It's probably pretty hard to find a Mom who didn't tell her kids that if they can't find something good to say about someone they shouldn't say anything at all....
By the same token if Mom were completely honest she should have added that if they know something dangerous about someone they are honor bound to warn other people about it.
Some of us see things in the current administration that could be dangerous not only to us as individuals, but as a nation.
This President has admitted how much he enjoys Air Force I--right from the "gitgo" as they say, it appeared to be one of his favorite things. Great perk! Not many folks have those kinds of service from their servants. How many private individuals have bodyguards ready to take a bullet for them?
Are these the kinds of perks what makes our President feel like royalty? To make people wait for anyone time after time is the mark of a power player showing how important he/she is. (Remember that old saw about being nice to folks on the way up because you will probably be meeting them on the way down?)
Example of making people wait: the cadets at West Point had to wait 3 hours to be sure things were secure for the president. You've got to be kidding! What about the Social Secretary who didn't spend the time necessary to check guest lists as they used to in that horrible Bush White House? That Security was thought to be better than West Point????
And why do we see him constantly touching people? Has he no respect for their personal space? Or does he think they should be honored that he would deign to touch them?
The President and all his Czars is very reminiscent of the old European court days when the Emperors and Kings had their nobility around at their beck and call for their entertainment and service. This is worrisome.
Busy times coming this month--
God bless...........
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Republicans: United and Divided
Today provided evidence of both in that attendance was required at both a Republican County Executive Committee meeting and a Republican State Party Committee meeting. Many times there is lively discussion as well as disagreement in coming to common ground. And sometimes it takes a rather long time and patience to deal with them.
Michigan Party chair, Ron Weiser, probably put the definition to rest comparing the members of the party to the members of a family. Family unity plus sibling rivalry with all of the ups and downs encompassing family life being a great example of the party.
The other "expert" I would draw on would be when Ronald Reagan said that if we agree on 90% of the issues, we should be working together. The only problem I would see with that would be with the totally single issue voter and there's no arguing with them--and we have them on both sides of the aisle so they probably cancel each other out.
Somehow common sense has to prevail but knowing that some of the issues involve an emotional response means we have to demonstrate how we have the answers to both. Without getting too far off base we need to remember that God endowed each of us with unique talents and intelligence and that coupled with the environment in which we live certainly makes diversity of opinion a basic position at odds with each other.
As has been said "Democracy is not a spectator sport" and we need to realize that it is not easy either. It takes much time and discernment to study a question and not depend on snap judgments in making decisions as to candidates or issues.
This is a cop out, isn't it? The poll referred to in Larry's Facebook question wasn't exactly 50-50, but it certainly wasn't that far apart. All I can say is that we all have our work cut out for ourselves in the next 12 months. It seems that every year we find ourselves saying that "this is the most important election in our lifetimes."
Hope your weekend is going well--
God bless...........
Michigan Party chair, Ron Weiser, probably put the definition to rest comparing the members of the party to the members of a family. Family unity plus sibling rivalry with all of the ups and downs encompassing family life being a great example of the party.
The other "expert" I would draw on would be when Ronald Reagan said that if we agree on 90% of the issues, we should be working together. The only problem I would see with that would be with the totally single issue voter and there's no arguing with them--and we have them on both sides of the aisle so they probably cancel each other out.
Somehow common sense has to prevail but knowing that some of the issues involve an emotional response means we have to demonstrate how we have the answers to both. Without getting too far off base we need to remember that God endowed each of us with unique talents and intelligence and that coupled with the environment in which we live certainly makes diversity of opinion a basic position at odds with each other.
As has been said "Democracy is not a spectator sport" and we need to realize that it is not easy either. It takes much time and discernment to study a question and not depend on snap judgments in making decisions as to candidates or issues.
This is a cop out, isn't it? The poll referred to in Larry's Facebook question wasn't exactly 50-50, but it certainly wasn't that far apart. All I can say is that we all have our work cut out for ourselves in the next 12 months. It seems that every year we find ourselves saying that "this is the most important election in our lifetimes."
Hope your weekend is going well--
God bless...........
Friday, December 4, 2009
Right Michigan - Guy Thing?
I probably missed the posting that introduced the new writers who are taking Nick's place and perhaps that's the reason I just don't get it sometimes.
That bit about the squirrel seemed a little like what, with four boys in the house, I used to call 7th grade humor. The grosser the better and whoever could make Mom react was the winner for the day. Did anyone react to that? Undoubtedly all guys.
