"Spooky Stuff in November!"

I just got a new station on my cable package called "Chiller"; it specializes in spooky type shows; you know, the works written by Stephen King . As a kid, I was a huge fan of horror movies and science fiction; the cheesier the better. I went to the movies to see "Plan 9 from Outer Space", said by some to be the worst movie ever made (prior to anything done by Michael Moore). I remember movies like "White Zombie", "Angry Red Planet" and "I Married a Monster from Outer Space".I remember many a Saturday afternoon sitting on the edge of my seat in a darkened theatre watching some of Hollywood's worst productions as if they were "Citizen Kane". Surrounded by my peers, our eyes as big as saucers, we became lost in the fantasy of these travels to the "Dark Side". Some of those movies had disclaimers like, "if you have a weak heart, don't come to see this film' or "medical staff will be in the theatre for those with bad hearts"; wow, what could be better than that! Screen legends like Vincent Price and Christopher Lee starred in these "classics"; I'll never forget "Dr.Phibes", one of Price's most frightening roles. I remember Chrisopher Lee's eyes circled in red in his many roles as Count Dracula; graphic and scary. As we approach Halloween, we see many new releases of the horror genre to capitalize on the season. In October, the "zombies rule"!

It seems that there is another horror classic happening in Washington. Yes, my fellow Americans, strange occurrences are taking place in our nation's capitol. Some people are transforming in front of our eyes, shifting their shapes, speaking in tongues that were foreign to them only weeks ago. Some people are disappearing from the White House right in front of the eyes of the President, "poof gone"! I hope Mr. Obama isn't too frightened as his staffers vanish into the ectoplasm of political expediency. Peter Orzag, Christina Romer, Larry Summers and now Gen. James Jones have vanished from the Obama White House in a puff of political smoke. It looks like a Stephen King novel is unfolding in front of the American people, and Barak Obama is the victim in this "horror classic". Poor Barack, his Congress is changing its shape, like a werewolf in the moonlight! Candidates are transforming from liberal free-spenders to fiscal conservatives like vampires rising from their graves! What transformation will take place next? Who will vanish from the Obama administration under "mysterious circumstances"?

Is there a "Spirit from beyond" possessing the White House and the Washington elite? Are "pod people" taking over the bodies of the candidates? I can almost see poor Barack running from room to room in the White House; like the victim of a "Twilight Zone" episode. If things don't change before November, it seems Mr. Obama is in for a real "CHILLER!"

"I Pay Dead People!"

Recently, we put a new roof on our house. This is a major expense, thousands of dollars! I also replaced my truck with a van a few weeks ago; another large expense. I'm cheap! I don't like to spend money! I wear socks until toes are showing! I don't buy anything unless it's on sale! I relate my frugality to living in a house with so many people. My Mom and Dad had to stretch a dollar as far as it could go; and they did a great job. Dad worked two jobs for many years; never complaining. My Mom always put great dinners on the table; but we did eat pasta at least three times a week (always delicious). We used to go to Crown shoe stores, where shoes were five dollars a pair (one pair per kid). My Dad never missed a payment on anything; he was a responsible man. "Try not to borrow, and, always pay your debts", were words that have lived with me to this day; Dad was a man of intelligence and integrity. He grew up during the "Great Depression" and understood the value of a dollar, and knew you should keep an eye on your money. One of the reasons I think my wife is so amazing is that she understands the value of a dollar, and watches what she spends. My wife never loses track of our finances; our books are always in order! We know where every penny goes!!

Our nation is in a financial crisis. Unemployment is still at nearly 10% across the nation. Business is in a borrowing crisis, as banks are reticent about giving out loans. Home buying isn't active, and foreclosures are at an all time high. Our Congress has passed trillions of dollars in stimulus spending! As a government, we have spent an awful lot of money on an awful lot of stuff. I know politicians on both sides of the aisle like to spend money; and, if left unchecked, they will spend us into oblivion. They like projects such as bridges, roads, public works, stadiums, solar collection farms and countless other "earmark" and "pork" expenditures; it buys votes!

A few days ago, some interesting facts were uncovered that I find quite disturbing, yet not too surprising. It seems that 18 million dollars of our stimulus money went to dead people!! Yes, my fellow Americans, 72,000 dead people and prisoners have received stimulus checks! I understand mistakes can be made by anyone, and some budget errors are to be expected when working with so much money. One mistake that should never be made is who is dead and who is alive! I think this is a pretty easy distinction to make; I can usually tell the difference between a dead guy and a live guy! Who is keeping our books in Washington? Who is watching our money? We have people out of work and businesses that can't get funds to promote growth and our government is sending money to the dead? Cook County is alive and well in Washington D.C.!!

