Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Cap & Trade, Government Controlled Health Care, Corruption, and Stupidity...

It's All Too Much!

With Cap and Trade barreling down the tracks to crush us with a tax hike the likes of which we can only imagine, government-controlled health care casting a shadow on our future, and the peccadillos of our elected officials making front page news, our congress has the gall to observe a moment of silence for a dead pop star. I love the comment from one of Glenn Beck's readers:
I really don’t see a problem with the House having a moment of silence for a person that represents many of the same moral ideals as they do. To honor one of your own is only fitting.

Now that says it all!

Meantime in Detroit, things are going from bad to worse. Home to John Conyers and his wife Monica, it appears that MI Senator Debbie Stabenow is also going to get her buttskie dragged into the ongoing corruption. I've been watching lil' Debbie for quite some time, and not just because her hair is really, really ugly. NB That was not an attack on Debbie's person but only a reflection on her ugly hair style. Sort of like the really, really ugly clothes that Michelle Obama wears.

Blogprof is doing a great job of keeping the players straight for us and we thank him. Who needs soap operas on TV when we have Michigan?

Check out what government regulations are doing to the health care industry now and try and imagine more of the same. Does something need to be done with rising health care costs? You bet! But the people of this country are not going to like giving up anything they deem to be "free". What none of them understand is that getting rationed or sub-standard treatment for free is not a great bargain.

What the Average Person Knows

I'm leaving the grocery store the other evening and bump into a friend. I ask him how he's doing and he tells me he's having to work twice as hard for the same amount of money.

So I say to him, "you think it's bad now wait until Cap and Trade or government-controlled single payer health care gets passed."

And he says, (are you ready?) "what's Cap and Trade? I'm so busy working I don't have time to keep up with these things."

Folks, that says it all. We are so busy preaching to the choir that we, just like our elected officials, have lost touch with the average American. I gave him the short form of what's going on and told his computer savvy 14 year old stepson to hop online and email our senator. All he needed to say was NO on cap and trade and NO on government health care.

As I was driving home, it occurred to me this is being repeated in parking lots all over the country. These are well meaning people who work hard, but are utterly disconnected from the real-time shenanigans of our elected officials. I also realized that if this guy was going to try and get up to speed on current events, his first stop would be the corrupted MSM that would feed him lies.

The Plan

After being seriously depressed for the rest of the evening, my plan started to hatch. We have tea parties that are public and advertised, but there again, we are preaching to the choir. Mr. or Mrs. Average American is probably not even sure of what we're protesting.

It behooves us to reach the unaware citizen and somehow get them to understand what is really going on. Today, I will be printing up link sheets to give to people I run into at the grocery store. On it, I will have links to myself, Hot Air, Gateway Pundit, Memeorandum, The Blog Prof ('cause he's cute), RightKlik, American Thinker, and Left Coast Rebel (he's cute, too!) If you're not listed above, it's not because you are not doing a good job. It's only because these folks have the links that will lead to you, or to any other pertinent information they may need.

Listed will be our representatives and senators with their phone numbers (here and in Washington), plus mailing and email addresses. I will list the local radio stations with their call letters that carry Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck, and include the times of their broadcasts. That will cover the folks who aren't computer literate.

Most importantly, I will tell them that as citizens of a free country, they need to be informed, and that they have a right and a duty to protect and defend the constitution.
A suggestion for anyone reading this is that you do the same thing. I also suggest that you either link to this plan or reprint it on your blog. I don't even care if you give me credit. This isn't about my hit counter. It's about doing the right thing.

Sometimes we get so caught up in our blogging, checking our site meters, and thinking we are making a difference, in reality we are the equivalent of that famous tree falling in the forest with no one to hear.


Meantime, I have 3 acres of gardens waiting for my attention.

I will be back later as I have received awards, meme's, and other fun stuff to deal with.

So Lola, Mighty Mom, Joe of St. Therese, Subvet, and all the people I hold dear - I will return after some back-breaking work to properly acknowledge all of you.

God bless you all and God bless America!

Thursday, June 25, 2009




RIP


Farrah
"Maybe you're better off not having the surgery, but taking the painkiller." Obama, June 25, 2009

Ouch!

Let's sum up what those of us silly enough to waste our time watching the Obama infomercial really heard:


  1. Cost: We're going to take money from one area and move it to another. So how is that going to pay for the estimated 1.6 trillion dollars needed?
  2. Well, we're going to "tax rich people" which is anyone making over 25o K. hmmmm
  3. Oh yes, we're not ruling out taxing health care benefits.
  4. "If you like your doctor, we don't want you to have to change. Little different wording and not encouraging at all. Obama will "allow" you to keep your doctor. Ya think?
  5. We're in a crisis and if we don't act now Humpty Dumpty will fall off the wall, Rahm Emmanuel will become a Catholic, and Obama will get rid of his TelePrompTer. I doubt it!
  6. Speaking of TelePrompTer - did you notice how creepy his eyes looked as he scanned far right and far left to read his scripted statements?
Notably absent was the you will be mandated to have insurance or face tax penalties or other fines. Oh really?

