I've been reading To Set the Record Straight: How Swift Boat Veterans, POWs and the New Media Defeated John Kerry, by Scott Swett and Tim Ziegler. I'm a little over 1/3 of the way through it, and I can't put it down.
It is a chronological history of the process of how the Swift Boat vets got started, how they mobilized vets to provide their contribution to the book and website, and how the Kerry campaign responded to their refutation of his "story" - and, story it was.
Some of this, I had heard about during the campaign; most of this was new to me. If all that you have heard about Vietnam was that it was an unpopular war filled with dastardly American war criminals - I urge you to read it.
One down side of the Kindle is that you can't easily lend someone a book that you have enjoyed, as you can with the physical copies. Very little conservative reading is available at libraries or through e-book loans. I'd like some latter-day Conservative Carnegie to set up a matching donation program - for every dollar raised locally, a matching amount would be donated to improving the library's collection.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Monday, May 27, 2013
Scandalous Times
The term "scandalous" has lost much of its panache; in a time when big-name politicians can, without a blush, blatantly lie about matters related to their office, does the word have any meaning for the public?
Apparently so. At least, when the scandals pile up upon each other, and the president is so gauche as to threaten one of the Holy Media.
The interesting thing about looking at the record is that it's hard to cage the examination. Once started, the press has begun to fall over themselves to be the first to point out THE SAME OUTRAGES THE CONSERVATIVES HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT FOR OVER 4 YEARS!
Sorry for the caps; I just lose it, sometimes.
In no specific order:
[A 501(c)(3) qualified nonprofit organization is not allowed to be involved in politics, so steer clear. Political nonprofit groups operate separately from this classification. Organizations that either support or oppose political candidates may face an excise tax or may even risk losing their tax-exempt status. The Internal Revenue Service offers guidelines at www.irs.gov/charities.]
Amazingly, Newt Gingrich is a voice of reason. He points out that "getting even" or even impeachment is NOT the goal. On CNN, Newt said:
Apparently so. At least, when the scandals pile up upon each other, and the president is so gauche as to threaten one of the Holy Media.
The interesting thing about looking at the record is that it's hard to cage the examination. Once started, the press has begun to fall over themselves to be the first to point out THE SAME OUTRAGES THE CONSERVATIVES HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT FOR OVER 4 YEARS!
Sorry for the caps; I just lose it, sometimes.
In no specific order:
- The AP government snooping scandal.
- The drone war - when Rand Paul (that's the son, who appears both rational and electable) filibustered, asking for answers about apparently unconstitutional killing of American citizens without due process, for the media, it was all a big yawn. He's still asking questions, and people are starting to listen. On ABC with Martha Raddatz, Paul says that there is:
...still a question in my mind of what he (Obama) thinks due process is. Due process to most of us is a court of law, it is a trial by jury. And, right now, their process is him looking at some flash cards and a PowerPoint on ‘Terror Tuesdays’ at the White House.
- In all fairness, some in Congress (Rep. Peter King is a prime example) don't want the drone program eliminated. There is some discussion about whether killing of American citizens as a by-product of targeting terrorists is regrettable, but not illegal, or is totally wrong.
- BTW, I'm one who believes that the "protest" of the Code Pink activist was a put-up job. Obama could have kept her out, or chosen to let security do its thing. He didn't; he wanted her to speak her piece, so he could have an opportunity to address a topic that is of interest to many in his camp.
- The IRS targeting Tea Party and other conservative activist groups, which included - slowing down to a crawl approval of 501(c) status. (See rules below) Interestingly, Code Pink - the very essence of a completely political organization - DOES have that 501(c)(3) status. If the rule was applied the same for both conservative and liberal organizations, I'd have no problem with it. However, fair means FAIR - no giving advantage to groups you like, while denying that status to those you don't.
[A 501(c)(3) qualified nonprofit organization is not allowed to be involved in politics, so steer clear. Political nonprofit groups operate separately from this classification. Organizations that either support or oppose political candidates may face an excise tax or may even risk losing their tax-exempt status. The Internal Revenue Service offers guidelines at www.irs.gov/charities.]
