Why did we end up like this? The revolutionary war was a end result of individuals who had been pushed to their breaking point with regulations and ever growing taxes. Sound familiar? This began with the Boston tea-party in which the tea was dumped into the harbor. Citizens then as currently do not like to have the money from their work taken from them and then spent on things they don’t believe in. It was that way then and it is that way right now. You can not change human nature. People are endowed with rights by the creator and one of those rights is liberty. The founding fathers had no idea that the totalitarianism of King George would ever be able to rot America ever again. They carefully wrote our constitution to prevent it from happening.

What they didn’t comprehend is that the country would shift away from the grace of God to a humanist philosophy of elites deciding what is best for the masses. As excellent as the constitution was, no document is any good if the leaders sworn to defend it simply overlook it. That is what has occurred. Every year little by little, we lose more of our freedoms. Each year more new laws and rules are forced on us that can imprison us should they be enforced. The undermining of our free market system began after world war II when soviet spies were given positions in our government. Read a great book by Ann Coulter called Treason for an in depth history of how that occurred.

Which brings us to today and the proliferation of the tax day Tea Party April 15 events everywhere. These are not the kooks and extremists that the evening news would have you believe. No these are actually the traditional average Americans who know what freedom and liberty are, and see it slipping away. They are not from any one party. They include members from at the very least 5 parties from all walks of life, race and religions. When a community hospital closes it’s doors because some law requires them to treat for free non citizens, that isn’t racist, that is a legitimate hardship to individuals. When it is taught in schools that abortion is a choice yet wearing a seat belt is not a choice, there is something not right. When legislation is going through capitol hill that something a person says can land that person in jail under the classification of hate speech, then something is wrong.

Massachusetts is known as the most socialist sympathetic state as a whole in America. It is nicknamed Taxachusetts. Since the current government with super majorities in both houses can do whatever it wants in theory, this makes millions of people edgy. When it was learned that this government was going to bankrupt the nation with socialized health care, in which each voter would be required to buy no matter how poverty-stricken, the rebellion of the tea-parts even reached into Taxachusetts. Scott Brown, a liberal republican promised to halt the hated health care takeover and he won the election by a sizable margin.

It is hard to overstate the importance of the health care victory for President Obama. It’s a legislative victory so big that it boosts Obama into the debate about the greatest American Presidents of the past 100 years. Universal health care has been a goal for progressives since Theodore Roosevelt first proposed the idea in the early 1900s.

And as big as the win is for Obama, it is just as big of a loss for the Republicans because they put everything they had on trying to take down this bill and they got beat. Far right wing Republican Senator Jim Demint of South Carolina was caught on tape saying he thought the GOP could “break” Obama if they could just beat his health care reform bill. He said it would be Obama’s “Waterloo” but as former George W. Bush speechwriter David Frum noted in a recent column, it is now the Republican party’s “Waterloo.”

This is because all of the outrageous lies that the Republican party told about the bill only work politically if the bill never becomes the law. Then they can say that they “defended America” from some evil plot and since it never happened there would be no easy to see evidence that they were lying. This is how the GOP won a huge victory at the polls in 1994 after beating President Clinton’s health care reform.

But now that the health care reform bill has been signed into law by the President average Americans will inevitably find that they actually really like the changes made by the bill since they are extremely positive for the vast majority of Americans.

The Republicans are now campaigning for the November elections with the ludicrous slogan “Repeal and Replace” but this will seem like an increasingly bad idea as everyday Americans find out what a huge positive the reform actually is. A majority of the American voters will realize that the GOP has done absolutely nothing but lie about this topic for the last year and this will probably lead to a very good November for the Democrats in 2010.

For more information visit:
MySpace.com/BoilingFrogs101
FlexYourRights.org
Police Abuse.com~ Good Cops
RateMyCop.com
Google: Cop Watch

“People wish to be poets more than they wish to write poetry, and that’s a mistake. One should wish to celebrate more than one wishes to be celebrated.”~Lucille Clifton

Lucille Clifton, (nee Sayles), acknowledged as one of the most accomplished women in the world of literature, died February 13, 2010.

Clifton, an artist known for her affable demeanor, common sense approach to poetry and writing, served as the Poet Laureate of the state of Maryland for six years from 1979 to 1985.

She was born and raised in upstate New York. Upon graduation from high school at age sixteen she received a scholarship to Howard University in Washington, D.C., where she was introduced to dramatist and poet Amiri Bakara, formerly known as LeRoi Jones and poet, Sterling Brown. However, Lucille returned to New York state to receive her undergraduate degree from Fredonia State Teachers College.

During her lifetime she held several teaching positions including in Baltimore, Maryland’s Coppin State College, from 1974 to 1979; she was professor of literature and creative writing at the University of California, Santa Cruz, from 1985 to 1989.

Lucille Clifton was also Distinguished Professor of Literature and Distinguished Professor of Humanities at St. Mary’s College, Maryland, from 1989 to 1991, and professor of creative writing at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, beginning in 1998;

The recipient of many prestigious literary awards Clifton is also known for her intelligent and practical sense of humor as exhibited in her poetry and her prose. An excerpt from her poem Admonitions:

“…children when they ask you why your mama so funny say she is a poet she don’t have no sense.”~Lucille Clifton

Clifton was married to Fred Clifton until the time of his passing in 1984. They met when Lucille was attending Fredonia State College, and at the time Fred Clifton, her future husband, was a professor of philosophy at the University of Buffalo. Together Lucille and Fred had six children.

Lucille Clifton was nominated three times for the Pulitzer Prize for poetry, once in 1980, 1987–the first poet to have two books competing in the finals for the Pulitzer, and again in 1991; additionally she received the Lannan Literary Award for poetry in 1997; the Lenore Marshall Poetry Prize in 1997; the Los Angeles Times Poetry Award in 1997; the Lila Wallace/Reader’s Digest Award in 1999.

Clifton won the National Book Award for Blessing the Boats: New and Selected Poems, 1988-2000 (2000) as well as winning in 2007, the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize; the $100,000 prize honors a living U.S. poet whose “lifetime accomplishments warrant extraordinary recognition.”

She has been recognized with honorary degrees from Colby College, the University of Maryland, Towson State University, Washington College, and Albright College.

Lucille Clifton is rightfully celebrated for her work which demonstrates her sincere passion for the everyday things we often take for granted. As she so eloquently expressed:

“Poetry is a matter of life, not just a matter of language.”

We’re still trying to figure out why after all this time we are still hearing from, people are talking about,and we are seeing almost everywhere reports about Sarah “The Quitter” Palin. Take a look at
this video excerpt from a recent episode of the Colbert Report on Comedy Central…..

Which brings us to Palin’s use of the word “satire”. She says the big fat guy on the radio was using satire when he referred to liberals as being retarded. She says it wasn’t an insult. She says President Obama’s Chief Of Staff should be fired for his use of the same word in a private conversation because she’s offended by his use of the word. Was he talking to her? About her?

We are pleased to accept Stephen Colbert’s invitation to say Sarah “The Terrah” Palin-the former Alaska governor is an effin’ retard!

“We are the world, we are the children…”
Lionel Richie

In March of 1985 forty-five American singing stars gathered at the A&M music studio to record a song composed by the late Michael Jackson and lyricist Lionel Richie. The featured singers from several genres of music joined to make a record that would be sold to raise money for the charity USA For Africa. They raised over $30 million to help the less fortunate overseas.

On February 1, 2010 a new generation of celebrities, count’em 80, singers, actors, and the like–joined by some old school participants from the first recording, have gathered to do a remake of the original song We Are The World. This time money raised will go the benefit the survivors of last month’s devastating earthquake in Haiti. The organization is We Are The World 25 For Haiti.

“You have to think about yourself, because no one wakes up in the moring with you on their mind.”~Attorney Allie Latimer

Allie Latimer is a living American shero who counts among her many educational, civic and professional  achievements, the fact she is the founder of the national organization Federally Employed Women (FEW).

FEW is an advocacy group established in 1968 to improve the status of women employed by the Federal government and by the District of Columbia government.Membership in this group has never been limited to simply females executives working in government. In fact the first National Treasurer was a male Lieutenant Colonel who could identify with the plight of women because of the situations he faced as a southerner. He worked with FEW until he was reassigned.

Attorney Latimer, a graduate of  Hampton Institute, now Hampton University;  with a law degree from Howard University School of Law, also holds an advanced research law degree, LL.M, from Catholic University. Allie Latimer earned  both a Master of Divinity (M. Div.) degree and Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) from Howard University.

Allie Latimer had attended college in North Carolina for a time before transferring to Virginia’s historic Hampton Institute. She returned to the state to practice law for a time.

Following her work in private practice in North Carolina Allie Latimer  joined the federal GSA  during the early 1970s as an Assistant General Counsel. In 2005 the State Of North Carolina recognized her legal work there and elsewhere

Ms Latimer organized the initially grassroots organization, along with June Chewning and Florence Perman. After convincing several of those with whom she worked the first chapter of the advocacy group was established in Washington, D.C.  Today there are more than 200 FEW chapters. when she, herself was employed by the General Services Administration (GSA).

In 1976 she left the General Services Administration in order to serve in the position of an Assistant General Counsel.

It was in 1977 Attorney Allie Latimer returned to the  GSA as the first African American female to serve in the post of General Counsel of a major agency. Ms Latimer worked in that post until 1987 when she moved on to serve as Special Counsel for Ethics and Civil Rights at GSA. She was Special Counsel for eight years leaving the position in 1995.

Allie Latimer has received numerous awards for her humanitarian contributions and her legal achievements.

It’s February in the United States and that means it’s time to celebrate the myriad contributions made by so many little known and well known people of black African descent.

It’s time to honor those who made it possible to change this country from the inside to a nation closer to living up to its creed of equality for all.

This time of year is the source of inspiration for young and old alike. It is a season to inspire black, white, yellow and brown to the highest ideals and levels of achievement despite overwhelming odds and seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

The most obvious history maker to be honored is our current president, Barack H. Obama, number 44 in the line up of presidents. Some say he is not the first black man to head our nation; they make reference to the Moors who ran the country in its early days.

Whether or not he is the first, we believe he will not be the last. Kind of like the winners of the Miss America pageant. There have been about a half dozen winners of black African descent to wear the coveted Miss America crown since Vanessa L. Williams became the first back in 1983, including the newly crowned 2010 winner Caressa Cameron.

Mostly it happens without much fanfare. Could it be we’re gaining some real progress toward making the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream a reality by judging individuals by the content of their character and quality of their intent? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if an event as important as our presidential election were as enlightened as a beauty pageant seems to be?

Celebrate, honor and respect the tenacity, intelligence, creativity and strength of a people who have more than survived the harsh history of the past to thrive, participate in and witness the history being made in modern times.

We want you to know and remember Martin Luther King, Jr was substantive, not just a dreamer. He was a strategist and a man of action who used the same principles as India’s Gandhi, to lead the greatest movement for equality and freedom the world has ever seen. There is a difference between non-resistance and non-violent resistance to evil acts.

The late Dr. King, a recipient of the Nobel Prize for Peace, inspired a national movement and a worldwide following.

This landmark presentation delivered by the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr describes the conditions that brought about the public demonstration by thousands of Americans, of all races and religions, to change the policy of the times. He implores the government to remove the barriers that limit freedom for anyone who is not white.

He expresses the purpose for the gathering. He eloquently explains what is desired by the national black community.

Note how he predicts continued unrest if the demand for equal rights is not adequately addressed and soon. The philosopher reminds those who protest the racist policies to remain peaceful but steadfast. King also speaks of the interconnectedness of both blacks and whites.

And in the end he describes his dream and his hope the nation will live up to its full promise allowing freedom to ring from every mountain, village, hamlet, city, and state.

Mostly this bad behavior is from the so-called “loyal opposition”. From what we’d previously observed the Republicans in the Congress know the rules and the policies. That’s how they always manage to best the Dems at the game.

This lapse in socially acceptable, good behavior, gives us reason to believe the Democrats may have a shot at growing a spine or having one implanted if the official GOP reps continue to act out.

Last week during President Obama’s very first State Of The Union Address a federal Supreme Court justice was seen mouthing an opposing reaction. Traditionally the justices of the court are to remain impartial. That means no public demonstration of support or opposition to anything the president says during the SOTUA.

Of course the lack of impartiality became very apparent during the selection of George W. Bush in 2000 when the court took sides and chose Bush over Al Gore; we think this happened because the decision was based on who arrived at the courthouse door first. In this case it was BushCo.

Last year during a speech to the Congress some representative could not control himself and blurted out from the audience calling the president a liar. He later apologized. No apology would be necessary if he did not demonstrate such blatant disrespect

Where do these people think they are? The UK? The Parliament or the House of Lords? Shouting and calling out at the administrative leader is what is done across the pond. It is not good form in the U.S. of A.

We’ve noted many have expressed their rudeness and disrespect for our current president. Jimmy Carter says the maltreatment Barack Obama is receiving is because he’s black. Perhaps. It may also be a sign of the frustration of the times. Our country is in a mess. It isn’t his fault. It was like this when he came into office.

Mark Fiore, political cartoonist gives his version of the president giving a speech….

This piece which uses some outstanding trick photography, is by Joezjny a comic filmmaker on the Dutch Comedy Central…remember it’s only a joke.

We found this piece called “How To Report The News” by British journalist and writer of satire Charlie Brooker to be comical as well as  informative.

Fellow bloggers–especially those who produce online videos, please take note…

Bachmann was rude and disrespectful to Senator Specter. She continuously interrupted him, and when he requested she allow him to speak she continued to talk over him.

We understand she was ecstatic about the victory of Scott “I’m-Pimping-My-Daughters-Worldwide” Brown, that Republican male model guy who won the Massachusetts senate seat held by the late Ted Kennedy for forty years. Brown won election  over the Princess of Entitlement Martha “I-Don’t-Know-Nuthin’-About-Nuthin’-Not-Even-The Law- And-I’m-The-Head-Lawyer-For Massachusetts” Coakley.

