You Give "HOPE" a Bad Name

I couldn't help but use the Bon Jovi (much to the chagrin of Jon I am sure) song title to offer as a tribute to someone who (for so many) has disappointed a public who voted for a change in 2008. Let's look at what the definition of hope is. There are a few definitions, but they mostly resemble a similar meaning. First, there's "To wish for something with expectation of its fulfillment." or secondly, "To look forward to with confidence or expectation." What a difference a year makes.

When President Obama came into office things were not looking so good. There were the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, an economy supposedly teetering on "depression era" numbers, and a pervasive mood that all was not well in America, direction wise. All foreign and domestic issues aside, there was an idea with which this man approached his newfound position and power. There was talk of new relations with foreign countries. There was the promise that all people deserve health care. There were ideas floating around that the education system needed a serious makeover, etc. Despite all the bad news there was an opportunity for President Obama to really take a leadership stance, follow through on his slogan, and to capture the hearts of even those who did not vote for him, unfortunately, I believe, he missed a golden opportunity. Throughout his campaign he talked of hope, so much so, it became the new word of 2009. In fact, I hear it so much it now sounds like the old fingernail screeching the blackboard. Yeesh!

When I hear the word hope I think about my faith; the promise of something to come, that expectation of fulfillment. We can argue faith all day long, suffice to say, I am a believer, and I have (I have now changed the word from hope to) ambitions for my faith and my direction. Mr. President, you give hope a bad name. He took a sacred word and turned it into a campaign slogan. That may have been a clever phrase, but oh how it has diminished the value of the word. It's kind of like the word gentlemen. Back during the Renaissance period in England, one would have to apply for the title of "gentlemen", it meant that much. Now we throw it around like a worn out baseball. I figure the same fate awaits the word hope, and how sad that is to consider, especially what that word means in the world of faith, and that's what hurts most.

He took this sacred word and used it like it was an ordinary word rather than an extraordinary one. Most people nowadays look at words as disposals for their dialog or ramblings, and oftentimes we do not consider the effect they have. For instance, "shut up!" now that as opposed to, "be quiet!" doesn't seem like much of a difference, but to the receiver of those phrases he/she evaluates their meanings quite clearly. My point, the Obama campaign took a most sacred word and used it as a catch phrase and to me diminished the value and meaning of it.

So I ask you the reader, when you think of the word 'hope' and you place it side by side with Obama, do you get a sensation of exhilaration? Do you experience a tingling up your leg? Do you see results? Remember, the word hope is about expectation of fulfillment. So, when we look at back door payoffs, money flying out of Congress like it's floating in the wind, bail outs of every kind, gifts to friends for political backing and ear marks, strict partisanship, and a refusal to listen to the American people, I ask, is that hope? Is that your expectation to fulfillment? Look, don't get me wrong, critics will say, "Republicans are just as guilty of this as the Democrats, and Obama." That is true, and speaking of a word that has been diminished, politician has been downgraded to just above scum, so I don't disagree with you on the above, it's just that you don't hear the Republicans use the word hope as a campaign mantra; one where you sweep across the country with an expectation of fulfillment, but only deliver the same old, same old. I would argue that my God will not offer the same old, same old. There will be a fulfillment beyond my expectations. I am certainly "hopeful" of that.

Health Care Dilemma

Okay, Houston we have a problem. Sorry to coin an overused cliche, but it is true. With all the back and forth going on regarding this new health care "overhaul" it's tough to make heads or tails out of this incredibly huge and complex issue, but I have an answer. Yes, the Dalai Lama is here to make everyone feel good and just say, "aah!"

The President and most in his party are trying to implement one of the greatest overhauls, or implementations, or reforms this country has ever known. There are some who do not agree with them. I am confused. I hear one thing, then another, then I hear this and suddenly that is not what they meant. Confused? Yeah, me too! So, here is my shining light moment for the politicians, the President included. If he truly feels this is something we need to do then Mr. President with all due respect, here is my suggestion.

Instead of having all these town hall meetings, which for the most part, seemed to be staged events, (don't worry Obama supporters, Republicans do the same thing. No one escapes the wrath of my discontent) let's do something extraordinary.

