Jane Doe Chronicles

Olympics: "Rio de Janeiro wins over political influences"

2009-10-02T15:00:55-07:00

JDC OP-ED: For the first time, Rio de Janeiro claims a historic victory as South America graces its country's exotic beauty, splendor and merrymaking in hosting the 2016 Summer Olympics.

This has to be a severe blow to President Obama and his ability to influence the international community, after Chicago received less than half of the Olympian Committee votes. It may be more of an indictment against his presidency that politics has no place in the realm of international competition.

Mr. Lula, Brazil's representative was ecstatic: "Brazil has moved from being on the level of a second-class country to a first-class country. . . .Today we received the respect that people are beginning to have for Brazil." Ah, that wonderful word respect. The minute the Obama's decided to fly to Copenhagen to intervene, the Chicago Olympics became a "dead deal."

Murmurings abound. Obama said America "wants a chance to inspire the world once more." The talk on main street America is: "When did it ever stop . . . how can this sitting president have any influence when he downgrades the country and its people to appease others? It appears Obama's priorities for his hometown Chicago overrides the nation's best interests.

This is certainly a kick-in-the-pants in Obama's effort to satisfy Mayor Daley and Chicago's political machine.

With President Obama's ratings slipping to 47% this week, his foresight would have been better served by acting presidential and taking action instead of political stumping to pull his way-word Congress together, provide a non-public health care option as the public demands, stop bailouts, cut congressional spending of self-motivated add-ons, which just might make him a two term president and allay the backlash in loss of democratic seats in upcoming House and Senate elections.

The writing is on the wall. . . This administration chooses to not see it. They are crazed with power like an inexperienced child locked in the proverbial candy store, whom not knowing any better pigs out and then cries it wasn't his fault he got locked in. Perhaps it isn't his fault he was locked in. But, could that adorable, sweet sounding child resist such a temptation" Don't think so, no more than this administration and Congress can pass up the opportunity to be master over the people and "their hard-earned money," if only for four years.

Indeed, sad for that great lady liberty in the harbor representing the dreams and hopes of the masses in the greatest country in the world, and a humbling experience for Obama and his hometown Chicago, not to mention the waste of $900,000 to fly Airforce one to the Netherlands.

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Art of Writing: "How Do You Invite the Reader into Your Story So They Can Experience the Virtual Environment Completely?"

2009-08-30T19:39:47-07:00

JDC Art of Writing: Fuzzy and weedy writing will never create winning formulas to draw a reader in, for words by themselves in dull prose is dead.

The road to nowhere is vast for the uneducated writer. Honed writing skills, becoming an accomplished researcher, and experience will determine whether a proseman will be able to influence any readership to forge on. The reader wants to know, "How will you satisfy my expectations?" How does a writer take the reader through the portal of the language of words into a world as it is, desires it to be or in which one can dream treasures of "make believe."?

First, start with what you know, have encountered and lived through. Add the heart and frosting of labored research to add depth and credibility. Entice and intrigue with creative emotional energy in a strong recognizable angle that distinguishes the lead from the masses of other slants, and then make sure it grabs the reader's attention within the first 30 seconds.

Understand what you want to say or what action is desired and then create the moment and mood by giving it "life." Anticipate your reader's questions and needs, and penetrate the visual senses by the way you passionately present the descriptive written word on paper. . .make them feel it from the top of their head down to the tingling in their toes.

Grab with pulsating interest. Note this excerpt from Margo Kaufman's article "Money, Honey," Los Angeles Times Magazine: "We need to talk about money," says my husband. "I clench my fists and begin to hyperventilate. Duke and I have a modern attitude about finances. We don't trust each other."

Here is a narrative style, dialogue and voice of human-interest, touching on personal experiences, finance, and relationships with a How-to around the corner. Drawn into a hot topic with emotional drama and action a reader is able to envision easily through the description of clenching fists, apparent anger and gasping of the hyperventilating process. Interest is piqued to read on with an honest statement, why neither trusts the other. The reader has been drawn into experiencing the virtual environment through the opening allure of the beginning transitional paragraph.

