Madame Speaker

Much of the political discourse in DC and around the country these days is revolving around control of the House. Many pundits predict a change, resulting in obviously a change in Speaker of the House. This job is arguably the most important job next to the President. It sets the agenda for the House, chooses committee members, schedules votes and wields enormous influence. Since almost all bills originate in the House, this adds even greater impact to the job. Additionally, she is only behind the Veep in Presidential succession. Our choices are pretty clear. Love her or hate her, Speaker Pelosi has done what she was supposed to do. She has helped push through a needed stimulus which now by all accounts is indeed helping. She advocated for health care reform and still maintains that the House may act on tax relief before the election even though Senate Democrats have dropped the ball. Nancy Pelosi has passion, strong views and is a skillful leader who doesn't waiver and Americans like strength, consistency and vision from its leaders even if we don't support all the views and beliefs of these leaders. What would we get from John Boehner? Inconsistency, unimpressive ability, and absence of any independent coherent thought and a person who would rather tow the party line than the country line. Boehner has gone from passing out checks on the House floor to tobacco legislators (he is a smoker don't forget), supporting the largest deficit increase in history before the recession, acceptance of his Republican President's entire agenda and an obsession with sound byte speeches, to a deficit hawk under a Democratic President, a clear political gesture which shows him to be nothing more than a puppet of Republican extremist doctrine. Be careful what you wish for. You may get a very unimpressive and clearly self serving buffoon as leader of the House. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Great Tax Debate...Again

So it has been announced by Harry Reid, that any legislation regarding Bush tax cut extensions will not be handled before the election. He claims intransigence on the part of the Republicans. The Republicans have said the Democrats are not willing to negotiate....but they have, they want to retain current rates for all but 1% of the nation. I guess unless you get 100% of what the Republican party wants, it isn't negotiation. Both parties will tout their points of view...we need tax relief for those who need it the most and ask the wealthiest among us to defer the costs.....or....we cannot tax anyone during a recovery...even the rich who will invest and create jobs, blah blah blah. The point of this is this,...these rates do not expire until the end of the year. This means that never did any decision need to have been made legislatively until after the votes are counted in November. It was all a sham. Neither side cares about the country going in to an election. They care about votes. Any discussion on the matter has been a political distraction and theatre. If and this is a big if, these folks really cared about us, they would have compromised on something to at least ease our anxieties about the future and then both could have claimed victory. But that ain't how it works. Thanks for nothing. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Republican Plan

Wow. Today, after months and months of obstruction, saying no, and scaring Americans, the Republicans are announcing their plan if they gain control of the House. Here it is....take 37 million newly insured Americans and take away their health care...tell parents that their college grad kids. cannot stay on their insurance...tell the rich that they can continue to get all the tax breaks without paying for it and take away from needed middle class relief...stop all the needed projects that have yet to be done even though they were scheduled for 2011 when the stimulus was passed and reduce job creation..and promise shrinking government without giving one single example of where you would cut. These are the same guys that screwed it up royally for 6 years leading to one of the deepest recessions in our history. They ask for our trust again? Where are you Americans for reason and truth.

Political Courage

In 2008 we voted for change. The historic election of Barack Obama will, no matter what, be considered an historic event. His accomplishments vs. his promises on the stump have been extraordinary. Even though we as impatient Americans forget sometimes what we voted for and then get angry when we get it, the fact remains that this President is working to move the agenda that got him elected forward. Health Care Reform, a priority item for the President was passed and by all estimates the political demonization of it by the Republicans has worked. Americans wanted it, but now are skeptical of it. They do not understand it, they have accepted the Palinization of it, and now seem to be forgetting why it is important. I finally am seeing President Obama coming out from the isolation of the Summer. I have heard him over the last few days stump loudly and aggressively over the merits of the bill in the face of continued pessimism. This is political courage. It is easy to ignore unpopularity of an issue and pretend it doesn't exist or to nuance your words to find votes. Harry Reid, for instance, coming out against the Islamic cultural center, comes to mind. I understand without an ounce of naivety the process for finding votes, but I also know, that the people that are true leaders, the ones I admire most, are the one's that put electoral expediency aside and instead, stay true to their values. This takes courage and I am beginning to see it in our President. I thought he lost it. Nice to see it again Mr. President. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Senate at its absolute worst

For 48 consecutive years, Congress has approved the military program expenditure bill with little fanfare. This year, an attempt was made to overturn the Don't ask Don't tell policy of our military, already accomplished in the House. A nation, founded on equality for all, discriminates against its gay citizens, putting us behind other nations with greater wisdom and truer understanding of equality. Both parties acted with disgrace. The Republicans for continuing their obstruction and cow towing to their extremist base, and the Democrats for denying amendments and mixing different pieces of legislation into the bill. Both parties of the Senate acted shamelessly, again putting electoral expediency ahead of American values. The Senate at its absolute worst. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

" Let them eat cake "

We have all heard, even though we now know it to be historically incorrect, that the line "let them eat cake" is attributed to Marie Antoinette. The words may not have been spoken by her, but the sentiments are appropriately affiliated with her views. The average Parisian starved and could not even find bread to eat, while the rich of French society were never in want. They had not a care in the world for the poor peasants whose lives they ruled. In today's New York Times, Paul Krugman, nobel prize economist with views in support of government intervention, has railed against the rich. I agree with his sentiments. He claims that much of the vitriol is coming, not just from tea party activists, but from well known, mainstream financial conservatives such as Forbes magazine and other trickle down economists. What a great job they are doing lobbying the upper class, stirring up the pot of laissez faire economics, scaring us into believing that they cannot create jobs, or wealth for the lower classes if they are taxed at rates from the Clinton Administration. An administration by the way, that ended with surplus. It is anathema to me, that while one out of seven Americans is in poverty, while 51 million Americans remain uninsured and while the gap between rich and poor has grown to historically wide levels, that the top one percent of our countrymen remains steadfastly against helping their country. The character assasination portrayed by Krugman is mild compared to what it should be. This "let them eat cake" attitude is disguised as good economic theory. In fact, it is not. I am happy to trade places with one of the richest in the land, so that I can turn around and give back to the nation I love and the people in most need. Being rich is a privilege, and it is a testament to our freedoms that we have the opportunity to strive for such wealth. The privilege is also tied to a responsibility to do what is right on behalf of us all. Do we need another French Revolution American style? I hope not. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Real Sin

Yesterday was the holiest of days in the religion of my family tradition. It is a day to ask for forgiveness for all one's sins. Each year I do so. My sins, from which I derive personal embarrassment, seem to reappear each year: too much swearing, not listening or paying enough attention to my loved ones, impatience, an occasional white lie and abruptness toward others whose values and beliefs conflict with my own. I am a good person. I care deeply about others and would do more for my friends and loved ones than I do for myself, but as all humans, I am imperfect. So, each year, I apologize for my imperfections, ask for forgiveness and consciously try to improve. After all, aren't we all works in progress? I am proud to say that I am not a person that commits Real Sin. I do not hate others who believe or look different than I do. I do not wish to see others hurt or harmed, and I do not try and scare people with vicious lies and violent deeds. Real Sin, as I just described it, comes from those people who hate for reasons based on prejudice, bigotry and ignorance. Worse than they, however, are those who commit Real Sin because it is profitable. Beck and Limbaugh and Gingrich and Palin and Buchanan all stand to economically gain through their hateful, vitriolic and divisive talk. They use the ignorance that exists in the hearts and minds of an active minority to scare people into believing that a whole religious group, or race, or ethnicity are dangerous and Un-American and should be stopped. When Beck calls the President a racist, he knows that this will sell well to White Americans that still harbor prejudices against Blacks. When Limbaugh protests the Islamic cultural center in NYC, he uses 9-11 to bang the drumbeat of hate against Muslims. When Gingrich compares the President to a tribal Kenyan colonialist, he knows that the bigots will love it and when Palin rails against seculars, she knows that extreme fundamentalists will respond with hateful rallies against Abortion doctors, first amendment protectors and brings out gay bashers. These people are out to get ratings, sell books and get elected and they use the hate in our hearts and the ignorance in our minds, to create a maelstrom of divisiveness, argument and fear. These are the real sinners. So as I ask for forgiveness for my own sins, I also ask for an awakening and a battle against these real sinners, whose lives have little value to me and to the values that our nation stands for. Hate may sell, but it is truly the only Real Sin. It is time for the haters to be held accountable for their actions by the simple, peaceful and appropriate message of American tolerance, acceptance and appreciation of all. It is time to move Rush, Glenn, Sarah, Newt and Pat to the ashbin of history along with those who fail to condemn them for their self serving acts of Sin. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Ultimate National Disgrace

In my Advanced Placement Government class, I am teaching the students about public opinion. One of the questions we ponder, is whether or not there is a list of American Values. After prodding and probing and brainstorming, one basic tenet is that most Americans believe that equality is an American value. Equality? Today it was announced that one in seven Americans is poor. America, the richest, most powerful nation on earth.. America, a democracy.. America, a nation of moral superiority. To this, I say a resounding NO. Both political parties, every President, every Congress will place blame, talk of this shame, and promise to change it. We haven't and we wont't unless real leaders with real passion for the issues of equality and moral superiority step up to the plate for real. Notwithstanding our economic turmoil, poverty in the richest nation on earth is an anathema to everything America supposedly stands for. Now, today, I don't have the plan to fix it, but I know it is wrong. I know that smart people can do anything and I know that Americans are caring and decent human beings. It is time to fix, for once and for all, this incredible National Disgrace. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Big Wins for the Democrats

Yeah yeah, I know what you are thinking. The extremists are taking over the country. Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck are kingmakers and Sarah Palin will be our next President. Fret not. Yesterday was a big win for the Democrats and those of us that subscribe to our party's left of center philosophy ought to rejoice. The mainstream always wins in a National Election and extremists tend to prevail during primary season. Once November comes around, people won't vote for a person who wants to stop Unemployment insurance, repeal Social Security, put prayer in the school, try abortion doctors as murderers and put Muslims in internment camps. The Palin backed candidates may win now, but we are still mainstream enough as a nation not to put such people in power. Before yesterday, Delaware was likely to switch in the Senate to a Republican, but not now. Harry Reid was a sure loser, now his opponent is giving him a real chance. So before you lose all hope and continue to fear that extremism is pervasive in the land, have some faith. Thanks should go out to those voters who put these maniacs on the Republican ballot for November. You have unwittingly given the Democrats some real hope of avoiding a disaster. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Job Creators?

