And the good news is...

The Roller Coaster of Campaigns

2008-01-10T18:04:00.000-05:00

Never before has there been such a roller coaster in the presidential campaigns.
A candidate is up...next week he or she is down. Two days later they are up again.
This election is probably the most important one in my lifetime. For me anyway.
I feel like I am personally invested in who becomes the next president more so than I ever have felt. The biggest reason is that my son ...my beloved son, is in the Air Force. I am very concerned about who will be his Commander in Chief.
My oldest son was in the army during the Clinton years. I can tell you from personal experience that the military or their families were not treated well. They were paid poverty level wages working what comprised the hours of two jobs. Families were treated like non-entities. We did not matter. When George Bush took office, all of that changed. Military wages went up. Families were treated with respect and concern.
This is MY personal experience. There was a big difference. I do not want my second son to have to go back to living in the conditions that were during Clinton, especially in the world we live in at present. We need the Commander in Chief to be a leader, strong willed, and a military supporter. They cannot be afraid to be supportive of the military or appear to be tentative. I am not saying they have to be a war-monger. Just that they should not be afraid of confrontation or action that might be necessary. At the same time they need to have a level head, be analytical, be pro-active, be someone who can reach across the board and command respect.
We live in a topsy turvy world. When did that happen? What used to be right, is now considered wrong. What used to be oh so wrong, is now considered politically correct.
I just don't get it.
The good news is that we all have a voice. The not so good news is that there are those that do not educate themselves before they use that voice. Liberty and freedom comes with responsibility. Lets not forget that.
I am a Fred Thompson supporter. I like Fred. I like his laid back manner. At the same time I like his strong presence and command of respect. Please go to Fred08.com
You just might learn something. The good news for me is that I think you will. And then you will become an educated voice. I hope you use it responsibly.
God bless us one and all.
And please God bless our fine men and women in the military.

Yes some very good news....

2007-09-18T13:55:00.000-04:00

In light of all the mud slinging the last week because of General Petraeus' report, I decided it was time to post again of good things. I am so weary of these things not being noticed by media or those that would like to see us lose. Yeah yeah I know, there are those that are saying at this moment, "What? no one wants to see us lose". Oh please. Cut me a break. There are those that would dance in the streets just to be made right in their own little and yes I mean very little minds. Cindy do you hear me? I was talking about pink people like you. (You know I used to love the color pink, but I have now outlawed it in my household.)
First I will refer to my often read and often cited Iraq the Model. On Tuesday, August 28,2007, Omar reported on the journey his family took across the Anbar Province from their vacation in Syria. I will repeat myself and keep on repeating myself until someone gets it. Reading Iraq the Model should be a requirement for all Senators and Congressmen especially Harry and Nancy. (Psst Cindy if I thought that when you read you would learn anything from it, I might suggest you too but ah...I know better so I won't.) The post from Omar shows a shift in the relative safety and feeling of safety in this region. As he is a much better writer and speaker than I, read his words for the full effect.
http://iraqthemodel.blogspot.com/ (scroll for the August 28 post, but read the rest if you havent already.)
Then today I came across this...
http://www.michaeltotten.com/archives/001517.html
Michael Totten is a blogger writing from the streets of Iraq. Personally I tend to believe bloggers that write from the place instead of those who profess to know what is happening from the safe confines of their well tended lives in the US or elsewhere. This is another blog that should be required reading. He doesnt sugar coat or try to make something into what it is not. He shows with pictures and apt description what he is seeing and experiencing. His blog for September 18,2007 is entitled : Anbar Awakens Part II: Hell is Over
Don't take my word for it that it is good news. Go see for yourself. I will bet that you cannot help but be affected by the pictures of the people of that area or of our brave and wonderful soldiers. Go ahead ...I dare you.
You might even come away smiling ...imagine that! Smiling after reading news from Iraq!
There is good news afterall....May God Bless us, everyone of us, but especially Omar and Michael and the beautiful men and women of our military, whom we just don't thank enough.

For my Son...WE LOVE YOU!

2007-06-09T19:28:00.001-04:00

Memorial Weekend

2007-05-24T22:58:00.000-04:00

As we pause to remember our fallen heroes from days past, I am hoping that we can also come
together this weekend and pause from our differences of opinion.
This is a weekend to remember and pay honor and respect to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in our behalf. All the wars...all the men and women who have served their country and us so proudly. We owe it to them.
Rarely do I watch any TV, but tonight I watched. I have been trying to keep busy and keep my mind focused on positives. It has been a hard thing to do today. My son, my wonderful smart, funny son was deployed yesterday. His wife is expecting their first child. But God bless them, they both are upbeat and strong in their convictions of what their mission is and what it means to them and us and the future of their child. I am in awe of their clarity and focus. This old dog has learned a valuable lesson just by watching the two of them. I am at once humbled and proud. So....tonight I was flipping through the channels looking for something to amuse me.
Of course when I heard that Greta Van Susteren say that we could help the troops without spending any money, I stopped channel flipping and listened.
She was discussing Operation Hero Miles. http://www.heromiles.org/
In October of 2003, Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger started this organization aided by a number of US Airlines. Its a great concept and a wonderful way to help our troops and to support them and their families in a meaningful way.
This weekend beginning at 6AM Friday, May 25, 2007 and continuing until 11:59PM, Monday, May 28th, you can donate your frequent flyer miles to this organization and the 10 participating airlines will match your donation mile for mile.
This is a perfect weekend to reach out and help the men and women in our military. As we remember and honor those who given their lives for our country, let us take a moment to remember those that are still in battle. And maybe in some small way, bring them some joy.
For more information ...
.http://www.fisherhouse.org/programs/CNNmemorialDayPromo.pdf
God bless the valiant and brave that this weekend represents....God bless our military and their families....and whispers ...God bless you son.

Do we have what it takes?

2007-05-09T18:21:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I feel like a refereeing mother between two battling children when I look at the state of politics in this country. I shake my head and want to yell STOPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP.
No one is interested in listening ...I mean really listening. Egos, ambition, greed, drive alot of what I have been observing. There are times when I want to throw up my hands and just say ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!!!! Why is it so hard to see what priorities are? Why is it so hard for supposedly intelligent people to sit and discuss rationally what is important to the health and welfare of this nation? And why do we as citizens put up...no wait...encourage the antics of those in position to literally decide our lives? Have we gotten so jaded that we don't really hear or see what is going on?
I know I know this is supposed to be a good news blog. Well guess what...it is. A friend of mine sent this article to me. It was a good day to read something like this. I was feeling what I described in the first paragraph. But now after reading the following ...I feel so much better!!!
Theres alot of good news in the article...the economy, job rate, homes, the stock market, etc, etc.
But the good news to me is that after reading it ...my fire has returned and I feel strong and determined yet again.
We are a great nation...because of the courage and bravery of those who went before us. Look at how this nation responded during WWII. Men, women, children were all united in the purpose. People of all kinds made great sacrifices, soldiers lost life and limb, women went out and carried on in factories to keep everything running. Food was rationed. There were very few luxuries.
And this country flourished, due in a great deal to those people.
We had courage!
Read what General Jimmy L. Cash has to say about the state of our nation today. Then ask yourself this....Do YOU have what it takes to keep us a great nation?
The good news is ....theres many of us who do.

