Just Some Thoughts!

I just want to write down a few thoughts. I realize that I haven't been writing anything down in quite awhile.


I'm inspired to blog again after reading one of my daughter's blogs. I'm also noticing that after all the various social networking sites that have been developed over the past 3 years, blogging still remains as the medium of choice for the "writer" in each of us.


At this moment, I'm thinking -- why even write anything down unless it is of some real significance. Well, that's true but I need to get back into practice with this writing "thing."


And so I begin again.


Granted, my thoughts and writings now are more directed to the spiritual, intellectual and mindfulness aspects of life. So as the famous bard once wrote, "we shall see what we shall see."

It's That Time of the Year!

I just felt like writing something on this blog. And I've noticed that the last time I made an entry on this site was last December, 2007.

The thought came to me that it must be something about this time of year to make me start to reflect. Something about Advent and the approaching Christmas season.

I've heard it said that there are 3 types of Christians; Advent Christians, Easter Christians, and Pentecostal Christians.

Advent Christians waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus, acknowledging that we are living in this world but with the Hope of our Savior's coming back into it to save us.

Easter Christians celebrating the Resurrection of our Savior, living with the Joy that we have been saved and that Jesus has given us a New Life.

And Pentecostal Christians using the gifts that the Holy Spirit has bestowed on us and being "on fire" with the Good News.

Now, in a sense, we're all a bit of each of the aforementioned but I think that there is some truth where we feel more of an affinity towards versus the others. And if that is the case, I would have to say that I feel an affinity to being an Advent Christian.

There is something about this time of the year. We approach the shortest day of the year, the Winter Solstice. The nights come earlier and stays around a bit longer in the morning. And this just makes the sunny days all the more special. And yet, when it's cloudy out there and the winds howl out there a bit more as it's doing today here in the Southwest corner of Michigan, the mood just lends itself to a contemplative spirit inside.

A Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year!

I'm just writing this here on Christmas night, December 25, 2007.

Yes, here it is Christmas night. We've already celebrated Christmas Eve. We've already attended all of the various Christmas parties that we were invited to. (I personally had 2 that I had been invited to. )

We've all done our shopping, last minute or otherwise. In my case, it was last minute, literally on Christmas Eve, yesterday morning and afternoon. I haven't done that in years. I mean "years."

The last time that I did any Christmas shopping on or near Christmas Eve (which was about 10 years or so ago), there didn't seem that many shoppers around. It wasn't as busy as when I used to shop on or near Christmas Eve years ago before I was married or when I was married.

At that time, yes, it was still a bit exciting. But it seemed that around the late 80's to early / mid 90's, well people just got most of their Christmas shopping done within a week before Christmas. At times, even that was a bit late.

But this year, it was fantastic. I mean there were a lot of people out there looking for gifts to buy to give. And it was like the "old days," with people hustling and bustling about amid all of the Christmas carols being sung and played via the speakers in the various stores as well as on the radio stations dedicated to playing Christmas music through today. I have to admit, this all added to the Christmas spirit for me personally.

And then, there was Midnight Mass last night. This was the first time in a long time that I can remember where we sang a lot of Christmas Carols during Mass. And there was the Choir's concert before Mass, where various Christmas Carols, new and old, were sung. But during Mass, it just seemed to me as if we sang so many of the familiar Christmas carols we all know and hear, such as Silent Night, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, O Come All Ye Faithful, Joy To the World, and more. By the time Mass was over, along with the Declaration of the Birth of Jesus at the beginning of Mass, well, you couldn't help but get into the Christmas Spirit.

Notice, I spelled Spirit with a capital "S." And yes, it was intentional, because after the Midnight Mass, Christmas spirit became Christmas Spirit with a capital "S." It's the same "Spirit" that I feel ((and most of us feel)today. And somehow, I feel as if we will all be feeling this the rest of the week. At least I strongly feel that I will be feeling this the rest of the week.

And tomorrow is the "Feast of Stephen." Now when I just call it the "Feast of Stephen," it sounds joyful to me, the reason being I recall the lyrics to "Good King Wenceslaus." To quote the lyrics I'm referring to, it's "Good King Wenceslaus had come, on the Feast of Stephen."

Now if you put the melody to the lyrics, I'm sure you begin to recall the joyful melody to this Christmas carol. And yet, if one really recalls that the "Feast of Stephen" recalls St.Stephen being stoned by various Jews with the future St. Paul (then Saul) looking on. Yes, this was a martyr. The guy was stoned to death. That's heavy!

