Kari Berele

My Thoughts During These Troubled Times

kari berele — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:04:30 +0000

“Women’s Rights! Pro-Choice! A woman is in charge of her own body. She can abort her baby if she decides!”

Obama health care plan —- Some bureaucrat/health expert decides whether or not you need a certain treatment – not you and your doctor.

Hey! What happened to “pro-choice?”

*****

I like what I heard on Fox News the other day. Some viewer wrote in and wondered why it took the Obamas 6 months to choose a dog for the family, but he wants health care done NOW. Hmmm…. let’s think…..which one is more important?

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Kudos to all of the red-blooded, hardworking Americans who have common sense and who really understand what’s right and what’s wrong in this world. We can make a difference in the next election.

*****

I think we need a new party—The American Party—made up of conservative, honest, average folks. Can you imagine if such a party formed and Republicans and Democrats left their respective parties in droves to join the new party? Now that would be a statement!

“Enemy Combatant” — Bite Your Tongue

kari berele — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 23:44:58 +0000

The Obama administration stopped calling Guantanamo inmates “enemy combatants” on Friday. They will now be called detainees. In Eric Holder’s words, “As we work toward developing a new policy to govern detainees, it is essential that we operate in a manner that strengthens our national security, is consistent with our values, and is governed by law.”

My response?

enemy combatant enemy combatant enemy combatant

enemy combatant enemy combatant enemy combatant enemy combatant enemy combatant enemy combatant enemy combatant enemy combatant

enemy combatant enemy combatant enemy combatant

enemy combatant ***enemy combatant* enemy combatant enemy combatant enemy combatant enemy combatant enemy combatant**

enemy combatant enemy combatant ENEMY COMBATANT enemy combatant enemy combatant enemy combatant

enemy combatant enemy **combatant enemy combatant enemy combatant enemy combatant enemy combatant

ENEMY COMBATANT Enemy combatant enemy combatant

enemy combatant enemy combatant enemy combatant

enemy combatant enemy combatant**

Rush Limbaugh–The Martin Luther of Conservatism

kari berele — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 05:35:59 +0000

I may take some flack for linking Martin Luther and Rush Limbaugh, but I really do see some similarities. No analogy is perfect, but some are quite salient. For example, picture a man who articulates ideas that have sat latent and unexpressed for years; picture a man who helps return a core group to its roots; and finally, picture a man whom some regard as arrogant and others see as confident in his beliefs. In the 16^th century you would be referring to Martin Luther; today, you could mean Rush Limbaugh.

Like Martin Luther, Rush has had to stand firm against a hoard of enemies: liberals, the main stream media, moderate Republicans, and, today, some fellow conservatives. Luther’s enemy was the Catholic Church. It branded Luther as a heretic and burned his books in an attempt to silence him because it feared his influence. The clergy recognized the danger of the common people becoming free thinkers and revolting against the bedrock of control that the church had enjoyed for centuries. Similarly, our current democratic-run government sees created dependency and unparalleled spending as a means of control and fears those who shout from the hills about this misuse of power and the relentless robbery of our freedoms. Both the resurgent talk of the Fairness Doctrine and the current Rush-Republican-Leader debate are means of silencing or pillaging our first amendment freedom to speak out against unbridled government control.

One striking similarity between Rush and Martin Luther is the belief in freedom. The core value of a conservative is that of individual liberty and individual responsibility. Luther interpreted Scriptures to mean that humans had an inner relationship of faith with the Lord—they were less reliant or beholden to what was happening on the outside. Rush knows that through hard work, diligence, and risk taking that individuals can achieve great things. It’s so easy to criticize the successful—I’ve done it—but I learned that many of the so-called wealthy sacrificed a great deal to earn what they have. We have the liberty to succeed and to fail; to win and to lose; to achieve and to fall short. When the government seeks to correct that, we become debtors to its overreaching hand. Freedom offers promise, not guarantees. Like Luther pointed out, we are to “work out our own salvation” and not become a slave to an institution. Likewise, Rush teaches that we are responsible—the government is not there to direct our lives.

