My first real job was working at Riverview Park in Chicago. My job was six days a week, with Monday off. When you're 16 years old, Monday off really screws up your social life, as all of your friends usually have week-ends off. I made the kingly sum of $1.22 per hour for a six day week; this comes to $58.56 per week! I had to "know somebody" to get this job; and I was happy to get it. My Dad was proud and happy that I was working during the summer. I believe he wanted me to learn responsibility. I was a new driver, and Dad said if I wanted to drive a car, I needed to pay for insurance; which was $200.00. I did my best to spend as little as possible in order to get my insurance money rapidly. I was required to give my Mom $20.00 from every paycheck; Dad believed nothing in life was free (although he was a pretty soft touch). My job was physically hard; "grunt work", entry level, the kind of a job that would help a young man learn the value of a dollar and an education. I was thankful for every paycheck; after all, I could now afford my own pizza! That $58.56 a week was a king's ransom to me!
Across America, we are continuing to experience poor economic conditions. Most of the jobs listed in our local paper are starting at around $8.50 per hour, and people are standing in line to get them! Jobs for over $10.00 per hour are rare and the competition for them is fierce. People with years of experience are willing to take massive pay cuts just to be employed. Older workers have been just about eliminated from the employment pool. Those folks that are 55 years old or older face some very difficult days ahead. Jobs are scarce and high wages are non-existent in today's economy.
On January 5th, President Obama said goodbye to Robert Gibbs, as he is stepping down from his job as Press Secretary. He lauded Gibbs' service and said he was sorry to see him go. Gibbs has been in the Obama camp since 2004, a loyal supporter of the President. Obama said Gibbs has been going at a 24/7 pace for years for relatively "modest pay". I guess for Washington $172,000 per year is "modest pay". I know a lot of people who would love that "modest income"! Junior White House staffers earn somewhere in the vicinity of $40,000 to $60,000 per year. I know a lot of people who would love to make those paychecks! Government workers make an average salary of $67,691! These salaries seem pretty good to the folks who are standing in line for $8.50 per hour. I believe Mr. Obama needs a reality check; he's been in government too long; he has no clue as to what the average American is dealing with on a daily basis! Mr. Obama would be well served if he had to get by on what Mr. and Mrs. America does every day of every week of every year. Mr. Obama needs to redefine his definition of "modest pay". It sure looks more than modest to us "REGULAR FOLKS". Maybe we should pay government workers $8.50 per hour!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
"Don't Be a KNEE-JERK!"
Have you ever heard the term "knee-jerk reaction"? I'm sure every guy knows it. It means a reaction without thought; it's instinctive. Animals that are backed into a corner will act out of instinct to preserve their lives. A dog will bite if he feels threats from a source he can't flee from. On 911, we had a "knee-jerk reaction" from many Americans. Some of us wanted to bomb every Muslim nation in the world; a really bad idea! Some of us questioned why we were attacked and wanted investigation; a better idea! At times, I'm sure all of us have heard second hand rumors that were disturbing to us. When one is adolescent, we take these rumors very seriously and, at times, react too quickly with words and sometimes violence.
"He said, she said," can cause conflicts as quickly as a punch in the nose. Rapid action and uninvestigated allegations are a lethal combination. My Dad said "Act in haste and repent in leisure". I have found this to be good advice throughout my life.
Since the Arizona shooting tragedy, we have seen a plethora of "knee-jerk" responses from the media and some political leaders. I am saddened that this tragic event is degenerating into a chance to make political hay from the blood of the innocent. Limbaugh, Beck and Hannity have all been castigated by the left as having influence in this tragic situation, when the facts have revealed that this man seem to be mentally disturbed with very little cogent thinking involved in his decision to kill.
Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) is quickly acting to legislate further limits on firearms in the wake of the Arizona incident; she wants to get something done this week. She is already blaming second amendment advocates for the shooting. Along with the acts toward gun control, Pennsylvania representative, Robert Brady, is proposing free speech limits. Mr. Brady wants to ban designated language and symbols for use on the public forum. He believes these words and symbols can be viewed as threatening and inflammatory. Does this mean it would be inappropriate to criticize a representative at a town hall meeting, as he may feel threatened by the language used?
