I was visiting my family this past weekend. My father and I had the chance to catch some of "John Adams" on HBO. If you haven't seen it, do yourself a great favor and start to watch it. It was tremendous.
The thing that kept coming back to me was the United States was TRULY blessed by God. Clearly, we should not have succeeded to form an independent nation as we did in the 1780s. All signs pointed to total and complete failure. But with some amazing men who gave everything they had for the 'cause' of Liberty, we are still standing today.
Clearly, Divine Providence has blessed this nation and I hope still does. There are still great men and GREAT women who hold the values of the Revolution in great regard.
The other great value of the show was to provide insight into the relationship John Adams had with his wife. She was his greatest friend and more than that his confidant and advisor.
I wish our educational system spent more time on really brining our Founders to life and explain just how much they put on the line for all us. We were lucky then as we are today to have those willing to sacrifice.
It makes the words "God Bless America" mean so much more than just another phrase.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
American Exceptionalism
American Exceptionalism was celebrated today at the White House. The United States of America's guest, Pope Benedict, gave a speech about what America has meant to the world. It was truly inspiring and had a great deal of meaning.
We are the greatest nation on earth because of our heavinly father has blessed us and our people will sacrifice for freedom whenever asked. It was great. Then the United States Army Chorus sang the Battle Hymn of the Republic...just flat out amazing and whenever I hear that song, I always get goose bumps.
In a time of such negative media spin about all that is wrong with America and how bad we are and how bad everyone is doing, it was nice to for once, celebrate the good and the great about our country.
If you can find a link to it, take a read. You won't be disappointed.
God Bless the United States of America and the military personnel putting their lives on the line for us.
Here is a copy of the text via www.wcbstv.org:
Mr. President,
Thank you for your gracious words of welcome on behalf of the people of the United States of America. I deeply appreciate your invitation to visit this great country. My visit coincides with an important moment in the life of the Catholic community in America: the celebration of the two-hundredth anniversary of the elevation of the country's first Diocese – Baltimore – to a metropolitan Archdiocese, and the establishment of the Sees of New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Louisville. Yet I am happy to be here as a guest of all Americans. I come as a friend, a preacher of the Gospel and one with great respect for this vast pluralistic society. America's Catholics have made, and continue to make, an excellent contribution to the life of their country. As I begin my visit, I trust that my presence will be a source of renewal and hope for the Church in the United States, and strengthen the resolve of Catholics to contribute ever more responsibly to the life of this nation, of which they are proud to be citizens.
From the dawn of the Republic, America's quest for freedom has been guided by the conviction that the principles governing political and social life are intimately linked to a moral order based on the dominion of God the Creator. The framers of this nation's founding documents drew upon this conviction when they proclaimed the "self-evident truth" that all men are created equal and endowed with inalienable rights grounded in the laws of nature and of nature's God. The course of American history demonstrates the difficulties, the struggles, and the great intellectual and moral resolve which were demanded to shape a society which faithfully embodied these noble principles. In that process, which forged the soul of the nation, religious beliefs were a constant inspiration and driving force, as for example in the struggle against slavery and in the civil rights movement. In our time too, particularly in moments of crisis, Americans continue to find their strength in a commitment to this patrimony of shared ideals and aspirations.
In the next few days, I look forward to meeting not only with America's Catholic community, but with other Christian communities and representatives of the many religious traditions present in this country. Historically, not only Catholics, but all believers have found here the freedom to worship God in accordance with the dictates of their conscience, while at the same time being accepted as part of a commonwealth in which each individual and group can make its voice heard. As the nation faces the increasingly complex political and ethical issues of our time, I am confident that the American people will find in their religious beliefs a precious source of insight and an inspiration to pursue reasoned, responsible and respectful dialogue in the effort to build a more humane and free society.