- BTW, some clarification for those who don't understand why this is so important. 501(c)(4) organizations are very similar in their tax status. Conservative organizations don't want that status, because their membership and donor lists would become public, giving Leftists a chance to harass them, threaten members/donors employment/education/life. (That link - a GREAT source of balanced news - has ALL ends of the political spectrum. I like it because I get to read a range of news/opinion - something that is lacking from most newspapers/news shows)
Amazingly, Newt Gingrich is a voice of reason. He points out that "getting even" or even impeachment is NOT the goal. On CNN, Newt said:
I think this is a really important moment for Republicans in particular to make a decision: Is this a gotcha moment or is this a major educational opportunity?
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Memorial Day, 2013
This year, I have 2 vets to remember.
The first, my dad, was in WWII. He served in the artillery, which likely contributed to the major hearing loss he suffered from in his senior years. Even when younger, he consistently turned the TV to a fairly loud setting.
I've spent some time looking into his service - apparently, his unit was moved around a bit, and the command changed several times. He did serve in the Battle of the Bulge. He told my mother (she later told me) that he had seen some of the survivors of the concentration camps; it so haunted him that he buried the memory for years.
He mostly told funny stories of his time in the war:
So, the sanitized version of war that I received was not unlike that of many other children. Later, in school and in photomagazines, we saw some of the more grim facets (although in black and white).
My dad died after a long, and largely successful battle with cancer. At 60, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer - that type usually kills within a short time. He elected to try an experimental surgery, and survived another 16 years.
Dad was affected by his service, but was able to re-build his life after the war. He married, raised a family, and enjoyed a wide circle of long-time friends.
My brother's war was one that was televised - the Vietnam War. He was not a combat soldier, but repaired the mobile communications equipment. However, he did serve in a combat zone, and saw and experienced much of the stress that comes with war zones.
Like my dad, he didn't talk much about the war, other than a few funny stories. Like my dad, he didn't join the VFW. Instead, he found a job, and tried to blend into society.
He was partly successful, for a time. He functioned, although he never married or had children. He had one long-time girlfriend; after they broke up, she married someone else. To my knowledge, he never had another serious relationship.
Fairly early on, he started drinking. For a long time, he kept his consumption manageable - going to bed with a buzz on, saving the major drinking for the weekends. Over time, it accelerated.
After a major life crisis (his best friend died), he started deteriorating. He eventually lost his job, his house, and what life he had. He started living on the streets.
He was on the streets for about 10 years. Some of that time, he'd find a temporary place to live - a shelter, a few days with an acquaintance, or he would talk his way into staying with a family member.
My brother and sister took the brunt of the work of dealing with his alcoholism. They fed him, sometimes housed him, and, when they could no longer live with the chaos his presence caused, made the decision to ban him from living with them.
It had to be hard to watch my brother destroy any hope of a life. He would show up at their door, dirty, hungry, and confused. Sometimes, they would let him in for a shower and a meal.
He bounced around for many years. As soon as he got access to money, he spent it on booze - one major reason that I WON'T give money to bums. The VA was helpful, and he went to rehab multiple times - always returning to his ways after checking out.
Just before he died, he was assisted in getting into an apartment. For years, every winter, I worried about him freezing to death in the streets. He was just 63 when he died.
There are too many vets like my brother, who just never manage to get back to a normal life after service. I can't fault the VA, who did all that they could to help him recover.
In his case, isolation was a major factor. He was a man with few friends, even before the war. He lacked many of the social ties that anchor men, and help them adjust. He was an introvert, a loner, and a man who used alcohol to ease him into social situations. With booze, he could talk freely with women (not QUITE as bad as Raj on The Big Bang Theory, but close).
He liked children well enough, at a distance. He didn't want children, his own or otherwise, and that had to limit his potential female partners. He didn't date women with children.
In some ways, he was a throwback. Loners were common enough in the early days of the United States. Being disinclined to socialize was not that unusual, particularly in the more isolated frontier or the mountains.
