I watch Fox and Friends every day, at least a portion of it, when I get home from work. They are always having great musical performers doing something special, usually on Fridays. Well, last Friday, the guests were a group called, "4Troops." It was very, very special.
Any "tea party" group out there need to sign these people up to perform at conventions and rallies! Yes, they will blow away the audience. They could easily sell many copies of their upcoming CD following the rally, so you probably wouldn't have to spend a lot to invite them to perform. They are pro-freedom, pro-military, and pro-America. They would be a hit!
I'm really looking forward to getting their CD they promoted on Fox and Friends. I love good, patriotic music.
Of course, some will say I am only trying to promote my video that I uploaded to YouTube. I'm sure that is what my critics would want to tell you. Don't worry, though, that's not my covert motive. I get plenty of views on my channel, my videos have a way to sell themselves. No, I just want to promote 4Troops, and Fox News and Fox and Friends. They are the ones that deserve the credit due.
Now, for the video that you need to see!
Do you see what I mean? These people are talented! The song brought tears to my eyes, and still does.
It is my hope that by promoting what 4Troops do will help to revive the patriotic spirit in many people in this great country.
Are there many people like me in this country? Yes, absolutely! But, ya know what? It is great performers like 4Troops that help immensely by giving us more "ammo" to attract more people like us to our cause. We want people to find out that they are NOT alone. We're not trying to create "right wing extremists," we're not trying to indoctrinate anyone with some fringe or radical agenda, uh, other than letting people know that there are the elitists that would like nothing better than having people just give up and accept the Federal government as their savior.
So, I'm hoping that by doing this - promoting a great group in a great performance - will help to effectively get the message out there. I hope that you will spread this message around. Please spread the love for Freedom! That's the best valentine message you can give anyone.
I was wondering why I felt so tired last week. I knew it had something to do with a lack of sleep, but until now, I wasn't aware of all that I had accomplished last week. It took forever to get all of the videos up on this page this week. Did I count that right? Ten? No wonder I feel like taking a day off! Or, at least a nap. I'm tired!
But here I am, keeping up with the news, making sure I would be able to share the very best of the biggest stories of last week. Yes, I really did say, "the biggest stories," but I guess that depends on the source of your news. Or, for that matter, your views.
So do you ever wonder what drives me? What has me motivated to work all of the time?
I have a simple answer to those questions above.
I happen to value my freedom; what's left of it. When I kept having recurring nightmares where I felt like I was sliding down a slippery slope, I found that there was a meaning to them. It goes right along with the loss of self-reliance, where other people get the power to decide what is best for us.
You have the choice of where you end up at the bottom of that slippery slope. You can slam into a big brick wall, fly off the cliff into an abyss, or preferably get a big head start on your way back up the next mountain. I prefer the latter. With government intervention, I fear the only choices will be the brick wall or the cliff.
So, if you think I was getting deep here in the intro, wait until you see the following videos. While Bill O'Reilly may have the lock on being Bold and Fresh, the video snips below give a new meaning to Courage and Encouragement. Enjoy the next hour!
November 30, 2009 - Obamastan: Karl Rove on Fox & Friends
Karl Rove talks about Afghanistan on Fox & Friends.
November 30, 2009 - Lee Greenwood - "He Would Be King"
What a wonderful song, sung with a wonderful voice!
December 01, 2009 - Afghanistan or Obamastan? - Glenn Beck: Get 'er done or get 'em out!
Glenn Beck is on the couch this morning with Steve, Gretchen, and Brian of Fox & Friends. The discussion quickly gets around to Afghanistan, and what Obama is doing with this war.
It is getting to sound more like Obama wants the war in Afghanistan to go on forever, without an eventual victory, just so that they can collect more taxes from "the rich!"
December 02, 2009 - "You Guys Make a Pretty Good Photo Op": The Hannity Videobama (The Obamastan Story)
The President spoke at the West Point academy last night about what he would do about Afghanistan. And we will now be able to take full responsibility for what ever happens in Afghanistan, because his strategy is now public.
December 03, 2009 - Fox & Friends mention Climategate finally!
It took them awhile, but finally the subject of the CRU emails that were published to the world made to a short Fox & Friends segment.
December 03, 2009 - For the Troops: Miss Americas' mission to Afghanistan
A great segment honoring our troops on Fox & Friends. A trip to Afghanistan by former Miss America winners and a former Miss Utah - Sgt Jill Shepherd - to boost the morale of the troops; and in the mean time, made a big difference in the lives of the women who made the trip to Afghanistan.
December 04, 2009 - Climategate reaches NASA: Caught manipulating data?
So why would anyone at NASA have any motivation to manipulate data? Funding. (Follow the money.)