Freedom is not only a gift, but also a summons to personal responsibility. Americans know this from experience – almost every town in this country has its monuments honoring those who sacrificed their lives in defense of freedom, both at home and abroad. The preservation of freedom calls for the cultivation of virtue, self-discipline, sacrifice for the common good and a sense of responsibility towards the less fortunate. It also demands the courage to engage in civic life and to bring one's deepest beliefs and values to reasoned public debate. In a word, freedom is ever new. It is a challenge held out to each generation, and it must constantly be won over for the cause of good (cf. Spe Salvi, 24). Few have understood this as clearly as the late Pope John Paul II. In reflecting on the spiritual victory of freedom over totalitarianism in his native Poland and in eastern Europe, he reminded us that history shows, time and again, that "in a world without truth, freedom loses its foundation", and a democracy without values can lose its very soul (cf. Centesimus Annus, 46). Those prophetic words in some sense echo the conviction of President Washington, expressed in his Farewell Address, that religion and morality represent "indispensable supports" of political prosperity.
The Church, for her part, wishes to contribute to building a world ever more worthy of the human person, created in the image and likeness of God (cf. Gen 1:26-27). She is convinced that faith sheds new light on all things, and that the Gospel reveals the noble vocation and sublime destiny of every man and woman (cf. Gaudium et Spes, 10). Faith also gives us the strength to respond to our high calling, and the hope that inspires us to work for an ever more just and fraternal society. Democracy can only flourish, as your founding fathers realized, when political leaders and those whom they represent are guided by truth and bring the wisdom born of firm moral principle to decisions affecting the life and future of the nation.
For well over a century, the United States of America has played an important role in the international community. On Friday, God willing, I will have the honor of addressing the United Nations Organization, where I hope to encourage the efforts under way to make that institution an ever more effective voice for the legitimate aspirations of all the world's peoples. On this, the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the need for global solidarity is as urgent as ever, if all people are to live in a way worthy of their dignity – as brothers and sisters dwelling in the same house and around that table which God's bounty has set for all his children. America has traditionally shown herself generous in meeting immediate human needs, fostering development and offering relief to the victims of natural catastrophes. I am confident that this concern for the greater human family will continue to find expression in support for the patient efforts of international diplomacy to resolve conflicts and promote progress. In this way, coming generations will be able to live in a world where truth, freedom and justice can flourish – a world where the God-given dignity and rights of every man, woman and child are cherished, protected and effectively advanced.
Mr. President, dear friends: as I begin my visit to the United States, I express once more my gratitude for your invitation, my joy to be in your midst, and my fervent prayers that Almighty God will confirm this nation and its people in the ways of justice, prosperity and peace. God bless America!
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
We are the greatest nation on earth because of our heavinly father has blessed us and our people will sacrifice for freedom whenever asked. It was great. Then the United States Army Chorus sang the Battle Hymn of the Republic...just flat out amazing and whenever I hear that song, I always get goose bumps.
In a time of such negative media spin about all that is wrong with America and how bad we are and how bad everyone is doing, it was nice to for once, celebrate the good and the great about our country.
If you can find a link to it, take a read. You won't be disappointed.
God Bless the United States of America and the military personnel putting their lives on the line for us.
Here is a copy of the text via www.wcbstv.org:
Mr. President,
Thank you for your gracious words of welcome on behalf of the people of the United States of America. I deeply appreciate your invitation to visit this great country. My visit coincides with an important moment in the life of the Catholic community in America: the celebration of the two-hundredth anniversary of the elevation of the country's first Diocese – Baltimore – to a metropolitan Archdiocese, and the establishment of the Sees of New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Louisville. Yet I am happy to be here as a guest of all Americans. I come as a friend, a preacher of the Gospel and one with great respect for this vast pluralistic society. America's Catholics have made, and continue to make, an excellent contribution to the life of their country. As I begin my visit, I trust that my presence will be a source of renewal and hope for the Church in the United States, and strengthen the resolve of Catholics to contribute ever more responsibly to the life of this nation, of which they are proud to be citizens.
