And Then The Fight Started...


I asked my wife, "Where do you want to go for our anniversary?"


It warmed my heart to see her face melt in sweet appreciation. "Somewhere I haven't been in a long time!" she said.


So I suggested, "How about the kitchen?"


And that's when the fight started...

Will you give this to my Daddy?

Last week I was in Atlanta , Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen. 

Moving through the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As they began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering. 

When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red-blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families. 

Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal. 

Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said 'hi.' 

The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her. 

The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her Daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek. 

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up. 

When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it. 

After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.' He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying 'your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.'

The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event. 

As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek. 

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.

RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority'. We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. 

We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing. We get no liberal media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions. Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. 

Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday - and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that.. Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar will wear something red.. 

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers.

If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is on their side more than ever; certainly more than the media lets on. 

The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is... We need your support and your prayers.

Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example; and wear something red every Friday.

In Congress, UN chief calls US 'deadbeat' donor

By JOHN HEILPRIN

Associated Press

March 12, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A day after his White House meeting with President Barack Obama, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon raised congressional hackles by calling the United States a "deadbeat" donor to the world body.

Ban's criticism Wednesday of the U.N.'s single biggest backer irked some members of the House Foreign Relations Committee. They were generally supportive of his leadership but voiced concern about U.N. efforts in areas from Sudan to Somalia.

"He used the word 'deadbeat' when it came to characterizing the United States. I take great umbrage (over) that," Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the panel's senior Republican, said after an hour-long, closed-door meeting. "We certainly contribute a whole lot of U.S. taxpayer dollars to that organization. We do not deserve such a phrase."

Interviewed after the session, Ban said he had wanted to draw attention to the fact that the U.S. agrees to pay 22 percent of the U.N.'s $4.86 billion operating budget, but is perennially late with its dues -- and now is about $1 billion behind on its payments.

That figure is "soon to be $1.6 billion," Ban emphasized. Asked if he'd used the word "deadbeat" during the meeting, he replied, "Yes, I did -- I did," then laughed mischievously.

Mark Kornblau, spokesman for the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, said: "The U.S. is the largest contributor to the United Nations and while we are behind in some of our payments, those are not the words we would have chosen to encourage Congress to address this problem."

Apparently concerned about his choice of words, Ban an issued a statement Wednesday night saying the U.S. "generously supports the work of the U.N., both in assessed and voluntary contributions" and that he "enjoys an excellent working relationship with the United States and appreciates the many ways that it supports the United Nations."

Earlier Wednesday, Ban also urged Congress to adopt climate change legislation to boost chances for his top goal this year: clinching a global climate deal. The hope is for accord at a U.N.-sponsored conference in Copenhagen in December.

"I believe for the United States it's a necessity. It will have a very politically important impact on the ongoing negotiation," he said. "We need the U.S. leadership at this time. (The) whole world is looking at U.S. leadership."

Ban generally got a "very respectful" reception from the House committee, said Rep. Bill Delahunt, D-Mass., who chairs a subcommittee that oversees U.S. participation in the United Nations.

"Clearly they have an interest in the United States meeting its responsibility. In terms of peacekeeping, we're about $670 million behind, and I think the argument is well-stated," Delahunt said.

He noted America backs U.N. peacekeeping operations -- and said it loses credibility if it doesn't provide financial support. "And at the same time, we have to recognize that there are no American troops involved in the 17 different venues where there are peacekeeping operations," Delahunt said.

Ban also met with Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., who heads a House global warming panel, and Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., the Senate Foreign Relations chairman, and other of the committees' members.

"Around the world, the United Nations is underfunded and overtasked," Kerry said, standing beside Ban and Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind. Kerry said they talked about the need for the U.S. to meet its financial obligations to the U.N. and to adopt climate legislation this year to make cuts in greenhouse gas emissions.

"I think there will be a very clear vision for all the participants in Copenhagen about what's happening in the United States, and where we're headed," Kerry predicted.

During an Oval Office session Tuesday, Obama pledged to work to help bring peace to Darfur and called it "not acceptable" that Sudan's president has been kicking out humanitarian aid workers from the region of western Sudan. President Omar al-Bashir was charged in an International Criminal Court arrest warrant with war crimes and crimes against humanity for targeting civilians.

Ban told Obama his support for climate legislation is "encouraging", but said 2009 is a "make-or-break" year for the U.N. and its member countries on global warming, Darfur and other prominent conflicts.

Administration to reinvent Mexican truck program 

By SUZANNE GAMBOA

Associated Press

March 12, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Obama administration will try to reinvent a program to allow Mexican trucks full access to U.S. highways.