And here I go on thinking of this feast as one joyful occasion. And yet, if we think of this day as a day where the 1st person was recorded as a martyr for Christianity. And he wasn't hesitant in any way at least according to the stories handed down through the years.

This was a person who stood for the Faith. The 1st person among many others. So yes, in that sense, it is a joyful occasion. For if we believe in everything we say we believe in, well St. Stephen is enjoying the fullness of redemption and happiness in heaven. And because that Faith has survived, we're able to enjoy this season with joy and happiness.

So yes, the "Feast of Stephen" is an additional joyous day of celebration.

On that note, I wish everyone a Very Merry, Blessed Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year!

I'm Back! New Stuff!

Hi Everyone!

I wish everyone and anyone who is reading this blog a wonderful week!

It's been awhile since my last posting. But I intend to make a few more postings along the way. If only to improve my writing skills.

There is so much to write about. Internet technology has made so much progress just from my last posting. There's websites like PB Wiki, Joost TV and, of course, FaceBook and You Tube which have made such inroads into our mainstream of thought.

This blogging portal alone has made many improvements since I've last been on here. As one example, it's so much easier(and "cleaner" so to speak) to get on the various blogs I've created over the past 2 or so years.

"Various blogs" you ask? Well, I'll disclose them and list their links on the side, once I feel confident that they're up to par in terms of what I consider to be decent standards for a blog. Right now, I need to feel confident that each of these 4 blogs are "of value" to you as a reader. In other words, I don't want to waste your valuable time by just adding something I think is merely an assembly of words put together as a sentence rather than content you might consider worth reviewing, whether it be at your leisure or while being productive.

Well, so much wisdom for now! Really, I am being a bit sarcastic. I don't consider this as wisdom but more as an attempt at bringing some random thoughts into some form of coherence.

Until next time, I do hope you have a Great Evening and Week!

A Last Hurrah! Too Sad To Watch!

Good Day Everyone! It's been awhile but I've been very busy!

Nevertheless, as to what has brought me to tap on these keyboards is listening and viewing a real life version of "The Last Hurrah." Just a few moments ago, on C-Span 2, one could watch and hear the aging but blaring loud voice of a once thought to be powerful and influential senator, Senator Ted Kennedy.

Watching him now, shouting his arguments against voting for Judge Samuel Alito and calling for a good old fashioned filibuster, one sees the effects of aging. This man thinks that he is still a powerful influence in society.

And yet, if anything, he appears to be a tragic figure. A person could almost feel sorry for him. But it's not a matter of feeling sorry for the Old Lion.

Watching him shout on the senate floor this morning brings back to mind that this was a person who was supposed to run for the presidency according to his father's wishes, as if to complete the legacy of his older brothers, John and Robert.

This was the baby in the family. He was the youngest and while growing up probably didn't fall under the glaring eye of Joe Kennedy compared to his much older brothers. He was just supposed to go into politics.

All one has to do is go over this person's real life acitivities over the past 40 years and see his behavior does reflect his position in the familly while growing.

We all make mistakes. We can't (and shouldn't) really judge. But we all should be maturing. Maturity is not a bad word. It demonstrates understanding truth a bit better. It helps one live their values. It means being responsible for your actions. And it also indicates really understanding that one's own actions do have an impact on other people. And Not just Grandstanding like an Old Lion In the Winter!

Writer’s Block // The National Political Scene: The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same!

I haven’t written that much about the national political scene as of late. This is not to say that I haven’t been following it. But sometimes, for me personally, it isn’t until I actually sit down and write down some of the observations and “goings on” in the current political scene, I can’t help but thinking of that old saying, “sometimes the more things change, the more they stay the same.”

Now I’m not saying that things aren’t happening out there, but it does seem that the Great Divide that we sensed out there last November, is still out there! And yes, I may be a little partial or prejudiced on this matter but Honestly, as I look over the tactics and the strategy being used by what is referred to as the “opposition party,” namely the Democrats, I can’t help that they, the Democratic Party as a whole, is still maintaining a position of being Obstructionists. Yes, Obstructionists.

Now whether we can say there is a Cultural Divide, I don’t really think that statement can be made. From an outsider’s viewpoint, it might appear that there is a huge chasm in our national cultural scene. And yet, if you look closer, you might observe that it’s not a divide so much as the perception of a divide.

The Terri Schiavo case is a great example. According to the mainstream media, it looks as if a major part of the U.S. Population agrees with the courts and their decisions. And yet, one has to look at how the questions were posed. “Does Terri Schiavo Have A Right To Die?” Of course she does. But that isn’t what is at stake.

What is at stake is Do We Really Have A Choice In Dying (Outside of Divine Causes)? And is this decision based on our perceptive Value to Society at the time?

