My Thoughts Exactly

Never Forget

2005-09-11T11:52:00.000-07:00

It's been four years since September 11, 2001. My life has changed so much in that time, but my memories of that day are so vivid that for awhile this morning I felt just as I did then and I sat for an hour or so in a daze. I took time to go to the archive of articles and commentary on my web site and re-read what inspired (and infuriated) me in the months that followed.

Beyond that, one of the things that stands out in my mind was a trip to the post office that afternoon. It was virtually deserted when I entered, except for a woman standing in the small lobby looking bewildered. She had several stamped envelopes in her hand and was staring at the slot marked "Outgoing - Metered Only". She looked at me with tears in her eyes and asked, "Where am I supposed to put these?" I dropped my own stamped mail into the slot next to the one she was looking at and said, "Oh, those can go right here." She ran her fingers across the label that said "Outgoing - Stamped" and thanked me, then she hugged me and sobbed, "Nothing will ever be the same again." I had never seen her before, but we stood with our arms around one another as if we were dear, close friends.

"Nothing will ever be the same again." For awhile, nothing did feel the same. If there was one positive aspect of that horrible event it was that it seemed to unite us as a nation in a way that nothing else had for decades. That, at least, was a welcome departure from the norm. But that didn't last long.

In the four years since that brief, shining moment when congress stood together singing "God Bless America", (I had to prove to myself I hadn't imagined it) the political divide in this country has continued to deepen. I needn't detail all of it here - suffice to say that the Democrats care more about regaining power than they do about the security and preservation of what used to be the UNITED States of America. And the leftist, "liberal" pundits continue to lead their PeeCee followers down a garden path of destructive attitude with the help of the sympathetic mainstream media. Above all, the excoriation of George W. Bush takes precedence.

Michell Malkin provides a number of links, some of which brought tears. I posted some of them here on the main page of my business site.

Today, September 11, 2005, I feel renewed resolve. Not to rant, but to encourage us - ALL of us Americans - to unite against our common enemy by having our voices heard, by telling the world "We will NEVER forget."

You won't hear about this...

2005-09-10T15:56:00.000-07:00

...from the networks.

Reported by American Forces Information Service:

Iraqi Soldiers Make Donation for Katrina Victims
TAJI, Iraq, Sept. 9, 2005 – Iraqi soldiers serving at the military base here collected 1 million Iraqi dinars for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Iraqi Col. Abbas Fadhil, Iraqi base commander, presented the money to U.S. Army Col. Paul D. Linkenhoker, Taji's coalition base commander, at a Sept. 5 staff meeting.

"We are all brothers," said Abbas. "When one suffers tragedy, we all suffer their pain."

The amount of money is small in American dollars - roughly $680 - but it represents a huge act of compassion from Iraqi soldiers to their American counterparts, said U.S. Army Maj. Michael Goyne.

"I was overwhelmed by the amount of their generosity," Goyne said. "I was proud and happy to know Colonel Abbas, his officers, NCOs and fellow soldiers. That amount represents a month's salary for most of those soldiers."

In a reciprocal gesture, U.S. soldiers attended a memorial service Sept. 5 for victims of the disastrous panic during a pilgrimage in Baghdad, which happened the same day Hurricane Katrina struck the U.S.

More than 1,000 people, mostly women and children, fell into the Tigris River or died on a bridge over the river when the crowd panicked after rumors that suicide bombers were in the procession.

Abbas spoke of the Iraqi victims as "martyrs" and donated one half of his paycheck to a fund earmarked for their families. A collection box for the fund was filled with contributions from American soldiers.

Brotherhood - Not Racism

2005-09-07T09:59:00.000-07:00

This insightful commentary by Rabbi Aryeh Spero is posted today at Human Events Online

An excerpt:

There is only one real America. Beginning Friday morning in Houston, thousands of regular citizens poured into the Astrodome offering water, food, clean clothes, personal items, baby diapers and toys, love and even their homes to the evacuees who had been bused in from New Orleans. Most of the givers were White, most of those being helped were Black. But there was Jesse Jackson, busy on TV, accusing the country of not putting Blacks -- i.e., him -- on some type of Commission he is demanding. Where was he early in the week? Not sweating with others from around the country who had scraped their last dollar to come help. With Jesse, it’s always about Jesse.