An 18-month-old pilot program that allowed a few Mexican trucks beyond a border buffer zone died when President Barack Obama signed a sweeping $410 billion government spending bill on Wednesday. The bill barred spending on the pilot program.

A spokeswoman for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, Debbie Mesloh, said Obama has told the office to work with Congress, the Transportation and State departments and Mexican officials to come up with legislation to create "a new trucking project that will meet the legitimate concerns" of Congress and U.S. commitments under the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Obama's nominee for trade representative, former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk, is awaiting Senate confirmation.

The U.S. prohibits most Mexican trucks from driving more than about 20 miles, or 75 miles in Arizona, beyond the border. But the U.S. agreed to lift that ban after signing the 1994 NAFTA deal with Canada and Mexico.

Canadian trucks have no limits on where they can go. But most Mexican trucks can't travel beyond a buffer zone along the southern border. The limits were imposed after lawmakers voiced safety concerns. But Mexico has long called it an unfair effort to protect U.S. jobs.

The previous pilot program allowed access for up to 500 Mexican trucks from 100 operators. It also allowed the U.S. to conduct inspections and other safety activities.

Under pressure from labor, safety and other groups, Congress cut off spending on the program in 2007. But last year, the Bush administration used a loophole in the law to keep it operating.

Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., sponsor of the provision in the spending bill that ended the program, wrote Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood this month to say he doesn't oppose Mexican long-haul trucks on U.S. roads, but wants them to be safe.

Rep. James Oberstar, D-Minn., House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chairman, cheered the end of the truck program.

"I am pleased that Congress has reclaimed its ability to have some bearing on the obligations contained in the surface transportation provisions of NAFTA and has voted for this step forward for highway safety," Oberstar said.

The Mexican government has protested the trucks ban, and prohibits U.S. trucks from driving far into Mexico. It could take additional retaliatory steps, such as raising tariffs on U.S. goods. The administration's announcement Wednesday did not comfort Mexican officials.

"Mexico still believes that the United States' noncompliance on this issue, more than-- years overdue, is a violation of the North American Free Trade Agreement," said Ricardo Alday, embassy spokesman. But he said Mexico is willing to continue to work with Congress and the U.S. "in finding a solution that honors its international obligation."

The embassy said 103 Mexican trucks belonging to 26 carriers participated in the program. Ten U.S. carriers with 61 trucks could ply Mexico's roads.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Mexico has long called it an unfair effort to protect U.S. jobs." Gee, I kind of thought it was the responsibility of the US government to protect the US, US workers, and US jobs. 

Silly me, what could I have been thinking? 

Pelosi: 'This is a fiscally sound package'

Posted By Bobby Eberle On March 12, 2009 at 6:43 am

Politicians are famous for saying all kinds of things. From justifying their earmarks to supporting candidates they know are crooked, these men and women can spout off the ridiculous, and do it with a straight face.

However, Nancy Pelosi rises to the head of the class. I know the Academy Awards are over, but she deserves special recognition for her performance at a recent press conference. She had a number of quotes that were just plain idiotic, and yet, she delivered them with calm and reassurance. So, what's scarier? Someone who says the stimulus bill is "a fiscally sound package" or someone who believes it?

As noted in a story on CNSNews.com, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was in top form this week when she said, "The word of the day is the word that is important to our economy every day, and that word is 'confidence.'"

In noting all the areas where government needs "to do something," Pelosi said, "It's clear that we have to stabilize our financial institutions, we have to invest in a stimulus plan to grow our economy, we have to regulate our financial institutions, and we have to end the housing crisis."

After that, she said, "The Obama administration has already done just that."

What? The Obama administration has already ended the housing crisis? Wait... it gets better.

Pelosi went on to say, "If there’s any message from the Congress to the markets it is that this (the stimulus package) is a fiscally sound package."

Let's repeat those three words -- fiscally... sound... package. I can't believe this! The stimulus bill is many things, but fiscally sound, it is not. How can Obama and the Congress put forward a bill which spends more money in one lump sum than ever before, do it with money America does not have, add to the budget deficit, add to the federal debt... and call it a fiscally sound package? This is crazy!

From her press conference the previous week, which can be viewed on the C-SPAN web site, Pelosi reiterated that the package cuts taxes for 95% of the American people. That is simply not true. Taxes will soon be going up, not down. In a downward economy, Obama and company not only plan to tax energy, which will affect ALL Americans, but he also will raise taxes on everyone if he allows the Bush tax cuts to expire. Yet, Pelosi continues the "tax cut for 95% of Americans" speech and is not called on it by the media.

The House speaker moved on to Obama's plans for health care and praised his health care summit. She said, "Health care is an economic issue, health care is a budget issue, health care is a health issue. It touches everything."

