An article in yesterday's Provo Daily Herald described the efforts by new Utah State Democratic Chairman Jim Dabakis to get more members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to switch to the democratic party; an effort hindered by a decades old cultural assumption that all Mormons (the common name for the LDS church) vote Republican.
This came about because a church leader once stated his voting preference in an interview (in the 30's or 40's, I believe), and church members here in Utah took his comment to mean this should also be the party preference of all LDS members. After that, this misconception took on a life of its own, and has morphed into the false thinking that all Mormons in the US have to vote republican as well--an erroneous thought that even church leadership has sought to dispel.
Here is my rebuttal to the article...
"The entire assumption that all Mormons are republican is simply ridiculous. This political mirage exists not just in Utah, but throughout the US as well. Church leadership has never told its members to vote for one party over the other. To do so would go against one of the basic tenents of church doctrine, that of Free Agency. I am so tired of hearing phrases like, "Can a good Mormon be a Democrat?", a quote that was on [local affiliate] Fox13 news last night. How preposterous, ludicrous and downright ignorant of what should be a responsible news agency.
Whether you subscribe to Democratic, Republican, Tea Party or other political philosophies, the fact that you are participating in the political process is the only vital element that anyone should be concerned about. Who an individual American chooses to vote for is a purely individual right, guaranteed in the Constitution of the United States.
The real question every American voter should be asking is, why has the political landscape grown so hostile? These men and women are working for all of us. They should be setting aside their divisiveness and working for the common good. Unfortunately, the philosophical gap only widens with every passing year. Instead of Bipartisanship, we see only political posturing, threatening and grandstanding. The parties have become so entrenched in their limited views that real compromise is nearly impossible in every level of government.
We, the people, should be writing, calling and emailing our Representatives and demanding change, cooperation and real leadership. Are YOU doing this?
Remember, this is a government that is OF the people, FOR the people, and BY the people. Everyone, of all parties, should be actively involved in some way to see that our leaders are leading us.
We don't have to agree on any particular party platform; but we should all agree to be working together to make our country, state and cities better places through a truly representative government.
THAT should be our focus, and not the political infighting and cross-aisle temper tantrums that are so glaringly apparent today."
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
President Obama's Work Bill
Last week, President Obama asked to speak to a joint session of Congress. During his address, the President introduced legislation that he claims will put Americans to work, and stimulate the economy. Plus, he claims that the $450B price is already paid for, and that Congress "Must pass this bill now!"--a phrase he pushed numerous times during his address. An article in today's Deseret News reiterated that same call from a speech the President made today in Ohio. The following is my reply...
After reading portions of this bill, and listening to and reading the debate, it seems clear to me that the President is pressing Congress to pass this bill so hard because he knows that this is bad legislation, and wants the provisions enacted before anyone takes a close look at the language, outcome of enaction and financial/budgetary consequences.
If this was a solid bill, then I would certainly expect an invitation to scrutinize the legislation. All we hear is, "Pass this bill!" From his Congressional address [in introducing the bill] to his campaign rhetoric; that same call resonates constantly, and should be a warning to Congress. They should study, calculate and scrutinize everything in the language. If not, they could very well be caught in yet another legislative blunder that is eroding public policy and confidence in our elected leaders.
After reading portions of this bill, and listening to and reading the debate, it seems clear to me that the President is pressing Congress to pass this bill so hard because he knows that this is bad legislation, and wants the provisions enacted before anyone takes a close look at the language, outcome of enaction and financial/budgetary consequences.
If this was a solid bill, then I would certainly expect an invitation to scrutinize the legislation. All we hear is, "Pass this bill!" From his Congressional address [in introducing the bill] to his campaign rhetoric; that same call resonates constantly, and should be a warning to Congress. They should study, calculate and scrutinize everything in the language. If not, they could very well be caught in yet another legislative blunder that is eroding public policy and confidence in our elected leaders.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Personal Commentary
Dear Readers,
I want to apologise for my lack of current commentary on the many important events surrounding all of us. The fact of the matter is that my health has declined to the point that my energy is nearly non-existent, and my ability to write coherent, educated and rational commentaries has declined in a like manner.
My fight against this aggressive kidney disease is nearing a critical point. I hope to be able to be writing again in the near future. Until I do, please continue to check on my blog so you know when I've begun commenting on the idiocies of our world once again.
Thank you.
ScottW
I want to apologise for my lack of current commentary on the many important events surrounding all of us. The fact of the matter is that my health has declined to the point that my energy is nearly non-existent, and my ability to write coherent, educated and rational commentaries has declined in a like manner.
My fight against this aggressive kidney disease is nearing a critical point. I hope to be able to be writing again in the near future. Until I do, please continue to check on my blog so you know when I've begun commenting on the idiocies of our world once again.
Thank you.
ScottW
Saturday, July 2, 2011
The Founding Fathers and The Role of Religion in Shaping the USA
I read an article today by Thomas Kidd of The Free Lance-Star that sought to accurately portray the religious aspect in the founding of the United States. Overall the article was well-researched and well-written. (Having done my own exhaustive research on the subject, I knew that Mr. Kidd was coming from a place of fact; not history that has been distorted and rewritten.) My only objection was the neat little wrap-up of the article...it just seemed like the author ran out of steam so he ended the article. Anyway, the following is my written response to the article...
"Up until the 1860's history books included the religious aspect of the founding of the US. Religion was a common, publicly accepted attitude and was, in one form or another, a prevalent way of life in post-colonial American society.
It was the rise of secularism that caused history to be rewritten, and of historians who would distort the truth to suit their personal interpretation of events that became the real catalysts for the exclusion of religious reference amongst the Founding Fathers.
Today's secularists would have you believe that the supposed "Separation of Church and State" is an actual Constitutional emplacement in law; when in fact, the Jefferson letter only coined the phrase as a matter of clarification. Nowhere in the Constitution are the words "Separation of Church and State." They don't exist! Supreme Court rulings of the late 1800's and early 1900's popularized the phrase amongst those seeking to further rewrite history to a more convenient, secularist interpretation, and to instill their selfish individual views upon the populace as a whole.
Anyone wanting to learn the REAL history of the US has only to do their own research and to not rely on history that has been rewritten."
I have not yet received any rebuttal from my response; though I'm certain secularists or atheistic respondents will attack me and the truth of what was stated [in the article or in my response] simply because they don't want history to be the truth; but to be as they envision it as a matter of convenience in order to justify their position.
"Up until the 1860's history books included the religious aspect of the founding of the US. Religion was a common, publicly accepted attitude and was, in one form or another, a prevalent way of life in post-colonial American society.
It was the rise of secularism that caused history to be rewritten, and of historians who would distort the truth to suit their personal interpretation of events that became the real catalysts for the exclusion of religious reference amongst the Founding Fathers.
Today's secularists would have you believe that the supposed "Separation of Church and State" is an actual Constitutional emplacement in law; when in fact, the Jefferson letter only coined the phrase as a matter of clarification. Nowhere in the Constitution are the words "Separation of Church and State." They don't exist! Supreme Court rulings of the late 1800's and early 1900's popularized the phrase amongst those seeking to further rewrite history to a more convenient, secularist interpretation, and to instill their selfish individual views upon the populace as a whole.
