I woke up around 5 a.m. this morning and the weather was as predicted. Heavy rain and wind. As I watched the news they announced a tornado warning for the area. Those came and went. Nothing was ever spotted, but radar indicated possibilities. Of course between segments, they played the normal tornado tips. I could not help but laugh to myself.
Growing up in Missouri, tornadoes were part of life. You could count on maybe one or two somewhere near you every spring. We only had one actually go over our house. It took out a back window but the neighbors dog house was demolished. Later that day I drove around to look at the damage. The most impressive being that of a 2x4 piece of lumber drove into a brick wall. That's an image you never forget. There was the one year the roofs of a very exclusive subdivision were severely damaged, but we never really had "the big one".
So it is kind of odd here in Florida. They issue a tornado warning and I don't hear any sirens. The all telling sound that every person in the Midwest recognizes. That is the cue to head to the shelter or at least a central room. But instead in Florida I hear a little thunder rumble and the whistle of the train in the distance.
The one thing that remains the same, weather coverage is always excellent. The weatherman has been on my screen for the last 20 minutes. I am starting to feel like I am back home. Wonder how the beaches will look in the morning?
Last night President Obama spoke to the nation. He announced 30,000 more soldiers will be sent to Afghanistan. His word was actually troops. I think the word soldiers actually personalizes the war. Daddy or Mommy is a soldier, they are not a troop. But that is an entire different blog post.
And at least one person in Afghanistan confirms what I believe. This quote is all revealing and places focus on the big picture:
"Even if they bring the whole of America, they won't be able to stabilise Afghanistan," said the young construction worker out on a Kabul street corner on Wednesday morning. "Only Afghans understand our traditions, geography and way of life."
A young construction worker who may have more logic than our current administration. How long has there been conflict in Afghanistan? When will America realize they can not solve all the problems of the world? For too long we have played that role and in many instances we have failed.
Terrorism continues to be a threat to this country on our own soil. There are several plots we have heard about and probably several more we will not. The common argument is fight them over they so you won't have to here. But the fact is we are fighting them in both places. I feel more focus should be placed on securing our borders and knowing who is in the country. National defense should be a priority over any attempted stabilization of a foreign country.
So why are we sending more troops for a war that can not be won? How many of our brave men and women will have their blood shed for a country that does not believe in the American way? A country that would rather continue to kill their own citizens than aspire to peace. Until this administration can answer those questions our foreign policy will continue to fail.
It was a busy news week. We had Tiger woods meeting a tree, White House party crashers, and the story I wrote about this morning with Mike Huckabee and his involvement with Maurice Clemmons. You will note that is the only story of the three I blogged about.
I primarily blog about politics. I have followed Mike Huckabee since the 2008 campaign, even went to a book signing. So that was a main influence in deciding which story to opine about. But what I find fascinating is how the mainstream media reports different stories.
Finally tonight, Tiger Woods is towards the end of the newscast. He will be ticketed for careless driving and that's the end of that story. But the media wants to dig further and try to make a story more than it is. But really whatever else happened is the Wood's family business. Their life is not for the benefit of the media. They are owed a certain level of privacy. Whatever Tiger wants to reveal about the details is his choice. I was very amused by the nightly reports of Tiger not speaking to FHP. The simple fact is he didn't have to speak to them. It was yet another non story.
Then we have the socialite party crashers who either did or didn't crash a White House state dinner. They were on NBC this morning claiming they were invited. They claimed they had invitations and emails to prove it. There is more to that story. I kind of wonder why they couldn't reveal it all this morning. I guess by keeping it for another day they can have even more publicity. I believe that is called being infamous. They really haven't done anything noteworthy. But of course there will be Senate hearings. Really? Does our Senate not have anything better to do? How about letting Treasury do an internal investigation? But let us not forget this is the same Senate that thought they need to investigate steroid usage in baseball.
And finally, to what I believe is the only newsworthy story. Mike Huckabee commuted the sentence of police killer Maurice Clemmons. Maurice Clemmons was shot and killed by an officer this morning. The media is running with this story and placing main fault on Huckabee. But what I am not hearing is how Clemmons was released from Pierce County jail just 6 days before the murders. It is easier for the media to leave out that detail. Smearing a former governor and presidential candidate boosts the ratings. By focusing on Huckabee they can further criticize a conservative who was soft on criminals. Any other day the media would be faulting conservatives for being heartless. Maurice Clemmons is proof that some criminals are not fixable. The chain of events that led to the loss of four men and women sworn to protect life could not have been predicted. But the media chooses how to portray the story. They choose the slant to take. And we as viewers make the choice on which news source we rely on.