We will also add the defeat of Coakley by Brown is really nothing to brag about. Brown’s victory over Coakley is like stuntman Steve-O beating out Lauren Caitlin Upton, Miss South Carolina Teen USA from a few years ago in a speech contest. It’d be real easy for Steve-O to win. There only competition is who is the least inarticulate.

We understand there is a difference of opinion considering Specter left Bachmann’s party to return to his roots in the Democrat party. However Bachmann, junk yard bulldog in lipstick and heavy make-up, that she is could give a shot at being civil. Tone down the hyperbole and the histrionics to

However there is no excuse for behaving in an unseemly manner.  There is something to be said for the many years the 80 year-old Senator has been in politics, the years in the Senate and the roles he has played in major historic events

Bachmann badgered Specter until the elder statesman had to remind her to behave like a lady.

If this newest of the female Republican firebrand isn’t careful she could end up like the late, great for 15 minutes, former congresswoman Katherine Harris of Florida..tossed away like a used Kleenex.

At 9pm Eastern Time the president’s vision for the future of the country will be televised live from the capitol in the capital city Washington, D.C..
He will be describing his plan to deal with unemployment, health care, and the  wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

One of the topics to be presented the budget, has already been previewed by the White House Press officials. We believe the term “limited spending” would have been a better choice to describe the new budgetary spending restrictions rather than the word “FREEZE”. Whether we agree with the decision to do this or not is not the point.  We’re talking saleability of an idea.

“Limited spending” would have been a more accurate term and would given less of an opportunity to the simpleminded among the opposition; the opposition of questionable loyalty and those in the public who support them,  to seize on any phrase or word to help them  paint a negative picture of this current administration’s competence. Why wittingly or unwittingly provide ammunition for their criticism?

We found this delightful parody of America The Beautiful written by the Salty Droid. The original lyrics written by Katharine Lee Bates were penned more than one hundred years ago in 1893.

Today, ten years into the 21st Century, we believe the parody may be more fitting for the current State of Our Union

….it’s certainly funny enough and we believe we could use a few laughs right about now…

America Doh Beautiful (sing to the tune “America The Beautiful”)

Doh beautiful, in our narrow minds,
Big waves of subsidy corn,
For massive sprawl, and fat behinds,
And our “secret” love of PORN!

America! America! All ignorant in glee,
We crown ourselves … and call it good,
singing ME ME ME ME ME.

Doh beautiful, are the uninsured
Their fear, and pain, and stress
A “lesson” for the working poor
and their worthless worthlessness!

America! America! Let’s deny our ev’ry flaw;
We’ll sing dumb songs, and move along,
protecting rich men from the law!

Doh beautiful, gold credit cards,
Because I can’t quite buy this yet.
Oh what the fluck, I got some “needs”
and someday YOU will pay for it!

America! America! Sham wealth is all we need,
More fake tits, and more fake lips,
from $EA to FAKE-Shining $EA.

He offers his ideas for a game show that could become popular with television viewers all across the United States….are you listening NBC?

With marriage under attack in states all over the nation from California to Massachusetts we think Mark’s cartoon idea could bring the country together….it may even help conservative Republicans see the error of their ways. It could be insightful for those Christian Rightists who demand strictly by the book adherence to the spiritual laws so often touted by conservatives.

If that non-event had not taken place–after all no one was seriously injured, nonetheless the American flying public is afraid because of what did not happen; then we would not have heard Senator Lautenberg of New Jersey complain about the weak punishment for Haisong Jiang, 28, of Piscataway, NJ who “breached” a lame security area at Newark Airport. Haisong Jiang, a graduate student at Rutgers University, only wanted to kiss his beloved good-bye as she was on her way to California after a holiday visit with him. We wish him success in defending himself against the charge. We hope his community will provide the best legal mind available to insure his bright future.

Too bad the TSA and the airport security video recording system did not capture the man’s infraction. It was only after a person who witnessed the breach reported it to a TSA security person Ruben Hernandez of Newark, NJ that the airport officials found their video system was streaming live pictures only. They had to hope they could retrieve pictures from another source.

And for reporting the alleged breach, now called defiant trespass, Ruben Hernandez, a TSA employee for the past two and a half years, who received a commendation for his performance of his duties and responsibilities is rewarded by being made the scapegoat for this episode of “Illusion Of Security”. We like this term better than the “Security Theater” because theater is entertaining. Illusion is deceptive. We believe the whole Transportation Security Administration is another example of the government’s successful “Illusion Of Security” plan.

If Ruben Hernandez, a man considered to be a good and reliable TSA employee, had not responded to being called away from his post, upper management TSA officials say it’s likely Haisong Jian would not have successfully been able to bid his love farewell in the designated restricted” area of the terminal.

We believe in personal responsibility. We believe in accountability. That is why we say if the Transportation Security Administration under the control of the Homeland Security Department had been more vigilant and cooperative with the Federal Bureau Of Investigation (FBI) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the National Security Agency (NSA) neither Haisong Jiang, 28, of Piscataway, NJ, nor Ruben Hernandez of Newark, NJ and Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab of Nigeria would probably been associated in this way.

It would be hilarious if it not for the possibility our future may be policed in every aspect. Our lives could be over turned and disrupted for the sake of providing security. Our privacy destroyed.

Imagine driving across town and being stopped several times en route to have your vehicle searched and your person patted down. Routine security checks would be the norm when traveling by train in the city, from one city to another, from state to state, not because the authorities are searching for a fugitive, because this is how your safety is manifested as the priority of law enforcement.

It begins with complying with the request for personal information when it isn’t necessary to provide it. Once we, the public, are trained to be accepting of such requests, and we’re almost there–why does Wal-Mart need your identification when returning an item for refund? They did not require it when you made the purchase either cash or credit card…we will be totally under the control of whatever power that rules for whatever purpose they choose.

Who among us truly believes the TSA’s statement
“Your safety is our priority”?Watch Part 1 of this video to see what the TSA is up to in Detroit.

Everyone wants to believe the  TSA  really functions well despite what we have seen based on our personal, eyewitness observations at various airports around the country.

Based on what we’ve heard in the news reports we’re thinking the federal government has pretty much covered the market for incompetence when it comes to keeping American travelers safe in airports as well as in the air.

See Part 2 and Part 3 at Sam Dodson’s blog.

I’m having trouble understanding how until last week’s powerful earthquake struck in Haiti, most of us in the Western hemisphere thought it was no big deal for the people there to live as they have all these years in heartrending poverty and squalor. In fact many Americans did not know such a place exists. I am confident when I say many can not point to it on a world map. Of course considering many Americans do not know where they are, it is not surprising to know they can not identify the location of the object of this outpouring of human concern.I believe Mother Earth rebels against the way she is treated with a display of natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions,  tornadoes, hurricanes, and tidal waves. Earthquakes are not the least of these rebellious displays.

When such natural events occur all of us become re-connected with our humanity. We help because but for grace it could be us. It is a great outpouring of love for our fellow humans following a major disaster.

For years the Haitian part of the island of Hispaniola has suffered nearly every economic and social calamity known to man wrought by man. Few if any cared to help stem the rising mortality rates, levels of hunger and sickness.; except to vacation and purchase native art and return to the U.S. to tell of the weather, the scenery and the devastating poverty.

Some return to talk of the bargains in jewelry, fragrances, liquor and slaves. Yes, for a small  tidy sum one can purchase a personal slave.  It’s not well known in the U.S. that Haiti is one of many nations where criminals are dealing in human trafficking.

Now in the new year 2010 as a result of the powerful earthquake that struck the country last week, we have two former American presidents raising money for Haiti. During both their administrations they did little to help change the destiny for the good of hundreds of thousands of inhabitants of the island nation. One of these presidents two did whatever he darn well pleased during his stolen presidency. I am very confident he could have provided more financial aid to the people of Haiti B.E (Before the Earthquake).

We have numerous celebrities rallying for the moment to help Haitians who survived the disaster. This will enhance their tax status deductibles and provide the all important public exposure for something other than public drunkenness or sex scandal.

All of our co-workers and associates who are of Haitian descent with current family connections to the island are now in the spotlight. Some of them are people who have been all but ignored by the same folk who are rushing to give, give, give to Haitian relief.

While the majority of the countries in other hemispheres are sending large sums of money, medical supplies, fresh water, and food, the United States government officially is sending a pittance of financial support and plenty of military personnel to maintain the peace; because after all “when a disaster of this kind occurs there will be looters and those who will wish to take advantage of the situation”; malingerers, and thieves such as the ones we saw in New Orleans in the aftermath of the hurricane Katrina. You know people looting food and diapers and water to help their families survive. You know people being shot because they are in the way of the military personnel who want to do what soldiers do.

In July of 2010, six months after this tragic event will we still be consumed by concern for the people of Haiti?  When all the scam artists have squeezed as much money from the public as possible will we still want to pray for and send help to Haiti?

I know many of us will continue to express our compassion and our love by collecting food, clothing, money and insuring it is distributed to the proper channels. Many will do all they can to be certain the resources go where they will do the most good.

Every ad I see or news story I hear further publicizing the need for donations to the Haitian survivors of the earthquake, causes me to wonder “Will we still love them tomorrow?”

Think about that for a minute.  The man is the spokesman for millions of people who tune into his program. Millions of people who are faceless.

We also decided that his statement about the fact the other nation that shares the island of Hispaniola, the Dominica Republic is thriving because in his estimation, they did not make a deal with the devil. WE beg to differ with Pat Robertson.

In fact we found a letter, allegedly from Satan stating exactly the reasons why Robertson is o wrong….

Dear Pat Robertson,

I know that you know that all press is good press, so I appreciate the shout-out. And you make God look like a big mean bully who kicks people when they are down, so I’m all over that action.

But when you say that Haiti has made a pact with me, it is totally humiliating. I may be evil incarnate, but I’m no welcher. The way you put it, making a deal with me leaves folks desperate and impoverished.

Sure, in the afterlife, but when I strike bargains with people, they first get something here on earth — glamour, beauty, talent, wealth, fame, glory, a golden fiddle. Those Haitians have nothing, and I mean nothing. And that was before the earthquake. Haven’t you seen “Crossroads”? Or “Damn Yankees”?

If I had a thing going with Haiti, there’d be lots of banks, skyscrapers, SUVs, exclusive night clubs, Botox — that kind of thing. An 80 percent poverty rate is so not my style. Nothing against it — I’m just saying: Not how I roll.

You’re doing great work, Pat, and I don’t want to clip your wings — just, come on, you’re making me look bad. And not the good kind of bad. Keep blaming God. That’s working. But leave me out of it, please. Or we may need to renegotiate your own contract.

Best, Satan

LILY COYLE, MINNEAPOLIS

“The reader is a hand held or fixed-mount device that emits electromagnetic (radio) waves. These waves can range from one inch to 100 feet and are dependent on power output and the radio frequency used.”

Verichip has also developed technology for use on humans. Now through the magic of science your entire medical history can be imprinted on a chip the size of a grain of rice…in Japan the scientists there have made a chip as tiny as a grain of sand.
As announced on the Verichip web site this is

“the nation’s first and only microchip cleared for patient identification by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration”

Sounds really convenient, yes? As with all great inventions someone will some how manage to corrupt its use for the “bad side”….Hmmmm

So while you’re concerned about paying your mortgage, keeping a job, nurturing your children, getting an education watching the dramas unfold that include health care legislation, Tiger Woods infidelity scandal and the Late Night TeeVee host wars some person with a high powered rifle may inject you with a chip to track your every move…..

Robertson recently announced on the religious television variety/talk show The 700 Club that the disaster in Haiti is the punishing curse the result of a pact made with the devil some years ago by the Haitian people (??) during the war for liberation from the French under the Emperor Napoleon. This is Robertson’s lame atteempt at revisionist history.

Limbaugh has suggested the recent natural earthquake disaster which has decimated the island nation has helped to enhance the image of  U.S. President Barack Obama. Among Limbaugh’s ridiculous remarks, the big man on the radio says the earthquake has played into Obama’s hands, allowing the president appear “compassionate” and “humanitarian” while simultaneously bolstering his standing in both the “light-skinned and dark-skinned black community in this country.”  The last part is a riff on the factual statement recently made by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, (D. Nevada). [In describing then candidate Senator Obama's potential marketability to the American voters he said obama is a light skinned with no Negro dialect unless he wants to have one.]

We believe neither Robertson nor Limbaugh should complain because the United States has sent its military to Haiti to help keep the peace. All the other nations of the world have donated humanitarian aid such as medicines, doctors, food provisions, money; from China to Germany, from Spain to Ireland; from France to Mexico all have given aid that does not include a military presence.

The United States has continued its tradition of sending its military to intimidate  and control Haitians, a policy established when the U.S. made that great real estate transaction with the French government more than 200 yuears ago known as the  Louisiana Purchase which today is now 13 American states.

We believe the nutty preacher and the really big guy on the radio, clearly a very odd couple,  have no reason to complain. Our U.S. government are doing what it has always done in Haiti.

If you wish to help the survivors of the Caribbean disaster make donations
to Yele Haiti the fund organized by Haiti’s musical gift to the world Wyclef Jean.

We moved our money sometime ago upon the advice of a family member who survived the last Great Depression. Since we’re not making any great amounts of interest on our money that Mason jar in the backyard is a pretty secure place to stash our cash!

InterPol is an organization comprised of international police forces from 188 member countries who share their data base with one another in order to capture terrorist, child pornographers and other big time, worldwide criminals.

If you are one who believes the President has given InterPol the authority to arrest and investigate Americans on American soil you need to read this statement from the National Rifle Association, (NRA). They with reasoned conclusions put this entire camflamma into proper perspective and shut down the major bone headed conservative rumor mills PDQ!

We recognize these laws are targeted at the mostly female population who are employed as sex workers. Everyone knows it’s a rare john who brings protection and if he does he is concluded to be someone looking for gay sex.

The self-righteous city officials and law enforcement professionals of New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. along with those in certain cities in Nevada, claim condoms in the purse or on the person means that individual is selling sex.  Law enforcement authorities take the use of condoms and other safe sex devices as evidence to often justify arresting or prosecuting someone for prostitution. They are also known to confiscate
and destroy condoms and other safe sex materials found in the possession of health care workers who administer to the street sex workers..

