BrandonLong.info

Letters to God, Answers from Life, The Power of Prayer

2010-04-17T21:12:00.002-04:00

We went to go see a new Christian movie called “Letters to God”. If you've ever been close to someone who has lived with cancer, it will definitely force some heavy reflection, and may leave you fighting tears.

The movie is about a boy battling cancer who writes letters to God. He writes God asking for his mom to laugh, his friend to get a new friend if he dies, and for a kid who picks on him at school to learn about what Jesus would do, among other requests and thoughts. He writes what seems like several letters everyday. Many of those letters are read by his mailman, who is having his own struggles with alcohol. Meeting the boy with cancer and reading those letters give the mailman a greater since of peace, and he begins to know God. The boy with cancer even asks his brother to write a letter to God, which his mother finds and reads. She's able to understand both boys better, and begins to cater to both of their needs.

By the end, it becomes clear that the boy's letters to God inspire people beyond his family. The boy who picked on him at school and the mailman help the neighborhood get the message by spreading some of the boy's letters around.

All in all, it was a great movie that might give you a new way to pray, connect with God, and understand the true power of your prayers.

Who's Running for Governor in Georgia?

2010-03-17T22:16:00.000-04:00

Get informed before the July primary! Here are links to the campaign websites

Republicans
Jeff Chapman
Nathan Deal
Karen Handel
Eric Johnson
Ray McBerry
John Oxendine
Austin Scott

Democrats
Thurbert Baker
Roy Barnes
Carl Camon
DuBose Porter
David Poythress

Libertarian
John Monds

Georgia Candidate for Governor Will Work for Free Until...

2010-02-02T23:20:00.001-05:00

From a news release:

General David Poythress, Democratic candidate for Governor, had the memorable moment in tonight’s first televised candidate debate.

General Poythress displayed the pledge he had signed, calling it a “solemn promise” to the people of Georgia that he “will not accept a paycheck as Governor until we get Georgia's unemployment rate under 7%."

There were audible gasps in the room from his bold statement which he reiterated in his closing.

General Poythress stated his commitment to moving our economy forward again by saying, “I'm willing to the walk the walk with folks, and I will share in the sacrifice until we get people back to work, period."

Former Governor Barnes was given the chance to apologize to the teachers of Georgia for his misguided policies which led to his defeat in 2002. He didn’t apologize and affirmed his commitment to “No Child Left Behind.”

In addition to touting his experience as Secretary of State, Labor Commissioner and Commanding General of the Georgia National Guard, General Poythress emphasized his commitment to valuing our state’s educators by protecting their fair employment rights, showing respect for the sacrifices our teachers make while shaping the future of our state.

“Tonight was a clear contrast between the stale policies of the past and a Governor who will move the state forward,” says General Poythress.

Why isn't the shooting incident at Fort Hood called terrorism?

2009-11-09T04:32:00.000-05:00

I can admit, I'm not a terrorism expert, but on the surface I feel like the shootings at Fort Hood in Texas should have been called acts of terrorism. I am really surprised that word really hasn't been coming up.

Here's why I expected that word to be used. If the shooting had been at a base abroad, the terrorism label would have been attached. If a similar shooting, with that number of casualties had occurred at a government office building, the terrorism label would have been attached.

There are a lot of unanswered questions about what motivated this shooter to attack, including how he reconciled his religion and service to his country. Some have even said that Major Hasan, the alleged shooter, may be one of many who take issue with our country's policies, serve in the military, and wish to harm Americans. I pray that is not the case.

The following is from a conservative writer. It makes for an interesting read. Some of the allegations have been debunked, but so little information out there about the shooter, its worth reading.

Fort Hood triggerman aided team on Homeland Security task force

By Jerome R. Corsi
2009 WorldNetDaily

NEW YORK - Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, the alleged shooter in yesterday's massacre at Fort Hood, played a homeland security advisory role in President Barack Obama's transition into the White House, according to a key university policy institute document.

