Rocki Rants

Glenn Beck -- His Own Personal Chernobyl?

noreply@blogger.com (Rocki) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 03:41:00 +0000

Dear Glenn Beck:

I sincerely PRAY to the GREAT SPIRIT that MONEY has become more important to you than your own SOUL! (Mr. Beck contemplate the morality of your decision). MONEY can truly be the ONLY and I do mean ONLY reason behind your current performances on the FOX TV and Radio Show known as The Glen Beck Show.

Mr. Rupert Murdoch has to be paying you, Mr. Beck, a whole hell of a LOT of MONEY in order to get you to behave like a JACKASS every day you are on the air live or recorded. You must feel ashamed each and every time you are required to perform. Obviously, PERFORMANCE has to be the term you use to the people who know and love you, like your wife, children, an parents. Do you get performance anxiety? Have you begun self medicating for your obvious anxiety? And if so, might I suggest that you not listen to your friend Rush Limbaugh, after all, Mr. Limbaugh lost his hearing following his own bout of self medicating.

Mr. Beck, please get a grip, remember those rap videos that you so aggressively opposed; it is difficult not to draw comparison to your own show and these very same videos. However, your behavior/performance is exponentially more bizarre and much more prone to lead to violence than you gave credit to those videos.

Glen Beck Image Credit Information: All From Fox News/The Glenn Beck Show website

Even Senator Lindsey Graham is laughing at you and offers a similar explanation as I propose above …

Lindsey Graham Image Properties Information:
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://images.huffingtonpost.com/gen/67743/thumbs/s-LINDSEY-GRAHAM-large.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/08/lindsey-graham-contradict_n_172857.html&usg=__-qKLPcMkHS8syaCX512Agct0zjY=&h=190&w=260&sz=9&hl=en&start=63&sig2=fJ5Gz5FUb8q7ioOn7aFkTQ&um=1&tbnid=DXccaDo3MJIauM:&tbnh=82&tbnw=112&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dfree%2Bimages%2Bof%2Blindsey%2Bgraham%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN%26start%3D60%26um%3D1&ei=gnLFSum-GaHUNL75rPIH

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Mr. Beck, I sincerely hope you love New York because it appears you will be there a very long time President Obama will probably be President until 2016, and especially as you continue to increase the bizarreness of your performance.

Yes, I personally am still boycotting most of FOX News cable and radio broadcast, but it is hard to avoid hearing, reading, and/or seeing Mr. Beck. His outrageous performances are consistently in the media. I do watch Sheppard Smith's Fox broadcast, maybe you can learn a few things from Shep...

Professional Tennis in the 21st Century

noreply@blogger.com (Rocki) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:21:00 +0000

I am very much like Billy Jean King, “I love tennis”. After watching the U.S. Open 2009 Women’s Semi Finals Kim Clijsters versus Serena Williams (defending champion) on Saturday, 12 September 2009 has changed my mind about women’s tennis.

I have watched tennis for almost fifty years and I have seen players get upset over bad calls and express themselves on the court. Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, and Andre Agassi come to mind.

photo from U.S.Open 2009/internet

What brothers me are the consistently bad calls that have been heaped upon the Williams Sisters over these many years. Remember at the French Open when Justine Henin requested time while Serena was in the middle of her serve, and Serena did not return the ball when Justine returned it because she thought Justine really wanted time. Then there was the incident with Venus when the Chair Umpire got the score wrong; and let us not forget the incident when the player was hit by the ball and denied being hit. And these are just the major infractions. When Venus played Clijsters, there was a 125mph serve from Venus that was call out, but was actually a great serve.

True there is a challenge system that is in place, but the Sisters rarely ever use this system. Their focus is clearly on the match, and there are people who are assigned to make calls. Yes they are human, but like Roger Federer has often said on the court, “why should I have to do your job”, because he doesn’t like the challenge system. In my humble opinion, using the challenge system results in players breaking concentration, focus, and flow to defend what they feel was an incorrect call by the lines people or the chair umpire.

Saturday night’s match began after multiple rain delays over an hour late. Kim Clijsters has been retired for the past three years (of her own decision), came out of retirement in July 2009. In her own right Kim Clijsters was a good tennis player, having won the U.S. Open in 2004. But Kim’s serves were often long, but went uncalled. Several times Serena questioned the lines people or the chair to no avail. The calls continued to get worse. And then as we approached the end of the second set, Serena was called for a foot fault.

I have complained about the obvious bias in the announcers who have made questionable comments, which have been unfair, at times racist, and unforgivably mean about the Williams Sisters in the past. I question why during tennis matches we have to listen to what they accomplished when they were active in tennis. Last night during the men’s semi final, Mary Carillo demanded that Serena Williams not be allowed to play in the women’s double final because of her outburst on the court. How many times do they have to put up with bad calls. Should they continue to act as if these calls are not affecting them?

As I watch the men’s U.S. Open 2009 final today, I have witnessed some of the same bad calls during the Roger Federer and Juan Martin Del Potro’s match. As I watch the match is in the fifth set and during the fourth set , a fan called a serve out, Roger thought it was the linesman and that it was the correct call. But the lines person did not make the call, the chair awarded the point to Del Potro, but Roger questioned the chair, the chair explained that the lines person had not made the call, so Roger challenged the call. The Chair umpire determined that too much time had elapsed to challenge the call, even though an instant replay was played and the serve was clearly out. They replayed the point, which Roger lost... Will this call affect the outcome of the match? I think it could and has. But this was not the only bad call during the match. Roger was clearly upset over some of the calls during the match during the third set when he questioned the chair-umpire regarding a challenge by his opponent. The chair actually told Roger to be quiet on camera. Roger told the chair umpire not to tell him to shut up and the camera cut to commercial.

Serena and Venus Williams have been labeled by commentators and others as unskilled, lacking in tennis etiquette, over powering, physically muscling the ball around the court, and more. During a tennis tournament in Palm Springs, CA people in the stands were said to make unflattering comments about the sisters within earshot of their Father. Following this incident, the sisters decided not to play in this specific tournament again. The powers that be have rewritten the rules to attempt to force the sisters to play that tournament or be forced to pay fines.

Dinara Safina has also been denigrated by the powers that be for her lack of ability to win a major slam title, by the commentators and others. Dinara is young and she will hopefully come back to prove them all wrong

These young women, Serena and Venus Williams, have accomplished so much in their tennis careers winning multiple grand slam titles each. They have also done a lot for tennis, television, and advertisers. Serena’s ranking would have become number one in the world, if she had won the tournament. Would she have defeated Kim, possibly We have seen both Serena and Venus Williams come back when down a set and down in the last stages of the second set to go on to win the match. But we will never know for sure. Kim went on to defeat Caroline Wozniacki to become the U.S. Open 2009 Women’s Champion.

Is it necessary in the 21st Century for tennis players to defeat the umpires and lines people as well as their opponent in order to win a match? Does women’s tennis want to alienate all the viewers who watch tennis because of the Venus and Serena Williams? Does tennis want to alienate Venus and Serena Williams? Woman’s tennis would be very very boring without the Williams sisters, and the tennis community needs to remember what they have done for the sport and start doing something for them.

No, I am not condoning Serena’s outburst, but I understand why it happened, just like I understand why Roger had his little tirade today. Maybe the tennis management could do something to train the lines people better, ensure that there is no gambling by the lines people and no bribery. Maybe they could find a better way of utilizing technology to further ensure better line calling. I suggest that something needs to be done; otherwise women’s tennis will loose a lot more than just me as a fan.

Guns Versus Guns in Arizona

noreply@blogger.com (Rocki) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 23:57:00 +0000

In Arizona it is legal for people to walk around carrying guns and assault rifles. As a firm believer in law and order, justice and common sense, I have a big problem with people carrying loaded guns in public places with lots of people around. Don’t get me wrong, I believe in the right to bear arms, I also believe in justice and common sense. What purpose does it serve? Having a gun in your home for protection is logical. But at a rally or protest, in a church, in the grocery store, excuse me, but what is the purpose?

On Tuesday, August 11, 2009, 18 year old college bound Max Homeke who had been awarded a four year ROTC Scholarship, was arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct by Scottsdale, AZ police. Mr. Homeke was dressed in fatigues and carrying a bag and an Air Soft Pellet Rifle; he was preparing his mind and body for the type of training and conditioning he would experience over the next eight years. Others hiking on the trail became concerned when they spotted Max Homeke, called 911 reporting a suspicious man wearing fatigues and carrying a rifle. http://www.kpho.com/news/20359453/detail.html
Scottsdale, Arizona police department dispatched over seven patrolmen and a police
helicopter to the area. Max Homeke was searched; his weapon which was determined to be a air pellet rifle so the school lock down was canceled, but he was arrested and charged.
http://www.azfamily.com/news/local/stories/Scottsdale-news-081109-military-teen-hiking-
arrest.cfefaf2a.html (this link has video selections)

Contrast the above with the real gun toting folks at the rally/protest in front of the Phoenix Convention Center during President Obama’s speech to the Veterans of Foreign War Convention on Monday.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/08/18/obama.protest.rifle/index.html?eref=rss_politics
http://www.azfamily.com/news/local/stories/Phoenix-news-081709-guns-protest-obama-
vfw.ed9b23b1.html

Rick Sanchez CNN reports on man carrying assault rifle at protest during speech by President Obama at VFW Convention at the Phoenix, Arizona Convention Center.