In our opinion a sex worker who has the public’s health safety in mind by using condoms is far more desirable than some gendarme who wishes to make the individual vulnerable to death and disease by taking away their protective work gear.

We say legalize prostitution. After all– anyone who is employed as a sex worker is at least employed.

Using the fictitious Bailey Building financial institution, a character in the beloved Frank Capra film “It’s A Wonderful Life” this modern day group of friends encourages us to move our money in 2010. Watch the video below:

They realize Washington is caught in the paralysis of analysis to do anything to help hardworking Americans. They realize the paralysis is induced by the sleazy lobbyists for the skanky bankers and in the industry, and their supporters in the administration, who wish to continue to do business in the same way under the guise of having made inadequate, ineffective change using smoke and mirrors.

We know Skank of America is promoting itself as the community bank with its 1.5 trillion dollar investment in communities over the next ten years.  We expect to see the other mega corporate financial institutions– the ones deemed too big too fail, begin the same kind of public relations campaign. The money is needed today to stabilize and rebuild the communities decimated by the actions of the “Mr. Potters” at Skank of America, Citi-skank and Wacky-skank.

Keep an eye on those credit unions, too. Make certain they do not begin to make policies that copy those of the mega corporation banks as smaller credit unions get swallowed up by larger credit unions.

Do what you can. Do what you will. Resolve to Move Your Money in 2010 to community banks.

We just read an article written by Mike Adams who is known online as the Health Ranger. Mike’s salient explanation of how a bomb of the type it is said Mutallab was packing works seems as plausible as the explanations being given to the gullible American public the last three or four days.

Here’s what Adams says…

“Had this explosive packet actually been set off, I can tell you exactly what would have happened: There would have been a really loud pop, immediately followed by in-flight pieces of exploding butt cheeks.

I’m not trying to be funny here. This is a true description of the way bombs work. They explode outward, destroying whatever is closest to them first. And this guy actually had this bomb wedged in between his butt cheeks. A sort of “wedgie bomb”, if you will. A wedgie with a bang….”

And this is the most important point of Adams’ article:

“Think about it. In World War II films, you know how you always see brave soldiers throwing themselves on an enemy grenade to protect their squad buddies? That actually works because whoever is on top of the grenade absorbs the explosion. It’s basic physics…”

Instead of being the villain it’s possible to spin this story so that Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab is the lifesaving hero and not the blood thirsty bumbling teevee sitcom terrorist he’s being made out to be.

Hmmm now that’s something to think about.

Contemplate these questions too

Are American still too gullible and easily manipulated by the government and the media? Have we lost our ability to think independently? Is this another plot by the government to keep us livning in fear…remember shock and awe..?

After it was reported the Christmas Day bomber, 23 year-old Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab, had fashioned the explosive into the shape of an extra long penis, the TSA has been inundated with applications for employment by females wanting to work as security checkers at the gates.

TSA is considering hiring these females because it believes men might not look at the penis closely enough to determine if it is real or not.

TSA is also now warning to beware of terrorist bombers with plastic breasts, amputees with fake legs and anyone with excessively long fake nails. All of these items can be lighted and used an endangerment to the flying public.
It’s also being reported Al Qaeda has adopted as its anthem the song, made popular by Jose Feliciano and later by the Doors, “Come One Baby Light My Fire”.

From all of us to all of you……
best wishes for a very Merry Christmas!

Word on the street is one, as yet, unidentified female has filed a class action lawsuit against PGA legend and sexual Hall ‘O’ Fame playa Tiger Woods.

The law suit is being filed on behalf of all the women who want a chunk of Woods’ one billion dollar worth. The onus is on Woods, the champion professional golfer and married legendary cheater, to prove he did not sleep with *all women.

* The world’s total female population is more than 3 billion. It is estimated there are more than 6 and a half billion people on the planet.

The law suit filed in an unnamed U.S. court jurisdiction asks that  all women  be entitled to a portion of Tiger Woods’ assets unless he can prove he did not sleep with them.

As with the weapons of mass destruction it is hard to prove that what did not happen, did not happen, especially because it could ‘ve.

Some enterprising individuals are now printing slogans on tee shirts in expectation of great sales. The front of the shirt reads “I Slept With Tiger Woods” and on the back it reads, “It’s time to collect, Baby!”

In the media this is being called the ” ‘Ho’ Down Shake Down ”

Stay tuned folks as the thick plottens….

Rivera, the mother of two, became blind due to a rare disease called uveitis.

Fortunately, Dr. C. Michael Samson, his fellow Dr. Vincente Diaz, and their surgical team at the New York Ear and Eye Infirmary (NYEE) were able to restore the young woman’s vision.

Watch the following video to see and hear Rivera describe the first time she saw her daughter….

One of our favorite political cartoon creators, Mark Fiore, has  a view of the matter with which we agree. Take a look and be aware of what looms ahead for you with or without a credit card this shopping season and beyond.

Maybe Christ’s questions although determined to be disruptive were appropriate considering who Jesus Christ is.

We were among the thousands who wrote to the president asking him not to commit more troops to the war in Afghanistan.

We are among the millions who know there is more to this story than meets the eye.

We heard Mr. Obama’s elegant and eloquent obfuscation of the facts. We heard him say the security of the United States is at risk.

Hmmm, that sounds to us like they have something in Afghanistan, like the Panama Canal, or the oil in Iraq, vital to our existence. It sounds like they have something we want. It sounds like the usual spin on the facts. Something belonging to another sovereign nation must be confiscated by our military in order to further the U.S. goal of world domination.

Tell the truth Mr. President. We implore you! The true reason for the surge in Afghanistan. Tell us the truth about the strategy to take what does not belong to us. Tell us the truth about minimizing the sovereignty of another nation. Didn’t we do this already in Iraq when our troops invaded in 2003?

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

As we look back on that fateful night in November 2008 when Barack Obama won election we realize the surge in Afghanistan announced this week is not what we bargained for.

We did not elect Obama to give us more of the same. The language of President Barack Obama’s speech  is the same as predecessor George W. Bush when he determined 30,000 troops, the same number as for Afghanistan, would be the number of troops needed for the 2007 surge in Iraq.

Many  voters, young and old alike believed you would bring us change and hope for our future. We believed you when you said your administration would not conduct politics as usual.

The only change we can see is the color of the leader of the free world. Although you are considered to be an iconic leader of the nation, an icon for the planet, you are not living up to the expectations or the promises you made to all of us young and old who believed you…at least as regards the warring nature of our country.

President Obama is better than most American politicians. He’s told half truths and not complete lies.

We do not believe the military commitment to Afghanistan will be for 18 months. We believe it will be as you stated your opponents’ wish an engagement lasting for many  years into the future.

The millions of lives that will be lost as a result of your devastating decision to send more troops to Afghanistan is just the tip of the iceberg.

For years our expert military generals planned strategies to roust the Soviets from the same area. Karma dictates the former Soviets, now Russians, will pay back American generals for the terrible time given them when they were in Afghanistan for eight years. This could become even more of a boondoggle  entanglement than Viet Nam.

We are extremely saddened to realize you are the same as your predecessors. You are not our man. You not a man of the people. You have proven yourself to be their man. You are one of them.

Given the choice between John McCain and Barack Obama perhaps we should have gone with good old Johnny and Sarah the Terror instead of Barry and Joey.

During the past month more than 25 Georgians have been briefly detained in South Ossetia and Abkhazia for border violations. These actions are straining tempers which flared over a year when South Ossetia was the focus of a five-day war between Russia and Georgia.

All except the teenagers have been quickly released. South Ossetia says the Red Cross has been given access to the teenagers. As representative  of the EU and Sweden, Reinfeldt urges the Ossetians to release the teens.

The European Union president has also denounced the Azerbaijan court’s decision in the case of two bloggers.

On Wednesday, November 11, 2009 Emin Milli received a sentence of 2 years 6 months and Adnan Hajizade, was sentenced to two years for their part in a fight in a restaurant last July. Some in Azerbaijan believe the young activists were arrested for their activism.

Even the EU presidency states its regret “the trial proceedings did not reflect due process and believes that the court decision may further undermine the freedom of expression” in Azerbaijan.

Prime Minister/President Reinfeldt has also spoken against the recent execution in China of nine people for their participation in the ethnic riots in Xinjiang last July. That’s when the Uighurs attacked majority Han Chinese in regional capital Urumqi after taking to the streets to protest against attacks on Uighur workers at a factory in southern China in June that left two Uighurs dead. The area is the Chinese-controlled far western majority Muslim region.

Reinfeldt condemned the executions calling on China to abolish the death penalty. it was concerned about the way the trials were carried out.

“The EU calls on China to review urgently the cases of those who remain under sentence of death for their alleged involvement in this year’s unrest and for their sentences to be commuted.”

The Chinese foreign ministry responded with a MYOB statement. (Mind Your Own Business). In his comments Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang charged the European Union was interfering in China’s internal affairs.

“We are extremely dissatisfied,”

Qin said in reference to the remarks by Reinfeldt. The full statement and the news conference in its entirety can be found on the ministry’s website (www.mfa.gov.cn).

China is a country ruled by laws, carried out the trials properly, and no outsider has a right to get involved, he said.

Qin said China

“demands the European side stop making the same mistakes again and again, earnestly respect the principles of equality and mutual respect, and do more to benefit the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations,”

We’re wondering if the EU Presidency will be speaking out against incidents of injustice, human rights violations here in the good old U.S. of A, Incidents like those reports describing law enforcement personnel tazing defenseless elderly and the young; incidents where police attack citizens who generally pose no serious life ending threat to police …Hmmmmm gives you something to think about.

Send your donation of money, clothing, computers, other school supplies and food to:
Love and Charity Homeless Mission
1031 Douglas Avenue
Racine Wisconsin 53403
Or telephone: 262-634-7059 to offer your time to be a helper in whatever way you can.

Today as it has always been for the last 234 years, members of the Corps, the few, and the proud, have been doing what Marines have always done…secure the peace.

Happy birthday to you all.

Once a Marine, always a Marine.

Sempre Fidelis!

The All Saints Lutheran Church, 751 Dunlawton Avenue, in Port Orange, Florida, near Daytona Beach, Florida, will be the host of a program of hymn arrangements, quiet meditative music, and joyful uplifting music presented today, Wednesday, November 4, 2009 by Silver Keys Music at the lunch time hour.

Claire Arnold, pianist/organist and flutist Leanne Polhill are the featured musical artists in this mid-day concert being given in honor of Marian Michel and in memory of her late husband John Michel. The Michels, who celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary in June of this year, are  long-time supporters of the Healing Music Series.

“Music for Healing” is presented weekly and is sponsored by the Port Orange Ministerial Association.

If you wish you may help the local relief efforts, by using the offering plates in the rear of the nave; or if you wish you may make your contribution by check or money order payable to the Port Orange Ministerial Association.  For more information, call 386.761.9129.

Miracles Global, Inc is a non profit corporation begun by young
Jeffrey C. Jones.  Jones, a native of New Jersey, is the son of a successful businessman and a well known poet.

As Jones relates the moment he decided to do something to help others:

“On my 20th Birthday, I had an epiphany. I was no longer a teenager and began to think over my life. Eighty-five percent of my childhood was spent in Camden, New Jersey. I thank God for allowing me to survive and find happiness in such a negative setting. I thank my parents for protecting me from the harsh realities of life in that city.  Still, I knew that there were other people suffering. People who couldn’t say they had parents like mine. Individuals who couldn’t claim to have found happiness.”

Jeff Jones was inspired by his recollection of visits as a youngster to the Children’s Hospital Of Philadelphia (CHOP).  He recalls the disabilities he witnessed and the miracles of those disabled children reaching their full potential in spite of what seemed to others as negative circumstances.

Putting aside conventional wisdom, Jeff, with the support of his younger sister, Jade and their parents, established a non-profit corporation, Miracles Global Inc, with the purpose to help disadvantaged people everywhere by beginning at home in New Jersey.

Miracles Global Inc’s mission

“…to aid sick and disadvantaged individuals through the power of people, technology, and the internet.  We are living in a globalized world.  While technology is making things easier for many, the lack thereof proves as a disadvantage to many.  We wish to make this technology more accessible to all.  Imagine the prospects of a more connected world.  Imagine the increase of ideas that would come from new voices.  Imagine the future Googles, Yahoos, Apples and Microsofts that can come from giving someone else a chance.”

These may be lofty, idealistic goals. I believe they will succeed in attaining them. If you share their belief show your financial support; if you live in the area share some of your time. Let Jeff Jones and Miracles Global Inc know you wish to work with them to provide a better life for people around the world.

I love the idea of youthful optimism being directed in a productive constructive way. I believe this group of dedicated young folks will do well. They have chosen to express their gratitude for the good they have in their lives by giving to others their time and expertise. Together, with our help, they will access a brilliant future.

To contact Jeff Jones and his band of global miracle workers call 856-423-3790 or send check or money order to:

Miracles Global Inc
P.O. Box 134
Mickleton, NJ 08056

The unique characteristic of the heart was its size. It was big enough for little children, accompanied by their adult teacher or parent to walk through;  the tour through the heart intended to replicate the same path blood travels through the real thing. The path in the Franklin Institute heart was backwards. We would enter on the left side and pass thought the heart.  It was the opposite direction the life giving fluid flows in the real cardiac organ. Blood enters through the right ventricle of the heart. Ah, those were the days.

Fastfoward to the 21st Century.  October 17th 2009 a fascinating exhibit opens to the public for 18 weeks only.  It’s BODY WORLDS 2 & The Brain. This is the original exhibition from innovative anatomist Dr. Gunther Von Hagens who presented and astounded the world with Body Worlds. It is somewhat reminiscent of the anatomy of the human heart in the way a Toyota Camry Hybrid is reminiscent of a Model T Ford.Gunther Von Hagens uses a technique called plastination. To quote the promotional material for this amazing exhibition:

“BODY WORLDS 2 & The Brain presents a broad collection of authentic human specimens, and, for the first time in Philadelphia, a special presentation on the brain. Featuring some of the latest findings in neuroscience on brain development, function and disease, this exhibit will inspire a greater understanding of and respect for the mysterious world of the brain.

