Today a headline appeared bemoaning the fact that the National Debt Clock had run out of spaces for more digits. This alarmed me because of how completely confounding this whole situation is. We (the USA) are operating on a debt the likes of which we have never before seen. The current $10,000,000,000,000 (that's ten trillion dollars) deficit is so big that, barring any further deficit spending, it will take us 35-50 years to pay off--if we ever get it paid off.
What really amazes me though, is just why the American people are not demanding answers as to the why's of this thing. How did the debt get so bad?; who authorized all that spending?; when did Congress ask for input from the American people on the current spending?; Why is our President standing by and allowing this to happen instead of demanding a stop to the madness?, etc, etc.
A little info here...
Every one of the Fifty States are required by the Federal Government (and their own State Constitutions) to carry a Balanced Budget. At the end of every year, they must be balanced, or in the black. Yet, the Federal government is under no such rule. They typically carry an ever increasing deficit.
During the Clinton Administration, the White House and Congress hammered out a cohesive, cooperative plan to balance the Federal deficit by the year 2010. Social Security was saved, the military was strong, social programs were intact, and by the end of Clinton's Presidency, the US was not only operation on a yearly budget surplus, we were actually able to decrease the deficit blance by some $450 Billion. We were well on our way to fiscal freedom (and should by now, be a little over a year from it).
At the time, our national Debt had decreased to around $2.5 trillion (down from $3 trillion) over the previous 4 years), and we could all see the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.
Then, in steps George W. Bush and Cronies. One of the first things they did was plunder Social Security to pay for pet projects. Deficit spending ramped up once again, and all the work that a two-term President and Bi-Partisan Congress had done to ensure the financial well-being of this country was suddenly, inexplicably tossed out. Why? Congress seemed to roll over and not care that all they work that had been done was for nothing. They demanded no answers. They demanded zero accountability.
So, two ongoing wars later, plus an ongoing energy crisis, plus the rape of our lands for profit benefitting energy companies, plus unprecedented deficit spending, and we are in a hole that our great-grandchildren will be paying off (or at least, trying to...).
What a wonderful legacy this lame-duck President is leaving for the American people. I bet he doesn't lose a bit of sleep knowing that while his pals in Energey, Special Interest Lobbies, and Mining companies are making tens of millions, the average American family is having to choose between feeding themselves, paying bills, and having a place to live.
I sure am glad he can sleep knowing what he and his Administration have done over the past 8 years. Good for him...
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Suing Over A National Day of Prayer
I read today that a large group of athiests in Wisconsin is suing the President, the Governor of Wisconsin, and several others over the country's 'National Day of Prayer.'
These citizens think that they are actually being forced to participate, and that they are excluded politically and societally because of their beliefs. So this group of whatever number they are, are seeking to tell every person in this country what to do and think. What the #@&%!!!
Instead of wasting taxpayer dollars in pursuit of the non-existant "Separation of Church and State" clause, why don't these good folks just decide they won't participate? It is certainly their right to, or not to, take part in the National Day of Prayer. Why sue over what really comes down to as a matter of personal choice?
Hmmm...Let's see...the thinking is probably going something like this..."I'm athiest. I don't believe in God, or prayer. Now, here's the government telling me I have to pray on a specific day.How dare they do that! I'm not going to be forced to pray to a god I don't believe in! I think I'll sue and tell everyone in the country who DOES believe in God that they can't pray to whomever they believe in."
...and the rhetoric would continue. My point again is freedom. Freedom to choose to participate, or to NOT participate. Why do people feel it is essential to enforce their atheism on a majority of Americans who do indeed believe in a Divine being? Remember, this country was founded on Christian principals, by religious, God-fearing men who sought Divine inspiration every morning [through prayer] before continuing their work of framing the government.
The current Government of the United States does NOT endorse any specific religion, it does NOT force anyone to attend church services, it does NOT demand that its citizens pray to any specific Diety. The illusionary separation of Church and State is still intact; the country goes on.
