I have heard it stated that a democracy as a permanent form of government will continue to exist up until the time the voters discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. As soon as this is discovered, the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, will be voted in almost every time. This in turn will result in the failure of that democracy, it will collapse under it's own burden due to loose fiscal policy. This is usually always followed by a dictatorship and occurs around the said democracy's 200th birthday. During those 200 years, the democracy will usually grow through various stages of developement.
1. From bondage to spiritual faith.
2. From spiritual faith to great courage.
3. From courage to liberty.
4. From liberty to abundance.
5. From abundance to complacency.
6. From complacency to apathy.
7. From apathy to dependence.
8. From dependence back into bondage.
I am feeling right now we, as a democracy, are definitely at #7 and teetering on the fence ready to fall over to # 8. The grass is greener on the other side, if we listen to Sen. Obama and the Liberal side. . We will all be taken care of by the government, as if we no longer have the sense or ability to take care of ourselves. Is that grass going to be greener, or will we find this, on the other side; brown and brittle grass with occasional patches of green grass that the Libs say must exist for all. We will have patches of green being watered by 'stand up, taxpaying citizens' so the multitudes will be able to graze at will. Afterall, the Libs have stated that if elected...those of us who have will have to give up to basically 'even the playing field'. The "fence", (I am still waiting for the border ones, but I am sure this will get built first!) will be patrolled by Liberal politicians and special interest groups.
Give a person the means and knowledge to plant their own garden and they can feed themselves. Do it for them, they will eat and you will be overworked!
There will be no going back for those of us who tire of holding the watering hose. No going back, unless we choose NOT to pick up the hose and start watering!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Be Prepared
From 58 different counties in Iowa, South Dakota and Nebraska, a group of Boy Scouts gathered in Iowa this week at The Little Sioux Scout Camp for special preparedness training. These boys are considered the 'cream of the crop'. Little did they know the training they received the day prior would so suddenly come into play as a reality.
With little to no warning, these 100 scouts and their leaders were struck by a tornado. The devastation left 38 wounded and 4 dead. Had it not been for the disaster training they were provided with the day prior, the numbers could have been higher. Ranging in ages 13-18, these scouts stepped up and took charge. There was no whining or waiting for someone else to come and take care of them. They helped each other, gave first aid and comfort.
Others could take a lesson from all of this. For instance, the Katrina 'victims'. There was plenty of warning to evacuate New Orleans. Unfortunately the government in New Orleans and LA did not take heed. It appears that without the push of the 'powers that be' to tell people to leave and leave now, they waited for someone to do it for them. Were they waiting to be led by the hand away from disaster? Were they in denial? Was it more exciting to stupidly party and wait it out? Did many just not have transportation available to go? In that case of the latter, put THAT blame of the mayor of New Orleans. If you do not believe it, just remember the many, many school busses that had been available to transport people from danger but were last seen sitting in or under water. Whatever the reason, they were warned and many chose NOT to do anything.
Now, 3 years later we still hear the whining and complaining from these people. Instead of taking the matters into their own hands they have continued to live in FEMA housing and complain about that. They continue to live off the handouts of entitlement programs, many not working or even attempting to look for work. Many squandered their Red Cross and FEMA money on new cars, big TV's, stereo systems, expensive clothes. Now, you might find me harsh with these statements, but unless you were there after Katrina and during Rita as I was..you need to shut up. Granted, not all of the refugees did this. I saw many who took their money and were able to then find their way to family in other parts of the country. Some already had found jobs and used that money to get their families out of the shelters and into their own apartment or house.
Then there are the rest,the ones who will forever live on the handouts if we continue to provide them. They need to take a lesson from these scouts and from other sections of the country where tornadoes and floods have devastated many families. These people have immediately taken action to start cleaning up the mess and planning for their future....while waiting for help.
Thank GOD for these scouts. They are our potential leaders. The whiners in this country need to sit up and take notice. Congress could take a lesson from them. Lord knows, those people could not fight their way out of a wet paper bag with instructions and help.
Our prayers go out to all of the families, to the scouts and their leaders. We pray for those who were not so fortunate to survive: Aaron Eilerts, 14..Josh Fennen, 13...Sam Thomsen, 13...Ben Petrzil, 14.
With little to no warning, these 100 scouts and their leaders were struck by a tornado. The devastation left 38 wounded and 4 dead. Had it not been for the disaster training they were provided with the day prior, the numbers could have been higher. Ranging in ages 13-18, these scouts stepped up and took charge. There was no whining or waiting for someone else to come and take care of them. They helped each other, gave first aid and comfort.