As Americans, we cannot allow this hasty type of action to dictate what could do great damage to our first and second amendment rights. Once legislation is passed, it is very difficult to undo, as we are now seeing with Obamacare. I understand the feelings of many Americans as a result of this tragedy yet we must not react too quickly or we may regret our actions over the course of closer examination and historical perspective. We must be very careful before we surrender any of our Constitutional rights; once they're gone, we probably won't get them back! Don't be a "KNEE-JERK"!
"He said, she said," can cause conflicts as quickly as a punch in the nose. Rapid action and uninvestigated allegations are a lethal combination. My Dad said "Act in haste and repent in leisure". I have found this to be good advice throughout my life.
Since the Arizona shooting tragedy, we have seen a plethora of "knee-jerk" responses from the media and some political leaders. I am saddened that this tragic event is degenerating into a chance to make political hay from the blood of the innocent. Limbaugh, Beck and Hannity have all been castigated by the left as having influence in this tragic situation, when the facts have revealed that this man seem to be mentally disturbed with very little cogent thinking involved in his decision to kill.
Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) is quickly acting to legislate further limits on firearms in the wake of the Arizona incident; she wants to get something done this week. She is already blaming second amendment advocates for the shooting. Along with the acts toward gun control, Pennsylvania representative, Robert Brady, is proposing free speech limits. Mr. Brady wants to ban designated language and symbols for use on the public forum. He believes these words and symbols can be viewed as threatening and inflammatory. Does this mean it would be inappropriate to criticize a representative at a town hall meeting, as he may feel threatened by the language used?
As Americans, we cannot allow this hasty type of action to dictate what could do great damage to our first and second amendment rights. Once legislation is passed, it is very difficult to undo, as we are now seeing with Obamacare. I understand the feelings of many Americans as a result of this tragedy yet we must not react too quickly or we may regret our actions over the course of closer examination and historical perspective. We must be very careful before we surrender any of our Constitutional rights; once they're gone, we probably won't get them back! Don't be a "KNEE-JERK"!
Monday, January 10, 2011
"American Tragedy"
I usually plan my blogs a few days in advance in order to make sure my facts are straight and I can give an accurate account of what I'm writing about. If one jumps into any subject without as much information as possible, he is doing a disservice to his readers and himself. When an event of great magnitude takes place, there is often a flood of information released about the participants in these events. Some news people and pundits immediately begin to draw conclusions about the cause of these incidents. We are a curious people, and that's a good thing. Americans want information and they want it quickly. Fast is good, yet accurate is better.
I remember the Kennedy assassination when I was in high school. The school buzzed with information for the first hour or so until the tragic news of our fallen President was confirmed. Even back then, talk of conspiracy started almost instantly. History has proven that a single shooter was responsible. Oswald was a prisoner of his own disturbed thinking when he fired those fatal shots in Dallas; no conspiracy was ever discovered. John Wilkes Booth was consumed by his own failure in the shadow of his brother Edwin: he needed something to blame for his shortcomings and he choose the President. Deranged thinking, once again, causes national tragedy.
Saturday in Arizona, Representative Gabrielle Giffords was the victim of an attempted assassination. Along with Rep. Giffords, six people lost their lives and several others were wounded. The news of this incident spread like wildfire; everything else on the news stations came to a halt. Several scenarios were put forth from several individuals as to the reason for this attack. Thus far, we have some ideas as to the actions of the alleged perpetrator. His name is Jared Loughner. These stories that have surfaced over the last day reveal a young, disturbed individual with the signs of mental problems that went unchecked throughout his life. His inane ramblings were reported on the news. They ranged from his belief that the government was spying on him to the lack of proper grammar by the population. It seems to be senseless rubbish from a confused mind. Mr. Loughner's sketchy biography seems to reflect a young person who was a loner with little achievement and much anger. He was rejected for military service for not passing a drug screening, and also had a failed attempt at college. Oddly, no one around him spoke out too vigorously about his unusual behavior; he seemed to be a bomb waiting to go off.
I'm sure we will see investigations launched very quickly about this tragedy. I sincerely hope we will find out why this young man acted out so violently. I also hope none of those investigating will use this incident to achieve a political goal. This act is a trauma to all Americans. No American, regardless of political affiliation, would advocate this violent act. Neither the left, nor the right should be showcased in this matter. Like Oswald and Booth, Loughner is a disturbed individual with perverse thoughts; he needs to be put away. Don't allow this incident to become another division for the American people; it is a tragedy for all of us.
