Many of my friends and acquaintances have been so nice to point out just how hard I can be on Europe. And as I ponder the possibility, I have to come to the conclusion that they just might be right. I have been a little hard on them. In some ways, I guess I should be ashamed of myself, because after all, I am of European heritage.
These same people also tell me I should accentuate the positive and remove all reference of negativity from my critiques of the old world. After all, if I think positive thoughts and say positive things, I will create a more harmonious balance in the realm of my existence, right?
Well, I think I will try. So here goes:
Dear Europe,
In much of my writings, I have been a little critical of you and your behavior in chastising us for our role in the War On Terror. So for a change I would like to give you some positive feedback:
Thank you.
You don' know just how appreciative I am that you kicked my ancestors out. Your petty wars, persecutions, and inquisitions were too much to bear. You saved my families from having to go through years of utterly ridiculous conflicts, all because you were warmongering spirits that always had to be the ones driving the train.
I would also like to thank you for not starting another world war in the last 60 years. That's pretty good for you. It was only 20 years or so between the last two and you have been so good for 60 now. That in itself was amazing at the time, because before the first world war, you almost regularly had some kind of armed skirmishes going on, if not in outright war.
You see, right now we are fighting something that we didn't start and we are a little tied up with it right now. In addition to the War On Terror, we have Iran, North Korea, and even China on our list of other problems to contend with.
So I hope you all understand that we don't have time to bail you out of another bloody and destructive mess, brought on by your imperialistic spirits. We certainly don't have the money to sink trillions (that's about what the tab would run, today) of dollars into rebuilding what you blew up, trying to take the other country's territory. But most importantly, we certainly do not want to help you bury millions of dead, ever again.
I'd ask you to help, but I don't want to impose too much. I understand that your little experiment (EU) isn't working out too well right now; beside that, your economies are in shambles. You also need to concentrate on the influx of Muslims that are claiming the land they acquire, as forever Muslim. And believe you me, I don't want to get into the way of that either.
No, helping us win the war on terror would be too much to ask and I won't hear of it. Putting pressure on China (to respect Taiwan and work to solve their differences diplomatically), putting pressure on North Korea (to stop acting like a spoiled attention seeking brat and kill this nuclear blackmail thing), and putting even more pressure on Iran (to not develop nukes and give them to terrorists), may stretch you a little thinner than you want, I am sure.
Besides, it really isn't your problem if a nuke from Iran passes through Europe on its way to the US, is it?. That is, unless it accidentally gets set off, right? It's okay, really, it is. I understand.
Anyway, I am glad I got to share these nice warm positive things with you, because I know just how sad some of you are, right now. And to my good friends in France, keep your chin up. That 10% unemployment rate may have to go up a little higher, before it gets better. And times may get a little tough for the government, before long. But, you'll make it. I will be cheering you on.
Stay in touch. We may be busy working, producing things, developing ideas, solutions, and creating wealth for our future (and our children's future). But be sure to write when you can and we will answer when we can, okay?
Yours Truly,
LASunsett
American
Monday, June 06, 2005
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Cinderella Man Delivers Uplifting Message
I normally don't write movie reviews here, but I saw Cinderella Man with Russell Crowe and Renee Zellweger yesterday and I just have to say that I highly recommend this film.
I am not going to tell you much about the movie itself, but I will tell you three distinct things about it:
1. It is not just another boxing movie
2. It's an outstanding personal story of James J. Braddock.
3. It depicts how life was lived during the Depression.
As always, you have to credit Director Ron Howard. Kudos also go to the cast for their acting performances. But the story itself, is great and well worth the price of admission.
Keep in mind that, the unemployment rate in this country was 25%, back then. People lost everything, many were reduced to squalor compared to what they were used to. And, watching this movie made me think of how irritated I became, when the Dems used jobslessness and poverty, as a pillar of their failed campaign. I mean think about it, twenty-five percent, as opposed to five? That is nowhere near the magnitude of the Great Depression.
Then, most of those severely affected were at one time hard-working and productive workers. They just fell on hard times and most did not have a choice.
