From a Gentle Heart

Just finished reading Laura Bush's Spoken From the Heart. Lovely book, lovely life. And surprising to me. I'm a fairly political creature -- keep up with the news via CNN, ABC, NBC and Fox so I know pretty much what's going on. I was amazed at what Laura Bush accomplished during her White House years.

Of course I knew she founded the annual book fair in D.C. because I've been an avid watcher of those on C-Span since the very first one. And I knew some of her work in literacy in the US but had no idea she was so involved in Afghanistan, Africa and Burma. She certainly did not waste her time or her influence as First Lady.

The book is calm and lovely, just like she is personally. I would have ranted at the unjust treatment she suffered not only for herself but for her husband -- quietly putting up with the lies and slander and all the viciousness rained upon them by the left. It hurt and her pain is evident in the book but she keeps it subdued and calm. That, it seems to me, makes the sensitive reader completely empathetic to her and her situation. I know I experienced a sense of real anger when she casually mentioned an archivist at a museum who pointed out a dress of Jackie Kennedy's and compared it to one Mrs. Bush had worn, saying the color Kennedy chose was more tasteful that Mrs. Bush's choice.

She does take Nancy Pelosi to task for calling her husband stupid and she does it in a lady-like way, describing her hurt and pointing out that Pelosi (and Reid, who was equally ugly in his own way) continued to be invited (and to accept those invitations) to the White House. That takes an immense amount of Christian courage and class -- and it shows those two up as the tacky and stupid idiots that they truly are.

It's a lovely book, quiet and dignified -- a gentle voice of crystal clarity in the midst of the cackling cacaphony of our present political cesspool.

Catch Up

I haven't been good about blogging lately. Maybe it's the absolutely stunning stupidity in the national political scene that has me frustrated. I don't know. I can't believe the nastiness -- Dems whining about threats of violence (most of which seem to be a product of the MainMedium's imagination) after six or seven years of threatening to assassinate President Bush and calling him traitor and worse. Moveon.org and that ilk sure love to dish it out and if they don't get it back, they manufacture it.

What a bunch of creeps.

I haven't joined the tea party folks but after seeing the national networks' and the President's staff's reactions, I think I will. If I can't attend I'll send money. If that makes me a racist and all that other stuff -- too bad.

Obama and his crew are working hard to make the term "racist" a badge of honor.

Sad

Okay. I've given Obama plenty of time to show what he really is. And it looks like he's someone who is going to have his way whether the American people want him to or not. It looks like he doesn't know a thing about American history, American values or the American constitution. Since he taught constitutional law at one point I'd rather think he's stupid rather than think he truly wants to turn us away from our heritage and our laws.

However, the way he's behaving, it looks to me like he wants to be ruler of the world and the best way he's come up with to do that is to destroy America economically, and he's well on his way down that path.

I wish the "birthers" would settle down. A child born to a person who is an American citizen is also an American citizen, no matter where he is born. We learned that in 7th grade civics. Obviously taking civics out of the classroom has left a certain number of our population ignorant of some basics.

What we should be asking is, for example, where's the proof that Obama is intelligent? Other than the media says so, that is. Why can't we see his grades? Where are the papers he wrote in the colleges he attended? Where is the evidence for the claim that he's above average in intelligence and in accomplishments?

We should be demanding that he back off on his use of Air Force One. Traveling to Williamsburg and to Baltimore in that airplane is stupid. Taking one trip after another to communities in the USA when he could conference with them on the computer is wasteful. His lifestyle in the White House (and the fact that he and Michelle need to "get away") shows a pitiful lack of sophistication.

We should insist that he learn to be a President instead of acting like a spoiled, narcissistic brat who has fancy toys to play with for the first time in his life.

As for Obama, he should quit whining about the challenge he was given (he asked for it) and quit making things worse.

Know what's even worse? The fact that we elected him to THE major office in the country without requiring him to earn it reflects on our intelligence as a people. That we allow him to lie to us again and again without fear of some sort of retaliation reflects more on us than it does on him.

So we have made our bed and now we have to lie here for another year before we can begin to get him (and his ilk) out of there.

Sad.

Pat Boone's "President Without A Country"

The president without a country
By Pat Boone

"We're no longer a Christian nation." - President Barack Obama, June 2007

" America has been arrogant." - President Barack Obama

"After 9/11, America didn't always live up to her ideals."- President Barack Obama

"You might say that America is a Muslim nation."- President Barack Obama, Egypt 2009

Thinking about these and other statements made by the man who wears the title of president. I keep wondering what country he believes he's president of.