Writer’s Block // Print On Demand, The Future of Publishing Now!

I’m gleaning some ideas from various sources here but the topic of the day is this whole Print On Demand revolution in Publishing. Yes, I dare say “revolution” with a small “r.” I say this with a small “r” because this revolution is going on unnoticed by most of the reader’s market out there. It’s sort of just developing and happening without any one really being outwardly cognizant of it going on.

In this way, the Internet came on the scene in a similar way that is, at least until the whole dot.com era hit Wall Street and IPO’s were being formed as commonly as major commercial real estate closings. It was at this point that people began to take notice and of course, pour all sorts of monies into these companies with the hope of riding on the coat tails of each dot.com’s success. By the time the general public became aware of this, the major money to made had been made. That doesn’t mean no money can be made regarding the Internet today but different models have to be formed and created.

Well, the Print On Demand technology and process is at the point where not that many people are aware of it’s growth potential. Which means now is the time to be a part of this publishing model, whether it be actually as a user of the technology or as an investor in this technology.

And there are different ways to get involved as an investor. One of the primary methods would be to search out and research some of the Print On Demand companies out there. An example would be Random House Publishing, which owns (for all practical purposes) Xlibris, one of leaders and pioneers in this new technology and methods of bookselling and distribution. There are others and I will try to list a few more of them in the future.

The other way to invest is to seek out an author who is trying to publish his/her writings. This method has pluses and minuses. On the plus side, you have the advantage of being close to the creative talent and, if one has an entrepreneurial bent, to influence and develop a marketing plan for the publication’s distribution and consequently work out an agreement as to a share of the profits. The downside of this methodology is that this area is still new and this definitely requires work both on your part along with the author. But then, it is a way to get into the publishing field with as a minimal cost as possible. I’ll also try to expand on some of these ideas in the near future.

And then of course, the primary method of getting involved is as a creative talent user of the technology. This all depends on your own particular creative bent and if you have something to offer. The key is that you believe that you have something to offer. If it’s something you believe in, it will be something worth the effort to put into the whole process of creating, editing, copywriting, and publishing, along with developing a blog and /or a website for distribution. Of course, some of the companies out there already offer many of these tools. Again, in the near future, I also hope to expand on this some of the opportunities available out there.

Writer’s Block // Happy Easter For Everyone Out There! And Despite The Terri Schiavo Case, There Still Is Hope Out There!

I haven’t written anything here in a while. I’ve been quite busy with a few personal matters such as completing the FAFSA and Profile forms for my 2 teenagers getting ready for their college year next year.

For those of you who have children out there applying for college next year, you know of what I speak. Nevertheless, between this activity and working on our taxes and teaching and consulting, time has been filled quickly and has also been moving along at a quick pace. And so here it is, Easter 2005!

As I get older, I actually look forward to Lent as an opportunity to do some reflecting. This Lent has proven to be a Godsend! What with my Father passing away last August, I actually looked forward to spending some special time with our Creator and nurturing the spiritual roots within me. And this Lent has truly provided that opportunity for me to do exactly that!

As a Catholic, we observe one of the Holiest days of the year in what is referred to as the Holy Triduum, which consists of Holy Thursday, Good Friday (the suffering, death and burial of Our Lord Jesus Christ) and Holy Saturday, concluding with the Easter Vigil, which is the celebration of the Resurrection of Our Lord, Jesus Christ! As a Catholic (which means that I am a Christian) this means that we celebrate and commemorate the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which means that he Died For Our Sins, Rose In 3 Days to Conquer Death, Give Us All A New Life and Complete Our Redemption. This is a belief that all Christians accept but for me, with each Lenten season and Triduum, I come closer to understanding these truths even more and yet the Mystery grows even deeper! It is a joyous occasion to celebrate. And so I wish everyone a Happy Easter! Whether you believe in the aforementioned or not, I still wish you a Blessed and Joyous Easter because whether you know it or not, this event that happened some 2,000 years ago is still having a positive effect on everyone!

At the same time, we are in a temporal world, a world with limitations and imperfections. And one of the greatest imperfections that have been demonstrated is the whole debacle with Michael Schiavo and the Schindlers, Terry Schiavo’s parents. While I’m writing this entry, it has been noted that Terry Schiavo is probably at the point of “no return” based on the fact that this is her 9th day without any food or water. In other words, she is reaching the ultimate in starvation.

I know, the so called experts are saying that Terry isn’t feeling any pain. Well, how do we know that? How can these so called experts be so sure? How can they know what Terry feels? By making a statement like that, these so called scientific experts are placing limitations on our knowledge of life.