Follow-up with Rick Sanchez and supporter Ernest Hancock of Freedomsphoenix.com who interviewed the man carrying the assault rifle.

So you can imagine my confusion. “Where is the common Sense” in the action of the
Scottsdale Police, as opposed to the folly of the people who decided it was necessary to “Show Off”, that they are members of some elite group of idiots who carry loaded weapons in crowds without regard for the safety of people in the crowds or the idiots who don’t know how to handle a fire arm. We have been fortunate that nothing serious happened. But GET A GRIP People, if you have a need to carry a weapon, stay away from crowds of people. Otherwise, leave the weapon HOME. A Loaded Weapon is meant to be Used.

HEALTHCARE– Public Option and Congressional Opposition

noreply@blogger.com (Rocki) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:10:00 +0000

I have listened and attempted to understand the logic dictating Congressional Opposition to a Public Option being included in the Health Care Reform Package but I can’t figure out the logic nor understand the strategic plan. That is unless the strategic plan is to do nothing, change nothing and reform nothing as Congress eats and drinks at the MONEY trough of lobbyist. The main objection seems to be who will pay for Health Care Reform; and of course the President has a pay as you go policy. But this does not explain what their Health Care Reform is and who in America their plan will benefit.

http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090617-716441.html “... Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., interrupting the opening remarks of Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., called the proceedings a "joke" and suggested the panel needed better cost estimates before it took up the legislation.

"I suggest we not move forward until we have some provision on how we're going to pay for it," McCain said. "Obviously, the CBO estimates that came out yesterday are much, much higher than we have originally estimated and we've yet to pay for them."

Here is my suggestion for Senator McCain and the rest of my Congress – First, get off your dead ass and do your damn job and be thankful you have your job because a lot of Americans don’t; you might not have your job following your next election if you keep making the American people suffer. Second and this is specifically for you Senator McCain, you are a triple dipper…Senator McCain receives a monthly Navy pension (along with all the benefits befitting a retired Naval Officer (including insurance, medical benefits, and drug benefits); Senator McCain also receives a monthly salary as a U.S. Senator (along with all the benefits of a tax paid employee (including insurance, medical benefits and drug benefits, oh I forgot dental and vision (above); and because he is over age 65, he receives a monthly Social Security payment and Medicare Benefits. Taxpayer dollars pay for all of this Senator McCain; true you have earned your Navy benefits and I salute you as an American Hero for your Naval Service and your endurance. However, since you can’t seem to do your job getting Real Health Care Reform for United States Citizens and specifically for Arizonians, you should QUIT or be FIRED. At that point, Senator McCain, you will only be a double dipper.

Over forty million Americans are currently without Health Care
Every American Senator and Representative has a Public Health Care Option
The Bush Administration Medicare Reform had a giant “Donut Hole” which benefited the lobbyist, pharmaceutical companies and possible some politicians but gouged the elderly.
Clinton Administrations attempt at Health Care Reform was blocked by Congress and never even got off the ground

In the meantime the American public has had the following heaped upon us

My personal favorite – HMOs and PPOs

Not sure what HMO stands for, but I do know that since their existence, actual health care has been diminished

Doctor/patient ratios increased significantly;
Doctor time spent with patient, decreased dramatically;
Doctors no longer “see” patients, and rarely physically touch their patients;
Doctors very readily prescribe pharmaceutical drugs which in many cases are unnecessary;
Doctors run lots of expensive tests that usually result in normal parameters but never help in the diagnosis of the initial problem;
Doctors no longer look at the whole body to determine diagnosis – there is no time;

Consistently Increasing Prescription Drug Cost

Drugs that became approved by FDA in the 1960’s and 1970’s today cost 50% or more in comparison to original released rates;
Recently developed drugs are released without thorough testing (primarily because of cost) sometimes resulting in deaths that are considered collateral damage;
Increased law suits resulting from deaths or lifelong impairment due to taking drugs that have not had rigorous testing; most are not “frivolous” as suggested by former President Bush with his tort reform. Households who are affected by improper drugs will have life long medical problems which will have to be paid – Pharmaceutical companies are not volunteering to pay these costs;
Drug companies profits keep going up;
Drug company CEO’s and top management are paid more than the President of the United States in most cases ;

Insurance Companies Ripping Off Consumers

Personal note – I believe insurance is the biggest SCAM in America. Really think about this people – Life Insurance (oxymoron?) – Once you get life insurance you pay premium rates each year/month, each birthday your rates increase and/or you add more insurance, paying more and more every year till you die; then someone else gets the benefits. How is that insurance on your life?
Monthly premium rates have tripled in comparison to inflation rates over the last nine years;
Coverage has decreased to consumers and health providers together nickel and dime consumers to death with hidden costs that are no longer covered by “the plan”
Medical Insurance Companies profits have increased along the same rate as the premium rate increases over the last nine years
Insurance company CEO’s salaries are more than the President of the United States in most cases;

Congress, We the Hardworking People, have given everything we have monetarily in taxes, we have nothing left to give to you or the pharma companies, insurance companies, and HMO, PPO’s , who have all gained so much monetarily. Stop sucking the blood of the middle class. Do you job for the people and stop sucking up to Corporations. If you can’t do your job, QUIT!

I did my research; below you will find some supporting web documentation that will open the eyes of the American people to the farce that Congress refuses to see.

http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7015852971?Health%20Insurer%20UnitedHealth%202Q%20Earnings%20Jumps%20On%20Prior-Year%20Charges,%20Higher%20Revenue

Health Insurer UnitedHealth 2Q Earnings Jumps On Prior-Year Charges, Higher Revenue

Minneapolis, MN (AHN) - UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) announced Tuesday that its second-quarter profit more than doubled on previous year charges, with growth in revenues, topping analysts' estimates. The company also raised the low end of its full-year earnings outlook.

For the 2009, the company improved its guidance to $3.00 per share to $3.15 per share from the previous outlook range of $2.90 to $3.15 per share. UnitedHealth Group continues to project full year 2009 cash flows from operations of approximately $5 billion.

Read more: http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7015852971?Health%20Insurer%20UnitedHealth%202Q%20Earnings%20Jumps%20On%20Prior-Year%20Charges,%20Higher%20Revenue#ixzz0M6yKjcJl

http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/markets/industries/health-care/pfizer-reports-second-quarter--results-increases-year--adjusted-diluted-eps/

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) today reported financial results for second-quarter 2009. Revenues were $11.0 billion, a decrease of 9% compared with the year-ago quarter and flat on a constant currency basis. Foreign exchange unfavorably impacted revenues by approximately $1.1 billion or 9%. For second-quarter 2009, U.S. revenues were $4.5 billion, a decrease of 5% compared with the year-ago quarter. International revenues were $6.5 billion, a decrease of 12% compared with the prior-year quarter, and reflected operational growth of 2%, which was more than offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange of 14%. U.S. revenues represented 41% of the total compared with 39% in the year-ago quarter, while international revenues represented 59% of the total compared with 61% in the year-ago quarter.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/health-care-reform/2009/07/health_care_continues_its_inte.html?hpid=topnews?hpid=topnews

Lobbyists Spend Millions to Influence Health Care

By Dan Eggen
Drugmakers, hospitals and insurers continued to pour millions of dollars into lobbying during the second quarter of this year, hoping to limit the damage to their bottom line as lawmakers and the Obama administration wrangle over landmark health-care legislation.

http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090617-716441.html

JUNE 17, 2009, 6:34 P.M. ET

4th UPDATE: Senate Republicans Assail Process On Health Care

   By Patrick Yoest

   Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

http://www.fiercepharma.com/special-reports/top-17-paychecks-big-pharma

Top 17 Paychecks in Big Pharma

May 19, 2008 — 2:35pm ET

by Tracy Staton and Maureen Martino

Few statistics are as hotly debated as CEO pay reports. Investors, analysts, and the just plain curious all want to know how much the head honcho makes--and how one company's chief stacks up against another's. So here for your rubbernecking pleasure are the 17 highest-paid CEOs in Big Pharma. While the names themselves probably won't be a surprise, their pecking order might. For instance, the biggest drug maker by sales--Pfizer--doesn't have the highest-paid executive, and one of the relatively small fry counts its chief among the top 10.

http://www.centerjd.org/air/pr/AIRProfit.pdf

For Immediate Release Contact: Joanne Doroshow, 212/267-2801

September 30, 2003

Insurance Companies Raking in Huge Profits

Contrary to what insurance lobbyists may be telling lawmakers, newly-released data shows

that insurance company profits, including those of medical malpractice insurers, are booming and insurance analysts are privately raving about it.

According to the September 15, 2003 issue of Business Insurance (“Market conditions still

ripe for insurer profitability; Buyers to see rate hikes ease”), 14 property/casualty insurers saw a 35.9% increase in net income, to $7.5 billion, in the first half of 2003. Only Hartford booked an $888 million first-half loss, reflecting a $3.91 billion pretax charge for asbestos reserves in the first quarter.

Thank You Michael and the Jackson Family for Sharing with the World

noreply@blogger.com (Rocki) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:27:00 +0000

My Tribute to Michael Jackson –

Michael Jackson, “The Greatest Entertainer to Ever Live", as proclaimed today by Mr. Berry Gordy Jr., the founder of Motown, was/is my hero.