As the date changes to December 1st, I can not help but reflect on the past year. This is the time of year for soul searching and reviewing the events of the year. This of course is my second year in Panama City. Yesterday was also the end of my second hurricane season here. Not much excitement this year, just some heavy rain and wind. I think my pictures and video opportunities were much better last year. I didn't have the change to have my legs sandblasted like I did during Gustav. I was however smart this year and knew when to stay out of the water. That is something you learn by experience, very quickly. No matter how fun my 42 inch body board would be, you have to respect the water.
I changed jobs for the better. You ever have one of those jobs where it just seems like where you are supposed to be? My only wish is that would have happened when I first moved here. But I am glad to have employment and see myself at the same hotel in 20 years. I made some new friends. I began volunteering with Big Brothers. That was the most positive change in my life. It is amazing the difference a little time helping a child can make.
Of course we are just now 24 (or 25) days from Christmas. The holiday of the year. I stopped shopping for the holiday four years ago. The wife and I have a holiday tradition of exchanging ornaments. I send a few gift cards out. Together we mail a few dozen greeting cards. Last year's card was Santa sitting on the beach looking at a snow globe. I am sure some of our friends up north did not appreciate that. They get a little irritated when I mention our temps are 30 degrees warmer. I am sure my Facebook message regarding how the air conditioner creates a neat effect on the Christmas tree garland falls into that same category.
My first year here, I actually missed the snow. It did not seem like Christmas without it. You become accustom to holidays being a certain way. There was only four years in my youth when we lived in Florida that the beach was part of December. I don't think I will miss it this year. Sunshine and palm trees swaying are just fine for me. And who knows, maybe I will catch a few festive waves.
Enjoy the time leading up to the holiday. Remember the true meaning of the season. Don't get stressed out and keep the big picture in mind. You only have the chance once a year.
The tragic story of four police officers murdered in Washington also has a political slant. Governor Mike Huckabee pardoned the suspect Maurice Clemmons in 2000. Huck PAC released a statement on Sunday. In this statement they note the fact that Clemmons was free on the street is " the result of a series of failures in the criminal justice system in both Arkansas and Washington State".
What most media sources are not reporting is Pierce County , Washington released Clemmons a mere six days before the murders.
Clemmons had been in jail in Pierce County for the past several months on a pending charge of second-degree rape of a child. He was released from custody just six days ago, even though was staring at seven additional felony charges in Washington state.
That little fact is conveniently left out as even writers such as Michelle Malkin take this as an opportunity to scrutinize Governor Huckabee. Take a look at her webpage, when did Michelle become Nancy Grace? . I of course am biased towards Governor Huckabee. But it seems Malkin does political reporting better than crime reporting. Her webpage looks like the cover of a tabloid today.
So what does this mean to Huckabee in 2012? I think it depends on how the media handles this. We all remember Dukakis and the Wilie Horton scandal. I think Dukakis' lack of qualification was more of what cost him the office though. Simple logic will say that if Huckabee had not pardoned a criminal with a 2015 release date, the offenses that put him in jail in Washington would not occur. That same logic says that Pierce County also failed when they released him. EIGHT FELONY charges including rape of a child and this monster is released onto the street. The criminal justice system failed. But where are we placing blame? That answer is just as different as the two states are. Ultimate responsibility goes to Arkansas, but not sole responsibility.
The final blame goes to the judge that put him on the street six days before the tragic loss of 4 members of law enforcement. Their family will never be the same. Four officers, the oldest being 42. Their life ended too soon. My prayers are with their family in this time. As for Clemmons his judgment will be from God, but unless the court fails again, the meeting will be soon.
It seems that Senator Lugar (R-IN) has a good idea today. He is finally a voice of reason on Capitol Hill.
“The war is terribly important,” Lugar said. “Jobs and our economy are terribly important. So this may be an audacious suggestion, but I would suggest we put aside the health care debate until next year, the same way we put cap and trade and climate change, and talk now about the essentials: the war and money.”
I have commented before that this administration is like a child with several puzzles. The only problem is they are starting new puzzles before they complete the first.