Today, of the five percent (or so) that are unemployed, there is a certain percentage that can't work or have not been able to replace the job they had, with a new one. They would work, if they could. And they will. They will look hard and find one. That's the way they are, you cannot keep them down for long. They didn't have a choice about what got them there, but they are choosing to not wallow in self-pity and are choosing to do something about it.
But with that, there is also a certain percentage that does not want to work, and they don't. They won't and they make up every excuse imaginable, find every loop hole possible, to keep from it. It's their "back" or they are "depressed", or whatever. They do have a choice and they are choosing to lay around and whine about not getting enough assistance, while the government takes hard workers' hard earned money (by force) and pays them to sit on their lazy derrieres.
You can credit Lyndon Baines Johnson's Great Society sales campaign, for raising a generation of government dependent people. This was nothing more than a calculated effort by LBJ and the Dems of that time, to buy votes. Keep the poor, poor and the dependent, dependent. And then when election time rolls around, they'll vote for you. And while you are at it, make more people poor, so future generations will vote Democratic too. Do that by attacking wealth, instead of poverty.
Anyway, go see the movie. You will not regret it. It is a feel good movie that will uplift you and motivate you, if you choose to let it.
I am not going to tell you much about the movie itself, but I will tell you three distinct things about it:
1. It is not just another boxing movie
2. It's an outstanding personal story of James J. Braddock.
3. It depicts how life was lived during the Depression.
As always, you have to credit Director Ron Howard. Kudos also go to the cast for their acting performances. But the story itself, is great and well worth the price of admission.
Keep in mind that, the unemployment rate in this country was 25%, back then. People lost everything, many were reduced to squalor compared to what they were used to. And, watching this movie made me think of how irritated I became, when the Dems used jobslessness and poverty, as a pillar of their failed campaign. I mean think about it, twenty-five percent, as opposed to five? That is nowhere near the magnitude of the Great Depression.
Then, most of those severely affected were at one time hard-working and productive workers. They just fell on hard times and most did not have a choice.
Today, of the five percent (or so) that are unemployed, there is a certain percentage that can't work or have not been able to replace the job they had, with a new one. They would work, if they could. And they will. They will look hard and find one. That's the way they are, you cannot keep them down for long. They didn't have a choice about what got them there, but they are choosing to not wallow in self-pity and are choosing to do something about it.
But with that, there is also a certain percentage that does not want to work, and they don't. They won't and they make up every excuse imaginable, find every loop hole possible, to keep from it. It's their "back" or they are "depressed", or whatever. They do have a choice and they are choosing to lay around and whine about not getting enough assistance, while the government takes hard workers' hard earned money (by force) and pays them to sit on their lazy derrieres.
You can credit Lyndon Baines Johnson's Great Society sales campaign, for raising a generation of government dependent people. This was nothing more than a calculated effort by LBJ and the Dems of that time, to buy votes. Keep the poor, poor and the dependent, dependent. And then when election time rolls around, they'll vote for you. And while you are at it, make more people poor, so future generations will vote Democratic too. Do that by attacking wealth, instead of poverty.
Anyway, go see the movie. You will not regret it. It is a feel good movie that will uplift you and motivate you, if you choose to let it.
Michelle Malkin Picks Up The Ulrica Corbett Debacle
Click on the title for the link to Michelle Malkin's two cents worth on Ulrica Corbett, the principal in Greensboro, Georgia that refused a Marine entrance into Carson Middle School, to meet and thank the students that sent him and his buddies letters, while they were in Iraq.
From what I gather, Ms. Corbett (and the superintendent) received a lot of unwanted publicity.
From what I gather, Ms. Corbett (and the superintendent) received a lot of unwanted publicity.
Eclipse Ramblings: All famine is political
Eclipse Ramblings: All famine is political
Take this link to read what Mark has to say about famine, first. Then what I say will make better sense.
Throughout history, there have been numerous regimes that manipulated the food supplies to make sure their military was well-fed, well-clothed and well-housed. Some have done so to the detriment of their society, as a whole. Feed the military, keep them strong, but keep the people weak so they cannot rise up.
The worst offenders in modern history are those that adopted the Stalinist methods. Of those that existed, the two that abide by that philosophy today are North Korea and Cuba.
Take this link to read what Mark has to say about famine, first. Then what I say will make better sense.