These mamby-pamby atheists have zero business telling me that I can't pray. It is a personal choice to believe, or not believe, in any diety in whatever form.
In the bogus fight over (once again) the non-existant Separation of Church and State, the vast majority of Americans are being told (through Court decisions) they can't pray in public places; they can't worship in public places or on Government owned land; they can't see a display of the Ten Commandments (a set of guidelines which really only help all of us to be better people) pretty much anywhere outside of church buildings; and that the Founding Fathers really never brought religion into the development of this country through legal action, historical distortion, historical omission, rewriting fact to fit their agendas, etc.
Listen folks, this really is about the freedom to choose. Freedom to pray, or to NOT pray. Freedom to choose to participate in a particular event...or NOT. But instead of choosing to NOT participate, these folks are looking to enforce their personal beliefs on everyone else so they don't have "to feel uncomfortable in politics or society."
These citizens think that they are actually being forced to participate, and that they are excluded politically and societally because of their beliefs. So this group of whatever number they are, are seeking to tell every person in this country what to do and think. What the #@&%!!!
Instead of wasting taxpayer dollars in pursuit of the non-existant "Separation of Church and State" clause, why don't these good folks just decide they won't participate? It is certainly their right to, or not to, take part in the National Day of Prayer. Why sue over what really comes down to as a matter of personal choice?
Hmmm...Let's see...the thinking is probably going something like this..."I'm athiest. I don't believe in God, or prayer. Now, here's the government telling me I have to pray on a specific day.How dare they do that! I'm not going to be forced to pray to a god I don't believe in! I think I'll sue and tell everyone in the country who DOES believe in God that they can't pray to whomever they believe in."
...and the rhetoric would continue. My point again is freedom. Freedom to choose to participate, or to NOT participate. Why do people feel it is essential to enforce their atheism on a majority of Americans who do indeed believe in a Divine being? Remember, this country was founded on Christian principals, by religious, God-fearing men who sought Divine inspiration every morning [through prayer] before continuing their work of framing the government.
The current Government of the United States does NOT endorse any specific religion, it does NOT force anyone to attend church services, it does NOT demand that its citizens pray to any specific Diety. The illusionary separation of Church and State is still intact; the country goes on.
These mamby-pamby atheists have zero business telling me that I can't pray. It is a personal choice to believe, or not believe, in any diety in whatever form.
In the bogus fight over (once again) the non-existant Separation of Church and State, the vast majority of Americans are being told (through Court decisions) they can't pray in public places; they can't worship in public places or on Government owned land; they can't see a display of the Ten Commandments (a set of guidelines which really only help all of us to be better people) pretty much anywhere outside of church buildings; and that the Founding Fathers really never brought religion into the development of this country through legal action, historical distortion, historical omission, rewriting fact to fit their agendas, etc.
Listen folks, this really is about the freedom to choose. Freedom to pray, or to NOT pray. Freedom to choose to participate in a particular event...or NOT. But instead of choosing to NOT participate, these folks are looking to enforce their personal beliefs on everyone else so they don't have "to feel uncomfortable in politics or society."
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Are You Registered?
Are you registered to vote in the upcoming Presidential and General Election?
The Consitution of the United States guarantees each citizen's right to participate in the political process. Some choose to run for office, while the majority of citizens 'merely vote.' I say 'merely' in a facecious tone because the right to vote is an incredible thing.
The framers our our government (the Founding Fathers) proposed a thing so completely unique that many observers doubted it would actually work...the power of the citizenery to choose who would lead them.
Over the course of the United States' history, the outcome of our elections has been good, not so good, and sometimes downright bad. Not all elected leaders at any level are exactly who they profess or try to be. The weighty responsibility an elected official has must be tremendous. I've personally known some good men and women who have served in varying levels of government, and not one of them didn't feel a terrible burden every day in office. Not all of them kept their priorities intact either. But at least they were out there trying to make things betters, and to do the best they could.