A tightly written dynamic lead of a good protagonist and antagonist with differing views presents a potent story people can identify with in:

1. The framework for a problem, the story beginning

2. The complication, the story middle

3. The solution, the story end

Incidents are a slice of life; they happen. Fleshing out an incident is adding emotion of believable detail making your reader care as in the Harry Potter series. Researched information and facts will breath life into your characters and backdrop. Using verbs more than adjectives forces writing to become tight and targeted, not fuzzy and weedy; the reason readers and editors are stopped dead in their tracks. It's all in the packaging pizazz that leaves a memorable impression.

Milo Ogden Frank a nationally acclaimed authority on communication skills and strategies writes: It is ". . . what allures, entices, tempts, tantalizes, fascinates, captivates, enchants, attracts, bewitches, catches, hypnotizes - that makes you remember and gets you to keep reading." So, hook with the magic of the best words. The better writing is in the way it is presented, the more successful a writer will be.

Note the following examples from the Long Ridge Writer's Group training manual:

(T)elling: "I'll never forget the car accident it was just awful."

(S)howing is story: "The baby shrieking in the car seat, the air bag exploding in my face, the mini van flipping through the air once, twice, three times--oh yes, I remember the car accident" The "T" can lose the reader. . .the "S" keeps them involved turning pages.

From out of the writer's watershed of tested moments, the power of enhanced prose and play-on words can turn a dull description into a masterful characterization. Style up a bit of writing magic with simple ideas, excitement, expectations and clarity and build on that, keeping in mind. . .90 percent of essays and manuscripts end up in an editor's slush pile of rejection, because of the lack of it.

One little treasure, Word Magic for Writers by Cindy Rogers reveals proven language devices that will help lure readers and win over audiences. It is a tool that clearly shows why most writers fail to get it right in an authorcraft of lonely moments and tough competition.

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News & Politics: FOCA Legislation, Justifiable or an Evil Pro-Abortion Piece of Law?

2009-08-25T18:55:18-07:00

JDC Government Machinations: Will the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) go far beyond Roe v. Wade in making abortion a government-protected and taxpayer-supported "right"? Yes, if the government stays on course for the upcoming Congressional session.

Congress has tabled introducing and passing this law temporarily. Pro-abortion forces are quietly fighting behind the scenes as Congress works on its stimulus packages and government-run health care. Does this mean President Obama is going back on his campaign pledge in 2007 to Planned Parenthood members, that signing FOCA would be "the first thing I'd do as president?" Appears so, but. . .The battle is yet to come.

Murmurings flow on the Hill as the propaganda pendulum swings to and fro to soft peddle the "act's" potential impact and lull pro-life opponents into thinking the legislation is gone, in order to ensure swift passage by the Party of Death, as Ramesh Ponnuru, National Review's senior editor has coined the current administration.

White House campaigns are underway using media like the Washington Post in their recent article in the "On Faith" section. . ."Why Fear FOCA"? A calculated step to mitigate coming events.

Whose tax dollars? Whose life is affected? Depends on which side of the issue one is on, right--wrong. American citizens will be forced to support abortion-on-demand made a fundamental right through this legislation and the taxpayer will fund this entitlement.

The "Freedom of Choice Act," would be the conscience of doctors, nurses and faith-based hospitals, who objecting to do abortions will endure prosecution of de-certification, loss of funding and possible prosecution for standing up for their beliefs. Legal protections currently existing at the State level against abortions will be eliminated by Federal Law, unless the legislators of each state can define a way to amend their constitutions to override such a Federal mandate, in a similar way they might consider in the health-care issue.

Two great assets our founding fathers bestowed upon this Tea Party American Republic and its citizens is the freedom of choice, and its religious freedoms. Choices, as it stands now, which would be eliminated in direct conflict with the Constitution of the United States.

The Town-hall debacles and burning telephone lines into Congressional offices is nothing compared to what's on the horizon in a campaign by religious conservatives to stop the so-called "Freedom of Choice Act" dead in its tracks.

The Democrats have alienated many of their own Blue Dogs, and Independents along with hard-working citizens, disabled military service men and women, and tens of millions of senior citizens. Now, they will attack the religious base, who will in turn raise the phoenix from the ashes with the heat and flames of truth: "The Facts About FOCA," written in consultation with the finest legal minds of the time.

