Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Peggys Activities and Observations: I MUST BE A "CLOSET" LIBERAL
Peggys Activities and Observations: I MUST BE A "CLOSET" LIBERAL: I MUST BE A “CLOSET” LIBERAL Why you may ask! Damned if I know. I voted for Bush on his last run just to avoid voting for the environmen...
I MUST BE A "CLOSET" LIBERAL
I MUST BE A “CLOSET” LIBERAL
Why you may ask! Damned if I know. I voted for Bush on his last run just to avoid voting for the environmental Guru. Voted for Obama in 08 because I thought the POW must have been predisposed to fight any presumed enemy. You see, I cannot decide whether to vote for the party whose platform is consistent with my social values, that would be Democratic or vote for the party that is promising to be frugal, decrease government controls and limit spending, of course that would be a Republican candidate.
Now there are several Republican candidates who have thrown their hats in that I would just not vote for, namely Bachman, Perry and Santorum. All three are so far right I could not accept their social values. They would do their best to overturn Rowe vs. Wade. I believe that abortion should not be used as birth control, however there are instances that an abortion is justified. Early abortion is justified in the cases of health of the mother, incest, and rape. They believe that being Gay is a choice and would probably try to make Civil Unions and Gays in the military be illegal or secretive. They do not accept the fact that the citizens of this country have Religious Freedom.
But then again, should I decide to vote Republican it would be for Romney or Huntsman. Romney has dealt with the health care situation in Massachusetts, and from what I hear; the citizens of Massachusetts liked the plan. Huntsman however is very familiar with China, who I consider the greatest threat to our way of life.
Voting Republican rather goes against my grain, especially after watching a documentary aired about the times that led to the Civil War. It depicted the religious disagreements between the two prevalent churches Baptists and Methodists. The disagreement was over whether Negro slaves were “a blessing from God”, or that they should be Free citizens.
Baptists contended they were a “blessing from God”, while the Methodist believed they should be free citizens. So Old Abe, who belonged to no church but was said to be spiritual, had a problem on his hands when the South decided to succeed from the Union.
It was a terrible war as brother fought against brother, and there were more casualties during that time than in any other war the United States has fought. It took quite a toll on the president. Some say he never recovered from the slaughter that took place.
So it seems to me that the right thing to do is to vote for a Democrat, all be it that the Democratic choice has spending habits that we cannot afford, and has not given any indication that he has a plan to pay off our debts; while we borrow 40 cents of every dollar we spend, mostly from China!
The question is, should we vote with our heart or our pocket book.
Why you may ask! Damned if I know. I voted for Bush on his last run just to avoid voting for the environmental Guru. Voted for Obama in 08 because I thought the POW must have been predisposed to fight any presumed enemy. You see, I cannot decide whether to vote for the party whose platform is consistent with my social values, that would be Democratic or vote for the party that is promising to be frugal, decrease government controls and limit spending, of course that would be a Republican candidate.
Now there are several Republican candidates who have thrown their hats in that I would just not vote for, namely Bachman, Perry and Santorum. All three are so far right I could not accept their social values. They would do their best to overturn Rowe vs. Wade. I believe that abortion should not be used as birth control, however there are instances that an abortion is justified. Early abortion is justified in the cases of health of the mother, incest, and rape. They believe that being Gay is a choice and would probably try to make Civil Unions and Gays in the military be illegal or secretive. They do not accept the fact that the citizens of this country have Religious Freedom.
But then again, should I decide to vote Republican it would be for Romney or Huntsman. Romney has dealt with the health care situation in Massachusetts, and from what I hear; the citizens of Massachusetts liked the plan. Huntsman however is very familiar with China, who I consider the greatest threat to our way of life.
Voting Republican rather goes against my grain, especially after watching a documentary aired about the times that led to the Civil War. It depicted the religious disagreements between the two prevalent churches Baptists and Methodists. The disagreement was over whether Negro slaves were “a blessing from God”, or that they should be Free citizens.
Baptists contended they were a “blessing from God”, while the Methodist believed they should be free citizens. So Old Abe, who belonged to no church but was said to be spiritual, had a problem on his hands when the South decided to succeed from the Union.
It was a terrible war as brother fought against brother, and there were more casualties during that time than in any other war the United States has fought. It took quite a toll on the president. Some say he never recovered from the slaughter that took place.
So it seems to me that the right thing to do is to vote for a Democrat, all be it that the Democratic choice has spending habits that we cannot afford, and has not given any indication that he has a plan to pay off our debts; while we borrow 40 cents of every dollar we spend, mostly from China!
The question is, should we vote with our heart or our pocket book.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Peggys Activities and Observations: I PREFER DOOWOP
Peggys Activities and Observations: I PREFER DOOWOP: I Watched the finals of Dancing With The Stars tonight and loved the outcome when JR took the trophy home. I must admit that I didn’t see e...
I PREFER DOOWOP
I Watched the finals of Dancing With The Stars tonight and loved the outcome when JR took the trophy home. I must admit that I didn’t see every episode/competition and only got the last 5 or 6. I found all the dancers entertaining and excellent comparative to what I could ever have done, even in my younger years; however as a woman entering her seventh decade my thoughts returned to the days that I danced as well as dancing that has been and is sometimes still performed by various ethnic groups and can be traced back to dancing figures painted back as far as 3300 BC that was found in India and the Egyptian tombs.
Many of the dances of ethnic groups were (and some) are still performed ceremonially, for entertainment and seduction. My dancing was always a self expression of the joy of hearing the music played. Still do on occasion, alone and at home. I simply cannot sit or stand quietly to the beat of Motown, while I can sit and bathe in the pleasure of Doo-wop of the 50s’ and 60s’ and watch their wonderful correography.
I understand that some dancing is an art and is very enjoyable to watch, while my dancing is for my own pleasure and is definitely not an art form. Dancing with the Stars was wonderfully correographed and performed as an artistic performance; however, when I compare the extreme moves they brought to the competition, such as the leg wrapping around the partners, laying on the floor with the partner appearing ready to mount, butt shakes and bumps; I must say that anyone dancing just for pleasure on a public dance floor in the 50s’ and 60s’ would have been evicted for lewd and lacivious acts, not to mention the massive amount of skin exhibited.
Oh well, I did enjoy it but wonder if should be X-rated, and in the mean time I still enjoy Doowop!
Many of the dances of ethnic groups were (and some) are still performed ceremonially, for entertainment and seduction. My dancing was always a self expression of the joy of hearing the music played. Still do on occasion, alone and at home. I simply cannot sit or stand quietly to the beat of Motown, while I can sit and bathe in the pleasure of Doo-wop of the 50s’ and 60s’ and watch their wonderful correography.
I understand that some dancing is an art and is very enjoyable to watch, while my dancing is for my own pleasure and is definitely not an art form. Dancing with the Stars was wonderfully correographed and performed as an artistic performance; however, when I compare the extreme moves they brought to the competition, such as the leg wrapping around the partners, laying on the floor with the partner appearing ready to mount, butt shakes and bumps; I must say that anyone dancing just for pleasure on a public dance floor in the 50s’ and 60s’ would have been evicted for lewd and lacivious acts, not to mention the massive amount of skin exhibited.
Oh well, I did enjoy it but wonder if should be X-rated, and in the mean time I still enjoy Doowop!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Peggys Activities and Observations: LEST WE FORGET
Peggys Activities and Observations: LEST WE FORGET: Homeless Man I saw a homeless man today He was standing on the street But he had a great big sign Held up down by his feet He stood there ...
LEST WE FORGET
Homeless Man
I saw a homeless man today
He was standing on the street
But he had a great big sign
Held up down by his feet
He stood there straight and tall
With sadness in his eyes
The sign was printed very well
His problem not disguised
HOMELESS VETERAN NEEDS HELP
Or so the sign did say
How could I just go on home
And wonder for the day
The sign he made has told it all
Our country let him down
He was a homeless veteran
He was from out of town
Are you really a veteran? Said I
And his reply was fast
“Marine Corps, Maam,” said he
“I’m sorry I have to Ask”
Simper Fi, said I
As I opened up my purse
I gave him all of what I had
And thanked him for his service
But driving on back home today
A tear fell from my eye
As I thought of the many heroes
Who on our streets still lie.
P. Ayers
July 9, 2010
I saw a homeless man today
He was standing on the street
But he had a great big sign
Held up down by his feet
He stood there straight and tall
With sadness in his eyes
The sign was printed very well
His problem not disguised
HOMELESS VETERAN NEEDS HELP
Or so the sign did say
How could I just go on home
And wonder for the day
The sign he made has told it all
Our country let him down
He was a homeless veteran
He was from out of town
Are you really a veteran? Said I
And his reply was fast
“Marine Corps, Maam,” said he
“I’m sorry I have to Ask”
Simper Fi, said I
As I opened up my purse
I gave him all of what I had
And thanked him for his service
But driving on back home today
A tear fell from my eye
As I thought of the many heroes
Who on our streets still lie.
P. Ayers
July 9, 2010
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
WHO LAID THE DEAD FISH AT HERMANS DOOR?
WHO LAID THE DEAD FISH AT HERMANS DOOR
Every day my home page posts a statement and asks for the reader to
“Vote” on one of the posted options.
Todays post was: “HERMAN CAIN SAYS CHARGES OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT AGAINST HIM ARE FALSE. DO YOU BELIEVE HIM?”
The question was and answers were:
1. 35% said yes. These charges seem like dirty politics to me.
2. 52% said no. I think he is hiding something.
3. 13% said, “I’m not sure.
There were 50,736 respondents
I tend to lean toward just “dirty politics”, regardless of whether he did or did not act in an inappropriate way with either/any or all of the accusers. Many other sitting presidents have erred in their moral judgments in ways far greater than the accusations naming Herman Cain. It didn’t seem to disqualify them from doing their presidential duties; most are historically given credit for their great accomplishments.
But the whole thing had me thinking about the alleged “Sexual Harassment claims, and I went to the online dictionary to clarify or exclude what I was thinking. “What does harassment really mean?” is there a description of what act(s) define it.
This is what I found on One look dictionary/Macmillan Dictionary.
Harass – Verb – “to keep annoying or upsetting someone, for example by criticizing them, attacking them, or treating them in a way that is offensive to them.”
Sexual Harassment – Noun- “the offensive or threatening behavior of a person who regularly makes sexual comments or touches someone in a sexual way”
I must assume that there has not been any Sexual Harassment as Mr. Cains accusers have alleged, since the only women whose names we now know, say it was only on one occasion. Two unnamed accusers have not come forward, we have no idea of what they want to allege.
Minnesota Public Radio reported on May 17, 2010 the following about Karen Kraushaar, the first woman making the allegations:
“Kraushaar, 55, a career federal employee and registered Republican who characterizes herself as an independent, currently works as a communications director at the U.S. Treasury Department.” And
“Kraushaar and her husband of 26 years, Kevin Kraushaar, live in suburban Maryland. A lawyer, Kevin Kraushaar works as a lobbyist, and is also registered Republican.” And
Before her long career in professional government jobs, Kraushaar, an accomplished equestrian, was a news reporter and editor. She also has written a true story children's book with her mother-in-law, who lives in Michigan.In her job at the Treasury Department, Kraushaar currently serves as a communications director for the department's inspector general for tax administration. Her brief employment with the restaurant association was her first, and only, experience working with a private lobbying organization.
When she left the restaurant association, Kraushaar initially returned to her former job as a senior communications analyst at the Taxpayer Advocate Service before accepting the job at the Treasury Department.
She has also worked as a public affairs specialist at the Department of Homeland Security, the Justice Department, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.”
Someone has laid a dead fish on Mr. Cains front door step!
Every day my home page posts a statement and asks for the reader to
“Vote” on one of the posted options.
Todays post was: “HERMAN CAIN SAYS CHARGES OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT AGAINST HIM ARE FALSE. DO YOU BELIEVE HIM?”
The question was and answers were:
1. 35% said yes. These charges seem like dirty politics to me.
2. 52% said no. I think he is hiding something.
3. 13% said, “I’m not sure.
There were 50,736 respondents
I tend to lean toward just “dirty politics”, regardless of whether he did or did not act in an inappropriate way with either/any or all of the accusers. Many other sitting presidents have erred in their moral judgments in ways far greater than the accusations naming Herman Cain. It didn’t seem to disqualify them from doing their presidential duties; most are historically given credit for their great accomplishments.
But the whole thing had me thinking about the alleged “Sexual Harassment claims, and I went to the online dictionary to clarify or exclude what I was thinking. “What does harassment really mean?” is there a description of what act(s) define it.
This is what I found on One look dictionary/Macmillan Dictionary.
Harass – Verb – “to keep annoying or upsetting someone, for example by criticizing them, attacking them, or treating them in a way that is offensive to them.”
Sexual Harassment – Noun- “the offensive or threatening behavior of a person who regularly makes sexual comments or touches someone in a sexual way”
I must assume that there has not been any Sexual Harassment as Mr. Cains accusers have alleged, since the only women whose names we now know, say it was only on one occasion. Two unnamed accusers have not come forward, we have no idea of what they want to allege.
Minnesota Public Radio reported on May 17, 2010 the following about Karen Kraushaar, the first woman making the allegations:
“Kraushaar, 55, a career federal employee and registered Republican who characterizes herself as an independent, currently works as a communications director at the U.S. Treasury Department.” And
“Kraushaar and her husband of 26 years, Kevin Kraushaar, live in suburban Maryland. A lawyer, Kevin Kraushaar works as a lobbyist, and is also registered Republican.” And
Before her long career in professional government jobs, Kraushaar, an accomplished equestrian, was a news reporter and editor. She also has written a true story children's book with her mother-in-law, who lives in Michigan.In her job at the Treasury Department, Kraushaar currently serves as a communications director for the department's inspector general for tax administration. Her brief employment with the restaurant association was her first, and only, experience working with a private lobbying organization.
When she left the restaurant association, Kraushaar initially returned to her former job as a senior communications analyst at the Taxpayer Advocate Service before accepting the job at the Treasury Department.
She has also worked as a public affairs specialist at the Department of Homeland Security, the Justice Department, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.”
Someone has laid a dead fish on Mr. Cains front door step!
Friday, November 4, 2011
UNREST & REVOLT
UNREST & REVOLT
Today, again the majority of news on National News is the discussion of GOP Presidential Candidate Herman Cain. What a pity for the public display of concerns of whether Mr. Cain did or did not sexually harass a former employee. Is it any wonder that the rest of the world has lost confidence in United States of America?
While we are in debt to the tune of trillions of dollars, the number of unemployed is at 9.1, one in four families are under the poverty level, we are at war in Afghanistan and have thousands of soldiers stationed in many other countries, soldiers coming home from Iran will be lucky to find a job, the countrys’ infrastructure is fallin in, schools, public servants and hospitals need money to continue their work, the Senate cannot agree on any bill passed by the Republican Congress on jobs bills and all we can talk about is “the Michael Jackson” murder trial and what the accusation of sexual harassment means for Mr. Cains’ campaign! WOW! Aren’t we brilliant?
I previously stated my thoughts about the accusation made about Herman Cain. Now those particular thoughts have been addressed in the media, and somewhat of a quazy answer has been aired. It has been reported that the president of the Restaurant Association says that Mr. Herman was not included in the negotiated settlement that they paid, and that the accuser has been released from the confidentiality agreement. The accusers attorney, who appears to be the attorney who filed the initial complaint for her, reports that she does not want to go public. I ask, why not? Is it fair that an accusation can be made that could conceivably ruin anothers life, remain silent and without consequence?
I would also like to know what Government position she currently holds, what department does she work in, and who is her supervisor. It is also being reported that two other women also complained about sexual harassment by Mr. Cain. Question, were they connected in any way with the first accuser?
As yet Herman Cains poll numbers have only moved up, not down. It is reported that his campaign contributions have increased significantly, while the GOP “old boys” are putting his chances of election are decreasing, specifically because the has never held a POLITICAL OFFICE! Well, get a grip out there, that is the specific reason his polls and contributions have gone up. The citizens of this country are sick and tired of the political machines in this country. We want our representatives to work for us, not for themselves, and are being rejected by the thousands of Occupy groups across the country.
If we are ever to pay off our debts, put people to work and regain respect globally there has to be a very big change in the White House.