God gifts humanity with living angels whose talent and gifts exceed human abilities; John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr., Princess Diana, Otis Redding, Jackie Wilson, Sam Cooke, Minnie Ripperton, John Lennon, Michael Jackson, and others were among those angels, who lived among us, doing great things, during their short lives on this earth. “Gone to Soon” was sung by Usher at the memorial for Michael Jackson today bringing tears to everyone’s eyes as he sang to the family and a gold plated casket holding Michael’s body.

The comet that was Michael Jackson gave so very much to the world during his brief stay on this earth…his music, his dance, his performances, his caring, his power, and his love. Michael did so very much which has received little coverage by the media that needs acknowledging, especially, The Millennium-Issue of the “Guinness Book Of Records” names Michael as the Pop Star who supports the most charity organizations. He did a lot and we need to acknowledge his accomplishments off the stage as well as on stage.

He was a Father to three young children who are now without the one person in the world they counted on to be there for them. I pray that his children know just how powerful, and extremely wonderful he was to the world. His gifts to us will not be forgotten by me; nor will young Paris Jackson’s words about how great her Daddy was and how much she loved him.

Michael’s music touched people across the globe. I remember being in a night club in South Korea listening to Koreans sing Michael Jackson songs, and as I visited other clubs during my trip I realized that everyone was singing Michael Jackson songs and dancing like Michael. In Japan, I experienced the same thing. In England, Australia, in New Zealand, in Africa and South America, his music was played on radio stations, in bars and clubs, and in taxi cabs as I traveled around the world. Michael Jackson and his music are known throughout the world. Watching little children all over the world attempting to do the “Moon Walk” is a tribute to the power of this amazing artist.

I think about how Michael Jackson influenced entertainers who came after him, Justin Timberlake, Usher, and Madonna as well as Janet Jackson and so many others. Additionally, Michael Jackson’s influence on older artist, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson and others also were influenced by Michael’s talent and gifts. How lucky we are to be able to enjoy the products of his amazement. After the 25th anniversary of Motown with the debut of Billy Jean, the Moon Walk and when he hit his toes, my son said, “ballet dancers all over the world will want to burn their shoes”.

There exist recorded music by Michael that has not been released, another great gift we, his fans have to look forward to in the future, we can hope.

Thank you so very much Mrs. Katherine Jackson for sharing your son with me and mine. Thank you Michael Jackson for sharing your gifts and talents with me and mine.
Thank you; thank you; thank you and may God bless your family forever.

God gave; the Jacksons and Michael shared; and we are much better because he lived.

Endnote – To all of Michael Jackson’s fans, contact your Congress people and request they vote on Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee’s Resolution 600 – …World Humanitarian Award for Michael Jackson.

SUPER STARS DIE -- MEDIA KILS

noreply@blogger.com (Rocki) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:54:00 +0000

ENTERTAINMENT PERSONALITIES DIE -- NEWS MEDIA COVERAGE LACKS SENSITIVITY

The last week in June 2009 confirms that LIFE is too short and we have to do the very best we can with the time we are given on this planet to treat everyone the way we wish to be treated.

Ed McMahon – Every generation alive today had been exposed to Ed’s voice and face on television through his time on the Tonight show to Star Search to his many commercials for various products. Mr. McMahon had been ill for some time and died at age of 88. Hopefully he had a long and happy life while he was on this planet.

Farrah Fawcett – A very talented, yet underrated actress died after a brave battle with cancer for the past three and one half years at the age of 62. After her one year stint on “Charlie’s Angles,” Ms Fawcett’s acting career seemed to disappear, be disparaged, and belittled. However, anyone who saw her breakthrough, made for TV movie “The Burning Bed” observed first hand this blonde beauty’s ability to act on an exceptional level that “Charlie’s Angels” could never take her. Ms. Fawcett’s performance told the story of an abused wife and mother who continued to have physical, verbal, and emotional abuse heaped upon her day after day of torture expressed in her eyes, facial expressions and body movements with such dramatic effect that every woman who watched could easily empathize with the character. That’s telling a story. Ms. Fawcett opened her life to us with the release of “Farrah’s Story”, which documented her struggles and triumph’s over the cancer which eventually took her life.

Michael Jackson – A start that burned so bright and provided so much light; humanity found it necessary to tarnish to dimness that light with dishonor, deceit, contempt, and greed. And now that star has burned out, Michael is dead. Did we appreciate him enough when he was here? Did we appreciate the gifts of song, dance and music he brought to the world? Obviously we didn’t and we still don’t especially if you look at TV News.

News(?) Media has reported rumor, innuendo, gossip and speculation about Michael Jackson, his finances, his health, his drug use/abuse, and his ability to perform, from people who claim to be close to him, but who probably don’t know anything. The media reports these scurrilous rumors and gossip as truth without any regard or thought for the grieving Jackson family or Michael Jackson’s children. Did Michael deserve this treatment? It didn’t happen with Ed McMahon or Farrah Fawcett, the media did not question McMahon’s finances, even though it had been reported that McMahon was having financial difficulties.

How he died matters to his family; as a fan, all that is important is Michael Jackson is DEAD. Hopefully he left new unpublished music we will be able to appreciate and enjoy well into the future. Hopefully his children will have the ability to forgive the News(?) Media for their scurrilous rumors regarding the death of their Father, some day; I am not sure I can or will forgive the Main Stream Media for their extreme sensationalism of Jackson’s death, it really is unnecessary.

Photo Credits to Life Magazine and Newsday

UNREST Amongst Cable News Viewers

noreply@blogger.com (Rocki) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 04:30:00 +0000

As one of America’s many news junkies, I spend many hours surfing between all the news channels to get the latest on what is happening in the world. This weekend I finally got very aggravated with each and every news channel who for some reason don’t think we know what channel we are watching. You know what I am talking about; "Up Next, Breaking New Video...";A new video from the internet is being shown on “X” Cable News Network; icons take up more than one third of the screen with some “Network Information Icons", and under that taking up another half an inch is the “Breaking News Crawler”. In addition, the Network Symbol Logo icon and another icon with the name of the show.

All and all viewers get between one to two thirds of the actual video the announcer claims you want people to see. What is wrong with you media people? Don’t you watch your own broadcast? Even with high definition 50 inch television, viewers miss a lot of important stuff.

When viewers connect laptop computers to the television set, the entire video can be viewed unobstructed. So why do viewers need to watch the main stream media? Get a clue, main stream media all those icons are NOT really necessary? We know what network and show we are watching, we don’t need instructions. Get rid of the clutter.

Don’t make me have to hook up my lap top and turn you off!

"The View", Open Mouth Insert Elizabeth...

noreply@blogger.com (Rocki) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:29:00 +0000

Elizabeth was Wrong About President Obama’s Speech…

I don’t usually post on message boards, or comment about the many issues I disagree with Elizabeth about; this morning, however, I felt I had to take issue and point out her major mistake. One of the reasons I sometimes change the channel on the View is because Elizabeth is often inaccurate on issues she speaks about. Stop drinking the Kook-Aid Elizabeth, stop letting the talking points make you look like you are an unintelligent fool. Do your own homework and research before you open your mouth.

This morning Elizabeth stated President Obama did not mention Democracy in his speech. You obviously did not listen to the entire speech. I have copied the relevant portion below for you, which you could have found the same place I did as the speech transcript was posted at “White House.gov”

“…The fourth issue that I will address is democracy. (Applause.)

I know -- I know there has been controversy about the promotion of democracy in recent years, and much of this controversy is connected to the war in Iraq. So let me be clear: No system of government can or should be imposed by one nation by any other.

That does not lessen my commitment, however, to governments that reflect the will of the people. Each nation gives life to this principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people. America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election. But I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn't steal from the people; the freedom to live as you choose. These are not just American ideas; they are human rights. And that is why we will support them everywhere. (Applause.)

Now, there is no straight line to realize this promise. But this much is clear: Governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful and secure. Suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. America respects the right of all peaceful and law-abiding voices to be heard around the world, even if we disagree with them. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments -- provided they govern with respect for all their people.

This last point is important because there are some who advocate for democracy only when they're out of power; once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others. (Applause.) So no matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who would hold power: You must maintain your power through consent, not coercion; you must respect the rights of minorities, and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise; you must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party. Without these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy.”

Nancy Pelosi, The CIA and Congress

noreply@blogger.com (Rocki) — Sat, 23 May 2009 02:14:00 +0000

It appears Congress has lost it collective mind once again. Am I the only American who expects our elected officials to do the job for which they are getting paid?

We elected you; we pay you to be intelligent, honest, rational, logical, straightforward and practical, with the ability to exercise real common sense. But what we see from Congress today is more like watching high school students, bicker, tease, push and shove each other in the halls and bathrooms. You people are supposed to be grown adults. Until now, MSNBC had been doing a fairly decent job, providing good journalistic information and satisfying my need to demonstrate my dismay and disappointment about our Government. But the crap that has been coming from Congress over the last several weeks, has once again forced me to “RANT”.

