MCCAIN LETTER TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST ON PREEMPTION OF NIGHTLINE

For Immediate Release
Friday, Apr 30, 2004

U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) issued the following letter today to Mr. David Smith, President and CEO of Sinclair Broadcast Group, in response to the preemption of this evening's Nightline program:

I write to strongly protest your decision to instruct Sinclair's ABC affiliates to preempt this evening's Nightline program. I find deeply offensive Sinclair's objection to Nightline's intention to broadcast the names and photographs of Americans who gave their lives in service to our country in Iraq.

I supported the President's decision to go to war in Iraq, and remain a strong supporter of that decision. But every American has a responsibility to understand fully the terrible costs of war and the extraordinary sacrifices it requires of those brave men and women who volunteer to defend the rest of us; lest we ever forget or grow insensitive to how grave a decision it is for our government to order Americans into combat. It is a solemn responsibility of elected officials to accept responsibility for our decision and its consequences, and, with those who disseminate the news, to ensure that Americans are fully informed of those consequences.
There is no valid reason for Sinclair to shirk its responsibility in what I assume is a very misguided attempt to prevent your viewers from completely appreciating the extraordinary sacrifices made on their behalf by Americans serving in Iraq. War is an awful, but sometimes necessary business. Your decision to deny your viewers an opportunity to be reminded of war's terrible costs, in all their heartbreaking detail, is a gross disservice to the public, and to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. It is, in short, sir, unpatriotic. I hope it meets with the public opprobrium it most certainly deserves.

********

I talked to a 19 year old kid today(Friday) about registering to vote. In the midst of our conversation we got around to talking about the war. I mentioned the recent allegations of abuse by US soldiers toward the Iraqi prisoners in their custody. His response was "I know! Man ain't it cool? We need to do that shit to all them fucking A rabs!" He thinks Bush is hard core and we need 'more' ass kickers like him.
He made me ashamed to be from Alabama and American.
In all honesty I have to tell you that for the four people (two were college students, two were young men that went to school with my children) I did get registered to vote, I talked to at least 10 or 15 more who felt pretty much the same way he did (all of them male, most of them under the age of 30, more than one was a high school drop out). Fortunately none of them wanted to get 'signed up' just yet(hopefully they won't ever want to). Maybe they thought I was registering them for the draft (several of them mentioned that they had never signed up with selective service). Which would mean they, like Bush, like to talk about being tough, as long as they are not the one's getting shot at. No big surprise there huh?
God help us all if these kind of people take over our country. God help us all.

Excuse me while I weep Celebrate

Today, I help register four new voters!!! All registered as Independents but they'll be voting Kerry come November!
Every new voter is a step in the right direction.
If I can do this every week between now and November, guess what?
ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!!.

Come November here's my message to Bu$h & Co.

Listen People to What She Says

I know that almost everyone who reads my blog is familiar with Jaye over at Winding Road. I am equally sure that we all love and respect Jaye. Where I tend to be a bit pushy and heavy handed with my political point of view (ya think>), Jaye tends to be more calm and steady. She states her opinion but leaves it up to the reader whether they agree with her or not. Maybe this is why she is able to get through to people when I cannot.
If you still haven't made up you're mind about the upcoming election. If you're still weighing the issues. If you still have an open mind (really open, not just saying that because you don't want to actually come right out and SAY you support Bush). If you' re still having problems because you vote with your heart and your conscience, then I want to encourage you to go read Jaye's post for today. If this post doesn't convice you that we are in trouble and have got to make a CHANGE in the White House come November, then I think, deep down you have already made up your mind and nothing anyone can say will change it. Either way, everyone who cares about our country, our women, our very freedom should read what she has to say.

A Sham!!! It's a Sham!!

I went back and re-took the Dr Phil test. Now, remember I scored 36 before. I changed only one answer and got a score of 47! The one I changed was about dreaming. I changed my answer from fighting or struggling, to flying or floating. That boosted my score by 11 points? Geesh I guess your dreams really do tell a lot about you.
How about that Mental Flexibilty Test? How many of you guessed that [ 3= W____ on a U_____] was 3 wheels on a unicycle? Or how about [ 32= C_____ in I_____]? Who the heck knows there are 32 counties in Ireland? Heck, I was just thrilled to get 15 of them right!

American Idol, Racist?