Others could take a lesson from all of this. For instance, the Katrina 'victims'. There was plenty of warning to evacuate New Orleans. Unfortunately the government in New Orleans and LA did not take heed. It appears that without the push of the 'powers that be' to tell people to leave and leave now, they waited for someone to do it for them. Were they waiting to be led by the hand away from disaster? Were they in denial? Was it more exciting to stupidly party and wait it out? Did many just not have transportation available to go? In that case of the latter, put THAT blame of the mayor of New Orleans. If you do not believe it, just remember the many, many school busses that had been available to transport people from danger but were last seen sitting in or under water. Whatever the reason, they were warned and many chose NOT to do anything.
Now, 3 years later we still hear the whining and complaining from these people. Instead of taking the matters into their own hands they have continued to live in FEMA housing and complain about that. They continue to live off the handouts of entitlement programs, many not working or even attempting to look for work. Many squandered their Red Cross and FEMA money on new cars, big TV's, stereo systems, expensive clothes. Now, you might find me harsh with these statements, but unless you were there after Katrina and during Rita as I was..you need to shut up. Granted, not all of the refugees did this. I saw many who took their money and were able to then find their way to family in other parts of the country. Some already had found jobs and used that money to get their families out of the shelters and into their own apartment or house.
Then there are the rest,the ones who will forever live on the handouts if we continue to provide them. They need to take a lesson from these scouts and from other sections of the country where tornadoes and floods have devastated many families. These people have immediately taken action to start cleaning up the mess and planning for their future....while waiting for help.
Thank GOD for these scouts. They are our potential leaders. The whiners in this country need to sit up and take notice. Congress could take a lesson from them. Lord knows, those people could not fight their way out of a wet paper bag with instructions and help.
Our prayers go out to all of the families, to the scouts and their leaders. We pray for those who were not so fortunate to survive: Aaron Eilerts, 14..Josh Fennen, 13...Sam Thomsen, 13...Ben Petrzil, 14.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Warriors
"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things; the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. A man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight; nothing he cares about more than his own personal safety; is a miserable creature who has no chance of being free, unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."
John Stuart Mill
A very dear friend of mine steered me to a site; www.warriorsthe film.com and being the sucker I am for most anything military I will now have to purchase some of these CDs to send to my adopted soldiers. Of course I will need one and the book also. If I get many more books on my shelf 'to read' I am going to turn into a library. I must feel if I do not get it as soon as I see it I will never find it again, hence the ever mounting pile.
The above stated site itself is not that large with the trailer of the CD leaving one wanting to see more. I was much inspired by listening to the soldiers speak so humbly, yet passionately, about their service.
A warrior is fearless, willing to serve their country and fellow countrymen with a dedication and passion that outshines most of us. Warriors serve their country without being called to do so. They serve out of their love for their country and are willing to do and sacrifice whatever it takes to accomplish the mission. For them, to accomplish and complete their mission is greater than their own being. Walking away from the mission, not coming to the end product is not something they find acceptable.
While many of us sit here at home, comfortable in front of our TV sets listening and consuming what the news wants us to hear, the warriors are the ones who know the sacrifice required for us to maintain our freedom as we know it. The warriors understand the USA is seen as a beacon of light by many other countries, even if many of us do not feel so. After all, we are merely sitting here watching TV, they are fighting the battle. They are on the front lines fighting or in the streets, hospitals, schools helping to teach those who have been suppressed for so long. These people have never known freedom and are now struggling to come to grips with how to handle what is now within their reach.
Warriors know it comes down to 'balls to the walls...just go'. Do the rest of us understand?
Remember our military past and present this Memorial Day. May GOD be with all of them and keep them safe.
John Stuart Mill
A very dear friend of mine steered me to a site; www.warriorsthe film.com and being the sucker I am for most anything military I will now have to purchase some of these CDs to send to my adopted soldiers. Of course I will need one and the book also. If I get many more books on my shelf 'to read' I am going to turn into a library. I must feel if I do not get it as soon as I see it I will never find it again, hence the ever mounting pile.
The above stated site itself is not that large with the trailer of the CD leaving one wanting to see more. I was much inspired by listening to the soldiers speak so humbly, yet passionately, about their service.