I say that all major networks: ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, CNN, and the other step-children wannabes broadcast a national debate. It can be done, after all it's summer, no one is really doing anything right? I'm just kidding, besides trying to survive most of us are trying our best to cope with a dysfunctional house known as DC, and all we want are facts. Okay, back on topic. Let's have a national debate, 1 1/2 hour deal where we hear from north, south, east and west, and let's have the President, majority leader Reid, speaker Pelosi, minority leader Boehner and senate minority leader McConnell along with "their" experts on stage and have them debate their positions. You can have Charlie Gibson taking questions from an audience in NY, Katie Couric taking questions in FL, Chris Wallace taking questions from an audience in Minneapolis, and finally you can have Brian Williams in CA. It will be an open lottery question for each audience, and then we can give each side the oppportunity to discuss their responses. Just like the old high school or college debate, each side will have equal representation and they can go at it.

If the government is really concerned about our "health", then this is something that can be done if they want it. Right now both sides are playing politics and like most Americans there seems to be a lot of confusion, and rather than having legitimate bi-partisanship, they are simply playing back to their base, or trying to steal some of the other parties faithful. It's disgraceful!

Okay, let's put a cap on this potentially explosive idea. An hour and half forum will allow the people to hear from the mouths of these taxpayer funded politicians and their positions and responses to questions without screening. I challenge our representatives to answer this call. If they truly care, they will consider this.

Lastly, this debate about people disrupting these town hall meetings, I think I have an explanation as to why these people are shouting. From a teacher's perspective it goes something like this. I try the soft appraoch, "Class quiet down please!" I try it again, they persist in their conversing. I get a little louder, but still there is no response. I then have to resort to something I hate because I feel I am "not being heard" and so I shout at them. See my point? These people feel they are not being heard and perhaps shouting (even though it's not the answer) is the only way they can get their attention. It's a subconscious thing it seems. Maybe not, "I DON'T KNOW!"

As always, your comments are welcome, and you don't have to shout because I hear you. Have a great day!

Infrastructure - is the house crumbling? Literally?

Recently discussed energy topics being bandied about are primarily focused on Cap and Trade stuff. Of course, another complicated idea coming out of DC. One where WE have no control, yet friends of "those in power" are taken care of, ahem, GE for instance. Notice how the Dems cleverly removed offshore drilling, etc off the table? They are a clever group aren’t they? But do they have the best interests of Americans or their party? I guess the same could be said for Republicans and their special interest groups as well. Anyhow, here to talk about something that is analogous to Cap and Trade, but vitally more important. The whole Cap and Trade is a smoke screen for power control by Dems, but on to my real subject infrastructure. About 50 billion of the 787 billion dollar stimulus package is designated for infrastructure. What about the campaign of President Obama where he talked about our infrastructure, yet all he allows for is a measly 50 billion?

Most experts feel that it would take 2.2. trillion just to get us back up to speed, and that does not include new projects. I don’t know if enough people are aware of this impending storm brewing. I guess 110 bridges need to collapse, or a power grid shuts down for weeks or a month.

Our population continues to grow and the system we created 40-50 years ago was not designed to handle all this weight, both figuratively and We have had several opportunities in the past, but it seems those in DC are too interested in “pet” projects that take care of their contributors. Look over mankind’s history all great civilizations existed in power due to their infrastructure. Here is a useful quote that should cause you to pause and hopefully take heed. "Spain invests roughly 5% of GDP in infrastructure, whereas the US invests in the range of 1%; for Spain, 60% of the investment is generated at the local level, and in the US 70% of investment comes from states and municipalities. If the US were to invest in infrastructure at Spain's rate we would be investing $750 billion this year, rather than the $120 billion estimated (as against $150 billion in 2008)." - Norman F. Anderson, President & CEO CG/LA Infrastructure.

Source: http://www.cg-la.com/graphoftheday?start=14.

Here is another quote, “China spends 9 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on infrastructure and India budgets 3.5 percent … while aiming to increase its allocation to 8 percent. By comparison, the United States budgets $112.9 billion or just 0.93 percent of its GDP, and sidesteps the reality of a ballooning $1.6 trillion deficit for necessary upgrades over the next five years.”
—Infrastructure 2007: A Global Perspective

For more on these thoughts.

Source: http://www.architectmagazine.com/content.asp?articleID=652494§ionID=1006.

Yes, there are other very important topics to take care of as well, but if we allow this to fall any further then we will assuredly pay a steep price. I don’t know about you folks, but we (socially and politically) have see-sawed enough in this country: Social Security, Health Care, Infrastructure, Immigration, Education, you name it, we are headed toward S*** Creek. The rubber is meeting the road and I don’t know if we’re prepared to deal with it. Al Qaeda doesn’t need to do anything really all they need to do is sit back and watch us destroy ourselves. The old maxim is true, “A house divided cannot stand.” And if we don’t get our act together the house (USA) is going to go down fast.

