I had been looking for this for awhile and could not remember who made the quote. I paraphrase it often and never get it right. Now that I have it again, I include it here.
“A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves money from the Public Treasury. From that moment on the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the Public Treasury with a result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy always followed by a dictatorship. The average age of the world’s greatest civilizations has been 200 years. The nations have progressed through the following sequence: From bondage to spiritual faith, to great courage, to liberty, to abundance, to selfishness, to complacency, to apathy, to dependency, back to bondage.” [Alexander Fraser Tytler, 1748-1813, From “The Decline and Fall of the Athenian Republic”]
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
The Holiday Season
Well, I have been out of pocket a little bit lately. Got sick with some sort of crud before Christmas. We had a death in the family (wife's side) and were unable to attend the funeral due to distance, finances, and the general horrendous weather in that part of the country. Other than that, my family had a nice Christmas at home.
Don't know what the New Year will bring. The job is definitely on the line. Will be lucky to last until March. But I am trusting in God for many miracles as we are on the eve of a new year. I am thankful for family and friends. I know a lot will change this year. Whatever is coming, I am sure it will not be boring. It is my goal to continue blogging and writing articles. Hopefully something amazing with burst forth from the ole noodle. But if not, all will still be well.
Here is a cartoon that I am sure was not meant to be funny. Sadly, this is how the year is ending for a lot of people, including the asses that sunk our economy.
Don't know what the New Year will bring. The job is definitely on the line. Will be lucky to last until March. But I am trusting in God for many miracles as we are on the eve of a new year. I am thankful for family and friends. I know a lot will change this year. Whatever is coming, I am sure it will not be boring. It is my goal to continue blogging and writing articles. Hopefully something amazing with burst forth from the ole noodle. But if not, all will still be well.
Here is a cartoon that I am sure was not meant to be funny. Sadly, this is how the year is ending for a lot of people, including the asses that sunk our economy.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Real Parents
Real Parents
When a couple adopts a child, many questions are asked about the child. Questions like where is the child from? How long did it take to adopt? Why did you choose adoption? How much did it cost? What agency did you use? What is the child’s story? Where is the child from? But the Number One question that is always asked of adoptive parents is, “Who are or where are the child’s real parents?”
I know from personal experience that the Number One question is always asked by people that are genuinely concerned about the adoptive child and the family the child now lives with. The question is asked out of ignorance of the adoptive process and I know it is not meant to hurt the Adoptive Parents. But the fact of the matter is the question of who are the real parents when asked can cause deep pain for the Adoptive Parents. The impression is given that the Adoptive Parents are not the parents of the child. I am sure the persons asking this question do not want to leave that impression, but nonetheless it often is the impression an Adoptive Parent is left with.
It really is just a matter of terminology. An adoptive child actually has two sets of parents. There are the Birth Parents – the couple involved in the physical act of conceiving the child and delivering the child into the world. Then there are the Adoptive Parents – the parents that raise the child from when the child was separated from the Birth Parents to adulthood and beyond.
As stated above, Birth Parents conceive and deliver the child into the world. In both domestic and foreign adoptions, a situation arises where the Birth Parents can no longer raise the child. At this point the child is removed from the Birth Parents either voluntarily or by the order of the prevailing legal system. In domestic situations, most children end up in the state run foster care system, as orphanages are limited. In foreign situations, most children end up in state run orphanages. Arguments are constantly being made on which system is superior. Either biological family members or friends of the Birth Parents take in small minorities of children. For most adoptive children, they never see the Birth Parents again. A very small number do search for Birth Parents as adults.
Since the Birth Parents are unable or unwilling to raise the child, the role of parenting now is entrusted to the Adoptive Parents. Adoptive Parents feed the child. Adoptive Parents clothe the child. Adoptive Parents send the child to school. Adoptive Parents put the child in extracurricular activities. Adoptive Parents meet needs such as obtaining glasses, dental braces, and other health care for the child. Adoptive Parents teach the child how to dress. Adoptive Parents teach the child how to interact with others. Adoptive Parents teach the child how to drive. Adoptive Parents send the child to summer camps. Adoptive Parents send the child to college. Adoptive Parents love and nurture the child. Adoptive Parents pray for the child. Adoptive Parents take the child to church. Adoptive Parents even argue with the child. Adoptive Parents sacrifice for the child. Adoptive Parents will advocate for the child. Adoptive Parents become grandparents to the child’s children. Adoptive Parents fulfill all the functions of every parent currently raising their own biological children.
Unlike Birth Parents, Adoptive Parents have a lot to prove before a child is given into their custody to parent. Adoptive Parents must prove to the local social services that they are competent. Adoptive Parents must prove financial stability. Adoptive Parents must have a criminal background check complete with fingerprints. Adoptive Parents may need State and Federal approval to adopt. Adoptive Parents adopting from foreign countries must prove the same items to the child’s birth country and submit a lengthy dossier. Adoptive Parents must take counseling before they can adopt. Most Adoptive Parents wait over 12 months to receive their child. Adoptive Parents spend thousands of dollars for the adoption process and have to seek aid from many different sources. Adoptive Parents must appear in court and submit to medical examinations.
Now the question I have to ask is, “Are Adoptive Parents real parents?” I can assure you that Adoptive Parents are the child’s real parents. An expression I have often heard from persons working in the social services field is, “Just because you can breed doesn’t make you a parent.” It is a crude expression but a true one nonetheless. When you start to explore the world of adoption, whether domestically or foreign options, you will be shocked by the vast number of children that have been thrown away. If you grew up with your Birth Parents or are currently being raised by them, you have a forever family. More Adoptive Parents are needed all over the world to provide the parentless children with a forever family.
My wife and I are Adoptive Parents. We are real parents. We go through the same struggles raising our daughter as other real parents. Due to our adoption process being foreign, we have the privilege of having even some extra challenges in raising our daughter.
When you encounter a family that has adopted a child and you really want to know who the child’s real parents are, you can be sure they are standing right in front of you. Like other parents in this world, you can be sure that Adoptive Parents love their children just as much as you love yours, maybe more.
By Steven William Freiman
Copyright@2008 Steven William Freiman
When a couple adopts a child, many questions are asked about the child. Questions like where is the child from? How long did it take to adopt? Why did you choose adoption? How much did it cost? What agency did you use? What is the child’s story? Where is the child from? But the Number One question that is always asked of adoptive parents is, “Who are or where are the child’s real parents?”
I know from personal experience that the Number One question is always asked by people that are genuinely concerned about the adoptive child and the family the child now lives with. The question is asked out of ignorance of the adoptive process and I know it is not meant to hurt the Adoptive Parents. But the fact of the matter is the question of who are the real parents when asked can cause deep pain for the Adoptive Parents. The impression is given that the Adoptive Parents are not the parents of the child. I am sure the persons asking this question do not want to leave that impression, but nonetheless it often is the impression an Adoptive Parent is left with.
It really is just a matter of terminology. An adoptive child actually has two sets of parents. There are the Birth Parents – the couple involved in the physical act of conceiving the child and delivering the child into the world. Then there are the Adoptive Parents – the parents that raise the child from when the child was separated from the Birth Parents to adulthood and beyond.
As stated above, Birth Parents conceive and deliver the child into the world. In both domestic and foreign adoptions, a situation arises where the Birth Parents can no longer raise the child. At this point the child is removed from the Birth Parents either voluntarily or by the order of the prevailing legal system. In domestic situations, most children end up in the state run foster care system, as orphanages are limited. In foreign situations, most children end up in state run orphanages. Arguments are constantly being made on which system is superior. Either biological family members or friends of the Birth Parents take in small minorities of children. For most adoptive children, they never see the Birth Parents again. A very small number do search for Birth Parents as adults.
Since the Birth Parents are unable or unwilling to raise the child, the role of parenting now is entrusted to the Adoptive Parents. Adoptive Parents feed the child. Adoptive Parents clothe the child. Adoptive Parents send the child to school. Adoptive Parents put the child in extracurricular activities. Adoptive Parents meet needs such as obtaining glasses, dental braces, and other health care for the child. Adoptive Parents teach the child how to dress. Adoptive Parents teach the child how to interact with others. Adoptive Parents teach the child how to drive. Adoptive Parents send the child to summer camps. Adoptive Parents send the child to college. Adoptive Parents love and nurture the child. Adoptive Parents pray for the child. Adoptive Parents take the child to church. Adoptive Parents even argue with the child. Adoptive Parents sacrifice for the child. Adoptive Parents will advocate for the child. Adoptive Parents become grandparents to the child’s children. Adoptive Parents fulfill all the functions of every parent currently raising their own biological children.
Unlike Birth Parents, Adoptive Parents have a lot to prove before a child is given into their custody to parent. Adoptive Parents must prove to the local social services that they are competent. Adoptive Parents must prove financial stability. Adoptive Parents must have a criminal background check complete with fingerprints. Adoptive Parents may need State and Federal approval to adopt. Adoptive Parents adopting from foreign countries must prove the same items to the child’s birth country and submit a lengthy dossier. Adoptive Parents must take counseling before they can adopt. Most Adoptive Parents wait over 12 months to receive their child. Adoptive Parents spend thousands of dollars for the adoption process and have to seek aid from many different sources. Adoptive Parents must appear in court and submit to medical examinations.
Now the question I have to ask is, “Are Adoptive Parents real parents?” I can assure you that Adoptive Parents are the child’s real parents. An expression I have often heard from persons working in the social services field is, “Just because you can breed doesn’t make you a parent.” It is a crude expression but a true one nonetheless. When you start to explore the world of adoption, whether domestically or foreign options, you will be shocked by the vast number of children that have been thrown away. If you grew up with your Birth Parents or are currently being raised by them, you have a forever family. More Adoptive Parents are needed all over the world to provide the parentless children with a forever family.
My wife and I are Adoptive Parents. We are real parents. We go through the same struggles raising our daughter as other real parents. Due to our adoption process being foreign, we have the privilege of having even some extra challenges in raising our daughter.
When you encounter a family that has adopted a child and you really want to know who the child’s real parents are, you can be sure they are standing right in front of you. Like other parents in this world, you can be sure that Adoptive Parents love their children just as much as you love yours, maybe more.
By Steven William Freiman
Copyright@2008 Steven William Freiman
Friday, December 5, 2008
A Modern Parable
I saw the cartoon and then someone sent me the email and I could not resist adding this to the blog. I am so amazed on how all these corporations need bailing out. I wish someone would bail me out. But oh well, people like me are the Peed On. Whoops, I mean the Peon's. Hee hee hee
A Modern Parable.
A Japanese company ( Toyota ) and an American company (Ford Motors) decided to have a canoe race on the Missouri River Both teams practiced long and hard to reach their peak performance before the race.
On the big day, the Japanese won by a mile.
The Americans, very discouraged and depressed, decided to investigate the reason for the crushing defeat. A management team made up of senior management was formed to investigate and recommend appropriate action.
Their conclusion was the Japanese had 8 people rowing and 1 person steering, while the American team had 7 people steering and 2 people rowing.
Feeling a deeper study was in order; American management hired a consulting company and paid them a large amount of money for a second opinion.
They advised, of course, that too many people were steering the boat, while not enough people were rowing.
Not sure of how to utilize that information, but wanting to prevent another loss to the Japanese, the rowing team's management structure was totally reorganized to 4 steering supervisors, 2 area steering superintendents and 1 assistant superintendent steering manager.
They also implemented a new performance system that would give the 2 people rowing the boat greater incentive to work harder. It was called the 'Rowing Team Quality First Program,' with meetings, dinners and free pens for the rowers. There was discussion of getting new paddles, canoes and other equipment, extra vacation days for practices and bonuses. The pension program was trimmed to 'equal the competition' and some of the resultant savings were channeled into morale boosting programs and teamwork posters.