The Homeland Security Policy Institute at George Washington University published a document May 19, entitled "Thinking Anew Security Priorities for the Next Administration: Proceedings Report of the HSPI Presidential Transition Task Force, April 2008 January 2009," in which Hasan of the Uniformed Services University School of Medicine is listed on page 29 of the document as a Task Force Event Participant.

Hasan received his medical degree from the military's Uniformed Services University School in Bethesda, Md., in 2001.

Noting that the Obama administration transition was proceeding, the GWU Homeland Security Policy Institute report described on the first page the role of the Presidential Transition Task Force as including "representatives from past Administrations, State government, Fortune 500 companies, academia, research institutions and non-governmental organizations with global reach."

While the GWU task force participants included several members of government, including representatives of the Department of Justice and the U.S Department of Homeland Security, there is no indication in the document that the group played any formal role in the official Obama transition, other than to serve in a university-based advisory capacity.

According to the "About Us" section of the GWU Homeland Security Policy Institute, the group is a "nonpartisan 'think and do' tank whose mission is to build bridges between theory and practice to advance homeland security through an interdisciplinary approach."

The Homeland Security Policy Institute is led by Frank J Cilluffo, who formerly served in the White House as special assistant to President Bush for homeland security, and by Daniel Kaniewski, who formerly served in the White House as special assistant to President Bush for homeland security and senior director for response policy.

"Muslims should stand up and fight the aggressor," Hasan said about America before he and possibly other Muslim soldiers at Fort Hood shot 43 fellow soldiers, killing 12, who were returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

"He said Muslims had a right to attack" the U.S., said Col. Terry Lee, who worked with Hasan at the Texas post, where the devout Sunni Muslim refused deployment. "He said Muslims shouldn't be fighting Muslims," he added. "He was very clear on that."

According to an explosive new book, "Muslim Mafia: Inside the Secret Underworld That's Conspiring to Islamize America," Hasan is just the tip of a jihadist Fifth Column operating within the ranks of the U.S. military which is too blinded by political correctness to see the threat.

Quoting from a classified military briefing, "Muslim Mafia" reveals that this Fifth Column has penetrated "every branch of the U.S. military." The Islamist enemy has even infiltrated the al-Qaida detention camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

About the Guest:

Dr. Jerome Corsi received a Ph.D. from Harvard University in political science in 1972. He is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Obama Nation: Leftist Politics and the Cult of Personality and the co-author of Unfit for Command: Swift Boat Veterans Speak Out Against John Kerry, which was also a #1 New York Times bestseller. He is a regular contributor to WorldNetDaily.com.

Majority of Georgia Congressmen Opposed Healthcare Reform

2009-11-08T00:03:00.000-05:00

Alright, here's the breakdown on how Georgia's members in the U.S. House voted for the healthcare reform bill.

Notice that 2 Georgia democrats (Mashall & Barrow) voted against the bill, making the total of Georgia representatives against the plan 9.

Rep. Jack Kingston (R), 1st District - NO
Rep. Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (D), 2nd District - YES
Rep. Lynn A. Westmoreland (R), 3rd District - NO
Rep. Hank Johnson (D), 4th District - YES

Rep. John Lewis (D), 5th District - YES
Rep. Tom Price (R), 6th District - NO
Rep. John Linder (R), 7th District - NO
Rep. Jim Marshall (D), 8th District - NO
Rep. Nathan Deal (R), 9th District - NO
Rep. Paul C. Broun (R), 10th District - NO

Rep. Phil Gingrey (R), 11th District - NO
Rep. John Barrow (D), 12th District - NO

Rep. David Scott (D), 13th District -YES

Healthcare Reform Passes

2009-11-07T23:23:00.001-05:00

U.S. House has passed healthcare reform bill 220-215.

If you are really bored or have a lot of spare time you can read it here:

111TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION
H. R. 3962
To provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes.

Enjoy all 1,190 pages!