Subject: What Now - Retired General Tells It Like It Is (Required Reading 101)
General Cash got it right, until he adopted the stance that President Bush got it right. Let’s face it, the one who has it figured, is Lee Iacoca, who asks, “Where are all of our leaders who (will do the right thing) inboth the executive and the legislative branches?” The Bush Administration has made the same mistakes as Johnson, Carter, et. al., but bigger and more mistakes. It’s obvious that economics is not the general’s forte, when he declares that inflation is low, the deficit is under control, and wages are high. Bush depended upon Rumsfeld, exclusively for 5 years, who made exactly the same mistakes McNamara made; i.e., disregarding the advice of his generals, trying to fight a war on the cheap, and totally underestimating the enemy. At least, McNamara reflected on his term as Secretary of Defense and correctly concluded that he and his team had beencompletely wrong and had doomed the Viet Nam war to failure, and he publicly apologized, twenty years after the fact. No political party nor candidate nor leader is all right or all wrong; no political arm has the answer to any of our problems. As Iacoca complains, the real leaders who are competent and who will do the right thing, are not in politics. They are not serving in the critical positions that need our best brains. The American people must pick and choose among those whooffer their services, and elect the best that can be found. They lucked out with Ronald Reagan, but their success has been all downhill, since. I have verified that B/G Jimmy L. Cash, the author of the article below, is for real (USAF Retired 1991).
http://www.worldcantwait.net/forum/showthread.php?t=55
The article is a bit long, but he hits upon some very good points .....Frank B. De Armond
Retired General Tells It Like It IsFriday, February 09, 2007
“Let’s Be Specific”
Due to the thunderous applause that I received from the far-left over the “I Am Tired” letter written by one of our troops in Iraq, I thought it prudent to follow up with one last attempt to be very specific about what Ihave observed and actually personally encountered during my 36 years of service to this Great Country. Unlike Bob McClellan, I will not continue to whine, twist and degrade our country’s leaders on a weekly basis.Instead, this will be a one time input attempting to reach some of those who are confused by McClellan and his ilk’s unethical rantings and give some insight through my personal experience as a professional militaryofficer over the years. These examples are but a few. In real life there were many more which space and time will not allow. As a young fighter pilot, flying F-4s in Vietnam, I was stopped in my tracks by the decisions made by Lyndon Johnson and Robert McNamara. I wasyoung and naive, but even then I knew their daily interference was wrong and would not allow us to win this thing and go home. Decisions like not allowing us to strike enemy aircraft while still on the ground, keeping real targets off the target list, and allowing us to strike only rusted-out trucks made us basically a toothpick factory. However, the big one for me came the day I saw the President Lyndon Johnson on television, forcefully lying to the American people. I’ll never forget the language, “I want to assure the American people that the United States of America has never, and will never, bomb or use force inside the borders of Cambodia”. On and on he disavowed the reports thatthis was happening. I was amazed. Guess where I had put several F-4 loads of 750 pound general purpose bombs every day for the past five days. You guessed it, Cambodia!!! So much for Mr. Johnson. The only question in my mind was simply, “Was it just Johnson or was it the methodology of a particular political party?” I decided to delay answering that question until more experience was gained. Years passed, and I ignored politics as much as possible, as a good military man should. Then came Jimmy Carter. Our young people don’t remember 18% interest rates and 18% inflation, but I’ll bet someone in your family does. That is one really bad thing Carter did for our country, but it is not the worst.During this period, I was an F-15 Squadron Commander, located at Langley AFB, VA. Jimmy Carter and his democratic party stopped spare parts procurement for almost every weapon system in our military, and divertedthe funds to social programs. The F-15 was brand new at the time with leading edge technology designed to provide air superiority anywhere in the world on a moments notice. That was my job. I loved it, but guess what? Ina two year period from 1979 to 1981, there was not one day when more that one-third of my assigned aircraft were flyable. It is amazing the lengths we went to in those days, cannibalizing parts, expending twice the time andenergy to fix every little item, and still two-thirds of the birds were always broken because of no spare parts. Had this country faced a really serious military threat during that time frame, only Montana Hunters couldhave saved us. The military had some equipment, but it was all broken. Do you want to know the really bad part for me and the young fighter pilots working for me? Our flying sortie rate was so low that pilot proficiencydropped to dangerous levels. The accident rate tripled. That obviously was totally unacceptable, as we were losing expensive airplanes and highly trained young pilots at a rate comparable to losses seen in actual combat. All of a sudden, even a Texas Aggie like me began to see a trend. Forward a few years to 1986. I am an F-16 Wing Commander at MacDill AFB, Florida, and Ronald Reagan is president. His change in attitude and policy toward the military had time to fix the spare parts problem. We were flying 26,000 flying sorties per year out of MacDill AFB, my aircraft fully mission capable rate (FMC) was above 90%, the aircraft accident rate was below 1.75 per hundred thousand flying hours, fighter pilots were flyingand proficiency levels were at an all time high. The United States Air Force was ready to defend this Wonderful Country. Proof of the pudding is simple.Look what the USAF, and the military in general, accomplished in Iraq during Desert Storm. And, they did it in less than 100 hours. Yeah, at this point I was starting to realize there was a difference in mentality between Democrats and Republicans, or should I say, the Right and the Left. Then, came everyone’s favorite-—Bill Clinton. If there ever was an individual 180 degrees out of sync with the ideals and the values of the USmilitary, it was Clinton. He was a known draft dodger, military hating, self absorbed, unspeakingly shameless and immoral individual, who the Left managed to elect President of the United States of America. Clinton’santics in the White House would have brought court martial, conviction, and Dishonorable Discharge had he been a military member. We still suffer oral sex on school buses, because the President told the world it wasn’t real sex, and some of our children believed him. It took a lot of years, but now I became certain.
There is a big difference in the right and the left on all fronts, and for the first time I started feeling angry and shamed that the majority of the American people were actually willing to vote for such an individual.Sometimes, an abstract such as the following tells the story in very simple terms: Jane Fonda, Tom Hayden, Lyndon Johnson, Robert McNamara, Ted Kennedy, Howard Dean, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Michael Moore, TimRobbins, Susan Sarandon, Nancy Pelosi, Barbra Boxer, John Kerry, Benedict Arnold, and the list goes on.
America, wake up. Giving in to the likes of these people and Abraham Lincoln’s prediction of destruction from within just may come true. There is not a country in the world that can be considered a conventional military threat to the United States today. However, this country faces a new kind of threat-—one that will not go away. It is a threat even more serious than WWII, because money, industry and technology will not defeat it.
It is a threat of defeat from within. It is a threat of a faltering economy because of a lack of resources, or even the simple threat of such a loss brought on by terrorism. It is a threat created by the American peopletrusting the inept. It is a threat created by the people wanting change, and perilously believing that the left can successfully deliver that change. Have you seen anything from the left that remotely resembles ananswer to the Iraq situation? Have you seen anything more than continued Bush-Bashing? Is that an answer? If there was ever a need for a strong, well trained military, it is now. THE LEFT HAS HISTORICALLY DISMANTLED OUR MILITARY IN THE NAME OF REDISTRUBITION OF WEALTH FAVORING SOCIAL PROGRAMS. We just cannot afford to let that happen now. If we do, the entire country will be bowing to theeast several times a day within the next 50 years, maybe sooner. Now a final thought meant to upset as many as possible on the far-left. As you might guess, I don’t believe in political correctness. So, let’s lookat the facts, not far-left rhetoric attempting to empower the democratic party.
Initially, I was not a George Bush fan. I am not even a Republican. I normally vote Republican, because of my total despise of Communism, Socialism and the far-left in this country. I am a Conservative. However,during his watch, I feel President Bush just happened to stumble upon the leading edge of the greatest threat this country has ever faced. Mistakes have been made, because of the newness of the threat. Overall, thePresident has done a superb job dealing the threat, and at the same time held off the constant ranting, raving, deceitful and malicious escapades of the far-left attempting to regain political power.
IF THERE WAS EVER A TIME THE COUNTRY NEEDS TO COME TOGETHER AND BACK OUR PRESIDENT, IT IS RIGHT NOW. WITHOUT CONCENSUS WE ARE EMPOWERING THE TERRORIST!!!! The far-left is totally absorbed with the power struggle andregaining control of congress. They could care less about defeating the threat. It literally disgusts me to hear the constant disagreement with everything the President tries to do, all in the name of trying to make himlook bad to the voters. Unfortunately, by the time the American people really appreciate how bad the far-left really is, it may too late. What are the real facts? On the home front this country’s economy is thestrongest that it has been in my lifetime. Interest rates are as low asthey were when I was in high school fifty years ago. Inflation does notexist for all practical purposes. For you youngster’s, please remember theJimmy Carter comments? The Dow is approaching 13,000. Unemployment isnonexistent. Wages are at an all time high. Home ownership is at an alltime high. Taxes have been lowered to an almost acceptable level. Becauseof the surging economy the deficit is under control and projected to goaway far ahead of schedule. The far-left is rich beyond its wildest dreams,so Mr.President when are you going to “fix” all these domestic problems?
On the war front this country has not been touched since 2001. I rememberbeing part of a seminar at the USAF War College in 1983 discussing theterrorist threat. There were some good minds at that table and a lot ofdisagreement. However, one common thought was that the US would be hitwithin the next five years. Answers to the terrorist threat were just ashard to come by then as they are now. Well, it took a little longer thanthe projection, but the attack occurred. For an old military guy like me,the main point here is that it has not happened again. We have suckered thebad guys into entering the fight somewhere other than in our country. Tohell with political correctness. The President can’t say this, but I surecan.
I smile every morning when I get up and realize that one of our greatcities has not been blown away. And, there is zero doubt in my mind that ifwe pull out of Iraq prematurely, that will happen within a short period oftime after our departure. I don’t care what you might think of PresidentBush personally. He has done the best he can with what he has, and thiscountry is not smoking because of it. So, back off McLean and McClellan.You honestly don’t have a clue about what you are talking about. Call me,and I will tell you what I really think.
I realize there are different points of view on war, and I do not believethe meek will inherit the earth, at least not in the next few hundredyears. To those like McClellan, McLean, poor Eve Kyes and Sinowa Cruz letme say, “This is a strong country!!!” It has survived the uneducated thinking of the far-left before, and I’ll just bet it will again. Regardless of who is President, the people will not tolerate mass explosions on a daily basis, as our good friends in Israel have been forcedto do. To protect that position of power, even Hillary will be forced to become a true hawk. To guarantee a few more votes Ted Kennedy may be forced to begin supporting a strong military. One more attack on America might even wipe the giddy,’I-am-finally-somebody’ grin from Nancy Pelosi’s face, and make her realize that is not about votes and personal power. IT IS ABOUT PROTECTING THIS GREAT COUNTRY FROM ALL ENEMIES, BOTH FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC.
Jimmy L. Cash, Brig. Gen., USAF, Ret.
“Victory at all cost. Victory in spite of all terror. Victory no matter how long and how hard the road may be; for without victory there is no survival”
Winston Churchill
May 13, 1940
GOD BLESS AMERICA !
Top of Page

Where is this in the media??

2007-04-20T13:30:00.000-04:00

Somedays it takes longer to find some good news. But I awake with the promise in each new day
that I will find something that will give my spirit an uplift and give me the strength to fight on.
Today I began to think that it wasn't going to happen. With all the news of Virginia Tech floating around, and the media's (in my humble opinion) outrageous decision to air the killer's last words, I have been feeling a bit jaded and angry. Everywhere I looked in the last few days, the great divide seems to be growing. Alot of people I know are beginning to throw their hands up in frustration. But I am stubborn and determined and as in all days...I did find good news.
In fact I smiled while watching this most wonderful display.
Iraqi Boy Scouts....how great is that?
In a country where alot of the fanaticism has been blamed on the way boys are programmed into toting guns and hatred, I see a glimmer of hope. Today I see bright smiling faces, team work and constructive effort. I applaud these kids and the people that brought this opportunity to them. They are the true heroes. Tonight I will show my kids this video. And introduce them
to role models far more worthy of that title. Tonight I will celebrate them and be grateful for them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dH80g_Mkin0&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emudvillegazette%2Ecom%2F

I hope that you smiled too with this bit of good news.
May God bless them and us ...one and all

As sadness fills the air

2007-04-18T21:07:00.000-04:00

Hello old friends...once again we are filled with sadness as we are inundated with the news of Virginia Tech and the horror at what befell the campus of this esteemed university.
Once again everyone begins to point fingers...find fault...judge...
It amazes me that those that are being judged are at the center of this vortex of inhumanity.
What is wrong with us that we can't take a moment to grieve...to be sympathetic...to feel the humanity? What is going on with this world...this country...OUR people that we can't even honor the dead and the wounded for a full 24 hours before the fangs come out and we begin to tear apart those that did not cause this horrendous event? It reminds me of a school yard full of 5 year olds who do not know better..who taunt with ..see see see ...finger point...finger point...you did it ...you did it....
Sighs....
At a time when we should stand shoulder to shoulder ..gathering strength and sharing it with those most in need at the moment...we are instead standing back to back...or in each others faces ....shakes my head.
The good news is that there is time for all the debates and investigations and deliberations...and fault errrr I mean fact finding to go on after we have buried the dead and honored them.
I am turning off the television now and falling to my knees and praying that God gives the people strength and faith to get through this mind boggling event. I am going to pray for those who were killed senselessly...I am going to pray for their families and their friends and their peers. I am going to pray for the students and the teachers and the administration. I am going to pray for the killers family.. Then I am going to pray for the rest of us ..that we may find grace and understanding ...wisdom and sympathy.
The very good news is that if we look hard enough it already lies within us all.

A final thought...I just heard Martina McBride sing this song and found it very appropriate for this time. Thank you Martina for such a beautiful song. Another good news ...that there are artists like you.
Here are the beautiful words...I hope everyone can embrace them.

ANYWAY

You can spend your whole life building
Something from nothin'
One storm can come and blow it all away
Build it anyway
You can chase a dream
That seems so out of reach
And you know it might never come your way
Dream it anyway
God is great
But sometimes life ain't good
And when I pray
It doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
I do it anyway
This world's gone crazy
It's hard to believe
That tomorrow will be better than today
Believe it anyway
You can love someone with all your heart
For all the right reasons
In a moment they can choose to walk away
Love 'em anyway
God is great
But sometimes life ain't good
And when I pray
It doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
I do it anyway
You can pour your soul out singing
A song you believe in
That tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang
Sing it anyway
Yea - sing it anyway
I sing
I dream
I love
Anyway

Here we go again.....