The next year the Japanese won by two miles.
Humiliated, the American management laid-off one rower, halted development of a new canoe, sold all the paddles, and canceled all capital investments for new equipment. The money saved was distributed to the Senior Executives as bonuses.
The next year, try as he might, the lone designated rower was unable to even finish the race (having no paddles,) so he was laid off for unacceptable performance, all canoe equipment was sold and the next year's racing team was out-sourced to India.
Sadly, the End.
Here's something else to think about: Ford has spent the last thirty years moving all its factories out of the US , claiming they can't make money paying American wages.
TOYOTA has spent the last thirty years building more than a dozen plants inside the US The last quarter's results:
TOYOTA makes 4 billion in profits while Ford racked up 9 billion in losses.
Ford folks are still scratching their heads, and collecting bonuses...
IF THIS WEREN'T SO TRUE IT MIGHT BE FUNNY
But don't worry we [the tax payer] we will bail them out so we can continue their medocricy....
A Modern Parable.
A Japanese company ( Toyota ) and an American company (Ford Motors) decided to have a canoe race on the Missouri River Both teams practiced long and hard to reach their peak performance before the race.
On the big day, the Japanese won by a mile.
The Americans, very discouraged and depressed, decided to investigate the reason for the crushing defeat. A management team made up of senior management was formed to investigate and recommend appropriate action.
Their conclusion was the Japanese had 8 people rowing and 1 person steering, while the American team had 7 people steering and 2 people rowing.
Feeling a deeper study was in order; American management hired a consulting company and paid them a large amount of money for a second opinion.
They advised, of course, that too many people were steering the boat, while not enough people were rowing.
Not sure of how to utilize that information, but wanting to prevent another loss to the Japanese, the rowing team's management structure was totally reorganized to 4 steering supervisors, 2 area steering superintendents and 1 assistant superintendent steering manager.
They also implemented a new performance system that would give the 2 people rowing the boat greater incentive to work harder. It was called the 'Rowing Team Quality First Program,' with meetings, dinners and free pens for the rowers. There was discussion of getting new paddles, canoes and other equipment, extra vacation days for practices and bonuses. The pension program was trimmed to 'equal the competition' and some of the resultant savings were channeled into morale boosting programs and teamwork posters.
The next year the Japanese won by two miles.
Humiliated, the American management laid-off one rower, halted development of a new canoe, sold all the paddles, and canceled all capital investments for new equipment. The money saved was distributed to the Senior Executives as bonuses.
The next year, try as he might, the lone designated rower was unable to even finish the race (having no paddles,) so he was laid off for unacceptable performance, all canoe equipment was sold and the next year's racing team was out-sourced to India.
Sadly, the End.
Here's something else to think about: Ford has spent the last thirty years moving all its factories out of the US , claiming they can't make money paying American wages.
TOYOTA has spent the last thirty years building more than a dozen plants inside the US The last quarter's results:
TOYOTA makes 4 billion in profits while Ford racked up 9 billion in losses.
Ford folks are still scratching their heads, and collecting bonuses...
IF THIS WEREN'T SO TRUE IT MIGHT BE FUNNY
But don't worry we [the tax payer] we will bail them out so we can continue their medocricy....
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Got a Third One Published
Here is a third essay. This one may be a foundation for a full length book someday.
http://www.stationhill.com/religious/religious036.htm
http://www.stationhill.com/religious/religious036.htm
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
What John Wayne "The Duke" Wanted for Thanksgiving
This is good. Again, not about feasting and football but something that really matters. Something we should all be thankful for.
I am so amazed how our values have changed in just a few years. And I wonder where we really are headed for as a culture and nation.
Enjoy the video clip and the Holiday.
Monday, November 24, 2008
The Real Meaning of Thanksgiving Part II
Now let us consider the words of our 1st President and Founding Father of our country. George Washington led the colonies through 12 years of war and 8 years as 1st President of our nation. Carefully consider his words.
George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"
Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted' for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have show kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d by of October, A.D. 1789.
George Washington
George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"
Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted' for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have show kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d by of October, A.D. 1789.
George Washington
The Real Meaning of Thanksgiving Part I
What is the real meaning of Thanksgiving? For Americans in this Post Christian era, it has come to mean 2 days off from work and here in Texas, a Cowboy's home game. It also means a crazy shopping day on Friday and if you are lucky, seeing a movie on the big screen. Yes, in many parts of the country as well as here, people travel to see their families. There is a huge set-up, feast, and clean-up - which most men get out of due to the football games. Yes, I have been guilty of not pitching in just to watch the Cowboys - but I am getting better.
In this post and the one after it, I ask you to not only reflect on the secular aspect of Thanksgiving, but also on the Spiritual. For those of us living in America, we have been truly blessed more than anyone in the entire world - regardless of how much money we make. That being said, let us honor the Creator and Provider of our country and not Bacchus this year.
The First Thanksgiving Proclamation (June 20, 1676)
On June 20, 1676, the governing council of Charlestown, Massachusetts, held a meeting to determine how best to express thanks for the good fortune that had seen their community securely established. By unanimous vote they instructed Edward Rawson, the clerk, to proclaim June 29 as a day of thanksgiving, our first. That proclamation is reproduced here in the same language and spelling as the original.
"The Holy God having by a long and Continual Series of his Afflictive dispensations in and by the present War with the Heathen Natives of this land, written and brought to pass bitter things against his own Covenant people in this wilderness, yet so that we evidently discern that in the midst of his judgments he hath remembered mercy, having remembered his Footstool in the day of his sore displeasure against us for our sins, with many singular Intimations of his Fatherly Compassion, and regard; reserving many of our Towns from Desolation Threatened, and attempted by the Enemy, and giving us especially of late with many of our Confederates many signal Advantages against them, without such Disadvantage to ourselves as formerly we have been sensible of, if it be the Lord's mercy that we are not consumed, It certainly bespeaks our positive Thankfulness, when our Enemies are in any measure disappointed or destroyed; and fearing the Lord should take notice under so many Intimations of his returning mercy, we should be found an Insensible people, as not standing before Him with Thanksgiving, as well as lading him with our Complaints in the time of pressing Afflictions:
The Council has thought meet to appoint and set apart the 29th day of this instant June, as a day of Solemn Thanksgiving and praise to God for such his Goodness and Favour, many Particulars of which mercy might be Instanced, but we doubt not those who are sensible of God's Afflictions, have been as diligent to espy him returning to us; and that the Lord may behold us as a People offering Praise and thereby glorifying Him; the Council doth commend it to the Respective Ministers, Elders and people of this Jurisdiction; Solemnly and seriously to keep the same Beseeching that being persuaded by the mercies of God we may all, even this whole people offer up our bodies and souls as a living and acceptable Service unto God by Jesus Christ."
In this post and the one after it, I ask you to not only reflect on the secular aspect of Thanksgiving, but also on the Spiritual. For those of us living in America, we have been truly blessed more than anyone in the entire world - regardless of how much money we make. That being said, let us honor the Creator and Provider of our country and not Bacchus this year.
The First Thanksgiving Proclamation (June 20, 1676)
On June 20, 1676, the governing council of Charlestown, Massachusetts, held a meeting to determine how best to express thanks for the good fortune that had seen their community securely established. By unanimous vote they instructed Edward Rawson, the clerk, to proclaim June 29 as a day of thanksgiving, our first. That proclamation is reproduced here in the same language and spelling as the original.
"The Holy God having by a long and Continual Series of his Afflictive dispensations in and by the present War with the Heathen Natives of this land, written and brought to pass bitter things against his own Covenant people in this wilderness, yet so that we evidently discern that in the midst of his judgments he hath remembered mercy, having remembered his Footstool in the day of his sore displeasure against us for our sins, with many singular Intimations of his Fatherly Compassion, and regard; reserving many of our Towns from Desolation Threatened, and attempted by the Enemy, and giving us especially of late with many of our Confederates many signal Advantages against them, without such Disadvantage to ourselves as formerly we have been sensible of, if it be the Lord's mercy that we are not consumed, It certainly bespeaks our positive Thankfulness, when our Enemies are in any measure disappointed or destroyed; and fearing the Lord should take notice under so many Intimations of his returning mercy, we should be found an Insensible people, as not standing before Him with Thanksgiving, as well as lading him with our Complaints in the time of pressing Afflictions:
The Council has thought meet to appoint and set apart the 29th day of this instant June, as a day of Solemn Thanksgiving and praise to God for such his Goodness and Favour, many Particulars of which mercy might be Instanced, but we doubt not those who are sensible of God's Afflictions, have been as diligent to espy him returning to us; and that the Lord may behold us as a People offering Praise and thereby glorifying Him; the Council doth commend it to the Respective Ministers, Elders and people of this Jurisdiction; Solemnly and seriously to keep the same Beseeching that being persuaded by the mercies of God we may all, even this whole people offer up our bodies and souls as a living and acceptable Service unto God by Jesus Christ."
Dancing Christmas Lights
Starting to get the Christmas stuff early this year. Love Christmas Lights in the neighborhoods and around town. People go all out down here in Texas. The only thing missing is the snow. Now here is a video that should get you in the mood.
Another One Published
Poetry is usually not my bag. But once in awhile one can be inspired.
http://www.stationhill.com/poems/poems165.asp
http://www.stationhill.com/poems/poems165.asp
Thursday, November 20, 2008
One Article Pulished on the Internet
It's been a long time since I have had anything published. This blog is serving as writing practice for me as I really want to crank out articles and even get a book out in 2009. Of course every year I want to get published but something comes up. I just have to knuckle down and do it. Here is an article that is starting to get around. It may also get published in print.
http://www.stationhill.com/nonfict/nonfict091.asp
http://www.stationhill.com/nonfict/nonfict091.asp
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
AN OPINION ON WHY AMERICANS ADOPT OVERSEES
I published this a few years ago, not sure when, sometime after we adopted Little Rolling Thunder from Romania. It may be published again as it has been requested once again for review. I do not have it posted anywhere and thought this would make a great home for it. If this piece does become published, I will for sure let everyone know where to find it. Again, this is just an opinion. Enjoy.
AN OPINION ON WHY AMERICANS ADOPT OVERSEES
It has been brought to my attention that there are certain beliefs on why Americans choose to adopt children from other countries. I would like to address some of the myths I have heard and offer an opinion based on my own research, experiences, and feelings towards the adoption process. This is a large complex issue that is emotionally charged for all parties involved and this is not meant to be all inclusive of the adoption process.
Myth One: Americans do not love their own children. The fact of the matter is that we do but are thwarted in the adoption process by the current Social Services system. Many local government Child Protective Agencies across the nation receive Federal and State money based on the number of children in their care. While you hear on TV how they would love all the children to be adopted, the truth is that there is no motivation for them to facilitate the adoption process as they could or should. American Child Services has moved from an orphanage system to a foster care/family system. People get paid to be foster parents. While the majority of these people are a great benefit to the children and true unsung hero’s, there is a small minority that are in it for pure profit. Children also are moved from home to home many times for no logical reason. This creates severe emotional problems that in some cases cannot be overcome.
Myth Two: Americans want to adopt only babies. While most domestic adoptions involve babies, a large number of foreign adoptions involve children over the age of two. The percentage of older children adopted overseas is greater than the percentage of older children adopted domestically. While I do not know the exact figures, my dealings with two local adoption agencies bear this out. It is my belief that an older foreign child has a greater chance of finding a home than an older child available for adoption here in America. A sad statistic I do know is that once a child in America reaches the age of 5, the chance for adoption falls almost to nil.