If you are interested in the actual stimulus money distribution, here is one site:
http://www.project.org/info.php?recordID=151.

Don’t let this one fool you despite its title of progressive. Sometimes we can all agree on something. The author makes some very good points about a private style AIB (American Investment Bank) that can sustain projects, invest and create profits to the investor.
http://www.ppionline.org/ppi_ci.cfm?knlgAreaID=450020&subsecID=900200&contentID=254788.

I would be interested to hear thoughts on this. Thanks for your time.

Prosecuting Former Administration Officials

There have been several editorials in newspapers across America written that are related to the Obama administration being open to prosecuting former Bush administration officials for what is thought to be illegal or excessive acts of torture. First of all, this would be an unprecedented attempt at a successive administration pursuing a prosecutorial case against a previous administration. Have we turned into some Banana Republic that feeds off of one succeeding junta pursuing the ill-deeds of the previous junta? Well, I think these editorial staffs could use a lesson in history.



I believe these investigations inevitably will happen because that is what we have come to in this country. We have a mob mentality, we want blood. I find it surprising that these so called peaceful "one world, one love" groups are more vengeful than us nasty Christians. This is not so much about justice as it is about one party being vindictive toward the other party, and wanting to either embarrass or desire payback. What a shame, that we have entrenched politicians who suffer from some form of insecurity in their ability to procure another vocation other than as a career politician. What a mess we are in, but I digress. Oh, I may as well just go and say it, "it is Bush's fault."



Any support of advancing the prosecution of former Bush administration officials for “terrible deeds” warranting “no pardons” regarding torture tactics hints at nothing more than a mob on a witch hunt. And so I ask, why stop there?



Perhaps we should conduct posthumous investigations into the Andrew Jackson administration that forced thousands of Native Americans west, or F.D.R. for the Japanese internment camps, or Lincoln for suspending habeas corpus, etc.



It’s obvious former President Bush continues to occupy the ire and angst of the extreme left who want nothing short of eviscerating his presidency. What country does not have a black eye on its history? I ask, would Spain do this, or Great Britain, Russia, or the French? I just don't understand what the end game result is going to be other than diminishing our vital role in the world. Do you think these other countries are applauding us for moving forward on this? It's doubtful. They see a country fractured and confused about its role anymore. They see a country teetering on which direction it desires to go, and more amazingly, not so much a direction that occurs naturally, but one that seems forced on the people.



So what is this all about? Is this some sort of desire to purge our history? To basically say to the world, we are wiping the slate clean. I guess in some circles, as of January 20, 2009, a new era of America began under a citizen of the world. Well, I hate to disappoint those who feel we are an evil country, unfortunately our history is written in stone not in pencil to be easily erased. Enough of the mea culpa already, the ends don’t always justify the means, so stop parading in a veil of sorrow and shame, we are and continue to be a great country, despite our failings from time to time.

What TEA Parties?

So, the national media made a choice. A choice to ignore a movement that was not strictly a "right"movement, but a movement by Americans who are fed up with the "FED". Fed up with senseless, directionless and irresponsible spending, not to mention the strain it will place on our future. I feel sorry for those who are walking around with blinders on feeling that this spending can be handled well by DC. Let me repeat, spending that can be handled well by DC. We can not even fathom the debt this is going to place on us. Look, there are only two things they can do about this eventual debt. One, print more money, thereby creating an super-inflation, which will diminish the strength of the dollar, which seems to be an oxymoron anymore, or two raise taxes. These moves are counter-intuitive, and will cause great damage. Of course DC is banking on revenue, but again, these moves seem counter-intuitive; therefore, this is a self defeating approach to handling the crisis. Look, I am not a financial genius by any stretch of the imagination, but DC seems content to make mistakes, and then say, "Oh by the way, we are going to tax you even further." We'll see, but let's get back to the TEA party.



So, there were those who not only dismissed the TEA parties, but were mocked by the likes of CNN, and MSNBC (specifically Idiot Olberman and Rachel "Mad"dow). These networks would have been out en masse had these been protests against Bush. These are the same networks who dedicated a tremendous amount of time to protestors of those in the last election regarding Proposition 8, a proposition related to gay marriage that was voted on by the uber-liberal California, but something that most likely drew more than a million nationwide was ignored. This is a sad day in America when the media fails to "look out for us."