Anyone wanting to learn the REAL history of the US has only to do their own research and to not rely on history that has been rewritten."
I have not yet received any rebuttal from my response; though I'm certain secularists or atheistic respondents will attack me and the truth of what was stated [in the article or in my response] simply because they don't want history to be the truth; but to be as they envision it as a matter of convenience in order to justify their position.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Baseball and Interleague Play
I read an article today from Mike Schmidt, former Phillies great and HOF'er, who stated his position on Interleague play in Major League Baseball. He was clearly against further play stating that the "experiment should be over" as the fans are disinterested, the players are angry, and baseball is hurt by the two circuits playing games during the regular season.
My response to his article, as well as to the one respondent (thus far) who agreed...a poor response by the way. This respondent nearly echoed the words or article writer Schmidt...
"I disagree with the article. Interleague play is long overdue. I grew up in an AL city and always wished I could see the NL teams. Unfortunately, the All Star game and the playoffs (if my team made it) just didn't sate my hopes of seeing the "Senior Circuit" on a regular basis.
Now that interleague play is here, I am greatly enjoying seeing the various NL teams playing my lifelong favorite. The addition of NL teams on the schedule has actually increased my interest in baseball. I don't think interleague play hurts anyone besides the snooty baseball purists who firmly believe that any tinkering with their hallowed sport is blasphemy.
Interleague play is good for fans, good for players--a majority of whom, according to a recent poll, stated they enjoy interleague play--and good for the sport and health of Major League Baseball."
My response to his article, as well as to the one respondent (thus far) who agreed...a poor response by the way. This respondent nearly echoed the words or article writer Schmidt...
"I disagree with the article. Interleague play is long overdue. I grew up in an AL city and always wished I could see the NL teams. Unfortunately, the All Star game and the playoffs (if my team made it) just didn't sate my hopes of seeing the "Senior Circuit" on a regular basis.
Now that interleague play is here, I am greatly enjoying seeing the various NL teams playing my lifelong favorite. The addition of NL teams on the schedule has actually increased my interest in baseball. I don't think interleague play hurts anyone besides the snooty baseball purists who firmly believe that any tinkering with their hallowed sport is blasphemy.
Interleague play is good for fans, good for players--a majority of whom, according to a recent poll, stated they enjoy interleague play--and good for the sport and health of Major League Baseball."
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
TSA Taking Illegal Liberties
**The following article appeared in the 22 June 2011 edition of the Seattle Times. Full credit is given**
"TSA curbs checkpoint photography by travelers — but it's legal"
By Christopher Elliott
Tribune Media Services
Mind your camera when you're traveling this summer.
Taking an innocent snapshot in a public area in the U.S. may get you in trouble, even if photography is allowed. It almost landed Ryan Miklus behind bars when he flew from Phoenix to Reno with his parents recently.
When Miklus tried to videotape an altercation between his mother and a TSA agent, another officer tried to stop him. "You are not allowed to film," the officer says on the video. "You need to go. You cannot film us."
"Where does it say that?" Miklus asks. "Show me the law. Show it to me and I'll stop."
The agent doesn't answer, but leaves and returns with several airline employees, one of whom tells Miklus that it's "against the law" to take photos at a security checkpoint.
"Put down the camera!" the employee orders. Miklus continues taping. A police officer later refuses to arrest him.
Such incidents are becoming increasingly common, making shutterbugs hesitant to take pictures that they're well within their rights to take. They include security guards harassing a photographer shooting in a Los Angeles park and a man being threatened for videotaping a whale in the Florida Keys. TSA screening areas are a flashpoint for these encounters, with officers sometimes threatening passengers, blocking their view or citing nonexistent rules in an effort to force them to stop taking photos.
"I used to deal with one of these a month," says Mickey Osterreicher, the general counsel of the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA). "Then it was weekly. Now it's almost every day. Citizens are being told that they can't take pictures out in public — whether it's a building, a bridge or a train."
Travelers are confused. Bridget Garrity, an attorney from Torrington, Conn., recently spotted a sign at BWI Marshall Airport suggesting that taking photos of TSA screeners is illegal. "It was hung on the wall right above the entry to the security lanes for the machines," she says. "It did have some reference to a federal code, but I couldn't get it all down." Garrity was tempted to take a picture of the sign, but was afraid that she might be breaking the law.
Jonathan Dean, a spokesman for BWI, confirmed the signs near the screening area, saying that they're there because "TSA typically discourages photography at its checkpoints."
Why the crackdown on photography? Carlos Miller, a Miami-based multimedia journalist and author of the blog Photography Is Not a Crime, says that law enforcement agencies have felt threatened by photographers since the videotape of Los Angeles police officers beating Rodney King made the rounds in 1991. It accelerated after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and has spun out of control with the development of social media, location-based technology and cellphones with easy-to-use digital cameras. "Cops feel as if they have to protect themselves," he says.
There's a second reason why photography in public places is frowned upon, according to Miller and others. Officials assume that there's a link between photography and terrorism, so anyone taking pictures of airports, screening areas, parks, bridges or any other site that terrorists could put in their crosshairs becomes a suspect, they say.
The Miklus incident has prompted the TSA to review its policy on photography at screening areas, according to a post on the agency's website. Many agency-watchers worry that the government will try to ban photography, but when I asked the TSA about the review, it said that the statement on the website has been misinterpreted. "We recognize that using video and photography equipment is a constitutionally protected activity," TSA spokesman Greg Soule told me.
The agency is only reviewing its guidance to officers, he said, "to ensure consistent application" of its regulations. TSA posted a clarification on its site shortly after my inquiry.
What really are the rules?
So what are the rules? And what should you do if you're told to stop filming or photographing?
Osterreicher says that there are only two public areas in the United States where you can't shoot pictures: military bases and nuclear facilities. "The warnings are clearly posted," he says. "Otherwise, if the public is allowed, then so are their rights."
But officials don't necessarily agree with that broad interpretation. For example, the TSA's current policy is that photography at security screening areas is permitted, as long as it doesn't interfere with the screening process. But what, exactly, constitutes interference? The agency also prohibits photography of its screening equipment, specifically the screen that shows scanned items. But that rule would appear to contradict federal law, since the screening equipment is in a public area.
And while it's OK to take personal photographs in state and national parks, commercial photos usually require a permit. Park police who don't want you to take pictures can exploit that rule by drawing a fine line between an amateur and a professional photographer.
Indeed, what constitutes the difference? Is it the tripod, the price of the camera or the quality of the footage? When I tried to take photos in Florida Caverns State Park near Marianna, Fla., last year, a park official told me that I would have to pay $75 for a photography permit. But I could avoid the fee if I left some of my equipment in the car — specifically my tripod.
It's an odd predicament, since we travel in a surveillance society. Law enforcement agencies can place cameras in public areas and monitor our comings and goings, but when we try to take pictures, we're sometimes told that it's not allowed. Why the double standard? Should you stand up for your constitutional rights the next time you try to take a snapshot of your family at the airport and a stern-faced security agent tells you that it's illegal?