Top editors, reporters, syndicated columnists in metropolitan, regional and local papers, talk-radio hosts in every radio market in the country, TV news editors, anchors, and reporters at all networks, cable news and local affiliates. . .and all 435 members of the U.S. House and Senate will see a movement with greater power than the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth that derailed John Kerry's bid for the White House.

Though America's moral crown has tilted and its compass is being thwarted by the magnetic pull of the Obama administration, it remains here in time now gleaned with legal protections, where all faiths can worship and have the right of religious beliefs; to stand up for those beliefs or not, and to expect no government interference as to the execution of those beliefs.

One has to scratch his or her head and wonder: Where exists moral law in the values of a legislature and administration that they should create a piece of legislation victimizing care givers and doctors and to prosecute those individuals who choose not to participate in an abortion issue?

As one voter was heard to say: Have we succumbed into American heresy where the government becomes concerned with regulating the morals of others? I guess it boils down to, is FOCA justifiable or just a tactic for a Pro-Abortion law?

And that's politics in motion.

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Book Reviews: "Franklin's Thrift, Paul Newman A Life, Culture of Corruption"

2009-08-10T21:07:50-07:00

JDC Book Reviews: These three books serve the pallet with plates of food for thought. Whether you agree or not, the prose causes one to look inward in a man-made world of reverse morality, and integrity failings. . .in what has become lifestyle trends, and government run amok. On the lighter side take a walk down memory lane with millions of others back into the private life and career of Paul Newman. The man men tried to emulate and women fantasized.

"Franklin's Thrift: The Lost History of an American Virtue" by David Blankenhorn, Barbara Dafoe, and Sorcha Brophy-Warren

Whether you are thrifty or cheap, or an extravagant lover of the good things in life, this read takes one into the world of one of the oldest neglected and quintessentially American values in which we all somehow pay a price for our actions. . .the careful management of our finances.

Seems simple doesn't it...work productively, consume wisely, save proportionally, and give generously back to mankind. If this is a good working model why is the new America a "culture of debt"?

Franklin's Thrift offers policy recommendations for resolving society's current economic woes and why wisdom has fallen along the wayside, as the sword of financial calamity cuts deeper into the pockets and lives of the American people.

How secure is the average American? Find out if you have or can have the capacity to shape your future lot and fortune in life. Is it too late?

"Paul Newman A Life" by Shawn Levy

Paul Newman the iconic actor with penetrating blue eyes like pools of the Mediterranean. A humble gentle soul off screen; an American grass roots story of an actor, entrepreneur and philanthropist, who on screen no man would cross and no women could ignore.

Take a biographical journey down memory lane of an extraordinarily gifted man that few celebrities can equal. Mr. Cool-Hand Luke.

"Culture of Corruption: Obama and His Team of Tax Cheats, Crooks & Cronies" by Michelle Malkin

The same Michelle Malkin who was on the front-line leading the charge to identify cronies and corruption within the Bush years, is back with a riveting indictment of the appalling background of the President's rogues gallery of czars and tax cheats. As an investigative reporter she reviews close to 800 documents, stories and court cases to show how government grows, corruption flows.

Gain input into the thousands of pages of new regulations; new powers over taxpayers and the free economic system.

Malkin leaves you the reader to ponder. . . Can a leopard change his spots? Can a convicted shoplifter change? Can tax dodgers fly right? Can those raised on the politics of pay-to-play maintain any form of integrity?

Why are principled progressives beginning to question the rhetoric, actions and continued lack of promised transparency by the Obama administration? Have Washington insiders become dysfunctional? Is there a lack of ethical cleanliness and competence birthed with the 2008 elections spawning a Democratic controlled government and not a Democratic run government?

Fact is what it is, opinion can be disputed; truth lies in the behavior patterns of the past and the present.

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News Forecasts: "It's the Law, Taxes Up-Up and Away, Constitutional Right to Bear Arms at Work"

2009-07-18T13:30:06-07:00

JDC Bullet News Forecasts: What's new on the horizon of change. Predictions in brief.

It's the Law:

More voters are making their voices heard and legislators appear to be listening as gays and heterosexuals battle to reaffirm existing laws or change them in a society where majority rule has been the law.

Surely to be challenged in the courts, will be the laws voted in 29 states, making it "legal" to fire or to refuse to hire someone for being gay. Also, in 38 states, employers have the right to discriminate against trans-gender workers. Exempted are small firms, religious organizations and the military.