So exactly where is all the money coming from? How far into debt will this country go?
This national debt clock is the most detailed I have seen. I think it should be posted on every television station every night. How many Americans actually know about our debt in this much detail? Most only know we are over 12 trillion in debt. But did you know that is around 85 percent of the GDP? Take a look at some of the other numbers. I was completely surprised by many of these myself.
We can not bailout corporations, fix the economy, save the planet from global warming, fight a war on two fronts and reform health care at the same time. At some point someone has to say stop. I commend Senator Lugar for doing just that. I hope more of our elected officials will do the same.
Meanwhile, President Obama, for the sake of this nation, complete ONE puzzle at a time.
On Wednesday as normal I read my paper online. I like to comment on the articles that interest me. One of those was of course about the Tea Parties. This letter to the editor had a basic premise that local Republicans need to have more events to create awareness about their candidates. They also suggested we do not need moderates running such as they had in NY 23.
I of course mentioned that I am a registered Independent. That seemed to open the floodgates to the party faithful. The Bay County Republican Roundtable president even commented on this letter. She used a partial quote from Samuel Adams. She only used the last few lines, this was the complete quote:
Contemplate the mangled bodies of your countrymen, and then say "what should be the reward of such sacrifices?" Bid us and our posterity bow the knee, supplicate the friendship and plough, and sow, and reap, to glut the avarice of the men who have let loose on us the dogs of war to riot in our blood and hunt us from the face of the earth? If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animated contest of freedom — go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen!
source By excluding the first part of the quote, the context is easily missed. This of course was a call by Adams for further involvement in the Revolutionary War. My comment to that is we are not at that point. I was then reminded by other people that I can not vote in the primaries as an Independent. I was well aware of that. Then I was told I could not complain about anything because I am not involved in the political process. Sorry, folks, nothing stops me from complaining. I think it is one of those rights our forefathers held self evident. People will complain regardless. So the conversation went back and forth. Our Bay County Republican leaders commented, and at some point I felt like my arm was being twisted. I stated I would not change my registration solely to vote in a primary. I was chided for not being involved, simply sitting on the porch. But my conviction is still firm. I will not register to a party that I do not support. But I think if this is the recruitment tactic being used, there are problems for 2010.
The Republican party has lost its way. Reagan would not call them his own if he were alive today. McCain was one of the most liberal candidates ever to run under the red flag. They talk about whether there is room for moderates under the tent. I say there is not. If the Republican party wants to return to greatness it must find its true conservatism that is was founded on. The voters in November should be voting for a candidate because they espouse their value, not just because they are not a Democrat. Especially in 2012, there needs to be a candidate that proudly claims the Republican party. A candidate who knows that less government is better. A candidate who has instilled the moral values and common sense this party was known for a mere 20 years ago. Until that point I will watch from the sideline. But I know when it is election day, my vote will count equally just as will everyone's. I will vote for the candidate that shares the same views as mine on the major issues. I will not vote for a party.
On this Thanksgiving Day we gather with family and friends. In the tradition of the pilgrims we give thanks. What we give thanks for is as diverse as the people are. What is important today is that you know what you are thankful for. And just as my last post was about charity year round, keep in your heart those things you speak today.
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Pray for the other ones At Christmas time it's hard, but when you're having fun There's a world outside your window And it's a world of dread and fear Where the only water flowing is the bitter sting of tears And the Christmas bells that ring there Are the clanging chimes of doom Well tonight thank God it's them instead of you source
Yes, it is a Christmas song. No, I have not completely lost it. When I was thinking about what to write today, those lyrics just kept going through my mind. I woke up this morning, early as usual. Drove to the gas station and bought a newspaper. On page 1B is what they call the "Squall Line". The editor picks these from the online forum. Yesterday the theme was of course I am thankful for... Most people participated in this.
Of course there were a few that didn't participate in it. They continued their normal daily political debate. Which of course is usually like one of those paddles with the rubber ball tied to it. You can hit that silly thing all day, but at the end you have changed nothing. So I of course had to wonder why someone wouldn't stop and give thanks.
The last line of the lyrics are the one that kept standing out in my mind. The writer is of course U2 legend Bono. This was the theme song for "Band Aid" which raised money in 1984 for the famine in Ethiopia. Bono was of course criticized by some for that line. "Thank God it's them instead of you". I can see the controversy in the line, but he made his point well.