Yes, it touches everything... much like a Pelosi/Obama government. However, they fail to realize that health care should not be a government issue. According to them, health care for all will be the new entitlement. First, this is not a role of government, and second, there is no way to pay for it.

In the question and answer session, Pelosi said that she agrees with President Obama that "we need to have fewer earmarks."

"We need transparency and accountability," she added. "I still think we need to cut them back some more."

Give me a break... the bills are loaded with pork (by both Democrats and Republicans), and no one will be taking Pelosi at her word. No, she did not break a smile when she talked about earmarks, but I couldn't tell if her fingers were crossed behind her back.

Back to this week's press conference...

CNSNews.com noted that Pelosi said, "Outside of Washington, the enthusiasm is much more positive." I'm not sure where she's looking, but with all indicators still pointing downward, she might want to open her eyes.

America doesn't need more government. Just stay out of the way, and let Americans solve the problem.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It truly boggles the mind that these are words coming from the Speaker of the House. 

God help us all.

Born Baptist

Each Friday night after work, Bubba would fire up his outdoor grill and cook a venison steak. But, all of Bubba's neighbors were Catholic. And since it was Lent, they were forbidden from eating meat on Friday.

The delicious aroma from the grilled venison steaks was causing such a problem for the Catholic faithful that they finally talked to their priest. The Priest came to visit Bubba, and suggested that he become a Catholic.

After several classes and much study, Bubba attended Mass.....and as he priest sprinkled holy water over him, he said, 'You were born a Baptist, and raised a Baptist, but now you are a Catholic.'

Bubba's neighbors were greatly relieved, until Friday night arrived, and the wonderful aroma of grilled venison filled the neighborhood. The Priest was called immediately by the neighbors, and, as he rushed into Bubba's yard, clutching a rosary and prepared to scold him, he stopped and watched in amazement.

There stood Bubba, clutching a small bottle of holy water which he carefully sprinkled over the grilling meat and chanted:

'You wuz born a deer, you wuz raised a deer, but now you is a catfish.'

Another Blonde Joke

As a North Bay trucker stops for a red light on Hwy. 11, a blonde catches up. She jumps out of her car, runs up to his truck, and knocks on the door. The trucker lowers the window, and she says, "Hi, my name is Heather, and you are losing some of your load!"

The trucker ignores her and proceeds down the street.

When the truck stops for another red light, the girl catches up again. She jumps out of her car runs up and knocks on the door. Again, the trucker lowers the window. As if they've never spoken, the blonde says brightly, "Hi, my name is Heather, and you are losing some of your load!"

Shaking his head, the trucker ignores her again and continues down the street.

At the third red light, the same thing happens again. All out of breath, the blonde gets out of her car, runs up, knocks on the truck door. The trucker lowers the window. Again she says, "Hi, my name is Heather, and you are losing some of your load!"

When the light turns green the trucker revs up and races to the next light. When he stops this time, he hurriedly gets out of the truck, and runs back to the blonde. He knocks on her window, and as she lowers it, he says…..

"Hi, my name is Kevin, it's winter in CANADA, and I'm driving the SALT TRUCK......." 

Tax Day Tea Party

It's Time for a Tea Party!

Posted By Bobby Eberle On March 9, 2009 at 6:31 am

When the colonists threw boxes of tea into Boston Harbor, their message was clear: no taxation without representation. The frustration had built to the boiling point and action needed to be taken.

A similar movement is building across America. President Obama is moving his socialist agenda through Congress and into American life, and it needs to be stopped. Faster than any president in American history, Obama has just spent over a trillion dollars that America does not have, and now he wants to pay for it by raising taxes. Enough is enough!

Obama has only been in office less than two months and has already signed on for over a trillion dollars in spending. There is the "stimulus" bill, the mortgage bill, and on and on. Every time there is a problem in this country, the Obama administration calls for more spending. Do he and his fellow liberals have so little faith in the American people? Given more of our own money in our pockets, I'm sure the American people could figure out how to get the economy going. We don't need government telling us how our money will be spent, what charities are "worthy," and what projects are more important.

To call attention to all this spending (and the taxes that will follow), the nationwide Tax Day Tea Party is being organized by a collaboration of grassroots organizations, and GOPUSA is doing its job to help spread the word.

One of the main organizations, the DontGo Movement, put out a press release with more details:

Building on the success of the Nationwide Chicago Tea Parties held [in February] in multiple cities around the nation, conservative grassroots organizations and free market activists will once again come together on April 15th to protest out-of-control government spending. Timed to coincide with the date by which Americans must pay their federal income taxes, the Tax Day Tea Party effort will be coordinated by Smart Girl Politics, Top Conservatives on Twitter and the DontGo Movement (www.dontgomovement.com), in addition to other center-right activist groups.