A warrior is fearless, willing to serve their country and fellow countrymen with a dedication and passion that outshines most of us. Warriors serve their country without being called to do so. They serve out of their love for their country and are willing to do and sacrifice whatever it takes to accomplish the mission. For them, to accomplish and complete their mission is greater than their own being. Walking away from the mission, not coming to the end product is not something they find acceptable.
While many of us sit here at home, comfortable in front of our TV sets listening and consuming what the news wants us to hear, the warriors are the ones who know the sacrifice required for us to maintain our freedom as we know it. The warriors understand the USA is seen as a beacon of light by many other countries, even if many of us do not feel so. After all, we are merely sitting here watching TV, they are fighting the battle. They are on the front lines fighting or in the streets, hospitals, schools helping to teach those who have been suppressed for so long. These people have never known freedom and are now struggling to come to grips with how to handle what is now within their reach.
Warriors know it comes down to 'balls to the walls...just go'. Do the rest of us understand?
Remember our military past and present this Memorial Day. May GOD be with all of them and keep them safe.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
'O'h...for Oil
While $4/gal sounds bad for gas, and it is there already in some parts of the country, just wait until it goes to $5, $6, $7 or more. On May 13, the Senate defeated a bill to drill ANWR. It was put through the Senate as an amendment (S. Amndt 4720) attached to another bill, S. 2284-the Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007. I can see where the two would go 'together'. When this was voted on in the Senate, all of the Democrats voted against the bill with the exception of one, Sen. Mary Landrieu , D-LA. Five Republicans voted against, also. There were others who did not vote at all. I am not sure if they just chose not to commit to either side, grow some balls here people...or if they were simply NOT at work that day. Democratic 'nays' came from my own two senators, Kohl and surprise..Feingold. That is a shock...right! Others I tend to watch...Durbin, Obama, Clinton, the Kenedy's, Kerry, Byrd, etc....all voted 'nay'. Then of course we have the conservative in liberal clothing, McCain, who was a 'not voting'. Guess he was out campaigning, and I figure if you are still employed as a senator on my dime, you better show up for work!
Since then we have had the polar bear placed on the 'Threatened Species' list. Not endangered...just threatened....evidently because of melting ice. Now, there are currently record numbers of Polar Bears out there. In the 1950-1960's the numbers ranged from 5,000-10,000. Currently they number 20,000-25,000, with 11 of the 13 bear populations stable and some increasing according to Canadian scientists. This is all comng down to the whole Global Warming alarm. Thank you, Al.
Now, I by no means have a dislike for polar bears. Aren't they cute as cubs, and won't they rip you to pieces as adults. But, if we continue to NOT be able to drill for the oil we so desperately need to keep this country running, well, sorry...when it comes down to the polar bear or the survival of this country the polar bear rates a 2ND spot on my list. This also applies to NOT drilling off our coast line because somebody with ocean front property will have their view spoiled. It appears the 'rigs' are rather far out there so these people must have unbelievable eye sight. I guess 'unbelievable' being the key work here.
We are a country that uses alot of oil. Not all of it ends up in our gas tank. There are numerous products we use on a daily basis that are derived from oil. If anyone in this country really believes the OPEC nations are going to either produce more oil or lower the costs, think again. (If you still believe that then I have some ocean front property in AZ to sell you. Well, that might come true some day when CA falls off into the ocean and after their Supreme Court ruling to allow gay marriages...may it fall off soon.) Evidently Saudi Arabia does not feel there is an increase in demand for them to produce more oil. Either that is true, or they have us right where they want us and that is by the balls...the ones our government does not appear to possess. Even with other countries exploding with the numbers of cars on their roads, China for one, it is still said the demand is not there. Oil needs to increase in supply or decrease in demand for the price to go down.
Until the government gets it's nose out of the oil business, starts to allow exploration and drilling of new sites either in ANWR or off our coasts........and the tree huggers are duct taped in a closet somewhere...we are pretty much screwed. We cannot have it both ways.
Since then we have had the polar bear placed on the 'Threatened Species' list. Not endangered...just threatened....evidently because of melting ice. Now, there are currently record numbers of Polar Bears out there. In the 1950-1960's the numbers ranged from 5,000-10,000. Currently they number 20,000-25,000, with 11 of the 13 bear populations stable and some increasing according to Canadian scientists. This is all comng down to the whole Global Warming alarm. Thank you, Al.