2005-07-07T15:41:00.000-04:00

This isnt going to start out as good news...because it isnt.
Today bombs exploded throughout London England. I got the news in dawns early light.
The bile has been growing within me all day. I am angry. I am full of righteous indignation.
I am livid.
We ...yes WE...unilaterally ....all of us ..each and everyone ...comforted in our cocooned existence...whine about the realities of war. Wake up people ...this is war! War of the worst kind. War that follows no ethics...war that is declared on innocent people going about their daily lives, not bothering anyone. War that uses fanatical beliefs as their reasoning. Did I just say that? Reasoning? War that uses cowardice. War that hides behind those whose wills can be so bent that they will take their own lives to kill others. What fails my reasoning is that if this is such a pinacle to behold why is it that the leaders of these groups of animals (they are not human beings in my book) stay well hidden ...why if it is such a holy and reverent thing to do aren't they the first ones leading the suicide bombings? Ah no ....that wouldnt do now would it?
We whine that our own lives might have to sacrifice that cup of Starbucks coffee to support freedom in another part of the world....Those that have no clue as to conditions of life before the Iraq war decry the current conditions. Come out from your big cushy homes and air conditioned cars ...your pampered life ....and see how lucky you are. Sacrifice that morning Starbucks and send the money to make freedom possible for everyone. Sell that big pacific house Oprah ...do you really need it? and feed all the people from the tsunami. (not picking on you Oprah but just caught the rerun with Ricky Martin and couldnt help but think about how many people that Hermes bag could feed. and yet you were offended at the missed opportunity of purchasing it? Come on now ....be offended that people have been shut out of their childrens futures. )Quit the complaining people ...and get off your duffs and do something ..instead of whining...complaining...railing about the injustice of it all. Want to know about injustice? Ask the child whose father will not return home from work tonight because some idiot decided to blow up his transportation.
Start with becoming filled with righteous indignation....lets all join together and scream ....NO MORE.....and then unite in following through no matter what it takes to protect the innocent.
In case you have forgotten, go back and look at the pictures from 911, from the Russian school, from Spain, and now from London. Then look me in the eye and tell me you see justice in any of it.
The good news is ...theres still hope for us all.
God bless us every one....and today ...may God bless the people of England...our prayers are with you.

hello old friend

2005-06-30T10:01:00.000-04:00

Time seems to be just flying by anymore. Since I was last here to write , we suffered the loss of three dear and close friends. Someone selfishly decided to take their lives from us and murdered them. Heather, her sister Lisa and Heather's sweet daughter Avery who was only three years old.
Heather was a friend of my son. While he was away in the army, she would call me weekly to check in with me. ask if there was anything that I needed, or if she could help out with my 5 year old granddaughter who was living with me. She was one of those people who could light up a room with her smile. Here was a single mother of two beautiful little girls, and who always found time for those she cared about. When it would be time for the girls birthdays, she always made them big celebrations, making sure that each child who attended had a memorable time.
It was her way, making every person feel special. She would call me a couple of weeks before the party and say hey Mom...im coming to pick up Anna and keep her for the weekend. I would tell her how much trouble that would be, that she had enough to worry about with the party and all the kids coming ...but no...she would insist ...its no problem ...she would tell me how much she enjoyed having Anna with her and how she knew that I could use the break. "Go have some fun", she would tell me. I would chuckle and tell her that it should be me doing that for her. It never ceased to amaze me how considerate and giving she was. I never worried about Anna when she was with her, knowing that she was being looked after with love.
A man who wanted Heather for himself, decided if he couldnt have her ....no one else would.
He brutally stabbed her , her sister , and sweet innocent Avery to death. It was stunning to all of us who were touched by her life. He left Melody without her mother, her aunt and her sister.
How? Why? It is so unfair. But then life sometimes is just that. And this isnt about the idiocy of it all. This is about Heather.
Today I want to celebrate the lives of Heather, Lisa and Avery......
I am grateful that they touched my life. I am grateful to have known them. And I will carry the love and caring they showed with me the rest of my life. I am grateful to Heathers dad for being such a wonderful father and for sharing his remarkable daughters with us all.
Today hug your child, your aunt , your mother.....or just give someone that maybe you havent taken the time to tell how much they mean to you ..one great big hug. And remember the girl, who loved beyond her years...and touched so many with her tender way.

Hello again...meet my dad

2005-01-13T07:46:00.000-05:00

Its been a long time since Ive last written...although Ive been nudged along the way by a few people to continue....I decided to come back and recommit myself to this blog...finding good news yet again....sometimes its hard...
I would like to share a poem that I wrote many years ago...it was a almost a year after my father had died....a most wrenching time for me....but the good news is ..
there are incredible fathers out there...just as mine was...and i thank God that i was lucky enough to have had him as my daddy....
To all those incredible fathers who in daily life go unnoticed by most...know that someone is watching and thanking God for you too.

It began with the love you had for your wife,
A seed sweetly planted began a new life.
Created by God, but born of your blood,
A baby girls life was brought forth to bud.
This delicate life safely under your wing,
The little girl blossomed like flowers in spring.
With this love, she flourished from year to year.
She took it for granted, you'd always be near.
The young pretty maiden, hair brown without curl,
Was made for her role of Daddy's little girl.
Whenever she saw you, she'd smile and clap,
With dimpled cheeks glowing, she's climb on your lap.
In her favorite position, safe in your arms,
An audience captured, she'd use all her charms.
With affection you gave all her fears away,
She took it for granted, you always would stay.
She delighted to watch her parents at weddings,
Dance to the various musical settings.
Though just a small child, you'd give her a chance,
And taught her the joy that you had in your dance.
She was lulled by your songs which filled up the car,
On long Sunday drives, you became her own star.
With these gifts, you gave her a musical ear.
She took it for granted, you'd always be here.
Early in her memory, she heard her Dad going,
To work 'fore the sun rose , all the while knowing,
He'd work until evening, in heat , snow, or rain,
But he'd come home with kisses, he'd never complain.
Their welfare a burden, he gladly embraced,
While overcoming hurdles, he often had faced.
Your loving concern gave her pride and good care,
She took it for granted, you'd always be there.
She became fifteen without celebration,
The doctors performed a grave operation.
Her knees almost gave as she came to your bed,
But you managed a smile and heres what you said,
"Your birthday's today, it's unfair it's so hard, "
So sick, still so loving, you gave her a card.
And with that you gave her a gift so profound,
She took it for granted, you'd always be 'round.
A budding young woman abandoned her toys,
An new world had opened, she now noticed boys.
The spats then had started, and left her in tears,
A misunderstanding took over your fears.
The struggle continued, the bond now was strained,
But beneath the dark shadows , the love still remained.
You now gave her freedom, so she could grow.
She took it for granted, you never would go.
Now time for college, she took flight from the nest.
You told her to study and give it her best.
A strange new surrounding, the known left behind,
The first year had ended , but doubt filled her mind.
Confusion still clouded her second year too,
She left there uncertain, unsure what to do.
You saw her confusion, not really sure why,
She took it for granted, you'd always come by.
A summer vacation had changed all her plans,
The south had enticed her with sunshine and sands.
She packed all her things, time came to depart,
You little girl going, it pulled at your heart.
The goodbyes were said, you made plans of your own,
To the south you would travel to see her new home.
Your love still continued to be just as strong.
She took it for granted, you'd be right along.
The distance now widened, the encounters too few,
In a box of her treasures, a letter from you.
She stayed for awhile to live and to learn,
But home ties kept pulling on her to return.
She gathered her things, started to pack,
Surprise dear sweet Daddy, your daughter is back.
And now you gave her your love unbending.
She took it for granted, there would be no ending.
A question was asked, he wanted her hand,
To make her his wife, its what they had planned.
In secret she delighted , to watch you grow old,
And happily gave you a grandson to hold.
She thought him so lucky, a child truly blessed,
His grandfather dear was one of the best.
Your love was carved deep within her heart.
She took it for granted, you'd never depart.
The day was so warm, the weather so mild,
She again was awaiting , the birth of a child.
A feeling of terror erupted so deep,
was wrong, it invaded her sleep.
Next day full of sorrow with no where to hide,
The worst had just happened, her daddy had died.
How could he just go and pass her on by?
She took it for granted, it was just a big lie.
You were her foundation, her base, cornerstone,
You couldnt , you wouldnt just leave her alone.
Shes having a baby, he never would share,
The touch of your love, the warmth of your care.
The day had arrived, she again was a mom.
I love you dear Daddy, I named my son Tom.
He taught her so much in life and of love,
She takes it for granted that he smiles from above.

So to all of the unsung heroes...those fathers...those daddies...those that have given more than they receive...those that dont get the fame and acclaim they deserve ...
this one is for you. God bless you all.

A Letter...and a bit of new perspective

2004-11-10T13:44:00.000-05:00

I promise I wont keep posting about the election. This is just too important to allow it to pass by. By now, if you've read my ramblings at all, you know that I am a big fan of Iraq the Model blogspot. Written by three brothers... Mohammed,Omar and Ali...it provides a different perspective of Iraq. Go there...read it...learn...and understand.
I came across their site one day quite by accident. I am an addicted internet surfer. I love to read and the internet provides me with all kinds of interesting and diverse topics to indulge in. I have told my kids that reading material is like food to me. Reading newspapers or magazines are like fast food...sometimes, necessary, sometimes good, all the time a quick fix. Reading a long and massive novel, is like a seven course meal at a five star restaurant...it takes a long time, is made to be savored, and most times is an enjoyable and memorable event. Internet reading for me has become like a home cooked meal...can be a quick thrown together repast, or a slow cooked feast, either way, is usually satisfying and fulfilling. And I more often than not come away feeling like I fed my brain and learned something new. So one day on my internet reading journey, I was delighted to find
http://iraqthemodel.blogspot.com/
It became more than just the usual internet reading fare for me though. It moved into the category of fine dining. After reading the first and latest post, I went back to the beginning and read it all. It took me awhile, days and days in fact.
I savored it, I digested the information, I embraced the new perspective and the knowledge and understanding I gained. And I stepped into new territory of a new cultural taste experience. It was addicting. Its now become home cooking as I have added it to my daily sustenance of reading. Today I went to see what the brothers had to say about Fallujah and what is now happening in their country. They didnt disappoint. Their sharing of the events and emotions and the hopes and dreams that they have are inspiring. Today I found this letter to our re-elected president.

In the name of God,
Sir, President George W Bush, President of the United States of America.
On behalf of the families of the victims of the mass graves, on behalf of the martyrs of “Halabja” and “Anfal” and on behalf of all the Iraqis that you liberated from dictatorship and oppression; we have prayed for you and now we want to send you our congratulations on being reelected as a president of the United States.
Mr. President, we’d love to congratulate you and the people of the United States on the beginning of a new phase of democracy, freedom and prosperity and we wish you and the American people the best, as they have led the liberation of Iraq and sacrificed their sons and daughters for the freedom of the Iraqis; the historical achievement that the United States has accomplished together with the other liberating countries.
The United States and the coalition, among all other nations were the ones who recognized the suffering of the Iraqi people and saved them from a regime that was more lethal and more destructive than any weapons of mass destruction. A regime that murdered, slaughtered and enslaved Iraqis for long, dark decades, denied them their freedom and their right to live a decent life until God inspired you and helped you to rescue us, liberate our country and put us on the road of freedom and democracy.
Mr. President, we-the Iraqis-are on your side and we’ll keep supporting and blessing your efforts in eradicating terrorism inside and outside Iraq and all those who carried weapons against the liberating coalition forces and the new Iraqi police, hunting down the criminals who murder innocent civilians, whether Iraqi or American civilians.
We-the Iraqis- are determined to establish democracy and freedom in our country starting with general elections that exclude no one whether inside or outside Iraq. These elections would lead us to a democratic Iraq and we wish that you could help focusing on the role of the Iraqis outside Iraq and make use of their qualifications in the reconstruction process.
We also want to emphasize the necessity of establishing an international legislation that incriminates the Ba’athists, terrorists, fanatic salafis and all the parties, and governments that support them, not forgetting the media that promote the ideology of killing and terrorism.
These parties ought to be confronted and fought to achieve peace and stability in Iraq, America and the rest of the world.
We’re also determined to establish a strategic, permanent relationship with our friends; the government and people of the United States to whom we hold the utmost feelings of gratitude, love and friendship for what they have given us and what they’re still offering.
We will be united on the road of freedom and peace and we will always be supportive to all the efforts of America in bringing peace to the region.
In the end, we ask God to guide you and bless all your efforts to do the best for humanity as a whole.