We are in debt that is practically beyond belief, our Gross Domestic Product is at an all time low and relief is somewhere beyond the horizon. Irresponsibility with the funds of the American people is unforgiveable at this juncture. We have a government in Washington that wants oversight in every aspect of our lives; yet, they don't even have proper oversight of the funds they have been entrusted with. Perhaps we need some "new eyes" to protect America's money; obviously, the Obama Administration isn't doing a very good job! He said, "YES WE CAN!" Well, Mr. President, I don't think you can; unless you're talking about bankrupting America!

"A Time of Respect and Reverence"

A few years ago, my wife and I traveled to a small town near us to see the traveling "Viet Nam Wall". For several years, I've wanted to see this memorial, as I had several friends whose names were on it. When we pulled into the parking area there was hardly a space available; after a long search, we finally found a spot. The crowd walking toward the memorial was of various ages, although most seemed to be around my age; at the time, mid-50s. I didn't realize just how large this wall was until I saw it in person. It was a long stretch from the front to back, imposing in its chiseled letters against the black surface. The closer we got, the more impressive it became; as I looked closely at it, I was hit with the multitude of names, one following the next; like soldiers marching in formation. As I reflect on this, I think each name is a son, husband, brother or cousin to someone. Each name was an empty chair at Christmas or Thanksgiving; an irreplaceable loss. I eventually found the names I was looking for. I knew this would be difficult, but I didn't know how profoundly I would be moved. My wife stood next to me and I began to choke back tears I had held for a long time. Around me were many others who were doing much the same thing. Other than murmuring in low tones, there wasn't much talk. We finished and went back to our car; the trip home was pretty quiet. I wondered what those old "hippie protesters" were doing that day!

We have many fallen heroes today; men and women who have paid for our freedom by giving their lives so we can live in a free society. We cannot give these silent patriots enough honor to them or their families who have given as much as one can give.

Currently, there is a "Christian" group who has been protesting at the funerals of the slain military. A Topeka, Kansas fundamentalist group has been to hundreds of funerals as a protest of gay people in the military, as they believe it is against God's law to be gay. I have knowledge of the bible, as I'm an elder in a Christian church. I know the passages that these people are quoting. Oddly, these people are picking and choosing what parts of the bible they wish to follow. The bible is very careful about judgment; it belongs to God and only God. Jesus said to love one another and go out and spread the Gospel. Sin is defined in the bible, and it's God's province to make all final decisions on a person's life decisions; not mans'.

These funerals, which are a remembrance of a life given, are no place for protest of any cause. Perhaps they have a Constitutional right to invade this most private of moments; but, is this what God would want done? If this group wants to complain about government policies, they have plenty of space in front of the White House to parade around. I don't think the fathers and mothers of fallen soldiers would come to any funerals of your believers carrying signs and making cat-calls at the mourners; they know what loss means! As a Christian, I would like to apologize for these people; they just don't get it! They have misinterpreted God's word and turned it into a message of hate. No matter what the Supreme Court rules in this matter, they should ask themselves this question: What would Jesus do?

"Book Learnin' "

When you are having home repairs done, what qualifications do you look for? I usually consult some of my friends for a recommendation when searching for a reputable workman. I know I will get an honest opinion from people I trust, and who have had work done by a prospective repairman. Work experience is always a plus when it comes to choosing a tradesman. If a man has little experience, I'm a little reticent about hiring him; I don't want him learning at my expense! I do most of my own repairs, unless it is something that requires tools and expertise I don't have. I can read a book about home furnaces, but I'm not qualified to repair any bodys' furnace. I took electric shop in high school; but I'm certainly no electrician. There is a real difference between "book knowledge" and "real world experience". Sunday, my wife and I were switching our cars around in the drive. As I waited for my wife to move her car, she came running out to my van, obviously upset. She said, "My battery light won't go out, quick come and look at it!" I got out of my van and went up the drive to my wife's car, opened the hood, and looked at the battery. The battery post had alkali deposits on it. A quick fix is to pour baking soda and water on the post; which I did and it remedied the problem. I've had some life experience with cars and recognized the trouble easily; I didn't replace the battery or the electrical system! I knew better from experience.