All specimens in BODY WORLDS exhibitions are preserved by the revolutionary process of Plastination, invented by anatomist Dr. Gunther von Hagens. BODY WORLDS is the only public anatomical exhibition associated with an established body-donation program.”

A word or two about the Fels Planetarium located in the Franklin Institute. The Samuel Fels Planetarium is the second oldest planetarium in the U.S. When you are in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area a visit to the Franklin Institute is incomplete without going to the Fels.

Seven years ago during a renovation, the original 1933, 40 thousand pound stainless steel dome was replaced with a lighter seamless 60 feet in diameter dome. The dome, the first of its kind in the United States, was made by Spitz, Inc  of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania.

The Franklin Institute’s Fels Planetarium boasts modern upgraded technologies including Surround Sound for the Sky Tonight and other astronomical presentations.

Next time you’re in the City Of Brotherly Love visit the scenic Benjamin Franklin Parkway with all of its beautiful museums. You’ll learn a lot.

The Unitarian Universalists Society’s Religious Education Committee’s successful Explorations collaborative, now presented on Wednesday evenings as the Wednesday Evening Explorations, (WEE), will be featuring two Life Long Learning series with Jim Strayer, biologist and lecturer, as moderator. Both programs will be covering the subject How Science is Done:Two Examples and will begin at 7pm. Contact 386-441-2811 or 386-672-2556 for more information.

First on Wednesday, November 4, Part 1 Joseph Priestley.
Joseph Priestly was a scientist who is widely known for his discovery of oxygen. According to the Wikipedia

“Priestley’s science was integral to his theology, and he consistently tried to fuse Enlightenment rationalism with Christian theism.[3] In his metaphysical texts, Priestley attempted to combine theism, materialism, and determinism, a project that has been called “audacious and original”.He believed that a proper understanding of the natural world would promote human progress and eventually bring about the Christian Millennium. Priestley, who strongly believed in the free and open exchange of ideas, advocated toleration and equal rights for religious Dissenters, which also led him to help found Unitarianism in England. The controversial nature of Priestley’s publications combined with his outspoken support of the French Revolution aroused public and governmental suspicion; he was eventually forced to flee, in 1791, first to London, and then to the United States, after a mob burned down his home and church. He spent the last ten years of his life living in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania.”

In the second presentation in the series How Science is Done:Two Examples, on Wednesday, November 11 Part 2 Masters and Johnson. Scientist Jim Strayer will provide information about William Masters, renowned American gynecologist and his research associate Virginia Johnson, psychologist; together they comprised one of the first scientific research teams to investigate human sexual response in the laboratory.

Alfred Kinsey, earlier, had conducted his controversial research through personal interviews.

The study of human sexuality, sexology, was an area mostly neglected by scientists due to provincial social conventions during the mid 20th Century.

Join the Unitarian Universalists for an evening of thought provoking topics. For complete details call 386-441-2811 or 386-672-2556

According to a recent report in the New York Times Business section,

“…there are more Americans 65 and older in the job market today than at any time in history, 6.6 million, compared with 4.1 million in 2001.”

That’s about 2 and a half million more than eight years ago. Hmmmm, I bet there’s a correlation between the fact President Dumbya was in office implementing new economic policies and enforcing previously established economic policies during the time the numbers of seniors remaining on the job was growing. You know the policies made by other administrations including, the administrations of his father George Herbert Walker Bush, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. Policies and new legislation that chipped away and successfully removed the safeguards to protect our economy. Safeguards, neo-cons call them restrictions that had been in place for as long as I am old.

Many of those older workers were looking forward to retirement. Now because the economy has underperformed and their 401Ks have decreased in value older parents, other relatives, neighbors and friends are still doing as the children say their “grind”.

At least those folks have gigs. The New York Times reports there are about 500 thousand older workers who wish to have jobs, and like everyone else who wants a job, they can not find work.

It’s interesting to note a goodly number of these older folks have taken on more debt than previous generations of older Americans while their job protections deteriorated.

“…the level of indebtedness among older Americans has risen faster than in any other age group, partly because so many obtained second mortgages to take money out of their homes.”

I guess they got all caught up in the hype; they believe the fantasy that housing prices would continue to skyrocket instead they have plummeted dramatically.

It will be interesting to see more fast food restaurant employees bonding with their grandchildren as they ask , “Would you like fries with that?”

National City Bank is finally manifesting the results of the merger announced last year with PNC Bank. All changes will be effective early in November 2009.

We’re not so sure this is a good idea. Right now our local National City Bank offers services and features we really like. This actual real life merger with PNC threatens to change all the things we like about National City and deprive us of the convenience of services we came to National City for in the first place.

For example:  we like the fact we currently have a personal savings account with National City with no monthly fee. Effective November 9, 2009 not only will our personal savings account become a PNC Bank personal savings account, there will be a monthly fee of $3 assessed. We’ll be closing that account on November 8th in anticipation the banking executives will on this point be keeping their promise to charge a monthly fee. We do not understand how the bankers have the temerity to charge us to keep a tiny portion of what we earn after we loaned them billions to stay afloat after they the experts blew all that money. We’ll be stashing the cash under the mattress or in a Mason jar in a secret spot in the backyard come November 8th.

Another subtle announcement included in the recently distributed “Dear Valued Customer” letter from Neil F. Hall, Executive Vice President, Retail Bank, PNC Bank, is on  Friday November 6, 2009, at 3pm on that day, not only will online banking and mobile banking be unavailable until 8am Monday; telephone banking will be unavailable until 6am on Monday; and branches will be closing for the weekend at 4pm. Balance information by way of ATM will be unavailable over the weekend. Customers will, however, be able to use PNC Bank Check Cards and Banking Cards.

In other words you’ll not be able to deposit your check if you have a paper check instead of direct deposit; if you have direct deposit you will not be able to verify the funds are in the account because…. the information will be unavailable through the usual electronic means until Monday morning.

We question the intention of the decision makers who chose to shut down everything early; especially since we found Neil F. Hall, sits on the board of some organization that calls itself the Consumer Bankers Association. We realize the name has not a thing to do with consumers and is all about bankers!

We say it would be far more prudent to wait two hours to shut down all of these features at 6pm…even waiting until 8pm to close the branches and go offline with these services in order to affect the changes in the technology for all forms of banking, branch, telephone, online, ATM, mobile in order to inconvenience fewer customers.

It’s true no one who will be banking with your firm will be happy about being unable to access the information for their accounts; essentially conducting transactions for in the blind for an entire weekend.

At least by  staying open a little later to accommodate your customers who still have jobs and receive paychecks you’ll be helping them get through the weekend as you prepare to do what you bankers do.

Is it asking too much for the PNC Bankers, James E. Rohr, Chief Executive Officer or Neil F. Hall, Executive Vice President,  to reconsider the inconvenience you will cause for the National City customers ?  Most of the customers, both current PNC and new from National City, are folks from whom you received a huge monetary bailout. How about cutting us a break fellas? We surely gave you  and those of your ilk one helluva break.

If this request can not be honored we’ll just take our banking business to some other financial institution.. preferably a strong, small, local bank that has a real genuine interest in the community in which we live and conduct business. Or maybe we’ll start a bank of our own!

If you or your family, friends or business associates are National City customers who are soon to be PNC customers, and you agree with uswe  would advise you to take your banking business to some other institution. We wonder if there are any left that sincerely care about the little banking customer?

“France has been with the No. 59 Brumos Porsche since the inception of the Daytona Prototype class in 2003. He was the first overall winner in the history of the class, joining Hurley Haywood in the No. 59 Fabcar for back-to-back victories at Homestead and Phoenix in 2003. He has co-driven the No. 59 Riley for the past two seasons with Joao Barbosa. His best finish since then was third in the 2009 Rolex 24, joined by Haywood, Barbosa and Terry Borcheller. A veteran of three different types of motorcycle racing – flat track, road racing and motocross – France drove in the KONI Challenge in 2002 before joining the Rolex Series.

France and Barbosa are currently eighth in the Daytona Prototype standings, only two points out of sixth. The 2008 winner of the Jim Trueman Award, France holds a 202-point lead over Rob Finlay as he bids to become the first two-time winner of Grand-Am’s  ‘Gentleman Driver’ award.”~ from news item August 2009.

The recent arrest and subsequent charges surrounding the adolescent episode of 44 year-old Jamison C. (Jamie) France, grandson of NASCAR founder,the late Bill France Sr., son of Jim France, founder of the Grand-Am circuit and cousin to Brian France, NASCAR CEO and chairman; reminds us of a scheme that might have been concocted by two characters from the Will Ferrell, John C. Riley film called “Step Brothers”. It’s the 21st Century version of “Dumb and Dumber” starring middle-aged men.

The film comedy is the story of Brennan Huff and Dale Dobeck two middle aged, very spoiled guys, who become competitive step brothers when their formerly single parents marry. We had no idea, in addition to being local ce-lout-brities big deals, a Hollywood film had been made about France and his step brother.

Jamison C. (J.C.) or Jamie France and his step brother, Russell Van Richmond were racing around the streets of Daytona Beach, Florida early Thursday morning in their expensive sports cars.  Both were charged with DUI, speeding and possession of illegal substances.

This story is so bizarre it caused the staff of YouThinkWhat to speculate along with our leader Henry T. Gandolph as to why a rich guy, who owns the Grand-Am car, a Brumos Porsche,  he and the team drove to win at least one victory this racing season; with one more race left, would choose to self sabotage a racing career. What would cause him to make the boneheaded decision to race on the Seabreeze Bridge in Daytona Beach, Florida after a night of partying?

Everyone knows, even tourists, the Daytona Beach Police are very vigilant for drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs late at night or early morning  coming across the bridge to the mainland at a high rate of speed, especially in the days leading up to what amounts to a local racing enthusiast biker “holiday” week of events.

In this part of Florida October means BIKE-tober Fest. It’s the time of year when bikers from everywhere come to Daytona to party. The City Of Daytona calls in law enforcement officers from all over the state just to keep the local residents and the visitors safe during this time.

Considering all the extreme safety consciousness of the authorities and  the Daytona Beach, Florida community why would a member of the town’s allegedly premier family flaunt such reckless behavior?

We’ve kicked this around and come up with what we believe is a plausible answer. Using the perspective of the screen characters, Brennan Huff and Dale Dobeck, mentioned at the beginning of this article. If you’ve seen the film you’ll understand the irrational logic we’re using to reach our unscientific, speculative conclusion.

The grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France, the son of Grand-Am founder Jim France; and cousin of Brian France chairman and CEO of NASCAR, is not comfortable being a driver on the Grand-Am circuit. The family has given him this spot in the family business in order to keep it all in the family.

He buys a car. They let him drive and let him think he’s captain of the team. He’s a co-driver with a guy who has trained and really knows and loves his job. We believe at this point, six years into driving and traveling the circuit, France is itching to get back to his decadent lifestyle. The cynosure to the Daytona Beach drunks, druggies and whores was desperate to return to his life before becoming a Grand-Am racing circuit driver.

On the circuit he has to stay morally straight, clean and upright. No booze, no drugs, what a drag. Drunks and druggies are not permitted to drive the circuit. Additionally they are disparaged by Brian France CEO and chairman of NASCAR which owns the Grand-AM.

Despite the fact there is a crew, a team of mechanics, engineers, drivers and man servants who wait on him hand and foot 24/7 who rely on him for a paycheck, France is self absorbed, self centered and conspires with his step brother to go out in a blaze of notoriety by doing some outrageous act that will get him suspended from the circuit for an undetermined amount of time, indefinite period,  forever, perhaps even for life.

In the deranged mind of this infamously shameful local slug-lebrity , thug-lebrity celebrity and his wanna-be step brother, the plan is logical because it serves his main intention which is to get back to all that hard partying and drugging he’s been missing. There’s a lot of catching up to do in that area.  The cost to him of $15K is like jukebox money; that’s the total fee for bail in this incident for him and his stepbrother. it’s the price of doing business to get out of racing. It’s way less than the cost of paying salaries in the off season or even for the last race of the season.

With no regard for those who are depending on him and only one race left the grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France, the son of Grand-Am founder Jim France; and cousin of Brian France chairman and CEO of NASCAR managed to disgrace himself, bring shame to his associates–his name is toxic to anyone who works worked for him who wishes to be hired by a reputable entity; the family and negative publicity to the family business Grand-Am and NASCAR . There are some who believe, as Henry T. Gandolph does, all publicity is good publicity when you are in business.

Win or lose he could have announced his departure from the circuit for less worthwhile endeavors. The mind mentally disordered by drugs often gives no consideration how his actions will affect, or disrupt the lives of others; and mostly he does not give a care.

Nonetheless this spawn of the France family has won the tri-fecta of stupid self serving decisions; he got what he wanted, screwed up several lives so he is further vilified by more people than already know him as a lout while garnering headlines around the world, the racing world that is, proving once again it doesn’t take a genius to bring the media to ones turf.

And so the grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France, the son of Grand-Am founder Jim France; and cousin of Brian France chairman and CEO of NASCAR,  will, if fortunate, live to see another day.

It will be interesting to see how the rest of the story unfolds. Will the judge favor France, like the bail that was set for $4500 for France and $10K for his step brother? Or will there be disparity of treatment because France is a bigger cheese than most who come to court in Daytona Beach, Florida. Stay tuned….mean while… (see next article)

The bold progressives over at the Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC) are celebrating and promoting a boost/shoutout they recently received from teevee commentator Rachel Maddow.

Last night on her highly viewed and extremely popular cable teevee program Rachel Maddow mentioned a petition begun by and being circulated by the Progressive Change Campaign Committee demanding an “up or down vote” on the strongly debated healthcare legislation.
Maddow showed the petition addressed to Senate Majority Whip Harry Reid, (D-Nevada),  on her program last night, which simply states the signers are giving an ultimatum to the Democrat senators. The signers of the petition agree those who support ” a Republican attempt to block a vote on health care reform should be stripped of their leadership titles.”