In one of my very favorite stories, Edward Everett Hale's "The Man without a Country," a young Army lieutenant named Philip Nolan stands condemned for treason during the Revolutionary War, having come under the influence of Aaron Burr. When the judge asks him if he wishes to say anything before sentence is passed, young Nolan defiantly exclaims, "Damn the United States ! I wish I might never hear of the United States again!"

The stunned silence in the courtroom is palpable, pulsing. After a long pause, the judge soberly says to the angry lieutenant: "You have just pronounced your own sentence. You will never hear of the United States again.. I sentence you to spend the rest of your life at sea, on one or another of this country's naval vessels - under strict orders that no one will ever speak to you again about the country you have just cursed."

And so it was. Philip Nolan was taken away and spent the next 40 years at sea, never hearing anything but an occasional slip of the tongue about America. The last few pages of the story, recounting Nolan's dying hours in his small stateroom - now turned into a shrine to the country he fore swore - never fail to bring me to tears. And I find my own love for this dream, this miracle called America , refreshed and renewed. I know how blessed and unique we are.

But reading and hearing the audacious, shocking statements of the man who was recently elected our president - a young black man living the impossible dream of millions of young Americans, past and present, black and white - I want to ask him, "Just what country do you think you're president of?"

You surely can't be referring to the United States of America , can you? America is emphatically a Christian nation, and has been from its inception! Seventy percent of her citizens identify themselves as Christian. The Declaration of Independence and our Constitution were framed, written and ratified by Christians. It's because this was, and is, a nation built on and guided by Judeo-Christian biblical principles that you, sir, have had the inestimable privilege of being elected her president.

You studied law at Harvard, didn't you, sir? You taught constitutional law in Chicago ? Did you not ever read the statement of John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and an author of the landmark "Federalist Papers": "Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers - and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation - to select and prefer Christians for their rulers"?

In your studies, you surely must have read the decision of the Supreme Court in 1892: "Our lives and our institutions must necessarily be based upon and embody the teachings of the Redeemer of mankind. It is impossible that it should be otherwise; and in this sense and to this extent our civilization and our institutions are emphatically Christian."

Did your professors have you skip over all the high-court decisions right up till the mid 1900's that echoed and reinforced these views and intentions? Did you pick up the history of American jurisprudence only in 1947, when for the first time a phrase coined by Thomas Jefferson about a "wall of separation between church and state" was used to deny some specific religious expression - contrary to Jefferson ' s intent with that statement?

Or, wait a minute . were your ideas about America 's Christianity formed during the 20 years you were a member of the Trinity United Church of Christ under your pastor, Jeremiah Wright? Is that where you got the idea that " America is no longer a Christian nation"? Is this where you, even as you came to call yourself a Christian, formed the belief that " America has been arrogant"?

Even if that's the understandable explanation of your damning of your country and accusing the whole nation (not just a few military officials trying their best to keep more Americans from being murdered by Jihadist) of "not always living up to her ideals," how did you come up with the ridiculous, alarming notion that we might be "considered a Muslim nation"?

Is it because there are some 2 million or more Muslims living here, trying to be good Americans? Out of a current population of over 300 million, 70 percent of whom are Christians? Does that make us, by any rational definition, a "Muslim nation"?

Why are we not, then, a "Chinese nation"? A "Korean nation"? Even a "Vietnamese nation"? There are even more of these distinct groups in America than Muslims. And if the distinction you're trying to make is a religious one, why is America not "a Jewish nation"? There's actually a case to be made for the latter, because our Constitution - and the success of our Revolution and founding - owe a deep debt to our Jewish brothers.

Have you stopped to think what an actual Muslim America would be like? Have you ever really spent much time in Iran ? Even in Egypt ? You, having been instructed in Islam as a kid at a Muslim school in Indonesia and saying you still love the call to evening prayers, can surely picture our nation founded on the Quran, not the Judeo-Christian Bible, and living under Shariah law. Can't you? You do recall Muhammad's directives [Surah 9:5,73] to "break the cross" and "kill the infidel"?

It seems increasingly and painfully obvious that you are more influenced by your upbringing and questionable education than most suspected. If you consider yourself the president of a people who are "no longer Christian," who have "failed to live up to our ideals," who "have been arrogant," and might even be "considered Muslim" - you are president of a country most Americans don't recognize.

Could it be you are a president without a country?

Obama Wants Names

I remember during WWII being shocked at hearing how German children were encouraged to report friends and family to the government who opposed Hitler. Since I was being taught that I was free to speak out in opposition to my government if I had good reason to oppose something about it, reporting others for their political opinions seemed particularly frightening to me.

So now we learn that the Obama administration has done exactly that same thing. They want their supporters to report anyone who sends out e-mails opposing Obama's health plan. Shades of Nazi Germany.