Now, I by no means have a dislike for polar bears. Aren't they cute as cubs, and won't they rip you to pieces as adults. But, if we continue to NOT be able to drill for the oil we so desperately need to keep this country running, well, sorry...when it comes down to the polar bear or the survival of this country the polar bear rates a 2ND spot on my list. This also applies to NOT drilling off our coast line because somebody with ocean front property will have their view spoiled. It appears the 'rigs' are rather far out there so these people must have unbelievable eye sight. I guess 'unbelievable' being the key work here.
We are a country that uses alot of oil. Not all of it ends up in our gas tank. There are numerous products we use on a daily basis that are derived from oil. If anyone in this country really believes the OPEC nations are going to either produce more oil or lower the costs, think again. (If you still believe that then I have some ocean front property in AZ to sell you. Well, that might come true some day when CA falls off into the ocean and after their Supreme Court ruling to allow gay marriages...may it fall off soon.) Evidently Saudi Arabia does not feel there is an increase in demand for them to produce more oil. Either that is true, or they have us right where they want us and that is by the balls...the ones our government does not appear to possess. Even with other countries exploding with the numbers of cars on their roads, China for one, it is still said the demand is not there. Oil needs to increase in supply or decrease in demand for the price to go down.
Until the government gets it's nose out of the oil business, starts to allow exploration and drilling of new sites either in ANWR or off our coasts........and the tree huggers are duct taped in a closet somewhere...we are pretty much screwed. We cannot have it both ways.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
For the Biker
This I received from Missy...a cyberspace friend I have met through Soldiers Angels. She lives in VA. All of the below....true.
I guess if I want to consider myself a 'biker'..then I will say I have done rides to raise money for muscular dystrophy, breast cancer, children with cancer, and many others. 'Poker runs' frequently get organized to raise money for someone who is ill, injured or who has lost a family member...spouse, child. Many times 'the hat' has been passed at our local HOG chapter meeting to help out an employee/chapter member who is ill or injured, or their surviving family members, or maybe the neighbor child of a member. Have you ever seen that group of riders..thousands... who participate in the USMC "Toys for Tots' run? The list could go on and on. So, before you turn your nose up at us, remember what you just read. Someday the hat might just be passed for you or your child.
The days of 'Hell's Angels' are pretty much gone, I think. We don't always need a reason to ride, sometimes it just makes the ride sweeter.
Connie
For the sister of a man who was killed on a bike because of someone else's carelessness, this is especially poingant. My brother was a trained French Chef. He was one of the founders of Baltimore's Ugliest Bartender Contest - which raises money for Children's Charities, he rode for various Children's Causes. He spoke three languages. He was a loving and devoted son, brother, uncle and friend. He supported the troops before it was popular to do so. He rode a Kawasaki Verago. He was killed on Sept. 2nd, 1985 in Waldorf, Md. because someone wanted to save some money and didn't properly light a tow truck. His headlight picked up the truck and he laid the bike down to avoid it, but could not clear the boom. At the traffic trial of the man involved (whom I have forgiven), a Maryland State Trooper said, in my hearing, "All this fuss for a G*d Damned Biker." I have not forgiven the Trooper yet. You may include this in your forward, if you would like. His name was Greg. I still miss him. Missy
THE BIKER
I saw you, hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line. But, you didn't see me, put an extra $10.00 in the collection outside the store as I walked in.
I saw you; pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk. But, you didn't see me, playing Santa at the local mall.
I saw you, change your mind about going into the restaurant. But, you didn't see me, attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief.
I saw you , roll up your window and shake your head when I rode by. But, you didn't see me, riding behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.
I saw you, frown at me when I smiled at your children. But, you didn't see me, when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.
I saw you, stare at my long hair. But, you didn't see me, and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love.
I saw you, roll your eyes at our leather jackets and gloves. But, you didn't see me, and my brothers donate our old ones to those that had none.
I saw you, look in fright at my tattoos. But, you didn't see me, cry as my children were born and have their name written over and in my heart.
I saw you, change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere. But, you didn't see me, going home to be with my family.
I saw you, complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be. But, you didn't see me, when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.
I saw you, yelling at your kids in the car. But, you didn't see me, pat my child's hands, knowing he was safe behind me.
I saw you, reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road. but, you didn't see me, squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.
I saw you, race down the road in the rain. But, you didn't see me, get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.
I saw you, run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time. But, you didn't see me, trying to turn right.
I saw you, cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in. But, you didn't see me, leave the road.
I saw you, waiting impatiently for my friends to pass. But, you didn't see me. I wasn't there.
I saw you, go home to your family. But, you didn't see me. Because, I died that day you cut me off.