Throughout history, there have been numerous regimes that manipulated the food supplies to make sure their military was well-fed, well-clothed and well-housed. Some have done so to the detriment of their society, as a whole. Feed the military, keep them strong, but keep the people weak so they cannot rise up.
The worst offenders in modern history are those that adopted the Stalinist methods. Of those that existed, the two that abide by that philosophy today are North Korea and Cuba.
Saturday, June 04, 2005
China Military Build Up Concerns Rumsfeld
Click on the title for an article from the AFP, about some comments made by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. He is concerned about the recent arms build-up in the People's Republic. And well, he should be. But, this is nothing new.
It's no secret that I believe that China is a sleeping giant and the hibernation is about over (see the archives for more posts). This Rip Van Winkle of a nation has begun its revival as one of the fastest growing economies in the world. People are owning things, they are working for people that own things, and they are buying more things. The acquisition of Hong Kong helped jumpstart a surge in real growth, after a long dark period in Chinese history under Mao and his immediate successors.
Although the light has been seen economically, there very much remains a dark side to China. China's economy has changed but its politics remain very Communist and very imperial. It is controlled by a few men that never get elected, cut throats (both literally and figuratively), and have no accountability to their people or to the world.
Under Mao, there was a socialist agrarian economy that generated very little revenue for a massive arms build-up. (There was some, but it wasn't anywhere near the expenditures of the US and the USSR.) They were contained.
Now, things are quite different. Now they are spending their new found money, from their new cash cow, on all things military. Weapons, weapons systems, and equipment are being built and bought by the government at alarming rates. (And they may not just be selling to themselves either)
China is smart. They see us using resources in the War On Terror and naturally they have enough sense to see that this is the time for them to make a move. While we expend, they stock and restock. While we spend, they save. They are at war with no one, right now. And, they are not eager to support us, not even diplomatically.
In fact, have you ever heard a Chinese diplomat trying to urge anyone to peace, much less the US? They are silent on terror (some of them even danced and cheered when the towers were hit, just like the Palestinians), they are silent on North Korea, and they are silent on Iran. They are silent on just about everything, except Taiwan and the perceived absence of Japanese contrition (from acts that were committed over sixty years ago).
The reason is simple. They want us weakened, so they can someday be in a position to dominate Asia and control the markets. They want to be the world leader in everything and they want to do it with a Communist, undemocratically elected government. Imperialism is alive and well in China and they are getting ready for something, it's only a matter of time.
I hope that Secretary Rumsfeld has been aware for this for a while. I hope President Bush has been keeping up with things, in the far east. Because, the next big thorn in our side may be poising itself for a move, that we may not be able to do much about.
Now, is the time for a policy on China, not after it makes its move. The question is, when can we expect one?
Something to think about as we remember Tiananmen Square.
It's no secret that I believe that China is a sleeping giant and the hibernation is about over (see the archives for more posts). This Rip Van Winkle of a nation has begun its revival as one of the fastest growing economies in the world. People are owning things, they are working for people that own things, and they are buying more things. The acquisition of Hong Kong helped jumpstart a surge in real growth, after a long dark period in Chinese history under Mao and his immediate successors.
Although the light has been seen economically, there very much remains a dark side to China. China's economy has changed but its politics remain very Communist and very imperial. It is controlled by a few men that never get elected, cut throats (both literally and figuratively), and have no accountability to their people or to the world.
Under Mao, there was a socialist agrarian economy that generated very little revenue for a massive arms build-up. (There was some, but it wasn't anywhere near the expenditures of the US and the USSR.) They were contained.
Now, things are quite different. Now they are spending their new found money, from their new cash cow, on all things military. Weapons, weapons systems, and equipment are being built and bought by the government at alarming rates. (And they may not just be selling to themselves either)
China is smart. They see us using resources in the War On Terror and naturally they have enough sense to see that this is the time for them to make a move. While we expend, they stock and restock. While we spend, they save. They are at war with no one, right now. And, they are not eager to support us, not even diplomatically.
In fact, have you ever heard a Chinese diplomat trying to urge anyone to peace, much less the US? They are silent on terror (some of them even danced and cheered when the towers were hit, just like the Palestinians), they are silent on North Korea, and they are silent on Iran. They are silent on just about everything, except Taiwan and the perceived absence of Japanese contrition (from acts that were committed over sixty years ago).
