Each Memorial day, we remember and honor those people who have predeceased us in life.  Usually we pay our respects at the cemetery of our loved ones like grandma or grandpa who were so nice and loving to us while we may have been too young to realize how much they really had contributed to our folks and family.  Our folks may be buried there, also, a final resting place for those tired, loving people who fretted and did so much for us and whom we never really realized how much  they sacrificed and did without for us, their children,  family and country.

    All we can do now is to bring flowers, signifying life, to the grave on this day, set aside for remembrance of them.  As we pause for a moment at the grave site, in silent prayer, we think of how much more we could have done for them but didn't and how much we miss these loving people, their words of encouragement, even, that twenty dollar bill stuffed in our hand so many times just to make us and them feel good and caring, as we left after a brief visit to "grandma's home."  Oh!  If only they were still alive so we can really express our gratitude and true love for them just one more time.  But, it is too late, and we realize those are the words and deeds that must be expressed during their lives.

      Maybe, if they passed on while you were estranged, or not on the best of terms with them, for something you now realize was your fault, you wish you could tell them how sorry you are and, maybe, that you were not there for them, and how frustrated and angry you feel about that error you made.     Then you realize all you can do now is say you are sorry in private and promise to be a better person to those still living until you meet them again in heaven.

      As you walk or ride around the cemetery in nostalgic memory, you see the fluttering American flags and white markers in the large veterans section, of that resting place and think of those men and women, some of whom you served with, who died then or since and you pause and bow your head in respect of them who gave their lives, as the ultimate sacrifice, so we may live in peace and safety today.  At the same time you think how fortunate you were to have survived to return home to your loved ones.   You think sympathetically of the many wounded servicemen returning from the war wounded both physically and mentally and scarred for life, but not broken in spirit.  Because they are the living American heroes our heart cries out for them and their quick recovery.  You think also of the obvious valuable contributions and sacrifices of their families who have served their country in their own private way.

        You think of every one buried at this place and every other cemetery, for their families and country and realize how important we all are to each other.   Whether they were relatives,  friends, neighbors or countrymen, they each made their contributions as best they could the weak and the strong, whether rich or poor, it did not matter, as long as they cared for someone during their lives, they made that contribution to make us and this country stronger.

      Each town, city, state and our nation, celebrate this Memorial Day with parades, fanfare and speeches of appreciation.  It is our open tribute and dedication, in mindfulness respect to those that have predeceased us and our thankfulness for their valuable contributions to us and this great country and its people.

      If we could only keep their unselfish contributions and sacrifices in our minds year round, we would never be tempted away or forget our loyalty and love for our brothers and sisters in our family and country, this wonderful home of freedom, we are privileged to live in citizenship with each other.

     "God Bless America and the American people." 

Originally posted:  May 25, 2009                

THE PLAN TO UNITE THE COUNTRY AND ITS PEOPLE

May 10, 2010

Dear President Barack Obama,

          I was happy to hear your inspiring speech last week, as the commencement speaker for the graduation class of 2010 of Michigan University.  However, it is difficult to inspire young people these days with the country suffering a sagging economy high unemployment, deficit spending, an increasing national debt and the threat of additional crippling taxes.

          Adding to the problem is the traditional infighting between the two major political parties, which has resulted in the inability of members of congress to come together as they should to help solve these major and serious problems facing the nation in these trying days.  For years, the result has been a war for power between these political parties, by the use of obstruction instead of cooperation and compromise between the members of congress.  They have been forced to do the bidding of their political party over the will and needs of the American people whom they represent.

          The situation and the condition of the country has become so bad that mudslinging, threats and insults have become commonplace in congress and in the streets of America.  The emergence of the tea party is no small isolated group of malcontents among conservative Americans, but a mirror image of the general impatience and dissatisfaction of the majority of the American people toward their government.

          You were elected on the promise of "change and "can do" and nothing has changed for the better economically and unemployment has doubled in two years, while the "do nothing congress" has continuously failed to do anything constructive to improve these problems.  Extending unemployment benefits may temporarily help the unemployed to survive, but what they need is the permanent jobs that have gone overseas, because of the free trade acts.  This has caused such a high trade imbalance or deficit which is causing a drain in the assets of the country while congress does nothing about it.  Foreign and domestic oil companies have had a stranglehold on our nation for nearly forty years and congress continues to ignore the problem instead of solving it.  Your administration and congress's efforts to rid us of this problem by enacting legislation to have alternative and renewable sources of energy rid us of this dependence are mere worthless tokens of the country's urgent needs to solve this problem, immediately and without delay.  In doing so, this effort will aid the economy by reducing the cost of gasoline and fuel oils and just as important, reduce the imbalance of trade in oil and the trade deficit.

          The American people know congress, has for years, sold out to big business and their lobbyists for campaign contributions for their votes to maintain the status quo, but the time has come for a drastic change in policy to aid the American people next November, at the voting booths.  Already there are definite signs of congressmen quitting and deserting the sinking ship of state.