Taxes Up, Up and Away:

As most states begin their new fiscal year this month, plan on adjusting your budget. In an effort to deal with huge shortfalls, states will initiate a slew of layoffs, furloughs and cost cutting measures. Like California, they will come up short.

Some states are boosting revenues through a sell-off of surplus inventories which may be found on line by state. . . .Ultimately it is you the taxpayer who will bail out state legislatures who refused to cut cost in favor of pet projects and self-indulgent attitudes.

What stimulus states have received, has not been enough to get them in the black. States will attempt to stop the bleeding through such taxation as: increased sales and income taxes, created new tax brackets, taxes and fee increases on services that affect anything the government believes they can get away with as, car-washes, dry cleaning, hair salons, divorce filing, real estate transactions, vehicle registrations and license renewals, tobacco and alcohol, soda and what else, only heavens knows.

Constitutional Right to Bear Arms at Work:

The Supreme Court has rendered their conclusion that you and I have the right to own a gun. Now, states with the right-to-carry law on the books are taking the matter one step further. . .prohibiting employers from banning guns, as long as the weapons are legally owned and locked-up while at work. The law opens the way for lawsuits that allege discrimination against workers who say they own a gun, according to the Kiplinger Washington Letter Editors in D.C. Chicago is still fighting to keep their city-wide gun ban in force.

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By CeCe Day Hill, Copyright (c) 2009 - Jane Doe Chronicles, All Rights Reserved - 349 West Circle Dr., New Lenox, IL 60451, - (815) 485-4871 - Email: janedoechronicles@comcast.net

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Book Reviews: Top Ten Myths of American Health Care-The Compleat Gentleman-Shakedown

2009-07-18T12:37:32-07:00

JDC Book Reviews: The timing and relevancy of these three books is in the now. Three critical issues that continues to change the face, freedoms and financial stability of an American Republic.

"The Top Ten Myths of American Health Care," by Thomas Sowell

When a myth is repeated enough times people tend to believe it. Unfortunately, at times it is to their own detriment. Affecting the masses, it becomes a tragedy of unending consequences.

The two sides of the American debate over health care is a pending double-edge sword of financial mayhem, that could very well bankrupt the country and cause tax burdens in excess of 50% per individual taxpayer by 2020. The independent Congressional Budget Office in the analysis of the administration's health care program, indicated the plan neglected to consider cost factors in their "projections."

The American health care system remains the best in the world, according to Sewell. Learn the truths in this eye-opening book by a Canadian immigrant to the U.S., who has seen government-run health care close up, and offers cost-effective alternative solutions to fix it. . .not replace it.

"The Compleat Gentleman," by Brad Miner

In the current lifestyles of broken homes, single parenthood, latchkey kids and societal mixed messages, there lies, the three masculine archetypes: the warrior, the lover, and the monk, and questionable versions in-between.

The Compleat Gentleman contains the wisdom that can bring healing and renewal to an increasingly uncivilized age of man. . .one gentleman at a time.

In amusement, Miner touches on the difficult and unpopular truths with discretion and decorum. The elements of the gentlemanly character would have been obvious to any medieval knight. Today, like a lightning bolt it awakens an awareness of the lack and the need for a model of gentlemanly masculinity more than ever. What it takes to be a real man.

"Shakedown," by Ezra Levant - "A warning for America. . ."

While President Obama continues to revise the lexicon of the American political vocabulary, Canada's human right commissions have turned from protecting rights to prosecuting politically incorrect "thought-crimes."

The publisher calls the book: shocking, sobering and scrupulously documented. Shakedown is a powerful plea to Canadians to reclaim their basic liberties. . .and an urgent warning to Americans about how vulnerable their First Amendment rights are to "political manipulation," and control.

What George Orwell called "thought-crime" is live and thriving in Canada and coming to your neighborhood. Political opinions are monitored, fines are implemented against people for expressing viewpoints; even the permanent banning of people from saying certain things.

If you don't think it could happen in America, you may be missing the subtle points of persuasion infiltrating society like the Trojan Horse of Troy, allowed to quietly move forward by a trusting people, ultimately affecting life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Shakedown just might make you shake with tremors of anger.

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Politics and News: "The Case to Impeach the President?"