The reason is simple. They want us weakened, so they can someday be in a position to dominate Asia and control the markets. They want to be the world leader in everything and they want to do it with a Communist, undemocratically elected government. Imperialism is alive and well in China and they are getting ready for something, it's only a matter of time.
I hope that Secretary Rumsfeld has been aware for this for a while. I hope President Bush has been keeping up with things, in the far east. Because, the next big thorn in our side may be poising itself for a move, that we may not be able to do much about.
Now, is the time for a policy on China, not after it makes its move. The question is, when can we expect one?
Something to think about as we remember Tiananmen Square.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Rafsanjani Said To Be Worth Millions
A Daily Briefing on Iran
Click on the link for an interesting piece of information about one cause of the unrest in Iran.
It seems one of its more prominent mullahs is worth a good bit of money. It's pretty bold of him to be part of a philosophy that teaches western civilization (America) is the reason that average Iranians are poor and how that money we have, corrupts us. It makes it easy to see why the younger generation is so restless. They are living in poverty, while the mullahs live large and it isn't setting well with young intelligent Iranians.
Click on the link for an interesting piece of information about one cause of the unrest in Iran.
It seems one of its more prominent mullahs is worth a good bit of money. It's pretty bold of him to be part of a philosophy that teaches western civilization (America) is the reason that average Iranians are poor and how that money we have, corrupts us. It makes it easy to see why the younger generation is so restless. They are living in poverty, while the mullahs live large and it isn't setting well with young intelligent Iranians.
The Netherlands: No
Click on the title for the article on what most of us all knew, before the vote.
The Dutch people have spoken just as the French people did, on Sunday. It's either back to the drawing board or total surrender. Somehow, I can't help believe that this is the end.
The Dutch people have spoken just as the French people did, on Sunday. It's either back to the drawing board or total surrender. Somehow, I can't help believe that this is the end.
Principal Refuses To Allow Marine To Visit Class That Wrote Letters To Marines In Iraq.
I heard this on the Neal Boortz Show this morning and quite frankly, it irritates me to no end. So far nothing is in print, at least nothing that shows up on a search (as of yet). Please keep in mind that this is only one side of the story, but I have listened to Neal for years now and he usually does his homework before going out on a limb like this.
Here is the story in a nutshell:
A class at Carson Middle School in Greensboro, Georgia had been writing letters to some Marines, that were serving in Iraq. When one of the Marines got home, he asked the teacher if he could stop by the school to personally thank the students.
The teacher, Mr. Lund, then submitted the proper form requesting permission for an official visit from the Marine. Ulrica Corbett, the principal, allegedly told him that she was going to ignore it.
So, the teacher had the Marine come anyway. Ms. Corbett found out that the Marine was there on the property and headed both the teacher and the Marine off, before they got to the classroom and demanded that the Marine leave. She then had him officially escorted off of the premises, with no visit to the classroom. When the teacher asked her why, she allegedly replied that the proper paperwork had not be submitted. When the teacher told her that he had and that she had not even looked at it, she replied (again, allegedly), "That's your problem".
That's the story, now here is my take (assuming this is accurate):
I don't know about you, but this situation is one prime example why people are losing faith and confidence, in the public school systems. When you have educators that display this kind of contempt for military personnel, it's no wonder why some of these kids today, have little respect for much of anything.
If it were up to me, I would fire Ms. Ulrica Corbett without severance and without a reference. But since she most likely will hide behind the teachers' union, that most likely won't happen. If I were a resident of that school system, I would be at the next school board meeting making some noise.
I don't know where Ms. Corbett got her degrees from but if I were her, I would get my money back because she certainly didn't get her money's worth. I wouldn't let her teach my kids, I wouldn't let her manage a hot dog stand. In fact, I wouldn't let her teach my dog, dog tricks.
Free speech is one thing. I will not criticize Ms. Corbett's right to be against whatever she wants, whenever she wants. If she wants to be against the war in Iraq (or any other war for that matter), so be it. Many people have died for her to have that right. But when she abuses her position as an educator, to restrict and/or suppress the rights of her students and teachers under her, that is another story.