Yesterday the Senate Minority leader from Kentucky, Mr. Mitch, said he opposes any tax proposal that doesn't include the rich, because they are the job creators. So, if these 10 years of tax breaks were in existence through the recession, how is it that we lost 8,000,000 jobs? What were the job creators doing? Now, while the economy slowly recovers, we have banks hoarding cash and corporations reporting record profits and dividend increases. So, why aren't the job creators, filled with cash and wealth, creating jobs? Don't listen to the BS of trickle down economics. It didn't work with Reagan and it won't work now. The real job creators create jobs not because of tax breaks for the rich, but because of a thriving, working middle class. Give them the breaks and pay for it by asking the few privileged amongst us to pay a little more. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Tolerance of Intolerance

Today at school, the issue of the Islamic Cultural Center in NYC was discussed between and amongst my students. After class, a dear friend of mine said, that whereas he doesn't agree with opposition to the building of it, he can accept a person who lost a loved one for having the point of view that opposes the building of the center. Upon reflection, I say NO. Loss is a terrible thing. No one should have to endure the pain and suffering of the bereaved, however, we cannot allow intolerance and bigotry to become an acceptable point of view. It isn't. Grief cannot excuse ignorance and denial of our values. People are entitled to think and feel as they do, but we cannot use grief and pain to excuse bigotry. This is not acceptable. Once you tolerate intolerance, you give it a voice and an excuse. This we cannot do. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The You Tube President.

I just came back from shopping and in the store, I bumped into a stranger who was wearing an "Obama Sucks" tee shirt. I fully realize that this is free expression and is guaranted by our first amendment, but I was angry. I said nothing. The guy was much bigger than me and a bit menacing to look at, but as I left the store, I asked myself why someone is so angry at the President that they would wear such a slogan on their chest? Isn't he working hard at the job? Doesn't he really care about our country? Isn't he doing what we elected him to do? Yes to all three questions. It must be something else. Perhaps the message? President Obama is the darling of high tech. He understands the internet, used it to fuel his minions in 2008 and carries a blackberry. His presidency has been referred to as the You Tube Presidency. So why is he lagging in the polls, unable to connect? It seems counter-intutive. In wondering how to help him, I was thinking about FDR. During his presidency there was no cable, no universal ownership of TV, no internet, no instantaneous reporting of every bowel movement or tie selection and yet, FDR was able to reach America through his Fireside Chats. So, Mr. President, it is time to use your knowledge of today's technology and convert it to Fireside Chats, 2010 style. Don't hide. We need to see and hear more of you. Use this power of technology to fine tune your message in a simple and connectible way. Do not leave it to your advisors. They are running scared and giving you very bad advice. In addition, more prime time press conferences. You aren't afraid of the media. Remember, America hates them more than it does you. Tell us while we are watching about saving us from financial meltdown, about instituting the start of universal health care, about ending combat operations of the Iraq war, about how hard it still will be for us to fully recover but inspire us to again remember our greatness and our spirit. We will listen. The reporters will be inspired too. After all, we are all Americans. Remember, FDR did it without the Internet. You can do it too. I don't want to see any more of those tee shirts. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

A Complete and Utter Failure

Today, all hearts go out to the families and friends of those brave, innocent men and women killed on that horrific day, 9 years ago. This day will always be etched in the psyches and souls of all that bore witness to the tragedy. While my wife and I were travelling in the car this morning, as the moment of silence came from the radio, we both wept. No words need to have been spoken between us. We just felt sad, sad that such hate exists and that such an event, could have taken place. Sadder still, however, is the complete failure on the part of our leaders to have caught and killed the mastermind Bin Laden who still lives. Every American, hawk or dove, liberal or conservative feels cheated. We know it was him responsible for that day and yet all the arms, and power and strength of our country, is meaningless. We are impotent. Instead, our Government started a war in Afghanistan intended to root out the terrorists who we were convinced were there, but their leader survives. Bush then took us to war in Iraq under false pretenses insinuating a connection between 9-11 and Sadaam Hussein and let Bin Laden slip away. Now we are doubling down in Afghanistan due to our past failure and still, Bin Laden lives. Today as we all weep, we must forget all that we were told about Homeland Security, and improved airport screening and signs on our highways telling to call if we see trouble, all that crap. Forget it. Remember this, Bin Laden killed our people, he lives, and all else does not really matter. If we as a Government do not find and destroy him, nothing else will replace the void, the inconclusiveness, the lack of closure and the fact of our complete and utter failure. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Some perspective please.

The media has been reporting non stop, the story of the Minister in Florida with 50 congregants, who wishes to burn Korans tomorrow. This man is a nobody. There are fringe groups in other parts of our country with countless more members whose actions never get an ounce of press. This guy, however, on the heels of the NYC Islamic Center story, seems to warrant media attention according to the geniuses at the news agencies. What a bunch of clowns. Feed more fuel to an already restive and prejudiced group of extremists. Real smart. We have a republican party who is standing in the way of job creation, economic progress, health reform and that also refuses to denounce many of the extremist activities of its right wing. This is the story. Elected officials that refuse to honor the words of the Preamble...to establish justice, insure domestic tranquility etc. One party whose obstructionist vision for America, without a single goal for our country other than to embarrass the President
is single handedly killing the soul of our nation. The republicans may have some short term gains in the immediate future, but long term, it is doomed to a Whig like death. I say to the media, have some perspective. Republican obstructionist behavior is the real story. These buffoons hate our country and choose to forget their awful stewardship of it for most of the past decade. Some perspective please. Where are you Americans for reason and truth.

Awakening

President Obama laid out a host of business incentives and tax breaks to stimulate small business hiring and yes, it will cost some money. What did the Republicans say? NO, of course. No surprise there. Anything for a vote. Anything to see our President fail. Anything to win back the Congress after years of their failed policies. Their hope is we forget and according to polls, we may be forgetting. However, 725,000 jobs have been created this year thus far versus the 8,000,000 lost under Republican leadership since the start of the recession. The doldrums of July and August are behind us. Let us hope that September brings an awakening of our memories, memories of Republican policies that led to the near collapse of our economy, two unpaid for wars and an endless stream of policies that ignored the vast middle class of our great nation. Remember. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

More facts to ponder.

Yesterday, Erin Burnett from CNBC was being interviewed by Al Hunt. Obviously, the topic of the interview was the economy with varying degrees of disagreement about the situation: the size of the stimulus, Presidential leadership, Congress's low approval rating, tea parties, jobs, unemployment, taxes, etc. etc. etc. and then, in the middle of this rocky and painful ride, came Erin's statement, based on economic facts recently released. I paraphrase- "This has been the fastest recovery of any of the recessions in the last 25 years." Again, "THIS HAS BEEN THE FASTEST RECOVERY OF ANY OF THE RECESSIONS IN THE LAST 25 YEARS." Of course it seems slow and agonizing to those out of work. This amazing statement in the throes of all this gloom and doom talk seemed to be ignored and is being ignored. Before we throw all the bums out in November, perhaps we again need to think about where we were and where we are and then cast our votes. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Headlines...Yikes

This morning's headline: "Speaker Boehner in Waiting". Oh my G-d. Let us all pray that this does not happen. Americans are placing blame in the wrong direction. Look a little closer at Mr. Boehner. We need qualified people to be in succession to the Presidency. Fear this headline people. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Truth Distorted

I was listening to a radio broadcast this morning on Bloomberg News. The guest was being asked his opinion on how to stimulate the economy. His response was to not allow the big upcoming suggested Obama Tax increase. The Obama Tax increase? Hold on a minute. This is a REPUBLICAN TAX INCREASE people. Wake up. Under a Republican Congress and President, new tax rates were temporarily set with the intent to expire in ten years. The Republicans passed this legislation with full knowledge and intent for its expiration. Therefore, if the Republican legislation moves ahead as scheduled, blaming Democrats for a tax increase is simply untrue and unfair. It is perfectly acceptable to debate policy and to alter legislation based on the circumstances of the times, but if even one person after the debate does not have his tax rate restored to Clinton levels, it will be in reality an OBAMA TAX DECREASE. The President is leaning toward restoring tax rates for all those earning over 250,000 dollars and keeping the Bush temporary rates in place for everyone else. If this or any such version happens, it will be a Democratic President and perhaps a Democratic Congress changing Republican legislation resulting in a relative tax decrease for most Americans. So, Americans, stop listening to those who suggest differently. They are just plain wrong. They are distorting the truth. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Fight or Lose.

