Priorities? What are those?

Gandhi said, while quoting an Indian Philosopher, “Action expresses priorities”.  This is absolutely true as we examine the current administration and our beloved President Obama.  To name a few, we have, crisis in Afghanistan, Iran firing short and middle range missiles that could put our military throughout that region in danger, a health care “reform” bill that is a disaster at best, and that’s just out of today’s headlines! Knowing that, let’s see what Obama has been up to.  He made a whirlwind tour of TV appearances in the past couple of weeks to plug health care reform.  So priority numero uno, face time for the health care bill that not many people like, not even many of the Dems.

I know there have been some meetings and speeches that were a little more important.  There was that address to a joint session of Congress, but wait, that was also on health care.  There was also the embarrassing speech at the G20 Summit where he basically told the rest of the world that yes, the U.S. has screwed up since the beginning of time but Obama is on it now, so don’t you worry!  With a line he recycled from his Congress speech, Obama asserted that he and other world leaders had “brought the global economy back from the brink”.  Really? Tell that to the unemployed that cannot find work; Tell that to the small businesses that are clawing their way through this uncertain economy.  They have pulled us back from the brink? To that I ask, the brink of what?  While healthcare is ultimately a US issue, I’m surprised that Obama could break away from the tired, old, rhetoric long enough to talk about anything else at the G20 Summit.  He was probably afraid if he brought it up that he would be warned against the effects it might have on the US in the end.

Again, while thinking of priorities another quote seems appropriate.  James W. Frick says “Don’t tell me where your priorities are.  Show me where you spend your money and I’ll tell you where they are”. Good quote, and very true.  Where are Obama’s priorities now?  Well, June 16th Obama announced a new “White House Olympic, Paralympic, and Youth Sport office.  Sounds great, right? It appears that the office and it’s leader, Valerie Jarrett, have only one purpose at this time.  Their job is to spend their time, and OUR money, to ensure  that Chicago gets the bid for the 2016 Olympic Games.  She, along with Michelle and President Obama, will travel to Copenhagen to lobby for Chicago’s bid. So the President will spend his time, and again-OUR MONEY-to personally ask the IOC to allow his great corrupt city to host the 2016 games. September 16th, 2009 the President hosted an event at the White House specifically to promote Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympics.  Where is his money being spent? Where are his priorities?

It scares me that we have international enemies and a President who is not concerned enough about the safety of our country to make it a priority.  He either doesn’t care, or doesn’t know enough about foreign affairs to keep us safe.  Either way is not good.   It seems what he does care about is making sure he has face time for the disastrous health care bill, and making sure Chicago gets to host the Olympics.  At least by 2016 we might have had a change to make the United States a respectable nation again after he is finished doing his best to destroy it.

Arlen Specter: Don’t let the door hit you in the…..

After being asked what I thought about Specter’s party switcheroo I had many thoughts.  The first thought was that it wasn’t very surprising.  If it walks like a Democrat, talks like a Democrat, looks like a Democrat, well you know the rest.  Specter hasn’t been loved by the GOP for quite a while.  Becoming a Republican more than 40 years ago did nothing for changing his liberal stances.  Google him and you will see that the love comes from the liberal side of the blogosphere.  Someone I once knew used the term, “Good Riddance to Bad Rubbish” and it certainly seems appropriate here.

Specter is a cancer survivor and for that he shall be commended.  He has very understandable reasons to be passionate about cancer research.  Being passionate can be displayed in many different ways.  His recent interview stating that the life of Jack Kemp could have been saved if Congress had listened to him and spent more money on research, well that was more along the lines of political agenda than passion.  I imagine that this is true in Specter’s brain, it is probably never enough when you have personally dealt with cancer.  The Republican controlled congress did, however, increase the spending for health research approximately 7% each year.

The GOP needs much work before assuming power in 2010.  It can, and should, be done but there has to be organization happening!  Weeding out the, well weeds, will do nothing but help the party come election season.

No Ethnic Hair Please!