NOLA "leaders" knew a year ago

2005-09-06T10:46:00.000-07:00

But did nothing. Hurricane Exposes Flaws in Louisiana Disaster Plans... in 2004!

'Tis an ill wind...

2005-09-06T10:33:00.000-07:00

Despite what we're hearing from the mainstream media and The Venomous Left, the fact remains that America is truly the greatest country in the world. Witness the outpouring of generosity and assistance provided to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The funds that have been raised, the donated items, the offers of physical assistance to aid in the efforts; all done out of love and concern for our fellow man. Hurricane Katrina: Blog for Relief Weekend raised well over a million dollars, so far Americans - individuals and corporations - have given over $400 million, and the unprecedented relief effort is ongoing. Here's a round up of more good news.

The disaster has also exposed the underbelly of a society sinking into the abyss of failure to take individual responsibility. Too many expect the government to take care of every need, to rescue them from every adversity. A Tale of Two Hurricanes underscores the disturbing deterioration of the moral fiber and backbone that was once the epitome of American character.

Hurricane Katrina: Blogging For Relief

2005-09-02T08:30:00.000-07:00

This event has been extended through Labor Day weekend. Dig deep and do what you can to help. Find my list here.

Help Those Who Are Helping

2005-09-01T08:59:00.000-07:00

The "blogosphere" - of which I have just recently become a part - has joined together to dedicate today to raising funds for Katrina's victims. You can go here for a round up of participants and a list of suggested charities. You'll find a link to the right for some I especially recommend. A note of caution: Beware of scams perpetrated by the scum of humanity!

Another super bit of enlightenment comes from Americans Aiding Americans, an ongoing list, put together by Chuck Simmins, of American businesses and organizations who stepped forward immediately to make a real difference during this disaster. Without waiting for federal aid, help from other countries or pledges from celebrities, these people went to work and they represent what this great country is all about.

For more about "Blog For Relief Day": Instapundit's List, Flood Aid, and Hurricane Katrina

Spinning Katrina

2005-08-31T13:42:00.000-07:00

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. blames the governor of Mississippi for Hurricane Katrina. Oh, and of course, George W. Bush and the Republican party in general. I tried to take a look at the article in the journal Nature that he references, but their site requires paid membership to benefit from the wealth of "wisdom" no doubt contained there.

For a sane and thoughtful opinion, read Katrina and Disgusting Exploitation, by James K. Glassman.

Sheehan, Sheen & Sharpton

2005-08-31T11:42:00.000-07:00

The "The theater of the absurd has found pay dirt in East Texas."

Media Bias,? Oh Yeah...

2005-08-30T16:24:00.000-07:00

There is a blogger whose opinions I (mostly) respect - though his political bent is decidedly left. I actually discovered his site some time ago while trying to find the author of a disgusting piece of leftie "humor" entitled "Dear Red States". I never did discover who wrote it - the author was obviously too cowardly to sign his name - but since Dan Shafer posted it proudly and seemed to think it was quite funny, I couldn't resist registering on his site and submitting a response. What followed was a predominately civil back-and-forth with him and one of his regular commenters. I felt we'd made a good attempt at advancing the cause of polite discussion between left and right. I have since looked in on his site from time to time and expressed my opinion about his opinions once in awhile, most recently we've disagreed about the exploitation of Cindy You-Know-Who.

Last week, he posted a link to a Flash movie glorifying Saint Sheehan, admitting it was "one-sided", but admiring it just the same. I told him I thought one-sided was a bit of an understatement and also remarked about the ho-hum attitude of the media when a similar situation took place while Slick Willie was in the Whitehouse.

