RANDOM THOUGHTS FROM AN IDLE MIND

CHILDREN, SAFE SCHOOLS AND WASHINGTON

2009-10-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

CHILDREN, SAFE SCHOOLS AND WASHINGTON

I have remained silent about all of the “Special Advisors” and assistants to President Obama, despite my serious misgivings about their qualifications and personal agendas. However, as a parent and grandparent, and past and present volunteer with youth groups, I cannot in good conscience remain silent about one of President Obama’s appointments.

Kevin Jennings has been named as the person in charge of the “Safe School” program for the Department of Education. As such, he is to be responsible for programs and policies that are supposed to protect our children while they are in school. I find this hard to understand based on his admitted actions when actually confronted with a real case of child abuse.

Let us first agree that a sex act between a fifteen year old and an adult significantly older than the child is statutory rape, and certainly qualifies as child abuse. No High School Sophomore should be considered fair game for a predatory adult, and an adult who craves sex with a minor is certainly a predator.

In 1988, while a teacher at a High School in Concord Massachusetts, Mr. Jennings counseled a 15 year old student who was engaging in a sexual relationship with an adult who was significantly older, that began in a bus station in Boston. The sum total of Mr. Jennings’ advice and counsel was to tell the child; "I hope you knew to use a condom." Over the next two years, until the student graduated, Mr. Jennings was aware of the ongoing relationship between the student and the adult, yet he took no action. I would note that Mr. Jennings has written about this, so there is no doubt as to his actions, or lack thereof.

I am not familiar with the laws of the state of Massachusetts, but I do know about laws pertaining to the rape or abuse of children in my state of Iowa. As outlined in Iowa Code section 232.69, there are categories of people who are mandatory reporters when they examine, attend, counsel, or treat a child in the scope of professional practice or in their employment responsibilities. Among the listed mandatory reporters are teachers and other employees of schools. In Iowa, Mr. Jennings would have been required by law to notify the appropriate authorities of this relationship, and take active steps to protect this student.

The failure to take the required actions in Iowa is a criminal act under Iowa Code, to wit: Iowa Code section 232.75 provides for civil and criminal sanctions for failing to report child abuse. Any person, official, agency, or institution required by this chapter to report a suspected case of child abuse who knowingly and willfully fails to do so is guilty of a simple misdemeanor. In addition, any person, official, agency, or institution required by Iowa Code section 232.69 to report a suspected case of child abuse who knowingly fails to do so, or who knowingly interferes with the making of such a report in violation of section 232.70, is civilly liable for damages.

The bottom line is that in Iowa Kevin Jennings would be admittedly liable for both criminal and civil actions for his failure to act on behalf of this student. I say admittedly because he has included this information in his own book. In his defense, he has stated that he was young, and could have handled this differently. I would ask if the state of Massachusetts has similar laws to my state, and do they inform teachers of their responsibilities as mandatory reporters? If so, did not Mr. Jennings violate the laws of Massachusetts? If not, why not? If Massachusetts does not have mandatory reporting laws, why are such laws not in place?

May I respectfully say that this appointment is beyond inappropriate, but is in direct conflict with the goals and stated mission of this position. Mr. Jennings has already shown that he does not have the best interests of our children at heart, as shown by his disregard for the safety and welfare of a student in his care. He should have the good grace to resign, and if he fails to do so, he should be fired. The safety of our children is too important to be entrusted to someone who so blatantly has failed to act in a responsible manner when presented with a real life situation.

TO BE A CUB FAN

2009-08-27T18:12:00.000-07:00

TO BE A CUB FAN

Many of my friends here in Iowa know that I am a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs baseball team. They attribute this to the fact that I spent my childhood growing up on Waveland Avenue in Chicago. I was fortunate that I had a Grandfather who was a Cub fan, and often took me to games at beautiful Wrigley Field. As a boy, the only present I wanted for my eighth birthday was an autographed baseball from Hank Sauer.

My friends, and even my family, often tease me about the fact that I was born in September, 1945, the last year in which the Cubs appeared in a World Series. While I have waited my entire life of 63 years to see the Cubs in a series, the fact that it has been 101 years since last they won a World Series is beyond a topic suitable for teasing.

But the long wait for me to see my team play in a World Series is not the main topic for this piece. Rather, it is to discuss why I have raised all five of my now adult children to be Cubs fans. While only two of the five were born in Chicago, all of them root for the Northsiders. I happily instilled in them a love for this benighted team, not out of nostalgia, or a misplaced loyalty to my boyhood idols, but for very practical reasons. Please let me explain.

Raising my children to follow the Cubs, rather than another baseball team, has allowed me to provide two separate and distinct advantages to each of my offspring. Any person raised as a Cub fan is automatically imbued with life lessons which will help them deal with the challenges they will face as adults, and instill in them a faith in the system of American values which have enabled us to become the greatest nation on earth. And before you write me off as a complete lunatic, please bear with me.

First of all, being a Cub fan is not easy. Traditionally, Americans tend to favor winners. It is easy, for example, to root for the New York Yankees. Their record over the decades, and the super stars they have fielded, makes it easy to admire them and claim a share of their glory. But the truth is, most teams, and most people, will never achieve the level of success that the Yankees have produced. Rather, we do the best we can with the skills and abilities we have, and with a bit of luck we will reach a level of success that is commendable, while not record setting. In other words, our expectations are more realistic, and our goals are achievable. A life lesson well learned.

The Cubs often have a player of superior ability, but he remains a rose among the thorns. A single star, while attaining personal success and adulation, can remain an also ran in the race for a World Championship. Baseball is indeed a team sport, and despite an individual of great talent, the team will only rise to the level of its collective skills. A co-worker of mine had a sign on his desk that read, “It is hard to soar like an eagle when you work with a bunch of turkeys”. A lesson learned that while you do your best, not all of those around will equal your effort. That is a fact of life that Cub fans understand all too well.

In life, we all face disappointments, and deal with failure at some point. For those who are well balanced in their outlook, failure and disappointment leads to renewed efforts to overcome adversity, with some degree of eventual success. Cub fans are realists when it comes to immediate expectations, but have an undeniable optimism about the future. While the fans of other teams wait with bated breath about the final outcome of their team’s season, Cub fans often look toward next year by the mid-season All Star break. While others bemoan the collapse of their chosen team’s standings in the last month of the baseball season, Cub fans have the anticipation of next year long before the current season ends.

The “three player” rule is another advantage of being a Cub fan. We spend months agreeing that the Cubs are only three players away from a World Series team, but can argue for hours about which three players we need. Some teams may need various numbers of players to improve, and that number changes from year to year. For us, we know it only takes three. A cynic might say that the three are the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, but we know the three specific players that need to be acquired.

For Cub fans, despite over a hundred years of disappointment, hope springs eternal. The American spirit of never giving up, or giving in, is a mainstay of the psyche of Cub fans. We know that next year will be different, and things will be better. The failures of this year do not deter us, and there is almost nothing that will dampen our enthusiasm for our team. This is more than a lesson, but rather a guiding principle that can be applied to every aspect of our lives. I think forgiveness may also play a part in this. Again, we don’t hold grudges about mistakes made in the current season, but seek ways to overcome these setbacks.

Americans have always prided themselves on inventiveness, and originality. In less than two hundred and forty years, we have come from a small group of disorganized colonies to the most free, powerful, wealthiest and successful nation in history. In that vein, I think it beyond argument that the Chicago Cubs have found more unique and original ways to lose ball games than any team in history. This may be the factor that makes the Cubs so beloved of their fans. In them, we see all the foibles, miss-steps, lost opportunities, mental lapses and inadequacies we all fall prey to from time to time. Yet despite this, we fans remain true to their cause, and ever hopeful that next year will be “The One”.

Let me close by saying that I have no way of knowing how long it will take for the Cubbies to appear in a World Series, let alone win a championship. What I do know is that I will remain a fan for the remainder of my days, and like my children, will always have hope for the future. Let the games begin, and it’s never too early to say “Wait til next year”.

TO MY GRANDSON

2009-06-18T15:21:00.000-07:00

TO MY GRANDSON

Dear Keirick;

Your eighth birthday is fast approaching, and I wanted to put down some thoughts as you finish up Second Grade, and prepare for next year.

I was very proud on your first day of school, when you were the only one in your class of five and six year olds who knew the pledge of allegiance. When your teacher asked you to lead the class in the pledge, my heart swelled.

You surprised me when you asked Grandma to get you a policeman costume for Halloween. I had not appreciated how much you admired your uncle and two cousins who are police officers. Your comments about police protecting and helping people were wise beyond your years.

I put copies of the pictures you and I took at the Gold Star Military Museum at Camp Dodge on your Mom’s computer. That way, you can look at them any time you want. I know from the questions you ask, that you worry about your Uncle Patrick and Cousins Keith and JoAnn while they take on their very important jobs. I hope you understand my answers, and know why they can’t always be with us when we want. I worry about them too, but we both know they are very smart, and they know what they are doing and how to take care of themselves and their friends. Like all of our family, they want to protect you, but sometimes must be away while they do that. Just remember to include them when you say your bedtime prayers, and all of the men and women in the military.

You won’t understand this part for awhile, but you were a very big help to your Mom when she was sick from the cancer medicine. She tells me that you have even made dinner for both of you when she was too tired from her college classes and medicine to cook. I don’t know how or when you learned to do some of the things you help your Mom with, but I do know that every time you help it is just like saying “I love you” to your Mom.

When you started first grade, you were able to officially join the Cub Scouts. You have already been to Scout Camp many times, helping your Mom and me with different Scout activities. That means you know some things the other Cubs won’t know yet, and will be able to do some things they haven’t learned. Don’t be a show off about the things you know, but help your fellow Cubs learn how to do those things themselves.

Like all parents and grandparents, I wanted my children and grandchildren to be smarter, healthier, happier, freer and more prosperous than my generation. Your test scores have already shown that you are much smarter than I was, and your level of activity is an indication of your health. What worries me now is the prospect that you may not have the same freedoms and opportunities that I had. And for that, I take responsibility.

I had the duty to future generations to insure that the principles upon which our Nation was founded were protected, nurtured and grown. And in this regard, I have not kept that duty well. While so many adults are worried about the economy, jobs and finances, we have looked in the wrong places for the answers to our questions. We are relying on others to fix things, instead of fixing things ourselves. And the ones who we look to for help are often the same folks who caused our problems.

As a Scout Leader, I have tried my best to be true to the twelve points of the Scout Law. To me, the most important is to be Trustworthy. But I have broken that law, by allowing people who are not trustworthy to become the leaders of our country. Many of our elected officials have lied, cheated and even stolen from others. Yet I, and others like me, have not cared enough for your future to demand better behavior from those who have authority and power. And now, they are taking away the freedoms I had all of my life. By the time you reach adulthood, I fear you will have been given a country very different from the one I found as a young man.

I want to make a promise to you, and I know that you trust me to keep my promises. I will do whatever I can to help bring our country back to our values and character. I will not just let things happen, but will take a more active role in becoming a true citizen, trusting in our founding principles to give you a country and a future that cherishes our freedoms and opportunities. I cannot guess how things will be as you grow up, but I will do my best to give you a country where you can make your dreams come true; and that will make my dreams come true.

With Love

Grandpa

A REMARKABLE EVENING

2009-03-31T14:23:00.000-07:00

On Monday night, March 30th, I attended a lecture at the Tifereth Israel Synagogue in Des Moines. The guest speaker was Brigitte Gabriel. Frankly, it was one of the most remarkable evenings I have ever experienced.