All the glory to the American and Iraqi martyrs
long live America. Long live Iraq, free and allied nations.

Your brothers in the “Iraqi Parliament” voice chat room and in “Sawt Al Iraq” website.

All I can add is wow! thank you!
Once again, there is good news...you just have to know where to look...go feast...
Thank you Mohammed, Omar and Ali. Thank you from this knowledge hungry person, who is humbled by your experiences.
God bless you and the people of Iraq...and may God bless us all.
(if you want to see the original letter in arabic...
http://www.sotaliraq.com/George-W-Bush
its impressive just to see.)

In the hands of the future...

2004-11-04T19:36:00.000-05:00

This felt like a very long campaign. Perhaps it felt longer to me, because it is the first (I shamefully admit) campaign for president that I invested so much of myself.
Having sons in the military, brought home the importance of who their future Commander In Chief would be. But more than that, I changed after 911, as so many of us did. Our safety here at home was shaken. I remember clearly during that time feeling so humbled by the outpouring of support from around the world. Much of it was coming from people who experienced terrorism more than once. I remember thinking, how ashamed I felt that I never really reacted with support for them as they were for us. I looked at them with awe and felt little by the largess of their compassion. That was my defining moment. I pledged to myself that I wouldnt turn a blind eye, or shrug with the subconscious thinking of "whew least its not here".
I suppose thats why I also support Iraq so strongly. We cant flee from the horror and ugliness of the things we dont want to confront any longer. Its in our face now.
But I digress...
A lot has been written about the "youth vote". Many were buoyed by the potential of this age group coming out to vote and the effect it would bear upon the election. Many were counting on it. Many were pulling for it. And now that the election is over, many are writing about it and analyzing it. Ive read often how disappointed but not surprised some were when the "youth vote" didnt turn out in the numbers that were expected or more to the point desired. But that wasnt my experience.
I was first struck at the age of a lot of the volunteers that I encountered during this campaign. Some very young, some still in their teens, some in barely in their twenties...I was impressed at the knowledge of the issues that they possessed, the ease in which they could talk from their own minds and hearts. And the responsible nature in which they attacked the tasks before them. I thought back to my own days of their ages and had to smile. I wasnt even close to knowing myself, let alone what I truly believed in. I was impressed at their eagerness to be involved, to have their say, to fight for the man they believed in. I was also struck that for ones so young how conservative and unflighty they were (and dont take that in the electoral terms of conservative vs liberal). It made me proud to meet them, work by them, learn from them. I would sometimes pause to listen to them while they were making phone calls, or watch as they talked to a possible volunteer. It made me proud of them, their parents, the communities they grew up in, and proud to see what the future generation of America looked like. I watched at the polls the day of the election. The number of young people, voting for the first time, looking a bit nervous but happy and eager to be there. There was an energy around them. A feeling of watching them enter into a new chapter in their lives. A right of passage. I chuckled when as we stood side by side watching the returns come in, their ages began to show. They jiggled from foot to foot, nervously anticipating every number. They reached out for a hand to make them feel more secure, or just a touch to say its ok...we are doing great. They lived and breathed each moment, urging the process to be done. They care...deeply...and love this country very much.
Maybe it is because 911 robbed them of the invincibility and innocence of never having been attacked here at home. Maybe they dont have the choice but to confront the ugliness of terrorism in the world. And each time it happens, even over there, they feel it, know it, and have to acknowledge it and suffer it with those that the terror was aimed toward. Who knows, but one thing is for sure. Next time you read about how the youth didnt care enough...know this...many do and care with respect, and compassion, and insight far more advanced than I had at their age. I am grateful for the experience of meeting them. I will keep in touch with a few, they are in my heart now. And I look forward to watching our country grow even more under their watchful eye.
May God bless them and bless us all.

GEORGE W BUSH WINS....

2004-11-03T13:34:00.000-05:00

God bless our president...
And God bless the USA!!!!

What does your future hold?

2004-11-01T08:23:00.000-05:00

Its the day before the election, and although many of you can tell who I support by the tone of my blogs, I feel its time to venture off the beaten path for a day, and endorse my choice of candidate.
The most important issue facing any of us today is terrorism. And the world's stand on taking up the fight against it. Shortly after 911, President Bush stated that as a country you are either with us in this fight or you are against us. No middle ground. No excuses. No hedging.
He has stuck to this stand in spite of flagging polls, and despite the vitriole espoused toward him.
This to me is a leader. Terror is a real threat, look at the children in Russia, look at 911, LOOK at the attacks during the Clinton administration. Read my past blogs on this topic. We CANNOT wish it away or pretend it doesnt exist or have any consequences to our present lives. Its here and we have to deal with it. I have two sons in the military. Their well being and support depends heavily on who will be their Commander In Chief. Think of this...75% of the military support President Bush. The very men and women who are putting their lives on the line daily support and strongly support their CIC. Without this kind of commitment to their CIC, and a strong unwavering support of the soldiers from him, our military will be in trouble. Bush has never wavered in his support of my sons. Even my four year old granddaughter has picked up on this aspect just by watching the candidates on television. She has made up her mind. Bush is a hero to her daddy. Kerry doesnt like what Daddy is doing and is fighting against her Daddy. She came to me the other day, and wanted John Kerry's mother's phone number. This came out of the clear blue. I asked her why she wanted it. She very thoughtfully said, (you know how you can see when a child has been deep in thought about something), "I want to call her and tell her to put John Kerry in his room and make him think about why he is trying to ruin the world." Call me stunned. Her father was away from her , she hadnt seen him for six months, (hes a single father and she now lives with me) and because of his absence we are very careful not to talk politics in front of her. The only conclusion of her thought processes that I could come to is that shes been listening to the ads on television and has because of her Daddy picked up on the military aspects of this race. Out of the mouth of babes, clear, unadulterated logic.
Iraq...
If you have read this blog at all, I hope that you have arrived at the conclusion that the main stream media has done us all an injustice, not to mention the grave injustice that they have dealt to the Iraqi people. These are a wonderfully strong and resiliant spirit, who hold high hopes for their FREE futures. They too have dreams and hopes for their children. And because of George Bush the reality of these hopes and dreams have never been closer to coming true. Schools are functioning, girls are attending school for the first time , hospitals are being brought up to date, children have received and are now current with immunizations, they have clean water, electricity, can go to restaurants, have internet access, cars, better pay, and the very exciting upcoming election. For you naysayers who doubt the election will happen, I hate to burst your bubble. Elections are already happening . Town councils are being elected, local leaders are being voted into positions. And pride in their choices abound. The Iraqi people can now have something you and I take for granted. A VOICE. They now can have opinions and say them out loud without fearing reprisal. God bless them all. The Iraqi people themselves view the "insurgents" as foreigners, as people who dont belong there. THEY ARE TERRORIST!!!!
And these despicable excuses for human beings are afraid. Afraid that if Iraq succeeds they will be beaten. They are roaring ever louder, and we need to fight back even harder. Would you prefer we fought them here? Dont kid yourself if you are telling yourself it wouldnt have happened.
Afghanistan and Osama
Osama is quite the smart adversary. He has plenty of cover. It is my hope and prayer we will one day be able to parade him as a captured murderer. But we cannot and should not sit by and make him our one and only target. We are a great country capable of doing many things. We did go into Afghanistan and we did emerge triumphant. The Taliban was overthrown. For those of you that may not have heard...Afghanistan held their first election in their 5000 year history.
It was a peaceful and successful undertaking, done with much conviction and effort. This is major people. BIG.
Do you also realize that our special forces are out and in many areas of the world, quietly undermining terrrorists cells all over? Of course not, we dont hear about our victories. Do you know how many terrorists have been thwarted in this country? Of course not , again no media play. It is good news. The kind that made a blog like this necessary.
Iran...
Little known to us, unless you read other than the MSM, there is now a growing uprising in Iran. The people there too want their freedom. This is a developing story and deserves attention.
Domestic policy
I benefited from the tax cuts. I also put the money I received right back into the economy. I bought a new car. (ok, the cut made a down payment and my last car was 11 years old and well...not long for this earth)
While I am on the topic of taxes, this one really bugs me. Kerry has often said that he would raise the taxes on the upper 1% of the rich...or is it 2% ? Not sure since Ive heard him say both.
I always found that interesting since the highest money makers of this fortunate strata, dont pay taxes to begin with. The people who can afford it most pay less of a percentage than I paid even with my tax cut. Teresa Heinz paid taxes on 2.5 million, and didnt pay ANY taxes on another 2.5 million last year. So Mr Kerry will you make your wife pay taxes on ALL her income? Didnt think so.
Health care
I admit this can be a problem in this country. But for all its flaws we still have the best in medical anywhere in the world. Go to Canada, go to England...where the healthcare is free. Ever hear the adage, you cant get something for nothing. I have heard awful stories from people who live there. I have heard them first hand, and often my response has been ...."if you lived here that wouldnt have happened." So be careful what you wish for. Personally, Ill keep what we have.
We do need some kind of tort reform so our pharmaceutical companies can make vaccines and medications without fearing the trial lawyers, so our doctors can practice medicine without second guessing, without being driven out by high costs of malpractice or at the very least passing that cost onto the patients. We need to do something so that the clinics that offer services to the very people who need it most can stay open and arent forced out of business because once again the liability is too high. People are afraid to volunteer services in case of a lawsuit. And dont tell me this isnt a problem. Go talk to doctors, clinics, nurses, researchers.
Which brings me to embryonic stem cell research. Point one....AT NO TIME DID BUSH EVER PLACE A BAN ON THIS RESEARCH. NEVER. He placed conditions on the federal funding of it. I for one am glad. I have a problem with people who yell about wearing animal fur, using animals for experimentation but have no problem CLONING....YES CLONING...human embryos, then destroying them in the name of experimentation. If that is the research you want to do, so be it.
But dont ask me to pay for it. You are insisting I put aside my religious and ethical beliefs on your behalf. Something tells me you wouldnt consider doing the same for me. Get your immensely wealthy friends and supporters to finance it.
Go do as little Alex did. She was only four when she got cancer. She didnt ask the government to give her the answer. She found it herself. She did it herself. She took the initiative and the effort.
If this small child can move such mountains, why arent you adults? If you spent half the time raising the funds for your concern as you do bemoaning and belittling the government, I would venture you would have your funding by now. Quite simply, put YOUR money where your mouth is.
Jobs and the economy
I have a very modest stock portfolio. Very modest. After 911, it took a nose dive. My earnings statements were a nightmare. I would take a deep breath and tell myself not to panic. I didnt.
They are now healthy once again. Thats my perspective. Do we need more work on jobs? Yes. and I happen to like Bush's ideas on making people more competitive, more enabled, more active in the changes of this world and the market place. I am not a believer in hand outs. Ive seen way too many times how this disables people and way too often have seen how the system of handouts keeps people needing more handouts. This is an offensive way of thinking. Help is one thing....life support is another. Together with some ambition and drive we all can be sitting in a home with the comforts weve come to take for granted.
One more thing...Ive watched closely the two men running to be my leader, and Ive watched their body language, their interactions, their reactions. And its quite clear to me who is confident in his own skin, and who deeply cares about people and not themselves.
There is no other choice in my mind....only one...and its clear.... and for that I am grateful.
George W Bush....a real man...for real people...living in a real world.
God bless us all....and may God bless America.