Healthcare Reform Countdown

2009-11-07T22:34:00.000-05:00

I've asked the question before: is it the government's job to provide healthcare for those who can't afford it or aren't able to access it? I still haven't decided, but I think I understand the concerns of the people on both sides of the issue a little better after watching CSPAN and listening to hour after hour of debate in the U.S. House.

Colorful speakers took anywhere from 15 seconds to 5 minutes to add their perspective to the bill being considered. Many of the loudest really didn't add much to the discussion. The calmest speakers seemed to know more. Funny how that works out.

The premise on one side is everyone should have health insurance. They believe our country is wealthy... or at least a lot of people in this country are wealthy enough to provide healthcare for those who can't afford it. At the core of their argument, most of the Democratic speakers maintained, its wrong for sick people to be second guessed by businessmen before receiving medical treatment. They painted a grim picture of the current system, made of bad guys and evil doers, who would rather see people die than loose money.

The other side pretty much disregards all of those points, and focuses on different issues altogether. For example, can the country afford this healthcare reform and what gives the Congress the authority to mandate health insurance for every American.

I think a lot of regular folks, like my grandparents, don't like to see other regular folks struggle. And that's the bottom line. They live through the depression and a World War, the second one, and saw how the country pulled together to not only fix this country, but also to improve living conditions for people all over the world. At the same time, they don't like government in their personal affairs. They would probably tell the people having this healthcare reform debate to help people, but don't mettle unnecessarily.

Race for Warner Robins Mayor Goes On

2009-11-04T22:48:00.001-05:00

So, election day has come and gone, and the race for Warner Robins mayor goes on. It's the playoffs, if you prefer sports. It's a runoff, if politics is your sport of choice. Voters decided Clifford Holmes didn't make the cut. Chuck Chalk and Chuck Shaheen are the last two standing. Vote December 1^st if you care!

For the record, here's a breakdown of the results: Chuck Chalk- 1941; Clifford Holmes- 1724; Chuck Shaheen- 2269. On election day, fewer than 6,000 people voted, and you can bet even fewer will vote in the runoff. That's about how many voted in our student government elections when I was in college.

Here are the remaining candidates; websites:

Fed Census Worker Lynched in Kentucky, Really?

2009-09-28T20:47:00.000-04:00

Police found 51-year old William Sparkman dead, hanging from a tree in a cemetery with a rope around his neck September 12th, and this is only NOW making national headlines.

25 Candidates for Memphis Mayor; Watch One Fist Bump the Dalai Lama

2009-09-25T04:35:00.010-04:00

Early voting starts today in my hometown of Memphis, Tennessee-- and there's never a dull moment in Memphis politics. Going as far back to the heyday of the big political machines, Memphis political races draw opinions and passions from high and low. Boss Crump, as he was known, in the early 19th century showed Memphians how to win an election. Control, bribe, and frighten people into supporting the inevitable. OK, so maybe that's extreme, but it looks like most of the candidates for mayor are going all in to take over the top job in the Bluff City.

One of them, Mayor Pro Tem Myron Lowery ~~staged a publicity stunt~~ went as far as to do a fist bump with the Dalai Lama.After many people questioned the appropriateness of that a gesture with a religious figure of such stature, he sent a letter to CNN defending his action. He blamed the swine flu (H1N1) for his decision. He explained in his commentary that he basically wanted to lead by example and NOT shake hands. Seriously. I almost thought he was just doing something cool, and unscripted... but the swine flu excuse just made him seem weak IMHO.

You can watch it here:

Here are the 25 Candidates. You can only choose one!
LEO AWGOWHAT
RANDY L. CAGLE
CHARLES CARPENTER
CAROL CHUMNEY
DEWEY CLARK
JAMES “MALCOLM” CLINGAN
A WILLIS MENELIK FOMBI
WANDA HALBERT
JOHNNY HATCHER, JR.
ROBERT (PRINCE MONGO) HODGES
CONSTANCE RENEE HOUSTON
DE WAYNE JONES
E. C. JONES
JERRY LAWLER
MYRON LOWERY
ERNEST ANTHONY LUNATI
DETRIC W. STIGALL
SILKY SULLIVAN
DAVID W. VINCIARELLI
VUONG VAUGHN VO
MARY TAYLOR-SHELBY WRIGHT
SHARON A. WEBB
KENNETH TWIGG WHALUM, JR.
VOTE FOR ONE (1)
A C WHARTON, JR.
JOHN WILLINGHAM

Kids Singing about Obama IS a little weird, don't you think?