I was just a biker. A person with friends and a family. But, you didn't see me.
EVEN IF YOU DON'T LIKE US, RESPECT OUR RIGHTS TO RIDE WHAT WE CHOOSE AND TAKE A FEW EXTRA SECONDS TO BE SURE WE'RE NOT IN 'YOUR' WAY.
LIVE TO RIDE . . . RIDE TO LIVE
Author Unknown
I guess if I want to consider myself a 'biker'..then I will say I have done rides to raise money for muscular dystrophy, breast cancer, children with cancer, and many others. 'Poker runs' frequently get organized to raise money for someone who is ill, injured or who has lost a family member...spouse, child. Many times 'the hat' has been passed at our local HOG chapter meeting to help out an employee/chapter member who is ill or injured, or their surviving family members, or maybe the neighbor child of a member. Have you ever seen that group of riders..thousands... who participate in the USMC "Toys for Tots' run? The list could go on and on. So, before you turn your nose up at us, remember what you just read. Someday the hat might just be passed for you or your child.
The days of 'Hell's Angels' are pretty much gone, I think. We don't always need a reason to ride, sometimes it just makes the ride sweeter.
Connie
For the sister of a man who was killed on a bike because of someone else's carelessness, this is especially poingant. My brother was a trained French Chef. He was one of the founders of Baltimore's Ugliest Bartender Contest - which raises money for Children's Charities, he rode for various Children's Causes. He spoke three languages. He was a loving and devoted son, brother, uncle and friend. He supported the troops before it was popular to do so. He rode a Kawasaki Verago. He was killed on Sept. 2nd, 1985 in Waldorf, Md. because someone wanted to save some money and didn't properly light a tow truck. His headlight picked up the truck and he laid the bike down to avoid it, but could not clear the boom. At the traffic trial of the man involved (whom I have forgiven), a Maryland State Trooper said, in my hearing, "All this fuss for a G*d Damned Biker." I have not forgiven the Trooper yet. You may include this in your forward, if you would like. His name was Greg. I still miss him. Missy
THE BIKER
I saw you, hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line. But, you didn't see me, put an extra $10.00 in the collection outside the store as I walked in.
I saw you; pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk. But, you didn't see me, playing Santa at the local mall.
I saw you, change your mind about going into the restaurant. But, you didn't see me, attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief.
I saw you , roll up your window and shake your head when I rode by. But, you didn't see me, riding behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.
I saw you, frown at me when I smiled at your children. But, you didn't see me, when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.
I saw you, stare at my long hair. But, you didn't see me, and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love.
I saw you, roll your eyes at our leather jackets and gloves. But, you didn't see me, and my brothers donate our old ones to those that had none.
I saw you, look in fright at my tattoos. But, you didn't see me, cry as my children were born and have their name written over and in my heart.
I saw you, change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere. But, you didn't see me, going home to be with my family.
I saw you, complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be. But, you didn't see me, when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.
I saw you, yelling at your kids in the car. But, you didn't see me, pat my child's hands, knowing he was safe behind me.
I saw you, reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road. but, you didn't see me, squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.
I saw you, race down the road in the rain. But, you didn't see me, get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.
I saw you, run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time. But, you didn't see me, trying to turn right.
I saw you, cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in. But, you didn't see me, leave the road.
I saw you, waiting impatiently for my friends to pass. But, you didn't see me. I wasn't there.
I saw you, go home to your family. But, you didn't see me. Because, I died that day you cut me off.
I was just a biker. A person with friends and a family. But, you didn't see me.
EVEN IF YOU DON'T LIKE US, RESPECT OUR RIGHTS TO RIDE WHAT WE CHOOSE AND TAKE A FEW EXTRA SECONDS TO BE SURE WE'RE NOT IN 'YOUR' WAY.
LIVE TO RIDE . . . RIDE TO LIVE
Author Unknown
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Peace Through the Heart of a Child
Have you ever heard the saying, "When GOD closes one door, he opens another."? How many of us really believe that, or do we dwell on the door which has just closed forgetting to look for the one which might have just opened? I know I have had many doors closed in my past, and many more opened. Some doors remain closed forever, some reopen later and some just never quite close completely. In thinking about closed and opened doors, can we not go back and see a path of events that have led us to where we are today?