I've noticed several connections to the Mackinac Center over time, but again, what interests you guys isn't the same as what I bring up from time to time.
I could be wrong but I'm wondering if there isn't a distinct difference in the way the women look at a subject as opposed to men. Especially if that woman is heading into her 8th decade.
A friend has asked for reactions to the Washington Post's observations on the status of the Republican party. I'm going to wait a couple of days to see if the difference is as apparent as I expect it will be.
I'm watching--
God bless..........
That bit about the squirrel seemed a little like what, with four boys in the house, I used to call 7th grade humor. The grosser the better and whoever could make Mom react was the winner for the day. Did anyone react to that? Undoubtedly all guys.
I've noticed several connections to the Mackinac Center over time, but again, what interests you guys isn't the same as what I bring up from time to time.
I could be wrong but I'm wondering if there isn't a distinct difference in the way the women look at a subject as opposed to men. Especially if that woman is heading into her 8th decade.
A friend has asked for reactions to the Washington Post's observations on the status of the Republican party. I'm going to wait a couple of days to see if the difference is as apparent as I expect it will be.
I'm watching--
God bless..........
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Job Providers Not Included?
First off, why does it take so long for the President to act? How long does it take him to recognize a problem? And how many people does he have to ask for advice or wait for them to tell him what to do? This is getting tiresome.
We first heard that the Afghanistan War was legitimate. Then we let it simmer for awhile. Then he named his own General. Then he received advice or a request for additional troops. Then he "deliberated" for 3 months. Then he goes to West Point to give another speech even though the White House had leaked the substance before he arrived. Then he telegraphed the end game so the terrorists can plan their strategy based on the information. We can only assume that he has the speech laying the blame on someone else in the can already.
We've been in a recession ever since he took office. He named a whole bunch of Czars to figure out what to do. They keep the TARP fund at less than a $trillion. And now months later they still haven't used any more than about 20% of the stimulus monies. The jobs "created or saved" so far are unionized government jobs which may or may not be permanent. Other jobs have been found to be in nonexistent districts or more than exist in any given sector and although it's been in the news, no comment has come from the White House.
Finally he decides to have a Job Summit. The participants are generally think tank types or union members. He gives a speech which includes a remark indicating that he will listen to any "demonstrably" workable idea. And how do you demonstrate something before it has been tried? And are these ideas to come from the types invited to the summit who have never offered anyone a job in their lives? Newt Gingrich has been having Regional Summits with job providers. Will Obama take the credit if Newt is successful? Of course.
And don't get started on health care. He drops the idea into the conversation, tells Congress to work on it and waits, and waits, and waits and tells everyone to hurry up. That nothing else can be finished until health care is taken care of. Great excuse!
And before I forget: The post a few days ago concerning employees of pre-school facilities becoming public service employees if anyone who receives public assistance pays with public funds has been one-upped by the Feds. They are planning
to unionize all health care employees. It work like this: ALL EMPLOYEES WHO PROVIDE HOME CARE MUST AGREE TO BE RECLASSIFIED AS FEDERAL EMPLOYEES, IN ORDER TO BECOME ELIGIBLE FOR FEDERAL REIMBURSEMENTS, WITH COMPULSORY UNION MEMBERSHIP AND DUES ATTACHED. This to be established under the Department of Health and Human Services in exchange for allowing "Private" providers access to federal reimbursements.
So there you have it. Business as usual. Life in the Obama Slow Lane.
God bless........
We need all the help we can get.
We first heard that the Afghanistan War was legitimate. Then we let it simmer for awhile. Then he named his own General. Then he received advice or a request for additional troops. Then he "deliberated" for 3 months. Then he goes to West Point to give another speech even though the White House had leaked the substance before he arrived. Then he telegraphed the end game so the terrorists can plan their strategy based on the information. We can only assume that he has the speech laying the blame on someone else in the can already.
We've been in a recession ever since he took office. He named a whole bunch of Czars to figure out what to do. They keep the TARP fund at less than a $trillion. And now months later they still haven't used any more than about 20% of the stimulus monies. The jobs "created or saved" so far are unionized government jobs which may or may not be permanent. Other jobs have been found to be in nonexistent districts or more than exist in any given sector and although it's been in the news, no comment has come from the White House.
