It has been suggested, where I’ve forgotten, that Memorial Day should not be referred to as a holiday as many people have forgotten that it is a day to remember those who have gone on before us. Although one might think it is a day of celebration due to the “Memorial Day Weekend Sales”, trips to go boating, back yard gatherings for beer and barbecue and the list could go on and on.
One might agree unless they stayed home and watched television where most of the media, local and national devoted the majority of their air time on various gatherings to pay tribute to our Military services; men and women and their leaders both living, wounded and dead. Children who placed flags on the graves of fallen soldiers, a young man who is dedicating his time to catalog the tombstones, their names and exact locations on a computer database, a lady who takes the time to hand make teddy bears for the children who wait for their fathers to come home in a flag draped casket, the story of the man and his organization who offer Buglers to blow those special 24 notes at any military funeral and the PBS airing of the Memorial Day Concert. The list goes on and on.
So I would have to say that many people do celebrate the weekend, would that not be a fitting tribute? Would our deceased family members or military service persons prefer Celebration of Life to a more solemn day. I think they would prefer the celebration.
President Obama made several appearances over this special weekend. Many will say that he was campaigning, and will remember the flap over his not wearing the flag pen on his lapel. Maybe he was just following what is expected. It seems that whoever is president is expected to make these appearances. My opinion is that his activities of this weekend have probably matured the president significantly and hopefully will diminish the naiveté that he has so successfully previously displayed.
I would also like to mention the unusual anti-WBC protesters at Arlington Cemetery where the President laid the wreath on the Unknown Soldier. It is reported that the anti-protest protesters had among them members of the KKK. It’s an enigma.
My next blog will be my thoughts on our political system.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Peggys Activities and Observations: CONDEM OR ASSIST?
Peggys Activities and Observations: CONDEM OR ASSIST?: "It's still early today and so my observations this day are founded by postings on Facebook, especially those relating to presumed child abus..."
CONDEM OR ASSIST?
It's still early today and so my observations this day are founded by postings on Facebook, especially those relating to presumed child abuse and reporting to authorites there of.
Before everyone gets their bloomers in a bind, be advised that I am not in favor of any child being abused; however before we all start calling in authorities and social services and condeming the presumed abuser take a moment and consider this.
One or a few minutes of observing what one considers child abuse is only a "snipet" of the whole story. It is a very stressful time in our lives today. The post says the man "abuser" was walking, presumably from the store with his small children in tow and was carrying milk. He may have been walking because he had no automobile. He may be caring for the children because his spouse was working, and he was not. He may be carrying milk because it was the only thing he could afford.
The described event is not a desirable parenting action. This is very true, but if the whole story is known it may have been an act of desperation and frustration. Does this parent need another straw (in this case about twenty straws) thrown on the camels back?
Perhaps an offer of assistance would be more helpful and kind. Sometimes a helping hand is the only thing needed but that happens less not more. Kindness to strangers is all but an obselete thing in these days for fear of "becoming involved" or fear of also becoming attacked.
Speaking of kindness brings up another issue that I find offensive. There are many jokes and even YouTube songs about the shoppers at WalMart, degrading the shoppers who are overweight, dressed in clothing less than we would wear, wearing make-up or jewelry that we would not and in any way different from the general public. It isn't bullying, but speaks of self thinking "I am better than you". And I can make fun of you.
Come on people.....LETS CALL FOR A BE KIND TO EVERYONE WEEK, and remember we are no better than our thoughts:)
Before everyone gets their bloomers in a bind, be advised that I am not in favor of any child being abused; however before we all start calling in authorities and social services and condeming the presumed abuser take a moment and consider this.
One or a few minutes of observing what one considers child abuse is only a "snipet" of the whole story. It is a very stressful time in our lives today. The post says the man "abuser" was walking, presumably from the store with his small children in tow and was carrying milk. He may have been walking because he had no automobile. He may be caring for the children because his spouse was working, and he was not. He may be carrying milk because it was the only thing he could afford.
The described event is not a desirable parenting action. This is very true, but if the whole story is known it may have been an act of desperation and frustration. Does this parent need another straw (in this case about twenty straws) thrown on the camels back?
Perhaps an offer of assistance would be more helpful and kind. Sometimes a helping hand is the only thing needed but that happens less not more. Kindness to strangers is all but an obselete thing in these days for fear of "becoming involved" or fear of also becoming attacked.