Myth Three: Foreign adoption is easier and less expensive than domestic. As a parent that has closely looked at both sides and adopted internationally, foreign adoption is far more difficult and costly. Most legal domestic adoptions run between 12 – 15 thousand dollars. Our foreign adoption has cost between 25 – 30 thousand dollars. In domestic adoption you answer to the local and state governments. In foreign adoptions you answer not only to the local and state governments, but also to your Federal government and the foreign government of the child being adopted. Time is relative, some domestic adoptions can take only 3 months at a minimum and up to a year to complete. But all foreign adoptions will take at least 9 months and normally around a year to complete. Both may require travel, but obviously foreign adoption will always require travel. While foreign adoption does not have an age limit in most cases such as domestic for the adoptive parents, there are many other factors that could prevent the adoption from taking place. In our example of the first failed adoption, the foreign government refused to cooperate in the process and effectively killed the adoption process through their inaction.
Myth Four: Americans bring the children back and then sell their body parts. This myth is more prevalent in southern Russia and certain other Baltic areas. This incredible myth was brought to our attention while overseas. Basically, this is another urban legend that amazes me is that anyone would believe such a thing.
Now I would offer some of the reasons why we chose foreign adoption over domestic.
Reason One: The government’s family reunification plan that states a biological family is preferable to an adoptive family. Basically what happens here is that the birth parents at a later time can petition for the return of the children should they be able to prove that they have rebuilt their family to the satisfaction of the prevailing court in various States. The legal adoption could possibly be overturned in a court of law even though the adoption is final. This has happened on numerous occasions. Age of the adoptive parents also plays into this as whether the adoptive parents are viable or not as parents in the eyes of the courts and social services.
Reason Two: The strong push for open adoptions only. In this type of adoption we share custody with birth parents and other relatives to a certain degree. While this is fine for many adoptive parents, for many others it is not. We have no problem with culture and heritage and even our child seeking out family members. But I stress that the seeking of biological family members should be done when the child is either an adult or in late teens and has expressed the desire to do so. A healthy, safe, stable childhood needs to be provided and every child should have one if at all possible. Again this is preference and belief system concerning the nuclear family. Some people in starting a family do not want to have a ready made blended family. In our situation, we have had discussions with our daughter concerning her origins and shared cultures.
Reason Three: Availability of children (without the open adoption option) is actually limited. Again this goes back to the social services structure. Another option is the private adoption option that is very risky. The adoptive parents get selected by a mother giving up the child and in most cases the adoptive parents pay all the childbearing costs, which by the way are in most cases not covered by the adoptive parents medical insurance. We have had friends that have gone through at least three failed adoptions where they paid birthing costs and then the birth mother decided not to give up the child. No legal recourse there. And the black market of baby buying is out the question no matter how much a baby is desired. For some though it is the only option.
Reason Four: As true believers in Christ, we went before God and stated we would raise the child God wanted us to raise. In the beginning we were interested in a baby and then God changed our hearts towards older children when an older child visited our home from Russia. And then the direction was changed later when He directed us to Romania. A lot of prayer went into this decision along with a lot of faith. Not every adoptive parent is called to adopt from a foreign nation.
This is just a quick and high level brief on this subject. Americans do love their children and if domestic adoption issues that cause prospective parents to look overseas were worked out, I feel that foreign adoption would be almost nonexistent. Dramatic changes in the social services areas of this country and the foreign countries opening up have caused an explosion in foreign adoptions. Domestic adoptions have suffered greatly as a result of thousands of prospective parents being discouraged from domestically adopting due to many different reasons. And I am sure I do not have the whole picture. People adopt for different reasons and chose domestic and foreign options accordingly. The important thing is that adoptive parents love their children and will always be that child’s Mommy and Daddy. God puts families together, not man.
AN OPINION ON WHY AMERICANS ADOPT OVERSEES
It has been brought to my attention that there are certain beliefs on why Americans choose to adopt children from other countries. I would like to address some of the myths I have heard and offer an opinion based on my own research, experiences, and feelings towards the adoption process. This is a large complex issue that is emotionally charged for all parties involved and this is not meant to be all inclusive of the adoption process.
Myth One: Americans do not love their own children. The fact of the matter is that we do but are thwarted in the adoption process by the current Social Services system. Many local government Child Protective Agencies across the nation receive Federal and State money based on the number of children in their care. While you hear on TV how they would love all the children to be adopted, the truth is that there is no motivation for them to facilitate the adoption process as they could or should. American Child Services has moved from an orphanage system to a foster care/family system. People get paid to be foster parents. While the majority of these people are a great benefit to the children and true unsung hero’s, there is a small minority that are in it for pure profit. Children also are moved from home to home many times for no logical reason. This creates severe emotional problems that in some cases cannot be overcome.
Myth Two: Americans want to adopt only babies. While most domestic adoptions involve babies, a large number of foreign adoptions involve children over the age of two. The percentage of older children adopted overseas is greater than the percentage of older children adopted domestically. While I do not know the exact figures, my dealings with two local adoption agencies bear this out. It is my belief that an older foreign child has a greater chance of finding a home than an older child available for adoption here in America. A sad statistic I do know is that once a child in America reaches the age of 5, the chance for adoption falls almost to nil.
Myth Three: Foreign adoption is easier and less expensive than domestic. As a parent that has closely looked at both sides and adopted internationally, foreign adoption is far more difficult and costly. Most legal domestic adoptions run between 12 – 15 thousand dollars. Our foreign adoption has cost between 25 – 30 thousand dollars. In domestic adoption you answer to the local and state governments. In foreign adoptions you answer not only to the local and state governments, but also to your Federal government and the foreign government of the child being adopted. Time is relative, some domestic adoptions can take only 3 months at a minimum and up to a year to complete. But all foreign adoptions will take at least 9 months and normally around a year to complete. Both may require travel, but obviously foreign adoption will always require travel. While foreign adoption does not have an age limit in most cases such as domestic for the adoptive parents, there are many other factors that could prevent the adoption from taking place. In our example of the first failed adoption, the foreign government refused to cooperate in the process and effectively killed the adoption process through their inaction.
Myth Four: Americans bring the children back and then sell their body parts. This myth is more prevalent in southern Russia and certain other Baltic areas. This incredible myth was brought to our attention while overseas. Basically, this is another urban legend that amazes me is that anyone would believe such a thing.
Now I would offer some of the reasons why we chose foreign adoption over domestic.
Reason One: The government’s family reunification plan that states a biological family is preferable to an adoptive family. Basically what happens here is that the birth parents at a later time can petition for the return of the children should they be able to prove that they have rebuilt their family to the satisfaction of the prevailing court in various States. The legal adoption could possibly be overturned in a court of law even though the adoption is final. This has happened on numerous occasions. Age of the adoptive parents also plays into this as whether the adoptive parents are viable or not as parents in the eyes of the courts and social services.
Reason Two: The strong push for open adoptions only. In this type of adoption we share custody with birth parents and other relatives to a certain degree. While this is fine for many adoptive parents, for many others it is not. We have no problem with culture and heritage and even our child seeking out family members. But I stress that the seeking of biological family members should be done when the child is either an adult or in late teens and has expressed the desire to do so. A healthy, safe, stable childhood needs to be provided and every child should have one if at all possible. Again this is preference and belief system concerning the nuclear family. Some people in starting a family do not want to have a ready made blended family. In our situation, we have had discussions with our daughter concerning her origins and shared cultures.
Reason Three: Availability of children (without the open adoption option) is actually limited. Again this goes back to the social services structure. Another option is the private adoption option that is very risky. The adoptive parents get selected by a mother giving up the child and in most cases the adoptive parents pay all the childbearing costs, which by the way are in most cases not covered by the adoptive parents medical insurance. We have had friends that have gone through at least three failed adoptions where they paid birthing costs and then the birth mother decided not to give up the child. No legal recourse there. And the black market of baby buying is out the question no matter how much a baby is desired. For some though it is the only option.
Reason Four: As true believers in Christ, we went before God and stated we would raise the child God wanted us to raise. In the beginning we were interested in a baby and then God changed our hearts towards older children when an older child visited our home from Russia. And then the direction was changed later when He directed us to Romania. A lot of prayer went into this decision along with a lot of faith. Not every adoptive parent is called to adopt from a foreign nation.
This is just a quick and high level brief on this subject. Americans do love their children and if domestic adoption issues that cause prospective parents to look overseas were worked out, I feel that foreign adoption would be almost nonexistent. Dramatic changes in the social services areas of this country and the foreign countries opening up have caused an explosion in foreign adoptions. Domestic adoptions have suffered greatly as a result of thousands of prospective parents being discouraged from domestically adopting due to many different reasons. And I am sure I do not have the whole picture. People adopt for different reasons and chose domestic and foreign options accordingly. The important thing is that adoptive parents love their children and will always be that child’s Mommy and Daddy. God puts families together, not man.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
'Twas The Night Before Elections
'Twas the night before elections
And all through the town
Tempers were flaring
Emotions all up and down!
I, in my bathrobe
With a cat in my lap
Had cut off the TV
Tired of political crap.
When all of a sudden
There arose such a noise
I peered out of my window
Saw Obama and his boys
They had come for my wallet
They wanted my pay
To give to the others
Who had not worked a day!
He snatched up my money
And quick as a wink
Jumped back on his bandwagon
As I gagged from the stink
He then rallied his henchmen
Who were pulling his cart
I could tell they were out
To tear my country apart!
'On Fannie , on Freddie ,
On Biden and Ayers!
On Acorn, On Pelosi'
He screamed at the pairs!
They took off for his cause
And as he flew out of sight
I heard him laugh at the nation
Who wouldn't stand up and fight!
So I leave you to think
On this one final note-
IF YOU DONT WANT SOCIALISM
GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!
And all through the town
Tempers were flaring
Emotions all up and down!
I, in my bathrobe
With a cat in my lap
Had cut off the TV
Tired of political crap.
When all of a sudden
There arose such a noise
I peered out of my window
Saw Obama and his boys
They had come for my wallet
They wanted my pay
To give to the others
Who had not worked a day!
He snatched up my money
And quick as a wink
Jumped back on his bandwagon
As I gagged from the stink
He then rallied his henchmen
Who were pulling his cart
I could tell they were out
To tear my country apart!
'On Fannie , on Freddie ,
On Biden and Ayers!
On Acorn, On Pelosi'
He screamed at the pairs!
They took off for his cause
And as he flew out of sight
I heard him laugh at the nation
Who wouldn't stand up and fight!
So I leave you to think
On this one final note-
IF YOU DONT WANT SOCIALISM
GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tutankhaman and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs
My Mother is visiting from Florida and took our family to see the King Tut exhibit at The Dallas Museum of Art. It was wonderful and worth the time and expense. As a family we enjoyed it fully and spent 4 hours at the Museum. We also visited other collections. The King Tut exhibit will be in here in Dallas until May 2009.
It was amazing to see items from ancient Egypt that are 3000 years old. We live in a country that is only about 300 years old so seeing things thousands of years old is a real treat. I tried to lift as many photo's as possible to place here and provided links to the video's.
So watch the video's and learn about the wonders of ancient Egypt and King Tut.
http://dallasmuseumofart.tv/exhibitions/tut/index.php
http://dallasmuseumofart.tv/exhibitions/tut/exhibition/objects/image01.php
http://dallasmuseumofart.org/Dallas_Museum_of_Art/View/Tut/index.htm
It was amazing to see items from ancient Egypt that are 3000 years old. We live in a country that is only about 300 years old so seeing things thousands of years old is a real treat. I tried to lift as many photo's as possible to place here and provided links to the video's.