I think we all need to keep in mind that federal employees, which includes members of congress, senators, and, oh gee whiz, the president, are exempt from this whole crappola plan. Now ask yourselves why!

Meantime, while we're distracted by this health care "veggie-matic" infomercial, Cap and Trade (Tax) is in the headlights and coming up for vote tomorrow.

The Wall Street Journal addresses this bill and warns what will happen to the budget of an average American household.

More:


WSJ Opinion: Government Health Plans Always Ration Care
Michelle Malkin: Who's Funding the Obamacare Campaign?
Gateway Pundit: Dems Cap & Trade Bill Biggest Tax in US History

Jammie Wearing Fool has a nice summation of Cap and Trade, "Largest Tax Increase in World History", what it's going to cost you, and how it's going to change your life. This bill is being pushed by likes of Al Gore, who stands to make millions, and is based on junk science!

Email your representatives and senators and tell them NO! NO on Cap and Trade, NO on Card Check, NO on hijacking our health care, and No on more "stimulus" money for anyone and for any reason.

You might add that any bill that they ram through should also include anybody working for the government to be subjected to the same health care plan as the "little people."

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

We're All Polluters Now

"At a time of great fiscal challenges, this legislation is paid for by the polluters who currently emit the dangerous carbon emissions that contaminate the water we drink and pollute the air we breathe." Obama at press conference 6/23/2009

I'd like to call this the most absurd thing heard coming from the POTUS, but with a new absurdity spouted everyday, ranking them in order of worst to best is almost impossible.

John at Power Line also thinks this statement to be absurd and anyone who thinks it through would come to the same conclusion. But, thinking things through is not a hallmark of the liberal leaning mind. My husband always says, "A liberal is someone who hasn't thought it through."

Proverbs 18:2 - A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing personal opinion.

All Barack Channel will be airing its healthcare infomercial this evening. I will watch (sort of like looking at a car wreck - you don't really want to, but feel compelled), but the Tums and Calms Forte will be handy.

Verum Serum has a good preview of what to expect.


Left Coast Rebel - 9 Simple Truths - The House of Cards Crumbles
Acts of Apostasy - Irony of Ironies
Abbey Roads - Mario's big mouth
Creative Minority Report - Taxing Life to Fund Death
Jennifer's Morning Buzz - We the Sheeples
The Other McCain - Another Shoe Leather Day
The Anchoress - 10 Questions WH Press Corps left unasked

A note to my non-Catholic readers...

My Catholic faith is who I am. Often I have links to other Catholic bloggers and many holy Catholic priests. I hope all Christians will take advantage of some of these homilies and posts when time permits. Even though I am Catholic, I take advantage of any writings that speak the truth, which often includes those of other faiths.

We are facing a time of unprecedented prejudice and abuse directed toward Christians. It is time for us all to "cover each other's backs."

The Blog Prof talks about this in his post, " Even during tough times in Michigan, Christianity is still a good target of ridicule."


Father Ho's Saintly Quote of the Day

The perfect champion is he who establishes complete control over his mind by overcoming temptations and the inclination of his nature to sin.---VEN. JOHN TAULER.

I've been listening as part of my prayer routine to Father Ho's sermons. They are excellent!

And I never miss anything Father Speekman posts at Homilies and Reflections from Australia

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Tea Party Protest Crushed by Obama Supporter?

RightKlik is following the money and connecting the dots....

Obama thinks Iran is having a healthy debate. Let's ask Neda how that's working for her.


Just this morning in his press conference, President Obama referred to the upcoming energy legislation that the "polluters" will pay for. NO THEY WON'T. This is "cap and trade" and you will pay for it when your energy bills escalate to all time highs.

Email received:

I suggest you copy this and snail mail it to your representative, senator, and each person on the Senate Finance committee. Those stamps will be a lot cheaper than what Washington is doing to us.

Email received:

The Senate Finance committee is in charge of the "comprehensive health care reform" program. Senator Kennedy, ill with a brain tumor is Chairman (he has been in the senate for FORTY FIVE years). Christopher Dodd, whose moral compass was lost sometime in the 1970's is Chairing the Committee while Kennedy is dying. Please write or call these people and tell them to STOP, think and listen. Thanks.

Dear Sirs:

During the Administration of Lyndon Baines Johnson, the United States government created the Great Society, a “progressive” socialist set of programs that wrecked the black middle class and brought us to the brink of financial disaster. What in God’s name do you all think you are doing? What program has the federal government ever funded and engineered that is a rousing success? The attempt to try another Kennedy-esque great social engineering is useless and will help to destroy our economy and culture.