Ms. Gabriel is a Lebanese Christian, who survived the Lebanese Civil War while a child. She was saved from slaughter by the Israeli Defense Forces when they moved into Southern Lebanon. She later lived in Israel, and now is a resident of the United States. As a former journalist covering the Middle East, she is uniquely qualified to discuss the current events there, as well as the impact of Islamic extremism in the United States. If you have read either of her books, you have a basic understanding of the nature of her talk.

I would not be presumptuous enough to try to encapsulate the content of her talk. It lasted about an hour, with another hour of Questions and Answers. What I would rather do is discuss the venue, and the audience.

I arrived early, in order to become familiar with the Synagogue, never having been to Tifereth Israel before. I first went to the lounge area outside of the community room. In the community room, Ms Gabriel and a panel of local congregation members were hosting a large number of educators from the Des Moines area. High School, Middle and Grammar School teachers, numbering well over one hundred, were at the Question and Comment point. I listened in for awhile, but the questions were mostly inane, suggesting that most of the invited attendees had little comprehension of the nature of Islamic extremism. I heard the words tolerance and diversity in numbers too large to count. I felt I was at risk of having a brain numbing experience, so I went to the sanctuary.

The sanctuary, built in 1929, was done in a classic style, reminding me of the synagogues I visited in my youth in Chicago. I was comfortable in this setting, and sat in a pew just two rows from the lectern. Being early, I was able to watch and visit with many of the attendees for the evening lecture as they arrived. This was the first highlight of my evening.

I must point out that security was very evident. I am sure most know of the very real and explicit threats that Ms. Gabriel has received since beginning her education activities on the nature of violent Islam. But this is Des Moines, not Toronto, New York or Southern California. As it turned out, the security (Des Moines Police Officers) were mainly occupied with directing folks to the rest rooms, and insuring that Ms. Gabriel was not hugged into asphyxia.

My first conversation was a brief one with former Iowa Governor Robert Ray, and his wife Billie. I have met him on numerous occasions, and was pleased that he remembered me. As always, they were gracious, and greeted many of their friends and admirers with grace and courtesy. Sitting next to me were a middle aged couple who are members of the congregation. The wife was very knowledgeable on the history of the synagogue and its congregation, and gave me a brief education on Tifereth Israel. Behind me were a white couple and an African-American man who were members of an evangelical church in the neighborhood. We had an interesting discussion of heart healthy diets, as the African-American man was also a survivor of stroke, heart attack and by-pass surgery. Turns out we shared the surgeon, and had graduated from Cardiac Rehab at our mutual hospital just two months apart.

By 6:50 PM, the pews were filled, and additional folding chairs had been brought in for the side aisles and open spaces. I would guess total attendance at well over three hundred. I cannot describe adequately the diversity of the audience. College students from Drake and Grandview, High School students, parents with their children, married and single adults, middle aged and elderly people; all mingled in a delightfully haphazard manner. Not surprising for Iowa, the conversations among the guests were lively, friendly, and filled with introductions, handshakes and laughter. Three hundred strangers drawn together in what was for many an unfamiliar setting, but with a shared desire to learn.

After appropriate acknowledgments and introductions, the emcee turned over the microphone to Ms. Gabriel. The audience was immediately enraptured by both her personality, as well as the content. She spoke without script (no tele-prompter), referring to a single page of notes only when using an exact quote, or with reference to specific figures or names. The attendee reactions were among the most sincere and genuine I have ever witnessed. Laughter when she make a humorous remark, serious attention when she spoke of matters of importance, and free flowing tears when she talked of her childhood as a Christian child under attack by Moslem former neighbors and friends. The savagery of her experiences was underscored by her obvious emotion.

After the formal talk, Ms. Gabriel opened the floor to audience questions. Again, this is Iowa. Those wishing to ask questions lined up quietly at the microphone, and waited their turn politely and quietly. I was fortunate to be the second person to raise a question, and I introduced myself before posing my question. Every person who followed did the same, introducing themselves and telling the audience why they were here before posing their question. As with the audience, the questioners reflected the wide background of attendees. Among the expected folks who were Jewish, Christian, native Iowans and transplants; were three who stood out. One was a Lebanese Christian who was also a refugee from the turmoil of the seventies. Another was an African Christian from Darfur, and the third was a Muslim African, also a refugee from Darfur.

All of the questions were relevant, and polite. Ms. Gabriel answered each with thoroughness, and occasionally a passion, that showed her knowledge and experience on the issues presented. While she may have expected the standing ovation she received at the end of her formal presentation, I detected a bit of surprise on her face when she received another standing ovation at the end of the Question period.

After the event itself, there was a reception with light refreshments, and a book signing. As before, I met a variety of people during the reception, including the Rabbi of Tifereth Israel, the Cantor, the couple who sponsored the event, and a host of Jewish and Christian folks who all shared a common theme. The theme was a heartfelt thank you for the opportunity to attend, and an admiration for the guest of honor.

I had the privilege of speaking with Ms. Gabriel for a few minutes, and found her to be an engaging and intelligent conversationalist, who made those around her comfortable in a way that only very special people have. I would offer two thoughts from her that I wish to share.

“To tolerate the intolerable is in itself a crime.”

“Although the majority of Moslems are peaceful, their silence makes them irrelevant.”

THE PASSING OF A HERO

2009-03-13T11:40:00.000-07:00

The word hero is attached to many people in American culture. A Quarterback throws the winning touchdown with 6 seconds left in the game, and he is called a hero. A movie actor makes a political statement while accepting an award, and he is called heroic. A politician takes a stance on an issue based on popularity polls rather than ethics and principle, and he is deemed a hero.

I think we have lost the meaning of what constitutes heroic actions, and what makes a hero. I once heard that a hero is someone who controls his fear five minutes longer than those around him. While there may be some truth to that, I think true heroism involves so much more. Some heroes are made, and some are born, but they do have some common traits.

Heroes do what most of us can’t do, or won’t do. Heroes are driven by a desire to do what is right, not what is popular. Heroes put the safety and welfare of others before their own safety and welfare. Heroes have a strong belief in personal responsibility and honor, duty to God and country, and service to others. And heroes understand that we all will face a crisis decision at some point in our lives, and they neither avoid nor defer that decision at a critical time.

In my life, I have been privileged to know many heroes, both within my family and among my friends and acquaintances. My parents were heroes to me, as were my uncles and cousin who fought in World War II. I still view my brother, who served in Korea, though the eyes of a seven year old who felt that his big brother would always be his protector. My son, nephew and niece, who today wear the uniform of our Nation, are my heroes. So too are my nephews who serve in law enforcement, risking their lives to defend others. More than twenty of my former Boy Scouts who serve, or have served in the military, are true heroes. And many members of my own generation, who fought with courage and honor in the jungles of Vietnam.

I write this because my family has lost the last warrior of our greatest generation, our beloved Uncle Bobby. Major Robert Meyer, United States Marine Corp. (ret.) left us on Thursday. I was fortunate that I could spend several days with his bride, children and grandchildren as he fought his last battle. He was a larger than life man, and a role model of what a man should be to all in our family. My purpose in this piece is not to recount his actions in multiple wars, or his contributions to our country in those times between conflicts, but simply to acknowledge the man.

My uncle was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and great uncle to four generations. And he fulfilled all of those roles with honor. A loving husband and father, his time with his family was always golden. Never too busy to regale we younger ones with stories of his experiences, he did so with both insight and humor. He never discussed actual combat with us, but rather the experiences he had with his fellow Marines. His insights into the evolving technology of aviation, from his time in propeller bombers and fighters, into the jet age and beyond, bred in me a love of history that remains to this day.

He was a Marine to the end, fighting with all that was in him to remain with us for a little bit longer. As I left my extended family, and returned to my own family three states away, I had one enduring vision. When I was a boy in Chicago, Uncle Bobby was stationed in California. My mother and I drove to Glenview Naval Air Station to pick him up for a short visit with my grandfather and other family members. We drove onto the tarmac (no super security in those days), and watched as he taxied his fighter jet toward the hangers. As he opened the canopy, I watched as he removed his helmet, and carefully positioned his kepi on his head. He climbed down the short ladder, jumping past the last two rungs, and snapped a crisp salute to the ground crew. That done, he ran to my Mother, swooping his sister up in a giant bear hug. He then reached down to me, and hoisted me onto his shoulder. As we walked back to the car, several airmen walked by, saluting my uncle. He looked up at me with his trademark grin, and reminded me to return the salutes, because I was riding on the shoulder of a Marine. Despite my youth, I knew that I was in the presence of a hero, and I was so proud that others knew it too.

America has lost another hero. One who fully understood what “Semper Fidelis” means, and who lived it his entire life. Goodbye Uncle Bobby. Semper Fi!

GUESS I'M A BIGOT

2008-12-08T18:55:00.000-08:00

GUESS I’M A BIGOT

Name calling in America, especially in the political arena, has reached epidemic proportions. Discussion, debate and differences aired in a reasonable tone today are as rare as the spotted owl. If anyone espouses a view that others disagree with, name calling is often the immediate response by the person holding the opposing view. While our political leaders should be setting an example of civil discourse, they seem to be among the first to sink to schoolyard tactics, avoiding any possibility of compromise, and reducing themselves to name calling bullies.

No matter what side you might take on any issue, there is no shortage of people who will immediately label you with a demeaning moniker, meant to identify you as some type of fanatic whose views should be discounted out of hand. This knee jerk reaction to any statement made with which you may disagree has reduced many of our fellow Americans to be identified as either “US” or “THEM’.

I certainly have views on many subjects, some of which may be viewed by many as controversial. Fine, I can accept that many people of principal will disagree with my positions. But while I am always willing to listen to opposing views, I rarely hear any rational arguments refuting my positions. Rather, I am inundated with a variety of invectives; defaming my intelligence, sources, upbringing, heredity, ethics or humanity.

I thought I would take a more proactive stance in this matter, and just admit to being a bigot, at least by the standards ascribed by a number of people and organizations. In fact, I believe I qualify as more than just a plain old run of the mill bigot, since I hold politically incorrect views on a wide variety of issues. So that there is no doubt, I have decided to list some of these views, and ascribe the appropriate label. However, I will not use obscenity, sexual proclivities, bathroom functions or other descriptive phrases that should not be used in front of my wife or children.

Like Dr. King, I believe people should be judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin. It is this belief that causes me to take the position that affirmative action was indeed appropriate at one time, to allow minorities time to catch up in those areas where equal opportunity did not exist. However, institutional racism has been legally exorcised from America, and even individual racism has been reduced to the level of social unacceptability. I believe affirmative action, practiced as raced based hiring and promotion, and educational preference based on race are neither needed nor fair. In many circles, this opinion qualifies me as racist.

I firmly believe that the Jewish people deserve a homeland, in the historic land in which they first became a nation. As such, they deserve the support of all fair minded people. That they have achieved this, and created the only fully functional democracy in that part of the world, should foster admiration and respect by all. This particular belief will cause me to be considered a Zionist (which the United Nations defines as racism), racist Nazi, genocide enabler and a host less dignified or printable descriptions.

I agree with the statement by a prominent Muslim scholar that while most Muslims are not terrorists, most terrorists are Muslim. While the majority of Muslims do not participate in acts of terror, nor engage in hostile actions against others, it is also indisputable that 15 of the major 18 areas of conflict in the world involve Muslims, primarily engaged in actions against non-Muslims. For this opinion, I am labeled an Islamophobe, a racist and a hate monger.