So watch the video's and learn about the wonders of ancient Egypt and King Tut.
http://dallasmuseumofart.tv/exhibitions/tut/index.php
http://dallasmuseumofart.tv/exhibitions/tut/exhibition/objects/image01.php
http://dallasmuseumofart.org/Dallas_Museum_of_Art/View/Tut/index.htm
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
A Changing Halloween!!!!
It's just a cartoon now, but if Obama wins, it could be the future of Halloween for children in America. It certainly will be for their parents. But enough of this political BS.
Here we are, just a few days away from Halloween, and life has changed yet again. I thought I would be taking Little Rolling Thunder Trick or Treating but lo and behold, it is not to be. Little Rolling Thunder and about 6 of her road dogs are going to Trick or Treat together as a group. Can you imagine that a 7th grade girl would want to Trick to Treat with her friends instead of "Daddy"????? What in the world is going on??? Instead of me walking my little witch, ghost, bat, whatever she may be this year around, she will go with a group of girls her same age escorted by a few of the "Moms". For the first time in a few years, I will be sitting at home watching TV and hoping that I still get a cut of the spoils (I am sure I will).
Life is like this. We all know that Little Rolling Thunder will have a great time with her friends and it is not "cool" to just go with "Daddy". I am thankful that I did get to Trick or Treat again after childhood. Those times I took Little Rolling Thunder around the neighborhood will always be treasured memories. There will be a day when she has a child and as her family goes Trick or Treating, she will fondly remember those times when her "Daddy" took her Trick or Treating, just as I remember when my "Daddy" took me.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Why We Speak Up
I have a friend who has a real cool blog - http://victory-garden.blogspot.com/. This blog speaks up for what America is and stands for. The guy who does this blog is in my opinion the ultimate patriotic American. He stands for all that is good and right in this country. Sadly though, I have found that he is the minority. 50 years ago, 30 years ago, perhaps even 20 years ago, this guy was the majority in this country. Where have they all gone????
I look around this nation today and it sickens me to see the extent to which this nation has sunk on all levels. For the first time in our history, we may elect a President that is just as socialistic as the Communists of the old Soviet days. Our society wants God out of everything. And we wonder where morality is today?
If you care for this country. Follow his blog. Educate yourself on the issues. Know what you believe. Put your faith and trust back in God. Relearn what the Founding Fathers wrote.
Now I know my friend will at times become discouraged as the Liberal Socialistic Tidal Wave continues to engulf our society. But I will continue to encourage him and now encourage anyone reading this with the following.
(Martin Niemoller was a Protestant Pastor and head of the anti-Nazi Confessing Church. He also was a friend of Dietrich Bonhoeffer - http://www.arts.uwaterloo.ca/~diebon06/index.html)
In Germany, they first came for the communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Catholic. Then they came for me -- and by that time there was nobody left to speak up.
-Martin Niemoller
I look around this nation today and it sickens me to see the extent to which this nation has sunk on all levels. For the first time in our history, we may elect a President that is just as socialistic as the Communists of the old Soviet days. Our society wants God out of everything. And we wonder where morality is today?
If you care for this country. Follow his blog. Educate yourself on the issues. Know what you believe. Put your faith and trust back in God. Relearn what the Founding Fathers wrote.
Now I know my friend will at times become discouraged as the Liberal Socialistic Tidal Wave continues to engulf our society. But I will continue to encourage him and now encourage anyone reading this with the following.
(Martin Niemoller was a Protestant Pastor and head of the anti-Nazi Confessing Church. He also was a friend of Dietrich Bonhoeffer - http://www.arts.uwaterloo.ca/~diebon06/index.html)
In Germany, they first came for the communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Catholic. Then they came for me -- and by that time there was nobody left to speak up.
-Martin Niemoller
Monday, October 20, 2008
Who Should Run For President
We are hearing a lot of promises with just days to go before the election of a New President. But who can be really trusted to fulfill their promises????I can only think of one person that will. One person you can really count on. Click on the following link and watch the video. This is your candidate - the one to vote for. The one for you.
http://www.tsgnet.com/pres.php?id=370617&altf=Tufwf&altl=Gsfjnbo
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Halloween Fun
Well now isn't this some photo!!! I sent this photo around in an email to a bunch of friends (I hope they still are since I do tend to send out stupid emails a lot - just me getting older). For some reason, Halloween every year has a bunch of funny emails that go around.Now the fun part you ask. I use to have such naughty fun when I was a kid. My brother and at times some other accomplices used to pull all sorts of pranks. Of course we did the egging houses and cars. We lit pumpkins on fire in the middle of the road when cars where coming (the pumpkin was soaked in gas and had a fuse running from it to a safe place). Pushing dummies out of trees with the hangman noose around the neck as cars drove by. Hanging fish line across the road - when the front bumper of a car caught it, the car would travel about 30 yards and then pull the tied cans up out of the ditch and go clanking down the road. The poor driver would get out but not see the cans due to the distance they were back from the car. Fish line is hard to see at night also. The driver would repeat this at least a couple of more times until the fish line was discovered. It is amazing the language you hear right after a prank. Flaming bags of cow poop on front porches. Water balloons and eggs tossed over fences where parties were being held - sometimes an exercise period would follow during which you really wanted to be wearing a good pair of running shoes. And my speciality - streaking through Mobile Home Parks and at times certain neighborhoods. Yes that's right - nothing on but a pair of real good running shoes and a Halloween mask. Now I know today streaking is a sex crime but this was over 30 years ago when it wasn't and I actually looked good.
Well this Halloween will be like the last few. I will take Little Rolling Thunder around the neighborhoods for the purpose of obtaining a large cache of candy. She will share with me because we take 2 pumpkin buckets and a pillow case along for the adventure. Mom will stay home and hand out candy. This year my mother will be here so it will be extra special for Little Rolling Thunder. And being a Dad, it will, like the last few Halloweens since Little Rolling Thunder could Trick or Treat, will be the best Trick or Treating I have ever done.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
A Rainy Day
Finally, we are getting some good rain in the Dallas area. It's about time as we move into Fall. This photo is from the WFAA Channel 8 ABC Tower Cam at Victory Park in Dallas. It is currently looking to the West of the Downtown with Reunion Tower in the foreground.Now I know some would think big deal, but when you live in the Dallas area on the very end of the Prairie, it is a big deal when you get a nice soaking rain without a thunderstorm or occasional tornado. So much of the weather can be violent here. We also get a lot of hail in this part of the country with strong winds. So, when it just rains gently, it is indeed a very nice thing. After all, it may not rain again for another month or so.
Due to all the heat we get down here, 100's and over through the summer months, this rain will help all the yards relax and move back to the sidewalks. Yes, the ground cracks down here and pulls away from sidewalks, foundations, roads, you name it.
But such is life in the great State of Texas under the big sky.
A New Animal Farm
Many of you have read George Orwell's "Animal Farm". It's a dark story about socialism or communism - call it what you want. For some people, that is their vision for America. But in reality, what we actually have is a new kind of "Animal Farm" being played out in America. And this year's election will decide exactly much of the new "Animal Farm" America will become. A friend sent this story to me and I now share it with you.
The Little Red Hen called all of her Democrat neighbors together and said, 'If we plant this wheat, we shall have bread to eat. Who will help me plant it?'
'Not I,' said the cow.
'Not I,' said the duck.
'Not I,' said the pig.
'Not I,' said the goose.
'Then I will do it by myself,' said the little red hen, and so she did. The wheat grew very tall and ripened into golden grain.
'Who will help me reap my wheat?' asked the little red hen.
'Not I,' said the duck.
'Out of my classification,' said the pig.
'I'd lose my seniority,' said the cow.
'I'd lose my unemployment compensation,' said the goose.
'Then I will do it by myself,' said the little red hen, and so she did.
At last it came time to bake the bread.
'Who will help me bake the bread?' asked the little red hen.
'That would be overtime for me,' said the cow.
'I'd lose my welfare benefits,' said the duck.
'I'm a dropout and never learned how,' said the pig.
'If I'm to be the only helper, that's discrimination,' said the goose.
'Then I will do it by myself,' said the little red hen.
She baked five loaves and held them up for all of her neighbors to see. They wanted some and, in fact, demanded a share. But the little red hen said, 'No, I shall eat all five loaves.'
'Excess profits!' cried the cow. (Nancy Pelosi)
'Capitalist leech!' screamed the duck. (Barbara Boxer)
'I demand equal rights!' yelled the goose. (Jesse Jackson)
The pig just grunted in disdain. (Ted Kennedy)
And they all painted 'Unfair!' picket signs and marched around and around the little red hen, shouting obscenities.
Then the farmer (Obama) came. He said to the little red hen, 'You must not be so greedy.'
'But I earned the bread,' said the little red hen.
'Exactly,' said Barack the farmer. 'That is what makes our free enterprise system so wonderful. Anyone in the barnyard can earn as much as he wants. But under our modern government regulations, the productive workers must divide the fruits of their labor with those who are lazy and idle.'
And they all lived happily ever after, including the little red hen, who smiled and clucked, 'I am grateful, for now I truly understand.'
But her neighbors became quite disappointed in her. She never again baked bread because she joined the 'party' and got her bread free. And all the Democrats smiled. 'Fairness' had been established.
Individual initiative had died, but nobody noticed; perhaps no one cared...so long as there was free bread that 'the rich' were paying for.
EPILOGUE
Bill Clinton is getting $12 million for his memoirs.
Hillary got $8 million for hers.
That's $20 million for the memories from two people, who for eight years, repeatedly testified, under oath, that they couldn't remember anything.
IS THIS A GREAT BARNYARD OR WHAT?
The Little Red Hen called all of her Democrat neighbors together and said, 'If we plant this wheat, we shall have bread to eat. Who will help me plant it?'
'Not I,' said the cow.
'Not I,' said the duck.
'Not I,' said the pig.
'Not I,' said the goose.
'Then I will do it by myself,' said the little red hen, and so she did. The wheat grew very tall and ripened into golden grain.
'Who will help me reap my wheat?' asked the little red hen.
'Not I,' said the duck.
'Out of my classification,' said the pig.
'I'd lose my seniority,' said the cow.
'I'd lose my unemployment compensation,' said the goose.
'Then I will do it by myself,' said the little red hen, and so she did.
At last it came time to bake the bread.
'Who will help me bake the bread?' asked the little red hen.
'That would be overtime for me,' said the cow.
'I'd lose my welfare benefits,' said the duck.
'I'm a dropout and never learned how,' said the pig.
'If I'm to be the only helper, that's discrimination,' said the goose.
'Then I will do it by myself,' said the little red hen.
She baked five loaves and held them up for all of her neighbors to see. They wanted some and, in fact, demanded a share. But the little red hen said, 'No, I shall eat all five loaves.'
'Excess profits!' cried the cow. (Nancy Pelosi)
'Capitalist leech!' screamed the duck. (Barbara Boxer)
'I demand equal rights!' yelled the goose. (Jesse Jackson)
The pig just grunted in disdain. (Ted Kennedy)
And they all painted 'Unfair!' picket signs and marched around and around the little red hen, shouting obscenities.
Then the farmer (Obama) came. He said to the little red hen, 'You must not be so greedy.'
'But I earned the bread,' said the little red hen.
'Exactly,' said Barack the farmer. 'That is what makes our free enterprise system so wonderful. Anyone in the barnyard can earn as much as he wants. But under our modern government regulations, the productive workers must divide the fruits of their labor with those who are lazy and idle.'
And they all lived happily ever after, including the little red hen, who smiled and clucked, 'I am grateful, for now I truly understand.'
But her neighbors became quite disappointed in her. She never again baked bread because she joined the 'party' and got her bread free. And all the Democrats smiled. 'Fairness' had been established.
Individual initiative had died, but nobody noticed; perhaps no one cared...so long as there was free bread that 'the rich' were paying for.