I remember the Kennedy assassination when I was in high school. The school buzzed with information for the first hour or so until the tragic news of our fallen President was confirmed. Even back then, talk of conspiracy started almost instantly. History has proven that a single shooter was responsible. Oswald was a prisoner of his own disturbed thinking when he fired those fatal shots in Dallas; no conspiracy was ever discovered. John Wilkes Booth was consumed by his own failure in the shadow of his brother Edwin: he needed something to blame for his shortcomings and he choose the President. Deranged thinking, once again, causes national tragedy.
Saturday in Arizona, Representative Gabrielle Giffords was the victim of an attempted assassination. Along with Rep. Giffords, six people lost their lives and several others were wounded. The news of this incident spread like wildfire; everything else on the news stations came to a halt. Several scenarios were put forth from several individuals as to the reason for this attack. Thus far, we have some ideas as to the actions of the alleged perpetrator. His name is Jared Loughner. These stories that have surfaced over the last day reveal a young, disturbed individual with the signs of mental problems that went unchecked throughout his life. His inane ramblings were reported on the news. They ranged from his belief that the government was spying on him to the lack of proper grammar by the population. It seems to be senseless rubbish from a confused mind. Mr. Loughner's sketchy biography seems to reflect a young person who was a loner with little achievement and much anger. He was rejected for military service for not passing a drug screening, and also had a failed attempt at college. Oddly, no one around him spoke out too vigorously about his unusual behavior; he seemed to be a bomb waiting to go off.
I'm sure we will see investigations launched very quickly about this tragedy. I sincerely hope we will find out why this young man acted out so violently. I also hope none of those investigating will use this incident to achieve a political goal. This act is a trauma to all Americans. No American, regardless of political affiliation, would advocate this violent act. Neither the left, nor the right should be showcased in this matter. Like Oswald and Booth, Loughner is a disturbed individual with perverse thoughts; he needs to be put away. Don't allow this incident to become another division for the American people; it is a tragedy for all of us.
Friday, January 7, 2011
"Perception vs. Reality"
I guess I'm in football mode this week as we approach the first weekend of the playoffs. As a Bears fan for over fifty years, I have a vision of what Packer fans are like (apologies to a dear friend). For years I've enjoyed hating the Packers, and their supporters. I have imagined them sitting in their living rooms eating large wheels of cheese and plates of bratwurst, followed by endless cans of warm beer. They would all be wearing those silly "cheese heads" with orange hunting jackets and insulated boots. All of Green Bay would be shut down from February to September, as there is nothing of any value done there in any of the other months. All family conversations center around the Packers. The shooting ranges have pictures of George Halas, Mike Ditka and Dick Butkus used as targets. Each church has an altar dedicated to Vince Lombardi, with candles being lit for Bart Starr every day. They all have pictures of Brett Favre draped in black ever since he defected to Minnesota. Before any of my Packer friends get too upset, I would like to say that my actual encounters with many Packer fans have been pleasant; and they seem to be normal people for the most part. Game days are just as crazy in Chicago as they are in Green Bay; each team has its' share of "nuts". Generalizing about others is doing them a disservice, and it doesn't speak very well of the person doing the generalizing.
House Minority Whip, Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), has made some statements about the TEA Party members. Rep. Hoyer said, "...My presumption is they have unhappy families...". This was part of another leftist diatribe against the conservative group. No matter what the left says about tolerance, I guess it never applies to anybody with a conservative philosophy. If a conservative were to make any similar statement about any leftist group, they would be labeled as intolerant or racist. Howard Dean (remember his campaign rantings) said the Tea Party is " the last gasp of old, white folks afraid of change", "...the generation that has trouble with diversity..".
I have serious doubts that Rep. Hoyer or Howard Dean really know anyone who personally believe in the principles of the TEA Party; they are so immersed in the progressive philosophy that any diversion from that philosophy seems traitorous to them. It seems to me the real unhappy families are those who can't accept the fact that other people can have opinions that don't match their own.