From the dawn of the Republic, America's quest for freedom has been guided by the conviction that the principles governing political and social life are intimately linked to a moral order based on the dominion of God the Creator. The framers of this nation's founding documents drew upon this conviction when they proclaimed the "self-evident truth" that all men are created equal and endowed with inalienable rights grounded in the laws of nature and of nature's God. The course of American history demonstrates the difficulties, the struggles, and the great intellectual and moral resolve which were demanded to shape a society which faithfully embodied these noble principles. In that process, which forged the soul of the nation, religious beliefs were a constant inspiration and driving force, as for example in the struggle against slavery and in the civil rights movement. In our time too, particularly in moments of crisis, Americans continue to find their strength in a commitment to this patrimony of shared ideals and aspirations.
In the next few days, I look forward to meeting not only with America's Catholic community, but with other Christian communities and representatives of the many religious traditions present in this country. Historically, not only Catholics, but all believers have found here the freedom to worship God in accordance with the dictates of their conscience, while at the same time being accepted as part of a commonwealth in which each individual and group can make its voice heard. As the nation faces the increasingly complex political and ethical issues of our time, I am confident that the American people will find in their religious beliefs a precious source of insight and an inspiration to pursue reasoned, responsible and respectful dialogue in the effort to build a more humane and free society.
Freedom is not only a gift, but also a summons to personal responsibility. Americans know this from experience – almost every town in this country has its monuments honoring those who sacrificed their lives in defense of freedom, both at home and abroad. The preservation of freedom calls for the cultivation of virtue, self-discipline, sacrifice for the common good and a sense of responsibility towards the less fortunate. It also demands the courage to engage in civic life and to bring one's deepest beliefs and values to reasoned public debate. In a word, freedom is ever new. It is a challenge held out to each generation, and it must constantly be won over for the cause of good (cf. Spe Salvi, 24). Few have understood this as clearly as the late Pope John Paul II. In reflecting on the spiritual victory of freedom over totalitarianism in his native Poland and in eastern Europe, he reminded us that history shows, time and again, that "in a world without truth, freedom loses its foundation", and a democracy without values can lose its very soul (cf. Centesimus Annus, 46). Those prophetic words in some sense echo the conviction of President Washington, expressed in his Farewell Address, that religion and morality represent "indispensable supports" of political prosperity.
The Church, for her part, wishes to contribute to building a world ever more worthy of the human person, created in the image and likeness of God (cf. Gen 1:26-27). She is convinced that faith sheds new light on all things, and that the Gospel reveals the noble vocation and sublime destiny of every man and woman (cf. Gaudium et Spes, 10). Faith also gives us the strength to respond to our high calling, and the hope that inspires us to work for an ever more just and fraternal society. Democracy can only flourish, as your founding fathers realized, when political leaders and those whom they represent are guided by truth and bring the wisdom born of firm moral principle to decisions affecting the life and future of the nation.
For well over a century, the United States of America has played an important role in the international community. On Friday, God willing, I will have the honor of addressing the United Nations Organization, where I hope to encourage the efforts under way to make that institution an ever more effective voice for the legitimate aspirations of all the world's peoples. On this, the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the need for global solidarity is as urgent as ever, if all people are to live in a way worthy of their dignity – as brothers and sisters dwelling in the same house and around that table which God's bounty has set for all his children. America has traditionally shown herself generous in meeting immediate human needs, fostering development and offering relief to the victims of natural catastrophes. I am confident that this concern for the greater human family will continue to find expression in support for the patient efforts of international diplomacy to resolve conflicts and promote progress. In this way, coming generations will be able to live in a world where truth, freedom and justice can flourish – a world where the God-given dignity and rights of every man, woman and child are cherished, protected and effectively advanced.
Mr. President, dear friends: as I begin my visit to the United States, I express once more my gratitude for your invitation, my joy to be in your midst, and my fervent prayers that Almighty God will confirm this nation and its people in the ways of justice, prosperity and peace. God bless America!
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Monday, March 24, 2008
Now for something completely different...
Ok, I tried to post this BEFORE Villanova went on to win 2 games this past weekend and march into the Sweet 16 of the 2008 NCAA tournament. They gave me a great Easter present. I couldn't be happier.
