JOY

KITTY, JOY IS IN HIS WINDOW,
ALL'S RIGHT IN HIS WORLD.
HE ASKS FOR SO LITTLE,
A HUMMINGBIRD TO VIEW
FOOD, CATNIP TO CHEW,
BIRDS AND SUMMER BREEZES
THROUGH THE SCREEN DOOR.
JOY COMES FROM GOD,
RELIGION, MERCY, FAITH.
THE ANTI-CHRIST ABROAD
DESTROYS. SHARE WITH FELIS,
JOY, THE MEANING OF LIFE.

A PECULIAR SITUATION

"WHO CAN PERUSE IT WITHOUT A TEARFUL EYE, A HEAVING BREAST, AN AFFLICTED SPIRIT, - WITHOUT BEING FILLED WITH AN UNUTTERABLE ABHORRENCE OF ...?" THE BLANK TO BE COMPLETED DOES NOT REFER TO THE IMMIGRATION REFORM BILL THAT CONGRESS HAS DESIGNED WHICH IS TEARING OUR COUNTRY APART. IT DOES REFER TO ANOTHER 'PECULIAR INSTITUTION' DESCRIBED BY FREDERICK DOUGLAS IN HIS 1845 AUTOBIOGRAPHY, FREDERICK DOUGLASS, AN AMERICAN SLAVE , COMMENTED UPON BY A CONTEMPORARY OF HIS, WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON, AN ABOLITIONIST.

DO AMERICANS BORN INTO THE 21ST CENTURY, FACE ANY REPELLENT CONDITION SIMILAR TO THE ONE CONFRONTED BY DOUGLASS AT THE MIDDLE OF THE 19TH? ANY SITUATION THAT COULD TEAR THESE UNITED STATES ASUNDER? YOU BETCHA. IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF A LION (RATHER THAN ITS VICTIM ) WROTE FROM HIS PERSPECTIVE. IT WOULD COMPEL A CHANGE IN OUTLOOK. DOUGLASS’ NARRATIVE OF 1ST HAND EXPERIENCE WITH SLAVERY, IMMEDIATELY DREW ATTENTION TO HIS CAUSE OF ABOLITION, FASCINATING HIS LISTENERS. EVEN WHEN HE DECLARED THAT "THE REPUBLICAN PARTY IS THE SHIP, ALL ELSE IS THE OCEAN," AMERICANS UNDERSTOOD HIM TO MEAN THAT THE PARTY AGAINST SLAVERY WARRANTED ALLEGIANCE.

NO LION ROARS TODAY ABOUT THE STORY OF THE IMMIGRANT. THE IMMIGRANT, NEEDED, WELCOMED AND WILLING TO ASSIMILATE. POWER AND POLITICS ARE ALL WE HEAR SHOUTED FROM PRIVILEGED REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE SHOULD CHOOSE NOT ABIDE THEIR TYRANNY.

REQUIESCAT IN PACE

DID YOU EVER CONTEMPLATE THE RELAXATION TECHNIQUES OF CANIS FAMILIARIS OR FELIS DOMESTICA? BEHIND CLOSED EYES, THEY ENJOY ORGIASTIC CALM. THE ACCEPTED NAMES, DOG AND CAT, ENTERED OUR VOCABULARY FROM OLD ENGLISH, 450-1500 A.D., BUT THEIR RELAXATION TECHNIQUES WERE INFORMED BY EONS OF NATURAL SELECTION. AT REST, SOMETIMES MY DOG'S HEAD DROOPS OR DROPS OFF HER PILLOW. OTHER TIMES, IN QUIET ECSTASY, SHE LIES ON HER BACK, LEGS THRUST UPWARDS IN A FEAT OF CANINE ENGINEERING. SNOOZING, HER OPEN MOUTH ALWAYS CARRIES A SMILE. THOUGH HER EYES ARE CLOSED, SHE MIGHT EMIT A SNORE OR A WHIMPER AS IF DENOTING A DREAM. YET A DOG NAPPING CAN INSTANTLY AWAKEN TO AN UNFAMILIAR SOUND. PREDICTABLE SEQUENCES FILL UP MY SENIOR CITIZEN CAT'S ROUTINE. BREAKFAST, NAP, LUNCH, NAP, SNACK, NAP, DINNER ON SCHEDULE, NAP, THE SOUND OF SCRABBLE TILES FILLING UP THE BAG AT THE END OF HIS SERVANT'S GAME SIGNALING EVENING SNACK, AND, AT LONG LAST, A NIGHT FULL OF SLEEP. SOMETIMES HIS CHIN'S UP AS HE SNOOZES; OTHER TIMES, ITS TUCKED UNDER A PAW. THE STOMACH MAY BE EXPOSED. THE SPINE MIGHT CURL INTO A FETAL POSITION. THOUGH HIS EYES ARE CLOSED HE LOUDLY PURRS. NO REQUEST EVER REACHES ME FOR EITHER MY DOG’S OR CAT’S TIME OUT. THEY REPRESENT A NATURAL COMPULSION. WE CAN LEARN MUCH ABOUT PERSPECTIVE IN LIFE OBSERVING OUR PET’S PERSONAL COMMITMENT TO PEACEFUL YOGA.

IN MEMORIAM 2

"THINK WHEN WE TALK OF HORSES THAT YOU SEE THEM PRINTING THEIR PROUD HOOFS I' IN RECEIVING EARTH." ..., WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
"WORK, SPORTS, EXPLORATION, WARFARE - THERE IS HARDLY ANY ASPECT OF MAN'S LIFE IN WHICH THE HORSE HAS NOT FIGURED"... , DONALD BRAIDER

"ALL THE TREASURES OF THE EARTH LIE BETWEEN THINE EYES." ...KORAN

NOTHING SATISFIES THE INSIDE OF A MAN AS THE OUTSIDE OF A HORSE. ... A PARAPHRASE FROM RONALD REAGAN.

ONCE SMITTEN, HUMANS ARE CAPTIVE FOREVER TO THE MAGIC OF THE HORSE. WHEN HORSEPOWER CEASES TO BE A DOUBLE ENTENTE OR EQUUS CABALLUS EXITS HORS DE COMBAT, THEN WILL ENTER THE FOUR HORSEMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE. ... YOURS TRULY

IN MEMORIAM

WE WERE A PLOT OF SOLDIER FLOWERS
ONWARD BLOOMING YEAR AFTER YEAR,
PERENNIALLY, PINK AND PERKY
IN SPITE OF WEATHERING COLD, ICE,
WIND AND BLAZING SUN. NEVER WATERED
SAVE FROM THE SKY, NEVER NOTICED,
SAVE THE DAY SHE ORDERED US TO DIE.
A HEARTLESS, SHE-CREATURE'S WHIM
UP-ROOTED OUR FLOWERY MISSION,
COVERED WITH MULCH OUR BIVOUAC.
NO POPPIES WILL GRACE OUR FLANDER'S
TO REMIND ANYONE THAT WE LIVED.

REMEMBER

CHOOSE:

"FROM OUT OUR CROWDED CALENDAR
ONE DAY WE PLUCK TO GIVE;
IT IS THE DAY THE DYING PAUSE
TO HONOR THOSE WHO LIVE." - MCLANDBURGH WILSON

OR:

"YOUR SILENT TENTS OF GREEN
WE DECK WITH FRAGRANT FLOWERS;
YOUR HAS THE SUFFERING BEEN,
THE MEMORY SHALL BE OURS." - HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW

CALL IT DECORATION DAY OR MEMORIAL DAY, BUT DON'T CALL THE DEAD VICTIMS. CALL SOME FALLEN SERVICEMEN, CALL OTHERS HEROES, CALL THEM ALL AMERICANS, BUT CALL NONE VICTIMS WHOSE LIVES HAD NO MEANING. "EVERY DEATH IS NOT A DEATH IN VAIN" EVEN THOUGH OUR COUNTRY HAS BEEN "SATURATED WITH SELFHOOD," ACCORDING TO A WRITER. THEY ARE PATRIOTS EVEN THOUGH ANOTHER COLUMNIST REMINDS US THAT WE "STOPPED AMERICANIZING OURSELVES 40 YEARS AGO," DURING THE 1960'S REVOLUTION.