          If you and congress would only realize one thing, if you win the support of the American people, you do not need advertising or money to win your re-election, because you will have the support and vote of the American people.  That is the key, to the government's success: popularity with the American people equates to their vote at election time.

          Your popularity and that of congress has sunken to new lows and you both need to bring it back very soon or suffer the inevitable consequences.

          Therefore, to reverse this trend and win back the confidence, trust and respect of the American people you must do the following:

• 1. Convince the members of both houses of congress to change their rules and have their members sit together in alphabetical order, rather than in segregation, as members of political parties, since, once elected they represent all the members of their state or district, not any political party.
• 2. While in session, or at committee hearings, all members of congress shall not be recorded as any party member or mention the party affiliation of themselves or any member of the U.S. Constitution makes no mention of political parties and political parties should play no part in the operation of our government.
• 3. While congress is in session, it shall meet five days a week, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day with one hour for a lunch between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., and a fifteen minute personal break at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each day.
• 4. While congress is in session, it is mandatory that each member be present in their assigned seat at all times except for confirmed medical reasons which shall be made public. It is important for each member of congress to listen to all the other member's speeches and arguments for or against any proposed legislation and all proceedings, as a courtesy. There is nothing more disturbing than to see a member speaking to an empty room.
• 5. All membership to committee appointments, including chairmanships, shall be made by the majority vote of all the membership, without regard to seniority, time in office or membership in any political party. Each committee shall have an odd number of members to avoid a tie vote.
• 6. The office of speaker of the house and president of the senate shall be elected by a majority vote of each of its members only.
• 7. Members of congress, once elected and while in office may not meet or converse with or accept political contributions from any person or entity so as not to give the appearance of impropriety or bias toward any proposed law. The only exception shall be from June first to the day before elections in each election year. An incumbent congressman, during such period, shall be disqualified from voting for any legislation which may benefit any person or entity who has contributed more than two thousand dollars to said congressman during said period.
• 8. Paid travel expenses, by public transportation, of all members of congress shall be limited to two trips yearly to drive or fly to or from their home district or state to attend sessions of congress. All other travel expenses shall be the responsibility of each congressman.
• 9. No family member or relative of a congressman may be employed by any congressman while said related congressman holds office in congress.
• 10. No congressman shall be employed as a lobbyist until at least ten years after leaving office.
• 11. Congressmen shall accept political contributions only from registered voters at the time of said contribution, which shall be limited to one thousand dollars for each voting time.
• 12. Any violation of the above rules shall be grounds for the impeachment of said congressman if proven by a preponderance of the evidence against said congressman.

            These are the most important changes that congress must make for the American people to have their faith restored in them and their government before the next federal election.

          If you publically recommend these changes and congress passes them, I am sure public confidence will be reinforced in you, since the American people will see that you are in fact representing them in their best interest as you promised.

          Once you are assured you have the confidence and support of the American people that is all you will need to succeed in your efforts to lead this nation to a successful resolution of all the pressing problems we face together as a nation.

          This suggested action will certainly catch your detractors by surprise and defuse all complains that the majority democrats, are not acting in the best interest of the American people.  Any other complaint by them about the details of this proposed plan will expose them as anti reformists and brand them as purely political.

          Thank you for this opportunity to express my view and suggestions.

The Times Square Attempted Terrorist Attack and the Muslim Threat to the Safety of all Americans

May 8, 2010

Dear President Barack Obama:

          In the last year, we have had two attempted and one successful Muslim terrorist attacks, here in the United States.  But for the alertness of concerned Americans and the quick action of our local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, the two foiled attempts might have succeeded and thousands of innocent American civilians would certainly have been killed or wounded.

The sad fact is that, in all of these cases, a Muslim was involved, one was native born and another an naturalized American Citizen.  It is made clear that these acts are not limited to an Al-Qaida or Taliban recruits, but involve ordinary American citizens caught up in the religious fervor or anti-Jewish hate and of America and England's support of Israel since it's founding in 1948, in a Muslim country.  This religious hate has existed for at least two thousand years since the Turks invaded and conquered the Israelites.  This has festered and has grown over the years and has been handed down from father to son ever since. 

When the English government who had ruled in the area since World War I decided to find a permanent home for the Jewish people in what is now Palestine, after their near extermination by the Germans and Russians and others over the years, the spark of hate between the Jews and Muslims was re-ignited and the area has been the sight of one war or conflict after another since then.  When the United States joined with England in the defense of Israel, the Muslim hate was expanded to include any country that aids or comforts Israel.

This hate is not harbored by the Al-Qaida, the Taliban or the Palestinians alone, since the 1948 events, but goes back two thousand years, even while the Jews were refugees out of their original lands in the Middle East.  This hate has been instilled in every Muslim everywhere, for so long it would be a big mistake to summarily dismiss it as an isolated thing.  From their actions in the last twenty years against both England and the United States these Muslim fanatics have targeted not only Israel but all of her allies equally.  Of course, not every Muslim is a terrorist, but every Muslim must be considered a potential terrorists, just as in 1942, after Pearl Harbor, when all Japanese regardless of their citizenship were rounded up and put in detention camps for the duration.  Along with some Germans and Italians considered potentially dangerous.