According to Elton John the voting on American Idol is racist. Well duh! Like we need Elton to tell us this? I'm no fan of AI. After the first season it all pretty much became the same old thing with different shoes. Even I know that this isn't about talent. Since when did being an American Idol have anything to do with talent? It's about the cute factor. It's about popularity. Yes I know Ruben won last year, but hey, even if he is large the dude is cute as a velvet teddy bear.
When you have your primary voting audience between the ages of 9 and 16, who cares about talent.? Get a grip here people. These are teeny bopper little girls. They aren't interested in talent. They are voting for who they like. This is a popularity contest and anybody who went into it thinking otherwise, is just flat out dumb. Sorry but I call em like I see em.
Besides when did having talent mean you come out on top? Being talented, smart, and funny used to mean something. That's when we had stars like Carol Burnett and Jackie Gleason. Not so much anymore. Why should American Idol be any different?
Elton, my dear, you have a PBS mind in an MTV world. Put your big girl panties on and deal with it!

Update on 'I Am A Terrorist'

Well folks we can now add 15 year old boys in art class to that list of suspected terrorist.
Secret Service Questions Student on drawings.

Drawings ??? You have to be kidding !!!

I think this guy says it best.
"If this 15-year-old kid in Prosser is perceived as a threat to the president, then we are living in '1984'. "
-- Kevin Cravens, friend of the unidentified boy's family.

***********

ps: Thanks to Heather I have discovered two great new blogs, Dean's World , and John Kerry's A Douchebag. Be sure to check them out.

Update.... Think I'm paranoid? Read this People in black trench coats might soon be chasing blogs.. They are sooo gonna lock my pretty ass up! Mary Lou, they are gonna get you for pornography! Anybody know any good Civil Rights Attorneys?

Movin On

Soooo, how do you like my boudoir'? Oui??? Cool.

Now lets play around a bit.

If that's not enough to confuse you.(after that rant below, I'd bet pleasant is the last word you'd use to describe me).. try this:
"Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over it if that trust is ever broken. "
That's the result of a test that Dr Phil gave Oprah. She scored a 38. I scored a 36.
Wanna try it? Go here , and scroll down to the Dr Phil test. I've been told Dr Phil scored a 50 on this one. I'm happy to be in the same realm as Oprah.

While your at it try this one too. Scroll down to the Mental Flexibility Test. Here's a little hint for this one. Spelling counts. I made 15 but misspelled one word (fahrenheit) on one of the answers so it said I got it wrong, even though I had the right answer. But we won't quibble over 1 little point.

NOTE: Sorry about the sanfu with the links. I think I have them fixed now, so you can go check out the test.

I Am A Terrorist

Yep, that would be me. It could be YOU too. How so you ask?
Well read this...
From the Daily Kos...
When asked about today's pro-choice rally, Hughes (Karen Hughes former White House Counselor) revealed that the administration would prefer that voters not distinguish supporting terrorists from supporting a woman's right to exercise control over her own body:

In the comments to the post I accidently deleted this morning there was a great observation by my friend Meshelle. I am going to try to remember what she said as best I can and restate it here.
What I wonder about these days is what in the hell is wrong with the women in this country?
There is currently a law before the Senate (she may have said House) in Michigan that will allow doctors to refuse to treat anyone on religious or moral grounds. There is also a little known law in most states that allows a phamacist to refuse to fill a prescription on religious or moral grounds.
Now couple this with the fact that if Bush returns to the White House in 05, there is a strong possibility/probability that at least one or more Supreme Court Justices will return during his next four years in office. Which means that a man who has already shown he has little regard for womens rights, and that he believes religion should dictate the manner in which we live our lives, will have the power to appoint the next Supreme Court Justice. What are the odds that this justice will be a very far right wing conservative (American Taliban)?
What do you suppose the chances are that Roe-v-Wade will be reversed? Women in this country will then be living in a country where we are not allowed to excercise our choice in whether or not to have an abortion. How long before we will not even be able to find a doctor to prescribe birth control? Or if we can find a doctor, will we even be able to get the prescription filled? Is this what we want for our daughters, sisters, and friends? For ourselves?
Meshelle, I hope I got that fairly close to what you said.