So today when you gather with friends and family, in a way we are thankful for what is not. Be thankful you do not live on the street. Be thankful you are not unemployed. Be thankful you are not starving today. Be thankful you are not alone. But as the song says, remember those who are less fortunate in your prayers. Give thanks every day for all you have.
Walking down the street with her parents. The girl turned to dad and said. "Look dad, the homeless are out this season again." While this rhetorical exchange only happened in my mind, it could occur every day in any city in this country. Yes, it is the holiday season.
There was a Salivation Army bell ringer at Hobby Lobby yesterday. I had several ones from my weekend tips and I just pulled out a handful. I didn't even count, I knew it was money I could do without. And I inserted the bills in the can as the bell kept ringing. My few dollars are just a small part. My apartment complex also did a food drive for the Catholic Charities. The management delivered paper bags to each resident. We went shopping to fill it and then returned it to the office. I hear of people volunteering to serve dinner for the homeless, delivering Thanksgiving meals and I know it is the holiday season. My two charities are Big Brothers and Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranches. I donate my time weekly to the first, and my money to the latter.
But what about the rest of the year? The hungry and homeless of course do not just exist in November and December. There are in need 365 days a year. There are great organizations that help those in need. If you do not have the money to donate, consider donating your time. This holiday season remember that need has no calendar, hungry has no season, charity is a virtue to practice year round.
Here are just a few great organizations that can use your assistance:
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Acts 20:35
It is being reported now that the Senate Democrats are likely to have enough votes for cloture. This vote is expected at 8 pm and will allow debate on HR 3962 after the Thanksgiving break. I really am starting to wonder about these Saturday votes. I know if there is something you want to keep quiet you have a press conference on Friday afternoon. People are trying to get their work done, ready to enjoy the weekend and really don't pay attention to the news. So I guess on Saturday they are hoping enough people are watching college football not to notice either. But the good thing is, unlike the House, this vote is just to allow debate on the bill to begin, and knowing our Senate that could last a while. I still doubt this is passed by January if at all. So I scanned down the table of contents and just picked a few sections from this 2,074 page bill.
Subtitle F, Section 265 is "Limitations on Abortion Funding"
In General- No funds authorized or appropriated by this Act (or an amendment made by this Act) may be used to pay for any abortion or to cover any part of the costs of any health plan that includes coverage of abortion, except in the case where a woman suffers from a physical disorder, physical injury, or physical illness that would, as certified by a physician, place the woman in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself, or unless the pregnancy is the result of an act of rape or incest.
This was a major contention of the conservatives. I agree with this provision in that abortion is a moral choice an should not be paid by taxpayer money.
Section 104 is "Sunshine on price gouging by health insurance issuers" It states:
IN GENERAL- The Secretary of Health and Human Services, in conjunction with States, shall establish a process for the annual review, beginning with 2010 and subject to subsection (c)(3)(A), of increases in premiums for health insurance coverage.
Which I think is a good thing. We saw this in previous industries where regulation was needed. I truly believe in the free market. But if a particular industry is financially detrimental to the public, then the government needs to step in. Had insurance companies been morally responsible to begin with, perhaps none of this legislation would have been needed.
Section 716 is "Elimination of lifetime aggregate limits":
In General- A group health plan and a health insurance issuer providing health insurance coverage in connection with a group health plan, may not impose an aggregate dollar lifetime limit with respect to benefits payable under the plan or coverage.
This is another section I agree with. So many times you hear of a case where hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent on medical care. At some point the insurance company will stop coverage because you have reached your limit. What is a person to do at that point? The illness does not stop just because the money runs out.
Section 241 is " Health choices administration; health choices commissioner"
IN GENERAL- The Administration shall be headed by a Health Choices Commissioner (in this division referred to as the `Commissioner') who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
Yes, this creates more bureaucracy. But you will note, unlike many of the czars, the Senate does have "consent" in this appointment.
Section 2714 is "Ensuring value and lower premiums", this part I really like. It is the refund clause.
In General- Each health insurance issuer that offers health insurance coverage in the small or large group market shall provide that for any plan year in which the coverage has a medical loss ratio below a level specified by the Secretary (but not less than 85 percent), the issuer shall provide in a manner specified by the Secretary for rebates to enrollees of the amount by which the issuer's medical loss ratio is less than the level so specified.