The PCCC says Reid was instrumental in returning Joe Lieberman to the Democrats’ caucus after he boldly endorsed  Republican John McCain for the presidency. PCCC believes Reid is obligated to lead the senators as his title suggests for the benefit of the voters who put him in office.

Democrats who side with Republicans on basic procedural things like allowing or denying a vote are behaving in a manner unacceptable to the welfare of the people.

Millions of Americans are without proper health care coverage; foot-dragging along with bureaucratic sandbagging is not what is needed when our people are in such desperate need.

The goal is to get 75,000 registered voters to sign the demand for a proper vote on the matter in the senate.
Visit the Progressive Change Campaign Committee’s web site to sign the petition and while you’re there make a donation. These bold progressives do good and important work.

“Allah have mercy on this rich boy who has never done anything in his frickin’ life except drugs and bad deeds. May he spend a long time in jail and have 10 poor families of Holly Hill, Florida and Daytona Beach, Florida inherit his fortune. He does not deserve a penny!

Lesson to all rich parents: Don’t give your kids a penny. Give your fortunes to institutions and poor people and let your children make their own fortunes.”
~ Mahmoud – Ormond Beach, Fl, reader reaction to news of arrest of NASCAR heir.

In the early morning hours of Thursday, October 8, 2009, in Daytona Beach, Volusia County Florida,  reliable sources report the grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France, the son of Grand-Am founder Jim France; and cousin of Brian France chairman and CEO of NASCAR; 44 year-old Jamie C. (J.C.) France,  was arrested and charged with speeding, DUI and possession of illegal narcotics.

When the story appeared online at the web site of the local newspaper this is the advertisement that briefly accompanied the local news story:

Someone in the newsroom of the Daytona Beach News-Journal Online replaced the scary mugshot of France with the BowFlex ad (wink! wink!). The person responsible for this made a poor, fatal, bad, unfortunate ad placement decision with reference to the news story about a guy who is such a loser he’s known as “son of Grand-Am founder”, “grandson of NASCAR founder” or “J.C. (Brian’s Cousin) France..”.

NASCAR owns the Grand-Am, and France’s father is the founder of the Grand-Am as well as an executive member of the NASCAR board; we believe those facts are the reason France has been suspended for an indefinite period. Word on the street is the suspension is for life. We’re going to make a prediction.

The staff of YouThinkWhat sees an intervention in Jamie C. (J.C. ) France’s future. We predict a drug intervention by the France family and true friends of the grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France, the son of Grand-Am founder Jim France; and cousin of Brian France chairman and CEO of NASCAR It’s a prediction we’d like to see become a reality.

To the France family and true friends of Jamie C. (J.C. ) France, the grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France, the son of Grand-Am founder Jim France; and cousin of Brian France chairman and CEO of NASCAR,  we say, “Lots ‘o’ luck with that! Like any American family dealing with addiction, you’ve got your work cut out for you.”  To which we also add:
” We’re very happy and extremely grateful he’s not our relative!”

We are glad our new president had the boldness, the confidence, to go to Denmark to pitch his and the First Lady’s hometown to the IOC,  we were especially moved by Michelle Obama’s impassioned talk including her own personal family experience with sports.

We are proud of the fine presentation given even though many of us at home knew there was very little chance the committee would select the windy city, Chicago, over the exotic location that is Rio de Janiero! Chicago blues, as internationally renowned as it is, is not sufficient to bring the world all at once to Chicago for the Olympics.

The irony of the presentation made by the US Olympic committee is  t during its sales pitch many of the speakers talked of the diversity and the distinct ethnic groups represented in the neighborhoods of Chicago; most of the people who spoke of these things were not diverse at all; in fact the thing that made the presentation so overwhelmingly incongruous was it was being made by our first American president of African descent. To us he seemed to be nearly pleading. He seemed to know as he spoke we are not really the shining exemplar our government wants  the world to see.

When we review and compare the offering made by the Brazilian Olympic Committee we see demonstrated in the Brazilian presentation and the presenters all the ideals the United States purports to be.

Don’t get our point twisted. Like us Americans the Brazilians are flawed. To us at YouThinkWhat they seem more realistic in how they deal with their deficiencies.

When the first Brazilian speaker used a graphic to detail where else in the world modern Olympic games have been held it became even more clear, Chicago has not a shot in this contest.  It was a kind of “When Harry Met Sally” moment. They had us at  “Hello”.

Of the twelve times the games have been held in North America, eight times the U.S. has been host to the games. No country on the continent to our south has ever held the games. That in itself is a compelling reason to choose Rio over Chicago.

The fact the chief economics official for the Brazilians spoke of the “robust economy”; and that there would be no new taxation on the people of the South American country that has rebounded from an economic disaster very similar to the one our nation is currently experiencing gave them extra points on our scorecard. Our guys spoke of how our government is going to provide funding for the international event. The Brazilians said they already have the money saved and allocated. No additional burden for their citizens required to put on the show.

Even without the bottom line budgetary considerations, or the facts of where these international games have been hosted in the past, who would, in their right mind choose Chicago, Illinois–The Windy City, over Rio de Janeiro- The Marvelous City?

We’ve been told by American legal experts of a particular political bent, it is useless to go after, say, Dick Cheney, or former President George Bush for crimes committed against humanity in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.We’ve been told it is unthinkable to prosecute George W. Bush for spying on American citizens, as well as unlawful kidnapping of American citizens and foreign nationals to secret locations around the world for extraordinary rendition for the purpose of torture and mistreatment to keep Americans safe (??)

Even President Barack Obama could very well go on trial for upholding the combative status quo in both Iraq, and Afghanistan. Let’s remember our man of change still has the power to spy on ordinary Americans.

The dogged determination of the flaky California judge and prosecutor with a big assist from the U.S. Marshall, the U.S. Department Of Justice and the U.S. State Department,  gives us the idea there’s good reason for GWB, Cheney, Gonzales, et al to be reclusive. They could at any moment become fugitives from the relentless, long arm of the law in America. How ironic that would be. The very laws they claimed for eight years to promote could conceivably come after them for crimes committed a long time ago.

Perhaps we might wait 30 years or so before they are abducted officially detained in order to be brought forward face the justice they deserve.

Imagine holding a trial for say Harry S. Truman for the nuclear attack on Japan, twice! Harry’s been dead a long time trying him in absentia would give new meaning to the term. We could go after President Lyndon Johnson, and Richard Nixon too, for their part in Viet Nam.

Bush, Cheney, Truman, Johnson, Nixon, Obama would be in a class superceding the ranks of Augusto Pinochet of Chile;  Slobodan Milosevic of Bosnia; Nicolae Ceausescu of Romania.

The prosecution of American presidents and some cabinet members, the former guardians of freedom, would bring shame and disgrace many years after their crimes were committed.

Tiger Woods is 33 years old. He is the married father of two children, a daughter and a son.

He is the world’s highest-paid athlete since 2002, even with the loss of the  General Motors’ Buick division endorsement package.  Retired NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan is second. Jordan earns $45 million yearly; the majority of his earnings from endorsements for the Nike shoe and sports apparel company.

Speaking of Nike….Nike, Inc’s Golf brand is a company that loves Tiger Woods. That is why they are happy to share the proceeds from the sales of Nike Golf products with him. Because his presence as an endorser of their golf brand has moved the company from start up to one of the fastest growing brands in the sport; they’ve even named a building after him at their company headquarters’ campus in Beaverton, Oregon.

He makes $3 million in appearances fees outside the United States.
He has more career major wins and career PGA Tour wins than any other active golfer. He is the youngest player to achieve the career Grand Slam, and the youngest and fastest to win 50 tournaments on tour.

Forbes estimates he had earned about $895 million before the 2009 season started.

All of these athletic and financial achievements are commendable. We desire to see, Woods, along with his celebrity counterparts who have so much more than any one person can use, use the surplus they have to help those who are less fortunate–not just especially during these challenging economic times but for all times.

The staff at YouThinkWhat has patiently waited to see if our guy in DeeCee would stop his foolish attempts to be loved by all, and simply show some backbone, aka strength of courage, to do what needs doing for the good of the nation. This has not yet happened.

We probably had a clue when we saw his choice of advisors; we noticed a few of his cabinet selections we from the group that has sadly got us to where we are today. We told ourselves he was just trying to be fair, showing equanimity in building his cabinet of secretaries. This kind of fairness is something we never observed during his predecessor’s administration.

As we move closer to the one year anniversary of the election of President Obama, we are dismayed to see he’s holding the line on nearly all the policies of the past administration. This, to us and to most Americans, does not signify change in any way.

We would be so bold as to suggest to the leader of the free world, as did Ray Hanania, American Arab columnist, author, standup comedian when he wrote, “Act like the public supports you, because they do, and they will stand by their president.”

To this we add, whether or not the public supported George W. Bush never stopped him from doing what presidents do. And that is American presidents do whatever they damned well choose to do! They are presidential!

We agree. President Obama is behaving, as Hanania described, like he is “…months away from a re-election and fears offending the public.” Just stop it.

We advise the president to stay committed to the public option for healthcare.

We say don’t go picking a fight with Iran or North Korea. Let those people have their nuclear weapons. They will feel they are on par with the big guys.
Heaven forbid if a serious disagreement breaks out they will feel they are on a level playing field.

Goodness knows for the previous eight years the world lived in fear of the  U.S., under the leadership of George W. Bush,  as it did its impersonation of a rogue nation with President Dumbya as the head rogue.

In fact since the end of World War II the nations of the world have always been bullied by and lived in fear of, the possibility of the U.S. unleashing the full force of  its awesome military power in order to dominate the world.  Let’s not go back to those days.

Our people need relief from economic turmoil, mental and medical despair. Our children need education and guidance to be physically fit and morally strong.

Drop those zeroes from the traditional school of politics as usual. Make amends. Go bring back the progressives who helped you win the campaign. They are the ones who will deliver the change you so eloquently spoke about last fall. They will help you make the change we can believe in a reality.

In other words we encourage Barack Obama to be the danged president and lead us, We The People, dog-gone-it. Opposing public opinion never swayed BushCo. Why would opposing viewpoints have any influence in the era of Obama?

You may want to read this article about how the so-called financial experts are once again making banking business decisions that prove they are better at making shoes than they are at making money.

There’s a fable called, “The Richest Man In Babylon”. The point of the fable is if you wish to have a lot of money do not take advice from someone who does not specialize in making money; ask the man who has a lot of money because he has expertise in successfully managing financial matters how you can get a lot of money, too.

Today, in the 21st Century the current crop of financiers has turned that fable upside down. You would be wise not to ask any of them how to earn a lot of money. They seem to be the ones who make choices that have them asking the public for more cash to subsidize their ventures. If you wish to learn how to steal money, rather than earn it, if you wish to become a thief or you wish to learn how to spend money needlessly, the guys on today’s Wall Street are the champion experts in  that area.

Some may wonder why we are so outraged by the actions of prosecutors in California, members of the federal justice department and the department of state. These authorities are upholding a thoroughly abhorrent American tradition in law enforcement. The long arm of the law has a very long memory. It was not so long ago in the United States where a slave was a slave forever. Operating under the rule, “Once a slave, always a slave”, despite emancipation by an owner in one state, one could always be arrested and enslaved again in another jurisdiction. America has a tradition of turning likely productive citizens into fugitives.

The timing of this arrest of Polanski and the ensuing attempts to have him returned to the U.S. could not have come at a worse time. President Obama is trotting all over the globe attempting to improve our image among the world community, when some bonehead judge, assisted by an equally incompetent prosecutor, in flaky California, decides his ego is too big to  let a 76 year-old man live in peace; he has to cause an international incident, disrupting the life of a great artist and his family in order to satisfy the arbitrary whims of government. This is major bullsnit and the whole world knows it.

We are happy and glad to know there are at least two countries in the world with the courage to speak up on Polanski’s behalf; of course doing so may very well cause the French government and the government of Poland to incur the wrath of the United States. As someone once said, “No good deed goes unpunished.” Especially when a not-so- super power opposes the United States of America in matters pertaining to liberty. We seem to think we’ve cornered the market in that area. Imagine that. The big lie appears again.

Polanski is in detention after Swiss police arrested him Saturday on an international warrant as he was arriving in Zurich to receive a lifetime achievement award from a film festival.

We say American authorities are foolishly belligerent about a matter that at this point is of no consequence. Samantha Geimer, who was the young girl involved in the sex scandal more than 32 years ago, has settled with Polanski for an undisclosed sum of money; she says she wants the case to be over. Are you listening Mr./Ms Los Angeles Prosecutor.

The original judge in the matter, who has been found culpable for his misconduct in the case–seems he agreed to a plea bargain and then tried to renege on the deal. This anti-judicial role model is dead.

We are appalled to know the current Los Angeles judge hearing the case, the one who refused Polanski’s request for the dismissal of the case, has a huge ego, no compassion and watches HBO dramatic presentations pertaining to the cases for research when making decisions which will influence the lives of plaintiffs and defendants whose case are brought before him.

As Blanche Africa Reilly Dark, mother of Clark Dark and a very wise lady would say, “Y’all need to stop it! Just stop it!”

We paraphrase the words of the late Godfather of Soul, “Give it up! Turn’im loose!” Free Polanski Now!

Recently we published an article about a Volusia County, Florida community service organization,  Family Renew , celebrating its 20th anniversary of providing help to homeless families with children.

We said the economic policy that has brought us to having a need, all around the nation, for  charitable agencies, like Family Renew of Volusia County, is the result of decisions made by the Republican Reagan administration. It was during the presidency of the 41st POTUS, Ronald Reagan, that policies based on supply-side economics were implemented thus laying the foundation for today’s economic debacle as predicted by economic experts more than twenty years ago.
In our opinion that is how we got here.

We received messages and comments from several readers who disagree.

One writer stated, “You neglected to mention the role William Jefferson Clinton played in further screwing up the American economy.”