These experts are saying that they know it all! It’s the same with buying into Darwin’s theories, lock, stock and barrel! No questions asked! And yet, I thought that the scientific method allowed questioning and setting up hypotheses and developing conclusions from these hypotheses. Evidently, the secularists don’t think so. It really makes life difficult, all of this uncertainty. The awareness that these secularists are not in control of life causes them to become totally discombobulated!

Yet amidst this all, after the long haul of a fight and calling our congressmen and senators to do something about Terry, and then the un-elected judges making final decisions, leaving Terry without any hope in this life, we can still hold hope for Terry in the next life! Yes, there is a Next Life! The secularists are only thinking of some mass of cells and flesh coming together and now it’s over, but for the rest of us, we know that Terry has a Soul! And because of that, there still is Hope for Terry as we commemorate our Lord’s Resurrection this Easter Week!

All we can do for now is pray that this “cup passes” for Terri and that she will enter into God’s glory in the next life. At the same time, I think Michael will need some prayers also in making a good examination of his conscience and hopefully realize the error of his ways.

In the meantime, we have to believe in the Hope of what this whole Easter Celebration is all about! There is Hope for one and All! Happy Easter Everyone!

Writer’s Block // Crimes Committed By Young Teenagers (under 18 years of age). Just In Time With The Supreme Court Ruling!

Two more crimes have been reported over the last 2 days, which involve young teenagers, under the age of 18. Actually, one was 17 years of age and the others were 12 and 13 years of age.

The crime committed by the 17 year old occurred in Tennessee! For some reason, this 17 year old felt that shooting his school bus driver just had to be done. 17 years of age! No reason reported or given as of this reporting.

The crime committed by the 12 and 13 year olds were killing an 87 year old retired man, in his affordable rented trailer in a San Luis Obispo trailer park, with a skateboard! What was the motive? Why? How come? I mean, what could an 87 year old man have done to them?

And so it goes! Just in time for the new Supreme Court Ruling! I guess these poor, little innocents really didn’t know what they were doing? No?

Writer's Blot//Has Our Supreme Court Become The New Politburo?

I haven't even begun to look over the Internet since the ruling that came out of our Supreme Court yesterday regarding the application of capital punishment to those considered to be minors. But after listening to some of the cases involving these so-called "minors" (meaning the respective individuals committed their CAPITAL crimes while being under the age of 18), it reflects the inconsistency of the Court's thinking.

For example, a simple majority in this Court seem to be so concerned with these particular individuals (individuals who committed these horrible, brutal crimes), reasoning that these persons were not in a mature state of mind and somehow are "just kids" and didn't really know what sort of crimes they committed. And yet, this is the same Supreme Court that believes a minor, a 13 year old girl, is rational enough to go out and have an abortion without obtaining any parental consent.

But even more appalling (and consequently a frightening and scary) implication of yesterday's ruling is --- 5 people made this decision. 5 JUDGES! To top it off, these 5 judges were not elected by the people and these 5 judges do not have to answer to anyone.

The thrust of yesterday's decision has more to do with "How We (The U.S.of A.) look to the rest of the world." Justice Kennedy went even so far as to say that we've fallen behind in respect to most of the other countries in the world as far as allowing capital punishment of minors is concerned. It appears that the Constitution doesn't seem to matter at all to these 5 judges!
They now have taken on the role of acting like little gods!

I remember studying, while I was a Political Science major back in the 60's at Loyola University, all about the Soviet Union and it's governing bodies, especially with respect to the Polituburo. This governing body consisted of elites. The fact that a whole elitist class developed may have been a major contributing factor towards the downfall of Communism in the Soviet Union. (Thank God!) Nevertheless, the average citizen in the Soviet Union, at the time , had little to say as far as what went on in the governing of their country.

Well, it looks as if we have come down to this -- we now have lowered our expectations of democratic government, a government By the People, For The People and Of The People. We now have our own POLITBURO! THE UNITED STATE SUPREME COURT!

Writer’s Block // Michael Savage. What is his gig?

It’s snowing in this part of the country where I live, Southwestern Michigan. I love it!. I state this because my last entry had to do with the fact that we didn’t have snow in this part of the country and I really did (and still do) believe that it’s all about the snow as far as living here in Michigan is concerned. Granted, I live in the most Southwestern part of the state but it’s still Michigan. And so I can say that my prayers are being answered. We are getting some snow. And it’s actually accumulating. As a matte of fact, we’re supposed to get at least 10 inches by tomorrow night. I had my doubts but after this evening, I think we may just get those 10 (if not 12) inches of snow.