EPILOGUE
Bill Clinton is getting $12 million for his memoirs.
Hillary got $8 million for hers.
That's $20 million for the memories from two people, who for eight years, repeatedly testified, under oath, that they couldn't remember anything.
IS THIS A GREAT BARNYARD OR WHAT?
Friday, October 10, 2008
You Had A Bad Day
My boss sent this to me today. We have issues with the system we use at work to design circuits for our network.
But that's not the point of this. The point is that this video is just plain flat out funny to all of us that go to work. And, I am sure many of us have had thoughts of doing just what these folks have done. Anyone anywhere who has worked with today's computers and systems can relate to crashes and outages.
So enjoy the video and stay calm at work.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Trick or Treat in Your Neighborhood
I have a friend I used to sail with in the Navy that lives in the San Diego area. Most of the homes on his street are in foreclosure! I was amazed.In his area, the cheapest home runs over 350K to the more expensive ones that top out at around 650K. This is on his street!!!
In Dallas, these same homes would run from 100k to about 250K at most. We have foreclosures going on in our area, but it is no wonder why there are so many out on the West Coast.
Little Rolling Thunder will be out Trick or Treating this year. She is still young enough. I wonder how many "Haunted Houses" we will visit during the evening.
I Apopted Your Dog Today
In light of yesterday's incident with the attempted dog dumping and the fact that we got our dog from the SPCA..........I thought it amazing one of my Aunt's just happened to send this poem.
"I ADOPTED YOUR DOG TODAY".
The one you left at the pound.
The one you had for seven years,
and no longer wanted around
I ADOPTED YOUR DOG TODAY....
Do you know he's lost weight?
Do you know he's scared and depressed, and has lost all his faith?
I ADOPTED YOUR DOG TODAY....
He had fleas and a cold,
but don't worry none,
You've unburdened your load.
I ADOPTED YOUR DOG TODAY....
Were you having a baby or moving away?
Did you suddenly develop allergies
Or was there no reason he couldn' t stay?
I ADOPTED YOUR DOG TODAY....
He doesn't play or eat much.
He's very depressed, but he will learn again to trust.
I ADOPTED YOUR DOG TODAY....
And here he will stay.
He's found his forever home,
and a warm bed on which to lay.
I ADOPTED YOUR DOG TODAY....
And I will give him all that he could need.
Patience, love, security, and understanding,
hopefully he will forget your selfish deed.
I ADOPTED YOUR DOG TODAY
~Author Unknown
"I ADOPTED YOUR DOG TODAY".
The one you left at the pound.
The one you had for seven years,
and no longer wanted around
I ADOPTED YOUR DOG TODAY....
Do you know he's lost weight?
Do you know he's scared and depressed, and has lost all his faith?
I ADOPTED YOUR DOG TODAY....
He had fleas and a cold,
but don't worry none,
You've unburdened your load.
I ADOPTED YOUR DOG TODAY....
Were you having a baby or moving away?
Did you suddenly develop allergies
Or was there no reason he couldn' t stay?
I ADOPTED YOUR DOG TODAY....
He doesn't play or eat much.
He's very depressed, but he will learn again to trust.
I ADOPTED YOUR DOG TODAY....
And here he will stay.
He's found his forever home,
and a warm bed on which to lay.
I ADOPTED YOUR DOG TODAY....
And I will give him all that he could need.
Patience, love, security, and understanding,
hopefully he will forget your selfish deed.
I ADOPTED YOUR DOG TODAY
~Author Unknown
Thursday, October 2, 2008
DOG DUMPING
I have lived a long time and have never seen anything like I saw today at the Vet's office. I have a cat getting fluids for failed kidneys and I take the cat to the Vet 3 times a week.
As the cat was in the back being treated, a white Ford SUV pulled up with a young couple in it. I just happened to be standing by the glass door waiting. The young female opens the door and looks down. All of a sudden a Golden Lab puppy comes running to the door I am standing at. The puppy then goes and runs under the SUV. I then noticed that both persons in the SUV were staring straight at me. We watched each other for what seemed like a long time. Neither of them got out of the SUV.
I told the office staff that I felt something suspicious was going on out in the parking lot. All this time the puppy is still under the SUV and the young couple is still staring at me. One of the office staff then went outside. As she went outside the young man got out and started to get the puppy. To me it was clear that they were trying to dump the puppy off at the Vet's and did not count on being seen. I even wonder now if they would have driven over the puppy.
The office staff talked to the young man and he just said everything was okay. From where I was you could tell they were both very nervous. The young man managed to get the pupply out from under the SUV and they made a hasty retreat from the parking lot. The office staff stated that the young man said the puppy just got out of the SUV. She did manage to get the license number of the SUV. The police were contacted but as we all know - nothing will be done or can be done.
What is tragic is the way this young couple attempted to get rid of the puppy. Of course, I don't really know what was happening, they could have stolen someone's puppy for all I know. Whatever the situation, their decision making process was really screwed up. If it was really their puppy, they could have taken it to the SPCA or local animal shelter and surrendered it - no questions asked. In our area, most of the animals do find a good home. However, their decision was just to drop it off at the Vet's without even going in. What I fear is since they were seen, they may now just drop the puppy off who knows where.
It never ceases to amaze me just how evil people can be. This is just a puppy that someone now does not want, but, they cannot even attempt to do the right thing. Oh I know - look at what man is doing to man all over the world right now and even in this country. For those of you that do not think Judeo-Christian values are important, ponder this post and just watch the local news. We all need to consider what we believe about God and our need for a Savior. Only through Christ will your heart be right.
As the cat was in the back being treated, a white Ford SUV pulled up with a young couple in it. I just happened to be standing by the glass door waiting. The young female opens the door and looks down. All of a sudden a Golden Lab puppy comes running to the door I am standing at. The puppy then goes and runs under the SUV. I then noticed that both persons in the SUV were staring straight at me. We watched each other for what seemed like a long time. Neither of them got out of the SUV.
I told the office staff that I felt something suspicious was going on out in the parking lot. All this time the puppy is still under the SUV and the young couple is still staring at me. One of the office staff then went outside. As she went outside the young man got out and started to get the puppy. To me it was clear that they were trying to dump the puppy off at the Vet's and did not count on being seen. I even wonder now if they would have driven over the puppy.
The office staff talked to the young man and he just said everything was okay. From where I was you could tell they were both very nervous. The young man managed to get the pupply out from under the SUV and they made a hasty retreat from the parking lot. The office staff stated that the young man said the puppy just got out of the SUV. She did manage to get the license number of the SUV. The police were contacted but as we all know - nothing will be done or can be done.
What is tragic is the way this young couple attempted to get rid of the puppy. Of course, I don't really know what was happening, they could have stolen someone's puppy for all I know. Whatever the situation, their decision making process was really screwed up. If it was really their puppy, they could have taken it to the SPCA or local animal shelter and surrendered it - no questions asked. In our area, most of the animals do find a good home. However, their decision was just to drop it off at the Vet's without even going in. What I fear is since they were seen, they may now just drop the puppy off who knows where.
It never ceases to amaze me just how evil people can be. This is just a puppy that someone now does not want, but, they cannot even attempt to do the right thing. Oh I know - look at what man is doing to man all over the world right now and even in this country. For those of you that do not think Judeo-Christian values are important, ponder this post and just watch the local news. We all need to consider what we believe about God and our need for a Savior. Only through Christ will your heart be right.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Washington Mutual
Here I sit in 1929.....wait.....I mean 2008 and happen to be a customer of WaMu. I wake up this morning to find WaMu is the number one new story as the largest bank failure in U.S. history. Needless to say, that made my day. But all is not doom and gloom - JPMorgan Chase bought WaMu on the cheap for 1.9 Billion. Since the government seized WaMu and sold it to Chase, Chase did not have to cover investor losses, which amount to millions if not billions. And, they are going to unload around 31 billion in mortgages as well. This purchase will actually go in as a positive for Chase in 2009.
Now I am not an investor in WaMu, just a little bank customer that has his paycheck put in twice a month by direct deposit. WaMu/Chase is stating all is well for us little guys and the banks opened today business as usual. The point is I really did not want to be a Chase customer. Chase has been in my area for several years and I have checked out their services. I decided to stay with WaMu. Chase is not bad but now I have to decide if I want to stay with them or find another place to bank. WaMu had excellent services and maybe Chase will also.
It is sad that WaMu floundered. My wife and I wondered about WaMu over the last few years as it seemed that there was now a WaMu branch on practically every street corner. Within 2 to 3 miles of where I live, I can bank at 4 different branches. Pretty convenient to say the least. And there are 2 Chase branches just as close. Now you know some of those will have to shut down. More people out of work.
My wife and I opened our joint account over 19 years ago when it was Home Savings of America. Then the named changed to Savings of America. 17 years ago Savings of America was bought by WaMu. Our account just kept moving along with the changes. In all those years we have had great service. I do a lot of the banking in person even though I could do it over the internet. I like the interaction with the bank personnel. Another great advantage was when a mistake was made or I made one, I had a personal relationship with the Bank and could get things worked out. Even on errors I made I could get some compassion and have charges reversed.
With the debate on the Great Bailout going on, this is just another part of it to me. It seems like America has gone crazy concerning finances and now we collectively are going to pay a huge price for national greed. I follow the news and commentaries very closely and it is obvious that the bailout is a split issue. Many voice yelling do it, many voices yelling don't do it. I don't know. We obviously have a huge mess going on, my bank being just a part of it. You know something has to give - we already saw that in the home mortgage industry and a couple of large insurance companies go under. WaMu is the second major bank to fall.
No one is saying this in the news, but I think one of the major factors of this crisis is that this country no longer honors God. God has blessed this nation richly and today's culture is doing everything it can to exclude God from all aspects of our lives. And don't forgot the American Holocaust being perpetrated against the unborn. How long will God bless a nation that behaves as our does? Did not Israel receive judgment for their line of corrupt Kings? Something to ponder.
Now I am not an investor in WaMu, just a little bank customer that has his paycheck put in twice a month by direct deposit. WaMu/Chase is stating all is well for us little guys and the banks opened today business as usual. The point is I really did not want to be a Chase customer. Chase has been in my area for several years and I have checked out their services. I decided to stay with WaMu. Chase is not bad but now I have to decide if I want to stay with them or find another place to bank. WaMu had excellent services and maybe Chase will also.
It is sad that WaMu floundered. My wife and I wondered about WaMu over the last few years as it seemed that there was now a WaMu branch on practically every street corner. Within 2 to 3 miles of where I live, I can bank at 4 different branches. Pretty convenient to say the least. And there are 2 Chase branches just as close. Now you know some of those will have to shut down. More people out of work.
My wife and I opened our joint account over 19 years ago when it was Home Savings of America. Then the named changed to Savings of America. 17 years ago Savings of America was bought by WaMu. Our account just kept moving along with the changes. In all those years we have had great service. I do a lot of the banking in person even though I could do it over the internet. I like the interaction with the bank personnel. Another great advantage was when a mistake was made or I made one, I had a personal relationship with the Bank and could get things worked out. Even on errors I made I could get some compassion and have charges reversed.
With the debate on the Great Bailout going on, this is just another part of it to me. It seems like America has gone crazy concerning finances and now we collectively are going to pay a huge price for national greed. I follow the news and commentaries very closely and it is obvious that the bailout is a split issue. Many voice yelling do it, many voices yelling don't do it. I don't know. We obviously have a huge mess going on, my bank being just a part of it. You know something has to give - we already saw that in the home mortgage industry and a couple of large insurance companies go under. WaMu is the second major bank to fall.