Speaking of kindness brings up another issue that I find offensive. There are many jokes and even YouTube songs about the shoppers at WalMart, degrading the shoppers who are overweight, dressed in clothing less than we would wear, wearing make-up or jewelry that we would not and in any way different from the general public. It isn't bullying, but speaks of self thinking "I am better than you". And I can make fun of you.
Come on people.....LETS CALL FOR A BE KIND TO EVERYONE WEEK, and remember we are no better than our thoughts:)
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
thedailylog: TODAYS OBSERVATIONS
thedailylog: TODAYS OBSERVATIONS: "Todays Observations I find myself totally deplete of any motivation to do housework, yard work, write, paint or socialize and have spent mo..."
TODAYS OBSERVATIONS
Todays Observations
I find myself totally deplete of any motivation to do housework, yard work, write, paint or socialize and have spent most of the day watching television. Flipping station to station I am sure that the news channels are very happy to be delving into every detail of the Joplin tornado disaster seeking out every emotional crumb that they could find. And there are many. Just knowing the facts of the tornado satisfies my curiosity and my own emotions knowing how much folks have lost and how sad and terrible it is.
Earlier today Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed the U. S. Congress and other interested groups and parties. It was an extremely passionate, convincing and informative speech raising the audience to their feet in agreement interrupting him over fifty times as he explained Israels’ position relating to the our presidents push for peace talks with Palestine.
He made clear what Israel would and would not do and diplomatically chose to smooth the water around the words of President Obama’ second speech on the matter. Thanks to Mr. Netanyahu for “telling it like it is” thru clear and understandable words.
The media spent very little time reporting or discussing the value of Mr. Netanyahus’ address, or the newest information on the first day of the Casey Anthony murder trial, that occupied most of the media at the time her victim was missing.
The defense claims that the little girl drowned in the familys swimming pool and that her father had sexually abused her. He says that it began when she was eight years old. I suspected early on that the little girl might have been the product of incest with her father. I came to that possibility as we all saw the anger Caseys’ mother displayed, the total dedication of the father to the child but mostly by the promiscuity that Casey displayed. Casey is the only person who knows the truth, and we have learned that she has been very adept at avoiding it.
The world did not come to an end, but many in the eye of the tornados may have been thinking that it was. Now it has been recalculated and is expected October 21. The man needs a calculator! He offers no apologies even though it is reported that one of his followers slit the throat of her two daughters and herself to avoid the Apocalypse. They have all survived.
I find myself totally deplete of any motivation to do housework, yard work, write, paint or socialize and have spent most of the day watching television. Flipping station to station I am sure that the news channels are very happy to be delving into every detail of the Joplin tornado disaster seeking out every emotional crumb that they could find. And there are many. Just knowing the facts of the tornado satisfies my curiosity and my own emotions knowing how much folks have lost and how sad and terrible it is.
Earlier today Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed the U. S. Congress and other interested groups and parties. It was an extremely passionate, convincing and informative speech raising the audience to their feet in agreement interrupting him over fifty times as he explained Israels’ position relating to the our presidents push for peace talks with Palestine.
He made clear what Israel would and would not do and diplomatically chose to smooth the water around the words of President Obama’ second speech on the matter. Thanks to Mr. Netanyahu for “telling it like it is” thru clear and understandable words.
The media spent very little time reporting or discussing the value of Mr. Netanyahus’ address, or the newest information on the first day of the Casey Anthony murder trial, that occupied most of the media at the time her victim was missing.
The defense claims that the little girl drowned in the familys swimming pool and that her father had sexually abused her. He says that it began when she was eight years old. I suspected early on that the little girl might have been the product of incest with her father. I came to that possibility as we all saw the anger Caseys’ mother displayed, the total dedication of the father to the child but mostly by the promiscuity that Casey displayed. Casey is the only person who knows the truth, and we have learned that she has been very adept at avoiding it.
The world did not come to an end, but many in the eye of the tornados may have been thinking that it was. Now it has been recalculated and is expected October 21. The man needs a calculator! He offers no apologies even though it is reported that one of his followers slit the throat of her two daughters and herself to avoid the Apocalypse. They have all survived.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Todays activity in three prominant Court Cases
Michael Finton aka Talib Islam
Three court cases of interest were active to day when it has been reported that Michael Finton, a 31 year old man from Decatur, Illinois pled guilty of an attempt to bomb the Federal Building in Springfield, our Capitol City back in September 2009.