Enough about snow! Let’s get back to some real issues. And I’m not referring to the Oscars. Nor am I referring to the Social Security debate. At least not today. No. What I’m referring to is Michael Savage.

Not only has he gotten very vocal about his feelings about President Bush but it seems as if anyone supports anything the President does, well, it’s wrong!

Now I can understand what he’s stating except this man is intelligent. This man has a Ph.D. That’s Doctor’s of Philosophy degree for those who haven’t been exposed to the facades of higher education.

It’s one thing to merely create a niche apart from the other talk show hosts out there. But it’s another to become blatantly anti-Bush and literally equate our current President as being the same as if we would have had a Democrat in office.

Again, nothing wrong with this take. We are America. We are the good ole U.S. of A. But the point being, Michael Savage has represented the conservative take on our current events. But now, mostly due to President Bush’s lack of a very definitive course of action regarding illegal aliens (which I think the Republican party and President Bush will address) Michael Savage has been vocalizing his feelings about the current administration.

Now it’s not that Michael Savage is saying President Bush’s administration has the same effect as if we would have a Democrat in office. But his comments are coming off as if that’s what he’s saying.

I’m really not sure now what Michael is trying to accomplish. At first I thought it might be that he is trying to establish a niche for himself, you know, trying to distinguish why he is different from the other talk shows out there. But after listening to his show this evening and how hard he came down on a caller who merely mentioned the fact that he thought he (Michael Savage) was being a bit too hard on the President and now on Rush Limbaugh, I’m beginning to think that Michael is demonstrating some insecurity. I don’t know?

I really have enjoyed listening to Savage. But with this new attitude of attacking the President and talk show hosts who support the President, well, it leaves a “bad taste in my mouth.”

Now, I’m not saying that I won’t listen to Michael Savage. I’m reading his first book involving the current political environment and culture, “The Savage Nation.” But if he continues to come down on anyone who even questions his motives or actions, I don’t know, this could very well be the same as dealing with the Democratic Party. No real tolerance for any difference of opinion.

Writer’s Block // What’s Wrong With Snow?

Alright, you’re probably asking, “What Kind Of Topic Are We Discussing Today?” The Weather? Snow? How Does This Have Anything To Do With Contemporary Issues?
Well, let me start out by saying that I am not an “Eco-Terrorist.” I am beginning to understand that the “rhetoric” being used by the “Global Warming” crowd is just that, “Rhetoric!” In other words, they have an agenda. And everything is dependent and contingent on that particular “Agenda.”

After a while, it becomes obvious what that particular agenda really is, to halt productivity in the lives of everyday Americans! And yet, every time the accusations appear in the press, they sound very convincing to a lot of Americans!

You begin to think that “There truly is Global Warming!” The earth is getting warmer and there must be a link (a connection) between the increase in the temperature and our using carbon based combustible materials.

But then I look at the wording of the article. For example, Drudge has a connection today to a report provided by NASA, which states that the average temperatures are the highest since the 1880’s! They are the highest since the 1880’s? What does this tell me? This tells me that maybe, just maybe, the warming trend has something to do with natural cycles rather than anything to do with modern technology! No one had any real modern technology in the 1880’s!

But then this sort of information doesn’t really matter if there’s an Agenda to get through!

Well getting back to the original question, “What’s Wrong With The Snow?”

I state this question because lately I hear it so often. And it’s not as if I’m in a section of the country that is normally warmer during January and February.

I remember winters that were really cold and the ground was covered with snow and ice from around Christmas week all the way through late February to early March.

But if you were to listen to the “mainstream media” of the day, you would think that we’re living under unusual circumstances because it’s not 60 degrees or so. Really, just make a note the next time the weatherperson indicates we may be getting a snowstorm soon. You would think that it’s a National Disaster! What gives here? I really don’t know!

All I know is that it started to snow this morning and I am grateful to God that we finally got some snow in Southwestern Michigan in the middle of winter, February 9, 2005.

I am grateful because I can worship, pray, play and work just about any way I feel true to my heart about.

And yet I really do believe that the people we knew (before they died) are still out there observing what we do. And then the most holiest of Saints, The Blessed Virgin Mary, is there to help us guide along. She guides along a brand new constitution. I guess what matters most during those times (as well as now) is that they be as objective as they can be.!

Writer’s Block //Life is Too Short No Matter What and Yet It Is Beautiful!

I just came back from a wake held for the father of our pastor, who passed away last week. This individual was just a few years younger than my father, 89. My father, who passed away last August was 91.

