The Last Best Hope Lives

Baseball - as American as apple pie, and the girl next door. American heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and just like Rick Monday - they lead by example. Sometimes you know them by their words - but you remember them for their actions.

Bearing the name of a hero, or an icon, doesn't necessarily make you one - as Kathleen Kennedy Townsend proved last week when she authored Without A Doubt for Newsweek. She wrote of President Obama's meeting with Pope Benedict XVI, claiming that President Obama represents Catholic Americans better than the Pope. I almost choked on my coffee.

Ms Townsend believes that Obama's "pragmatic approach to divisive policy," (referring to abortion) and his "social justice agenda" (meaning homosexual rights) better reflect Catholic laity than vocal Catholic Bishops and Pro-Life activists. Before proceeding I must interject a facetious - Nice. She touts that we Catholics can relax knowing that Obama's on our side, adding that Obama can teach the Pope. OhmiGod!

I feel it's safe to say that Ms Townsend would be right there, shoulder to shoulder, with the G8 Leaders pledging not to allow the Earth's temperature to rise more than 3.6 degrees F. For their next act - President Obama and the G8 will part the Red Sea.

Nice to remember that those voices may have the microphone, but they do not speak for the rest of us.

I remember when saying the name, Jesus Christ, wasn't offensive. When the act of sex was not touted and elevated as a "right," but was left to the intimacy of the bedroom. When children were taught the value of our flag, believing that our nation was the best hope of men on earth - giving them the responsibility to live a life worthy of the sacrifice of those who have gone before them to protect it, and an equal chance at the American dream.

Apology and appeasement, pragmatic approaches to divisive policy, and sex as a social justice agenda may have the microphone, but not all of our ears, or hearts. Just because the shades of gray are increasing in our culture, it does not signal that the light of truth does not exist. A large bulleton board, in the Narthex of my church, bearing the names and photographs of those in our community currently serving our country in Iraq and Afgahanistan - lead by example. They come in all shapes and sizes. They have picked up our flag, and charge ahead by example - a loud voice over any microphone - One Nation Under God.

"A nation which can prefer disgrace to danger is prepared for a master and deserves one." - Alexander Hamilton.

Fertility Chauvinism

President Obama's Science Czar, John Holdren, believes the government has the right to determine your fertility. A book he co-authored in 1977 advocates forced abortion, and mass sterilization needed to SAVE our planet. Of course, the book was in response to a crisis 30 years ago of "over population" - a crisis that existed only in the mind and imagination of Mr Holdren. To learn more about the book, and Mr Holdren's views, visit HERE.

The man who would deny any individual their unalienable right to self-determination, was appointed by President Obama to be Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, and Co-Chair of the President's Council for Science and Technology. So much for raising Science to its rightful place.

Would I be over reaching to think that those who consider themselves to be Pro-Choice, also believe in their individual right to self-determination? Well, the President's appointed Science Czar does not believe that you - whether a Pro-Life or Pro-Choice American has that right. He reserves the right of fertility to the government - all in the name of SAVING our planet. First it was "over population," now it's "green house gases." Brace yourself, and find a way to control the CO2 and methane you're emitting into the atmosphere - because Mr Holdren, who sits at the right hand of our President representing Science, values Mother Earth (which includes vegetation and animal life) above Mankind. He naturally excludes himself, and those of the elite, just not you - one of the great unwashed.

Ginsberg Gaffe or Hand on the Bible Truth

Ruth, Ruth, Ruth.... and the liberal "Joe Biden slip." Was it a gaffe? Or just the liberal plain truth? Justice Ginsberg told the NY Times that she believed that Roe vs Wade to be a type of population control. Just who are the people "that we don't want to have too many of," Ruth? Hmmm...

I've read some believe, and argue that Ruth was referring to children of color, since a hugely disproportionate number of abortions are of black (3x the ratio compared to white girls and women) and Hispanic children. (see HERE) But I think, just like our House Speaker - Nancy Pelosi, Ruth was referring to children of lower socio-economic class.

Abortions by age are higher in adolescents under the age of 15 than any other group. What struck me most about that statistic was CRIME - the unreported statutory rape of young girls, who are victimized twice because they are too young to provide consent - first for sex, and second for the disposal of life before the first draw of breath.

So what is the Liberal agenda? Under the claim of "equal treatment" for the poor, they want society to fund abortion with tax dollars. Or is the agenda really about ridding society of people "that we don't want too many of?" The poorest and most vulnerable among us - the babies - receive no health benefit at all. (sign Family Research Council petition HERE)

Liberals, those on the Left, speak out of both sides of their mouth, while robbing your wallet, your Liberty, and your very souls.

Smartronix Baloney

So last night watching cable news, I learned that we are spending $18 million to redesign the Recovery.gov website. What? Did he just say $18 MILLION? On web design?