2009-09-25T00:01:00.002-04:00

This video is the new internet sensation going around. It shows some kids in a New Jersey elementary school singing an odd song highlighting some of President Obama's philosophies. Here are some of the lyrics:

He said we must be fair today
Equal work means equal pay
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama

He said that we must take a stand
To make sure everyone gets a chance
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama

Just a little wierd. And, my mom probably would've second guessed their decision if I were singing about stuff like "equal work and equal pay". She'd say-- "that's grown folks business." I doubt those kids even know what they're talking about.

We used to sing about being drug free. Not ReaganBushClinton when I was in school. The school district apparently issued a statement saying the students were singing to honor the contributions of African-Americans. I'm skeptical. And I'm pretty sure that would not go over very well for most public schools in Georgia or Tennessee.

Decide for yourself:

Tim Russert's Dad Died Today

2009-09-24T22:28:00.001-04:00

Several media websites are reporting the man who gave the world Tim Russert died today. 'Big Russ' apparently died of natural causes at the age of 85. His full name was Timothy Joseph Russert Sr. He was clearly a good father and friend to his family and those who knew him. Ultimately one of his greatest contributions to the world was Tim Russert, who certainly elevated the political discussion for more than a decade from his seat in Washington.

His son, former "Meet the Press" moderator Tim Russert died June 13, 2008 of a heart attack.

Now, Luke Russert, Tim's son, suffers another death and difficult loss. The family would rather donations go to the Alzheimer's Association than receive flowers.

Read the statement from the family.

Race for Warner Robins Mayor Could Get Interesting

2009-09-23T04:06:00.002-04:00

This year the mayor race in Warner Robins could be interesting. You've got four people who believe they have a solid vision for the city, including an incumbent mayor and a former interim mayor & city council member. From what I can tell, all four men have very strong personalities and distinct experiences that would guide how they would lead the city. Chuck Chalk served in the Air Force and was based at Robins Air Force Base. Clifford Holmes has served on the city council and has made a career as an educator. Chuck Shaheen is a successful local businessman. And Mayor Donald Walker takes credit for making sure Warner Robins grows steadily and methodically.

Advanced voting begins October 26th, and election day is November 3rd.

In all, if you'd like to check out the websites for each of the candidates, here are the links.

Glenn Beck: McCain would've been worse than Obama as President

2009-09-22T07:18:00.003-04:00

In an interview with Katie Couric for cbsnews.com, Glenn Beck, the poster boy for a grassroots renegade movement against the powers that be (usually Democrats), said John McCain was a worse choice for president than Barack Obama, and that he may have even considered voting for Hillary Clinton, and not McCain, had she been the democratic nominee.

The rest of the interview will be on the web later today, and I expect a lot of people will check it out, if only to hear his reasons why. Beck is getting a lot of attention because he's striking a nerve with a lot of people in his commentaries. People tend to gravitate toward people with whom they agree and find some common ground.

Now, I'm not sure Beck really believes all that he says-- but, those who follow him are making him seem like a wise business choice, if nothing else. As a businessman, he's a Rush Limbaugh for TV. The big winner in this is Katie Couric, who will likely get a lot of new people to sample her style online and maybe even her broadcast.

Here's part of the clip that's been release:

It will be on cbsnews.com at 7pm ET.