I believe that the United States is the noblest nation on earth. We are by far the most generous, easily outdistancing every other nation in personal per capita donations to charity and relief efforts, while also supporting our government in sending aid to those in need in amounts far exceeding any other nation. We are the only nation to have fought two wars to end slavery. (Those of you who are bereft of any knowledge of history will have to figure that one out on your own.) We have historically been generous to those we have defeated in war, and steadfast in our efforts to aid allies in need, both with our blood and treasure. We are one of only a handful of nations that understands the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are personal freedoms granted by God to all mankind, and that governments are instituted for the express purpose of allowing these rights to flourish. For this opinion, I am labeled a nationalist, xenophobe, and some names that cannot be repeated.

I believe that I am an American. I have a heritage that goes back to Ireland and Germany, but I am neither an Irish-American nor a German-American, as I was born in the United States, to parents who were citizens. I was raised and remain a Catholic, but am not a Catholic-American. If you were born a German citizen, and later became a United States citizen, then you can refer to yourself as a German-American if you choose. But if you are a native born citizen, you are an unhyphenated American. Frankly, I find the use of hyphens to determine your status to be divisive, and contrary to an American culture that seeks to create a homogenous population with a shared history and common societal ethics. For this view, I have been called a bigot, racist, anti-diversity, and culturally deficient.

I could go on, but I think these five points will illustrate my basic core values. As an American, I have the right to hold these views freely, and express them in any manner I choose, so long as I don’t interfere with the rights of others to express their views. Those with other views can certainly dispute and debate these issues with me, and I gladly do so. However, when a conversation devolves into name calling, my participation in the debate ends. Frankly, those who resort to labeling and name calling bore me, as the use of invectives is generally a response used when a rational counterpoint does not exist.

I would have mentioned my positions on gun ownership, same sex marriage, abortion, illegal immigration and a host of other issues, but the response would simply be more of the same, with little or no imagination used to refute my positions. I do find myself slightly bemused by the inability of those with opposing opinions to offer intelligent responses, but I guess my father was even more perceptive than I thought, when he told me “Those who use obscenities and name calling do so because they lack the intelligence to express themselves in any other manner.”

BABY NOT YET

2008-11-16T12:55:00.000-08:00

BABY NOT YET

When I lived in the Kansas City area, I had a friend from work with whom I car-pooled. He was originally from New Orleans. I, as a native Chicagoan, had a great time every day comparing language differences and local customs from our respective hometowns. One thing that struck me was his term for eggs. Specifically, he called them ‘chicken not yet’.

Perhaps that is the term that the pro-abortion advocates should use with respect to unborn babies. Fetus can be troublesome, because too many people equate fetus with an unborn baby. Embryo is not quite right either, as many of the aborted have fully developed arms and legs, fingers and toes, eyes and noses. Too recognizable to be called an embryo, as they appear human. Extraneous uterine material has never caught on. That term must be too scientific for mere plebeians. So perhaps, in the continuing quest to come up with a terminology that will dehumanize the unborn, and make the abortion process more acceptable to us, the pro-abortion activists can use the term ‘Baby Not Yet’. The ‘baby’ part would be their version of warm and fuzzy, but the ‘not yet’ part would place the unborn in an egg category. Abortion would then become the elimination of a woman’s ova, albeit a rather large one.

Semantics aside, I have had some thoughts on the abortion issue that I have tried several times to articulate, without much success. I think my emotions get in the way, and cause me to lose my rationale. I am, if nothing else, persistent; so I thought I would try again to put my thoughts to paper. If I use a different approach, with a slightly different terminology, perhaps I can get through this without succumbing to vitriol.

We are a nation with a criminal justice system based on a simple premise. Every person accused of a crime, no matter how horrendous, and regardless of the amount of evidence accumulated, is innocent until proven guilty. The entire process is designed to afford the maximum protection to the accused, based on this presumption of innocence. The indictment process, pre-trial hearings, right to remain silent, right to an attorney, and rules of evidence are all designed to place unprecedented restrictions on the prosecution, while providing many opportunities for the accused to get off if any of the rules are violated. No other country on earth has as many protections in place for those accused of breaking its laws. As a strict constitutionalist, I do not quibble with any aspect of this process. I am ferocious in my desire to protect we the citizens from any unfair advantage by the government.

My question is simply why we, as a nation, do not apply the same standard to the unborn? The rules applied to abortion seem absolutely arbitrary, with no basis in law or science. They are based on opinion rather than fact, and supposition, rather than evidence. Indeed, appearance rather than proof.

If this were a just nation in all respects, rather than selectively, abortion would have to meet the same strict criteria as our criminal justice system. Just take a few of the pro-abortion positions, and apply the same type of criminal provisions regarding the rules of evidence process, and you will get my drift.

1) A fetus can be aborted if not viable outside of the womb. Actually, a 1-year-old child is not viable outside of the care of an adult. They cannot obtain food or shelter, protect themselves from the elements or predators, or avoid hazards to themselves, such as fire and flood.
2) A fetus does not have awareness, nor can it feel pain. There is no scientific proof for this statement. In fact, the reverse is true. There are several studies now available, which show that a fetus can be startled by loud noises, awakened from sleep by the mothers cough, and calmed by certain music and voices. Further studies, although recent, have shown that pain receptors develop very early during pregnancy. A simple blood test performed on a fetus draws a reaction. Severing limbs, crushing skulls, vacuuming out internal organs, all show evidence of causing extreme pain to the unborn.
3) A woman has a constitutional right to abort a baby, as it is her body, and the right to choose is constitutionally protected. Please show me what article or amendment specifies this right. I do recall an equal protection clause, as well as some troublesome wording involving equal status. Apparently, some are more equal than others.
4) A fetus is not a human until born. Again, should not the same standards used in criminal proceedings be used to determine this most basic issue? If a criminal is innocent until proven guilty, should we not also say an unborn baby is a human until proven otherwise?

I could go on, but an improvable statement by the pro-abortion lobby would counter any argument I might cite in defense of the unborn. What I will never understand is why the Liberal Left, who claim to be the protectors of individual rights against the forces of the Evil Right, refuses to defend the right of a baby to live, while fighting to insure the rights of murderers to all the protection society can provide. Science continues to learn more and more about when life begins, and as each new fact comes to light, it reinforces the arguments against abortion on demand.

An accused murderer must go through a prolonged legal process, involving dozens of people. Judges, attorneys, prosecutors, juries, Appeals Courts, judicial reviews, and clemency pleas are all part of the process. If execution is involved, a decade or more may be required before the sentence is carried out. In abortion, one woman can make a snap decision that she does not want the inconvenience of motherhood, and within a day, complete the abortion process. No appeal, no review, and no one to defend the life within her.

We live in a country where we have the right to make choices every day. But with choice comes responsibility for our actions and consequences to those actions. A criminal makes a choice to commit a crime, and must accept the consequences when caught and prosecuted. A woman makes a choice to have intercourse, with pregnancy one of the consequences of the action. Yet it is the baby who must accept the consequences should she choose to have abortion. Just as victims do not choose to have a crime committed against them, and yet they suffer the consequences; so to a baby does not choose be conceived, not does this unborn person choose to be aborted.

The bottom line is that in America, you are better protected if accused of murder, than if you are a baby in the womb.

A POLITICALLY CORRECT GUIDE TO LANGUAGE

2008-11-11T18:24:00.000-08:00

A POLITICALLY CORRECT GUIDE TO LANGUAGE

There is no doubt that language, and its usage, can be a highly effective tool to affect both perception and attitudes among people. Inspiring language can impel the listener to do things that would normally be beyond their capability. Depressing speech can cause those who are easily influenced to develop negative feelings that can have a disastrous impact on a variety of activities.

The movement to instill politically correct language on America has reached a stage where most of us need to realize the true agenda of the progressives who are foisting these speech patterns on us. The actual aim of this devaluing of speech is to redefine Americans into Europeans, so that like so many of our European cousins we can no longer distinguish between right and wrong, or good and evil.

The term Illegal Alien is now a big no-no. We are to use the term Undocumented Workers. But what are we to call those who are here illegally to commit crimes, obtain free medical services, or free education? Many news services now refer to terrorists as dissidents, militants, and even (God help us all) freedom fighters. The mobs of Muslim youths in France, when torching an average of 100 cars per day, were characterized in the media as disenfranchised youth. By the way, the nightly car burnings continue in France. It is now so routine that the press doesn’t even bother to report it anymore.

If we carry this to its logical conclusion, I guess we should get used to the following.

Drug dealers will now be referred to as unlicensed pharmacists.

Suicide bombers will henceforth be called actively involved demolition experts.

Child molesters will be pitied as they are sexually dysfunctional at a chronological level.

Bank robbers will become income redistribution enablers.

Kidnappers would be unauthorized temporary daycare providers.

Vandalism, rather than being a crime, will be celebrated as freeform artistic expression.

Carjackers will soon become involuntary automotive distributors.

Street gang thugs will be referred to as disadvantaged youths. Oh wait, that has already happened.

My Grandfather said that seventy-five was the perfect age for a person to exercise free speech. At that age, he said, one could say anything to anyone and get away with it. Even if people disagreed with or were offended by the statement, an age related excuse could always be thrown out to mitigate what was said, and it would soon be forgotten or forgiven. I can’t wait until I hit seventy-five, so I don’t have to worry about political correctness.

I GOT NOWHERE ELSE TO GO

2008-11-02T16:07:00.000-08:00

I GOT NOWHERE ELSE TO GO

So, what can I expect from an Obama Presidency, a Reid Senate, and a Pelosi House?

The elimination of the Bush tax cuts will immediately raise my income taxes by 24 percent. This increase will impact our household income, based on my wife’s salary, and my retirement pension.

The Obama tax plan will increase the number of working people who don’t pay income taxes from 35 percent to almost 45 percent.

The promised 25 percent cut in defense spending will put our nation at risk.

Energy costs will skyrocket with the implementation of ‘cap and trade’. The coal industry will be bankrupted.

A private army, answerable only to President Obama and outside of constitutional constraints, will be created.

Abortions will increase dramatically as a result of the ‘free choice act’.

Non union workers will lose their right to a secret ballot when voting on unionization, leaving them open to intimidation, threats, and physical harm with the ‘card check’ act.

The proposed hate crime laws will eliminate free speech in our houses of worship.

Medical care will be distributed and rationed by unelected bureaucrats, rather than medical professionals.

The ‘fairness doctrine’ will monitor free speech, and squelch dissenting voices. Criticism of the administration will result in legal threats, investigations, and official harassment.

The Supreme Court will be packed with judges who do not have any respect for the Constitution, as personal agendas will be acceptable.

The President will ignore Constitutional constraints and responsibilities, as he believes it is “fundamentally flawed”.

Gun owners will be restricted in what they may purchase, and the type of ammunition they can use. Home owners will be criminally charged if they use a firearm to defend their family or property. Gun manufacturers will be driven out of business through new taxes and restrictions. Legal gun owners will eventually have their firearms confiscated, as we saw in New Orleans, Washington and Chicago.

Radio stations that criticize the administration will lose their FCC licenses.

I wish I was making these up, but each of my comments is the result of listening to Barack Obama statements, reading his writings, or watching how his campaign staff acts. In other words, there is documentation for each of the statements I have made.

When asked why he would not quit his basic training in “An Officer and a Gentleman”, Richard Gere famously replied “I got nowhere else to go”. America has been the world’s last, best hope for over 230 years. I fear that is about to change. Will my grandsons grow up in the freedom I have enjoyed, or will America fundamentally change? I hope not, because I too have nowhere else to go.

INCONVENIENT TRUTHS ABOUT OIL

2008-05-23T15:15:00.000-07:00

INCONVENIENT TRUTHS ABOUT OIL

Before my recent retirement after a career of almost 40 years, I had the unique opportunity to work in the technology areas for a major oil company, an international financial operation, and one of the world’s largest international banks. As a result, although not an expert in either exploration or production of crude oil and its impact on financial and consumer markets, I did have access to information that most American consumers did not. This was not secret data, nor was it proprietary information. It was simply a case of facts the media was not interested in reporting, and our politicians felt were not germane to their own agendas. Let me start with a few simple facts.