It was eerily reminiscent of conversations exchanged years ago with my college age children. A 5 year contract was awarded to Smartronix, a Maryland IT firm, to redesign an already functioning web site. I'm in the wrong darn business. A web site whose very address Vice President Joe Biden can't remember. Will $18 MILLION improve his memory? How is this money to be spent? What in the world costs so much? Where is the transparency? Was Smartronix the lowest bid? Or is this just some political pay back?

Joe's in charge. Biden, that is. Excuse me, Mr. Biden, but did you know that Fedspending.org, a database that monitors our federal budget was constructed by the Sunlight Foundation for only $334,272? I guess it comes as no revelation that private industry always out performs our government.

Joe, you talk in the above You Tube video about "following the money," about 'transparency," about "exposing those" who don't use the money appropriately, claiming it's a "matter of discipline." Who's watching you, Joe? Who is going to demand our government act responsibly? That's discipline. I KNOW - discipline is a chore for both child and parent. When a child is grounded, so is the parent. But I'd really like to see the itemized bill for this web site redesign. I'd like to see the other company bids - that would be transparency. Or am I just suppose to relax and know that you're watching out for me? Because you're trying to develop a "stronger middle class?" WELL, I'VE NEVER FELT WEAKER! I'VE NEVER BEEN IN WORSE SHAPE! YOU"RE DRIVING ME RIGHT INTO THE POOR HOUSE! Give a child too much money and leeway, and this is what happens.



Excuses, excuses. Just because everyone else misread the economy, that's no excuse - buster. You're in charge! Do you know what that means? Answer me. 120 days in, and this is what you do? What? WHAT? You want more money? A second stimulus? So you can go out and waste it on some web design? Unbelievable. I thought I raised you to have more sense. Tell me I didn't hear you just ask for more money. Do you think I have a money tree out back? I work hard for that money. "Pretty well managed" is obviously not managed enough, especially if you can spend $18 MILLION on a web site. Just what were you thinking? What's that you say? I got a tax cut in my pay stub? Watch your mouth, buster. Just who do you think you're talking too? How about you build your web site on the supposed $68 I got in savings?

Some of the money is going to be wasted, you say? I say - how about YOU EARN what you're wasting, then we'll talk. More jobs in the next 100 days? If this is what you've done in the first hundred, I won't be ALIVE in the next to see what kind of damage your capable of. Of all of the hair brain ideas - this is the worst. $18 million on a web site. No matter what you do - 30% of your action is wrong? That's all you have to say for yourself? This isn't the end, Mister - wait until your father gets home!

Definition of Insanity

Education is a large part of my job as a visiting nurse, primarily adult education. "Hands-on" practice, and visualization are really helpful for adult learners. Today we're concentrating on visualization, and using it to tell a story. Stories are memorable, and great for recall. That's one reason why today I'm sharing with you the You Tube videos of Mathias Shapiro, of Political Math.

I love the above You Tube video. Explaining the National Debt using a road trip analogy is fantastic. Pure genius. I found it really interesting that under President Truman we reduced the debt. I didn't realize that, I'm embarrassed to admit. Then we can plainly see what happens to our country when one party rules. Under President GW Bush and a Republican Congress we sped up to 64 mph. Whoa! Compared to President Clinton (D) and a Republican Congress at a mere 18mph. But the best for last - a Democratic controlled government - I lost my hat at the jack rabbit start - 174 mph! And isn't it strange - no media outcry. The media pounded Bush for going 64 mph, but Obama? Media silence. Must be those G-forces that got their tongues.



Health care, health care, health care. Don't you love how politicians lump the words "health care" in place of "health insurance?" We're really talking about insurance here folks. Not health care. Although if you listen to politicians and our media - the two separate ideas are lumped together as one in the same. Our government wants to expand their insurance business or industry. More power. I particularly love Mathias' point here - instead of fixing the two out of control government programs that we already have (Medicare and Medicaid), our Democratic controlled government just wants yet another out of control program. Great visualization of $600 billion over 10 years.

Ah, the story. Told to us with the easily recognizable Lego. The grand kids love those giant size Lego blocks. This video explains what will happen to us all if our Democratic controlled government enacts their universal health insurance plan - as compared to the plan enacted in the State of Massachusetts. And remember the Massachusetts Health Reform Bill, which required nearly all residents to buy state government health insurance or face the loss of their tax exemption - was signed into law under Mitt Romney. Just pointing that out because the problem with the Republican party today is that they don't look very different from Democrats. They're like Laurel and Hardy, blaming each other for the fine mess we're all in. Unfortunately today We the People find ourselves in the voting booth, casting a vote against a platform rather than for a platform.

There you have it, California - here we come! Insanity - repeating the same act over and over again, expecting a different result.