Finally he decides to have a Job Summit. The participants are generally think tank types or union members. He gives a speech which includes a remark indicating that he will listen to any "demonstrably" workable idea. And how do you demonstrate something before it has been tried? And are these ideas to come from the types invited to the summit who have never offered anyone a job in their lives? Newt Gingrich has been having Regional Summits with job providers. Will Obama take the credit if Newt is successful? Of course.
And don't get started on health care. He drops the idea into the conversation, tells Congress to work on it and waits, and waits, and waits and tells everyone to hurry up. That nothing else can be finished until health care is taken care of. Great excuse!
And before I forget: The post a few days ago concerning employees of pre-school facilities becoming public service employees if anyone who receives public assistance pays with public funds has been one-upped by the Feds. They are planning
to unionize all health care employees. It work like this: ALL EMPLOYEES WHO PROVIDE HOME CARE MUST AGREE TO BE RECLASSIFIED AS FEDERAL EMPLOYEES, IN ORDER TO BECOME ELIGIBLE FOR FEDERAL REIMBURSEMENTS, WITH COMPULSORY UNION MEMBERSHIP AND DUES ATTACHED. This to be established under the Department of Health and Human Services in exchange for allowing "Private" providers access to federal reimbursements.
So there you have it. Business as usual. Life in the Obama Slow Lane.
God bless........
We need all the help we can get.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Paddling in the Pool
The only real exercise I get is the "better than sitting on the couch" kind involved in paddling around the pool hoping it's true that the extra effort of moving through water does require a bit of work and reaps a little more benefit as well.
The neat thing is that you can be constantly moving and still are able to talk to the person next to you in the class about all kinds of things. Discussions involving books, politics, education, etc., etc.
This morning a friend who is a retired teacher shared insights into attending teacher's union conventions and when I got home and checked the newspaper found that the MEA is in a bit of a pickle. They're in the red by about $124 million but say it's a not to worry situation. It has only to do with interest rates dropping and they are still able to support the pension fund. Really?
Apparently there aren't any other unions in the Midwest having the same kind of problem and there should be more to this story. Makes me wonder if three of their executives pulling down over a quarter of a million dollars each could have any impact on the bottom line. Just under half of the 343 employees are taking home six figure incomes. We're told the raises came after a 4 year freeze due to the lower interest rates and subsequent effect on the pension fund.
Circular reasoning, anyone? We need to watch this.
I'm about a third of the way through proofing "the book" so may make a December print after all.
Sleep well--
God bless...........
The neat thing is that you can be constantly moving and still are able to talk to the person next to you in the class about all kinds of things. Discussions involving books, politics, education, etc., etc.
This morning a friend who is a retired teacher shared insights into attending teacher's union conventions and when I got home and checked the newspaper found that the MEA is in a bit of a pickle. They're in the red by about $124 million but say it's a not to worry situation. It has only to do with interest rates dropping and they are still able to support the pension fund. Really?
Apparently there aren't any other unions in the Midwest having the same kind of problem and there should be more to this story. Makes me wonder if three of their executives pulling down over a quarter of a million dollars each could have any impact on the bottom line. Just under half of the 343 employees are taking home six figure incomes. We're told the raises came after a 4 year freeze due to the lower interest rates and subsequent effect on the pension fund.
Circular reasoning, anyone? We need to watch this.
I'm about a third of the way through proofing "the book" so may make a December print after all.
Sleep well--
God bless...........
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
How Westerners Look At and Win Wars
Victor Hanson, Fellow at Hillsdale, Stanford, professor at CSU Fresno, and on and on is featured in this month's Imprimis from Hillsdale College. The entire piece can be accessed at hillsdale.edu/imprimus and well worth your time.
After a quick and dirty description of historical Western ways of war he lists five traditional checks that are intensified today.
1-The Western tendency to limit the ferocity through rules and regulations.
2-There is no "monolithic" West, only a conglomeration.
3-Parisitism which is a nice way to say the theft of ideas.
4-The ever present anti-war movement from our freedom of dissent.
5-"Symmetry" defining the differences between the soldiers/fighters. Example: compare the young college or even West Point grad against a young kid who doesn't value life in the same way and is poorer than the poorest citizen of our country.
Trust me, you'll learn more in 5-10 minutes than a semester course anywhere else.
From the sublime to the ridiculous:
I called Levin's office to ask politely why Section 3209 would be amended from allowing people to add their own money on top of Medicare to get a better plan to not being able to do so with Secretary of Health and Human Services having unlimited discretion to refuse to allow such plans. (This was in section 1175 of the House bill as well.)
I called the Lansing office--no answer.