Countdown begins...

2004-10-28T21:07:00.000-04:00

The countdown for the holiday season has begun. (bet you thought I meant the countdown for the election.) Stores are already decorating and Thanksgiving and Christmas wares abound everywhere. With the election and the holidays coming, most of us will be running helter skelter to finish all our chores, and errands, and responsibilities.
I have a Christmas wish list and am writing a letter to Santa early. Its a simple list that I have. All of you can be a Santa this year. Will you take up the challenge?
There are thousands of soldiers serving our country admirably and bravely. Some won't even receive a letter or a card, let alone a package. We cant allow this to happen.
There are several things you can do. In an earlier post, I wrote about Adopt a Platoon.
http://www.adoptaplatoon.org/new/
Great people doing this wonderful effort. Go check them out.
Or go to
http://www.soldiersangels.com/
Read about them, help them, and adopt a soldier.
Cant afford to send a package, dont have time to adopt a soldier? Write a letter to a soldier. Let them know we pray for them, think of them, and care about them. Buy a card, write a note.
Or check out here:
http://www.homefronthugs.com/page17.html
send a soldier a hug.
Have paper back books that youve read and dont know what to do with them.
Go here: http://www.booksforsoldiers.com/
Or simply go here:
http://asoldiersblog.blogspot.com/
On a soldier's blog, you can find dozens of links that will give you a place to act, as well as news, pictures, and a soldiers point of view.
Lets once again stand and show our support for the men and women who everyday live and breath the fight for our freedom.
Imagine...you are in a crowd of people, and someone yells," mail is here." Youve been living in a world far away from your familiar surroundings, far away from loved ones, or just far away.You look up and hope, maybe today I will receive a letter , you watch as peoples names are called. You wait, trying not to get your hopes up. You hold your breath, not even realizing you arent breathing, wanting, hoping, wishing....and then you hear it ...your name...
a letter...yeaahhhhhhh....your whole day changes as a smile erupts on your face. Someone cares about me.
As Tiny Tim said, " God bless us, every one."

Calling all women...celebrating a victory

2004-10-13T07:47:00.000-04:00

Not long ago, HBO aired "Iron Jawed Angels", a story about the fight that women took in the USA to get the right to vote. It wasn't an easy fight but now is something we don't think much about. Some to the degree that they don't even vote.
Voting...one more precious gift our country guarantees us, and one more thing a lot take for granted. In this country, quite unfortunately many are turned off by the politics of electioneering. But as I have said before...there is power in ONE. We all need to begin to stand in unison and allow our voices to be heard...to rise against the things we find offensive, to cherish our rights (and not use the I am entitled theory). We also should stand in unison and acknowledge when hard fought victories are made.
I was asked recently, "Where are all the women?". Why aren't they standing and applauding the recent vote in Afghanistan? I don't have the answer. Why wasn't the media flooding the airwaves with this most historic event? Afghanistan voting for their president!!!!!
People in Afghanistan turned out in droves to vote this past Saturday. The conditions were far from idyllic. There was the threat of being targetted by terrorists, the long long lines , the (according to our standards) unsophisticated methods of the polling places. And yet the people of this country were jubilant. Women in particular came out in great numbers. This was a major change in their lives. They have a voice now, and they responded by using it.
This was the first election for head of state in their 5,000-year history. Can you imagine?
Do we, who take our vote for granted, understand what a great accomplishment has been made here? The following is a good take on the event. http://www.techcentralstation.com/101204C.html
"Turnout was described as "massive." Men in turbans and baggy sharwals lined up in orderly fashion to cast their ballots, many of them with uncharacteristically chipper looks on their faces. One guy I saw at a mosque in central Kabul actually had mist in his eyes. Women voted beneath tents at one poll near a block of wretched Soviet-era apartment blocks, lifting their burqas even in the presence of foreign cameras. In Bamiyan, home of the giant Buddhas destroyed by the Taliban, they stood in line to vote in the first snow of the season."
It has led me to think about those women who fought for the right to vote in the USA. I now marvel that in some way, their sacrifices and determination is now touching and reaching women in another part of the world. Women who were, not so long ago, conceived as those who had no rights. This weekend those same women, some still in burqas, VOTED!
This is my applause, my shout for congratulations and best wishes. Please join me in spreading this great news and acknowledging this most precious of freedoms that has arrived in a part of our world that, once upon a time, this very wonderful undertaking would have been an "Impossible Dream". (roll the song in your head)
To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
And to run where the brave dare not go
To right the unrightable wrong
And to love pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star
This is my quest
To follow that star
No matter how hopeless
No matter how far
To fight for the right
Without question or pause
To be willing to march, march into hell
For that heavenly cause
And I know
If I'll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart
Will lie peaceful and calm
When I'm laid to my rest
And the world will be better for this
That one man, scorned and covered with scars,
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable,
The unreachable star
And I'll always dream
The impossible dream
Yes, and I'll reach
The unreachable star

...and so in Afghanistan...it is exactly what they did!
God bless us all.

Another thing you wont hear in the media...

2004-10-08T06:24:00.000-04:00

Darfur...one of those places in the world that is dark. Depending on the reports that you read, the painted picture is one of genocide, malnutrition, and utter dispair. The pictures are ugly and heart wrenching. In this election period, many are bringing up the subject of Darfur. The gist of their tone is that while we are in Iraq, we arent doing anything for Darfur. I am going to dispel this myth. The US is, in reality, doing more humanitarian relief in Darfur than any other country combined.
Once again, as in Iraq, The United States Agency for International Development is in the lead.
USAID has been in Darfur for years.
http://www.usaid.gov/locations/sub-saharan_africa/sudan/darfur.html
They have been providing water, health care, sanitation, vaccinations, and food. Airplanes drop much needed emergency food assistance.
According to the USAID website:
On May 3, 2001, President Bush appointed USAID Administrator, Andrew Natsios, as the U.S. Special Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan. . His main agenda has been greater humanitarian access for all of Sudan. In September, former Senator Danforth was appointed the U.S. Special Envoy for Peace to Sudan.
In the initial phase of U.S. engagement under the Special Envoy, the humanitarian and political agendas have intertwined. The success of these efforts led to negotiations between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement on a comprehensive framework agreement for peace. It has also added to increased stability with international monitoring.
The Sudan Task Force, formed under the leadership of Assistant Administrator Roger Winter to support the Special Humanitarian Coordinator, has been an integral part of U.S. Special Envoy Danforth's missions to Sudan. USAID has played a special role in the recent negotiations and agreements, in addition to managing humanitarian and development programs in Sudan.
So our great country hasnt turned its back on these unfortunate people who are greatly in need. Despite the difficulty, the USAID 's courage and compassion is an enduring presence in the region.
God bless these people who give their committment to making this world a better place.

Quiet? on Wednesday?

2004-10-06T23:22:00.000-04:00

A friend sent this to me, they had received it in an email and forwarded it on
...kinda makes you go hmmmmmmm

When I Was Quiet
"They didn't see me when I was quiet."
That's what my five-year-old said. I picked him up from
school and as usual, asked him how his day went.
I often ask him what he did during the day.
"I got my name put on the board for talking," he said.
The teachers try to be strict about maintaining discipline.
It's a good thing. Even though they can't use the paddle
anymore as they did in my day, they do the best they can
with the techniques they are allowed to use. If your name
is on the board, you can't play during recess. You can't get
on the swings, the slide, or play any of the sports. If your
name is on the board, you're grounded. "I got my name
on the board, but they didn't see me when I was quiet
so I couldn't get it off." Remember the last speeding ticket
that you got? They didn't see you when you were going
slower and traveling at a reasonable speed.
Down the hill and in a hurry and here comes
the blue lights. They didn't see you when you were
quiet! The boss catches you just when you doze
for a second (well maybe longer than a second)
after diligently working all day. They didn't see
you when you were quiet. Your wife catches your
eyes wandering as you admire the architecture
of an elegant building that just happens to have
a shapely female in front of it. They didn't see you
when you were quiet. Why doesn't the world take
into account all of the times that you were quiet?
Why do you suffer so long for a moment's indiscretion?
How can a few minutes take an eternity to make up for?
Because of one of life's simple principles, it's a lot easier
and faster to mess up than to clean up. Harsh words
uttered in five seconds can damage a relationship for
five years. All of us are still in school. We still have
teachers. We still pass or fail tests. There are still
paddles in one form or another and there is still the
board. With many of the things in our lives, we simply
need to slow down and be quiet. That way we won't miss playtime.
Smiles...have a great day....and shhhhhhhhhh hehe

Rebuilding a spirit...

2004-10-05T13:18:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was one of those days that goes by in a flash, with no time for a breather. We started out early, and finally got home and settled down around 8 PM. My son and I sat together for the our daily chat. He had a program on the television called "Renovate My Family".
http://www.fox.com/renovatemyfamily/
At first I laughed and said to him, " Are you trying to tell me something? ". He replied that he had seen an advertisement for it and thought it might be a good show to watch. I was skeptical. Another reality based show. But watch it we did.
Its one of those shows that a crew comes in and redoes a family's home in a week. This family and the approach of the show was a bit different. The Blankenships had suffered a major loss. Their house had burned down, their little girl had lost her dog in the blaze. Most everything they had owned was gone.
The producers of this show, had the family walk through the house one more time, relating their feelings and allowing them to say goodbye. They began the demolition of the burnt out shell of the house. The family at first looking sad and reluctant, became involved with the notion of rebuilding as they watched their past become the future. Then the family was sent off in typical fashion to vacation while a massive crew sets about to rebuild the house. But this wasnt typical. The family did not just vacation. They confronted their loss. They were helped to set out to restart. The little girl was given the opportunity to choose a new puppy, giving her back a feeling of some control. The look on her sweet face as she embraced her new friend was priceless.
My favorite thing was that the father and son were sent to help another family get their house ready for the arrival of hurricane Ivan. It gave them a sense of giving, not just receiving. Pride, enabling, power of self. I love that. Charity is fine, I think , but giving something back, enabling those receiving to pass it on , is much much better.
It was one of those feel good moments in television. I have a feeling that the Blankenships will pass it on. They seem to be that kind of family. All in all a good night spend, quiet, watching a show, sharing the ideas and exchanging thoughts with my son. One of those otherwise taken for granted moments in a lifetime.
And for that I am grateful.