When we as a voting constituency decide that registering is too bothersome, or that getting to the polls is too much of a hassle, then we are letting ourselves, and our community down. Can you choose not to vote? Absolutely! That's your right.
But if you choose to sit on the sidelines on any election, then I personally feel that you have absolutely ZERO right to complain about the current state of politics on any level. If you want change, then you must participate--even if you are simply casting your vote; because if you don't care enough on election day, then you certainly don't care enough about any issue that affects you on a community, city, county, state, or national (and even international) basis.
Educate yourselves on the offices, candidates, and issues in your area. And PLEASE, get registered. You only have until 30 days prior to the election. Then, on November 4th, make it THE priority to get to your local polling station and utilize that awesome right (and responsibility) and cast your votes for offices at all levels.
The Consitution of the United States guarantees each citizen's right to participate in the political process. Some choose to run for office, while the majority of citizens 'merely vote.' I say 'merely' in a facecious tone because the right to vote is an incredible thing.
The framers our our government (the Founding Fathers) proposed a thing so completely unique that many observers doubted it would actually work...the power of the citizenery to choose who would lead them.
Over the course of the United States' history, the outcome of our elections has been good, not so good, and sometimes downright bad. Not all elected leaders at any level are exactly who they profess or try to be. The weighty responsibility an elected official has must be tremendous. I've personally known some good men and women who have served in varying levels of government, and not one of them didn't feel a terrible burden every day in office. Not all of them kept their priorities intact either. But at least they were out there trying to make things betters, and to do the best they could.
When we as a voting constituency decide that registering is too bothersome, or that getting to the polls is too much of a hassle, then we are letting ourselves, and our community down. Can you choose not to vote? Absolutely! That's your right.
But if you choose to sit on the sidelines on any election, then I personally feel that you have absolutely ZERO right to complain about the current state of politics on any level. If you want change, then you must participate--even if you are simply casting your vote; because if you don't care enough on election day, then you certainly don't care enough about any issue that affects you on a community, city, county, state, or national (and even international) basis.
Educate yourselves on the offices, candidates, and issues in your area. And PLEASE, get registered. You only have until 30 days prior to the election. Then, on November 4th, make it THE priority to get to your local polling station and utilize that awesome right (and responsibility) and cast your votes for offices at all levels.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Common Courtesy Out The Door
What has happened to us? I'm not talking any event; I mean, what has changed in society that makes it ok for people to treat others with disrespect, contempt, abusive language, and complete anger? What used to be unacceptable twenty years ago is now all too common. Why?
Today at my work, a customer called to [incorrectly] complain about a product he had received. When he was told that he was actually in error, he began vilifying three of my management staff, calling them F***n this, and F***n that; yelling; calling them liars; abusively berating them for something that was actually due to a customer error, and nothing we had done.
I was called in to deal with this customer. I gathered all the info I needed, and then took his call. This gentleman lit right into me, and furthered his previous (and now ongoing) beratement of my managers.
I quickly and firmly interrupted him and stated that "Do not talk about my employees like that. It is disrespectful, and I won't tolerate it." At this point, he began directing his anger at me, and started calling me a liar, and insisted I pass him up the line of command, which I refused to do. He then hung up on me; so I left. He then started harassing my managers by calling repeatedly and demanding to speak with me. When he was told I was no longer in the office, this man's tirade started anew.
At this point, I told my managers to make a police complaint. We had the man's phone number, business address, and name. Needless to say, but the next time he called, one of my managers told him that we were calling the police and filing a complaint. He stopped calling; but the complaint was filed anyway.
My question again, Why is it ok to treat others with such contempt and disrespect? It's bad enough when this happens in your personal life, but is compounded when it involves business customers. And this guy was 100% in error in his complaint. Yet, it was our fault. What gives?