Plans are under way for rallies to take place in nine American cities, with more sites to be added in the coming weeks. The goal of these protests is to call attention to the unprecedented wasteful spending by Democrats in Congress and the Obama Administration.

When asked about the need for nationwide rallies based on the Boston Tea Party of 1773, Eric Odom, Chairman of the DontGo Movement, remarked, "Building on the free market ideas of our founding fathers, and embracing the passion they shared to bring them to light, the Nationwide Tea Party Movement is giving voice to tens of thousands of Americans." Added Stacy Mott, President of Smart Girl Politics, "Average Americans do not support mortgaging away our children’s futures, and the time to speak out against it is now."

Information on The Tax Day Tea Party can be found at http://taxdayteaparty.com.

Please help spread the word.

And since these "revolts" will be held on tax day, here are a few words on taxes:

Rather than stimulating the economy by cutting taxes for all and letting Americans choose what to do with it, Obama put the decisions in government hands. To him, the government knows best, and the taxpayers will pay for it. Obama is using the politics of class warfare to set the stage for raising taxes. He gives speeches saying how "only" this percentage of wage earners will be affected or "only" that percentage of small businesses.

First of all raising taxes on a select group of people is just plain wrong. The general public has been duped by the media and the liberals in Congress into thinking the "rich" guy somehow doesn't pay his "fair share" of taxes. They perpetuate this notion, so that when taxes are raised, there is no outcry. Most Americans don't know that the top wage earners pay 35% of their income to the government. That's 35%!!! Here are the other income tax brackets for married, filing jointly:

• 0 to $16,050 --> 10%
  
• $16,050 to $65,110 --> 15%
  
• $65,100 to $131,450 --> 25%
  
• $131,450 to $200,300 --> 28%
  
• $200,300 to $357,700 --> 33%
  
• $357,700+ --> 35%

The top 20% of wage earners pay 83% of all the income taxes. Yet Obama wants them to pay more. He praises so-called "working families," but don't the higher wage earners represent members of working families as well?

Secondly, taxes are too high for everyone, and they need to be cut. That is the best stimulus of all, because it's OUR money. If the Bush tax cuts are allowed to expire, taxes will go up for everyone. If Obama's energy plan goes through, it will mean higher taxes for everyone. Taxes, taxes, taxes... that's the result of Obama's plan for America.

It's interesting that when President George W. Bush came into office and was facing a recession, he called for cutting taxes. What did the liberals say? Of course they said it was "tax cuts for the rich." But again, who is paying most of the taxes? They also said that the tax cuts would expand the deficit and that America couldn't afford it. What??? So, America can't afford to increase the deficit with tax cuts, but it faces an "economic crisis of epic magnitude" (in the eyes of the liberals) if it doesn't increase the deficit with massive spending?

Those pushing this new socialist agenda have no problem with huge deficits as long as government is controlling the spending and not the American people. It's as simple as that, and goes to the core of their beliefs: government knows best. It is truly time for a tea party!

I Believe...

We don't have to change friends if we understand friends change.

By all means let's be open-minded, but not so open-minded that our brains drop out.

~ Richard Dawkins

My rechargeable batteries are revolting.

Dear IRS:

I am sorry to inform you that I will not be able to pay taxes owed April 15, but all is not lost. 

I have paid these taxes: accounts receivable tax, building permit tax, CDL tax, corporate income tax, dog license tax, federal income tax, unemployment tax, gasoline tax, hunting license tax, fishing license tax, waterfowl stamp tax, inheritance tax, inventory tax, liquor tax, luxury tax, Medicare tax, city, school and county property tax (up 33 percent last 4 years), real estate tax, social security tax, road usage tax, toll road tax, state and city sales tax, recreational vehicle tax, state franchise tax, state unemployment tax, telephone federal excise tax, telephone federal state and local surcharge tax, telephone minimum usage surcharge tax, telephone state and local tax, utility tax, vehicle license registration tax, capitol gains tax, lease severance tax, oil and gas assessment tax, Colorado property tax, Texas, Colorado, Wyoming, Oklahoma and New Mexico sales tax, and many more that I can't recall but I have run out of space and money. 

When you do not receive my check April 15, just know that it is an honest mistake. Please treat me the same way you treated Congressmen Charles Rangle, Chris Dodd, Barney Frank and ex-Congressman Tom Dashelle and, of course, your boss Timothy Geithner. No penalties and no interest. 

Ed Barnett 

Wichita Falls

P.S. I will make at least a partial payment as soon as I get my stimulus check.