My initial reason for attending this wake was to honor the life of the father of my pastor, who came to visit my father a few days before my Dad went to join my Mom in heaven. (and I truly believe that there is a heaven and that my Dad is there with my Mom).

But I have to admit that once I got to the funeral home, I began to see who this person was, how he lived his life and appreciate the beauty of his life and experiences. The main reason for this experience was the fact that this individual began to write down his life history, his family history, all the way from his birth back in 1916 and he had this in writing for everyone to see.

He began to work on this sometime after he retired, close to 20 some years ago. Of course, it helped that the personal computer came along and he could begin to use a word processing program to record these thoughts and events and be able to make additions along with corrections along the way.

I walked away from this wake truly feeling as if I knew this individual. I wished that I could do this for my family. I really hope that I can live long enough to do the same for my family.

My father lived with Dementia for the last few years of his life. My sister and I really didn’t know it until 2 years before he passed away. Now looking back over the past 6 years or so, we can see that our father began to have some dementia a few years before, while our mother was still alive.

And yet, the one thing that I have to admit is that my father could remember events that occurred long time ago, despite the fact that events occurring only yesterday or last week were harder for him to recall. But this was a blessing and an opportunity for me because my father’s defenses were down. My Dad would relate things and events that occurred long ago, in his past, events that he would have been hesitant to relate ten years previous. And so I would record these events for myself.

After this evening, I am even more motivated than before to chronicle as best as I can the events, the chronological history of my family. As my Father would say, I want to be able to relate the “Ten Fingers” story.

My father always talked about how he and my mother came to this country with only “Ten Fingers.” And it was those “Ten Fingers” that were the tools, the instruments, that they used to give birth to and raise 2 beautiful children and make a life that everyone who came in contact with, could enjoy and be lifted up to go and do more and better in their life. If there is one thought or main theme that comes to mind when I think of my Mom and Dad it's that "Hope Springs Eternal!"

Writer’s Block//Conservatism – Really Now!

I just read a great article about the founder that could very well claim to be, at least by the “New Republic,” the founder of what we refer to as “NeoConservatism,” or more commonly known as NeoCon Politics.

I have to admit that I am what might be referred to as a NeoCon, at least by the standards established by this New Republic essay. I truly believe that the Republican Party represents the future of our country. I truly believe that the Republican Party is the progressive party of our time. The ideas that will benefit our present as well as the future come from the Republican Party. The ideas that will benefit our future are the ideas that will benefit the majority of people in our current society.

For too long, the Democrats have had the monopoly on being out there for the “little guy.” Well, let me declare once and for all, (for whatever it is worth) that the Democrats are not in touch with REALITY! They may think that they are out there for the “little guy,” but they don’t understand the reality of the situation nor do they appreciate the everyday challenges and opportunities the “little guy” is faced with! I really don’t want to get that personal about all of this but I need to expose a little about my own personal life to get this point across!

I, along with my wife of 33 years, am probably in the lowest tax bracket one could be. Now I’m not complaining. I feel very blessed and very fortunate for the opportunities that my wife and I have been able to take advantage of. And I feel very fortunate that we are able to have our own home and cars and be able to travel every so often, etc. etc.

Of course, the ability to do these things is a combination of 33 years of marriage and also being helped by my parents. And I really need to emphasize this point, the help of my parents.

It has happened recently that my father has passed away. An amount of monies were set aside for my sister and me as a result of his passing. Actually these were monies that were set aside by my mother, in the form of an IRA.

Now, for privacy matters, I really don’t want to get into revealing the actual amount, but I can say that by contemporary standards, it was average. I personally feel as if it was a large amount.

The point being is that this amount is taxable by the U.S. Government. Yes, it’s taxable as ordinary income. Yes, it’s only taxed at the 15% rate, which is low. However, as far as my family situation is concerned, it’s high.

I will end up paying a 15% tax on the monies I received. Thank God there isn’t an Estate Tax, which the Democrats had in place over the past few years; otherwise, I would lose even more of the few dollars I received to begin with.

During the last campaign, that is all one would hear from the Democrats, is that the Republicans are the Party of the rich! The Republicans are the party of the big corporate chiefs! You got the impression that the Republican Party consisted of only people who had a lot of money and just sat around watching their stocks get better and better. Well, if that really is the definition of the Republican Party, then we have to start calling a lot of Democrats, Republicans!

For example, Senator Feinstein from California is not exactly a poor person. She has a lot money in Oil Company related stocks.

Senator Kennedy isn’t exactly a poor person. He’s a 3rd generation child living off of an inheritance that is making money from a trust fund that is earning monies and growing from the profits of money market and mutual stock funds which in turn earn their profits from corporations that do well and make a profit. But you won’t hear that from the illustrious (hic!) Senator from Massachusetts.