If you're on vacation, it's probably not worth it. That's the advice Osterreicher gives NPPA members, too: It's not worth a trip to jail. "Be courteous, be respectful and don't get into an argument," he says. "Should you have the time and want to push the issue, ask to speak to a supervisor or report the incident to that agency as soon as possible. Otherwise, they have a badge and you may lose the argument."
"Just say, 'Yes, officer, thank you, officer.' And walk away."
The reader comments accompanying this article were uniform in their alarm at this clear indication of a leap forward in governmental intrusion, and against civil rights. I've stated before that the TSA is a dangerous entity that must be curbed, or even eliminated. They consistently trample the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and expect everyone to just accept it without question.
As citizens of the United States, it is our duty and obligation to question the government, and push for change when change is needed. The TSA is overstepping its authority once again. Write to all of your elected officials and insist that change happens. Let them know the TSA is not only a black hole for taxpayer money, but it is, as evidenced by repeated Constitutional abuses, time for it to go! If your elected officials don't speak out, then get involved in your local politics and support candidates who advocate change. Do something constructive; don't just sit around and complain.
"TSA curbs checkpoint photography by travelers — but it's legal"
By Christopher Elliott
Tribune Media Services
Mind your camera when you're traveling this summer.
Taking an innocent snapshot in a public area in the U.S. may get you in trouble, even if photography is allowed. It almost landed Ryan Miklus behind bars when he flew from Phoenix to Reno with his parents recently.
When Miklus tried to videotape an altercation between his mother and a TSA agent, another officer tried to stop him. "You are not allowed to film," the officer says on the video. "You need to go. You cannot film us."
"Where does it say that?" Miklus asks. "Show me the law. Show it to me and I'll stop."
The agent doesn't answer, but leaves and returns with several airline employees, one of whom tells Miklus that it's "against the law" to take photos at a security checkpoint.
"Put down the camera!" the employee orders. Miklus continues taping. A police officer later refuses to arrest him.
Such incidents are becoming increasingly common, making shutterbugs hesitant to take pictures that they're well within their rights to take. They include security guards harassing a photographer shooting in a Los Angeles park and a man being threatened for videotaping a whale in the Florida Keys. TSA screening areas are a flashpoint for these encounters, with officers sometimes threatening passengers, blocking their view or citing nonexistent rules in an effort to force them to stop taking photos.
"I used to deal with one of these a month," says Mickey Osterreicher, the general counsel of the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA). "Then it was weekly. Now it's almost every day. Citizens are being told that they can't take pictures out in public — whether it's a building, a bridge or a train."
Travelers are confused. Bridget Garrity, an attorney from Torrington, Conn., recently spotted a sign at BWI Marshall Airport suggesting that taking photos of TSA screeners is illegal. "It was hung on the wall right above the entry to the security lanes for the machines," she says. "It did have some reference to a federal code, but I couldn't get it all down." Garrity was tempted to take a picture of the sign, but was afraid that she might be breaking the law.
Jonathan Dean, a spokesman for BWI, confirmed the signs near the screening area, saying that they're there because "TSA typically discourages photography at its checkpoints."
Why the crackdown on photography? Carlos Miller, a Miami-based multimedia journalist and author of the blog Photography Is Not a Crime, says that law enforcement agencies have felt threatened by photographers since the videotape of Los Angeles police officers beating Rodney King made the rounds in 1991. It accelerated after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and has spun out of control with the development of social media, location-based technology and cellphones with easy-to-use digital cameras. "Cops feel as if they have to protect themselves," he says.
There's a second reason why photography in public places is frowned upon, according to Miller and others. Officials assume that there's a link between photography and terrorism, so anyone taking pictures of airports, screening areas, parks, bridges or any other site that terrorists could put in their crosshairs becomes a suspect, they say.
The Miklus incident has prompted the TSA to review its policy on photography at screening areas, according to a post on the agency's website. Many agency-watchers worry that the government will try to ban photography, but when I asked the TSA about the review, it said that the statement on the website has been misinterpreted. "We recognize that using video and photography equipment is a constitutionally protected activity," TSA spokesman Greg Soule told me.
The agency is only reviewing its guidance to officers, he said, "to ensure consistent application" of its regulations. TSA posted a clarification on its site shortly after my inquiry.
What really are the rules?
So what are the rules? And what should you do if you're told to stop filming or photographing?
Osterreicher says that there are only two public areas in the United States where you can't shoot pictures: military bases and nuclear facilities. "The warnings are clearly posted," he says. "Otherwise, if the public is allowed, then so are their rights."
But officials don't necessarily agree with that broad interpretation. For example, the TSA's current policy is that photography at security screening areas is permitted, as long as it doesn't interfere with the screening process. But what, exactly, constitutes interference? The agency also prohibits photography of its screening equipment, specifically the screen that shows scanned items. But that rule would appear to contradict federal law, since the screening equipment is in a public area.
And while it's OK to take personal photographs in state and national parks, commercial photos usually require a permit. Park police who don't want you to take pictures can exploit that rule by drawing a fine line between an amateur and a professional photographer.
Indeed, what constitutes the difference? Is it the tripod, the price of the camera or the quality of the footage? When I tried to take photos in Florida Caverns State Park near Marianna, Fla., last year, a park official told me that I would have to pay $75 for a photography permit. But I could avoid the fee if I left some of my equipment in the car — specifically my tripod.
It's an odd predicament, since we travel in a surveillance society. Law enforcement agencies can place cameras in public areas and monitor our comings and goings, but when we try to take pictures, we're sometimes told that it's not allowed. Why the double standard? Should you stand up for your constitutional rights the next time you try to take a snapshot of your family at the airport and a stern-faced security agent tells you that it's illegal?
If you're on vacation, it's probably not worth it. That's the advice Osterreicher gives NPPA members, too: It's not worth a trip to jail. "Be courteous, be respectful and don't get into an argument," he says. "Should you have the time and want to push the issue, ask to speak to a supervisor or report the incident to that agency as soon as possible. Otherwise, they have a badge and you may lose the argument."
"Just say, 'Yes, officer, thank you, officer.' And walk away."
The reader comments accompanying this article were uniform in their alarm at this clear indication of a leap forward in governmental intrusion, and against civil rights. I've stated before that the TSA is a dangerous entity that must be curbed, or even eliminated. They consistently trample the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and expect everyone to just accept it without question.
As citizens of the United States, it is our duty and obligation to question the government, and push for change when change is needed. The TSA is overstepping its authority once again. Write to all of your elected officials and insist that change happens. Let them know the TSA is not only a black hole for taxpayer money, but it is, as evidenced by repeated Constitutional abuses, time for it to go! If your elected officials don't speak out, then get involved in your local politics and support candidates who advocate change. Do something constructive; don't just sit around and complain.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Gee! Dubya--What a Hypocrite
*OK, this one is all about railing on former Prez, Gee! Dubya Bushie.*
As I was watching today's coverage of the US Open, the announcers mentioned a charity event being hosted by our inept former President, Gee! Dubya Bushie. This event is a golf tournament for which its sole fundraising purpose is to benefit service men and women who were injured in either of the current engagement areas in the Middle East; namely, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Hearing this drew an immediate, sharp verbal response from me because of the glaring hypocrisy of the event. Don't get me wrong--these men and women of our military, injured in their service, need all the financial support they can get, and this golf tourney is a fantastic way to raise both money and awareness for their plight.