Despite the government being a complete mess, I take solace in the good things in life - friends, family, life...and my Wildcats! It just a total surprise they made it this far and I guess that is what makes it so enjoyable.
We are so very lucky we live in the greatest nation on earth and we have men and women sacrificing EVERY DAY for us all over the globe. They keep us free and safe.
So, while my other posts seemed doom and gloom, there is also much to look forward to in the future. We can 'right' the ship. We just have to get involved and tell those who are our leaders - we demand better.
In mean time, enjoy the good things, the little things around you. Friends you know you can count on, even if they are half way around the world. Family, even when they make a mess of your house after a long weekend...and yes, the nice spring surprise of my villanova wildcats. Sometimes those unexepected surprises are the best ones since you weren't prepared for them ahead of time.
Now, maybe, just MAYBE we might get another one next Friday night? It is a very very long shot since the small, tired, and beat up Wildcats face the Kansas Jayhawks....but ya gotta believe?
Despite the government being a complete mess, I take solace in the good things in life - friends, family, life...and my Wildcats! It just a total surprise they made it this far and I guess that is what makes it so enjoyable.
We are so very lucky we live in the greatest nation on earth and we have men and women sacrificing EVERY DAY for us all over the globe. They keep us free and safe.
So, while my other posts seemed doom and gloom, there is also much to look forward to in the future. We can 'right' the ship. We just have to get involved and tell those who are our leaders - we demand better.
In mean time, enjoy the good things, the little things around you. Friends you know you can count on, even if they are half way around the world. Family, even when they make a mess of your house after a long weekend...and yes, the nice spring surprise of my villanova wildcats. Sometimes those unexepected surprises are the best ones since you weren't prepared for them ahead of time.
Now, maybe, just MAYBE we might get another one next Friday night? It is a very very long shot since the small, tired, and beat up Wildcats face the Kansas Jayhawks....but ya gotta believe?
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Economic Update
Just this past week, Fed Chief Ben Bernacke actually suggested that banks just write off these high risk loans. What does that mean - just say to someone with a no-down payment loan of $300,000, just pay back $150,000 of that...pay us SOMETHING, and that will be fine. Isn't that great for the rest of us making our mortgage payments on time?
Banks and government are being duplicitious in this scheme. By keeping the economy flooded with cash by cutting interest rates, they are killing us with inflation. Now, the Fed suggest, just write off the loans for people who can't afford to pay them.
What will happened to the secondary mortgage market for you and me? Yeah, that's right, prepare to pay 8,9,10% for mortgages. You think Banks are going to lose all that money and not look for repayment somewhere else?
So, banks, lenders, and the losers who played a game with interest only-now downpayment loans are going to get a bail out on our backs? It is amazing...with no downpayment, you have people literally just walking away from the houses. They have no money invested in the home, and the bank is on the hook. So they are just walking out of these houses and leaving the keys. No ramifications for them other than some bad credit.
What is wrong with this country? How did we get here? Yet the government and the Fedeal Reserve are going to prop up the economy, while driving up inflation for what purpose? To stave off a recession.
I am in the camp that we need to let the economy work this out. Banks will need to work through the mess they created. Some may not make it. We enter a small recession, markets will stabalize, and it will play out. Then we can move forward.
All we are facing now, is a recession, with a deflated dollar, increased energy costs, and inflation on the rise. Stagflation around the corner - remember the 1970s?
Banks and government are being duplicitious in this scheme. By keeping the economy flooded with cash by cutting interest rates, they are killing us with inflation. Now, the Fed suggest, just write off the loans for people who can't afford to pay them.
What will happened to the secondary mortgage market for you and me? Yeah, that's right, prepare to pay 8,9,10% for mortgages. You think Banks are going to lose all that money and not look for repayment somewhere else?
So, banks, lenders, and the losers who played a game with interest only-now downpayment loans are going to get a bail out on our backs? It is amazing...with no downpayment, you have people literally just walking away from the houses. They have no money invested in the home, and the bank is on the hook. So they are just walking out of these houses and leaving the keys. No ramifications for them other than some bad credit.