I suggest all of us who oppose this latest offense to a free society of Obama's send in our own e-mail addresses (and I will send in the URL to this blog). There is safety in numbers even if Obama does call us "racists" and whatever else he comes up with.

Germany went down in flames because people were afraid to oppose Hitler. All signs are pointing in a similar direction for the United States and I, for one, will stand up and fight back. Bring on the gas chamber.

Cash for Our Clunker

So we (Hubby and I) decided to turn in our trusty 1995 Pontiac TransPort (his fav car of all time) to the cash for clunkers program.

Why not? It has 230,000 miles on it, occasionally runs its own battery down for no apparent reason and the windshield wipers work only in sunshine. Since we transport our Downs grandchild to a special school 25 miles away four days a week, we do need something newer and safer. We didn't plan to replace it. Ever. At least not until it decided to quit.

We are not enamored of new cars. We buy something we like and as long as it runs, it's good. We don't have egos tied up in our autos! (I loved my 1964 Corvair and drove it over 300,000 miles until it gave its last gasp and died.)

But our local auto dealer had some great deals on new cars and Cash for Clunkers simply made it possible for us to comfortably afford to replace the old one. Not even with a 2009, however. We bought a 2008.

We don't have our new car yet; we're waiting to be sure the dealer gets his money. But we're quite relieved to anticipate taking our grandson to school in a much, much safer vehicle.

HOWEVER, this program isn't going to affect global warming one tiny little smidgen. To do that Congress needs a SunSpot Regulation program as well as a Cap and Seal Volcano program. Controlling the wobble of the earth in its orbit might help, too, but stopping ALL emissions from fuel-guzzling vehicles world-wide wouldn't do it. Too many scientists who have controlled their research and experiments (and that includes NOT putting temperature gauges near the exhaust from jet aircraft) have data that is far more reliable than the politically-oriented "scientists" data.

What many people don't seem to realize is that as the economy slowed, too many people had to wait to replace cars, so the auto industry suffered. With this program everyone benefits -- the auto industry (and not just government-owned GM) and people get safer cars. Seems to me that once this is an accomplished fact, it's just dumb to not take advantage of it.

A TACKY WHITE HOUSE and Other Thoughts

Since the present President of the United States refers to the former President as "Bush" I see no reason why anyone should refer to him as anything other than "Obama." He doesn't havc enough respect for the office to wear a coat and tie in the Oval Office, anyway. He'd rather be cool. So it's just as cool to call him "Obama."

But it's not cool to be invited to dinner at the White House anymore. You might have to pay because it could look like he's currying your favor. (Has he ever done anything else with anyone?) How totally tacky.

I do hope he charges guests for staying in the Lincoln Bedroom. That should put the White House in the class with fancy B&Bs.

It's obvious that Obama and his staff have no concept of the things that built this country, like ethics and honor. He certainly doesn't know how to be economical -- we need to charge him personally for use of Air Force One, for example. That might make him stay home and use computer technology for meetings for a change.

Our brilliant media decided he was intelligent because he carried books around during the campaign (with the titles facing outward, of course). They didn't bother to ask him to find out if he was reading them -- to discover that, they'd have had to read the books so they could ask questions. Reporters don't read books; they just judge others. Sarah Palin was so insulted by Katy Curic's question about her reading that she flubbed her answer and the idiots in the press, never known for sensitivity anyway) thought that meant she didn't read.

Bill Maher is right. Some Americans are stupid but most of the really dumb ones are either liberal/progressive politicians, mainstream media or entertainers.

Housing/Financial Crisis Warnings

Obama, Henry Gates and Cassius Clay/Muhammed Ali

Admitting that he didn't know anything about the circumstances involved and still calling the arresting officer's action "stupid" probably wasn't the most racist thing we've seen Obama say or do since his election but it ranks up there as one of the dumbest. He should apologize.

According to reports, the professor was in the act of jimmying his own front door because he had forgotten his key when someone called the police. When confronted on his front porch by a police officer, said professor burst into racial accusations and extreme profanity -- extreme to the point of insulting the officer's mother.

Seems to me that if a white man did that to a police officer, he would get exactly the same treatment -- a citation for "disorderly conduct."

I wonder if Obama et al have stopped to realize that the very country and system he so despises have catapulted him to success. Yes, he had to work for it, but in most countries (and especially in Africa) he might very well have worked that hard to no avail.

And does he realize that what he does in his Presidency can make or break any opportunities for others of his race to achieve what he has?

Blacks still are a statistical minority in the USA -- 13.5%. Yet they've imposed a huge influence on our society -- music, art, clothing. Obama and those who have come before him like Marshall, Thomas, Rice, DuBois, Davis, Powell and a myriad of others have wielded huge influence and gained tremendous respect not only for themselves but for their race.