Save More, Spend Less with ClarkHoward.com

2009-09-21T08:24:00.001-04:00

Consumer advocate Clark Howard is by far one of my favorite radio talk show hosts. What I like most is he truly aims to empower consumers to challenge the status quo. He also regularly shares information about scams. His website has a plethora of information on how to REALLY save money. Some of his advice is extreme (like ordering eyeglasses from China for $5, instead of using Lenscrafters or some other eyeglass store), but it's all useful. HE goal is to make sure people know that their dollar holds power, so they should hold their dollar. If you'd like to check out his website, it's clarkhoward.com.

He has a TV show that airs on CNN Headline News on weekends. Check your local listing for times.

Gov. Sonny Perdue Joins Right Against ACORN

2009-09-18T06:37:00.000-04:00

With all of the talk about ACORN misusing money in a myriad of ways, the state of Georgia has decided to cancel its contracts with the organization.

Here's the news release from the governor's office:

Statement of Governor Perdue Regarding the Department of Human Services Contract with ACORN

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue issued the following statement today regarding the Department of Human Services contract with ACORN which expires this month:

“I want to thank Sen. Rogers and Reps. Graves, Keown, and Setzler for bringing the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (“ACORN”) contract to my attention. In July, I directed my office to review all consulting contracts the state has with outside vendors to look for budget savings; that review did not identify the ACORN contract, because it does not involve state funds. The State of Georgia will not renew the contract, which expires in 13 days. Further, I have issued an Executive Order that prevents executive branch agencies from doing business with ACORN in the future and calls for a review of any existing contracts with ACORN.”

The text of Governor Perdue’s Executive Order is below:

Whereas:   O.C.G.A. § 50-5-50 states that it is the public policy of the State of Georgia that contracts and other procurement activities be conducted with integrity and in a manner that will increase public confidence; and

Whereas:   Although it is always important that the State does business with organizations with integrity, in this current budget environment it is especially vital to monitor the use of our scarce resources; and

Whereas:   To date, 70 employees of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (“ACORN”) have been convicted of crimes committed in the course of their work for the organization; and

Whereas:  There are numerous investigations, indictments, and prosecutions currently pending against ACORN and its staff throughout the nation; and

Whereas:   As a result of recent actions by ACORN, the U.S. Census Bureau ended its relationship with ACORN on September 11 and the U.S. Senate voted 83-7 to cut off federal funding from ACORN on September 14; and

Whereas:   Recent acts of ACORN employees and agents resulted in ACORN subjecting itself to an internal review of its acts and practices;

Whereas:       ACORN’s current acts and historical conduct make clear that financial involvement with organizations such as ACORN is contrary to the public policy of the State of Georgia and the best interests of its citizens.

Now, therefore, by the power vested in me as Governor of the State of Georgia, it is hereby

Ordered:    That all state departments, agencies, boards, bureaus and commissions including without limitation the Board of Regents and the University System of Georgia as defined in O.C.G.A. § 50-5-77 and within the executive branch (hereinafter “Agencies” or “Agency”), are hereby prohibited from entering into any future contracts with ACORN or its subsidiaries or affiliates.

                      It is further

Ordered:    That all Agencies are hereby directed to cease all existing funding for ACORN or its subsidiaries or affiliates unless such funding is legally obligated. If an Agency determines that such funding is legally obligated, that Agency is directed to inform the Executive Counsel to the Governor of its determination.

                        It is further

Ordered:    That all Agencies are hereby directed to provide to the Executive Counsel to the Governor a copy of all existing contracts or other agreements between the Agency and ACORN or its subsidiaries or affiliates no later than September 23, 2009.

                        It is further

Ordered:    That no later than September 23, 2009, all Agencies are hereby directed to provide to the Executive Counsel to the Governor a copy of all existing contracts or other agreements between local governments and ACORN, its subsidiaries or affiliates that involve state funds.

                        This 17^th day of September, 2009.


                                                                                                            Governor Perdue

Shots Fired: CNN's Bad Reporting

2009-09-14T05:07:00.002-04:00

September 11th, 2009 should serve as an example of what NOT to do for students of journalism who may find themselves in a decision making position in a newsroom. Professors remind your students to verify information heard over police scanners BEFORE reporting.