Today, again the majority of news on National News is the discussion of GOP Presidential Candidate Herman Cain. What a pity for the public display of concerns of whether Mr. Cain did or did not sexually harass a former employee. Is it any wonder that the rest of the world has lost confidence in United States of America?
While we are in debt to the tune of trillions of dollars, the number of unemployed is at 9.1, one in four families are under the poverty level, we are at war in Afghanistan and have thousands of soldiers stationed in many other countries, soldiers coming home from Iran will be lucky to find a job, the countrys’ infrastructure is fallin in, schools, public servants and hospitals need money to continue their work, the Senate cannot agree on any bill passed by the Republican Congress on jobs bills and all we can talk about is “the Michael Jackson” murder trial and what the accusation of sexual harassment means for Mr. Cains’ campaign! WOW! Aren’t we brilliant?
I previously stated my thoughts about the accusation made about Herman Cain. Now those particular thoughts have been addressed in the media, and somewhat of a quazy answer has been aired. It has been reported that the president of the Restaurant Association says that Mr. Herman was not included in the negotiated settlement that they paid, and that the accuser has been released from the confidentiality agreement. The accusers attorney, who appears to be the attorney who filed the initial complaint for her, reports that she does not want to go public. I ask, why not? Is it fair that an accusation can be made that could conceivably ruin anothers life, remain silent and without consequence?
I would also like to know what Government position she currently holds, what department does she work in, and who is her supervisor. It is also being reported that two other women also complained about sexual harassment by Mr. Cain. Question, were they connected in any way with the first accuser?
As yet Herman Cains poll numbers have only moved up, not down. It is reported that his campaign contributions have increased significantly, while the GOP “old boys” are putting his chances of election are decreasing, specifically because the has never held a POLITICAL OFFICE! Well, get a grip out there, that is the specific reason his polls and contributions have gone up. The citizens of this country are sick and tired of the political machines in this country. We want our representatives to work for us, not for themselves, and are being rejected by the thousands of Occupy groups across the country.
If we are ever to pay off our debts, put people to work and regain respect globally there has to be a very big change in the White House.
Monday, October 31, 2011
WHO THE HELL LET THE DOGS LOOSE?
WHO THE HELL LET THE DOGS LOOSE?
A common phrase used (I suppose) having something to do with football; however, it comes to mind as I visualize the attacks on the frontrunner in the GOP race for president. Wouldn’t you know that the higher the polls place Herman Cain; the more the media spews rhetoric.
I left CNN news on as I tried to attend to another project that I have going. Wolf Blitzer repeatedly referred back to the more than 15 year accusation that candidate Cane “may” have been charged with sexual harassment, that “if” it is found to be true what will it do for his chance at winning the nomination, and “if” it isn’t confirmed how will the election be affected. And “who” has the most to gain since the subject has “been uncovered?”
Well, I am not a particularly fan of Mr. Cain, but my first thought is that the media has the most to gain initially. Otherwise, I would suspect that supporters of the third in line according to the polls would be that good ‘ol boy from Texas, who is doing poorly. He seems quite confident about his chances. He has the most money, pulled an underhand appearance just after the first Iowa Caucus, and repeatedly refers to the “great job” he has done in Texas by having the largest number of new jobs there, while infact most of those jobs were minimum wage jobs and many were given to illegal immigrants. He is proud that he has offered that the state pay to educate the illegals to the tune of $100,000.00 per person. And yet cannot speak publicly and be specific about anything….that is without his teleprompter – which he faulted Obama for using.
I would like to remind everyone that many, many times physicians and hospitals settle in cases of malpractice, paying the accuser because of the enormous cost of court battles. I have no idea whether Mr. Cain did or did not act in a harassing or sexual way, but even if he was accused and the accusers were given a settlement, it very well could have been settled to avoid a costly court battle.
The whole point of this post is this: Is it any wonder that Occupy Wall Street and all the additional Occupy demonstrators are gathering? The majority of the people in this country have NO confidence in our political system and their leaders, who go to any length, lying, cheating, paying off people and dirtying up a potential winning candidate to help their own cause, and the media thrives on the it! It is disgusting, dishonest and dishonors our country!
A common phrase used (I suppose) having something to do with football; however, it comes to mind as I visualize the attacks on the frontrunner in the GOP race for president. Wouldn’t you know that the higher the polls place Herman Cain; the more the media spews rhetoric.
I left CNN news on as I tried to attend to another project that I have going. Wolf Blitzer repeatedly referred back to the more than 15 year accusation that candidate Cane “may” have been charged with sexual harassment, that “if” it is found to be true what will it do for his chance at winning the nomination, and “if” it isn’t confirmed how will the election be affected. And “who” has the most to gain since the subject has “been uncovered?”
Well, I am not a particularly fan of Mr. Cain, but my first thought is that the media has the most to gain initially. Otherwise, I would suspect that supporters of the third in line according to the polls would be that good ‘ol boy from Texas, who is doing poorly. He seems quite confident about his chances. He has the most money, pulled an underhand appearance just after the first Iowa Caucus, and repeatedly refers to the “great job” he has done in Texas by having the largest number of new jobs there, while infact most of those jobs were minimum wage jobs and many were given to illegal immigrants. He is proud that he has offered that the state pay to educate the illegals to the tune of $100,000.00 per person. And yet cannot speak publicly and be specific about anything….that is without his teleprompter – which he faulted Obama for using.
I would like to remind everyone that many, many times physicians and hospitals settle in cases of malpractice, paying the accuser because of the enormous cost of court battles. I have no idea whether Mr. Cain did or did not act in a harassing or sexual way, but even if he was accused and the accusers were given a settlement, it very well could have been settled to avoid a costly court battle.
The whole point of this post is this: Is it any wonder that Occupy Wall Street and all the additional Occupy demonstrators are gathering? The majority of the people in this country have NO confidence in our political system and their leaders, who go to any length, lying, cheating, paying off people and dirtying up a potential winning candidate to help their own cause, and the media thrives on the it! It is disgusting, dishonest and dishonors our country!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Peggys Activities and Observations: DOG FIGHTS OR DEBATES?
Peggys Activities and Observations: DOG FIGHTS OR DEBATES?: Oh Dear, I sure wish that I could not be so opinionated! After watching about half an hour of the “debates” last night; Rick Perry demonstra...
DOG FIGHTS OR DEBATES?
Oh Dear, I sure wish that I could not be so opinionated! After watching about half an hour of the “debates” last night; Rick Perry demonstrated his rudeness and inability to follow the rules as he attacked Mitt Romney, not allowing him to speak and without the gavel falling from the narrator Anderson Cooper. Romney, who is usually more courteous, was finally pushed into leaving his normal self and retaliated. Romney is a debater and negotiator – not a backslapping, lying hypocrite. But I digress. I will now refer to the “debates” as the dog fights, if I ever mention them again. If you watched this particular part of the “dog fights”, it was centered on the illegal Hispanic immigrants.
So I turned to one of my usual mellow sites on PBS and clicked on a documentary named “The Detainees”. Surprise, surprise it was about illegal immigrants and something called the Secure Communities Program from ICE.
And I quote “ICE prioritizes the removal of criminal aliens, those who pose a threat to public safety, and repeat immigration violators.” Ref: http://www.ice.gov/secure_communities/
The documentary on PBS explores the effect of the Secure Communities Program in one predominantly Hispanic community near Chicago and the combined efforts of the Local Police, the FBI and ICE to enforce the laws as outlined.
The documentary centered on one family from that area. The mother of two (American born children) and her partner/husband or cohabiter (the relationship was not explained); was stopped by local police because she had changed lanes without signaling. The taillight on her vehicle was not operational. The officer asked for her operators’ license and found she had none. (They didn’t mention whether she had insurance as required by law, but it is a fact that without an OL, she would not have had insurance.) She was taken into custody for driving without a license. A charge of operating a vehicle without proper turn signals, and a charge for having no insurance was not indicated. However, as with all persons taken into custody for any offence requires fingerprinting. Another surprise? NO. She was not a legal citizen. So the woman was detained and sent to a detainment center, where I believe they said was somewhere in southern Texas, to await deportation.
The detention center was shown pictorially and there were a large number of temporary buildings each one housing 200 other detainees, a total of around 2500 as I recall.
Activist for the following reasons decried the detention of this woman:
a.) She entered the country with a valid green card, but it had expired and she “forgot” to renew it.
b.) She had to leave her American born children in the care of her partner/husband or co-habitator, causing a serious child care problem for him.
c.) Her wait in the detention center could be months or years long and as a non-citizen she is NOT guaranteed an attorney.
The Local Police are also against the policy saying that it has made their job much harder because the entire community is now afraid of all policemen, hiding from them as they patrol. They feel that in the past they had friendly relations with the community.
So here are a few “flip” comments:
Is forgetting or not knowing an excuse for an illegal act?
Shouldn’t illegal immigrants be responsible for their children, knowing they might be separated from them when they have been identified as illegal?
Perhaps we should change the laws allowing ALL children born in this country to have automatic citizenship. She could have kept her family together if they had also been illegal.
Are her children going to be offered the benefits of a college education because they were children of an illegal mother? (That would be the Dream Act).
So while the GOP candidates continue their fight about this serious and particular problem; I Thank President Obama. He has accomplished more with this problem than any previous administration.
It would behoove us to publicize the actuality of having been caught in this country illegally.
Through April 30, 2011, more than 77,000 immigrants convicted of crimes, including more than 28,000 convicted of aggravated felony (level 1) offenses like murder, rape and the sexual abuse of children were removed from the United States after identification through Secure Communities. These removals significantly contributed to a 71% increase in the overall percentage of convicted criminals removed by ICE, with 81,000 more criminal removals in FY 2010 than in FY 2008. As a result of the increased focus on criminals, this period also included a 23% reduction or 57,000 fewer non-criminal removals.
http://www.ice.gov/secure_communities/
So I turned to one of my usual mellow sites on PBS and clicked on a documentary named “The Detainees”. Surprise, surprise it was about illegal immigrants and something called the Secure Communities Program from ICE.
And I quote “ICE prioritizes the removal of criminal aliens, those who pose a threat to public safety, and repeat immigration violators.” Ref: http://www.ice.gov/secure_communities/
The documentary on PBS explores the effect of the Secure Communities Program in one predominantly Hispanic community near Chicago and the combined efforts of the Local Police, the FBI and ICE to enforce the laws as outlined.
The documentary centered on one family from that area. The mother of two (American born children) and her partner/husband or cohabiter (the relationship was not explained); was stopped by local police because she had changed lanes without signaling. The taillight on her vehicle was not operational. The officer asked for her operators’ license and found she had none. (They didn’t mention whether she had insurance as required by law, but it is a fact that without an OL, she would not have had insurance.) She was taken into custody for driving without a license. A charge of operating a vehicle without proper turn signals, and a charge for having no insurance was not indicated. However, as with all persons taken into custody for any offence requires fingerprinting. Another surprise? NO. She was not a legal citizen. So the woman was detained and sent to a detainment center, where I believe they said was somewhere in southern Texas, to await deportation.
The detention center was shown pictorially and there were a large number of temporary buildings each one housing 200 other detainees, a total of around 2500 as I recall.
Activist for the following reasons decried the detention of this woman:
a.) She entered the country with a valid green card, but it had expired and she “forgot” to renew it.
b.) She had to leave her American born children in the care of her partner/husband or co-habitator, causing a serious child care problem for him.
c.) Her wait in the detention center could be months or years long and as a non-citizen she is NOT guaranteed an attorney.
The Local Police are also against the policy saying that it has made their job much harder because the entire community is now afraid of all policemen, hiding from them as they patrol. They feel that in the past they had friendly relations with the community.
So here are a few “flip” comments:
Is forgetting or not knowing an excuse for an illegal act?
Shouldn’t illegal immigrants be responsible for their children, knowing they might be separated from them when they have been identified as illegal?
Perhaps we should change the laws allowing ALL children born in this country to have automatic citizenship. She could have kept her family together if they had also been illegal.
Are her children going to be offered the benefits of a college education because they were children of an illegal mother? (That would be the Dream Act).
So while the GOP candidates continue their fight about this serious and particular problem; I Thank President Obama. He has accomplished more with this problem than any previous administration.
It would behoove us to publicize the actuality of having been caught in this country illegally.
Through April 30, 2011, more than 77,000 immigrants convicted of crimes, including more than 28,000 convicted of aggravated felony (level 1) offenses like murder, rape and the sexual abuse of children were removed from the United States after identification through Secure Communities. These removals significantly contributed to a 71% increase in the overall percentage of convicted criminals removed by ICE, with 81,000 more criminal removals in FY 2010 than in FY 2008. As a result of the increased focus on criminals, this period also included a 23% reduction or 57,000 fewer non-criminal removals.
http://www.ice.gov/secure_communities/
Thursday, October 13, 2011
POLITICAL OVERLOAD
I am so on overload with political theatrics I think I need to empty my Recycle Bin. The one in my head. It is so full of crap coming from the many GOP presidental candidates my CPUs’ just can’t handle the volume.
So I deleted any memory referencing the Bauchmann, Gingrich, Santorum, Paul , Perry and Cain. (I believe that Pawlenty and Johnson have already withdrawn their names) and watched a little of the Maury Povich show. It came to me that all of the above candidates should appear on his show. He could ask specific questions, hear their answers and give us the scoop on who is telling the truth (from their lie detector results) and who is not. I think it would be a better assessment than the many, many debates.
Enough of that fantasy. I have decided that JON HUNTSMAN is the person I would like to see on the ticket. I believe he is the best equipped to handle the job that will be before the next president. His speech at the Southern New Hampshire University on October 10, detailed his stand on foreign policy. And I quote: “Simply advocating more ships, more troops, and more weapons is not a viable path forward. We need more agility, more intelligence, and more economic engagement with the world.” He calls for “a drastic reduction of troops in Afghanistan while still leaving “an adequate number of counter-terrorist and intelligence functions and a facile special forces presence.” He says that “He will propose a diminished presence in Afghanistan, he believes American resources can still be directed towards other key areas in the Middle East, suggesting that we stand “shoulder to shoulder with Israel as they manage a host of new challenges brought on by the Arab Spring.” He will also pinpoint Iran as an area of concern. “I cannot live with a nuclear-armed Iran. If you want an example of when I would use American force, it would be that.” Mr. Huntsman, a former Governor of Utah, Ambassador to both China and Singapore and speaks both languages also says “What was always clear to me was that those seeking reform and change drew strength from our nation’s values-the openness, the freedoms of speech, assembly, religion and press.”
I also favor Mitt Romney, but believe that Huntsman has it over him due to his experience as Ambassador in China and Singapore, as well has opinion on what should be done in Afghanistan.
It might be nice if there were to be a Huntsman/Romney ticket, however I doubt that could be a winning ticket since they are both of Mormon faith. I am not of Mormon faith, but have known many who were and have known none who were dishonest.
Mr. Cain is leading the polls at this time due to his 9-9-9 plan that sounds pretty good but will increase the tax burden on the poor and middle class. He is being loved by the Tea Party because he has no political background. I don’t necessarily thing that is a good thing. Wouldn’t you rather hire an employee with experience in the field for which you have a vacancy? I have heard it said that having a choice between two black candidates in the general election would not be embraced.
Personally I am an Independent, as I believe the greater portion of our citizenry is. Without an Independent candidate we Independents must choose between Democrats and Republicans. I will also be watching to see if the Democrats can offer up a candidate that will maintain the presidency.
So I deleted any memory referencing the Bauchmann, Gingrich, Santorum, Paul , Perry and Cain. (I believe that Pawlenty and Johnson have already withdrawn their names) and watched a little of the Maury Povich show. It came to me that all of the above candidates should appear on his show. He could ask specific questions, hear their answers and give us the scoop on who is telling the truth (from their lie detector results) and who is not. I think it would be a better assessment than the many, many debates.
