TAKE TIME TO REMEMBER TODAY

Today will be a time for families to get together, have cookouts, maybe go boating on a nearby lake.  Many will have to go to work today as they would any other Monday.  

Originally known as Decoration Day when flags and maybe flowers were put on the graves of those who gave their lives in the defense of freedom, Memorial Day is set aside so that we may pay special tribute to our Armed Forces personnel that died on the battlefield so that we could keep on living in a country where we enjoy so much freedom that many others in other parts of the world can only dream about.

Whatever will be happening with each of you today, take a few moments to remember what this day symbolizes.  Many have fought and died to preserve our way of life.  We must not forget their families either.  Their sacrifice goes on every day as they must go through life without their loved one.

Let us also honor those who are serving, and those who have served, that are still living.  The sacrifice begins as soon as the proverbial dotted line is signed and is far greater than most of us realize. Anytime you see a veteran of a past war, or a soldier, Airman, Marine, Sailor, or someone in the Coast Guard, take a moment to thank them for their service.  It's always appreciated and is so precious little for all they do.

As I have said many times before, this is a debt we can never repay.

I FOUGHT FOR YOU

This is an awesome video I saw on the TRINITY BROADCASTING NETWORK last night.  It is so moving I wanted to share it.

A DAY THAT HAS LIVED IN INFAMY

Today is December 7th.  On this day 69 years ago, at 7:53 a.m. and 8:55 a.m., the Japanese conducted a surprise attack on the United States at Pearl Harbor.  2,403 service men were killed that day.  We must not forget their sacrifice, nor the ones who survived.

Click HERE to read a first-hand account of one of the survivors who was on board the U. S. S. Arizona on that Sunday morning, Marine Corporal E. C. Nightingale.

Take time today to remember.  Be sure to thank a veteran or someone in active service to our country.  The veterans have been there, and those on active duty now stand ready to give the ultimate sacrifice at a moment's notice so we can remain free.

Thank you all veterans and service men and women, past and present.  We owe you a debt that can never be repaid.

JUST WHERE ARE THE PATRIOT ACT PROTESTERS?

This one can't be blamed on Bush.  Obama owns this one lock, stock, and barrel.  The Obama administration plans to introduce a bill to Congress next year that would require all Internet communication services to be able to comply with wiretap orders.  Included are encrypted e-mail transmitting devices such as  Blackberries, social networking sites such as Facebook, and even software that allows direct person-to-person contact like Skype.  If passed, the law would include allowing the government to intercept and unscramble messages.

                     

                      

This has very obvious possibilities for abuse.  The stated purpose of course is to monitor suspected terrorists.  But given this administration's designation of those who oppose Obama's policies as terrorist threats, the FBI, CIA, and NSA could eavesdrop on many law-abiding Americans (over half of us according to the most recent poll numbers showing a clear majority of voters disapproving of Obama's policies).  

                                    

The FBI tried to head off objections by the public.  According to the New York Times ARTICLE that reported this, FBI General Counsel Valerie E. Caproni said, "We're talking about lawfully authorized intercepts. We're not talking about expanding authority. We're talking about preserving our ability to execute our existing authority in order to protect the public safety and national security." Oh really.  Has Ms. Caproni NOT read the Homeland Security report issued by Janet Neopolitan characterizing anyone who believes the Bible, is a veteran, supports the Tea Party, or any one or combination of these as a terrorist threat?  Is she REALLY not aware of Obama asking citizens to report anyone sending e-mails or blogging that opposed his Socialist health care bill?  Anyone believing that this would be used in such a limited context is very naive indeed.

                         

Social Security is a great example of the "limited context" claims by the government.  When Social Security first came into being, the government assured everyone that their information and Social Security numbers would never be used for anything but receiving Social Security benefits.  I even still have a Social Security card that says, "Not to be used for identification purposes."  Just try to buy a house or conduct any number of personal business transactions while exercising your right not to give out your Social Security number.  Just try to get a job without  providing it.

The "limited context" never ever stays limited.  It's ever-expanding, many times well under the public's radar as regulations are tweaked along the way every single year.                               

So far, I don't hear loud protests of the left like we did with the passage of the Patriot Act.  I haven't heard anything from the liberal left about "invasion of privacy", "warrantless wiretaps", and on and on.  It will be very interesting indeed to see the left's reaction to this considering it's originating from a wildly leftist Democrat administration and can't be blamed on Bush.  Yes, Obama owns this one . . . totally.

                                   

FLAG DAY

I wonder just how many people could say when Flag Day is if asked. I may do a poll on my FACEBOOK just to see. That probably wouldn't be very accurate as there are those that might cheat and Google it first. My opinion is that nine out of ten people couldn't tell you. It seems Americans take a whole lot for granted these days.

Take some time to think about what our flag means, and the price that has been paid for it. As always, thank a veteran.

REMEMBER . . .

A reminder as you're grilling, going to the lake, getting together with family, or whatever else you will be doing, take some time to remember those who made it all possible and aren't with us because they gave their all. Many have died for your freedom. Many still serve to keep it.

AMERICA DOES CARE ABOUT ITS VETERANS!

I was watching the news this week, and an item came on about the stimulus plan we have heard and seen so much about. The story was about a website, STIMULUSWATCH.ORG, that has all of the funding items listed. It also allows people to vote on whether or not a particular project is critical or not, yes or no. I was thrilled to hear the answer, and I searched the site and found it. Overwhelmingly, the NUMBER ONE project Americans voted for on this site, was the construction of a nursing home for veterans in Cleveland, Tennessee. Click HERE to see the voting results so far.

Whether or not you believe this should be part of the economic stimulus plan, or a separate funding, it shows that Americans DO care about our veterans. Of all the hundreds of projects that could voted on, this was by far at the top of the list. Since it made national news, I think it sends a clear message to Washington, one that many in Washington I'm sure do not want to hear. The majority of Americans not only care about our veterans, but there is a definite need for improving veterans' care in this country. I hope the message rings loud and long in Washington. If it fades, well, Congressional elections are coming up - AND I VOTE!

TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TO REMEMBER . . .

Today is a day we have set aside to remember all of our military personnel who have served and are serving in the defense of freedom. We remember all those who are serving at home or abroad, whether in active combat or not, and those who served that can't be with us today. We are deeply indebted to the men and women of our military for the sacrifices they make from the moment they sign on the dotted line. We are deeply indebted to those men and women who served and fought in years past. We owe all a debt of gratitude for our freedom and the abundant blessings we have enjoyed here in the United States like no other place in the world.

I've said this before, but I think it's worth repeating. Anytime you see someone who is currently serving or has served in the past, take a moment to thank them for their service and your freedom. That's precious little to ask for what they do. If you feel like you might get a negative reaction to it, think about this: I have thanked many many military personnel and veterans since our shabby and disgraceful treatment of our soldiers returning from the Vietnam war, and you know what? Not one single negative reaction or the slightest bit of resentment. ALL have always appreciated it. Thanking them doesn't even come close to making things even, this is a debt that can never be repaid.

A DEEP HEARTFELT THANKS TO ALL OF OUR MEN AND WOMEN OF THE ARMED FORCES, PAST AND PRESENT. I DEEPLY APPRECIATE YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. GOD BLESS YOU!