My issue lies in its being hosted by Bushie.
This is a man who during his presidency was the first sitting President (I believe) to avoid going to Andrews Air Force base to greet the planes carrying the bodies of our servicemen and women home from the two wars that Bushie himself started. He also avoided greeting any injured soldiers who likewise returned home. When asked about this, the reason given was the Gee! Dubya didn't want to be photographed over the caskets of dead soldiers because he, El Prezzo Inepto, didn't want to be perceived by the American public as a President who sent our men and women to die in a war.
What the hell?! Bushie DID send our military to war! What a damned idiot...
Do you see the hypocrisy? Gee! Dubya will send our military off to war knowing there will be casualties, and not acknowledge their ultimate sacrifices; yet here he is hosting a charity event that benefits the very same military personnel he couldn't even bring himself to face once they returned home scarred and maimed...or dead.
What a hypocrite.
But hey! That pretty much sums up Gee! Dubya Bushie in a nutshell.
As I was watching today's coverage of the US Open, the announcers mentioned a charity event being hosted by our inept former President, Gee! Dubya Bushie. This event is a golf tournament for which its sole fundraising purpose is to benefit service men and women who were injured in either of the current engagement areas in the Middle East; namely, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Hearing this drew an immediate, sharp verbal response from me because of the glaring hypocrisy of the event. Don't get me wrong--these men and women of our military, injured in their service, need all the financial support they can get, and this golf tourney is a fantastic way to raise both money and awareness for their plight.
My issue lies in its being hosted by Bushie.
This is a man who during his presidency was the first sitting President (I believe) to avoid going to Andrews Air Force base to greet the planes carrying the bodies of our servicemen and women home from the two wars that Bushie himself started. He also avoided greeting any injured soldiers who likewise returned home. When asked about this, the reason given was the Gee! Dubya didn't want to be photographed over the caskets of dead soldiers because he, El Prezzo Inepto, didn't want to be perceived by the American public as a President who sent our men and women to die in a war.
What the hell?! Bushie DID send our military to war! What a damned idiot...
Do you see the hypocrisy? Gee! Dubya will send our military off to war knowing there will be casualties, and not acknowledge their ultimate sacrifices; yet here he is hosting a charity event that benefits the very same military personnel he couldn't even bring himself to face once they returned home scarred and maimed...or dead.
What a hypocrite.
But hey! That pretty much sums up Gee! Dubya Bushie in a nutshell.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Caffetz for U.S. Senate?
An article appeared in my local paper today that stated House Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R) will likely seek the U.S. Senatorial seat now occupied by six-term Sen. Orrin Hatch.
I have lived in Utah since before Chaffetz was elected to the House, and have written him on a number of issues. Any correspondence I send is returned with a Republican party agenda that promises blah, blah, blah and all other such rhetoric. I wrote the following comment to the article:
"I have seen what happens economically to a state that loses a long-serving Senator; and Utah would feel those ramifications for years to come should our awful Rep from central Utah succeed in supplanting Hatch in the Senate.
Chaffetz got elected to the House based solely on his past as a BYU Cougar. Since then, he has done next to nothing as a Representative besides bark his Republican masters vitriolic party agenda/rhetoric instead of doing what he was elected to do...serve his constituency. In all my decades as a voter, I have never seen as useless and inconsequential a Representative as Jason Chaffetz has turned out to be.
Hatch is trying to make a difference for us. Chaffetz only wants the title, then be the lapdog for the Republican National Committee. After all, based on his record thus far, what else would the voters of Utah expect from a Congressman as worthless as Chaffetz? "
What a mistake it would be to elect this guy to the Senate. The representation we would receive in return would be non-existent, as evidenced by Chaffetzs' efforts thus far in the House.
*Note (06/10/11): In the nearly 36 hours since I posted the above response, I have yet to receive a reply of any sort. Maybe I have a point...
I have lived in Utah since before Chaffetz was elected to the House, and have written him on a number of issues. Any correspondence I send is returned with a Republican party agenda that promises blah, blah, blah and all other such rhetoric. I wrote the following comment to the article:
"I have seen what happens economically to a state that loses a long-serving Senator; and Utah would feel those ramifications for years to come should our awful Rep from central Utah succeed in supplanting Hatch in the Senate.
Chaffetz got elected to the House based solely on his past as a BYU Cougar. Since then, he has done next to nothing as a Representative besides bark his Republican masters vitriolic party agenda/rhetoric instead of doing what he was elected to do...serve his constituency. In all my decades as a voter, I have never seen as useless and inconsequential a Representative as Jason Chaffetz has turned out to be.
Hatch is trying to make a difference for us. Chaffetz only wants the title, then be the lapdog for the Republican National Committee. After all, based on his record thus far, what else would the voters of Utah expect from a Congressman as worthless as Chaffetz? "
What a mistake it would be to elect this guy to the Senate. The representation we would receive in return would be non-existent, as evidenced by Chaffetzs' efforts thus far in the House.
*Note (06/10/11): In the nearly 36 hours since I posted the above response, I have yet to receive a reply of any sort. Maybe I have a point...
Monday, May 30, 2011
Memorial Day 2011
(*This is a reprint of my 2010 Memorial Day Tribute)
Today, Memorial Day, let us all pause for at least a few moments to remember just why we are celebrating a holiday.
Remember all the brave men and women, dutifully serving their country, who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we can have and enjoy the freedoms (and responsibilities) that we have every day simply because we belong to the greatest democracy in the world, The United States of America.
From the War of Independence to the Afghanistan War; from the Minutemen at Concord to the unsung hero's dying in covert missions across the globe;...
We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to all of these brave soldiers of every service!
Thank You for Your Service.
Thank You for Your Sacrifice!
You will never be forgotten!
God Bless The United States of America!
Today, Memorial Day, let us all pause for at least a few moments to remember just why we are celebrating a holiday.
Remember all the brave men and women, dutifully serving their country, who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we can have and enjoy the freedoms (and responsibilities) that we have every day simply because we belong to the greatest democracy in the world, The United States of America.
From the War of Independence to the Afghanistan War; from the Minutemen at Concord to the unsung hero's dying in covert missions across the globe;...
We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to all of these brave soldiers of every service!
Thank You for Your Service.
Thank You for Your Sacrifice!
You will never be forgotten!
God Bless The United States of America!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Letter to Congressmen
The current budget debate on Capitol Hill concerns me closely.
Part of the discussion taking place involves the funding/defunding of Medicare and Social security. Normally, I would not be interested in these two portions of the budgetary discussion. However, in light of my health and the future involvement of both Medicare and Social Security, I felt it was imperative that I make my position/concerns known to my *Senators.
My letter:
As with every letter I write to both the Utah Senators, I do not expect a response. These men are incredibly busy with their innumerable daily responsibilities. But thus far, I have received a personal response to every letter written.