Enough of that fantasy. I have decided that JON HUNTSMAN is the person I would like to see on the ticket. I believe he is the best equipped to handle the job that will be before the next president. His speech at the Southern New Hampshire University on October 10, detailed his stand on foreign policy. And I quote: “Simply advocating more ships, more troops, and more weapons is not a viable path forward. We need more agility, more intelligence, and more economic engagement with the world.” He calls for “a drastic reduction of troops in Afghanistan while still leaving “an adequate number of counter-terrorist and intelligence functions and a facile special forces presence.” He says that “He will propose a diminished presence in Afghanistan, he believes American resources can still be directed towards other key areas in the Middle East, suggesting that we stand “shoulder to shoulder with Israel as they manage a host of new challenges brought on by the Arab Spring.” He will also pinpoint Iran as an area of concern. “I cannot live with a nuclear-armed Iran. If you want an example of when I would use American force, it would be that.” Mr. Huntsman, a former Governor of Utah, Ambassador to both China and Singapore and speaks both languages also says “What was always clear to me was that those seeking reform and change drew strength from our nation’s values-the openness, the freedoms of speech, assembly, religion and press.”
I also favor Mitt Romney, but believe that Huntsman has it over him due to his experience as Ambassador in China and Singapore, as well has opinion on what should be done in Afghanistan.
It might be nice if there were to be a Huntsman/Romney ticket, however I doubt that could be a winning ticket since they are both of Mormon faith. I am not of Mormon faith, but have known many who were and have known none who were dishonest.
Mr. Cain is leading the polls at this time due to his 9-9-9 plan that sounds pretty good but will increase the tax burden on the poor and middle class. He is being loved by the Tea Party because he has no political background. I don’t necessarily thing that is a good thing. Wouldn’t you rather hire an employee with experience in the field for which you have a vacancy? I have heard it said that having a choice between two black candidates in the general election would not be embraced.
Personally I am an Independent, as I believe the greater portion of our citizenry is. Without an Independent candidate we Independents must choose between Democrats and Republicans. I will also be watching to see if the Democrats can offer up a candidate that will maintain the presidency.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Peggys Activities and Observations: POLITICALLY SPEAKING IT’S A HORSE RACE OUT THERE
Peggys Activities and Observations: POLITICALLY SPEAKING IT’S A HORSE RACE OUT THERE: The “Obama Girl” who got her 15 minutes of fame for her video of “I’ve got a crush on Obama” has apparently lost her infatuation and now sa...
POLITICALLY SPEAKING IT’S A HORSE RACE OUT THERE
The “Obama Girl” who got her 15 minutes of fame for her video of “I’ve got a crush on Obama” has apparently lost her infatuation and now says “He’s got a lot of work to do”. I’m wondering where the media found her, could it possibly have been at one of the “Occupy Wall Street Rallies”?
Remember “Joe the Plumber” whose fame began with his questions to Obama on the campaign trail? He wanted to know how Obama would help him with the taxation of his self-employed business. Joe the Plumber has thrown his hat into the race for the house in Ohio, as reported on CNN.
But according to Plutocrap and authored by JollyRoger (who ever and who ever this is) writes that Joe is Samuel Joseph Wurzelbachette, a water sprinkler installer. They say he is “rough on his wives, reluctant to pay fines and is one of the welfare mooches” that he spoke of in 2008. They are also calling him a “Rushpubliscum candidate for Congress”.
Watching the GOP hopefuls for the 2012 nomination is a little like watching the horse races. One of the first ones out of the Gate, Michelle Bachmann was winded before she reached the first turn, being left in the dust by Rick Perry (last one out of the gate). Perry came around the first turn passing all others but stumbled, leaving way for Mitt Romney to take the lead. Romney was leading up to the second turn Hermann Cain got a second wind and flew around Romney. They ran nose to nose past the third turn, looks like Cain is in the lead. Here in the last length Baughman has moved up a few lengths in front of the also ran candidates, but not nearly enough to cross the finish in first place. But I am watching the last one out of the gate who is still bringing up the rear Jon Huntsman. He is not in the middle of the also ran candidates, but is choosing where he rides. I will not be surprised if he surges around the mass of entries to end up in the winners’ circle.
Remember “Joe the Plumber” whose fame began with his questions to Obama on the campaign trail? He wanted to know how Obama would help him with the taxation of his self-employed business. Joe the Plumber has thrown his hat into the race for the house in Ohio, as reported on CNN.
But according to Plutocrap and authored by JollyRoger (who ever and who ever this is) writes that Joe is Samuel Joseph Wurzelbachette, a water sprinkler installer. They say he is “rough on his wives, reluctant to pay fines and is one of the welfare mooches” that he spoke of in 2008. They are also calling him a “Rushpubliscum candidate for Congress”.
Watching the GOP hopefuls for the 2012 nomination is a little like watching the horse races. One of the first ones out of the Gate, Michelle Bachmann was winded before she reached the first turn, being left in the dust by Rick Perry (last one out of the gate). Perry came around the first turn passing all others but stumbled, leaving way for Mitt Romney to take the lead. Romney was leading up to the second turn Hermann Cain got a second wind and flew around Romney. They ran nose to nose past the third turn, looks like Cain is in the lead. Here in the last length Baughman has moved up a few lengths in front of the also ran candidates, but not nearly enough to cross the finish in first place. But I am watching the last one out of the gate who is still bringing up the rear Jon Huntsman. He is not in the middle of the also ran candidates, but is choosing where he rides. I will not be surprised if he surges around the mass of entries to end up in the winners’ circle.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
I'M GOING ROGUE
I’M GOING ROGUE
I have at last begun to realize the insincerity and personal disengagement the cyber world of social network sites has offered us.
As an individual who has lost the closeness of friends and well-known acquaintenances due to distance, age, the personal habit of smoking, health, pacifism and lack of a religious belief, I have become addicted to a popular social network.
Although other participants in my virtual world were chosen or accepted, I was aware that most were only acquaintenances or friends of other acquaintenances. I suppose I needed interaction from others and ignored that for which I was fully aware. But the emergence of a “friend report card” to evaluate your compatibility with a “friend” really brought my awareness to the forefront. The report card is promoted as a form of “entertainment” however in my opinion it seeks to bring forth the realization that cyber friends are not truly friends, they may as well be delusions.
I have spent many hours the past couple of years in my own delusion of friendship, liking, posting and reposting everyone elses quotes, philosophies, supporting for, etc., extending sympathies and expounding on my political beliefs but with this revelation I have re-entered the real world. I will spend my time enjoying things I want to do and possibly maintain the real friendships in my life. I may even begin sending an actual written letter to those who have not yet joined the Cyber World.
I have at last begun to realize the insincerity and personal disengagement the cyber world of social network sites has offered us.
As an individual who has lost the closeness of friends and well-known acquaintenances due to distance, age, the personal habit of smoking, health, pacifism and lack of a religious belief, I have become addicted to a popular social network.
Although other participants in my virtual world were chosen or accepted, I was aware that most were only acquaintenances or friends of other acquaintenances. I suppose I needed interaction from others and ignored that for which I was fully aware. But the emergence of a “friend report card” to evaluate your compatibility with a “friend” really brought my awareness to the forefront. The report card is promoted as a form of “entertainment” however in my opinion it seeks to bring forth the realization that cyber friends are not truly friends, they may as well be delusions.
I have spent many hours the past couple of years in my own delusion of friendship, liking, posting and reposting everyone elses quotes, philosophies, supporting for, etc., extending sympathies and expounding on my political beliefs but with this revelation I have re-entered the real world. I will spend my time enjoying things I want to do and possibly maintain the real friendships in my life. I may even begin sending an actual written letter to those who have not yet joined the Cyber World.
Monday, September 26, 2011
IN THE FACE OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
IN THE FACE OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND OTHER DISCRIMINATORY REQUIREMENTS
How do I begin to talk about our taxes and how they are impacted by the implication of the above title? It would probably take less time and less energy and thought to just take notice of the “Bake Sale” of cupcakes at Berkley as was on the news today; however, I had already begun to assimilate a lot of data from government sites relating to the impact of taxes on an individuals purchasing power in the USA.
Before reading this you may remember that Texas, Illinois and other states have implemented the “Dream Act”, assisting some illegal immigrants in obtaining their college degrees. Without being explicit I will just say that every ethnic group in America receive some type of discriminatory assistance, that is other than Caucasian American born citizens, who contribute to their causes, many that are funded by tax dollars.
So today I will share with you some of the facts. But remember that there are many fluctuations regarding the numbers that I will post. The numbers here are based on the states of Mississippi, Massachusetts and California.
These states were chosen from the National Stats of median hourly wage including all occupations From the Bureau of Labor as of May 8, 2010 because. Mississippi has the lowest average hourly income and nearly the highest State Sales Tax. Massachusetts has the highest average hourly income and one of the lowest State Sales Tax. California has the highest State Sales Tax. Also keep in mind that State Income Taxes and tax exemptions for food purchases have not been included. These two facts vary from state to state and were not considered in the states I have elected to concentrate on.
Assuming that the cost of housing is 30% (28-33) of income
And the cost of food is 12%
And utilities are 8% (heating & electrical only)
Payroll tax are Fed Income Tax 15%
Social Security 6.2% (4.2% this year)
Unemployment 6.4% (self employed 10.4%)
And that your income is (Based on national average (combined all occupations)
Mississippi $12.83/hrLowest & State Sales Tax 7%
Massachusetts $25.82/hrHighest & Sales Tax 5%
California has the highest sales tax:
Wage $18.21 Lowest average Sales Tax ( 7.5%)
Wage $24.39 Highest Average Sales Tax(7.5%)
Several States have no state sales tax
Spendable income after cost of housing, utilities and Payroll taxes and State Income Tax:
This formula does not account for other necessities such as transportation and insurances for home, auto, life and health care. Nor does it take into account that some states have sales tax exemptions for food.
Mississippi housing cost: $12.83X30% = $3.84
Utilities 8%=$1.02
Payroll Tax IRS 15%=$2.07
Social Security 6.2%=$0.85
Unemployment 6.4%=$0.88
Balance ………………………… …..$4.17/hr
Balance after State Sales Tax@7%=$3.87/hr
Massachusetts housing costs:$25.82X30% = $18.07
Utilities 8%=$2.08
Payroll Tax IRS15%=$3.97
Social Security6.2%=$1.60
Unemployment6.4%=$1.65
Balance $8.77
Balance After State Sales Tax @5% $8.33
California has the highest sales tax:
Wage $18.21 Lowest average @( 7.5%)
Wage $24.39 Highest Average @(7.5%)
Low Wage Housing @ 30%……=$5.46
Utilities @ 8% =$1.45
Payroll Tax IRS@ 15%=$2.73
Social Security @6.2%=$1.12
Unemployment @6.4%=$1.16
Balance $6.29
Balance after State Sales Tax @7.5% ($0.47)$5.82
High Wage Housing 30%=$7.31
Utilities 8%=$1.97
Payroll 15%=$3.65
Social Security 6.2%=$1.51
Unemployment 6.4%=$1.56
Balance = $8.39
Balance after State Sales Tax @7.5%($.062)=$7.77
The actual percentage of income after housing, utilities, taxes and sales tax assuming all income is used for purchasing and does not allow for insurances, medical, transportation and other essential needs.
Mississippi 30%
Massachusetts slightly over 32%
California @ low Wage 32%
California @ high Wage slightly over 31%
COST OF LIVING numbers are based on 100. The lower the number, the least the COL is. The Higher number reflects a higher COL. The numbers are reflective of deviations from the base of 100.
Mississippi 13
Massachusetts 41
California 49
I suggest that anywhere 30 to 32 percent of wages is inadequate to properly purchase Transportation (even public transportation), Health Insurance (or co-pay when insurance is purchased), Home and Auto Insurance, Life Insurance, Education, Clothing, Home maintenance,and communication expense. Heaven forbid entertainment (including television) and travel.
Thank you for reading, please post your comments on this blog.
How do I begin to talk about our taxes and how they are impacted by the implication of the above title? It would probably take less time and less energy and thought to just take notice of the “Bake Sale” of cupcakes at Berkley as was on the news today; however, I had already begun to assimilate a lot of data from government sites relating to the impact of taxes on an individuals purchasing power in the USA.
Before reading this you may remember that Texas, Illinois and other states have implemented the “Dream Act”, assisting some illegal immigrants in obtaining their college degrees. Without being explicit I will just say that every ethnic group in America receive some type of discriminatory assistance, that is other than Caucasian American born citizens, who contribute to their causes, many that are funded by tax dollars.
So today I will share with you some of the facts. But remember that there are many fluctuations regarding the numbers that I will post. The numbers here are based on the states of Mississippi, Massachusetts and California.
These states were chosen from the National Stats of median hourly wage including all occupations From the Bureau of Labor as of May 8, 2010 because. Mississippi has the lowest average hourly income and nearly the highest State Sales Tax. Massachusetts has the highest average hourly income and one of the lowest State Sales Tax. California has the highest State Sales Tax. Also keep in mind that State Income Taxes and tax exemptions for food purchases have not been included. These two facts vary from state to state and were not considered in the states I have elected to concentrate on.
Assuming that the cost of housing is 30% (28-33) of income
And the cost of food is 12%
And utilities are 8% (heating & electrical only)
Payroll tax are Fed Income Tax 15%
Social Security 6.2% (4.2% this year)
Unemployment 6.4% (self employed 10.4%)
And that your income is (Based on national average (combined all occupations)
Mississippi $12.83/hrLowest & State Sales Tax 7%
Massachusetts $25.82/hrHighest & Sales Tax 5%
California has the highest sales tax:
Wage $18.21 Lowest average Sales Tax ( 7.5%)
Wage $24.39 Highest Average Sales Tax(7.5%)
Several States have no state sales tax
Spendable income after cost of housing, utilities and Payroll taxes and State Income Tax:
This formula does not account for other necessities such as transportation and insurances for home, auto, life and health care. Nor does it take into account that some states have sales tax exemptions for food.
Mississippi housing cost: $12.83X30% = $3.84
Utilities 8%=$1.02
Payroll Tax IRS 15%=$2.07
Social Security 6.2%=$0.85
Unemployment 6.4%=$0.88
Balance ………………………… …..$4.17/hr
Balance after State Sales Tax@7%=$3.87/hr
Massachusetts housing costs:$25.82X30% = $18.07
Utilities 8%=$2.08
Payroll Tax IRS15%=$3.97
Social Security6.2%=$1.60
Unemployment6.4%=$1.65
Balance $8.77
Balance After State Sales Tax @5% $8.33
California has the highest sales tax:
Wage $18.21 Lowest average @( 7.5%)
Wage $24.39 Highest Average @(7.5%)
Low Wage Housing @ 30%……=$5.46
Utilities @ 8% =$1.45
Payroll Tax IRS@ 15%=$2.73
Social Security @6.2%=$1.12
Unemployment @6.4%=$1.16
Balance $6.29
Balance after State Sales Tax @7.5% ($0.47)$5.82
High Wage Housing 30%=$7.31
Utilities 8%=$1.97
Payroll 15%=$3.65
Social Security 6.2%=$1.51
Unemployment 6.4%=$1.56
Balance = $8.39
Balance after State Sales Tax @7.5%($.062)=$7.77
The actual percentage of income after housing, utilities, taxes and sales tax assuming all income is used for purchasing and does not allow for insurances, medical, transportation and other essential needs.
Mississippi 30%
Massachusetts slightly over 32%
California @ low Wage 32%
California @ high Wage slightly over 31%
COST OF LIVING numbers are based on 100. The lower the number, the least the COL is. The Higher number reflects a higher COL. The numbers are reflective of deviations from the base of 100.
Mississippi 13
Massachusetts 41
California 49
I suggest that anywhere 30 to 32 percent of wages is inadequate to properly purchase Transportation (even public transportation), Health Insurance (or co-pay when insurance is purchased), Home and Auto Insurance, Life Insurance, Education, Clothing, Home maintenance,and communication expense. Heaven forbid entertainment (including television) and travel.
Thank you for reading, please post your comments on this blog.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
DRUG TESTING OF WELFARE RECEPIENTS
Questioning some posts on FB about testing recipients of welfare benefits peaked my interest in the facts. I suppose the interest stemmed from having been the child of welfare recipients for several years.
We were on welfare because a social worker felt that our “self-sustained” livelihood did not meet the social norms of the day. Housing and clothing were less than average but food was plentiful and nutritious, without pesticides or chemical preservatives.
The social worker insisted that they provide assistance and it was accepted. However, they failed to say that once assistance was accepted, the small farm from which our food was grown or gathered had to be liquidated. Necessitating the purchase of house only. So my parents complied and my father began working the timber industry (Uneducated, farming was his only experience and skill to provide for his family).