Democrats are running scared. Apparently they are running away from their own policies and accomplishments for fear of reprisal by the voters. The same voters that voted for the Democrats to do exactly what they have been doing...legislating while the opposition continues to obstruct and lie. Yes, people are mad and frustrated, but good leadership involves confronting frustration, telling the truth and campaigning on your positive record of accomplishments. If a Democrat cannot be happy about saving us from economic collapse, giving us the beginnings of health reform, ending combat operations in Iraq, passing a stimulus with proven successes as evidenced by Republican governors gleefuly accepting the funds as they oppose the legislation, saving the domestic auto business and providing record incentives to small businesses and first time home buyers, then they ought to lose. Democrats should fight, stand up for themselves, challenge Republican lies and show pride in their record or go to down to ignominious and deserved defeat. Fight or lose. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

My Greatest Fear

John Boehner as Speaker of the House is my absolute greatest fear. He is incompetent, inarticulate, unable to think outside the box of Republican talking points and is an absolutely unqualified and disastrous legislator. No to Boehner. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

IRAQ

The President made his speech about ending combat operations in Iraq and Republican leaders had the gaul, the absolute nerve and unbelievable chutzpah to suggest he thank George Bush and the supporters of the war. This is what we have to be thankful for?:
4400 dead. No government in Iraq. No weapons of mass destruction. No connection to 9-11. Taking our eye off the ball in Afghanistan. Billions of dollars spent helping to exacerbate the recession. Claims that Iraq oil revenues will fund the war totally unfounded. Tens of thousands wounded. An unsuccessful surge Mr. McCain...there is no stable democracy in Iraq and a heap of lies after lies and no accountability for those who did lie while the Republican party supported this fiasco. This is what we have to be thankful for? What a rotten, smelly, despicable group of Republican leaders we have. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Doom, Gloom and Politics

Listening to talk radio, watching cable news and reading polls of late, you get the feeling of malaise that makes you want to stick your head in the oven. Bad news makes us feel bad, but it also sells. Republicans are seizing upon bad news or making up bad news to anger a restless population prone to swing faster than a nuclear powered pendulum. The strategy of saying NO and feeding anger seems to be working if you believe what you are hearing. Today, the Case Schiller real estate report said that housing prices rose in June. The Intuit small business report reported that since November 09, 329,000 small business jobs were created. According to Bloomberg news, the August consumer confidence report showed an improvement in sentiment in opposition to what the pundits were expecting. The economy continues an anemic pace of growth, but growth it is. The TARP money is being paid back to taxpayers, the domestic automobile industry is no longer teetering on the brink of bankruptcy and the banking sector is once again alive and well although stingy with its loans. Lastly, the collective corporate earnings report of the last quarter, shows the highest rate of earnings since 1988. If you report the FACTS like I just did, and then listen, you may not put your head in the oven after all. The doom and gloom of politics, is just that, politics. Americans need to separate from the rhetoric, the hate, the partisanship and mean spiritedness and realize that America is slowly recovering, has looked depression in the face and said no. The American engine is slowly moving ahead after two years of being totally stalled and impotent. POTUS is loudly calling for more small business help, recommending extending tax cuts for the middle class, appropriately condemning Republican obstructionism and bringing troops home. Now onto jobs. So, fellow citizens, as bad as things seem, they are getting better. Don't listen to the McConnell/Boehner clan. They just want you to forget that they created this mess. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Private sector responsibility.

While those of us that follow the political news in this country watch and listen, sitting quietly on the sidelines is the capitalist engine known as corporate America. We listen to their whining about uncertainty, not knowing what the regulations will cost them, how much will health care reform cost, how will the new credit regulations affect them etc. etc. They complain while they build up amazing stockloads of cash, pay dividends to the shareholders and declare collectively, record earnings at levels not seen since 1988. They encourage the mean spiritedness of the political scene by complaining and blaming Obama and the Congress for failed economic policies. These companies are run by smart people who can easily estimate the costs that may be incurred by recently passed legislation. They can take these estimates and do what they always do, pass them on to the consumer and to their employees. Instead of whining, they should hire people. They certainly need the labor as evidenced by increasingly long work weeks and increasing amount of overtime being paid out to current workers. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, lobbying against any regulation at all, against any legislation that may cost money and encouraging the nastiness of the debate, if they really cared about the country, they would put people back to work. It isn't the Government's job to find you a job, but to put conditions in place that allow the capitalist engine to make money and thrive. The government has done their job. Now it is time for the private sector to do theirs. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Thank You Glenn Beck

While I am writing this post, Glenn Beck, the most obnoxious, self serving charlatan I can think of, is holding a rally in DC by asking Americans to turn back to G-d and reclaim civil rights. This on a day and at a place, made famous by MLK's Dream speech. ( Just a coincidence...right) What rights are we reclaiming? Which rights did we lose? The fact that Beck and Limbaugh can lie and say anything certainly is an example that we haven't lost our right to freely speak. What needs reclaiming? And what if you don't believe in G-d? Are you unwelcome at the rally? Are you less American? These types of rallies bring out a certain extreme kind of language and person and they will be worthy of a blog or two and some cable news coverage, but most Americans do not like the spector of G-d being publicly displayed. They prefer to practice their faith in the privacy of their homes and chapels. Thus, our religious nation by individual, is uncomfortable when we collectivize G-d and by implication, certain religions only as Beck is doing today without saying it. And Mrs. Palin is there as well to annoint the rally and combine grizzly bear moms with G-d. I think this will be a good thing for Democrats and the upcoming election. If R's and Independents look at Beck as one who aligns with Anti-Pelosi, Anti-Obama rhetoric, they may fear voting for R's because of their greater discomfort with G-d on public display. While Lincoln's statue hovers over this rally, it is a stark reminder that real civil rights are not wrapped around a flag in the name of G-d, but separate from religion and we are more comfortable that way. So, thank you Glenn Beck. You may be the D's secret weapon this November. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

John McCain

John McCain the right wing Republican Senator from Arizona won yesterday's Senatorial primary in Arizona. He was challenged by another right wing member of the Republican party. Six months ago, moderate maverick Senator John McCain was working on a comprehensive Immigration reform package to include a pathway to citizenship for those Immigrants who have been in the country for many years but without the appropriate legal documents to be here. 18 months ago, Senator McCain told us the fundamentals of the economy were fine in the middle of an historically bad recession. Since the Presidential election, Senator McCain has been talking about how bad our economy is and how awful the President's policies are for economic recovery. In his book, John McCain boasted about his maverick behavior within the Republican party. During the primary campaign, John McCain distanced himself from the maverick label and laughingly said he was no such thing. All for votes. Which John McCain did Arizona vote for yesterday? The John McCain that would sell his values and his beliefs for a few votes. This patriot and war hero, talking about honor and earning respect is simply another member of Congress for whom the job is more important than their beliefs. Shame on you John McCain. The nation got it right in 2008, Arizona got it wrong yesterday. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Frightened by Ignorance

What much of America has never appreciated is the need for leaders to be smart enough to understand the complexity of issues. Clearly, love him or hate him, President Obama does. The same people, however, who challenge his birth, or his religion, or his fitness, also view intelligence as elitist, perhaps because they themselves do not understand. It is easier to listen to a cliche or a political slogan or a sound byte than to do the work required to understand. This is what is so frightening about Sarah Palin. She is great at capturing the ignorance and running with it for media exposure and book sales, but truly the most frightening thing is that she doesn't think understanding complexity is important. She views intelligence and educational background as unecessary baggage. She is not an elected official and may we all pray that it remains this way. Ignorance is not bliss and we should be frightened by it. What is most scary is that all the criticisms I just leveled against Mrs. Palin, apply to the most important Republican in the House, a man who could be second in succession to the President after the November election. Be frightened, for his ignorance is only exceeded by the intensity of his tan. John Boehner's upcoming possibility as Speaker is the greatest incentive Democrats and the nation have to vote. Ignorance is frightening. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Republican Tax Increases

10 years ago, a Republican President supported by a Republican Congress, passed tax law that reduced tax rates for a temporary ten year period. That ten year period is up at the end of the year and with their short, distorted, disingenuous, inaccurate and mean spirited memories, Republicans are now calling for an extension and they have the audacity to blame Democrats for a tax increase. They go on to claim that their law won't increase the deficit, which it will by 3.2 trillion dollars. R's are running against deficit increases but won't pay for a change to their own law. If this sounds nuts, it is, but we seem to be listening to these idiots, responding to their lies and are not being a rational or fair minded electorate. There is still time. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