On the 8th anniversary of 9/11/01, CNN reported that the U.S. Coast Guard had fired 10 shots at another vessell in the Potomac River. Just moments prior, President Barack Obama crossed a bridge over the river to go to a rememberance ceremony. Such false information, shut down air traffic at a nearby airport and prompted several first responders to go to the area to assist the Coast Guard. Later, the Coast Guard indicated the radio chatter was part of training exercise.

Once CNN realized the error, there was no culpability admitted. The questioning immediately turned to: Why would the Coast Guard hold a training exercise on 9/11.

BIG MISTAKE: There should have been a responsible adult in the room to at least scrutinize what was heard on the police scanner prior to reporting that information. By the organization's own admission, what CNN reported was not verified visually by any of CNN's reporters or producers or confirmed by any law enforcement official. On a day of such importance and reverence, you'd think they would exercise a bit more caution and responsibility in their reporting.

Why would a "Prince" and a "King" run for mayor?

2009-09-11T06:05:00.001-04:00

Macon, Georgia has very interesting politics, but the cycles seem to repeat themselves. Its the same names or the same faces just moved around.

But, boy oh boy, politics in my hometown of Memphis, Tennessee just read like a soap opera.

When the Dr. W. W. Herenton announced he would quit his job as mayor to focus on a congressional campaign, it didn't take long for nearly a dozen candidates to step forward and seek the job. While there are experienced political leaders in the race, they certainly lack the color and charisma of two of my favorite candidates, Robert "Prince Mongo" Hodges and Jerry "The King" Lawler.

The King was best known in Memphis as a wrestler, who walked around with a crown. He made his hometown proud when he joined the national wrestling scene with Vince McMahon and WWF/WWE as a commentator on Monday night Raw for several years in the 90s.

CLICK HERE to visit Lawler's campaign site.

I actually had the opportunity to meet Prince Mongo when I was a news intern. We went to his home near Park Avenue after neighbors complained about his yard decorations, which included mannequin heads on top of broomsticks positioned around his front yard in a picket fence style. He used his Toyota Sequoia as a dog house. The neighbors who lived closest to him, ironically, had no problem with the stuff in his yard. In fact, many of them joined him for dinner once a week. He'd cook them a steak dinner in the summers and regularly delivered groceries to those with whom he wanted to share. All of the stuff he said about being from another planet seemed small when you really got to know the guy.

To learn more about Prince Mongo's campaign, CLICK HERE.

Both men use a common sense approach to politics, which should never be undervalued... even if they royally odd!

A Great Unscripted Moment: "You Lie!"

2009-09-10T22:56:00.000-04:00

When South Carolina U.S. Representative Joe Wilson stood up and yelled "You Lie" to President Obama in a joint session of Congress, the part of me that appreciates political theater applauded. I supported, not necessarily the message, but the method. It's just so rare that our elected officials let their guard down long enough to let us know how they really feel. It was the one moment during the president's speech where he was caught off guard.

The book by Joe Klein, "Politics Lost", points out a growing need for more unscripted moments in American Politics. It's when strategy and message control play second fiddle to real, brutal honesty. It's that type of political discourse that's needed more... and that needs to be on display more.

Sadly, the congressman apologized for the outburst. But, he gets points from me for being candid in simple terms concerning a complicated issue. For those people who say Rep. Wilson's comments were disrespectful, inappropriate, or made in the wrong setting, I don't totally understand what they mean. I know the members of Congress have rules for debate, so maybe Wilson was out of order. But, it was an opinion that should not be bottled up.

If more of our leaders really shared how they felt about an issue, perhaps our country's policies would better reflect the wants, needs, and desires of the American people.

You can watch the "You Lie" moment here at 21:48...

If you can't pay for health insurance, should you live?