Listen for the voice...NO MORE

2004-10-01T13:03:00.000-04:00

There's an art to listening and hearing. Everyone is capable of doing
it. But too many of us got bogged down in the rush of daily lives to
take the time. We are so busy trying to balance a thousand things
that often we miss the whisper. And its the whisper that carries the
most important message. Once in a while the whisper becomes a
roar. An imperceptible hum becomes a piercing ringing in our ears
until we can no longer ignore it.
Terrorism.
One word evokes so many emotional responses. At least it does now
for the American public. Now it does... since 911. Terrorism was
that imperceptible hum for many of us. We heard the stories, but
how many of us actually wrapped our brains around the facts of it?
Afterall, it wasn't happening here, but far away, and we went about
our lives feeling a false security and almost arrogance that it was
something we needn't worry about. But that was until...911.
Its now become a roar. Everyday we are confronted with the
images, the horror, the inescapable reality of it. We can't run
and hide from it any longer. It's here, it's in our faces, in our minds,
ringing in our ears.
This morning I wanted to run and hide from it. Just for a bit.
Nothing on the agenda today, I wanted to take advantage of a no
schedule day. I was having my coffee, trying to enjoy the morning
quiet before the little one woke. I usually have the television on.
I don't really watch it as much as occasionally tune in if something
catches my attention. But I just couldn't take one more pundit spin
the debates from last night. Why is it that the media thinks that we
are all such idiots that they have to tell us what we heard? Or do
they think we aren't listening? I changed the channel looking for
something that would qualify as escape. I found some remotely
amusing and benign movie and left it on, even though it was toward
the end. I don't remember now what movie it was as I went back
to my daily reading and my coffee. This is also the time of day that I
tend to have a running dialogue with God. Some people would call
it prayer. Some would call me crazy. I don't really care. I ask
questions, I ask for mercy, I pray for those who need it to have
strength to get through the day. I count my blessings as a reminder
of how fortunate I am. And I give thanks.
Somewhere along the way I noticed that a new movie had started.
At first, I didn't pay attention. But as the story unfolded , I became
entranced. The movie was from 1987. It was "The Principal", starring
James Belushi and Lou Gossett Jr. Long story short, Belushi becomes
a principal in an inner city school full of "terrorists". Lou Gossett Jr.
plays his somewhat reluctant at first but supportive alliance. Back
then we wouldn't have called them terrorists. Some people still don't
call terrorists by their proper name. But the actions were parallel,
the means to the end the same. OK, I know this is just a movie, but
I couldn't help but to see the similarities to terrorism today albeit
a much different scale.
A driving force, steps in to the status quo of accepting the atrocities
that were going on. The protocol of the time was to appease the
"bad students" so that the uneasiness wouldn't get worse.
In the beginning of his attempts, Belushi as the principal announces,
that now that he has arrived, he has one simple rule....NO MORE.
Of course the "bad students" step up their attacks, singling out an
innocent teacher, and then another student trying to break away
and do the right thing. Heartbreaking attacks designed to break the
spirit of Belushi, and put fear into the other teachers and students
so that they protest Belushi's efforts. Who does he think he is
coming into this school and trying to change the scenery?
But Belushi's character is committed. He gets beaten, he agonizes
over the ones that suffer the attacks. But he doesn't quit and lives
by his mantra of NO MORE. As the movie winds to its close,
NO MORE wins out. Well kinda. Outside a fence the scene
shows there are more challenges to keeping the NO MORE rule.
But its message is clear. NO MORE.
I know many of you are wondering what I am doing today. Isn't this
supposed to be a good news blog? Well the good news today is that
there are real life heroes, ready and willing to take a stand and say ...
NO MORE. It's a difficult commitment one that will be met with
protest, one that at times will seem too daunting to win, one that will
challenge the will of us all. But all you have to do is look back on some
of the people that I've written about here on this blog. They are all
heroes standing up to say NO MORE. As more of us reach out and
join, stubbornly and defiantly holding onto one another's hands,
we will be heard. They will have to listen and hear our once
imperceivable hum as it grows into a roar.
NO MORE.
And for that I give thanks.
God bless us all.

God please help us....

2004-09-30T19:43:00.000-04:00

Today was a sad day. The terrorists are stepping it up in Iraq. Today they went after children. There was a celebration. Our soldiers were handing out candy...of course the children came. But so did the car bomb. Damn them...today is a one of those days that its hard to find the good news. So today I wept. Prayed. Then the anger came. For the sniping that is going on in this country, for the finger pointing and the cowardice of so many. For the terrorists that dare hold us ALL hostage, for taking away our feeling of entitled security and prosperity and peace. Most of all for taking the lives of our children, the worlds children. What kind of world have we become that we can't protect our children? And when we fail in that, what kind of world have we become that we aren't all in unison standing in rage and vowing that we will stop this evil. We cannot allow them to triumph, it is as simple as that. That is when I found this site. And now I feel renewed, renewed in purpose and in commitment, renewed in spirit, and renewed in hope.
http://www.untoldiraq.org/index.cfm
The site describes the purpose as this: The Iraq-America Freedom Alliance (IAFA) is a coalition of American and Iraqi organizations and individuals committed to fostering goodwill between our nations' citizens and winning the war on terror. We support a free, democratic and pluralistic Iraq that is at peace with the world. IAFA will provide Americans with a fuller picture of Iraq by giving voice to Iraqis who are grateful for their newfound freedom and working to secure democracy in their country.
Untold Iraq features the stories of Iraqis and Americans who are building a secure, stable and democratic future in Iraq. These stories, rarely shown on American newscasts, provide a powerful first-hand account of Iraqis' gratitude for their newfound liberation and commitment to working with the Coalition to build a brighter future.
Todays good news...
It was profoundly inspiring to read the stories here. Everyday people, doing extraordinary things. These are people who are determined to bring a better and brighter future to Iraq and in doing so, to the world. These are people that continue to point out the many good changes and improvements that have happened and are happening in Iraq. These are people that are joining together and standing in unison and saying we won't be defeated. We have to reach out and join in with our outrage and support.
Today the terrorists made me feel helpless. It was but a momentary lapse. We cannot and must not allow that to happen. With every step they take, we have to raise our voices louder. Thank you to the people who run this site. I signed on today. Together we can and WILL find the harmony in the discord. I can hear the melody in the voices of these courageous Iraqi people. If you listen carefully, you will too.
God bless us all.

Giggle day...ok at least smile...

2004-09-29T11:48:00.000-04:00

Its Witty Wednesday again...time to take a break from all the seriousness and giggle a bit. This was another email that I received and had to laugh. You just got to love kids.

WHY GOD CREATED CHILDREN (AND IN THE PROCESS GRANDCHILDREN)

To those of us who have children in our lives, whether they are our own, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or students...here is something to make you chuckle.
Whenever your children are out of control, you can take comfort from the thought that even God's omnipotence did not extend to His own children After creating heaven and earth, God created Adam and Eve. And the first thing he said was "DON'T!"
"Don't what?" Adam replied.
"Don't eat the forbidden fruit." God said.
"Forbidden fruit? We have forbidden fruit? Hey Eve..we have forbidden fruit!!!!!"
"No Way!"
"Yes way!"
"Do NOT eat the fruit!" said God.
"Why"
"Because I am your Father and I said so!" God replied, wondering why He hadn't stopped creation after making the elephants. A few minutes later, God saw His children having an apple break and He was ticked! "Didn't I tell you not to eat the fruit?" God asked.
"Uh huh," Adam replied.
"Then why did you?" said the Father.
"I don't know," said Eve.
"She started it!" Adam said
"Did not!"
"Did too!"
"DID NOT!"
Having had it with the two of them, God's punishment was that Adam and Eve should have children of their own. Thus the pattern was set and it has never changed.

BUT THERE IS REASSURANCE IN THE STORY! If you have persistently and lovingly tried to give children wisdom and they haven't taken it, don't be hard on yourself. If God had trouble raising children, what makes you think it would be a piece of cake for you?

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT!
1. You spend the first two years of their life teaching them to walk and talk. Then you spend the next sixteen telling them to sit down and shut up.
2. Grandchildren are God's reward for not killing your own children.
3. Mothers of teens now know why some animals eat their young.
4. Children seldom misquote you. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said.
5. The main purpose of holding children's parties is to remind yourself that there are children more awful than your own.
6. We childproofed our homes, but they are still getting in.
ADVICE FOR THE DAY: Be nice to your kids. They will choose your nursing home one day.
AND FINALLY:
IF YOU HAVE A LOT OF TENSION AND YOU GET A HEADACHE, DO WHAT IT SAYS ON THE ASPIRIN BOTTLE:
"TAKE TWO ASPIRIN" AND "KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN"!!!!!

God bless us all...yes even the kids!!!! LOL

Some days are easier than others...

2004-09-28T20:53:00.000-04:00

I woke this morning with a splitting sinus headache. Allergy season has arrived. After I got my son off to school, I bargained with myself a bit. Today is one of those dreary rainy days and my head hurt and..and...My four year old was still asleep and it would have been so easy to crawl back into the covers and go back to slumber land. Instead I made some coffee and began my daily read. This is one of the quiet times in my day. My son has left for school, my little whirlwind is still asleep. The house is quiet. And the minutes before she wakes and we set off to a day full of activity are few and much enjoyed. Within minutes, I felt energized and inspired. And... well... a bit humbled for having groaned at this new day when I first awoke. The reason for the attitude adjustment?
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2004/September_04/09172004_01.asp
Women work toward peace, paradise in IraqIraq's liberation opens doors, provides freedom
By KRISTA LEDBETTER - GM Today Staff
September 17, 2004

Ahood Aabass, a member of the Al-Tahsinniyya council in Basra, Iraq, talks about how things have changed in her country since the removal of Saddam Hussein's regime. Aabass was the first woman to hold an elected position in Basra since the removal of the country's dictator.
WAUKESHA - Ahood Aabass prays that Iraq's future will be peaceful. At 42, Aabass has seen a life many Americans can't imagine - a life under Saddam Hussein's regime.
Her children went to schools that were without windows, doors and toilets, and where teachers made as little as $3 a month to teach. Water in her city of Basra had worms in it, and women had little, if any, right to freedom.
But in the first year since the liberation of Iraq, Aabass said her life has changed for the better.
"I want to forget the past," said Aabass, who has become one of Iraq's first elected officials, and the first female elected official in the new governing counsel of Basra. Three of her brothers have been killed because they were against Saddam during the Gulf War, and she, her husband and young children spent time in jail because her mother-in-law was of Iranian descent.
"I am active. I have energy and I couldn't use it," said Aabass, who was able to receive several university degrees in mass communication despite not being able to use her education under Saddam's rule.
An alliance
Aabass and Tamara Sarafa Quinn, director of Women's Alliance for a Democratic Iraq, are part of the Iraq-America Freedom Alliance. Quinn is an Iraqi-American citizen who fled Baghdad as Saddam gained power and now lives in the U.S.
Aabass is visiting the U.S. to help Quinn show America a bigger picture of Iraq. The women visited with the Freeman to share their stories.
"The idea is not to say that bombs are not happening, or that we wish that security was a better situation, but at the same time it is not right to say that nothing else is happening that is good," Quinn said.
In the year since liberation, Aabass has become an activist for women's rights. As the first female member of the Al-Tahsinniyya council, which is a new district government council in Basra, she, and all women of Iraq, have been able to accomplish more now than during the previous 20 years under Saddam's rule.
She writes a biweekly newsletter called the Iraqi Women's Echo and is active in several organizations that help support Iraqi women.
Quinn helped found the Women's Alliance for a Democratic Iraq, which was formed in early 2003 and is made up of professional Iraqi-born American women.
"We help women learn the political process and help get them back on their feet," Quinn said.
Recently, the group brought Iraqi women to America to shadow members of Congress so they could see what it is like to debate and learn how to run a campaign.
"When Saddam was in power, he stripped women of their rights, and we're trying our best to regain those rights," Quinn said.
Message for America
Both women said great strides have been made in education, human rights, health care and infrastructure improvements. Iraq has seen schools reopened, refurbished and re-painted. Some 159,000 new desks were distributed to the schools, millions of new textbooks have been printed and 20 million Iraqi citizens now have clean water and sanitation amenities they didn't have before.
Teachers are also now making between $300 and $500 a month to teach, which Quinn said is a great deal to the Iraqis.
Aabass and Quinn said none of these advancements could have been made without the help of the U.S.-led military coalition, and Aabass has a message for Americans.
"We have very good things happening in Iraq because of help from America," she said. "I am very thankful and grateful for our liberty and our freedom because with (America's) help, we can get Saddam Hussein out of our country. I feel very sorry for the families who gave their sons and their daughters who were killed in our country. They are putting their lives on the line to help us."
That means the most to Aabass, because now she is hopeful for the future, Quinn said. She didn't have that before.
"We want peace," Quinn said. "I think Iraq could really be the paradise it was supposed to be."