You actually do have a choice, and you all could make the right one, and that is to QUIT spending our money, QUIT acting like we the people do not exist, QUIT with overbearing federal government programming. Please stop, think, listen and start to dismantle, not enhance losing social programs.

I doubt that one of you are listening, but I feel better this morning having sent this email. I am now going to email 50 people I know, who will email fifty people they know (you get my drift), and oppose each one of you with money and time in the next election if you continue down this path.

Thank you.

Obama to have news conference today:

Why am I not surprised! After John McCain's speech (which the people who rely on msm know nothing about), Obama will do his obligatory "Iran so sad" speech. Watch for him to sneak in all sorts of scary stuff about your lousy health care and how he is going to save you from "health care hell."

Oh yes, are the Iranian diplomats still spending the 4th of July at the White House??


ObamaCare: Kiss Your Access Goodbye

Obamacare meets the reality of nationalized health care: Rationing and long lines

Healthcare Reform: A Looming Policy Disaster


In case you missed it:



Monday, June 22, 2009


A Bishop Tells Off a Politician....


About time!

NY Bishop Tells Politician: Same-Sex "Marriage" Stance is "Non-negotiable" for Practicing Catholic...

Long Island's Bishop William Murphy has come out swinging at Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi, after the New York politician publicly stated he was a "practicing Catholic" who now supports same-sex marriage," a position that Murphy said is incompatible with being Catholic.

And now my favorite line in the article and one I've used often myself when teaching religious education. "I teach what the Catholic Church teaches. I'll let you know when it's my "opinion" and not Church teaching."

"In saying this, I am not singling out Mr. Suozzi. I am speaking to all Catholics in our diocese and beyond, reminding them that what we bishops teach is not "another opinion" among many that Catholics may choose or not choose." read the rest
At Adrienne dePitera:

Drapes for non-sewers



Celebrity Blogger Perez Hilton Punched


This disgusting little worm of a creature of "Carrie Prejean is a dumb bitch" fame, found out what happens when you insult the wrong person.

Some things are just pure karma, doncha know?

Like Your Doctor?

Too bad, because you won't be keeping him under Obama's plan


On Wednesday ABC will participate in the one of the biggest scams perpetrated on the American people. Broadcasting from the White House, and without any dissenting opinions, Obama will drag out his well-worn phrases designed to scare the public into his health care Utopia.

No doubt Tiny Tim's crutches will be hanging next to the fireplace and we will hear from the people who have suffered greatly under this mean old system we have now.

How many times in the past few weeks have you heard these phrases?

  1. When it comes to the cost of our health care, then, the status quo is unsustainable. So reform is not a luxury; it is a necessity
  2. 46 million Americans are without health insurance
  3. If we don't do something (anything) right now, it will never get done
  4. It is a CRISIS
  5. If you like your doctor, you will be able to keep your doctor. Period.
  6. If you like your health care plan, you will be able to keep your health care plan. Period.
  7. Make no mistake: the cost of our health care is a threat to our economy
  8. Our costly health care system is unsustainable
  9. To say it as plainly as I can, health care reform is the single most important thing we can do for America’s long-term fiscal health
Wes Vernon explores some of these lies.

..."Single payer" sounds so nice and warm and fuzzy, doesn't it? How about "single-regulator?", "single dictator?", "single judge" as to whose life is worth saving?, or "single decider" — not as to whether health care will be rationed, but how to apply it without arousing the anger of the great unwashed until it's a done deal?" the whole article is well worth a read

Listen to how many of these things will be said on Wednesday when the state-run media presents Obama's prescription for health care. I also recommend you don't bend over.

Is Obama a Sociopath?

It is time to realize you are not dealing with a "normal" person. Keep in mind when you sit around the dining room table trying to figure out what drives Obama, he is not like you and me.

This man is a narcissist of the highest order, and will do anything to get his way. He will demonize and crush his opponents, and that includes any of the tax weary public who dares to disagree with any of his rhetoric.

From Dr. Sanity:

Far too often, narcissistically flawed individuals are hopelessly attracted by the grandiose opportunities of the political arena (as well as the Hollywood arena) like moths to a flame. Their sense of self is starkly invested in the desire for power over others (always, of course, "for their own good") , constant admiration and adulation and grandiose ambitions. This makes them remarkably adept at the politics of personal destruction--particularly when you are a devoted fan of the teachings of a radical organizer whose philosophy demanded that you: “Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it.” read the rest at Dr. Sanity