CIA versus Nancy Pelosi and Water-boarding –

Good grief people, get a grip. Speaker Pelosi says that the CIA did not brief her on the fact that “Enhanced Interrogations”, were being utilized by CIA operatives in dealing with detainees. “Enhanced Interrogations”, which includes water-boarding, and who knows what else we are unaware of at this time. “Enhanced Interrogations”, doesn’t that sound like code for something much more than you or I could possibly comprehend? Speaker Pelosi went further in a press conference recently when she stated that “the CIA has misled the Congress”. Why anyone, including Congress find this difficult to comprehend baffles this American voter. After all, wasn’t it the CIA that provided the FALSE details that led to the invasion of Iraq? Remember, weapons of mass destruction, Chemical Weapons in Iraq, Yellow Cake in Africa being provided to Saddam Hussein, the Downing Street Memos. Let us not forget, Iran Contra – drugs and guns; then there are these:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2001/may/02/worlddispatch.kateconnolly

CIA knew about Waldheim's Nazi past

Newly released US intelligence documents show that officials knew about Kurt Waldheim's Kate Connolly; history long before he was appointed UN secretary general, writes…

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1207/7481.html

NY Times changes CIA headline for WH

By: Michael Calderone
Dec 19, 2007 03:31 PM EST

The New York Times has changed the sub-headline in Wednesday’s front-page story on the CIA’s destruction of secret interrogation tapes, following a formal request by the White House.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/22/washington/22cia.html

August 22, 2007

C.I.A. Lays Out Errors It Made Before Sept. 11

By MARK MAZZETTI

Correction Appended

WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 — A report released Tuesday by the Central Intelligence Agency includes new details of the agency’s missteps before the Sept. 11 attacks, outlining what the report says were failures to grasp the role being played by the terror mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and to assess fully the threats streaming into the C.I.A. in the summer of 2001.

I am sure I have not included additional documented evidence that the CIA has lied to Americans in the past.

REMEMBER: “Those who do not remember the past are doomed to make the same mistakes”

We don’t even have to remember today…WE HAVE GOOGLE! And believe me Americans are very knowledgeable of the Google. We use it, why can’t our elected officials.

REMEMBER: G.W. BUSH, DICK CHANEY, CONDI RICE, DONALD RUMSFELD, PAUL WOLFOWITZ, AND JOHN ASHCROFT WERE IN CHARGE…WITH ROBERTO GONZALEZ HEADING LEGAL/JUSTICE DURING THE TIME IN QUESTION. REPUBLICANS WERE IN CONTROL OF THE WHITE HOUSE, THE SENATE, THE HOUSE AND THE JUDICIARY BRANCHES OF OUR GOVERNMENT DURING THIS TIME.

It is not that far fetched that Speaker Pelosi is accurate when she states she was not briefed completely and accurately on the facts surrounding CIA Enhanced Interrogations actions.

Additionally, it has occurred to me from listening to an FBI agent’s testimony to Congress recently that the CIA “CONTRACTED” to someone else to conduct “Enhance Interrogations”. WTF, America…it wasn’t even the CIA, it was a “Private Contractor” who conducted the “Enhanced Interrogations”. I think that what should be investigated is who authorized the procurement of the “Private Contractor”? Because, you can bet your last dollar, that Congressional oversight has not investigated this aspect of who authorized “Enhanced Interrogations” and when a contract was approved and by whom. Dr. James Mitchell was definitely paid for his services. Remember, Watergate’s Sins were revealed according to Bob Woodard, by following the money. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=104350361 May 22, 2009

Did White House OK Earliest Detainee Abuse? by Ari Shapiro

All Things Considered, May 20, 2009 · It is clear that increasingly abusive interrogation techniques were used on Abu Zubaydah, the first high-value detainee, in the months between his capture and the first Justice Department memo authorizing harsh interrogations. But the legal guidance that authorized those early interrogations remains shrouded in secrecy.

I haven’t had the opportunity to read the 243 page recently declassified “Report by the Senate Armed Services Committee on Detainee Treatment” (http://documents.nytimes.com/report-by-the-senate-armed-services-committee-on-detainee-treatment#p=1) at the time of this writing, but I plan to dig into it very shortly. I will be looking for those documents that detail how and when money was allocated for the psychologist involved in “Enhanced Interrogation”.

Gov. Bobby Jindal Was Wrong

noreply@blogger.com (Rocki) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 01:48:00 +0000

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/02/24/sotn.jindal.transcript/

photo from cnn.com

Governor Bobby Jindal gave the Republican Response to President Obama's "Preview -- State of the Union". In your response speech, you criticized the need for funds for volcano monitoring. Do you feel the same after viewing the following videos? In fact we have one of the world's largest super volcanoes on the planet located at Yellowstone National Park. It is understandable that you live in a fantasy world where stories you make up are repeated during national address as fact, will be remembered. The fact that you made up a story about one of the worst disasters your state has faced and is still recovering from proves you do not know what is going on in the real world. How will you feel when Yellowstone blows and we could have been forewarned but because of thinking like yours, we will be caught by surprise.

RACE: TO BE A HUMAN BEING IN AMERICA

noreply@blogger.com (Rocki) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 07:51:00 +0000

The recent famous cartoon from the Murdock Corporation’s (see previous post -- Boycott Fox News) New York Post, http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/02/19/chimp.cartoon.apology/index.html and the comments http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=6905255&page=1 from our newly sworn Attorney General, Eric Holder, attention to “race” in America has became elevated to the forefront of “news”. http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/02/18/chimp.cartoon/index.html?iref=newssearch

A discussion is very important to have in this nation today but we should first decide what we are discussing. It seems simple let us start with basics – The Torment Webster’s Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary definitions follow:

Human (adj) – (1) of or relating to, or characteristic of man or mankind; (2) Having or manifesting the form, nature, or qualities characteristic of human beings, especially: (a) Showing qualities characteristic of people as distinguished from machines, such as sympathy or fallibility; (b) Pertaining to or being a human being as distinguished from a lower animal, reasoning, moral; (c) Pertaining to or being a human being as distinguished from a divine entity or infinite intelligence, mortal, earthly; (3) Made up of people;

Usage --

Human (noun) is acceptable on all levels and in context not limited to the scientific or technical. In somewhat earlier usage, human being was often recommended as the better choice on a formal level, though human has a long history as a noun.

Human being (n) – A member of the genus Homo, and especially of the species Homo sapiens; a person;

Homo sapiens (n) – (1) The taxonomic designation for modern human beings, the only extant species of the genus Homo; (2) The human being as a thinking creature as distinguished from other organisms;

Humanity (n) – (1) Human beings collectively; the human race; mankind; (2) The condition, quality or fact of being human; human nature ; humanness; (3) The quality of being human, benevolence, kindness, mercy; (4) A humane attribute or action;

People (n) – (1) A body of persons living in the same country under one national government; nationality; (2) A body of persons sharing a common religion, culture, language, or inherited condition of life; (3) Persons in general; men, woman and children; human individuals collectively; (4) The mass of ordinary persons; the populace; (5) (a) The citizens of a nation, state or other political unit; (b) In certain forms of Marxist ideology, the proletariat: a people’s court; (6) Persons subordinate to or loyal to a ruler, superior, or employer; (7) (a) Family, relatives, or ancestors; (b) Visitors, guests; (8) Persons with regard to some characteristic or considered as a group, working people, young people; (9) Human beings considered as distinct from lower animals or inanimate things; (10) A race or kind of beings distinct from human beings: the little people;

Race (n) – (1) (a) A local geographic or global human population distinguished as a more or less distinct group by genetically transmitted physical characteristics; (b) The division of mankind according to such characteristics; discrimination on the grounds of race; (2) The human species as a whole: the human race; (3) Any group of people united or classified together on the basis of common history, nationality, or geographic distribution; (4) A genealogical line: a lineage; a family (5) Any group of people having a particular characteristic in common: Gardeners are a patient, plodding race; (6) Biology: (a) A plant or animal population that differs from others of the same species in one or more hereditary traits; a subspecies; (b) A breed or strain, as of domestic animals; (7) A distinctive quality; (8) Sprightliness; style;

Taken in its logical progression, all people are members of the human race. “Race” as used in America denotes a classification. Humans are not a classification we are The Race.

America let us stop classifying each other, let us embrace our own humanity; let us embrace all humanity. I truly believe that if we the people can have a discussion that involves all, as human beings, we can begin to understand and attempt changing our perceptions that skin color or ethnicity defines human beings.

It is time for America to heal on every front; there is already too much division in our nation. Yes, this past week was difficult for me because our history at times has been cruel to its own. I do still find disparity in our country. I had to teach my own child Black History, because it was not covered when he went to public schools. It does bother me that America does not include the history of Black Americans in history books or teach it in schools. It bothers me because by omitting the history and contributions of Blacks in America deprives many of the truth about our country. These are the issues we the people should consider focusing attention in the effort to discuss ethnic divisions in our country.

My Letter to Senators McCain and Kyle Regarding Arizona's Economic Crisis

noreply@blogger.com (Rocki) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:30:00 +0000

(NOTE -- The following is the letter I sent to Arizona Senators on 7 Feb 09, to date, I have received no response.)

Senator John McCain

Senator John Kyle

7 February 2009

I have lived in Mesa, Arizona for the past ten years. There are several elementary schools in a five-mile radius of my home. In addition, a school no longer serves as a school, but as a Mesa Unified Schools Administration/Communications Building. In the two schools closest to my home, students attend classes in double wides that are falling apart. Yet that Administration building has had new landscaping and cosmetic construction done every year we have lived in Mesa. The education system in Arizona is very very badly broken. Budget cuts focused on education will continue to deteriorate an already troubled education system. It is not just public school budget cuts, but also State universities.

http://www.azcentral.com/community/chandler/articles/2009/01/28/20090128mr-consortium0128.html

http://www.azcentral.com/community/mesa/articles/2009/01/28/20090128mr-asubuildings0128.html

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/01/22/20090122regentsbox0123.html

Senators, what are your plans to fix the poor education system in Arizona? By refusing to help President Obama’s stimulus plan, you are telling me and other Arizonians you do not care about education in Arizona. You did nothing, said nothing when the state was being fined millions a month for not having an English Learning curriculum for students whose first language was not English.