His burial, at the Western Reserve National Cemetery, was beautifully done. By his choice, he was cremated, and the urn was to be placed in a setting with his fellow soldiers. The people at the cemetery spoke about him and his service, and he received an honor guard volley.
After the service, we went back to my sister's house, and dealt with the paperwork and talked. One VERY funny moment occurred when we had to decide what inscription/symbol to put on his marker. The inscription was easy, but the symbol was tough.
Mary and I wanted this - as a SERIOUS Star Trek nut, Mike would have LOVED it.
Ron talked us out of it - after a LOT of discussion. We decided on an eagle.
Still, I know that Mike would have preferred the "Live Long and Prosper" symbol.
The first, my dad, was in WWII. He served in the artillery, which likely contributed to the major hearing loss he suffered from in his senior years. Even when younger, he consistently turned the TV to a fairly loud setting.
I've spent some time looking into his service - apparently, his unit was moved around a bit, and the command changed several times. He did serve in the Battle of the Bulge. He told my mother (she later told me) that he had seen some of the survivors of the concentration camps; it so haunted him that he buried the memory for years.
He mostly told funny stories of his time in the war:
- Cutting across a minefield to avoid being late for dinner
- Coming across a barn with SS uniforms left behind. He and his buddy tried them on, and admired their panache. He almost got shot by another soldier who saw the uniform - fortunately, the other soldier fooling around was his buddy, Red, and the hair made the soldier hesitate in pulling the trigger.
- He had little to say that was good about the French - he thought them crude and vulgar. He did admire the German people - even after bombing, the housewives would rise in the morning and sweep the steps, walk, and street.
So, the sanitized version of war that I received was not unlike that of many other children. Later, in school and in photomagazines, we saw some of the more grim facets (although in black and white).
My dad died after a long, and largely successful battle with cancer. At 60, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer - that type usually kills within a short time. He elected to try an experimental surgery, and survived another 16 years.
Dad was affected by his service, but was able to re-build his life after the war. He married, raised a family, and enjoyed a wide circle of long-time friends.
My brother's war was one that was televised - the Vietnam War. He was not a combat soldier, but repaired the mobile communications equipment. However, he did serve in a combat zone, and saw and experienced much of the stress that comes with war zones.
Like my dad, he didn't talk much about the war, other than a few funny stories. Like my dad, he didn't join the VFW. Instead, he found a job, and tried to blend into society.
He was partly successful, for a time. He functioned, although he never married or had children. He had one long-time girlfriend; after they broke up, she married someone else. To my knowledge, he never had another serious relationship.
Fairly early on, he started drinking. For a long time, he kept his consumption manageable - going to bed with a buzz on, saving the major drinking for the weekends. Over time, it accelerated.
After a major life crisis (his best friend died), he started deteriorating. He eventually lost his job, his house, and what life he had. He started living on the streets.
He was on the streets for about 10 years. Some of that time, he'd find a temporary place to live - a shelter, a few days with an acquaintance, or he would talk his way into staying with a family member.
My brother and sister took the brunt of the work of dealing with his alcoholism. They fed him, sometimes housed him, and, when they could no longer live with the chaos his presence caused, made the decision to ban him from living with them.
It had to be hard to watch my brother destroy any hope of a life. He would show up at their door, dirty, hungry, and confused. Sometimes, they would let him in for a shower and a meal.
He bounced around for many years. As soon as he got access to money, he spent it on booze - one major reason that I WON'T give money to bums. The VA was helpful, and he went to rehab multiple times - always returning to his ways after checking out.
Just before he died, he was assisted in getting into an apartment. For years, every winter, I worried about him freezing to death in the streets. He was just 63 when he died.
There are too many vets like my brother, who just never manage to get back to a normal life after service. I can't fault the VA, who did all that they could to help him recover.
In his case, isolation was a major factor. He was a man with few friends, even before the war. He lacked many of the social ties that anchor men, and help them adjust. He was an introvert, a loner, and a man who used alcohol to ease him into social situations. With booze, he could talk freely with women (not QUITE as bad as Raj on The Big Bang Theory, but close).