As I've stated before, writing may not make a huge difference; but if millions write and make their views known then change will occur by the sheer force of the will of the people. So please, if this issue concerns you, then write, call or email your Senator a/o House rep. Speak up and let them know your opinion on this and any other subject which concerns you!
*I'd write my House rep; but every time I do he, without fail, returns obvious party rhetoric rather than addressing any concerns I might have. Not once have I received a reply from Rep. Jason Chaffetz that had anything even remotely resembling an answer to my correspondence. He seems to care more about pleasing his party masters than for the concerns of his constituency. Hence, my decision to exclude him from this particular correspondence.
Part of the discussion taking place involves the funding/defunding of Medicare and Social security. Normally, I would not be interested in these two portions of the budgetary discussion. However, in light of my health and the future involvement of both Medicare and Social Security, I felt it was imperative that I make my position/concerns known to my *Senators.
My letter:
Senator ,
I am writing due to my personal interest in the ongoing health care/Medicare/SS debate. In Sept 2009 I was diagnosed with late Stage 4 Polycystic Kidney Disease. In the time since, I have entered End stage, and now await the final drop in kidney function to begin dialysis, get placed on the national transplant list, and await life-saving kidney transplantation.
The ongoing Congressional budget debate concerns me greatly as my very future is tied up in the programs currently under budgetary review. I have no insurance, and until I start dialysis, I am accumulating bills that I cannot pay. Being on dialysis will allow me to receive Medicare benefits and will pay a majority of the costs to maintain my life. Once an organ becomes available, Medicare will pick up the costs of the transplant, as well as the required anti-rejection meds for three full years.
However, should the Medicare program be defunded, my personal ability to receive dialysis (let alone a transplant) is in serious jeopardy. Additionally, I am currently going through the process to receive early SS benefits as I am unable to work due to the nature and advancement of the kidney disease, and would remain on this until such time as I am able to work at a job.
I am not alone in the need for these programs to remain intact and fully funded. This issue concerns millions of Americans in every constituency across the country. While many are concerned and only await the outcome, I am taking the time to write and plead for the programs currently threatened by budget cuts (Medicare, Social Security, and Health care in general) to remain a part of upcoming budgets, funded as is needed by the people that are depending on these programs for their health and well-being.
I fully realize that the country is in a financial crisis. There are no easy answers, and there exist numerous departments and programs that also desperately need proper funding. But the monies available are also finite, and burdensome to a majority of the taxpayers. I can only suggest that we were once, not so long ago, well on our way to a balanced national budget. We did it before, and this country can do it again with Education, Medicare, Social Security and Infrastructure budgets remaining intact. Let that goal be the driving force towards the financial prosperity this country needs. Let the resiliency, innovation and determination of the American people return the United States to a prominent place amongst the world’s leaders of economic, educational and industrial standings. To that end, stand up and lead us, the people, towards that goal.
In the meantime, I plead once again that the programs that I desperately need remain funded and available; not only for me, but for millions of other Americans who have no other recourse to turn to.
Thank You for your time, and for your consideration on this matter.
As with every letter I write to both the Utah Senators, I do not expect a response. These men are incredibly busy with their innumerable daily responsibilities. But thus far, I have received a personal response to every letter written.
As I've stated before, writing may not make a huge difference; but if millions write and make their views known then change will occur by the sheer force of the will of the people. So please, if this issue concerns you, then write, call or email your Senator a/o House rep. Speak up and let them know your opinion on this and any other subject which concerns you!
*I'd write my House rep; but every time I do he, without fail, returns obvious party rhetoric rather than addressing any concerns I might have. Not once have I received a reply from Rep. Jason Chaffetz that had anything even remotely resembling an answer to my correspondence. He seems to care more about pleasing his party masters than for the concerns of his constituency. Hence, my decision to exclude him from this particular correspondence.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
TSA's Body Language Profiling
Today, a story emerged that the TSA (our beloved Homeland security Agency) is conducting visual profiling of passengers waiting in the lines of our nation's airports. They are looking for "suspicious behaviors," whatever that is supposed to encompass. I'm sure this new security measure is in other public places as the TSA is so eager to assure the security of American everywhere! (OK, that last sentence was rife with sarcasm; but you get my point.)
I replied on a couple of boards to the various comments those focused solely on how safe we have become because the TSA is a great entity that "benefits all Americans," as one respondent wrote.
The following are my two comments...
"We are witnessing the evolution of a police state right here in the USA; and no one is raising any alarms that our civil rights are being tossed aside in favor of so-called "security measures" that supposedly stop terrorists. Yeah, right. Groping the elderly, children and the handicapped (and everyone else) in the name of security really makes sense. Now, every person that travels via airplanes has to check their body language for fear they'll be singled out? This is asinine!
Every civil rights group in this country should be fighting the TSA and their advocates. Instead, it seems like everyone is rolling over and allowing the blatant abuses of our Constitutionally guaranteed rights. We, as a nation, are literally falling off the proverbial slippery slope."
"Every time the TSA institutes a new "security measure," terrorists who seek the destruction of the United States are one step closer to achieving their agendas. After all, these groups use terror in order to make everyone afraid. Their goal is to bring about the changes they want by cowing governments and citizenry into a stance of fear.
Historically, terrorism as a political movement, has never achieved so much as it has since 9/11 and Gee Dubya Bushie's establishment of the very Nazi sounding, Homeland Security Agency.
Right now, the TSA has instilled that same fear into nearly a majority of US citizens by instituting their so-called "security measures" and telling us we'll all safer now than before these things were in place. Cameras are everywhere; profiling is in high gear; Americans are patted down and assumed to be criminals without a shred of proof; personal belongings are searched without warrant at every airport in the country, etc, etc, etc.
Yeah...we're safer...right...and the terrorist organizations are closer to winning every day without doing anything that would be considered a terrorist act."
**My last comment was posted thirty minutes ago, and I have yet to have anyone disagree with or refute my comments.**
Please, if you're alarmed by the thing the TSA is doing, then write to your elected officials in DC and tell them of your displeasure with the TSA and its policies. I write to my Senator and House rep at least four times a year on this one matter alone. Remember, these folks in every level of government work for US! It is therefore up to each of US to speak out and make our voices heard in order to bring about the positive changes that will 'right the ship,' so to say.
I replied on a couple of boards to the various comments those focused solely on how safe we have become because the TSA is a great entity that "benefits all Americans," as one respondent wrote.
The following are my two comments...
"We are witnessing the evolution of a police state right here in the USA; and no one is raising any alarms that our civil rights are being tossed aside in favor of so-called "security measures" that supposedly stop terrorists. Yeah, right. Groping the elderly, children and the handicapped (and everyone else) in the name of security really makes sense. Now, every person that travels via airplanes has to check their body language for fear they'll be singled out? This is asinine!
Every civil rights group in this country should be fighting the TSA and their advocates. Instead, it seems like everyone is rolling over and allowing the blatant abuses of our Constitutionally guaranteed rights. We, as a nation, are literally falling off the proverbial slippery slope."
"Every time the TSA institutes a new "security measure," terrorists who seek the destruction of the United States are one step closer to achieving their agendas. After all, these groups use terror in order to make everyone afraid. Their goal is to bring about the changes they want by cowing governments and citizenry into a stance of fear.