Residential foreclosures have increased at a rate-keeping pace with California and Florida. On the circle I live there are eight homes, two have been foreclosed so far just this year. Unemployment reflected by federal numbers, count only those currently receiving checks. Those like me who are no longer eligible to receive a check, do not count in the announced percentage of unemployed. Senators, the unemployment rate is much higher than reported to you or as reported on in the news.

No major, fair market salaries, with long term need for employees, generating businesses are beating the doors down to move to Arizona, as a matter of fact those that are here are leaving, i.e., GM, Circuit City, Mervyn’s, the state. What do you plan to do to replace these losses? Why are you not talking to your constituency about these issues? Instead, you spend your days denouncing the President’s proposed solution to a national crisis.

I am not sure if this is simple grandstanding on your part of a complete lack of interest in what is happening to normal American Arizonians, but let me suggest that you consider getting in touch with reality.

We are in trouble nationally; if you choose to do nothing to resolve the major issues, facing Arizonians and Americans, you may find your selves unemployed during your next election in 2010.

Please Send Me Answers

Rocki Passano

The US Economic Crisis

noreply@blogger.com (Rocki) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 00:33:00 +0000

Why is the United States in such dire economic straits?

Over the past six months, the American people have seen and heard the ominous reports that our economy first was advancing toward recession, followed in a short period of time that our economy was progressing to a depression similar to that of 1932. It is the opinion of many laypersons that this economic crisis has been brewing for the past eight years, under the administration of G.W. Bush.

In the past six months, over six million Americans have lost their jobs. Companies, Corporations, small businesses are DOWNSIZING at an alarming rate. States, cities and counties across the nation are in dire financial crisis with no easy solution available. Banks and investment firms are failing, while record numbers of homes are being foreclosed leaving more people homeless and on welfare.

Police, firefighters, and local government employees end up laid off, furloughed or with their hours cut. Husbands and wives when laid off commit suicide and murder their children, and worse. http://www.newsweek.com/id/179247

American corporations over the past ten years in an effort to increase profits for the CEO’s and stockholders, moved technology and customer service jobs to India or China so they wouldn’t have to pay fair market salaries for an American workforce. (I personally have not had full time employment in nine years). Even though hundreds and thousands of high tech workers complained, worried and warned about these events, no one seemed to hear the cries of caution about these actions.

The construction industry boomed all across America, (new homes, condominiums, shopping centers and office buildings) over the last eight years were able to offer less than fair market salaries for skilled workers and began hiring low-wage unskilled workers (mostly illegal aliens); Real estate developers made lots of money, unskilled works made money and skilled and or union workers became unemployed. Additionally, construction materials purchased from lower cost imports instead of buying American forced many local businesses to file for bankruptcy, i.e. the U.S. steel industry.

To date, no action by our Government occurred to stem the tide of off shoring; even some cities are guilty of moving certain segments of the workload offshore.

Friday we bemoaned the newly released jobless numbers, while Republican Congressional people insist that our President and his proposed “Stimulus Plan” is out of touch with the American economy and Americans. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/2009/02/05/graham-says-obama-awol-stimulus-debate/

Watch CSPAN, and listen to Republican Senators speak for YOU. Their solution to our problems seem to be we need more tax cuts for big business and the wealthy; no money for states or cities, and even less money for education or health care, and the biggie, the housing crisis.

Every time you turn on cable news, you hear some Republican speaking about how bad the proposed “Stimulus Plan” bill will be for Americans. Let us not forget “Rush Limbaugh” with his declaration “he wants President Obama to fail”.

http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2009/01/obama_vs_limbau.html

The McCain Alternative $450 billion was entirely “tax cuts” and only Republicans voted for the McCain alternative. “main stream media” has already declared a disaster for Democrats should President Obama’s plan to stimulate the economy fail. In reality, REPUBLICANS are responsible and MUST OWN these failures.

Republicans had control of Congress for the past twenty years, Republicans are responsible yet not one Senator or Representative has stepped forward to say, “it is my fault” …happened.

Just a few months ago, then President Bush told all of us that the economy needed 750 billion dollars to bail out Wall Street, investment companies and banks or the economy would collapse. When democrats wanted oversight and control, Republicans delivered threats that the democrats were impeding the President and Treasure Secretary from saving America. Today we know this was BS; the current Administration is still attempting to determine who received TARP monies and what, how and why it was dispensed, if at all.

What is wrong with these folks?

Remember not to long ago, Americans were paying almost four dollars for a gallon of gasoline; a barrel of oil was between $150 to $180; there were no explanations for the sudden increases in cost, which trickled down to increase cost of food. (Gas is on the creep up as I type)

No one accepts RESPONSIBILITY for –

• Increases in cost of gasoline/gouging
• Gas company record profits
• Record Unemployment
• Failed Banks
• Corrupt Investment Corporations
• Corrupt Investors
• Irresponsible/misuse of tax pay funds (TARP)
• Poisoned/contaminated foods
• Poisoned/contaminated toys and other imported products
• Poisoned/contaminated prescription medicines
• The absolute lack of alternative fuel and power supplies
• Excessive CEO Salaries/Compensation Packages
• Bridges collapsing
• Cities not rebuilt following natural disasters
• Infrastructure failing (power, water, roads, public transportation, etc.)
•
• And there is more

Read a little about Deregulation -- http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/17/business/economy/17gramm.html?_r=1

In my house, you break it you buy it, you screw up you accept responsibility. Our children emulate what they witness, do we want or need another generation /that feels it can break the law, violate others civil rights, steal and cheat but receive no consequences or accept no responsibility? Each day Americans go to jail for minor infractions of the law; to my knowledge, only two people have lost there jobs because of TARP improprieties.

Bernie Madoff (indicted), is the only person I know charged with a crime, so far. Warned of potential problems surrounding Madoff’s investments group the SEC reports their investigations revealed no problems, leaving Madoff to continue his ponzie scheme.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/bernard-madoff/4443217/Bernard-Madoff-whistleblower-Harry-Markopolos-to-testify-today.html

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090205/ts_nm/us_madoff

Tar and feathers for those on Wall Street and in Congress may be the only recourse We The People has available to us.

I live in Arizona; I am still searching for that $50 an hour lettuce-picking job, John McCain promised.

I would like Arizonians to do some research on the issue of our current representation in Washington, D.C. (Senators John Kyle and John McCain). During his campaign for President, John McCain boosted that in his entire tenure as Senator, he never requested a single earmark or “pork” for Arizona. This explains why our state ranks near the bottom in almost every evaluation category of government reporting. He also reminded us that he knows very little about the economy. This being the case, why do we need him to represent Arizona in the Senate?

This week alone, state universities in Arizona announced a lack of funding resulting in reducing the staff of teachers as well as increasing the cost of tuition, yet again for in state students. They also announced the close of a virtually new campuses (i.e., ASU Polytechnic in Mesa, AZ), as well as the possibilities of furloughs for professors and professionals (to be determined).

State government announced big budget cuts in public education when for the past two years, the state received fines of $1 million a week because no federally approved English Learning curriculum existed for those whose first language is not English. Additionally, “no child left behind” regulations cost the state funding from the Federal government, as it appears Arizona students can’t pass the required testing to prove “childrens do learn”.

Foreclosures in Arizona are keeping pace with California, Nevada, Florida and Texas. The major employers, Intel, Motorola and Boeing have announced job cuts. We have no job making industries on the horizon. We could, but because our local, state, and federal representatives are more interested in themselves than the residents of Arizona.

Remember, John McCain does not have to worry about foreclosure (he has eight homes); nor does he have any concerns about health care…he receives the best federally funded Healthcare taxpayer money can buy – just not for taxpayers. Neither will have their retirement taken away from them. Neither McCain nor Kyle has any idea what We The People deal with on a daily basis.

Arizonians, we need Government Representatives to work for our State and its residents, not just a select few who can personally profit from back room deals or corporations.

Arizonians, as you drive around this weekend, observe the empty -- strip malls, homes, schools, closed hospitals, think of all the major store closures (Mervyn’s, Circuit City, Albertson’s). Think of all the people who became unemployed because these stores closed. What will replace them how will we ever get people back to work here?

I plan to demand some answers from my City Counsel, my State Representatives, my new Governor and my Congressmen. We can no longer stand around doing nothing, write, phone, text and email your representatives.

To learn more point your browser to – www.house.gov
www.senate.gov
www.whitehouse.gov

Send emails, texts and letters to your Representatives and let your opinion be heard.

A Tribute to Our Military Personnel Everywhere

noreply@blogger.com (Rocki) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 18:15:00 +0000

PLEASE, would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many
people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our
U.S service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities.
Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people
stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.

LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN
30th Naval Construction Regiment
OIC, Logistics Cell One
Al Taqqadum, Iraq

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

'What are you doing?' I asked without fear,
'Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!'
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said 'Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.'
'It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,'
Then he sighed, 'That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers.'
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.'

'So go back inside,' he said, 'harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right.'
'But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
'Give you money,' I asked, 'or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son.'

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
'Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.'

BOYCOTT EVERYTHING FOX NEWS!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Rocki) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:30:00 +0000

http://foxforum.blogs.foxnews.com/

This is the content of the above link:

October 23, 2008 9:32 PM

Moment of Truth

It had to happen.