At the time of the 1972 OPEC oil embargo, the domestic production of crude oil in America peaked at about 10 million barrels per day. This domestic production accounted for almost 2/3’s of our total needs, resulting in about 1/3 of our needed crude to be imported. The chilling effect of the embargo on our economy, and ability to provide for the national defense, resulted in our political leadership pledging that the government would work to allow America to achieve energy independence in 10 years. What have we achieved so far?

By 1980, domestic crude production had fallen to 8,572 million barrels per day, while our oil usage climbed to 16,058 million barrels per day. Imports had risen to 7,486 million barrels per day, or 46% of our needs. In 2005, our total crude oil requirements were 20,802 million barrels per day, while domestic production had fallen to 7,486 million barrels per day. The 15,624 million barrels per day necessary to keep America and her economy moving were met by imports, which now account for 75% of our needs. So much for the pledge to make America independent of unreliable foreign sources. What went wrong?

Of natural crude, we have large reserves off the coasts of California and Florida. However, no drilling in these areas has been permitted by law since the late 1960’s. China, however, by using agreements with Cuba to drill in this area, will begin doing so shortly.

America also has additional reserves in the Gulf areas, from Florida to Texas. However, no drilling is permitted in most of these areas. Mexico, however, has no such restrictions.

In Alaska, both onshore and offshore, we have large areas of proven reserves, which are not allowed to be developed by law. Canada has no laws prohibiting such development.

In the mountain Western states, large amounts of oil are available in the shale rock formations. However, EPA regulations prohibit their development.

In the far West, vast areas of tar sands remain undeveloped due to environmental restrictions. As with the geographic areas noted above, most of the land is owned or controlled by the federal government. Canadian use of tar sands is a major source of their oil exports.

The conversion of coal to oil, a technology available for over 100 years, remains another untapped resource, due to legislative and environmental restrictions.

The bottom line is that America could have become energy independent with regard to crude oil by the mid 1980’s. In the area of electricity, the addition of more coal fired generating plants, nuclear power plants, and additional hydro electric plants could have made the need for gas and oil fueled electrical plants unnecessary by 1990. That would have freed up more crude for other purposes, and reduced our overall consumption of oil. In addition, our electrical generation capacity would substantially exceed our present needs, rather than the sporadic shortages we now experience.

Some analysts have estimated that if all of these options had been initiated in the immediate aftermath of the OPEC embargo, crude oil today would have a domestic price of 40-45 dollars per barrel, with secure supplies, and uninfluenced by foreign costs or international speculators. Why didn’t this happen?

It is popular to blame the oil companies, oil cartels, or greedy speculators. But in truth, we are in a bed of our own making. It is not the usual suspects who have passed laws based on bad science, radical environmental lobbies, self interest, political agendas or ignorance of technological advances and free enterprise economics. It is the result of our own government, mainly through the ineptness of Congress. At the risk of sounding glib, the following old saw comes to mind. If the opposite of Pro is Con, what is the opposite of Progress?

One need only look at the energy bill recently passed to confirm my opinion. While this 86.3 billion dollar legislation (including 3.8 billion in pork that has nothing to do with energy) does tell the auto makers how to build cars, tell us that we can’t buy incandescent light bulbs after 2012, and demand that we continue to use 1.25 gallons of gasoline to produce 1 gallon of ethanol (subsidized by us of course); it does not result in one new gallon of gasoline, or one watt of new electricity.

So who is to blame for the “new” energy crisis we face? Look no further than Washington DC. For 34 years, through Republican and Democratic controlled Congresses and Presidencies, they have done all that they can to create what we, the consumer, must now face. And I see no hope that they will do anything to correct the situation they have created. The resources are there, the technologies are proven, and the self corrective economic system is in place. We need only a government that is both accountable and responsive.

HEROES WALK AMONG US

2008-05-01T15:35:00.000-07:00

HEROES WALK AMONG US

To see him in a normal social setting, the casual observer would note only the college student, dressed in a plaid flannel shirt and blue jeans. Of average height, you might notice that he had an above average muscular build, but nothing to make him stand out in a crowd. The very slight limp, as he crossed the room, would be hard for most people to detect.

The other young man is certainly notable for his height. Standing almost 6’5”, with the build of an athlete, he does stand out. But his youthful face and business casual attire would peg him as a young man just entering the business world.

These two young men, both well known to me, have several things in common. Both are Eagle Scouts from my very small central Iowa BSA district. Both are the same age as my youngest son, and served with him as summer camp counselors at our local Scout reservation. One is currently a college student, while the other graduated with my son from Iowa State. They have one more thing in common. Both are decorated combat veterans, and survivors of wounds received in Iraq.

The college student is Sgt Mike F. Mike joined the Army after attending our local Junior College. He was sent to Iraq with a Bradley Fighting Vehicle Unit. His leadership earned him an early trip back to the US, not to be excused from serving in combat, but to train with the first Stryker Brigade before they were deployed to Iraq. While in Iraq for the second time, he led a squad into a building to clear it of terrorists. Entering one room, he was bayoneted from behind by a terrorist hiding in a closet. After disposing of his attacker, Sgt. Mike returned to his Stryker, and put his Scout experience to work. He grabbed a roll of duck tape, wound it around his bleeding leg, and rejoined his squad. He was not seen by any medical personnel until his entire unit returned to their forward operating base. He was stitched up and kept overnight for observation, returning to his unit the next day. He completed his entire 15 month tour without any further interruption. He told me the limp can be fixed with some tendon repair, but that can wait until he finishes his graduate degree.

The tall young man joined the Army ROTC while in college. After graduation, he went through his initial training, and was accepted into Army Ranger training. Second Lieutenant Mike S. was sent to Iraq with his Rangers, and saw his first combat two days after arrival. In the first month, he learned about one disadvantage to his height. He was struck in the head by a snipers bullet. It pierced his helmet, and he describes how “it kind of rattled around doing some minor damage to my forehead, ear and hairline.” Several months later, while on patrol, he was hit by a rocket propelled grenade. The warhead missed him, and so did not detonate. However, the fin left a deep gash in his thigh. He finished his patrol before seeking medical care and multiple stitches. Asked how he completed his mission with the pain from his leg, Lt. Mike said he didn’t really notice the pain. He was too busy looking for the second RPG that usually followed an initial attack. While Mike survived both wounds, neither the sniper nor the RPG shooter did. He has a month off, before returning to duty. He was offered a position with Army intelligence, but instead applied for Special Forces training. He is excited that he was accepted for this assignment.

So, two young Iowa sons, exceptional not in appearance, nor notable for athletic competition, or business success. Average in most respects, they would not be noticeable while in a mall, at church, or having a cold tall one with friends. They are among the thousands of quiet heroes that walk among us every day. Yet most of us do not know them, nor do we thank them. Two young men who do the things that most of us can’t do, or won’t do. Yet, everything we are able to do so freely are the result of the quiet courage of men and women like them.

I look at these young men , and the twenty-two other former Scouts and adult leaders (my Air Force son among them) serving in the military from my small District here in flyover country, and I am in awe of the character they show every day. We are indeed blessed that we have heroes that walk among us. Unknown, unrecognized, but there when we need them the most.

TAXES AND CANDIDATES AND LIES OH MY

2008-01-24T09:27:00.000-08:00

TAXES AND CANDIDATES AND LIES OH MY

Call me cynical if you will, although I prefer being tagged as a skeptic if I am categorized by my view of political pronouncements. Frankly, I follow my father’s advice, when he told me to believe nothing that I read or hear, and only half of what I see. If I cannot prove a statement by any politician to my satisfaction, I consider it a misrepresentation at a minimum, or an outright falsehood at the worst. And when it comes to politics, there are more falsehoods than exaggerations.

One of the most repeated claims today by many in politics is that the tax cuts initiated by President Bush benefited the wealthy and major corporations, with little or no benefit to the middle class and lower income people. These tax cuts are due to expire in 2010, and the only constant I am hearing from the Democratic candidates is that they all intend to allow these cuts to expire. The current leadership of both the House and Senate, now controlled by Democrats, agree with the candidates and want these “unfair” cuts to expire.

I am not stuck on stupid, so I understand that if you give the same break to the middle class that you give to the upper income population, the wealthy will keep more money than me, as they have more to begin with. Cut the taxes on my middle class income at the same rate as someone in a much larger income bracket, and they will get greater benefit in actual dollars saved. However, my skepticism comes into play when politicians say that the middle class was not treated equally with upper income taxpayers by these tax changes. It took me ten minutes to establish the facts to my satisfaction, and I challenge others to follow my example, and see for yourself what happened when the tax rates were adjusted under the Bush tax changes.

Step 1 – Pull out a copy of your Federal tax return for 2002, the last year before the changes to the tax rates took effect. Write down just two figures; your taxable income and the amount of tax you paid.

Step 2 – Divide the amount of Federal tax paid by your taxable income. This will give you the actual percentage rate of taxes you paid in 2002.

Step 3 – Pull out a copy of your Federal tax return for 2006, the most recent year where the revised tax rates have been in effect. Again, write down just two figures; your taxable income and the amount of tax you paid.

Step 4 – Divide the amount of Federal tax paid by your taxable income. This will give you the actual percentage rate of taxes you paid in 2006.

Step 5 - Subtract the 2006 tax rate from the 2002 tax rate. Did the rate go up or down?

Please let me share the actual results of this exercise when my wife and I did this. In the interest of full disclosure, we used our 2005 Federal return, as that was the last full year I worked before retiring halfway through 2006.

In 2002, on a decidedly middle class income, we paid a Federal rate of 17.9 percent. In 2005, we paid Federal taxes of 13.6 percent. Our tax rate had dropped 4.3 percent. In other words, our Federal tax burden was reduced by a substantial 24 percent. Actual income was not a factor, as our taxable income had only gone up 1.6 percent from 2002 to 2005. There also was no change in dependants (our five children are all adults), nor any significant change in any other deductions or credits as evidenced by the very small increase in our taxable income. During that three year period, my income remained flat, and my wife received only a modest raise.

The bottom line is that the tax cuts had a sizable impact on the Federal taxes we paid, and that impact was beneficial. Should we elect a presidential candidate committed to allowing these cuts to expire, with a sympathetic congress that also believes these favorable cuts should go away, I have no doubt that my wife and I will pay more in 2010 than 2009, even if there are no new taxes or raises in existing taxes, simply because we would go back to the 2002 rates. Before you nod in agreement when you hear the candidates talk about unfair tax cuts, please take this simple five step test yourself, and then decide if what you are being told is true or not.

When considering how my wife and I will vote in 2008, one factor that will come into play is simply this. If we have a Democratic President, and a Democratic congress, they have already told me that my taxes will go up 24 percent. This may be one time when candidates are telling us the truth.

SELECTING A CANDIDATE

2008-01-08T14:28:00.000-08:00

SELECTING A CANDIDATE

A good friend of mine, Anne Lieberman, wrote an interesting piece at her blog on the differences between the Republican and Democratic candidates for their respective party nominations for President. You can read it here. http://bokertov.typepad.com/btb/2008/01/democrats-are-m.html

It got me thinking about the method my wife and I use to select candidates that we will support, in both local and national elections. We do try to achieve agreement, so that our votes don’t offset each other, and usually wind up with the same candidate. I thought I would share this method of selection, in hopes that it would assist some of the undecided voters facing the very serious task of exercising the most important right we have, that of selecting the people who will represent us, and make decisions affecting our lives, our city, our state and our nation.