We are all born with an innate sense of right and wrong. We know it; we feel it when making both good and bad decisions. Somewhere along the way, some people begin to ignore that sense of right vs. wrong, and go stomping about intent on seeing that everyone hears about how they were wronged, and someone's gotta pay!
It seems to me that this attitude is beginning to filter ever increasingly out into mainstream America. People who used to accept little mistakes (perceived or real) and say, 'That's ok. What can we do to fix it?' are beginning to take offense at comments, body language, even vocal intonations--many of which are completely innocent. Why? What has changed?
As I go about my everyday life, I increasingly notice a pervading sense of selfishness all around me. I try, and I mean really try, not to let myself get caught up in it. It would certainly be easy enough to slip into. This selfishness takes many forms like impatience while driving; ignoring servers in restaurants; demanding satisfaction if something doesn't go your way; berating business employees (even when you are completely in the wrong); extreme and avoidable neighbor issues; treating department store employees like chattle; etc, etc, etc.
If I'm wrong, tell me...but I know that I'm not. This observation is spot on. Its going on every day, and is getting worse with each passing year.
So you might be asking yourself, "What can I do about this?" Well, start with yourself. See if this behavior is infiltrating your everyday life. Then, stop doing whatever, and start living by example. We cannot change everyone we see because we want to. We can only change ourselves, and live by example, hoping that we can influence a few people along the way. If enough people subscribe to this belief and practice it, then things will change...slowly thought it may be.
But if we do nothing and expect change to happen, then we are merely deluding ourselves and will only witness the societal changes worsening year after year. I for one want society to adopt a more tolerant stance in everything we do. Will it happen? Will this change be achievable? I doubt it; but in the mean time, I will try, every single day, to be the best person I can, and to always be aware of how I treat others.
No, I'm not perfect, nor will I ever claim to be. But how I treat others in voice and action is important in my everyday life. I expect to be treated with respect, and I will do my best to treat others the same way. If I don't, then I have failed to follow that innate sense of right and wrong that we are all born with, and am no better than this gentleman that I was forced to deal with today.
Today at my work, a customer called to [incorrectly] complain about a product he had received. When he was told that he was actually in error, he began vilifying three of my management staff, calling them F***n this, and F***n that; yelling; calling them liars; abusively berating them for something that was actually due to a customer error, and nothing we had done.
I was called in to deal with this customer. I gathered all the info I needed, and then took his call. This gentleman lit right into me, and furthered his previous (and now ongoing) beratement of my managers.
I quickly and firmly interrupted him and stated that "Do not talk about my employees like that. It is disrespectful, and I won't tolerate it." At this point, he began directing his anger at me, and started calling me a liar, and insisted I pass him up the line of command, which I refused to do. He then hung up on me; so I left. He then started harassing my managers by calling repeatedly and demanding to speak with me. When he was told I was no longer in the office, this man's tirade started anew.
At this point, I told my managers to make a police complaint. We had the man's phone number, business address, and name. Needless to say, but the next time he called, one of my managers told him that we were calling the police and filing a complaint. He stopped calling; but the complaint was filed anyway.
My question again, Why is it ok to treat others with such contempt and disrespect? It's bad enough when this happens in your personal life, but is compounded when it involves business customers. And this guy was 100% in error in his complaint. Yet, it was our fault. What gives?
We are all born with an innate sense of right and wrong. We know it; we feel it when making both good and bad decisions. Somewhere along the way, some people begin to ignore that sense of right vs. wrong, and go stomping about intent on seeing that everyone hears about how they were wronged, and someone's gotta pay!
It seems to me that this attitude is beginning to filter ever increasingly out into mainstream America. People who used to accept little mistakes (perceived or real) and say, 'That's ok. What can we do to fix it?' are beginning to take offense at comments, body language, even vocal intonations--many of which are completely innocent. Why? What has changed?