Think it can't happen? Well we already have women like Karen Hughes (the Presidents former right hand woman) comparing us to terrorist.
Well screw them. If that makes me a terrorist then so be it. You are damned right I'm gonna fight. Call me a terrorist if you want. No freaking man, or woman is going to tell me what I can and can not do with my own body.
Whether you support abortion or not is not the issue. The issue is whether you believe that every woman, just like every man, has the right to make that decision for herself. God granted us free will. No man has the right to deny us that right.
Sorry folks but my conscience won't let me vote for a man who would so deminish women's rights. How long before we become like the women of the Middle East that we so pity?

Beam Me Up Scotty

I can see that this is going to be one of those days. I had this great post, got it all written out and posted. Saw some errors and decided to re-write it. Went to edit, deleted the post, only to discover I had deleted the wrong damn post. Then when I tried copy and pasting it from my other blog, all the comments were gone. GRRRRRR! Excuse me now while I go crawl back into the bed, pull the covers over my head and try to avoid doing anything else stupid today.

Before I go...

Have you ever met someone that just took your breath away. Someone that from the moment you first spoke to them, it seemed as if you'd known them all your life? Conversation came easy, you felt at ease, yet strangely charged at the same time. Not really turned on, but a kind of heightened sense of awareness? Friendly banter in overdrive? Where everyone else in the room sort of fades into the background and it's just the two of you communicating. Sort of a mental orgasm?
Have mercy what an experience!

Just Wondering

How important is blogging in your life? Do you think bloggers make any kind of significant contribution to society? Has anything you've read in a blog changed your mind or your way of thinking about a particular subject or event? Is there one blogger that has impressed you or moved you in a deeply personal way?

I got my first home computer in the fall of 1996. I was astounded at all the amazing and wonderful things I could experience via the internet. It must have been somewhere around late March of 1998 that I discovered Yahoo's message boards. They were the early blogs those message boards. Because my son lived in Austin, and I wanted to learn more about the city, I started posting on the Austin message boards. It was through those message boards that I met someone who would literally save my life at one point. He was there for me in the dark hours that followed a betrayal of the worst kind. There were others as well. David, do you remember Sandra, and Goldie? What was the older guys name? Randy! He was something else. He had all kinds of id's but the one I remember best was 'Diablo'. Then there was the 'veggieguy' or something like that. Do you remember the '3-ways' you , Sandra and I used to have. We had some fun didn't we? I remember that one night......
Then I was off line for awhile. By the time I got back, the boards weren't the same. Last year around March (must be something about March) I discovered my first blog. I was shocked and and in awe. What an amazing concept. From day one I was hooked. One of the first blogs I read was Brenda's. I remember thinking I have found a woman who is living and learning with rednecks just like I am. How cool. Through Brenda I found a plethora of friends. So many smart, funny, interesting people.
These days I can't imagine what I'd do without blogging. Almost everyday I think to myself, I can't wait to tell them about this, or that. Them of course being YOU . For me blogging isn't an online journal, it's Chit-Chat Central. Man, I just love it!!!

Choo Choo

Please dooooo take me to my Granny's house
Choo Choo please let me see my Granny smile
I wanna play freight train with my Granddad
With his lantern burning bright...

This picture reminded me of that little song. I can remember rocking my babies (grandbabies too!) to sleep singing that song.

So Much for Freedom of the Press

When we get through freeing Iraq, maybe we need to start paying attention to what is happening to our freedom here in the US.

Woman Loses Her Job Over Photo
"A military contractor has fired Tami Silicio, a Kuwait-based cargo worker whose photograph of flag-draped coffins of fallen U.S. soldiers was published in Sunday's edition of The Seattle Times. "


First they came for the Communists ( Howard Stern),

and I didn't speak up because (oh well I didn't like him anyway) I wasn't a Communist

Then they came for the Jews ( Janet Jackson),

and I didn't speak up because (how dare she show her almost bare boob) I wasn't a Jew

Then they came for the Catholics (okay now it's Tami's turn),

and I didn't speak up (must not show coffins of dead soldiers), because I was a Protestant.

Then they came for me (because I'm a pussy liberal),

and by that time there was no one left to speak up for me (boy do I know THIS feeling).


by Rev. Martin Niemoller, 1945

Thanks to Ampro over at
The Big Wedding , for this bit of information.