He soon became ill from a back injury and heart disease and could not continue to work. Diagnostic tools and treatment were not yet available in those days. The humility and illness eventually led to depression and the use of barbiturates as prescribed by his physician. He was not a user of alcohol at any time.
So it is my opinion that the welfare system drove my father and our family into dependence on the welfare system.
So those who categorize welfare recipients as possible drug users disturb me. Here are some facts:
1.) The Welfare Reform Act was authorized but not required in 1996. The act imposes mandatory drug testing as a prerequisite to receive welfare assistance.
2.) Drug use among welfare recipients is no greater than the rest of the population, as a percentage.
3.) According to a study by the National Institute of Alcohol and Alcoholism shows no difference between the general population and welfare recipients.
4.) Seventy percent of drug users who are ages 18-49 are employed full time. It is presumed that a much higher percent are alcohol users.
5.) The average cost of a drug test is about $42 per person. But the cost to for personnel to administer the tests, to ensure confidentiality, to run confirmatory tests to find false positives, cross identification with legal prescribed drugs and poppy seeds is not included.
6.) Since the relativity of substance abuse between the general population and welfare recipients are equal, it is important to note the findings of an employer of 10000 employees. About one half of one percent (49) of the employees tested positive. They estimate that the cost to test all employees was $20,000. It was fiscally unsound.
7.) The above numbers do not include any possible legal costs that might be incurred if prosecuted and the cost of incarceration if convicted.
8.) The cost for drug testing and the consequences does NOT include testing for the use of alcohol.
I am not a drug abuser, and do not want to imply that I approve of substance abuse.
My purpose is to state that ALL WELFARE RECEPIENTS are not “druggies” or “alcoholics”.
Required drug testing of welfare recipients is fiscally irresponsible and useless.
We were on welfare because a social worker felt that our “self-sustained” livelihood did not meet the social norms of the day. Housing and clothing were less than average but food was plentiful and nutritious, without pesticides or chemical preservatives.
The social worker insisted that they provide assistance and it was accepted. However, they failed to say that once assistance was accepted, the small farm from which our food was grown or gathered had to be liquidated. Necessitating the purchase of house only. So my parents complied and my father began working the timber industry (Uneducated, farming was his only experience and skill to provide for his family).
He soon became ill from a back injury and heart disease and could not continue to work. Diagnostic tools and treatment were not yet available in those days. The humility and illness eventually led to depression and the use of barbiturates as prescribed by his physician. He was not a user of alcohol at any time.
So it is my opinion that the welfare system drove my father and our family into dependence on the welfare system.
So those who categorize welfare recipients as possible drug users disturb me. Here are some facts:
1.) The Welfare Reform Act was authorized but not required in 1996. The act imposes mandatory drug testing as a prerequisite to receive welfare assistance.
2.) Drug use among welfare recipients is no greater than the rest of the population, as a percentage.
3.) According to a study by the National Institute of Alcohol and Alcoholism shows no difference between the general population and welfare recipients.
4.) Seventy percent of drug users who are ages 18-49 are employed full time. It is presumed that a much higher percent are alcohol users.
5.) The average cost of a drug test is about $42 per person. But the cost to for personnel to administer the tests, to ensure confidentiality, to run confirmatory tests to find false positives, cross identification with legal prescribed drugs and poppy seeds is not included.
6.) Since the relativity of substance abuse between the general population and welfare recipients are equal, it is important to note the findings of an employer of 10000 employees. About one half of one percent (49) of the employees tested positive. They estimate that the cost to test all employees was $20,000. It was fiscally unsound.
7.) The above numbers do not include any possible legal costs that might be incurred if prosecuted and the cost of incarceration if convicted.
8.) The cost for drug testing and the consequences does NOT include testing for the use of alcohol.
I am not a drug abuser, and do not want to imply that I approve of substance abuse.
My purpose is to state that ALL WELFARE RECEPIENTS are not “druggies” or “alcoholics”.
Required drug testing of welfare recipients is fiscally irresponsible and useless.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
CURRENT ACTIVITIES
I cannot comment on the days observations, left all the political, morose and just plain negativity behind and Baked a couple of loaves of Whole Wheat White bread from Scratch. I've still got some practicing to do on that, but They will be edible.
I am also working on a pineapple crochet table cloth. I'm about half way done. It will be about 50 inches across when it is finished. It is being crocheted with the finest (30) cotton thread.
And I have a painting on the easel, lots to do on this one yet, but it takes time. I am using a photo of my front yard as it leads into the back yard and love the arbor with the purple Clematis climbing it. Sorry for the picture of the painting. It shows very little definition of the flowers.
So that's what keeping me busy in these turmoiltious times:)
Friday, September 9, 2011
ARE YOU DEPRESSED YET?
ARE YOU DEPRESSED YET?
Amidst the “pomp and circumstance” President Obama met his commanded audience in the center of a well-choreographed stage delivering his “plan” to put people to work. Although he was met by hand shaking, a few hugs and an occasional peck on he cheek; the hand clapping, also a requirement in these circumstances, does not truly reflect the guests approval of his plan or his presidency, nor that of the John Q Public while the most recent polls indicate the lowest in his administration. Depending upon whose poll to believe it is somewhere between 29 and 42. Most people are aware of all of the above, except for his true followers who love him when he is in his campaign mode.
However, my point is this:
He frequently said during this speech that the new “Back to Work” plan would be paid for.
He says that he will be addressing how it will be paid for next Monday.
And that he will be giving more details on how it will be paid for the Monday after that.
Isn’t that a little bass-ackward? When I make out my monthly budget, and if I have an unexpected expense, I first look at my usual and unavoidable expenses and then see what I can cut back on to meet the unexpected one. What I don’t do is meet the unexpected one and then try to find some cut backs that allow me to do that. I have a limited income with a small amount of cash to pay for optional choices. I would not want to put another expense on a credit card thus diminishing if not exceeding my “optional choice cash”.
It is my feeling that I would view the “Back to Work” plan more credible had the president began with telling us what “cut backs” would be made to afford the cost of his new “plan”.
I also question the impact that a reduction of payroll taxes will have, not only on the economy but on any individual earning only minimum wage. Any individual earning $8.87/hour will earn $1400.00/month. If 6.5% of that is the current amount of the payroll tax it is $91.00, reduced to 3.5% tax as suggested it would be $49.00/month. Oh yes, sounds pretty good but it isn’t even one days pay which would be $70.00, $49.00 would hardly allow for the increased cost of food and other necessary cost of living expenses being imposed by state and local taxes.
I have also notice that it is not uncommon for the Dow to go south the days following an appearance by the president.
Well, blah, blah, blah and whine, whine, whine…. what else is new? It could be “High Alert” in New York and DC with the approaching anniversary of 9/11. I fail to see why we call it an anniversary, since most anniversaries are celebrated for a positive experience. (Much like everyone calling a convicted felon Mr. Or Mrs./Ms). What’s that all about? Isn’t Mr., Mrs. or Ms a form of respect? It could be the raging fires in Texas, the flooding water, evacuations and devastations on the East Coast. Oh and lest we forget the wars we are involved with in the Mideast.
So now if you aren’t already depressed, YOU SHOULD BE!
Amidst the “pomp and circumstance” President Obama met his commanded audience in the center of a well-choreographed stage delivering his “plan” to put people to work. Although he was met by hand shaking, a few hugs and an occasional peck on he cheek; the hand clapping, also a requirement in these circumstances, does not truly reflect the guests approval of his plan or his presidency, nor that of the John Q Public while the most recent polls indicate the lowest in his administration. Depending upon whose poll to believe it is somewhere between 29 and 42. Most people are aware of all of the above, except for his true followers who love him when he is in his campaign mode.
However, my point is this:
He frequently said during this speech that the new “Back to Work” plan would be paid for.
He says that he will be addressing how it will be paid for next Monday.
And that he will be giving more details on how it will be paid for the Monday after that.
Isn’t that a little bass-ackward? When I make out my monthly budget, and if I have an unexpected expense, I first look at my usual and unavoidable expenses and then see what I can cut back on to meet the unexpected one. What I don’t do is meet the unexpected one and then try to find some cut backs that allow me to do that. I have a limited income with a small amount of cash to pay for optional choices. I would not want to put another expense on a credit card thus diminishing if not exceeding my “optional choice cash”.
It is my feeling that I would view the “Back to Work” plan more credible had the president began with telling us what “cut backs” would be made to afford the cost of his new “plan”.
I also question the impact that a reduction of payroll taxes will have, not only on the economy but on any individual earning only minimum wage. Any individual earning $8.87/hour will earn $1400.00/month. If 6.5% of that is the current amount of the payroll tax it is $91.00, reduced to 3.5% tax as suggested it would be $49.00/month. Oh yes, sounds pretty good but it isn’t even one days pay which would be $70.00, $49.00 would hardly allow for the increased cost of food and other necessary cost of living expenses being imposed by state and local taxes.
I have also notice that it is not uncommon for the Dow to go south the days following an appearance by the president.
Well, blah, blah, blah and whine, whine, whine…. what else is new? It could be “High Alert” in New York and DC with the approaching anniversary of 9/11. I fail to see why we call it an anniversary, since most anniversaries are celebrated for a positive experience. (Much like everyone calling a convicted felon Mr. Or Mrs./Ms). What’s that all about? Isn’t Mr., Mrs. or Ms a form of respect? It could be the raging fires in Texas, the flooding water, evacuations and devastations on the East Coast. Oh and lest we forget the wars we are involved with in the Mideast.
So now if you aren’t already depressed, YOU SHOULD BE!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Just wondering
I woke up this morning to 54 degree weather and after having skipped the 5 mg of blood pressure last night, I am beginning to feel like myself. I have even baked a fresh loaf of banana bread this morning. The thing I am wondering about though is: It is often said that one out of every four (?5) folks 65 and over fall, need help and/or break a bone, often a hip. I would like to know how many of those that fall are actually being over treated with drugs like BP meds and others. Oh, I know "you must take your BP meds to avoid a stroke", but every time I have suggested my dosage is too much, another test for another cause is ordered. The first time was a test for sleep apnea (cost $4000), the last time angiogram to see if my stents are plugging up....no they were clean, but while under the anesthetic they decided to stent an existing collateral flow. NO, I don't feel better! I'm having a damned hard time getting up in the morning. So why is another cause of sleeping too much and feeling very tired and fatiued even looked for until a trial of less medication!!!!!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Congratulations to the Democratic Congress Woman
CNN reported today that Jan Schakowsky (D) Illinois will introduce a two-year emergency jobs plan that will create 2.2 million jobs.
Contrary to the Republicans “I WON’T RAISE TAXES” I believe this plan will NOT be at the cost of everyday Americans. Reference link posted below.
It is the “Emergency Jobs to Restore the American Dream”. The plan would develop: SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT CORPS to rehabilitate public schools.
NEIGHBORHOOD HERO CORPS to hire teachers, firemen and policemen
HEALTH CARE CORPS hiring health care providers including doctors, nurse practioners, physician assistants and nurses expanding health care to access to underserved rural and urban areas.
PARK IMPROVEMENT CORPS for youth between the ages of 16-25 to work on conservation projects on public lands restoring natural, cultural and historic sites, through new funding to the Department of the Interior and Forest Service.
STUDENT JOB CORPS: creating part-time work study jobs for eligible college students through new funding for the Federal Work Study Program.
CHILD CARE CORPS: creating jobs in early childhood care and education through additional funding for Early Head Start.
COMMUNITY CORPS’ to do needed work in communities, including housing rehab, weatherization, recycling, and rural conservation.
The plan would give priority to the longterm unemployed who have exhausted botheir state and federal unemployment benefits.
The cost of the Congress Womans plan would be implemented over a two-year period, financed by separate legislation that she will introduce.
That bill title is FAIRNESS IN TAXACTION ACT which would raise taxes for Americans who earn more than $1 million and $1 billion. It would also eliminate subsidies for big oil companies while closing loopholes for corporations that send American jobs overseas
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/10/jan-schakowsky-jobs-to-restore-american-dream-act_n_923899.html
Additionally a group of very wealthy persons have joined to advocate increasing taxes on the very wealthy. They call themselves “Millionaire Patriots”. Hoping to blog on that tomorrow.
Contrary to the Republicans “I WON’T RAISE TAXES” I believe this plan will NOT be at the cost of everyday Americans. Reference link posted below.
It is the “Emergency Jobs to Restore the American Dream”. The plan would develop: SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT CORPS to rehabilitate public schools.
NEIGHBORHOOD HERO CORPS to hire teachers, firemen and policemen
HEALTH CARE CORPS hiring health care providers including doctors, nurse practioners, physician assistants and nurses expanding health care to access to underserved rural and urban areas.
PARK IMPROVEMENT CORPS for youth between the ages of 16-25 to work on conservation projects on public lands restoring natural, cultural and historic sites, through new funding to the Department of the Interior and Forest Service.
STUDENT JOB CORPS: creating part-time work study jobs for eligible college students through new funding for the Federal Work Study Program.
CHILD CARE CORPS: creating jobs in early childhood care and education through additional funding for Early Head Start.
COMMUNITY CORPS’ to do needed work in communities, including housing rehab, weatherization, recycling, and rural conservation.
The plan would give priority to the longterm unemployed who have exhausted botheir state and federal unemployment benefits.
The cost of the Congress Womans plan would be implemented over a two-year period, financed by separate legislation that she will introduce.
That bill title is FAIRNESS IN TAXACTION ACT which would raise taxes for Americans who earn more than $1 million and $1 billion. It would also eliminate subsidies for big oil companies while closing loopholes for corporations that send American jobs overseas
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/10/jan-schakowsky-jobs-to-restore-american-dream-act_n_923899.html
Additionally a group of very wealthy persons have joined to advocate increasing taxes on the very wealthy. They call themselves “Millionaire Patriots”. Hoping to blog on that tomorrow.
Monday, August 15, 2011
MIDWEST BUS TOUR
President Obama kicked off his Midwest bus tour today. His first stop was in Cannon Falls a small community of 4000. It is about an hours drive Southwest of St. Paul, Minnesota.
The Washington Post reports that about 500 people attended this “town hall” meeting. The tour is defined, (according to the White House Spokesman) as a town hall meeting to talk about jobs and the economy; however I suggest that it is a campaign tour to shore up what may be left of his base.
CASE IN POINT THE FOLLOWING QUOTES LEAD ONE TO THINK CAMPAIGN:
“I know it’s not election season yet, but I just have to mention the debate”
“You’ve got to send a message to Washington that it’s time for the games to stop. It’s time to put country first,”
“Some folks in Congress ... would rather see their opponents lose than America win.
The President will travel in one of the two Secure Black Buses that will also be used by the next administration and is maintained and serviced by the Secret Service. The cost of these buses is reported to be 1.1 million dollars each.
So what is the difference, town hall or campaign?
Town Hall is paid for with tax dollars: campaigns are paid from donors campaign funds.
Obama is scheduled to go on a 10-day family vacation to Martha’s Vineyard on Thursday after completing the economic tour.
The Washington Post reports that about 500 people attended this “town hall” meeting. The tour is defined, (according to the White House Spokesman) as a town hall meeting to talk about jobs and the economy; however I suggest that it is a campaign tour to shore up what may be left of his base.
CASE IN POINT THE FOLLOWING QUOTES LEAD ONE TO THINK CAMPAIGN:
“I know it’s not election season yet, but I just have to mention the debate”
“You’ve got to send a message to Washington that it’s time for the games to stop. It’s time to put country first,”
“Some folks in Congress ... would rather see their opponents lose than America win.
The President will travel in one of the two Secure Black Buses that will also be used by the next administration and is maintained and serviced by the Secret Service. The cost of these buses is reported to be 1.1 million dollars each.
So what is the difference, town hall or campaign?
Town Hall is paid for with tax dollars: campaigns are paid from donors campaign funds.
Obama is scheduled to go on a 10-day family vacation to Martha’s Vineyard on Thursday after completing the economic tour.
DON’T THROW THAT CHICKEN OUT
I love rotisserie chicken, but after I have dinner and a sandwich for lunch for two days, there is still a lot of chicken there. I can’t bare to throw it out anymore. So if you are tired of throwing out the rotisserie chicken….here’s a receipt that I just made. Looks good….but taste test pending:
Place the entire left over chicken in a pot large enough to hold water that will nearly cover the fowl. Boil uncovered until the meat falls off the bones. Cool in the fridge until you can handle without being burned.