Unlike Bear and Packer fans, it seems that the left will never find common ground with the right. Ultimately, football fans all admit that they love the game even more than their teams, after all, we all watch the Super Bowl regardless of who's playing. I feel it is unfortunate that some of our political leaders seem to love their philosophy more than they love America; only America will suffer!
.
House Minority Whip, Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), has made some statements about the TEA Party members. Rep. Hoyer said, "...My presumption is they have unhappy families...". This was part of another leftist diatribe against the conservative group. No matter what the left says about tolerance, I guess it never applies to anybody with a conservative philosophy. If a conservative were to make any similar statement about any leftist group, they would be labeled as intolerant or racist. Howard Dean (remember his campaign rantings) said the Tea Party is " the last gasp of old, white folks afraid of change", "...the generation that has trouble with diversity..".
I have serious doubts that Rep. Hoyer or Howard Dean really know anyone who personally believe in the principles of the TEA Party; they are so immersed in the progressive philosophy that any diversion from that philosophy seems traitorous to them. It seems to me the real unhappy families are those who can't accept the fact that other people can have opinions that don't match their own.
Unlike Bear and Packer fans, it seems that the left will never find common ground with the right. Ultimately, football fans all admit that they love the game even more than their teams, after all, we all watch the Super Bowl regardless of who's playing. I feel it is unfortunate that some of our political leaders seem to love their philosophy more than they love America; only America will suffer!
.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
"READ IT!!"
Over the last couple of months, the NFL network has been running a series on the top 100 football players of all time. As a football fan, I've found this series fascinating. From the first episode to the last, I've enjoyed the profiles of the many great players that have been listed. Every player named exhibited great skill throughout their collective careers, compiling statistics and records that still stand today. I'm pretty old, but there were players listed that tested my memory of the game. I grew up watching players like Bill George (Bill was a middle linebacker before Dick Butkus), George Blanda, and "Night-Train Lane". I'm not old enough to have seen "Red" Grange, but I've seen old films of him, and he was very impressive! Most of those old players didn't get paychecks in the millions of dollars; unlike today's players, those guys usually had to work on other jobs in the off season. Even Bart Starr had a car dealership to run when he wasn't running the Packer offense. In old interviews, those old pros often cited past players and their admiration of their work ethic and knowledge of the game. They could all recall the history of the game with reverence and affection. Those men all thought it was important to know what the pioneers of the game intended for the game of football.
The new House of Representatives wants its' members to read aloud the Constitution of the United States. There are folks on the left who find this to be a dramatic attempt to bring attention to the new mandate that this Congress must face; they believe it's showboating! Talk show hostess, Joy Behar, has said "Constitution loving is getting out of hand" and is calling the reading of our most precious document a "Hollywood Stunt". I, for one, believe it is probably a good idea for law makers to have, at least once, read the Constitution. Why is the reading of our founding document so offensive to some folks on the left? Knowing the rules, understanding the principles, and honoring the intent of our founding fathers seem like a good and proper thing for our legislators to do.
The last Congress made it clear that the Constitution was of little interest to them as they jammed Obamacare down America's throat. Congress needs to know its duties and limitations, and that they serve at the pleasure of the citizens of the United States of America. I believe it is a good thing to "love the Constitution"; it is all that stands between freedom and oppression for all Americans. Read it Congress, you may learn something!
The new House of Representatives wants its' members to read aloud the Constitution of the United States. There are folks on the left who find this to be a dramatic attempt to bring attention to the new mandate that this Congress must face; they believe it's showboating! Talk show hostess, Joy Behar, has said "Constitution loving is getting out of hand" and is calling the reading of our most precious document a "Hollywood Stunt". I, for one, believe it is probably a good idea for law makers to have, at least once, read the Constitution. Why is the reading of our founding document so offensive to some folks on the left? Knowing the rules, understanding the principles, and honoring the intent of our founding fathers seem like a good and proper thing for our legislators to do.