As I go about my everyday life, I increasingly notice a pervading sense of selfishness all around me. I try, and I mean really try, not to let myself get caught up in it. It would certainly be easy enough to slip into. This selfishness takes many forms like impatience while driving; ignoring servers in restaurants; demanding satisfaction if something doesn't go your way; berating business employees (even when you are completely in the wrong); extreme and avoidable neighbor issues; treating department store employees like chattle; etc, etc, etc.
If I'm wrong, tell me...but I know that I'm not. This observation is spot on. Its going on every day, and is getting worse with each passing year.
So you might be asking yourself, "What can I do about this?" Well, start with yourself. See if this behavior is infiltrating your everyday life. Then, stop doing whatever, and start living by example. We cannot change everyone we see because we want to. We can only change ourselves, and live by example, hoping that we can influence a few people along the way. If enough people subscribe to this belief and practice it, then things will change...slowly thought it may be.
But if we do nothing and expect change to happen, then we are merely deluding ourselves and will only witness the societal changes worsening year after year. I for one want society to adopt a more tolerant stance in everything we do. Will it happen? Will this change be achievable? I doubt it; but in the mean time, I will try, every single day, to be the best person I can, and to always be aware of how I treat others.
No, I'm not perfect, nor will I ever claim to be. But how I treat others in voice and action is important in my everyday life. I expect to be treated with respect, and I will do my best to treat others the same way. If I don't, then I have failed to follow that innate sense of right and wrong that we are all born with, and am no better than this gentleman that I was forced to deal with today.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Shutting a Freeway for A Fallen Officer
A little over a week ago a terrible thing happened in North Central Washington when a man gunned down 6 innocent people, one of which was a police officer. It was a horrendous unfolding of events that sent shock waves through communities in and around Mount Vernon, WA.
A few days ago, as an honor for the fallen officer, the Washington State Patrol (one of THE finest State Law Forces in the nation) temporarily shut down a portion of Interstate 5 so the funeral procession could travel safely, and as an act of honoring the slain officer.
On Sunday, a "wonderful citizen" of the area wrote a letter of complaint to the Seattle Post Intelligencer stating how ridiculous it was that the freeway was shut down (briefly), and how inconvenienced he was. He was so incensed by the action of the State Patrol that he is considering filing a complaint regarding the whole matter.
What the #@&%?!!
Is this man really serious? Does he have one ounce of compassion for not only this officer, but for her family, or even for the civilians killed as well? So he was late getting to where he needed to be; big deal. So he was upset because of the traffic back-up; what a shame.
This man needs to put his priorities in line. When we feel we are inconvenienced because we have to wait for a funeral procession that also honors someone who has died defending us, then something is seriously wrong with us.
Human compassion is inherent in all of us. Whether we personally know someone who has died or not, we all pause to think about them even if only for a few seconds. Tell me I'm wrong.
I think that this individual needs to put aside his irritation at being inconvenienced. He needs to just stop and think, only for a few seconds. And in doing so, I would hope that he finds it in his heart to realize that his annoyance was unjustified, and just plain wrong.
It is a very sad statement on us all when basic human compassion and kindness is over-ridden by impatience, annoyance, and wrongly placed anger. Sad indeed.
A few days ago, as an honor for the fallen officer, the Washington State Patrol (one of THE finest State Law Forces in the nation) temporarily shut down a portion of Interstate 5 so the funeral procession could travel safely, and as an act of honoring the slain officer.
On Sunday, a "wonderful citizen" of the area wrote a letter of complaint to the Seattle Post Intelligencer stating how ridiculous it was that the freeway was shut down (briefly), and how inconvenienced he was. He was so incensed by the action of the State Patrol that he is considering filing a complaint regarding the whole matter.
What the #@&%?!!
Is this man really serious? Does he have one ounce of compassion for not only this officer, but for her family, or even for the civilians killed as well? So he was late getting to where he needed to be; big deal. So he was upset because of the traffic back-up; what a shame.
This man needs to put his priorities in line. When we feel we are inconvenienced because we have to wait for a funeral procession that also honors someone who has died defending us, then something is seriously wrong with us.