I found myself once again counting my blessings and being grateful for the beauty in my life, the quiet moments and the hustle and bustle. And for the many things that I daily take for granted.
My thanks to these women who are another example to us of finding opportunity in the difficulty. And to Krista Ledbetter for writing such a wonderful story. God bless all of you.

NOTE: Aabass, who has become one of Iraq's first elected officials, and the first female elected official in the new governing counsel of Basra.
For those who say elections cant happen in Iraq...guess again...on the local level ...they already are!

Why do weekends go so fast?

2004-09-27T22:02:00.000-04:00

That was the complaint of my son this morning as I woke him for school. The child is not a morning person, must take after me. hehe. But once he's had his shower and his breakfast, he turns back into that loving kid, who bounces out the door for the school bus with a kiss and a hug. I am very lucky as he usually yells, "I love you , mom" as the screen door slams his departure.
This morning made me count blessings. He goes to a very good school, has great friends, and as most of our children....he takes alot for granted. His back pack is heavy with the various books he totes back and forth to school. He might grumble a bit when they are first given the assignment to take them home and cover them. That was until the advent of "book socks". God bless the person who came up with them. In the beginning of the school year, armed with THE LIST, we go to the store to buy the various required notebooks, pens and paraphenalia. I always buy those big big packs of pens. But by October, he will be asking me for a pen to do his homework. Hard as I try to make him be more responsible, I have to admit that I am not much better at keeping track of pens. How lucky we are. Something so simple as a pen, we take for granted.
The Iraqi children are in need of pens. IraqiSchools.com is another grassroots effort. Theres that power of one again. Major Gregg Softy ( perfect name for one so generous) was stationed in Iraq. Quite simply, he sent an email home and asked everyone to forward it on. Then he trusted that people would respond. And respond they did. To date, 997,671 lbs of supplies have been shipped over to Iraq for the school children. Amazing....people are terrific! Thank to Maj. Softy and the many people who keep this going and have invested their time and efforts to bring about a better world that benefits all of us.
Now lets keep the momentum going...
To read about IraqiSchools.com please go to http://www.iraqischools.com/
(Snickers, well what did you expect the addy to be?) It's a wonderful story, and it made me smile. Theres a history of how it began, letters from Iraq, photos, and more. There are some great ideas proposed on the site. And the needed supply list is updated. This would be a great project for our children to be involved with, helping another one with school supplies. Then maybe just maybe, my son will appreciate those darn pens a little more.
Thanks and God bless us all.

Sending hugs to an old friend....

2004-09-26T04:49:00.000-04:00

Watching Florida get hit yet again with another distasterous hurricane, one cant help but shake ones head in wonder. To say it's been a rough season for battered Florida is an understatement. One positive consistent presence throughout it all has been an old friend, the American Red Cross. How many of us have heard those words and yet really know nothing about them? We know that we hear the name everytime there is an emergency. It almost is taken for granted. The American Red Cross will be there.
I remember a few years ago, there was a big fire in a community not far from where I live. My son was a volunteer fireman and the American Red Cross was there. Real life angels that showed up to feed and provide support for the firemen. But their work didnt stop there. They helped to find housing for those affected by the fire and supplied food, clothing, and emotional support. Now in Florida, within a moments notice, the American Red Cross is once again there, opening shelters, supplying food, and a much needed helping hand.
This very loyal and dependable friend has been around since the late 1800s. It all began with the power of one. Clara Barton. Clara first heard about the Red Cross during a visit to Europe. When she returned, she worked tirelessly to establish the American Society of the Red Cross and for the ratification of the Geneva Convention. Barton ran the Red Cross for 23 years, seeing it through an establishment of a charter and expanding its effort to domestic and international disaster relief during both war and peace efforts. And the rest as they say is history.
If you go to visit their website, you can take a journey through the past. Their resume is a most impressive one. http://www.redcross.org/museum/history/ The expanse of their efforts is daunting. Most of us probably dont even realize that this organization has touched our own personal lives in some way until you see the amount of services they offer, the amount of tasks that they take on as their own. http://www.redcross.org/services/0,1103,0_313_,00.html
As happens all too often in our hectic lives, we fail to applaud those who help us the most. Its like the old friend who is always there, the one who stands in the background never needing thanks but never letting us down. I would like us all to pause for just a moment. What would our worlds be like without the American Red Cross? I dont want to find out. I do want to send our prayers and gratitude to all the volunteers and workers from this dear and old friend.
Please visit their website to find out how you can help them. Florida residents arent the only ones that have been battered during this hurricane season. The American Red Cross and their volunteers have been as well. Yet they dont stop, they keep on going, and continue to find the opportunity in the difficulties. Please support them. They need us now.
http://www.redcross.org/

More good news from Iraq...truth defies fiction

2004-09-24T17:33:00.000-04:00

Prime Minister Allawi made a historic visit to our country this week. That feat in itself should be held as remarkable and encouraging. It should have been met with applause and appreciation. I wont even begin to address those "naysayers" who derided him and his visit. Personally I believe, we dont need such a careless reaction to such a great accomplishment in history. If this were not an election year, I would bet that the politicos who were so negative would have been jockeying for position in photo ops. Having said that I will now concentrate on the optimism and hope that I and many others hold for the country of Iraq. In spite of the violence, or maybe in defiance I will continue to take the stand that WE WILL NOT ALLOW THE TERRORISTS TO WIN. Period the end. I am not alone in that stance. Far from it. Its interesting to find more and more Iraqi blogs coming up with the same message. Things are better in Iraq and continue to get better. Yes there is violence. But they understand and have lived with violence all of their lives. We in the US have a hard time comprehending this concept. We also dont seem to understand that Iraq for the most part is peaceful and growing. Not all areas are bound to the violence we see everyday on the media. The majority of them are not , but you dont get to see this. There is much hope and belief in the Iraqi people. Many of our servicemen that have returned from Iraq state this same sentiment. Quite a few are dismayed and appalled at the "diet" of the news that we get. On several occasions they have been heard to say," Thats not the Iraq that I experienced." So in honor of these soldiers and the committed Iraqi people , some more good news today from Iraq....
Chrenkoff is a Polish immigrant in the land of Australia. He has been blogging on the state of Iraq for quite some time and has a must read series on the good news. It is an enlightening fact filled journey through matters of importance to the ordinary citizens of this changing country.
In the tenth installment, Chrenkoff covers the topics of attitude, marriage, Iraqi television, education, sports , and economy. And thats just to name a few. Talk radio is a new diversion for the Iraqi people. Of this new option, Chrenkoff says,
After decades of enforced silence, the Iraqis are relishing a chance to speak out. Radio Dijla (Tigris), which went on air in April, continues to go from strength to strength. One of 15 new private radio stations, Dijla is the only one so far to pursue the talk-radio format. It broadcasts for 19 hours a day, and receives 185 calls an hour - more than the station staff can handle - mostly about everyday life's big and small problems.
"Beyond easing the frustrations of daily life, the station provides a chance for Iraqis to talk publicly about politics for the first time in decades. Listeners' calls open a window onto the lives of ordinary Iraqis, whose opinions often go unheard in the frantic pace of bombings, kidnappings and armed uprisings." 'After 35 years of people not being able to say what they wanted, we need something that can translate our feelings,' said Imad al-Sharaa, a news editor at the station."One such program was broadcast June 30, on the day before Saddam first appeared in court. The program director and host, Majid Salim, asked listeners what they wanted to see happen to him. The answer was something of a surprise for Salim. 'Most people wanted him executed,' Salim said."Another time, Salim asked listeners what they thought about the violent insurgency that has railed Iraq. 'We asked them, is it terrorism or is it resistance,' Salim said. 'A very large proportion -- almost 100 percent -- said terrorism. They did not like it'."And on Iraqi TV, the sign that the broadcaster has truly come of age - an aerobics show. Overall, communications throughout Iraq are improving.

If you only take the time to read his tenth installment, you will learn quite a bit.
http://chrenkoff.blogspot.com/2004/09/good-news-from-iraq-part-10.html
I have a feeling though, once you read that one , you will want to read more.
Having read Chrenkoff and many other blogs from Iraqi bloggers that live and breath the changes everyday, I dare a certain politician to call them liars or misinterpreters, as he so irresponsibly impugned Prime Minister Allawi.
Thank you Chrenkoff for making this side of the story available to all of us. Its a story that needs to be told and one that should be held in great importance. Together we can work to ensure the success of the Iraqi people, defying those who would rather tout defeat in the face of adversity. In the discord, we WILL find harmony.

Cinderella...and the shoes fits

2004-09-23T05:10:00.000-04:00

Carrie Sturrock wrote a wonderful uplifting column that appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle. She introduces us to Sandra Budde, a middle school principal, who has a Marine son in Iraq. Having a son in Iraq, as one would imagine, is giving alot to our country. In that aspect alone, Mrs. Budde has our utmost respect and support. But Mrs. Budde is one of those people that hasnt stopped there. Nor did her son. Marine Lt. Ben Budde was concerned about the children walking about with no shoes in the desert heat. When his mother asked him if there was something he needed, he replied, "Yes, mom, sandals." His mom went and bought a few pair of sandals, then mentioned the idea to Jo Loecher at the school. Jo organized the campaign in short order and soon the student body of Charlotte Wood Middle School responded with enthusiasm. In one short week, over 500 pairs of sandals had been collected. And it continues to grow.
It comes as no surprise to me that the response would be so wonderful. From the article, the spirit that fills the reader is one of positive energy. When confronted with the costs of sending the collected treasures to Iraq, Jo Loecher doesnt hesitate in her belief that someone will come through. Sandra Budde told me that the project has since struck a chord with the community. The school is now planning to send monthly shipments to Iraq for at least the next six months. "It would bring a tear to your eye to witness the unbelievable generosity of the American people, especially among our student population. We have had adults walk in with cash, wishing to remain anonymous, but wanting to help out with the shipping. We have had shoe stores, shoe manufacturers, banks and other organizations call to donate shoes, funding or assistance. This has been the most heartwarming experience of my professional career." How can one not smile when reading that? Once again, I notice that the one who is making the effort mentions the reward that they get, not the act of generosity that they are giving. It is what makes us one of the best nations on this earth, this spirit of giving, the American spirit.
If you would like to a part of this honorable experience, you can help.
If you wish to donate sandals or make a contribution towards shipping or postage, please make checks out to CWMS; Operation Cinderella, and send to Charlotte Wood Middle School, 600 El Capitan Drive, Danville,CA 94526.
Thank you Carrie Sturrock for being a positive influence and writing this wonderful story and bringing it to the attention of a nation in need of good news. Thank you Lt. Budde, for being a shining example of what is good in all of us, for your service, for your care. Thank you Sandra Budde for raising such a fine young man, and for the work that you do everyday with our children. Jo Loecher, to you our thanks for allowing dreams to become reality, and having and teaching the faith that anything is possible. And last but surely not least, thanks to the students of Charlotte Wood Middle School for responding and showing others what a great generation we can look forward to . This is a school that teaches by example and shows the student the power in one. God bless you all.