My day

Yesterday I went to the city of my birth, New York, to see my mother. My mother's dad, my grandpa, came from Russia which later became the Soviet Union our deepest enemy for decades. My grandfather was a tailor, lived and worked in the city, raised three daughters and was accepted in the fabric of our immigrant society. He wasn't associated with Soviet Communism and treated with extreme prejudice. My mother lives in Queens with my dad. In their neighborhood, many Chinese people and Korean people live and work. They have businesses, send their kids to public schools and when I walked the streets yesterday, no one was humiliating them because North Korea is a dangerous and dysfunctional enemy and China remains a nation without freedom. While in NYC yesterday, I ate a falafel, food from the Middle East. Delicious. I went to the store, run by Arabs, paid my money, was treated well, thanked for my business and enjoyed the food. This business is always packed with lines into the street with people waiting for the delicious food they serve. This type of food comes from an area of the world that continues to be unstable and filled with Anti Western rhetoric, but I didn't think of this at all. I enjoyed the fact that I could get a wonderful lunch from wonderful people without even thinking about their religion or nation of birth, or immigrant status. I can give dozens of examples of this kind of diversity and experiences from yesterday or any other day living in America. Our greatness comes from our principles and our acceptance. Yet, for weeks, I am seeing polls about Obama's religion, and hearing discussion about where the Mosque should be, or listening to the most extraordinarily bigoted and prejudiced comments from an extremist segment of our population. Their association of this Mosque with terrorism and bigotry toward a religion is the most outrageous and despicable ignorance that reminds me of the days of internment camps and racial hatred toward blacks. Most sad, is the fact that our media establishment has piled on and is quite responsible for giving these people a louder voice than is necessary while setting the news priorities of each day. My day, is more representative of reality. A reality based on acceptance, respect and tolerance on the part of the vast majority of Americans. Don't get sucked up by the maelstrom of ratings and hate. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Why I vote

I vote because it is my responsibility as a citizen to try and elect a government that can serve my needs and the needs of my country. As a republic, we elect candidates to do our bidding because it is not possible for a country of our size to directly decide every single issue through referendum. So I vote to put people of conscience, respect, knowledge and good will to do what is right. So what have I gotten? Mean spirited, partisan lightweights who would rather perpetuate a lie for a vote, feed the irrationality of extremists, and scream cliches that sound good to the time strapped voter but have no depth or basis in fact. I get politicians who weigh in on issues that they are totally unfamiliar with just so they can feed the anger and fury of bigots and idiots as a down payment on their votes. I will continue to vote, but the reasons have become less clear. We are not being served well as a nation where hate, religion, race, the color of your tie and your tan, trump what is important. We better change, or we are in deep deep trouble. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Not so Fast

Congratulations to those marvelous combat troops who are in Kuwait and have left Iraq. You are and have always been in our hearts. Now let's talk about reality. Before we commend Pres. Bush for the surge, Pres. Obama for honoring his campaign committment and the military for saying we won, not so fast. We do not have a government in Iraq, we do not have any conciliation between Sunnis and Shia, Iraq cannot provide electricity to its citizens, and insurgents are continuing their violence. We are not leaving a stable country and haven't accomplished much in the past seven plus year no matter how hard the politicians try to spin it. While this investment in military life, limb and equipment was deployed, we allowed the Taliban to re-arm, Iran get closer to nuclear weapons and now are entrenched in a violent and unsure struggle in Afghanistan with no end in sight and no accomplishment of real significance to date. Almost 5,000 dead and an investment in dollars that is growing the deficit and keeping valuable resources from needed investment in jobs, health care reform, deficit reduction and small business incentives. Not so fast. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

One more Mosque comment: I have heard people all support religious freedom and the right of any religion to build its facility wherever, but then comes the kicker, "should they build it there". So what is the motivation to challenge the location? No debate, it is because of the specific religion. Because the terrorists were Muslim, it is insensitive to build a Muslim cultural center. It is all about the specific religion, it is all about prejudice, and both statements are irreconcilable. And that's that.

Maureen Dowd...It's not easy

I love Maureen Dowd. I read her columns always and generally agree with her sentiments. However, it is easy to sit as an esteemed member of the press, with no official portfolio of responsibilities to government and "We the People" and criticize the President for weakness, nuance and ineffectiveness. Ms. Dowd's recent criticism of POTUS was his handling of the Mosque controversy. She said he fumbled the ball. I cannot quite agree. This President is a smart man, and anyone who thinks he did not realize the firestorm that his remarks would create, is not paying attention. He knew darn well and our reactions as a nation are no surprise to Obama. So look what has happened. We are currently in a debate about the principles of our first amendment. We are discussing religious freedom and tolerance and reflecting on our values. The extremist bigots in this country will never change and the Gingrichs and Palins of this world will continue to stir the pot of prejudice and anger. The vast majority of us, however, will be more thoughtful and realistic in our approach to things. We will weather this controversy, come out stronger and try not to feed the flames of extremist and hateful language. In fact, we will continue to progress toward even more tolerance and appreciation of diversity. And yes, even for Muslims. So, thank you Mr. President for allowing us to discuss, debate and live our values. It isn't that easy Ms. Dowd. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Second Class

No one likes to think of themselves as second class. In our country, the rhetoric has always been that we are the strongest, most innovative and greatest nation on Earth. Due to our inherent patriotism, we have come to believe it and get quite upset if people talk about the failures of the United States. It is deemed unpatriotic by many Americans to talk ill of your own nation, but if we continue to live within the falseness of our rhetoric, the United States may become a second class nation. Our public education system is far from the top of the list of the bests, our infrastructure is eroding, we have no national rail system that is quick and efficient, we rely on oil from the most unstable part of the world, many scoff at the realities of global warming and as such, we have done nothing to improve our commitment to alternative energy, we are fighting expensive wars that are going nowhere, squandering resources that could be used to fix the real problems of the world, we have a political process that is mean spirited and does not work on behalf of the people, we have a trade deficit and an anemic manufacturing sector and we have a business community that still believes that any government is bad government and paid lobbyists have used this feeling to ramp up populism while leading to near financial ruin. Despite Obama's best efforts, we still have a mismanaged and dysfunctional health care system which will continue to be costly and not really universal in nature. Lastly, we have dangerous and incapable people rising to the top of the heap of potential future leaders wihout the appropriate abilities that are needed. These individuals portray our nation in simplistic and dangerous ways preferring fear over accomplishment and bigotry over our values. These are facts and if we choose to ignore them and reside within the bluster of American greatness, we will find our country not so great. The hopefulness we felt once President Obama was elected was tied to his recognition of these facts. When one fairly listens to his agenda about the future, he gets it. Our frustration with him according to polls, is unwarranted, unfair and just plain stupid. Americans must embrace change, embrace the future and lift us from the manufactured rhetoric of greatness to the reality of greatness. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

I would Rather

I would rather be represented by leaders who appreciate the Constitution and try and educate people to understand the greatness of America's values, than to be lead by fearmongers who prey on American bigotry and ignorance for the sake of a few votes. You decide which ones you prefer and live with yourself. Instead of leaders calling the Mosque in NYC an election issue, they ought to be telling those who are against religious freedom why this Mosque represents who we are as a nation. Trumped up bigotry and prejudicial language from elected officials can never be good for our nation. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Mosque Comments

President Obama has rightly followed Mayor Bloomberg's lead by supporting the building of the Mosque with a location near the 9-11 tragedy. It is nice to have a Mayor and President that understand the First Amendment. Peter King, a Congressman from Long Island in his typical fashion has said the President is being political with this decision. Yeah Right. 68% of those polled are against the location so I think Representative King has really lost his senses. The Oklahoma bomber was Christian. Did we stop the building of churches in that area? Could this have anything to do with the Mosque representing the Muslim faith? Ya think? For any American to be opposed to the building of a religious institution because of which religion it is, is an insult to 8 million American Muslims and an ignorance of our First amendment that is dangerously shameful. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

SALT

And now except for one R, the party of no is against the strategic arms limitation agreement (SALT)with Russia. Secretary of State Clinton announced US participation in such an agreement and lone Senator Lugar from the Republicans represents sanity from that side. So the Republicans are against job creation, against health care reform, against stopping discrimination of gays in the military, against regulations to limit potential abuse by finance institutions, against extending unemployment benefits, against aid to the states, against limiting dangerous drilling for oil, against any comprehensive energy plan to limit reliance on oil and now against protecting the world from nuclear weapons. And you don't know who to vote for? Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Do the Math

Today, the President signed a 26 billion dollar state aid bill. Thanks to Speaker Pelosi, the House continued to work during August break. This bill is paid for with cuts from other programs and will not increase the debt. 16 Billion will go directly to states for Medicaid payments that were reduced from previous legislation and 10 Billion to save jobs. Yes, to save jobs. At an average of 50,000 dollars in salary and benefits for example, 200,000 teachers, policemen, fireman and other state workers will continue to serve the public and keep their jobs. Why are Republicans against this? Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Prop 8

Politicians will do and say anything for a vote. Now there are those who are challenging the 14th amendment as too lenient and looking to change it. These individuals know that there is no chance in heck to do it, but it sounds great in a country that is losing its way and seemingly unable to engage in civil discourse. The 14th amendment represents the foundational principles of this great nation. I personally believe that this is simply a distraction to avoid the more serious discussion about gay marriage. To those who are opposed to it, including our President, a Constitutional scholar in his own right, it is time to start reading. Read the Constitution. Start now. It really isnt that long at all. My students are doing it as a summer assignment. As you read, look for the words or phrases that make marriage between two men or two women illegal. Try and find it. That should keep you busy for a while. Here is a hint, you won't. It ain't there. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Who's to Blame?