What is wrong with this country? How did we get here? Yet the government and the Fedeal Reserve are going to prop up the economy, while driving up inflation for what purpose? To stave off a recession.
I am in the camp that we need to let the economy work this out. Banks will need to work through the mess they created. Some may not make it. We enter a small recession, markets will stabalize, and it will play out. Then we can move forward.
All we are facing now, is a recession, with a deflated dollar, increased energy costs, and inflation on the rise. Stagflation around the corner - remember the 1970s?
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Economic woes
Well, the mortgage crisis continues to spiral. The stock market continues its downward trend. Bond insurers for municipal and other government backed treasuries are pulling back and BEST of all...the dollar is just about hitting lows not seen since the great depression.
But the government is going to do a great favor and give us some much needed stimulus in a check og $600 to $1200. That will save this economy.
The Federal Reserve is getting to the point that the cutting of the Fed Funds rate will have little to no impact. We are now at 3% in the most recent cuts and there has been little change in the credit market. Banks are afraid to issue credit and American's are starting to realize, the day of free money has ended. They can't keep using their homes as ATM machines.
This 'bubble' we have been riding started in the good ole 1990s. Dot coms where in the negative, but their stocks were over $100 a share. Greenspan rode that as long as he could, making everyone feel wealthy. That bubble burst. So with 9/11 and the need to get the economy moving, the Fed cut rates to rock bottom. Home prices spiked on increased speculators looking to flip homes, and buy and sell condos. Then you had MILLIONS of Americans use the little equity they had on paper to take out high rate HELOC and other instruments to buy cars, homes, and other things to make theme feel rich and powerful to their neighbor down the street.
It has all come home to roost. Add to that killer oil and energy prices, we are entering a very unstable time in the world. Even auction rate US Treasuries, backed by the United States Governments are having a hard time selling. Inflation is beginngin to soar. All you have to do is look at your grocery bill - food stuffs is skyrocketing. Also, thanks to the media hype of ethonol, corn prices have spiked as farmers are growing corn for the ethonol fuel. Thus feeding all sorts of farm animals has gone up - cows for milk and meat etc.
We will see gas at $4 a gallon this Summer.
Who do we thank for all this? Big Oil? No, BIG bloated and ineffective government. Democrats, who in the 1990s wouldn't let us use our OWN natural resources in Alaska and elsewhere to drill for oil. That oil would have been hitting the market right now, and don't tell me the average truck driver and mom going to work couldn't use a little break at the pump. That oil WOULD be a HUGE difference - almost 1-2 million barrels of US oil on the market today, as I type this. But no. The uninhabitable wasteland had to be preserved despite everyone knowing that with today's technology, the drilling would have little impact on the environment. Forget about all the good paying jobs it would have created.
Now, fine you say, what about off our own US coast? - we have tremendous oil reserves. BUT no, the Rich liberals don't want it, may hurt the dolphin or spoil their compound on the beach's view of the water. Once again, the average American pays for government not thinking in the best interest of the country. Guess who is drilling off our coasts and taking our oil? Cuba and the Communist nation of CHINA. So, we can't drill for oil, but they can. What is going on in Washington? Our enemies are using offshore rigs to lateral drill for oil in our reserves - what a concept.
Yet, we are lead to believe that the compact flourscent light bulb and a wind mill here and there will get to energy independence. This is what sells for national leadership. Just don't break one in your home. They are FILLED with mercury and you may need a special government agency to come and clean up the environmental hazard you created by breaking your light bulb. This is just insanity. What happens to the bulbs when we DO have to throw them out in a landfill? Again, another brilliant idea.
Both parties are to blame for utter lack of economic understand or even having an OUNCE of thought beyond the own pay check and power. After 9/11 one would think we would make it a national effort to find resources here - natural gas and oil, while pushing research for alternative energy sources that are VIABLE for national economic growth. This would move us away from the Middle East for our need to keep our economic engine running. It is like turning the titanic, it takes a WHILE to turn something so big as our economy and energy needs.