WERE THE 18,000 WHO DIED IN ALCOHOL-RELATED INCIDENTS ON U.S. ROADS IN 2006 - VICTIMS? WERE THEY PERSONS SACRIFICED OR DESTROYED IN THE PURSUIT OF SOME GOAL OR CEREMONY OR WERE THEY KILLED BY A MISFORTUNE OR CALAMITY BEYOND THEIR CONTROL? NO, NEITHER. PUTTING ONE'S SELF IN HARM'S WAY IS NOT TANTAMOUNT TO VICTIM STATUS. IN CONTRAST, LOST SOLDIERS DESERVE A REVEILLE OR A TAPS ON MEMORIAL DAY TO COMMEMORATE THEM AS VICTORS WHO VOLUNTARILY ANSWERED THE CALL TO SERVE THEIR COUNTRY.

FROM THE CHILD OF A MARINE WHO SERVED AND RETURNED. SEMPER FI.

FEINT SONGS

A STREAM SINGS IN A POET'S LINES:

"CRUMBLE, CRUMBLE,
VOICELESS THINGS;
NO FAITH CAN LAST
THAT NEVER SINGS.

FOR THE LAST HOUR
TO JOY BELONGS;
THE STEADFAST PERISH,
BUT NOT THE SONG."

LET'S LISTEN TO THREE FEINT SONGS. A BRONX, NEW YORK, CATHOLIC GRAMMAR SCHOOL WITH AN EVENTUAL 95% GRADUATION RATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL. IT DELIVERS AN EXCELLENT EDUCATION TO ABOUT 500 POOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN, HISPANIC AND WEST INDIAN CHILDREN. PRIVATE CHARITY (AS WELL AS TUITION) AFFORDS THESE CHILDREN A MORAL AND DISCIPLINED HOME AWAY FROM HOME.

TWO HIGH SCHOOL BOYS FROM PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN MY STATE SCORED A PERFECT PAPER IN THE NATIONAL LATIN EXAM. THEY WERE TWO OF 426 PERFECTS ACHIEVED WHEN 135,000 STUDENTS ACROSS THE NATION, TOOK THE TEST SPONSORED BY THE AMERICAN CLASSICAL LEAGUE.

ABOUT 100 WOMEN IN THE U.S. (3000 WORLDWIDE) ARE "CONSECRATED VIRGINS" WHO HAVE DEDICATED THEIR SECULAR LIVES TO GOD. THEY PARTAKE OF THE WORLD BUT NOT COPULATION.

SUCH FEINT SONGS TO SUCCESS CAN ONLY RESULT FROM SERIOUSLY HELD BELIEFS. A QUALITY EDUCATION, A DEDICATION TO AN IMPORTANT LANGUAGE, A COMMITMENT TO VIRGINITY - EACH REQUIRES AN ACT OF FAITH IN ONE'S SELF TO TRIUMPH OVER THE ODDS.

WHEN AMERICANS CAN NOW BUY A CEILING FAN WITH A REMOTE CONTROL, THE ODDS ARE STACKED AGAINST TRANSCENDENT SUCCESS. IT'S MIGHTY TOUGH TO LIVE COUNTER-CULTURAL. LISTEN CAREFULLY AS THE BUBBLY, SINGING RIVULETS FLOW.

PORK FOR PRINCIPLE

JORDAN, OUR LATEST AMERICAN IDOL, GARNERED MORE VOTES THAN THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES IN THE 2004 NATIONAL ELECTION. 74 MILLION. HAS ANY PRESIDENT IN HISTORY RECEIVED 74 MILLION VOTES? ADD THIS NUMBER TO THE VOTES FOR THE RUNNER-UP, AND WE BLOW THE COMPARISON TO RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP OUT OF THE WATER. IN ADDITION, AMERICANS PAID FOR EACH OF THESE MILLIONS OF VOTES FOR THE IDOL. IT ALSO OUGHT TO BLOW OUR MINDS. UNFORTUNATELY, MINDS BLOWN AWAY BY THE IDOL SERIES - OF WHICH MINE IS NOT ONE, HAVING ABANDONED TELEVISON YEARS AGO - ARE JUST THAT, BLOWN. THEY ARE WINDED FROM OVEREXERTION ON FRIVOLITY, SPOILED BY OVER-EXPOSURE TO THE POISONOUS ATMOSPHERE OF A NARCISSISTIC SOCIETY, SWELLED UP WITH SELF-GRATIFICATION, OUT OF BREATH FROM HYPERBOLE AND IRRATIONAL ENTHUSIASM. NO PRESIDENT WILL EVER GARNER SUCH ENTHUSIASM FROM THE LISTENING PUBLIC. RECENTLY, REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS, PUFFED UP WITH SELF-IMPORTANCE, EXCHANGED PRINCIPLE FOR PORK WITH THE PASSAGE OF THE LATEST SPENDING BILL. THEY COMPROMISED WHAT IMAGINARY PRINCIPLES THEY ESPOUSE FOR POLITICAL GAIN. JORDAN ONLY NEEDS TO SING HER YOUNG HEART OUT AND LOSE A LITTLE WEIGHT TO MAINTAIN HER STATUS AS THE TRUE, AMERICAN IDEAL.

UNICORN MYTH

THE LIBERALS’ MYTH THAT POVERTY IS GROWING IN AMERICA IS JUST THAT, A MYTH, BECAUSE AS THE RICH GET RICHER, THE POOR GET RICHER TOO. WE SHOULD SEE THEIR NOSES GROW LONGER , LIKE PINNOCHIO'S, WITH EACH SUCCESSIVE LIE. BUT GEPPATO’S BOY IS FICTITIOUS LIKE THE MYTH OF THE UNICORN.

A CRUSADING KNIGHT IS PICTURED RIDING A MYTHICAL UNICORN. WHITE FOR PURITY, OF COURSE. A 15TH CENTURY TAPESTRY SHOWS ANOTHER ALABASTER EQUINE CAPTIVE IN A SMALL PEN. WHEN MYSTERY ENRICHED MEDIEVAL LIVES, THE MYTH OF A UNICORN - WITH HIS POINTED SPIRALING HORN, THE LENGTH SOMETIMES AS GREAT AS A YARD, FLOURISHED. THE CREATURE WAS DESCRIBED BY A GREEK HISTORIAN AND QUACK. THEN ARISTOTLE PARROTED THE DESCRIPTION. POWERFUL MAGIC SUPPOSEDLY ACCOMPANIED HIS STRENGTH AND BEAUTY. ONE COULD WARD OFF POISON BY DRINKING FROM A CUP FASHIONED FROM ITS HORN. SOMETIMES A UNICORN WAS BOVINE, BUT THE POWER AND ROMANCE OF A PHALLUS SUITED THE WONDERFUL HORSE. MAN’S HISTORY OF CIVILIZATION OWES A GREAT DEBT TO THE END PRODUCT OF EOHIPPUS, SO WE CAN FORGIVE HIM FOR AN EMBELLISHMENT THAT ONLY RAISES HIGHER THE STATURE OF THE HORSE. THE SAME CANNOT BE SAID FOR LIBERALS WHO PERPETUATE THE MYTH OF POVERTY, HUNGER, THE INCOME GAP, ETC. IN AMERICA, AN URBAN AND COUNTRY LEGEND THAT SERVES NO PURPOSE BUT POLITICAL POWER.