December 05, 2009 - A Social Secretary with Executive Privilege? Where's the transparency?
Why would the White House not want the Social Secretary testify in Congress? Pulling out the executive privilege card would seem to make this some type of state secret. What are they hiding with the dinnergate situation?
December 05, 2009 - Poor Al Gore! Oh, the irony: Debunked by the Internet he invented!
Yes, climategate is hurting the global cooling/warming a.k.a. climate change "caused by man" agenda. All of a sudden, the tide is going out on what could be considered the biggest scam ever, even more than the Bernie Madoff ponzi scheme... but maybe not quite yet as bad as the Social Security ponzi scheme...
December 06, 2009 - Protesting the War and Saving the SEALs
No, you haven't gone back to the 1960's, and nor have I. The protests that I refer to today don't have anything to do with Jane Fonda or hugging trees. This is about how the war we are in, for our freedom and for our lives, must be won. The problem is, I don't see the current administration's policies as being the way to win the war.
A trial for Khalid Sheihk Mohammed (KSM) in New York City? Trying to punish Navy SEALs for capturing a wanted terrorist because they gave him a fat lip? Oh, please, give us a break! Had I wanted to lose a war, I couldn't have even thought of such a diabolical plan to succeed at defeat.
I pray this video goes viral. It should. (But it hasn't....yet)
FAVORITE OF THE WEEK:
From BaldBunny37: December 02, 2009 - Climate Gate
My thoughts on climate gate, global warming, stuff like that, and some of my other opinions in there too. Have a nice day.
I came up with the idea for this writing when I saw the following segment on Fox & Friends:
We all know that eventually, as we age, we come down with the CRS (Can't Remember Stuff) disease, but I was able to remember when those that protested the War In Iraq complained about being called unpatriotic because they disagreed with the war effort, especially in Iraq. That was back in the days when people still remembered the horrors of 9/11, and of course, anyone that complained about the course of action was just so unpatriotic. They were un-American. They were demonized. And the war protesters made a valid point that it was their right to speak out - even if they were part of the Code Pink minions.
But, isn't it weird that those same people, those who claimed their rights to speak up were being taken away, seem to be the same people that are now calling the Town Hall dissenters "mobs," and Tea Party participants "teabaggers?" The same mainstream media that criticized the Bush administration for calling those that dissented against the War on Terror as being unpatriotic, are now calling people that voice their dissent on health care reform (known as ObamaCare), "un-American."
Being called "un-American" isn't the only thing that we are now hearing about those that go to the town hall meetngs to stand up and speak up:
A few days ago, Joseph Farah wrote a column, "'Ridicule is man's most potent weapon'," where he explains why Saul Alinsky's fifth rule in his "Rules For Radicals" doesn't always work:
But I have news for the late Saul Alinsky. Those tactics may have served well the extremists of the past – in the short run. However, the ridicule of this campaign has been so over the top, so pervasive, so malignant and so obvious, it has backfired. The rules for radicals work well when radicals are not running things. But when the inmates take over the asylum, as they have in this country in the last six months, the old tactics of intimidation simply allow more people to see through the looking glass.
There are some in the media that aren't going to be reined in like good little sheeple. And it is apparent that the ridicule won't stop some citizens from speaking up, and saying what they want to say to the politicians at the town hall meetings.
So, when ridicule doesn't work to silence the sheeple, the big question is, what tactics will those in D.C. and their state-run media use to quell the dissent? No, they wouldn't resort to thuggery, would they? Ah, c'mon, it would be crazy to believe that would ever happen! Oh, wait...
When the tea party rallies were taking place last spring, the radical left occupying the White House, the liberals in Congress, and the state-run media claimed that those who attended were organized by the Republican Party or FoxNews. And let's not forget the maligning ridicule such as Janine Garofalo's name-calling, using the derogatory label of "tea-baggers." Janet Napolitano's Department of Homeland Security then added to the cacophony, with the report that claimed most of the people with Conservative values were right-wing extremists and a domestic terrorist threat.
Add those events to what is now going on at the town hall meetings regarding Health Care Reform (ObamaCare), there seems to be a frightening pattern of malignment of those who wish to speak up. As seen above, when the claims of those who are speaking up were manufactured ("astroturf") - organized "mobs" - didn't work, they moved on to claiming that the people speaking up at the town hall meetings were racists, and even dangerous. It even went to the point, as in Mike Sola's case, where he received a threat to him and/or his family after he had confronted Rep. John Dingell (D-MI). The question is now, will the tactics of the left be escalated any further?