Human compassion is inherent in all of us. Whether we personally know someone who has died or not, we all pause to think about them even if only for a few seconds. Tell me I'm wrong.
I think that this individual needs to put aside his irritation at being inconvenienced. He needs to just stop and think, only for a few seconds. And in doing so, I would hope that he finds it in his heart to realize that his annoyance was unjustified, and just plain wrong.
It is a very sad statement on us all when basic human compassion and kindness is over-ridden by impatience, annoyance, and wrongly placed anger. Sad indeed.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Who Should We Believe In?
Who should we, as a voting constituency, believe in while assessing the best possible candidates for President and Vice President of the United States? Only two choices remain: John McCain, and Barak Obama.
On the former, Senator McCain has been in public service for most of his adult life. He has served the State of Arizona well over the years. He is an honorable, and decorated veteran of our Armed Forces. He has helped write and push legislation through Congress. He has vast experience in the Federal Government. He would seem to be a good choice.
On the other hand, the Electorate of this great Country is tired of the Repulican way of doing things. In eight years of Republican leadership we are in debt that our great grand-children will be paying off; we have begun raping our environment in an effort to be "energy independent;" we are in a war that was proven to be completely groundless as the current Administration distorted and created truths in their successful attempts to enter into the Iraq war; our Consumer Spending Index is the worst its been in 22 years; our educational system is a joke as discticts around the country scuttle arts and other electives in order to meet the No Child Left Behind joke of a law that doesn't even work (just so they(the districts) don't lose federal funding); homelessness is at its highest level since the Great Depression; and the average American Taxpayer is having a difficult time paying bills and feeding their families because of unconcionably high energy, transportation, and labor costs.
Since GW took office nearly eight years ago, we have not imroved as a nation, we have slipped backwards while a few
politicians and corporate bigwigs are living high off the hog as they pillage America's resources, jobs, and family budgets.
So, with Mr. McCain, we are being asked to continue to support the Republican Agenda that got us where we are today. Hmmmmmm....
Now, on the Democratic side we have Senator Barak Obama. He is a one-term Senator from Illinois who has limited leadership experience, has failed to do any real lawmaking in the Senate, but who is a very convincing and persuasive orator who has won the hearts of most (but certainly not all) Democrats in the land. He is untested, but has some great ideas. I think I'd term him an "idealist" with plans to 'clean up Washington (D.C.).'
After listening to the young Senator from Illinois, I can't get a clear picture of any specifics he wants to address. He seems to be merely whipping up Americans into a frenzy about fixing things, but does so with what appears to be an empty bag of plans. Hmmmm...
On the Vice Presidential side, Joseph Biden (for the Democrats) has years of Senate experience; is a proven lawmaker with America's best interest at heart, and has the foreign diplomacy experience that Mr. Obama lacks.
On the former, Senator McCain has been in public service for most of his adult life. He has served the State of Arizona well over the years. He is an honorable, and decorated veteran of our Armed Forces. He has helped write and push legislation through Congress. He has vast experience in the Federal Government. He would seem to be a good choice.
On the other hand, the Electorate of this great Country is tired of the Repulican way of doing things. In eight years of Republican leadership we are in debt that our great grand-children will be paying off; we have begun raping our environment in an effort to be "energy independent;" we are in a war that was proven to be completely groundless as the current Administration distorted and created truths in their successful attempts to enter into the Iraq war; our Consumer Spending Index is the worst its been in 22 years; our educational system is a joke as discticts around the country scuttle arts and other electives in order to meet the No Child Left Behind joke of a law that doesn't even work (just so they(the districts) don't lose federal funding); homelessness is at its highest level since the Great Depression; and the average American Taxpayer is having a difficult time paying bills and feeding their families because of unconcionably high energy, transportation, and labor costs.
Since GW took office nearly eight years ago, we have not imroved as a nation, we have slipped backwards while a few
politicians and corporate bigwigs are living high off the hog as they pillage America's resources, jobs, and family budgets.