Known to local and state police and the FBI he had been under surveliance and was given a truck loaded with what he believed to be explosive material and a cell phone which he believed would trigger the explosion. He did push the button expecting the truck to explode on his target. He did not expect to be cuffed on site. He is described as a "home grown" terrorist who had taken the alias Talib Islam. He is of caucasian ethnicity but had begun visiting a Springfield Mosque.
US District Judge Herndon in an East St. Louis Court sentenced Finton to twenty eight years behind bars.
Rob Blagovich, Former Illinois Governor
The judge in the case against Rob Blagovich, the former Governor of the State of Illinois, threatebed to remove one of Blagos' attornies if he continued to request more delays on inconsiquential grounds.
Casey Anthony
Jury selection began in the Casey Anthony case who is charged with murdering her two year old daughter in Florida in 2008. The jury was selected from a city other than the one where the crime occurred and where the trial will be held due to the highly publicized case. The trial is expected to be very lengthy and will exceed greater coverage than that of O J Simpson. It is reported that already 600 media passes have been issued to observe the trial.
The selected jurors will be housed and given three meals daily since they will not be serving in the courts in their district.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
THE DREAM ACT
While the US congress has failed to pass the Dream Act, Illinois has just joined Maryland and Utah in its passage and several other states including Oklahoma and Georgia are preparing to put it on the table. Governor Quinn has also terminated the deportation program here in Illinois.
It is sad that poverty stricken people enter this country illegally and bring their very small children with them who consequently grow up Americanized and know nothing of their homeland. Some are not even aware that they are in the country illegally.
Considering the above please take a moment to also consider this:
Federal Financial Aid is available to students who are children of LEGAL citizens and
a.) The combined income of the parents is less than $49,000.00, or
b.) Any household member qualifies for SSI, Food Stamps, Free school Lunch, Temporary assistance for needy families, WIC program, or
c.) The child of a dislocated worker.
Public four-year colleges charge, on average, $7,605 per year in tuition and fees, not including housing.
MOST students receive financial aid. In 2009-10, more than $154 billion in financial aid was awarded to undergraduate students. The average amount of aid for a full-time undergraduate student was about $11,500, including more than $6,000 in grants that don’t have to be repaid. NOTE: This data reflects those students WHO QUALIFIED for assistance, not those that could not qualify.
So lets think “doughnut hole”, not as part of the Medicare Prescription Drug program, but as the doughnut hole in the Federal Assistance for college student education. Median US household incomes in 2009 are reported as $54,401 for White, Non-Hispanic, and $49,777 for all races combined.
Therein lies the doughnut hole: The difference of $4,624 that as seen in the White population data excludes eligibility for the predominate race of America.
The average high school graduate earns $31,286 so it is easy to see how the child of a household of two working parents have been excluded from Federal Assistance for college and all the other benefits named in part b. above. Their child would qualify if they weren’t married. ( Could this be an enticement to and contributor to the rising number of co-habitation vs. marriage?)
My conclusion is that the lower middle class white population is suffering from discriminatory practices being written into law, especially the DREAM ACT. My dream is that these inequities be recognized and corrected by the US and State congressional members.
Thank you for reading.
It is sad that poverty stricken people enter this country illegally and bring their very small children with them who consequently grow up Americanized and know nothing of their homeland. Some are not even aware that they are in the country illegally.
Considering the above please take a moment to also consider this:
Federal Financial Aid is available to students who are children of LEGAL citizens and
a.) The combined income of the parents is less than $49,000.00, or
b.) Any household member qualifies for SSI, Food Stamps, Free school Lunch, Temporary assistance for needy families, WIC program, or
c.) The child of a dislocated worker.
Public four-year colleges charge, on average, $7,605 per year in tuition and fees, not including housing.
MOST students receive financial aid. In 2009-10, more than $154 billion in financial aid was awarded to undergraduate students. The average amount of aid for a full-time undergraduate student was about $11,500, including more than $6,000 in grants that don’t have to be repaid. NOTE: This data reflects those students WHO QUALIFIED for assistance, not those that could not qualify.