And speaking of Massachusetts, we have the former Presidential candidate for the Democratic Party, Senator John Kerry, who claimed that he was for the working class, the poor, the downtrodden, and the everyday individual. Yet Senator Kerry could not live the way he does without the monies he receives each month from the Heinz Ketchup foundation. He married into the Heinz Ketchup family by marrying Teresa Heinz (who became Teresa Heinz Kerry).

Yet he talks as if he really understands the average worker. And the sad thing is that there are average workers out there that believe this crap. They actually believe that these Democrats are really concerned for them. These people actually think that the Democrats are for the people, by the people and of the people. Yeah, Right!

How come most of the Democratic Senators and Congressmen are millionaires? Why are they so concerned about my welfare and yet don’t really seem to give a hoot if I do well once in awhile? Let’s face it; the Democrats want me in my place!

The Democratic Party really wants the average guy (or woman) to be just where they are! They want us to stay in our place. That’s really where they want us to be! They don’t want us to advance and do better in life. That would involve them to deal with us as a threat. I know this sounds harsh but that is exactly how I feel as a lowly citizen.

Now when I think of myself as a Republican (which this year I can officially say that I am since I’m going to pay some dues, like $30) well, I do not feel as if I’m a lowly citizen but rather a CITIZEN! A VOTING CITIZEN! I have a voice in what goes on in Washington as well as what goes on in Lansing, Michigan, which is the capital of my home state!

But with the Democratic Party, I am a Victim! Life is depressing! It’s all downhill! Everything is going against me! I’m only an individual and I can’t do anything without the Party and the democratically controlled government, which is what the Democratic Party has had a monopoly on for a long, long time! Let’s face it, this all sound so very much like coming out of the Karl Marx playbook! I mean really, is this not the “Communist Manifesto?”

I’m sorry but the Democratic Party is so off base!

Yes, I used to be a Democrat, many years ago! And some years back I switched parties without even realizing it. And now I have finally come to an understanding of why I switched. I really do hope that over the next few weeks and months I can reveal why I switched parties. But for now let me just be able to say that "I have seen the light! "

Writer's Block//Christian Century Equals Democratic Party?

I am on a roll tonight folks!

I just want to note some observations and criticism I have for the periodical, "The Christian Century." I don't have a link to the magazine right now but I promise that I will provide one in a future entry. (I don't have it available at this moment because I'm not at my home workstation).

But these guys are really trying hard to be "posterboys" for the Liberal Democrats.

It seems anything President Bush proposes requires the same response as the Democratic Party gives.

For example, the current issue just has to come down on the President's Social Security reform. And their criticism of the President's mention of reform is so similar to Pelosi, Reid, Kennedy, Levin and Byrd that one almost wonders if they have a Hotline to the DNC office in Washington.

I will get into more discussion on this later when I get home (that is on "The Christian Century."

Writer's Block//Savage Slams Bush!

Just want to note here! And this really only applies to all of you Talk Radio fans out there.

But what's going on with Michael Savage lately? I used to like him a lot because he usually "tells it like it is". But as of the past few weeks (maybe a month or so), he's gotten really critical of President Bush.

METHINKS that he's trying to create a separate niche in the Talk Radio marketplace. In other words, distinguish himself from Rush (who I think really hits on the nail) and Sean Hannity(whom I also like) and others (a la, Michael Medved, Laura Ingraham, and William Bennet's "Morning In America"). But why so hard on the President.

I know your being honest. But right now, with the Democrats out there (or the Demoncats as you like to call them) constantly preaching Gloom and Doom to the country and constantly attacking anything the President tries to accomplish, I think we need to support him as best as possible.

I was listening to him this evening, reviewing the State of the Union speech from last night, and he just seems to come down on the whole Iraq issue and constantly harps on the Illegal Aliens.

Well, Dr. Savage, the President did address the Illegal Alien issue last night and it's open for more discussion and debate. The key is that it's ON THE TABLE!

And as far as Iraq is concerned, I have to disagree with the Dr.! When we stabilize Iraq, there will be a Domino effect on the other Middle Eastern Countries and we will sleep better at night and will improve our own national security without having to constantly look over our shoulders, so to speak.

If anyone out there is a Savage fan please let me know what you think.

Writer's Block//Gloom and Doom Democrats -- Part II

Ok! So here we are -- February 3, 2005. It's the day after the President gave one of the best speeches he ever gave. Actually, it's one of the best speeches that any President has given in the 56 years of my lifetime.