Witty Wednesday

2004-09-22T22:02:00.000-04:00

I've decided that mid week, we might all need a break. A time to giggle, to laugh, just to remind ourselves not to take ourselves so seriously and have a little fun now and then. So introducing Witty Wednesday...the giggles.
Someone sent this to me in email the other day. It made me kinda go hmmmm and laugh at the same time. I sure see myself in there. I hope you get a laugh too.

~20 Signs You've Grown Up~
- 1. 6:00 AM is when you get up, not when you go to bed.
- 2. You hear your favorite song on an elevator.
- 3. You watch the Weather Channel.
- 4. Your friends marry and divorce instead of hook up and break up.
- 5. You go from 130 days of vacation time to 14.
- 6. Jeans and a sweater no longer qualify as "dressed up."
- 7. You're the one calling the police because those darn kids next door won't turn down the stereo.
- 8. You don't know what time Taco Bell closes anymore.
- 9. Your car insurance goes down and your payments go up.
- 10. You feed your dog Science Diet instead of McDonalds leftovers.
- 11. Sleeping on the couch makes your back hurt.
- 12. You no longer take naps from noon to 6 PM.
- 13. Dinner and a movie is the whole date instead of the beginning ofone.
- 14. Eating a basket of chicken wings at 3 AM would severely upset,rather than settle, your stomach.
- 15. You go to the drug store for ibuprofen and antacid, not condomsand pregnancy tests.
- 16. A $4.00 bottle of wine is no longer "pretty good stuff."
- 17. You actually eat breakfast food at breakfast time.
- 18. "I just can't drink the way I used to," replaces, "I'm never goingto drink that much again."
- 19. 90% of the time you spend in front of a computer is for real work.
- 20. You read this entire list looking desperately for one sign that this doesn't apply to you.

HeHeHe....

Looking forward, not behind....

2004-09-21T22:39:00.000-04:00

Ok, I need to get something off my chest. This is really starting to bug me. The negativity that has become the norm. In supposed leaders or wanna-be leaders of our country, in the media, and in day to day conversations. I dont want a leader that looks at a war that our military men and women are engaged in and hear him say...oops looks bad, we are gonna lose. Geesh. What kind of leader is that???? Im sick and tired of hearing belly aching from the congress and the senate and the daily dips reporting it all over the place. All Ive heard is a lot of negativity and defeatist attitude.

One of the early lessons I learned in life was not to give up, no matter how hard it got. I had rheumatic fever as a young child. I was bed ridden for a year. I missed the first grade. Now my mother and father could have said poor poor you....dont worry. They could have let me feel sorry for myself. They could have felt sorry for me. But thats not the way it was. My mother taught me to do my lessons. I had homework. I had to learn my math and my reading. I learned to deal with not even being able to walk to a bathroom eight feet away. I learned how to keep myself occupied. I became an addicted reader. Alot of my better qualities that I have used through life, I can trace back to having learned them during that time. Whats my point here? My point is I wasnt given the option of negativity. I had a choice ...and that was to make the best of the situation and overcome the limitations.( By the way, I tested at the school to be enrolled the following year and because my test scores were higher than the kids that actually went to first grade, they passed me onto second grade. Kudos to my mom for that. I lost no ground...I in fact did even better.)

So enough is enough....we are engaged in a battle for our lives and our liberty. Enough naysayers. Enough all is bad. Enough crybabying. Enough passing the buck. Enough crippling of our military morale. Enough watching terrorists attack children, chopping off innocent peoples heads, bombing innocents traveling in car bombings. ENOUGH. ARE YOU LISTENING WORLD LEADERS? Terrorism is a very bad thing...evil....and its time we all pulled ourselves up by our bootstraps and started to yell....WE ARENT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE.
Whew..thanks I needed that..(really that rant doesnt go too far away from the premise of this blog....its about substituting positive proactive and offense for negativite defeatism and nonreaction and defensiveness)......now for the good news....

I want to go back to the blog about Iraq. Spirit of America. http://www.spiritofamerica.net/index.html
These men and women are doing good things for Iraq. No moaning and complaining ...only positive proactivity. They've brought clean usable water to the Iraqi people with Water Barrels for rural Iraq. They've supplied school supplies, toys, sports equipment for the children of Iraq. They have even brought music back to the children in Kurdish villages in northern Iraq.
Their work is important to the stabilization of this worthy country. And they need volunteers.

Volunteer!We're looking for volunteers in these areas:
Outreach and Publicity - Help us get the word out about the requests we receive to your local media and organizations and Web sites and blogs that you know. We would like volunteers to commit 3-4 hours a week.
Local PR Research - Help our requestors by researching media contacts (newspaper, Web sites, radio) in their hometowns and home base locations.
Corporate Donor Outreach - Research and contact potential corporate donors. Our goal is to build relationships with companies that can make donations of requested goods or offer their products at a reduced price. We're especially interested in these product categories: school supplies & equipment, sports equipment, children's apparel and musical instruments and related music equipment. We would like volunteers to have experience in dealing with the marketing departments of corporations. If you have knowledge of the industries noted above, even better. We would like volunteers to commit 6 to 8 hours a week for 4 to 6 weeks.
If you're interested in volunteering, please email us at staff@spiritofamerica.net.

So next time you find yourself wanting to bemoan the state we are in....or want to criticize the position we have taken in Iraq....I ask you to put your money where your mouth is. Do something...Change something....contribute to its success and lets together light up that corner of the world. And maybe just maybe, we can all rejoice in its victory.
Thanks and God bless us all.
One more thing....from the pages of the TF 1-18 IN Regiment...
http://www.1id.army.mil/118/index.htm
men and women not only fighting in Iraq but going a step farther, and bringing aid and relief and education and encouragement...applause, applause and prayers for all of the brave and honorable soldiers of this fine unit. You make us proud to be American. Thank you. This quote can be found on their website, (and you know by now how I love a good quote), it is one that we all should read everyday.
"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows achievement and who at the worst if he fails at least fails while daring greatly so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."--Theodore Roosevelt; US President
A big AMEN to that.

Another grassroots effort....

2004-09-20T17:01:00.000-04:00

The power in one. There is a great deal of power in one. When I graduated from high school, I used the quote, " A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." As you can tell, I love a good quote. There are simple truths in them. And in this case, one can touch a thousand lives by just taking that single step. Todays good news....
AdoptaPlatoon is a non profit soldier-supported grassroots effort. It all began in 1998 with one. Ida Haag. Her son had been deployed to Bosnia and in correspondence, related his concern about 9 members of his platoon that did not receive mail or packages. Ida soon began to send these fine young men cards and treats. But once again, as in most great stories, Ida didnt stop there. She found 9 other mothers who adopted these young soldiers. It had an immediate impact on the morale of the platoon. Soon Ida was recruiting other people to adopt other soldiers. AdoptaPlatoon was born.
Ida Haag, Fran Dobson, and Joyce Lisiewski now run the organization online from their homes. They enlist the help of volunteers, who match up soldiers with families, schools, and penpals. Emails, packages, and cards and letters are sent to the adopted soldier to let them see how much they are appreciated. What a great way to get a class involved in a constructive project. The light that these women shed on their corners of the world, extends for many many miles. Ida Haag, says it best on the website..."We have so many dedicated people reaching out to make a difference in the lives of our soldiers who are as passionate as I am about AdoptaPlatoon. The reward we receive is beyond words." Its people like Ida, and Fran and Joyce that make this a great nation. Their work and dedication touches thousands, and yet they talk about the rewards they receive. God bless you all and thank you. (On a personal note: I would like to thank a new friend for bringing AdoptaPlatoon to my attention. You did good, thanks.)
In this time of war, its not about the politics. Its about the people who are serving our country. Its about bringing to them a piece of home and comfort. Its about letting them know that they are in our thoughts and prayers. Its a most honorable cause.
http://www.adoptaplatoon.org/new/index.htm

From the heart of a child comes wisdom...

2004-09-19T20:40:00.000-04:00

My son was watching television one night this summer and came into my room visably shaken and upset. He had just heard that Alex Scott, an impressive young girl had lost her fight against the childhood cancer she fought so bravely. Alex passed away on August 1, 2004. We immediately went to the internet and looked up what we could about a girl named Alex. At his urging , todays blog is dedicated to Alex, an angel who found opportunity amidst the difficulty.

Alex Scott was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an aggressive childhood cancer just before she turned one. For such a young child, she showed strength and courage enduring rounds of tests and treatments that would last throughout her life. Kudos to her wonderful parents for providing the support and nurturing that grew with Alex. At the age of four, Alex decided to do something to bring about the cure for her illness. She decided to sell lemonade and donate the money to her hospital. Imagine...four years old! With her family's help Alex held that first Lemonade Stand and raised over $2000 for Connecticut Children's Medical Center. She didnt stop there. The next year, Alex held another lemonade sale. She raised $600 for Neuroblastoma research at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Alex and her family then established the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Fund. The news of this remarkable young child began to reach other people.
In 2004, there will be hundreds of Alex's Lemonade Stands held around the country and even in other parts of the world. To date her simple idea has grown and now has raised over $900,000 for pediatric cancer. Alex is an example of how we can light up the corners of our world. Her story began with one little girl, who took the steps despite her own plight, and made a big big difference. Alex's work isnt done. Now its up to us.

If you are interested in holding a lemonade stand, or donating to Alex's cause, please go to
http://www.alexslemonade.com/index.php
God bless you and your family Alex and thank you for touching our lives in such a beautiful way.

And the good news in Iraq...shocking isnt it

2004-09-18T17:38:00.000-04:00

So much of the news we get from Iraq is horrid, when in truth it isnt all horrid. Now, before you jump on me, I know that a war is not a pretty thing and it is horrid. But we need to hear both sides now.....and besides did you read the title of this blog? I dont care if you are for the war or against the war. Thats not what this is about. And quite frankly, I wont hear you. There are plenty of other blogs where you can go to debate the pros and cons. This is the good news....

I love reading these blogs from Iraq. These voices coming from their country has given me a different perspective of what is happening on a human level. I like the idea of getting some other viewpoint on what is happening there and what can be better than someone who is living it. This was the first one I experienced. http://iraqthemodel.blogspot.com/ . It defied all the reports I had been reading and seeing here. It acknowledges bad times but gives a deeper and more inclusive narration on what it is like to live under these changing times in Iraq. I went back and read the blog from the day it began and found a history lesson in the telling. I have a better understanding now of the who's who. And a bigger resolve to find harmony in the discord.
Please take some time to read about Mohammed, Ali, and Omar. I am humbled to have been allowed to share their insights.
Heres a site that reaches out for help to aid in Iraq. Should you be so inclined, maybe we can begin to be proactive instead of just giving word play and criticism. Maybe we can start something good.
http://www.spiritofamerica.net/index.html
Thanks and God Bless us all.

And the good news is....

2004-09-17T20:12:00.000-04:00

For a long time I've been pondering this adventure. Everywhere we seem to turn there is nothing but bad news being thrown at us. I am an optimist. That I will admit. I believe we each can choose whether today will be a good mood or bad mood day. When my kids were young, I would tell them not to try to change the world, but just to light up their own corner of the world each day. And hopefully, it would be contagious. Unfortunately, the way the world is looming these days, trying to light up only your corner of the world just isnt enough. With that thought in mind, I've decided to try to wade through the everyday messages and announcements to find some story that highlights the good. The theme of this blog will be just that. And maybe, just maybe, I will do my part and show my kids that lighting up their corner can be done.