In the interest of full disclosure, we are both registered as Republicans, but never vote strictly on party affiliation. Rather, we make every attempt to be objective, and base our preference on actual positions. Before retirement, my years as a financial analyst and system administrator have had a profound impact on the way I make decisions of importance. Therefore, this method may prove useful to any reader, regardless of political persuasion.

We each make a list of the ten issues that are most important to us, and can actually be affected by the candidate for whatever elective office we are rating. We rank these ten issues with a weighted score of 1 to 10. The most important issue has a point value of 10; the least important has a point value of 1. A perfect score on all issues would result in a score of 55 points from each of us. I would mention at this point that no candidate for any office we have rated ever achieved an individual score of 55, let alone a combined score of 110. Using all informational assets available, we research each candidate’s position on these issues. Since we are both Chicago born skeptics, we not only look at statements, speeches and position papers from the current campaign, but also view their past positions and voting records, to determine their commitment to their present positions.

After we have each worked separately, and scored the candidates appropriately, we combine our scores for each candidate. If there is any significant disparity in our selection, we discuss where the divergence lies, and work to resolve the differences. Usually, we are able to agree on a single candidate, and vote accordingly.

We do have several simple rules to our methodology. One is that we will not vote for any candidate who scores less than 56, out of a total of 110 possible combined points. This rarely happens, but is not unheard of. In the 1996 presidential election scoring, Bob Dole scored 48 on our combined ratings, and Bill Clinton scored 45. After discussion, we agreed on a write in candidate, and voted neither Republican nor Democratic in that election. On each issue, there are only two possible point values. For example, if the issue is illegal immigration, and it is rated as the third most important to us, the candidate can either get an 8 or a 0 from each of us. In other words, we either agree with the candidate’s position, or we don’t. There is no equivocation or ‘spinning’ in our system. We leave that to the politicians.

I don’t make the claim that this is a perfect system, but it does work for us. It provides us with at least a semblance of objectivity rather than partisanship, and induces us to research candidates on their records and positions, rather than rhetoric and personality. The most important aspect, at least to my bride and I, is that we can and do discuss politics with each other without rancor or argument. That two contentious Chicagoans remain married after 42 years shows that logic based decisions, rather than emotionally based perceptions are better, even if less than perfect.

A DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS POEM

2007-12-07T12:16:00.001-08:00

We are already celebrating Chanukah, and Christmas is fast approaching. I think it is appropriate that we be reminded of why we are free to celebrate this Holy Season, and who it is that stands between us and those who seek to destroy these freedoms.

I have posted this poem before, after first hearing it read on a radio show several years ago. I have tried to get substantive evidence as to the confirmed author, but have only managed to get a long list of claims and attributions. I will simply post this, and again give my thanks to “Anonymous”, a person who truly understands the foundations of our Nation.

Dedicated with love to my son, half a world away again this Christmas, and my nephew, recently returned from harms way; and all of my friends with family defending us.

A Different Christmas Poem

By Anonymous

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,

I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.

My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,

My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,

transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,

completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,

Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.

In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,

So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,

But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.

Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,

Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,

And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,

a lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,

Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.

Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,

standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,

"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!

Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,

You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,

Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light.

Then he sighed and he said "It's really all right,

I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."

"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,

That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,

I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"

Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."

My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',

And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,

But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,

The red, white, and blue... an American flag.

"I can live through the cold and the being alone,

Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,

I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another,

Or lay down my life with my sister and brother...

Who stand at the front against any and all,

To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,

Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."

"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,

"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?"

It seems all too little for all that you've done,

For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,

"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.

To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,

To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,

To know you remember we fought and we bled.

Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,

That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.”

WE ALL NEED TO PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL EVERY NIGHT!

2007-11-27T14:47:00.000-08:00

3 BLIND MICE AT ANNAPOLIS

I have watched with interest the preparations for and beginning negotiations of the Mid-East ‘peace’ conference being held at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis Maryland. I have been fortunate to count among my friends several graduates of the Naval Academy, and know two young men who currently attend this fine institution. I greatly fear that this storied place may become synonymous with images of failure, meaningless pronouncements and the possible sellout and subsequent destruction of a democratic ally of America.

I am no foreign policy wonk, nor do I have any particular expertise as a professional pundit or expert observer. On the contrary, I have a healthy distrust of anyone advertised as an ‘expert’. My Grandfather often reminded to beware of those who call themselves experts. The Titanic, he would say, was built by experts with extensive schooling; while the Ark was built by amateurs with common sense. Using his reasoning, I can only equate this conference as the bound being led by the blind.

When I say the bound, I am referring to the multitude of attending countries that have a firm anti-Israel position, based on culture, religion and prejudice. Indeed, many of them have codified this attitude within their laws, firmly cementing a predicable bias in anything they say or do. I am going to ignore those countries in this piece, as I think anything further I would say or write would be superfluous to the main issues.

What is germane to the conference is the participation of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, the President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas, and United States President George Bush. Or, as I cited in the title, the three blind mice. And why, you may ask, do I feel this analogy is appropriate? My simplistic view, as a certified resident of flyover country, is based on my application of common sense, as taught to me by my grandfather. As a casual observer, I can only base my opinions on the positions taken by these men, and the position of the two countries that are the actual prime movers of the current situation in that troubled area of the world.

Prime Minister Olmert has the lowest opinion level by his own countrymen of any Israeli leader in recent memory. His withdrawal from Gaza has established a terrorist enabling autonomous region that launches almost daily attacks against Israel, and is governed by Hamas, an organization whose very charter demands the destruction of Israel and elimination of all Jews from the area. He has not learned yet that the Palestinians do not want a separate state. Rather, they want it all, with no compromise, and no Israel. Yet he continues to offer the Palestinians more land and independence, further endangering Israel’s very existence. Thus his lack of support by Israelis. He is indeed both blind, and mouse like in his actions.

President Abbas has no control over Gaza, and his grip in the West Bank is tenuous, enforced by his police with assistance from the Israeli security forces. Hamas won the election in the West Bank, as well as Gaza, and have called this conference meaningless. Abbas can’t even control Fatah, the paramilitary and terrorist based wing of his own organization. If he thinks any negotiations by him will be accepted by the Palestinians, he is also blind to reality, and will (if lucky) be soon banished to some mouse hole.

President Bush has a domestic approval rating only slightly better than Congress. His positions on illegal immigration, and other issues, have even eroded his support among those who elected him. He has invited a myriad of nations to the conference, all but two with no real involvement or influence over the issues being discussed. Four of the participants, Egypt, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon could have resolved the Palestinian issues over the four decades when they had control over the Palestinian people. All they did was segregate these people from their own citizenry, and aid in establishing the attitude of victimhood and revenge that has grown over the years. If Mr. Bush thinks their participation helpful, he is blind to the facts, and is being toyed with as a cat plays with a mouse.

The only countries that have any actual influence are Saudi Arabia, and Iran. The Saudis have religious credibility within the Sunni community and financial credibility through their infusion of money into the region. Unfortunately, the financial support goes mainly to terrorist organizations, to insure them the money necessary to arm and carry on the attacks on Israel. Their standing within the social and religious areas is through their support of spreading the precepts of Wahabism within the Muslim populace. This brand of Islam preaches racial and religious hatred, and specifically calls for the genocide of Jews. That the Saudi representatives refuse to shake hands with the Israeli attendees, or even appear in photos with them, makes it pretty clear to this observer that they have no interest in any peaceful settlement.

Iran continues to support and arm Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria, rearming them so that they can restart their active campaign to destroy Israel. Hezbollah, like Hamas, has at its core belief the complete destruction of Israel. Let me remind you that Hezbollah is second only to Al Qaida in the murder of Americans, and are as much an enemy of the United States as is Al Qaida. The President of Iran has repeatedly called for the destruction of both the United States and Israel, and a continuation of the Islamic Jihad against all things Western and democratic. Somehow, I doubt that an equitable settlement is in their interest.

The bottom line to me is that the entire comedy of this conference is an exercise in futility. The Palestinians do not want an accord, they want Israel to disappear. Almost all of the attendees want the same, even if they do not want to participate directly in Israel’s destruction. Any pronouncement by the three main participants will be considered meaningless due to their weak standing at home and the overwhelming opposition to the continued existence of Israel by most other nations at the table. My only question is how destructive the results can be to our only true friend in the region, and ultimately, to our own interests and influence.

But that is just my opinion, and I could be wrong. After all, I am no expert.

THE GREAT IOWA PUMPKIN CAPER

2007-10-31T19:48:00.000-07:00

THE GREAT IOWA PUMPKIN CAPER

Now that the excitement and activities of Halloween are past, I would like to share some thoughts about the GREAT IOWA PUMPKIN CAPER, and its national implications.

Over the past few days, Iowa has been the subject of many humorous comments from television and newspaper commentators and pundits, internet news sites, and bloggers of every stripe. Usually, comments about Iowa are limited to the Caucus season, or have to do with our rural background. We have come to expect that, and quietly continue to provide our children with an educational system that is consistently ranked in the top four of the fifty states, a crime rate that is infinitesimal compared to most states, and an agricultural system that not only feeds the Nation, but provides foodstuffs to the world. From a personal standpoint, I am rarely embarrassed to say that although a Chicago native, I have happily lived in Iowa for more than nineteen years, and continue to do so even though now retired.

However, what I and many of my neighbors and friends are calling the Pumpkin Caper is not only an embarrassment, but is an indicator of a new governmental program that may portend issues of concern to all of us. I can think of no other way to describe this other than to call it a stealth tax that could be applied many other products and services, both at a state level, and a national level.

The short version is that Iowa is now charging sales tax on pumpkins. That this happened in an agricultural state is the reason for the recent surge of media comments. How this happened should be a fair warning to us all.

The news stories have the basic story wrong when they call it a new tax. It is not a new tax passed by our state legislature and signed into law by our governor. Rather, it is based on a decision by those nameless and faceless government bureaucrats who are answerable to no one.

Like many states, Iowa does not levy a sales tax on food. Therefore, most farm produce is sold tax free. However, in a secretive move not covered by any oversight, and not noted or reported on by any local media, the Iowa Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with the Department of Revenue, reclassified pumpkins from an agricultural product to a decoration. As a decoration, pumpkins are now subject to the state sales tax. This action was taken under the radar, by two department heads appointed by our newly elected Democratic governor. A new tax, without any legislative action.

I want you to take a moment to consider the implications of this action. The state has opened a new source of revenue by simply reclassifying a product. If we want to avoid paying sales tax, we must request a tax exemption form, and certify that the pumpkin will be used for food, and not as a decoration. Most retailers were not aware of this tax change until after the Halloween season was upon us, and most pumpkins sold. They must now pay the tax out of their own revenue, putting a strain on the small grocers who have a limited income already. Does this mean that if I hang some leftover ears of sweet corn from my door for Thanksgiving, that the Department of revenue will knock on my door demanding that I pay a tax on them, because of its use as a decoration? How about if my grandson carved the pumpkin, but my wife then baked the seeds as a treat for him? Is this dual use, requiring a different form. I don’t know, because this entire process was completed in secret.

With national elections looming, and so many candidates already talking about instituting new taxes, or allowing previously passed tax cuts to expire, will this strategy expand to other states or federal taxes. Can other states or the Federal government increase our taxes by reclassifying certain products and services? Can other Governors and a new President, with their own appointees in place, use the process of product classification to increase their revenues without any opportunity for either the electorate or our representatives to consider the issue? You may think not, but are you willing to bet your spendable income on it?