And then, right after his ebullient, uplifting, positive, "answers to problems," "providing a vision,"confident delivery of a speech, we get to hear (and really wince at) Senator Harry Reid and Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi! PLEASE! I mean, talk about the doldrums! (From their demeanor and delivery, I was wondering whose wake they just attended? Maybe their anticipating the Democratic Party's wake?)

Now, I'm not really hoping anyone from the Democratic Party takes my advice (of course, I don't really know why they would anyway?) but guys, if you want to win some elections here, you at least could come with some stronger leadership.

Is this the party of the future? Is this the party with a positive outlook for this new century? What happened to Clinton "bridge into the new millennium!" Somebody must have bombed the bridge out for that bridge!

And talk about Gloom and Doom! Talk about Negativity!

And what the Heck (I want to use much stronger language but one my children tell me not to) is this hangup on an EXIT STRATEGY? Come On Guys -- the President has an Exit Strategy -- It's Called Victory!

They just don't get it!

Writer’s Block // Ickes Backs Dean! The Left Wants It Both Ways!

So Harold Ickes, who heads the Political Action Committee for Senator Hillary Clinton, has made it public and official, that he endorses Howard Dean for the Democratic Party chairmanship position over all of the other candidates.

So where does Hillary Clinton really stand on this action?

Her most recent public statements indicate that she is trying to swerve to the center, i.e. her most recent statements regarding the downsides of abortion. And then there's Hillary and Bill attending the fundraising dinner for the National Ten Point Leadership Conference and the Dorchester-based Ella J. Baker House in Boston last week, promoting and urging the use of Faith Based Initiatives, invoking God at least a half a dozen times while speaking to the audience consisting of clergy and churchgoers, according to the Boston Globe.

Yet here comes Harold Ickes endorsing and throwing his support behind one of the most liberal members of the Democratic Party. We feel pretty assured that Ickes wouldn't take such an action without the approval of Bill and Hillary. Not much goes by this couple without their scrutiny.

Is this just another way for Hillary to make a stab for swerving to the Center but still (wink, wink, as the Monty Python players use to say) hold on to her base, the Left?

This is just another demonstration of the Left wanting to have it Both Ways!

Writer’s Block // The Gloom And Doom Democrats!

Condoleeza Rice had her 1st day as Secretary of State yesterday. History was made, as Dr. Rice became the 1st African American Woman to hold the office of Secretary of State of the United States. Thanks to C-Span, most of us were able to watch her rousing “Welcome” by the staff as she entered the State Department building yesterday. I could feel the "positive vibes" just watching the whole event.

Was this to be shown anywhere on the nightly news or by Matt Lauer on the Today show this morning? I don’t think so.

World History will be made on Sunday, January 30th in Iraq. This will be the first time in a little over a half of a century that Iraq will hold legitimate democratic elections. Yes, the terrorists (otherwise referred to as “Insurgents” by the mainstream media) are doing everything possible to discourage and scare the voters from casting their ballots on Sunday.

Yet listening to Senator Ted Kennedy yesterday, “we should move out,” "it’s a lost cause." "The violence continues," and "this is Bush’s quagmire." Gee, I’m so grateful for his support in all of this. WRONG!

If Ted Kennedy were around after World War II, many of my relatives would still be living under Nazi rule (or God know what kind of totalitarian dictatorship).

Oh and then there is Senator John Kerry! I guess no one has told him that the elections are over, the United States Presidential Election for 2005! Watching him on C-Span yesterday promoting his health care plan for children, I thought the campaign is still going on. How is that prior to the campaign last year, Senator Kerry was not known for authoring or introducting any legislation in Congress. All of a sudden, he's out there authoring and promoting bills left and right. All I see is Another Gloom and Doom guy!

Writer’s Block // A New Year! 1/19/05

It’s a brand New Year! Off to a Great Start!

On the home front, the Christmas and New Year Holidays were good. For myself, the Holidays allowed some time for reflection, which I know a lot of people do at this time of the year. I can truly say that I am grateful for what God has given me and my family and those around us.

On the global front, there is a tragedy out there, the Tsunami. I just heard on the radio that Indonesia has revised the death toll to 225,000 people. If anyone hasn’t donated yet, there still are organizations accepting. The most reliable I think is the Red Cross.

Nevertheless, the New Year has begun. And there is much work to be done.

Tomorrow is Inaugural Day in Washington D.C., a time to celebrate, at least for those of us who went out there and voted for the President.

Of course, you would never know it on Capitol Hill listening in on the Condoleeza Rice confirmation hearings on C-Span. Senators Kerry and Barbara Boxer really think that they represent the mainstream of America. They just don’t get it!