Our President has tons of higher education. He has a degree from Harvard, very impressive! He taught some law courses on a professorial level, impressive! He has read a lot of books about a lot of stuff, very impressive! Barack Obama is a smart guy, when it comes to "book learnin' ". Unfortunately, Mr. Obama has no real world experience when he tackles our economic problems; he has no real grasp of how our economy works! Investment stimulates growth. When we limit tax money, it is freed to invest in the marketplace. Mr. Obama believes we can tax the upper class in an effort to relieve our economic troubles. This is a spurious theory.

Rich people will always be rich; they will always be able to buy cars, homes, boats and televisions. Mr. Obama stated, "..Since the wealthy aren't holding off buying flat-screen TVs and other big ticket purchases for lack of a tax cut...those tax cuts are unaffordable". The tax increases to the upper income investment class will do nothing but slow any possible economic recovery. We are talking about millions of dollars that will be withheld from the marketplace and will be diverted to government excesses that have yet to produce any real economic growth. We are a free market economy; funds that are drawn away from the free market harm our basic economic system, and Mr. Obama fails to see this first principle of capitalism. Mr. Obama thinks the rich sit around the pool and do nothing to help America. Mr. President, those people, who you so happily vilify are the big investors in America. They are the people who are creating the jobs, building the factories and warehouses and will ultimately grow our ailing economy.

Believe it or not, Mr. Obama, you are the one holding back American growth. Taking more away from America's investors is illogical and harmful to America's welfare. I'm sorry you never ran a business; perhaps, then you could understand capitalism from a practical viewpoint. Books are great, but, experience is the real deal. EXTEND THE TAX CUTS FOR EVERYONE! Please think about the logic; sir, your policies may sound academically correct, but THEY DON'T WORK!

"Shopping at the Dollar Store"

Do you have a "Dollar Store" where you live? We have a couple in our area, and they are fun to shop at. You never know what you will find on the shelves; hundreds of treasures, all for a dollar! Wrapping paper, balloons, greeting cards, books (I saw Al Franken's book there), candy and toys are only a sample of what is available as prospective purchases. Some of the products shown are strikingly similar to nationally recognized brands; similar colored packages and lettering. At a glance, one could easily mistake those "clones" as the real thing. It's not until you use the look- alike that you find out what the difference is; they are bad copies, made with cheap materials and ingredients that are not up to the standards we are used to. Even macaroni and cheese isn't "up to snuff" when compared to the name brands. I've often seen ads on television that say "Don't be fooled by cheap copies!"

On August 28, 2010, Glenn Beck had a rally at the Lincoln Memorial called "Restoring Honor". This rally drew well over 500,000 people to the area. Pictures of the event were astounding; a virtual sea of humanity stretched from the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument. When viewing the photos, only the trees revealed the green of the land as people covered all the grass. Hundreds of thousands of Americans, traveled there at their own expense to show support to Beck's quest to bring honor back to America. When the rally was finished, the crowd did their own housekeeping, hardly a scrap of paper littered the area.

A few days ago the "One Nation Working Together" rally took place in the very same area as the Beck assembly, with some results that the left probably weren't pleased with. The Washington Post estimated the crowd in attendance was about 175,000 people (not quite half a million). Most of the attendees were from groups like the Communist Party U.S.A., Planned Parenthood, S.E.I.U. (there's a surprise), the U.A.W. and the American Federation of Teachers; each wearing different colored T-shirts, although "RED" would have been most appropriate. Ed Schultz (a man who is envious of Beck's success) has thus far been silent about the turnout of this leftist gathering. No boasting today from their "grass roots" leaders; I guess they are busy getting that "egg off their faces". As a side note, the photos taken after the rally showed a mess that any crowd of a million would be "proud" of; paper, used food wrappers and cans littered the entire area. For folks who are supposed to be so ecologically conscious, I'm a little surprised by their lack of respect for the environment. It seems national interest wasn't as great for this event as the left had hoped for. Maybe you should have put out a sign that said "free beer"; it might have helped.

The "Dollar Store" event was a cheap copy of a genuine event. The discount product didn't have the same "ingredients" as the original national brand. The packaging might look the same, but the "stuff inside" tastes like cardboard. When you choose a product in November, make sure you're not getting a box of bad ingredients; remember to read the label!

"Alan Grayson, Man of Integrity???"