I recently read a comment that health insurance should be a non-profit enterprise. I know we have many hospitals that are non-profit and their sprawling campus shows the advantage of reinvesting. This section is a good provision since if more premiums are paid than claims filed, the insured will be refunded that money.
So in general, there are some good parts to this bill. But, it comes back to do we want government that involved in our personal medical care? Some see the health care legislation as a government takeover. Where does regulating an industry to protect citizens end and government control begin? We know that the health insurance industry needs much improvement. We hear of people declaring bankruptcy simply because of medical bills. We know of people dying every year because they did not have access to preventive care. But is this the final solution?
There is less than a year to 2010 elections. What happens now will greatly effect then. The Democrats are rushing to have this passed before seats change as they likely will. I know something needs to change, but I am not sure this is the right direction. I hope the debate is extensive and if this bill is not deemed worthy it will fail.
Watching the news this morning and I caught this story. It seems the Klan will be protesting at the Mississippi vs LSU game on Saturday. At issue is the banning of the song "From Dixie with Love". The university didn't really have a problem with the song, but the chanting of "The South shall rise again" at the end of the song. So the Klan sees this as a violation of their first amendment right.
The first amendment is a interesting concept. Simply stated it guarantees your freedom of speech. The timeless analogy of course is you do not have the right to yell "fire" in a crowded theater. Protected speech does not include that which endangers safety. I was actually surprised that the Klan was alive and well in Mississippi. I knew the some citizens of the state had not made the progress the rest of the country has made in racial harmony. The hate portrayed in movies such as "Mississippi Burning" still expresses some of their views.
But is this protected speech? Do you have the right to speak even if it offends others? What I think it comes down to is in the American spirit, the majority decides. I doubt Ole Miss wants to be known for students chanting "The South shall rise again". They definitely don't want to be known for men hiding behind robes protesting outside their stadium. So the university took steps to maintain their image. But, what does the constitution guarantee? In my view, their rights end where the rights of others begin. Their organization spews racial hate. Their very ideology does not belong on a college campus. A stadium is a place for football, not hate.
President Obama did an interview with Major Garrett on Wednesday night. This was his first interview with Fox News since July. I was under the impression from Glenn Beck that President Obama had not gone on Fox News since January, and this is incorrect. This of course comes just a few days before Anita Dunn is scheduled to resign. I do have to wonder what Ms. Dunn thought of the interview. Was it just entertainment to her?
I think it was a great interview. It even started with the exchange of holiday wishes. But alas, Huffington reports:
The interview comes after a verbal battle between the White House and FOX News, in which the White House called the network a "wing of the Republican Party." The war of words was not brought up in the interview, which remained civil throughout.
I really would have liked to see that come up in the discussion. But really that is not a priority for the president. It shouldn't be a priority. The priority is the issues that affect this country and it's future. Those issues are far more important than an staffer condemning one particular news network. I am glad President Obama did this interview and I hope to see him and his administration on the network more in the future.
It seems the hot topic currently is what President Obama bowing to foreign leaders means. Personally I think it means he is following protocol and showing respect. But as is typical, some are focused on the wrong issue. The most important issue right now is of course KSM and 4 other terrorists coming to New York City to stand trial. Eric Holder made a statement yesterday to defend this decision:
"We know that we can prosecute terrorists in our federal courts safely and securely because we have been doing it for years," he said. "And at the end of the day, it was clear to me that the venue in which we are most likely to obtain justice for the American people is in federal court."
source I disagree with that analysis. The Geneva Convention defines an prisoner of war. In my opinion they fall under Article 4 part 2:
Article 4 A. Prisoners of war, in the sense of the present Convention, are persons belonging to one of the following categories, who have fallen into the power of the enemy: 1. Members of the armed forces of a Party to the conflict as well as members of militias or volunteer corps forming part of such armed forces. 2. Members of other militias and members of other volunteer corps, including those of organized resistance movements, belonging to a Party to the conflict and operating in or outside their own territory, even if this territory is occupied, provided that such militias or volunteer corps, including such organized resistance movements, fulfill the following conditions: (a) That of being commanded by a person responsible for his subordinates; (b) That of having a fixed distinctive sign recognizable at a distance; (c) That of carrying arms openly; (d) That of conducting their operations in accordance with the laws and customs of war.