So lets think “doughnut hole”, not as part of the Medicare Prescription Drug program, but as the doughnut hole in the Federal Assistance for college student education. Median US household incomes in 2009 are reported as $54,401 for White, Non-Hispanic, and $49,777 for all races combined.
Therein lies the doughnut hole: The difference of $4,624 that as seen in the White population data excludes eligibility for the predominate race of America.
The average high school graduate earns $31,286 so it is easy to see how the child of a household of two working parents have been excluded from Federal Assistance for college and all the other benefits named in part b. above. Their child would qualify if they weren’t married. ( Could this be an enticement to and contributor to the rising number of co-habitation vs. marriage?)
My conclusion is that the lower middle class white population is suffering from discriminatory practices being written into law, especially the DREAM ACT. My dream is that these inequities be recognized and corrected by the US and State congressional members.
Thank you for reading.
Monday, May 2, 2011
THEATER OR FACTS
THEATER OR FACTS
I find it puzzling that after the greatest manhunt for the worlds most wanted that he has been found as the presidential term is coming to an end and the presidents’ polls are at or near the lowest point of his administration.
I find it curious that news viewers were held spell bound and very nervous as we waited for an hour beyond what was first expected that the president would make an urgent announcement relating to “national security”.
I’m sure many viewers, as did I, expected to hear that something terrible had happened in the Mideast and that we were all in immediate danger, another deployment of troupes to Syria, Iran is nuclear ready and making threats, or anything other than the announcement that was made.
Of course the hour that we waited was ample time for FB postings, telephone calls, tweets and other forms of communication, to increase the optimal viewer numbers. What DRAMA!
The operational force that was reported was the Navy Seals. As I understand they are a Special Forces team who operate on land, sea and air. Their special capacity to operate under water is what separates them from Special Forces of the other armed services. I didn’t see any water around the compound that was shown. Why were the SEALS chosen for this mission? Do we not have 100,000 other troupes within 120 miles of the compound?
Why was it reported that the body of OBL was in US custody and then reported that he had been buried at sea? Why was he buried at sea? Isn’t this the usual and appropriate way to dispose of a body when re-examination for additional information might divulge that previous reports were in fact erroneous?
I hope that OBL was in fact terminated, the actual date and time, I’m still not sure of what the reports are saying. And if it is true I would like to remind everyone that in recent months Hillary Clinton spoke with Asif Ali Zardari the Pakistani President demanding more support in the war against terror, threatening severe sanctions. Perhaps he traded OBL to appease her demands. And if that is true, let’s give credit where credit is due!
Remember the preelection “roll-overs” when she was a competitor for the presidency.
Just Sayin………
I find it puzzling that after the greatest manhunt for the worlds most wanted that he has been found as the presidential term is coming to an end and the presidents’ polls are at or near the lowest point of his administration.
I find it curious that news viewers were held spell bound and very nervous as we waited for an hour beyond what was first expected that the president would make an urgent announcement relating to “national security”.
I’m sure many viewers, as did I, expected to hear that something terrible had happened in the Mideast and that we were all in immediate danger, another deployment of troupes to Syria, Iran is nuclear ready and making threats, or anything other than the announcement that was made.
Of course the hour that we waited was ample time for FB postings, telephone calls, tweets and other forms of communication, to increase the optimal viewer numbers. What DRAMA!
The operational force that was reported was the Navy Seals. As I understand they are a Special Forces team who operate on land, sea and air. Their special capacity to operate under water is what separates them from Special Forces of the other armed services. I didn’t see any water around the compound that was shown. Why were the SEALS chosen for this mission? Do we not have 100,000 other troupes within 120 miles of the compound?
Why was it reported that the body of OBL was in US custody and then reported that he had been buried at sea? Why was he buried at sea? Isn’t this the usual and appropriate way to dispose of a body when re-examination for additional information might divulge that previous reports were in fact erroneous?
I hope that OBL was in fact terminated, the actual date and time, I’m still not sure of what the reports are saying. And if it is true I would like to remind everyone that in recent months Hillary Clinton spoke with Asif Ali Zardari the Pakistani President demanding more support in the war against terror, threatening severe sanctions. Perhaps he traded OBL to appease her demands. And if that is true, let’s give credit where credit is due!
Remember the preelection “roll-overs” when she was a competitor for the presidency.
Just Sayin………
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