Luther’s teachings changed the world, though not the way he expected. The result was not a change in Catholic doctrine, but rather the birth of a new church that eventually separated even further. Perhaps questions persist about who leads the Republican Party because we are also splitting into two distinct entities—those who seek to be inclusive, less “right,” if you will, and those who strongly hold to the core beliefs of conservatism and are not wavering. Perhaps like Luther, Rush is the catalyst for change—the kind of change that solidifies conservatives while at the same time producing some new kind of Republican. Whether we meet together—moderate Republicans and conservatives—to form a unified brotherhood or whether we go our separate ways, remains to be seen. Sometimes change is good.

Regardless of the present furor in the Republican Party, most would agree that Rush has helped our cause. He spoke our thoughts when no one else was speaking. We owe him for that.

Martin Luther and Rush Limbaugh–two strong-willed men with core beliefs that thrust them to the forefront of their times. You might not agree with my analysis, and that’s okay, but I do think you will agree with this:Tenacious Martin Luther even had plans for his enemies after his death, and I think that Rush would concur:

“When I die, I want to be a ghost…So I can continue to pester the bishops, priests and godless monks [the left, the liberals, and the mainstream media] until that they have more trouble with a dead Luther [Rush] than they could have had before with a thousand living ones.” –Martin Luther

At Least Obama Did Not Throw a Shoe at Gordon Brown

kari berele — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:52:46 +0000

In these trying times, we need something to make us more cheery. I am controlling my anger as best I can, but I am almost as mad as I was when someone cut in front of me at the McDonald’s drive-thru the other day.

My 18-year-old son’s statement to me when he came home from work at 11:42 pm was “what did Obama do now?” Apparently his friend had sent a long text message about Obama’s treatment of Gordon Brown. I explained how President Obama gave Prime Minister Brown the magnificent gift of 25 DVDs. You heard me correctly—25 DVDs. Gordon Brown, on the other hand, brought valuable historical pieces. I also explained to my son how Obama did not have a joint press conference with the PM nor did he give him a state dinner. I’ve even heard that Obama has returned a bust of Winston Churchill that was given to us by the British to show unity after the 9-11 attacks!

The White House’s excuse for these gaffes? Obama is tired. Oh really. Did he fire the chef and would have had to prepare the dinner? Was he too tired to get a suitable gift and instead had to send one of his aides to Wal-Mart to buy movies?

I am so befuddled by these actions toward the British Prime Minister, that I’m not quite sure what to think. So, I’m trying to look on the bright side.

Obama did not throw a shoe at Gordon Brown.
Obama did not fall asleep during the meeting (he was so tired, you know).
Obama did not break out into a rousing rendition of “London Bridge is Falling Down.”
Obama did not blame Bush by saying, “I inherited this prime minister.”
Obama did not say at any point during the conversation “I need a fag.” “Oy, guv. I’m knackered.” “I need to visit the bloody loo.” “Off with you now, you prat.”
Obama did not ask if there was any way he could tax the queen.
Obama did not slip a mickey into the prime minister’s drink so he could draw a mustache on his face.

See—we really have much to be thankful for—things could be worse.

A 14-Year-Old’s Blog about our Country

kari berele — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 20:14:17 +0000

The following was written by Nathan Roddenberry, a student at the middle school where I teach. Printed with permission.

I am a 14-year old student that attends middle school. Unlike many of my peers, I keep up with things that happen in our country and around our world. I keep up with the decisions being made in Washington. I see the corruption. I see our economy slowly deteriorating. I ask myself day after day, “Are we just going to stand by and watch our Constitution be put on a dusty shelf; brought out only when it suits our purpose?” My frustrations are boiling over as I observe the government take more and more control of my life and my future.

Sometimes our country’s leaders forget that they work for us, not the other way around. And yet, some of them are the most corrupt, selfish and greedy people on the planet. But the real crime is that the American people are sitting idly by as the leaders break their pledge to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” For example, Timothy Geithner did not pay his taxes, but “Legolas” is still our Treasury Secretary. Chris Dodd gets a sweetheart mortgage deal, but he’s doing just fine. Countless congressional leaders insert ridiculous earmarks into the stimulus bill, but are not held accountable. Maybe some of our leaders are getting too old to remember middle school, where you get suspended when you do something wrong. It’s high time that our so called-representatives get suspended when they do something wrong. It’s a shame that when you’re a politician, you can do something illegal and the punishment is you get to keep your job.

