"Shovels Full of Fudge?"

Do you like fudge? I've always had an affinity for this decadent treat. Thick chocolate wedges filled with nuts of all types, smooth and delicious. This yummy treat tempts many a tongue. During our travels, my wife and I visited some small towns where there were many small specialty shops that baked wonderful cakes, turnovers and cookies or made candy apples of numerous combinations; none healthy, all tasty yummy! On one occasion, we went to a fudge shop. The shop had a large window that showed the preparation of this delectable treat. A large mixer sat behind a huge table covered with white cloth. When the mixture was removed from the mixer, it was placed on the table and busy hands began the process of adding those extras that made the fudge's unique flavors come alive. The work looked hard as the worker kneaded the mixture together by hand and then spread it into pans. The fudge didn't just appear; it was the result of hard work and the knowledge of how to make fudge. Many times we walk into a grocery store and see small plastic containers with sections of fudge inside them. I'll bet most of us don't know the work involved on the creation of this product. From our perspective, we may believe it probably doesn't take too much effort; we are not fudge makers. We would be wrong; we had no experience at making fudge!

Yesterday, our President, Barack Obama, made some statements that were very telling about Mr. Obama. It seems Mr. Obama was like the people in the grocery store when it came to job creation during this current economic crisis. He thought that by saying so he could "make the fudge appear" without preparation. It seems our Chief Executive's lack of experience betrayed him; he really didn't know the process of trying to create jobs. During his campaign, he made countless statements about "shovel ready jobs" across the nation. These projects were touted to spring into existence as soon as Barack Obama took his seat in the "big chair".

We now sit in an economy that is no better off than it was 21 months ago. It appears those shovel ready jobs don't exist yet! Mr. Obama revealed in an interview with the New York Times that, "there is no such thing as shovel-ready projects", an astounding admission from Obama! It seems that the 814 billion dollar stimulus plan has done nothing but bust our budget. Mr. Obama admitted during his interview that he has made some "tactical blunders" and he appears as "the same old tax and spend liberal Democrat"; for once, I have to agree with Mr. Obama, he has never made a truer statement! Oddly, with just weeks before the mid-terms, Mr. Obama continues to endorse his failed stimulus policy! He is certainly dedicated to his ideology, even at the cost of destroying our financial solvency! He doesn't do very well "making the fudge"; his recipe stinks!

Perhaps Obama's recipe includes a shovel of something that smells bad. As an American, I know a term about "shoveling" that is fairly common; and it seems this is what our President is "shoveling" on us. Many a pasture in America is covered with Mr. Obama's secret ingredient. Does America need fudge from Mr. Obama's kitchen?

"QUICKSAND!!!"

I always liked the "Tarzan" movies. The jungle is a fascinating place in the movies; filled with exotic growth, wild and dangerous animals, bloodthirsty tribes and an unforgiving environment. Old "Tarz" was a friend to all who came to the jungle with honorable intentions. There was always the occasional "slavers", "diamond thieves" and "animal abusers", who would incur the wrath of the "White Ape Man". Those evil doers would always get their "comeuppance". One of my favorite ways for the evildoers to meet their end was to get caught in quicksand; slowly sinking without any chance to escape; always pleading, saying they would change their evil ways; only to sink to their deaths. They were victims of the land they tried to abuse; quite poetic really.

Last week, the unemployment figures came out for September, and they weren't pretty for the Obama administration. Once again, in the "summer of recovery", unemployment went up to 10.1% from 9.3%., according to the latest Gallop Poll. The Huffington Post said, "Private sector employers cut 95,000 jobs; and the government cut 159,000 jobs last month." Underemployed numbers came up from 18.3% to 18.8% during this same time period; not the signs of a recovering economy. Gallop Poll also said these signs indicate a poor projection of the nation's holiday spending season. Those projections are causing employers to delay hiring as they expect another economic slowdown.