Less than two weeks before we vote for a new president, a white woman says a black man attacked her, then scarred her face, and says there was a political motive for it.
Ashley Todd, a 20-year-old white volunteer for John McCain’s presidential campaign, says she was mugged at an ATM machine in Pittsburgh (my hometown) by a big black man. She further says he threw her down, then disfigured her by carving the letter “B” into her face with a sharp implement when he saw that she supported McCain, not Barack Obama.
Part of the appeal of, and the unspoken tension behind, Senator Obama’s campaign is his transformational status as the first African-American to win a major party’s presidential nomination.
That does not mean that he has erased the mutual distrust between black and white Americans, and this incident could become a watershed event in the 11 days before the election.
If Ms. Todd’s allegations are proven accurate, some voters may revisit their support for Senator Obama, not because they are racists (with due respect to Rep. John Murtha), but because they suddenly feel they do not know enough about the Democratic nominee.
If the incident turns out to be a hoax, Senator McCain’s quest for the presidency is over, forever linked to race-baiting.
For Pittsburgh, a city that has done so much to shape American history over the centuries, another moment of truth is at hand. (Author Note: reprinted from Fox News Blog Board w/o permission)

AMERICA WE DO NOT NEED THIS KIND OF CRAP. THE STORY WAS A LIE!!

http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/24/mccain-campaign-volunteer-admits-alleged-attack-hoax/

McCain Campaign Volunteer Admits Alleged Attack Was a Hoax
A woman who lied about being attacked because of the McCain bumper sticker on her car will face charges of filing a false report.

America We are EMPOWERED. We can stop this hate from spreading by doing exactly what FOX News did to Pepsi, Ludacris and Jay Zee. http://dir.salon.com/story/ent/feature/2003/02/08/ludacris/

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,61546,00.html

Boycott Fox News!

Sean Hannity has been spewing this type of discord, discontent, distrust and misinformation since the primaries. Sean Hannity is an uneducated, wimp in comparison to Karl Rove. Yet week after week, and night after night Hannity implies that there is something wrong with the Democratic nominee for President because he is black, or he has had a brief association with Professor William Ayers, whom most people don’t know or care about, or attacking Senator Obama’s former minister. STOP WATCHING, STOP LISTENING TO THE SPREAD OF FEAR!!!

This fear mongering has lead to a young woman doing something as foolish as to maim her own face and for what to falsely claim that a Black Man had attacked her because she was a McCain Supporter. Give me a f****ing break. REAL AMERICA will not buy the BS anymore Sean. REAL AMERICA, We are DONE with you and your ilk. REAL AMERICA will need every REAL AMERICAN WORKING TOGETHER to positively progress through the next decade.

B O Y C O T T F O X N E W S !! NOW!!!

V O T E ! V O T E ! V O T E ! V O T E ! V O T E !

$150,000.00 Nieman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue Shopping Spree --

noreply@blogger.com (Rocki) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 09:17:00 +0000

This is how it works in “Real America”…Ex-beauty queen, becomes mayor of small Alaska town, becomes Governor of Alaska and until now she is a hometown hockey mom, with a twist. Then she becomes the running mate for the Republican Presidential nominee, and “BAM” new designer wardrobe, Saks and Neiman Marcus right down to her Jimmy Choo’s; no longer just the Governor, and hockey mom, now the designed “elitist”. If you think otherwise, then I have a foreclosed home on my circle I can sell you for $320,000.00 to keep the value of our home from dropping.

But why should a $150,000.00 price tag surprise anyone, after all, Ms. McCain was wearing a $350,00.00 haute couture outfit (bet Cindy paid for her own outfit) during the final night of the RNC Convention and let us not forget the $1800.00 Ferragamo Nour 2 Loafers that John McCain wears every day (I bet Cindy paid for those too). As we know and respect, Cindy and John McCain can afford expensive designer stuff, after all Cindy reported she earned $4.2 million in income in 2007 http://www.johnmccain.com/mccainfinancial/default.htm. According to Todd and Sarah Palin’s 2007 income tax return http://www.johnmccain.com/downloads/2007TaxForms_Palin.pdf the two of the together grossed $166,000 including $3300 in per diem paid by the state of Alaska. No way she can afford a $150,000.00 shopping spree. So who paid? No wonder Senator McCain looked so stressed sitting next to Governor Palin during their recent interview. But the comments McCain made some years ago that really bring this wholly Real-American form of socialism, as my favorite radio talk show host Randi Rhodes http://www.novamradio.com is fond of saying, “privatize profits and socialize losses; In good times, the profits remain private, making the rich even richer. In dark hours, after years of bad loans and choices, the losses become everyone's problem.” http://www.therandirhodesshow.com/index.php?/archives/83-Monday,-Septemeber-15,-2008.html

Thank you Keith Olbermann

How many of you can go on any shopping spree? How many of you can plan you Christmas shopping now? Have you figured out how to tell your children they will not be receiving that Wii console they have been waiting for three years to have under the tree?

Tell John McCain and Sarah Palin that you are paying attention to what they do as well as what they are saying by casting your VOTE!!!

Politics - A Weekly Review Rant

noreply@blogger.com (Rocki) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 07:32:00 +0000

Senator McCain claims that Bill Ayers and Senator Obama are friends and demands that Senator Obama “come clean about the relationship”. Mr. McCain what about your association with G. Gordon Liddy, Charles Keating, Oliver North, George W. Bush, and Karl Rove. No one is talking about or reporting on any of these associations of John McCain’s. Additionally, has anyone investigated or reported on the membership of Todd Palin in an Alaskan Secessionist Organization whose intent is to secede from the United States. Are not these issues just as important as what relationship Barack Obama has with Bill Ayers; Senator Obama was eight and Bill Ayers was a member of the “Weatherman”. Remember John McCain’s outrage, as he demanded an apology when Congressman Lewis expressed his concerns regarding the tone of the rallies in comparison to the tenor stirred by George Wallace in his heyday.

Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Bachman wants mainstream media to investigate her accusations of Senator Barack Obama’s Anti Americanism along with other unnamed members of Congress.

Retired Five Star General Colin Powell on “Meet the Press” with Tom Brokaw announces his support and endorsement for Senator Barack Obama for President, for all the multiple legitimate reasons he identified. Tom Brokaw wanted to know if General Powell was making this endorsement simply because Senator Obama was black. General Powell’s answer reflected honesty, deep thought, dignity, resounding succinctly and without hesitation.

Rush Limbaugh and Pat Buchanan each attempted to denigrate General Powell and his decision to endorse Senator Obama.

Please, Don't Forget to VOTE!

USING ALSKA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE FOR PERSONAL GAIN

noreply@blogger.com (Rocki) — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 00:55:00 +0000

I listened as the reporters and media discussed how the McCain Palin campaign was not allowing the press present during Governor Palin’s meetings with world leaders during the UN General Assembly. The campaign had originally decided to have a pool reporter present until at the last minute, the Palin forces decided they only wanted a still photographer present. The media had been shut out by the McCain/Palin campaign. The media’s response…

The media carried the story of the “shut out,” along with the still photographs that the McCain/Palin campaign wanted the public to see in the first place. So what was the point? Having Sarah Palin’s name in the news (if this can be considered news), and to have photos of Sarah Palin conversing with multiple world leaders; shaking hands with various world leaders. And the fell right into step and did exactly what they were supposed to do, following the direction of the McCain/Palin campaign while appearing to be kicking and screaming as the media continues to do what it is told.

NOW WE KNOW WHY!!! SARAH PALIN CAN’T BE TRUSTED! She lied about her own abuse of power. That’s why she didn’t want to talk to reporters. Sarah Palin has had the audacity to question Senator Barack Obama’s credibility, judgment and character; “Guilt By Accusation”…watch out for those who throw stones. Who do you want to trust now for the White House for the next four years?????

Tonight, it is very strange that only MS-NBC, AP and Reuters are the only news covering this tonight.

McCain and Palin Attempt to Divert Your Attention From The Issues

noreply@blogger.com (Rocki) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 05:54:00 +0000

I had planned to comment on Governor Palin’s interviews, debate and speeches from the past week, but tonight Keith Olbermann of Countdown on MSNBC, had a “Special Comment” which covers much of what I would write so I am just expressing my thoughts below.

Sarah Palin discussed Senator Barack Obama’s association with William Ayers as – …pals with a known terrorist who attacks America and the Pentagon and kills people. William Ayers was a radical in the sixties. He has never been prosecuted for any crime; he is a respected professor. Mr. Ayers has not been charged as a terrorist in the United States or elsewhere. I suggest that Ms. Palin stop calling people out of their names, her comments could be considered slanderous and/or defamation of character.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/04/palin.obama/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

As law breakers go, Governor Palin, you have obstructed justice in an investigation into your own behavior as a Governor concerning abuse of power. You encouraged your subordinates to defy a court ordered subpoenas and your own husband has refused to acknowledge a subpoena issued to him to appear to testify under oath. Sarah Palin, Who Exactly is the LAW BREAKER HERE?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26906256/

http://news.yahoo.com/s/thenation/20080920/cm_thenation/45362590

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/19/us/politics/19trooper.html?_r=1&ref=politics&oref=slogin

Let us not fall for the bull puckey America; don’t let the Republican Campaign Committee, Fox Cable News and Sean Hannity, or Rush Limbaugh DIVERT our attention from the real issues. America we are facing the biggest economic crisis of the century. Our lawmakers have just enslaved most of us for a major portion of our lives to an additional trillion dollar debt. America vetted Senator Barack Obama during the Primaries against Senator Clinton. We don’t really need a rehash of Rev. Jeremiah Wright, William Ayers or Rezko; most of us have already done our own homework on these issues.