To which he responded, in part:

Regardless of what else comes out of this discussion, Kathleen, I would hope we could put to rest -- not once and for all (alas, it resurrects itself periodically) -- the demonstrably ludicrous notion that the press in this country is biased to the left.

Reporters may have personal biases to the left on some media outlets, but the fact that Bush (and Reagan before him) have successfully manhandled the press and been known as "Teflon presidents" should give the lie to that old saw. Owners and publishers of media outlets are almost universally conservative.

Since he claims the "notion" is "demonstrably ludicrous", I asked him to demonstrate. He hasn't yet, but I thought I should be prepared to put my money where my mouth is and have some good documentation to back me up. (Never fear, I located plenty of legitimate sources) During my research, one of the best blogs I found is NewsBusters. Good, well documented material as well as some great cartoons. Check 'em out.

Great Weekend Trip

2005-08-30T15:45:00.000-07:00

So, after a couple of days of playing catch-up - workwise and on the domestic front - I'm back here expressing my thoughts exactly. I don't know that many are actually "listening", but that's okay too). First this little recap of the stuff that makes life worth living and then, perhaps an "opinion" or two :-)

My husband and I left Friday evening, fought the gridlock on I-5 (southbound traffic at a virtual standstill even at 7:00 p.m. for some unknown reason) to head for the coast on the far side of the Olympic Peninsula. It took well over an hour to go less than 50 miles before we reached Hwy 12 westward bound for our first stop, Westport. What used to be a sleepy little fishing village is rapidly growing into a "resort town", as evidenced by the very high lodging rates and food prices (gas was $2.98 at one place as well - we waited until Sunday and paid $2.67 for it elsewhere.)

We looked around a bit there the following day, visited with old friends of my husband's from his days as a fishing boat captain, then drove back around Grays Harbor and checked out Ocean Shores. Another tourist trappy resort-type community that has grown tremendously in the 8 or 9 years since I visited there. Huge crowds on the beach - and while it was fun to watch the kite-flyers, the kids and the dogs reveling in the surf and the folks on rented scooters skirting the edge of the water - we didn't stay long with the crowds.

From there, we went North, took Hwy 109 and enjoyed the scenery along "the road less traveled". The tiny area of Moclips provided great beach access and a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean in all its glory. Just a few people and no vehicles allowed on the beach. We made note of places to stay in the vicinity for future reference.

The rest of the Saturday afternoon was spent on Hwy 101, between the Quileute Indian Reservation and the Olympic Mountains. More great scenery, especially after we reached the coastal part of the drive and detoured briefly into a public campground (with - at long last - RESTROOMS). Lots of people, kites, kids and dogs there too - in R.V.'s, campers and tents. On to Forks to spend Saturday night at the Forks Motel, which is clean, attractive and reasonably priced. The Forks Coffee Shop is right next door. The food was very good, not over-priced, and the service was excellent. As a bonus, they offer a smoking section, as well! This is also an area very popular with tourists since it's near the HOH Rainforest and Sol Duc Hot Springs.

After a tasty breakfast at "our" coffee shop Sunday morning, we continued around the peninsula, again taking the road less traveled, in this case Hwy 112 on the northern end. We saw only a few vehicles and were treated to absolutely THE best scenery of the trip! Seemed like the types of trees and plants changed each time we rounded a curve (and there are lots of those). Several areas for beach access and very few people on any of them. Incredible to have a magnificent rain forest on one side of you and the sea on the other. We plan to go back in a month or so to get an eyeful of what is sure to be spectacular fall color.

This is a beautiful part of the country, and once you escape the urban areas, it's like being in a different state than the one that claims Seattle and surrounding environs. Being in the midst of so much of Mother Nature's magnificence is - like the awesome power of Hurricane Katrina - a certain reminder of just how insignificant human accomplishments are in the grand scheme of things. We all need that now and then, just as we need the soul-renewing experience such small breaks in routine provide.

