultural forces; one reason that Texas' school-board members find themselves at the very center of the battlefield is, not surprisingly, money. The state's $22 billion education fund is among the largest educational endowments in the country. Texas uses some of that money to buy or distribute a staggering 48 million textbooks annually - which rather inclines educational publishers to tailor their products to fit the standards dictated by the Lone Star State. California is the largest textbook market, but besides being bankrupt, it tends to be so specific about what kinds of information its students should learn that few other states follow its lead. Texas, on the other hand, was one of the first states to adopt statewide cirriculum guidelines, back in 1998, and the guidelines it came up with (which are referred to as TEKS - pronounced "teaks" - for Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) were clear, broad and inclusive enough that many other states used them as a model in devising their own. And while technology is changing things, textbooks - printed or online - are still the backbone of education.

According to The College Board the 2009 SAT Scores by State place Texas 45th out of the 50 states. And, perhaps, more appalling, Texas is in 47th place in per capita student spending.

For a state ranking at the bottom of the list perhaps the entire Texas Board of Education should be replaced with members who value a competitive, quality education for our children as opposed to one filled with political content.

Monday Pentagruelism

2010-03-15T01:20:00.000-07:00

Monday what??? The word for the day. To save you the effort of looking up what pentagruelism means the definition is the habit of dealing with serious matters in a spirit of good and sometimes cynical good humor.
The word is an allusion to Rabelais' satirical novels Gargantua in 1584 and Pentagruel in 1532.

In keeping with the premise of Oscar Wilde's quote at the top of this Blog, I thought it would be amusing to take a look at some of the warnings on a few of today's products.

One hair dryer carries the label: "Do not use while sleeping." Would that be considered multi-tasking?

A contest on a bag of chips advertises: "You could be a winner. No purchase necessary. Details inside." Should we simply open the bag in the store aisle or does this mean I don't have to pay for it?

One popular bar of soap displays this instruction: "Directions. Use like regular soap."

A Tiramisu dessert package finds this disclaimer printed on the bottom: "Do not turn upside down."

Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding displays this warning: "Product will be hot after heating."

The packaging for one iron found in the big box stores warns: "Do not iron clothes on body."

Found on a children's cough medicine: "Do not drive a car or operate machinery after taking this medication."

Another popular sleep aid medication, Nytol , displays this brilliant sentence: "Warning: May cause drowsiness."

A container of nuts found in the snack aisle of a supermarket helps to educate consumers. Its labeling reads: "Warning: Contains nuts."

But an all time favorite was spotted last Halloween on a child's Superman costume: It succinctly read: "Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly."

We can only speculate since the warnings were put there it might be an indication some people actually inspired them by doing what we are being warned about? Maybe its a good thing to think.

A Few Thoughts About The Ancient Ones and Prophecies

2010-03-12T00:29:00.000-08:00

About 1,400 years ago, long before Europeans explored North America, a group of people lived in the Four Corners region of the United States. Today they are called the Ancient Ones. Once referred to as the Anasazi, they are the Ancestral Pueblo people who designed and built spectacular cliff dwellings.

One summer season I was fortunate enough to be an interpretive guide and lead tourists around Mesa Verde National Park. The only National Park that was established due to the wealth of archeological sites. It now protects more than 4,000 known archeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings of these imaginative people.

While many folks dismiss the lore and stories of these Native Americans, I was struck by the similarities of their beliefs and how they seem to parallel so many of today's cultures or religions.

One of the most revered places in the Ancient Ones' communities was the kiva. Kiva is Hopi word meaning "ceremonial room." They were important gathering places in the life of the Ancient Puebloans - comparable to the churches, synagogues, temples and mosques of today. It appears that every clan had its own kiva for use during ceremonies and other social events. Every kiva built contains a small hole. This is the Sipapu, a Hopi word for "place of emergence." According to the Hopi oral tradition, this hole represents the place where the good Ancenstral Puebloan people emerged from the previous world to the next one.