This unclassified document details the evidence against Khalid Shaykh Muhammad. It further supports my belief that he meets the requirement for a prisoner of war. Of course many say that the whole detainment at Guantanamo Bay has been against the Geneva Convention. The irony is that had they been declared prisoners of war, they would now be facing military tribunals. But instead they are considered "unlawful combatants" and the convention rules did not apply to them. Lew Rockwell outlines many of these alleged violations. He sums up his contentions bluntly:
Unlawful combatants don't deserve any human rights whatsoever because the biggest gun on the planet says so. It doesn't matter that every other nation calls a POW a POW, the USA is above other nations, it is above the law, it is above its own citizens and it is above even reality. US President Bush loves pointing out that, "America is liberating Iraqis from human rights abuses by Saddam Hussein." However America abuses the rights of anyone it so chooses by just by giving them a different label.
Of course that was before 2008. The administration has changed as well as the ideology. But that still does not change the rules. The public outrage is illustrated in this article about mothers of 9/11 victims.
"It's frightening and upsetting and it's like putting the whole thing right back in our faces again," said Reiss. "These are very dangerous people and I think they are making New York City a target again by bringing them up here. I'm a Democrat and worked for and voted for President Obama, but now I feel like a woman without a party. The Democrats have fallen down on keeping us secure and the Republicans don't want to give us health care."
No matter how the lawyers act, and no matter what inclinations Mohammed may have, the trial will be controlled by a federal judge. The nation cannot afford to have this jurist be anything but tough as nails on everyone, including prosecutors.
The controversy will just grow. The trials in New York will take time and during that time millions will be spent. I respectively disagree with Attorney General Holder. This is not in the best interest of the people, this is not the best venue for justice. In 2001 we declared a war on terror. These are not enemy combatants, they are prisoners of war. They should be tried in military tribunals as such. To do any less betrays the painful losses of that fateful day.
There are disadvantages to working the night shift. On my first night off for the week, I often have troubles adjusting my sleep pattern. I sleep a little during the day and they try to sleep most of the night. One advantage today was I was up early so I decided to go to the beach for some pictures. The rest of them are HERE.
1989- a lone protester stands in front of a tank rolling into Tienanmen Square.
2009- exercising free speech by selling what would be a controversial shirt even in America.
I was watching Fox News around 11 pm last night. They were showing President Obama in China.(Photos) The audience was mainly students. After he spoke, he then began to explain how American town halls work. He then answered questions from students in the audience. I was thinking to myself how amazing it was that this is China and here are students freely asking questions. At the moment I did not think about the screening process, where it would be broadcast or how it would be analyzed on Monday. In my view it could have taken place just as easily in my own city.
The White House had wanted this shown live throughout China. However, it ended up being shown live only in Shanghai. (Video) It was also broadcast on the White House website. As you can tell from the article, the Chinese government still exercised a large degree of control over the entire event. But I think the fact that it even occurred shows that China has made great progress.
I don't remember much about the events in 1989. This first hand account was very revealing. The fact that over 7,000 people would die for democracy is just not fathomable. But just like we have seen in Iraq, eventually some change in government will occur. The people will only be silent and oppressed for so long. To come from that point to having an town hall meeting to me shows great hope for the future. President Obama even made remarks at the town hall about China and their internet censorship. I imagine even 10 years ago that would not be allowed.
We should all view China as a success story. True, they still have a long way to go to be a truly open and free society. But drastic changes take time. I feel it also takes dialogue between other world leaders such as our own president. We should also be reminded to never take our own first amendment rights for granted. Not all citizens of China saw the event and many won't be able to find accurate details on the internet. However,it can not be lost that this can be traced back twenty years to one person standing in front of a tank.
Governor Mike Huckabee was in Panama City for a book signing on Sunday. He was at the same book store he appeared almost a year ago. I wrote about my experience meeting him then when he was promoting his book "Do the Right Thing". His new book is "A Simple Christmas". I have my copy on order.
I thought about going to the book signing, but it being in the middle of my work week, the energy was just not there. The question of course came up about 2012. He already has the endorsement of a conservative straw poll. However, like a true statesman, he is not speculating on a presidential bid yet.
I hope that Mike Huckabee is the Republican candidate. As an Independent voter, I will not have a vote in the primary. But I think the lesson was learned from McCain. The country is expecting a true conservative from the GOP this time around. Mike Huckabee is that person. In his first book he outlined his principles. His basic ideal is this country would be a better place if everyone did the right thing. He gave an example of this with the criminal justice system. If there was a decrease in crime, that would be less money spent on enforcement, courts and incarceration. That money of course could be used for a better social purpose such as feeding those that go hungry every night.