No one is saying this in the news, but I think one of the major factors of this crisis is that this country no longer honors God. God has blessed this nation richly and today's culture is doing everything it can to exclude God from all aspects of our lives. And don't forgot the American Holocaust being perpetrated against the unborn. How long will God bless a nation that behaves as our does? Did not Israel receive judgment for their line of corrupt Kings? Something to ponder.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Google Searches
Just an FYI.............at the very bottom of this blog is a Google Search Toolbar. It will always be displayed on the first page you see when you open this blog.
Well, I finally did it. I put a foot in the muck and moved a little closer to the dark side. I got a Facebook account. Did not really want to but a former co-worker who is very ill wanted me to look at photo's on their Facebook account. I am still undecided about this though. I see advantages but yet see drawbacks.
I guess I was a little leary because we all know how MySpace became the happy hunting grounds for perverts. The Vahalla for the twisted. Now if you are one of those should not breed stupid persons that puts your phone number and address in the profile or contact area, then I have to say you are asking for trouble. Your family and close friends should already know how to contact you. I also saw a lot of pictures on there from people that are now my "friends". This should be okay as long as the whole world cannot look in. I have to say though that some of the photo's posted by teenage girls will most likely attract the bottom feeders. Hopefully they will use discretion on who shall be their online friend. Of course, hell will freeze over before my daughter gets a Facebook account.
Okay, I will admit there are positive things about it. I have reconnected with a cousin, a couple of social & political allies for the advocacy of Romanian Orphans, a couple of former co-workers, and a friend from church. I see that it is not totally the devil's playground. I would like to find a few other people from the past that are hard to contact. Especially college and Navy buddies. Still bummed over the sinking of the ship.
I do love the digital age. I love to write and still love to write letters and love IM. But I type better than I write so my handwriting quality has diminished. Another factor is my eyesight problems. I can't sign checks without my reading glasses and now I may need even stronger ones. I will give this Facebook stuff a chance. Not totally sold on it but willing to use it.
I guess I was a little leary because we all know how MySpace became the happy hunting grounds for perverts. The Vahalla for the twisted. Now if you are one of those should not breed stupid persons that puts your phone number and address in the profile or contact area, then I have to say you are asking for trouble. Your family and close friends should already know how to contact you. I also saw a lot of pictures on there from people that are now my "friends". This should be okay as long as the whole world cannot look in. I have to say though that some of the photo's posted by teenage girls will most likely attract the bottom feeders. Hopefully they will use discretion on who shall be their online friend. Of course, hell will freeze over before my daughter gets a Facebook account.
Okay, I will admit there are positive things about it. I have reconnected with a cousin, a couple of social & political allies for the advocacy of Romanian Orphans, a couple of former co-workers, and a friend from church. I see that it is not totally the devil's playground. I would like to find a few other people from the past that are hard to contact. Especially college and Navy buddies. Still bummed over the sinking of the ship.
I do love the digital age. I love to write and still love to write letters and love IM. But I type better than I write so my handwriting quality has diminished. Another factor is my eyesight problems. I can't sign checks without my reading glasses and now I may need even stronger ones. I will give this Facebook stuff a chance. Not totally sold on it but willing to use it.
Back in School
Little Rolling Thunder went back to school on 8/25/08. So far so good. She is doing all her homework either at school or at home after gym. Thankfully I have not had to be part of it yet. She seems to be liking it. She had some big changes over the summer. Her best friend dumped her - now that more light has been put on the situation and the kind of kid the ex-best friend is - this actually is a blessing. I may blog about the perp kid and her whacko family later. She has moved on. She went through the turmoil of changing gyms - her choice - and now starts the competitive season with a new coach and team. Again, it appears that was for the good as well.
All in all - things seem to be good with Little Rolling Thunder at the moment. We got her a 5 month old kitten last Sunday from the Animal Shelter. We have had a few of our cats die recently with another checking out slowly. Goodness gracious, this kid is so protective of her new kitten it is not even funny. She even questions me!!! And I have been involved with the raising of cats for over 40 years. But it is good to see that she is making great strides to be a responsible pet owner.
All in all - things seem to be good with Little Rolling Thunder at the moment. We got her a 5 month old kitten last Sunday from the Animal Shelter. We have had a few of our cats die recently with another checking out slowly. Goodness gracious, this kid is so protective of her new kitten it is not even funny. She even questions me!!! And I have been involved with the raising of cats for over 40 years. But it is good to see that she is making great strides to be a responsible pet owner.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Christians Unite & Pray
I don't know who wrote it but is sure hits the nail on the head. I know I am not going to bow down to Allah. Are you? I think at times we just do not want to be bothered regardless of what is going on. As long as we are okay, our money is okay, and our little corner of the world is okay, then the heck with the rest of country, and in that matter, the rest of the world.
Christians Unite & Pray
I was very dismayed when, recently, a family member of mine said to me with great resignation that Obama will take the presidency. These words came from someone who in the past has been a great prayer warrior.
What is happening was my question??? Why are we Christians settling and not issuing a battle cry and falling to our knees and taking our country back? We allow ourselves to be stripped of the right to pray at school functions and in school, we have the 10 commandments removed from government places and are told we cannot pray in school, all the while providing public prayer places for Muslims. What in the world is going on and why are we being apathetic? Why aren't we praying? Our God is amighty God who is waiting patiently for us to raise our voices to heaven to stop the tide of the anti-Christ actions in our world today.
Now we find we have a charismatic candidate for president who does not respect our flag and refuses to wear one on his lapel except when it becomes politically expedient and whose own wife and pastor that he loves profess to have strong anti-white feelings, and we sit back and say 'it is a given, we can do nothing.' There has never been a time in 2000 years that we can do nothing, never a time that we must sit back and allow the evil in men's and women's hearts to take over our world. We should be very afraid because our apathy is leading us to perdition.
It is time for all Christian Americans to raise the battle cry and take our nation back. Maybe McCain on his own cannot defeat Obama, but our God can and He will if we take to our knees in prayer and raise a mighty cry to the heavens to 'Save us O Lord.' We have the power to change the course of this election and to keep a man as suspect as Barak Obama from leading our country to who knows where with his message of 'change' - a change which I fear will be away from our Christian ideals and away from Christ and further away from one nation under God to one nation under Allah.
We are great at passing stories and pictures around the Internet, but where are our prayers and prayer warriors praying to stop this tide of Barak Obama? God parted the Red Sea, Jesus raised himself from the dead, and we can bring our country back to its Christian roots and stop the move to the rise of Muslims in our country. We can stop our country from being 'under Allah,' but we must begin to pray, to pray as if our country and our lives depended on it, because they do. We can stop all these atrocities against God's commands that have taken root in our country through something as simple as sincere prayer, a call to God to deliver us, to forgive us our sins of apathy and to protect us from the evil that is upon us.
Okay prayer warriors, here is your challenge, start those prayer chains. Get the spiritual power working on our behalf and stop Barak Obama the proper way, by calling on our God to save us from the deception that charismatic preaching is using to lead us on the wrong path. Stop those who would take God out of our country and our government. Raise up good men to lead us and protect us. George Bush is being buffeted because he has fought a holy war against the evils that attack us and we should not be surprised because a prophet is not honored in his own country. But we should not rest on our laurels and allow ourselves to be taken further off the path of Christianity and to have God removed from our presence in our schools, courts, government and businesses. Invite God into the fray. Ask that His power rest upon us and give us the victory. Ask him to raise up a might army to defend us and to protect our country as he did in days of old. Let us be victorious beginning NOW. The battle is His but we must call on Him without ceasing and unite our voices and hearts in prayer and fasting.
Please pass this around to all people of prayer that you know and maybe, just maybe a more eloquent person of prayer will write something better and more inspiring and even the rocks will shout that Jesus is Lord and our Mighty God is with us, bringing the victory for us and ultimately for Him.
Christians Unite & Pray
I was very dismayed when, recently, a family member of mine said to me with great resignation that Obama will take the presidency. These words came from someone who in the past has been a great prayer warrior.
What is happening was my question??? Why are we Christians settling and not issuing a battle cry and falling to our knees and taking our country back? We allow ourselves to be stripped of the right to pray at school functions and in school, we have the 10 commandments removed from government places and are told we cannot pray in school, all the while providing public prayer places for Muslims. What in the world is going on and why are we being apathetic? Why aren't we praying? Our God is amighty God who is waiting patiently for us to raise our voices to heaven to stop the tide of the anti-Christ actions in our world today.
Now we find we have a charismatic candidate for president who does not respect our flag and refuses to wear one on his lapel except when it becomes politically expedient and whose own wife and pastor that he loves profess to have strong anti-white feelings, and we sit back and say 'it is a given, we can do nothing.' There has never been a time in 2000 years that we can do nothing, never a time that we must sit back and allow the evil in men's and women's hearts to take over our world. We should be very afraid because our apathy is leading us to perdition.
It is time for all Christian Americans to raise the battle cry and take our nation back. Maybe McCain on his own cannot defeat Obama, but our God can and He will if we take to our knees in prayer and raise a mighty cry to the heavens to 'Save us O Lord.' We have the power to change the course of this election and to keep a man as suspect as Barak Obama from leading our country to who knows where with his message of 'change' - a change which I fear will be away from our Christian ideals and away from Christ and further away from one nation under God to one nation under Allah.
We are great at passing stories and pictures around the Internet, but where are our prayers and prayer warriors praying to stop this tide of Barak Obama? God parted the Red Sea, Jesus raised himself from the dead, and we can bring our country back to its Christian roots and stop the move to the rise of Muslims in our country. We can stop our country from being 'under Allah,' but we must begin to pray, to pray as if our country and our lives depended on it, because they do. We can stop all these atrocities against God's commands that have taken root in our country through something as simple as sincere prayer, a call to God to deliver us, to forgive us our sins of apathy and to protect us from the evil that is upon us.
Okay prayer warriors, here is your challenge, start those prayer chains. Get the spiritual power working on our behalf and stop Barak Obama the proper way, by calling on our God to save us from the deception that charismatic preaching is using to lead us on the wrong path. Stop those who would take God out of our country and our government. Raise up good men to lead us and protect us. George Bush is being buffeted because he has fought a holy war against the evils that attack us and we should not be surprised because a prophet is not honored in his own country. But we should not rest on our laurels and allow ourselves to be taken further off the path of Christianity and to have God removed from our presence in our schools, courts, government and businesses. Invite God into the fray. Ask that His power rest upon us and give us the victory. Ask him to raise up a might army to defend us and to protect our country as he did in days of old. Let us be victorious beginning NOW. The battle is His but we must call on Him without ceasing and unite our voices and hearts in prayer and fasting.
Please pass this around to all people of prayer that you know and maybe, just maybe a more eloquent person of prayer will write something better and more inspiring and even the rocks will shout that Jesus is Lord and our Mighty God is with us, bringing the victory for us and ultimately for Him.
Monday, August 4, 2008
USS Fletcher Sunk
Can you believe it!!!!!! They took my ship out and sunk her!!!!!
USS Fletcher DD-992 was commissioned in the summer of 1980. I served aboard her Radioman from before the commissioning in 1980 to June of 1984. I lived on that ship for 4 years. I made two major deployments to the Western Pacific and Middle East. I have been off hostile coastlines such as the Soviet Union (Bering Sea), Central America, Vietnam, and Iran & Iraq (Persian Gulf).
I had great times on that ship. Had hard times also. Typhoon in South China Sea. Heavy seas in the Sea of Japan. Founded friendships that thanks to email, still carry on today. So many stories you could write a book about it.
I was 18 years old when I reported at the shipyards in Pascagoula, MS in January 1980 to the Pre-Commissioning Command of Fletcher. I was 23 years old when I signed out of ship's company USS Fletcher in June 1984 to go on to college.