Unfortunately, there is an answer to that question which sends chills up my spine. You see, the Obama administration and the leftist crew in Congress have an agenda. They are determined to see that agenda get passed into law. It's pretty apparent to us these days that the "sheeple" are not going to be allowed to get in the way. I believe that the radical left will stoop even lower in order to silence any dissent. I know it may sound outrageous, but I am beginning to believe that the Obama minions will do what ever it takes. That's just my opinion, but certainly seems plausible, considering all that is at stake.
It would only take one act of violence at one of the town hall meetings, by somebody that could be tied to any "right-wing extremist group" - what is called a "patsy" - and all of us sheeple who dissent will be discredited. Worse yet, it could give our goverment an excuse to suspend many of our rights, especially our 1st Amendment rights.
Freedom is important, and I do not want you to forget. So, let me just remind those of you that may have forgotten what tyranny is all about.
Memorial Day, it is a time to remember that freedom isn't free.
Freedom's Not Free - By The Rivoli Revue (Ron and Kay Rivoli)
It is a time to remember the many that have fallen for our freedom.
Memorial Day - Arlington (With music by Trace Adkins)
It is a time to honor all of the men and women that have fought and served in the military and those who have died for this great country, the United States of America.
Freedom Rocks at the Freedom Rock, by a Patriot In Iowa, Ray "Bubba" Sorensen
Here's another excellent video I found at Bubba's Blog where he is being interviewed by Mike Huckabee:
While Ray - I mean Bubba - has been bringing us the memories of our veterans on Memorial Day through his very gifted artwork, there is somebody else that used her gifts for the same purpose. Patrice Lewis brought us a story this weekend called, "Forever Young," an account of her husband's uncle who valiantly fell in battle during WWII at the young age of 19. It will help you comprehend just how much it means when somebody makes the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
I hope you have enjoyed the Memorial Day tributes above, from the various perspectives in the forms of music, art and text. It really IS a time to remember those that have paid the ultimate price in defending our freedom. I only wanted to raise the awareness that their courage and patriotic duty is remembered during the long holiday weekend. This needs to be a time when we have to think about the reason that some of us have a long weekend to enjoy with our loved ones. It truly must be a time to remember.
"It's for the children" is a phrase that has brought about a bit of passion in folks, including yours truly. As a radio host known as "Mancow" from Chicago says, beware when you hear those words: "It's for the children"
And maybe the word "passion" would be an understatement when it comes to the audacity of a new "star" in the radio talk shows and a personality that a few of us are able to enjoy on the Fox News channel. Glenn Beck goes beyond what any of us would expect to see on a cable news show. And that is a good thing. Here's why:
This is why I am writing today. It is time to turn, "It's for THE children" into "It's for OUR children." When you hear, "it's for THE children," it is most likely propaganda from the government to give them an excuse for another social program. But when you see the above video, there is something new for you to hear, and it better be, "It's for OUR children." That should be the emphasis of what you have to pay attention to. We're talking about just us lowly people that want to have the freedom to be able to speak freely. That is for OUR children.
Just yesterday, I updated my banner at the top of this page. Did you notice that? I hope so. In the top right corner, just to the right of that famous icon you have seen, you may have noticed a little bit of text saying, "We Surround Them." That's my tribute to what Glenn Beck has been saying. That is for OUR children.
Our freedom is at stake. Our children's freedom is even more at stake. Our biggest fight in the next few years is to keep our freedom of speech. Without it, it could be the complete end of our freedom. And as Glenn Beck mentioned, it may be the ultimate sacrifice that a few of us are going to have to make. And I have resolved to be part of it. I'm ready to do whatever is necessary, at least with the power of my speech as tapped out on my keyboard. It's my blog, and it's for OUR children.
When was the last time you saw or heard a newscaster show emotion and literally lose it on a live newscast?
What I saw a few days ago was something that took a little time to soak in. And now that it has, I find it difficult to write about. I don't know... is it because my eyes have misted over? No, it is much more than that. I am not sure if I can really explain it because there is so much going on these days. But, what I am seeing is certainly not comforting. I think I know of somebody a lot like me, to where it is overwhelming just to see what is going on.
The Archduke Ferdinand Moment - Part One
The Archduke Ferdinand Moment - Part 2 - Glenn says the Cavalry has arrived
Glenn Beck: I Mean what I say. The cavalry is here.
If you have been having some very scary feelings about what is facing us, as a nation, and as people that really care about where this country is now going, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
You can call it "The Archduke Ferdinand Moment," or "the tipping point."
All I know, though, is that what I've been seeing lately, and I'm afraid of where this country is headed. It isn't just that which is scaring me. What is really bugging me is how many people there are that are so oblivious to what is going on.