Yes, I still like Mike. I hope the party likes him too. It would be great to have a signed book from a president.
Bet you thought I was going to say musings. Well it is not technically Monday, but by the time I finish my work shift it will be. So since I don't feel like posting at 7 am with no sleep, here it is. I have always been fascinated by monkeys. I remember sitting at the St Louis zoo in front of the monkey display for hours in complete wonder. They seem so comical and many of their actions are human like. So to start your week off, here is my gallery of monkeys of course easily found on the internet. Feel free to make up your own captions as well. Back in my day, we had to climb trees for bananas. It is the simple times of our life that make it so enjoyable. Don't even start with me! Man, is it Friday yet? I am doing peachy, how about you? Well son, let me tell you.... This is some great news about the new Panama City Airport opening in May. You keep talking then, cause I am not listening. Oh, no you didn't!!! Just a few more puffs before National Smoke Out Day on November 19th. I am so glad I thought that one through. It's Monday again, back to the grind. I can not believe I have to work with these monkeys. President Obama wants to send the Guantanamo Bay detainees where????? Oh, why did I vote for him. Just tell me it is going to be alright.
Thursday night I showed up to work and was surprised. The person that was supposed to work the early shift was not there. They didn't call either, just didn't show up. The next night we decided that he had quit.
This was the person that trained me how to do my job. We worked together most of the time and then when hours were cut, he worked the early shift and I the later. There is something about a work relationship that affects us. Working 40 hours a week with someone you tend to become friends. This is especially true in the security field. You are depending on having that second person there to assist you if a situation gets bad. It is a comforting feeling to know they have the training and together an issue can be taken care of.
Lately though I have been working alone which is completely different. No one to talk to and of course I am doing all the work. My coworker will be missed. He was a good friend and I always enjoyed our conversations. I know that most of us have worked with people that we can not stand. It is amazing what some people will tolerate just for a paycheck. So when you can find someone you really enjoyed working with, it is a sad day when that ends. Good luck to you buddy wherever you are.
Thursday is of course the start of my work week. I work the midnight shift, so I am up early today and will be going back to bed in a few hours to sleep the day away. It is a few minutes before the O'Reilly Factor starts on Fox News. It is very quiet this time of the morning. A little chilly, the readout on my patio says 59 degrees. Unfortunately, my mind is silent also. Trying to build a thought and translate it to words can be a challenge sometimes.
When you are able to complete that task, there is always the issue of interpretation. My long time readers (I have a few) will know my sarcastic nature. For newer people that is often lost. It is hard to portray that in words sometimes. The other issue with blogging is differentiating fact from opinion. My facts are always sourced. This is true if I use a quote or a statistic. My references are always news outlets, preferable major ones. If I do source another blog, I note that also. Other blogs are a good source when you want to show public sentiment from others. They are of course just another person's opinions about an issue. So when I read other blogs, if I do not see a source, I assume it is opinion being presented.
When I discuss an issue, I like several different sources. Presenting both sides of the issue is to present it fairly. The internet age is such that links to support my view could be listed endlessly. But that of course does not make my view correct. I recall an earlier blog post where I discussed this. My purpose in blogging is not necessarily to persuade anyone. It is of course to make people think.
My views have become increasingly moderate in the past year. This began when I of course saw the Republican's over reacting to President Obama's speech to students. It was shortly after that my voter registration was changed to Independent. My views have always been issue based and not on party lines. I found at this point that my views did not strictly follow any party.
This has recently surfaced again with the controversy of the Ft Hood shootings. I have stated on many forums that this shooting should not be politicized. To me that betrays the honor of our fallen soldiers. But I know that my view is rare. Our news media today will analyze a situation for all of it's implications. This benefits their political agenda. Fox News of course sees it as another angle to attack the current administration. Other groups can see it as a further need for stricter gun control. Still other factions will say the government should have done something. But in this situation I feel the facts are what they are. Let them stand as that. Major Hasan will face his day in court. But his greater judgment will of course be from God.
So as I sit at the keyboard, the sun is still two hours from appearing. It is amazing what thoughts can surface when the distractions are removed. It is something we all need occasionally.
WIDGETIZE