There is no doubt that our economy continues to struggle, but compared to two years ago, incredible progress has been made. No matter how much you hate our President, even in the privacy of your own thoughts, it is not possible to argue this. The political Mantra is Jobs, Jobs, Jobs and we have heard this all before during other recessions. Unemployment remains at 9.5 percent and people continue to wait for better numbers, but on average after a recession, it takes 5-7 years to be restored to near full employment. It is unreasonable to suggest it be done during less than half of a Presidential term. However, even though Republicans have attempted to defeat job creation legislation, there is private sector job creation going on, although modest. The bigger problem is how politicians spend their entire careers fixing blame and trying to destroy the opposition. With absolutely no plan of their own to create jobs, Republicans have stood in the way of every piece of job creation legislation and even though the Democrats have passed many reform bills, each one had been watered down and less than what was wanted or needed. This watering down was due to consistent Republican obstructionism for political gain and the self serving attitude of one independent Senator from Connecticut and one Democratic Senator (yeah right) from Nebraska. I dare not speak their names today to avoid indigestion. The sad thing is that the Republicans were successful in causing watered down bills, still voted against them, and can revel in their hurtful and vindictive unpatriotic acts. They are to blame. Where the HECK are you Americans for reason and truth.

SCOTUS

Today, the Senate in its role of advice and consent, will confirm Elena Kagan as the 4th woman in history as the newest justice of the Supreme Court (SCOTUS). This, happily despite attempts by Senator Sessions from Alabama leading a partisan campaign against this most accomplished and capable woman. Ms. Kagan has been serving as Solicitor General. This job is the lawyer who defends the Federal Government in all cases that appear before the High court, so any suggestions as to lack of experience are ludicrous at best. This is a good day for America. Hopefully Ms. Kagan will provide some balance and perspective for a court that has dangerously veered toward the right with its recent decisions. This is the second justice appointed by President Obama during his brief tenure as President and one of the most interesting facts of our Government. The President chooses justices who may serve for life and often, in their role, they completely surprise and disappoint the President who nominated them. This is because they are not politicians, but legal scholars who value law over mean spirited and vitriolic aspects of elected government. Kudos to our founders for getting this right. Kudos to you Ms. Kagan. Congatulations and congratulations to those Republican Senators who were able to put aside politics for a moment, and confirm a qualified and capable nominee. Sorry Senator Sessions... Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Shameful with no end in sight

Republicans have been on this campaign to object to all Democratic legislation unless it is paid for with other cuts...except of course tax relief for the rich. Today, the Democrats overcame a filibuster, but still the vast Republican block led by the disgraceful Mitch McConnell railed against legislation for state aid and saved jobs even though it was paid for with other cuts. Today's claim...it isn't the Federal Government's job to bail out the states. Every person whose job will be saved by this bill needs to follow what happened today and recognize who is responsible for their employment. There is no end in sight to the arrogance, hatefulness and vengefulness of these Obama haters and Democrat bashers. One can only hope that voters will begin to wake up, not listen to cable celebrities and really see who is trying to help America. There must be an end to this shameful behavior. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

No Inflation...yeah right

Economists and Government officials are telling us that inflation is not an immediate worry. In fact some are concerned about deflation which would affect our ability to grow as an economy. Constantly we hear that interest rates are at record lows and mortgage rates are more favorable than at any time in recent memory. Sounds good not to have to worry about price increases. Yeah right. What these geniuses don't understand is that the average person doesn't care and isn't really impacted by these broad statistics. Inflation may be low, but if your mass transit costs rise by 15%, college tuition rates rise by 6% and your supermarket basket by several dollars at each visit and yes, health insurance premiums which have not yet stabilized and continue to rise, you are experiencing huge inflation. Debilitating in fact. Individual families are dealing with those price increases that affect their daily lives. These are user fees. You must use your mass transit to get to work, you must shop for food, you must pay the tuition bill and you should go to the doctor when sick. So to all those who manage and evaluate our economy and promote various statistics, there is inflation. It is huge and it is real. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Good News

Democrats...stop whimpering. Today the President confirmed another campaign promise met. The 7 year war in Iraq fought under false pretenses is winding down with combat troops about to come home. This is great news and the Democratic party ought to embrace this news with enthusiasm and pride....Additionally, the Democratic House gets to put its money where its mouth is and clean up alleged corruption, giving its accused members their day in court. This is showing that they have no stomach for such lack of ethics no matter from which party. I am not frightened. Seeing the Democrats take care of business no matter what the timing, this is good news....Democrats need to stop waving the white flag, get out there and run on their accomplishments and show us that it isn't always just about politics. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Run on your Record

Much of the punditry in DC during the Summer months is revolving around Republican gains in the upcoming election. Now it would be no shock if the out of power party gains seats in an off year election, the issue is the scope. John (inept) Boehner is frothing at the mouth. He tastes the Speakership and is convinced his Just say No agenda is the ticket to victory. I say this, let the Republicans believe in America's impatience. Let them continue to say No and try to thwart progress. I believe that we are smarter. Democrats should run on their record....stimulus that helped end the recession and saved the domestic car industry. Financial reform to rid us of the worst unchecked practices of Wall street. Health care reform that will work once all the lies are finally proven to be lies. Credit card reform so that fine print practices are a thing of the past. Education reform through our "race to the top" program recognizing high achieving states. A full withdrawal of combat troops from Iraq as promised in the near future....This ain't bad. Run on it, not from it. If you run scared, you not only lose the House, you lose your moral compass. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

What If?

Let's play "What If". What if the United States didn't enter WW2? What if FDR didn't push for Social Security? What if the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was never passed? What if President Bush had reacted earlier to the warnings about planes being used as weapons? What if we weaned ourselves off of foreign oil 30 years ago? We could play this game all day. It generally is not constructive to look back, but we can emphatically say that things would certainly be different if certain events of history had not happened, or had happened differently. I bring this up today because some economists are now suggesting a weaker economic 2011 than once hoped for. What if the Republicans had not delayed each and every economic recovery package so that it started earlier? What if Republicans hadn't weakened every stimulative idea? What if Republicans genuinely expressed sincere desire for real economic recovery? What if Republicans educated their constituents instead of egging their ignorance on and not challenging their obvious mistaken notions about health care, taxes etc. By the way, tax revenues are at the lowest point currently than at any time since WW2. Anyway, What if? Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Abandoning Obama and the Dems.

If you hear about the polls and listen to the radio talk shows, read tweets and blogs and watch cable TV political analysts, you would think that the President is presiding over a sinking ship and that the people will get back at him by giving Congress back to the failed Republican party. This, only into less than half of Obama's Presidency. Pretty grim if you are a Democrat. Pretty incredulous if you have a brain. To the blue collar white male voter who has abandoned Obama, don't forget how while out of work, your President and the Democrats extended your financial lifeline by passing unemployment compensation extensions. To the person having difficulty paying the mortgage, don't forget the President's policies that have led to refinancing arrangements that may be helping you meet your loan obligations. To the new homebuyer that was afraid to take the plunge, don't forget the first time homebuyer credit that stimulated you to buy while you complained about big government. To the parent of a recently graduated college kid having difficulty finding a job, don't forget that you can keep him or her on your health insurance policy for an additional 5 years or until they can handle insurance on their own if sooner. To the independent voter that lost faith in Bush and now in Obama, don't forget that the current deficits include in the budget, the costs of war that were not accounted for by Bush, thus giving you highly educated folks some honest accounting instead of disingenuity. To the young person who is reconsidering continuing their enthusiasm with politics after 2 short years. Remember that you voted for change, and change takes time and by every estimate, this President even though not being given credit, has done more in 2 short years to restore American credibility around the world and improved a mentality that favors Main Street over Wall Street than his predecessor for sure. To the automobile worker. Don't forget that under this Congress and President, the domestic automobile industry was saved. To those of you who have become impatient due to your frustration, remember that the word NO in the long term has never been a good thing for our country. Action, decisiveness and getting things done is at the heart of American progress and ingenuity. If you think the opposition party, by saying NO is going to fix your problems, think back fairly and honestly about how we got here in the first place. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

In the Name of National Security

The latest chapter of the Government versus the Free Press involves 90,000 released documents that clearly show Pakistani/Taliban alliances, perhaps even helping the Taliban acquire surface to air missiles, and the government's anger about the public's knowledge. The public can't find out. It compromises our National Security. This reminds me of the fear that is manufactured in the citizenry about Iraq and Afghanistan wars being fought so we don't lose our way of life. Give me a break. BS. Our money, our brave men and women dying, causes not made clear, I have a right to know. So do we all. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Rangel and Boehner, two peas in a pod.

The title of this post may seem weird. How can a liberal Democrat from Harlem in New York City be compared to a Republican Conservative from rural Ohio? I will tell you, because when push comes to shove, neither cares as much for America as he does for his own personal political gain. John Boehner is so obsessed with becoming Speaker, that he will do anything and say anything regardless of its truth or impact. Just the other day he called the President partisan and unwilling to work with Republicans. The republicans have no ideas other than to say no, blame everything on taxes and to repeal everything....all job killing ideas at a time of much needed job creation. Lying, deceit and obstructionism seems to be the path the R's are using to try and reclaim power in the House and Boehner is fine with that strategy. He is just another bad, selfish, power hungry, incompetent member of Congress. Charles Rangel is so obsessed with his name, and his legacy that he will deny any wrongdoing, blame aides and others for his own failures and refuse to be contrite, apologetic and remorseful about his abhorrent behavior. All in the name of power and influence not in the name of America. At a time when Democrats need this story to go away quickly to campaign on issues, Rangel makes it all about him. Delay, have a trial go on near to the election, remind Americans about ethical lapses from a Democrat, these will be Rangel's legacy. The irony is that these two men are both awful. They preach that they love America and yet do everything they can to disprove that. Two peas in a pod. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Shirley Sherrod