Prepare minute rice as directed for 2 servings.
Place cooked rice in a 1-½ casserole dish and add the following:
½ cup chopped onion
½ cup sliced celery
½ cup broth from boiling the chicken
1 to ½ cups of chicken (make sure it is free of bones)
1 cup of pitted black olives
Mix all together
Spread ½ cup sharp cheddar over the top
Cover and bake @ 350 degrees until slightly bubbly – about 45 minutes
Remove cover for the last 5 minutes and let the cheese brown just a bit.
Now it’s time for lunch and taste testing the casserole:)
Place the entire left over chicken in a pot large enough to hold water that will nearly cover the fowl. Boil uncovered until the meat falls off the bones. Cool in the fridge until you can handle without being burned.
Prepare minute rice as directed for 2 servings.
Place cooked rice in a 1-½ casserole dish and add the following:
½ cup chopped onion
½ cup sliced celery
½ cup broth from boiling the chicken
1 to ½ cups of chicken (make sure it is free of bones)
1 cup of pitted black olives
Mix all together
Spread ½ cup sharp cheddar over the top
Cover and bake @ 350 degrees until slightly bubbly – about 45 minutes
Remove cover for the last 5 minutes and let the cheese brown just a bit.
Now it’s time for lunch and taste testing the casserole:)
THUMBS UP - THUMBS DOWN
Hooray for the Mayor of Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter who imposed a nighttime curfew in that city for children under the age of 13 and a later curfew for those between 13 and 18 following strangers having been attacked by violent mobs of young people in several instances
.”Michael Nutter unveiled the city's plan Monday, saying that children under 13 must be home by 10 p.m. and teens between 13 and 18 by midnight.”
“An even stricter curfew will go into effect on Fridays and Saturdays in several areas, such as Center City, CNN affiliate WPVI reported. Curfew there begins at 9 p.m. on those nights for youths under 18, Nutter said.”
Ref: http://articles.cnn.com/2011-08-09/justice/pennsylvania.curfew.archive_1_stricter-curfew-attacks-young-people?_s=PM:CRIME
It is difficult today to hear any news except for the tragedy at the Indiana State Fair that has now claimed 5 lives and seriously injured several more: And Obamas’ “economy themed” bus tour to Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois. Dare I say,it is a 2012 campaign tour. In fact he won those states in the08 election,and they have a combined 36 electoral votes.
Athough Obamas’ homestate is Illinois and the unemployment rate there is 9.7, Minnesota and Iowa have unemployment rates less than 7%. According to the latest Gallup poll his approval ratings are above the national average in those states at 52, 49 and 54% respectively while the national average is
47%.
It is suggested that the trip is to “hold on” to those 36 electoral votes. My personal opinion is that is a true suggestion, but I also wonder if it is a trip to boost his personal confidence as well,considering the national average approval rate.
NOTE: Why do the Obama supporters continue to say that he “inherited this mess?” It may be what came with the package that he so skillfully asked for. Hmmm, President Bush Inherited the 9/11 attacks that pushed the country into “this mess”.
.”Michael Nutter unveiled the city's plan Monday, saying that children under 13 must be home by 10 p.m. and teens between 13 and 18 by midnight.”
“An even stricter curfew will go into effect on Fridays and Saturdays in several areas, such as Center City, CNN affiliate WPVI reported. Curfew there begins at 9 p.m. on those nights for youths under 18, Nutter said.”
Ref: http://articles.cnn.com/2011-08-09/justice/pennsylvania.curfew.archive_1_stricter-curfew-attacks-young-people?_s=PM:CRIME
It is difficult today to hear any news except for the tragedy at the Indiana State Fair that has now claimed 5 lives and seriously injured several more: And Obamas’ “economy themed” bus tour to Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois. Dare I say,it is a 2012 campaign tour. In fact he won those states in the08 election,and they have a combined 36 electoral votes.
Athough Obamas’ homestate is Illinois and the unemployment rate there is 9.7, Minnesota and Iowa have unemployment rates less than 7%. According to the latest Gallup poll his approval ratings are above the national average in those states at 52, 49 and 54% respectively while the national average is
47%.
It is suggested that the trip is to “hold on” to those 36 electoral votes. My personal opinion is that is a true suggestion, but I also wonder if it is a trip to boost his personal confidence as well,considering the national average approval rate.
NOTE: Why do the Obama supporters continue to say that he “inherited this mess?” It may be what came with the package that he so skillfully asked for. Hmmm, President Bush Inherited the 9/11 attacks that pushed the country into “this mess”.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Peggys Activities and Observations: JUST MY OPINION
Peggys Activities and Observations: JUST MY OPINION: "WHO WILL YOU SEE ON THE REPUBLICAN TICKET IN 2012
While the Iowa Republican debates were in full swing, Rick Perry was in South Carolina ..."
While the Iowa Republican debates were in full swing, Rick Perry was in South Carolina ..."
JUST MY OPINION
WHO WILL YOU SEE ON THE REPUBLICAN TICKET IN 2012
While the Iowa Republican debates were in full swing, Rick Perry was in South Carolina announcing his run for president at the Republican Convention.
I watched as he declared his candidacy and while I do not agree with some of the most important things he stands for, I do agree with many of his stated policies and accomplishments. His address was quite compelling.
He is currently serving as the Governor of Texas and is in his third term. It is reported that Texas has created 40% of all new jobs created within the entire United States under the Governors leadership and many other effective state laws and programs have been initiated and passed.
He comes from a poor family, describing his youth as working in the cotton and wheat fields with his father and wearing clothes hand made by his mother until he went to college.
And yet by the end of his address he sometimes appears to be delivering a sermon rather than a political speech.
(http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/08/its-official-tx-gov-perry-announces-presidential-bid.php?ref=fpa)
So why all the hoop-la about the Iowa Straw Poll? It is just that. As you all have more than likely seen the results, Bachmann received 4823 votes (28.5%), but less than 200 votes ahead of Ron Paul who received 4, 671 (27.65%). All others candidates received less than 3000 votes. This poll will have little to do with the actual candidate that the RNC will appoint.
I believe that Rick Perry is the RNCs’ choice of this moment and will be on the Republican ticket for President of the United States in 2012.
While the Iowa Republican debates were in full swing, Rick Perry was in South Carolina announcing his run for president at the Republican Convention.
I watched as he declared his candidacy and while I do not agree with some of the most important things he stands for, I do agree with many of his stated policies and accomplishments. His address was quite compelling.
He is currently serving as the Governor of Texas and is in his third term. It is reported that Texas has created 40% of all new jobs created within the entire United States under the Governors leadership and many other effective state laws and programs have been initiated and passed.
He comes from a poor family, describing his youth as working in the cotton and wheat fields with his father and wearing clothes hand made by his mother until he went to college.
And yet by the end of his address he sometimes appears to be delivering a sermon rather than a political speech.
(http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/08/its-official-tx-gov-perry-announces-presidential-bid.php?ref=fpa)
So why all the hoop-la about the Iowa Straw Poll? It is just that. As you all have more than likely seen the results, Bachmann received 4823 votes (28.5%), but less than 200 votes ahead of Ron Paul who received 4, 671 (27.65%). All others candidates received less than 3000 votes. This poll will have little to do with the actual candidate that the RNC will appoint.
I believe that Rick Perry is the RNCs’ choice of this moment and will be on the Republican ticket for President of the United States in 2012.
Friday, August 12, 2011
IOWA DEBATES AUGUST 12, 2011
It is my opinion the GOP Presidential candidates debate last nights’ has only one clear winner. That would be Barack Obama.
I do not agree with much of the way the Democrat National Convention handled their choice for their candidate in the ’08 election or the way that the Democrats passed Health Care Reform, or its’ contents, nor am I a proponent of Mr. Obama. But unless the GOP can offer up a real winner, Mr. Obama will be re-elected in ’12. With the split in the Democratic Party Mr. Obama may have an opponent within his own party.
Clearly six of the GOP candidates may have been able to justify their presence there on the basis of knowledge and experience: However those six chose to name “their intentions if they are elected” without any answers of how they could attain their aspirations and in addition used up precious time berating the President.
Again I have rated these candidates Using –5 to +5.
+5 Ron Paul: Presented facts and plans, he did not berate the current President. He has the best ideas of anyone on the list. But he is old, not a handsome man and is either ignored or considered a radical and mostly ignored by the panel and news media.
+4 Mitt Romney: Looks Presidential, Relies on his past accomplishments as the Governor in Massachusetts, offers some plans if elected. He is calm and as we see today the handling of a heckler in the crowd at the Iowa State Fair, he is firm not rattled by the attack and resolves it in a peaceful way. He had only one adverse comment about the President Obama. I suspect he has the best chance of winning the nomination.
+3 Herman Cain: Mr. Cain is a humorous black man who is a cancer survivor and has attained huge fiscal accomplishments during his lifetime but admits he is on a learning curve relating to our presence in Afghanistan. He did not berate President Obama. However, the major obstacle he would have in being elected is that he is a black man following the first black president who is not a popular president.
+1 Jon Huntsman: Looks presidential, probably well versed in US relations with China. Owns his own company and out sources a majority of his product. (Not sure what is companys’ product is). He disrespected President Obama and had nothing to offer regarding what he would do if elected.
0 Rick Santorum: Might as well not have been there. Offers nothing but adversely challenges opponents and the president.
0 Newt Gingrich: Offers nothing, questions the debate panel, offers nothing and relies on his past experience in politics.
-4 Tim Pawlenty: Heavy attacks on his main opponent and President Obama. Offers little.
-5 Michelle Bachman: Rants, Raves and spend much of her time berating President Obama. Has plans that would devastate the country. Is untrustworthy as she and her family take federal funding for the family farm and the “wacko” clinic her husband owns.
From MSN.COM HERE ARE THE RESULTS OF THEIR POLL OF 29518 VOTERS ON THE DEBATE WINNERS:
Ron Paul 36%
Herman Cain 4%
John Huntsman 4%
Rick Santorum 2%
Tim Pawley 3%
MichelleBachman 6%
Mit Romney 14%
Newt Gingrich 8%
No clear winner 23%
I do not agree with much of the way the Democrat National Convention handled their choice for their candidate in the ’08 election or the way that the Democrats passed Health Care Reform, or its’ contents, nor am I a proponent of Mr. Obama. But unless the GOP can offer up a real winner, Mr. Obama will be re-elected in ’12. With the split in the Democratic Party Mr. Obama may have an opponent within his own party.
Clearly six of the GOP candidates may have been able to justify their presence there on the basis of knowledge and experience: However those six chose to name “their intentions if they are elected” without any answers of how they could attain their aspirations and in addition used up precious time berating the President.
Again I have rated these candidates Using –5 to +5.
+5 Ron Paul: Presented facts and plans, he did not berate the current President. He has the best ideas of anyone on the list. But he is old, not a handsome man and is either ignored or considered a radical and mostly ignored by the panel and news media.
+4 Mitt Romney: Looks Presidential, Relies on his past accomplishments as the Governor in Massachusetts, offers some plans if elected. He is calm and as we see today the handling of a heckler in the crowd at the Iowa State Fair, he is firm not rattled by the attack and resolves it in a peaceful way. He had only one adverse comment about the President Obama. I suspect he has the best chance of winning the nomination.
+3 Herman Cain: Mr. Cain is a humorous black man who is a cancer survivor and has attained huge fiscal accomplishments during his lifetime but admits he is on a learning curve relating to our presence in Afghanistan. He did not berate President Obama. However, the major obstacle he would have in being elected is that he is a black man following the first black president who is not a popular president.
+1 Jon Huntsman: Looks presidential, probably well versed in US relations with China. Owns his own company and out sources a majority of his product. (Not sure what is companys’ product is). He disrespected President Obama and had nothing to offer regarding what he would do if elected.
0 Rick Santorum: Might as well not have been there. Offers nothing but adversely challenges opponents and the president.
0 Newt Gingrich: Offers nothing, questions the debate panel, offers nothing and relies on his past experience in politics.
-4 Tim Pawlenty: Heavy attacks on his main opponent and President Obama. Offers little.
-5 Michelle Bachman: Rants, Raves and spend much of her time berating President Obama. Has plans that would devastate the country. Is untrustworthy as she and her family take federal funding for the family farm and the “wacko” clinic her husband owns.
From MSN.COM HERE ARE THE RESULTS OF THEIR POLL OF 29518 VOTERS ON THE DEBATE WINNERS:
Ron Paul 36%
Herman Cain 4%
John Huntsman 4%
Rick Santorum 2%
Tim Pawley 3%
MichelleBachman 6%
Mit Romney 14%
Newt Gingrich 8%
No clear winner 23%
Saturday, August 6, 2011
LIFES LITTLE ANNOYANCES
I should have had a fair indication that the day would be less than smooth when exiting from my bed and the bedroom, the doorknob came off in my hand. So I laid the knob aside and used the knob holder to leave the room.
Waddling off to the living room I turn the television on and found that the PBS channel I had watched last night was showing a documentary on the life of Hitler and the news was talking to a guest who had written a book about D.B. Cooper. Local news is telling that the Gov has just signed in the new law approving the Dream Act.
OK, so I made my way to the kitchen where I successfully started the coffee. No problems there. Left the kitchen to boot up the computer and for the third time this week, couldn’t get on line. Having been through this twice already this week, picked up the telephone and sure enough, no dial tone, but the modem indicates I am on line?
What the Hell is going on with my computer. OK, so maybe I haven’t defragged in awhile….and started that procedure. Now I am able to get on line and the phone is working. All right, now I’m cooking. I’ve had notices that I need more CPUs’ and decided that was more than likely the problem. Searched for information on increasing CPUs’ and the first site was Microsoft.
Microsoft site says that CPU usage may reach 100% if the web is accessed multiple times from standby. Guess that means that I should shut it down more than once a day. I’ll give that a shot before getting into a more complicated (and expensive) action. I am using Microsoft XP; it may be time to think of a new computer. This one is five years old.
Well, I’m on my 3rd cup of Folgers, but I’m still having a bad hair day, wondering when we are going to be involved in the Syrian uprising, how low will the market drop on Monday (not that I have any stocks), need to do more weeding and watering, should do laundry, but think I’ll just stay on the computer and finish editing my episode of Gerdas’ Recovery and get it read to mail to a short story magazine on Monday.
I went to the PO yesterday to mail Gerda Goes to Broadway and Gerda and the Accountant….but after walking five or six blocks to get to it, the Post Office was closed due to the Decatur Celebration and most of the streets were roped off. Whaaattt? It’s a Federal Building. I’m surprised that the city can close it on a business day.
What are we celebrating? A 17-year-old boy was shot and killed yesterday during a robbery on the street. A woman and her daughter were killed on Gravel Pit Road, and a third woman was seriously injured in a domestic home invasion. The city budget is coming up short, the schools are all needing help, as well as the students who can’t afford the normal school supplies, and the unemployment rate is at 9.8.
I’m going to make some toast with blackberry jam and finish my editing. There only room for improvement on this day:)
Waddling off to the living room I turn the television on and found that the PBS channel I had watched last night was showing a documentary on the life of Hitler and the news was talking to a guest who had written a book about D.B. Cooper. Local news is telling that the Gov has just signed in the new law approving the Dream Act.
OK, so I made my way to the kitchen where I successfully started the coffee. No problems there. Left the kitchen to boot up the computer and for the third time this week, couldn’t get on line. Having been through this twice already this week, picked up the telephone and sure enough, no dial tone, but the modem indicates I am on line?
What the Hell is going on with my computer. OK, so maybe I haven’t defragged in awhile….and started that procedure. Now I am able to get on line and the phone is working. All right, now I’m cooking. I’ve had notices that I need more CPUs’ and decided that was more than likely the problem. Searched for information on increasing CPUs’ and the first site was Microsoft.
Microsoft site says that CPU usage may reach 100% if the web is accessed multiple times from standby. Guess that means that I should shut it down more than once a day. I’ll give that a shot before getting into a more complicated (and expensive) action. I am using Microsoft XP; it may be time to think of a new computer. This one is five years old.
Well, I’m on my 3rd cup of Folgers, but I’m still having a bad hair day, wondering when we are going to be involved in the Syrian uprising, how low will the market drop on Monday (not that I have any stocks), need to do more weeding and watering, should do laundry, but think I’ll just stay on the computer and finish editing my episode of Gerdas’ Recovery and get it read to mail to a short story magazine on Monday.