A THAUMATURGE

PRAY FOR A MIRACLE. AMERICA NEEDS ONE. SHE WALLOWS IN AN OBESITY EPIDEMIC NOT FROM OVER-EATING -A SURE SIGN OF THE PROSPERITY OF OUR TIME - BUT FROM OVER-FEEDING EGOS, FROM SELF-GRATIFICATIONS. MY GOVERNOR'S EGO GRATIFICATION TAKES THE FORM OF AN ATTEMPT TO EXPAND HEALTH CARE COVERAGE TO FAMILIES THAT ARE 300% ABOVE THE POVERTY LEVEL. AT PRESENT IT IS 200%. THIS EXEMPLIFIES HIS AGENDA OF UNIVERSAL COVERAGE IN SPITE OF WHAT HIS CONSTITUENTS WANT OR ARE WILLING TO PAY FOR. A CITY MAYOR WANTS THE STATE TO PICK UP MORE OF THE FUNDING FOR HIS SCHOOL DISTRICT, DISREGARDING THE OPINIONS OF THOSE TAXED ELSEWHERE, JUST AS LONG AS HE GETS STRANGERS TO FOOT MORE OF HIS EDUCATION BILL. HIS DISTRICT WILL THEN BE FREE TO DEVOTE MONIES TO ITS SPORTS CURRICULA. A NEARBY CITY CELEBRATING A FESTIVAL BOWED TO POLITICAL CORRECTNESS WHEN IT CROWNED A PRINCESS FOUR TIMES OVER. FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD SLOTS WERE FILLED FOR A PRINCESS, A LITTLE PRINCESS, A PETITE PRINCESS AND A BABY PRINCESS. NO CHILD'S OR PARENT'S SELF ESTEEM COULD BE LEFT BEHIND.

NATIONALLY, SQUABBLING PERSISTS OVER THE IMMIGRATION PROBLEM TEMPORARILY PUTTING ASIDE THE QUAGMIRE IN IRAQ. BOTH DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS EQUIVOCATE ISSUES AND ACCOMMODATE EACH OTHER DEMONSTRATING THAT LUKEWARM SUITS THEM BEST. THEY SEEK A PROPER IMMIGRATION BILL THAT ASSUAGES AS MANY DIVERSE EGOS AS POSSIBLE. YET, AS RUSH LIMBAUGH NOTED, THEY WHO ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WILL BE KILLED; THEY WHO STRADDLE THE FENCE WILL BE CASTRATED.

NO SHINING KNIGHT, LOOMS ON THE HORIZON, NOT EVEN A BRAVE, EUNUCH. PERHAPS, A BELL, BOOK AND CANDLE COULD PURGE THE CURSE OF SPINELESS, SELF-CENTERED AMERICANS. PERHAPS, A DOSE OF DINOVITE, A CONCOCTION THAT CURES EVERYTHING FROM EAR MITES TO BAD BREATH IN DOGS COULD HELP. AMERICA COULD USE A BREATH OF FRESH AIR PERHAPS, WE SHOULD PRAY FOR A MIRACLE.

A DOGS LIFE

TO GIVE ME A CLEAN PEN
AND, NOT TOPPED OFF WATER,
GRACE ME WITH HUMAN CONTACT,
THE OHIO SENATE VOTED
39-19 ON A BILL OF RIGHTS.
AS IF MY DOGGIE GULAG
COULD MIMIC FREEDOM IN
A HAVEN, HOME OF LOVE.

WHAT ARROGANCE!

What arrogance! 18 Catholic House Democrats publically dispute and rebuke Pope Benedict XVI. In their exalted opinion, the Pope’s condemnation of politicians who support abortion "offends the very nature of the American experiment." I am, and I am sure the Founding Fathers were, totally unaware that the American experiment was based upon the sanctity of abortion.

Obviously the ‘Catholic 18' have been emboldened by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Catholic when it is convenient, who recently commanded President George Bush to "calm down, there is a new Democratic Congress in town." If the Speaker, by herself, could command the President of the United States to do her bidding, why could not the ‘Catholic 18', with their combined moral IQ of about 100, enter the International and Spiritual World and command the Pope? In their May14th pseudo-encyclical, the ‘Catholic 18' reprimanded the Pope that his comments " do a great disservice to the centuries of good work the church has done." This group may be remembered for their "statement of principles" last year in which they promoted their disagreement with the Church on "abortion and embryonic stem cell research, among other controversial issues." Conveniently, that pronouncement was timed to garner liberal votes in the mid-term election. They knew they only had to have a ‘communion photo op’ to convince churchgoing Catholics that they were still part of the Church. Catholics voted just like lemmings and we all know what happens to lemmings when they come to a cliff.

Do we issue the ’Catholic 18' Red Hats? A world religion like Catholicism is not subject to the ‘advise and consent’ of grandstanding politicians who pop into church at election time to receive communion and then spend their term of office undermining the beliefs, teachings and magisterium of the Church. Yesterday they told the President what to do, today they tell the Pope and tomorrow they may be dictating to God what the new rules are according to Liberalism. Is not God entitled to a separation of church and state?
.

UNPOPULAR

WHAT WAS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT POP MUSIC EVENT FROM THE 1960'S UNTIL NOW? THE BEATLES 1ST APPEARANCE ON TELEVISION ON THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW IN FEBRUARY OF 1964? NO WAY. I HAVE THEM BEAT BY A YEAR. FOR ME, IMPORTANCE WAS DEFINED BY MY WEDDING MARCH AS I FLOATED DOWN THE AISLE OF MY DREAMS. POPULAR CARS, FOOTBALL OR MUSIC HAD CHARACTER IN THE 60'S, BUT SINCE THEN THEY HAVE BEEN TRANSFORMED INTO TODAY'S MODERN POPULIST PHENOMENA OF THE NFL, NASCAR AND UNMELODIOUS CACOPHONY. LUCKILY, I HAVE BEEN LEFT BEHIND. LEFT BEHIND IS NOT A BAD PLACE TO BE BECAUSE LOVE WAS NOT ABANDONED AT THE CHURCH STEPS.

BUT THEN WHAT DO I KNOW? WOMEN'S WEAR SALES IN 2006 TOTALED 102 BILLION BUT MINE EQUALED 2 SWEATSHIRTS AND 1 SWEAT PANTS EACH AT A TEMPTING, UNPOPULAR ½ PRICE.

PRECIOUS

PRECIOUS, PRECIOUS, WHAT A PRECIOUS PERPETRATION OF A LIE. THE SMOKING BAN IS AN UNFUNDED MANDATE (WITHOUT THE MONEY TO FINANCE ENFORCEMENT.) YET IT MANDATES WRITTEN RESPONSES TO CITIZEN COMPLAINTS FOLLOWED BY MONETARY PENALTIES. PRECIOUS IS THE SERIOUSNESS WITH WHICH I HEARD PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS PONTIFICATE OVER THE SECOND-HAND SMOKE LIE. PRIVATE BUSINESSES ARE NOT EXEMPT FROM THE NO-SMOKING LAW. SOME SCHOOLS ARE CONSIDERING BANNING OUTDOOR SMOKING EVERYWHERE AROUND THE PREMISES. PRECIOUS IS THEIR DESIRE FOR EVERYONE AT WORK TO "BE ABLE TO BREATHE FREELY. PRECIOUS THEIR ATTRIBUTIONS TO SMOKERS AS "RENEGADES" AND "CRIMINALS" WHO THEY WISH TO DETER BY A LAW WITH "HEFTY TEETH." PRECIOUS IS THEIR SINCERITY AS THEY STATE THEY DO NOT WANT TO "ANGER" OR "ALIENATE SMOKERS." THEY ARE ANTI-SMOKING BUT PRO SMOKER (LIKE ANTI-WAR BUT PRO SOLDIERS). ALL THIS PRECIOUS INSANITY IS IN THE NAME OF THE SECOND-HAND SMOKE LIE. SECOND-HAND SMOKE, THEY AVOW, CAUSES DEATH AND DISEASE. EVEN ITS "ODOR ON CLOTHES" CAN "TRIGGER AN ASTHMA ATTACK. CHILDREN IN HOMES ARE OBVIOUSLY NOT SAFE. SECOND-HAND SMOKE FROM CIGARETTES, CIGARS AND PIPES IS KILLING US AND OUR CHILDREN. PRECIOUS WILL BE THE PRICE INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM PAYS FOR THIS POLITICALLY CORRECT LIE.