You may ask yourself, “Why does a 14-year old care about what’s happening in Washington?” I care because I feel the burden on my shoulders getting heavier and heavier as our leaders spend more and more. When I am an adult, I will be the one paying back the money that is so drenched in irresponsibility. The ones who spent it will be long gone. I have come to the sad realization that the majority of my classmates have no idea about the kind of decisions being made in Washington. I debate endlessly with some of my fellow students, trying to get across to them the harsh realities that await them in their future. They couldn’t care less that in 30 years, they will be the ones answering for what their beloved leaders of today do. I don’t want my future stolen away from me by leaders who love money and power more than America. I am as proud as anyone to be an American. It gives me such pride to know that our country was founded on principles that are as priceless as our freedom. And I for one will do everything in my power, however little that power may be, to stop the shredding of our Constitution and to regain America’s reputation of being the most respected nation on Earth.

The Rewards of Irresponsibility

kari berele — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 19:41:34 +0000

Why do I work two jobs to make ends meet? The reward from the government for my enterprise? . . . an additional $400 from my pocket last year and probably this year. I used to get a refund when I was less productive. Now, people who do not pay income tax will get MY MONEY.
Why do I live in an apartment? I refused to pay for an overpriced home a few years ago when I was finally approved to buy my very first house because it was not a smart thing to do. The reward from the government for my sense of fiscal responsibility? . . . . help those who did not have common sense enough to NOT buy a home during the housing bubble Now people who did that will get help on their mortgages with MY MONEY.
Irresponsibility is the new modus operandi for individuals and corporations and the government. Make poor judgments, dig yourself in a hole, cheat your clients and the government will reward you with taxpayer money. The sad thing is that the government caused many of the problems in the first place!
I am sick of the lying, the deceit, the robbery, the theft, and the cheating—I think that about covers the government. It will only get worse with the Democrats in charge; they simply wink at their sins and misdeeds and drag Republicans into hearings for years and years. Their response to not paying taxes, lying under oath, and getting sweetheart mortgage deals—“I didn’t know.” President Obama is no stranger to misspeak –“I didn’t know Jeremiah Wright held those views.” “I can’t find my college thesis.” “I promise transparency.” (Boy, that’s working well!) Even Blagojevich would be going strong today if he hadn’t had the unfortunate lot of being recorded. Otherwise, he would be lying his way out of it like every other crook on Capitol Hill.
What we need are more whistleblowers. We need some good leaks from someone who works in government to shine the light on all of the shenanigans that are going on, and I don’t care who gets busted—Republican or Democrat—many of them are drunk with power and indifferent to scandalous behavior. It wouldn’t take much light to reveal enough corruption to cause many hardworking Americans to riot. Count me as one of them; I can’t take much more.

“Obama Came in and Government Took Control”

kari berele — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 05:19:36 +0000

I am embarrassed to say that I’m from Florida. Obama’s recent Ft. Myers visit with its messianic overtones was just a little too much. I expected any minute for someone to rise up from a wheelchair and run across the stage (though it didn’t work for Biden). I even think I saw Zacchaeus in a tree nearby just trying to get a glimpse of Obama and a local drunk waiting for the water to turn to wine. Though no miracles happened, people came away with a sense that Obama “felt their pain” and that government would meet their needs.

Anyway . . . I felt that this special moment needed a hymn. So I found one and made a few alterations, and now Obama has his very own hymn. (Taken from ”Heaven Came Down and Glory Filled My Soul”)

Obama Came in and Government Filled My Soul

O what a wonderful, wonderful day, day I will never forget;

After I’d wandered in darkness away, Obama my savior I met.

O what a tender, compassionate friend, such love I’ve never felt

I gave him my wish list, and he blew me kisses, and he caused my heart to melt.

Chorus

Obama came in and government took control,

For socialist welfare now has filled my soul;

He said, “Yes we can! And I said, “You’re the man;”

Obama came in and government took control!

Born of Pelosi with help from the Dems, the Stimulus Plan was made

Justified fully thru Obama’s touch, with three Republican slaves

Since the transaction so quickly was made, it’s now a mystery bill,

But who cares what’s in it, Obama will spin it with cronies from Capitol Hill.

(Chorus)

Now I’ve a hope that will surely endure; for I am an Obama fan;

The thought of all of this government help, Oh, what a wonderful land!

And it’s because of that miracle day, when at the polls I believed;

Change is abounding, and my heart is pounding—Obama’s my savior indeed.