Meanwhile, Soldiers Savagely Beaten in Seattle...

2005-08-26T09:33:00.000-07:00

...have apparently been admonished by the police and local media commentators that they "should have ignored the groping" (the thugs reportedly groped one of the soldiers' wives) and simply left.

When this incident was reported on KING-5 T.V. Wednesday night, it sounded as if it had just happened and the police were releasing a video of the beating with closeups of the suspects in an effort to apprehend them ASAP. Last night, the report said more clearly that this occurred the night of July 31. Three weeks ago! And it's just becoming "newsworthy"? Michelle Malkin outlines the full story with plenty of background that speaks volumes about the p.c Seattle PD and City leaders.

Glad I don't live right in Seattle and we're not Big City Nightlife types. Sounds like a dangerous place.

OMG - Deadly "Clusters" attack W.V. Schoolchildren

2005-08-26T09:23:00.000-07:00

But have no fear, the Center for Disease Control, The American Journal of Public Health, and the Center for Science in the Public Interest have rushed to investigate (and pontificate). And what DO the head Nannies think will Save Our Chiiil-dren?: "...fast-food-free zones around schools that would "remove noxious elements in the food environments that schoolchildren are exposed to every day"

Here are a couple of the "victims" of this "deadly disease"

SHS Facts vs. Statistics Part I

2005-08-25T16:27:00.000-07:00

A few weeks after I moved here, I listened to some commentary by Ken Schram on KOMO-4 News. My perception of Schram is that he's the local version of Andy Rooney, a curmudgeonly commentator who provides a somewhat oppositional balance to the mostly P.C. views one expects from Seattle's liberal media. Indoor Smoking Bans Are A Real Drag was really just a mild protest by Schram, a smoker, against the government and what he calls their "Don't Run With Scissors Laws". It did inform those of us who were paying attention, however, that the ballot in November will include a vote on "Initiative 901".

Section I - INTENT AND FINDINGS, states:

The people of the state of Washington recognize that exposure to second-hand smoke is known to cause cancer in humans. Second-hand smoke is a known cause of other diseases including pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, and heart disease. Citizens are often exposed to second-hand smoke in the workplace, and are likely to develop chronic, potentially fatal diseases as a result of such exposure. In order to protect the health and welfare of all citizens, including workers in their places of employment, it is necessary to prohibit smoking in public places and workplaces.

Note the phrases I highlighted. They are pure hyperbole, based on years of harangue by nannies of both the left and right side of the fence. There is independent, credible research with verifiable documentation that explains how numbers and statistics were rigged to bolster the ridiculous claim that "second-hand smoke" (SHS) or "Environmental Tobacco Smoke" (ETS) causes disease and death among non-smokers.

In future posts, I will provide links to research material and try to make it as "reader-friendly" as possible. For now, I will reiterate the words of Dave Hitt and say in response to those who claim "63,000 (or 40,000, or 1906, or whatever number pops into their heads) people die from second hand smoke every year"; "Name Three."

To Cindy From George

2005-08-24T08:37:00.000-07:00

ScrappleFace is absolutely my favorite satire site. Scott Ott's brilliant, usually hilarious take on current events is not to be missed. Today, his eloquence is of a more serious nature and the piece is one everyone should read and pass along. An excerpt from the letter our president SHOULD send:

You ask for what noble cause your son died?
In a sense he died so that people like you, who passionately oppose government policies, can freely express that opposition. As you camp in Crawford, you should take off your shoes, for you stand on holy ground. This land was bought with the blood of men like your son.

Go now...read it. And tell everyone you know that this IS the definitive answer to "Mother" Sheehan and the rest of her camp followers.

Prose for "Pros" (and "Antis")

2005-08-23T15:27:00.000-07:00

Truly, if I had my druthers, this world would be one totally free of war, disease and poverty - also lawyers, doctors and politicians. Who but the most aberrant human being doesn't long to have it so? (Except, perhaps for lawyers, doctors and politicians) Alas, 'tis but wishful thinking.