MYTHS AND GRANDSTANDING

THE FOUR IN CONGRESS "TRYING TO PUT FOOD STAMPS WHERE THEIR MOUTHS ARE," ARE MISLEAD AND MISINFORMED. MEMBERSHIP ON A HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE'S HUNGER CAUCUS DOES NOT QUALIFY THEM TO FOOL US CITIZENS. THEY CLAIM THEY INTEND TO LIVE FOR A MONTH ON THE AVERAGE FOOD-STAMP RECIPIENT’S BUDGET OF $21.00 A WEEK. CHECKING THE FOOD STAMP WEBSITE I FIND THAT A RECIPIENT WITH NO INCOME, ACTUALLY GETS $32.00 A WEEK. THAT MEANS THE RECIPIENT RECEIVING ONLY $21.00 HAS OTHER INCOME THAT ALSO SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE FOOD BUDGET. TO DISSEMINATE THIS FIGURE IS DISINGENUOUS. THIS AMOUNT IS AN AVERAGE. SUBSIDIES ARE PRORATED AS THESE POLITICIANS WELL KNOW. ALSO, THE WASHINGTON POST'S REPORT OF THIS 'STAGED EVENT" LOADS THE ISSUE WITH POLITICAL CORRECTNESS BY MENTIONING THAT A RECIPIENT, A MOTHER OF THREE, SUGGESTS SPAGHETTI AND THE FATTIEST HAMBURGER MEAT FOR PURCHASES. CHECKING A WEBSITE I LEARNED THAT A PARENT WITH 2 KIDS OR 2 PARENTS WITH 1 CHILD WOULD GET $400 A MONTH OF FOOD STAMPS IF THEY HAD NO OTHER INCOME. THIS OVERLY GENEROUS SUBSIDY NO WAY MANDATES PASTA AND BEEF EACH NIGHT, BEEF WHICH CAN BE FREED OF ITS FAT SIMPLY BY FRYING IT OFF. OBESITY, BY THE WAY, RESULTS NOT FROM CONSUMING FAT, BUT FROM CONSUMING TOO MUCH OF IT. SENIOR CITIZENS SUCH AS MYSELF AND MY HUSBAND WOULD - IF QUALIFIED - RECEIVED $280 A MONTH IN FOOD STAMPS. THAT EQUATES WITH $9.00 A DAY, $64. A WEEK FOR US BOTH. FOR MORE YEARS THAN I WILL REVEAL, WE HAVE LIVED ON A BALANCED DIET FOR APPROXIMATELY $6.00 A DAY, $42.00 A WEEK. THIS REFLECTS THE ENJOYMENT OF 3 MEALS AND 2 SNACKS, WINE AND ZERO DEPRIVATION. IT CAN BE DONE, BUT NO ONE WE HAVE MET IN OUR LIFETIME IS DOING IT. WE HAVE BEEN ACQUAINTED WITH RECIPIENTS OF FOOD STAMPS AND WELFARE AS A RESULT OF OUR RETAIL CAREERS. WE RESIDE NEAR THE FAST FOOD CAPITAL OF THE WORLD. THOUGH WE RARELY PARTAKE OF RESTAURANT FOODS OURSELVES, WE ARE AWARE OF MULTITUDINOUS OTHERS WHO CONSISTENTLY DO. IN AMERICA, MONEY - FOR FOOD, DRINK, THE LOTTERY, RENT-TO-OWN MERCHANDISE, CREDIT CARD PURCHASES, CARS, CLOTHES, CELL PHONES, COMPUTERS, I PODS, DIGITAL CAMERAS, PLAY STATIONS, VACATIONS, MORTGAGES, PAYROLL ADVANCES, GAS, VOTES FOR THE AMERICAN IDOL, ENTERTAINMENT, DRUGS, GUNS, YOU NAME IT - FLOWS. AMERICA IS AWASH IN SELF-GRATIFICATION. FOR MOST IT ADDS UP TO MORE THAN $6.00 OR $9.00 A DAY. CONGRESS SHOULD GO FIGURE AND NOT 'GO EAT' LIKE THE FICTITIOUS MASSES.

WASTE

THE SCHOOL YEAR (PROGRAM) IS WINDING DOWN. OF WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD? THE PROGRAM. THE GIRLS’ BASEBALL - BLAH, BLAH, BLAH AND TRACK STANDINGS - BLAH - BLAH- BLAH , STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS, BUILDING A TRADITION, GOAL OF TOP 10, PROUD OF THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS. ALSO, WE SURVIVED A YEAR (PROGRAM) WITHOUT THE NEED FOR A LEVY. LUCKILY, THE TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS WERE HEALTHY SO WE DIDN'T NEED TO USE MEDICAL INSURANCE. OUR NUMBER 1 GOAL. DON'T NEED MORE STAFF IN PROGRAM.

WELL! HOW MANY EDUCATORS DOES IT TAKE TO TURN OUT 1,250 - 1,500 STUDENTS IN THE PROGRAM? I SAY, AT THE MOST, 16, ASSIGNING 100 STUDENTS PER TEACHER. ONE ADMINISTRATOR WILL DO. I WILL LEAVE IT TO YOUR IMAGINATION TO FLESH OUT THE NUMBER OF SUPERFLUOUS PAYCHECKS SUPPORTING THE NIGHTMARE SCENARIO CALLED PUBLIC EDUCATION TODAY.

WASTE, WASTE, WASTE. NOTHING SO INSPIRES RAGE AS WASTE OF MONEY EXPOSED BY A SUPERNUMERARY, A SUPERINTENDENT.

PERENNIALS

THERE'S"NO HINGE OR HOPE TO HANG A DOUBT ON," (SHAKESPEARE). SOME THINGS ARE CERTAIN. A NARCISSISTIC CULTURE WILL BUILD MORE INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SKI RESORTS. THE WALL STREET JOURNAL IS THE WITHERED ARM OF THE LIBERAL, DEMOCRAT PARTY. BERNARD LEWIS, THE ISLAMIC SCHOLAR, WILL WRITE UNTIL THE DAY HE DIES. AMERICA OWES ITS SALVATION TO TOBACCO, CULTIVATED AND EXPORTED IN 1613 BY JAMESTOWN PILGRIM, JOHN ROLFE. AS SOON AS PEONIES BURST INTO FULL, IMPRESSIVE, FRAGRANT, BLOOM, A HORRENDOUS, BLUSTERY RAIN STORM BLOWS THEM DOWN. COUNT ON IT. PLEASURE, SCHOLARSHIP, SMOKING, BEAUTY CONSTITUTE CERTAIN, PERENNIALS.

H.M.E.

WHAT'S UNNATURAL CAN BE EXEMPLIFIED BY HYPOCRISY, MEANNESS, OR JUST PLAIN EVIL. THE SOURCE OF EACH IS DEVOTION TO NARCISSISM.

HYPOCRITICAL - THE TV PRODUCTION, AMERICA'S TOP MODEL WORRIES ABOUT THE "RIGHT MESSAGE" SO IT WILL PROVIDE A SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE CANDIDATES NEXT YEAR. THIS DENIES THE FACT THAT MODELS AND PORN STARS SMOKE TO CURB APPETITE AND ATTAIN THE ULTRA THIN IMAGES DEMANDED OF THEM. A POLITICALLY CORRECT MESSAGE DENIES THE REALITY OF UNNATURAL DEMANDS.