It was difficult reading this article while keeping a straight face.  An entire piece on the “First Hair” and how it should and should not be styled.  Obviously, I am not an African American woman so I cannot relate to the professionalism of ethnic hair vs. non-ethnic hair.  It is a little disturbing that Michelle Obama is advised not to wear “ethnic hair” during her time as First Lady.  As if that would be frowned upon by Americans.  We can rest easy knowing that the First Hairdresser has steered her away from dreadlocks, braids, and fros.  This doesn’t seem noteworthy considering we never saw Michelle sporting those particular hairstyles previous to being crowned Queen of the Fashion World First Lady.  Since most journalists are paying more attention to her style rather than anything substantial, that seems a very telling statement.  It appears that we they have chosen leaders who have also chosen style over substance.  I for one, cannot wait to see the day they leave office and Michelle is free to wear any ethnic hair she desires!

FYI-It is comical to me that my spellchecker doesn’t recognize Obama as a word.  I know that is the case with some names but it makes me laugh every time.  Wish we didn’t have to recognize Obama as a President either. What if we could just right click and choose the replacement?!

Tears over Laughter

Sorry if this is a little late, guess I need to study a little more about the “auto-post” function.  Oh well, better late than never! –Anna

The comedic left are having a good time making fun of Glenn Beck.  Yes, his crying on air is a little much, most will probably agree with that.  I haven’t watched him on Fox News very often because of the time it airs, but what I have watched was entertaining.  I have read his books and enjoyed both of them.  Since “An Inconvieneint Book” spent several weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, my guess would be that more than just a few people read it.

Glenn Beck’s emotional outbursts might be a little much, borderline annoying even, but I will take the tears over laughter any day.  Right now we have our President and others laughing in the face of our country.  They are laughing at the freedoms that are being jeopordized, the money they are taking away almost faster than we can earn it, and the reasons we proudly call ourselves Americans.  At this moment we have “Taxation without representation” which many consider un-American.  The leaders (loose term alert!) are figuring out how to nationalize socialize the Health Care system.  Just ask European Parliament member Danial Hannan how that system is working out in his part of the world.  While you are at it, ask your favorite medical professional what they think of the idea.  While some are in support of it, most I have found are absolutely against it.  Those are just two examples of the liberal’s blatant disregard for the America we know and love.

To the left: Go ahead and criticize Glenn, definelty criticize those of us who listen to him.  Your thoughts of me aren’t important, it’s your thoughts of this country that concern me.

Tax Day Tea Parties!! Gainesville, GA

There are many tea parties scheduled all around the country.  Click here for a full list of events and locations.  If you are in the North Georgia area there is one scheduled in Gainesville, April 15th.  Check out this website for all of the information.  You will see on the TDTP website that this isn’t a small movement; there are many events scheduled already.  If you are concerned about the future of our country, please show your support by attending one of these protests events.  It is difficult to call these protests when, compared to the liberal protests we have seen over the years, these are so calm.  This is a grassroots movement organized and attended by Americans who love their freedoms and what our country stands for.  These people who “cling to their guns and religion” are not violent or bitter.  They are worried, concerned, and frightened citizens who do not like the path this country is taking being forced down.  You will not find violent or offensive signs, like you would expect from the protests who get media coverage.  Unless you are in attendance, you will not see any signs at all.  These events have been happening all over the country for a couple of months but have you seen any coverage of them on the news? NO!  If you do, it is to say something like “a small little group of people gathered” which has not been the case in most cities.  I have seen the pictures and videos, the gatherings have been much more than “small”.  One day the media will have to agknowledge that much of their base disagree with their President.  Until then, we have to speak up and be our own voice!

What I find amusing is that many of these Tea Parties have been attended by groups attempting to sabotage.  If we are an insignificant group, with silly little complaints, why are people wasting their time trying to sabotage?  Interesting thought, huh?  I would say that their attempts to ruin alone are proof that this movement has been enough to make them take notice!

See You April 15th!

For continued Tea Party coverage, both local and national, check the following links:                                                                                                                            LibertyCalls Michelle Malkin Tax Day Tea Party

You can also follow on Twitter at #teaparty

Thank You Academy of Country Music!