The Stuff of Which Nightmares Are Made

I want to thank Brenda and Leslie for the lovely nightmares I had last night. Damned big assed spiders were everywhere. Along with 'Annie' from Caroline in The City, 'Chandler' from Friends, and that guy that plays on Six Feet Under (the young partner). Neither one of them was much help. In fact I'm pretty sure 'Annie' was the one who brought the along the spiders. Fun was NOT had by all.

ps: Have you guys seen this?
Iraqi Quagmire Helpdesk
due to coalition & contractor pull-outs, Iraq has been outsourced to india

Works for me!

Dear Diary

I found this new dress , I just don't know if I like it or not. I really wanted the background to be a soft yellow color.
What do YOU think?
Should I keep it, or should I return it? I haven't taken the tags off yet.

Out of the Mouths of Babes

Today my 20 year old son made what I thought was a brilliant suggestion.

Considering the situation in Iraq is getting worse by the day, and things on the homefront are in such a mess, the Republicans should let Bush be impeached, have Cheney step in and hold down the fort untill the Republican Convention in September. Then he will decline his party's nomination (for health reasons of course). Thereby the Republicans can nominate John McCain for the Republican Presidential nominee. They would win by a landslide in Novemeber! We all know that the man we really want is McCain anyway.
Is that boy a chip off the old block or what?

Need a Good Laugh

If you really need a good laugh today, take a hop over to Timmy's.
One word of caution though, be very careful what you are holding or drinking when you open the picture that accompanies the line "A new white guy that looks like he lives in the mountains with a full disgusting beard gets on with his bike. His beard looks like it has more fungus than a 2 cent hooker, and immediately begins staring at my mom. " Trust me on this.

ps: I would be remiss if I did not mention that Dave over at Smile At Me has a brilliant post today.

Dear Diary

I thought I'd see if I could add a little background music. Can you guess who's singing?

Homegrown Terrorism

When people ask me why I am not more concerned with the threat of Al Qaida, I just shake my head. When you live in Podunt, USA, Al Qaida doesn't seem that much of threat to you. Yes, I know it's real, and I know it's out there but it's so remote that I just don't fear it. Besides, I haven't forgotten Oklahoma City, or Columbine.
Do you remember this?


I was at work, I had come out of my office and was standing at the counter talking to one of the ladies I worked with when the news broke. I stood there, shocked, too stunned to move. For the rest of the day we were all glued to that tv. Sound familiar? It doesn't seem like it's been 9 years.

Then a short 4 years and one day ater this...


Columbine. Children killing children. The stuff of which nightmares are made.

You see this is the kind of terrorism that frightens me. I understand how and why the Muslims of Al Qaida hate us. We represent everything they abhor. We are the evil giant in their eyes. They see us as the infidels who are spreading our seeds of sin throughout their world. They have a cause they believe in. This I understand.
How do you understand someone like Timothy McVeigh? Or Dylan Klebold, and Eric Harris. Simple, American young men? These are the terroris that frighten me. The ones we grow right here in the USA. Homegrown terrorist.
What could have happened that could make them hate so much? To make them take up guns and kill anyone in their sites? To make a young man who had served his country set about methodically building a bomb that would take so many innocent lives? If we can't explain this, how can we prevent it? We can't. It can happen again. Any day, any time. It can happen here, not some remote, far off big city like New York. Right here in our heartland. Death and destruction at the hands of our very own.
Yes, September 11th was a tragedy. But no more so than these. Yet how many people even remembered that today 9 years ago 168 people lost their lives to a terrorist? The FOX and CNN news websites have nary a mention of today's tragic anniversary. MSNBC has one small note at the bottom of their site with a link to the Oklahoma City Memorial .
In my opinion this is a classic example of exactly what is the biggest problem we face in this country today. Our leaders, even a large number of our citizens are more concerned with the threat from outside our country instead of the threat from within. Sooner or later someone is going to have to deal with the problems we are facing on the homefront. Problems like healthcare, unemployment, education, Social Security, and yes even our own homegrown terrorist.