So, with Mr. McCain, we are being asked to continue to support the Republican Agenda that got us where we are today. Hmmmmmm....
Now, on the Democratic side we have Senator Barak Obama. He is a one-term Senator from Illinois who has limited leadership experience, has failed to do any real lawmaking in the Senate, but who is a very convincing and persuasive orator who has won the hearts of most (but certainly not all) Democrats in the land. He is untested, but has some great ideas. I think I'd term him an "idealist" with plans to 'clean up Washington (D.C.).'
After listening to the young Senator from Illinois, I can't get a clear picture of any specifics he wants to address. He seems to be merely whipping up Americans into a frenzy about fixing things, but does so with what appears to be an empty bag of plans. Hmmmm...
On the Vice Presidential side, Joseph Biden (for the Democrats) has years of Senate experience; is a proven lawmaker with America's best interest at heart, and has the foreign diplomacy experience that Mr. Obama lacks.
As far as I am aware, Mr. Biden has no major flaws, and seems to be a man of character. He has a good track record of Public Service, but has himself run at the Presidency, which may cause contention in the White House.
On the oppositions side, Governor Sarah Palin looks comfortable in the role for which she was nominated. She is a convincing orator, but has herself fairly limited Executive type experience. She comes from a major oil state (which plays right into the Rebulican agenda), but seems to be an every-day mom and wife doing the best she can each day.
What all this comes down to folks, is choice. Who will we choose to lead this Country. There are positives and negatives with each candidate (and running mates). The choice is not easy.
But I urge you to study the respective agendas of both candidates. I urge you to ask questions. I urge you to register to exercise your right and priveledge to vote. Then, on election day, make no excuses; get out and vote; because then, and only then, can you complain if things aren't going well.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
The RNC
Well, I watched tonights Republican National Convention speech by Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, and I must say that I am extremely impressed. Whomever wrote the speech did an exceptional job. But it was Gov. Palin's delivery that impressed me most.
She was calm, relaxed (at least on the outside), and her command of the lecturn really started me thinking about the upcoming Presidential election in a more earnest way.
With every election, we have to think about not only who the next President could be, but also who will take over as President in the (unlikely) event that something happens, and the Vice President must assume the office.
Tonight, I saw just how wise a choice it was of Senator McCain to align himself with Mrs. Palin. She is well-spoken; deliberate in her words; and really has an air of quiet confidence about her that tells me that in a crisis, she would be an outstanding leader.
We all still have much to think about as the election draws near. The Governor's speech tonight was definitely the highlight of the long campaign, thus far.
I encourage all of you to be sure you register to vote, and subsequently, exercise your freedom of choice by casting your ballot. Until then, educate yourselves about the people, the issues, and the future of this country.
She was calm, relaxed (at least on the outside), and her command of the lecturn really started me thinking about the upcoming Presidential election in a more earnest way.
With every election, we have to think about not only who the next President could be, but also who will take over as President in the (unlikely) event that something happens, and the Vice President must assume the office.
Tonight, I saw just how wise a choice it was of Senator McCain to align himself with Mrs. Palin. She is well-spoken; deliberate in her words; and really has an air of quiet confidence about her that tells me that in a crisis, she would be an outstanding leader.
We all still have much to think about as the election draws near. The Governor's speech tonight was definitely the highlight of the long campaign, thus far.
I encourage all of you to be sure you register to vote, and subsequently, exercise your freedom of choice by casting your ballot. Until then, educate yourselves about the people, the issues, and the future of this country.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
What a Pal...
Have you heard the news about the Bush Administration’s plans for how much longer they wanted out soldiers in Iraq? What was supposed to be a 5-year mission has turned into a 6 year conflict, with three more still to go; and possibly more beyond that if the Iraqi Government triggers the option for our armed forces to remain even longer.