I just wish I had the space here to write all about the things that are really bothering me. It was my desire to try to write about that feeling that "something is wrong here." and I am afraid that the time is running out. What makes me so sad is that I may not have reached all those that I could have. I tried. And I know many you have tried, too.
Just when maybe you feel the way I have all day, when "Maybe we should all be crying," could we also make it our rally call? Even if these days are so much like what happened at the Alamo?
My last blog of the year. To all of the Veterans, past and present, I honor you. With the following video, this is my salute to you all!
While I had wished many of my friends and fellow journalists a Happy New Year in several recent blogs, this is the one that is actually the most important. My friends, and my dear fellow patriots that take advantage of our 1st Amendment Rights, would not have that right if it wasn't for you, our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. You all will be in my prayers, and I hope to see you home soon!
Happy New Year!
Wait, one last great tribute to our military men and women:
Thank you, Bubba! You are also a great inspiration for the rest of us that keep our military members in our prayers!
In a column by Doug Powers this morning, "Life of Riley vs. Life of Brian", I learned a new word: "Obamacide." Now, his use of the word was different than how I am using it. But hey, there are many words that have multiple meanings, right? In the context of this writing, I am using a derivative of the original meaning of the word, coined by Doug, as he expresses in the following:
In Texas, a man committed suicide and left a note asking Obama to "take care of my family," highlighting how the creation of a hopeless dependency culture breeds pitiful indigent lemmings who some days are too depressed to even suck the public teat. Because of this, I coined the word "Obamacide," and I sincerely hope it doesn't catch on.
Sorry, Doug, but the cat has already been let out of the bag. It's too late now. It will likely take on a life of its own now. Only in my expression of the word, "Obamacide," it refers to the millions and millions of people that voted for a person that wants to take away our means of defending our freedom. And I'm not just talking about taking away our arms, but that is where it starts, as shown from a section of CHANGE.GOV, as seen below:
UPDATE - 19 NOV 08: You can now click on the above text (graphic) so that you can see it clearly. I then had to update the following description to the first video.
The following video may bring to light an intersting related item that should have been of concern to the voters (who value our freedoms):
And now, I present you with this youtube video that tells you all about Obama's desire to crack down on people that want to bear arms:
So, am I wrong? Does it seem like there are enough people that would fall for another attempt to limit our ability to arm ourselves? Why did so many people vote for Barack Obama? They either knew very well what would happen, or they had no clue. Actually, take your pick. It was both. The propaganda of the far left worked. Enough people drank the kool-aid. It was mass Obamacide.
And now, there is another problem. A main stream media that will say or print anything (or nothing...take your pick). They seem to be mostly the rabid supporters of the President-elect. There were things they knew about, but neglected to share with us. Oh, but if it was somthing that is anti-Palin, even if it wasn't true, or not verified, it went to the press, above the fold, or headlining the various liberal-slanted networks, or thrown out there by the Soros-produced websites. Well, let's see, how could they? Why would they? Well, here's an example I'll be willing to bet never makes it to page one, above the fold, but maybe those questions will be answered:
Believe me, I am not so sure that this was a matter of the press being duped. They may have been fully aware of what was going on. Just think about that. If you think somebody got one by the press, that the media didn't verify the source.... How do we really know that they didn't know? "A truly trained reporter would know it," says the guest Fox News contributor, Liz Trotta. They didn't check out the story, because maybe they didn't want to. Maybe it wasn't simply neglect to do their jobs. They should have known how to verify the source. But, the story was just too good, and they figured they could get away with it. They drank the kool-aid. The main stream media commited mass Obamacide.
Alone, neither of these stories may have mattered to the masses. When they are combined, though, it is something that should set off the alarms. There is a problem here. I'm just saying that there are dots to be connected.
There are those people that WANT to take away our means of defense, and those that will pretty much believe all that the MSM tells them. And who controls the MSM? Why are there some in power that want to resurrect the "Fairness" Doctrine? And they are also the ones that will probably lead the way to more infringements on our 2nd Amendment rights?
Just say "NO!" to the Obamacide of our freedom of speech. That will be the only thing to prevent the Obamacide on our 2nd Amendment right to arm ourselves. And that would be the Obamacide of our freedom, and the end of the United States of America, as prescribed in our Constitution.
Just say "NO!" to Obamacide, and don't drink the kool-aid!
It has become a three-ring circus under the Big Green Tent. In this circus, there are many performers and three rings of performances.
In the first ring, there are many clowns running around, screaming "the sky is falling, the sky is falling": They claim that man is causing global-warming. There is one big fat clown that gives me the creeps, not to mention nightmares about clowns. His name is Algore. No, these clowns aren't funny at all, they all have their sad painted faces. These are the exact same clowns that work part-time as your Senators and Representatives, and refuse to find ways to keep our energy costs down. These are the exact same clowns that have decided that the solution to keep from toasting the planet is to keep your energy costs very high in order to force you to cut back in energy usage.