Listen, it's no secret that most major media outlets are going to lean liberal because they are located in very large cities that tend to lean liberal, but this seems to be a blatant disregard for the rest of the country that doesn't necessarily care for the big city ideas. I could write an entire book on the influence of "cultural" ideas that have forever altered this country, but I digress.



So, like my blog title, the bottom line is this, the TEA parties were a chance for the national media outlets to show they were looking out for the people, and that it shouldn't matter who is in the White House or the majority in Congress, but is about America first. They clearly showed their true colors, and it wasn't very attractive. My suggestion to you all out there is to boycott as many of these national outlets as possible when viewing. Nothing hurts these networks more than viewers, and if we want to send a true message, it's all about taking action and avoiding these networks. I wish my DirecTV would offer station choices, then I could get rid of them, sending an even clearer message. As always, have a great day!

A Few Things to Think About

I consider myself an optimist, but it’s hard to be optimistic these days given what is going on in DC and in many areas of America. Below are just a few things to consider. This is who is currently running DC:
People who:

• vote for a $500 billion tax bill without even reading it?
• Pass a ridiculous stimulus bill totaling nearly $800 billion?
  are spending trillions of borrowed dollars, leaving a debt our great-grandchildren will be paying?
• consistently give special interest groups billions of dollars in earmarks to help get themselves re-elected?
• want to take your wealth and redistribute it to others?
• punish those who practice responsible financial behavior and reward those who do not?
  admit to using the financial hurt of millions as an opportunity to push their political agenda? “Never waste a good crisis.” Rahm Emmanuel, November 2008, Meet the Press.
• run up trillions of dollars of debt and then sell that debt to countries such as China? Read: http://www.gnmagazine.org/issues/gn81/farewell-america-financial-world-power.htm.
  want government controlled health care?
• want to take away the right to vote with a secret ballot in union elections?
• refuse to stop the flow of millions of illegal immigrants into our country?
• appoint a defender of child pornography to the Number 2 position in the Justice Department?
• want to force doctors and other medical workers to perform against their will or conscience?
• want to impose a carbon tax on your electricity, gas and home heating fuels? *
  want to reduce your tax deductibility for charitable gifts?
• take money from your family budget to pay for their federal budget? **

Now, there are those on the left who will disagree with this, defending it as responsible and necessary, but it’s hard to defend such wanton disregard for the betterment of the American people for what appears to be a political agenda. History has shown countries that borrow, overspend, and have too much debt eventually fall. Read these two articles. http://www.gnmagazine.org/issues/gn81/when-nations-fall.htm, and http://www.gnmagazine.org/issues/gn81/farewell-america-financial-world-power.htm.

*Word has it that our gas bills may go down next winter, but it is not because of the Obama stimulus, it is because the Energy companies have been working on new technologies to more efficiently extract gas reserves. So, don’t listen to the Left on this one. Note: This article is from the NYT. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/21/business/energy-environment/21gas.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=natural%20gas&st=cse.

**If you look at the eventual rise in taxes, because that is the only way, other than printing ridiculous amounts of money, people will see a dwindling of the their income, not to mention a hit to savings. So much for the Pay as You Go speech given by Candidate Obama.
Well, I would love to hear some feedback. Have a great day!

Christians Acting Like Christians

As we move forward in the 21st century I would like to make a few proposals to fellow Christians out there. Today is Easter. I know, what am I doing writing on Easter? Actually, I am inspired on Sundays to write. I have done some of my best writing on this day, odd, huh?

There is an argument going on in this country, is Christianity on the decline? Of course atheists trumpet this news, because as they say, misery loves company. Actually, I feel sorry for and pray for those who do not believe, or those who straddle the fence on belief, but I am not here to proselytize or condemn anyone, I am here to take a critical look at Christians.

We, Christians, believe the Bible is the word of God, and the gospels represent the teachings and account of Jesus’ life. We all pray for His return, but until He does there are some things we need to come together on. The left loves to paint us (with a broad brush I might add) as intolerant, narrow minded, unworldly, and other unkind words, and every bad act a Christian commits only reinforces their argument. I know that we are not perfect, and people are flawed to commit unfortunate acts, but the left and atheists don’t see it that way, they see us being hypocritical. They love to ridicule the “righteous” when they fall from grace. One good example is Governor Palin’s daughter. The left was all over them. “How dare those Christian zealots (my word for emphasis) from Alaska preach to us when they can’t even control their own house?” That is a good point because in part that is true.