Historically, terrorism as a political movement, has never achieved so much as it has since 9/11 and Gee Dubya Bushie's establishment of the very Nazi sounding, Homeland Security Agency.
Right now, the TSA has instilled that same fear into nearly a majority of US citizens by instituting their so-called "security measures" and telling us we'll all safer now than before these things were in place. Cameras are everywhere; profiling is in high gear; Americans are patted down and assumed to be criminals without a shred of proof; personal belongings are searched without warrant at every airport in the country, etc, etc, etc.
Yeah...we're safer...right...and the terrorist organizations are closer to winning every day without doing anything that would be considered a terrorist act."
**My last comment was posted thirty minutes ago, and I have yet to have anyone disagree with or refute my comments.**
Please, if you're alarmed by the thing the TSA is doing, then write to your elected officials in DC and tell them of your displeasure with the TSA and its policies. I write to my Senator and House rep at least four times a year on this one matter alone. Remember, these folks in every level of government work for US! It is therefore up to each of US to speak out and make our voices heard in order to bring about the positive changes that will 'right the ship,' so to say.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Subsidizing Big Oil?
Over the past two weeks the cost of oil on the world markets has increased dramatically due (supposedly) to the internal conflicts of several Middle Eastern countries; currently, Lybia is the NYSE excuse scapegoat. The message boards are aflame with anger at the sudden run-up in the price per gallon of gasoline. Oil, which hasn't yet been delivered to US refineries, is the reasoning behind the sudden increases. As of today, gas has gone up 0.33 cents over the last two weeks.
In responding, I again made a call for Americans to write their Congressional Reps (both Houses) to end Big Oil subsidies and put that same money towards clean alternative energy research. My Response...
"This whole run-up is entirely about money--money for Big Oil, Foreign Powers, NYSE Trading Houses, Elite Oil Investors and certain current and former politicians whose fortunes were built on oil. No one else benefits. Certainly not the average American consumer.
I've read a number of posts today referring to the subsidies given by the US Govt to Big Oil, as if Big Oil couldn't survive without them. Well, I've previously postulated that we need to press our politicians to eliminate subsidies to Big Oil, and put the same $$ towards alternative energy research and job development.
Such spending could very well be the catalyst for the next great American industrial revolution. Untold numbers of jobs would be created, Big Oils' grip on the US would be over, our environment would be cleaner, and energy would be cheaper. How is this a bad thing?
THAT should be our focus--not subsidizing absurdlywealthy CEO's, Foreign Princes, Oil Traders, etc. It's time for America to stand up and say, "Enough!" Let's work towards clean energy Independence, and put the United States atop the world once again as a beacon of hope, change and economic leadership."
As previously, I have gotten zero replies or support for such an idea. I guess everyone is too busy whining to take the time and think about solutions.
In responding, I again made a call for Americans to write their Congressional Reps (both Houses) to end Big Oil subsidies and put that same money towards clean alternative energy research. My Response...
"This whole run-up is entirely about money--money for Big Oil, Foreign Powers, NYSE Trading Houses, Elite Oil Investors and certain current and former politicians whose fortunes were built on oil. No one else benefits. Certainly not the average American consumer.
I've read a number of posts today referring to the subsidies given by the US Govt to Big Oil, as if Big Oil couldn't survive without them. Well, I've previously postulated that we need to press our politicians to eliminate subsidies to Big Oil, and put the same $$ towards alternative energy research and job development.
Such spending could very well be the catalyst for the next great American industrial revolution. Untold numbers of jobs would be created, Big Oils' grip on the US would be over, our environment would be cleaner, and energy would be cheaper. How is this a bad thing?
THAT should be our focus--not subsidizing absurdlywealthy CEO's, Foreign Princes, Oil Traders, etc. It's time for America to stand up and say, "Enough!" Let's work towards clean energy Independence, and put the United States atop the world once again as a beacon of hope, change and economic leadership."
As previously, I have gotten zero replies or support for such an idea. I guess everyone is too busy whining to take the time and think about solutions.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Accountability vs. College Athletics
Yesterday, BYU suspended its starting Center of the men's basketball team for the remainder of the season citing an unspecified Honor Code violation. With just two conference games remaining before the conference tourney and then the NCAA Tournament, the 3rd ranked Cougars could not have had this happen at a worse time. Without their starting Center, many observers doubt BYU's ability to go deep into the NCAA's.
When news of the suspension broke the sports message boards became inflammed with hatred towards BYU and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The intolerance, misinformation and pure, disgusting hatred being written simply turned my stomach. To say I was appalled or aghast doesn't even come close. Instead of commenting on the basketball ramifications for BYU, this was turned into an anti-Mormon rant that thousands of people fell into.Well, I didn't read too many posts because of the vitriol being vomited by these supposed sports fans.
I wrote the following response to the Deseret News:
"No one should judge Davies about his Honor Code violation. These athletes are under intense pressure and scrutiny. Non-athletic students would likely fold under the same circumstances.
Also, no one should jump all over BYU for this development. Brandon Davies agreed to abide by the rules when he accepted his scholarship. He infracted the rules, and is being held accountable. It's a tough lesson to learn; but an incredibly valuable one.
Too bad most basketball fans [clearly] have no grasp on the concept of personal accountability. Otherwise, the sports boards yesterday wouldn't have been filled with ridicule and hostility towards BYU and the LDS Church for the decision to suspend Davies just before the start of the NCAA Touney."
There is a lot of money, national prestige and recruiting power on the line for BYU. This move could very well damage their ability to draw national recruits and national TV exposure in the coming years. In enforcing the University Honor Code, BYU has risen above the detritus of the naysayers and is standing by its commitment to prepare its students for a life of success on every level. Sometimes, that preparation comes in terms of mistakes and lessons learned.
We all make mistakes; but no one is above reproach, nor below the ability to learn from a mistake and then rise above that mistake and become a better person for what they have learned. Davies will, if he learns properly, rise out of this dark hour and become a better man not just for his potential career, but for the rest of his life, in all its various aspects.
When news of the suspension broke the sports message boards became inflammed with hatred towards BYU and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The intolerance, misinformation and pure, disgusting hatred being written simply turned my stomach. To say I was appalled or aghast doesn't even come close. Instead of commenting on the basketball ramifications for BYU, this was turned into an anti-Mormon rant that thousands of people fell into.Well, I didn't read too many posts because of the vitriol being vomited by these supposed sports fans.
I wrote the following response to the Deseret News:
"No one should judge Davies about his Honor Code violation. These athletes are under intense pressure and scrutiny. Non-athletic students would likely fold under the same circumstances.
Also, no one should jump all over BYU for this development. Brandon Davies agreed to abide by the rules when he accepted his scholarship. He infracted the rules, and is being held accountable. It's a tough lesson to learn; but an incredibly valuable one.
Too bad most basketball fans [clearly] have no grasp on the concept of personal accountability. Otherwise, the sports boards yesterday wouldn't have been filled with ridicule and hostility towards BYU and the LDS Church for the decision to suspend Davies just before the start of the NCAA Touney."