It is time to consider the same action against all Muslims in this country, as the only sure way to protect the American people.  In addition, these dangerous times, all travel by Muslims to this country should be barred.  While all travel by Muslims out of this country should be one way only.  It is stupid to allow Muslims to enjoy the freedom of this country while some of their numbers commit terrorist acts repeatedly against us.  This will put the pressure where it belongs, in the hands of good Muslims to weed out the bad in their numbers.

While any acts of terrorism continue against Israel or its supporters, for example England and the United States, no Muslim should be permitted to live free in those countries.  Either the Muslims learn to forget past real or imaginary problems or the problem will rest in isolation of the Muslims themselves.

Muslim hate must be stamped out or the retribution will result in the hate of all Muslims by the non Muslim world.

May 1, 2010

Dear president Barack Obama,

      Now that British petroleum is dumping untold gallons of oil a day into the Gulf of Mexico and polluting the American shores, it is time to consider cancelling their oil drilling leases our government so generously granted them.

    This deadly disaster is not the first, but the third recent incident of the mismanagement and incompetence of BP‘s operations.  In the United States the first, was the oil spill in Alaska and the second was the refinery explosion in Texas that took the lives of about fifteen people.   Now another eleven men have lost their lives in a disaster that should have been avoided due to the payoff of congress by the oil companies.

    Every country in the world except the, United States, demand as a condition of drilling oil on their property that every reasonable safety measure available be employed at their rigs.  One of these requirements is the use of an automatic shut off or blowout preventer, to be installed on every rig as a sure fire way of preventing the oil spill we are now  experiencing in the gulf of Mexico on the BP rig.  Congress has consistently allowed the oil companies to operate without this $500,000 safety measure, while all oil companies pay huge campaign contributions to members of congress.  Therefore, the fault lies with congress just as equally as with the BP in this matter.  All this is just another example of the greed of the oil companies and congress along with their total disregard for the safety of the American people and America's shorelines.

       Since you have announced the planned opening of off shore oil drilling along the shores of Florida and the south eastern United States, you are now put on notice not to have another disaster like this, happen again, by insisting that all available safety measures be taken by lessees of oil exploration in the United States in the future.

      It is also obvious that BP has mismanaged this disaster by refusing assistance from the very beginning of the rig fire. Therefore, the question of the safety of American workers and the environment cannot and should not rest with the decision of the oil lessee.  OSHA and all the state and government agencies responsible for the safety of the workers and the environment should have independently and immediately been employed at the scene to protect America's interests and not left to British petroleum,  the negligent party.  It is obvious, that they do not have the same respect or concern for American property as most Americans do.

     It is a sad case, when our representatives in congress allow the big oil companies to endanger its workmen and the environment instead of their duty to protect them and the American people.

    All agencies responsible for the overseeing of these oil rig operations and the entire oil industry now must review their method of operation and install all the corrective actions necessary to insure this disaster does not happen again.

    In addition, British petroleum American leases should be cancelled based on their terrible safety record over the last few years and also that the US companies be given preference in bidding for oil leases in the United States, in the future.  Whatever happened to the cry, "buy American" it is time all Federal contracts and money spent in the US, that American people and companies be given priority.

    The time has come, based on the price gouging of the oil companies, especially ExxonMobil over the last 30 years who have joined in with the OPEC and the Middle East oil countries to raise prices of fuel oil and gasoline at their whim, to be stopped and price controls placed on domestic oil products.

     In addition, because of this price gouging by all oil producers in the US, an excess profit tax should be passed by congress and that the cost of this tax cannot be passed along to the consumer.  In addition, the US government has a right to control and limit the wages and benefits of all ceo's, management  and directors of all companies  listed on the stock market as a protection for the stockholders the investors and risk takers in these public companies.

     Finally, congress should be put on notice by the American people that if they accept contributions from these oil companies, they should disqualify themselves from voting on legislation concerning oil leases and anything else affecting oil companies.

     The time has come for congress to make an about face and start representing the needs of the American people and country and stop being influenced or give the appearance of impropriety, by the money being tossed around by special interests who did not elect our congressmen, we did!

      In the meantime, congress can be assured they will be rewarded for their misdeeds at the polls this November!

       Thank you for this opportunity to record my feelings, and request your assistance in this very important matter. May I suggest you take up this   matter with the members of congress and use your influence and power to make them work five days a week instead of three, like the rest of us working people.   There is so much to accomplish in congress these days since we need to help the economy and put ten percent of our people back to work permanently.  

     Our service men/woman are giving their full time effort to two wars right now, 24/7, the least congress can do is to work in Washington in their respective chambers, at least 40 hours a week, since they are overpaid for today's efforts, anyway.  All vacations for Congress and government workers should be cancelled until this oil disaster is corrected.

     As president, Abraham Lincoln so aptly said, "you can fool some of the American people some of the time.  But you, cannot fool all of the people all of the time!".