Does anyone really "support" war itself? No sane individual, nor one who truly understands the reality of what war is. I challenge anyone to find a woman in this country, Democrat or Republican, left, right or in the middle who doesn't live in constant fear and/or continual prayer if her child is on some foreign shore in harm's way. Hell, I worry when one of my cats doesn't show up on time for supper - I can't imagine the horror of having a child gone to war. It must be agonizing.

Though I don't recall being there, I'm sure the first human incident of violence was NOT at the hands of the female of the species. (Though hers may have been the second incident, if it was in defense of her child.) I imagine the first human killed by another was some weasily little creep, too lazy to hunt for himself and too wimpy to get a woman to look after him when his mama died of exhaustion. He probably thought it was a good idea to steal food from the big macho hunter in the next cave over and got caught in the act; whereupon he was beaten to a bloody pulp with the same club used to subdue a mighty mastodon - or to seduce the little woman, for that matter. Of course the "Bible" tells a different version. Refer to the Second Book of Apes for a general outline describing the origins of war. Here's an excerpt from Chapter 1.

But I digress. My point here really is that those of us who support our president and the rationale behind the war in Iraq are not "Pro-War" any more than those who support a woman's right to decide when and if she will have a child are "Pro-Death." There are times when the horrific choice is the only one possible based on the evidence at hand and the circumstances that threaten our future. Once that choice is made and the process is underway, there is no turning back. Calling for George W. Bush's head on a spike is as stupid and pointless (not to mention immoral) as bombing abortion clinics.

This is the real world in which we live. The one where nobody ever gets hurt or dies, where everybody loves everybody - the world that sings "In Perfect Harmony" - only exists in old Coca-Cola commercials and the minds of the delusional. Contrary to what "they" might try to tell you, boys and girls, it didn't exist when a Democrat was in the Whitehouse either, nor will it if we put another one there next time. And appeasing radical Islam sure as hell won't make it all better. We've tried it and it doesn't work.

More Nanny Nonsense

2005-08-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

This from columnist John Leo:

"The nannies are all around us now, attempting to ban smoking in outdoor areas, including New York’s vast Central Park, working to eliminate one schoolyard game after another, including dodge ball (too violent), tag (hurts feelings by turning kids into targets), and just about any game with winners and losers (competition douses the cooperative ethic, and losers can be traumatized for life).

California has banned genetically modified fish from home aquariums, and San Francisco set strict rules for doghouse construction. Alabama banned sex toys. A California legislator introduced a state bill to prohibit use of tanning machines by those under age 18, unless they have a doctor’s prescription. A New York assemblyman sponsored a bill to require every car in the state to come with a device that would allow driving only if the motorist blew into a tube and passed a Breathalyzer test. The test would have to be repeated every 30 to 40 minutes, or the car would stop. In North Dakota, a state bill would make it illegal for people who are just turning 21 to drink before 8 a.m. on their birthdays. The goal is to keep the young from rushing out at midnight on their birthday to get drunk. It’s a good idea to stop glamorizing smoking in movies, but the nannies want more. Stanton Glantz, a researcher opposed to tobacco, wants smoking to earn a bad rating for films, maybe an R for explicit inhalation."

And these are the same people who don't want the parents of a 14-year-old informed that their daughter is seeking an abortion.

Why aren't we hearing more...

2005-08-22T10:34:00.000-07:00

...about THIS side of the story? (She asked rhetorically...)

Some War Widows Oppose Sheehan

'I'm So Sorry'

Words For Cindy From A Soldier's Daughter

War Backers Set Up Camp Near Bush Ranch

"Mother Sheehan's" Disciples

2005-08-22T10:19:00.000-07:00

Amazing, disgusting, alarming that these people walk among us. This from Moonbat Central.