I called the Detroit office and have never, and I mean never, been treated so rudely in my life. This kid wouldn't let me get the question out of my mouth. He kept saying I was reading a bill that wasn't in effect-words to that effect. I kept saying "please let me speak" and he just started the tirade over and over again until I just hung up. I couldn't get in a word.
I called the Washington office--no answer.
I called the Escanaba office and the lady said she would get the answer from Washington and let me know.
And this guy supposedly works for us.
Try to keep your spirits up--
God bless.........
After a quick and dirty description of historical Western ways of war he lists five traditional checks that are intensified today.
1-The Western tendency to limit the ferocity through rules and regulations.
2-There is no "monolithic" West, only a conglomeration.
3-Parisitism which is a nice way to say the theft of ideas.
4-The ever present anti-war movement from our freedom of dissent.
5-"Symmetry" defining the differences between the soldiers/fighters. Example: compare the young college or even West Point grad against a young kid who doesn't value life in the same way and is poorer than the poorest citizen of our country.
Trust me, you'll learn more in 5-10 minutes than a semester course anywhere else.
From the sublime to the ridiculous:
I called Levin's office to ask politely why Section 3209 would be amended from allowing people to add their own money on top of Medicare to get a better plan to not being able to do so with Secretary of Health and Human Services having unlimited discretion to refuse to allow such plans. (This was in section 1175 of the House bill as well.)
I called the Lansing office--no answer.
I called the Detroit office and have never, and I mean never, been treated so rudely in my life. This kid wouldn't let me get the question out of my mouth. He kept saying I was reading a bill that wasn't in effect-words to that effect. I kept saying "please let me speak" and he just started the tirade over and over again until I just hung up. I couldn't get in a word.
I called the Washington office--no answer.
I called the Escanaba office and the lady said she would get the answer from Washington and let me know.
And this guy supposedly works for us.
Try to keep your spirits up--
God bless.........
Monday, November 30, 2009
Write a Book-No Talent Necessary
Not trying to tell you how to live your life, but within the last few weeks many people have shared the same regret--that we didn't ask our parents questions about their lives, hopes, dreams and all that stuff.
So if you're getting on in years, it's time to either talk to your kids or write some of your own history to leave for them. And if you're young, it's time to start asking questions and taking notes. It doesn't matter who does the writing just so it gets recorded for the next generation.
I can tell you this: it's extremely rewrding and will move you from tears to laughing out loud! I can also tell you that it is much easier to share by written rather than spoken word. It gives you a chance to search for just the right descriptive terms or just the right level of emotion.
At the computer when you're all alone you can relive the best of times and the worst of times and realize that you can control the level of honesty and judgment, but somehow you'll not be able to fudge the truth. There would be no point in doing this if it were not a completely open discourse. There's also the possibility that you may want to just ignore a particular incident because it would do no good at this particular point to cause anyone pain--for what purpose?
I haven't reached any critical decision making and I'm almost finished. I'm thinking that with large families it's pretty tough to keep secrets. Somebody's always gonna tell.....
When I decided to do this and told my husband, his reaction was "Well, you'd better hurry up!" When I'm finished I plan to advise the kids that if they want their dad's memories they're going to have to interview him--this is just not his favorite past time. And then I'm going to tell them "You'd better hurry up!"
God bless..........
So if you're getting on in years, it's time to either talk to your kids or write some of your own history to leave for them. And if you're young, it's time to start asking questions and taking notes. It doesn't matter who does the writing just so it gets recorded for the next generation.
I can tell you this: it's extremely rewrding and will move you from tears to laughing out loud! I can also tell you that it is much easier to share by written rather than spoken word. It gives you a chance to search for just the right descriptive terms or just the right level of emotion.
At the computer when you're all alone you can relive the best of times and the worst of times and realize that you can control the level of honesty and judgment, but somehow you'll not be able to fudge the truth. There would be no point in doing this if it were not a completely open discourse. There's also the possibility that you may want to just ignore a particular incident because it would do no good at this particular point to cause anyone pain--for what purpose?
I haven't reached any critical decision making and I'm almost finished. I'm thinking that with large families it's pretty tough to keep secrets. Somebody's always gonna tell.....
When I decided to do this and told my husband, his reaction was "Well, you'd better hurry up!" When I'm finished I plan to advise the kids that if they want their dad's memories they're going to have to interview him--this is just not his favorite past time. And then I'm going to tell them "You'd better hurry up!"
God bless..........
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