Life on the Fletcher was an amazing time which I will always cherish for the rest of my life. I did a lot of growing up on that ship. I saw many amazing things and travelled all over the world.
It was real sad to see her blow up and sink. I don't really have the words for what I feel every time I watch the video clip. Here it is.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7523147.stm
http://optuszoo.news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=602985&rss=yes&_cobr=optus
Friday, July 4, 2008
56 Signers of Declaration of Independence
Yesterday's post I honored those that served, fought and died for this great nation. Today, I would like to ponder and remember those brave men that founded this nation. Today we have so many voices bitching about how bad America is, never considering the positive things this nation does, or how fortunate they are to even be in this country. This country is a miracle of God and I for one am very thankful to be here than anywhere else. I always ask those naysayers why they just don't leave. Of course I never get an answer and you all know why. So let's remember those brave men who gave everything.
American Minute with Bill Federer
July 4
The Declaration of Independence was approved JULY 4, 1776.
John Hancock signed first, saying "the price on my head has just doubled."
Benjamin Franklin said "We must hang together or most assuredly we shall hang separately."
Of the 56 signers: 17 lost their fortunes, 12 had their homes destroyed, 5 became prisoners of war, 1 had two sons imprisoned on the British starving ship Jersey, 1 had a son killed in battle, 1 had his wife die from harsh prison treatment and 9 signers died during the War.
When Samuel Adams signed the Declaration, he said: "We have this day restored the Sovereign to whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let His kingdom come."
John Adams said: "I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty."
John Adams continued: "I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost to maintain this Declaration...Yet through all the gloom I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory...Posterity will triumph in that day's transaction, even though we [may regret] it, which I trust in God we shall not."
American Minute with Bill Federer
July 4
The Declaration of Independence was approved JULY 4, 1776.
John Hancock signed first, saying "the price on my head has just doubled."
Benjamin Franklin said "We must hang together or most assuredly we shall hang separately."
Of the 56 signers: 17 lost their fortunes, 12 had their homes destroyed, 5 became prisoners of war, 1 had two sons imprisoned on the British starving ship Jersey, 1 had a son killed in battle, 1 had his wife die from harsh prison treatment and 9 signers died during the War.
When Samuel Adams signed the Declaration, he said: "We have this day restored the Sovereign to whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let His kingdom come."
John Adams said: "I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty."
John Adams continued: "I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost to maintain this Declaration...Yet through all the gloom I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory...Posterity will triumph in that day's transaction, even though we [may regret] it, which I trust in God we shall not."
Thursday, July 3, 2008
THE UNBROKEN AMERICAN SPIRIT
I wrote and published this (and a Thanksgiving version) after 9/11. This blog also seems to be a good home for it as we remember our past and present military hero's, all famous for their sacifices rendered in defense of this nation and at times, a nation that can be grateful and ungrateful. Let us Thank God this 4th of July for our service personnel - all hero's in my eyes.
As I was told of the story Valley Forge and Bunker Hill,
a relative endured the savage cold of winter, and the hot,
violent air of battle to give birth to a new nation.
The Unbroken American Spirit.
As I was told of the story of Shiloh and the thousands
of American men that died there that day. A relative
learned the meaning of ultimate sacrifice for the unity
of a nation. His grave honors that battlefield.
The Unbroken American Spirit.
As I was told of the horrors of mustard gas and poison.
A relative experienced the gas in the fields of France
and lived the rest of his life in the Southwest due to
the damage done to his lungs. Never to return to his
Great Lakes home.
The Unbroken American Spirit.
As I was told of the battles in the jungles of the Pacific,
a relative went to meet the enemy in the jungle to defend
the daughter that would someday become my mother.
The Unbroken American Spirit.
As I was told of the desperate conditions of the Pusan
Perimeter, a relative slung his rifle over his shoulder
and went out to drive the horde back to save the freedom
and culture of a people that were not his own.
The Unbroken American Spirit.
As I was told of the violent air battles over Vietnam, I
saw the names of classmates and roommates that perished
defending freedom in a time when it was unpopular. I stood
there and silently watched my Father as he touched those
names on that wall in Washington.
The Unbroken American Spirit.
As I heard about a command plane that took a near hit over
the skies of Bosnia with damage that forced it to land in
a hostile environment. I knew my younger sister had learned
what service to country can really mean.
The Unbroken American Spirit.
As I tell my child and other younger people some day about
the events of September 11, 2001. I will tell them about
the heroism of the police and firefighters that paid the
ultimate price to defend and rescue their fellow citizens,
and the ordinary people that rose up and came together to
become again, "One Nation Under God".
The Unbroken American Spirit.
As I was told of the story Valley Forge and Bunker Hill,
a relative endured the savage cold of winter, and the hot,
violent air of battle to give birth to a new nation.
The Unbroken American Spirit.
As I was told of the story of Shiloh and the thousands
of American men that died there that day. A relative
learned the meaning of ultimate sacrifice for the unity
of a nation. His grave honors that battlefield.
The Unbroken American Spirit.
As I was told of the horrors of mustard gas and poison.
A relative experienced the gas in the fields of France
and lived the rest of his life in the Southwest due to
the damage done to his lungs. Never to return to his
Great Lakes home.
The Unbroken American Spirit.
As I was told of the battles in the jungles of the Pacific,
a relative went to meet the enemy in the jungle to defend
the daughter that would someday become my mother.
The Unbroken American Spirit.
As I was told of the desperate conditions of the Pusan
Perimeter, a relative slung his rifle over his shoulder
and went out to drive the horde back to save the freedom
and culture of a people that were not his own.
The Unbroken American Spirit.
As I was told of the violent air battles over Vietnam, I
saw the names of classmates and roommates that perished
defending freedom in a time when it was unpopular. I stood
there and silently watched my Father as he touched those
names on that wall in Washington.
The Unbroken American Spirit.
As I heard about a command plane that took a near hit over
the skies of Bosnia with damage that forced it to land in
a hostile environment. I knew my younger sister had learned
what service to country can really mean.
The Unbroken American Spirit.
As I tell my child and other younger people some day about
the events of September 11, 2001. I will tell them about
the heroism of the police and firefighters that paid the
ultimate price to defend and rescue their fellow citizens,
and the ordinary people that rose up and came together to
become again, "One Nation Under God".
The Unbroken American Spirit.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Ants In The Pantry
We were invaded this weekend. Bunches and bunches of those nasty little creatures got into our pantry. Thankfully we had not gone to the store yet so only 2 items were ruined. A box of some sort of health cereal, and sadly, 3/4 of a container of NesQuik (Nestle's powder to make chocolate milk).
I cleaned these bandits out and even sprayed along the bottom of the pantry with Raid. It was hard work taking everything out. You know, what comes out has to go back in. I cleaned the shelves because who knows where their feet had been. I can handle spiders and snakes a whole lot better than ants. I go by the principal of where this is just even one ant, a million of it's road dogs are near by.
Well I was happy now. I told the wife my discovery and how I had vanquished the host from hell. I assured her I sprayed and cleaned up all excess spray so the pets would not get harmed. It was time to rest and tell "Little Rolling Thunder" to next time put the lid back on right and tight on the NesQuik. I love that stuff.
A little while later (you know where this is going), a hunger pain hits. Time to see what's happening in the pantry.
I open the door and what do I see!!!!!! Those little demons from hell are back!!! And they brought at least a legion with them!!!! Now they are on all the shelves!!!!!
This time though there was nothing they could get into. What a relief. Still, 3 shelves of stuff had to come out, little demons mopped up, shelves cleaned, stuff put back. This time I waited and noticed they were coming out of the wall through a crack in the door trim.
It was time to die for the spawns of hades. I sprayed the Raid all around the pantry edges (of course wiping up the over spray) and everywhere else those little beasts could come from in the kitchen. I even went outside and found a fire ant hill to spray - for good measure.
The ants have not been back. The new groceries appear to be safe. Thank goodness this dark crawling army did not get into my new box of Lucky Charms. That would have been worse than losing the NesQuik.
More Dog Stories....From Friends
Story #1: Several years ago when my (Raquey's) youngest son, Brad, was visiting us, we caught a wild mouse that was loose in our house and probably, against our better judgment, we kept him. We named him Ralph. He got loose one day and we were unable to chase him down. Later, we were sitting at the table eating dinner and our big, black German Shepherd, Bo (this was before Baby) saw Ralph scampering across the kitchen floor. Like a bolt of lightning Bo went after Ralph, caught him and was standing there, Ralph dangling from his mouth by his tail. We hollered, Bo dropped the mouse and Ralph went back into hiding. We found Ralph later and, lo and behold, Ralph had a crimp in his tail from where Bo had caught him.
Story #2: Where we are staying is an old dog named Rodeo. Last year when we were here we met Rodeo. He's a mild-mannered, well-mannered dog that follows his owners around and stops for petting from the folks staying at our RV campground. This year when we returned, he seemed a little older, a little slower and we were told that he had gone deaf. Well, the other evening we saw our local fox take off across the property and you wouldn't have known that Rodeo was old, slow or deaf. He took off after that fox like a bullet. Probably had to sleep for hours after that to recover, but he had the adrenaline when he needed it.
BY Dick and Raquey
Story # 3: I will give you another story to convey when people can't understand the instincts of dogs and devise a list of things they would do to fix the natural result of dog vs. mouse.
I was a teenager in a house my father built just outside of Chicago. It was spring and I was helping to remove two bales of straw that Dad placed against the sewer drain pipe last fall. The purpose of the straw was to protect the above ground pipe from freezing through the winter. Our backyard was open lawn except for a wheelbarrow five or six feet from the drainpipe, and my mom and dad who were standing 30 feet from the site of the upcoming event.
Shadow was one of three Chinese Pug dogs that my parents owned and I grew up with. I don't know what the Pug is famous for but I don't think it is a mouser with a cute flat nose. Shadow was getting old and showed his age. He was meandering around my parents as he often did with nothing on his mind, I'm sure. I lifted the top straw bale into the wheelbarrow and then reached for the second, laying on the grass. A nest of mice, at least ten, were startled when their tenement rose straight up into the air. They took off in every direction, like spokes on half a wheel. In an instant Shadow was on the move. He had the instincts of a cow pony herding doggies at a rodeo competition. One by one he stopped the mice. He shook the first, dropped him and moved like a flash to the next, repeating the routine. I do not remember one mouse escaping. It was all over in maybe 15 seconds. When Shadow decided it was over, he moved back over the field, he stopped at every casualty, inspected it and confidently moved on. His memory was marvelous because he traced his earlier battle precisely in the same order.
The Pug was domesticated over 3500 years ago. During that time, the breed has become known as a strong companion to human families and a brave protector. Shadow's instincts came to life instantaneously. This makes me confident that human instinct is in all of us and we should not work too hard to suppress it. We need instead to recognize when those instincts are needed.
Mom, Dad and I were all proud of the little black legionnaire. Dad broke the silence with, "I've always wanted a hunting dog. How do you think he'd do during pheasant season?"
BY Phil K.
Story #2: Where we are staying is an old dog named Rodeo. Last year when we were here we met Rodeo. He's a mild-mannered, well-mannered dog that follows his owners around and stops for petting from the folks staying at our RV campground. This year when we returned, he seemed a little older, a little slower and we were told that he had gone deaf. Well, the other evening we saw our local fox take off across the property and you wouldn't have known that Rodeo was old, slow or deaf. He took off after that fox like a bullet. Probably had to sleep for hours after that to recover, but he had the adrenaline when he needed it.
BY Dick and Raquey
Story # 3: I will give you another story to convey when people can't understand the instincts of dogs and devise a list of things they would do to fix the natural result of dog vs. mouse.