I went to the PO yesterday to mail Gerda Goes to Broadway and Gerda and the Accountant….but after walking five or six blocks to get to it, the Post Office was closed due to the Decatur Celebration and most of the streets were roped off. Whaaattt? It’s a Federal Building. I’m surprised that the city can close it on a business day.
What are we celebrating? A 17-year-old boy was shot and killed yesterday during a robbery on the street. A woman and her daughter were killed on Gravel Pit Road, and a third woman was seriously injured in a domestic home invasion. The city budget is coming up short, the schools are all needing help, as well as the students who can’t afford the normal school supplies, and the unemployment rate is at 9.8.
I’m going to make some toast with blackberry jam and finish my editing. There only room for improvement on this day:)
Friday, August 5, 2011
BREAKING NEWS
WOW, I just see that the jobs reports says jobs increased by 117,000:) It lowers the unemployed rated down from 9.2 to 9.1.
One could not only smile, but totally laugh outloud since Senator Reed called congress back from vacation to fix the FFA job loss of 74000 employees.
An overnight sensation, unless the 117,000 jobs included the FFA employees that are going back to work because their jobs were funded by the government. You know the Union Employees.
I wonder if congress pushed it through so fast not only because the Stock Marked tanked losing over 500 points yesterday, or if it was politically motivated toward the 2012 elections or both.
On the other hand it is reported that there is a very large financial tax gain for the coffers. It is also reported that the rural airports will pay over $1000/ticket in taxes sold. It is calculated that the ticket sales revenue vastly outweigh the government funding.
It's a win-win situation in any event. Too bad the debt-ceiling issue could not have been handled as rapidly.
I don't watch the soap operas. Watching the governmental drama has many more twists, turns, surprises, devious plots, and self serving characters than any Hollywood cast.
One could not only smile, but totally laugh outloud since Senator Reed called congress back from vacation to fix the FFA job loss of 74000 employees.
An overnight sensation, unless the 117,000 jobs included the FFA employees that are going back to work because their jobs were funded by the government. You know the Union Employees.
I wonder if congress pushed it through so fast not only because the Stock Marked tanked losing over 500 points yesterday, or if it was politically motivated toward the 2012 elections or both.
On the other hand it is reported that there is a very large financial tax gain for the coffers. It is also reported that the rural airports will pay over $1000/ticket in taxes sold. It is calculated that the ticket sales revenue vastly outweigh the government funding.
It's a win-win situation in any event. Too bad the debt-ceiling issue could not have been handled as rapidly.
I don't watch the soap operas. Watching the governmental drama has many more twists, turns, surprises, devious plots, and self serving characters than any Hollywood cast.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
THE DEBT CEILING BILL HAS PASSED THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE AND IS ON IT'S WAY TO THE PRESIDENTS' DESK
I suppose the bill is referred to as the Debt Ceiling Bill due to the urgency of increasing the limit to avoid governmental collapse. But I wouldn't hang any concrete hopes on what it really contains since again, it has been a "last minute" agreement and is only the frame work for the exact cuts, changes and expenditures it will contain as the House and Senate must still agree on the exact content. But I suppose it has kept the wolf from Grandmas door for the time being. So here is a little worksheet that may help you decide just which side you belong, if either.
SO YOU THINK THAT YOU ARE A:
DEMOCRAT NEITHER REPUBLICAN
PRINT THIS DOCUMENT AND CIRCLE ONE OF THE ABOVE PARTIES OR NEITHER
Then using a number between 0 and 5 place your number of agreement with the following listed Parties. You may use 0 to -5 to disagree with either or both parties. When you have arrived at your decisions, add and or subtract all the numbers from each party.
Of Course the highest positive number indicates your political preference. Research if you must to see what each party supports:) AND HAVE FUN WITH IT…YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED!
Democrat neither Republican
MORE LIKELY TO:
Create Jobs
Lift the Bush Tax Cuts
End the wars in the Mideast
Increase the age for SS benefits
Decrease Medicaid benefits
Decrease Medicare benefits
Close tax loopholes on Corporations
Bring out-sourced jobs home
Increase taxes on American Companies
who have moved out of the country
Close the Southern Borders
Deport known illegal immigrants
Approve of the Dream Act
Improve Flight Security
Recognize Rowe vs. Wade
Recognize Same-sex Civil Unions
Allow prayer in School and on other
public buildings
Allow the Pledge of Allegiance in school
Increase the deficit
Increase personal restrictions
Provide medical care for all
Pass a significant Tort Reform
Restrict Drug Companies Patents
Add any other personal concerns
COMMENTS ON YOUR SCORE WOULD BE APPRECIATED2:09 PM
SO YOU THINK THAT YOU ARE A:
DEMOCRAT NEITHER REPUBLICAN
PRINT THIS DOCUMENT AND CIRCLE ONE OF THE ABOVE PARTIES OR NEITHER
Then using a number between 0 and 5 place your number of agreement with the following listed Parties. You may use 0 to -5 to disagree with either or both parties. When you have arrived at your decisions, add and or subtract all the numbers from each party.
Of Course the highest positive number indicates your political preference. Research if you must to see what each party supports:) AND HAVE FUN WITH IT…YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED!
Democrat neither Republican
MORE LIKELY TO:
Create Jobs
Lift the Bush Tax Cuts
End the wars in the Mideast
Increase the age for SS benefits
Decrease Medicaid benefits
Decrease Medicare benefits
Close tax loopholes on Corporations
Bring out-sourced jobs home
Increase taxes on American Companies
who have moved out of the country
Close the Southern Borders
Deport known illegal immigrants
Approve of the Dream Act
Improve Flight Security
Recognize Rowe vs. Wade
Recognize Same-sex Civil Unions
Allow prayer in School and on other
public buildings
Allow the Pledge of Allegiance in school
Increase the deficit
Increase personal restrictions
Provide medical care for all
Pass a significant Tort Reform
Restrict Drug Companies Patents
Add any other personal concerns
COMMENTS ON YOUR SCORE WOULD BE APPRECIATED2:09 PM
Friday, July 29, 2011
THE COST OF INCOMPETENCE
THE COST OF INCOMPETENCE
THE BOTTOM LINE
$96,977,800
The House of Representatives has 435 members: Salary
Speaker of the House…………………………………………$223,500
Majority Leader……………………………………………… 193,400
Minority Leader………………………………………………. 193,000
Tank & File Members 431 @ $174,000……………………74,994,000
Annual Total…………………………………………………………… $75,604,300
The Senate has 100 members (2 from each State)
Majority Leader……………………………………………… 194.400
Minority Leader………………………………………………. 194,400
Rank and File members 80X$174000……………………….13,920,00
Annual total…………………………………………………………………. $14,308,000
The Czars:
There were 11. During the George W. Bush Administration
(2001-2009) there were 33. President Obama has added 4 more
during his administration. Unable to find a database listing
the salary of each Czar, the ones I did find ranged from 98,000
to 120,000. So I will generously estimate each @ $110,000.
Estimated Annual Total 37X$110,000 .....................................................$4,070,000
Presidents Cabinet:
There are 15 Cabinet Secretaries appointed by the president: the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Labor, State, Transportation, Treasury, and Veterans Affairs, as well as the Attorney
General. As of January , 2011 each Secretarys’ salary was $199,700
Every president has included longtime friends — people he had known for decades — in his cabinet.It's not unusual for a president to fill a spot or two in his cabinet with campaign loyalists who've helped get him elected.
Annual Total 15 X199700……………………………………………………..............$2,995,500
A far cry From 1789 to 1855, members of Congress received only a per diem (daily payment) of $6.00 while in session, except for a period from December 1815 to March 1817, when they received $1,500 a year
Monday, July 25, 2011
Peggys Activities and Observations: OBAMA PLAYS HIDE & SEEK
Peggys Activities and Observations: OBAMA PLAYS HIDE & SEEK: "While I should be out in my garden pulling weeds and laying down mulch: Here I am bloging my thoughts on the Obama game. I suppose that I li..."
OBAMA PLAYS HIDE & SEEK
While I should be out in my garden pulling weeds and laying down mulch: Here I am bloging my thoughts on the Obama game. I suppose that I listen to so much of this farce because I am one of the Social Security recipients that rely solely on it for monthly income. Who will touch base and get home free in this game of Hide and Seek? (You remember playing this game where a solitary seeker also watches the base for a hider who might try to run and touch the base and come in home free.)
It is reported that the president has declined (perhaps rejected) every plan that has been offered, including plans offered by both the Republicans and Democrats. The most recent rejection was a plan offered by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Well, in this game I doubt that anyone will be able to make it to the base and be home free – including the American People.
I suggest that the Seeker will take the “rejection” of any plan down to the wire, wherein he will be obligated to bring forth his plan. It will more than likely not pass the house and the country will default.
In any event if any plan is offered and not rejected it will be at such a late date that no one will have had time to read the content and implications, i.e., Remember Obamas’ Health Care Plan?
On the other hand, if one of the Republican plans makes it through the house and senate…Everyones’ Social Security Incomes will be impacted, including the current recipients. Of course it has already been impacted. For the past two years cost of living increases have not been paid. My cost of living has increased. Health Insurance, car insurance, house insurance, prescription drug insurance, increased sales taxes in my area, gasoline price, grocery prices, postage, tax on services such as telephone, television and computer services.
I am personally fond of what Donald Trump has to say. Send a Bill for services to Libya and Egypt, and discontinue any subsidies to them. Let Afghanistan rebuild their own country, put those funds to work here rebuilding our own infrastructure. Close the damned tax loopholes to the large corporations and others. I think he is on the right track.
It is reported that the president has declined (perhaps rejected) every plan that has been offered, including plans offered by both the Republicans and Democrats. The most recent rejection was a plan offered by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Well, in this game I doubt that anyone will be able to make it to the base and be home free – including the American People.
I suggest that the Seeker will take the “rejection” of any plan down to the wire, wherein he will be obligated to bring forth his plan. It will more than likely not pass the house and the country will default.
In any event if any plan is offered and not rejected it will be at such a late date that no one will have had time to read the content and implications, i.e., Remember Obamas’ Health Care Plan?
On the other hand, if one of the Republican plans makes it through the house and senate…Everyones’ Social Security Incomes will be impacted, including the current recipients. Of course it has already been impacted. For the past two years cost of living increases have not been paid. My cost of living has increased. Health Insurance, car insurance, house insurance, prescription drug insurance, increased sales taxes in my area, gasoline price, grocery prices, postage, tax on services such as telephone, television and computer services.
I am personally fond of what Donald Trump has to say. Send a Bill for services to Libya and Egypt, and discontinue any subsidies to them. Let Afghanistan rebuild their own country, put those funds to work here rebuilding our own infrastructure. Close the damned tax loopholes to the large corporations and others. I think he is on the right track.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Peggys Activities and Observations: APPLE SALAD - Low carb - Low fat
Peggys Activities and Observations: APPLE SALAD - Low carb - Low fat: "APPLE SALAD (Low fat, low Carb) This receipt is close to what I have always called a Waldorf salad. A couple of the ingredients are the sam..."
APPLE SALAD - Low carb - Low fat
APPLE SALAD
(Low fat, low Carb)
This receipt is close to what I have always called a Waldorf salad. A couple of the ingredients are the same but it does not resemble the cookbook receipt. I have usually made a similar one for holiday dinners, but today didn’t have white grapes and didn’t want to use whipped cream because of the fat content. This is what I ended up with. It was not the best, but good.
1.) Diced apples 2 ½ cups. I used Gala apples, but Red Delicious would be sweeter.
2.) Stir in enough lemon juice or real lemon to avoid browning of the apples.
3.) Add ½ cup each of:
a. Baby Marshmallows
b. Chopped Walnuts
c. Raisins
Stir in enough Hellmans Light Mayonnaise to coat the ingredients. The amounts listed make just over four cups of salad. One cup will contain less than 1 gram of Saturated Fat and about 42 grams of carbohydrates, according to my calculations.
(Low fat, low Carb)
This receipt is close to what I have always called a Waldorf salad. A couple of the ingredients are the same but it does not resemble the cookbook receipt. I have usually made a similar one for holiday dinners, but today didn’t have white grapes and didn’t want to use whipped cream because of the fat content. This is what I ended up with. It was not the best, but good.
1.) Diced apples 2 ½ cups. I used Gala apples, but Red Delicious would be sweeter.
2.) Stir in enough lemon juice or real lemon to avoid browning of the apples.
3.) Add ½ cup each of:
a. Baby Marshmallows
b. Chopped Walnuts
c. Raisins
Stir in enough Hellmans Light Mayonnaise to coat the ingredients. The amounts listed make just over four cups of salad. One cup will contain less than 1 gram of Saturated Fat and about 42 grams of carbohydrates, according to my calculations.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Peggys Activities and Observations: AND THE BEAT GOES ON
Peggys Activities and Observations: AND THE BEAT GOES ON: "I really shouldn’t comment anything on this subject since it can, and probably will evoke nasty comments and disagreements. It is however t..."
AND THE BEAT GOES ON
I really shouldn’t comment anything on this subject since it can, and probably will evoke nasty comments and disagreements. It is however the impressions that I am having as I watch the news. As I have stated previously, I am not a Democrat or a Republican and usually vote for the candidate with whom I agree the most.
Recently I posted my impression of who I thought won the Republican debate. I thought Michelle Bachmann was the most informed and articulate. I thought she was the winner of that debate and did gain second place by any of the polls that I have seen.
I have in previous posts questioned the sincerity, patriotism, and knowledge of issues and experience of Barack Obama who has now become our President. I have also been watching the tug of war between the parties relating to the debt our nation faces and the proposed raising of the debt ceiling. It is my opinion that there is not instant fix but I was impressed with President Obama.
I have no idea whose proposal would be best for the country but what I did notice is that President Obama seems to have lost what I believed was his arrogance. I think he has attained a high point in his learning curve. His old “elitist” attitude just doesn’t seem to be there. I believed what he said would happen if the debt ceiling is not raised and he was specific. I had not seen this specificity previously on any of the issues.
Now it is reported that the Bachmann familys’ income has been derived from her husbands counseling clinic, much of which is paid for with dollars from Medicaid. He is accused, and video confirmed that believes he can “pray away gay”. How ridiculous and how unfortunate those Medicaid dollars are being wasted to promote his religious beliefs, and are helping support his wifes’ candidacy for president. It should also be noted that the very large farm that her in-laws own may also be receiving those large government subsidies that we all hear about.
On December 22, 2009 Politico reported: “Bachmann’s financial disclosure forms indicate her stake in the Wisconsin farm is worth up to $250,000. Her income from the farm has grown from $2,000 a year a few years back to as much as $50,000 for 2008.” Candidate Bachmann has denied this but did report receiving funds on her financial disclosure in July, 2011.
In conclusion I must say that Bachmann is not on my favored list, while I’m watching President Obama to see if he continues to display the attributes I believe I have seen. I need to see more of Mitt Romney as well. If Republicans are to win my vote in the next Presidental election they will have to weed out so many of their radically conservative candidates.
Recently I posted my impression of who I thought won the Republican debate. I thought Michelle Bachmann was the most informed and articulate. I thought she was the winner of that debate and did gain second place by any of the polls that I have seen.
I have in previous posts questioned the sincerity, patriotism, and knowledge of issues and experience of Barack Obama who has now become our President. I have also been watching the tug of war between the parties relating to the debt our nation faces and the proposed raising of the debt ceiling. It is my opinion that there is not instant fix but I was impressed with President Obama.
I have no idea whose proposal would be best for the country but what I did notice is that President Obama seems to have lost what I believed was his arrogance. I think he has attained a high point in his learning curve. His old “elitist” attitude just doesn’t seem to be there. I believed what he said would happen if the debt ceiling is not raised and he was specific. I had not seen this specificity previously on any of the issues.
Now it is reported that the Bachmann familys’ income has been derived from her husbands counseling clinic, much of which is paid for with dollars from Medicaid. He is accused, and video confirmed that believes he can “pray away gay”. How ridiculous and how unfortunate those Medicaid dollars are being wasted to promote his religious beliefs, and are helping support his wifes’ candidacy for president. It should also be noted that the very large farm that her in-laws own may also be receiving those large government subsidies that we all hear about.