Funny, though, these clowns don't peddle around in little clown cars. No, their idea of transportation is their own personal corporate jets or large RVs... It is the rest of us that are supposed to find ways to "cut back" on our use of environmentally-unfriendly fuels, as if that is even possible. Their idea, while serving in their part-time jobs in Congress is to tax energy and energy-producers so that we can't afford to heat our homes or drive to work.
Oh, by the way, did I tell you that those clowns in the first ring all wear GREEN suits with BIG RED poke-a-dots? Did I also forget to tell you that the first ring is way over on the left side of this circus under the BIG GREEN TENT?
And then there is the second ring in this 3-ring circus under the BIG GREEN TENT. Many of the clowns from the first ring tend to spill over into this ring. This is the ring of the wing-nuts of ALTERNATIVE energy. This is the ring right smack in the center of the circus under the BIG GREEN TENT. One of the clowns reminds me of the olympic gymnasts, flip-flopping around until the whole crowd is impressed, and calls him, "The One." And "The One" is the funniest of all, making us all laugh with (or at) him and his great ideas touted by many in the Main Stream Media. He goes to inflate the tires on his clown car until they explode! Hilarious!
And yet, these guys over in the 2nd ring in the center of the circus under the BIG GREEN TENT are not just the jokesters, but they can also be the illusionists, the magicians. They somehow find a way to make a lot of GREEN in the form of money, by finding so-called solutions to our energy hunger. They are like the money-making concession stands in the entertainment business. "That's right, our product will save the planet! Turn your left-over swimming pool water into fuel for your limo!" Well, that pretty much tells you who buys into that hype...
I'll say a little more about the 2nd ring in awhile, but first let me divert your attention over to the fun things going on in the 3rd ring, way over on the dimly lit right side of the circus under the BIG GREEN TENT. It seems there's a few - maybe about 13 - elephants over there dancing in bright yellow tutus singing, "Zippity-Do-Da, Zippity-E-A... drill here, drill now, pay less today!" The ring master for the 3rd Ring over on the dimly-lit right side of the circus under the BIG GREEN TENT is known as Newt. Hey, let's go over there to see what Newt has to say!
This was by the far the best part of the circus under the BIG GREEN TENT, that is until somebody came out, stood in front of the 2nd ring in the center of the circus under the BIG GREEN TENT. This must have been the ring-master for the 2nd Ring. This guy, I think his name was something like "T-Bone-Pickens", (or is that T Boone Pickens?), had some interesting things to say, too:
T-Bone-Pickens must not have been one of the government-provided clowns. He had some outstanding things to say, although, I'm not in a position to change over all of my appliances to all-electric from natural gas-powered. Maybe his purpose was to sell new appliances. Hey, they need to pay for the Circus under the BIG GREEN TENT one way or another!
But now comes the guy that must be ring-master of the circus under the BIG GREEN TENT. What he has to say brought many cheers and applause. He explained what could be done to bring all three rings of the circus into one big ring, one that actually makes sense. No more blowing up tires or driving your car around with a huge fan attached to the top of it (to generate electricity as you're driving....). This guy should be the one that captures everyone's attention:
Yes, that is the ticket! We need to bring all of the rings in the circus under the BIG GREEN TENT all into one ring, where we are using all of the available resources, and at the same time, keep the planet green. No, I haven't bought tickets into seeing the 1st Ring way over on the left side of the circus under the BIG GREEN TENT. No, I'm not supporting that side of the circus. However, the performance brought to us by ... um, let me see, oh yeah - farmers and entrepreneurs taking part in FREE ENTERPRISE - seem to be the ones keeping this circus going, BIG GREEN TENT, or not.
Even as a little kid, I was very much into talk radio. I was lucky to have guys like Paul Harvey and Earl Nightingale on the AM radio for an occassional break from the Rock and Roll music filling most of the air time back then. It wasn't until I reached the old age of 35 that real talk radio started to be something to help the AM radio stations to make a gigantic comeback. Unfortunately, it was even a few years later when I discovered somebody so cavalier that would dare to talk about politics, and the religion of politics.
Yes, I'm talking about El Rushbo. Rush Limbaugh was a pioneer that changed the whole nature of talk-radio, and it wasn't until my late 30's before I was to make my discovery. I found that there were other people that felt just like me! And one of them was an up and coming radio talk-show host! I repeat, he felt JUST LIKE ME!!! And so did so many of the people that called into the show. I no longer felt alone in the realm of politics. It answered my questions about how Ronald Reagan had won two elections so convincingly when it seemed I was the only Conservative on the face of the Earth.