He liked children well enough, at a distance. He didn't want children, his own or otherwise, and that had to limit his potential female partners. He didn't date women with children.
In some ways, he was a throwback. Loners were common enough in the early days of the United States. Being disinclined to socialize was not that unusual, particularly in the more isolated frontier or the mountains.
His burial, at the Western Reserve National Cemetery, was beautifully done. By his choice, he was cremated, and the urn was to be placed in a setting with his fellow soldiers. The people at the cemetery spoke about him and his service, and he received an honor guard volley.
After the service, we went back to my sister's house, and dealt with the paperwork and talked. One VERY funny moment occurred when we had to decide what inscription/symbol to put on his marker. The inscription was easy, but the symbol was tough.
Mary and I wanted this - as a SERIOUS Star Trek nut, Mike would have LOVED it.
Ron talked us out of it - after a LOT of discussion. We decided on an eagle.
Still, I know that Mike would have preferred the "Live Long and Prosper" symbol.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Before You Judge Someone...
...walk a mile in his shoes.
Have you ever talked about someone you KNOW is EVIL - a RACIST, a GAY-HATER, a HATE-THE-POOR person?
Someone, like, perhaps, Rush Limbaugh?
In other words, you've judged them.
Fair enough. You actually listened to what they had to say, and made your decision.
Oh, you didn't? You never listened to them (for more than a few seconds), read their writings, or interacted with them in any way?
Then, how do you know all that about them? From other people? Who, maybe, made their decision on the basis of NO information?
Gee, sounds like pre-judgement to me. Which, you may realize, is the same as prejudice.
Folks, I don't like Obama's policies, character, or actions. But, before I made a decision about him, I learned about him. I read Dreams From My Father AND The Audacity of Hope. I listened to what he had to say. Only after that, did I make a judgement.
In other words, I EARNED the right to decide about his character, his actions, his philosophy.
When he makes a speech, or provides his side of an issue, I always go to the transcript. I don't believe in filtering my information. In other words, I get my information from the horse's mouth.
I know MANY people who trash-talk Rush and Palin, who know NOTHING about them, other than what has been said/written in the partisan press. They couldn't tell you what their position is on any given topic, what the state of investigations against them ultimately showed, what they said (as opposed to what a Saturday Night Live character said), or even listened to them for 15 lousy minutes straight, without dismissively changing the channel, snarking about their "stupidity".
Let's see - refusing to learn about a topic, but insisting that your opinions about that topic are valued and important.
Who's stupid?
If I sound angry, I am, a little. I'm sick of people who feel that they can trash-talk people (and laugh about sexual rape of them) who have done them no wrong. People who, whether or not you agree with them, have earned the right to respect for them as one of God's children. Who should NOT have their garbage picked through, their emails hacked, their neighborhood invaded by snoops, or their family publicly held up to shame.
Ask yourself: would you be OK with shaming Malia, should she become pregnant before marriage?
Do you think Mary, mother of Jesus, should have her name written on churches "Mary is a slut - LOL!"
If you don't speak up, you're as guilty as those that engage in this low-class, partisan behavior.
I would probably NOT vote for Palin for President, although I do enjoy her straight talk - I think she's better doing what she is - raising funds for Republicans, appearing on TV occasionally.
But, she does NOT deserve the abuse she gets.
As for another conservative that has been savaged by the Liberal Left, I've never listened to Rush Limbaugh. Don't generally listen to the radio, and am not generally free in his time slot.
Yes, when he had back pain, he eventually moved to abusive levels of Oxycontin. He should have been dealt with like other first-time offenders - slap on the wrists, and treatment.
Instead, the SAME PEOPLE who argue for leniency for drug users who aren't White and Rich, howled for his imprisonment.
Instead, the Dogs of the Liberal Left started their frenzied barking to get him HARD TIME.
Why? Because he's an unashamed conservative.
The Leftists base their morality on class and race. If you're not in one of their favored categories, you deserve to have the load of bricks fall on you.
Still HATE Rush? Why don't you try what another Liberal did, when confronted with an opposing opinion? He examined the record, and used his brain constructively.