MEAN - SPILLING THE BEANS ABOUT THE CONCLUSION OF J.K. ROWLINGS' LAST INSTALLMENT OF THE HARRY POTTER ADVENTURE SERIES. WHY WOULD ONE SPOIL A READERS NATURAL INSTINCT TO FOLLOW THE UNFOLDING OF A STORY TO ITS CONCLUSION?

EVIL - A PILL WITH THE EFFECT OF CURTAILING MENSTRUATION IN WOMEN ON A CONTINUAL, AND/OR PERMANENT BASIS. THIS SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGH IS A PURE DENUNCIATION OF NATURE FOR THE SAKE OF NARCISSISTIC ENDS.

A JOURNALIST DAD, DECIDING UPON A CAR FOR HIS 16 YR OLD DAUGHTER, PROVIDES AN INSIGHT FOR US WILLING TO TAKE IT. HE SAYS, SHE "HAS STRONG OPINIONS ABOUT THE KIND OF RIDE SHE WANTS..." HER DESIRES, HIS ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF HER WISHES BOTH BUY INTO THE NARCISSISM OF OUR TIMES. PARENTING SHOULD NATURALLY CURB THE NATURALLY SELFISH BEHAVIOR OF CHILDREN. NOT TODAY. NATURE INTENDED FOR CHILDREN TO BE RESTRAINED AND GUIDED INTO ADULTHOOD. NOT TODAY.

DO I FEAR?

"THE ONLY THING WE HAVE TO FEAR IS FEAR ITSELF." THIS APPEALING SOUNDBITE FROM THE LATE PRESIDENT, FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, IS REPEATEDLY CONTRADICTED BY AMERICANS PANICKING OVER PAST CENTURIES. FIRST, THE INDIANS, THEN THE OUTLAWS, THEN THE MAFIA, THEN THE COMMUNISTS, THEN RIGHT WING MILITIA GROUPS AND NOW THE ISLAMIC TERRORISTS. REALITY IS FEARFULLY OVERBLOWN. PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE GOVERNMENT DISERVE THE LISTENING PUBLIC. FOOD LABELS INSPIRE DESPAIR RATHER THAN CAUTION. PANIC-MONGERING ON ACCOUNT OF VICTIMHOOD FILLS THE AIRWAVES. OUR LEADERS AND THE MEDIA ARE COMPLICIT IN SETTING A DISMAL TONE TO OUR SOCIETY. WHERE ARE THE POSITIVE MESSAGES ABOUT INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY AND CITIZEN AWARENESS? ABOUT CAN DO RATHER THAN CAN’T FIX? ONLY REALISTIC THINKING CONQUERS FEAR. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF CONSUMING A CALORIE LADEN KEY LIME CAKE THAT "CONTAINS MAJOR FOOD ALLERGENS (WHEAT, MILK, EGGS, SOY)." DO I PANIC? I HAVE NAUGHT TO FEAR BUT PLEASURE ITSELF.

TO SOME MOTHERS

YESTERDAY, I TURNED AROUND, LOOKED DOWN AND THERE IT WAS. BE MY LOVE, MARIO LANZA'S 6-RECORD COLLECTION FROM 1968, WAITING TO BE PICKED UP. $5.00 WAS A CHEAP PRICE FOR A NOSTALGIC NOD TO GREAT MUSIC PAST. I KNOW I'M WORTH IT.

TODAY, HE LOOKED DOWN AND THERE IT LAY, SPARKLING IN THE SUN, RESTING STILL AFTER CENTURIES OF SEDIMENTARY EXISTENCE. MY LOVE PICKED UP THE DISTINCTIVE ROCK AND CARRIED IT HOME FOR US TO ENJOY. I KNOW I'M WORTH IT.

"GOD CAN'T BE ALWAYS EVERYWHERE; AND SO, INVENTED MOTHERS." (SIR EDWIN ARNOLD FROM HIS POEM MOTHERS, STANZA 6). YES, GOD CAN BE UBIQUITOUS AND SOMETIMES MOTHERS ARE NOT GOD'S PROXIES. BUT TO ALL THOSE MOTHERS WHO ARE WORTH IT, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY.

WORTH IT AND NOT, I'M GRATEFUL TO BE REMEMBERED.

SUN SALUTE

THREE RELIGIONS, THREE PHILOSOPHIES. ENVIRONMENTALISM PROSELYTIZING DRACONIAN REGULATIONS EVEN THOUGH ITS LEADERS HAVE NO INTENTION FOLLOWING THE LIFESTYLES THEY DICTATE. TWO. TERRORISTS AND SUICIDE BOMBERS, EXEMPLIFIED BY THE FOLLOWERS OF HUGO CHAVEZ IN VENEZUELA WHO SALUTE, "HOMELAND, SOCIALISM OR DEATH!" THREE, CHRISTIANS WHO CHERISH LIFE AND - I QUOTE FROM A COLUMBUS RESIDENT, VICTOR WOLFE - "SHOULD THANK GOD FOR GIVING US A STAR LIKE THE SUN THAT COOKS AWAY ITS HYDROGEN INTO HELIUM AT AS STEADY RATE THAT IT DOES SO WE GET JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF HEAT AND LIGHT THAT WE NEED TO SUSTAIN LIFE, AND MAN'S ACTIVITIES WILL HAVE LITTLE AFFECT ON THIS."

SO LET'S SALUTE OUR SUN, NOT THE PHONEY, MISANTHROPIC RELIGION, ENVIRONMENTALISM, NOT THE JIHADISTS WITH GENUINE DEATH-WISHES AS DOGMA, NOT EVEN THE FAITH OF JESUS EMBRACING REDEMPTION AND WORSHIP WHOSE EMBRYO WAS PLANTED EONS AFTER THE BIRTH OF THE SUN.

LET'S SALUTE OUR ONE AND ONLY SUN - HUGE, HEAVENLY AND ESSENTIAL. LONG MAY SHE SHINE.

IRRATIONAL SOCIETY

IN 1957, A SUBCOMMITTEE ON FISCAL POLICY PRESENTED A REPORT IN WHICH IT MENTIONED THE FUNCTIONS OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT:
NATIONAL DEFENSE
POLICE PROTECTION
FOREIGN AID AND DEVELOPMENT
PUBLIC HEALTH
RESEARCH
NAVIGATIONAL AIDS AND FLOOD CONTROL
STREETS AND HIGHWAYS
WILDLIFE PRESERVATION
PUBLIC MONUMENTS, BUILDINGS AND PARKS

THE QUESTIONS WERE THEN RAISED: "HOW WOULD A RATIONAL SOCIETY VOTE ON THESE EXPENDITURES? WHICH WOULD CITIZENS AGREE TO FUND THROUGH YOUR TAXES? WHAT PROPORTION OF TAX REVENUE SHOULD BE ALLOTTED TO EACH? DO ELECTED AGENTS CARRY OUT THE WISHES OF THEIR CONSTITUENTS?

IN 2007, I FEAR THAT WE CANNOT ASSUME AMERICA IS A ‘RATIONAL SOCIETY'.

NARCISSISM

EXCESSIVE INTEREST IN OR ADMIRATION OF ONE'S SELF. HEDONISM.

A STRETCH LIMO CADILLAC AVAILABLE TO TAKE STUDENTS TO THE PROM.

AL SHARPTON BLAMING THE RAP INDUSTRY NOT INDIVIDUALS FOR VERBAL FILTH.

THE MEDIA REPORTS THAT THE PAIN TO THOSE AWAITING NEWS ABOUT MISSING SAILBOATERS IS "OVERWHELMING THEM."

THE RE-NAMING OF HOME ECONOMICS IN HIGH SCHOOL AS "FAMILY CAREER AND COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP" CLASSES.

IF ON A "TIGHT BUDGET," A CAR DEALERSHIP CAN GIVE YOU A NEW CHEVROLET WITH 0% DOWN AND NO PAYMENTS 'TIL 2008.

A PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH REMINDING YOU THAT YOU’RE A GOOD PERSON ... EVEN IF YOU DID BAD THINGS, SOME VERY BAD THINGS.

DIGITAL VIDEO CLASSES NOW OFFERED IN HIGH SCHOOL WITH AWARDS TO FOLLOW.

AMERICANS' DEBT AT 135% OF INCOME, MOST OF WHICH CAN SOMETIMES BE WRITTEN OFF THROUGH COUNSELING COMPANIES.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS PANDERING TO A PANIC OVER P.A.D. - PLUGGED ARTERIES IN THE LEGS.

A SINGLE MOTHER WITH A PROBLEM TEENAGER WITH "CHRONIC MENTAL ILLNESS," JEOPARDIZING HER JOB BY LEAVE-TAKINGS. SHE FAILS TO SEE HER PROBLEM AS BEING 'SINGLE MOTHER.'

TRAVELOCITY CONTINUALLY ADVERTISING DISCOUNTS FOR MORE VACATION SPOTS.

AN OVERWHELMING NUMBER OF LUXURY, THEME PARKS AND CASINOS.

THE LIBRARY SPONSORING A SUMMER READING PROGRAM WITH ACTIVITIES, PRIZES, MEDALS AND TROPHIES.

SOLVING THE CHILDHOOD OBESITY EPIDEMIC MUST, ACCORDING TO A DOCTOR, "CHANGE THE COMMUNITY SPIRIT FIRST," AND THEN "GO TO THE KIDS TO EAT LESS."

HOT DOGS GOING THE HIGH END, TOPPED WITH HUMMUS, BANANA CHIPS OR FOIE GRAS OR ENCASED WITH SPECIALTY MEATS SUCH AS ALLIGATOR.

THE POPULARITY AND PREVALENCE OF NO APOLOGY APOLOGIES.

NO WAY COULD NARCISSUS, CURSED IN THE GREEK MYTH BY NEMESIS, FEEL SORRY ABOUT HIS LOVE OF SELF. HE WAS CURSED TO NEVER-ENDING SELF-LOVE. BUT IN AMERICA, INDULGENCE AND THERAPEUTIC, SELF-CONGRATULATORY BEHAVIOR ARE KILLING (HAVE KILLED) PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY HOST TO THE BENEFICENT PARASITE, GUILT. WHEN WILL AMERICANS’ LOVE AFFAIRS WITH THEMSELVES END?

NO WONDER

APRIL 24TH, 2007, WAS THE SINGLE BIGGEST DAY OF TAX COLLECTIONS IN U.S. HISTORY - 48.7 BILLION DOLLARS. HOW RIGHT, MEET, PROPER AND JUST IS IT THAT THE WEALTHY SHOULD FINANCE THIS COUNTRY? THAT THE WEALTHY SHOULD FINANCE DEMOCRATIC AND REPUBLIC SPENDING? THAT THE WEALTHY WHO LIFT THEIR FAIR SHARE OF THE TAX BURDEN STILL COMPLAIN THAT THE MIDDLE CLASS AND THE POOR (WHO PAY NO TAXES) ARE UNFAIRLY BURDENED DOWN BY TAXES? THAT SOME OF THE RICH WHO DO NOT FAIRLY CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR GOVERNMENT (BY TAX EVASIONS) ADVOCATE THE WEALTHY PAY MORE IN TAXES?

OBVIOUSLY, WEALTH DOES NOT EQUAL BRAINS. WEALTH DENOTES AN ACCUMULATION OF MONEY, NOT WISDOM OR COMMON SENSE. A MAXIM FROM PUBLILIUS SYRUS, 42 B.C., SAID, "GOOD HEALTH AND GOOD SENSE ARE TWO OF LIFE'S GREATEST BLESSINGS." NO WONDER AMERICA IS A LAND OF DOOM AND GLOOM. NO WONDER, BECAUSE BOTH RICH POLITICIANS AND WEALTHY CITIZENS HAVE NOT A GUESS THAT THE SECRET OF WEALTH AND HEALTH IS RATIONAL THOUGHT.

SEA OF FILTH

ANYONE CAN SEE AND SAY (LIKE PEGGY NOONAN) THAT OUR YOUTH ARE "SWIMMING IN A SEA OF FILTH," BUT ONLY A BRAVE PERSON CAN ADD THAT PARENTS ALLOW THEM TO GO INTO THE WATER. WHEN I HEARD MITT ROMNEY, A REPUBLICAN RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT IN '08, SAY THAT "HOLLYWOOD CREATES GREAT PRODUCTS," PEGGY’S SENTIMENT FLOATED BACK INTO MY MIND. NO, HOLLYWOOD DOES NOT CREATE GREAT PRODUCTS - ANYMORE. ITS CREATIONS, CHARACTERS, ACTORS AND ACTRESSES ARE AWASH IN WISHY WASHY MORALITY AND PROJECT A DOWNRIGHT LIBERTINE PROPAGANDA. ON THE OTHER HAND, WHEN HYPOCRISY RULED THE WAVES, SOCIETY AND HOLLYWOOD MAINTAINED THE VENEER OF DECENCY IN SPITE OF THE SINS AND OUTRAGEOUS BEHAVIORS OF GLAMOROUS AND POPULAR STARS. A VEIL OF CENSORSHIP AND A SENSE OF SHAME PROTECTED US. NOT TODAY. DIRTY FLOTSAM AND JETSAM SPARKLE AND SHINE AS THEY FLOAT ON THE WAVES OF THE MASS MEDIA. THIS TIDE OF NON-JUDGMENTALISM HAS BEEN RISING GRADUALLY SINCE THE 60'S. PARENTS FIRST WERE RESPONSIBLE. THEN CHILDREN FLOUNDERED, FOUNDERED AND DROWNED STRUGGLING TO STAY AFLOAT IN FILTHY WATERS.

THE LAST FILM SEEN BY MY FAMILY - CHEAP AT A LOCAL CINEMA - WAS GREMLINS. HOW WAS I TO KNOW THAT WHEN THE GREMLINS FIGURATIVELY LANDED ON CELLULOID, THEY LITERALLY LANDED IN AMERICA TO REEK HAVOC ON OUR SENSE OF RIGHT AND WRONG.

OUTDONE BY FRANCE

ROGER CLEMENS WILL BE PAID 4 MILLION A MONTH TO RETURN TO PLAY BASEBALL FOR THE YANKEES. SPIDER MAN, THE MOVIE, SENT THE ALL-TIME RECORD OF 148 MILLION DOLLARS FOR ITS U.S. DEBUT MAY 4TH, 5TH AND 6TH, 2007. A WOMAN JOURNALIST CALLS DECISION MAKING ABOUT WEARING SEXUALLY EXPLICIT APPAREL A "COMPLICATED TERRAIN." 35% OF DEMOCRATS IN THIS COUNTRY THINK OUR PRESIDENT, GEORGE W. BUSH, KNEW IN ADVANCE ABOUT THE 9/11 ATTACK ON THE TWIN TOWERS IN NEW YORK. THIS EQUATES TO APPROXIMATELY 17% OF THE POPULATION. THE NUMBER OF DEATH PENALTIES INFLICTED DIMINISHES EACH YEAR. POLITICIANS ARE INVOKING HARRY S. TRUMAN IN THEIR RHETORIC.

WHAT CAN WE MAKE OF THESE FACTS WHICH ARE THE RESULT OF INFESTING TRENDS? WOVEN TOGETHER, THE STRANDS OF HEDONISM, SELF-GRATIFICATION, ANTI-INTELLECTUALITY, WISHY-WASHY MORALITY, PARANOIA AND COWARDICE, CREATE A QUILT DEPICTING AMERICA'S DEMISE. GENUINE COURAGE OF ONE'S CONVICTIONS, AS EVIDENCED BY PAST PRESIDENT TRUMAN, IS NOT POLL-DRIVEN POSTURING. ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS. ACTIONS BESPEAK THE POPULARITY OF BASEBALL, FILMS, FASHION, BLAME, REFUSAL TO BLAME, WEAKNESS AND THE REFUSAL TO BE STRONG.