True, we did not mention Democrat President Clinton’s not insignificant role when he successfully promoted and managed to get the North American Foreign Trade Agreement (NAFTA) approved he essentially helped to further decimate our strong American economy. Jobs, even jobs requiring college degrees, began to be performed at a lower rate by employees of other nations, leaving our citizens without work, thus without funds to support themselves and their families.

“You used a completely apolitical event to make a twisted political statement,” is how another reader viewed our report.

We vehemently disagree with this statement.  As we see it, if not for the avaricious economic policies of past administrations, Republican or Democrat, in an attempt to protect the banking/financial/business classes which are political–the politics of money and industry is really big and really important in our capitalistic society; we would not be celebrating the 20th anniversary of an organization like Family Renew of Volusia County Florida.

Another person wrote in to say, “It’s not just Republicans who make decisions that will make or break the majority of citizens. ”

Again, we agree. However, considering more Republicans have held the office of POTUS  than have Democrats, we are certain those who disagree can understand how we conclude the cause for our current situation lies at the feet of the Republican presidents of the past.

From another reader we heard, “There’s no point in playing the blame game with our country’s economic situation. It is what it is, and we’re goin’ down fast!”

On this point we do not agree. We believe in a positive future. While history shows it was a Republican administration’s policies which began this downward slide into the economic abyss, it has been with the assistance of a re-packaged Dixie-crat, dressed in modern day– 1990s clothing, that our situation has been been exacerbated. Accepting these facts are positive steps toward doing better.

The way we see it the facts prove this economic disaster, with its homeless families with children; seniors unable to afford medical treatment or proper medical insurance coverage; high levels of unemployment throughout all communities, is an all-American tragedy.

Everyone, politicians, Republicans and Democrats alike; anyone old enough to have voted in the elections over the last forty years, whether Black, white, Asian or Hispanic; main stream media, even bloggers like us– we are all responsible.

We are complicit in our complacency. The only sensible thing for us to do is to wake up, organize, develop a strategy to stand together as Americans to make meaningful change in how we run our government.

We, The People, are the government.

For those of you who wrote in with opposing opinions, you are welcome to comment again. Know we have been properly chastised and we look forward to hearing from you again.

HG

If you happen to be in Volusia County on Sunday morning around 10, on September 27, 2009, stop by the Unitarian Universalist Society of Daytona Beach in Ormond Beach to hear Betty Seibel speak about the Migrant Workers in the Pierson, Florida area.

Over the past few months, through the generosity of the UU members and friends, the congregation of the UUSDBA has delivered food, clothing and school supplies to the migrant families in Pierson, Florida.

“This initiative is very important because it responds to underpaid farm workers oppressed by the systemic injustice and those trapped in the shadow world of the undocumented representing modern slavery here in the U.S.” ~  Richard “Bud” Murphy,  Pastor, Unitarian Universalist Society Daytona Beach Area

Betty Seibel, whose given name is Elizabeth but perfers to be called Betty, is a Recruiter/Specialist with the Volusia County School System’s Migrant Program. Betty’s been associated with Title I programs in the Volusia County School System since 1984.

In her job Betty interviews the families who work in the fern industry in order to help in the process of advising them about the education of their children.

Betty also meets with Marcos Crisanto local coordinator of the Farm Workers’ Association in Pierson; she works in association with local groups which serve the farm workers; groups like the one from Stetson University, the Bonner Students who sponsor the Plaza Comunitaria. The Plaza Comuniteria assists the migrant farmers with computer literacy, English classes, tutoring and a host of other services to fulfill their needs.

Betty’s involvement with the Pierson local community service groups allows her to further interact with the families and witness first hand the immediate needs of the families and the groups that serve them.

In the words of Pastor Richard “Bud” Murphy, providing assistance to the migrant farm workers is a very important initiative. “because it responds to underpaid farm workers oppressed by the systemic injustice and those trapped in the shadow world of the undocumented representing modern slavery here in the U.S.”

Basically Betty’s working to unscrew the migrant farm worker families.

If you know of a family in the Pierson, Florida area, whose situation can benefit from Betty’s help contact her at esibel@volusia.k12.fl.us or by telpehone at the school office 386-740-0850 extension 22350; or write to her at Title I Migrant Services Pierson Elementary School, 1 West First Avenue, Pierson, Florida 32180.

And if you go to hear Betty speak on Sunday, bring a donation of food, clothing or school supplies. We’re sure Betty and the Pierson, Florida, community will appreciate your generosity.

We’ve been loathe to address the controversy created because Jimmy Carter, a former President Of The United States, had the temerity to calmly , “tell it like it T-I-S!” in reference to the overwhelmingly ridiculous criticisms being received by President Barack Obama for everything he and those politically associated with him, from his wife, First Lady Michelle, to White House staffers, political allies and cabinet members.

Before we invite you to watch this excerpt from a recent episode of Colbert’s late night comedy program, we wish to remind you other elected presidents of our country received scathing criticism from those who were opposed to  their administration’s policies as well as to the man in the White House.

We sense President  Barack Obama has been verbally dispraised from time to time for all of his years. It’s part of the territory when one is black in America. We believe for him it is like water on a duck’s back.

Watch the video. Enjoy a laugh.

When asked, a majority of these adults said they believe the tactics used by those who oppose the healthcare reform plan, as proposed by President Obama’s administration, are distortions being stated in order to frighten the public. Kind of like what was done last fall during the presidential campaign.

There are 47 million American citizens living without proper health insurance. A very small percentage of illegal persons are living in the United States without health insurance.

A majority of the people sampled in the poll said they believe  pronouncements such as “death panels”; “rationed healthcare”; “socialized medicine; with government-owned and operated health care for all”; “government money would be used to pay for abortions”;  “government money would pay for health care for illegal immigrants”; are made to obstruct the passage of legislation that will help our people.

One of our favorite political cartoonists, Mark Fiore created an animated expression of his observation of the controversy over healthcare reform.
Take a look.

Family Renew Community (FRC) is an organization, financially  supported by local Judeo-Christian faith based groups, whose mission it is to provide help to families with children who are without the stability that comes from having proper shelter.  The FRC will be celebrating its 20th anniversary this coming Sunday, September 13th 2009 with an all you can eat Ice Cream Social.
The annual event is being held this year at the Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida on Sunday afternoon. It promises to be a real fun wholesome family day with games, clowns, face painting for the kids and amusements for adults that include a silent auction and the always popular Elegant Junque table display from the Family Renew Community’s Secret Attic Thrift Store collection.

This price of admission is just $5 for adults and children over 12. Children under 12 will be admitted at no charge.

The work performed by Family Renew Community to help save families thus preserving our community and our future citizens is commendable.
Visit the web site to find out how you can help.

You may be able to inspire a child  who will work to make organizations like Family Renew Community unnecessary in our nation’s future.

It’s the 21st Century and ain’t has been in the dictionary for sometime defined as nonstandard English “a substitute for am not, is not, and are not in declarative sentences, ain’t is more common in uneducated speech than in educated, but it occurs with some frequency in the informal speech of the educated, especially in the southern and south-central states.”

We’re way past ain’t; we’ve got  Twitter, soz,  as well as that skimpy beach wear for men the mankini.

English our language grows and reflects the digital culture. and other interesting reported events. Here are just a few of our favorites:

Twitterverse: the social-networking site Twitter and its users

Twitter it’s a noun as in “What is all this fuss about Demi Moore’s denial of plastic surgery on Twitter?”;  or it’s a verb as in “Many large corporations have hired personnel to twitter about the company’s activities.”

pseudocide: John Darwin may now be wishing he had never heard of pseudocide as he sits in his prison cell; the canoeist faked his own death to collect a massive insurance payout.

beer o’clock:  We know people who’ve used this term for years. It’s the time of day when it is acceptable or customary to begin drinking your favorite alcoholic beverage.

boomburb:  a large suburb experiencing rapid population growth. Naperville, Illinois qualifies as one. It’s located in two different counties!

Ponzimonium:  financial turmoil in the wake of uncovering Ponzi schemes

frugalista:  a person who tries to stay fashionably dressed on a budget

homo economicus:  a theoretical human being who rationally calculates the costs and benefits of every action before making a decision, used as the basis for a number of economic theories and models

Example of using the terms in a sentence:  “Freda is a frugalista who is dating Herman whose friends describe him as the quintessential homo economicus. They met through a personals ad in the WSJ.”

“the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the employment situation report for August, which is the 20th month of the economic downturn.  The report showed an additional 216,000 jobs lost in August for a total of 6.9 million jobs lost this recession.

The good news is that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) is providing a significant boost to the labor market.  Over the last three months, the labor market has shed an average of 318,000 jobs per month.”

Basically the unemployed are not finding gigs; the speed of job loss has slowed.

14.9 million workers are  unemployed with about 5 million having been without employment for more than six months. That is more than the record set in 1983.

In July 2009 there was a slight decline in the unemployment rate. An unusually large number of workers dropped out of the labor force causing the numbers to ratchet back up during August.

EPI reports:

” …unemployment reestablished its steady upward climb in August, rising from 9.4% to 9.7%.  Unemployment has more than doubled since its pre-recession low of 4.4% in March 2007, and has nearly doubled from 4.9% at the start of the recession in December 2007.  While the unemployment rate has not reached its post-WWII peak of 10.8% at the end of 1982, the increase in unemployment over this recession — 4.8 percentage points — has far surpassed the overall increase of 3.6 percentage points in the recession of 1981.”

What they’re saying is we’re going for the record in this installment of capitalism it’s an adventure.

And as usual we can count on our government to tell us their version of the truth.  EPI found this fact:

“… the official unemployment count understates the slack in the labor market by counting neither those who want a job but have given up looking for work (‘marginally attached’), nor workers who are working but can’t get the full-time hours they want (‘involuntary part-time workers’).

There are currently 14.9 million unemployed workers in the United States, but if the marginally attached and involuntary part-time workers are included, the number swells to 26.4 million.  Currently one in six U.S. workers (16.8%) is either un- or underemployed.”

Always during these times as in the past certain groups are typically more affected than others. Those groups are racial and ethnic minorities, men, workers with lower levels of schooling, and younger workers.

Last month, August 2009 among Blacks and Hispanics the jobless rate was
about 28 %–15% and 13% respectively; while the rate among whites was 8.9%

More men were unemployed than women; and workers with high school education was more than twice that of those with college degrees.

For workers 16 to 24 the rate of joblessness was more than 18% and for those 25 to 54 the rate was about half; in the 55 plus age group the rate of unemployment was nearly 7%.

But wait…that’s not all…6.9 million jobs lost since December 2007, which is when the government says this recession officially began. Let’s not forget the population continues to grow.  To keep pace with population growth the economy requires two and a half million jobs for the period December 2007 through August 2009, 20 months of economic decline; that would be about 127,000 jobs each month.

The bottom line here is that when the Congress meets again next week the first order of business should be to extend the benefits for about 500,000 unemployed workers whose benefits will end September 30, 2009

Goodell personally met with Vick for about an hour in New Jersey. The news of Michael Vick being clearedto be fully reinstated came prior to the Eagles losing 38-27 to the New York Jets in their final pre-season game.

Goodell who originally said he might hold off on reinstating the former Atlanta Falcons star until Week 6 of the current NFL season, publicly announced the good news on Thursday, September 3, 2009 from the league’s New York City headquarters after meeting with Vick.

Eligibility to play in Week 3 required Vick be one of 53 players on the final team roster in order to practice before the game set in Philadelphia. That roster is finalized today.

According to Commissioner Goodell his decision to fully reinstate Vick, who is on probation after serving a 20 month sentence for his part in abusing dogs in a dogfighting ring, was based, in part, on input from Eagles’ coach Andy Reid regarding the quarter back’s progress with the team.

The Mid-Atlantic Dachshund Phest is an annual event, originally known as Bark in the Park, featuring wiener dog races, dancing dogs, photo opps with Santa, a special Halloween costume contest and doggie parades.

There is no admission charge; nor is there registration required for your dachshund pooch to compete in the two weiner dog races.

Dog owners, dog lovers, or if you just want to have a fun filled day with this breed of man’s best friend, visit the 8th Mid-Atlantic Dachshund Phest. All are welcome. It’s indoors.The event will be held rain or shine, and it’s free.

This very sweet production was one of the 2009 Cannes Lions winners.

The Cannes Lions is an award given during the International Advertising Festival (IAF). It’s a meeting for those working in advertising and related fields. According to Wikipedia it is currently the largest gathering of worldwide advertising professionals and advertisers.

Watch this classic tale of boy meets girl with a modern twist. Enjoy this diversion and enjoy the Labor Day holiday weekend.

Edward Kennedy will be remembered as the protector of the dream. This is a reference to the dream of the founding fathers of this nation as well as to the dream of equality spoken of by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Senator Kennedy was the legislative champion in the senate for the millions who are less fortunate in this country. He was the kind of senate representative who worked for the interests of the people he represented.

We are reminded of his frailty, his shortcomings by those who would discount the fact he did not have to work as diligently as he did for the people of Massachusetts or the people of the United States.

We have also been reminded by his loving family of the strength, the love and compassion he exhibited when faced with the challenge of being the patriarch–he almiost never missed a family event, including those for the children of his brothers, as well as his own.

Ted, as he was known by his colleagues and friends in the senate, was a tireless worker; even through his terminal illness he continued to promote the universal health care legislation which he advocated for nearly fifty years of his political career.

The name of Edward M. Kennedy can be found on hundreds of pieces of legislation from immigration, to education, to labor issues such as minimum wage and family medical leave laws; from legislation to protect citizens with disabilities to the much debated and still not yet passed law to provide universal health care for 47 million Americans who are at risk because they lack health insurance.

To members of the loyal opposition, Kennedy, who was a fiercely loyal Democrat,was admired and respected his work. He was passionate in his quests.  Edward Kennedy never made his attacks personal when debating laws. He was respectful, playful– an all  ’round affable guy to his associates in the senate.

Your job is well done Edward M. Kennedy. Rest In peace, Senator.

In Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, Spike Lee has invited fans of the King Of Pop to attend a celebration of his birth and his life. More than 10,000 guests are expected.

We invite you to remember Michael Jackson here in this video.

If you wish to hear the call go to Forty Days For Health Reform.

40 Minutes for Health Reform is sponsored by:
National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.; Progressive National Baptist Convention; Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism; NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby; United Methodist Church General Board of Church and Society; The Episcopal Church; Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference; Jewish Council for Public Affairs; Gamaliel Foundation; Faithful Reform in Health Care; Unitarian Universalist Association; African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME); The New Evangelicals; National Council of Churches in Christ; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; United Church of Christ; The Latino Leadership Circle; Christian Community Development Association; Islamic Society of North America; Washington Office of Women’s Divisions, General Board of Global Ministries, United Methodist Church; Jewish Women International; Islamic Medical Association of North America; Presbyterian Church (USA), Washington Office; Disciples Center for Public Witness; Disciples Justice Action Network; Catholics United; Faith in Public Life; Faithful America; PICO National Network; Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good; Sojourners

If you are a person of faith who wishes to be active in supporting comprehensive health care reform,  Sign The Petition.

Walk the walk that goes with the faith based language  you’ve been talking.

Get the word out to our leaders. Health care reform will benefit our entire nation. Our people must be strong and healthy to keep our nation strong. We must have proper health care reform and we must have it NOW!

Senator Kennedy, the youngest of the Kennedy brothers, died peacefully at his home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. He succumbed to brain cancer. He was 77 years-old.

Millions of citizens are without insurance. Living without health insurance is detrimental to anyone’s health.

This fact is a moral disgrace! It reeks of the kind of moral depravity we’ve read about in ancient times.

Late last night one of the most influential men  in the U.S. Senate, a man who has spent the last forty years of his life working to secure the rights–economic, health care and civil, for minorities and the less fortunate, died.

Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts always a passionate advocate for universal health care in this country declared last summer in Denver Colorado at the meeting of the Democratic National Convention, the issue of universal health care is the “cause of his life”.  He worked tirelessly for the passage of the legislation that will provide coverage for an estimated 46 million people for are now at health risk.

We urge all the congressional representatives, Democrat and Republican alike to do whatever is necessary to pass this important bill with the single payer option. Honor Ted Kennedy’s dedication to helping the less fortunate. We want coverage and we want it NOW!

Your tenure  in the United States Senate or the House of Representatives will definitely depend on how you vote on the universal health care bill. Make no mistake about that!

Where you stand on this matter, how you vote will be a major consideration as to whether or not you remain a player in the nation’s capital.

Take action to insure you are not among the future unemployed–we’ve heard this economic downturn may continue for a couple more years.

Our lives and the lives of our children depend on the passage of this bill. The future of our nation is dependent on  strong, healthy citizens.

Give Us Universal  Health Coverage NOW!

Watch his 1980 presentation, at the Democratic National Convention held in New York City, wherein he fully commits to continuing to fight for economic, health and civil rights for everyone.

Garret Keizer is now joined by Larry Flynt. That’s right, Larry Flynt, the publisher of Hustler has written an article in support of a general strike.

Many Americans  are beginning to feel similar frustrations expressed by the man, Joe Ferraro, aka The Nerd, who  said so when calling in a question to a Philadelphia radio talk show on which the president was appearing to answer questions about the health care issue.

We’re not just frustrated and upset about health care in this country, though it is an important issue. The heath care crisis  affects our elderly citizens and our youngest most vulnerable citizens. The children are our hope for the future. As well documented in recent news reports this is a great source of concern as well as frustration.

We’re getting batted around like a party pinata because of the inequality in the justice system; banks continuing predatory policies despite using our money to keep their failed enterprises afloat. The continuing housing crisis; or the uncontrolled use of tasers by police to exert their authorityl whether necessary  or not.   The crisis we face in employment with jobs being sent overseas. And we’re all fed up with politicians. Even the divinely eloqient Mr. Obama and crew.

Interestingly, Flynt has titled his piece “Common Sense 2009″. We have always thought it makes good common sense to hold a general strike to get the American public’s point of view across.

The last time this was attempted the momentum was built online by bloggers. There was support for a general strike from sites such as the Daily Kos.

There were different dates October 17th or November 6th or Black Friday…have a general strike once a month until the powers that be capitulate. It does not have to be a one time  event to be effective.

A series of protests to let the government know they must heed what we, the people, have to say.

People from every part of the country. Military veterans, school teachers, doctors, lawyers, blue collar workers, sanitation personnel, mothers, fathers. Everybody who has a stake in keeping this ship of state afloat should be in the streets to demonstrate we want meaningful change. Not rhetoric.

We can do something about this. We can organize peaceful, sensible, non-violent demonstrations. People around the world have organized in this way. Mexicans for more than six months following a presidential election they did not like. Ukrainians and others have carried on to get the attention of the oligarchs who control their country.

We, Americans, are capable. We can set a strategy to send a message to our government we will not be doormats any longer! We are mad as hell and we are not going to take it anymore!

The glove was a gift to Walter “Clyde” Orange of the Commodores back in 1983 at the Motown 25 tee vee celebration when Michael debuted the glove and his innovative version of the urban dance step, the moonwalk.

Orange says he hopes the glove will find a home in the Rock And Roll  Hall of Fame for everyone to see the accessory that accompanied Jackson as he catapulted to international fame as a solo act.

When Vick suits up with the Philadelphia Eagles he’ll be wearing the number 7, as he did when he played for the Falcons in Atlanta before serving time in a federal prison for killing and abusing dogs.
Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid reports Vick is focused and eager to get his career on track.

Starting quarter back Donovan McNabb endorses Vick coming to the Eagles. “I pretty much lobbied to get him here, because everybody deserves a second chance.” What part Michael Vick will play on the team’s offense is not yet clear.

Eleven year-old Damon Weaver of Canal Point, Florida
is a student reporter at the Katherine E. Cunningham Elementary School in Canal Point, Palm Beach County, Florida. Damon Weaver has conducted an interview at the White House with President Barack Obama. Watch it here:

After interviewing Vice President Joe Biden when the then senator-candidate visited Palm Beach County last fall during the presidential election campaign, Damon Weaver began his quest to get the scoop of his lifetime by winning an exclusive interview with the man who would be America’s first black president.

We’ve always supported Damon’s desires to be the ace number one cub reporter. We championed Damon’s request for credentials to be at President Obama’s historical inauguration. We reported when Damon was successful and received those highly prized press credentials.

We are proud and pleased to announce he’s captured an interview with the President Of The United States. Congratulations to Damon Weaver. We wish you much success in the future.

We agree with the “Birthers”. Barack Obama was not born in the United States of America; in fact he wasn’t even born on this planet.

The current occupant of the White House was born on the planet Mongo, located in another universe. He was delivered here to this planet in the same manner as the so-called “Man of Steel”. That’s right an alien space ship dropped him off as the passengers and crew were on their way to catch the party train to Mars.

Here’s a video by Lee Camp to provide a moment of clarity on the subject of President Obama’s birth and Professor Gates’ recent arrest.

Certain opponents to the health care reform proposals are counting on the fact the public will not read the proposed bill. Their stock and trade is in fear. “If we can scare the people we’ve got control”.

As a public service YouThinkWhat presents the controversial Page 425 of the current proposed legislation. Read it for yourself. Do not let some tired old tee vee actor, former Republican politician with a talk-radio program tell you what it says. Read it for yourself.

Here is the actual full section in question taken from the Library of Congress Thomas legislative website.
SEC. 1233. ADVANCE CARE PLANNING CONSULTATION.

(a) Medicare-

(1) IN GENERAL- Section 1861 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x) is amended–

(A) in subsection (s)(2)–

(i) by striking `and’ at the end of subparagraph (DD);

(ii) by adding `and’ at the end of subparagraph (EE); and

(iii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

`(FF) advance care planning consultation (as defined in subsection (hhh)(1));’; and

(B) by adding at the end the following new subsection:

Advance Care Planning Consultation

`(hhh)(1) Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), the term `advance care planning consultation’ means a consultation between the individual and a practitioner described in paragraph (2) regarding advance care planning, if, subject to paragraph (3), the individual involved has not had such a consultation within the last 5 years. Such consultation shall include the following:

`(A) An explanation by the practitioner of advance care planning, including key questions and considerations, important steps, and suggested people to talk to.

`(B) An explanation by the practitioner of advance directives, including living wills and durable powers of attorney, and their uses.

`(C) An explanation by the practitioner of the role and responsibilities of a health care proxy.

`(D) The provision by the practitioner of a list of national and State-specific resources to assist consumers and their families with advance care planning, including the national toll-free hotline, the advance care planning clearinghouses, and State legal service organizations (including those funded through the Older Americans Act of 1965).

`(E) An explanation by the practitioner of the continuum of end-of-life services and supports available, including palliative care and hospice, and benefits for such services and supports that are available under this title.

`(F)(i) Subject to clause (ii), an explanation of orders regarding life sustaining treatment or similar orders, which shall include–

`(I) the reasons why the development of such an order is beneficial to the individual and the individual’s family and the reasons why such an order should be updated periodically as the health of the individual changes;

`(II) the information needed for an individual or legal surrogate to make informed decisions regarding the completion of such an order; and

`(III) the identification of resources that an individual may use to determine the requirements of the State in which such individual resides so that the treatment wishes of that individual will be carried out if the individual is unable to communicate those wishes, including requirements regarding the designation of a surrogate decisionmaker (also known as a health care proxy).

`(ii) The Secretary shall limit the requirement for explanations under clause (i) to consultations furnished in a State–

`(I) in which all legal barriers have been addressed for enabling orders for life sustaining treatment to constitute a set of medical orders respected across all care settings; and

`(II) that has in effect a program for orders for life sustaining treatment described in clause (iii).

`(iii) A program for orders for life sustaining treatment for a States described in this clause is a program that–

`(I) ensures such orders are standardized and uniquely identifiable throughout the State;

`(II) distributes or makes accessible such orders to physicians and other health professionals that (acting within the scope of the professional’s authority under State law) may sign orders for life sustaining treatment;

`(III) provides training for health care professionals across the continuum of care about the goals and use of orders for life sustaining treatment; and

`(IV) is guided by a coalition of stakeholders includes representatives from emergency medical services, emergency department physicians or nurses, state long-term care association, state medical association, state surveyors, agency responsible for senior services, state department of health, state hospital association, home health association, state bar association, and state hospice association.

`(2) A practitioner described in this paragraph is–

`(A) a physician (as defined in subsection (r )(1)); and

`(B) a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant who has the authority under State law to sign orders for life sustaining treatments.

`(3)(A) An initial preventive physical examination under subsection (WW), including any related discussion during such examination, shall not be considered an advance care planning consultation for purposes of applying the 5-year limitation under paragraph (1).

`(B) An advance care planning consultation with respect to an individual may be conducted more frequently than provided under paragraph (1) if there is a significant change in the health condition of the individual, including diagnosis of a chronic, progressive, life-limiting disease, a life-threatening or terminal diagnosis or life-threatening injury, or upon admission to a skilled nursing facility, a long-term care facility (as defined by the Secretary), or a hospice program.

`(4) A consultation under this subsection may include the formulation of an order regarding life sustaining treatment or a similar order.

`(5)(A) For purposes of this section, the term `order regarding life sustaining treatment’ means, with respect to an individual, an actionable medical order relating to the treatment of that individual that–

`(i) is signed and dated by a physician (as defined in subsection (r )(1)) or another health care professional (as specified by the Secretary and who is acting within the scope of the professional’s authority under State law in signing such an order, including a nurse practitioner or physician assistant) and is in a form that permits it to stay with the individual and be followed by health care professionals and providers across the continuum of care;

`(ii) effectively communicates the individual’s preferences regarding life sustaining treatment, including an indication of the treatment and care desired by the individual;

`(iii) is uniquely identifiable and standardized within a given locality, region, or State (as identified by the Secretary); and

`(iv) may incorporate any advance directive (as defined in section 1866(f)(3)) if executed by the individual.

`(B) The level of treatment indicated under subparagraph (A)(ii) may range from an indication for full treatment to an indication to limit some or all or specified interventions. Such indicated levels of treatment may include indications respecting, among other items–

`(i) the intensity of medical intervention if the patient is pulse less, apneic, or has serious cardiac or pulmonary problems;

`(ii) the individual’s desire regarding transfer to a hospital or remaining at the current care setting;

`(iii) the use of antibiotics; and

`(iv) the use of artificially administered nutrition and hydration.’.

(2) PAYMENT- Section 1848(j)(3) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-4(j)(3)) is amended by inserting `(2)(FF),’ after `(2)(EE),’.

(3) FREQUENCY LIMITATION- Section 1862(a) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395y(a)) is amended–

(A) in paragraph (1)–

(i) in subparagraph (N), by striking `and’ at the end;

(ii) in subparagraph (O) by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting `, and’; and

(iii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

`(P) in the case of advance care planning consultations (as defined in section 1861(hhh)(1)), which are performed more frequently than is covered under such section;’; and

(B) in paragraph (7), by striking `or (K)’ and inserting `(K), or (P)’.

(4) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendments made by this subsection shall apply to consultations furnished on or after January 1, 2011.

(b) Expansion of Physician Quality Reporting Initiative for End of Life Care-

(1) Physician’S QUALITY REPORTING INITIATIVE- Section 1848(k)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-4(k)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:

`(3) Physician’S QUALITY REPORTING INITIATIVE-

`(A) IN GENERAL- For purposes of reporting data on quality measures for covered professional services furnished during 2011 and any subsequent year, to the extent that measures are available, the Secretary shall include quality measures on end of life care and advanced care planning that have been adopted or endorsed by a consensus-based organization, if appropriate. Such measures shall measure both the creation of and adherence to orders for life-sustaining treatment.

`(B) PROPOSED SET OF MEASURES- The Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register proposed quality measures on end of life care and advanced care planning that the Secretary determines are described in subparagraph (A) and would be appropriate for eligible professionals to use to submit data to the Secretary. The Secretary shall provide for a period of public comment on such set of measures before finalizing such proposed measures.’.