Now, China and India are sucking up more and more energy. But we are about to admit to global warming and then go after what little industry we have left and cap them. India and China will continue to grow as we shrink. China is building 4 new coal fired power plants PER MONTH! When was the last time we built a new refinery? Power plant? Nuclear plant?
We are heading into very difficult economic future. That past is the past. But anyone with a basic understanding of math could see how with a little thought, right now, almost seven years after 9/11 we could be much better than we are today economically. That oil would come in handy right about now. But instead, we are on our knees begging OPEC to increase production with costs as $104 a barrel. Their operating President yesterday stated he feels that OPEC should CUT, yes CUT, production. They know we are stagging and are looking to bring a knock out blow.
Prepare for some very very round economic times ahead. This election only provides a lesser of two evils. Both parties stink in the leadership category. Time will tell if we have what it takes to right the ship of state.
But the government is going to do a great favor and give us some much needed stimulus in a check og $600 to $1200. That will save this economy.
The Federal Reserve is getting to the point that the cutting of the Fed Funds rate will have little to no impact. We are now at 3% in the most recent cuts and there has been little change in the credit market. Banks are afraid to issue credit and American's are starting to realize, the day of free money has ended. They can't keep using their homes as ATM machines.
This 'bubble' we have been riding started in the good ole 1990s. Dot coms where in the negative, but their stocks were over $100 a share. Greenspan rode that as long as he could, making everyone feel wealthy. That bubble burst. So with 9/11 and the need to get the economy moving, the Fed cut rates to rock bottom. Home prices spiked on increased speculators looking to flip homes, and buy and sell condos. Then you had MILLIONS of Americans use the little equity they had on paper to take out high rate HELOC and other instruments to buy cars, homes, and other things to make theme feel rich and powerful to their neighbor down the street.
It has all come home to roost. Add to that killer oil and energy prices, we are entering a very unstable time in the world. Even auction rate US Treasuries, backed by the United States Governments are having a hard time selling. Inflation is beginngin to soar. All you have to do is look at your grocery bill - food stuffs is skyrocketing. Also, thanks to the media hype of ethonol, corn prices have spiked as farmers are growing corn for the ethonol fuel. Thus feeding all sorts of farm animals has gone up - cows for milk and meat etc.
We will see gas at $4 a gallon this Summer.
Who do we thank for all this? Big Oil? No, BIG bloated and ineffective government. Democrats, who in the 1990s wouldn't let us use our OWN natural resources in Alaska and elsewhere to drill for oil. That oil would have been hitting the market right now, and don't tell me the average truck driver and mom going to work couldn't use a little break at the pump. That oil WOULD be a HUGE difference - almost 1-2 million barrels of US oil on the market today, as I type this. But no. The uninhabitable wasteland had to be preserved despite everyone knowing that with today's technology, the drilling would have little impact on the environment. Forget about all the good paying jobs it would have created.
Now, fine you say, what about off our own US coast? - we have tremendous oil reserves. BUT no, the Rich liberals don't want it, may hurt the dolphin or spoil their compound on the beach's view of the water. Once again, the average American pays for government not thinking in the best interest of the country. Guess who is drilling off our coasts and taking our oil? Cuba and the Communist nation of CHINA. So, we can't drill for oil, but they can. What is going on in Washington? Our enemies are using offshore rigs to lateral drill for oil in our reserves - what a concept.
Yet, we are lead to believe that the compact flourscent light bulb and a wind mill here and there will get to energy independence. This is what sells for national leadership. Just don't break one in your home. They are FILLED with mercury and you may need a special government agency to come and clean up the environmental hazard you created by breaking your light bulb. This is just insanity. What happens to the bulbs when we DO have to throw them out in a landfill? Again, another brilliant idea.
Both parties are to blame for utter lack of economic understand or even having an OUNCE of thought beyond the own pay check and power. After 9/11 one would think we would make it a national effort to find resources here - natural gas and oil, while pushing research for alternative energy sources that are VIABLE for national economic growth. This would move us away from the Middle East for our need to keep our economic engine running. It is like turning the titanic, it takes a WHILE to turn something so big as our economy and energy needs.