HEROISM AND COURAGE BURST FORTH ON FLIGHT 93 ON SEPT. 11, 2001 AS ITS PASSENGERS TOOK ON THE TERRORIST HIJACKERS AND WENT DOWN WITH THE PLANE. THIS TRAGEDY IN THE AIR ALSO INVOLVED TRIUMPH. BUT ON THE GROUND, AT VIRGINIA TECH, TRAGEDY WAS HOLLOW. AMERICANS HAVE BECOME HOLLOW MEN AND WOMEN. AS HARRY TRUMAN SAID, "THE BUCK STOPS HERE," AND THE TIME FOR COURAGE HAS COME.

THE ACTIONS OF FRANCE, ELECTING A CONSERVATIVE, WITH ITS 84% TURNOUT IN THE RECENT ELECTION, SPOKE LOUDER THAN WORDS. ARE WE GOING TO LET FRANCE OUTDO US?

APERCU

AMERICA PROVIDES AN APERCU INTO RICH CONTRADICTIONS. ONE SIDE TUGS TO CREATE A MEMORIAL OUT OF THE BUILDING AT VIRGINIA TECH WHERE STUDENTS WERE RECENTLY MASSACRED. THE OTHER SIDE WANTS TO RE-OPEN THE CLASSROOMS AND GET ON WITH IT. ONE TYPE OF AMERICAN SPENDS EVERY CENT AND THEN SOME, SAVING ONLY .04% OF DISPOSABLE INCOME. THE OTHER SAVES FOR A RAINY DAY AND INVESTS IN THE FUTURE, KNOWING IT IS THE RESPONSIBLE THING TO DO. ONE SIDE IS WILLING TO LOBBY FOR OR RECEIVE FREE CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATIONS. IN CONTRAST, PARENTS OR CITIZENS REALIZE THAT FREE MEANS STEALING FROM THEM, VIA TAXES, TO ASSIST STRANGERS, IN ADDITION TO THE FACT THEY PAYING FOR THEIR CHILDREN'S SHOTS THEMSELVES. ONE LOBBY WANTS TO KNOW WHEN THE GOVERNMENT WILL PAY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A PART ON SCHOOL BUSES WHICH WILL REDUCE POLLUTION. THE OTHER SIDE THINKS A BAKE SALE WILL BE ABLE TO RAISE THE $700 PER BUS NEEDED FOR THE CONVERSION.

ONE SIDE PULLS AT HEART STRINGS OF SYMPATHY, THERAPY AND POLITICAL CORRECTNESS WITHOUT REALIZING THEY MERELY PULL THE RIP CORD OUT OF COMMON SENSE. THE OTHER, SEEN AS TRUE ALIENS, IS RARE IN AMERICA. TODAY. THE OTHER SIDE APPROACHES LIFE'S VICISSITUDES WITH SUBMISSION; REASONS ITS WAY TO SELF-RELIANCE.

TET REDUX

"THE EXPEDITION TO ‘X’ WAS NOT SO MUCH A MISTAKE IN JUDGEMENT, CONSIDERING THE ENEMY THEY WENT AGAINST, AS MUCH AS A CASE OF MISMANAGEMENT ON THE PART OF THE PLANNERS, WHO DID NOT AFTERWARDS TAKE THE NECESSARY MEASURE TO SUPPORT THOSE FIRST TROOPS THEY SENT OUT. INSTEAD, THEY TURNED TO PERSONAL RIVALRIES OVER THE LEADERSHIP OF THE PEOPLE, AND CONSEQUENTLY NOT ONLY CONDUCTED THE WAR IN THE FIELD HALF-HEARTEDLY, BUT ALSO BROUGHT CIVIL DISCORD FOR THE FIRST TIME TO THE HOME FRONT... AND YET, THEY DID NOT FAIL UNTIL THEY AT LAST TURNED ON EACH OTHER AND FELL INTO PRIVATE QUARREL THAT BROUGHT THEIR RUIN."

SICILY? VIET NAM? IRAQ? TAKE YOUR PICK. THUCYDIDES, THE 5TH CENTURY B.C. GREEK HISTORIAN SAID IT FIRST AND BEST. THE STUFF OF WESTERN WARFARE - SHOCK BATTLE, DIRECT ASSAULT, OVERWHELMING FIREPOWER AND SEIZING AND HOLDING PROPERTY - ONLY LACKED THE FINAL INGREDIENT WHEN WE FOUGHT IN VIEW NAM. THE VERDICT IS STILL OUT IN IRAQ. THE AMERICAN MILITARY IS KNOWN FOR ITS COURAGE INEXTRICABLY TIED TO DISCIPLINE (AS WITH THE TORPEDO BOMBERS AT THE BATTLE OF MIDWAY OF WHICH ONLY 13 OF 87 SURVIVED). THE AMERICAN WARRIOR POSSESSES A SPIRIT OF CIVIL MILITARISM WHICH MEANS THAT A CITIZEN POSSESSED OF INDIVIDUAL FREEDOMS HE WILL ‘FIGHT LIKE HELL’ TO PRESERVE THEM. BUT THE LACK OF WILL THAT THUCYDIDES SAW IN THE PELOPONNESIAN WAR, CAUSED OUR PULLOUT IN VIEW NAM; THE VERDICT IS STILL OUT IN IRAQ.

ANCIENT WARFARE WAGED FOR BOOTY, WOMEN OR PRESTIGE HAS OUTLIVED ITS USEFULNESS IN THE WEST AND IN AMERICA, BUT NOT AROUND THE GLOBE. FOR THIS REASON ALONE, AMERICA SHOULD BE PROUD. BEFORE THUCYDIDES, PROTAGORUS OBSERVED THAT "MAN IS THE MEASURE OF ALL THINGS." THESE THINGS MAY REFLECT EVIL SUCH AS THE GENOCIDES OF THE ZULU, SHAKA, OR THE GERMAN, HITLER. THESE THINGS MAY REFLECT GOOD, SUCH AS THE GENERAL ANNIHILATION OF THE ENEMY BY THE UNITED STATES IN WORLD WAR II BUT AMERICA CANNOT TAKE PRIDE IN FORGETTING THE LESSONS OF WARS PAST, ESPECIALLY VIET NAM. THE AMERICAN MILITARY WON THE TET OFFENSIVE BUT LOST THE WAR.

WHAT DISAPPOINTS ME?

WHAT DISAPPOINTS ME?
1. WHAT DISAPPOINTS ME MOST ABOUT AMERICA? THE CULTURE HAS MOVED FEMALES FROM 'BABY' TO 'HO.' IN FACT, A FEMALE HAS VOLUNTARILY TRANSFORMED HERSELF FROM LADY TO WOMAN TO HYPHENATED MS. INNOCENT HAND-HOLDING HAS BEEN REPLACED BY ACCEPTABLE ORGAN-GRABBING.

2. I’M DISAPPOINTED THAT FOR AMERICA TO TRAVEL DOWN THE NEW ROAD IN HISTORY, SHE MUST CONTINUE DEREGULATION, REDUCE BURDENSOME COMPLIANCE COSTS, CONTAIN BASELESS LITIGATION AND OPEN GLOBAL MARKETS FOR GOODS AND SERVICES. THERE’S NOT A CHANCE OF THIS IF THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS GAIN POWER AND POLITICAL CLOUT IN WASHINGTON.