Okay, confession, that isn't entirely true. I knew there were a few other Conservatives out there, people that believed that there was a Power in the universe much better than what the government could do. That Power was in realizing the personal fortitude, perseverence, resilience and Faith that allowed anyone to succeed in life, as long as they knew the Lord, where that strength was coming from. I listened to many cassette tapes in the decade before I knew who Rush Limbaugh was. Those cassettes espoused the greatness of Free Enterprise. Even with Ronald Reagan as President during that time, I had the fear that the central federal government stifled Free Enterprise with massive regulation and tax laws. And along comes Rush, already on the same page.
And now, two decades later, there's not enough time in the day to listen to all the wonderful radio talk show hosts. We now have the ability to pick and choose who we listen to. Of course, that may just apply to people more on the Conservative side of the political spectrum. It seems as though the Liberal-slanted talk shows haven't done so well. The next President of the United States may be somebody that doesn't like the current slant of the playing field and could try to do his best to gain support for the resurrection of the Fairness Doctrine in order to level the playing field.
But wait, the left already has the slant of the playing field in their favor in the main stream media, Hollywood entertainment, education and now even in some Christian denominations. The only thing left to stop their dominance is talk radio, the New Media, and the blogs. Let's say it this way: If Rush is ever stopped, we're all in trouble!
Being that I was getting a little bored in the last few weeks from being off work, I tinkered around in my garage for a few days, and came up with my latest invention - a Time Machine. In the process of taking a few "test drives", I started by going back to the past. Funny thing was, I kept getting error messages for any times I set before 8,000 BC. That error message kept saying, "ERROR 001: SORRY, BUT THAT YEAR WOULD SEND YOU TO OBLIVION, AS THE UNIVERSE HAD NOT BEEN CREATED YET...OUT OF LIMIT. PLEASE RECALCULATE." I was very disappointed not to go see those big dinosaurs that have provided all of our oil.
So, I proceeded to try a few other years within the LIMIT, specifically wanting to see things like the Ark, meet Abraham, Job (one of my favorite guys in the Old Testament), Moses... Okay, you get the idea. I can tell you one thing for sure: Cars don't pollute nearly as much as camels! So you think the stuff spewed out from the diesel-powered tractor-trailers going down our roads is bad, try camel's breath! Whew!
One of my latest stops in the past was when I went back to the time this country was founded. It was amazing! Nobody seemed to be able to say a sentence that didn't include God (or Providence) and Freedom! Oh, and prayer seemed to be constant. It was a joy to make that journey on July 4. Better than any fireworks I've ever seen!
But now, for the other news... Going into the future was very strange. I wasn't sure if that would even work. I kept getting a warning message on the display: "WARNING: GOD'S WILL DOES NOT MATCH FUTURE EVENTS. UPON RETURN FROM THIS TIME, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO ALTER FUTURE EVENTS BY YOUR PERSONAL ENDEAVORS." What could that mean? Well, let's see... Let me start at about 2029, and see what happens...
There weren't any newspapers, but I did finally find the ON button to the wall display, and found the way to see the latest news headlines:
HEADLINES FROM THE YEAR: 2029
Ozone created by electric cars now killing millions in the seventh largest country in the world, Mexifornia, formerly known as California.
White minorities still trying to have English recognized as Mexifornia's third language.
Spotted Owl plague threatens northwestern United States crops and livestock.
Baby conceived naturally! Scientists stumped.
Couple petitions court to reinstate heterosexual marriage.
Iran still closed off; physicists estimate it will take at least 10 more years before radioactivity decreases to safe levels.
France pleads for global help after being taken over by Jamaica. No other country comes forward to help the beleaguered nation!
Castro finally dies at age 112; Cuban cigars can now be imported legally, but President Chelsea Clinton has banned all smoking.
George Z. Bush says he will run for President in 2036.
Postal Service raises price of first class stamp to $17.89 and reduces mail delivery to Wednesdays only.
85-year $75.8 billion study: Diet and exercise is the key to weight loss.
Average weight of Americans drops to 250 lbs.
Global cooling blamed for citrus crop failure for third consecutive year in Mexifornia and Floruba.
Abortion clinics now available in every High School in United States
Senate still blocking drilling in ANWR even though gas is selling for 4532 Pesos per liter and gas stations are only open on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Massachusetts executes last remaining conservative.
Supreme Court rules punishment of criminals violates their civil rights.
Average height of NBA players is now nine feet, seven inches.