(Chorus)

AP Quote of the Week

kari berele — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 19:40:28 +0000

The Associated Press is working overtime again to produce sharp analysis and riveting reporting. Don’t believe me? Well…Do I have a quote for you!

In an article headlined “598,000 in U.S. Lose Jobs in January,” the AP states that the unemployment rate was 7.6% last month. So far, so good, right? But as if 7.6% weren’t bad enough, those geniuses at the AP decided to do a little math:

“If part-time employees, discouraged workers, and others are factored in, the unemployment rate would have been 13.9 percent in January, the highest on record.”

Ahem . . . discouraged workers? others? Wow! The specificity in this quote is quite breathtaking.

Let’s deal with the “discouraged worker” first. Are you discouraged in your job? Then stop it, you fool! You are raising the unemployment figures! Here’s my advice: take a Valium, suck it up, see a counselor, and show up at work with a smile on your face. I know it may be difficult, but you can do it. I plan to march into my 7^th grade classroom on Monday with a smile on my face (a Valium on standby) and teach grammar to students who could care less what a subordinate clause is. I refuse to be discouraged and become a statistic—besides, Obama might get mad at me (he’s been a little miffed lately.)

Now, let’s deal with the best part of the quote – “others.” What a handy word to have at your disposal. Whenever your news is not frightening enough, add in some nondescript group (commonly referred to as “others”) and increase your statistic by several percentage points. Since vagueness so sweetly lends itself to a hearty round of conjecture, let’s speculate a little bit about this versatile and mysterious group known as “others.”

Others could be Obama’s cabinet post nominees who are now looking for work (especially since H & R Block turned them down.)

Others could be Jesse Jackson and company who find protesting passé nowadays.

Others could be angry celebrities who suddenly have no anti-George Bush movies to make.

Others could be reporters who write stupid remarks about unemployment.

It’s a shame that so many newspapers are going under today. What will I find to blog about?

Who knows, I may become just another “other.”

Who Would Have Thunk It!

kari berele — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 04:03:55 +0000

Joe the Plumber is now eligible for a cabinet post. (Apparently tax trouble is not as big an issue when it involves liberals.)

If all politicians would start paying the taxes that they really owe, we would have the $800 billion to stimulate the economy.

If you give birth to 8 American babies that may rely on the government for support, shame on you. If you drag 8 children across the Mexican border illegally, you are poor and oppressed and need everything that the government can give you.

Captain Sullenberger (of US Airways-Hudson River fame) was reading a book on professional ethics—the one man who doesn’t need to read a book like that.

Nanny issues are still a problem in 2009.

The New York “fat tax” is supposed to reduce the purchases of unhealthy items and bring in millions of dollars of tax revenue. How can it do both? (I…think…they…are….LYING TO US!)

Barack Obams is a homopartisan while posing as a bipartisan.

Obama Will Save Us from Every Disaster - Relax

kari berele — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 05:23:11 +0000

The Democratic plan—find a natural disaster (Hurricane Katrina for example)—locate the nearest Republican (Bush, for example) and hook that baby to his hip forever. Did Bush lock people in their New Orleans homes and refuse to let them leave? Did he remove the distributor caps off of all those parked school buses to keep them from being used for evacuations? The truth is that Katrina was more devastating than expected and people did not take personal responsibility to prepare. (I live in Florida and I’ve seen it happen; we are told repeatedly to buy water and supplies — the hurricane hits — after the hurricane, news crews film people standing in long lines for water and complaining about the inefficiency of the government.)

Now, the Obama administration has made what I consider an “oh-my-I-wish-he-hadn’t-said-that” statement. I found it on the official White House website under the Katrina section (YES—there is a section called Katrina! It is among such topics as Faith, Arts, Child Advocacy, Science, Sportsmen, and Transportation). Among other things, it says,”President Obama will keep the broken promises made by President Bush to rebuild New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. He and Vice President Biden will take steps to ensure that the federal government will NEVER AGAIN (my emphasis) allow such catastrophic failures in emergency planning and response to occur.”

We all know what happens when someone says “never.” Does the overused phrase “epic proportions” mean anything? To boldly proclaim that we will never again have catastrophic failures depends on first of all, a government that has money, and secondly, it depends on having a manageable disaster. Even Obama and all his wisdom might not foresee what lies ahead.

At least when the next calamity hits, we can stop talking about Katrina.