It seems to me that race relations in America are fast deteriorating, mainly because of the quick-draw accusations of racism that come from the President and his followers. Object to something a black politian does or says and you're a racist. Disagree with Obama and it's because of his color rather than his speech, policies or actions. I will be called a racist for writing this. Tough.

Most white people I know have long ago embraced friendships with our black neighbors and have done all we can to help them when they need help, just as we help our white, asian, muslim and hispanic friends and neighbors. But it becomes tiresome to hear the rants of Rev. White and to hear Obama apologizing for our history. Faulty it may be in places, but overall America has sacrificed more for all races and religions across the world than any other. And most of us, though saddened by our losses, are proud of what our nation has done to bring freedom and liberty to all.

It's also incredibly tiresome to constantly put up with all the black whining about slavery and discrimination while doing everything they can to earn and deserve that discrimination -- the professor's reaction to the police being a prime example amplified by Obama's accusation. There's a story about Cassius Clay (before he was Muhammed Ali) that blacks will do well to note: When he returned from a fight in Africa a reporter asked him what he thought of that country. His response, "I'm glad my ancestors got on that boat."

Obama and blacks should remember that although life has not been perfect or in some cases even fair, it has been far better for them in America than it has been and is for most blacks in Africa. They should stop whining and get on with building great lives. Great lives build great countries.

And Obama should remember that he has benefitted most of all from a country he is quick to condemn. He owes the police of this nation an apology.

Whom Should Congress Permanently Honor?

What is WRONG with these people?

A Congresswoman wants a PERMANENT resolution to honor Michael Jackson? Why? What did he ever do that made a real difference? Although those who do not know music claim he changed it some way for the better -- without defining just what that was -- so what? He was an entertainer, for heavens' sake. I take that back, he never did anything for heavens' sake -- everything he did was for his own sake. He was a narcissistic lightweight, as most of those people in Hollywood are.

Did he ever serve his country? I doubt if he ever even paid much in taxes -- the biggest business in Hollywood is accountants whose main business is to help the stars avoid taxes as much as possible. That's one reason he had homes in Bahrain, France and Ireland.

No, he didn't serve his country. He didn't even use his "talent" to entertain the troops. Once, in 2007, while attending parties in Japan, he took time to meet and greet some American troops who were stationed there but he didn't do anything for them. Just honored them with his presence.

If Congress wants to honor someone, I suggest they take a moment of silence and prepare a beautiful plaque for EACH of our troops who die in Iraq and Afghanistan. And they should make it retroactive -- the catch-up might keep Congress out of trouble for a few hours.

It seems the troops have noticed, as well. This is going around the Internet:

Okay, I need to rant.

I was just watching the news and I caught part of a report on Michael
Jackson. As we all know, Jackson died the other day. He was an entertainer who
performed for decades. He made millions, he spent millions, and he did a lot of
things that make him a villain to many people. I understand that his death would
affect a lot of people, and I respect those people who mourn his death, but that
isn't the point of my rant.

Why is it that when ONE man dies, the whole of America loses its mind with
grief. When a man dies whose only contribution to the country was to ENTERTAIN
people, the American people find the need to hold a "moment of silence" for his
passing?

Am I missing something here? ONE man dies, and all of a sudden he's a
freaking martyr because he entertained us for a few decades? What about all
those SOLDIERS who have died to give us freedom? All those soldiers who, knowing
that they would be asked to fight a war, still raised their hands and swore to
defend the Constitution and the United States of America? Where is their moment
of silence? Where are the people flocking to their graves or memorials and
mourning over them because they made the ultimate sacrifice? Why is it when a
soldier dies, there are more people saying "good riddance" and "thank God for
IEDs?" When did this country become so calloused to the sacrifice of GOOD MEN
and WOMEN that they can arbitrarily blow off their deaths and instead, throw
themselves into mourning for a "pop icon?"

I think that if they are going to hold a moment of silence IN CONGRESS for
Michael Jackson, they need to hold a moment of silence for every service member
killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. They need to PUBLICLY recognize every life that
has been lost so that the American people can live their callous little lives in
the luxury and freedom that WE, those that are living and those that have gone
on , have provided for them. But...wait...that would take too much time, because
there have been so many willing to make that sacrifice. After all, we will never
make millions of dollars. We will never star in movies, or write hit songs that
the world will listen to. We only shed our blood, sweat and tears so that people
can enjoy what they have.

Sorry if I have offended, but I needed to say it. Feel free to pass this
along if you want.

Isaac"

I'm offended, too, Isaac. You and your compatriots are true heroes and most of us honor you and your service. We are so grateful for you and so proud of all you do. God bless.