Baking cookies this morning for my newest adopted soldier, my thoughts took the path as to how I got to baking these cookies. How far back could I go to 'doors' that led up to this? I stopped at my first marriage in 1971 and the divorce that followed in 1982. I suppose I could go further, but that was as much as my brain was going to handle without a headache. As devastated as I was over that divorce, it was a closed door that ended up opening so many more, and yes closing some. I have met many people. I have made many friends. I have given love, lost love and found new love in many different forms. Some are a memory, some I will carry forever in my heart.
Through all of these doors I came to be the 'angel' for a soldier stationed in Afghanistan. We have become great friends. I have felt his pain, despair, loneliness, and fear as he continued and then extended his tour to last several more months. His reason, completely unselfish. While in Afghanistan, he met and befriended a small child, Soman. She was ill when he met her. Being the good man he is, he would sneak her milk and juice. As he related the story to me, I took up the cause sending him boxes of food items, toys, vitamins, tylenol, etc. With the goodness of the hearts of him and the other soldiers, his wife and myself we were able to get her back into good health and back into school. The klinker came when an Afghani man decided he was not liking the 'giving' of these Americans. He wanted to 'take over' the delivery of items to her. Well, we all knew what would happen to them. To make a long story short, Soman was no longer allowed to receive anything from us. My soldier's e-mails to me were filled with anger and sadness.
We never hear about the good things that happen in Afghanistan or Iraq. The MSM is full of the latest suicide bomber, the latest uprising of terrorist movement. How often do we hear of the people who are able to travel without the protection of the military? How often do we hear of the schools that are being built or reopened...the hospitals? Do we hear of clean water supplies, markets that are reopened? NO! Should we wonder why our military personal become so frustrated?
With my soldier's redeployment a door will close (well...not completely!), but another one has opened. First, 'something' happened that will again allow Soman to receive items from my self and others. Wink...smiles! Second, a daycare center has been started in the area where the soldiers, who will remain deployed, are stationed. A daycare center? Could that mean people are working more? Could that mean things are better? The door that has opened for me, the 'needs' that are required for them....for the children.
As war continues in both countries, children are affected beyond something we as Americans will hopefully never have to experience. As these children grow up they will see what is around them much as our own children see, in say, our inner cities. The environment can have an astounding affect on a child. Will they see nothing but war, violence, that America and the rest of the world must be destroyed as everything else is evil? Is it possible one child can be turned around to see there IS another world out there that does not condem their lives to that of despair? Can they have their eyes opened to a life that is worth more than a suicide bomber? As we look to our children for our future, should we not look to these children as the future of their countries and if we are to sacrifice for their future also, should we not at least do our utmost to show them there is 'better' for them than what they already have?
My new 'door' is to help the current group of 'Wolf Pack' with needs for that daycare center, be it toys, blankets, pillows, diapers, clothing...whatever it takes. Maybe by touching the heart of a child, just maybe it will be Soman, or other children, who will be the catalyst for peace in the future. Maybe by showing them there is good that happens even in the midst of evil, they will band together in the future...to be the 'future.
Maybe there can be peace, through the heart of a child.
Baking cookies this morning for my newest adopted soldier, my thoughts took the path as to how I got to baking these cookies. How far back could I go to 'doors' that led up to this? I stopped at my first marriage in 1971 and the divorce that followed in 1982. I suppose I could go further, but that was as much as my brain was going to handle without a headache. As devastated as I was over that divorce, it was a closed door that ended up opening so many more, and yes closing some. I have met many people. I have made many friends. I have given love, lost love and found new love in many different forms. Some are a memory, some I will carry forever in my heart.
Through all of these doors I came to be the 'angel' for a soldier stationed in Afghanistan. We have become great friends. I have felt his pain, despair, loneliness, and fear as he continued and then extended his tour to last several more months. His reason, completely unselfish. While in Afghanistan, he met and befriended a small child, Soman. She was ill when he met her. Being the good man he is, he would sneak her milk and juice. As he related the story to me, I took up the cause sending him boxes of food items, toys, vitamins, tylenol, etc. With the goodness of the hearts of him and the other soldiers, his wife and myself we were able to get her back into good health and back into school. The klinker came when an Afghani man decided he was not liking the 'giving' of these Americans. He wanted to 'take over' the delivery of items to her. Well, we all knew what would happen to them. To make a long story short, Soman was no longer allowed to receive anything from us. My soldier's e-mails to me were filled with anger and sadness.