Paul Asworth, senior U.S. economist, said "The budget pressures on state and local governments aren't going to ease for a while yet, so further public sector job losses should be expected...(this) adds evidence that the recovery is losing what little momentum it had." Diane C. Swonk, chief economist at Mesirow Financial, said "The unemployment rate will likely rise to 10% at the beginning of next year". The Financial Forecast Center, a non-partisan group, projects rising unemployment at least until April 2011, and possibly beyond that.

We have poured billions upon billions of dollars into this administration's economic "voodoo" policies with no real results. It seems government spending has only accomplished one thing; forcing us into deeper debt and higher unemployment figures! Our foreclosure rate is astronomical; yet, we now have frozen foreclosures to make a poor real estate market even worse than it was. Money is not moving in this economy for fear of Obama tax policies. Banks aren't lending, employers aren't hiring and investors aren't investing; all because Obamanomics don't work! The President continues to rant about the problems of the economy, yet he wants to continue on the path he has created, which has produced nothing but more economic distress.

Barack Obama has dug in his heels and refuses to admit he is on the wrong path to America's recovery from this financial abyss. America's journey into the economic "jungle" has been full of dangers."Bloodthirsty natives" have attacked our tax money. Wild spending has depleted our budget. What can happen next? Are we so deep in Obama's "quicksand" that we may not be able to pull ourselves out? We need to push those free spending Congressmen into that quicksand in November. They will beg and plead that they will change their ways if given another chance. DON'T BELIEVE THEM: THEY WILL PULL YOU DOWN WITH THEM!

"THE BOOGEYMAN!"

Do you remember the "Boogeyman"? That legend of horror that haunts the memories of countless children was used to frighten numerous youngsters by their older peers and was a staple of teasing siblings for generations! I had two younger brothers, we shared the same bedroom, and I felt it was my responsibility to tease and frighten them at every opportunity. In our dimly lit room, I would say things like "Look out for the hands that will come out of the wall and grab you!" At first, I would get responses like "be quiet" or "leave us alone". Later, I would achieve the response all teasers want, "MOM; JAY IS TEASING ME", "I'M SCARED!" I would shake with laughter in my bed as my trembling brothers cried for Mom. Later it wasn't quite as funny as my Dad would be called into the situation; he didn't think it was as funny as I did! I forgot my Dad was the youngest of three and probably had his share of older brother persecution. After a short conversation with Dad, where he did most of the talking, I was convinced that further attempts at this type of "humor" was not to my benefit; and the consequences weren't worth the laughs. Dad could be a very convincing guy!

We are now in the thick of the election season and words are flying about at a record pace. Polls are taken every ten minutes about every election in every state. Politicians seem to be like deer caught in the headlights on issues they are trying to distance themselves from. It seems the political "Boogeyman" is scaring the incumbents to death! Polls and questions from constituents are causing office holders to pull the covers over their heads and "call for Mom". Even the lefts' own "Boogeyman", George Soros, seems to be afraid of what is happening on America's political front. Soros, a naturalized American, is the far left icon who directs organizations like Media Matters and is making statements like this one to the New York Times on Friday, "I don't believe in standing in the way of an avalanche..." in regards to the conservative movement in the upcoming election. This is a devastating admission from a leftist power broker. Soros spent 18 million dollars in an attempt to defeat George W. Bush's election to the White House. Soros isn't afraid to spend any amount to achieve his leftist agenda; as long as he feels he has a chance to win. Soros said, "I'm only rich because I know when I'm wrong...I basically have survived by recognizing my mistakes...": perhaps he sees November as a lost cause for the left. I'm sure this statement has taken the White House aback. Their big money "godfather" sees the handwriting on the wall, and he probably won't be pushing too much money into their campaign coffers.

It looks like the "Boogeyman" is in the "bedroom" and he is coming to get the Dems in November! Calling for Mom won't be an option for incumbents this fall. This nightmare is for real and you won't wake up! The real "Boogeyman" in the next election is the American voter, and "HE'S COMING TO GET YOU!"

"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!