I will go one step further than calling him a narcissist by adding on sociopath. Want to know if you're dealing with a sociopath? Ask yourself these questions:
  1. Do you often feel used by the person?
  2. Have you often felt that he (or she) doesn't care about you?
  3. Does he lie and deceive you?
  4. Does he tend to make contradictory statements?
  5. Does he tend to take from you and not give back much?
  6. Does he often appeal to pity?
  7. Does he seem to try to make you feel sorry for him?
  8. Does he try to make you feel guilty?
  9. Do you sometimes feel he is taking advantage of your good nature?
  10. Does he seem easily bored and need constant stimulation?
  11. Does he use a lot of flattery? Does he interact with you in a way that makes you feel flattered even if he says nothing overtly complimentary?
  12. Does he make you feel worried? Does he do it obviously or more cleverly and sneakily?
  13. Does he give you the impression you owe him?
  14. Does he chronically fail to take responsibility for harming others? Does he blame everyone and everything but himself?
Some key traits of a sociopath:
Glib and superficial
Egocentric and grandiose
Lack of remorse or guilt
Lack of empathy
Deceitful and manipulative
Shallow emotions

I'd say the above represents our current president pretty dang well....

And now, in no particular order:

Moonbattery: Iran Erupts, Obama Feeds His Dog Ice Cream
The BlogProf: The ACORN Tree of Corruption
World Net Daily: How's that hope, change workin' out?
Blowing San #1: Dem. Senator gives a history lesson
Left Coast Rebel: Ron Paul: Current Conditions or a Bad Dream?
The Other McCain: Liberals try to spin the market
Creative Minority Report: It's the Democracy Stupid!

How Gem of the Ocean celebrated Earth Day:

"I celebrated Earth Day by renting a humvee and driving all over town, left the lights on, and told people they shouldn't be out shopping, but home, making more babies!"

From St. Monica's Kneeler:

"It's funny how you get to a point where you are all "fat and happy" with yourself, your spiritual life, and God is there where you want Him. It's also funny how God doesn't let you stay in this stage with your usual comfort food, essentially boxing Him in, but prompts you to move along." read the rest

Need a laugh?
FTC To Go After Bloggers That Make False Claims


Painting: Doctor Cat by Carol Wilson

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Breakfast is Served

First strawberries from the garden. Not at all like those huge tasteless things from the grocery store! Yum! Click on the picture below for a really, really fun close-up of the strawberry. The camera sees more than we can...



Happy Father's Day


Today is a day to celebrate fathers who have actually taken their role seriously. While a mother is the heart of a home, it is the fathers who provide the backbone.

God bless you all...


Saturday, June 20, 2009

What Musical Instrument Does Smitty Play???

Well, I'm afraid we had to go to the pull someone out of a hat method. There were 29 entries and not one person guessed correctly.

Here's the line-up of guesses....

3 trumpets
4 drums
2 flutes
1 banjo-mandolin (Miss Jean - most folks have never heard of such an instrument - good for you)
3 guitars
1 oboe
2 French horn
1 xylophone
1 accordion (I let that stand even though an accordion is not a musical instrument - only kidding accordion players!!!)
1 violin
1 upright bass
3 piano
2 tubas
2 trombone
2 harmonica

So - what does Smitty play???

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*




Bagpipes!


and

the

person

who's

name

was

pulled

out

of

a

hat?
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

MightyMom

No

kidding!!

I

think

she

paid

off

my

husband!! heh

Pray for the freedom fighters of Iran. They are being gunned down in the street. Disgraceful...


Senate Backs Apology for Slavery


Iran is having a melt down, Obama is in the process of high-jacking our health care while at the same time trying to make 14 million illegal aliens legal so they can be added to his "health plan that will save America Crisis Plan", and these loons in Washington have time for this nonsense?

The resolution specifies that it cannot be used in reparations cases but, mark my words, that idea is not a dead issue.

Obama suggests reparations to blacks, Native Americans
Says 'the most important thing to do
is not just offer words, but offer deeds'


Well, guess what I want?....

I want an apology because my Italian grandparents were shuffled through Ellis Island, had their name changed without their consent, and their children were not afforded the luxury of a bi-lingual teacher, nor were they pushed to head of the line when applying for college. No one gave them food stamps, welfare, or free medical care. And Grampa never received preferential treatment at the bank when he applied for a business loan or a home mortgage. He had to qualify - what a concept!

I also want recognition from the government that all Italians have been represented as Mafia thugs (not that there is anything wrong with being a Mafia member - it's the thug part I object to), so they can pass a bill making all movie makers, book authors, and assorted Irish, pay into a reparation fund, payable to ME, 'cause there's no telling how far I could have gone in life if I wasn't constantly battling that thug image.

And while we're at it, how about a personal apology for all the times while growing up I heard, "she looks like she just got off the boat." I was 14 years old before I even knew what the heck that meant!
ABC Promises 'Tough Questions' for Obama in 'Television Event'

Brent Baker brings to our attention the first ad he has seen touting ABC's prime time special where “President Obama answers all of your tough questions about your health care.” I doubt it!