Sunday at the Beach (part 2)


We began our journey to the lovely land of sea and salt, here in the wee hours of the morning. All was quiet and peaceful in Podunt. We opted for the scenic route . A scrumptious breakfast was enjoyed at The Waffle House . MMMM it was sooo good !! With full tummies, an eager anticipation we motored on our merry way. We even sang a few songs (99bottles of beer on the wall...). Some people had the audacity to think they could fall asleep. They were promptly gouged and poked until they woke up. No sleeping allowed!!! If driver must stay awake so must passengers. Least we all end up on side of road in ditch when driver falls asleep!
As we neared the coast you could positively smell the air. Oh , how I love that smell of the salty sea! I also love driving this highway. I always feel like I'm coming home. We arrived at our DESTINation , unpacked our truck, and headed for the WATER!!! Needless to say I was under one of those lovely umbrellas, sipping iced tea, chillin in the breeze. Other people were making fools of themselves frolicking in the water.
A little after noonish we packed up and drove down to New Flounders, for a light but delicious lunch . I had blackend Amber Jack (mmmgood), AND a margarita, or two, or maybe even three. It's hard to remember. After lunch we took a stroll along the boardwalk , then sat in big comfortable deck chairs while we waited for one of our other friends to arrive. More margaritas may have been consumed during this time period . As I said before, it's difficult to remember, just how many there were. Let's just say I was comfortably in Margaritaville by the time our friend made his appearence. He invited us down to the marina for an afternoon jaunt on his Sweet Ride. Oh it was such a sweet ride too!
We headed out for our return trip home around 6pm. Too early to see the sunset . But what the heck, you can't always fit everything in to one short day. A wonderful time was had by all. Especially MOI.
Wish YOU could have been there!

Sunday at the Beach

I'm off in a few hours for the beach. Beautiful, sunny, Destin. We may go sailing. I know the boys will be fishing if they get a chance. I'm going to try and keep from getting sunburned.
Can I bring ya'll back anything?

Feet

Reading Kim's post today about her feet brought to mind an experience of my own with my feet. Well my foot.
Last night after a lovely long soak in a silky warm bubble bath, I was sitting on the side of my bed rubbing lotion on my arms and legs. I propped my foot up on the side of the bed was massaging the lotion onto my foot, when I sort of got lost in the moment. It felt so gooooood. I massaged my heel, my angle, on down to the instep , around the ball and in between the toes. I think I just sort of zoned out to this wonderful quiet place, the more I massaged the better and more relaxed I felt. At some point I realized I was massaging to the beat of my heart. Thump,thump, rub, rub, thump, thump,thumpy-thump, rub, rub, rub. It was one of those Zen like moments. Now, if the person doing the rubbing could just have been....

All's Fair in Love & War

Or is it?
The post below was posted in fun. If I offended ANYONE I am sorry and will remove it posthaste! There were NO Kerry posters or I would have posted one of them as well.
It would be easy for me to give in to my basic instincts and stoop to name calling. I could say that the fools who continue to support the President and his administration are idiots, stubborn, blind, arrogant, ignorant, dumb fucks who refuse to admit they made a mistake in backing a man who has screwed things up so badly. I could say they are bullies who think they have the right to foist their morals, religion and their attitude of if you don't agree with me your an idiot' off on everyone, whether we want it or not. There are some really nasty things I could say.
The problem is I happen to know some of those people. People like Jen, David, & Mary Lou and I don't think they are any of those things. Well with the possible exception of stubborn. A trait we share.
I think we see things for different points of view. I know that Jen and I have had some similiar experiences. We have been down a rough road and we know that not everyone who doesn't have a job, is unemployed because they are lazy or lack ambition. It's not that cut and dried.
I try not to make assumptions about people. In fact, I try not to judge people at all. I try to simply accept them. After all who am I to be judging anyone?
I am not so arrogant as to believe that I know everything. Or that my way of thinking is the ONLY way. I am not one of those you are either with me or you're against me kind of people. I believe that people can have differences of opinons on politics, love, life, religion, sex, marriage, and even abortion and still be friends. It all comes down to respect .
I respect all opinions. I may not agree with you, but I respect your right to have one different than mine.
It's a long time until November 2nd. Minds can be changed. But you aren't going to change anyone's mind by calling them stupid, or ignorant. In fact just the opposite.
One thing I have learned is that sometimes the quietest people have the deepest thoughts. They don't say much, because they are listening and balancing the facts. I've come to realize those are the opinions I value most.

Fun with Politics

I have found the perfect political ad for Big Dick's blog.