Now, China and India are sucking up more and more energy. But we are about to admit to global warming and then go after what little industry we have left and cap them. India and China will continue to grow as we shrink. China is building 4 new coal fired power plants PER MONTH! When was the last time we built a new refinery? Power plant? Nuclear plant?
We are heading into very difficult economic future. That past is the past. But anyone with a basic understanding of math could see how with a little thought, right now, almost seven years after 9/11 we could be much better than we are today economically. That oil would come in handy right about now. But instead, we are on our knees begging OPEC to increase production with costs as $104 a barrel. Their operating President yesterday stated he feels that OPEC should CUT, yes CUT, production. They know we are stagging and are looking to bring a knock out blow.
Prepare for some very very round economic times ahead. This election only provides a lesser of two evils. Both parties stink in the leadership category. Time will tell if we have what it takes to right the ship of state.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
True Patriot
My family and I were honored to spend time with my best friend Pat for his final weekend home before going over to Afghanistan. It meant a lot to us to be included in the time spent with his family. To us, they are part of our extended family.
It amazes me how there are still people like him out there. We as a nation are so lucky to have him and others willing to do the heavy lifting. Too often we get sucked into the daily rut of our lives and forget we have hundreds of thousands of service men and women overseas FIGHTING for us. They sacrifice everything for us.
I enjoy watching Pat with his family. His two daughters, his wife, and parents and sibilings mean the world to him. He is the type of guy who would do anything for you if asked. I know if I ever needed anything, he would be there.
His nation has called on him to help. He is doing with pride, willingly, despite knowing the strain it will put on his family. A year away from loved ones is one the greatest sacrifices anyone can make.
The world we live in today is all about soundbites, and the latest hollywood gossip. Since I became a dad, I have become much more attuned to the culture we get inundated with on TV. I have turned off a lot of it. It doesn't do anything to improve my life.
Then there are people like Pat. They are doing so much for us and their stories are getting lost in the constant blather and noise in the culture. Heros are the steroid filled baseball players chasing records for even more millions of dollars.
And don't forget the wives and moms (and dads too!) who provide support on the homefront means the world to the troops. They are true patriots and heros. Their story also should be told. Keeping the home running with kids and not skipping a beat while remaing a pilar of strength. Who can not be inspired by that?
Pat knows the evil we are facing. The people who just want to give up and go home really don't get it. They should take the time to talk to those doing the fighting. They might just learn something.
So, when Pat goes wheels up sometime in the near future...I will take a moment to say a prayer for his safe keeping and god's speed. I will do what little I can to support him and his other fellow soldiers. And I will count the days till his return and we can sit in my backyard, have a bbq and watch our kids grow.
Pat is a true patriot, willing to stand up when called. How many of us can say that?
It amazes me how there are still people like him out there. We as a nation are so lucky to have him and others willing to do the heavy lifting. Too often we get sucked into the daily rut of our lives and forget we have hundreds of thousands of service men and women overseas FIGHTING for us. They sacrifice everything for us.
I enjoy watching Pat with his family. His two daughters, his wife, and parents and sibilings mean the world to him. He is the type of guy who would do anything for you if asked. I know if I ever needed anything, he would be there.
His nation has called on him to help. He is doing with pride, willingly, despite knowing the strain it will put on his family. A year away from loved ones is one the greatest sacrifices anyone can make.
The world we live in today is all about soundbites, and the latest hollywood gossip. Since I became a dad, I have become much more attuned to the culture we get inundated with on TV. I have turned off a lot of it. It doesn't do anything to improve my life.
Then there are people like Pat. They are doing so much for us and their stories are getting lost in the constant blather and noise in the culture. Heros are the steroid filled baseball players chasing records for even more millions of dollars.
And don't forget the wives and moms (and dads too!) who provide support on the homefront means the world to the troops. They are true patriots and heros. Their story also should be told. Keeping the home running with kids and not skipping a beat while remaing a pilar of strength. Who can not be inspired by that?