2009-07-02T15:24:33-07:00

JDC Government Machinations: Are the happenings in Washington unconstitutional as President Obama pushes his humanistic values for good into a misguided socialistic agenda?

The buzz of discontentment has hit the fan as it blows reality into the minds of voters and the Liberal Press.

Judge Andrew Napolitano responds on Fox and Friends AM show to a question of "unconstitutionality." The judge believes actions taken by President Obama in his first 100 plus days in office are unconstitutional, and the courts will intervene as they did during the reign of FDR to reverse actions that infringe on guaranteed freedom of choice rights and issues that affect the U.S. cornerstone of free enterprise.

No matter how well intentioned the czarist administration may be, the experience in running a business the size of the United States Government is lacking and is evident in the fostered existing chaos affecting every sector from main street to the federal government.

The desire of the American people to believe in a charismatic voice of hope and change has turned into a meddling power-play affecting everything the forefathers of this country fought for. ...That each of us might have the freedom of "choice" unencumbered by government; to be kept in tack by the check and balance of a dual political system.

A system that has under the current administration developed into a dynasty of ineffective stimulus packages, unemployment that will soon hit 10%, preferential union treatment, the new REEP program that will dictate what Americans must do in order to meet "green" standards and be able to sell their homes, Cap and Trade, which critics say will cost the average consumer hundreds of dollars more in heating and cooling bills, scripted control of the free press, and since the February inauguration, has spent the largest outlay of borrowed money, than all the previous administrations combined according to national news report sources.

Ironically, for the first time, on the eve of this Fourth of July weekend, there has been a display of ire by the White House Press Corps, who has covered this sitting president since he started his stump-walk to the White House.

Guru reporter Helen Thomas who has covered the Washington beat for close to 40 years, took issue with Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, and his refusal to answer questions on pre-scripted town-hall meetings and attempts of this administration to control the Press. "You are pumping the answers . . . It's shocking, really shocking . . . It's a pattern of controlling the press." states Ms. Thomas.

Columnist Jonah Goldberg of the L.A. Times, takes it one step further: "The Press is being treated like a patsy."

Where does it all stop? Will the radical agenda of President Barack Obama be stymied by the 2010 elections. Will there be a public movement beyond the Tea Parties in favor of impeachment? Will our country be delved into the pit of dependency under a government controlled socialism? Or will what appears to be ineptness, turn out to be a successful strategy? Only God knows and he isn't sending in the Cavalry.

America will sink or swim in the waves of the next four years.

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Politics and News: "Nancy Pelosi Calls Past and Present CIA Liars"

2009-05-14T14:57:03-07:00

JDC Government Machinations: Washington, D.C. A liberal Press was fired up as a shaken Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House attempted to clear the air on the issue of Waterboarding techniques defending why she took no action in 2002. "We were told explicitly that 'waterboarding' was not being used."

What might have been a slap against the previous administration is becoming a major sore spot that may find Democratic House Leader Pelosi in a bubbling caldron of ensuing heat as she repeatedly accuses the Central Intelligence Agency of having lied under both administrations. Head of the CIA George Little, indicated it would be up to Congress to determine the truth.

We are still in the cross hairs of terrorism. Senator Joe Liberman of Connecticut believes we should not be questioning the integrity of the CIA and need to focus on the enemy today.

The CIA is the top Intelligence Agency in the country comprised of professionals, who under strict guidelines do their work within the law and maintain the appropriate documentation classified and declassified because of that law. They are detailed orientated and committed to the security of the United States and the lives of its people on a 24/7 basis.

A CIA spokesperson has told FOX news: Push-back is fast and hard, standing by to document that the House Speaker was told: "Waterboarding has been employed." Pelosi's credibility, memory and integrity are now on-the-line to the chagrin of the Democratic Party.

As Democrats scurry the halls on the Hill, according to reporter Carl Cameron, Minority Leader John Boehner dismisses Pelosi's account. He said, ". . .I do not believe I have ever been mislead. For three-and-a half years I was briefed on a daily basis and it is hard for me to imagine anyone in our Intelligence would mislead a member of Congress. . . .It is pretty clear that they (Democrat House and Senate members) were well aware of what these enhanced interrogation techniques were . . . it seems to me that they want to have it both ways. You can't have it both ways."