Script of the narration:

What's more important than having good health care (we have plenty of good health care) when you need it? Nothing. That's why Wednesday at 10 on ABC Charlie Gibson and Diane Sawyer take you inside his house: The White House, for a television event as President Obama answers all of your tough questions about your health care.

Hey ABC - it's not his house, it our house!

From the Combox:

Right on! His house, acquired through questionable means, is in Chicago. The White House may be his home for the time being, but even if he plans on being "President-for-Life", the White House will always be our house, not his. There's a distinction between "home" and "house", with the former being a statement about where one lives, and the latter implying ownership. To the Diane Sawyers of the world, language is everything. Get it right!

One Bead Short of a Rosary
The Lies Keep Coming

Obama promises over and over again that we will be "able to keep our present health insurance" if we like it. No we won't.

First, if your employer provides your insurance, he will more than likely shuffle you off to a public plan to save money. Another reason why employers should not be providing health insurance.

And second, if great numbers of people abandon their private insurance for public, which they will, private insurance will have no choice but to raise their rates, forcing you on to the public plan.

Ask yourself this: Why are members of congress and federal employee's exempt from this bill?

The Wall Street Journal takes a look at this nonsensical phrase that we keep hearing over and over.

David Gratzer, a physician and senior fellow a the Manhattan Institute, explains why so-called public plan will not foster competition, another phrase you hear from Obama, and eventually force everyone on to a sub-par public plan

More:

ObamaCare is a Trojan Horse for Socialized Medicine
Why Medicare-style insurance will kill our health care system


Obama Plays "God" with Crisis "Creation"

Public Option To Cut Health Costs? Medicare's Record Says Dream On

Friday, June 19, 2009

To be released June 23
Pre-Order at Amazon


Catastrophe
by Dick Morris and Eileen Mcgann

In Catastrophe, Morris and McGann take a hard look at America in free fall-and at how Obama is transforming a vulnerable America into a socialist state. They tell the truth about Obama and his radical policies:
  1. He will destroy our health care system so that no one gets adequate care.
  2. He designed his bank rescue plan to pave the way for nationalization of the banks and socialization of the economy.
  3. He firmly believes in government control of our major industries-he's already commandeered the banks and the automobile industry.


Last day to enter contest
Winner announced tomorrow

Don't forget to enter the contest to win either 5 luscious double fans of the daylily Gentle Shepherd (US readers only due to shipping restrictions for live plants), or the ebook "31 Days to a Better Blog by Darren Rouse. Just guess what musical instrument Smitty of The Other McCain plays.

If no one guesses correctly, I will put all the names in a basket and have the hubby draw one.
at Adrienne dePitera

  • Happy Weekend
  • 5 Ways to Live Like a Rich Person this Weekend
  • Daylily Ed Brown

The Other McCain: IG Investigation: 'Dominoes Fall'

The Other McCain: IG Investigation: 'Dominoes Fall'

Robert Stacy McCain has posted an exhaustive look at the firing of IG Gerald Walpin. Well worth a read. This is the most corrupt and dangerous administration ever. Clinton and his cigar pale in comparison. It actually makes me a bit nostalgic for the "good old days" - at least Clinton was amusing to a certain degree...

It looks like I'm going to have a very small window of opportunity to get the grass mowed before rain moves in again. That's what happens when you fertilize, doncha know!

See you in a bit!
The Fight For Our Way of Life: Socialized Medicine vs. A Voice from Our Past

This video is well worth 7 minutes of your time...

Thanks PJTV!
Shocker: New Obama appointee has a tax problem

I didn't realize people still mailed their returns in...

Jammie Wearing Fool

Obama Appoints Another Tax Cheat

...and no fines or penalties? When did that ever happen to the "little people"
Your future with government controlled health care...

We must not stop fighting...

Do not be fooled by a little cut here or a bit of chip off a corner of any government run health care plan. Anything and in any amount that passes, will grow to the point of strangulation within 10 years of less.

This is their plan. Cut it back from 1.5 trillion to 1 trillion or even 650 billion. Makes no difference folks. This is all about controlling you. Call your senator and congressman. Speak up now!


AP Senate Dems pare back health bill

Despite the cost-cutting, the proposal backed by Sen. Max Baucus, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, requires most individuals to purchase coverage and forbids insurance companies from denying it on the basis of pre-existing medical conditions.

The brief outline did not specify how the government's costs would be covered, although Baucus and many Republicans favor a tax on certain employer-provided health benefits. The Montana Democrat has said he intends to hold the cost of the legislation to about $1 trillion, well below the $1.6 trillion estimate the Congressional Budget Office made of an earlier set of options. more

Wow! 1 trillion sounds sooooo much better than 1.6 trillion. I can rest easy now.