We never hear about the good things that happen in Afghanistan or Iraq. The MSM is full of the latest suicide bomber, the latest uprising of terrorist movement. How often do we hear of the people who are able to travel without the protection of the military? How often do we hear of the schools that are being built or reopened...the hospitals? Do we hear of clean water supplies, markets that are reopened? NO! Should we wonder why our military personal become so frustrated?
With my soldier's redeployment a door will close (well...not completely!), but another one has opened. First, 'something' happened that will again allow Soman to receive items from my self and others. Wink...smiles! Second, a daycare center has been started in the area where the soldiers, who will remain deployed, are stationed. A daycare center? Could that mean people are working more? Could that mean things are better? The door that has opened for me, the 'needs' that are required for them....for the children.
As war continues in both countries, children are affected beyond something we as Americans will hopefully never have to experience. As these children grow up they will see what is around them much as our own children see, in say, our inner cities. The environment can have an astounding affect on a child. Will they see nothing but war, violence, that America and the rest of the world must be destroyed as everything else is evil? Is it possible one child can be turned around to see there IS another world out there that does not condem their lives to that of despair? Can they have their eyes opened to a life that is worth more than a suicide bomber? As we look to our children for our future, should we not look to these children as the future of their countries and if we are to sacrifice for their future also, should we not at least do our utmost to show them there is 'better' for them than what they already have?
My new 'door' is to help the current group of 'Wolf Pack' with needs for that daycare center, be it toys, blankets, pillows, diapers, clothing...whatever it takes. Maybe by touching the heart of a child, just maybe it will be Soman, or other children, who will be the catalyst for peace in the future. Maybe by showing them there is good that happens even in the midst of evil, they will band together in the future...to be the 'future.
Maybe there can be peace, through the heart of a child.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Desperate Housewives or The Stepford Wives?
How far will one go to obtain the look of eternal youth? How soon will it be before we have a country, or world, of women...and some men...who look like a version of Joan Rivers?
For as long as I can remember it seems we have been on the search for the elusive 'fountain of youth'. Aging is what many consider a curse, something not to be experienced. We must stop it at all costs!
While I turned 56 this week, I do not consider myself 'old'. I have gone through the stepping stone birthdays of 30, 40 and 50 with barely the flutter of an eyelash. I have always said, "You are as old as you feel, or as young as you feel." Some days I feel older, or younger, than others. My 30th birthday was no big deal. I was too busy raising kids. My 40th, well I was 'roasted' at work and had a great time. I laughed until my sides hurt. I wish I still had that video, but I think one of my kids recorded over it. Hmm?
I planned my own 50th birthday party, partly to be 'safe' and partly so I would be sure it would not be missed! While many do not want to make it known they have turned 50, I was having a great time. I bought the t-shirt, It Took Me 50 Years To Look This Good!, and wore it proudly. We had music, food, drinks, cake and some pretty 'bad' pictures from days gone by. But hey, if you can't laugh at yourself, who can? I was 'roasted' again, with many stories, some I had forgotten. It was great to have family and friends remember those things. While some of my adventures in my past might not have been so great at the time, I just shrug my shoulders now and laugh. I am long past the threat of 'getting grounded' stage, and I turned out 'ok' afterall.
As I look in the mirror now, I see some signs of aging; laugh lines, worry lines, crows feet, etc. I figure each and every one of them has a story. The laugh lines and smile crinkles around my eyes tell me I have had some happy times in my past. Raising kids, being concerned about family and friends have caused the creases that my kids say actually come from 'the look'. 'The look' got results in the past, and still does today!
Hollywood has told us we need to look young to be successful, to be noticed. While many stars and starlets have had more plastic inserted, botox injected, skin nipped and tucked, fat suctioned, how often do we hear of them being happy? It seems their larger breasts, smaller noses, tighter skin, plumper lips or more pronounced cheekbones, wider eyes, smaller thighs and hips, tucked ears, hair plugs, lighter or darker skin has produced nothing in the way of happiness or contentment with themselves as a person. They still drink too much, take too many drugs to wake them up, put them to sleep, give them energy, relax them or make them happy.
As I see it, most of this is geared towards women. We have allowed ourselves to be belittled about our looks, told how we should look to be happy or successful. It appears our capability at a job is not what matters, but our appearance does. Because of this, many women spend money and time on the constant search for youth, for perfection, for approval, for happiness. We enhance our breasts so men will notice us, but if asked could they tell us the color of our eyes? I actually had one ex-husband tell me he would 'take me back' if I had my breasts enlarged. I figured if that was the criteria he was looking for, and besides I was the one who needed to do the 'taking back', not him...this was not an option!