"Are you going to vote for a candidate whose campaign promises would cost America $1.9 trillion over the next decade?" the ad asks. "Of course you aren't. You aren't going to vote at all. In the last election, half of you didn't even show up. So, on Nov. 2, just spend the day right there at your dead-end office job, talking to your stupid coworkers about your new sweater and e-mailing your friends photos of your stupid 2-year-old daughter you shouldn't have had."

Oh come on, don't tell me you don't think that's funny. Dick would.


note to readers: there was a third picture in the center, however I found it to be much to insulting and inflamitory. So I removed it and replaced it with MY own personal little wish list. Hope no one is offended.

Here's MY version....




From over at
"Centerfield" , comes this super little political quiz.... The Enhanced Political Quiz .
I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours (this is a mature version of I'll show you mine if you'll show me yours).

Two Birds, no stones

I love that picture above. There's something so peaceful about it. I can almost hear the water lapping against the rocks, the sounds of the sea gulls, the salty smell in the air. I think I need a holiday. Anyone interested in a trip to Destin?

This poll is not scientific, there is a margin of error...

While out running errands today, I decide to take a little poll of my own. I asked every person I talked to, "Did you see the President's speech last night" and if they said yes, I then asked "What did you think". I was mildly surprised by the answers I received.
A good many people said "NO" they hadn't watched, but they'd heard he looked and sounded terrible. Hmmm must mean folks here in Podunt are talking. Most excellent.
Of those who said they had watched, the responses varried from , " He sounded like a fool" to "Well, I agree with him but he sure looked bad".
Of course you have to keep in mind that this is a small town that has suffered greatly in the past few years due to the loss of jobs. There are a lot of unemployed people here struggling to make it. None of those 308,000 jobs trickled their way down to us. We also have quite a few of our young men and women deployed to Iraq. So, over all we could be a bit prejudice.
We do have some strong Bush supporters though. I've found they are mostly people in banking, Ministers/Priests, and a sprinkling of law enforcement. The Country Club set feels a bit differently than the guys over at the VFW.
Would you like to know the two lines I heard most were?
"Well, he may mean well but I just don't think he has the right people working for him." Followed by.... "I've been thinking about voting for Kerry but he's all for raising our taxes...". I told every single one of them , with a smile on my face. "YOU don't make enough money to be worried about the taxes that Kerry will be raising." Only the people who make a LOT of money have to be concerned about taxes being raised. Because otherwise you never got a tax break anyway. I think some of them might have wanted to hug me.

But, Ma! Mary Lou started it!!!



teeheehee

Monday, Monday

Goooood Morning blogoshphere!
Time for a fresh coat of paint and a new picture.
I love a fresh new start. Don't you? So, everything before today is the past. Done, overwith, finished. I had a nice healthy rant all planned out, but then decided I didn't want to mess up my pretty new place with all that stuff . Anybody who is interested can learn more about me, who I really am, what I stand for, and how I got to where I am today, can check it out over in my political blog . You may see that I am not so different from you. Or not. Who knows?
Anyway, here's wishing everyone a happy, productive, and peaceful week ahead.
Love Ya'll!!!!

Easter Mourning

It's been an exhausting day here. Attending one funeral is bad enough, but two is almost unbearable. Watching parents and grandparents bury their child can not be described. I can't imagine the pain and heart ache these folks are going through. I hope I never have to.
As difficult as it was for me, I can come home and relax in the bosum of my family. My sons and daughter are alive and well. I have never been more grateful for that than I am tonight. For the families of these precious two young men, nothing will ever be the same.
These next few days will be difficult, but there will be friends and family around to give their support. As time goes on everyone will drift away, back into their own lives. Back to life as usual. This is when the real heartache will set in. When that wonderful son isn't there for his usual Thursday night dinner. Or on Sunday mornings to go to church with you. When that grandson isn't there for you to cook for, and take care of. What fills that empty space? Who will come on Mother's Day to see that Mother, now that her only son is gone? His life snuffed out in a split second by a drunk driver. Who will take a that Grandmother to the doctor, now that the grandson she raised from infancy is gone.? Struck down in his youth by a horrible disease. How does one get over a loss such as this?
We never know from one minute to the next when our time is up. Or the time of someone we love. They walk out the door and it may well be the last time you see them.
So today I am asking each of you, don't let this day pass without telling everyone you love, just how much you love them. Let the people you care about know how important they are to you. Let go of the petty things that keep you from holding them close. Reach out, touch someone.
There are times when I'm sorry isn't necessary. A simple I love you is all that's needed.
I love and appreciate all of you who come here to my little corner of the net. I am thankful for every comment you leave, their like little footprints that tell me you've been here. Footprints I treasure. Thank You and God Bless you and your families.
Happy Easter!