On December 22, 2009 Politico reported: “Bachmann’s financial disclosure forms indicate her stake in the Wisconsin farm is worth up to $250,000. Her income from the farm has grown from $2,000 a year a few years back to as much as $50,000 for 2008.” Candidate Bachmann has denied this but did report receiving funds on her financial disclosure in July, 2011.
In conclusion I must say that Bachmann is not on my favored list, while I’m watching President Obama to see if he continues to display the attributes I believe I have seen. I need to see more of Mitt Romney as well. If Republicans are to win my vote in the next Presidental election they will have to weed out so many of their radically conservative candidates.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Peggys Activities and Observations: NEW SALAD
Peggys Activities and Observations: NEW SALAD: "It is too hot and humid here today to even think of going outside, but I was hungry for a salad that I had found in a deli....used the close..."
NEW SALAD
It is too hot and humid here today to even think of going outside, but I was hungry for a salad that I had found in a deli....used the closest items I had in my cupboard that seemed to be somewhat the same and came up with this one:
Frozen Broccoli 1 cup diced to small pieces and left frozen
Red Kidney Beans 1 cup canned and rinsed
Raisins 1/4 cup (will use 1/2 cup next time)
Sharp shredded Cheddar cheese 1/4 cup
Chopped walnuts 1/4 cup (sill use 1/2 next time)
Chopped onion 1/4 cup
Chopped Garlic 1/4 tsp.
Chopped cucumber 1/2 cup (will omit next time)
1/4 tsp salt
Mixed with Mayo, using just enought to coat but not drench.
It was good but could have been better with the omission and increases listed above. It should be healthy, low saturated fat and low carbs, although I didn't calculate the values.
Frozen Broccoli 1 cup diced to small pieces and left frozen
Red Kidney Beans 1 cup canned and rinsed
Raisins 1/4 cup (will use 1/2 cup next time)
Sharp shredded Cheddar cheese 1/4 cup
Chopped walnuts 1/4 cup (sill use 1/2 next time)
Chopped onion 1/4 cup
Chopped Garlic 1/4 tsp.
Chopped cucumber 1/2 cup (will omit next time)
1/4 tsp salt
Mixed with Mayo, using just enought to coat but not drench.
It was good but could have been better with the omission and increases listed above. It should be healthy, low saturated fat and low carbs, although I didn't calculate the values.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
THE VERDICT * NO JUSTICE FOR CAYLEE
I watched most all of the news reports of CNN and Fox News as the Prosecutor and Defense Attorneys presented the case of Casey Marie Anthony. I posted my opinion of the anticipated outcome yesterday and today I must say "I AM SPEECHLESS", as are many other folks, in fact nearly every one.
As anyone who reads this probably already knows the defendant Casey Anthony was found "NOT GUILTY" of the most serious charges leveled against her and was found guilty ONLY of the much lesser charges of giving false information to a police officer.
The Jurors have been sequestered for nearly two months and arrived at a verdict in ONLY eleven hours. How is it possible to deliberate two months of testimony in eleven hours? I suggest that it would most likely take eleven hours to even read all the testimony, let alone to ponder the implications there in.
I AM STUNNED. The "not guilty" verdict does not allow for retrial of the accused. I accuse the jurors of not doing their job. It is sad that our justice system does not allow that the jurors be held responsible the job they are required to do.
It will be interesting to see if she walks free with time served on Thursday and how many more falsehoods will she conjure up and offer to the public.
There will be NO JUSTICE FOR CAYLEE!
As anyone who reads this probably already knows the defendant Casey Anthony was found "NOT GUILTY" of the most serious charges leveled against her and was found guilty ONLY of the much lesser charges of giving false information to a police officer.
The Jurors have been sequestered for nearly two months and arrived at a verdict in ONLY eleven hours. How is it possible to deliberate two months of testimony in eleven hours? I suggest that it would most likely take eleven hours to even read all the testimony, let alone to ponder the implications there in.
I AM STUNNED. The "not guilty" verdict does not allow for retrial of the accused. I accuse the jurors of not doing their job. It is sad that our justice system does not allow that the jurors be held responsible the job they are required to do.
It will be interesting to see if she walks free with time served on Thursday and how many more falsehoods will she conjure up and offer to the public.
There will be NO JUSTICE FOR CAYLEE!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Peggys Activities and Observations: Casey Anthony and Family
Peggys Activities and Observations: Casey Anthony and Family: "Well here we are at the conclusion of the Casey Anthony Murder Trial. The prosecutions rebuttal is still underway then the judge will give t..."
Casey Anthony and Family
Well here we are at the conclusion of the Casey Anthony Murder Trial. The prosecutions rebuttal is still underway then the judge will give the jurors instruction for their deliberations and finally the verdict.
Media accounts of the entire search for the missing child, Kaylee and her mothers charges and arrest were so highly publicised and viewed the trial has now been cited as being the trial of the century and has exceeded that of O.J. Simpson.
Some of the media videos accurately described public opinion, calling the mother, Casey as the villain, as "Child Murderer" were voiced and "signs" were displayed by interested citizens who continually held vigil outside the Anthony home.
And now we await the verdict. I learned something as I listened to the prosecutors rebuttal. I was under the impression that Casey did kill her daughter Kaylee, but that it was accidental. I thought that she was hiding the child in the trunk of her car taping her mouth shut to avoid the child being discovered there, and perhaps even using chloroform to sedate her. That still may very well be the case. I was under the impression that if she accidentally killed the child by trying to keep her quiet , the penalty would be second degree murder since it was not planned.
The prosecutor has advised the jurors that there are two first degree convictions that they will
will be able to deliberate. The first if Premeditated Murder and the Second is Felony Murder. Felony murder being death during the commission of a crime, in this case the crime being Child Abuse" This would be the reason for that charge having been made.
While the defense is calling the grandmother and in fact the entire family as a dysfunctional family who lie at will, and that Casey has grown up with that moral standard; I would disagree. It is apparent that the grandmother did lie under oath regarding the computer search for chloroform and it is my opinion that the grandmother was a strict mother who ruled the household, It is also my opinion that her strict rules were an effort to to guide her child and grandchild to live a life that anyone would be proud to have.
The grandparents provided well for their child and their grandchild; perhaps they overindulged both of them. They supported Casey during her pregnancy and after the birth of Kaylee. It would be very difficult to take responsibility for Casey and Kaylee all the while trying to let Casey become a productive member of society. There is a fine line there regarding their hope for the employment Casey asserted that she had, going to work every day, etc. and not interfering in her private life.
The Anthony family deserves respect and compassion. I believe that their only mistake was believing in their daughter and she is such a prolific manipulator that she even had professional police officers convinced that Kaylee had been abducted.
Casey Anthony is a spoiled brat eventually becoming the murderer of her own child to gain what she wanted. She sits at the defence table pouting because she hasn't got her way, and often showing very angry eyes at the prosecutors and their witnesses. I predict the jury will convict her of either of the two "First Degree Murder" charges. I doubt that deliberations will take less than five days. I also think there will be grounds for a retrial on the basis of incompetent representation. I hope that a motion for retrial will not be accepted and she will be sentenced to Life without Parole, although the death penalty will probably be on the table. The Anthony family needs to be able to try and put their own fractured lives back in order. I hope that they will be able to do so.
Media accounts of the entire search for the missing child, Kaylee and her mothers charges and arrest were so highly publicised and viewed the trial has now been cited as being the trial of the century and has exceeded that of O.J. Simpson.
Some of the media videos accurately described public opinion, calling the mother, Casey as the villain, as "Child Murderer" were voiced and "signs" were displayed by interested citizens who continually held vigil outside the Anthony home.
And now we await the verdict. I learned something as I listened to the prosecutors rebuttal. I was under the impression that Casey did kill her daughter Kaylee, but that it was accidental. I thought that she was hiding the child in the trunk of her car taping her mouth shut to avoid the child being discovered there, and perhaps even using chloroform to sedate her. That still may very well be the case. I was under the impression that if she accidentally killed the child by trying to keep her quiet , the penalty would be second degree murder since it was not planned.
The prosecutor has advised the jurors that there are two first degree convictions that they will
will be able to deliberate. The first if Premeditated Murder and the Second is Felony Murder. Felony murder being death during the commission of a crime, in this case the crime being Child Abuse" This would be the reason for that charge having been made.
While the defense is calling the grandmother and in fact the entire family as a dysfunctional family who lie at will, and that Casey has grown up with that moral standard; I would disagree. It is apparent that the grandmother did lie under oath regarding the computer search for chloroform and it is my opinion that the grandmother was a strict mother who ruled the household, It is also my opinion that her strict rules were an effort to to guide her child and grandchild to live a life that anyone would be proud to have.
The grandparents provided well for their child and their grandchild; perhaps they overindulged both of them. They supported Casey during her pregnancy and after the birth of Kaylee. It would be very difficult to take responsibility for Casey and Kaylee all the while trying to let Casey become a productive member of society. There is a fine line there regarding their hope for the employment Casey asserted that she had, going to work every day, etc. and not interfering in her private life.
The Anthony family deserves respect and compassion. I believe that their only mistake was believing in their daughter and she is such a prolific manipulator that she even had professional police officers convinced that Kaylee had been abducted.
Casey Anthony is a spoiled brat eventually becoming the murderer of her own child to gain what she wanted. She sits at the defence table pouting because she hasn't got her way, and often showing very angry eyes at the prosecutors and their witnesses. I predict the jury will convict her of either of the two "First Degree Murder" charges. I doubt that deliberations will take less than five days. I also think there will be grounds for a retrial on the basis of incompetent representation. I hope that a motion for retrial will not be accepted and she will be sentenced to Life without Parole, although the death penalty will probably be on the table. The Anthony family needs to be able to try and put their own fractured lives back in order. I hope that they will be able to do so.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Peggys Activities and Observations: SEXISM AND PARTISAN NEWS MEDIA
Peggys Activities and Observations: SEXISM AND PARTISAN NEWS MEDIA: "I have had a very busy week and found myself again watching too much television as I lay on the couch hoping I could recoup a little more en..."
SEXISM AND PARTISAN NEWS MEDIA
I have had a very busy week and found myself again watching too much television as I lay on the couch hoping I could recoup a little more energy. I am a news hound and after a day surfing the news channels available to me I am ready to offer my impressions of the content and additional content from past News Articles.
The first trigger emerged on Wolf Blitzers’ segment when a “guest” commented that the newest announced Presidential Candidate, Michelle Bachmann erred during her announcement. She announced her candidacy in Waterloo, Iowa, her home state, wrongly claiming that actor John Wayne was from her Waterloo, Iowa. In fact he was from Iowa, but not Waterloo. It was John Wayne Gacy who was from Waterloo.
Lest we forget, on February 5, 2010 The Patriot Post reported that at the Natonal Prayer Breakfast, President Obama not only got a sailors’ name wrong, but couldn’t figure out how to pronounce “corpsman”. He said “corpse-man”, twice.
And I had just began to think that CNN and Wolfe were fairly non-partisan. I find that not only was the guest partisan but sexist as well. Perhaps I have erred by calling these folks guests, maybe they should be morelikely called “bag men”, you know the guys that that the mob used to deliver pay-off money, but in this case deliver messages that are then paid for doing it.
Then I remembered that Chris Wallace interviewed Michelle Bachmann on his Sunday program for FOX news. Investor.com reported on 6-27-2011 the following: Fox News' Chris Wallace asks Michele Bachmann, "Are you a flake?"
It is reported that he apologized to her the next day, but in my opinion his question was obviously more sexist than partisan. Do you think he would have asked any of the male GOP contenders the same question?
The author of that article writes: “ What she is is a heavyweight. “How should a presidential candidate handle a snide, moronic question completely removed from the issues of the day? If you're Rep. Bachmann, you let the facts expose the questioner's stupidity.
"I'm not only a lawyer," she told Wallace on "Fox News Sunday." "I have a post-doctorate degree in federal tax law from William and Mary. I've worked in serious scholarship and worked in the United States federal tax court. My husband and I raised five kids. We've raised 23 foster children."
In view of this attack by Chris Wallace of FOX NEWS, I have to add them to the list of sexist reporters and as partisan as anyone who watches FOX NEWS can agree, although their claim of “fair and balanced” reporting is not justified in my opinion.
So until and unless Sarah Palin declares the media will continue the bashing of Mrs. Bachmann….then they will have no time left to get onto the facts because then they would have two candidates to minimize and demean. Lets face it ladies, they did the same thing to Hillary Clinton. But going back to the Wolf Blitzer account, the “guest-bagman” added that Mrs. Bachmann was a “show-horse, not a work-horse”, which Wolfe repeated as a question for confirmation from the “guest-bagman”. Speaking of “show-horse” vs. “work-horse”….I find the following reports quite representative of our present Commander in Chief.
It's Not Just 'Ayes' and 'Nays': Obama's Votes in Illinois Echo (December 20, 2007)Barack Obama being sworn in as a Democratic state senator in Illinois in 1997. He was first elected in 1996 and left in 2004.
In 1999, Barack Obama was faced with a difficult vote in the Illinois legislature — to support a bill that would let some juveniles be tried as adults, a position that risked drawing fire from African-Americans, or to oppose it, possibly undermining his image as a tough-on-crime moderate.
Related information on Chicagos’ gang violence: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/janet-tavakoli/chicago-gang-violence-_b_873200.html
In the end, Mr. Obama chose neither to vote for nor against the bill. He voted “present,” effectively sidestepping the issue, an option he invoked nearly 130 times as a state senator.
The first trigger emerged on Wolf Blitzers’ segment when a “guest” commented that the newest announced Presidential Candidate, Michelle Bachmann erred during her announcement. She announced her candidacy in Waterloo, Iowa, her home state, wrongly claiming that actor John Wayne was from her Waterloo, Iowa. In fact he was from Iowa, but not Waterloo. It was John Wayne Gacy who was from Waterloo.
Lest we forget, on February 5, 2010 The Patriot Post reported that at the Natonal Prayer Breakfast, President Obama not only got a sailors’ name wrong, but couldn’t figure out how to pronounce “corpsman”. He said “corpse-man”, twice.
And I had just began to think that CNN and Wolfe were fairly non-partisan. I find that not only was the guest partisan but sexist as well. Perhaps I have erred by calling these folks guests, maybe they should be morelikely called “bag men”, you know the guys that that the mob used to deliver pay-off money, but in this case deliver messages that are then paid for doing it.
Then I remembered that Chris Wallace interviewed Michelle Bachmann on his Sunday program for FOX news. Investor.com reported on 6-27-2011 the following: Fox News' Chris Wallace asks Michele Bachmann, "Are you a flake?"
It is reported that he apologized to her the next day, but in my opinion his question was obviously more sexist than partisan. Do you think he would have asked any of the male GOP contenders the same question?
The author of that article writes: “ What she is is a heavyweight. “How should a presidential candidate handle a snide, moronic question completely removed from the issues of the day? If you're Rep. Bachmann, you let the facts expose the questioner's stupidity.
"I'm not only a lawyer," she told Wallace on "Fox News Sunday." "I have a post-doctorate degree in federal tax law from William and Mary. I've worked in serious scholarship and worked in the United States federal tax court. My husband and I raised five kids. We've raised 23 foster children."
In view of this attack by Chris Wallace of FOX NEWS, I have to add them to the list of sexist reporters and as partisan as anyone who watches FOX NEWS can agree, although their claim of “fair and balanced” reporting is not justified in my opinion.
So until and unless Sarah Palin declares the media will continue the bashing of Mrs. Bachmann….then they will have no time left to get onto the facts because then they would have two candidates to minimize and demean. Lets face it ladies, they did the same thing to Hillary Clinton. But going back to the Wolf Blitzer account, the “guest-bagman” added that Mrs. Bachmann was a “show-horse, not a work-horse”, which Wolfe repeated as a question for confirmation from the “guest-bagman”. Speaking of “show-horse” vs. “work-horse”….I find the following reports quite representative of our present Commander in Chief.
It's Not Just 'Ayes' and 'Nays': Obama's Votes in Illinois Echo (December 20, 2007)Barack Obama being sworn in as a Democratic state senator in Illinois in 1997. He was first elected in 1996 and left in 2004.
In 1999, Barack Obama was faced with a difficult vote in the Illinois legislature — to support a bill that would let some juveniles be tried as adults, a position that risked drawing fire from African-Americans, or to oppose it, possibly undermining his image as a tough-on-crime moderate.