'Shock the Monkey' Healthcare

By Andrew Thomas

Unfortunately for all Americans, government-run healthcare has more ominous components. First, it will be impossible to extricate ourselves from it once it is implemented. It will become like the alien in Spider-Man 3, weaving itself into our being, our culture, and our collective psyche. Any attempt from a conservative politician to undo or even modify it will be met by liberal accusations of trying to "deny healthcare to _____". Fill in the blank with "the poor", "minorities", "immigrants", or "all Americans", depending on the target constituency. This has been a very effective liberal fear tactic as used to preserve the imploding Social Security system from those evil Republicans who want to take it away from the elderly.

This foreshadows the truly horrific final destination of government-run healthcare. With prohibitive costs (over $1 Trillion in new taxes to start the program) on top of an already self-destructing economy sagging under the weight of $12 trillion in debt, the result is impossible to ignore. There will be rationing, just like in Jimmy Carter's gas station lines. Talk about "malaise", you ain't seen nothing yet. read the rest


Government guidelines may harm health care
Sidney Marchasin

Federal bureaucrats are about to formulate health care guidelines with considerable razzmatazz, and the shining dream subscribed to by many medical economists - and accepted by some politicians - is that complex medical problems can be solved by blue-ribbon panels. read more

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Please send prayers to Patrick O'Hannigan of The Paragraph Farmer and his wife. They were in a serious auto accident and Jane is still unconscious.

Latest from Patrick:

UPDATE: June 17, 8:25 PM: Nursing staff took Jane off the ventilator. She's still unconscious, but now she's back to breathing on her own, without the help of a machine! Thank you for those prayers! Keep 'em coming!

Contact Olive Garden and tell them you approve of their canceling ads on the David Letterman show.
Beautiful gift from a beautiful lady....

I received a beautiful surprise in the mail all the way from Great Britain. Deb Scalise, known to her friends as Ukok, sent me these gorgeous handmade cards. Not only does this lovely lady give away blog banners, scrapbook paper, e-cards, and letter paper, but she has a wonderful section on her blog called Simple Living, with a myriad of wonderful inspiration and advice.

I love what she says on her notepaper and party invite section - "All my party invitations, notepaper and thank you notes are for non profit, non commercial use only. Freely I give, and so should you"


Whenever I question the time I spend blogging and suffer that horrible feeling of "am I only speaking to myself?", I remind myself that without blogging I would not have met so many wonderful people like Deb.

Cross posted at Adrienne de Pitera
Senators hit at core of Obama financial reforms

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Senior U.S. lawmakers launched an assault on Thursday on the centerpiece of the Obama administration's financial reform plan -- giving the Federal Reserve new powers to police broad risks in the economy.

Obama is proposing I'm tired of hearing "Obama wants, Obama decided, Obama demands, Obama urges, and the funniest of all, Obama promises. What about what the people want? , the most far-reaching changes in U.S. financial regulation since the 1930s, mirroring a similar effort already under way in the European Union.

Tax cheat Geithner urged Congress to act fast on regulatory reform in response to the crisis, another crisis??

Good for them...

Olive Garden pulls Letterman ads at Politico.com
The Hair Cut

One Monday, a florist went to a barber for a haircut.
After the cut he asked about his bill and the barber replied,
'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The florist was pleased and left the shop..

When the barber went to open his shop the next morning there was a 'thank you' card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.

Later on Tuesday, a cop came in for a haircut, and when he tried to pay his bill, the barber again replied, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The cop was happy and left the shop. The next morning when the barber went to open up there was a 'thank you' card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.

Later on Wednesday, a college professor came in for a haircut, and when he tried to pay his bill, the barber again replied, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The professor was very happy and left the shop.
The next morning there was a 'thank you' card and a several different books, such as 'How To Improve Your Business' and 'Becoming More Successful.'

Then on Thursday, a Congressman came in for a haircut, and when he went to pay the bill the barber again replied, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The Congressman was very happy and left the shop.
The next morning when the barber went to open up, there were a dozen Congressmen lined up waiting for a free haircut.

And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between the citizens of our country and the members of our Congress.

H/T to my friend Ken who emailed me this...
Is America Waking Up?


Obama Poll Sees Doubt on Budget and Health Care

A substantial majority of Americans say President Obama has not developed a strategy to deal with the budget deficit, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll, which also found that support for his plans to overhaul health care, rescue the auto industry and close the prison at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, falls well below his job approval ratings. read the rest

The GOP Can Stop ObamaCare
The public is in no mood for drastic changes in current coverage.


Americans will listen more closely to Republicans if they make empirical and specific arguments against Mr. Obama's attempted government takeover of the nation's health system. But they must also offer proposals that families, small-businesspeople and health-care providers will applaud.

Fortunately, Sens. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma and Richard Burr of North Carolina, and Reps. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin and Devin Nunes of California have devised a plan that will likely appeal to anyone interested in making health insurance more affordable and portable. read more

Harsanyi On Health Care: What's The Rush?