(c) Inclusion of Information in Medicare & You Handbook-

(1) MEDICARE & YOU HANDBOOK-

(A) IN GENERAL- Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall update the online version of the Medicare & You Handbook to include the following:

(i) An explanation of advance care planning and advance directives, including–

(I) living wills;

(II) durable power of attorney;

(III) orders of life-sustaining treatment; and

(IV) health care proxies.

(ii) A description of Federal and State resources available to assist individuals and their families with advance care planning and advance directives, including–

(I) available State legal service organizations to assist individuals with advance care planning, including those organizations that receive funding pursuant to the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 93001 et seq.);

(II) website links or addresses for State-specific advance directive forms; and

(III) any additional information, as determined by the Secretary.

(B) UPDATE OF PAPER AND SUBSEQUENT VERSIONS- The Secretary shall include the information described in subparagraph (A) in all paper and electronic versions of the Medicare & You Handbook that are published on or after the date that is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Here’s Merle Hazard singing his latest release, “Bail Out”. Enjoy!

We have been thinking about this accusation. Just like Bernie Madoff, R. Allen Stanford is accused of doing that ponzi scheme thing. Often described as “any fraudulent investment scheme that pays returns to investors from their own money or money paid by subsequent investors rather than from any actual profit earned”, this definition brings us to conclude, banks do the same thing.

We ask the question: Why is R. Allen Stanford’s business different than Bank Of America, or as we like to call the company Skank Of America. What separates R. Allen Stanford’s operation from say Citi, or as we have named the huge financial conglomerate Sniti. How is R. Allen Stanford’s banking empire different than Wachovia, or as we say Wacky-skank?

Other than the fact the head man is a criminally indicted person we do not see much difference.

Requests for assistance, i.e. loan modification, from consumers facing foreclosure or those who have received notice of foreclosure from the lender(s) who hold the mortgage(s) on their house, have increased.

The lenders do not find it profitable to help save your home. Even with the government money for the banks as incentive to help consumers, the banks skanks do not find it is profitable to help save families and communities. Glori-osky what a revelation! We are wondering how those bankers sleep at night.

Just as in the past, so it is today, the banks will be preserved at all costs.

The economic experts from the Federal Reserve Bank in Boston conducted research with results that state it would have worked better if the money given to the banks skanks–$75 Billion earlier this year had been given to the home owners to pay off those non-performing assets.

Fact is, if that $75 Billion had been given to John Q. and/or Madeline Homeowner-In-Default to pay off the debt, the bank would have no assets, non-performing or otherwise.

Let us waste no further time discussing what “should have happened”. Let’s talk about what is happening. Let’s find a solution to the situation.

It is important for the banks to have assets. It is important at all costs; even if it means keeping a class of financially indentured slaves so encumbered far into the future. How else will the banking class live the extravagant lifestyle they believe they are entitled to have?

We’ve been resisting the demand to write about her. Many members of our staff believe she does not deserve one iota of publicity. This time the minority has won because we’re publishing an article about La Palin and we are using her name. (See this article. It does not mention her by name.)

We want to know what is the fascination with her? We believe David Letterman, late night tee vee comic was correct, in his description of La Palin as having the “slutty airline hostess” look. Some other comedian, during the presidential campaign when John McCain was often seen with his vice-presidential running mate, described La Palin, her spouse and brood as a gang of grifters with either La Palin herself, or the youngsters, as the bait for the mark. The mark being John McCain.

Others say she needs to update her look from the 1980s when she was young. Some say she should update her intellect and read a book as well as “all the newspapers that are out there.”

Who else do we know who is a former governor, a national candidate who has the vocabulary and the communications skills of an inarticulate 18 year-old? One clue: He was president of the United States and he lives in the second largest state in the nation.

We’re glad she’s resigning from office for whatever reason. We do not really care about the reason. As long as she goes away. The electorate of Alaska deserve better.

We hope she doesn’t pull a Richard Nixon on us. We want this Repuglican to go away….far, far, away and never return to the front pages of our blogs and newspapers; we want never again to have her face darken our tee vee news programs. Adios to La Palin et al.

Neither man was considered a likely candidate to become world famous; nor did it seem Davis or Jackson was destined to be successful in life at all. They were born poor, male and black in America at a time when many thought those characteristics a distinct disadvantage.

These men began their entertainment careers at about the same age. What made them different was the innate talent possessed by both. Music, rhythm, song, dance and intelligence resonated with them both. All of those elements converged at just the right moment in time to give the world two of the greatest entertainers ever known.

Davis was a show biz veteran by the age of ten; He had previously traveled and appeared on stage with both his parents. When his mother retired from the stage little Sammy, Jr. joined with his father Sam, Sr. and his uncles. They were the Will Maston Trio. Three experienced dancers and Sam, “the kid”.

Michael Jackson came to prominence when he and his four brothers were discovered by Gladys Knight. Berry Gordy, president and founder of Motown Records, who signed the group to a recording contract, thought it would be a better legend if his favorite Supreme, Diana Ross, was attributed with discovering the five young men, and the rest of their talented family. Later When Michael and his brothers left the company, they were prohibited from using their name, The Jackson 5, by Berry Gordy Motown founder.

All has been forgiven. There appears to be no bad feelings on the part of the Jackson family as indicated by Gordy’s presence at Tuesday’s dignified memorial service in Los Angeles, California. Berry Gordy, a recording executive of mega-influence made this profound pronouncement when he spoke, calling Michael Jackson the greatest entertainer of all time. Many agree.

We always heard about Jackson paying money to someone else. We rarely heard of Jackson getting paid, and keeping or holding on to the money. Stories of his generosity are legendary.

There are tales, too, of his excessive spending, for example bidding approximately a million dollars on the bones of John Merrick, aka the Elephant Man, in 1987. Some of those stories of outrageous expenditures are said to have been planted by the ultimate showman, Jackson, himself.

We know he paid millions to get free by divorce from the daughter of The King, Lisa Marie Presley. Michael Jackson even had to use his earnings as collateral for loans with our favorite banking institution, Bank Skank Of America. Everyone should know by now a loan with those vultures will bankrupt all but the richest of the rich. If your name is de Rothschild you can afford to be a customer at Bank Skank of America

We heard ad nauseum of the money spent to settle cases wherein Jackson was alleged to have molested a minor; or daily reports of the millions spent to launch a legal defense when charged with child molestation. He was acquitted of all charges in the case. Michael Jackson’s finances were slowly draining away as he got older.

It was the same with Sammy. We always saw him with lots of flashy jewelry. We’d heard of his extravagance and excesses. Davis, too, was well known for his generosity. We almost never heard of anyone paying him. In fact when he died he was heavily indebted. His widow was left nearly penniless.

Sammy Davis, Jr. grew up during the era of segregation in the United States. To get a sense of what his life was like read his autobiographies, “Yes, I Can!”, “Why Me?” and “Sammy” all written with Burt and Jane Boyar.

Jackson became successful during the end of the non-violent civil rights era and the beginnings of the more militant black movement in America. He was faced with those who wished to place limits on where he would take his talent. His loving determined attitude and awesome showmanship took him to heights of acclaim never achieved by any other human. Michael Jackson changed the world, and he asked us to join him in making that change.

Both Davis and Jackson, with their families, experienced the pain of not being accepted in the real world. Both men used their artistic ability to break down racial barriers. They used their skills to unify diverse people. Both men were admired, adored, almost loved to death, by their fans; both suffered excruciating loneliness away from their work.

No matter what they looked like, Michael going from a cute little black boy, to attractive young black man to strange looking white woman to some kind of other being whose skin was so white it was whiter than any Caucasian skin because of the skin disorder vitiligo; or Sammy Davis Jr. who also began as a cute little black boy; who later matured into an attractive young dancer. musician- he played several musical instruments, and impressionist, who later ended up with a broken nose, eye patch, or glass eye as trophies from a staged auto accident intended to take his life; the celebrated controversial conversion to Judaism and serial marriages.

No matter what their political affiliation, who they married or socialized with both men always knew they could find much loving acceptance in the black community.They came from us, and they belonged to the world.

We say this to point out the fact in America, as in many nations, it is challenging to be a successful child star and transition into a show business path as an adult with an equally successful, possibly fulfilling entertainment career. It is even more difficult when you are a sensitive, creative genius who just happens to be a black male presenting your art.

We are grateful to have been able to enjoy their talent, they shared their genius with the world. We are grateful for the time they were on this planet

Watch as Sammy Davis, Jr. sings his version of Michael Jackson’s “Bad”.

From 1989 all star birthday tribute to the late Sammy Davis Jr. Michael Jackson pays homage to his progenitor.

We’re glad to say we had the opportunity to spend some time on the planet during their era. What a fantastic experience! Two great entertainers..Sammy Davis, Jr. and now the man who will forever be known as the greatest entertainer of them all, Michael Jackson.

To say he influenced many aspects of our society is no exaggeration. To speak of Michael Jackson as a musical genius is not hyperbole.

This is for you Bill O’Reilly, and those of your ilk who can not understand why black Americans and people all over the world have such admiration for Michael Jackson.You will never achieve the same level of success, popularity, respect and renown. You will never understand “the face thing” as you call it because in America you are on the correct side of the color line.

It was because of Michael’s universal perspective and the skin disorder vitiligo from which he suffered that he was able to transcend much of the clatter and the noise to create wonderful music and choreography.

Watch as author Michael Eric Dyson explains the magic, the attraction the special gifts of Michael Jackson and how he changed the world for the better.

Then watch this report’s speculation of how Michael Jackson will be seen in history.

Serena has won three of the past four Grand Slam titles.

Richard Williams, father and coach of the tennis champs, has said his youngest daughter, Serena, would be the better of the two. We’ve checked the stats and found Serena leads in Grand Slam titles (11-7), in head-to-head matches (11-10), and in all-Williams major finals (6-2).

This was the 14th Grand Slam final for each of the Williams sisters; no other active woman participated in more than four. Serena is 11-3 in such matches; Venus fell to 7-7, with all but one defeat coming against her sister.

Some in tennis circles are critical saying their dominance of the sport is boring. The game lacks excitement because they’re always playing each other.

We say the Champion Williams Sisters are the athletes who make the game exciting. We love Venus and Serena. Congratulations to them both for their athletic achievements.

On that auspicious occasion the stakes were raised, the ante was upped and our nation’s leaders declared our independence from the British crown.

It was the beginning of a history that continues to unfold.

Farrah Fawcett born and raised in Texas, came to Hollywood as a young woman and made her mark. At the height of her popularity women everywhere copied her hair style and men purchased her poster making record sales.

Although her fame came through acting in a formulaic series tee vee show Fawcett showed her authentic acting skills performing in dramas on the off-Broadway stage, in feature length films and teevee movies.

For her portrayals of a potential rape victim, a battered wife, the renown photojournalist Margaret Bourke-White, and Woolworth heiress Barbara Hutton  Fawcett received high critical acclaim.

There were several Golden Globe nominations. We loved her performance as Robert Duvall’s wife in his independent film “The Apostle”.

Beneath the veneer of a pop icon we discovered a great actress whose groundbreaking performances will long be remembered.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations to support cancer research be made to The Farrah Fawcett Foundation, P.O. Box 6478, Beverly Hills, California 90212.

 As a West Point cadet Dan Choi was trained to  forego cheating, lying and stealing. As a commissioned officer Dan Choi is sworn to practice integrity everyday. The powers that be in the Department of the Army, and the Pentagon have taken steps to court martial and dishonorably discharge Dan Choi for doing what he has sworn to do as an officer in the United States military.

On Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 8 a.m., Lt. Dan Choi of the U.S. Army will stand trial for announcing: “I am gay.”
 
On Tuesday, he will be facing a panel of colonels who will decide whether or not to fire Lt. Dan Choi.– They will consider discharging Lt. Choi for “moral and professional dereliction” under the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.

Dan wishes to remain in the military. Help him to stay. Sign the petition.
We don’t understand why anyone would want to go into military service in the first place.  We especially do not unerstand why a gay, lesbian, transgender or bi-secual person would want to present himself for the obvious ridicule and abuse by others in the service.  Apparently it is because they have no other alternative.

We do believe someone who is in the army, who has served the nation well, who wishes to remain in service to his country, should be allowed to stay. Dan Choi does not deserve to be disgraced because of a bad law.

We are told by those who know, there are those who remain in all branches of the armed forces who have more serious social issues than simple sexual preference. Horror stories of child and wife beaters, drug and alcohol addicts who were in charge of fixing or flying airplanes, mentally ill officers in charge of many men and women, adulterers, and even a military doctor who was sexually abusing patients, including the widow of a downed pilot. Military officials didn’t throw them out of the service.  There is no justice in a gay person being discharged from the military for no good reason.

We’ve said it before, we will say it again,”Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is a bad law! it should be repealed, but until it is, do not fire any more gay military personnel for simply being themselves.

When it comes to repealing bad laws the Congress of the United States of America and the President should work together to take this very bad law off the books as quickly as possible..

For example both Ed McMahon and Farrah Fawcett have died. As did Billy Mays a teevee pitchman for organic cleaners who also began his career just like Johnny Carson’s sidekick McMahon, on the boardwalk in Atlantic City.

We know there is trouble in Iran, The Honduran president has been overthrown in a military coup.

We know the governor of South Carolina is having some marital troubles along with a lack of support from his fellow Republicans. His actions sure take the heat off another Republican named Ensign.

Silvio Berlusconi’s, “I-Did-Not-Pay-For-Sex” scandal has made headlines around the world, too.

To those who are critical of the attention being paid to the passing of international super-star Michael Jackson we say consider the mourning that took place when Ronald Reagan died. He certainly deserved the media attention not because of his exceptional talent; he was after all an actor in low budget, “B” movies. it was only because he was president of our nation he received overwhelming, some would say excessive, media recognition upon his death.

We think it is only fitting for a man as generous, as talented, as dedicated and hardworking, who touched the lives of so many and influenced the people of the planet for so many years receive our well deserved love and attention.

Now, in other news……