Related information on Chicagos’ gang violence: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/janet-tavakoli/chicago-gang-violence-_b_873200.html
In the end, Mr. Obama chose neither to vote for nor against the bill. He voted “present,” effectively sidestepping the issue, an option he invoked nearly 130 times as a state senator.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Peggys Activities and Observations: PANTS HANGIN' DOWN
Peggys Activities and Observations: PANTS HANGIN' DOWN: "Hoo ray for U S Airways: It is reported that a University of New Mexico Football player was denied passage on his flight to Albuquerque beca..."
PANTS HANGIN' DOWN
Hoo
ray for U S Airways: It is reported that a University of New Mexico Football player was denied passage on his flight to Albuquerque because he refused to pull up his pants. At some point he was arrested for indecent exposure and taken to jail.
He was interviewed on national television where he stated that his pants not below his buttocks and were only a few inches below his waist line....HUH. Don't look like it to me.
His mother then spoke on a video in his defense saying that he had just come from the funeral of a friend, and was emotionally distraught.....HUH?
Well,, this is a good example of what I intend to talk about. I don't recall just when or where I learned this, but I have been unde the impression for several years that low hanging pants were first seen in the ghettos where many, if not most children wore trousers that were too large for them because the only clothes they had available were "hand-me downs" from older and larger siblings.
But why did it become a "fashion statement"? I was totally surprised when the grandmother of young white relative purchased the low hangings pants for her grandson. She definitely could have afforded several traditional trousers, but she wanted him to have "fashionable" clothes, HUH?
OK, so I am a senior citizen, and the new "fashion" look gives me a chill when I see a young, healthy man wearing pants that would fall to his knees if he failed to hitch 'em up every once in awhile. It has been so closely associated with "gang" life that I would be fearful if there was no one else around. Then hang an annoying, loud and offensive boom box spouting "rap" deragoratories of "Poolice", calling their "women" Bitches, etc., Oh well, guess you got the picture.
Where the Hell are the mothers and grandmothers of these young folks? You can be sure that any child that I would have had responsibility of, would NOT be going outside the house with their "pants fallin' down". I hired a very nice young man a couple of years ago to help with my yard work and weeding. He came to me asking for the work, and I was more than happy to have him. He came with his pants hanging down. We talked a lot and he was a child who needed someone to be responsible for him. He and his mother were being evicted from the place where they lived with the mothers "boyfriend". Then things went from bad to worse for him as his mother broker her ankle and ended up in the hospital over the weekend. He said they had moved, but didn't say where. In the meantime he had earned enough money to buy a new lawn mower. He was proud of the lawn mower and he made a good purchase.
Soon after that I asked him to wear a belt the next time he came to work, he didn't seem offended. At least as much as I was as his butt crack showed every time he bent over. He left that day and left the lawn mower here. Trying to reach him on his mothers cell phone#, I finally got an answer. It was unintelligable, she was either drunk or drugged up, sidn't even know who I was talking about when I asked her to tell him that I wasn't angry with him and if he needed too he could leave his lawn mower here until he needed it. He did not come by or call for the rest of the summer and I was worried about having his lawn mower. On the advice of another of my relatives I called the police to check on the serial number to make sure it wasn't stolen. And it was not. I thought perhaps he and his mother were in a homeless shelter. But early the next spring the young man showed up to collect his lawn mower. He was proud that would be graduating the following month and that he was living in a nearby community and had two jobs he was working also. He was dressed appropriately, but was accompanied by another lady and her daughter. I assumed that he was now in foster care. He was a nice young man who needed someone to guide him and to keep him off the streets. I hope he as followed through.
But back to the young athlete who is a college student and a football player: He needs more people like U S Airways to let him know that his attire is not appropriate, not a mother who supports this kind of dress or his actions. I also wonder if he had been to the funeral of a friend, was his friends' death due to Gang violence?
Dressing in Gang recognizable attire does not make one a Gang Member, but it could also be recognized as a "Gang Wanna Be". So in an attempt to dress, or allow your children to dress in this way may be opening the door to a violent amd drug using future.
ray for U S Airways: It is reported that a University of New Mexico Football player was denied passage on his flight to Albuquerque because he refused to pull up his pants. At some point he was arrested for indecent exposure and taken to jail.He was interviewed on national television where he stated that his pants not below his buttocks and were only a few inches below his waist line....HUH. Don't look like it to me.
His mother then spoke on a video in his defense saying that he had just come from the funeral of a friend, and was emotionally distraught.....HUH?
Well,, this is a good example of what I intend to talk about. I don't recall just when or where I learned this, but I have been unde the impression for several years that low hanging pants were first seen in the ghettos where many, if not most children wore trousers that were too large for them because the only clothes they had available were "hand-me downs" from older and larger siblings.
But why did it become a "fashion statement"? I was totally surprised when the grandmother of young white relative purchased the low hangings pants for her grandson. She definitely could have afforded several traditional trousers, but she wanted him to have "fashionable" clothes, HUH?
OK, so I am a senior citizen, and the new "fashion" look gives me a chill when I see a young, healthy man wearing pants that would fall to his knees if he failed to hitch 'em up every once in awhile. It has been so closely associated with "gang" life that I would be fearful if there was no one else around. Then hang an annoying, loud and offensive boom box spouting "rap" deragoratories of "Poolice", calling their "women" Bitches, etc., Oh well, guess you got the picture.
Where the Hell are the mothers and grandmothers of these young folks? You can be sure that any child that I would have had responsibility of, would NOT be going outside the house with their "pants fallin' down". I hired a very nice young man a couple of years ago to help with my yard work and weeding. He came to me asking for the work, and I was more than happy to have him. He came with his pants hanging down. We talked a lot and he was a child who needed someone to be responsible for him. He and his mother were being evicted from the place where they lived with the mothers "boyfriend". Then things went from bad to worse for him as his mother broker her ankle and ended up in the hospital over the weekend. He said they had moved, but didn't say where. In the meantime he had earned enough money to buy a new lawn mower. He was proud of the lawn mower and he made a good purchase.
Soon after that I asked him to wear a belt the next time he came to work, he didn't seem offended. At least as much as I was as his butt crack showed every time he bent over. He left that day and left the lawn mower here. Trying to reach him on his mothers cell phone#, I finally got an answer. It was unintelligable, she was either drunk or drugged up, sidn't even know who I was talking about when I asked her to tell him that I wasn't angry with him and if he needed too he could leave his lawn mower here until he needed it. He did not come by or call for the rest of the summer and I was worried about having his lawn mower. On the advice of another of my relatives I called the police to check on the serial number to make sure it wasn't stolen. And it was not. I thought perhaps he and his mother were in a homeless shelter. But early the next spring the young man showed up to collect his lawn mower. He was proud that would be graduating the following month and that he was living in a nearby community and had two jobs he was working also. He was dressed appropriately, but was accompanied by another lady and her daughter. I assumed that he was now in foster care. He was a nice young man who needed someone to guide him and to keep him off the streets. I hope he as followed through.
But back to the young athlete who is a college student and a football player: He needs more people like U S Airways to let him know that his attire is not appropriate, not a mother who supports this kind of dress or his actions. I also wonder if he had been to the funeral of a friend, was his friends' death due to Gang violence?
Dressing in Gang recognizable attire does not make one a Gang Member, but it could also be recognized as a "Gang Wanna Be". So in an attempt to dress, or allow your children to dress in this way may be opening the door to a violent amd drug using future.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Peggys Activities and Observations: PRESIDENT NAMES A NEW AMBASSADOR
Peggys Activities and Observations: PRESIDENT NAMES A NEW AMBASSADOR: "PRESIDENT NAMES A NEW AMBASSADOR TO AFGHANASTAN I watch PBS quite a lot and this past week I happened to watch the program “THE MOST DANGE..."
PRESIDENT NAMES A NEW AMBASSADOR
PRESIDENT NAMES A NEW AMBASSADOR TO AFGHANASTAN
I watch PBS quite a lot and this past week I happened to watch the program “THE MOST DANGEROUS MAN IN AMERICA”. Many of my readers will not have been old enough to give the war in Viet Nam a thought, except that there was one. I must admit that I had no idea of what was happening there or why it was happening. I was working and raising my family and had little time to devote to political issues.
I only remember something about the boat people trying to enter Viet Nam, that a few boys that I knew (and a brother) joined the armed services. I also remember hearing that the citizens of Viet Nam were being treated poorly and that many young American men fled to Canada to avoid the draft. Many anti-war demonstrations filled the streets, especially in California. And the draft was abolished at the end of that war, although the reinstatement of the draft was considered later on.
Acknowledging my ignorance of the war in Viet Nam I was particularly interested in the PBS documentary of the “Whistle Blower” Daniel Ellsworth who leaked information on the Pentagon Papers. (See Synopsis below).
Realizing the length, escalation and severity of the numerous Mideast Crisis, the rising deficit, joblessness and state of our economy, I wondered why the President changed the Ambassador to Afghanistan.
My research says that Ambassadors are Presidential appointees and serve “at the pleasure of the President” and can be dismissed at any time for any reason. Many are career State Department employees and will serve until they are needed elsewhere or that want a stateside assignment. Others are political appointees and usually serve as long as they want or until there is a new president. Ambassadors are appointed by the President and confirmed by the senate.
Karl W Eikenberry, Ambassador to Afghanistan was confirmed April 2009 and is being replaced by Ryan Crocker, former Ambassador to Iraq 2007 to 2009. The Senate confirmed him yesterday June 7, 2009.
I was pleased to hear the Ambassadors’ comments regarding his position there: “In no way should our enduring commitment be misunderstood as a desire by America or our allies to occupy Afghanistan against the will of its people. We respect Afghans’ proud history of independence, and we do not seek any permanent American military bases in their country – or a presence that would be a threat to any of Afghanistan’s neighbors.”
Mr. Crocker nonetheless acknowledged a panoply of problems facing Afghanistan, including government corruption that he said would become “a second insurgency” if left unchecked. He said the United State’s goal in Afghanistan was merely to help the Afghans create a “good-enough government,” not necessarily a model democracy. While progress has been hard, he said, the situation was not hopeless.
John Kerry, who served in Viet Nam and was a recipient of the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Combat V for valor, three Purple Hearts, co-founded the Vietnam Veterans of America became a spokesperson for Vietnam Veterans Against war and was the was former Democratic nominee for president also spoke at the confirmation of Ambassador Crocker.
John Kerry’s questions at the confirmation were reportedly sharp and I quote: “He faced sharp questions from the committee, particularly from its Democratic chairman, John Kerry of Massachusetts, who expressed a growing sentiment on Capitol Hill that the American commitment in money and troops to Afghanistan “is neither proportional to our interests or sustainable.” The United States currently spends about $10 billion a month in Afghanistan and has 100,000 troops there.”
After the appointment of Leon Panetta, the CIA Director as Defense Secretary in April, his confirmation hearing is being held today. He is replacing Defense Secretary Robert Gates who is stepping down.
I am left wondering why in the last eighteen months or so of his Presidency is President Obama making this change? Is hope for the termination of our involvement in the Mideast on the horizon? I certainly hope so, that is the Change that I voted for! Or is this just another campaign move for 2012.
Synopsis
In 1971, Daniel Ellsberg, a leading Vietnam War strategist, concludes that America’s role in the war is based on decades of lies. He leaks 7,000 pages oftop-secret documents to The New York Times, a daring act of conscience that leads directly to Watergate, President Nixon’s resignation and the end of the Vietnam War. Ellsberg and a who’s-who of Vietnam-era movers and shakers give a riveting account of those world-changing events in POV’s The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers by award-winning filmmakers Judith Ehrlich (The Good War and Those Who Refused to Fight It) and Rick Goldsmith (Tell the Truth and Run: George Seldes and the American Press). A co-production of ITVS in association with American Documentary POV.
In 1971, Daniel Ellsberg, a leading Vietnam War strategist, concludes that America’s role in the war is based on decades of lies. He leaks 7,000 pages oftop-secret documents to The New York Times, a daring act of conscience that leads directly to Watergate, President Nixon’s resignation and the end of the Vietnam War. Ellsberg and a who’s-who of Vietnam-era movers and shakers give a riveting account of those world-changing events in POV’s The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers by award-winning filmmakers Judith Ehrlich (The Good War and Those Who Refused to Fight It) and Rick Goldsmith (Tell the Truth and Run: George Seldes and the American Press). A co-production of ITVS in association with American Documentary POV.
Online: June 13, 2011 through June 14, 2011 Check local listings Press). A co-production of ITVS in association with American Documentary POV.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Peggys Activities and Observations: TIME TO TAKE THE BEDROOM OUT OF POLITICS
Peggys Activities and Observations: TIME TO TAKE THE BEDROOM OUT OF POLITICS: "TIME TO TAKE THE BEDROOM OUT OF POLITICS So now some political figures, both Democrats and Republicans are calling for Anthony Weiner to r..."
TIME TO TAKE THE BEDROOM OUT OF POLITICS
TIME TO TAKE THE BEDROOM OUT OF POLITICS
So now some political figures, both Democrats and Republicans are calling for Anthony Weiner to resign. No doubt most of those voicing that opinion are doing so to appear more favorable in their constituents eyes. But more than half of Rep. Weiners constituents are reported to be in his corner.
No doubt that his actions were crude, offensive, undesirable and uncalled for, but this isn’t anything new to the political parties, or even in the general population. You may wonder why your husband or significant other stays up late spending his time on the computer, but would rather not know.
Sexual misbehaviors have been seen in politics (as well as the general population) since the beginning of time, and most relevant in our own country when it was reported that during the presidential campaign John Adams sent his running mate (Charles C Pinckney) to England to procure “procure four pretty girls as mistresses, a pair for each elderly gentleman." John Adams denied the accusation, but lost the election to Thomas Jefferson. Who was not without this “moral restraint”. *
It was reported that Thomas Jefferson later admitted to "improper" behavior toward a beautiful young woman, (the wife of a close friend) and had carried on illicit affairs with two different married women while serving as a diplomat in Paris and had fathered children by one of his own African-American slaves. This did not end his political career and he was elected for a second term and is remembered as one of Americas’ greatest heroes. *
Andrew Jackson is reported to been a home-wrecker when he began seeing a married woman who “ran away” with him, and they were later married. *
Ulysses S. Grant was accused of fathering a daughter whose mother was a Native American girl although this is thought to be an invalid accusation. *
Ulysses S. Grant was accused of fathering a daughter whose mother was a Native American girl although this is thought to be an invalid accusation. *
During the 1884 campaign, Grover Cleveland was accused of fathering an illegitimate child whose mother was a Buffalo, New York prostitute. He was serving as Mayor of New York at the time. He later admitted the truth and stated that he was supporting the child and its mother financially. He won the election and served as our president for four years, electing him again in 1892. *
An unfounded rumor accused President Woodrow Wilson of having had an illicit relationship with Edith Galt, who became his second wife, after the death of his first wife. The illicit affair was rumored to have driven his first wife to her death. There was no evidence to support these rumors. *
Warren G Harding is reported to have had two different long-lasting intimate relationships during his marriage. Hardings’ political advisers bribed one of the women with cash and an all-expenses paid vacation abroad with her husband to be out of the country during the campaign of 1920; Harding himself financially supported a child whom his second mistress claimed was the Presidents and, from the White House, stayed closely in touch with her through a Secret Service agent. *
Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy all carried on illicit relationships with mistresses. *
We all remember the Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinski scandal and the lesser-known Political figures Edward Kennedy, Tom Davis, Mark Foley, Tim Mahoney, Larry Craig, Paul Stanley, John Edwards, Bob Packwood, Eliot Spitzer and Jim McGreevey.
The list could go on and on but in most cases there was personal physical contact between the politician and the other involved person/persons. Many left office by request, or to avoid public knowledge of other misbehaviors. Others who weathered the storm and not only finished his term but won other elected positions.
I doubt that Anthony weiner will “step down”, but may be ousted by his own party. In any event this is not the only politician who has sought validation of his own importance in an arena other than the political or domestic one. And certainly will not be the last.
I believe that there has also been at least one female political figure who has been charged with “sexual harrasement”. Now that the girls have “broken that glass ceiling”, I wonder how many female political figures will have been found to have had sexual misbehaviors.
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