In his latest column, David Harsanyi voices several legitimate concerns over Obama's envisioned health care reform.

News on Michigan from the BlogProf:

Michigan Retains Unemployment Title In The U.S. - Now At 14.1%!!!

14.1%!!!! And rising! How much further can it go? And it's going to get worse before it gets better.

Robert Stacy McCain explains Caveat Emptor for those that don't know the true meaning. Growing up I was taught this lesson well, and have paid plenty of "stupid tax" as it's called by Dave Ramsey.


RightKlik has a great summation in his post The Iranian People And Obama’s Ruthless Pragmatism

When you believe in nothing, you will fall for anything. Dare I say this is the reason people of faith have no faith in Obama?

America's Fatal Attraction

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

When did it become acceptable to be so crude?

by adriennerightnow at RightNow

This has been on my mind ever since the brouhaha over David Letterman’s crude joke about Sarah Palin’s daughter. It was just 50 years ago that you couldn’t show pregnant women on TV, Lucy and Dezi had to sleep in twin beds, and June Cleaver wore pearls while cooking dinner.

Nice women didn’t go into bars without a male escort, and showing too much cleavage was a no-no. Now we live in a society where crude, and what my Mom would call vulgar behavior, is not only common but considered the norm. read the rest at RightNow


Don't forget to enter the contest to win either 5 luscious double fans of the daylily Gentle Shepherd (US readers only due to shipping restrictions for live plants), or the ebook "31 Days to a Better Blog by Darren Rouse. Just guess what musical instrument Smitty of The Other McCain plays.


Tuesday, June 16, 2009

The Time for Action is Now...

The time for us to sit back and allow the elites in Washington and our state capitols to destroy our freedoms and our country are over.

My grandparents came to this country from Italy. They were proud to become Americans and raised 7 children who were proud to be Americans. My grandfather worked hard all his life to raise his family, buy a home, and educate his children. He never accepted a handout or expected extra help because he was an immigrant.

With virtually no education he started and ran his own business. Three of his sons became career army officers, and the others started successful businesses. Not a one received a handout.

If my grandfather were alive today he would be horrified and saddened by what is going on.

If you didn't listen to Glenn Beck today you missed his reading of a letter from a listener in Arizona. It is an open letter addressed to our nation's leadership. I have reprinted it in full for you to read and ponder.


I'm a home grown American citizen, 53, registered Democrat all my life. Before the last presidential election I registered as a Republican because I no longer felt the Democratic Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. Now I no longer feel the Republican Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. The fact is I no longer feel any political party or representative in Washington represents my views or works to pursue the issues important to me. There must be someone. Please tell me who you are. Please stand up and tell me that you are there and that you're willing to fight for our Constitution as it was written. Please stand up now. You might ask yourself what my views and issues are that I would horribly feel so disenfranchised by both major political parties. What kind of nut job am I? Will you please tell me?

Well, these are briefly my views and issues for which I seek representation:

One, illegal immigration. I want you to stop coddling illegal immigrants and secure our borders. Close the underground tunnels. Stop the violence and the trafficking in drugs and people. No amnesty, not again. Been there, done that, no resolution. P.S., I'm not a racist. This isn't to be confused with legal immigration.

Two, the TARP bill, I want it repealed and I want no further funding supplied to it. We told you no, but you did it anyway. I want the remaining unfunded 95% repealed. Freeze, repeal.

Three: Czars, I want the circumvention of our checks and balances stopped immediately. Fire the czars. No more czars. Government officials answer to the process, not to the president. Stop trampling on our Constitution and honor it.

Four, cap and trade. The debate on global warming is not over. There is more to say.

Five, universal healthcare. I will not be rushed into another expensive decision. Don't you dare try to pass this in the middle of the night and then go on break. Slow down!

Six, growing government control. I want states rights and sovereignty fully restored. I want less government in my life, not more. Shrink it down. Mind your own business. You have enough to take care of with your real obligations. Why don't you start there.

Seven, ACORN. I do not want ACORN and its affiliates in charge of our 2010 census. I want them investigated. I also do not want mandatory escrow fees contributed to them every time on every real estate deal that closes. Stop the funding to ACORN and its affiliates pending impartial audits and investigations. I do not trust them with taking the census over with our taxpayer money. I don't trust them with our taxpayer money. Face up to the allegations against them and get it resolved before taxpayers get any more involved with them. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, hello. Stop protecting your political buddies. You work for us, the people. Investigate.

Eight, redistribution of wealth. No, no, no. I work for my money. It is mine. I have always worked for people with more money than I have because they gave me jobs. That is the only redistribution of wealth that I will support. I never got a job from a poor person. Why do you want me to hate my employers? Why ‑‑ what do you have against shareholders making a profit?

Nine, charitable contributions. Although I never got a job from a poor person, I have helped many in need. Charity belongs in our local communities, where we know our needs best and can use our local talent and our local resources. Butt out, please. We want to do it ourselves.