There is a lot of money, national prestige and recruiting power on the line for BYU. This move could very well damage their ability to draw national recruits and national TV exposure in the coming years. In enforcing the University Honor Code, BYU has risen above the detritus of the naysayers and is standing by its commitment to prepare its students for a life of success on every level. Sometimes, that preparation comes in terms of mistakes and lessons learned.
We all make mistakes; but no one is above reproach, nor below the ability to learn from a mistake and then rise above that mistake and become a better person for what they have learned. Davies will, if he learns properly, rise out of this dark hour and become a better man not just for his potential career, but for the rest of his life, in all its various aspects.
Truancy Laws Gone Too Far
In Provo, UT a law is being considered that would criminalize truant youth and children should they be caught off campus or away from their schooling during school hours. This law would also require adults to call the city police to report violators. The intent behind the considered law is to confront the growing gang issue in this central Utah city.
All of the reader responses prior to my submission were filled with shock; and many feared the repercussions pertaining to home schooled children and youth, and how ridiculous it would be to arrest six year-olds and give them a police record just for being on the city streets during school hours. Some of the respondents even went into a 'Police State, Socialism' rant that was entirely counterproductive to any serious discussion. Yesterday I wrote the following response to the article in the Deseret News:
"First of all, the city is looking for ways to fight increasing gang activity. This idea isn't the smartest, I'll give you that; but to jump way ahead and feign horror at children being arrested is not only foolish, it's downright ridiculous.
Instead of being offended at the "potential" of this proposal, why don't you form community meetings to brainstorm legitimate ideas to address the issue, present them to the school board (leaving the city govt out of the discussion), then both sides work to find viable solutions.
The answer to this lies not in legislation, but in a cooperative effort between the community and the school district. It seems, after all, that most parents are feeling like their voice is lost--and it has somewhat, because they now complain loudly but never step up and start grassroot efforts to challenge school officials, city leaders etc. So stop complaining and step up! Become a leader who enacts change!
And JMT (a respondent on this board), please leave your "1984" scare tactics out and present an intelligent, thoughtful discussion that goes beyond an 'I'm right, you're wrong' mentality that only seeks to instill fear and remove rational thought. "
Of the eighteen responses after mine, not a single one commented on the merits of my proposal; instead continuing the fear-mongering that all of the earlier posts had provided. Since there was no rational thought amongst the lot, I decided to write another response today.
"RE: JMT "Two kids fighting over a remote; the wishbone from Thanksgiving turkey; candy at Christmas; who saw Lagoon first; playing fetch with the dog; Grandpas attention, etc..."
This type of thinking is irresponsible. It seeks only to create fear and suspicion.
Please, leave the addressing of community and national issues to the adults because clearly, individuals such as this only want to make us afraid without offering any sort of leadership that might help us all to climb off of the slippery slope this nation now finds itself upon.
If you're concerned about issues and law-making, write, call or email your elected representatives at every level! Make sure you take part in the electoral system we all enjoy. Start community efforts to enact change. Do something!--Because doing nothing but complaining gets us nowhere."
So far, I have not gotten any retort.
All of the reader responses prior to my submission were filled with shock; and many feared the repercussions pertaining to home schooled children and youth, and how ridiculous it would be to arrest six year-olds and give them a police record just for being on the city streets during school hours. Some of the respondents even went into a 'Police State, Socialism' rant that was entirely counterproductive to any serious discussion. Yesterday I wrote the following response to the article in the Deseret News:
"First of all, the city is looking for ways to fight increasing gang activity. This idea isn't the smartest, I'll give you that; but to jump way ahead and feign horror at children being arrested is not only foolish, it's downright ridiculous.
Instead of being offended at the "potential" of this proposal, why don't you form community meetings to brainstorm legitimate ideas to address the issue, present them to the school board (leaving the city govt out of the discussion), then both sides work to find viable solutions.
The answer to this lies not in legislation, but in a cooperative effort between the community and the school district. It seems, after all, that most parents are feeling like their voice is lost--and it has somewhat, because they now complain loudly but never step up and start grassroot efforts to challenge school officials, city leaders etc. So stop complaining and step up! Become a leader who enacts change!
And JMT (a respondent on this board), please leave your "1984" scare tactics out and present an intelligent, thoughtful discussion that goes beyond an 'I'm right, you're wrong' mentality that only seeks to instill fear and remove rational thought. "
Of the eighteen responses after mine, not a single one commented on the merits of my proposal; instead continuing the fear-mongering that all of the earlier posts had provided. Since there was no rational thought amongst the lot, I decided to write another response today.
"RE: JMT "Two kids fighting over a remote; the wishbone from Thanksgiving turkey; candy at Christmas; who saw Lagoon first; playing fetch with the dog; Grandpas attention, etc..."
This type of thinking is irresponsible. It seeks only to create fear and suspicion.
Please, leave the addressing of community and national issues to the adults because clearly, individuals such as this only want to make us afraid without offering any sort of leadership that might help us all to climb off of the slippery slope this nation now finds itself upon.
If you're concerned about issues and law-making, write, call or email your elected representatives at every level! Make sure you take part in the electoral system we all enjoy. Start community efforts to enact change. Do something!--Because doing nothing but complaining gets us nowhere."
So far, I have not gotten any retort.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Super Bowl National Anthem?
Yesterday was the Super Bore--I mean, Super Bowl. My family was asked by close friends to watch the game with them, so I actually saw this yearly snooze-fest. Anyway, the National Anthem was sung this year by pop singer Christina Aguilera. When I say that the song was 'sung,' I actually mean to say that it was murdered.
First, Aguilera forgot a number of words--a total botch job. Second, in her effort to put a personal signature on the National Anthem, Aguilera absolutely murdered the melody. What I recognize as the songs' melody was nowhere to be found. Aguilera was constantly changing notes; jumping around so much that the melody, that the whole world was expecting to hear, was not included. I heard a few of the correct words, and a whole lot of musical garbage that was supposedly our National Anthem.
The message boards today are aflame with biting criticism of Aguilera. Nearly every comment and story I've read was critical of this pop diva--and rightly so. Aguilera should be embarrassed by her effort that was delivered to a world wide audience. I personally feel that she should apologize to America for the botched job.
Instead, after fleeing Dallas--the site of Super Bore 45--for her home base of La La Land, Aguilera actually defended her performance stating that she thought she did a good job.
...WOW!...
I don't know who is telling her that the performance was a thing to be proud of; but they should be fired. Missed words, missing melody and plain wrong words are never a reason to celebrate...ESPECIALLY when it is from "singing" the National Anthem of the United States.
I sure wish the Super Bore Committee and the NFL would insist on a proper and acurate rendition of the song that represents the Pride, Strength and Unity of our Nation, its People and its History.
First, Aguilera forgot a number of words--a total botch job. Second, in her effort to put a personal signature on the National Anthem, Aguilera absolutely murdered the melody. What I recognize as the songs' melody was nowhere to be found. Aguilera was constantly changing notes; jumping around so much that the melody, that the whole world was expecting to hear, was not included. I heard a few of the correct words, and a whole lot of musical garbage that was supposedly our National Anthem.