Pat knows the evil we are facing. The people who just want to give up and go home really don't get it. They should take the time to talk to those doing the fighting. They might just learn something.
So, when Pat goes wheels up sometime in the near future...I will take a moment to say a prayer for his safe keeping and god's speed. I will do what little I can to support him and his other fellow soldiers. And I will count the days till his return and we can sit in my backyard, have a bbq and watch our kids grow.
Pat is a true patriot, willing to stand up when called. How many of us can say that?
Thursday, February 7, 2008
UPDATE - ROMNEY OUT
Well, I guess it is official..Romney has graciously bowed out of the election. Well, better start thinking about the choices laid out in the prior post.
Here is a link to his address at CPAC - a total class act to the end:
http://thepage.time.com/transcript-of-romneys-speech-withdrawing-from-the-race/
Here is the significant part that is worth a read....
"And Barack and Hillary have made their intentions clear regarding Iraq and the war on terror. They would retreat and declare defeat. And the consequence of that would be devastating. It would mean attacks on America, launched from safe havens that make Afghanistan under the Taliban look like child’s play. About this, I have no doubt.
I disagree with Senator McCain on a number of issues, as you know. But I agree with him on doing whatever it takes to be successful in Iraq, on finding and executing Osama bin Laden, and on eliminating Al Qaeda and terror. If I fight on in my campaign, all the way to the convention, I would forestall the launch of a national campaign and make it more likely that Senator Clinton or Obama would win. And in this time of war, I simply cannot let my campaign, be a part of aiding a surrender to terror.
This is not an easy decision for me. I hate to lose. My family, my friends and our supporters… many of you right here in this room… have given a great deal to get me where I have a shot at becoming President. If this were only about me, I would go on. But I entered this race because I love America, and because I love America, I feel I must now stand aside, for our party and for our country.
I will continue to stand for conservative principles; I will fight alongside you for all the things we believe in. And one of those things is that we cannot allow the next President of the United States to retreat in the face evil extremism!!
It is the common task of each generation—and the burden of liberty—to preserve this country, expand its freedoms and renew its spirit so that its noble past is prologue to its glorious future.
To this task… accepting this burden… we are all dedicated, and I firmly believe, by the providence of the Almighty, that we will succeed beyond our fondest hope. America must remain, as it has always been, the hope of the earth.
Thank you, and God bless America."
Here is a link to his address at CPAC - a total class act to the end:
http://thepage.time.com/transcript-of-romneys-speech-withdrawing-from-the-race/
Here is the significant part that is worth a read....
"And Barack and Hillary have made their intentions clear regarding Iraq and the war on terror. They would retreat and declare defeat. And the consequence of that would be devastating. It would mean attacks on America, launched from safe havens that make Afghanistan under the Taliban look like child’s play. About this, I have no doubt.
I disagree with Senator McCain on a number of issues, as you know. But I agree with him on doing whatever it takes to be successful in Iraq, on finding and executing Osama bin Laden, and on eliminating Al Qaeda and terror. If I fight on in my campaign, all the way to the convention, I would forestall the launch of a national campaign and make it more likely that Senator Clinton or Obama would win. And in this time of war, I simply cannot let my campaign, be a part of aiding a surrender to terror.
This is not an easy decision for me. I hate to lose. My family, my friends and our supporters… many of you right here in this room… have given a great deal to get me where I have a shot at becoming President. If this were only about me, I would go on. But I entered this race because I love America, and because I love America, I feel I must now stand aside, for our party and for our country.
I will continue to stand for conservative principles; I will fight alongside you for all the things we believe in. And one of those things is that we cannot allow the next President of the United States to retreat in the face evil extremism!!
It is the common task of each generation—and the burden of liberty—to preserve this country, expand its freedoms and renew its spirit so that its noble past is prologue to its glorious future.
To this task… accepting this burden… we are all dedicated, and I firmly believe, by the providence of the Almighty, that we will succeed beyond our fondest hope. America must remain, as it has always been, the hope of the earth.
Thank you, and God bless America."
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