Update (June3, 6:40 PM)- the link to Neal Boortz's piece can now be accessed by clicking on the title.
Here is the story in a nutshell:
A class at Carson Middle School in Greensboro, Georgia had been writing letters to some Marines, that were serving in Iraq. When one of the Marines got home, he asked the teacher if he could stop by the school to personally thank the students.
The teacher, Mr. Lund, then submitted the proper form requesting permission for an official visit from the Marine. Ulrica Corbett, the principal, allegedly told him that she was going to ignore it.
So, the teacher had the Marine come anyway. Ms. Corbett found out that the Marine was there on the property and headed both the teacher and the Marine off, before they got to the classroom and demanded that the Marine leave. She then had him officially escorted off of the premises, with no visit to the classroom. When the teacher asked her why, she allegedly replied that the proper paperwork had not be submitted. When the teacher told her that he had and that she had not even looked at it, she replied (again, allegedly), "That's your problem".
That's the story, now here is my take (assuming this is accurate):
I don't know about you, but this situation is one prime example why people are losing faith and confidence, in the public school systems. When you have educators that display this kind of contempt for military personnel, it's no wonder why some of these kids today, have little respect for much of anything.
If it were up to me, I would fire Ms. Ulrica Corbett without severance and without a reference. But since she most likely will hide behind the teachers' union, that most likely won't happen. If I were a resident of that school system, I would be at the next school board meeting making some noise.
I don't know where Ms. Corbett got her degrees from but if I were her, I would get my money back because she certainly didn't get her money's worth. I wouldn't let her teach my kids, I wouldn't let her manage a hot dog stand. In fact, I wouldn't let her teach my dog, dog tricks.
Free speech is one thing. I will not criticize Ms. Corbett's right to be against whatever she wants, whenever she wants. If she wants to be against the war in Iraq (or any other war for that matter), so be it. Many people have died for her to have that right. But when she abuses her position as an educator, to restrict and/or suppress the rights of her students and teachers under her, that is another story.
Update (June3, 6:40 PM)- the link to Neal Boortz's piece can now be accessed by clicking on the title.
Villepin Faces Tough Tasks Amid Widespread Doubt
Click on the title for an AP article about the some of the immediate challenges that need to be faced by new French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin. This will be a difficult task, since the country is virtually in shambles.
Ten percent unemployment and a possible rail strike have greeted the new PM, in just the first days. But this pales in comparison, to the image problem. It's one thing to have an image problem in the US, but to have one in his own country definitely puts him in the hole.
Many in France have seen the shake-up as nothing more than desperate damage control. It can be equated as trying to stop an arterial bleed with nothing more than a band-aid. Maybe soon, they will begin to realize that polishing things up on the outside will not address the deep internal problems, that are plaguing the republic. To do that, there will need to be a change of direction and not just a change of faces.
The appointment of Dominique de Villepin — a globe-trotting, silver-haired statesman who seems to epitomize France's privileged class — was criticized as a move by a leadership playing "musical chairs" in a bid for survival, rather than
a courageous choice to deal with the country's problems.
Ten percent unemployment and a possible rail strike have greeted the new PM, in just the first days. But this pales in comparison, to the image problem. It's one thing to have an image problem in the US, but to have one in his own country definitely puts him in the hole.
Many in France have seen the shake-up as nothing more than desperate damage control. It can be equated as trying to stop an arterial bleed with nothing more than a band-aid. Maybe soon, they will begin to realize that polishing things up on the outside will not address the deep internal problems, that are plaguing the republic. To do that, there will need to be a change of direction and not just a change of faces.
WND: Iranian Smuggling Ring Busted At Border
Well, I have been saying it and many, many more have also been saying it. It was only a matter of time. If this is true (and I will verify it in the morning), this begs the question, how many others got through? How many from Al Qaida have gotten through undetected? Hamas? Hezbollah?
Click on the title for the details from World Net Daily.
UPDATE (June 1, 9:45AM) - This story has yet to be confirmed or reported by any other news source.
Click on the title for the details from World Net Daily.
UPDATE (June 1, 9:45AM) - This story has yet to be confirmed or reported by any other news source.
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