The message boards today are aflame with biting criticism of Aguilera. Nearly every comment and story I've read was critical of this pop diva--and rightly so. Aguilera should be embarrassed by her effort that was delivered to a world wide audience. I personally feel that she should apologize to America for the botched job.
Instead, after fleeing Dallas--the site of Super Bore 45--for her home base of La La Land, Aguilera actually defended her performance stating that she thought she did a good job.
...WOW!...
I don't know who is telling her that the performance was a thing to be proud of; but they should be fired. Missed words, missing melody and plain wrong words are never a reason to celebrate...ESPECIALLY when it is from "singing" the National Anthem of the United States.
I sure wish the Super Bore Committee and the NFL would insist on a proper and acurate rendition of the song that represents the Pride, Strength and Unity of our Nation, its People and its History.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Gee! Dubya Bushie Says "No More politics."
I read a story today on AOL in which former (good riddance!) President Gee! Dubya Bushie stated that he was done with politics of any kind. No campaigning, no fundraising, etc.
I absolutely HAD to respond! ;o)
Gee! Dubya Bushie was done with politics well before he even took (stole) the office of US President. He is an idiot of the first degree who left this country in shambles.
The Constitution is hanging by a thread because of the Patriot Act, Americans are looked at as criminals by the TSA (a bunch of F'n Nazi bastards, as one relative puts it), freedom from government oversight is very nearly a thing of the past, the country is in so much debt that China may end up owning it lock, stock and barrel, and the off-shoring of jobs absolutely devastated the economy.
And that's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg!
Gee! Dubya Bushie can keep his mouth closed. He will go down as the President who led the country to the brink of destruction when all is said and done.
We will be lucky to recapture the true spirit that the Founding Fathers wanted for the United States...*Freedom, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
(*That would be Freedom OF, not Freedom from!)
I absolutely HAD to respond! ;o)
Gee! Dubya Bushie was done with politics well before he even took (stole) the office of US President. He is an idiot of the first degree who left this country in shambles.
The Constitution is hanging by a thread because of the Patriot Act, Americans are looked at as criminals by the TSA (a bunch of F'n Nazi bastards, as one relative puts it), freedom from government oversight is very nearly a thing of the past, the country is in so much debt that China may end up owning it lock, stock and barrel, and the off-shoring of jobs absolutely devastated the economy.
And that's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg!
Gee! Dubya Bushie can keep his mouth closed. He will go down as the President who led the country to the brink of destruction when all is said and done.
We will be lucky to recapture the true spirit that the Founding Fathers wanted for the United States...*Freedom, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
(*That would be Freedom OF, not Freedom from!)
Monday, January 3, 2011
Letter to My Congressional Representatives--A Reply
I received the following reply [to my latest letter to my Congressional Reps] last week. It is from Sen. Orrin Hatch.
"Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns with airport security and your opposition to body scanners being used to enhance security at some of our nation's airports I appreciate hearing from you.
As you may be aware, threats against our nation's air transportation networks have evolved over time. In response, the screening technologies we rely on to identify and counter these threats must evolve as well. Over the next several years, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will likely face continuing challenges to address projected growth in passenger airline travel while maintaining and improving upon the efficiency and effectiveness of passenger screening operations.
One of the real benefits of improved and advanced technology will hopefully be a dramatic reduction in the extensive labor force now deployed by the TSA to secure our nation's airports. As you know, the labor and money required to secure the airports is significant and appropriate advancements to reduce this labor force and make the screening process more affordable and efficient would be a welcome step to most taxpayers.
While security is of paramount importance, individual privacy also needs to be protected. As such, the bill requires TSA to continue to protect consumers' privacy by prohibiting the transfer or retention of any body images and requiring remote screening for any personally identifying images. I will continue to support the TSA in improving their privacy protection efforts.
Rest assured. I am working day and night to implement policies that will make Utah and our great nation a peaceful, prosperous, safe and lawful place to live. i appreciate your comments and suggestions and look forward to working towards a solution to this issue that you will find acceptable and in line with your interests.
Your Senator,
Orrin G. Hatch United States Senator"
I sincerely appreciate the Senator's response. He could very well have done as my House Rep did...which was nothing. At the very least, my US Senator knows my thoughts and concerns regarding the TSA and its obvious abuses against US citizens, and the unconstitutional measures it employs on a daily basis.
Again, I encourage each of you to make a habit of writing your Congressional Representatives; both in the House and in the Senate. If you fail to raise your voice then nothing will change, and we will continue to edge closer, as a nation, to the proverbial abyss that awaits us all if the Constitution and the Bill of Rights continue to be both ignored and trampled upon by the very men and women we send to DC to represent each one of us both individually and collectively.
Please...write, email, call, vote, speak out! If not you, then who? Who will speak your mind and voice your concerns? It is your responsibility as a citizen of the United States to raise your voice both in support of, and opposition to, the men and women who lead our great nation so that they continue to lead and guide us in a manner befitting all those who have brought us thus far. Please...Speak out!
"Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns with airport security and your opposition to body scanners being used to enhance security at some of our nation's airports I appreciate hearing from you.
As you may be aware, threats against our nation's air transportation networks have evolved over time. In response, the screening technologies we rely on to identify and counter these threats must evolve as well. Over the next several years, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will likely face continuing challenges to address projected growth in passenger airline travel while maintaining and improving upon the efficiency and effectiveness of passenger screening operations.
One of the real benefits of improved and advanced technology will hopefully be a dramatic reduction in the extensive labor force now deployed by the TSA to secure our nation's airports. As you know, the labor and money required to secure the airports is significant and appropriate advancements to reduce this labor force and make the screening process more affordable and efficient would be a welcome step to most taxpayers.
While security is of paramount importance, individual privacy also needs to be protected. As such, the bill requires TSA to continue to protect consumers' privacy by prohibiting the transfer or retention of any body images and requiring remote screening for any personally identifying images. I will continue to support the TSA in improving their privacy protection efforts.
Rest assured. I am working day and night to implement policies that will make Utah and our great nation a peaceful, prosperous, safe and lawful place to live. i appreciate your comments and suggestions and look forward to working towards a solution to this issue that you will find acceptable and in line with your interests.
Your Senator,
Orrin G. Hatch United States Senator"
I sincerely appreciate the Senator's response. He could very well have done as my House Rep did...which was nothing. At the very least, my US Senator knows my thoughts and concerns regarding the TSA and its obvious abuses against US citizens, and the unconstitutional measures it employs on a daily basis.
Again, I encourage each of you to make a habit of writing your Congressional Representatives; both in the House and in the Senate. If you fail to raise your voice then nothing will change, and we will continue to edge closer, as a nation, to the proverbial abyss that awaits us all if the Constitution and the Bill of Rights continue to be both ignored and trampled upon by the very men and women we send to DC to represent each one of us both individually and collectively.
Please...write, email, call, vote, speak out! If not you, then who? Who will speak your mind and voice your concerns? It is your responsibility as a citizen of the United States to raise your voice both in support of, and opposition to, the men and women who lead our great nation so that they continue to lead and guide us in a manner befitting all those who have brought us thus far. Please...Speak out!
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