I was a teenager in a house my father built just outside of Chicago. It was spring and I was helping to remove two bales of straw that Dad placed against the sewer drain pipe last fall. The purpose of the straw was to protect the above ground pipe from freezing through the winter. Our backyard was open lawn except for a wheelbarrow five or six feet from the drainpipe, and my mom and dad who were standing 30 feet from the site of the upcoming event.
Shadow was one of three Chinese Pug dogs that my parents owned and I grew up with. I don't know what the Pug is famous for but I don't think it is a mouser with a cute flat nose. Shadow was getting old and showed his age. He was meandering around my parents as he often did with nothing on his mind, I'm sure. I lifted the top straw bale into the wheelbarrow and then reached for the second, laying on the grass. A nest of mice, at least ten, were startled when their tenement rose straight up into the air. They took off in every direction, like spokes on half a wheel. In an instant Shadow was on the move. He had the instincts of a cow pony herding doggies at a rodeo competition. One by one he stopped the mice. He shook the first, dropped him and moved like a flash to the next, repeating the routine. I do not remember one mouse escaping. It was all over in maybe 15 seconds. When Shadow decided it was over, he moved back over the field, he stopped at every casualty, inspected it and confidently moved on. His memory was marvelous because he traced his earlier battle precisely in the same order.
The Pug was domesticated over 3500 years ago. During that time, the breed has become known as a strong companion to human families and a brave protector. Shadow's instincts came to life instantaneously. This makes me confident that human instinct is in all of us and we should not work too hard to suppress it. We need instead to recognize when those instincts are needed.
Mom, Dad and I were all proud of the little black legionnaire. Dad broke the silence with, "I've always wanted a hunting dog. How do you think he'd do during pheasant season?"
BY Phil K.
Friday, June 13, 2008
A Dog A Mouse
My wife and I have started walking our dog at night after "Little Rolling Thunder" gets home from gym. She is showering and eating dinner anyway so it's a good time to get a little exercise. What does this have to do with a mouse you ask???
Well, last night we were on our 1 mile walk. Wife, I, and the dog. We were near the end of the walk and on a sidewalk bordering the main street. All of a sudden the dog stopped and her head shot straight down to the grass. I looked down just in time to see what I believe was either a very small mouse or a baby mouse.
Lo and behold, the dog scooped the mouse up in her mouth!!!! Holy crap I thought. Before I could do anything else, she turned and looked at my wife. All my poor wife saw was a mouse tail hanging out of the dog's mouth! Before my wife could even yell, the tail disappeared. That stupid dog had swallowed the mouse whole in one gulp!!!!! She did not even chew it.
Needless to say we both were grossed out to the max. I asked my wife if the dog really did in fact swallow that poor mouse in one gulp and she stated yes. We could not believe it!!!!
When we got home, the dog was put in her crate for the night. I was adamant that if she was going to blow out her barrel, she was not going to do it on our carpet. The dog made it through the night without a problem.
You may be asking why we did not attempt to stop the dog. Let me tell you, I was amazed at how fast the entire incident occurred. The dog is like a vacuum cleaner. We are still wondering if the dumb animal even knew what she ate. We are thankful the dog is current on all her shots.
Just something to think about when you are walking your dog in the evening. You never know if there is small snack just waiting to be had for the dog.
Well, last night we were on our 1 mile walk. Wife, I, and the dog. We were near the end of the walk and on a sidewalk bordering the main street. All of a sudden the dog stopped and her head shot straight down to the grass. I looked down just in time to see what I believe was either a very small mouse or a baby mouse.
Lo and behold, the dog scooped the mouse up in her mouth!!!! Holy crap I thought. Before I could do anything else, she turned and looked at my wife. All my poor wife saw was a mouse tail hanging out of the dog's mouth! Before my wife could even yell, the tail disappeared. That stupid dog had swallowed the mouse whole in one gulp!!!!! She did not even chew it.
Needless to say we both were grossed out to the max. I asked my wife if the dog really did in fact swallow that poor mouse in one gulp and she stated yes. We could not believe it!!!!
When we got home, the dog was put in her crate for the night. I was adamant that if she was going to blow out her barrel, she was not going to do it on our carpet. The dog made it through the night without a problem.
You may be asking why we did not attempt to stop the dog. Let me tell you, I was amazed at how fast the entire incident occurred. The dog is like a vacuum cleaner. We are still wondering if the dumb animal even knew what she ate. We are thankful the dog is current on all her shots.
Just something to think about when you are walking your dog in the evening. You never know if there is small snack just waiting to be had for the dog.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
HOMEWORK – OH MY GOSH !!!!!!
I have a daughter in 6th grade. So do many people. My daughter gets lots of math homework. It’s not the same math I learned. I have attempted to help her numerous times over the school year but her mother usually has to take over before I break something or have a heart attack from frustration.
I have a college degree. I have published poetry, articles, and letters. I may not be the sharpest tool in the woodshed but I am not the dullest. But when it comes to this crazy 6th grade math, goodness!!!!! Beat my buttocks with a cane and make me write bad checks!
Talk about an intellectual beating. My daughter, “Little Rolling Thunder”, despises math as much as I do. She likes her parents to do the work for her. That makes for a fun evening. I work all day, want to rest at night, and then have to learn 6th grade math!!! To make matters worse, the math book does not cover everything on the homework. She took poor notes in class to boot.
Probability. That’s what the last assignment was on that I helped her with. Most of the questions made no sense. “Little Rolling Thunder” was in a bad mood. What should have taken 30 minutes lasted a couple of hours. Her Mom was not up to helping her that evening. This assignment was a study packet for a unit test. She had gotten a 50 on it. We now had to find the CORRECT ANSWERS TO 24 QUESTIONS! ( If my daughter was a guy, we would have had a fist fight out in the yard ) When it came down to it, I had to tell her to guess on some of them.
The little fart took her test the next morning and got an 87. And you say there are no miracles in the world???? I don’t know how she did it but she did.
She only has a couple of weeks of school left. The homework is finally slowing down. However, over the Memorial Day Weekend we have to get her to study for one last unit test. She only has 12 out of 100 questions answered and who knows if they are correct.
We will get through it. I am sure it will be painful. We love “Little Rolling Thunder” and like her, we are ready for summer break. When I left college I thought homework was a thing of the past. I liked most homework in college but have now discovered that I am very selective in what, where, and when I want to learn new things. And, I don’t like learning math the “new way”, whatever that means.
I will take this opportunity in advance to answer all you theoretical, analytical, mathematical geniuses out there – BITE ME.
I have a college degree. I have published poetry, articles, and letters. I may not be the sharpest tool in the woodshed but I am not the dullest. But when it comes to this crazy 6th grade math, goodness!!!!! Beat my buttocks with a cane and make me write bad checks!
Talk about an intellectual beating. My daughter, “Little Rolling Thunder”, despises math as much as I do. She likes her parents to do the work for her. That makes for a fun evening. I work all day, want to rest at night, and then have to learn 6th grade math!!! To make matters worse, the math book does not cover everything on the homework. She took poor notes in class to boot.
Probability. That’s what the last assignment was on that I helped her with. Most of the questions made no sense. “Little Rolling Thunder” was in a bad mood. What should have taken 30 minutes lasted a couple of hours. Her Mom was not up to helping her that evening. This assignment was a study packet for a unit test. She had gotten a 50 on it. We now had to find the CORRECT ANSWERS TO 24 QUESTIONS! ( If my daughter was a guy, we would have had a fist fight out in the yard ) When it came down to it, I had to tell her to guess on some of them.
The little fart took her test the next morning and got an 87. And you say there are no miracles in the world???? I don’t know how she did it but she did.
She only has a couple of weeks of school left. The homework is finally slowing down. However, over the Memorial Day Weekend we have to get her to study for one last unit test. She only has 12 out of 100 questions answered and who knows if they are correct.
We will get through it. I am sure it will be painful. We love “Little Rolling Thunder” and like her, we are ready for summer break. When I left college I thought homework was a thing of the past. I liked most homework in college but have now discovered that I am very selective in what, where, and when I want to learn new things. And, I don’t like learning math the “new way”, whatever that means.
I will take this opportunity in advance to answer all you theoretical, analytical, mathematical geniuses out there – BITE ME.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Parents
As we are now between Mother's Day and Father's Day, and me being older, I pause to reflect on my parents.
I have a lot to be thankful for in the 2 people that decided to have me. While like all people they are not perfect, they also were not a lot of other things as well. They were, and still are, good parents. They provided me, my brother, and sister, a loving home. While we were not rich, we do not wallow in poverty. While we had arguments, we were not abused emotionally or physically. While my parents were strict, they were also lenient in other things. None of us kids has done jail time by the way. While they controlled a lot of things, when the time came they let go.
My Dad is a real character. The first time I heard him really yell loud was at one of the grand kids for letting a cat out of the house. I almost had heart failure and just about peed my pants due to surprise. And, at this point, I had been married for a few years. He has a very even temper, something I don't have. He also can be a man of few words but when he has something important to say one should listen.
My Mother is the more emotional one and I am like her. We both share a fondness of liking to chat with others. We both have many words. Mom is a great animal lover unless it's birds. Something happened in her youth and anything that flies is her eternal enemy. She is an expert on cats after having so many over the years. When I need unofficial Vet advice, I usually give her a call.
The best thing about my parents today is that they are more than just parents to me. Our relationship is one of genuine friendship and equality. I can only hope to master the parenting skills they have mastered over the years, especially since I have a daughter I affectionately call "Little Rolling Thunder". If you know her you will understand.
For those of you that did not come from a good solid home, my heart goes out to you. But, with God on your side, you can have the home you did not have as a child. Never let the past overcome the future.
I have a lot to be thankful for in the 2 people that decided to have me. While like all people they are not perfect, they also were not a lot of other things as well. They were, and still are, good parents. They provided me, my brother, and sister, a loving home. While we were not rich, we do not wallow in poverty. While we had arguments, we were not abused emotionally or physically. While my parents were strict, they were also lenient in other things. None of us kids has done jail time by the way. While they controlled a lot of things, when the time came they let go.
My Dad is a real character. The first time I heard him really yell loud was at one of the grand kids for letting a cat out of the house. I almost had heart failure and just about peed my pants due to surprise. And, at this point, I had been married for a few years. He has a very even temper, something I don't have. He also can be a man of few words but when he has something important to say one should listen.
My Mother is the more emotional one and I am like her. We both share a fondness of liking to chat with others. We both have many words. Mom is a great animal lover unless it's birds. Something happened in her youth and anything that flies is her eternal enemy. She is an expert on cats after having so many over the years. When I need unofficial Vet advice, I usually give her a call.
The best thing about my parents today is that they are more than just parents to me. Our relationship is one of genuine friendship and equality. I can only hope to master the parenting skills they have mastered over the years, especially since I have a daughter I affectionately call "Little Rolling Thunder". If you know her you will understand.
For those of you that did not come from a good solid home, my heart goes out to you. But, with God on your side, you can have the home you did not have as a child. Never let the past overcome the future.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
A New Blog / A New Start
This is my third attempt at blogging. I think the other two are a failure for a few reasons. Not creative enough, not enough of me, boring, whatever. So, when I blog on this one, I am just going to let it hang out.
I should have followed a wise old Texas Saying. I am not a Texas native but have been here almost 20 years. I think this saying captures it all.
You can't run with the Big Dogs if
you pee like a Puppy.
So that being said, "Running With The Dogs" is launched. I will add links and other crap as time permits and the feeling strikes me.
I should have followed a wise old Texas Saying. I am not a Texas native but have been here almost 20 years. I think this saying captures it all.
You can't run with the Big Dogs if
you pee like a Puppy.
So that being said, "Running With The Dogs" is launched. I will add links and other crap as time permits and the feeling strikes me.
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