Sarah Palin and John McCain this country needs a true and honest discussion about our economy and where you intend to take us should you become Vice President and President. Not the bull that you intend to divert our attention toward. If you truly want the positions, your auditions are not making the grade.

And now… Keith Olbermann’s “Special Comment”...

Palin Homework for the VP Debate on Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Rocki) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 03:34:00 +0000

Over the past several weeks since the end of the Republican Convention, there has been a lot of news about Governor Sarah Palin…Senator John McCain's choice for Vice President. I have watched and listened to learn what I could about the Governor. I listened to her acceptance speech; I did my own homework on the Governor including her time as Mayor of Wasilla, Alaska. I also did a little research on Governor Palin as a woman, wife, mother and person. The first thing that jumps out is how easily this person lies. The lying words slip; slide and glide out of Governor Palin’s mouth with such ease, practiced skill and little or no hesitation.

Governor Sarah Palin instantly reminds you of the type of American woman you know (from the neighborhood, the play ground, the church or meet in the grocery store, on occasion), who knows what is best for everyone and has no problem letting everyone know exactly what is best for everyone…everyone, except herself. Governor Palin is the kind of woman that you really don’t like very much right from the beginning. Including that very phony accent, which didn't exist during her time as a sportscaster or as a beauty contestant. Let us not forget that annoying WHINNNE in her voice.

Remember the bridge to nowhere, the jet on eBay and the personal cook that was fired. Didn’t happen! That’s right those were lies once stated by Governor Palin, were then repeated over and over by the media. There was also the bomb shell that the Governors sixteen year old daughter was pregnant but would soon be marrying the father of the baby; however, this fact should not be a dynamic in deciding who to vote for in November.

As stated in the past, it would be very nice to have the right, competent female as President or Vice President, but women have standards, Hillary Clinton did not make the cut and neither does Sarah Palin. Do some of your own homework and you will find, as mayor, Sarah Palin began office with a balanced budget and no deficit for a town of less than ten thousand people. Upon leaving office, the town was some 23 million dollars or more in debt. This after receiving some 50 million dollars in government ear marks.

Similarly, Hillary Clinton mismanaged her campaign and financing; everyone thought she was the logical choice for Democratic nominee. Loosing to Senator Obama, Senator Clinton found herself over 11 million dollars in debt; proving that neither of these females has the ability to successfully manage a budget.

However unlike Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin and her husband (The First Dude) are already ducking for cover, employing the current administrations favorite line “executive privilege”, when confronted with their wrong doing; and yes, just flat refusing to honor subpoenas issued by the Alaska State Legislation; Bill Clinton was President when Hillary Clinton was subpoenaed to appear before Congress and the Special Prosecutor. (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/19/us/politics/19trooper.html?ref=politics)

Governor Palin refuses to comply with subpoenas for freedom of information or co-operate with investigations. According to the Republican Campaign Committee, “The coverage last week was ``not what I would call objective journalism,'' Davis said. ``So until at which point in time we feel like the news media is going to treat her with some level of respect and deference, I think it would be foolhardy to put her out into that kind of environment.''

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=ago4M1JBOr_Q&refer=home

Deference and respect…two words that are never applied when Republicans are referring to the American people; we have been reduced to a nation of whiners (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HU36YAucSk) and more recently Americans have become the fundamentals of the economy.

“At the same time, in Sarah Palin news, Sarah Palin tells Sean Hannity that when John McCain says the "Fundamentals of the economy are strong," he's talking about American workers and their strength.

Poor Sarah Palin. McCain himself, after repeating his "fundamentals" comment, knew he was in trouble, so he tried to lie his way out of it and say that, by "fundamentals," he meant the strength of the American worker.” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/matt-littman/are-you-a-fundamental_b_127533.html

Governor Palin appears very proud of her time as Mayor of Wasilla even though Wasilla is known to be the meth capital of Alaska; has the highest high school drop out rate per capita; has the highest rate of rape, incest and sexual related assaults against minors per capita. Additionally, rape victims in Wasilla were forced to pay for there own rape kits because the kits include the "morning after" pill, by Mayor Palin. Does America really want Palin and McCain (yes, that is what she said) ticket to win?

Governor Palin, have you listened to yourself speak? My questions to you are; does the Gnome of the North Pole bring that accent to you every two years? After attending, what, five or was it six different colleges you finally graduated with a degree in journalism; did they teach you English? Are you attempting to manipulate the American people into believing you are something you are not? Are you attempting to portray women as inept, ill informed, and unintelligent? If so, you are doing a great job, just watch this clip from CBS News with Katie Couric as she spends time with the Governor.

Watch CBS Videos Online

That should hold us until after the debate on Thursday, but there is more America…DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

WHO IS WHINNING & HIDING NOW?????

noreply@blogger.com (Rocki) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:54:00 +0000

Where is Phil Gramm now that his plan to deregulate every marketable commodity in this country has successfully failed? Where is the man that called America a “Nation of Whiners”? Where is the man that said that the economy of the U.S. was strong and any problems where the imaginations of Americans? Where are you now Phil Gramm; Be a Man! Face us Whiners! Show yourself Phil! Don’t hold your breath waiting for Gramm to show, you will probably kill yourself. http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=5835269&page=1

That is what the McCain Campaign does, run and hide…cancel the debate, suspend the campaign, don’t let your running mate be interviewed by the press (The main stream media is being played so well that even though they are being shut out, the airwaves are full of her photos and name. If the main stream media really wanted to show who is in charge, they would truly boycott both McCain and Palin); suppress investigations; refuse to comply with subpoenas, lie, lie, lie, and hope no one learns the truth. Failure to realize the world has moved into the twenty first century, lies can be disproved, researched, traced and there is video, internet newspapers and cameras.

http://www.google.com/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS273&=&q=the+fundamentals+of+the+economy+are+sound%2C+says+john+mccain&btnG=Google+Search

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/24/campaign.wrap/index.html

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26885268/

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/19/us/politics/19trooper.html?_r=1&ref=politics&oref=slogin

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/17/palin.investigation/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

http://news.yahoo.com/s/thenation/20080916/cm_thenation/1361247

Confession by accusation; lies told by the McCain/Palin campaign in ads, interviews and speeches have been exposed for what they are; in truth the lies told about Senators Obama, Biden and the Democratic National Committee are usually the truth about Senator McCain, Governor Palin and the Republican National Committee. Accusing others of one's own misdeeds, just as done by preschool children. These liars truly believe that Americans are too stupid to see through the games and slight of hand campaign tricks they employ. These liars truly believe that Americans are too stupid to find out that campaign members are still ripping off the American public at the tune of $15,000.00 per month from Freddie Mac.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080912/ap_on_el_pr/mccain

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/election/2008/09/04/gop-convention-palin-sold-alaska-jet-at-a-loss-and-not-on-ebay/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/06/thrown-away-flags-story-f_n_124499.html

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/09/17/america/mccain.php

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/24/us/politics/w24davis.html?em

http://www.newsweek.com/id/160561?from=rss

And the lies keep coming…this new economic crisis and the $700 billion U.S. tax payer money for a bailout of Wall Street. Congress has one week to give Bush $700 billion or else. Or else what; that is what America wants to know. This is the same tactic used by George W. Bush to get us into the Iraq war. The same tactic used to bailout oil companies, savings and loans, airlines, investment companies, junk bonds, Mexico, Amtrack and auto companies; all while these same companies defaulted on pension plans and paid CEOs millions in golden parachutes. Deregulation of everything that could be sold as a commodity on the stock markets; privatization of every public infrastructure that used tax payer dollars to build from telephone companies to power and utility companies to television stations so that the crony friends could buy them up cheap and scam and overcharge Americans while stealing and looting the company, to ultimately fail; only to be bailed out by the tax payer.

America we have to take back our government in a very legitimate way…we have to VOTE.

America we have to have transparency, control and oversight in government. And we have to have it now. No one in government can precisely answer the questions – what is the problem? How did we get here? Who is responsible and what do we have to do to fix it so that it doesn’t happen again? LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD. CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS; LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD, VOTE!

3rd Infantry 1st BCT to Homeland Security

noreply@blogger.com (Rocki) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 07:33:00 +0000

Brigade homeland tours start Oct. 1
(For the full story -- http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/09/army_homeland_090708w/">)

3rd Infantry’s 1st BCT trains for a new dwell-time mission. Helping ‘people at home’ may become a permanent part of the active Army
By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Sep 8, 2008 6:15:06 EDT

The 3rd Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team has spent 35 of the last 60 months in Iraq patrolling in full battle rattle, helping restore essential services and escorting supply convoys.

Now they’re training for the same mission — with a twist — at home.
Why is the President assigning the 3rd Infantry 1st BCT to Homeland Security effective 1 October 2008?

Remember what happened when President Hoover sent General Douglas MacArthur and the Regular Army to contain the Bonus Marchers? Read about Federal Hill, Baltimore, MD and remember a Governor controls the National Guard in each state; the President of the United States controls the Regular Army.