A cute piece of legend? Since I am a proponent of thinking and wondering, let's examine this with some thought. The Sipapu is essentially a symbol, much like the cross for Christians or the Star of David for Jews.

I can imagine some of the more evangelical believers teetering on the verge of shouting blasphemy. But, let's go a step farther.

According to the Ancient Puebloans we are currently in the third world. Yes, that means two other worlds have been destroyed and the Sipapu was the portal for these people to enter the next world.

The first world, this civilzation believes, was destroyed by water. Could this have been around the time of the Christian belief in the story of Noah and the flood? The second world was destroyed by fire, according to their convictions. How about the story of Passover? The Jewish belief an angel of death spared only those whose dwellings were marked allowing the good to survive. That destruction, according to legend, was by fire.

For those who cherish a religious belief, could the Ancient People have been smiled upon by a god some say can only be accessed through some ritual of prayer?

While all the predictions of this centuries old culture do not go beyond the year 2000, they do have a prophecy for the end of the third world. They believed the third world would be destroyed by "bad air." Although, no one knows when or even if that may happen, our civilization seems well on the way to fueling this end. Be it through climate change, greed and disregard for nature or perhaps, even a nuclear event.

I am not advocating the somewhat popular conversation of wht may or may not occur in the year 2012, as has become vogue in many circles. I am simply stating One Person's Views that might ... just might get you to think and wonder beyond your comfort zone.

Perception vs. Reality

2010-03-10T07:10:00.000-08:00

As an American I am sometimes in awe regarding what people believe or perceive and the actual reality of what the reality actually is.

Billions of dollars are spent every year for marketing research, public relations and advertising in an attempt to project an image. Among the definitions of the word image are: A mental picture of something not real or present and the opinion or concept of something that is held by the public.

Two examples might be political promises made during a presidential race and the way legislation is passed in Washington, D.C.

Every presidential candidate makes promises. They state how they will change the way things are done or they declare how they will make a difference.

We go to the polls and vote based on much of the rhetoric and the belief our presidential choice will do what they claim. Yet, the reality is that it is impossible for one member of the Executive Branch of our government to do that. In order for the promises to be fulfilled the Legislative Branch must pass the laws.

That is to say a majority of 535 men and women who hold the office of senator and congressman or congresswoman are the ones responsible for fulfilling the promises of the president. Perception ... the president has the power to accomplish the things he or she touts. Reality ... without the approval of Congress the president's powers are greatly limited regarding the ability to provide the sweeping changes thay all claim to bring to the White House.

The second example is the way Congress actually passes majority of the bills or laws.

During the 111th Congress, in 2009, there were more than 9,000 Bills or Resolutions introduced. Of these 119 became Public Laws. Or, 1.3% of those introduced. That is the reality according to The Capital.Net,, formerly known as the COngressional Quarterly Executive Conferences, a respected non-partisan firm for 30 years.

When we are in school we're taught how a bill is introduced and the process it goes through to become law. However, we are not taught the reality. A Bill that is introduced must be read on the floor of the respective body and it is published in the Congressional Record. Sometimes it is debated then votes cast. The next step is for the president to sign that bill into law.

BUT, and certainly a capital B U T, the reality is there are often riders attached to the bill. They do not have to be read or debated. The riders simply do as their name suggests, go along for the ride. Many times these riders are earmark pieces of legislation that inflate the proverbial pork barrel.

Some of the 2009 entries were:
$1.9 milllion for the Pleasure Beach water taxi service in Connecticut.
$1.8 million for swine odor and manure management research in Ames, Iowa.
$380,000 for a recreation center and fairgrounds area in Kotzebue, Alaska, population 3,237.

Several credible sources put this type of spending at some $19.6 billion in 2009.

It would be safe to presume more public laws are passed as riders than are ever read on the floor of the Congress.