No, I didn’t win an ACM, but watching the awards last night gave me back my energy for blogging.  After a couple of weeks off, I am ready to write!  It started with a cruise that left me “blissfully unaware” of the happenings in politics.  Upon my return it took me several days to renew my energy.  While watching the Country Music Awards last night there were several things worth commenting on.  First of all, it is always enjoyable seeing Jamie Foxx there.  He came out with his usual “funny to see a black man at the County Music Awards” routine.  Always makes me think how it is probably funnier to the “black man” than the rest of us.  He then proceeds to give a “shout out” to President Obama.  Had he completely thought that one through?  Maybe he had, maybe not, but it was met with MUCH less enthusiasm than had he been talking to other types of celebrities.  Aside from the occasional movie star appearance, the ACM attendees are not your typical Obama cheerleader.

If you want enthusiasm you should have seen the response to John Rich performing “Shutting Detroit Down”.  The audience reaction to his performance vs. a shout out to Obama was very telling.  While this song represents a controversial topic in politics right now, it is a good measure of the average persons’ thoughts.

Another performance that brought tears, cheers, and much excitment was that of Trace Adkins.  His performace of “Til’ the Last Shots Fired” was absolutley amazing.  (See video below)  The emotional reaction from the audience, both during and after the performance, prove that this is a touching issue for many.  Sadly, this same reaction probably wouldn’t be found in a more liberal audience.

While my military connection is personal, I would like to think that even without that connection my sentiments would be the same.  Seeing the dedication these artists show through their music is real.  It is a passion that many Americans feel but are never able to portray through talents such as these.

It is my belief that these artists speak the thoughts of many, too bad the same never comes from our government or the media.  So, thanks again ACMs for providing a platform for these few with their talent and passion to say what so many of us are thinking!

Will Obama take his own advice?

Listing the recession, the banking crisis and the need to coordinate with other countries, Obama acknowledged Geithner’s “on the hot seat”. But he says too many in Washington are trying to figure out who to blame for things — when they should be focused on fixing them.

Taken from Fox News on the President’s appearance on Leno.  Ironic that he is blaming others for blaming others.  Isn’t that exactly what he has been doing since day one?  He is absolutelyCORRECT in his evaluation, but instead of pointing fingers he should look in the mirror.  There hasn’t been a speech yet where the mistakes of the past 8 years weren’t mentioned.  It is wonderful to hear Obama recognize the need to halt the blaming and work toward a solution.  

Will Obama take his own advice?  I posed this question to my trusty Magic 8 Ball.  Answer: My sources say no.   Hmmmm, isn’t that interesting?  (I really did ask and that was the honest to God answer!)

Obama makes his NCAA predictions

In a Fox News article we learn that Obama has North Carolina taking the NCAA Championship.  Honest first reaction?  Doesn’t the President of this troubled country have better things to worry about?  Well, yes, obviously he does.  After some thought though I realized that no matter how I feel about the decisions being made, everyone needs an escape.  It is no secret that Obama is a basketball fan, and no doubt that he did brackets and watched games along with the rest of us in the past.  Should moving to the White House change that?  Surprisingly, my answer is no.  On a much smaller scale, we feel pressured and stressed by our jobs and sometimes a good game of hoops can be a welcomed treat. 

Having said that, there are some very important and disturbing things happening in Washington.  The President has chosen to “escape” them with his many trips around the country.  There are some conflicting thoughts going through my mind about this.  On one hand we have an administration spending more money, in a very short amount of time, than any previous administration.  It could be argued that the costs related to these trips are wasteful.  An argument that could be justified completely.  On the other hand though, we have a President who is determined to stay in contact, on a more personal level, with the very people who put him in office.  Notice I said “the people who put him in office”, that is assuming all of them still care to see him.  Also assuming there aren’t many “Republican” voters rushing out to greet him.  Who knows how far into this first term that personal connection will last?  Making history as the first sitting president to appear on Leno may have been a little much, but I can almost get what he is trying to do. 

Most of us know that this gallivant around the country is an attempt to convince Americans that all is well.  Unfortunately, there are many people who saw Obama questioned by Leno, and that was the first time they had heard him since he took office.  It is hard to believe that, right now especially, some people just don’t pay attention.  All we can do is pray they start paying attention between now and 2010 elections, some definite changes need to be made. 