We're Not In Kansas Anymore

President Obama campaigned on "change." He won. Under our transformational President, we are witnessing the "change" from "of the people, by the people, for the people" to government over people. After the takeover of our banking, auto, and housing industry, it's onward toward energy and healthcare. Where is President Obama and his fellow Democrats getting support for this takeover? The Communist Party of America. I kid you not. Dan Margolis, CPA's leader in NY, claims that the Obama Presidency is the biggest continuation of the Communist spirit in a generation. (see HERE)

At first that statement struck me as odd. Then I read the Communist Party Platform of 2004 (see HERE), and I swear I can't tell the difference between their platform and the current one supported by the Democrats. We have a myriad of agreement between the two parties from the Employee Free Choice Act and socialized medicine for all, to massive pre-K funding and no privatization of Social Security. Amazing, isn't it? The CPA has found a Dear Leader.

George Washington's warning that government "is a dangerous servant and fearful master" has been supplanted with "From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs."

That leaves us with a dilemma folks - stand up for Freedom and Liberty, or wake up in Socialist USA.

Buyer Beware

Before DH left for work this morning we had a brief discussion on free trade. Neither of us have been carrying a protectionism view of "Made in America" only. Yet we both adamantly agree - Free trade should not equal substandard crap. The crap I'm referring to is tainted Chinese dry wall. To date, 20 States have filed reports with the Consumer Product Safety Commission regarding sulfur emitting Chinese drywall. They include: Florida, Louisiana, Virginia, Alabama, Arizona, California, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, NJ, NY, No. Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia. (see HERE)


Remember the once innocuous "Made in China" label? Meaning you didn't necessarily fear the product, but knew it to be cheap. Substandard. Crap. Basically - you got what you paid for. While that could still hold true today, one thing has changed - the "Made In China" label should come with a skull and crossbones warning. Tainted Chinese drywall emits carbonyl sulfide and carbon disulfide which has caused home owners numerous health issues from nosebleeds to headaches, eye irritation, sore throat, stuffy nose, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, insomnia, and dizziness. Children and those suffering from COPD (chronic obstructive lung disease) are more likely to feel the effects. The EPA is currently testing 3 homes in Florida and 3 in Louisiana to determine whether the dry wall should be declared a health and safety hazard. (see HERE) The Federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, an arm of the CDC, has released a guide for physicians with questions about tainted dry wall.



So while they are scratching their heads in Florida, the Carter family in Baton Rouge, Louisiana are moving out of their home, built with tainted Chinese dry wall, after hurricane Katrina. The sulfur emitting dry wall corrodes household appliances. The Carters lost their air conditioning after one year of living there. They lost their dish washer in six months. It has corroded copper pipes and coils, and has blackened and pitted silver. (see HERE) They fear the harsh economic consequences - their $250,000 home is worthless, they haven't the estimated $70,000 needed to replace the dry wall - so they are seeking remediation through the courts. The small building companies claim they haven't the funds available to replace the product, adding they were unaware of the hazard. They fear bankruptcy of their companies and other health suits filed by their employees who were exposed to the product unprotected during construction.

On top of this fine mess, we have the husband and wife owners of ChemNutra Inc. (along with two other Chinese companies) pleading guilty to federal charges of distributing tainted pet food. (see Here) The dog food was tainted with wheat gluten laced with melamine, responsible for numerous animal deaths.

Then we have the story of the Chinese cheese grater that was contaminated with Cobalt 60 (see HERE), which is equal radiation to having a chest xray every 36 hours. Five government agencies (US Dept. of Energy, US EPA, US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, US Consumer Product Safety Commission, and US Customs and Border Protection) say they haven't any power to release a recall of the product. Apparently the cheese grater has fallen into a regulatory gap. Then there's that 430,000 lbs. of steel laced with Cobalt 60 that has made its way into the US via Brazil. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune's solution is calling for yet another governmental regulatory agency, when apparently the agencies we already have aren't doing their jobs.

What's most amazing about these stories is watching our government at work. It's like watching the SWAT team at Columbine. They are so busy establishing their perimeter - scratching their heads, doing their "testing," saying "that's not my job" - while health and financial injuries are being sustained by the very folks they are trying to serve. Why anyone looks to the government for salvation is beyond me. Remember Flight 93 on 9-11? A reminder of who we are as a people - of personal responsibility and resourcefulness, of teamwork.

Like the Carters, DH and I would move our immediate family out and into the home of extended family, while cutting all family expenditures - devoting all of our finances and energy to replacing every bit of dry wall, until it was safe to reclaim our home. While I can appreciate the need to know who's responsible, I wouldn't have the time or resources to pursue that thought as my family would have more immediate needs. Perhaps we'd build a neighborhood association / coalition - the power of many united, working as one to get the job done. American ingenuity is far superior to anything "Made In China."

There by the Grace of God, go I. Fortunately for us, we aren't facing the Carter family's problems, or the ones confronting Florida's Gomez and Cox families (God be with them), but I can tell you that "Made In China" has taken on a whole new meaning. Buyer Beware.