3. PROFESSORS AND LAWYERS ARE INSANE. FOR EXAMPLE, AN ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF COMMERCIAL LAW CLAIMS THAT THE PET INDUSTRY, ESPECIALLY THE PET FOOD MANUFACTURERS THAT CREATE AND PROFIT FROM PREMIUM BRANDS, "HAS FOSTERED AND PROFITED FROM THAT EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENT" (OF PET OWNERS) AND SHOULD "PAY FOR THE TEARS AND MISERY IT CAUSED. ... WHERE IS AN ACTIVIST JUDGE WHEN PET OWNERS NEED ONE?" THE LAST THING AMERICA NEEDS IS ANOTHER GREEDY ACTIVIST LAWYER OR JUDGE MAKING SURE A RICH SCAPEGOAT PAYS. FOR NEITHER DOES REALITY EXISTS WITH ITS OCCASIONAL, MESSY ACCIDENTS.

4. HOW DISAPPOINTING WHEN AN IDIOT CONSUMER ADVOCATE OR HEALTH AFFICIONADO TELLS OLD PEOPLE TO CONSUME FEWER CALORIES FOR THEIR OWN GOOD. HAS HE OR SHE NOT SEEN ONE ELDERLY PERSON, STRUGGLING WITH DIMINISHED MOBILITY, ACUTENESS OF ONE OR MORE OF THE FIVE SENSES OR BIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS? THESE SYMPTOMS COME WITH THE TERRITORY OF ADVANCED YEARS, SO THE LAST THING THE AGED NEEDS IS TO BE TOLD THAT FOOD, THE LAST HEDGE AGAINST THE UNFORESEEN, MUST BE LIMITED. OH, PLEASE.

IN "TO HOPE," THE POET JOHN KEATS CALLED DISAPPOINTMENT THE PARENT OF DESPAIR. THIS WISDOM FROM A YOUTH WHO DIED AT 26. JAMES BAILEY, WHO WAS BORN A FEW YEARS PRIOR TO KEATS' DEATH, PLACED DISAPPOINTMENT UPON THE PROPER SHOULDERS. HE PENNED, "THERE IS NO DISAPPOINTMENT WE ENDURE/ONE HALF SO GREAT AS THAT WE ARE TO OURSELVES." I AM DISAPPOINTED IN AMERICAN CULTURE, BUT I AM NOT AT THE BRINK OF DESPAIR. LET'S RE-EXAMINE OURSELVES, BEREFT OF SANITY. LET US SAVE OUR BRIGHTEST AND BEST HOPES, DECENCY, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND COMMON SENSE.

SECOND CLASS CITIZENS?

THEY NOW CAN GET LOANS, DRIVER'S LICENSES, INSURANCE, CHECKING ACCOUNTS AND CREDIT CARDS, BUT THEY ARE NOT CITIZENS. NEITHER ARE THEY GOING AWAY. YET THEY ARE OUR NEXT, BEST HOPE IF IN THE FUTURE, AMERICA MUST GO TO WAR. WHY? THE HISTORIAN VICTOR DAVIS HANSON SAID THAT "CITIZENS ARE HISTORY'S DEADLIEST KILLERS," BY WHICH HE MEANS THAT CITIZENS FIGHT LIKE HELL TO PRESERVE THEIR PERSONAL FREEDOMS. MR. HANSON OFTEN USES THE PHRASE, CIVIC MILITARISM. SO TO SOLVE THE DEBATE ABOUT MILLIONS OF ILLEGALS ALREADY IN THE UNITED STATES, WORKING, SPENDING MONEY AND SETTING UP FAMILIES - WE NEED TO NOT ONLY EXTEND CITIZENSHIP, BUT ALSO EXPECT THEM TO FULFILL THEIR OBLIGATIONS AS CITIZENS.

YOUR THOUGHTS? WHAT QUOTA DOES AMERICA SET FOR IMMIGRANTS? WOULD A FORMER GENERATION OF (ONCE ILLEGAL) CITIZENS FIGHT TO KEEP A LATTER GENERATION OF ILLEGALS OUT?

NO PRESBYTERIAN FRIENDS

THE WORDS OF A FELLOW AMERICAN, JACK LOCHRIE, FROM MICHIGAN COME TO MIND EVERY TIME I HEAR THE MISGUIDED PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MY PRESBYTERIAN FRIENDS. JACK SAID, "SO MANY SLAVISHLY SUCCUMB TO THE SIREN SONG OF THE SELF-ANOINTED DO-GOODERS." ALLITERATION ONLY ENHANCES THIS MESSAGE THAT 'EVERYONE IS A FOLLOWER IN THIS AGE OF HEDONISM, SELF-ESTEEM AND POLITICAL CORRECTNESS. MY PRESBYTERIAN FRIENDS ( FIENDS, WITH EACH TYPING SLIP OF MY KEYBOARD) PREACH THAT WE ALL HAVE WORTH. I (GOD) DON'T MAKE JUNK. THEY REMIND US. EVEN IF YOU HAVE DONE SOME "BAD THINGS," SOME "VERY BAD THINGS," YOU ARE STILL LOVED. NO HINT IS EVERY GIVEN IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT THAT ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS. GOD WILL NOT AUTOMATICALLY FORGIVE YOU FOR AN UNREMITTING AND UNREPENTANT LIFESTYLE THAT DOES NOT INVOLVE PERMANENT CHANGE. THIS IS WHERE JACK’S ALLITERATIVE WORDS, WELL PUT, PROVIDE SUMMATION.

MY PRESBYTERIAN FRIENDS SHOULD LOOK TO GILLETTE'S (THE MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR COMPANY) MISSION STATEMENT FOR GUIDANCE. ITS OBJECTIVE IS TO "BUILD TOTAL BRAND VALUE BY INNOVATING TO DELIVER CUSTOMER VALUE." GIVEN THAN WE ARE BOTH THE PRODUCT OF GOD'S CREATION AND HIS PROSPECTIVE CUSTOMER FOR HEAVEN, WE HUMANS SHOULD BE ACCUMULATING VALUABLE LIVES INVOLVING ON-GOING CHANGES THAT MAKE US INDISPENSABLE CONSUMERS OF GOD'S DIVINE MERCY, HAPPINESS AND LOVE.

MY PRESBYTERIAN FRIENDS LACK THE COURAGE TO DEMAND THIS OF EACH OF US.

FIRE OR ICE

FIRE OR ICE, WHICH IS MORE DEADLY? 8TH CENTURY MUSLIM AGGRESSION OR 21ST CENTURY DEPRAVITY? IRAN PUNISHES UNION DISSENTERS BY FILLETING THEIR TONGUES AND STONES WOMEN FOR ADULTERY. DEADLY STUFF. IN AMERICA, A MOTHERS BUYS HER DAUGHTER NAMED KAITLN STAR DOLLARS THAT CAN BE REDEEMED ON STARDOLL.COM., AN ONLINE INTERNET SITE WITH A VIRTUAL WORLD TARGETING FEMALE PRE-TEENS. KAITLIN SAYS, "YOU GET TO REALLY SHOW OFF YOUR PERSONALITY." WHAT KILLER HEDONISM.
IN CONTRAST, ADMONITIONS FROM THE KORAN SUPPRESS EGO GRATIFICATION BY DICTATING HOW BELIEVERS MUST CONFORM TO ALLAH'S RULES OF CONDUCT.

THESE TWO EXAMPLES OF SYMPTOMS OF OUR TIMES PIT LUKEWARM MORAL BEHAVIOR (AN ICY INDIFFERENCE) AGAINST FIERY DEVOTION TO RELIGIOUS BELIEF. BOTH DENY REALITY. IMPROPERLY FUNCTIONING AS A PARENT, KAITLIN'S MOTHER FAILS TO SEE THAT AT 13, HER DAUGHTER NEEDS GUIDANCE IN FORMING HER MORALITY AND PERSONALITY. IMPROPERLY FUNCTIONING AS MORAL GUIDES, MUSLIM IMAMS DENY THE USEFULNESS OF COMMON SENSE AND HUMANENESS.

FIRE OR ICE? LIKE FROST IN HIS POEM (FIRE AND ICE), THE WORLD DANGEROUSLY EQUIVOCATES.