Republican Pete Hoekstra of the House Intelligence Committee indicates one way to settle this is to have the memorandums of record be declassified, which will show what Congress was briefed on and provide further insight. Pelosi continues to head off people from asking for more information, especially as to her own records.

In defending her own lack of action, perhaps Speaker Pelosi in 2002 should have been working on the issue of intelligence and security concerns with the two Intelligence and Armed Services committees on the HIll, instead of engaging in the politics of wrestling congressional control from the Republicans. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has been quoted: "if there was a crime Nancy Pelosi was part of it. . . . The time has come to stop digging." Other issues need to be seriously addressed.

Are we to believe the CIA misleads the Congress of the United States as a matter of practice as Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi attests too?

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Tales of the Heartland: "Finding compassion and Stephono"

2009-05-12T15:10:42-07:00

JDC America's Heartland: From the melodious voices of the Oak Ridge Boys rises a greater musical understanding: "We all are part of the story of an American family." with all that makes or breaks our relationships, influenced by imperfections and our "silly ole pride."

Like the echo of soft whispering winds, I still hear mother's gentle matriarchal voice: "Life is short-lived 'dumpling' glutted with agitation in need of the blossom of compassion; and my dear, the only road to peace and reconciliation."

"Ya sure mom." How many times before had I heard this lady with a sophisticated flair basically tell me I would be sorry someday if I threw "compassion" out the window just to satisfy the state of my hurt feelings.

Stephono and I grew up to understand: Compassion is a road to be traveled, which develops from within the vine of family love. Sprouting its shoots as we travel down the different streets of life, we hope to gain the inner strengths that build our character of humility, long-suffering, endurance, spiritual goodness and a mildness of speech. Stephono and I were a continuous work in progress often waylaid by our emotional state and a vain enemy. . ."justifiable pride."

Our mother's love helped us to translate compassion and concern for others into concrete action, and to not have an "I don't care" ideology in life. She gave us the warmth of her love lifting us up with motherly compassion, showing us one of the secrets of life. . .happiness and joy.

When trouble wiggled its way into our sibling lives mother could be heard In a sweet yet authoritative voice: "Life isn't fair children even when you are compassionate and try hard." How true rings the echo from days gone by as Stephono and I have allowed a breakdown and fracture of compassion for each other to be made brittle by time and distance.

Ridiculous how we allowed a waterfall of misunderstandings and hurt feelings to be fired by our pride and a larva of building anger. Neither of us willing to give into the other, neither of us willing to give of the compassion from our childhood, we had given so freely to others.

My brother Stephono was always a laid-back gentle soul, of soft-spoken wisdom and heart. I on the other-hand to this day, feel the fire in my belly, grabbing life by its tail ready for a roller-coaster ride. Both of us have been nurtured by the one person who can explicate the art of "caring," an emotionally sensitive mother, a counselor of love, of altruistic values and support, who if anything, gave too much of herself to so many.

So how did Stephono and I get side tracked off the balanced road of life onto the side-street of broken compassion? Pure stubbornness.

Most of us preach a good talk, but when it comes down to enduring, we fall short. So it is before Stephono's passing our heartfelt childhood compassion flowered once again into moments of laughter, and days filled with the joy of living. Barriers melted away by a brother and sister's return to their childhood roots overriding the foolishness of the heart and adulthood.

Our children have seen our division and rebirth. They have learned sometimes with difficulty, to climb out of their own skin into other's, channeling . . ."I see your need" into an unselfish act of moral awareness to impact the world and themselves.

I would like to believe Stephono and I have given our children the gift of being able to forgive themselves and others and not waste precious moments of life. Whenever we give, we always feel its reward somewhere along the way, as "compassion road" curves, zig-zags and cuts into the road of life.

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Politics: Did Illinois Senate Benefit Constituents by Defeating SB 1666 Making Primary Elections Open?

2009-05-12T12:02:46-07:00

JDC Government Machinations: Springfield, IL Too many times, the one thing voters can depend upon in politics is mislaid power to gain a political or financial edge at the taxpayer's expense.

The story behind the story of the defeat of SB 1666 proposed by Senator Larry K. Bomke in District 50, touches on more than the right to declare or not declare political affiliations based on the Illinois election code.