Shirley Sherrod. Who? That's right, who? 72 hours ago this unknown, under the radar, medium level bureaucrat with the Dept. of Agriculture was known to no one but her friends and family. So why is it now the whole nation is focused on her? Why did Keith Olbermann while away from his show sign in with a 12 minute speech (excellent by the way) on her? Why have there been millions of tweets about Shirley Sherrod? Because of everything that is wrong about our wonderful nation. The fact that a media organization supposedly a news agency too, could report without fact checking, a biased, get back at the NAACP, blacks are racists too story, from a known piece of human scum, Andrew Breitbart that happened to be false, causing her embarrassment and pretty much get away with it, while diminishing every good instinct about journalism and news reporting that a free press should be about is sad. But even worse than that, worse than FOX and its actor/actress journalists, its partisan untruthful dangerous Limbaugh/Beck like hate, is the way our President and his administration handled it. Immediate forced resignation without checking. And the NAACP, all about protecting equality for blacks jumped on this poor woman too, without checking the facts. Now the Agriculture Secretary apologized as did the President's spokesman although meekly, and Mrs. Sherrod has been offered back her job but this is a weak response to a disastrous mishandling of this situation. Forget the particulars of Mrs. Sherrod's speech and the edited youtube clip, which anyone can research if you like. And forget FOX. They were just being FOX, a useless, self-serving entertainment organization with hate in its bones. But let's not forget President Obama, who promised to call out politicians and the media when they are wrong, who promised us a better path to civility and who gave the most marvelous speech on race in Philadelphia during the campaign that I had ever heard. He has been advised by his aides to play everthing cool, not to look too black, to be the President of all the people as Mr. Olbermann talked about on his program last night. Obama is not delivering the kind of tough, no nonsense response to hate and bigotry that he is really all about. I voted for the President because I know that in his heart he loves this country and believes in its better side and its wonderful people, but when you allow an active, vocal, mean spirited minority to get so under your skin that you react to them with fear and politics, you have failed us all. Mr. President, Shirley Sherrod is owed more from you than her job back, she is owed a national speech, heard by us all, telling us that such badness and hate, will not be tolerated by you and fought with every fiber in your soul. Then, I will feel as if you are being you, not a creation of safe political hacks looking for moderation and compromise with no reward in sight. Please Mr. President, our national psyche is at stake. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Watered down some more.

The unemployment compensation extenstion to happen today is good for those in need. However, this bill began with some real plans for job creation. In an effort to break the Republican filibuster, the Democrats again allowed for a watered down bill, inclusive of nothing else except the extension and again will have little support from the obstructionist party. So what is being accomplished? Not what we need. President Obama needs to spend almost all of his time calling the Republicans out as he promised to do. President Obama has to rail against watered down legislation and remind Americans that they voted for aggressive change. President Obama needs to get back his groove and stick it to the obstructionists, tea party racists, Sarah Palin, Michelle Bachman, John Boehner, Mich McConnell and Michael Steele. Call them out for what they are...true power hungry partisan charlatans with nothing but their own interests in mind. They care not one iota for America. They continue to lie, obstruct and convince a weary public through sound bytes that the Democrats are bad. They continue to deny their own culpability and responsibilty for our woes and are winning the PR battle. If the President doesn't get out there and pound these people, not only will legislation continue to be watered down and not do what we need, but so too will his Presidency and the Democratic Congress. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

Remember

Remember:

Republican Opposition to extending unemployment benefits.
Republican opposition to financial reform
Republican opposition to health care reform.
Republican alliances with tea party activists who compare Obama to Hitler.
Republican refusals to name one program they would cut.
Republican refusals to denounce hateful and vitriolic language of its extreme supporters.
Sarah Palin
Michelle Bachman
Michael Steele.
Mitch McConnell
John Boehner
Republican support of the unpaid for tax cuts but not unpaid for benefits to the middle class.
Republican support for unpaid for wars.
Republican support for Bush bailouts but not Obama's
Republican support for Bush budgets and soaring deficits.
Election Day 99 days. REMEMBER
WHERE ARE YOU AMERICANS FOR REASON AND TRUTH?

Scarily Stupid

Today a poll was released stating that only 34% of Americans know that the Bank Bailout program was orchestrated by the Bush administration. Frankly, this was one of his better decisions and by all accounts, Obama's continuation of this policy has actually helped to avert a disaster. As a population, it is scary that so few of us understand the realities of our own nation's policies and which leaders stand for what policies. Furthermore, it is scary at how 30 percent of Americans would consider voting for Sarah Palin. This woman is scarily stupid and I do not make such an insult lightly. She cannot articulate a coherent thought, scoffs at the need to be aware of the important issues in our world and believes that education is less important than a mother's instinct in deciding the nucelar policies or foreign policies or domestic policies of our great nation. Mrs. Palin is riding the tide of media fascination with media personalities having made her a news story, but frankly, it is scary to have the likes of this woman even mentioned as a possible future candidate for President. She is street smart, but dumb in every important aspect of leadership. She actually compared herself to William Shakespeare when she was called out about saying words that do not even exist in the lexicon of the English language. Refudiate is not a word. Scarily Stupid. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Loopholes

In every piece of legislation or policy, there are those who find the ways to avoid the law or to avoid their responsibility because there are always loopholes. We pine over the high tax rates on the wealthy claiming it reduces our ability to grow, but the reality is that very few high tax rate Americans ever pay that rate. They find loopholes to avoid it. Therefore claims by politicians about choking growth by high tax rates are not really accurate. Businesses are regulated by government and there are screams about how socialism is afoot and business needs to be allowed to follow Adam Smith's notion of free markets and pursuit of profit, but often these reguations are avoided and ignored by the discovery of loopholes. It seems as if Government can never insure that its laws are followed. If simple Immigration laws that are on the books were to be honored by private businesses, we wouldn't even have a problem with illegals. They wouldn't be able to prove their legitimacy because businesses would be following the hiring requirements. Instead they find loopholes or just don't do it thus creating a greater problem. The point of this post is that we are already hearing about health insurance providers finding loopholes in the recently passed reform to reduce choice by offering cheap plans with tiny networks. This certainly was not the intent of the legislation and again we are seeing corporate greed take precedence over what is right. Instead of barking about big government, Americans should be demanding that legislation is followed or huge penalties will be levied. Our frustrations are misplaced. We need to begin to face the truth, that corporate greed is at the root of most of our problems. Blaming government is a copout. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Promises Promises

How often do politicians honor the promises they make during their campaigns? Not often at all. In fact we as Americans have been trained not to believe a word. Our system allows for soaring rhetoric, broad statements of policy but is designed for only incremental moves. In 2008 came a Presidential candidate, Barack Obama at a time when we were tired, in need of a change and excited about the prospects made hopeful by his words. We voted for Health Care reform. We voted to stimulate the economy. We voted to improve America's standing abroad. We voted to ramp down our commitment to Iraq and to invest more resources in Afghanistan. We voted for Financial reform. Lo and behold, we got it all. I think America is in complete shock that we actually voted for someone who accomplished what he promised to do. We continue to be frustrated at the slow pace of recovery, the partisan bickering in Congress and are bombarded by the sheer magnitude of hate speech and obstructionism toward the President and today polls suggest we aren't happy with the job he is doing. Are we nuts? We voted, he promised, he delivered and now we are disatisfied? Elections mean something. If you don't like what you hear, vote for the other guy but if you get what you voted for, have the courage of your convictions. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth...

John Boehner and Mitch McConnell are the absolute worst of the worst. They could not care one iota for this country. Shameful, deceitful men.

Jobs

It is clear that a 9.5 percent unemployment is uncomfortable, disconcerting and unacceptable. If you do not have a job then you do not want to hear about it taking time or that unemployment is always a lagging indicator, the last to recover in a recovery. Today, the President announced that his stimulus package has saved jobs and has been accountable for a slight increase in job creation and a turnaround from consistent negative job creation over the past years. Republicans smell blood and are seizing on the discomfort of America in an effort to seize an electoral victory. It is however, all about jobs and there is much disagreement on the way to go about creating them. So in fairness and in an effort to be bipartisan, I would like to explain the Republican Party plan for job creation, one which I hope America reads and understands. Here we go:










There. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Forget the Experts

Each day, when an American evaluates the state of the economy, he/she does two things...evaluates the reality of his/her situtation and secondly, listens to the supposed experts. President Obama's popularity on handling the economy is now below 50% and this is largely due to unemployment and to the negativity of the loudest experts. The reality is that this nation under the President's leadership has dodged a bullet. He has taken the devistation of bank failures, brokerage failures and auto industry failures and has helped to put each one of these industries back on track. He passed health care which will ultimately lead to less stress and less cost long term, good for the economy. He is about to see real finance reform, not everything we need but certainly an improvement and will get 2 or even 3 Republicans to support him. We are growing again as a nation, not hotly, but slow and steady. We are saving more as Americans, a good thing to help keep us from being irresponsible again with our money. Jobs at a slow rate are being created and this morning it was announced that the trade deficit is lower than it was last year at the same time. These are facts. Experts are saying we are taxing small business, unless jobs return we will double dip, Obama will tax the nation to dealth, big business drives the economy and he is hurting it....and on and on. These experts don't know sh-t. Take a deep breath, read and see the good news, recognize that progress takes time and to expect a new President to fix all the wrongs in a year and a half is unreasonbale. Slow and steady. Reality. Not the paid experts who are always 50% wrong. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

Lohan and James

The title for this post sounds like a law firm. It's not. Lindsay Lohan and LeBron James have taken the egocentricity of the entertainment and sports world to new and despicable heights. I know we all need a break from the sad realities of our world, but the creation of entertainment celebrities and athletes into the second coming of the Lord seem so out of proportion. I am not naive to the fact that these people have been marketed and created by many managers and media types that make their living this way, but it simply is not setting the example we need to set for those who will tackle the problems of the future. LeBron chose to stop his education and Lindsay decided she could not comply with the legal punishments for her alcohol abuse. These are their choices and I for one do not think they are the role models for the future. I like to be entertained too, but not with egocentricity and elevating the importance of mere mortals. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Soldiers or poets?