The last Congress made it clear that the Constitution was of little interest to them as they jammed Obamacare down America's throat. Congress needs to know its duties and limitations, and that they serve at the pleasure of the citizens of the United States of America. I believe it is a good thing to "love the Constitution"; it is all that stands between freedom and oppression for all Americans. Read it Congress, you may learn something!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
"Selective Memory"
Do you have "selective memory"? Do you recall the past with a mental "editing" that doesn't always reflect the actual events as they took place? I think all of us have the ability to "alter" our views of past events in our life; to enhance the good things and diminish those things that weren't so good. As we leave the holiday season, I'm sure most of us had the time to talk about the "good old days" with friends and relatives. I'm sure we laughed and joked about the past while we enjoyed collective memories. At my senior status, I am a bit of a family historian; being the eldest, I can recall things that sometimes elude my younger siblings. We rarely speak of the bad things that have occurred over the years; no one wants to remember things that made them cry. I will always remember the way my Dad made us all laugh, or how my Mom gave us loving advice in tough situations; yet, I try to put aside the memories of how disease devastated them in their later years. I choose to recall only the best, and forget the worst.
Today a new Congress is being sworn in. Today a new era is about to take place in the House of Representatives. There is now a Republican majority in the House. The Congress with the lowest approval rating in history is now over. Allow me to repeat "THE LOWEST APPROVAL RATING IN HISTORY"; nobody has ever been lower than the last Congress!
Nancy Pelosi had a press conference yesterday. Nancy was recalling her "halcyon days" as Speaker of the House. Nancy said "I don't really look back, I look forward.."; probably a good choice, as her past record doesn't sit too well with the American people. Pelosi said, "We have no regrets..". Wow, "NO REGRETS", really Nancy, now she must really have a selective memory! Nancy says she will now focus on jobs and reducing the deficit. In two years, Ms. Pelosi did nothing of any real substance to create jobs in the private sector, and her Congress is responsible for the highest rate of deficit spending in the history of the United States! Suddenly, the former Speaker is going to watch out for runaway spending! Where was this person while money was being spent by the truck load on programs that the public didn't want (Obamacare)?
When Nancy looks back in years to come, will she recall those low approval ratings, or the mass of Americans who stood outside Congress protesting against a health care bill 70% of the people were opposed to? Will Nancy recall saying that the TEA Party movement was an "astro-turf" and un-American group?
Thankfully, I will no longer have to see Ms. Pelosi on the news being addressed as Speaker of the House. I will no longer have to see an arrogance that was pervasive during her term as Speaker. I hope Ms. Pelosi will take ownership of the massive deficit that her Congress has generated over the last two years; but I doubt it. I'm sure we will all see the selective memory of Nancy Pelosi, and her boss Barack Obama. Let's make sure we don't use a selective memory in 2012!
Today a new Congress is being sworn in. Today a new era is about to take place in the House of Representatives. There is now a Republican majority in the House. The Congress with the lowest approval rating in history is now over. Allow me to repeat "THE LOWEST APPROVAL RATING IN HISTORY"; nobody has ever been lower than the last Congress!
Nancy Pelosi had a press conference yesterday. Nancy was recalling her "halcyon days" as Speaker of the House. Nancy said "I don't really look back, I look forward.."; probably a good choice, as her past record doesn't sit too well with the American people. Pelosi said, "We have no regrets..". Wow, "NO REGRETS", really Nancy, now she must really have a selective memory! Nancy says she will now focus on jobs and reducing the deficit. In two years, Ms. Pelosi did nothing of any real substance to create jobs in the private sector, and her Congress is responsible for the highest rate of deficit spending in the history of the United States! Suddenly, the former Speaker is going to watch out for runaway spending! Where was this person while money was being spent by the truck load on programs that the public didn't want (Obamacare)?
When Nancy looks back in years to come, will she recall those low approval ratings, or the mass of Americans who stood outside Congress protesting against a health care bill 70% of the people were opposed to? Will Nancy recall saying that the TEA Party movement was an "astro-turf" and un-American group?
Thankfully, I will no longer have to see Ms. Pelosi on the news being addressed as Speaker of the House. I will no longer have to see an arrogance that was pervasive during her term as Speaker. I hope Ms. Pelosi will take ownership of the massive deficit that her Congress has generated over the last two years; but I doubt it. I'm sure we will all see the selective memory of Nancy Pelosi, and her boss Barack Obama. Let's make sure we don't use a selective memory in 2012!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
"Resolutions"
As a husband and father, I have made many promises throughout my life. I'm sure I haven't kept all the promises I have made, although I try my best to keep promises; sometimes memory and circumstances make the keeping of promises difficult, or sometimes impossible.