"Pain In The Gas"

2005-08-21T13:50:00.000-07:00

Jason of Generation Why asks:

"The Democrats promised us this war was about oil. With gas prices soaring, I'm still waiting to benefit from trading "blood for oil". How much more sacrifice do we need to make before I can fill up the tank for under $30 again?"

You'll need to scroll down a bit on his page, since this is not a new post - but it's WELL worth the read.

Update: Jason kindly provided me with the direct "permalink" to the post above. Thanks J, makes it MUCH easier to find!

Yeah, it IS scary

2005-08-21T12:36:00.000-07:00

"The really scary part is if you remove the two main characters, it just may be an accurate depiction of the kind of world we're headed for." This from the review of the old 1993 movie Demolition Man by Dave Hitt. His site The Hittman Chronicles has a lot to say that bears repeating. And I probably will...

"Nicotine Nannies" not new

2005-08-21T11:05:00.000-07:00

Mark Twain's scathing reply to their nonsense could have been written yesterday.

What Media Bias?

2005-08-20T15:55:00.000-07:00

Letter to the Editor
Seattle P.I.
Re: Article dated Aug 18 "Hundreds Flock To 'Mom' Peace Vigils"

Galvanized by the grief and grit of a soft-spoken woman on a quest for answers, more than 1,500 Seattleites Wednesday night fell silent, sang and lit candles in her honor.

If you were to believe Cindy Sheehan is "soft-spoken", then you'd have to think George W. Bush is a worst terrorist than Saddam, 9/11 was perpetrated by Jews and... Oh wait, that IS what you think.

Never mind...

The Nanny State

2005-08-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

I'll have more - much more - to say about this, but for now: Funny if not so near the truth!

You might also want to hop over to Townhall.com's C-Log and read The Road To Hell, a "Soapbox" from blogger "xtime" aka Dave Tunnel. His observations about the dying concept of Live and Let Live are right on target.

A Slow Poison

2005-08-19T10:22:00.000-07:00

"...is running through the veins of this great country," Bernard Goldberg observes. His latest book, 100 People Who Are Screwing Up America (and Al Franken is #37) is a hilarious roundup of those he believes are responsible for the decline of our society. Among his specific targets are Barbra Streisand, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and Ward Churchill. Great read! You can find the full review here, along with a link for ordering it.

If I was Cindy's mother...

2005-08-18T15:25:00.000-07:00

I'd be ill too. Here's the latest from Crawford

And Speaking of Sappy Cindy...

2005-08-18T12:26:00.000-07:00

Take a look at Sweetness & Light where you'll find the article "Cindy's Soldier-Hanging Friends" Hmmm. One can certainly tell a great deal about a person by the company they keep

A New Chapter

2005-08-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

Twice widowed, I have recently remarried (yes, really) and moved from the decidedly "Red" state of Idaho - where I lived most of my life - to the Seattle, Washington area, where "Blue" attitudes prevail.

There really was no reason to stay where I'd been for so long, but I'd probably be there still if not for falling in love with a man whose life and work are tied to the seaports and shipyards on the Washington coast. Not that I was crazy about the Idaho desert, you understand - but family and circumstances, work and obligations rooted me there long ago and I took my mother's words to heart. "Bloom where you are planted." she always said. So I did.

I AM happy here. There's a lot to like. My husband is incredible (more about him later, perhaps) and I love the cooler weather. The week I left Idaho, temperatures were in the low 100's there and here in the mid-70 range.

But oh, the Lefty Liberal climate! Watching the news as reported from the "local perspective" sometimes makes me want to throw a heavy glass ashtray (yes, I'm an unapologetic smoker too) through the TV screen. Last night, of course, was full coverage of local and national "Candlelight Vigils to Support Cindy Sheehan". The reporter on scene at Gasworks Park in Seattle fawned over the "Moms For Peace" and dismissed the distaff side with a disdainful voice-over that cut off the single opposing viewpoint that was shown. "Well certainly, not EVERYONE supports what Cindy's cause."

So the question is: Does moving from Red to Blue make a girl turn Purple?