Guest Writer

To Whom It May Concern

I am a friend and neighbor of Wanda's and after much pleading I have convinced her to open her space up to me so that I can set the record straight.
Little did I know when I sat down at her computer to read her blog that I was going to start something that would end up with a really wonderful lady being hurt.
My name is Jason. I have known Wanda and Robert for a little over 12 years. I met Robert when we served together in Desert Storm. I met Wanda a few years later. They are both terrific folks. People I am proud to know.
Wanda talks about blogging ALL the time. That and the wonderful people she has met through blogging.
So imagine my surprise when I dropped by today and found her sitting here at her computer in tears. When I realized that I was partiality to blame, I felt like the lowest heel you can imagine.
I am the culprit. The guilty party. I'm the fellow who dared to question one of your fellow bloggers. I would like to point out that I did so only after he questioned my integrity, my sexuality, and my patroitism (anyone who reads him on a regular basis knows this is typical of him, not being a regular reader, I did not). As a veteran of the first gulf war, and a current member of the armed forces, I did not take this lightly. Yes, I confronted him mano-a-mano. Not in someone elses blog, one on one through email. Privately. I said what I had to say. He had my email address. He could have dealt with me personally.
Instead he decided he would attack someone else. He decided to slander a good, decent lady and make her look and feel like shit. A real piece of work this fellow who calls himself Dick. I'd say the name fits him. I have the email I sent him. I'll be glad to forward a copy of it to anyone who wants to read it. It was not worthy of what he said and implied about my friend. And your friend as well. Or so she thought.
After talking with her a bit I realized that it wasn't what Dick said that upset her. She said that she's used to his rants and doesn't take him seriously. What her hurt so much was the people she thought, knew , liked , and respected her. People that would never have imagined that she was the person this Dick was referring to. People she thought of as her friends. People that she has opened up her heart and soul to. That she has trusted with the most intimate details of her life. More than one of you jumped on his bandwagon and joined him in his onslaught on her character. Not a single person came to her defense. Not one.
You should be ashamed. Every single one of you. You came here to her little corner of the world, you called her your buddy, your friend, but when she needed You, you turned your back on her.
For what? A guy who's ego is so miniscule that he has to beat up on a woman? For a guy who can dish it out but can't take it? He 's the one who started this. I didn't go to his blog spew shit about him. I said what I had to say in private.
I'm going to try and post this. I hope Wanda will let it stay. At least now you know the rest of the story.
If you have something to say to me my email address is meyers6901@yahoo.com have at it.

A Bad Night in Podunt

My son lost two friends last night. One was a young man who has suffered from Cystic Fibrosis, and had to have a lung replaced. He passed away last night at our local hospital sometime around 8 pm. He and Robby had been friends since they were young teenagers. He and Kasey were also friends.
Then late last night ( around midnight) a friend and co-worker, who was a Deputy Sheriff was killed in a head on collision. Robby has been working at the county jail as an intake officer and had just done a prisoner intake with the young man. He was on his way back out to safe guard our highways.
Please remember their families in your prayers tonight.

I've Been Published!!!

On page 2 of our local newspaper. Yep, I have been published! Not just two little columns either, a whole 6 (so what if each column is only 4 inches long)!! I've been getting calls all morning from friends and neighbors. I even got one from a 'big city' newspaper wanting to know if I had any comments I'd like to add when they run it in their paper!!! I am sooo going to be famous.
Don't worry, I won't forget you all. After all you were my first real fans!