We are fighting and dying in two wars and the reasons for being there are becoming more cloudy each day. It is as if we totally have forgotten Vietnam and Korea. Anyhow, much of the news of late is about the inappropriate comments or politically insensitive comments of some of our military leaders. Frankly we need to get off this. These men are warriors who should be fighting and winning. Who cares what they say. I want to win and get the heck out. If a military man says something like "it is fun to kill the enemy" (paraphrase") and then gets hired to win the war, who cares? Military expertise is what I want on the battlefield so that our brave men and women can come home. These wars are becoming an unacceptable drain on our resources. Let us not look to criticize the comments of our fighters for political gain as FOX news has done today. What a bunch of despicable hypocrites all of a sudden looking for verbal decency as opposed to winning these wars. FOX sucks. Let our fighters fight, win these wars, bring home our people and leave eloquence to the politicians. By the way, our politicians are each day becoming more and more unbearable to listen to. So the reality is...no one knows what they are saying. Sad and scary. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Oil or Democracy

Yesterday was a most deadly day in Afghanistan. We seem to forget often that we are still dangerously engaged in two wars as we lost 6 troops. So why are we fighting? We are told to save our freedom and to protect our way of life and to keep the terrorists from kidnapping our values.
Does anyone really believe that our system of government or our freedoms are in real jeopardy? I don't think so, but it is easier for a politician to speak these words because they sound so patriotic and so easy for us to understand. We claim that these wars will help us to spread democracy and this is good. Does anyone really believe this? If Democracy was at the root of our war policy, we would be fighting in Zimbabwe, the Sudan, North Korea, maybe finish the Vietnam War, try the Bay of Pigs again and storm the Chinese. We aren't. We are however friends with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait, The UAE, nations who are run by wealthy oil families or a person we need for calm, that pound freedom into submission and have insulated themselves from the real problems of their own countries..poverty and hate toward the leaders. So, our response is to cozy up with these totalitarian regimes and claim our wars are about terrorism and democracy. Not so. We criticize Israel, the only Democracy in the region for abuse while those they are clamping down on continue to vow its destruction. There must be another reason we are so invested in the Middle East with nations who defy Democracy and are so far removed from relations with those who need us most. Maybe it's oil? How about someone from either party, in a leadership role finally admitting the truth? We cannot reduce our need for oil and until and if we do, the Middle East has what we want. Therefore, we will be there to protect our energy interests. It has nothing to do with terrorism or Democracy. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Don't Take it out on the Blameless.

There are 1.3 million people for whom extended unemployment benefits are the lifeline for their next meal or their next utility payment or for keeping their homes. Most of the unemployed have lost jobs from the private sector for which economic downfall kills profit margins and stockholder worth. As a result, employees are fired or downsized or forceably retired. Business is business, profits are profits and recessions have consequences. The unemployed didn't cause the economic distress and they are not responsible for private industry hoarding cash, paying overtime and staying on the sidelines of job creation until the government sorts out its bills and regulations. They are blameless. Who is responsible for delaying the lifeline in the name of deficit reduction? That's right. The Obstructionist Party...or to most political followers, the Republicans. Obama's failure is their only goal..and they will use the unemployed as bait for their rabid and extremist supporters. Way to go. Be careful though...this strategy may come back to haunt you along with Mr. Steele. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

He Steele's the Show

Michael Steele is the head of the Republican Party. He is a gregarious fellow and the first African American to serve in this role. He has consistently been an embarrassment to the nation and to his party. He has presided over a Committee engaged in reckless use of its donors' money. He himself is a self promoter concerned more with his own ego than the responsibilities of his job. Had he not been a continuous source of embarrassment for the Republicans, they would be riding the anti incumbency mood of the nation with increasing popularity, but they are not. Mr. Steele should stay in his role only to support partisan Democrats that wish to offset the nation's momentum that does not appear positive for the 2010 election according to today's poll numbers. However, as an American, on this 4th of July, it is important to come together and try and rid the nation of those who care more for themselves than for our country. Steele's recent suggestion and then retreat and rationalization about his remarks were his worst move yet. He claimed that the war in Afghanistan is Obama's war and not one that the nation was interested in pursuing. Mr. Steele, how far removed from reality can one man be? Get the heck out and sell some books. You are bad for politics in this nation. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

I am Back

School ended on June 23rd and I said goodbye to my beloved students. I took some time off to regroup and think about the feedback I received about being too negative with my posts. After wonderful sunsets, delicious chowder and great times at the beach, I am back to blogging. And I have decided that the feedback, although well intentioned, will not be listened too. There is a lot of negativity to our politics in this country. This is a political blog and therefore will continue to attempt to find Americans for reason and truth. While away from posting, Russian spies were caught...what is this the cold war again? Oil continues to spill into the gulf....Republicans continue to block the President, most recently in providing extended unemployment benefits to those still out of work. Gun activists are reveling in the recent Supreme court decision to incorporate the 2nd amendment to all 50 states....Where are you my AP students? Orin Hatch, republican conservative of Utah, frightened by threats from the extreme right, announced his opposition to the President's selection to the court claiming that Elena Kagan will be an activist justice. His hypocrisy is as easy to see as the nose on his face. He has always respected Presidential authority to choose justices but now he is resorting to the tired and old cliches about judicial activism. Give me a break. Michael Steele the leader of the Republican political party is praising the Bush job creation performance in an effort to further embarrass Obama and forget the recent past. Republicans will do anything to thwart the Democrats, hope for slow growth, hope for rising unemployment, hope for health care revolts and pray for all that is bad for this country for their sole desire to re take Congress. So I ask you, what do I have to be positive about? Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Be Positive

I was having a conversation with one of my readers the other day. He was giving me some suggestions about blogging due to his significantly greater experience than mine. He encouraged me to be more positive with my posts. My response was that he may be right, but that this was a political blog with a partisan tilt to the left. How is it possible to be positive when responding to a gleeful Senator McConnell who gloats about defeating unemployment benefits? How can I be positive about two men who claim to be affiliates of the Democratic party philosophy, Joe Lieberman and Ben Nelson who continually count local votes while screwing the nation? How can I be positive when people blame the President for an undersea oil explosion not of his making? How can I be positive when I continually see Republican politicians scream about Democratic spending when they themselves presided over incredible deficit creation and squandered surplus? Well, quite frankly I can't. I think therefore, I will take a few days off from blogging while I try to find the bright side and Be Positive. Don't count on it, but I will sincerely try. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

Dedication

Yesterday I said good-bye to the class of 2010. It was a very emotional experience and I dedicate this blog to them. I write to express my thoughts and opinions about the important issues of our time. As their teacher I tried to impress upon them the importance of becoming engaged in current events and in the processes of our government. I hope I have inspired them in some way to do so. This blog is therefore a simple encouragement for them to make every effort to become informed and to follow the issues. They are the Americans for Reason and Truth. Love you guys.

The Runaway General

General Stanley McChrystal has been summoned to the White House from Afghanistan to account for his recent "Rolling Stone" interview remarks. Already the questions as to his continued status as leader of the Afghanistan War team are revolving around DC. All the pundits and the experts will be debating this for days. I do not condone such disrespectful remarks as made in this article regarding the Vice President and other members of the Obama team. However, it is my hope that a cooler President Obama does not resort to the usual knee jerk reaction and ask for the General's dismissal. After all, he is a warrior, not a politician. He is paid to fight and to be mean at times and to finish the battle against our enemy. So he spoke out of turn. Who hasn't? If we were all held to account for some of the dummer things we have said, none of us would pass the litmus test of 100 percent appropriateness. The General slipped up. Scold him and embarrass him a little and then let him go back and win the war. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

Father's Day

I am not much of a believer in these manufactured Hallmark Holidays. I know my son loves me and do not need one specific day to remind me of that. Instead of thinking about what children are doing for their fathers today, I am thinking about what more we can do for our sons and daughters....We can end the two wars we are fighting, we can figure out how to diminish the vindictive and vitriolic politics in our nation. We can reduce our dependence on oil can commit to real education reform and stop the greed and obsession with money on the part of our investment and banking community. We can show real respect for our environment by passing real reform and we can tell these moronic tea party activists that they need to read the Constitution. We must do these things for our sons and daughters and simply say thanks to our dads. There is too much else to do. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

Another idiot politician heard from

It is easy to wrap oneself in the news of the oil disaster and forget the other realities in our nation and world. As unemployment remains a blight on the economic recovery, the Republicans along with a few by name only democrats and independents, continued to obstruct the most recent jobless benefits bill. The usual BS, not BP. Too expensive, hurts businesses, Obama a communist etc. The most recent idiot politician comes from Mississippi a state with consistently the lowest academic achievement and income levels of all 50 states. Still, election after election, they vote for the party whose policies have lead to their infamous ratings. Senator Roger Wicker from Mississippi has given the response to the President's call for the bill and bothered to make further idiotic comments related to the President's handling of the oil spill. He had the nerve to say that looking to change energy policy at this time is the wrong priortiy. Weaning ourselves off of oil and regulating dangerous oil drilling practices are job killers and the President is this and that etc. I suppose if he came through the education system of his state, still struggling to improve, he is at a liability in terms of vision and intellect. Perhaps we cannot blame his idiocy at all. Senator Wicker, you are not good for this country or your constituents. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Is it all BP's Fault?