What happened to the Palin’s is unfortunate, but it is reflective of the human condition, and of the foibles of an imperfect creature. The temptation of the flesh is a strong force and takes incredible strength and faith to fight. But if you look at where faith is the weakest you will find it in teenagers. This is the point where they question a lot: faith, parents, authority, etc. So is it a big surprise that many of them fall into the trappings of the flesh? But I digress.

Okay, here are my proposals for Christians. One, as we contemplate our place in the grand scheme of things I look to the Bible for instruction and guidance, and what I find is that Christ’s life was a simple life, so I ask Christians to return to instruction and guidance. If you are not reading the Bible enough, read it more, schedule it like you would a workout or a haircut. Read a chapter of Old Testament, then read a chapter of New Testament. Reading reinforces, asks for reflection, and therefore provides growth and understanding. You will feel better there’s no doubt.

Two, conserve. Oftentimes the right or conservatives, Christians, etc are not seen as having enough care for the planet because they believe that God will take care of it, and/or that we are just borrowing it anyway. Fiddle faddle, I believe God wants us to take care of His creation, as it states in Genesis, “This I have created for you.” Also, if you look at the simplification factor this conservation and caretaking is part of the overall picture. Here are a few links to check out: http://ktracy.com/?p=106, www.setamericafree.org/ht040305.pdf, and http://www.perc.org/articles/article767.php.
The left needs to understand and know that they do not have a corner on the environmental market. We can be a movement for environmentalism and conservation.

One way you can start is to begin recycling. All it takes is one month to get into the habit. All you need to do is start with one thing, say plastics. Set up three or four bins and toss in the bottles based on the number in the triangle at the bottom of the container. You can find out where the drop off points are, and simply do your part. I set up a bin in my classroom so the students can toss in their drink bottles, then I take the container to the environmental club. You could set up one at work if they don’t have one, or recommend one. You will feel better, trust me. From there you can branch out into other items like paper, glass, or whatever else they offer in your community. Also, cut down on your energy within the home, cut off unnecessary lights, etc. I don’t want to sound like I am preaching here, but it’s important to say these things. Like the Bible, these should be daily reminders.

Three, look at yourself before you judge others. Are you doing the right things? Are you saying the right things? It’s okay to sound off your politics, or whatever social criticisms you have, but let us conduct ourselves in a civil manner, it’s more effective. If we discuss rationally, channeling the teachings, much can be accomplished. Our first task is to take care of our own house.

In closing, simplify, be healthy by being active and eating right; embrace mind, body and soul. Feed the soul with scripture, feed the mind with education and positive thoughts, and feed the body with healthy nutrition, do not give in to indulgences. Love nature and feel His presence, and your disposition will improve dramatically. Again, if you are already doing these things, good for you, I am not trying to be pretentious or overly righteous here, I am a concerned Christian that has seen that part of the problem is how we act and conduct ourselves. A student once asked me, “How can you live a full and happy life by being a goody two shoe all the time?” I said, “With God in my life I already have a happy and full life. I enjoy the fruits of His blessings, and trust me I am having a great time.” Good luck!

What is he saying Part II

Okay, I was going to let it rest so to speak, but I read a great article this morning, and it shed more light on what I wanted to say, but I'm not the fastest boat in the water when it comes to putting together a writing assignment quickly. I need time to stew, research, and basically make sure I stay away from impulsive, sometimes incendiary remarks. Emotionally charged people make for great "slip ups" when it comes to the expression department. Okay, so here it is.

I read an article by Michael Medved, "The Dangers of Leveling at Home and Abroad" available at http://townhall.com/columnists/MichaelMedved/2009/04/08/the_dangers_of_leveling_-_at_home_and_abroad

In a nutshell, I think ab0ut all the countries we have saved over the last 2 centuries and wonder why in the world this current administration feels compelled to call us out. Had we not intervened in WWI and WWII what do you think the world would look like Mr. Obama? What about Korea? I dare to say, you might still be looking for that day when you can vote had we not saved the world. Did he mention that? No, instead he apologized for dropping an atomic bomb on Japan. Again, to this administration fascism seems to be a "Right" disease, not of those with reason and rationale.