Ten, corporate bailouts. Knock it off. Sink or swim like the rest of us. If there are hard times ahead, we'll be better off just getting into it and letting the strong survive. Quick and painful. Have you ever ripped off a Band‑Aid? We will pull together. Great things happen in America under great hardship. Give us the chance to innovate. We cannot disappoint you more than you have disappointed us.

Eleven, transparency and accountability. How about it? No, really, how about it? Let's have it. Let's say we give the buzzwords a rest and have some straight honest talk. Please try ‑‑ please stop manipulating and trying to appease me with clever wording. I am not the idiot you obviously take me for. Stop sneaking around and meeting in back rooms making deals with your friends. It will only be a prelude to your criminal investigation. Stop hiding things from me.

Twelve, unprecedented quick spending. Stop it now.

Take a breath. Listen to the people. Let's just slow down and get some input from some non-politicians on the subject. Stop making everything an emergency. Stop speed reading our bills into law. I am not an activist. I am not a community organizer. Nor am I a terrorist, a militant or a violent person. I am a parent and a grandparent. I work. I'm busy. I'm busy. I am busy, and I am tired. I thought we elected competent people to take care of the business of government so that we could work, raise our families, pay our bills, have a little recreation, complain about taxes, endure our hardships, pursue our personal goals, cut our lawn, wash our cars on the weekends and be responsible contributing members of society and teach our children to be the same all while living in the home of the free and land of the brave.

I entrusted you with upholding the Constitution. I believed in the checks and balances to keep from getting far off course. What happened? You are very far off course. Do you really think I find humor in the hiring of a speed reader to unintelligently ramble all through a bill that you signed into law without knowing what it contained? I do not. It is a mockery of the responsibility I have entrusted to you. It is a slap in the face. I am not laughing at your arrogance. Why is it that I feel as if you would not trust me to make a single decision about my own life and how I would live it but you should expect that I should trust you with the debt that you have laid on all of us and our children. We did not want the TARP bill. We said no. We would repeal it if we could. I am sure that we still cannot. There is such urgency and recklessness in all of the recent spending.

From my perspective, it seems that all of you have gone insane. I also know that I am far from alone in these feelings. Do you honestly feel that your current pursuits have merit to patriotic Americans? We want it to stop. We want to put the brakes on everything that is being rushed by us and forced upon us. We want our voice back. You have forced us to put our lives on hold to straighten out the mess that you are making. We will have to give up our vacations, our time spent with our children, any relaxation time we may have had and money we cannot afford to spend on you to bring our concerns to Washington. Our president often knows all the right buzzword is unsustainable. Well, no kidding. How many tens of thousands of dollars did the focus group cost to come up with that word? We don't want your overpriced words. Stop treating us like we're morons.

We want all of you to stop focusing on your reelection and do the job we want done, not the job you want done or the job your party wants done. You work for us and at this rate I guarantee you not for long because we are coming. We will be heard and we will be represented. You think we're so busy with our lives that we will never come for you? We are the formerly silent majority, all of us who quietly work , pay taxes, obey the law, vote, save money, keep our noses to the grindstone and we are now looking up at you. You have awakened us, the patriotic spirit so strong and so powerful that it had been sleeping too long. You have pushed us too far. Our numbers are great. They may surprise you. For every one of us who will be there, there will be hundreds more that could not come. Unlike you, we have their trust. We will represent them honestly, rest assured. They will be at the polls on voting day to usher you out of office. We have cancelled vacations. We will use our last few dollars saved. We will find the representation among us and a grassroots campaign will flourish. We didn't ask for this fight. But the gloves are coming off. We do not come in violence, but we are angry. You will represent us or you will be replaced with someone who will. There are candidates among us when he will rise like a Phoenix from the ashes that you have made of our constitution.

Democrat, Republican, independent, libertarian. Understand this. We don't care. Political parties are meaningless to us. Patriotic Americans are willing to do right by us and our Constitution and that is all that matters to us now. We are going to fire all of you who abuse power and seek more. It is not your power. It is ours and we want it back. We entrusted you with it and you abused it. You are dishonorable. You are dishonest. As Americans we are ashamed of you. You have brought shame to us. If you are not representing the wants and needs of your constituency loudly and consistently, in spite of the objections of your party, you will be fired. Did you hear?

We no longer care about your political parties. You need to be loyal to us, not to them. Because we will get you fired and they will not save you. If you do or can represent me, my issues, my views, please stand up. Make your identity known. You need to make some noise about it. Speak up. I need to know who you are. If you do not speak up, you will be herded out with the rest of the sheep and we will replace the whole damn congress if need be one by one. We are coming. Are we coming for you? Who do you represent? What do you represent? Listen. Because we are coming. We the people are coming.