New federal law requires that all nail clippers, screwdrivers, fly swatters and rolled-up newspapers must be registered by January 2030.
IRS sets lowest tax rate at 75 percent.
Floruba voters still having trouble with voting machines.
But of course, I wrote this post in "jest"; the Time Machine I worked on in the garage really didn't work, for some reason. People on the electrical grid were pretty upset about their power going off continuously. Fortunately, it was blamed on the power company because of the flood... But I digress. Somebody sent me the Headlines from 2029 in an email, and I thought about those - shaking in my boots. But I loved how the email was concluded: "Now, send this to whomever you want and as many as you want, then, guess what....NOTHING will happen. No miracles, no money, absolutely nothing, except you might make someone smile or very, very scared."
With that, I will conclude with the final profound words of that viral email:
"I love this Country. It's the Government that scares me!"
Just one year ago, I had the opportunity to spend some special times with special friends. A year ago, times were good. It may be much different on this Independence Day celebration. Because of the Flood of 2008, there won't be the annual celebration in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Thankfully, though, I will have this video to help me to reflect on what is so great about the meaning of Freedom.
Earlier today, I had even more enlightenment about the Independence that we celebrate every year. My good friend Alexander had written a great piece, called "The Greatest Freedom" and it helped me to understand much more about what Freedom is all about.
July 4, 2007: A Fourth I'll always remember! Although, maybe this will be a year I'll remember even more.
Have a wonderful Independence Day, a.k.a. 4th of July. Stay free!
What does Memorial Day mean? In short, it is to honor our fallen military heroes, those that gave their lives to defend the Constitution of the United States and our freedom.
That may be the actual original meaning of Memorial Day, but what does it actually mean to people? That is the question I asked of people a few days ago, and I received several replies, which I want to share with you.
Memorial Day is not about commercialism, and Memorial Day sales, and it's not about the 3 day weekend getaway. It's a time to honor our deceased, veteran or non-veteran. Families drive out to the cemetery to remember loved ones. They place flowers upon the graves. Each veterans grave is graced with an American Flag, and we honor the service and sacrifices they gave. Following these services, it is traditional for families to gather and have a B-B-Q. This is not a time for joyous celebration.
Monday I will be attending memorial services at 4 local cemeteries. I will fight the Memorial Day traffic, and on going road construction to attend a re-dedication ceremony at the our local Veterans' Memorial.
At first, what Jackie said about honoring our deceased, veteran or non-veteran, I hesitated. But then I realized, that while the original intent was to honor the veterans, I have no problem with extending the honor to others that may not have been military veterans. This country has seen many heroes that haven't been involved in the military. There are the emergency service workers - our police, fire fighters, paramedics, border patrol... You get the idea. For many have died in the line of service, to protect our freedoms, to protect our neighbors. And then, there were folks like our parents, that just went out and worked hard, and made this the highest producing nation on the planet! They sacrificed much to work hard and keep things running. They produced the various commodities that kept us fed, warm and able to travel for work and pleasure.
Darn right, Jackie, non-vets ARE included in honoring the fallen today! Thank you for reminding me!
And now, T. L. Farlow expounds on a further dimension of honoring those of us that SERVE us!
Memorial Day Approaches! (Editor's note: No, actually, now it is here!)
As generous as our very own ancestors were to stuggle daily in providing for their families' existence and to ensure a future for generations of them to come, the very reason that WE are here today, we should venerate them for the great familial love that they have shared with us. Even though we did not personally know them and of course, they not personally knowing of us, we cannot but help to express our love for their great toil, their many sacrifices, their long suffering and their love during their existence in this life.
Likewise, should we venerate those who have served in the military, having sacrificed their time, their blood, their tears, their fears and their very lives if necessary. We may not have known them personally, but because of their love for freedom, for country and yes for US, they have given selflessly. Yes, we should acknowlege, we should admire, we should give great esteem to all those who have chosen to serve their fellow man in times of war and peace. Countless soldiers have fallen in the line of duty, providing the ultimate sacrifice for their country, families and fellow citizens.
Many more have also served that suffered injuries large and small that caused great burdens for them throughout the remainder of their lives. These, too, should be honored for their forfeitures of time, livelihoods and health, in the service of US, those who are enjoying the benefits of freedom, the results of their labors.
This Memorial Day, let us all celebrate the lives of so many, even those who shall remain nameless, for without them, we may not have been. Let us treat them, our brothers and sisters in uniform, just as we would family, to honor their works so that others may live in peace and prosperity.
This just keeps on getting more moving as we go. Is the point of today, Memorial Day, starting to sink in yet?