Okay we get it! Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa, already. How many times do we have to apologize? What is so wrong with being numero uno? The world is not created for a level playing field, because guess what, and they might find this hard to believe, the strongest kid on the playground gets the best swing. I know, I know, there you go, that's typical irrational, ideological speak. Oh yeah? Try saying that to Iran, Korea, Russia, et al. Point: reality and dreaming do not mix. Dreaming is fun, reality is well, real.

President Obama claimed that he is not naive. Funny how he has to defend that statement, a statement widely circulated during the campaign, and now showing its fruit.

There was a commentary printed in our local paper several weeks ago that implied (that's a nice word for blamed) the Bush Administration for being too ideological, and that Bush attempted (again, a nice word for blatantly) to force the world to his will, yet the writer claimed glowingly that President Obama sees things in a "wordly context." Oh really, well if what he (President Obama) has proposed lately is not ideological I don't know what is. By the way, I wonder if Iran, Korea, Russia, et al see the world as President Obama sees it.

Now look, I don't blame the guy for trying, it is a noble goal, but it is highly unrealistic. I can understand his vision, to a degree, and that is to influence the world to see peace as a means to everyone getting along and advancing humankind. I am in the corner of praying for the same thing, but it seems as though the human condition is incapable of this due to the fact that somehow somewhere someone will exploit another.

In the grand scheme of things, and I am speaking wordly here, why would we, who fought our way to independence, and became a world power in about 150 years, want to give up our number one position? Do we want China to be number one, or Russia for that matter? We are the largest democracy in the world and we see the various other forms of governments around the world who continue to have some form of oppression. Whether it is a lack of opportunity, education, etc. There is no country like ours.

Why in the world would he (President Obama) feel compelled to want to level the powers in the world? That's like saying the Pittsburgh Steelers would share their Lombardi trophy with the Cardinals? I hardly think that Mr. Rooney, a staunch Obama guy would do that. Interesting thought! Also, if Mr. Obama wants equalilty, then why pick the NCAA tournament, and an overall winner? Not quite your typical analogy, but it shows a correlation between sports and society. There must be a winner, a number one, it is unfortunate that the President seems willing to sacrifice that "terrible" moniker we bear to the world.

Look, for all the so called short sightedness of ideologues, the world is full of them, and I think that as we advance as humans there are certain human elements we seem unable to shed. I must confess, I am somewhat confused what the President wants. I hope over the course of the next few months he clarifies his vision and that the national media will ask him important questions regarding this vision rather than just sitting in the backseat as he drives.

What is he saying?

When the election was over, and even though my candidate did not win, I knew that there was to be a new president and that I needed to support him. I have tried to be patient with his ideas, although I do not believe they are decisions well thought out. I can understand spending if it is done right, and if it goes toward worthy projects, but President Obama's recent trip abroad troubles me.



Why do people insist on apologizing for U.S.? What was the point to say that we have been sinful of slavery, Native-American genocide (my word for emphasis), and a place where 50 years ago he, our president, would not have been able to vote? Why did he feel the need to say these things? Is Europe or the Middle East pure? Hardly not, they have some deep and dark sins themselves. I do not wish to embark on a right/left angle here, but why do liberals constantly feel they must apologize for us. I don't get it. I can understand the arrogance statement, but what great nation does not have a sense of arrogance about it? He acquitted himself nicely by saying that perhaps people's perceptions of us are mistaken as well, but as soon as he traveled the next day he was back at it, saying US bad, you good.



Again, America is no saint country by any stretch of the imagination, but I just wish that he would have articulated and extolled the greatness of this country; how we contribute more money to Africa than any other country, and various other humanitarian aid and assistance we provide. Of course he couldn't say that in the face of Europe, which has exploited Africa for generations, and the fact that no president has helped Africa like President Bush. Why do we always have to play politics? Did he think a chorus of 'boos" would have emerged by mentioning Bush having done a good thing? Lastly, did Bush ever openly criticize the Clinton or Carter admininstration? I find the hypocrisy of the left to be absolutely astonishing. This is unfortunate in light of what Mr. Obama campaigned on.

I am a contributing writer on bleacherreport.com. Please check out the website and type in my name to see my list of articles. Here is the link to my page:

http://bleacherreport.com/users/81989-Scott-Reighard

Okay, here we go!

Today is my first blog on my new blogspot. Let me know your thoughts, changes, things you would like to discuss, etc.