Have you ever talked about someone you KNOW is EVIL - a RACIST, a GAY-HATER, a HATE-THE-POOR person?
Someone, like, perhaps, Rush Limbaugh?
In other words, you've judged them.
Fair enough. You actually listened to what they had to say, and made your decision.
Oh, you didn't? You never listened to them (for more than a few seconds), read their writings, or interacted with them in any way?
Then, how do you know all that about them? From other people? Who, maybe, made their decision on the basis of NO information?
Gee, sounds like pre-judgement to me. Which, you may realize, is the same as prejudice.
Folks, I don't like Obama's policies, character, or actions. But, before I made a decision about him, I learned about him. I read Dreams From My Father AND The Audacity of Hope. I listened to what he had to say. Only after that, did I make a judgement.
In other words, I EARNED the right to decide about his character, his actions, his philosophy.
When he makes a speech, or provides his side of an issue, I always go to the transcript. I don't believe in filtering my information. In other words, I get my information from the horse's mouth.
I know MANY people who trash-talk Rush and Palin, who know NOTHING about them, other than what has been said/written in the partisan press. They couldn't tell you what their position is on any given topic, what the state of investigations against them ultimately showed, what they said (as opposed to what a Saturday Night Live character said), or even listened to them for 15 lousy minutes straight, without dismissively changing the channel, snarking about their "stupidity".
Let's see - refusing to learn about a topic, but insisting that your opinions about that topic are valued and important.
Who's stupid?
If I sound angry, I am, a little. I'm sick of people who feel that they can trash-talk people (and laugh about sexual rape of them) who have done them no wrong. People who, whether or not you agree with them, have earned the right to respect for them as one of God's children. Who should NOT have their garbage picked through, their emails hacked, their neighborhood invaded by snoops, or their family publicly held up to shame.
Ask yourself: would you be OK with shaming Malia, should she become pregnant before marriage?
Do you think Mary, mother of Jesus, should have her name written on churches "Mary is a slut - LOL!"
If you don't speak up, you're as guilty as those that engage in this low-class, partisan behavior.
I would probably NOT vote for Palin for President, although I do enjoy her straight talk - I think she's better doing what she is - raising funds for Republicans, appearing on TV occasionally.
But, she does NOT deserve the abuse she gets.
As for another conservative that has been savaged by the Liberal Left, I've never listened to Rush Limbaugh. Don't generally listen to the radio, and am not generally free in his time slot.
Yes, when he had back pain, he eventually moved to abusive levels of Oxycontin. He should have been dealt with like other first-time offenders - slap on the wrists, and treatment.
Instead, the SAME PEOPLE who argue for leniency for drug users who aren't White and Rich, howled for his imprisonment.
Instead, the Dogs of the Liberal Left started their frenzied barking to get him HARD TIME.
Why? Because he's an unashamed conservative.
The Leftists base their morality on class and race. If you're not in one of their favored categories, you deserve to have the load of bricks fall on you.
Still HATE Rush? Why don't you try what another Liberal did, when confronted with an opposing opinion? He examined the record, and used his brain constructively.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Work - Full-time, Part-time
It's been a long year. I've been watching the employment figures, which make no sense compared to the people I know. According to the stats on unemployment, we are improving steadily.
But, when I compare that "improvement" with people I know to be looking for work - the numbers just don't match.
Certainly, SOME people are improving their situation. I've gotten a job in the last year, my husband has likewise moved from unsteady part-time jobs to full-time. Even my son, a young man in the middle of the Guess-what-just-fell-in-on-me group of White, skilled semi-unemployed males, has FINALLY moved to a full-time job.
They liked him at work - they just couldn't afford to pay him more, or give him more hours, until their business improved. Which, finally, it has.
But, we're the exceptions. Most long-term unemployed or underemployed are NOT finding full-time work.
For Conservatives, the answer is self-evidently Obamacare. Liberals dispute this.
Perhaps this graphic below will make the connection clear.
But, when I compare that "improvement" with people I know to be looking for work - the numbers just don't match.