This time of the year we all make promises; or, as we like to call them "resolutions". These resolutions are promises to us to become better people to ourselves and others. The most common promise is to LOSE WEIGHT. If I were to make a wager, I would bet that a huge percentage of Americans have pledged to lose weight this year. I wish all of you the very best in your efforts to "beat those pounds"! I used to pledge that pledge every year; unfortunately, my resolve is seldom victorious in those efforts. I'm Italian, and there is pizza out there with my name on it! I will try to moderate my intake; but total pizza denial is not possible for me. I also want to be more sensitive to the feelings of others. As I have strong conservative leanings, I have engaged many people in philosophical discussions on our current President and his administration, and at times, these discussions have become heated, leaving some hurt feelings in their wake. This doesn't mean I will water down my principles; but, I will try to be kinder in my response to those with whom I disagree. Pray for me!
We are about to have a new Congress take office. I have hopes this new Congress will do some house cleaning from the last Congress. Obamacare is foremost in the public interest as this session begins; many Americans want to see changes made before this program is fully engaged. There have been several politicians who have promised to "repeal" Obamacare. Personally, I would love to see this program repealed, but I don't believe this will happen while Barack Obama sits in the White House.
When President Obama was campaigning for President, his slogan was "Hope and Change" and "Yes We Can". I believe many Americans have taken those slogans to heart; sadly for Mr. Obama, it seems that America is "hoping for a change" in the White House, and they also believe "yes they can" do that in 2012. It seems Americans have made their own "resolutions" about progressive politics.
Mr. Obama has made some conservative noises since the "drubbing" his progressive Congress took in November, yet, I have trouble believing his sudden change to fiscal responsibility. Is Mr. Obama making a promise he doesn't intend to keep? Is Mr. Obama already in his campaign mode for 2012? He now has less than two years to "change his spots" and become what he believes America will vote for. I wonder what Mr. Obama's resolutions are for his future?
(Thanks to those who have prayed for me while I have had some physical problems; I'm not 100 per cent, but I'm a lot better. T.P.)
This time of the year we all make promises; or, as we like to call them "resolutions". These resolutions are promises to us to become better people to ourselves and others. The most common promise is to LOSE WEIGHT. If I were to make a wager, I would bet that a huge percentage of Americans have pledged to lose weight this year. I wish all of you the very best in your efforts to "beat those pounds"! I used to pledge that pledge every year; unfortunately, my resolve is seldom victorious in those efforts. I'm Italian, and there is pizza out there with my name on it! I will try to moderate my intake; but total pizza denial is not possible for me. I also want to be more sensitive to the feelings of others. As I have strong conservative leanings, I have engaged many people in philosophical discussions on our current President and his administration, and at times, these discussions have become heated, leaving some hurt feelings in their wake. This doesn't mean I will water down my principles; but, I will try to be kinder in my response to those with whom I disagree. Pray for me!
We are about to have a new Congress take office. I have hopes this new Congress will do some house cleaning from the last Congress. Obamacare is foremost in the public interest as this session begins; many Americans want to see changes made before this program is fully engaged. There have been several politicians who have promised to "repeal" Obamacare. Personally, I would love to see this program repealed, but I don't believe this will happen while Barack Obama sits in the White House.
When President Obama was campaigning for President, his slogan was "Hope and Change" and "Yes We Can". I believe many Americans have taken those slogans to heart; sadly for Mr. Obama, it seems that America is "hoping for a change" in the White House, and they also believe "yes they can" do that in 2012. It seems Americans have made their own "resolutions" about progressive politics.
Mr. Obama has made some conservative noises since the "drubbing" his progressive Congress took in November, yet, I have trouble believing his sudden change to fiscal responsibility. Is Mr. Obama making a promise he doesn't intend to keep? Is Mr. Obama already in his campaign mode for 2012? He now has less than two years to "change his spots" and become what he believes America will vote for. I wonder what Mr. Obama's resolutions are for his future?
(Thanks to those who have prayed for me while I have had some physical problems; I'm not 100 per cent, but I'm a lot better. T.P.)
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