2009-09-09T19:59:00.002-04:00

President Obama is scheduled to address a joint session of Congress tonight to make his case for healthcare reform or health insurance reform, if you prefer. This is a touchy issue for a lot of people because they either don't believe in the government safety net, or they don't believe a country with such resources should allow even the least among us to do without.

One of the biggest arguments I hear is from people who say-- don't mess with my healthcare. I like things just the way they are. Others say-- I've got the money and insurance to cover me if something happens. The government shouldn't change anything.

The other big argument points to people who can't afford health insurance. The pro-reform crowd has a lot of different messages, but the one that stands out to me highlights the need for government reform based on limited access because of pre-existing conditions.

First, we should examine the government safety net idea. Our country has sent a message since the Great Depression that if you can't afford to have your basic needs met, taxpayer social programs will provide. It's a logical step to say, if you can't afford basic health care, our nation will provide.

Second, we need to consider the limited wealth of our nation. Simply put, I'm not sure our country can afford to deliver on that promise established by past generations that the government will provide when we as individuals can't.

And finally, we should look at how we show compassion for those who can not afford to live, literally. If we can't afford basic medical care, who can? Are there organizations that have a cheaper solution?

No one will be completely satisfied with any legislation that's passed, but we should at least consider the long-term impact our leaders finally agree on. Then, work to perfect it for as many Americans as possible.

WATCH: President Obama's Education Speech Encourages Students to Stay in School

2009-09-08T07:04:00.003-04:00

President Obama's speech to schools today has drawn heavy criticism, which wasn't based on the substance of the message, but on the principle. Some parents had a healthy dose of skepticism and thought that the speech, targeted at public schools, was some sort of backdoor mind infiltration game the leader of the free world was using to indoctrinate their kids with the gospel according to Obama. However, a quick review of the speech, which was released prior to its delivery to schools, shows that was not the case.

Instead, the speech is about meeting kids where they are, encouraging them to stay in school, and helping them understand why its important to set goals. You can read the speech for yourself here.

I can understand why some people might find it far reaching, and perhaps inappropriate for the president to speak to students about their role in their education. It might come across as preachy.

However, having read Obama's autobiography, I heard the speech as a father speaking to a child. Genuinely wanting him or her to succeed. He didn't have a father to do that for him. I think he realizes that many kids have similar situations, and he's trying to fill that void.

So, if you accept the idea that schools work to socialize the masses to American culture and values, you should agree with the messages he's trying to deliver, which are stay in school, find a focus in life, and set goals to be successful.

If you're fortunate enough to think schools shouldn't teach American values because you're the one who teaches your family, then you likely won't agree with the method to this madness. I hope everyone's parents share your drive, though you don't have to look far to realize that is not the case.

When it comes to values and young people, someone should probably issue a mayday call, because our world is crashing. Just in the past few weeks in Macon, Georgia we've had a 16 year old arrested and charged with murder for the death of a gas station clerk, and another teen locked up for a year for bringing a gun to school. While I won't go as far to say their lives are ruined, I will say they definitely face an uphill climb on the road of life.

I don't know their situation, but assume for a moment that they didn't have a father active in their lives. Perhaps, a speech from the president could inspire them. What if today were the day, someone who was lukewarm about getting an education, or blamed the world for his/her failures accepted some personal responsibility. If that happens, I'd say mission accomplished.

You can watch it here:

Should we cancel Labor Day?

2009-09-04T05:55:00.000-04:00

You can read about the history of Labor Day here, and once you do maybe you'll ask the same question.

It was created as a tribute to hard working Americans, but with more than 10% of the people in Georgia unemployed, couldn't we just skip it this year? Seriously. If those of us who work, all of us, go to work that day... how much more productive would that be? I bet it might have an impact.

But, that's easy for me to say... I'll be working anyway.

Beware of the Swine Flu (A.K.A. Novel 2009 H1N1 Influenza)

2009-09-03T03:31:00.000-04:00

There are a lot of reasons to be afraid these days with terrorism, war, and domesitc crimes. So, when there's a "new" disease looming to infect and kill the masses it can be somewhat unnerving. Such is the case with the swine flu.