While you may consider me an alarmist, I would ask that you read the wording of the original Stamp Act put in place by the British Government when we were still a colony, and then remember what stimulated the patriots who fought for our independence. Their first battle cry was “No Taxation Without Representation”.

UPDATE

A little light can often cure a multitude of ailments. And embarrassment can even work on our politicos, even in today’s liberal environment.

The good news is that the Governor of Iowa has suspended implementation of the pumpkin sales tax, and advised the Iowa Department of Revenue to refund the tax monies already collected.

The bad news is that the classification of pumpkins as a decoration rather than an agricultural product was suspended, not rescinded, as the media reported. That means the process and the classification remains in place, and can be reinstated by executive order, again without legislative oversight. In addition, as a test application, the use of product classification to change tax status was a success, and can be applied to many other products and services in the future to enhance governmental revenues. And not just in Iowa, but at state and Federal levels. I am confident that this is not the last we have seen of the use of a stealth tax.

DAY OF ATONEMENT

2007-09-20T20:38:00.000-07:00

Day of Atonement

I was thinking a bit yesterday about the coming Day of Atonement, and it’s applications for a Christian. As a Catholic, I can see some relationship with the sacrament of Reconciliation, but there are significant differences. It was then that I read an e-mail from Patrick, my youngest son, currently in Korea assigned to (deleted) AFB. It was just a short note, the kind he sends every two or three days. But in among the day to day items, was the following statement.

“Also found out today that my commendation medal from (deleted) AFB
went through. I should be presented the medal by the commander within a
few weeks, but am now authorized to wear the ribbon. It's certainly one
of the highest ranking medals an enlisted member can get without
actually being in combat, so I am very proud to earn it.

Things are well and I will be giving you and Mom a call sometime this
weekend and definitely in time for your birthday.”

Pretty matter of fact, and would not mean much if you did not know the story. Certainly not an item Patrick would brag about, other than to let me know his “ribbon rack” will have a new addition. Long story short, he was alone in the control tower when a potentially disastrous situation occurred involving two Air Force A-10’s, and a civilian aircraft. One of the A-10’s, and the civilian aircraft were both in distress, and there was a possibility of a mid air collision occurring within seconds, as well as one or the other distressed aircraft crashing if not landed quickly. Patrick’s quick thinking and his handling of the situation resulted in all three aircraft landing safely, without any injury to any of the occupants. By the way, none of these aircraft were assigned to Patrick’s base. There are details that he could not share with me, and some things I cannot share with you. But the story is riveting, with about 150 seconds of heart thumping suspense.

As a result, he was recommended for a special commendation, which was approved and will be awarded to him at his new assignment.

Back to the Day of Atonement. While I understand the purpose of the day, I do not feel I am in the proper frame of mind to truly behave in an appropriate manner. You see, I am in a state of pride. Not in myself, for I know that would be sinful, but in my son. He was responsible for saving the lives of three or more people. Those who have read my previous writings about my son know how I feel about him. But this award is illustrative of why I feel such pride. I believe I am justified in feeling this way, because whatever pride he feels is muted, and will no doubt pass, as have his thoughts about the many brave, ethical and loving things he has done in his life.

If I may offer a quote from the Torah, “He who saves one life is as if he saves the entire world.” I will think about my faults on another day. Today, I am enjoying the feelings that I have from raising such a son.

May you derive peace of mind and spirit on this day.

GOODBYES - AND OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF

2007-08-28T17:59:00.000-07:00

GOODBYES – AND OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF

I have put aside almost everything to do with politics, Congress, stocks and market issues, foreign policy, the environment and virtually anything else that seems to trip the collective triggers of Conservatives, Liberals, Libertarians, Socialists, Communists, Traditionalists, Progressives, Religious and Secularists; at least for the last week or so. I found it very easy to do, because I had some really important things that required my attention.

I had two goodbyes that demanded my attention. One goodbye was to my youngest son. He came home on a very short leave from the Air Force, before leaving for his next assignment, half a world away. We will not see him for at least 12 months, and possibly longer. I have written about him before, in previous posts, and will not repeat my feelings about his service. Suffice to say that my pride in him is in constant struggle with my concerns for his safety. I guess that puts me in company with millions of others who have family in the military.

The other goodbye was to my oldest and dearest friend. In High School, we were ushers at the same suburban Chicago movie theatre. We stood up for each other at our respective marriages, and served as Godfather to each others daughters. Like many of our generation, he came home from Vietnam with physical and emotional issues that were never completely resolved, and contributed to his premature death at 61. I shall miss his friendship, and pray he now has the peace that eluded him for the last few years of his life.

My oldest grandson is beginning his college years, and my youngest grandson has begun 1^st grade. My middle grandson continues to grow and mature, and is beginning to test his talents and interests. I am so proud of all of them, and eagerly wait for the weekly updates they provide on how school is going, and what other activities have triggered their participation.

My youngest daughter received a clear blood test for her leukemia the day before her brother left for his next duty station. That made four clear tests in a row. Too early to use the “R” word yet, but a hopeful sign that maybe they got it all this time.

As you can see, I was dealing with really important stuff that has immediate impact on my family. Maybe we need a week like this once in a while, to remind us of what is really important. I just don’t want any more goodbyes for awhile. I hate goodbyes.

THE NEXT ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER

2007-04-19T18:36:00.000-07:00

THE NEXT ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER

In honor of Earth Day, I thought I would alert you to the next massive environmental disaster. Unlike the well publicized, albeit unproven issue of global warming; this one will come within the next ten years, and will affect us all. And this disaster will be the direct result of the actions of environmentalists, politicians, state and Federal government, and we, the consumer. The most frustrating part of this looming catastrophe is that it is avoidable.

So what is this approaching calamity? Simply stated, it is water contamination. Imagine for a moment a country without safe drinking water. No water for cooking, washing ourselves and our clothes. No way to water our crops or our gardens. Water that can cripple you, cause mental retardation, creates birth defects and genetic mutations. The ramifications are almost beyond comprehension. What could possibly cause this? Don’t we have all kinds of laws about water quality? Haven’t we spent billions of tax dollars to clean up our waters? Aren’t businesses governed by strict rules about water pollution? The answer to all of these is yes. So where will this contamination come from? Allow me to illustrate, and perhaps, educate.

My son has a ceiling fixture in his bedroom that does not provide enough light for a room that size. The fixture is limited to four bulbs, not to exceed 60 watts. In an effort to brighten the room, my wife looked for an alternative that did not involve replacing the fixture. She settled on replacing the 60 watt incandescent bulbs with the new energy efficient fluorescent bulbs. Not only do they use less electricity, while increasing the brightness of the room, they are advertised as lasting up to 5 years.

I have seen these bulbs featured on environmental news stories, magazines and newspapers, and even praised by political figures. Efficient, cost effective, brighter, environmentally friendly, and easy to use. Apparently, they have no downside whatsoever. I understand that some state and city governments are even advocating outlawing the sale of traditional incandescent bulbs, and mandating the use of this new tool to reduce global warming.

I examined all of the verbiage on the package of four bulbs my wife subsequently purchased. Terms such as “simulates natural light”, ‘uplifting and bright light”, “enhances colors” and “energy saving” were featured prominently. Being a bit of a skeptic, I did read the small print cautions on the back of the package. These advised against using in areas where they would be exposed to the weather or temperature extremes, and should not be used for emergency lighting or with dimmer switches. Nothing there that would cause me concern, so I began to install them. I was putting the fourth bulb into its socket when I noticed some very small print on the base of the bulb itself. Please allow me to quote from the bulb.

“Contains Mercury – Dispose According to Local, State or Federal Law”

Not being one to knowingly break the law, I thought I better look into this a bit. It turns out that because these bulbs contain mercury, they must be disposed of through a licensed hazardous waste facility. I called the closest such location, which is 22 miles from my residence. Yes, I was informed, they will accept these bulbs. The current cost for their processing is 50 cents per bulb. Why, I asked, was this necessary? I was informed that mercury is one of the most dangerous elements that they handle, and the most expensive to store. Why, I asked, is it so dangerous? That is when I learned of all of the health hazards attributed to mercury, and why it must be carefully handled. Mercury, it appears, is both forever, and is transferable from one medium to another. Contaminate a lake with mercury, and it gets into the fish. Eat the fish, and it gets into you. If a bird eats the fish, it gets into the bird. A cat eats the bird, and the cat is now mercury poisoned. And mercury poisoning is forever.

Now, before you write me off as an alarmist, consider this. If we replace tens of billions of incandescent light bulbs with these new bulbs, they will eventually burn out, and have to be replaced. Of the burnt out bulbs, where do you think they will go? Will people drive the 22 miles, as I will have to, and then pay a premium to dispose of these now useless bulbs; or will they simply be thrown into the weekly trash? I think we both know they will end up in the trash. That means they will go to local landfills, and will be broken while being dumped. The mercury will eventually leach into the soil at the landfill, and being a heavy element, will work its way down to the groundwater. The same groundwater that we use every day.

Five years from now these bulbs will burn out and be thrown away. Another five years for the mercury to leach into the groundwater. Result? A new environmental disaster that we will have created by following the consensus decision that using these light bulbs is a good idea. I think I may have been right when I defined ‘Consensus’ as broad agreement of improbable theories by factually disadvantaged individuals with no background in the field being discussed.

I will now ask some critical questions. Why are these products not labeled on the package as containing a dangerous ingredient? Why are the environmentalists not telling us what is necessary to properly dispose of these products? Why are our elected officials not informing us of the potential risks we incur by using these products? I have my own answers to these questions, and other questions that have crossed my mind. I will leave it to you to define your own answers. But I will leave you with one clue on where to find the answers. As with so many other issues and problems we face, it usually come down to “Follow the money”.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF COURAGE

2007-04-11T14:49:00.000-07:00

A DIFFERENT KIND OF COURAGE

There are many different kinds of courage. Certainly, the men and women of our military display courage every day. There are those who act on the courage of their convictions by speaking out on issues that concern them. Police and firefighters are known for the courage they exhibit in their chosen professions.

In the last several weeks, we have heard about three prominent Americans and their fight with cancer. It is indeed unfortunate that so many have politicized their respective struggles to overcome this terrible disease that has most likely affected the family of every one of us. The story that should be told is that no matter what one’s political persuasion, social standing, religion or race, we are all potential victims of this affliction. Indeed, I think the real story is how we deal with it, rather than who we are. That the Snow family, the Edwards family and most recently Fred Thompson are reacting with dignity and courage should be the lesson, not the political impact on the Edwards campaign, the Bush presidency, or the political future of Mr. Thompson.

I want to relate the story of one young woman, and the battles she has fought. For one so young, she has displayed a different kind of courage than that displayed on the news. She has the courage to stay alive. Indeed, without that courage, she would most likely not be here today. And her story is the one I wish to share in detail.

From birth (premature) to age sixteen, she was the kind of child that most parents both desire and dread. Strong willed (perhaps from being the youngest of five), stubborn, tough, talented, competitive and smart. Early on, she exhibited extraordinary talent in both music and sports. By her mid-teens, she could play piano, trumpet, French horn and saxophone. Her favorite instrument was the clarinet, with her idol being the great Benny Goodman, whom she emulated in both style and substance. She was in marching band, jazz band, symphony and orchestra; as part of the High School music program that became the first in the nation to be awarded a Grammy for excellence.

Her athletic skills also showed while still young. In Grammar school, she set a girl’s softball league record for stolen bases in a season (68 steals in 16 games). By High School, she played on the state champion basketball team, soccer team, and softball team. She certainly would not have stood out in a crowd, at 5’3” and 110 lbs. But on the field and on the court, her courage and spirit allowed her to play beyond her size. But sixteen proved to be a pivotal year.