An individual needs to be just that, individual. No amount of plastic is going to make you happier inside or a better person. While it might boost your ego for a while, how soon before something else is not 'just right' and needs to be fixed? How soon will it be when everything has been 'fixed' but the same issues inside are still there haunting you? No matter what you look like, you are still 30, 40, 50 or 60. You can be yourself or you can be 'desperate' and controlled by what/who others dictate.
In 4 years I will be 60. I think I'll have a party. I hope I still have the capability to work. I hope I can still get my wrinkled and crinkled self on my Harley and go for a ride, or tear around in my Jeep. I want to still be the coolest grand ma. I will still wear jeans and a t-shirt. I wonder if I can find one that says...It Took Me 60 Years To Look This Good! Most of all I hope I am happy and that I can have that birthday because the alternative...well...it is just not acceptable yet!
http://www.msnbc.com/id/23359042/
For as long as I can remember it seems we have been on the search for the elusive 'fountain of youth'. Aging is what many consider a curse, something not to be experienced. We must stop it at all costs!
While I turned 56 this week, I do not consider myself 'old'. I have gone through the stepping stone birthdays of 30, 40 and 50 with barely the flutter of an eyelash. I have always said, "You are as old as you feel, or as young as you feel." Some days I feel older, or younger, than others. My 30th birthday was no big deal. I was too busy raising kids. My 40th, well I was 'roasted' at work and had a great time. I laughed until my sides hurt. I wish I still had that video, but I think one of my kids recorded over it. Hmm?
I planned my own 50th birthday party, partly to be 'safe' and partly so I would be sure it would not be missed! While many do not want to make it known they have turned 50, I was having a great time. I bought the t-shirt, It Took Me 50 Years To Look This Good!, and wore it proudly. We had music, food, drinks, cake and some pretty 'bad' pictures from days gone by. But hey, if you can't laugh at yourself, who can? I was 'roasted' again, with many stories, some I had forgotten. It was great to have family and friends remember those things. While some of my adventures in my past might not have been so great at the time, I just shrug my shoulders now and laugh. I am long past the threat of 'getting grounded' stage, and I turned out 'ok' afterall.
As I look in the mirror now, I see some signs of aging; laugh lines, worry lines, crows feet, etc. I figure each and every one of them has a story. The laugh lines and smile crinkles around my eyes tell me I have had some happy times in my past. Raising kids, being concerned about family and friends have caused the creases that my kids say actually come from 'the look'. 'The look' got results in the past, and still does today!
Hollywood has told us we need to look young to be successful, to be noticed. While many stars and starlets have had more plastic inserted, botox injected, skin nipped and tucked, fat suctioned, how often do we hear of them being happy? It seems their larger breasts, smaller noses, tighter skin, plumper lips or more pronounced cheekbones, wider eyes, smaller thighs and hips, tucked ears, hair plugs, lighter or darker skin has produced nothing in the way of happiness or contentment with themselves as a person. They still drink too much, take too many drugs to wake them up, put them to sleep, give them energy, relax them or make them happy.
As I see it, most of this is geared towards women. We have allowed ourselves to be belittled about our looks, told how we should look to be happy or successful. It appears our capability at a job is not what matters, but our appearance does. Because of this, many women spend money and time on the constant search for youth, for perfection, for approval, for happiness. We enhance our breasts so men will notice us, but if asked could they tell us the color of our eyes? I actually had one ex-husband tell me he would 'take me back' if I had my breasts enlarged. I figured if that was the criteria he was looking for, and besides I was the one who needed to do the 'taking back', not him...this was not an option!
An individual needs to be just that, individual. No amount of plastic is going to make you happier inside or a better person. While it might boost your ego for a while, how soon before something else is not 'just right' and needs to be fixed? How soon will it be when everything has been 'fixed' but the same issues inside are still there haunting you? No matter what you look like, you are still 30, 40, 50 or 60. You can be yourself or you can be 'desperate' and controlled by what/who others dictate.
In 4 years I will be 60. I think I'll have a party. I hope I still have the capability to work. I hope I can still get my wrinkled and crinkled self on my Harley and go for a ride, or tear around in my Jeep. I want to still be the coolest grand ma. I will still wear jeans and a t-shirt. I wonder if I can find one that says...It Took Me 60 Years To Look This Good! Most of all I hope I am happy and that I can have that birthday because the alternative...well...it is just not acceptable yet!
http://www.msnbc.com/id/23359042/
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