The ‘Bonus Army’ War in Washington

(read full account -- http://www.historynet.com/the-bonus-army-war-in-washington.htm">)

“…As many as 20,000 former soldiers and their families had converged on Washington in the summer of 1932, the height of the Great Depression, to support Texas Congressman Wright Patman’s bill to advance the bonus payment promised to World War I veterans. Congress had authorized the plan in 1924, intending to compensate the veterans for wages lost while serving in the military during the war. But payment was to be deferred until 1945. Just one year earlier, in 1931, Congress overrode a presidential veto on a bill to provide, as loans, half the amount due to the men. When the nation’s economy worsened, the half-bonus loans were not enough, and the unemployed veterans now sought the balance in cash. Known as Bonus Marchers, they came in desperation from all across the nation, hopping freight trains, driving dilapidated jalopies or hitchhiking, intent on pressuring Congress to pass the legislation. The administration vehemently opposed the measure, believing it inflationary and impractical given the $2 billion annual budget deficit.

Hoover, upset by the continued presence of the Bonus Marchers, now had the excuse he was looking for to expel them from the capital. He directed Secretary Hurley to unleash MacArthur, who received the following instruction: ‘You will have United States troops proceed immediately to the scene of the disorder. Surround the affected area and clear it without delay. Any women and children should be accorded every consideration and kindness. Use all humanity consistent with the execution of this order.’

Having driven the veterans from the downtown area, MacArthur had fulfilled his mission. But whether his blood was up, or he merely sensed a need to inflict a coup de grâce against the purported Communist element — an enemy he considered more insidious than disgruntled veterans — MacArthur did not rest on his laurels. He ordered his troops to advance upon the 11th Street bridge leading to Anacostia Flats. Someone, waving a white shirt as a flag of truce, came racing across to plea for time to evacuate the women and children. MacArthur granted an hour’s reprieve.
Though accounts differ, the president now seemed suddenly to exhibit an untimely case of nerves. Fearing repercussions, he twice sent word that the Army was not to cross the bridge. MacArthur refused to listen, saying he hadn’t time to be bothered by people coming down and pretending to bring orders. He sent the troops across against explicit instructions. Using more gas, the soldiers moved into Bonus City. Its occupants fled in terror, refugees rousted from their pitiful camp.
‘One of the soldiers threw a bomb,’ said one woman hiding in a nearby house with her family. ‘…[W]e all began to cry. We got wet towels and put them over the faces of the children. About half an hour later my baby began to vomit. I took her outside in the air and she vomited again. Next day she began to turn black and blue and we took her to the hospital.’ Either veterans or soldiers torched the entire area — no one knows for sure. In the confusion, one baby was left behind, dead from gas inhalation.”

Baltimore Riot (1861)
(for full story -- http://www.civilwarhome.com/baltimoreriot.htm
“…A clash between pro-South civilians and Union troops in Maryland's largest city resulted in what is commonly accepted to be the first bloodshed of the Civil War. Secessionist sympathy was strong in Baltimore, a border state metropolis.

Before his inauguration, rumors in the city of an assassination plot against Abraham Lincoln, who was on his way to Washington, D.C., forced the president-elect to sneak through Baltimore in the middle of the night. Anti-Union sentiments there only increased once the hostilities commenced at Fort Sumter on April 12. A week later, one of the first regiments to respond to Lincoln's call for troops arrived in Baltimore by train, en route to the capital. Because the rail line did not pass through the city, horse drawn cars had to take the Massachusetts infantrymen from one end of Baltimore to the other. An angry crowd of secessionists tried to keep the regiment from reaching Washington, blocking several of the transports, breaking windows, and, finally, forcing the soldiers to get out and march through the streets. The throng followed in close pursuit. What had now become a mob surrounded and jeered the regiment, then started throwing bricks and stones…”

What is the real truthful reasons behind the move to bring the 3rd Infantry Division 1st BCT under Homeland Security’s control at this time? Do President Bush and Vice President Chaney have some unprecedented information that they are not sharing with the rest of the country? Do Bush and Chaney have information on some upcoming terrorist attack in the US they are not telling the American People? Is there some impending doom in the form of natural disaster, like the super volcano at Yellowstone National Park about to blow and the government doesn’t want to tell Americans? Perhaps there is a meteor or asteroid about to collide with the planet? Or maybe, Bush and Chaney are anticipating Americans reactions to the final ruthless plan that they intend to perpetrate against the country.
Be prepared people, this does not bode well for us.

BABIES HAVING BABIES --

noreply@blogger.com (Rocki) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 08:05:00 +0000

At Age 13 She Was Impregnated…

While watching the news the other night, I heard this story on the local news. Immediately as a woman and a mother, I was angered that this young child had become impregnated she could barely be in puberty; but as the story progressed, I became even more angry, as the school officials, the principle, the nurse, the teachers, didn’t seem to know she was pregnant; the young child gave birth (probably alone) and the new born infant ended up in the trash can at school with the umbilical cord still attached; but at the end of the story it was announced the young child who is 14 now may face charges because she abandoned the new born infant. http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2008/09/18/20080918newbornfollo0918.html

There are so many wrong things about this incident that need addressing. First of all – Who abandoned this young child as if she is currently 14 years old, she could not have been when she became pregnant. Was the person who impregnated her arrested, charged and convicted of statutory rape? Sorry at age 13 a young child can not decide/consent to have voluntary sex.

Second – we don’t teach sex education to our youth. If you can have a baby at 13, you should know what sex is all about at 13. Obviously parents, churches, and government’s messages of abstinence are failing to be heard by 13 year old children. If only one child gives birth to a child, we have failed to get the message that sex, intercourse results in babies or worse, death.

Third – What kind of nurse, school or otherwise, can’t recognize the signs of pregnancy. Why didn’t the parents alert the school to the situation with the young child? Did the parents know the child was pregnant? Did the child know she was pregnant?

Fourth – Today, there is much discussion regarding Pro Life and Pro Choice. This discussion upsets me most because it puts far less importance on the lives of the children already in existence than in those that may or may not exist in the future. Lets face it people. Far less importance is placed on the lives of children who everyday are at risk simply by going to or from school and church. Oh no you don’t, this is for real, and everyone is aware that this is the case. If you are Pro Life, please be Pro Life for those young children who are alive and facing what this young child will have to face, most likely, ALONE.

Fifth – Many scoffed at Senator Obama’s attempts to provide legislation to educate kindergarten students how to protect themselves from sexual predators; it is turned into something sinister, cheap and dirty by John McCain. Where is Senator McCain to help this young lady, she is after all an Arizona citizen. We need realistic comprehensive programs that educate parents, teachers, faculty, staff, and students about SEX, the responsibilities, the risks and the consequences. The Life We Save May Already Exist! This education is not intended for just females, but also extends to males, who also need to know about SEX, the responsibilities, the risks and the consequences.

Sixth – Who is responsible for the welfare and care of both of these minors? Who will teach this young child how to take care of her self ? Who will teach her how to care for her child? Who will support the education and subsequent room, board, heath care of these two minors through college? Who is going to house them, John McCain? He has homes he can’t remember how many or where they are, maybe Senator will allow this young child to live in one of his homes.

There is more to be learned, more to be said, but right now it is important to recognize BABIES SHOULDN’T BE HAVING BABIES!

The Anniversary of 9-11

noreply@blogger.com (Rocki) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 07:20:00 +0000

Every American remembers exactly where they were on that fatal day seven years ago today when two commercial airliners flew into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, quickly followed by another commercial airliner flying into the Pentagon just outside Washington, D.C. In all the confusion everyone held their breath waiting for the location of the fourth commercial airliner that no one knew its location. When we learned this airliner had crashed somewhere in Pennsylvania instead of its intended target, the White House, America collectively released that breath.

Today once again, America grieves for all the innocent lives lost on this tragic day. Today, once again America, we mourn and we cry. Today, like every day may God Bless America.

Tomorrow America will reflect on what has been done in the seven years since 9-11, and what still needs to be done.

Review -- The Daily Show Convention Coverage

noreply@blogger.com (Rocki) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:50:00 +0000

Jon Stewart and the Best ****ing Fake News Team in the world performed with excellence covering both the Democratic and Republican Conventions. In the event you didn’t get the opportunity to catch the shows live, please visit their web site www.thedailyshow.com to view the shows you missed.

Upon his arrival in Colorado on Monday at a breakfast at the University of Denver Jon blasted 24 hour cable news by telling them exactly what he thought about them: No Joke: Jon Stewart Takes Aim At 24-Hour Cable News 'Beast', by Howard Kurtz Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 26, 2008; Page A20
“Wearing a gray T-shirt, khaki pants and a healthy stubble, the "Daily Show" host told reporters at a University of Denver breakfast that Fox's "fair and balanced" slogan is an insult "to people with brains" and that only "Fox News Sunday" host Chris Wallace "saves that network from slapping on a bumper sticker. . . . Barack Obama could cure cancer and they'd figure out a way to frame it as an economic disaster."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/08/25/ST2008082503384.html for the entire article, go to this link. Since this is one of my pet peeves, it was a pleasure to read that Jon Stewart and I think an awful lot alike (scary actually).

But my hat really tipped when Jon presented the following "John McCain's Big Acceptance Speech", his last night of the Republican Convention. No matter what anyone may think of Jon Stewart and The Daily Show, it is easy to see why he is “the most trusted man in America”, as noted by the NT Times http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/17/arts/television/17kaku.html?_r=1&oref=slogin. Consider...according to main stream media, more people watched McCain's acceptance speech than watched Obama's acceptance speech; really... it was the same night as the U.S. Open Tennis Men's semi final matches and opening night for NFL Football, could the numbers be right?