It started with unexplained blackouts and irregular responses to physical efforts. After many tests, and the loss of her ability to participate in any athletics, she was diagnosed with a heart ailment that caused her heart rate and respiration to speed up to dangerous levels while at rest, and slow down to dangerous levels when engaging in strenuous activity. Four different surgical procedures did not correct the problem, but did cause her to miss so much school that she was required to transfer to an alternative High School. Her ability to pursue her music was also curtailed, as the new school had no music program.

With the loss of her ability to participate in either music or sports, she turned her interest to academics. What was once a third choice now became her primary activity. She turned from a solid C student to an Honor Roll student overnight. Her grades and college test scores earned her entry into the pre-med program at a noted University. But the extreme rigors of the curriculum were more than her health could handle, and she was not able to pursue her medical school goal. By this time, she was also experiencing serious muscle pain, and suffered multiple incidents of broken bones caused by such normal activities as stepping off a curb.

The heart issue was finally addressed after several occurrences which were severe enough to necessitate resuscitation, once by a team of EMT’s, another during a surgical procedure, and one by her father. A brilliant cardiologist, brought in to consult, corrected the improper cardiac responses by implanting a specially designed and programmed pacemaker defibrillator device. This same specialist referred her to another doctor, who identified the pain and bone issues as arthritis and fibromyalgia. However, all of the doctors were puzzled as to why one so young, and formerly in such good physical condition, was experiencing such an advanced case of what is essentially an older persons medical condition.

Not waiting for doctors to decide her fate, she continued her education. After finishing nursing school and passing the medical boards for certification, she continued on with her education. While earning three additional Associate Degrees, she was elected President of the local chapter of Thi Betta Kappa, the Junior College equivalent of the prestigious Phi Betta Kappa honor society. A regular on the Deans List and the Presidents List, she refused to be bound by physical problems, or allow her condition to limit her educational interests. It was at this time that an unplanned pregnancy brought one more opportunity for her to exhibit both courage and character. Her decision was never in doubt, and she took on the task of being a single parent, while continuing her studies. While her family stood with her, providing monetary and more importantly, emotional and logistical support, it was her strength that allowed her to not surrender to circumstances.

Another curve ball, this one unhittable, was thrown at her before her son’s first birthday. She was advised that many of the physical issues she was dealing with, outside of the cardiac condition, was the result of Lupus. The tests showed that not only her muscles and bones were affected, but she had already suffered some damage to both her kidneys and her liver. At a point when many would have given up, she decided instead to move closer to the University that she wanted to attend to complete her graduate work and post graduate studies. Setting up a student housing residence, and getting her son ready for Pre School and eventually parochial school, she felt she was finally getting all of the health issues, if not corrected, at least under control. Fate, however, had other plans.

During a routine blood test used to monitor the Lupus, other abnormalities were detected. After some additional tests were ordered and studied, the diagnosis was acute lymphocytic leukemia. The cardiac device precluded her receiving radiation therapy, and the Lupus excluded her from a bone marrow transplant. The only treatment would be chemotherapy, with a number of ‘cocktails’ available. The first set of infusions did not have any significant effect, which caused the University Oncologists to conduct an extraordinary battery of tests. Certain tools were not available, as you cannot do an MRI on a patient with a pacemaker, as one example. However, an observant doctor, acting on a hunch, went looking for any undetected tumors, which might interfere with the treatments. Sure enough, he found two small cancerous tumors hidden between an arm bone and the attached cartilage. After surgically removing these, the next set of chemo infusions did show an improvement. After some months, she was declared in remission. During all of this, she maintained her class schedules, and was named to the Deans List.

The remission of the leukemia was short lived, with its reappearance several months later. Another round of chemo therapy, with a stronger set of chemicals, was ordered. This time, after tests showed the cancer again in remission, the doctors continued the chemo treatments for another six weeks. This was to ‘insure’ that they got it all. For the next six months, this appeared to be the case. Courage, will and years of prayers had hopefully given her the opportunity to live her life with some degree of normalcy.

The normalcy ended four weeks before her twenty-seventh birthday. A blood test taken while dealing with her semi-annual case of pneumonia showed that the leukemia had again shown its persistence. A new round of chemo therapy is being undertaken, and the results will not be known for some time. This young woman, and her now five year old son, are dealing with it as just another inconvenience. She refuses to consider herself a victim, and will not tolerate that sentiment from either family or friends. Her intensity has not been diminished, and her resolve to win yet another battle is unshakable. So yes, I do believe that this woman’s life is a study in courage. Not of the kind of courage usually cited, but the courage to lead a normal life under extraordinary circumstances.

Courage comes in many forms, and takes many shapes. There are courageous people all around us, but it often is a quiet courage that usually goes unrecognized. Perhaps you might take some time and think about your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. If you think about them in depth, I would be willing to wager that you can find many of those you know are courageous in ways that never occurred to you before. And after that, think about your own life and experiences, for you may discover that you also are more courageous than you realize.

I SUPPORT THE TROOPS...BUT

2007-04-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

I SUPPORT THE TROOPS….BUT

How often I have heard this: “I support the troops, but”. The “but” may be any of a number of qualifications, most of which we have all heard. I do not wish to address the “buts”, as I am really not concerned with the reasons so many Americans feel it necessary to add some disclaimer or explanation to the statement. Frankly, I don’t care what kind of exclusion follows, because the insertion of the word “but” is proof that the first part of the statement is a lie.

If you feel it necessary to add any disclaimer, qualifier, limitation or equivocation to the sentiment that you support the troops, the addition of such an addendum is a self-indictment that you really don’t support the troops. Whether spoken or written, those who feel they must add the word “but” to their statement of support are being disingenuous at best, or intend to deliberately deceive the listener or reader. In either event, they are in point of fact, lying. And we should recognize that, so that our response is appropriate.

Those who support the troops are rooting for them to win, whatever and wherever the conflict, and whatever the reason for that conflict.

Those who support the troops want them to have every resource necessary for them to win. That includes funding, equipment, training, reinforcements, encouragement, recognition and leadership.

Those who support the troops want accurate, honest and complete reporting on the progress of the conflict, without agenda driven commentary disguised as reporting. Editorials and opinions should be so identified, and properly belong on the editorial page.

Those who support the troops want them to use whatever lawful tactics, rules of engagement and methods are necessary to defeat their adversaries, without excessive limitations that either restrict their ability to achieve their objectives, or endanger themselves unnecessarily.

Those who support the troops do not want any unrealistic or artificial timetables or politically driven “benchmarks” put in place that may have unintended consequences.

Those who support the troops do not want our elected representatives undermining their efforts by exaggerating the successes of the adversary, or diminishing the accomplishments of our military.

Those who support the troops do whatever they can to provide assistance and comfort to the families of our military.

Those who support the troops understand that the men and women in the United States military are often the best and brightest among us, and recognize that they are the most honorable, humane and noble military ever to take the field.

There are many more indicators I could cite to assist you in identifying those who actually support the troops, and those who do not. However, I will add just one more that I consider relevant, and vital. I am sure you have more examples, and invite you to add them to your own list.

Those who support the troops understand that America cannot afford any more ties when dealing with an adversary in armed conflict. The world must have a clear understanding that opposing the United States on the battlefield will result in the destruction of any aggressor that engages our troops, because that understanding will lessen the chances that it will be necessary for our military to prove the point again and again.

So please, if you are one of those “support the troops, but” people, do not bother offering your explanations to me. I already know what you really think.

THE RISE OF CHRISTIAN ANTI-SEMITISM

2007-03-18T10:46:00.000-07:00

THE RISE OF CHRISTIAN ANTI-SEMITISM

Please allow me to begin with a disclaimer. I am neither a priest nor a minister. I have never attended a school of theology, and my specific religion is irrelevant, other than to say I am a Christian, albeit an imperfect one. Indeed, I am the first to admit that I am a practicing Christian who is not yet very good at it. Hence, the need for practice. My views on this topic come from a background in systems management, which relies heavily on progressive logic.

Even the casual viewer of main stream media must have noticed an increase in anti-Semitic rhetoric over the past few years. Although much of the news we receive has been edited and scrubbed, the rise in both verbal and physical assaults on Jews is becoming more apparent. At this stage, most of the organized hate incidents in the United States have been verbal, such as during demonstrations, or written in publications and internet sites. Physical violence here have primarily been individual acts, such as the LAX shootings, and the Seattle murder of five women at the Jewish Federation; but European anti-Semitic activities are involving more and more physical assaults that are organized, pre planned, and carried out by groups of perpetrators.

Both France and Germany have experienced a marked increase in vandalism and desecration of Jewish sites over the past several years, in particular involving Temples and cemeteries. France, more than any other European country, is also dealing with, or rather failing to deal with, a rise in assaults on Jews. It has become such an issue that French Rabbis are discouraging members of their congregations from wearing any clothing or adornment that would readily identify them as Jews. The European Union created a commission to study this increase in anti-Semitic activity. It was so damning that the original report was buried, and only a brief edited version was released. Much of the violence was attributed to neo-Nazi skinheads in Germany, and the influx of Moslem immigrants in France. But the rhetoric being used in both European government and media, disguised as criticism of Israel or the Zionist movement, is in reality anti-Semitic.

I am not going to address the hateful speech, actions and publications engendered by the Moslem populations both here and in Europe. Anti-Semitism is a core premise of Islam, espoused even by the so-called moderate clerics. I do want to make some points about the creeping rise of this attitude among Christians. European and American ‘progressives’ are increasingly expressing views that are not only critical of Jews, but in some cases, justify actions designed to endanger Jews.

Let me now make what many will consider an inflammatory statement. You cannot be a Christian, and be anti-Semitic. Let me repeat this. You cannot call yourself a Christian if you harbor anti-Semitic attitudes. I say this for some very specific reasons.

The first point is that Jesus was a Jew. By tradition, any child born of a Jewish mother is by right a Jew, no matter the ethnicity of the father. Whether they practice the Hebrew theology and traditions or not, they are and will always be a Jew. Jesus was born of Mary, a Jewess of the house of David, and a native of Nazareth.

Both Mary and her husband Joseph, as well as Jesus, were raised within the culture of the Jewish community, and followed all of the laws and customs contained in the Torah and related teachings. They were practicing Jews for their entire lives. Jesus was born, lived, and died as a Jew. There is nothing within His teachings which contradicts the Jewish theology. The philosophical differences between His interpretation of the Bible and that of the scholars of His time were within the normal theological ranges that have been common in Jewish history throughout the ages. That is why He was crucified by the Romans, rather than being stoned by Jews. If He had been proven guilty of blasphemy, He would have been executed by stoning (with the permission of the Roman governor). Blasphemy was not proven, but the Romans felt threatened enough to crucify Him for sedition. Hence, my assertion that He not only lived as a Jew, but He died as a Jew. He was buried according to Jewish custom, after being executed according to Roman law.

The Apostles were also practicing Jews. Had they not been, they would not have reached the understanding that Jesus was the Messiah prophesized through much of Jewish history. Again, they followed Jewish law, and maintained Jewish traditions. None of the Apostles were martyred by stoning in a Jewish community, as their teachings were not blasphemy. Most were killed for refusing to acknowledge the official religions of Rome, or due to trumped up charges of rebellion or sedition against the empire.

The first Christians were Jews, and for much of the first century, Christianity was considered a sect of the Jewish faith. Even among early non-Jewish converts, there was an expectation that they would first accept Judaism, and then be baptized as Christians. All of the first Christians were Jews who accepted Jesus as the Messiah prophesized in the Old Testament. Converts to this new sect, whether Jewish, or pagan in the ensuing years, also accepted the validity of the Old Testament.