What may be considered a lesser piece of legislation becomes an important moral issue in finding the high ground and alternative avenues in order for political parties to find votes and solicit funds as other states have done. Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, all have had open primary voting since the 1980s.

The impetus for Senator Bomke's proposal grew out of a survey response and a strong grass roots support by voters reluctant to participate in primary elections for justifiable reasons and self-protection. Constituents are offended by the idea of continued legislation that opens the door of the election process to the festering of political prejudices, ambitions and unyielding pressure to force-vote along party lines.

One has only to look at the areas of the State and its demographics in order to surmise whether a Senator might register a Yea or Nay vote and why. Senators from larger city and urban areas, and strong union holds, like California, Illinois, Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania will come through with a "no" vote on similar issues guaranteed.

The voting record on the third reading of SB 1666 came through party lines with 37 Nays, 17 Yeas and 5 NV by Senators Kirk Dillard, Randall Hultgren, Mike Jacobs, John Jones and Dan Rutherford.

The State of Illinois is the biggest employer in the southern part of the State. In the political arena the voter would be better served if they didn't have to worry about losing their jobs because of their political views or changes in administration.

In a perfect world State employees should always be evaluated on their record of dependability, experience and the ability to do a good job. In the real world of high pressured politics and power plays that doesn't exist.

Businesses would be better off without transactions and contracts negatively influenced or rejected because of party associations. Journalists should be able to vote in primaries without having to worry whether what they do and what they believe and write will come back to haunt them. Voters should not have to declare anything in a primary in order to have their voice heard.

Though the bill is dead for this session, the need still exists to amend the election code by striking the current clauses in favor of an "open vote." In this time of economic and political turmoil this issue goes beyond the voting booth. With every simple piece of legislation, there is an opportunity for legislators to gain back the trust of angry constituents and State workers, polish up their badges of honor, redefine themselves and make sure they have not sold their souls, other than into the service of the American public.

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Inside the Raw Nature of a Man: "Do All Men Cheat"?

2009-04-19T15:02:43-07:00

JDC Commentary: Over 6,200 people have clicked their way to find out about the self-inflicted act of cheating and "Do All Men Cheat." Whether one is curious, caught up in the web of cheating, or in a state of hurt and pain these are some of the serious reasons behind why we run amok with our relationships. And yes, it is a two-way street.

Sadly enough men do cheat. Depending on the polls, between 55-70 percent cheat at least once in a relationship. Some are habitual cheaters. The cheating act becomes a game of variety or arousal fueled by an interchange of promiscuous attitudes, ideas, dress, and unresolved baggage from the past.

From the horses mouth, men cheat because they are inflamed with a sexual desire. -- Stimulated by their own inadequacies, the fantasy challenge before them, the pure joy of the chase, revenge, or because they can. Someone may have given them attention at a vulnerable time when their ebb tide of emotion was low. They are flattered and buy into a romantic fling in order to feel alive again.

Cheating makes us a commodity. Liken to a disposable paper plate, one is used, enjoyed as a convenience of the moment, and then discarded. We have served our temporary purpose. Realizing later, one can't do without that plate full of sensual delicacies, the cycle is perpetuated and one is on the prowl for a new plate and the delicacies to quench a palatable lust.

What has happened to love, fidelity and commitment? A shameful loss of morals: Those virtues have been trampled by a self-centered societal attitude, lacking self-discipline, good judgment and high character traits.

Why are we so changed? Without "excuses," we have to face the demon of our inner selves and misconstrued perceptions for the answer. Too many fall by the wayside because it's popular: Everybody's doing it. Others never learned to fully trust in order to understand what it means to be in love. Many don't know how to maintain a loving relationship. While others do not not have the "guts" to do what's necessary to maintain and grow within a relationship.

It's easier to cut and run into the unreal enticing destructive world of cheating. . .into a grown up play-land of human toys. A world free of responsibility and pressure. A world short-lived with serious consequences that only fuels the fires of discontent, making commitment more difficult with each indiscretion.

When a man cheats, he is temporarily getting away with something. but he is losing an integral part of himself. . .part of his character. That which makes him possess in high degree, the qualities distinctive of manhood - courage - strength - vigor of moral spirit - integrity, and warmth of heart.

Somewhere along the way the piper must be paid! What will be the price for sensual nights beneath the sheets? Any cheater can tell you of the unbelievable "saga of pain."

For those who choose to love, the challenges will always exist of fighting the residue of foolishness, the self-centered behavior of children and good old fashioned excuses called "crap."

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Politics: "Taxpayer's Bailout Goes to Employ 15% of Illegal Immigrants in Construction"

2009-03-13T14:28:09-07:00

JDC Government Machinations: A new deal sellout by the Democratic Congress is taking away American construction jobs by congressional refusal to include E-Verify in the 789 billion dollar stimulus bill to protect the American worker.

How patriotic is your Congressman? Where is the loyalty to the American unemployed? Perhaps the answers lie in the quest for the minority vote instead of concern for Americans in construction.

Reaping the harvest of a November 2008 vote, Americans will now find themselves without an opportunity to compete fully in the construction arena for jobs. The Center for Immigration Studies estimates illegal aliens who are not authorized to work in the United States will end up taking 15% of all construction jobs. That figure could become higher in the Southwestern States like California.

Columnist Pat Buchanan questions what we all should as taxpayers: Why didn't Congress do their job? "Congress could have, with one vote, guaranteed that virtually every job paid for by U.S. taxpayers would go to U.S. workers. How? By mandating that all beneficiaries of stimulus money use the E-Verify program. . .which lets employers check the validity of the Social Security number of all new hires."

The E-Verify program has been highly successful according to NumbersUSA with 3 million inquiries this year alone with an accuracy of 99 percent. This is a system that is non-intrusive and an inexpensive way for businesses to assure hires are legal.

Unfortunately for American workers, the Democrats voted to kill the E-Verify protection program in six months ignoring Republicans and seven Democrats who wanted the program extended. The Senate was not allowed to vote on the bill and all the finagling on this issue was done back in the House in the Pelosi-Reid conferenece. Then, as if by magic, E-Verify disappeared. Could this be a means to an end for the future Democratic minority vote?

Where is the change? The Obama administration is an explosion of business as usual by a leader who appears to not be able to stand up to his party on behalf of the American voter. His heart may be in the right place, but his actions take him from his near center attempt to govern to the far radical left. The president's party is out of control. He is unable to crack the whip or chooses not too. It appears he is giving the Pelosi-Reid coalition a free hand in the game of: "Good Cop Bad Cop" in order to appease that he is attempting to keep his promises, while letting his party do the dirty work.

Americans are hurting. Why don't the Democrats have a problem with illegal aliens taking jobs from you? The following is American commentary from Human Events.com, which may be an indication of the voter mindset for the 2010 elections:

"I feel bad for the poor who come here with nothing and all they want is to work and build a life but Pat is right. These construction jobs should first be offered to tax paying Americans. I am not a portectionist like Pat but in this case it only makes sense. We can't have those dollars leaving the country." -- Christoper Weehawken, NJ

"I think its time to put the "Go Away" sign on the statue of Liberty, or give the entire damn thing back to the French. We are no longer getting rugged individualists wanting freedom, but third world goat herders looking for a Government subsidy." -- Smack

"All the Obama lovers in South Central LA to the slums of Englewood in Chicago should be happy their "Black" president gives illegals priority over the "brothers" who sit on Porch stoops!

Hapless fools they all seem to be!" -- Jack IL

"I am so sick to my stomach by the outright treason from these jackals. For the life of me i can't see why Americans put up with this situtation, i have an awful feeling about the future of our beloved country." -- Jasper Edward

"During one of the last outrages, I called the office of my senator (Kerry), and the condescension was palpable. These types just assume you're a racist. Afterall, they went to Harvard don't cha know. And you can always tell a Harvard guy ... you just can't tell him much.

When the formerly middle-class Americans take to the streets in job marches, which will be coming soon, congress will rediscover the concept of citizenship. By then, the military may be defending the Capital building, as well as the southern border." -- X2 Boston MA

So the grumbling begins, sharp rhetoric flows, demonstrations are organized, emails flood the airways, in this the first "100 days" of the Obama administration. The critical fact remains . . . the only place to settle this is at the ballot box, and isn't that what you the American people did? Or was that a mistake of emotional euphoria of hopes and dreams, instead of hard cold facts? Could this be the reason our forefathers fought bitterly amongst themselves to institute a two party system of checks and balances, so no one party could run amok, amok, amok?
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