What A Day

What a day it's been. So much dying. So much fighting. Not just in Iraq. Even the blogosphere is up in arms. We're fighting amongst ourselves. The left and center are calling Bush & Co. liars, theives, murders and war mongers. The right is calling everyone who doesn't agree with them fools, and pussies. Iraq is not the only country being torn apart by the nightmare. Mild mannered Grannies are coming out swinging, and tough guys are getting naked to calm things down!
Personally I am disgusted and distressed. My heart wants this to end. Now. Pack up our troops, bring them home and let these people figure this out for themselves. My mind knows that can't happen.
We (not me and not you, but the leaders of our country) started this. Now, how do we finish it? Can it be finished? Will we ever be able to walk away? Somehow I doubt it. Iraq shows signs of becoming another 'Gaza Strip'. An endless war zone.
Several times today I've seen people say, "would you prefer Saddam still be in power..." . I've given this some thought. I think I would. I know he was a terrible man. A saddist, cruel , Dictator. But you know what, there are lots of those in this world. Look at China. How about North Korea? Parts of Africa, Middle America and South America have cruel, saddist dictators. How about Cuba? We can't save the world. Why did we need to save Iraq?
This war hasn't lessened terrorism around the world. It hasn't stopped Al Qeada. We are no closer to knowing where Ben Ladin (or is it Bin Laden) is than we were a year ago. What have we accomplished?
I no longer trust the media to present the truth. I don't trust the President or his administration to tell us the truth. Someone actually suggested today that they didn't tell us the truth because we couldn't handle the truth! What right has anyone got to decide that the American people can't handle the truth?
I don't know what the answer is. I don't know if there is an answer. I just know I want this to end.
I would like to suggest to everyone that you check out the blog that that Kim over at The G-Spot sent me a link to this morning.
No propaganda here. Baghdad Burning . Just the cold harsh truth.

The Atkins Diet...

No -C-heney
No -A-shcroft
No -R-umsfeld
No -B-ush

I knew that low carb diet was all the rage for some reason!

This was shamelessly stolen from Voice of A Veteran .

ps: If anyone has a Kerry/Clinton funny, I'll share it too. Mind you I said funny, not mean or nasty.

Quiet Please

I've demonstrated that I have a sense of humor (see below post). Now lets see if the 'other guys' do.
Check this out ......Eat Quietly Please (see "President All About Him").

Is this insanely funny or what? The man can't even compete with silverware!


ps: There's a new Blog of Honor up. Be sure to check it out.

Manic Monday...

Just to show you guys that I do have a sense of humor when it comes to politics, I thought I'd share this little goody with you. I found it over in Brooke's blog, Mind Diverson.
21 Gun Salute
Bill Clinton is to Republicans what Richard Nixon was to Democrats.
Subject: One Man's Opinion
I sat, as did millions of other Americans, and watched as our
government underwent a peaceful transition of power in January 2001.
At first, I felt a swell of pride and patriotism as I watched George W. Bush take his oath of office.
However, all that pride quickly vanished as I later watched William Jefferson Clinton board Air Force One for the last time.
I saw 21 Marines, in full dress uniform with rifles, fire a 21-gun salute to the outgoing president. It was then that I realized how far America's military had deteriorated under Clinton.

Every last one of them missed!

To even further shock, stun and amuse you, I'd like to add, that I was once a big supporter of Richard Nixon's!

Palm Sunday

In celebration of Palm Sunday, and subsequently Easter, I have made a few changes. I hope you enjoy them.
I also want to wish everyone a beautiful and happy Palm Sunday.


Children ran to meet him,
palms in hand they sang:
"Hosanna, Son of David,
"Hosanna to our king."

TGIF!!!

I am so ready for this week to be over. I can't believe it is already April. We are experiencing the nicest weather here in Podunt. Warm, sunny days and cool comfortable nights. This too will pass all too quickly. Summer will be on us like a rabbid dog on a helpless bunny.
Whether or not you are in to politics or the political scene, I think you will find some interesting information at the site that my wonderful (Republican) friend Jen over in Jennsylvania was kind enough to share with me. FactCheck.org is a non-partisan, non-profit group that monitors factual accuracy of political ads, speeches, etc. on both sides of the aisle. From what I've read so far, they appear to be pretty fair and balanced. Something that is rare these days. If you're searching for the truth (pokes Mary Lou in the ribs with a giggle) this might be a good place to start. So far it's been recommended by a Repugnican Republican and an Independent.
At any rate, you all have a great weekend ya hear!

Hasta la Vista Babeeeeee

After reading this , I have decided I am going to close down my blogs. I am insulted and crushed beyond belief!
Ciao!

ps: I have grown weary of the whole political scene and have decided to just give up and vote for Dubya, what the heck, now that AL Qaeda is backing him , he'll probably win anyway!