In order to be a Christian, one must accept as truth some very simple assumptions. You must accept that the God of the Old Testament is the one true God. You must accept that God made a covenant with the Jewish people, and that by accepting the terms of this covenant, the Jews became God’s chosen people, favored above all others. You must also accept that as proof of their status, a Messiah would be born from this people. God even specified though prophesy the tribe and family from whom this Savior would come. You must also accept as a matter of faith that Jesus fulfilled the prophesies of the Old Testament, and He was the promised Savior. Finally, if you are to be called a Christian, you must also accept the events as told in the New Testament. At the last supper, Jesus referred to the wine He shared as “The Blood of the New Covenant”. By so doing, He established a new means of achieving God’s acceptance. However, He in no way indicated that the old covenant, with the Jews, had been abrogated. Those accepting this new faith would be added to God’s chosen by affirmation, rather than by birth. But in no part of the New Testament are Jews replaced by Christians. Rather, they are added to the growing number of those counted as God’s people. In other words, believers in The Christ are now among the chosen, along with Jews.

My final thought may sound flippant, but I state it with all seriousness. If you profess to be a Christian, and harbor anti-Semitic feelings, you are potentially treading on some very dangerous ground. Remember, Jews are God’s family, and you should always respect the family of The Boss..

A PROUD FATHER SPEAKS

2007-02-24T10:30:00.000-08:00

A PROUD FATHER SPEAKS

At 2:30 PM EST, Friday, February 23^rd, my youngest son recited his reenlistment oath to serve his country for another four years. He was on duty at the time, but was relieved by a fellow Airman so that he could have the oath administered, and a few pictures taken. He then went back to his job, and finished his scheduled assignment.

When reciting this oath, he swore to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. He swore to bear true faith and allegiance to the same, and obey the orders of the President and his appointed officers, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

His decision made, and his commitment sworn to before God and man, he will remain with that small segment of our population who have voluntarily chosen to put aside the tranquility of civilian life to defend the very document that was created to insure that tranquility. As a college graduate with numerous skills and practical experience, he will use his talents and knowledge to help insure that we can continue to enjoy the blessings of being Americans. He has chosen to give a portion of his life to service, benefiting and protecting millions of others, rather than benefiting his own well being, prosperity and safety.

To say that I am proud of this young man is a gross understatement. I know his character, his ideals, his goals and his reasons for joining the military. His intelligence, generosity, loyalty and ethics are also well known to me. Yet, I cannot but stand in awe of his dedication in following the path he has chosen. Along with those other men and women of honor who have made the decision to serve our Nation, he represents the true ideal of the citizen soldier. These men and women were not coerced, cajoled, intimidated, drafted, bribed, enticed or fooled into taking on the task of protecting and defending our way of life. They have taken this oath freely, knowing the tasks they will be given, and with a clear understanding of the risks inherent with their decision.

The military of today is much different from that of my generation. They are better trained, better equipped, better led and better educated than at any time in our history. They have proven their ability to successfully carry out complicated orders under impossible conditions, while maintaining a level of humanity and honor that is unprecedented in world history.

When we look at the oath they have taken, we should take note of what it says, and consider what it does not say. They swear to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, not just one state or region. They have sworn to protect and defend all citizens who live under the ideals set forth in the Constitution, not just one specific religion, color, race or sex. They have sworn to obey the orders of the President, and duly appointed officers, within the rules outlined in the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Not a Democratic or Republican President, nor a conservative or liberal President, male or female, or certain color or religion. In other words, they have sworn to be Americans, first and foremost. Any other designation is transparent to them, as it should be to us all.

There will be those who say that I have idealized our military men and women. Perhaps I have, but I can only judge by the many I know who serve, or have served, in these difficult times. Without exception, they have been intelligent, honest, brave, dedicated and honorable in their motives and actions. That they have chosen this course in their lives is testament to the vision we should all have of the citizen soldier, for they represent all that is good in America. I am proud of my son, and all of the men and women with whom he serves. They are indeed our best and brightest, for they understand better than most what being an American is all about. While a simple “Thank You” seems woefully inadequate, if said from the heart, it still says it best.

I HAD A DREAM

2006-12-12T10:04:00.000-08:00

I HAD A DREAM

It is 4:30 in the morning, and here I sit in front of a monitor, putting down my thoughts because I know that there will be no sleep for me until I do this.

I awoke an hour ago, hot and sweaty, shaken by my dream. As with most of us, I do not usually remember dreams, although they occur most every night. But this one was so clear, and so personal, that I choose to remember it. My heart tells me that I must remember it.

Evening had been a normal one. My Chicago Bears were playing on ESPN in the Monday Night Football game, in St. Louis against the Rams. While the Bears won, I was concerned about their erratic defensive performance, the strength of this team. My middle son had joined me in the second half, so I had someone to discuss the game with as the final quarter ended. Our conversation turned to the arrival of the Christmas season. I told my son about the weekend visit my wife and I had from our five year old grandson. The lad is very excited, but not about the obvious. He is very precise, and can hardly wait for Christmas, because three days after Christmas, his Uncle Patrick will be home on leave from the Air Force. He also knows that his cousin Keith will be home on leave from Afghanistan for both Christmas and New Year, an unexpected bonus.

I cannot say what may have triggered my dream, as I deliberately avoided watching any news, or reading any news web sites today. I did not want to let the news of the day spoil the feelings of contentment from having our little houseguest this weekend, or preparing for our youngest son getting his first leave home in almost two years. And yet, a vivid dream not only interrupted a sound sleep, but focused my attention on who I am.

In my dream, I was in Europe, and it was Christmas Eve. I was in a Catholic church, shortly before midnight Mass was to begin. Although it seemed strange that I was in Europe, never having been there; being in a Catholic church for Christmas was a normal event for me. I picked up a parish bulletin before being seated, and was conversing with an unknown fellow American. The bulletin mentioned that this was a special Mass of Reconciliation, and that Jewish neighbors of the church had been invited to attend the service.

While standing in the back of the church, I watched an elderly Jewish man enter, remove his hat, and walk up the side aisle. I do not know how I knew he was Jewish, any more than how I knew I was in Europe. It just was something I knew. The elderly man went about half way up the aisle, and slipped into the unoccupied last seat at the end of the pew. In seconds, a woman at the opposite end of the pew asked him to move, as she was saving space for some friends. The man smiled, apologized, and moved several rows back, again seating himself at the end of the pew. This time a man asked him to move, as that pew was reserved for his family. The old man again moved back a few rows before trying to seat himself. And for the third time, he was asked to move. By now, he was past the last pew, just in front of me and the man with whom I had been conversing. The old man looked at me, and said that he had never been to a Christian service before, and had hoped to sit close enough to the altar to watch the celebration of Christ’s birth. He looked at me with sadness in his eyes, and glanced at the mostly empty church. “I guess”, he sighed, “there is no room for me, again.” As he raised his arm to put on his hat, the coat sleeve slid back, revealing the dark numerals tattooed on his forearm. And then he was gone.

The man I had been standing with and I did nothing as the old man left. But after he was gone, the fellow American turned to me and said “It is happening again, and we did nothing”. The American looked me in the eye, and asked a simple question. “We did nothing”, he said again, “so what does that make us?”

Indeed, what does that make us? Or more to the point, what does that make me? It was at that point that I awoke. I lay in bed for some time, expecting to fall back asleep in the pre dawn darkness. But my head echoed with the repeated phrase “And what does that make me?” So here I sit, wondering why this is so disturbing that my sleep has been disrupted. And then the pieces began to fall into place.

I had watched the Israeli settlers leaving Gaza, followed almost immediately by the start of daily rocket attacks on Israeli towns from the vacated areas. Land for peace seemed not to be working, yet I did nothing. So what does that make me?

During the summer, I watched and read of the military conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. While thousands of Hezbollah rockets rained down on Israel, I saw news reports that seemed only to mention Lebanese buildings that had been hit by Israeli artillery or aircraft. Despite the glaring prejudicial tone of most news reports, I did little to counter it. So what does that make me?

I have read the disturbing reports of the significant increase in anti-Semitic acts all across Europe, but like most Americans, it has been a side piece in the news. It is their problem, not ours. There are no American voices crying shame on you at Europe, so what does that make us?

I have followed the John Bolton departure as our ambassador to the United Nations, knowing that we are losing a good and decent man. He has confronted the outrageous corruption and hypocrisy of the U.N in a direct fashion, advocated eloquently and effectively for American interests, and was the only diplomat to defend Israel in front of the General Assembly when faced with the most egregious displays of anti-Semitism yet seen in that organization. Among other issues, he pointed out that Israel was the subject of more resolutions of condemnation that all 191 other member nations combined, by the U.N. Human Rights Commission. His departure is the result of blatant politics within our own country, yet I did nothing to protest this display of Congressional malfeasance. So what does that make me?

I have seen former high officials of our government castigate Israel with both malicious and fallacious statements. Former Secretary of State James Baker once stated “F**k the Jews, they didn’t vote for us anyway”. He was rewarded with the Chairmanship of the Iraq Study Group. Former President Jimmy Carter has written another book which propagates media distortions and erroneous material, again blaming Israel for every problem in the Muslim world. He is rewarded with prime time news interviews, to help sell his book. Like most Americans, I have not let my voice be heard to refute these sentiments. So what does that make me?

I watch the evening news, and hear spokesmen of different advocacy groups blame Zionism for the spreading hated of America and the West because of Zionist influence on America’s foreign policies, and our continued support of Israel. The networks failure to offer any refutation of these claims is never criticized, as we continue to believe it is a journalist’s obligation to not take sides. Yet they do take sides, by not countering these allegations. As a viewer, what does that make me?

Leaders of Muslims states, most notably Iran, make almost daily threats that they will destroy Israel, bringing on a second Holocaust, all the while claiming the first Holocaust never occurred. Yet I do not yell my outrage at this disgraceful activity, and my government continues to pander to despots’ intent on destroying an entire nation. So what does that make me?

The leader of my own faith visits a Muslim country, and prays in a Mosque with the very people who continue to discriminate against and persecute the tiny Christian minority within that country, yet speaks not of this injustice. I do not give voice to this inequity, so what does that make me?

My father told me that the first step in solving a problem is to ask the right questions, so that you can identify the nature of the problem, and fix the root causes. I am far from resolving any of the problems I have mentioned, and the scores of related issues that are too numerous to describe here. But I am beginning to ask the questions, the first of which, for me at least, is “What does that make me?”

THANKSGIVING

2006-11-23T14:14:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was established as a National Day of Thanks by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Prior to that, Thanksgiving was a regional Holiday,
celebrated at different times, and not in every state.

Although the United States was in the midst of the bloodiest war in our history, President Lincoln felt that we still had many things to be thankful for, and
wanted to remind Americans of the blessings we enjoyed.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, we have family and friends who will not be with us. Some are separated by distance, others by circumstance, and
some because they are serving our Nation. But as we enjoy this Holiday, I think it appropriate to read the Proclamation as written by President Lincoln. As
then, although we have family and friends in harms way, we still have many things to be thankful for, many of which are mentioned in the Proclamation.

Please have a safe and wonderful day, and may all of your loved ones be with you in spirit, if not in person.

Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation

Washington, D.C.
October 3, 1863
By the President of the United States of America.

A Proclamation.

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly
enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to
penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled
magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations,
order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while
that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of
peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the
mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased,
notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength
and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing
with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully
acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.

I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set
apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I
recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence
for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the
lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation
and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the
Unites States the Eighty-eighth.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln