THE SECOND CHANCE SHEEPDOG

Politicians and NASCAR Drivers

2012-01-26T10:52:00.000-06:00

A friend of mine shared the picture below on Facebook a few days ago, and I've noticed it's starting to make the rounds on the Internet. I decided it was so good that I just had to "borrow" it and share it. However, I may need to offer NASCAR drivers an apology for doing so.

Music Monday with Building 429

2012-01-23T00:30:00.000-06:00

The Sheepdog's gonna mix it up again with this week's Music Monday. I started the year with hard rock and metal. Then, last week, I toned it down just a bit with The Rolling Stones. Now, I change it up again, and do so with another "newbie" - a Christian band that has not appeared on my Music Mondays before.

Today's featured artist is Building 429. They've became one of Christian music's most popular bands in only about five short years. These guys began playing together in the late '90s, but their big shot came about around 2003 when they signed on with Word Records. The Word deal led to almost instant success when Building 429 released the album Glory Defined in 2004, and their single of the same name went straight to #1 on the Christian charts. Next thing you know, they've won the Gospel Music Association's (GMA) 2005 Dove Award for New Artist of the Year, and the rest is history.

The featured song and video today is of the band's single "Listen to the Sound" from their 2011 album of the same name. The video is embedded in this blog post or can be watched by clicking here. I hope everyone enjoys it. We'll do this again next Monday, but by then, it might be time to crank the volume back up (wink, wink).

"Fuhgeddaboudit"

2012-01-19T13:52:00.000-06:00

Image via Wikipedia

I'm a big fan of mobster / gangster movies. A few of my favorites are Goodfellas, Casino, and The Untouchables. There's also the classics - Scarface and The Godfather I, II, and III. One reason is the action and the shooting, of course, but another is because these movies always have some great, memorable one liners and quotes. Many of us use some of them at one time or another.

Recently, I've been thinking about some of those one liners. Most of the time it's after I hear a news report about the 2012 race for the White House, or if I see an image of Mitt Romney or hear him speak. Next time the dude's on TV, take a good look at him with his slicked-back hair and slick, shiny suits. Can't you just imagine him using some of the gangster-movie-classic one-liners ? For instance, imagine the following fictional interview :

Interviewer - "So, Governor Romney, when did you first think about getting into politics ?"
Romney - "Ever since I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster." (Goodfellas, 1990)

Interviewer - "If it's alright, I'd like to ask you some questions about your relationship with some of your fellow GOP candidates. First, let's talk about Ron Paul. How would you characterize your relationship with him ?"
Romney - "Say hello to my little friend." (Scarface, 1983)

Interviewer - "O.k. What about Speaker Gingrich ? If the GOP race was to come down to you and him, what will be your strategy ?"
Romney - "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse." (The Godfather, 1972)

Interviewer - "Let's move on to Governor Perry. He made an initial strong surge in the polls but has since dropped way back. He's attacked your record. Any words of wisdom for Perry in regards to his attacks ?"
Romney - "Leave the gun. Take the cannolis." (The Godfather, 1972)

Interviewer - "Lastly, what about Sen. Santorum ? What's your take on him ?"
Romney - "You know, we always called each other goodfellas. Like, you'd say to somebody - 'you're gonna like this guy ... he's alright. He's a goodfella. He's one of us'." (Goodfellas, 1990)

Interviewer - "Now, let me ask you a bit of a personal question, governor. You've been through a couple of these presidential races. In just a few words, how would you sum up your experiences, and what is it like working with the powers that be in the GOP ?"
Romney - "When they send for you, you go in alive, you come out dead, and its your best friend that does it." (Donnie Brasco, 1997)

Interviewer - "Last question - if you win the Republican nomination, do you really believe you can beat Mr. Obama ?"
Romney - "FUHGEDDABOUDIT !!!!!"

Capisce ??

"Stoned" on Music Monday

2012-01-16T09:16:00.001-06:00

First of all, let to apologize to my readers and e-mail recipients for the fact that today's Music Monday didn't post early this morning. The Sheepdog had some technical difficulties. I'll do better next Monday. That being said, let's get to today's music.

After starting off 2012's Music Mondays with metal bands, I decided to mix it up a bit today with a different genre and by featuring a band that has not appeared on my Music Mondays before. At times, this band has been a little controversial, but they have continued to make good music since they formed back in 1962. Sometimes, they are referred to as "The Kings of Rock N Roll" due to their longevity in the business and the influence they've had on so many other musical artists. They are none other than The Rolling Stones.

April will mark 50 years The Stones have been making music together. As their career stretched into the '70s, then the '80s, and on into the '90s and beyond, there were subtle changes to their sound each decade. Their music was always flexible in adapting to the times as their talent continued to grow. Those two things together may be the secret to their five decades of success.

The song and video feature today is "Between A Rock and A Hard Place" from their 1989 album Steel Wheels. The video is embedded in this post for your convenience, or you can watch it by clicking here. Enjoy but be warned - your feet may get a little happy during this tune.

P.S. Let me add a bit of humor here - as I was testing this post, my wife was listening and said, "That's a perfect description of this election year." You know what ? She's absolutely right, and that's kinda sad.

20 Million in 2012

2012-01-13T15:04:00.000-06:00

There are a number of campaigns going on in 2012. However, none of them is as important as the newest one from Donate Life America. Their new "20 Million in 2012" Campaign has the potential to make a significant, lasting difference in the lives of Americans all over the country.

The campaign's mission is simple - drastically increase the number of registered organ and tissue donors across the country. One way Donate Life America will accomplish this is through four (4) special nationwide events, including a Donate Life Flash Mob in March, the Donate Life Blue and Green Virtual Fashion show in April, Donate Life Champions in the fall, and Donate Life Linking Hands throughout 2012.

Help make Donate Life America's "20 Million in 2012" Campaign a success by visiting the Donate Life America website (just click on their banner above) for more information, but more importantly to learn how to register as an organ and tissue donor in the state where you live. The 112,000+ Americans on the national transplant waiting list are counting on you.

Read more in "Donate Life America Launches Campaign to Register 20 Million More Organ Donors in 2012" on sacbee.com (The Sacramento Bee)

Chris Matthews Compares Politics to Transplants

2012-01-12T11:20:00.001-06:00

I am not a fan of MSNBC's Chris Matthews, nor I am a Mitt Romney supporter. Furthermore, I have not followed the Republican 2012 Presidential Candidates with as much interest as I have in previous elections, either. I think the entire current crop is poor, to say the least. I doubt I'll vote for any of them, but that's another story for another day.

Usually, my only beef with Matthews is his Liberal, lefty viewpoints which border on Socialist ideology. While I don't agree with or like them, I can live with them because Matthews has a right to voice his opinion just as I have a right to voice, and do frequently, my own conservative viewpoint. However, when recently reporting and commenting on the results of the Republican Iowa Caucus, Matthews stepped over the line. He went on record as comparing Mitt Romney's failure to connect to the conservative base of the GOP to the human body rejecting an organ transplant. I know it's hard to believe that someone would stoop to that level, but he did. You can see it for yourself by watching the video below or you can click here.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

I'm not really surprised Matthews would do something like this. If you watch MSNBC much, you've seen and heard his knuckleheaded comments before, but with these recent statements, he has stooped to a new low. For him to compare politics, which is full of corruption and scummy candidates, to the life-saving and life-improving miracle of organ and tissue transplantation, either shows his complete ignorance or is more proof that he is a complete scumbag. I'll let you make that determination for yourself. However, as a heart transplant recipient, I am pissed and highly offended. In my opinion, his comments diminish the priceless, life-saving gifts that donors and their families freely give to thousands of Americans every year. Both he and MSNBC should be ashamed.

Matthews and the network need to offer an immediate apology to the organ donation community. In addition, Matthews needs to be fired. If that doesn't happen, then perhaps the organ donation community should consider boycotting both MSNBC and its parent company NBC.

The wolves are among us.

Source : HuffingtonPost.com article "Chris Matthews Mitt Romney to Failed Organ Transplant"

Housekeeping

2012-01-11T12:35:00.001-06:00

Today, I wanted to share a quick housekeeping item. As many of you know, in addition to this blog, I have had a website, www.TheSecondChanceSheepdog.com, since May 31, 2010. GoDaddy begin hosting the site last June, and both the blog and website became GoDaddy affiliates. A few weeks ago, I took down the GoDaddy affiliate links from the blog, and yesterday, I took the website down after being unable to satisfactorily resolve an issue with GoDaddy.

When GoDaddy became the hosting provider last summer, they gave me the impression that I could host as many websites as I wanted with my Website Tonight account. The only stipulation was that I had to stay within my disk space and bandwidth allotment. However, when I contacted them a few weeks ago about hosting the website for my new "project" within that same account, they told me I couldn't. I was informed that each WebSite Tonight account could only host one website. I feel as if GoDaddy lied to / misled me back in June. So, after the latest discussion with them yesterday, I decided to cancel the WebSite Tonight account, take down the website, and request a refund of the purchase price of my unused term. I will give them credit for one thing, though - they refunded my money within 24 hours. Nice.

I still own the website's domain names but have redirected them to the blog. Now, in addition to http://thesecondchancesheepdog.blogspot.com/, you can use one of the following to get here. They are :

http://www.TheSecondChanceSheepdog.com/ (original domain name), or
the even shorter http://www.The2ndChanceSheepdog.com/.

Either way, you'll get to this blog, and I am gonna add some of the content that was on the website to this blog. Furthermore, I want to say "Thank You" to everyone who regularly reads and follows my blog. I want you to know how much I appreciate it. The deal with GoDaddy was unfortunate, but it is what it is. They have good deals on the purchase of domain names, but I doubt I will use them for hosting services again.

Kickin' Off "Metal Mondays"

2012-01-09T00:30:00.000-06:00

Last year, Vixen kicked off my Music Monday series. Today, they kick off my 2nd-Monday-of-the-month "Double Shots" of music. Both of today's videos are from songs off the band's second album, 1990's Rev It Up. The first video is of their song "How Much Love" (click here to watch) and the second is of "Not A Minute Too Soon" (click here to watch).

Many of the songs on the band's 1988 premiere album, Vixen, were written by other artists. However, the band decided to write most of it's own music and lyrics on the Rev It Up album. In my opinion, Rev It Up was the better record, and I believe the band's original lineup had a bright career in front of it had internal "issues" not split it up.

Vixen was the premiere female heavy metal band of the '80s and one of my favorite bands. I hope everyone enjoys this "double shot" of music on Metal Monday.

The Sheepdog picks the NFL Playoffs

2012-01-05T17:13:00.000-06:00

As promised last week, today I'm picking the NFL Playoffs from start to finish. It seems like only yesterday that we were talking about the lockout and wondering whether there would be a 2011 season. Now, the regular season is over and it's time to crown another Super Bowl Champion.

The 2011 NFL season was interesting, to say the least, and held several surprises for us. The so-called "Dream Team" Philadelphia Eagles were supposed to be the class of the league. They fell flat on their beaks. The Buffalo Bills' fast start was a surprise as was the Detroit Lions success, and who would have thought the Indianapolis Colts would have a 0-13 start ?

Now that the regular season is over, the main question is, "Will the Packers repeat ?" If they do, they

Image via Wikipedia

will be the first team in seven years to do so (New England won Super Bowl XXXVIII and XXXIX). Another question might be, "Which of the NFL divisions is the worst ?" There's two contenders for that title - the AFC West and the NFC East. I'll give my opinion on that later in this article. Now, it's time to pick 'em, from the first Wild-Card Game to Super Bowl XLVI. Hang on.

NFC Playoffs

NFC Wild-Card Games

#6 seed Detroit Lions @ #3 seed New Orleans Saints - Detroit has had a surprisingly great year. However, these young lion cubs must travel to face Drew Brees and the Saints #1 ranked offense, which is undefeated at home this year. New Orleans wins this game easily. Sorry "cubbies" but your season ends Saturday.
#5 seed Atlanta Falcons @ #4 seed N.Y. Giants - Of all the playoff games this year, this is the toughest one to pick. I could almost flip a coin and say "pick 'em," because I'm not real sure about this one. The Giants reached the playoffs by winning the sorry NFC East, which I would rank as "The NFL's Worst Division" but for one thing - "The Dream Team" Eagles won their last four games convincingly beating their opponents by at least two touchdowns each time. So, there's hope for this division yet. However, in regards to the Giants, they were swept this year by the division's worst team - the 5-11 Washington "Deadskins." Oops, did I really say that ? Sorry ... I meant Redskins. Both of those losses were by two touchdowns !! Due to those two debacles, I can't pick the Giants. The "Dirty Birds" will be out in force in the Big Apple, and the Giants are one and done. Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin will likely be looking for a new job come Monday, because the Giants have gone to the Birds. I'll take the Falcons.

NFC Divisional Playoffs

Atlanta Falcons @ #1 seed Green Bay Packers - Two words - Lambeau Field. No visiting team wants to play in Lambeau Field against the Packers during the playoffs, particularly not dome teams. This pick's easy. The Falcons will get plucked by the CheeseHeads. I'll take Green Bay.
New Orleans Saints @ #2 seed San Francisco 49ers - San Francisco surprisingly won the NFC West. However, 2 of their 3 losses were at home to St. Louis and Dallas - teams they should have beaten easily. Furthermore, the Saints ain't St. Louis or Dallas. Heck, they've won three more games this year than Dallas and St. Louis combined !! The 49ers are young and haven't been to the Super Bowl since winning the franchise's 5th Super Bowl title almost 17 years ago. The Steelers won't have to worry about the 49ers tying their record of six this year, because the 49ers are also one and done. I'm sticking with Drew Brees and the Saints.

NFC Championship - New Orleans Saints @ Green Bay Packers

These two teams met to open the NFL season back in September with Green Bay winning a high-scoring contest by a touchdown. Both Green Bay and New Orleans were ranked in the top 5 in total offense in 2011. However, both were sorry on defense with New Orleans ranking 24th and Green Bay 32nd (dead last.) With high-powered offenses going against poor defenses, this game could be another high-scoring affair. The only thing that might change that could be the weather at Lambeau Field. However, like I said earlier, visiting teams don't want to play at Lambeau during the playoffs, particularly a dome team. The weather at Lambeau will be much cooler than it was in September favoring the Packers. The weather may be different, but the game's outcome will be the same. I've went with the Saints until now, and they've made a good run, but now I'm sticking with the Packers. Green Bay will repeat as NFC Champion. The only question left is, who will stand between them and a second straight Lombardi Trophy when they get to Indy ? I'll tell ya ... next.

AFC Playoffs

AFC Wild-Card Games

#6 seed Cincinnati Bengals @ #3 seed Houston Texans - On December 11, Houston beat Cincinnati in Cincinnati 20-19, and it was the last game Houston won this year. They've lost three in a row. Houston has lost multiple starting quarterbacks to injury this year and is a young football team. They will not snap out of their slump in losing their fourth game in a row and the Bengals avenge that 12/11 loss. Go ahead and stick a fork in the Texans - they're good and done like good Texas barbeque.
#5 seed Pittsburgh Steelers @ #4 seed Denver Broncos - Tebow, Tebow, Tebow -welcome to the NFL playoffs - you better get prayed up, dude. Tim Tebow gets his first NFL Playoff start against the #1 defense in the NFL - not a spot a young quarterback wants to be in. Steelers' Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau is a defensive mastermind who is sure to throw multiple defensive schemes at Tebow to confuse him. the Broncos backed into the playoffs and won the AFC West only because the Raiders lost their last game, too. The Broncos finished the year on a three-game losing streak and would be home watching the playoffs on TV if they were in any other division in the NFL. Instead, they are in as the Champ of "The Worst Division in the NFL" simply because the Raiders, Chargers, and Chiefs suck worse than they do. Troy Polamalu, James Harrison, and gang will give Tebow a rather rude welcome to the playoffs and show him exactly how defense is played in the NFL. The Steelers defense will even score in this game giving the Steelers the win by at least a couple of touchdowns. The game has the potential to be the worst of Tebow's young career.

AFC Divisional Playoffs

Pittsburgh Steelers @ #2 seed Baltimore Ravens - As a Steelers fan, this is not a game I want to see since Baltimore swept the Steelers during the regular season. Plus, the Ravens are undefeated at home. Both teams have played inconsistent football this year, and in my opinion, the Steelers only played well in four games - wins over Seattle, Tennessee, New England, and Cincinnati. All of those were at Heinz Field. I felt like the Steelers had to have a bye and home field advantage throughout the playoffs in order to make a run at the Super Bowl this year. They need the rest and the time to heal some nagging injuries. They missed an opportunity to secure homefield with their sorry performance against the 49ers a few weeks ago. It's hard for one team to beat another three times in one season even though the Steelers did it to Baltimore on their way to the Super Bowl XLIII title. I also know that my fellow Steelers fans aren't gonna like me for this, but I'm gonna have to take Baltimore in this one. I'll be pulling for the Steelers, though, and if there's one game I pick wrong, I hope it's this one. The problem is that the Steelers just haven't been playing good, consistent football. I may be a Steelers fan, but I'm a realist, too. Maybe next year. The Ravens are going to the AFC Championship.
Cincinnati Bengals @ #1 seed New England Patriots - Just like teams don't like playing the Packers at Lambeau during the playoffs, neither do they like playing the Patriots in Foxboro, either. There's no reason to spend much time analyzing this one. I'll take New England. It could be a blow-out.

AFC Championship - Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots

If there was someway both of these teams could lose in this game, I'd be all for it. I hate both of them. The Ravens define the word "Thug," and the Patriots, especially Tom Brady, define "arrogance." That being said, winning Championships is about one thing - defense. The Ravens ranked #3 in total defense during the regular season while the Patriots were 31st. The only team ranked worse defensively than the Patriots - the Green Bay Packers.

In the last few years, other teams have showed that the way to beat the Patriots is to constantly harass Brady - hit him, knock him down, sack him, and just thoroughly beat him up. If you do, he gets upset and reacts like a spoiled brat that doesn't get his way. The "thuggish" Ravens should have no problem doing that. Since weather could also be a factor in this game, I'll take Baltimore. I also think there's the potential for Brady to get knocked out of the game. If that happens, the game gets ugly and the "Black Birds" go on a rout.

Super Bowl XLVI -

Baltimore Ravens vs. Green Bay Packers

Image via Wikipedia

Green Bay comes into the Super Bowl with the NFL's worst defense and 3rd ranked offense hoping to repeat as Super Bowl Champ. A victory would give them their 5th Lombardi Trophy tying them with Dallas and San Francisco behind only Pittsburgh with six. The Baltimore Ravens, on the other hand, had the 3rd ranked defense and 15th ranked offense and won their only Super Bowl title in 2001 (Super Bowl XXXV).

A few weeks ago, I predicted on Facebook that, "... Green Bay will reach the Super Bowl but NOT repeat. Super Bowl Champ will be the AFC North division champ." In addition, since "defense wins championships," I'm sticking with that prediction. Green Bay has not seen a defense as tenacious as the Ravens' this year, and Ray Lewis is hungry for another ring since he's getting close to the end of his career. If there's anybody who is a master at getting his comrades on defense fired up, it's Lewis.

So, I'm picking the Baltimore Ravens to win Super Bowl XLVI. For a Steelers fan, that's an extremely hard thing to do because we don't like the Ravens at all. However, we share something in common - a love for good defense and winning championships.

Guest Column - Dale Flowers

2012-01-04T10:36:00.003-06:00

While I was away on sabbatical, my buddy, and fellow heart transplant recipient, Dale was hard at work. He just kept on "ruminating." Today, I share one of his latest articles containing his thoughts on New Years' Resolutions. Enjoy.

RUMINATIONS ON RESOLUTIONS

We welcome in the New Year with a prayer that it will be better than the past year. This is the year we will determine the direction our nation is going. Therefore, we need to make some serious resolutions.

Why bother making resolutions we will just break ? The problem is not making resolutions but the type of resolutions. A long list of resolutions is pointless. Instead, narrow it down to one resolution. Look at that long list and more often than not, there will be one resolution that will cover the others. Write it on an index card and tape it to the mirror you look at every morning. In short, make the one resolution a goal of excellence. Keep it before you all year. Concentrate on it.

In addition, put first things first. If an activity or project does not help in meeting the goal of excellence, then that activity or project is not all that important. Each morning make a list of goals for the day, in the order of importance. If only the first daily goal is met that day, the most important task was completed.

Furthermore, put aside all things that will interfere with the resolution. Don’t get side tracked. When a moment is gone, it is gone forever. Don’t shoot opportunity full of holes by killing time. Stay focused.

Pray constantly about your resolution. Keep God in the equation. God will help open doors. If a person wants to get help from the influential, the influential will probably put their own needs first. But when we seek help from God with a reasonable goal that is in accordance with God’s Word, He will help meet that goal. God will open doors if the person has sense enough to walk through them.

Do not allow fear of failure to get in the way. Those who have God working for them will succeed. Being confident and expressing confidence is not a character flaw. It is the mark of a successful person.

Now comes the hard part. The successful person will work every day as if it were the last day of their life toward their goal. Success is a two tandem road. God will do His part, but mankind must do their part. Mankind must work in tandem with God. Only then will the resolution meet with success.

Dale C. Flowers
P.O. Box 904
Hendersonville, TN 37077
toestomper@att.net

"Whoever lives under the shelter of the Most High will remain in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, "You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust. " (Psalm 91:1-2)

"We will fight if we must when our cause is just, for this is our motto, in God is our trust." 4th stanza of the STAR SPANGLED BANNER.

The Sheepdog's "Back in Black"

2012-01-02T00:30:00.000-06:00

As I mentioned in a post last week, I'm back - the sabbatical is over. I also decided to have some fun with my return. You'll notice that the blog has a new background (black with flames), so I decided that the perfect song, and video, for my Music Monday return would be AC/DC's "Back in Black" (click here to watch).

AC/DC has been one of rock's most popular bands since they came on the scene in the '70s. They've sold over 200 million records worldwide, and that includes over 49 million copies of the band's 1980 album Back in Black which contains today's featured song. Back in Black is the 2nd highest selling album in history trailing only Michael Jackson's Thriller. And before you even ask, the answer is no - The Sheepdog will not be featuring any of Jackson's music. I was not a fan.

So, crank it up, and enjoy the AC/DC !! I'm back ... and the blog's wearing black.

P.S. Later in the week, I'm picking the NFL Playoffs starting with this coming weekend's wild-card games all the way through the Super Bowl. I'll pick all 11 games before they even start. This could be interesting.

Sheepdog sabbatical update #3 - Wrap up and 2012

2011-12-29T00:30:00.000-06:00

Wow - it's hard to believe my blog break, a.k.a. sabbatical, has lasted five months. A lot of the work on my new "project" is complete, but there is still some to go. However, the good news is that as I conclude 2011, the foundation is laid and the groundwork is proceeding nicely. It's even harder to believe that there are only a couple of days left in 2011. The year has flown by.

As 2011 winds down, I wanted to share the above update and give a preview of what 2012 holds for The Sheepdog. First of all, I'll resume blogging on Monday, January 2, 2012. Yes, the sabbatical is over, and there will be a few minor changes to the blog. However, one thing that will not change is the Music Mondays. They will continue for 2012 for two reasons - 1) I enjoy them, and 2) I've received notes and comments from many of you about how much you enjoy them, too. Plus, since most of us dislike Mondays, they are a fun way to start off the week. I'm even planning to post them early on Monday mornings so you can start your Monday off with some tunes. If you've signed up to receive my posts via e-mail, they'll be in your inbox first thing each Monday. If you're not signed up for my e-mails, you can do so in the left sidebar of this blog (just before you get to the Amazon banner). Then, you'll receive each of my posts right in your e-mail inbox.

I'm gonna tweak the Music Mondays a little, also. The second Monday of each month will contain a "double shot" of music. I'll run not one, but two videos those days. Plus, many of the Music Mondays will become "Metal Mondays" running videos by some of the bands I featured in 2011 plus a bunch of others that I have not shown before. In fact, I'll start off the new year on January 2nd with a video of one of the most popular hard rock / metal bands of the last 30 years. The January 2nd post's title will be "The Sheepdog's 'Back in _____'." Anybody want to venture a guess as to who the band is ? It'll just be a little taste of what's to come in 2012.

Second, in 2012, the blog format will change. 2011's format was Music Mondays, Transplant Tuesdays and Thursdays, Wild Wednesdays, and Freedom and Firearm Fridays. As I mentioned earlier, Music Mondays will continue, but the other four days of the week will all be "Wild" - they could be about anything from organ and tissue transplants, politics, sports, the outdoors, etc. Plus, I plan to post more original content in 2012 than what I have done previously. In fact, one of my first "originals" of 2012 will be my picks for the upcoming NFL playoffs and Super Bowl Champion. I'll run that next week. I'll pick the playoff results from start to finish. It'll be sure to get football fans talking as I'll pick the Wild Card Weekend winners, Divisional Playoff winners, Conference Championships, and even the winner of Super Bowl XLVI before the first NFL playoff game is played !! It could be interesting, and I'm sure I'll catch heck due to some of my picks. The question is - how will I do ? Last year, I picked 7 of 11 playoff games correctly. Of the 4 I missed, in 3 of them I picked against eventual Super Bowl Champion Packers. I won't make that mistake again. Or, will I ?

Third, I will not blog everyday, as I did in 2011, because my "new project" will demand much of my time. In regards to the "new project," I will end the suspense and make a formal announcement here on The Second Chance Sheepdog blog on Monday, February 27, 2012 as to what it is. I am very excited about it because it is something I feel led to do. I also believe it gives me an opportunity to make a difference in my local community, my state, and possibly even my country. I ask for your prayers for the Lord's wisdom, guidance, and the necessary resources as I begin this new endeavor. This is an announcement you will not want to miss. Be sure to stop by the blog that day to read all about it.

Until January 2nd - Happy New Year everyone !!

Merry Christmas from Steeler Country, TN !!!!!!

2011-12-24T09:17:00.001-06:00

GO STEELERS !!!

The Reason for the Season

2011-12-19T18:04:00.002-06:00

Jesus is Better than Santa

Santa lives at the North Pole.

JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh.

JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year.

JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies.

JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited.

JESUS stands at your door and knocks ... and then enters your heart.

You have to stand in line to see Santa.

JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap.

JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is, "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?"

JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly.

JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO.

JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry."

JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.

Santa's little helpers make toys.

JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle, but JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree, JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison. We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.

We need to put Christ back in Christmas.

Jesus is still the reason for the season.

May the Lord Bless and watch over you and your loved ones this Christmas 2011, and may He prosper and bless the work of your hands in the New Year.

(The above was received via e-mail from a friend. The Sheepdog felt the truth in it was worth sharing.)

Sheepdog sabbatical update #2 and Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T16:00:00.001-06:00

Man, it's hard to believe it has been over a month since my last post and brief sabbatical update. The time has sure flown by. I guess it's because I've been busy, busy, busy. So, with the Thanksgiving holiday upon us tomorrow, I felt like this was a great time for another update.

First, back on August 19th, I ran an article about T.A.P.S. and the Marine Corps. Marathon. I shared about my friend Steve Mitchell and him running the marathon to honor his son Seth and raise money for T.A.P.S. in the process. I received an e-mail from Steve on November 2nd in which he shared the results of the marathon. His team raised over $14,000 for T.A.P.S., placing 2nd in team fundraising. Of that total, Steve raised $12,000 himself placing 3rd in individual fundraising. The total raised by participants in the Marine Marathon to benefit T.A.P.S. totaled over $200,000 !!!! Steve also improved his time completing the 26 miles in 5 hours 33 minutes which was 27 minutes faster than his 2010 time. The Sheepdog would like to offer his congratulations and thanks to Steve, T.A.P.S., and the other marathon participants for all they do to help the families of America's heroes who have given all for our country.

Second, in my last update, I shared that the work on my new project was going rather slow. Well, I'm happy to report that things are now starting to come together. The two key pieces I mentioned in that update are now in place, and I am confident and encouraged that things are moving in the right direction. My initial goal was to roll the "project" out with a big announcement by the end of the year. However, in order to to it right, I now believe that a more reasonable goal is to do so during the first quarter of 2012.

Third, the Sheepdog has taken some time to have a little fun. Back on October 17th, my buddy Gary and I did some fall turkey hunting. About 8:30 that morning, we stumbled upon a flock of about 15 birds. I shot the one closest and the rest flew off. We quickly recovered the bird and sat down over in a hedgerow. We let everything quiet down and settle for about 15 minutes, and then I began clucking and purring. An hour after shooting the first bird, the same flock wondered out of the woods in front of us again. They started toward the three turkey decoys and then stopped, turned around, and headed back toward the woods. They knew something was up, but it was too late. I dropped the last one in line just before it got into the woods. Yum, yum. Gonna be good eating. That was a neat day. My first turkey double (see pic at right). As I sat there in the field looking at those two birds, I could feel my heart pounding, and I thought about my donor, Kent. He and the Lord's Grace had made that day possible. I didn't take it for granted.

As Thanksgiving arrives tomorrow, I ask - what are you thankful for ? What do you take for granted ? Since it's my fifth Thanksgiving since my heart transplant, the first thing I'm thankful for is each heartbeat and breath, and ..... I don't take any of them for granted.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

A brief interruption to Sheepdog sabbatical

2011-10-10T18:15:00.000-05:00

Dear Tennessee Titans,

I trust you had a safe, but somber, trip home yesterday. The good news is that the 38-17 embarrassment you received at the hand of the Steelers did produce something positive. Think about it. Since they have beaten you three years in a row, 4 of the last 5 games, and now lead the all-time series 44-30, you guys have something in common with the 6 Lombardi and 8 Lamar Hunt Trophies in our trophy case - WE OWN YOU !!

For that reason, and out of the goodness of my heart, I have reserved a nice, cushy spot for you to reside in within that same trophy case. Best of all, it's right beside the Steelers' Lombardi Trophies !! Aren't you excited !! Finally, you have the opportunity to touch one and get to know it. I figure it's as close as you will ever get to having one of your own. I hope you do not waste this opportunity to make a new friend. And, .... you don't have to thank me. It's the least I can do to help you deal with your grief.

Lastly, I believe it is time to replace the "Welcome to the Great State of Tennessee" signs that are located on I-40, 24, and 65 where they enter your state. Since we own you, "Welcome to Steeler Country" signs would be much more appropriate. If you'll have Gov. Haslam contact Mr. Rooney to make the arrangements, I'm sure the Rooney Family will be more than happy to foot the bill for the new signs. I know times are tough, in more ways than one, in the state of Tennessee, so it's the least we can do.

Kindest regards,
The Terrible Towel

P.S. If you're looking for someone to blame for yesterday, you don't have to look any further than Lindale White and Jevon Kearse. Yes, I know they don't play for you anymore, but we haven't forgotten the events of December 21, 2008.

P.P.S. Maybe you guys should have kept Jeff Fisher. Just sayin'.

Sheepdog sabbatical update #1

2011-09-28T17:35:00.000-05:00

Today marks four weeks since I began my "Sheepdog Sabbatical" from this blog, so I thought I'd post an update. I'm happy to report that I am making some progress on getting the "new project" off the ground. However, the progress is inching along slower than I anticipated. I'm beginning to wonder if the slow pace is the Lord's way of teaching me patience and encouraging me to wait on Him.

I know I am heading in the right direction and that things will move more quickly once two key pieces of the "project" are in place. I also know that it is a worthy endeavor with great potential for making a good, needed, and lasting difference in my community, my state, and the country I love that has given me so much. I am a very blessed man and know without a shadow of a doubt that I would not be alive today and have this opportunity if I had been born anywhere but the U.S.A.

I would appreciate your prayers as I continue to move forward. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Transplants and Politics

2011-08-31T15:44:00.002-05:00

As I mentioned on Monday, today's post will be the last one here on The Sheepdog for a while. I'm gonna take a break, a "Sheepdog Sabbatical," to begin working on a new project in order to get up and running with it as soon as possible. However, before I sign-off for a while, I want to follow up on some posts I did several months ago. This is a post I've been meaning to do for a while, but I wanted to follow the story a little longer to see how it played out. Plus, it just didn't seem the time was quite right for running it. However, with the sabbatical beginning a new chapter for me, I feel like today's the day.

Folks who have been following my blog for a while remember me "raising cain" over a decision made by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer (pictured upper right) and the state's legislature last year (click here to read earlier posts about Jan Brewer). Those jokers cut funding for organ transplants covered by the state's Medicaid program, officially named the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), from the state's budget effective October 1, 2010. Specifically, the decision ended AHCCCS coverage of transplants for anyone 21 and older. It left 100 of the state's sickest residents unable to pay for their life-saving transplants if a match was found for them. In fact, two of those 100 died without getting the transplants needed after the atrocious decision was made.

Gov. Brewer and the Arizona legislature decided to cut the transplant funding due to the state's budget crisis. Brewer even went further by saying the funding was cut because, in her opinion, transplants don't work. Do what ? Other state and local governments currently find themselves in similar situations. However, the transplant funding cut only amounted to a little over $1 million. The state's projected budget deficit at that time was a little over a $1 Billion. Therefore, the cut to transplant funding amounted to only ... are ya ready for this ... approximately 1/1000th of 1% or .001% of the projected budget deficit. In other words, if I had a $1000 per month budget for household expenses but decided to cut that budget to only $999 per month, that would be the equivalent of how much Arizona was "saving" by cutting the transplant funding from AHCCCS. Another way of looking at it is that two Arizonians died in order to save $1 out of every $1000 spent by the Arizona government. Apparently, that's what a human life is worth in Arizona. The really troubling thing, though, is that the state left funding for a new coliseum roof, the study of algae, and other pork projects amounting to millions of taxpayer dollars in the budget. I guess "pork" is more important than people. I'd hate to think that this "budget cut" wasn't about saving money but rather due to a lack of concern for the poor and sick in Arizona. However, that appears to be the case.

Back in the spring, due to public outcry by the people of Arizona and elsewhere across the country, reports began to surface that Gov. Brewer and members of the Arizona legislature were looking for a way to restore the transplant funding. The truth is, though, that the members of the legislature who were trying to find a solution were the Democrats. Gov. Brewer and the Republicans killed those proposals on multiple occasions. Finally, around the first of April, it was announced that Gov. Brewer and the legislature had restored the AHCCCS transplant funding. However, a closer look showed that wasn't necessarily true, either, and even if it was, Gov. Brewer's three-pronged solution was gonna leave other Arizonians enrolled in AHCCCS as the ones paying the price.

First, Gov. Brewer asked The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services for permission to eliminate $500 Million of Federal funds from AHCCCS. Then, she would restore the transplant funding and not allow new enrollments of childless adults and others into AHCCCS. Doing this would prevent 160,000 Arizonians from being eligible to enroll. In addition, some 200,000 others would be forced to pay higher co-pays and other fees if they wanted to keep their coverage. Brewer's proposal would make transplant patients look like the bad guy - they would get coverage while nearly 400,000 others wouldn't. I guess this is her way of "CYA'ing." It's stupid logic if you ask me. You screw 400,000 to save 100. Aren't 400,000 votes more than 100 ? She ain't the sharpest tack in the box. Oh, and did I mention that the legislature passed, and she signed a huge corporate tax cut ? Sorry. I forgot to mention that. Wanna guess the total amount of the cut ? It was $538 Million. Hey, didn't she ask HHS to cut $500 Million from AHCCCS ? Wow. That tax cut would've covered that $500 Million Medicaid cut. Imagine that. Must be election time.

Secondly, the actual language in the new budget was so vague that it does not automatically restore transplant funding to AHCCCS. It only says that the legislature "intends" to restore it "within available appropriations." In politician speak, it basically means that the money will be available to AHCCCS if the governor and the legislature don't have something else they would rather spend it on. Furthermore, if the funds are available, the transplant program is still only going to be funded through June 30, 2013. I guess they think that starting in July 2013 no one else in Arizona will ever need a transplant. Dang, if Arizona politicians are that good at prognosticating, I sure wish they'd help me out by telling me the next set of winning Powerball numbers.

Thirdly, Arizona's politicians have proposed a so-called "Fat Tax" to help curb the state's budget problems. It would mean charging a $50 tax on childless adults who are obese that do not abide by "a doctor-ordered weight-loss plan," are smokers, or not following a proper treatment regimen for a chronic illness, such as diabetes. The first problem I have with this "Fat Tax" is that it's discriminatory. It specifically targets "childless adults." What's the deal ? Does the state think adults who do not have children for one reason or another are bad or worthless people ? The other problem I have with it that it applies to people considered "obese." If the goal is to "encourage" or "nudge" people into healthier lifestyles (Cass Sunstein would be so proud), why are they only targeting folks considered "obese " ? Some people who are overweight have other underlying health problems that contribute to their obesity. The problem could be genetic and not a component of their lifestyle. Besides, who's gonna determine what "obese" is ? Is it gonna be some government bureaucrat or a doctor ? Furthermore, if the state is actually wanting to punish or discourage unhealthy lifestyles, they should have treated everyone fairly by placing the same "tax" on others, too, such as people who drink alcohol. But of course, they're are not gonna do that because it would hack off some of their largest campaign contributors, and they're more important than the "little people."

I first posted about Arizona's transplant funding cuts back on December 16, 2010. That day, I was pretty hot about the whole deal, and it still disturbs me. In that original post, I predicted that if these type of cuts were allowed to be made in Arizona, it was only a matter of time until similar cuts would happen in other states. Unfortunately, my prediction is coming true. The state of North Carolina is currently considering similar cuts. Last year, the state cut over $350 Billion from The Division of Medical Assistance, and they are needing to cut more. It may led to transplants being limited and the elimination of dental care, hearing aid coverage, mental health treatment, and home health care for thousands of North Carolinians. In addition, last night on the local news, it was reported that huge cuts may be forthcoming for the state of Tennessee if Congress makes significant cuts in the amount of Federal funds sent to the states. It includes a possible $2 Trillion cut from TennCare, the state's Medicaid program. A $2 Trillion cut to TennCare would have devastating effects on Tennessee's poor and residents considered "un-insurable." I suggest Governor Bill Haslam and the legislature put a reasonable plan together to make sure these folks are provided for. Otherwise, they'll be hearing a lot from The Sheepdog and others in The Volunteer State in the months to come.

As I wrap this post up and begin my break, I want to give notice to the wolves out there, such as Jan Brewer. Even though The Sheepdog is on sabbatical, his eyes and ears are always open and his mind is analyzing what's going on. I can always take a quick break from my break and hop back on the blog to report what I see. I guess it would be my version of, "I'll make ya famous," as Billy the Kid's character in the movie Young Guns would often say. I encourage you jokers to be on your best behavior.

I know today's post has been rather long. However, I felt like this issue was worth following up on and visiting again. I, for one, am sick and tired of uncaring, selfish politicians who only worry about getting re-elected. They were hired, by us, to serve us - not themselves. It's high time that they got their priorities straight, stopped wasting our tax dollars on pet pork projects, and starting having some respect for human life. Personally, I'm beginning to think that maybe it's time for some transplant recipients, cancer survivors, heart attack survivors, and others with what could be considered chronic health conditions, who are now able to live fairly normal lives, to run for and get elected to political office. Then, we'd have some public servants representing us that understand how precious life and health really are. It's something we as a group need to give a lot of thought, prayer, and consideration to. Then, one of us who is courageous, bold, well-spoken, and not afraid of anything needs to go for it. That person must be one who will not compromise their values and one that people will get behind and work hard for in order to put them in office. That person or persons are out there, it's time for them to step up.

Well, all that being said, it's time for The Sheepdog to cut out of here and hit the trail to work on his new "project." I'll see y'all and update later in the fall.

Source articles include -

from stateline.org - Brewer Reconsiders Organ Transplants
from TucsonSentinel.com - Brewer Needs Scolding for Cynicism on Transplant Funding
from BlogforArizona.com - Arizona Media Misleads on Restoration of Organ Transplant Funds
from AZfamily.com - Brewer Says Transplant Funding is Back; Dems Not Convinced
from reuters.com - Arizona Restores Transplant Funding
from YumaSun.com - Restoration of Funds Welcome for Transplants
from AZcentral.com - Some Transplant Patients Can't Breathe a Sigh of Relief
from bloomberg.com - Arizona's Brewer Prays Before Taking on Her Own Party Over Taxes
from MyFoxPhoenix.com - Man Has Liver, Kidney Transplant, Hopes for AHCCCS' Help
from takingnote.tcf.org - Arizona's Fat Tax Punishes the Poor
from therepublic.com -NC Committee Hears Options for Extra Medicaid Cuts as Approval Delays Raise Impact of $1B Loss-Forum

HUGE Heart Transplant Technology Breakthrough

2011-08-30T15:53:00.000-05:00

Thanks to a great, new breakthrough in heart transplant technology, Rob Evans' recent heart transplant was different from mine and thousands of others. When Rob's donor heart arrived at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, it was not chilled and in a cooler like most donated organs. It was warm and still beating with the donor's blood and oxygen still coursing through it (see video by clicking here).

Rob's transplant was part of an on-going medical trial of an organ-preservation system in which donor hearts are kept in a "delivery box" which very closely mimics their natural environment within the human body. The new technology, called the Organ Care System (OCS), has the potential to actually save lives by :

improving the functioning of donor hearts,
allowing transplant teams to better assess donor hearts,
allowing transplant teams to identify potential tissue-matching issues heading off future rejection, and
increasing the shelf-life of donor hearts.

The fact that this new technology could increase the shelf-life of donor hearts is the thing I'm particularly excited about. Currently, a donor heart has four hours from the time it is recovered from the donor until the time the transplant into the recipient must be completed and the heart restarted. Basically, this short window means that heart donors and recipients must be located fairly close to each other or the heart will lose it's viability for transplant. For instance, consider this - currently, if a donor heart becomes available in Tennessee, but there is no matching recipient close to the donor, such as in Tennessee or a surrounding state, there is the potential for a good, healthy heart not to be transplanted and basically wasted leading to an unnecessary death. However, if the clinical trial for this new technology is successful, it has the potential to change that by saving lives because the number of hearts available and viable for transplant would increase !! It would make it possible to safety preserve and transplant hearts that can't currently be kept viable long enough to save precious lives. For instance, with this new technology, and using the example above, if no match is found for the donor heart in Tennessee, or close by, the heart could be safely preserved and flown to a matching recipient in California !! Instead of the person in California losing their battle with heart disease, they win it instead !! Now, that's awesome.

The potential for the OCS is limitless. It could one day be expanded from donor hearts into other donated organs, too. The success of the trial could mean saving countless lives that otherwise would become another statistic. Personally, I'll be praying that the OCS trial is successful, and I hope you'll join me. It could mean the difference between life and death for many of our fellow Americans.

And yes, this news has me pumped !!

Source : article on newsroom.ucla.edu titled Patient's Life Saving Donor Heart Arrives 'Warm and Beating' Inside Experimental Device

Wife Saves Hubby

2011-08-30T10:53:00.000-05:00

Josh Londre recently received a kidney transplant and a second chance at life. He got a second chance to grow old with his wife and two children he loves dearly. After three years on the transplant waiting list, the neatest thing about Josh's story is that his wife, Valerie, is the one who provided him that second chance by being a living kidney donor.

Josh's doctors referred to Valerie as "the perfect match." I suspect Josh would wholeheartedly agree. Both of them are home from the hospital doing well but neither can work for several months until they fully recover. The big problem is that their bills are piling up and Josh's anti-rejection meds are very expensive. If you'd like to make a donation to help them out, you can do so by visiting www.giveforward.com/loveforthelondres. I'm sure they will be extremely grateful.

Source : article on NewsChannel5.com titled Wife Gives Husband Her Kidney

Harris Co., TX Sheriff's Office Promoting Organ Donation

2011-08-30T08:24:00.001-05:00

The Harris Co. (TX) Sheriff's Office (HCSO) is beginning a new program that will save lives. They are promoting organ and tissue donation by teaming up with LifeGift, the local organ procurement organization (OPO). In doing so, the HCSO (image of headquarters at right) became the first law enforcement agency to join with LifeGift in the Workplace Partnership Initiative. The initiative is a program of the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services aimed at increasing organ donation awareness among large employers.

The HCSO knows firsthand the positive impact organ donation can have on someone's life. One of their own's, Detention Officer Sgt. Vickie Bratcher, life was saved by a kidney transplant allowing her to spend more time with her family. In regards to the HCSO's decision to join the program, LifeGift president and CEO Sam Holtzman said, "The Sheriff's support is fitting in an organization that knows all too well about making sacrifices for the well-being of others." I'd like to add to that by saying that the Sheriff's support is a perfect example of what more public servants should be doing - actually serving the community.

Source : article on TheCypressTimes.com titled Harris County Sheriff's Office Commits to Save Lives - This Time Through Organ Donation

Mandisa's "Stronger" - the prelude to a sabbatical

2011-08-29T10:46:00.000-05:00

Today's Music Monday will be the last one for a while. For the last 18 months or so, The Sheepdog has been doing a lot of praying, thinking, and seeking the Lord's direction. Over the last several weeks, I've come to the conclusion that he is leading me to begin a new project - a new chapter in my life. It's one that will require a lot of work and some sacrifice but will make a difference. I'll share more about that at a later date.

Therefore, at the end of August (Wednesday), I will be taking a "Sheepdog Sabbatical" to begin work on that project. I ask for my readers prayers during that time. I do not know if the sabbatical will last for a month, two, or several. However, I will be back, but for now, let's get to some good music.

Today's music and video is one from Contemporary Christian artist Mandisa. Her career really took off after appearing on American Idol. I don't think anyone can argue that she doesn't have a great voice. The message she delivers in today's featured song, "Stronger" from her 2011 album titled What If We Were Real, is one of encouragement and strength. "Stronger" is also Mandisa's 2nd number one single. It reached the top slot on June 18, 2011 and remains there.

I felt this song was the one to run today. It just seems like the perfect tune for a prelude to my break away from blogging because times are tough. The economy's in bad shape with no improvement in sight. Americans are struggling financially, some are having health problems, and some have relationships in trouble. I pray this song provides some encouragement. The video and music can be enjoyed by clicking here. I'll be back tomorrow and Wednesday and then begin the break. Until then .....

Case Closed

2011-08-26T16:20:00.004-05:00

Back on August 9th, I received one of the most interesting, politically based e-mails I've ever received. In fact, it was rather comical because the words therein provided evidence backing up some of the points I've made time and time again. I should probably thank them. After "ruminating" on it, as my buddy Dale likes to say, for a couple of weeks, I thought I'd share a portion of the newsletter with you and then add a little commentary.

The portion of the e-mail newsletter that I want to call your attention to is the part titled "The Myth of the Independent Voter" and it's from the August 2011 Wilson County Tea Party Newsletter (you can link to it on their site by clicking here). The excerpt said :

"I think that most of you would agree that the two political parties are further apart in ideology today more than ever.

The left supports monstrous growth in government coupled with restrictive states' rights, higher taxes, unbridled debt, redistribution of wealth, expansion of the welfare state, class warfare, judicial activism, a weakened defense, intense government regulation and the rights and desires of the collective rather than those of the individual. The left is against the execution of violent criminals but strongly supports the abortion of innocent babies. They want religion visually removed from every corner of our society and tried to regulate speech they oppose. The left believes that America must apologize for her strength and view America's exceptionalism as 'greed' and 'arrogance'. They believe that the Constitution is an ever-changing document - one that should be changed to cater to the whims of the politically powerful - rather than a document that should be revered and provide the core structure of our government.

On the other side of the spectrum are Conservative values. They believe in smaller government in which individuals are allowed to keep as much of their earnings as possible and they support the rights of the individual. They believe that the out-of-control debt is detrimental to our future and freedom and realize that we must live within our financial means. They support states' rights and believe that hard work is the basis for wealth. They believe that the welfare state, although needed for the truly poor and disadvantaged, is destructive and addictive and that class warfare should not be part of our culture. They believe in a strong defense, limited government regulation, the free market and adherence to the Constitution. They believe in American exceptionalism. Conservatives believe that innocent babies should be protected while supporting deserved punishments for violent criminal offenders who have made repeated destructive life decisions. They strongly support the Constitution as the cornerstone of our government and judiciary and believe that this precious document should not be changed by a group of non-elected judicial activists nor is meant to be changed on a whim.

So how could someone truly place themselves ideologically in the 'middle' since the path that each of the two major political parties would like to take is starkly opposite?

You have to wonder if 'Independents' know what type of 'change' they really desire ? In the recent debt ceiling debate, for instance, it was not possible to support fiscal responsibility while supporting higher taxes coupled with higher spending - the plan of the left. Increased spending when the spending is based on a borrowed dollar is NOT fiscally responsible. In addition, increased spending when you are forcibly taking money from a hard working American to give to another is not morally or fiscally responsible.

So, what is an 'Independent' voter ?

Many years ago, it might have been possible to support the ideological middle. But now, no, it is not. The sides are polar opposites.

You may find yourself on one side of the spectrum while supporting one or two issues from the other side but, unfortunately, your vote translates to 'all or nothing' support of the agenda of one side or the other.

There is no middle.

Most of us have a hard set of core values and beliefs that guide us through our lives. These beliefs help us determine which stance we'll take on all issues in our life. Therefore, if you are aware of your core values and you understand the differences between the two major political parties, you cannot be an 'Independent'.

Still consider yourself to be an 'Independent' at this point ? You're not paying attention." (August 2011 Wilson County Tea Party Newsletter, section titled "The Myth of the Independent Voter")

My initial reaction was, "Not paying attention, huh ? Perhaps it is you who isn't 'paying attention' ?" It also occurred to me that the ideas and viewpoints expressed in the newsletter portion show exactly the kind of thinking that has wrecked the U.S. political system. I've made the point many times on this blog that for too long, we have blindly walked into the voting booth and looked for the "R" or "D" by a candidate's name and then pushed the applicable button. We've done it without knowing their stance on the issues or their voting record. We've voted for a "party" instead of the ideals we hold dear. By doing this, we've sold out the principles and values we believe in and that our country was founded on for the sake of "the party." It has to stop.

The quoted newsletter portion did get a couple of things correct. First, it correctly described the different political views of Liberals and Conservatives. Second, it accurately reflected the three main political mindsets - Liberals, Conservatives, and Moderates. However, it's accuracy pretty much ends there. The referenced portion struck me as basically a partisan piece of political propaganda that infers that as a voter you have to be a Democrat or a Republican. You can't be anything else. That's un-American in that it tells you how you must vote. Such a viewpoint throws freedom of thought and freedom of speech out the window. It's just like Liberals who support freedom of speech except when they disagree with what you're saying. In that case, they want you to "sit down and shut up." I was under the impression that the tea party groups supported freedom of speech and thought ? Hmmm. Maybe I'm confused.

Furthermore, the referenced portion implies that all Democrats are Liberal Lefties and all Republicans are Conservatives. Nothing could be father from the truth. There are many Republicans that are as Liberal as Democrats. I could list them, but I'd be typing for the rest of the weekend. In addition, there is the implication that all Independents are moderates, or fence sitters, Once again, untrue. Some Independents may be moderates, but some Democrats and Republicans consider themselves to be moderates, too. Heck, there are many voters who call themselves Independents who are far more conservative than any Republican ever thought about being.

I guess the thing that really jumped out at me as I read is the lack of understanding of U.S. politics. The number of voters registered as Democrats or Republicans do NOT determine the outcome of our elections. Just ask anyone who has studied Political Science. It is a well established fact that the American electorate is about one-third Democrat, one-third Republican, and the other third consider themselves Independents. It is these Independents that decide the outcome of elections. Often, an Independent is not a moderate or someone who sits on the fence. They are voters who have simply chosen not to affiliate with one of the major parties for any number of reasons. Oftentimes, it is because they used to be a member of one of the major parties but became "disgruntled" with it. In other cases, it could be that an Independent may tend to vote Democrat but not call themselves a Democrat because they don't agree with some parts of the Democratic platform. Take gun control for instance. I know some people who tend to vote for Democrats but are firearm enthusiasts who completely disagree with the Democratic Party's desire for more gun control. Others are Independents because they think that some Democrats are too liberal while others aren't liberal enough. Other Independents, such as myself, may tend to vote Republican. However, we have chosen not to brand ourselves as Republicans because some Republicans are too liberal or moderate and not conservative enough. This is where I find myself. I believe that most Republicans aren't conservative enough. Simply put, Independents generally vote for issues, NOT parties. That's basic Political Science 101.

In an earlier blog post, I made the point that some of the tea party groups are giving the Lefty Democrats evidence to support their claim that "the tea party is nothing more than a wing of the Republican Party." The newsletter excerpt makes that point for me, too, by providing more evidence to support the Lefties claim. However, in my opinion, the most disturbing thing about the newsletter is what's not said. The Chairman of the Wilson Co. Tea Party (WCTP) is Sherrie Orange. Earlier in the year, she was appointed to the Wilson Co. Election Commission. I'm not sure if Ms. Orange actually writes these newsletters, but nevertheless she is in charge of the WCTP. In my opinion, the lack of political understanding shown in the newsletter could make one wonder why she, the WCTP Chairperson, was appointed as an election commissioner. Who appoints these people anyway ? Isn't it done by an elected representative from that district ? Who could that be ? Could it have been State Senator Beavers ? I wonder who would know.

Anyway, based upon the newsletter, the appointment doesn't make any sense. Or, ..... does it ?

I love it when people make my case for me.

Marine to Marine

2011-08-25T14:23:00.000-05:00

Marine Sgt. Jake Chadwick found out that he was in kidney failure shortly after deploying to Iraq. He knew he needed a kidney transplant in order to survive but knew finding a match would be tough because he has blood type 'O'. Therefore, he could only receive a kidney from a donor whose blood type was 'O'. He found a matching, willing donor only to have them change their mind and decide not to donate which put him back at step one.

Then, another Marine, 2nd Lt. Patrick Wayland, 24, suffered a fatal heart attack during a training exercise. 2nd Lt. Wayland was an organ donor, and his mother requested that at least one of his organ's go to a Marine, if one was in need of a transplant. Remarkably, through Operation Gratitude, The Wayland Family learned of Sgt. Chadwick's need for a kidney. The two soldiers were found to be a match, and on August 7th, Sgt. Chadwick received one of 2nd Lt. Wayland's kidneys. Sgt. Chadwick is already home and doing well. In fact, both families are already expressing a desire to meet.

2nd Lt. Wayland was a hero both on and off the battlefield. In addition to his fellow Marine, he saved five other lives by making the choice to be an organ donor. The story of these two Marines shows just how "brothers in arms," and Marines in particular, do indeed "take care of their own." Perhaps the rest of us could learn a thing or two from them.

Semper Fi.

Sources :

article on 10news.com titled Special Donation Gives Marine Second Chance At Life
article on abcnews.go.com titled Marine Organ Donor's Family and Recipient Aim to Meet

"Transplant Games of America" to be held in Michigan

2011-08-25T09:11:00.000-05:00

When the National Kidney Foundation (NFK) did not announce the location of the 2012 U.S. Transplant Games during the closing ceremonies of the 2010 Games, the ones of us who were there knew something was up. So, when the NKF announced last May that it would not be holding the 2012 U.S. Transplant Games, we were not surprised. T.J. Maciak decided that someone needed to figure out a way to put on a similar event instead. He knew how important the olympic-style games are to many in the transplant community and felt that he had to make something happen. So, he founded the Transplant Games of America and put together a plan to hold them July 28-31, 2012 at Grand Valley State University in Michigan.

The current schedule of events includes :

5K run
badminton
cycling
basketball
golf
swimming
tennis
table tennis
volleyball
track and field
bowling
racquetball

If you are an organ transplant recipient and are interested in participating, you can visit the Transplant Games of America website (click here) for more information.

Source : woodtv.com article titled Transplant Games Coming to W. Michigan

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"Transplant Games of America" to be held in Michigan