I live in a section of Illinois called "the Lincoln Corridor". All over this area are historical markers connected to "Honest Abe". The people here are very proud of the Lincoln heritage we hold in common. I live just a short distance from one of the sites of the "Lincoln-Douglas Debates"; there is a plaque, statue and small museum there. Lincoln and Douglas had great respect for each other and engaged in debates based on the issues of the day, giving each other an honest view of their positions. I don't recall anything too personal in their campaigns. I'm sure there were probably remarks about their respective differences in height, as Douglas was diminutive and Abe was very tall. I'm sure those remarks were met with some good natured laughs and little else. People were interested in what these men believed; what they stood for, not personal attacks. We here, in central Illinois, take pride in the name "HONEST Abe". Lincoln's reputation as an honest man was the cornerstone of his character. Honesty counted back then; and I hope it still counts now.

In Florida's 8th Congressional District, there is a race going on for the representative seat. The principles engaged in the race are Daniel Webster (what a name to live up to!) and Alan Grayson, the incumbent. Alan Grayson was born on March 13, 1958 in Bronx, New York. He is a Harvard graduate and worked as a law clerk for Abner Mikva; as did Elena Kagan. Mr. Grayson is a very far left progressive who has supported all of Barack Obama's socialist agenda. He is famous for his verbose outbursts against any conservative cause or conservative voice. According to his biography, he is a very intelligent man with great credentials; yet he comes across as an unbelievable bloviator of radical and spurious views and opinions. Recently, Mr. Grayson put out an advertisement about his opponent, Dan Webster. He calls Mr. Webster "Taliban Dan", an obvious ploy to connect Mr. Webster with the radical Muslim terrorist group. He alludes to statements saying that Mr. Webster is against women's rights. This was done by editing a tape of Mr. Webster at a Christian conference, where he had quoted bible verses about husbands and wives. After viewing both the commercial and the un-edited version of the tape, I can only conclude no one should ever give credence to anything Alan Grayson ever says again. The editing of this tape shows what a despicable human being Grayson is. Even after the release of the unedited tape, Grayson continues to stand behind his commercial, endorsing the lies. This is the same man who called the people at Glenn Beck's rally racists by saying, "These people were wearing white sheets over their heads 25 years ago"; he is a divider and race baiter. The only figure I can equate him to is Joe McCarthy; a blustering moron of the highest degree.

If you live in Florida, in the 8th district, I believe you should think long and hard before you vote for a man like Alan Grayson. He's certainly no "HONEST ABE!"

"Pressing Issues!"

Do you have priorities in your daily life? As a homeowner, I always seem to have tasks that must be accomplished on a regular basis; you know, cut the grass, clean the shed, wash the cars; all the things that go along with being a home and vehicle owner. Sometimes, there is an emergency that takes precedence over the daily chores; furnace breakdown or refrigerator repair would move to the top of my list as priority problems, taking precedence over the usual routine. It would be pretty silly for me to be washing my car if my roof had blown off during a storm. Both of these things need attention, yet, one is much more urgent than the other. If you went to the doctor and he said you had a questionable x-ray and a pimple on your neck and he wanted to concentrate on the pimple; what would you think of that doctor's priorities? I'd be doctor shopping soon after that encounter.

RECORD UNEMPLOYMENT, TAX POLICIES, ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, HEALTH-CARE REFORM, NATIONAL DEFENSE; are these problems pressing issues to America?

Congress went off to start the fall campaign season yesterday. Washington is like a cemetery today; everybody left town to go home and stump for the next election. November will be here before you know it and our dedicated civil servants want to speak to their constituents about all those important issues. Before they left, they did do some very important work on a major problem that affects virtually every American household on a daily basis! Yes, my fellow Americans, our representatives, who are ever vigilant about our well-being, have finally acted on a most urgent issue: LOUD TELEVISION COMMERCIALS!

An evening doesn't go by where my wife and I won't talk about the issue of loud commercials! I have often said,"Who cares about all that other stuff; when will they do something about those blasted commercials?" Thankfully, there are some in Washington who respond to the really important issues. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), co-sponsored a bill to limit the volume on those pesky commercials. The bill passed the Senate late on Wednesday; you know before they went home. Obviously, these legislators know what is really important to Americans; TELEVISION!

Now who can say that Congress is out of touch with America? These visionaries of the Senate certainly know what America's most urgent issues are! I tell you now, I will sleep much better tonight; I'm now convinced that our Congress has a firm grip on what's of prime urgency and importance to our national interest!

Remember this issue in November, America. Remember what the last thing our Congress did before they adjourned before the mid-term elections. Your tax issues, unemployment, immigration, health-care and national defense took a back seat to loud television commercials. Is this the type of leadership we need in our Congress? Our nation's roof is collapsing, and our Congress is washing the car!