Certainly, SOME people are improving their situation. I've gotten a job in the last year, my husband has likewise moved from unsteady part-time jobs to full-time. Even my son, a young man in the middle of the Guess-what-just-fell-in-on-me group of White, skilled semi-unemployed males, has FINALLY moved to a full-time job.
They liked him at work - they just couldn't afford to pay him more, or give him more hours, until their business improved. Which, finally, it has.
But, we're the exceptions. Most long-term unemployed or underemployed are NOT finding full-time work.
For Conservatives, the answer is self-evidently Obamacare. Liberals dispute this.
Perhaps this graphic below will make the connection clear.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Reading On the Trip
I got smart and downloaded two books I've wanted to read for some time (I regularly put books on my Wish List for future purchases).
The first, Lift at the Bottom, by Theodore Dalrymple, is a true treasure. I enjoyed it because it focused on specific examples of areas in which British culture has coarsened, cheapened, and declined, as well as WHY the social policies - so beloved by Leftists, and so thoroughly put into play in modern Great Britain - have led, not to Paradise, but to a figurative Dante's Inferno.
Leftists identified lack of money as a problem - therefore, money is given to those who haven't a job. If they got a job, they'd have to work, but get no more money than they had prior to employment. This financial support can exist indefinitely.
Is it really a surprise that they stay unemployed?
Similarly, housing is provided, free of cost to the "poor" - many of whom have LOTS more money to spend than the working people. Just like in American public housing, trash, condoms, and "adult" beverage bottles are everywhere.
Not surprised? You might be a potential conservative...
An even more disturbing outcome of the Welfare State is that family life is disintegrating. Few bother to get married. Each child is another mouth for the PUBLIC to feed, so who cares? Family dinner hour is virtually nonexistent - along with the life lessons imparted there.
Dalrymple interviews many criminals in the course of his work - he is also a medical doctor. Few of the people he talks to take any responsibility for their actions - whether it's committing a crime, fathering/birthing a child, drifting from one place to another, drinking/drugging, or helping their children to acquire the skills to succeed in life. All of life's decisions and responsibilities have been abdicated to the State, along with the blame when their lives turn out badly.
Great Britain started this process before the USA. I'm hopeful, but not confident, that we can learn from their mistakes before it's too late to stop the process.
I strongly urge all to read this book. In harrowing detail, it is a warning of what WILL happen here, if Leftists are not stopped.
The other book I've been reading (just started) is Bullies by Ben Shapiro. Leftists worry about bullies - by which they mean those nasty people who disagree with them, even those who take no action, speak respectfully, and act civilly. What they do NOT worry about are the MANY bullies of the Left:
Many, if not most, of these actions are of questionable legality. Some of the governmental actions are unconstitutional. All use force to achieve Progressive goals.
The first, Lift at the Bottom, by Theodore Dalrymple, is a true treasure. I enjoyed it because it focused on specific examples of areas in which British culture has coarsened, cheapened, and declined, as well as WHY the social policies - so beloved by Leftists, and so thoroughly put into play in modern Great Britain - have led, not to Paradise, but to a figurative Dante's Inferno.
Leftists identified lack of money as a problem - therefore, money is given to those who haven't a job. If they got a job, they'd have to work, but get no more money than they had prior to employment. This financial support can exist indefinitely.
Is it really a surprise that they stay unemployed?
Similarly, housing is provided, free of cost to the "poor" - many of whom have LOTS more money to spend than the working people. Just like in American public housing, trash, condoms, and "adult" beverage bottles are everywhere.
Not surprised? You might be a potential conservative...
An even more disturbing outcome of the Welfare State is that family life is disintegrating. Few bother to get married. Each child is another mouth for the PUBLIC to feed, so who cares? Family dinner hour is virtually nonexistent - along with the life lessons imparted there.
Dalrymple interviews many criminals in the course of his work - he is also a medical doctor. Few of the people he talks to take any responsibility for their actions - whether it's committing a crime, fathering/birthing a child, drifting from one place to another, drinking/drugging, or helping their children to acquire the skills to succeed in life. All of life's decisions and responsibilities have been abdicated to the State, along with the blame when their lives turn out badly.