Here's what we think we know: The swine flu came from Mexico and spread around the world in what seemed to be a matter of days. Health officials were so alarmed that they closed schools in some American cities, and quarantined tourists in China. FAST FORWARD... now, President Obama is strongly suggesting Americans wash their hands and cover their mouths to avoid spreading the disease. Thousands of human guinea pigs have volunteered across the country to test the swine flu vaccine, which is expected to prevent spreading the disease among those most at risk. But by the time those tests are complete, it may be too late by some estimates.

Right now, the disease might be out of control. No longer a pandemic, but an EPIDEMIC. Already, college campuses are breeding grounds for the disease to spread. Health departments are no longer counting cases in localities; only hospitalized patients are documented. The good news, at least from my observation point, is most of those who are displaying the so-called flu-like symptoms are far from being deathly ill. Let's hope it stays that way.

The federal government announced this week it is prepared to handle a swine flu outbreak. Let's hope so, or else it could be a situation similar to the response of Hurricane Katrina with much more dire consequences.

Obamacare Confusion: Understanding Healthcare Reform

2009-09-02T05:25:00.003-04:00

There's a lot of yelling and finger pointing going on about healthcare reform or Obamacare, as it is known in some circles. What's impressed me most is people are coming alive about a political issue, so much so, that they're showing up at meetings with elected officials and are passionately engaging them.

And that's when we get the big let down. What should become a moment of enlightenment from our leaders, turns into a patronizing "don't yell at me, I'm on your side" exchange. What could be an opportunity to teach, convince, and assuage fears ultimately turns into a conversation with no real answers. We've seen it time and time again.

"We the people" are looking for clarity and guidance, but most often it's just ducking and dodging from Congressmen.

So, where is the place of understanding on matters concerning the current healthcare reform legislation? The truth is I've looked on the internet for just such a place, but most sites with information can't really be taken at face value. Granted, you should always process new information with a dose of skepticism, but there remains a huge void in getting the facts.

Nonetheless, here are some of the links for information on Healthcare Reform:

Sonny Days are Fading Away

2009-09-01T01:03:00.004-04:00

I have talked to several people who work for the state of Georgia over the past few weeks who are annoyed, to say the least, about the state's money situation. Governor Sonny Perdue's request for state agencies to cut a minimum of 5% is a tough pill to swallow for a lot of people. The direct impact in most cases is time off without pay, which amounts to a pay cut.

Many state teachers are among those affected. Perdue cut funding that amounted to teachers and public school workers losing three days worth of pay in the fall semester. By many estimates, they may face a similar pay cut during the spring semester as well. The cuts to education are in stark contrast to Governor Perdue's first-term record. During Perdue's re-election bid, I can remember teachers and education were at the top of his agenda. Schools ranked high with economic development. Perdue even went so far as to start a program known on-the-street at "Sonny Money". It was a $100 gift card given to teachers to buy supplies for their classrooms. It was billed as a token of appreciation. No wonder so many educators were disgusted to learn that the program was among the first casualties of the state's attempt to balance the budget.

And more budget cuts are coming to Georgia starting September first. The GBI and Georgia State Patrol are enacting furloughs, up to one day a month for the rest of the year. Yes, law enforcement officers will be furloughed. These two agencies have a tough job just fighting crime, without the current budget issues. These additional limitations only add to the possibility that when we need them, they won't be there. Especially with the GBI, the state may be leaving a huge gap in the number of available officers. Many of the smaller, rural counties rely on the GBI when there's a murder or other major crime. They're role is vital to justice being served, and citizens' protection. No matter. Hopefully our safety isn't compromised.

What's the long term solution? Perhaps permanent cuts. OR maybe the state will need to unload services causing an undue burden on the budget. Who knows? But the way things are going, it just seems more problems are being created than solved. The state's budget is hemmoraging and leaders are using band-aids when they needto perform surgery.