As responsible citizens we must remember the difference between perception and reality which is defined as: The quality or state of being actual or true.

In this one person's view it is not un-American to question authority it is patriotic to demand reality.

Random Thoughts

2010-03-07T22:23:00.000-08:00

Well its Monday and Mondays have always seem to carry some kind of dread, the weekend is over and so to is the fun for another week. That is a myth ... let the fun begin.

How many times have you heard someone say: "He's got to be crazy!" Perhaps you've even made that observation regarding someone on occasion. I am.

Once upon a time my wife and I lived the somewhat normal life. Then, we decided to get rid of the house, put everything in storage, buy an R.V. (recreational vehicle) and travel. Yeah, I one of those guys you cuss on a two lane road cause you can't pass me going up a hill. Now, I'm thinking of writing a book based on our experiences. I'm going to title it: "The Land of the Intellectually Challenged."

According the National Park Service nearly 2.3 million people visited that national treasure last year. They came to see the bison, elk, moose, bears, eagles and, of course, Old Faithful. The geyser that is somewhat predictable.

One summer season I worked in Yellowstone and it was great. But I was asked some strange questions though, like: "when do the Elk turn into moose?" Or, What time do they turn off Old Faithful?"

Of course questions like this demand to be answered right? So, I'd make up answers for these geniuses. "Oh, I'm not sure about this year but last year they turned into moose the first month after the full moon of the rutting season." What's really scary is they believed it.

At the visitors center near Old Faithful, the Ranger Station has all types of information about geysers. From stuff written for children to scientific papers explaining the phenomenon.

Now you simply have to picture this. Around the geyser basin are boardwalks. A favorite place to watch Old Faithful.

One afternoon two Rangers were working in the area. One ranger was in an area off limits to the general public but still within hearing distance. Now just before Old Faithful erupts there are usually a few spurts of steam and water. Those familiar with the geyser's patterns can usually judge when its going to go.

These guys had a great sense of timing. One ranger shouted to the other: "Ya ready?"
And the other bent over with is back to the crowd. "Okay, open it up." the one ranger yells and about that time Old Faithful erupts, water and steam rise nearly 100 feet in the air.

Then as it starts to fall off, the ranger yells again: "Shut it down." And the other ranger turns his imaginary valve. Its amazing, as the tourists are walking away to explore other park wonders I actually heard one telling his wife: "I told you Mildred, they had valves for that thing."

True story! But, would you believe the two rangers were reported and suspended. The government has no sense of humor. That is except for Congress and sometimes I believe reading the headlines about happenings in our nation's capital are better than the comic section of the newspaper.

Here's a quick thought ... the prefix pro means for and the prefix con means against. Like PROgress which means moving forward, doing something positive. Does that give you any clue for the definition of the word CONgress?

Another fun job was with a major airline. Now you'd think people who fly all the time are somewhat sophisticated. Not true!

One night I was making a reservation for a lady who knew exactly what she wanted including the flight times and flight numbers. After I made the seat assignment for her and informing her of the seat number she told me she could not sit there because it was next to a window. Of course, with the intensive training I received from the airline I began to question if she had a fear of heights or of flying. After several questions she finally told me: "I'm having my hair done the morning of my flight and I certainly don't want to sit next to a window."

Hmmmm ... lets see ... will the pilot open that window for fresh air at 35,000 feet while traveling at 300 miles an hour?

And let's not forget the wizards at home with their computers. Another stint I undertook was doing technical support for a major communications company.

A customer called in having internet problems. After trouble shooting for some time I had the individual change a few settings and it was necessary to lock in the changes. "Okay, now just hit any key and let me know what happens." I told them.
A few minutes went past and I inquired: "What is it doing?" I was not ready for the response. "I'm having a problem," they said. "I can't find the anykey."

And with that I will bid you a great week and leave with one final thought.

If you have 100 odds and ends on a shelf and remove 99 of them ... what is left? An odd or an end?