I have been feverishly preparing for the end of school, giving finals, preparing grades and other end of the year stuff, but none of these responsibilities is keeping me from continuing to remain engaged. So as Congress grilled the BP CEO leading perhaps to his demotion and the President speaks to the nation, and a member of the House has the audacity to apologize to BP for a government shakedown and the oil still pours into the gulf, I am still frought with anger, disappointment and frustration as are many Americans. Emotions, however, will not fix the problem and even when the oil is finally capped, huge problems will continue to persist and harm the environment. I was speaking to a friend today and she engaged me in a discussion about culpability and I couldn't agree more with her. Thanks Sandy. BP is not alone. We in America with an appetite for oil that is endless are probably more at fault. We have created through our consumption habits a situation that allows oil lobby groups to prevail and Congressmen and women to take a hands off approach about oil companies because they need donations to their campaigns. We avoid solar, and wind and clean coal in favor of cheaper gas and refined oil. We use it without any sense of conservation or any real commitment to pay the expense today for a cheaper tomorrow. We helped to cause this accident only we fail to see it or admit it. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Take it or Leave it.

The War in Afghanistan has now surpassed Vietnam as the longest war in our history. Originally, we attacked in response to 9-11 and admittedly reduced our presence too early due to an obsession with Iraq. Adjustments in troop levels made by the Obama Administration have again embroiled us in a very serious conflict against a ruthless and unwavering enemy, the Taliban. However, officials of our Government will continue to insist that this is a War against Al Queda and we have been successful in eliminating much of their power structure. The reality, however, is that if we wish to call Afghanistan a true democratic partner, Al Queda cannot be the only enemy to defeat. Now we discover a vast array of natural resources in Afghanistan worth by some estimates a trillion dollars. The President is planning to reduce troop levels by next year and turn the conflict over to remaining NATO forces and the Afghanis themselves. This may sound great and I am no supporter of a protracted war, but we are laying our lives down in defense of Afghan reconstruction with not much to show for it. My plan is this, take and secure these resources for repayment for our loss of life and continued protection, or get out for good. It seems only fair to me. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

That's the name

It is laughable that Britain is embroiled in a communications battle with our President over the disaster in the Gulf. In the U.S., President Obama has been criticized for not being aggressive enough ( I don't agree ) in dealing with the oil spill. Across the Atlantic, our closest ally and historical motherland is 180 degrees in the opposite direction. British politicians trying to stir up nationalistic feelings and protect pensioners have roundly criticized our President for being too aggressive and downright insulting. The thing is, all he did was call the company by their right name....BRITISH PETROLEUM. Instead of criticizing him, why don't they condemn BRITISH PETROLEUM'S irresponsible actions and mis-truths all in the name of protecting their muddy reputation. Instead of tar balls, we are now seeing thick and expanding pockets of oil hitting our shores. This disaster is now ten times the size of The Exxon Valdiez and it would be nice of our ally to support efforts to hold BRITISH PETROLEUM accountable instead of whining. This is a crisis and it needs serious grown up solutions. A British company is responsible for this disaster and trying to deny that fact is an insult to the thousands of people whose lives have been dramatically and sadly altered. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

What do they want?

Yesterday some students of mine sent a picture text message to me during school, of picketers in front of a BP gas station. I was happy to see it because it shows that their level of consciousness regarding this crisis has been raised as it has been throughout the country. There is no doubt, that British Petroleum caused this, is responsible for it and all of the forces at our disposal should be employed to hold them accountable for the cleanup and for financial compensation to those they have harmed. The President, however, who may have gotten off to a slow start in communicating with us, is garnering all the available resources within Federal control, has visited the region multiple times to include another visit next week. He has absorbed knowledge, understands the science and technology and for my money, has acted forcefully and appropriately. Still, he is criticized. What else is new? He has been criticized for not calling BP's CEO, for the kinds of trousers he wore on the beach, for being too aggressive in stopping the drilling and for just being Obama. What happended to the days when we rallied as a nation around our leader, made constructive non political statements of support and acted like adults? Those days are gone. What do they want? They want Obama to fail. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Education....Not Just Talk

Every President and Governor in my lifetime that has made a speech about education has always said the right thing....that education is important, it is our future, teaching is an honorable profession, education lets us compete in a world of increasing globalization and on and on and on. Every politician loves to annoint his or herself as the education President or education guru and then regrettably when times are tough, do not honor the words and committments stated in their eloquent speeches. Often they make teachers the villains and school boards wasters of tax money. Today, President Obama will be visiting a high school in Kalamazoo because of its performance in the Race to the Top education competition. It is nice to have a President attend a high school graduation and talk about the importance of setting standards and competing and learning, but most times, these words are hollow and without follow up. Arne Duncan, the Secretary of Education is doing a reasonably good job with the message, but so much is broken that it takes a lot more than words to fix it. The President has said that teachers are underpaid, but there is no mechanism in place to insure that they are given their rightful place in the respect hierarchy as in other cultures. The President says that technology and science are important, but there is no mechanism in place to break the realities of Federalism and State control over standards and paying for public education. In my own state, the Governor wants to break the Union, has contempt for it and has used public frustration with a bad economy, to slash local budgets for school aid. Teachers are being let go, supplies and courses are being eliminated and college graduates cannot find teaching jobs in many areas. I am not an apologist for corruption that needs to be addressed, but I want to see people really support education with action, direction and real contribution to honor their words as politicians. Education is indeed important and as our school year comes to an end, the prospects for the future are dim. Our leaders need to keep their words to a minimum and maximize their actions or American children will fall further behind. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Shut Up.

President Obama has nominated James Clapper as the replacement for Dennis Blair who resigned under fire as National Director of Intelligence. This is a very important job responsible for coordinating anti terror activities and to work through the amazing bureaucracy of our various intellignece services. This man's temperment according to our bi partisan Sectretary of Defense Gates is right for the job. He was confirmed by the Senate in his current position and has a lifelong resume of knowledge and experience in matters relevant to this new job. The President is best suited to get recommendations from members of the Intelligence community as he is closer to what is happening in intelligence than any other elected official. So before one question is asked at a confirmation hearing, we have the usual members of Congress from both parties articulating objections....we need a civilian....his personality is wrong.....he won't be forceful enough.....he this, he that. I believe in checks and balances, but Congress needs to shut up. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

What am I Missing?

We are now in the 46th day of the Gulf Coast environmental disaster. Louisiana will be devistated again. The President has rightly put a moratorium on new leases for further underwater drilling until we can figure out how to avoid such a man made problem and/or to develop solutions to such catastrophes. Now, Governor Jindal of Louisiana and other politicians are begging the President to allow the drilling to continue. What am I missing? Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

So What Else is New?

Now admittedly, I have a soft spot in my heart for Israel. To be objective, however, it is important to note that it is the only totally free society in the Middle East area with a system of values and governance consistent with the United States and an ally in every sense of the word. If you could keep the religious and cultural aspects of the controversy out of the picture, there would be no quarrel with Israel as an example of true democracy. Unfortunately, we cannot put these complicated, historical and biblical issues aside and as a result, the world condemns Israel as the bully every single time as if there is no other side to the story. The recent commando raid looks bad on the surface. The media reporting this as an affront to humanity and the killing of innocent people. This has been the usual reaction so what else is new? The facts are clear. Israel is surrounded by people who have vowed to destroy it. The people of Israel are under a consistent existential threat. Daily, enemies shoot bombs into their territory. Daily, hatred spews out of the mouths of people in the area who have come to reject Israel's progress, people, innovation and hard work because they have not been able to duplicate such resilience. This supposed flotilla of aid involved ships that have been peacefully warned by Israel in the past, not to cross the blockade. The blockade exists because the Gaza Strip is run by Hamas, a terrorist group that vows to pursue Israel's destruction. How can much of the world ignore these facts? Think about your own lives. If they were threatened, wouldn't you react? For those who always condemn Israel under every circumstance, perhaps you should put yourself in its place. Less than one tenth of one percent of the land in the Middle East is Israeli land and yet the pressures for it to give more and to compromise more mount daily. It just isn't fair and it just isn't right. Interesting that these supposedly peaceful aid givers and Palestinian supporters were able to pull out weapons and beat Israeli commandos once they boarded the ships. Peaceful my butt. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Moments to be Proud

On Memorial Day, Vice President Biden spoke on the hallowed grounds of Arlington Cemetary paying tribute to the thousands who have died protecting our nation. At this very location, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, on the Thursday before, I was there with 60 High School Seniors ready to party and have a great time on a Senior Trip to Williamsburg. On the way down, we stopped in DC to see the sights and before we left, we spent time at Arlington. These students are very mixed in terms of their interests and academic motivation particularly at the end of their High School experience. For this precious hour at Arlington however, they all were one. The respect they accorded the location and the behaviors they exhibited were so wonderful and so appropriate for the location that I almost shed a tear. For all their desire for fun, they stopped, reflected and made the most of the experience. I am so proud of them all and they deserve only the best from us as we leave them a very tough world to fix. There is hope. Go South River Rams. You are the best. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?