So, do I care if the President spends a few nights watching March Madness, with his family, on the White House big screen?  No.  Do I care if the  President turns it into a party for 300 people, funded by taxpayer money, with high dollar Wagyu beef?  Yes, that I do care about.  As long as he is just a fan, watching some games, checking his bracket, there will be no complaints here.  After all, at least it would keep him at the White House for a few weeks, so during the day he could do his job! 

Not only is it basketball, it is March Madness.  Not participating in the excitement would be un-American (sort of like it is un-American to enforce immigration laws, right Pelosi?).  And since he is an American like you and me, let him have his fun.  Oh, wait, he is an American, right?   Anyone? Anyone?  Bueller?

WARNING: Reading May Cause Spike In Blood Pressure!

I just read one of the most infuriating paragraphs imaginable.  I know in this very moment that is difficult to fathom, but let’s see what you think.  In a Time Magazine article titled “Selling Out To Growth” author Kathleen Kingsbury (whom you may recognize from Time’s Gloucester “pregnancy pact” article) profiles non-profit turned profit RealBenefits.  RealBenefits is a softaware company started as a resource for low income people and/or families.

The article begins:

About one-third of Americans who qualify for public assistance haven’t signed up. That amounts to millions of people needlessly going without food stamps, low-income housing or health insurance.

I doubt I am the only person who reads this and says, “What The Hell”?  I had to read it several times, did it really just say “millions of people NEEDLESSLY going without food stamps, low-income housing, or health insurance”?   Now, continuing to read gave me a little better insight into the company’s current focus.  No longer a “non-profit” enterprise, RealBenefit is now using technology to flag patients in an ER who could qualify for Medicaid and such.  This gives the subscribing hospitals a way to be paid for services rendered.  By using RealBenefits one hospital reports a 50% increase in Medicaid reimbursements.  I understand that, for the profitability of a hospital, this is a no brainer.  I still have issues with making sure more and more people know they are “eligible” to take my money. 

I can’t get past the first paragraph and the fact that their original purpose was to make it easier for more people to obtain food stamps and low-income houseing.  These people started a business to make the hoops easier to jump through.  Most people will agree that not enough hoops are in place, nevermind making the ones there easier.  It is my belief that the people who need want this assistance bad enough will bend over backwards to get it.  God forbid they have to work for it!  Talk about living in the Age Of Entitlement! 

Let’s not profile an organization doing job placement assistance, helping people to depend on themselves and not taxpayers.  I am shocked she was able to write this sentance “That amounts to millions of people needlessly going without food stamps, low-income housing, or health insurance”  without throwing something (or throwing up).  It is not my job to buy food and provide housing to others. I am not heartless, there are situations where people do need short term assistance.  There are also disabled and elderly people who may have no other opion.  While I recognize that fact, I believe they are the exception, not the rule. 

You have to work harder, and smarter, in this economy to find a paycheck but it can be done.  There are  job openings all over the country, I have done some random searches today.  People may have to step back and not have their “dream job” right now but work is out there, the question is what people are willing to do.  I would say that 1/2 the paycheck you are used to is better than none at all.  It is certainly better than a perfectly healthy individual expecting a handout.  If you ask any business owner, particularly small business owners, they will tell you that surviving in this economy is about thinking outside the box.  The same idea applies to job seekers as well.  We are still in the land of opportunity (at least until the Obama/Pelosi circus decides to take that away from us) and for creative thinkers now is a great time to thrive.  I guess that is what the founders of RealBenefits have done.  They saw a need and created a solution.  As infuriating as that may be, it is the definition of success in America.

That was quick!

Obama speaking now on his budget.  Less than one minute in and he has already spoken of the “inherited deficit”.  Oh wait, less than 2 minutes in has now referenced the irresponsibility of the past 8 years.  I am tired of hearing this crap.  Yeah, we know bad decisions were made.  How does that justify MORE bad decisions?!?!?!? 

Yeah, right!  He is asking for suggestions from other people in Washington.  Since when has he listened to others (except Queen Pelosi)?!?!!?

Good Grief Charlie Brown!