First, I read this morning that Bush and Cheney (and Cronies) tried to negotiate our continued military presence there until 2015! Excuse me?!!!! Whatever happened to “Five Years?” Further, who will benefit from our continued presence? Obviously the first thing that comes to mind is Iraq. There still is much to be done.
Secondly, what comes to my mind is Haliburton, the main company providing services and supplies to our forces. When the US first proposed the rebuilding of Iraq {following the “end of the war”) President Bush assured the country that they would perform an open bid on contracting for the goods and services required to rebuild infrastructure, and continue the supplying of what troops remained in Iraq.
Then, before we know it, the Administration (?) gave a no-bid contract to Haliburton, the company our overbearing Vice President ran before he became VP, and in which he holds huge stock options. What the #@&%?!!!! What happened to the “Open Bid process” that we were promised? Why weren’t other companies allowed to get their proverbial foot in the door?
To me, the answer is very simple. This current Presidential Administration was looking out for its own. Dick Cheney, already a millionaire many times over, saw the opportunity to make hundreds of millions more by putting his company in charge of the contracts. President Bush granted the wish of his biggest Crony, and assured his friend Mr. Cheney guaranteed income for years to come. What a pal.
The losers here? Well, I see two…First, the Iraqi people. Haliburton has been raking in billions over the last 6 years, and little has been accomplished in the rebuilding of Iraq. Second, the American taxpayer is footing the bill to pay Haliburton (and vicariously, lining Cheney’s pockets) for their services which to me have already been inadequate.
Where is the accountability this contractor should be having to the American people? Why are they not answerable for the seeming wastage of OUR money? Why is Congress allowing Haliburton to continue their exclusive contracts?
It seems that there is a BIG fox in the henhouse, and it is being allowed to feast on everything inside…for as long as it wants. I sure am glad that our President is watching over the American people as closely as he watches over the bank accounts of his closest friends. It’s comforting to know that my tax dollars are expanding the interests of Mr. Cheney and Cronies.
Thanks Dubya! What a pal…
First, I read this morning that Bush and Cheney (and Cronies) tried to negotiate our continued military presence there until 2015! Excuse me?!!!! Whatever happened to “Five Years?” Further, who will benefit from our continued presence? Obviously the first thing that comes to mind is Iraq. There still is much to be done.
Secondly, what comes to my mind is Haliburton, the main company providing services and supplies to our forces. When the US first proposed the rebuilding of Iraq {following the “end of the war”) President Bush assured the country that they would perform an open bid on contracting for the goods and services required to rebuild infrastructure, and continue the supplying of what troops remained in Iraq.
Then, before we know it, the Administration (?) gave a no-bid contract to Haliburton, the company our overbearing Vice President ran before he became VP, and in which he holds huge stock options. What the #@&%?!!!! What happened to the “Open Bid process” that we were promised? Why weren’t other companies allowed to get their proverbial foot in the door?
To me, the answer is very simple. This current Presidential Administration was looking out for its own. Dick Cheney, already a millionaire many times over, saw the opportunity to make hundreds of millions more by putting his company in charge of the contracts. President Bush granted the wish of his biggest Crony, and assured his friend Mr. Cheney guaranteed income for years to come. What a pal.
The losers here? Well, I see two…First, the Iraqi people. Haliburton has been raking in billions over the last 6 years, and little has been accomplished in the rebuilding of Iraq. Second, the American taxpayer is footing the bill to pay Haliburton (and vicariously, lining Cheney’s pockets) for their services which to me have already been inadequate.
Where is the accountability this contractor should be having to the American people? Why are they not answerable for the seeming wastage of OUR money? Why is Congress allowing Haliburton to continue their exclusive contracts?
It seems that there is a BIG fox in the henhouse, and it is being allowed to feast on everything inside…for as long as it wants. I sure am glad that our President is watching over the American people as closely as he watches over the bank accounts of his closest friends. It’s comforting to know that my tax dollars are expanding the interests of Mr. Cheney and Cronies.
Thanks Dubya! What a pal…
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