Well, let's try another quote from my volunteer army of writers:
I recall several years ago sitting down with my great uncle to interview him about his experiences in World War II. They were amazing -- he saw firsthand the brutality of the enemy as he made his way from Sicily to Germany and ended up liberating the death camp at Dachau. He was young, barely out of his teens at the time, from a small town in the middle of nowhere, and saw things that no man, young or old, should ever have to see.
And there were thousands others like him, many of whom did not come home from those foreign shores. I have another uncle who fought in WWII, and another in Korea. They would never say much about what they went through, but I've always thought that their experiences left scars that linger to this day. Going back even farther, I recall standing on the very spot on the battlefield at Vicksburg where my great-great-great-grandfather stood against the invading federal army -- not for any political cause, for he knew nothing of such things; not to defend slavery, certainly, for he owned none; but merely because his home was invaded and his family and property and liberty were threatened, did he take up arms in their defense.
It is to these men, and others like them, that we owe the freedom to read and write these words. Because a few were willing to fight and to die to defend that liberty, we are free to say what we want, worship how we like, and disagree with the government all we like, without fear of reprisal. That is a precious gift, and was not given cheaply. We bear a great heritage of freedom given to us by the blood and sweat of great men.
We must honor that by using it responsibly, by using that free choice we have been given to choose the right, and not to abuse it. That is what Memorial Day is to me -- a reminder of the solemn duty laid upon us by those who came before and sacrificed so much to give us that heritage of liberty.
That is some very powerful stuff right there, my fellow patriots. What are you and I willing to give up? My friend DL tells us here that we must NOT EVER GIVE UP OUR FREEDOM!
It is impossible to ascertain the price of freedom. Words or tokens cannot express the depth of my soul’s gratitude for those who paid that price; but Memorial Day provides an opportunity for personal contemplation and a chance to give tribute to those who lived and died so that I can have the privilege to say, “I am an American."
I am an American. I cannot say those words without caressing them. Somehow, American freedom is embedded deep inside me — perhaps this freedom can be traced through my bloodline, perhaps it stems from the many years I have spent away from my homeland — viewing America’s precious liberties from “outside the box.”
My genealogy is filled with patriots. On one branch of my family tree, I can prove myself a daughter of the American Revolution — with connection through marriage to George Washington himself. My Virginian ancestors fought for America in every war she has faced — including the War for Independence. But another genealogical branch teems with suffering immigrant ancestors straggling to America the “Savior”, to escape the Holocaust in Europe. Some of my relatives died to build America, and others gratefully lived because of their sacrifice. The words explain who preceded me — I am an American.
For various reasons, I have spent many years living overseas — far from my America. This global lifestyle has deepened my love for our Founders’ wisdom and America’s core values and has sharpened my awareness of her generosity and unique culture. The Star Spangled Banner is a symbol that brings tears to my eyes. I have seen freedom-lovers in many countries wistfully sigh at my introduction — the words explain the ideals I represent, “I am an American.”
I pray today that Americans will continue to value their freedoms; that patriots will rise up to guard our unique liberties as they are threatened; that mothers and fathers will kindle patriotism in their own children by telling them the stories of noble men and women who sacrificed everything to build their country — the “Land of the Free, and the Home of the Brave.” As we kneel today to place a wreathe on a soldier’s grave, and offer our gratitude by flying the flag for which they died, may we also find strength to make America better by taking pride in the work ahead, by silencing those who show contempt for freedom, and by humbly reveling in those sacred words, “I am an American.”
Amen, DL, and let me add, I thank God I am an American!
Before the video presentation to wrap all of this up, let me allow what Barbara Simpson wrote this morning to tie this whole piece together:
"We have enjoyed so much freedom for so long that we are perhaps in danger of forgetting how much blood it cost to establish the Bill of Rights." – Felix Frankfurter
So even though you may think it's corny, take a bit of time today to reflect on the blessings of freedom that we so take for granted. Give thanks to the military who served honorably and bravely with special prayers for troops in harm's way today. Ultimately, they're keeping all of us and our loved ones safe and free. Don't risk losing freedom because you don't recognize or value the price that others paid for you.
"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." – Elmer Davis.
And now, may I present Ray "Bubba" Sorenson, another patriot from Iowa. I was going to try to put a video together today to commemorate Memorial Day, but it would have been reinventing the wheel. I put the following video up last year, about Freedom Rock. This says it all about the good old patriotic Americans that value what we have. Let's just say it like this: Freedom Rocks!
I thank all of the contributors to this post for their selfless efforts to make this a day to honor not just our fallen heroes, but America. Thank you! God bless America, and God bless you!
I am a Conservative blogger - part of the vast right-wing conspiracy - that is not afraid to tell you what I think about both politics and my Christian beliefs.
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