Great Britain started this process before the USA. I'm hopeful, but not confident, that we can learn from their mistakes before it's too late to stop the process.
I strongly urge all to read this book. In harrowing detail, it is a warning of what WILL happen here, if Leftists are not stopped.
The other book I've been reading (just started) is Bullies by Ben Shapiro. Leftists worry about bullies - by which they mean those nasty people who disagree with them, even those who take no action, speak respectfully, and act civilly. What they do NOT worry about are the MANY bullies of the Left:
- Government - which is increasingly using underhanded tactics against dissenters. This includes the IRS, police (SWATTING is directed almost solely against conservative dissenters), and the courts. Even if provably innocent of charges, the cost of litigation forces most to make a settlement.
- Media - You may HATE Sarah Palin. However, the vicious tactics used against her, her family, and her private life, which reached a level of anti-woman hate crime FAR worse than any endured by ANY Leftist - and I specifically include Hillary Clinton - was laughed off as deserved by many Democrats, Progressives, and Liberals.
NO person - man or woman - should have to endure being referred to as "cunt", "bitch", "mother of a retard", or other slur. But she was - often and unashamedly. Her daughters were referred to as "whores" (were they Liberals, they would be "brave, free, and courageous").
Would she have been at least as good a VP as Biden? She could hardly be worse. He regularly gives evidence of non-functional brain cells. Notice that I disparaged him WITHOUT using profanity, trashing his very accomplished wife, or commenting on the sex life of anyone related to him?
The Left might take that as an example of how to fight political fights without hitting below the belt. - Thought Crimes - better NOT even think less than approving thoughts about Gays or other "protected" minorities. Don't DARE use words that might be confused with slurs (can we say "niggardly"), belong to a church that disapproves of homosexual activities, or complain that students who have not demonstrated verifiable qualifications are accepted into programs before other, less privileged minorities - like Jews and Asians.
The Left will come out in force to destroy your business, your employment, your reputation, your home and your neighborhood (picketers think nothing of terrorizing children living in your house by gathering in thuggish groups, trespassing, and refusing to leave when ordered by police). MIchelle Malkin had to move her family due to having her home address published. This a a woman who gets DEATH THREATS against herself and her family. What does she do? She publishes a conservative blog.
Many, if not most, of these actions are of questionable legality. Some of the governmental actions are unconstitutional. All use force to achieve Progressive goals.
Friday, March 1, 2013
I Have Been Blessed
In my life, I have been blessed:
Nothing else special in this - I just wanted to express my gratitude for all that God has given me.
- I have a roof over my head. True, it did come with a big mortgage, but I am sleeping warm at night.
- Along with the above, my neighbors are great, and watch out for the neighborhood.
- I have enough to eat - so much so, that I am having to spend energy on dieting.
- I have money from my job to pay for that mortgage and other things. True, I was unemployed for almost 7 months this year, and had to dip into retirement savings, but I had savings to dip into.
- The job I have now is the best I've ever had - great co-workers, good kids, excellent administration. I have to pinch myself to make sure that it's not a dream.
- I have good kids and wonderful grandkids (yes, I DID notice that the adjectives changed, but that's due to the fact that I don't HAVE to discipline my grandkids). They're working and making lives for themselves.
- I have a husband who has stuck by me for many years. He is supportive of my endeavors (in general), and we're currently on our 39th anniversary year.
- BTW, over the last 1-1/2 years, my youngest grandchild has moved from illiterate to literate - it's amazing, that transformation that happens in so short a time. God bless K-3 teachers!
- I live in America. On an American's WORST day, they're living better than perhaps 90% of the world. Our poor people live better than middle-class people in most of the world.
- I have 24/7 access to the Internet. For a reading junkie like me, this is like living in a crack library.
- I belong to a strong and caring Catholic community - both at my church, and through association with others - in my daughter's community, in the parishes we attend when traveling, and on the Internet. Bless them all.
Nothing else special in this - I just wanted to express my gratitude for all that God has given me.
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